Wicked Wednesday - 20100630

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Wickedness. We are like other memes in that we will ask you ten questions each and every Wednesday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

Today we picked Lady Gaga. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. "Peace. it does not mean to be in a place where there is no trouble, noise, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart." Do you keep your cool no matter what is going on around you?

I would like to think that i do.  While i have never been in actual combat i have done a lot of training under intense and prolonged circumstances (which i am not saying comes close to the real thing) and i feel that i have been able to keep my cool.  My Beloved seems to think that i am not as proficient as i would like to think i am... so... not really sure.

2. "Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you're wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn't love you anymore." Do you feel that career should be more important than your love life?

Speaking strictly from a male perspective, i feel that there needs to be a balance between the two.  Ones career should not trump your love life, nor should your love life trump your career.  It is important to not treat either as an idol in your life.  Since i consider myself "samurai" i feel that it is our duty to serve others.  Your spouse (or significant other) is a part of you.  That relationship is NOT a 50-50 deal.  Both partners need to give all of themselves 24x7x365.  However, ones career is what provides the things that we need to sustain our lives.  It provides barter (usually in the form of currency) that is then in turn used to pay for shelter, food, etc.  Unless you own your own business you are serving someone else. "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV).

3. "You have to be unique, and different, and shine in your own way." In what way(s) do you feel that you are unique?

Um...  not really sure how to answer this, but i like "geek humor", i like sappy predictable movies, i have a thing for post apocalyptic movies. I enjoy Celtic Folk music... but one of a kind unique... i guess the combination of things that make me, me.

4. "I want women -- and men -- to feel empowered by a deeper and more psychotic part of themselves. The part they're always trying desperately to hide. I want that to become something that they cherish." Do you feel that there is a part of you that you need to hide from most people?

Yes... my inability to feel 'normal' in a crowded room.  At any given moment i have several thoughts flowing through my mind that have absolutely nothing to do with the conversation. The fact that i have virtually no ability to empathize with what others are going through. I could go on... but...

5. "Love is like a brick. You can build a house, or you can sink a dead body." Have you ever held on to a relationship even though you truly knew it was already over?

When i shipped off to basic training i was dating a young lady, who by the time i got back had started dating my brother.  But, she didn't tell me that she.  When i finally found out (by her going to his graduation when she didn't come to mine, and came back engaged) i tried over and over to hold on to her.  I was pretty pathetic.  in the end i told my brother that of all the fights we got into as kids, i was glad that he won that one.  (When they finally got a divorce she took him for everything except a small retirement account and his truck - which didn't survive the divorce proceedings).

6. "Sometimes in life you don't always feel like a winner, but that doesn't mean you're not a winner, you want to be like yourself." Would your friends say that you are a winner in this game of life?

I think so.  My father once asked if i would be willing to be the executor of his estate (he has since changed thank, for which i am thankful).  I have had friends tell me that they would entrust their children to me if something would happen to them.  But in the end i am not trying to "win" in this life.  My ultimate goal is to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25, ESV)

7. "A glamorous life is quite different to a life of luxury. I don’t need luxury. For years, I was practically broke but I was still very vain and glamorous. And I still am." Can you tell us about a time when you were broke and yet still happy?

Shortly after i became a Christian i spent about five month unemployed.  I was living with a house full of other men from my church, but God provided enough money for both my rent and a monthly giving amount i had pledged.  I ate a lot of tuna fish and macaroni and cheese, but i was very content.

8. "I’m single right now and I’ve chosen to be single because I don’t have the time to get to know anybody. So it’s okay not to have sex, it’s okay to get to know people. I’m celibate. Celibacy’s fine." Do you think staying celibate between relationships important?

YES!  I know most of the Western World will disagree with me, but i feel that sex is to be between a man and a woman, and even then only after they become husband and wife.  Having said that, i did NOT live up to this standard.  But i also knew, that once we crossed that line i was prepared to marry my Beloved.  It does change thing.  There is something that changes, and not just between the partners.

9. "Fight and push harder for what you believe in, you'd be surprised, you are much stronger than you think." Tell us about an incident where you were stronger than you thought you were.

All through my childhood (and i only found this much later) my mother was never home.  Sometimes she was on binges, or would even try to kill herself, so i was often left alone for hours, or a couple of days.  Well, not alone, my brother was with me. I managed to get to school on time (before i stopped caring about it), get myself fed (breakfast/lunch/dinner/whatever), and keep the house relatively clean.

10. "I lie in bed and try to pray and breathe. I have a very overactive mind. I’m the sort of person who’d never take medication to calm myself. It’s maddening. But I love what comes out." Do you feel that you always have the ability to calm yourself?

Mostly.  There are times when i have trouble sleeping, but i never feel out of control.  Even during the times when i having troubles sleeping, i pray and lift it up to God.  In the end, it is all in His hands.

Monday Muddy ramblings

I have been trying fairly hard to come up with songs further and further in advance for my Monday blog entries, but the past seven days have been a whirlwind for me, and i am writing this in a somewhat fuzzy state of mind so it may be even less coherent than usual.

First, i do not have a song for this week. 8(  Alise is so much more faithful than i when it comes to this weekly offering.  I apologize dear readers.  I love music so much, but it is often hard for me to narrow it down to just one song, especially a song that i have not (preferably) used before.  And then, when i wait until the last minute, i often run out of time.

Last week i made a new "friend" on Facebook.  It is a woman who is a fellow MouseHunt player, but she also has a daughter who deals with Autism.  Granted she has been placed in a restricted group of my friends, but through her i found a new blog of her struggles with Autism (she lives in the UK), and as a result a whole new set of "link branches" to click and read.  Soon my mind began to swim.  Not that i do not feel for these parents, or care about what they are going through, but i began to feel overwhelmed in regards to my own struggles with my son.  Still, it was nice to meet someone with similar interests and struggles.  In a way... it was nice to see we are not alone in our struggles.  I would have to read some more, but i think the parents in the UK have it harder, or maybe it's just how good the support is we have where i live.

I want to develop my own little blog award.  Is that egotistical?  I do not come across a lot of blogs that i admire in regards to spiritual matters, and i am not trying to say that because i admire it, it is right or wrong.  I just want to have a way that i respect it, and perhaps have a way of creating links to such blogs to personally recognize them.  I mean... i am not anyone famous... my blog does not really have all that many followers... please feel free to post a comment and share your thoughts...

I was poised to get going on my writing last week when i had a minor revelation... i am hesitating because i really am not sure how to think, and write, from an alien perspective. As i have done "research" i have found someone i would consider an "Authority" on all things (Warhammer 40k) Eldar ~ Gav Thorpe.  I recently sent him an e-mail to ask a few questions in regards about how Eldar think, etc. and he took the time to answer!  His answers made me re-examine a few character traits, or at least how i might try and write them.  And not only his answers, but the brief excerpt from his book.His first Eldar novel, The Path of the Warrior, was just released and Amazon.com has notified me that it is on its way to me!.  I am really looking forward to reading his book, and over the course of time i have learned that this is just the first of three!  Yippie!  The Path of the Seer, and The Path of the Outcast are the next two.  While i am eager for the last title the most... i will have to wait the longest... but i think it will be worth it.  I have another "chapter" to release on my short story blog... but i think i should proof it at least one more time.

I will close this week and say that i have learned that no matter how "noble" my intentions are, my execution of such are not always at an optimum level.  For many reasons, many of which i do not fully comprehend (and that is OK), COWGIRL and her children have moved out.  She was offered a whole house to stay at rent free (just utilities), and that is an awesome opportunity for her and her family.  A ton more space and a chance to just be alone as a family - which is really important during this time.  Please continue to pray for her as she continues to seek out treatment for stage IV colon cancer.  The path ahead is still uncertain, and is filled with many a rock, but she has a really good fighting spirit and is really taking charge in making sure she gives herself every chance to fight this disease.  Changing her diet, seeking the elders to pray over her, and anything else she can think of.  I will try and keep people updated in the weeks and months ahead.  If you know me IRL and want a better means to keep up, please let me know.

Wednesday Wickedness - 20100623

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Wickedness. We are like other memes in that we will ask you ten questions each and every Wednesday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

Today we picked Heather Locklear. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. "With a parent, it's always guilt. You want to be there, but you kind of also want to be here." Tell us about a time where you had to be selfish with your time, and felt guilty about it (whether it was time taken from your children or a S/O).

Both my current job, and back when i was in the National Guard, occasional (OK, a LOT more so when i was in the Guard) i have to work odd shifts and the result is i need some recovery time.  I am not sure guilt is entirely accurate, but there were times when i wish i could have changed things, but i also knew i needed to take the time in order to be there later.

2. "Sex appeal is not on purpose." Do you feel that you can create more sex appeal or that it's just a given?

To some degree it is a "given".  Genetics can determine somethings, skin tone, hair color, eye shape and color, etc. however, what you do with it, how you present it, play a HUGE difference.  The length of a skirt, body posture, voice inflection, etc. are manipulated for one thing... to bring about a desired result.  In the case of "sex appeal" it is to attract attention to oneself, to basically "advertise".  If Lindsay was to go out in public with little to no make up, an average haircut, and frumpy clothes... i am pretty sure it would be harder for heads to turn.

3. "One man is not enough." Has there ever been a time when monogamy seemed difficult?

No, and i am not just saying that because my Beloved reads this blog from time to time.  I have a hard enough time working on how to relate and communicate with her (not that she makes it harder, it's a personal deficiency with me).  I cannot begin to imagine what that would be like with multiple spouses.

4. "I think I've always been good so God wouldn't strike me dead." Do your religious beliefs really influence your behavior?

Of course they do.  Dictionary.com defines religion as follows (#1 of 5): a set of beliefs concerning the cause,nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency oragencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing theconduct of human affairs.  While i am not one for ritual observances (mostly), my belief in God dictates how i respond to situation, how i think, what i do.  No matter who you are, no matter what you belief, your view on "religion" in general, dictates how you respond to life's choices.

5. "You just have to forgive them for being men." Do you feel there are some things in a S/O that you can't change because of their sex?

Duh!  My Beloved thinks on a whole other plain than i do.  When i climb into bed and i am ready to go to sleep, i want to go to sleep.  Rollover, turnout the lights, and close the eyelids.  However, my beloved cannot begin to think about going to sleep without some sort of decompressing conversating.  When i recount an interaction her questions to me are, what did you say (specifically), what did they say (specifically), how did they react.  She wants to know how the "connection" went down.  Me, all i care about are the bullet highlights. My poor Beloved has not been able to get a satisfactory answer in over 17 years - despite my efforts.

6. "When I look in the mirror I see the girl I was when I was growing up, with braces, crooked teeth, a baby face and a skinny body." Do you see a younger less secure person when you gaze in the mirror?

Nope... i see a spreading, gray-haired, man, who has to force himself to look at people when they talk to him, and to trying to figure out things like small talk.  While i have glimpses of who i was, i don't really remember the boy who is now a man.

7. “I was a pregnant vixen.” If you have ever been pregnant, or have been with a woman who was, how did effect your sex life?

Um, while that time is personal, i will say that i did notice a change.

8. “Everything needs to be worked on...” What would you like to work on to become a better person?

Wow... that could take a while, but here is a brief list: To be able to pay better attention to people's names, to remember the details of what people are saying, to be able to focus on tasks long enough so that each of them get done in a timely manner, to remember dates that are important to other people, to remember that not everyone wants to hear my thoughts on all matters or even how a life experience of my own is pertinent to the conversation at hand, that my Beloved doesn't always want me to fix things - sometimes she really does just want me to listen, to learn how to play an instrument - WELL, i could go on... but... i am pretty sure i lost most of you already.

9. "From an early age, I was aware of what America meant, and how the Marines at Camp Pendleton were ready to defend us at a moment's notice. I also remember what fabulous bodies those troops had." When did you think that you understood the sacrifices that people in the military make on behalf of their country?

To be honest, not until i had joined up and began to serve myself.  Even then, it was a lesson learned deeper the longer i served, and especially when i was called up to active duty and each time i served for flood duty.  My deployment for Hurricane Katrina and Rita profoundly changed my life.

10. "The bigger the better. Do I dare say that!?" In your experience, is there truth here?

No, not always.  Sometimes it is all about what you do with what you have.  A "little" guy can out perform a "big" guy with the right kind of training.

Music Monday - 20100621

For me the worship of God is a deeply emotional thing. When i went to church growing up more often than not there would be the 3 Hymns, a time of prayer, and then the sermon.  Even then, when i as yet did not have a relationship with Christ, i enjoyed the singing.  But when the Holy Spirit came to dwell in my heart something changed.  It felt like my joy could no longer be contained.  Now, i am not an awful singer, but i am not all that good either.  My song selection today is one that "still does it for me". 

How Can I Keep From Singing

by Chris Tomlin

There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives

And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne

While searching for this song i found that an older song, a hymn if you will, also bears this title.  An interesting history to be sure.  I found this article on Wiki.

Friday Ramblings

This morning i woke up with what i can only describe as "tingly brain".  Before the sleep study i would get them every once in a while, never knew why.  Now that i know... i am a little more concerned, but at least i know what causes it.  I just don't like the fuzzy headed after affect.  Another problem is that the more seizures you have, the more likely you are to have them again.  Sort of like getting dehydrated... which reminds me... i have a new goal.  I want to drink 100 oz. of water a day.  Sort of wean myself off of the pop.

I have moved to a new area in MouseHunt.  I have entered the Furoma Dojo, the area of 'Tactical' mice.  It has become my newest favorite place in MouseHunt.  One reason i like it is i have captured a "samurai mouse".  OK, a little biased... but hey.  I have to double check, but i think there are only two mice there i have yet to catch.  The Master of the Dojo,and the Dojo Sensei mouse.  Before i can move up to the Pinnacle chamber to try my skill (aka Luck) at catching them, i need to be able to craft the right kind of bait.  You see, just like their students below them, they are only attracted by a certain kind of cheese.  In order to make this cheese i need to be patient, and hunt the students for the ingredients to make the cheese that only the masters are attracted to, in order to collect the pieces i need to make the cheese to attract the Dojo Master... who in turn has the pieces i need to catch the Sensei.  But in order to craft the cheese for the 2nd to last mouse in this area... i have to gain more experience... which means hunting the student mice... which is fine, because i need a LOT more tokens to collect the shards... to collect the black onyx.... etc.  Did i mention that this game requires patience?

I have the next section of my story 'ready' to post on my short story blog, but i've actually postponed posting it.  Mostly because i've not been disciplining myself to sit down and continue writing the follow up chapters.  8(  I was on a roll for a while... i wonder what changed recently...

I have come up with blogging names for the whole family... people kept asking me what/who is "DS1", etc.So... My Beloved is of course my bride.  LONG-SHANKS is DS1,  PIRATE will be DS2, PUMPKIN is DD3, COWGIRL is the mother of the family who is staying with us for a little while, SLIM is her DS1, and DANCER is her DD2.  I do this with my other friends on here as well... RAM, MOUSE, PROFESSOR, PETRA, RAIDER, WYRD, TYNIE, ORC, DX3... well, you get the idea.  This way i have names for them, while not revealing personal information about them.

I am out of time to ramble for today.  God Bless you all, and for all the Fathers out there - Happy Father's Day!

Wicked Wednesday - 20100616

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Wickedness. We are like other memes in that we will ask you ten questions each and every Wednesday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

Today we picked Bruce Springsteen. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. “When it comes to luck, you make your own.” Do you believe you have that type of control over your luck?

 I feel that there are always things outside of my control.  I cannot affect what other people do.  I may have influence over some, but the vast majority i do not.  What i do have control over is how i act/react to the situations that life presents.  So ultimately, no, i cannot "make my own" luck, but i can control how i "create my own luck".  If a job opportunity presents itself i can show up on time, i can perform to the best of my ability.  Often others will see this, and thus how things come your way in the future is impacted.

2. "You've got to learn to live with what you can't rise above.” What is something you have had difficulty rising above?

For me it has been my own poor choices in regards to my education.  Some of it has to do with my own ability to learn/absorb, but trying to be late to class, or rolling dice to make my choices on tests, and putting off college until my own personal life became too much of a "distraction".  By God's grace i have the job i have, but it was not by wise personal choices.

3. “Poor men wanna be rich, rich men wanna be kings, and a king ain’t satisfied till he rules everything.” Would you want to be rich?

There are times when i would really like to be a little more "rich".  For example, i would love to not have a mortgage.  However, i also recognize that there is a part of me that is never satisfied.  Right now, i consider myself "rich" in that the only debt i have, that i carry a balance from month to month, is my mortgage.  There are months where that the belt is getting pretty tight, but in the end... i am fairly happy with where i am at.

4. “The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with.” Tell us about a song that helps you "face the world."

For me it has to be Amazing Grace.  I love both the traditional hymn, but also the more recent version by Chris Tomlin.


 

This song helps me keep myself in perspective, as well as the world.

5. “In America everything's about who's number one today.” Have you ever been a fan of someone you thought would last but turned out to be a flash in the pan?

It is no secret that i am a fan of American Football, and while i have favorites among the position, the one i hold in the highest esteem is at Running Back.  When Tshimanga Biakabutuka was drafted by "my" Carolina Panthers in 1995 i was really excited. The career span of a Running Back in the NFL is very short, but this man really had a hard time staying healthy.  I do not say that in a critical tone, rather in a way that i feel it was too short.  Fortunately he has been able to make a life for himself after his NFL career.  But when he was on the field - wow! - it's just a shame that he was unable to take it all the way.

6. “Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse?” Has any dream of yours come true?

I think as a result of my childhood i really do not tend to be a dreamer. For me i have to focus on the here and now.  The what might be is too far off, too many variables affecting the end outcome.  While i know it is important to have a long range target in mind, so that you can adjust the footsteps in route, my focus tends to be more immediate.

7. “Our American government has strayed too far from American values. It is time to move forward. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting.” What would you change if you became the president?

I almost snorted Dr Pepper out my nose!  Wow... assuming i even made it that far... i would like to enact line item veto ability for the President, a flat income tax for all social standings - if say 10% is good for people making minimum wage then it is good for those drawing down $1m or more AND the elimination of many of the tax deduction/credits - or at least a cap at a certain percentage,  a mandatory balanced budget, and a law that states that Congress and the House MUST abide by ALL laws enforced upon the general populace.  They (including the President) are in a position of power to serve the people, not to line their own pockets and be exempt from the rules.

8. "Yeah, I had gay friends. The first thing I realized was that everybody's different, and it becomes obvious that all of the gay stereotypes are ridiculous." How do you feel about gay rights?

I will start with - you cannot legislate morality.  Second, gays are no different than you or me.  They are just labeled differently for the type of sin they are choosing to pursue.  So, to ask me if i feel that gays and lesbians should have the right to get married, etc. my answer is no.  But then, i feel that pornography should be illegal as well so...  No matter how many laws you enact (or not), inevitably we humans will still seek out the tree of forbidden fruit. 

9. " It's a sad man my friend who's living in his own skin and can't stand the company." Have you ever been disappointed in yourself?

I am pretty sure not a week goes by that i have not done something that i am not disappointed about.  Maybe it's a boneheaded decision at work, or a harsh word spoken to my children.  A failure to take action in regards to a need that God has shown me.  In the end... i am not resting on what i have, or have not done, but in what Christ has done for me.  He provides the grace and mercy to change, so that when such "opportunities" come back around, i can make a different decision.  If not for Christ, this "samurai" would have had to commit seppuku long ago.

10. "The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with." What's your favorite type of music? What's your favorite band?

My preference lie in Celtic Folk Music.  I love the rhythm and pace, i like the instruments, and i especially enjoy the spirited instrumentals and dance numbers.  Funny thing is... in this genre i do not really have a favorite above all others.  I like Steeleye Span, Maddy Prior, Gaelic Storm, Blackmore's Night, and the like.  If i have to pick one group over all the others... i think i want to go with Jethro Tull  but their lyrics and over all world view keep me from taking them as #1... i would go with Chris Tomlin.  Really good music and lyrics.  Now, if i could find a way to combine the gospel-centric lyrics of Christ Tomlin/Steven Curtis Chapman/Casting Crowns and Celtic/Irish folk music... that would be awesome.  In my opinion.

Thanks for checking out our Wednesday craziness. We hope you join us again. Please visit our other player's posts and make a comment. Join us next week for our next meme!

Not sure where i am going with this...

...so this will probably come across disjointed (rare, i know).

Today, over at CJ's blog, "view from the cheap seats & other stuff", he was talking about the similarity of "old" Atheism and "new" Atheism.  That was not what caught my attention though.  This is what did:

I was stopped this past February in Heathrow airport when I was trying to go over to London to speak. I had been invited to preach there by Church of England Church, an established church in the UK in the middle of London. When I got to Heathrow, new laws had been passed. They wouldn’t let me in. I waited 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, while they asked me more and more questions. What exactly would I be saying? Finally they let me in, but with cautions…(this is a quote from Mark Dever and a message he gave at the NEXT conference in Baltimore.  The full message can be heard HERE).

I have  heard about some pulpit censoring being done in Canada, especially surrounding homosexuality, but this was the first i had heard of this kind of situation.  I am concerned about this.  I am seeing more and more situations of governments "throwing out the baby with the bath water".  Meaning that they make some broad generalization to appease a (usually) smaller portion of the population. I am not dismissing the concerns behind such actions, but i am saying that it is impossible to continue to make broad changes for each "niche" of society.

Last night a friend on Facebook was advocating a law prohibiting Airlines from offering peanuts at all, that they would have to offer pretzels.  I understand about the people with peanut allergies, etc. but why can't the airlines just be forced to carry the alternative in addition to peanuts.  Personally, i don't care because neither is enough to get me through a flight, i usually carry my own snacks.

I do not advocate things like killing abortion providers or gays/lesbians.  I do not feel that 9-11 was God's judgment on America's slow pulling away from Him.  AIDS (or any other disease) is not a judgment of God against drug users and homosexuals.  I also do NOT agree with Evangelicals and "Born Agains" who are in the spotlight that spout such things.

The truth is sin is sin, and as soon as Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, death entered the world.  The Bible is clear that while we are to bring the message of God to the world, we are not the ones to exercise judgment. We can, to the best of our abilities, share what is declared as sin, but in the end it is only God who exercises judgment.  If you only lust after a woman (or a man) in your heart and/or mind, you are guilty of adultery.  If you only covet your neighbor's possessions in your heart/mind you are guilty.  If you call your brother a fool, you are guilty of murder.  When it comes down to it we ALL are sinners, and not just a little bit.

There are no "big" or "little" sins.  Sin is sin, and it only takes one to be in violation of the entire deal.

Christianity has been guilty of abominations in the name of "God".  The Inquisition and Crusades of course come to mind.  But when Jerry Falwell proclaims that AIDS or 911 is a judgment by God for certain sins he is missing the point.  There will be a day of judgment, but the wages of sin in this life is death.  Mortality is 100%.  Sometimes AIDS is a result of drug use, or homosexual activities, but that is not saying God went out of His way to have it happen.  God is also in influencing AIDS and cancer research.  The interdiction of terrorists - most of which we do not hear about - is allowed by God. 

I believe until Christ returns we will continue to see actions like the one quoted above.  Those reactions are a result of the Jerry Falwells in this world.  I understand the cause, but i don't understand the all encompassing reactions.

I pray a lot that His glory will be shown, that His righteousness and Holiness will be proclaimed... but in the hands of imperfect Christians... and the (general) laziness of humans as a whole... such reactions are becoming the norm.

Music Monday - 20100614

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the United States ARMY!  235 years young today!  

Since today is anniversary of the forming of the United States Continental Army, i thought it appropriate to have the Army Song as my song for today.

Intro:
March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free
Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory
We're the Army and proud of our name
We're the Army and proudly proclaim

Verse:
First to fight for the right,
And to build the Nation’s might,
And The Army Goes Rolling Along
Proud of all we have done,
Fighting till the battle’s won,
And the Army Goes Rolling Along

Refrain:
Then it's Hi! Hi! Hey!
The Army's on its way.
Count off the cadence loud and strong* 
* "Two! Three!" is typically sung here but is not an official part of the song
For where e’er we go,
You will always know
That The Army Goes Rolling Along. 

Verse:
Valley Forge, Custer's ranks,
San Juan Hill and Patton's tanks,
And the Army went rolling along
Minute men, from the start,
Always fighting from the heart,
And the Army keeps rolling along.

(Refrain)

Verse:
Men in rags, men who froze,
Still that Army met its foes,
And the Army went rolling along.
Faith in God, then we're right,
And we'll fight with all our might,
As the Army keeps rolling along.

(Refrain)

Now, i would like to point out here... that this was originally the Artillery Song, and we are kindly sharing it will all of our branch brothers in the Army. 8)

"I Love Your Blog "

"Jingle", who has recently begun to read my blog from time to time, has tagged my blog with a "I Love to Read Your Blog" award.  Now, i think that is pretty nice.  So, i thought i would share it with whoever else happens to read these ramblings. 8)  I am honored that anyone, other than myself, would actually continue to come back and read more than once.

The rules are pretty simple, i now list 10 Things I love...

1) I love Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.  He is my rock and my sanctuary.  Since i responded to His call i have known unspeakable joy, and peace.  He is my Alpha and Omega.  Before there was time He knew my name, and He sought me out.  He was instrumental in my life when i still hated Him, and yet even then He reached out to touch and intercede for me.  Without Him, i have nothing.

2) I am deeply in love with my Beloved wife whom has been such an incredible blessing in my life.  God has used her in my life to learn and grow.  She has been an oasis in a pretty topsy turvy world.  She is truly my best friend and soul mate.  A precious gift of God, and i can never say thank you enough for her.

3) I love my children.  What an amazing source of grace in my life.  Not only has God entrusted me to teach and prepare them, He uses them in my own life to learn and grow.  Even aside from that, what a source of joy each of them are in my life.  Each one unique.  Each one amazing.  May God continue to shower them with grace and mercy (to make up for my failures), and when the time comes, may each of them launch out into the "target" God has for them, and may they influence their world for the Kingdom.

4) I love American Football.  For as long as i can remember i've liked football.  I still remember watching the Washington Redskins (my father's lifetime favorite team) take on the New York Giants on a grainy black and white television.  Not long after my dad took me to a game at Giants Stadium when the Redskins came to town.  Loved it.  I've been to several baseball games, and while i love the atmosphere at a ballpark, the franks, etc.  There is something about Football that just stirs excitement in me. There is a strategy involved, strength of will, teamwork.  It's not just 22 guys trying to knock each other down.

5) I love Elves.  I am not referring to the older Scandinavian like Sprites or those associated with St. Nicolas.  I am referring to the Tolkien type.  To be honest i am not really familiar with the smaller cousins, so i cannot speak as to why i do not prefer them over the larger ones; however, i can speak to the reasons why i love Token's version.  For one, the have a love of music (see #10 below) and the study of the world around them.  They fight ferociously against the encroachments of evil wherever it is found.  They are unhurried in their study of the world around them, and they seek to live in harmony with the environment.  They can afford to be patient as they live 'forever'.  And they have a grace of movement which is incredible.  If God ever allowed me to be something other than human, i think i would ask to be an Elf.

6) I love writing.  It is my creative side.  It's like the world i write in is all mine.  I can immerse myself into it and create whatever i want.  It is an escape for me.  One way that i can, in a fashion, still play with my "little army men".

7) I love learning about grace.  One reason i have a growing stack of books to read on my nightstand is because i do love to learn more about grace, to learn more about God and the study of His word.  One thing i do suffer from having a hard time forcing myself to reread things i may have covered.  Even if it is from another point of view.  Like my pride says, "oh, i got this, next..."  Once i trip over this landmine of my own creation i often have to reread the section.

8) I love strategy games.  I still remember playing my first two different strategy games.  The first one was (i believe) a "block game" simply called Napoleon.  It was a board war game with wooden pieces designating Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery.  I was hooked within 5 minutes of being introduced to the game.  This happened the Summer of 1980.  I could probably still walk to the apartment my cousins had taken me to to visit with their friend.  The second one, and i am pretty sure it was at the same friend's house was a game called Tactics II.  Similar, but a more modern version and a little more dynamic in regards to the maneuver of troops, etc.  Later on i learned about Squad Leader (a WWII squad level tactics game), and Air War.  While i couldn't find a direct link to Air War, i remember devouring the rules and leaning about roll, pitch, yaw, inertia and how it required the build up of energy points to make turns, etc.  If only life were less complicated.

9) I love post apocalyptic science fiction.  I am not really sure when i was hooked, but there were several influences in my life.  Gamma World (RPG), Damnation Alley (movie) come to mind.  There is something to be said about over coming life difficulties, especially after having grown up with everything one needs to survive at one's fingertips.  I think it also has to do with a latent desire to simplify my life.  Granted... life would NOT be simple in such a world.  My more recent interests in this genre are the Terminator movie series, The Book of Eli, Shadowrun (RPG).

10) I love music.  Preferably music without lyrics.  My tastes range from Classical Symphony, quartets, rock and roll solos - guitar, drum, keyboard, or in the case of Jethro Tull - flute, to Celtic Folk music (i.e. River Dance).  I have had a desire, especially after joining our High School Pipe Band (TYNIE, a serious thank you for inviting me to join ~ my only wish is that i had participated longer), and really loving Jethro Tull back then didn't hurt either, to learn an instrument.  Preferably the flute or penny whistle.  Someday, maybe i will actually achieve this dream.

-=-=-=0=-=-=-

Now i am to tag other blogs that i love to read (and follow up with a comment on their blogs to let them know how much i appreciate and love their blogs).

CJ Mahaney's View from the Cheap Seats ~ While the title has CJ's name, it is also authored by Dave Harvey and a few others. 
Of First Importance ~ This is a Theological blog (author unknown to me) that seeks to share the gospel of Christ first and foremost.
Thoughts of a Wood Elf ~ This woman has a passion to follow the Lord like i have rarely seen. it is a beautiful thing.
Big Mama's Blog ~ This woman and i do not see "eye to eye" on a few things; however, she has a passion for singing and seeking. And she is open and honest enough to share it with the world.
A Lumberjack's Wife ~ A recent find of mine.  Hilarious, she has on more than one occasion induced Dr Pepper through the nasal passageways.
Monkeys are Funny ~ A fellow beneficiary of ADD as well as a public servant.  Well before her back injury, and i have found that although the body has failed in some aspect, the mind and heart have not.
Lovin' and Livin' ~ A long time internet/blogging friend.  Through storms and deserts she still persavieers.