tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-206184442024-03-15T23:00:32.990-05:00Samurai's Dojosamuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.comBlogger1017125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-33659995396160506952024-03-15T23:00:00.001-05:002024-03-15T23:00:00.136-05:00Our testimony and our prideI have been talking with an associate of mine, about our respective Christian testimonies. As we were reviewing certain times of our lives, where we overcame difficulties, we both felt that it could come across as boastful. "Look at what we have over come." "What we have done." That sort of thing. But upon reflection, those are the times we can brag, because it is especially in those times, God has been good. He has provided our strength. He has provided the path. He has provided the endurance. Even if we came out the other end covered in debris, dust, cuts, sores, bruises, and a tear stained face - He was with us.<div><br /></div><div>Be unashamed of your testimony, but remember to give credit where credit is due.<br /><div><br /></div><div>"<span style="color: red;">I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.</span>" (<a href="https://www.esv.org/John+15" target="_blank">John 15:5</a>, <a href="https://www.esv.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>"Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." (<a href="https://www.esv.org/Psalm+139/">Psalm 139:16</a>, <a href="https://www.esv.org" target="_blank">ESV</a>)</div><div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>-=-=-=O=-=-=-</b></div><br style="text-align: justify;" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.esv.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWw5kgLM58uPt0Q6LldlkgnmGh90kjFFk_8vEhckkajmJ3Rh8nMMP37B1omG4dkRn6tFT1EYisZl6oufLD5OyVPyLJv4GeNDhbqvq4xKH2TPr9ciZHlipwZHyakPde6COKzaN/s320/Katana+signoff.jpg" tt="true" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-10744170634236404042024-03-15T09:10:00.001-05:002024-03-15T09:10:26.852-05:00Daily Ramblings<p> “Never take counsel of your fears.” ~ Stonewall Jackson </p><div style="text-align: center;"><b>-=-=-=O=-=-=-</b></div><br style="text-align: justify;" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.esv.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWw5kgLM58uPt0Q6LldlkgnmGh90kjFFk_8vEhckkajmJ3Rh8nMMP37B1omG4dkRn6tFT1EYisZl6oufLD5OyVPyLJv4GeNDhbqvq4xKH2TPr9ciZHlipwZHyakPde6COKzaN/s320/Katana+signoff.jpg" tt="true" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div>samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-38521665932762641592023-08-17T15:00:00.001-05:002023-08-17T15:00:00.149-05:00<p> So many ramblings come to mind. Ah, the joys of ADHD. I am also out of practice, so i will just dive in.</p><p>As i begin to ramble write i have set my expectations to the audiance of just one. Well, two, counting myself. I just want to be an open book, but at the same time, not too revealing. This is, after all, a public forum. I believe that when i was posting more prolifically, blogging was a fairly popular means of being a "influencer". Now with platforms such as <a href="http://www.tiktok.com" target="_blank">TikTok</a>, the writing and reading form is a lot less popular. I am sort of counting on this. Just like most others, i struggle with my own pride, and i really don't want this to become a temptaiton for myself.</p><p>As a Christian, i know my focus should be on Christ all the time. However, like most 'laymen' my day to day goings on are filled with distractions. With competing interests. To the best of my ability, i attempt to conform my thoughts on how to view these things through the lens of what i know, and learn, of the Bible. But, i am not always successful. To my personal dismay.</p><p>I have several post concepts that i am working on... "Effective Communication". "Regarding a Biblical Soul", more thoughts on "The Big Cats of the NFL", <a href="https://www.shadowruntabletop.com/" target="_blank">Shadowrun</a>, and more. I have no idea what will make it to fruition,but... it's a (re)start for me.</p><p>If anyone stumbles across this blog, i hope it produces fruit in your life, and does not feel like a waste of your time.<br /></p><p>God Speed</p><div style="text-align: center;"><b>-=-=-=O=-=-=-</b></div><br style="text-align: justify;" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.esv.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWw5kgLM58uPt0Q6LldlkgnmGh90kjFFk_8vEhckkajmJ3Rh8nMMP37B1omG4dkRn6tFT1EYisZl6oufLD5OyVPyLJv4GeNDhbqvq4xKH2TPr9ciZHlipwZHyakPde6COKzaN/s320/Katana+signoff.jpg" tt="true" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div>samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-677839118693863062023-08-15T11:56:00.001-05:002023-08-15T11:57:20.699-05:00Not really a restart, but more of a delayed continuance ?<p> Well, my HTML skills have seriously waned. My own doubt about any serious dedication, and a few other details... i am hoping to get posting again. No set schedule. No set dedication to any one subject. I am just hoping to get back in to some writing. Even though it is unlikely others will find them interesting.</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b>-=-=-=O=-=-=-</b></div><p><br style="text-align: justify;" /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.esv.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWw5kgLM58uPt0Q6LldlkgnmGh90kjFFk_8vEhckkajmJ3Rh8nMMP37B1omG4dkRn6tFT1EYisZl6oufLD5OyVPyLJv4GeNDhbqvq4xKH2TPr9ciZHlipwZHyakPde6COKzaN/s320/Katana+signoff.jpg" tt="true" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div>samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-44643748182046811112016-11-01T06:00:00.000-05:002016-11-01T06:00:35.129-05:00The Cross is the main thing<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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"When we walk without the Cross, when we build without the Cross, and when we profess Christ without the Cross, we are not disciples of the Lord. We are worldly. I would like that all of us, after these days of grace, might have the courage - the courage - to walk in the presence of the Lord, with the Cross of the Lord: to build the Church on the Blood of the Lord, which is shed on the Cross, and to profess the one glory, Christ Crucified. In this way, the Church will go forward." ~ Pope Francis I</div>
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I am a "Protestant". That is, i am not a Catholic. I am not anti-Catholic, i just do not agree with a lot of the views of the Catholic church as a whole, so, this will NOT be a denominational bashing post. If this is what is what you, dear reader, are seeking, please continue on, as it will not be found here.</div>
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This was a quote i found, just after Pope Francis I was made the Pope of the Catholic church. While there are things i disagree with the Catholic church on, this quote by the current Pope shows that there are a lot of things that align most of the denominations of the Christian church.<br />
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The cross is THE focus of Christ's ministry on the earth. His birth brought Him from Heaven. His life paved the way to make His crucifixion relevant. Hos death paid the penalty. His resurrection defeated death. His testimony and ascension back to Heaven showed His true home. Everything the Christian does is in <u><i><b>response</b></i></u> to the cross. There is nothing a Christian can do to earn what Christ has done. Nothing that a Christian can do to add to what Christ has done. There is nothing that the world can do that can take away what Christ has down. The cross is the very foundation open which our faith is built. <br />
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Preach Christ crucified. Proclaim WHY He was. Do not withhold, or soften, or... take away from sharing these things. It will not always be accepted... even by those of us who profess Christ, in our daily lives... but, just because the truth is not accepted... does not make it any less truth.<br />
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samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-76028152277497131902016-10-27T06:00:00.000-05:002016-10-27T06:00:08.073-05:00Greetings my fellow disciples, my fellow samurai in Christ<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have been... AFK, from my blog, for all intents and purposes, for quite a while... i am too self conscious to even look back and see for how long (and not counting my 'blips' here and there). This post will be an "update", and explanation, and hopefully... an idea of where i will be going forward, for now.<br /><br />OK... the past... "my beloved" left me. It's hard to explain... and, i have had a role in my own failures, and short comings. I will not extrapolate as to what happened... that is a private matter, and i do not want to slander, or possibly misrepresent what went on - for either of us. For my part, i am willing to share, but i am concerned of where the 'line' might be, and in the end, we live in a fallen world. The troubles are probably a large reason as to why my blogging slowed, etc., but, God is always good, all the time. I have begun emerging from the valley. And, from the perspective of my blogging entries... this will come across as sudden... but... God has brought a new woman into my life. We are both seeking healing for our pasts, as we walk out what God might have for us. I need to come up with a new... moniker for her, as i prefer to not use real names here. Stay tuned for that. </div>
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The present. I have been doing a lot of 'purging'. Truly. Furniture, pieces parts, old Tupperware without lids, etc. This has been including a review of memories, etc. It also included a review of my quotes from Facebook... i found out that i have 125 quotes! This has given me an idea...<br /><br />So, moving forward... for now. I think i will be using those 125 quotes, which grows in length at varying paces over time, as well as the 7-5-3 picture. :) However, i have also learned that, real life exists. I have to ensure i keep up with adulting (i am a single father, for real now). My career also needs more of my time and attention. So, i will only try and ensure of a single post per week. If i am able to get more out, i will do so, but, for now... :)<br /><br />For those reading this entry.... thank you. May God richly bless you - not for reading this, but that He lives in you, and you seek Him with all of your heart. </div>
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"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap not gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious. saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.</div>
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Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Matthew+6/" target="_blank">Matthew 6:25-24</a>, <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a></blockquote>
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<br />samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-87857051854823948102016-02-02T13:50:00.001-05:002016-02-02T13:50:17.372-05:007-5-3I really have a LOT more to post than just this image... but i have a lot of "personal real world issues i am working on, but... in my opinion, this needed to be shared right away....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYnTLTguk0RGkr1npiNjgMSBh3_Drf7dEnRnrdJpWGW0edJ2EbUuQylNmQ6IKz6O_zXXeKVU484AKjMegI8oWcX8ZPU3pDugEiBqFwDzVzs4uDinZoil8jKO-yCLvwYPXAUab/s1600/7-5-3+Samurai+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYnTLTguk0RGkr1npiNjgMSBh3_Drf7dEnRnrdJpWGW0edJ2EbUuQylNmQ6IKz6O_zXXeKVU484AKjMegI8oWcX8ZPU3pDugEiBqFwDzVzs4uDinZoil8jKO-yCLvwYPXAUab/s320/7-5-3+Samurai+Image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-25510228749917415252015-09-29T09:50:00.000-05:002015-09-29T11:34:26.877-05:00I've got nothin'Even before the frequency of my posts began to wane... i had realized that i was struggling with depression... if there are still those around who used to read this blog before, probably already know this. What i had not realized was... just what a toll it was taking on those around me. Yes, i was suffering with depression... but i was dragging those around me, down as well.<br />
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Right now, my brain is foggy, so... this will not be as coherent a post, as i would like, but i feel compelled to write anyway... like i've said elsewhere... this blog is mostly for myself... but... if it can be used for others... thus, i share it on-line.<br />
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I began seeing a new therapist this past April. My beloved had been begging me to start going again for a while, and my own pride kept telling me that i was fine (again). Well, this therapist is a magnitude better than my previous one... shortly into our sessions, she recommended that i talk to my doctor about possibly changing up some of my depression and ADD Rx's, which i did. Wow. Within just a few days of weening off of the old depression Rx, and onto the new one, i noticed a difference. It would take two or three weeks to stabilize, but i honestly felt like my eyes had opened for the first time in... well, longer than i could remember. Unfortunately... i also saw what damage i had wrought in my own marriage as well. Unfortunately... the "Big D Thelma and Louise car" was at full throttle heading towards that cliff.<br />
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I am blessed that my therapist is a Christian, as are the others at the same practice. I began experiencing panic attacks, and a few other depression symptoms, but, i continued to work with my therapist, and trying to open my eyes more, to learn more, to hit the brakes, but i was no longer in control (as if i ever truly were).<br />
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This past summer (2015) has been a roller coaster ride, to say the least. Then, after an angry outburst by me (not my first in our marriage i am ashamed to say), my beloved had finally had enough, and told me as such. She asked me to leave the house so that she could have space. I will not lie... it felt like i was experiencing seppuku... like a long sharp instrument had been rammed up through my stomach into my heart.<br />
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For a time, i flailed, and "reached out" to anyone, and everyone, i could think of... well, not everyone, but... a lot of people. All of them, to a (wo)man, told me that... this is what i had to do. I had been mentally abusive to my wife, and of i wanted ANY chance of saving my marriage, it would be best. I really did NOT like that idea... and i attacked it any which way i could. I even had outbursts at my longtime friends... who were only trying to help me and my beloved, and our marriage. To put it mildly... this was not 'samurai' at his finest.<br />
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Finally, i honestly felt a whisper in my mind... "trust me"... and, in much pain, i did move out. I remember entering a date into my Facebook messenger, to myself, the day my beloved said that she wanted to talk... it was just moments before my angry outburst that had kicked the final leg out from my weak-sand-construction of a marriage. Since then, i have deactivated my Facebook account, in honor of recommendations to do so, as i honestly do tend to share too much - without consideration of my beloved's feelings, or desires. I have also deactivated my other social media accounts, which i really didn't use anyway.<br />
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A month prior to my angry outburst, i had heard words from my beloved that i thought i would never hear... i will not share them here... but, they cut me to the core. Now - while she was the one saying these things, and "causing" me pain, it had been years of neglect from me, her husband, the one to whom God had entrusted the hand of His daughter to love, honor, cherish, protect... and this was the culmination of years of failure on my part. While my beloved has participated in this long spiral... this blog is about me... and i am owning up to my failures, and not to point out hers.<br />
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If anyone is still reading this, the outlook seems bleak, does it not?<br />
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But, this 'samurai' is in the service of the greatest Lord in all of history. The Lord Jesus Christ, his Father, and the Holy Spirit. Within a day of my terrible outburst, i felt a peace re: something my beloved had shared. Despite a long struggle with paranoia in the regards to the subject... in regards to knowing, and sensing, just how far my beloved had pulled away (again, precipitated by my neglect towards her)... i just had a peace. Many fellow Christians will know what i am talking about... it is possible that some non-Christians too... but, i do not know for sure. So, when the "invitation" to "step aside" finally came the next day... while i was, and still am in many way, in severe emotional pain... i was at peace with a really "big rock". I'd like to say that i had learned my lesson and immediately repented... but, it has been (only) three long weeks since i began staying elsewhere.<br />
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Since then, i have continued my therapy... sometimes as much as four times in a week. What can i say... this 'samurai' is a severely broken piece of work. I have finally swallowed my pride regarding my Aspergers, my depression, and ADD, and submitted a "request of accommodations" with my employer. I am fortunate, and extremely blessed, that those whom God has placed around me, already know of my 'quirks', and have already worked with me. The only reason i did that was... this separation has been extremely taxing on me... talk about being "stretched" by God.<br />
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I've started journaling (pen and paper - chicken scratch mostly), actually joined a gym, will be trying Yoga (because i really swallow up my frustrations, and it is taking a toll on my body from within), and had my eyes open to just how much i need to work on. In the past... this would have overwhelmed me... but, in the past three weeks... i have experienced another peace descend upon me. One about my marriage. God has allowed this apex crises to arise, so that it would be addressed, and addressed in full... not in a patch work fashion.<br />
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While i still want this to all be fixed now... God has allowed me to see just how "broken" i really am... how "fearfully and wonderfully made" i am... how broken my beloved is (both because of me, but because she is her own person, in her own way as well)... and how He is working through all of this. Through all of the weeping... the pride... the pain... through a severely damaged marriage... through two broken people... and the friends He has surrounded them with.<br />
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I am still staying at a hotel at present, but my beloved and i are talking. We are both in (separate) counseling. And while we have a long road ahead of us... the light at the end of the tunnel, does not look like an oncoming freight train. A word of self caution though... this 'samurai' is still fully capable of screwing it all up... but...<br />
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God willing... more to follow.<br />
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(I had, and have, a lot of scripture references that came to mind, but, this is not as well thought out, and i've not taken as much time as i would have preferred... but... hopefully, i will be taking more time to be more thorough moving forward.)<br />
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A P.P.S. - also came to mind... this past weekend, was the 24th anniversary of the day i met my beloved... not a fun memory to recount while apart from her... but, it was also a day of reflection... i am looking forward to walk through the healing with God, and my beloved (in time)...<br />
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<br />samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-40090618648437082892015-09-17T00:00:00.000-05:002015-09-17T00:00:00.805-05:00Just Be HeldFor many reasons, most of them of my own causing, i am currently... exploring the darkest valley i have ever walked... my therapist shared this song with me... i thought i would "share it forward".<br />
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<b>JUST BE HELD</b></h2>
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by <a href="https://www.castingcrowns.com/" target="_blank">Casting Crowns</a></div>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hold it all together<br />Everybody needs you strong <br />But life hits you out of nowhere <br />And barely leaves you holding on<br /><br />And when you’re tired of fighting <br />Chained by your control <br />There’s freedom in surrender <br />Lay it down and let it go<br /><br />So when you’re on your knees and answers seem so far away <br />You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held <br />Your worlds not falling apart, its falling into place <br />I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held <br />Just be held, just be held<br /><br />If your eyes are on the storm <br />You’ll wonder if I love you still <br />But if your eyes are on the cross <br />You’ll know I always have and I always will<br /><br />And not a tear is wasted <br />In time, you’ll understand <br />I’m painting beauty with the ashes <br />Your life is in My hands<br /><br />Lift your hands, lift your eyes <br />In the storm is where you’ll find Me <br />And where you are, I’ll hold your heart <br />I’ll hold your heart <br />Come to Me, find your rest <br />In the arms of the God who won’t let go</span></div>
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samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-79901086081093091332015-09-02T00:00:00.000-05:002015-09-02T00:00:00.576-05:00Take time to smell the flowersFor some reason the following image, and thought, came to mind...<br /><br />In the winter of 1991, i finally had the opportunity to attend the Army's Air Assault school. I left with six other soldier's from my unit. Myself (Anti-Tank Infantryman), three men from our Scout platoon, two from our Admin section, and one from the motor pool.<br /><br />While it is not nearly as physically rigorous as Airborne school, it has its moments. Before the formal school began, the instructors began to weed out those who did not REALLY want to be there, and we ran through a three mile obstacle course. You could not fail to navigate any of the obstacles, but you could get up to two chances for up to two obstacles. When we all got to the end, we had already lost ten percent of the class. Most of those who passed, were muddy from head to toe... most of those who didn't were not. For the rest of that very, very long day, we did push ups, sit ups, flutter kicks, runs of various lengths, and many more "exercises"... at one point i finally experienced muscle failure and i could not do another push up. No matter how hard i tried, i could not extend my arms. Soon, i was starring at a pair of boots, and a voice screaming at me, telling me to get up... that if my belt touched the ground, i'd be going home. I still have no idea how long that went on, but it felt like three hours.<br /><br />Through out the rest of the course, there were a lot more challenges (the instructors never told us that we could drop our rucks while performing pull ups O.o )... the final challenge, a twelve mile Ruck March, fully loaded, that had to be completed in under three hours. There was an inspection before the start, and one, right there at the finish line... when i completed the course in 2'49'??' - i had never felt such pain in my muscles before, or since. After my post march inspection, all that was left was the graduation ceremony, and i headed back to the barracks to pack for the flight home (which i was sure that someone was going to have to wheel me up the ramp to the plane). As i packed, i looked around the barracks, everyone was drenched from the inside out. Not one pair of boots would have passed the most casual of inspection. I was nose deaf at this point, but, i imagined it smelled like a well used sports locker room. By the time the graduation ceremony started, there were less than half of us left. (Note: it was me, and the two Admin 'pukes' who graduated... and i never let the Scout Platoon forget it either)<br /><br />The thought that came to my mind is this...<br /><br />No one ever grows by avoiding the pain... the mess... the absolute filth of crawling through the cr@p of your own life... but, those who reach the end... those who went through the most disgusting of battles... they smell the sweetest.<br />
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<br />samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-31547454414725855682015-04-15T17:30:00.000-05:002015-08-12T15:12:33.110-05:00The Shimabara Rebellion Part 1 & 2<div style="text-align: center;">
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-=-=-=O=-=-=-
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For a little more in depth review, please check out this New World Encyclopedia <a href="http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Shimabara_Rebellion" target="_blank">article</a>.
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<a href="http://www.esv.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWw5kgLM58uPt0Q6LldlkgnmGh90kjFFk_8vEhckkajmJ3Rh8nMMP37B1omG4dkRn6tFT1EYisZl6oufLD5OyVPyLJv4GeNDhbqvq4xKH2TPr9ciZHlipwZHyakPde6COKzaN/s320/Katana+signoff.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div>
samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-67628203910034134082015-04-13T17:30:00.000-05:002015-04-13T17:30:01.279-05:00The Last Samurai - The True Story<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U6m7WLmAUeY" width="459"></iframe>
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<a href="http://www.esv.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWw5kgLM58uPt0Q6LldlkgnmGh90kjFFk_8vEhckkajmJ3Rh8nMMP37B1omG4dkRn6tFT1EYisZl6oufLD5OyVPyLJv4GeNDhbqvq4xKH2TPr9ciZHlipwZHyakPde6COKzaN/s320/Katana+signoff.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div>samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-92167276727083517152015-02-14T09:00:00.000-05:002015-02-14T09:00:03.039-05:00Chance encounter?<br /> Talked of Sovereignty<br /> Two became one<br />
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My twenty third year of enjoying Valentine's Day with my beloved... and still in love.samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-82087997955600702692014-12-31T23:59:00.000-05:002014-12-31T23:59:00.185-05:00Not really sure why... but, i just felt like sharing this. This is but a sample of what might be playing on my playlist at any given time. The genre of music is less important to me than the how the music and lyrics 'speak' to me. I prefer instrumental music. Lately i've been really wanting to learn more about EDM, Dub Step, things like that. Too often,the lyrics are filth (imo), and i cannot stand it,and just as often, the music lacks inspiration and fails to match with the lyrics... i have a short tolerance for either.<br />
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Anyway, i hope everyone who reads this has a great 2015, and maybe you will enjoy some of the music as well. <br />
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I am what i am - KMFDM <br />
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Passing of the wood elves<br />
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Grey - Barlow Girl<br />
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Flute Solo - Ian Anderson<br />
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Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top<br />
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Radioactive - Lindsey Sterling and Pentatonix<br />
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If today was your last day - Nickleback<br />
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I see Fire - Ed Sheehan<br />
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Samson and Delilah -<br />
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Word of God speak<br />
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Shake it Off - Taylor Swift<br />
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A Country boy can survive - Hank Williams Jr.<br />
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Oh Happy Day<br />
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Derezzed - Daft Punk<br />
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<a href="http://www.esv.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWw5kgLM58uPt0Q6LldlkgnmGh90kjFFk_8vEhckkajmJ3Rh8nMMP37B1omG4dkRn6tFT1EYisZl6oufLD5OyVPyLJv4GeNDhbqvq4xKH2TPr9ciZHlipwZHyakPde6COKzaN/s320/Katana+signoff.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div>
samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-55674921468813883642014-10-01T19:00:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:00:00.633-05:00Random postings...<ol>
<li>Cardio</li>
<li>The Double Tap</li>
<li>Beware of Bathrooms</li>
<li>Wear Seat Belts</li>
<li>No Attachments</li>
<li>The “Skillet”</li>
<li>Travel Light</li>
<li>Get a Kick Ass Partner</li>
<li>With your Bare Hands</li>
<li>Don’t Swing Low</li>
<li>Use Your Foot</li>
<li>Bounty Paper Towels</li>
<li>Shake it Off</li>
<li>Always carry a change of underwear</li>
<li>Bowling Ball</li>
<li>Opportunity Knocks</li>
<li>Don’t be a hero (later crossed out to be a hero)</li>
<li>Limber Up</li>
<li>Break it Up</li>
<li>It’s a marathon, not a sprint, unless it’s a sprint, then sprint</li>
<li>Avoid Strip Clubs</li>
<li>When in doubt Know your way out</li>
<li>Zipplock</li>
<li>Use your thumbs</li>
<li>Shoot First</li>
<li>A little sun screen never hurt anybody</li>
<li>Incoming!</li>
<li>Double-Knot your Shoes</li>
<li>The Buddy System</li>
<li>Pack your stain stick</li>
<li>Check the back seat</li>
<li>Enjoy the little things</li>
<li>Swiss army Knife</li>
</ol>
samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-26898087062741717252014-04-22T19:00:00.000-05:002014-04-22T19:00:03.028-05:00Trying to "Dial it in"<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am having an "off" week. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvVshC3IN3mKYm_po6XtLD4bEY6xUOnB5kKcNJ518FluJuNhhNK0Z40Jvf1ItUEHxHZYTvvI1eJgCAj3MlngA6kS7lgxFXREolZhS5O6eNRyDjd4I7CtHB4HOWViU-sdhD2KQ/s1600/SH+Studi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvVshC3IN3mKYm_po6XtLD4bEY6xUOnB5kKcNJ518FluJuNhhNK0Z40Jvf1ItUEHxHZYTvvI1eJgCAj3MlngA6kS7lgxFXREolZhS5O6eNRyDjd4I7CtHB4HOWViU-sdhD2KQ/s1600/SH+Studi.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>This is actually normal for me. The reason it is "off" and not "routine", is because no two weeks of being "off" are the same. For me, life is like trying to work a studio grade mixing board. Like the one pictured here... only, even more 'in depth'...every week, every day, sometimes minute to minute, i try and adjust how i am interacting with the world. I only know superficially how a mixing board works. Essentially, each slide lever controls a sliver of frequency. When the technician knows how to adjust each one, it makes for beautiful music (i.e. sound quality). The "trick" is knowing how each slide interacts with the others, and how to make them work in harmony. For me, each lever controls sensory input. Light, sound, air temperature... how i read body language, vocal inflection, am i able to discern between the lines, all the while interacting with previous interactions with whoever, or whatever, it is i am dealing with. On many days, i am able to keep it "within parameters", mostly.... but often, things begin to go out of whack and i am just not able to adjust the "levers" fast enough.... which leaves me feeling overwhelmed. How to explain it... ?</div>
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For me i am not only trying to process environmental input, but situational, relational, personal processing, contextual, correct for known influences, distractions (aka the shiny bouncy ball), all the while fighting thoughts of ineptitude, inadequacy, concerns about accuracy of presentation, my own body language, vocal inflections, and word choice, wanting to interject or redirect. For most people, this all happens instinctively. I don't get that... i really don't. Now, interlace all of this with a thought process that rarely, if ever,
completely shuts off. I can be thinking about the conversation i am
having with person "A", while making a connection with a thought of
process "G", and then also linking something completely unrelated to the
immediate situation, but relative to something else i was working on
earlier in the day, or week, or month. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PHQMrn2okKcABwGXoQxDdw_AIOwTfumwDEaFQzfZxTNvFSpAYKgca3cff8D_VTwHpBOAZUXZj-8fvffbEyBf_bY2yeHQnkAbHdZDl9LrqipQRl6vz1zEYCxq565dRN_ZI0kc/s1600/autism+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PHQMrn2okKcABwGXoQxDdw_AIOwTfumwDEaFQzfZxTNvFSpAYKgca3cff8D_VTwHpBOAZUXZj-8fvffbEyBf_bY2yeHQnkAbHdZDl9LrqipQRl6vz1zEYCxq565dRN_ZI0kc/s1600/autism+quote.jpg" height="137" width="200" /></a>I have often had a conversation with my beloved, where she will say, "what do you mean?", and i find myself re-evaluating the last several minutes of conversation, and i will always repeat the exact same thing i just said. Why? Because that is how i communicate. If there were proficiency levels in sarcasm and innuendo, i would probably be at low level. I say what i mean, and i mean what i say - and that is how i interact with the world around me. That is my "default" setting if you will. Now, in my 40+ years of learning to adapt and process, i am able to contextualize situations within "known" parameters. Does this person use sarcasm? What are their life experiences that they have shared? I can sometimes (not as often as i would like to think i can) adjust my "settings", so that i know how to act appropriately. I have learned that, my intense desire to learn how to play the Elf Whistle (Tin Whistle - but made of wood), to read and to speak Sindarin Elvish, or desire to play and share all i know about Shadowrun, is almost always (i.e. 99.99% of the time), NOT appropriate to talk about.</div>
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How i feel (pictured to the right)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTtPnxoDYfdYJgsZSnmoRktyO103k3xTKO81_Ng5cpeIsjaltsvmS5exc4FcQ2x4tLs4hmkq9JOtmi1MhpnLv7F_r_C26iD5MQov2GKJqrUOU-vWpaqsOtHNDGi8KGH8oPFbl/s1600/10247337_10152370765193028_2003771659620985604_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTtPnxoDYfdYJgsZSnmoRktyO103k3xTKO81_Ng5cpeIsjaltsvmS5exc4FcQ2x4tLs4hmkq9JOtmi1MhpnLv7F_r_C26iD5MQov2GKJqrUOU-vWpaqsOtHNDGi8KGH8oPFbl/s1600/10247337_10152370765193028_2003771659620985604_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> is how i see myself most of the time. My overwhelming effort to just interact with the world around me... and no... this is not an exaggeration. I am at conflict with my instincts, with my own desires, my own emotions and thoughts, constantly. The great thing is, i am not sharing this to complain about it. I am sharing it to give thanks for it.</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.</span>" (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Psalm+139" target="_blank">Psalm 139:13-16</a> <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a>)
</blockquote>
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Not only does God's word tell me that He made me, that He saw me before i was even born. I may not be 'perfect', but He uses ALL things to reveal His glory: "<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Jesus answered, “</span><span style="color: #e06666;">It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.</span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">"</span> (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/John+9/" target="_blank">John 9:3</a> <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a>) God has surrounded me with incredible friends, and
my beloved, who "get" me. While they may not understand me... they... still love and support me. I can ask for nothing greater.<br />
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In many ways, my 'processor' is a blessing. There are many 'knots' that look clear to me. Paths that diverge and emerge, going this way and that... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDkp3lRMuc9QUMp2vlcNPxCRCDFgjjkuXn_-iH9-aIT9v7BQWUQGTPZV3A-91jRXu54IdfsEqKKnW_dELAKBqy61l-jcpHFFDged0nkMcYRXSHiqM8pZ0zzjKr1tIMdqa6Qs1/s1600/Dance+in+the+rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDkp3lRMuc9QUMp2vlcNPxCRCDFgjjkuXn_-iH9-aIT9v7BQWUQGTPZV3A-91jRXu54IdfsEqKKnW_dELAKBqy61l-jcpHFFDged0nkMcYRXSHiqM8pZ0zzjKr1tIMdqa6Qs1/s1600/Dance+in+the+rain.jpg" /></a>i don't get lost in the tangles, but i am able to see the way out the other side. For me - that - is natural, and while i obsess over things like Elves and certain role playing genres, i also obsess over things like the character of God. For me the decryption key to the Bible is the very nature of God the Father, His Son - my Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. God being perfect, cannot contradict Himself, He cannot violate His own character or nature... and i totally get that. His Law is perfect, His Love is perfect, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3wHSxFaEjD_vyIpsWHTa9Vc63jI5k23qcKCXFh7UaPJXBdonZOt5ClxoI-6cKNVcHsDMDah7ocebubkokJGQK03A9L5gn744aRbZKE62NbRgy0p3uEd9Kx9hSCOPCZp1olpo/s1600/My+own+background+music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3wHSxFaEjD_vyIpsWHTa9Vc63jI5k23qcKCXFh7UaPJXBdonZOt5ClxoI-6cKNVcHsDMDah7ocebubkokJGQK03A9L5gn744aRbZKE62NbRgy0p3uEd9Kx9hSCOPCZp1olpo/s1600/My+own+background+music.jpg" /></a>He is omniscient (all knowing), He is omnipresent (everywhere, equally, all the time), he is omnipotent (all powerful). So, no matter how much i struggle with keeping "dialed in", i know that He is already there. He has already seen all of my imperfections, all of my sins - past, present, and future, and He is not surprised by my struggles, and He has watched over me... given me friends to "watch my back", who 'tolerate' me, who "get" me. While i am not perfect, i am fully justified and yet, walking out my sanctification, and while, i have many deficiencies, He has provided for me... friends... a family... a career... i am in awe.<br />
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<a href="http://www.esv.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWw5kgLM58uPt0Q6LldlkgnmGh90kjFFk_8vEhckkajmJ3Rh8nMMP37B1omG4dkRn6tFT1EYisZl6oufLD5OyVPyLJv4GeNDhbqvq4xKH2TPr9ciZHlipwZHyakPde6COKzaN/s320/Katana+signoff.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div>
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samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-29204118214143804782014-03-24T19:01:00.000-05:002014-03-24T19:01:02.198-05:00The beginning of a new millennial set of posts - Blog entry # 1001<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YAnqI1FK-V88x3opKw09sdn7bJrg_oAdCRfhBVg1RahV3zUIcH8AvMGetnchGvD2eA4AqDz7h9wv_D0aUle7IOK-Cu_KkpRia-cGV50APV6W5JWVnO0L1HDEqQvzMFy-R5eA/s1600/Kneeling+Samurai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YAnqI1FK-V88x3opKw09sdn7bJrg_oAdCRfhBVg1RahV3zUIcH8AvMGetnchGvD2eA4AqDz7h9wv_D0aUle7IOK-Cu_KkpRia-cGV50APV6W5JWVnO0L1HDEqQvzMFy-R5eA/s1600/Kneeling+Samurai.jpg" /></a></div>
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It has taken me 8 years, 2 months and 14 days to reach this 'milestone'. On January 6th, in the year of our Lord 2006, <a href="http://samuraisdojo.blogspot.com/2006/01/day-1.html" target="_blank">"Samurai's Dojo" was 'born'</a>. I have had ups and downs, long periods of not posting, and days on end of continuous posts, but since, as i stated way back then, these posts are more for me to just "think out loud" (paraphrasing) i am OK with it having taken me over 8 years to get to this point. My readership has never been more than a couple of handfuls. At one time i even had a "following". But, now, i do have some posts that continue to get Google search and browsing. In the end, this is still mostly for me to sort things out, and hopefully, the lord can use a few words here and there, to reach out through the 'matrix' to reach a few people. Tulip has been by far the most faithful reader and encourager, but i have enjoyed 'meeting' everyone who has posted a reply, and to those who have stopped by, but not replied, you are welcome here as well.</div>
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Over the years, and across the many a blog post, i have been quite varied in what i write about. There have been some consistency, as evidenced by the labels (scroll all the way down to see the list). Those that are small have been mentioned less frequently, and the larger ones, most frequently. In any event, my posts are pretty random... whatever comes to my mind... sometimes several things. And, often when i read back over some of the posts, it seems in mid-thought too.</div>
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In any event, if you stopped by, i hope you found the post(s) at least remotely interesting.</div>
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<a href="http://www.esv.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWw5kgLM58uPt0Q6LldlkgnmGh90kjFFk_8vEhckkajmJ3Rh8nMMP37B1omG4dkRn6tFT1EYisZl6oufLD5OyVPyLJv4GeNDhbqvq4xKH2TPr9ciZHlipwZHyakPde6COKzaN/s320/Katana+signoff.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div>
samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-72491551929032351892014-03-13T20:00:00.000-05:002014-03-13T20:00:03.044-05:00Too many mind... be of "no mind"<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<span style="color: #f1c232;">Forget your sadness, anger, grudges, and hatred. Let them pass like smoke caught in the breeze. You should not deviate from the path of righteousness; you should lead a life worthy of a man. Don't be possessed by greed, luxury, or your ego. You should accept sorrows, sadness and hatred as they are, and consider them a chance for trial given to you by the powers... a blessing given by nature. Have both your mind and your time fully engaged in budō <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(1)</span>, and have your mind deeply set on bujutsu<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (2)</span>.</span>" ~ Masaaki Hatsumi <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><b>(1) Budō:</b></u> is a Japanese term describing Japanese martial arts. Literally translated it means the "Martial Way", and may be thought of as the "Way of War".</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><b>(2) Bujutsu:</b></u> In modern usage, bujutsu, meaning martial/military art/science, is typified by its practical application of technique to real-world or battlefield situations. </span></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
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This quote speaks volumes to me. Both as a soldier, and as a Christian. As a soldier, rarely is there time for the luxury of holding a grudge, of allowing anger or hatred to cloud your judgement. While i have never experienced actual combat where the lead density was reaching unhealthy levels, i have had to train, and was graded under "high intensity" situations (never did master 'break from contact' </div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_7_1392843105574_10" style="text-align: justify;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_7_1392843105574_17"><img alt="*:-&lt sigh" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392843105574_3039" src="https://s.yimg.com/ok/u/assets/img/emoticons/emo10.gif" />- also, i would never equate what i went through in training, with what those who have actually seen combat and have had to go through). One has to be able to focus on the tasks at hand and what needs to be done. It is not a time for self indulgence.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_7_1392843105574_17"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_7_1392843105574_10" style="text-align: justify;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_7_1392843105574_17">As for the Christian part, several verses come to mind. </span>"<span style="color: #f1c232;"><i>Forget your sadness, anger, grudges, and hatred. Let them pass like smoke caught in the breeze.</i></span>" God's Word tells us, "<span style="color: #e06666;"><span class="text Matt-5-38"><span class="woj">You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’</span></span> </span><span class="text Matt-5-39" id="en-ESV-23274"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #e06666;">But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV" target="_blank">Matthew 5:38-39</a>, <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a>) Ultimately our security, our redeemer, our protector, is God Himself.<br /><br />"</span></span><span style="color: #f1c232;"><i>You should not deviate from the path of righteousness; you should lead a life worthy of a man.</i></span>" Jesus says, "<span style="color: #e06666;"><span class="text Matt-7-13" id="en-ESV-23330"><span class="woj">Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.</span></span> </span><span class="text Matt-7-14" id="en-ESV-23331"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #e06666;">For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7&version=ESV" target="_blank">Matthew 7:13-14</a>, <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a>) In our case, we are followers of Christ. We are NOT worthy to be called followers of God, but because of Christ's completed work on the cross, we are being transformed into the image of Christ. Romans tells us, "</span></span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span class="text Rom-8-28" id="en-ESV-28129">And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.</span> </span><span class="text Rom-8-29" id="en-ESV-28130"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8&version=ESV" target="_blank">Romans 8:28-29</a>, <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a>)</span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-8-29" id="en-ESV-28130"><br /></span> <span class="text Rom-8-30" id="en-ESV-28131"></span></div>
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"<span style="color: #f1c232;"><i>Don't be possessed by greed, luxury, or your ego.</i></span>" This one the Jesus spoke directly to the first two points, "<span class="text Matt-19-23" id="en-ESV-23783"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">And Jesus said to his disciples, </span><span class="woj"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">“</span><span style="color: #e06666;">Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.</span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><span class="text Matt-19-24" id="en-ESV-23784"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #e06666;">Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.</span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">”</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+19&version=ESV" target="_blank">Matthew 19:23-24</a>, <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a>), as for the third, "</span></span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span class="text Jer-9-23" id="en-ESV-19199">Thus says the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches,</span> </span><span class="text Jer-9-24" id="en-ESV-19200"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span>” (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+9&version=ESV" target="_blank">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a>, <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a>) The role of a Sergeant is "to serve", the role of the samurai is "to serve", we are to serve the Lord in each and every breath, for He is our Lord, our God.</span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-9-24" id="en-ESV-19200">"</span><span style="color: #f1c232;"><i>You should accept sorrows, sadness and hatred as they are, and consider
them a chance for trial given to you by the powers... a blessing given
by nature.</i></span>" The sorrows... the sadness and hatred, these are a result of man's fall from grace in the garden; "<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span class="text Gen-3-17" id="en-ESV-73">And to Adam he said,</span><span class="text Gen-3-17">“Because you have listened to the voice of your wife </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Gen-3-17">and have eaten of the tree</span></span> <span class="text Gen-3-17">of which I commanded you,</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Gen-3-17">‘You shall not eat of it,’ </span></span><span class="text Gen-3-17">cursed is the ground because of you;</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Gen-3-17">in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;</span></span> <span class="text Gen-3-18" id="en-ESV-74">thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Gen-3-18">and you shall eat the plants of the field.</span></span> <span class="text Gen-3-19" id="en-ESV-75">By the sweat of your face</span> y<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Gen-3-19">ou shall eat bread, </span></span><span class="text Gen-3-19">till you return to the ground,</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Gen-3-19">for out of it you were taken;</span></span> <span class="text Gen-3-19">for you are dust,</span> </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Gen-3-19"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">and to dust you shall return.”</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3&version=ESV" target="_blank">Genesis 3:17-19</a>, <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a>) To me, this suffering is a blessing. It shows me the need for me to turn back to my God, it shows the penalties of sin (in but a glimpse). It is indeed a blessing and a mercy by God. Like learning that when i touch a hot stove (despite a parental warning), and i get burned. The wound will heal, but the memory will last.</span></span><br />
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"<span style="color: #f1c232;">Have both your mind and your time fully engaged in budō, and have your mind deeply set on bujutsu.</span>" For us, the followers of Christ, our "way of the sword" does not lie in Kendo, or Aikido, or any of the other recognizable 'martial arts'. Our Way lies in the path of Christ, the way of our Lord. Our 'katana' is the very word of God. Some of us are 'warriors' in the traditional sense, armed in the defense of others, but every follow of Christ should train themselves in the way of God and follow Him and His Word - His <u><i><b>entire</b></i></u> Word. Each of us are called to serve where we are, and to where He takes us. This is not a call to arms, a call to fight, this is a call to <i>serve</i> in whatever capacity He calls you to."<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.</span>" (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Philippians+3/" target="_blank">Philippians 3:8-16</a>, <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a>)<br />
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samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-30069353179803743742014-03-12T20:00:00.000-05:002014-03-12T20:00:02.264-05:00Is anybody out there?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyQesQKhZge05ZNBRIijZMkuIpG9H8_AhzgPt3zCcIwuPcJgxSYd-SaRaIbF2e-F8_IwmlTnOcCTeOYX3DFiTd9A6wq3S7Jzc7JuNO5AKad3r_Ugs0ZGgnLdKXKBYA5aU0sl_/s1600/Wandering+mind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyQesQKhZge05ZNBRIijZMkuIpG9H8_AhzgPt3zCcIwuPcJgxSYd-SaRaIbF2e-F8_IwmlTnOcCTeOYX3DFiTd9A6wq3S7Jzc7JuNO5AKad3r_Ugs0ZGgnLdKXKBYA5aU0sl_/s1600/Wandering+mind.jpg" /></a>
Life... i am no longer going to try and explain why i've not been blogging every time i finally get back to it. I will just do my best to do it more often. And now, on to my typical ramblings...</div>
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What good year for <a href="http://www.panthers.com/" target="_blank">Carolina Panther</a> Football! The 2013 pre-season, i liked what i had been seeing and reading about the Panthers Defense, but the Offense continued to worry me. The o-line showed troubles opening running lanes, and the receivers seemed to have trouble pulling the ball in, except for Steve Smith of course - but the Panthers have been a one-trick-pony in that are for far too long. Steve Smith is a warrior, but until they can bring in more consistent receivers, the passing game is always going to be just not good enough. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1iZ__IEn_iZ0saDBPLfs-BwchLKdyquqa_ZK3Mi3tclPE81VMg3-eImyJSijQbQBiCuuX5-8Mn18pPumbbCvtpFf0I9waEDIGiU-moJKENalkdoIBocrwEA71yxsv1PYViIA/s1600/Panther.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1iZ__IEn_iZ0saDBPLfs-BwchLKdyquqa_ZK3Mi3tclPE81VMg3-eImyJSijQbQBiCuuX5-8Mn18pPumbbCvtpFf0I9waEDIGiU-moJKENalkdoIBocrwEA71yxsv1PYViIA/s1600/Panther.jpg" /></a>Then, around October there was a players meeting, and i forget now who did the talking, Jordan Gross i believe, but they turned things around. After going 1-3 in the first four weeks, the Panthers finished the NFC South champions and a 12-5 overall record. They lost to a very physical <a href="http://www.49ers.com/" target="_blank">San Francisco 49ers</a> team. I knew that the Panthers were in trouble in the first quarter when the Panthers players had 3(!) personal foul penalties, one of which gave the 49ers a crucial 1st down. I could ramble on and on, in more detail than i care to think about, but i was not very hopeful for a post season in August, and i was pleased to see them make it into January. My goal for the team in the 2014, a 9-7 season. I would just like to see two, back to back, winning seasons at this point. :) Oh, and they had best lock Steve Smith in for the rest of his football career.<br />
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2013 was supposed to be "The Year of Shadowrun". There was supposed to be a flurry of releases, on multiple company fronts. The only two that were actually released, that i know of was the PnP 5th edition, and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjART2dT8K-UZwn5xZ8R5u5OPlUJdzGdB_XovfAmJebE0mAwuAl8zFxwWnPqOXNfs4Wd3-98Ij_96z3_U9HyJw4-sWpsFpa1fTs_D4CLg6Zn-eL5Et3GGDNZjfA5lxmmw9PKutj/s1600/263144_10151589252873028_581782775_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjART2dT8K-UZwn5xZ8R5u5OPlUJdzGdB_XovfAmJebE0mAwuAl8zFxwWnPqOXNfs4Wd3-98Ij_96z3_U9HyJw4-sWpsFpa1fTs_D4CLg6Zn-eL5Et3GGDNZjfA5lxmmw9PKutj/s1600/263144_10151589252873028_581782775_n.jpg" height="143" separator="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" width="160 /></a></div><br /><div class=" /></a>a computer game called <a href="http://harebrained-schemes.com/shadowrun/" target="_blank">Shadowrun: Returns</a>. As things are likely to do in the corporate world, drek happens. There are at least two table top versions of the game. One is a "gang sized" miniatures version, and a card game. These have been delayed for play testing reasons, etc. However, i am really happy to hear that the card version is ready to move to the production side of things. <a href="http://www.shadowrun.com/shadowrun-tabletop/2013/01/22/shadowrun-crossfire-overview/" target="_blank">Shadowrun: Crossfire</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXFynZYlyflt-4BIC_Hol29VX4b2q1wKPAeSSqRADwVVLrZSHn0tEIZG2EqDbM5rt6NN6ezrb9G2CcU5MWBezlY3u28eFf5WRnOxaSpyKlhOgxJ7NxX_DvJ3SOmXeoz5eRY4U/s1600/383462_10150783581203028_104976519_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXFynZYlyflt-4BIC_Hol29VX4b2q1wKPAeSSqRADwVVLrZSHn0tEIZG2EqDbM5rt6NN6ezrb9G2CcU5MWBezlY3u28eFf5WRnOxaSpyKlhOgxJ7NxX_DvJ3SOmXeoz5eRY4U/s1600/383462_10150783581203028_104976519_n.jpg" height="150" width="150" /></a>The one i am looking forward to the most is, <a href="http://www.shadowrun.com/shadowrun-online/" target="_blank">Shadowrun: Online</a>. It will be an MMO, with a changing story line as it goes by. The characters will have an influence over what happens as the story changes. I have shifted my story writing to follow more of the Cyberpunk-ish themes of Shadowrun... so far... i have... maybe, four characters, i will be following. Not even sure of the what/when/where. 8) A really good interview with Jan Wagner can be found at "<a href="http://arcologypodcast.com/episode-021-interview-with-jan-wagner-shadowrun-online/" target="_blank">The Arcology Podcast</a>". Jan talks about cross platform, simultaneous, game play with both friends, and available Chummers. Seriously, this last one looks, and sounds, the coolest of all. Online will be released in Beta (with monthly updates mentioned in the podcast linked above) late 2014Q1 (late March).</div>
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I have heard comments similar to, "If there is a God, why is there so much suffering in the world?", and i can understand where such a person is coming from. Why, because i was once focused totally on myself, and believing that my opinions were the only correct ones too. However, i have found that human beings are hard pressed to seriously consider things from any other point of view, other than their own. I propose that, just maybe, God is doing what humans so desperately want Him to do. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUwSgv20oYarZGTWHgQmE2gx1iNEMhxhToqDkBdNsdXup3X9PdLkl_HGebqW1bmxXuFo1whuU-lH5GMTl33TsEItozLHucGIsIBHyGjrtUshMOn-n8h07Ltq_SCSDQFZ_RCYe/s1600/God+is+most+satisfied.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUwSgv20oYarZGTWHgQmE2gx1iNEMhxhToqDkBdNsdXup3X9PdLkl_HGebqW1bmxXuFo1whuU-lH5GMTl33TsEItozLHucGIsIBHyGjrtUshMOn-n8h07Ltq_SCSDQFZ_RCYe/s1600/God+is+most+satisfied.jpg" /></a>To let us try and earn His good graces, to try and do it on our own, and that is where the suffering truly comes from. He has provided a way, He has shown, and provided, us a way through His Son, He has even taken the time to write it down, and yet, the one thing we truly do not want to believe is... the human heart is NOT naturally good. We do not inherently seek out the good of others - especially when it conflicts with our own wants and desires. I am not discounting those who help their fellow man out, but there is almost always a limit. A line that will not be crossed. Why, because no one likes to be thought of as a pushover. From individuals that feel the need to have some personal wish fulfilled or want to get tended to, to nations that want to exert influence in the world. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHH23OAioAQ74Nn_7lWlcFp-52xxO0vTLRm0H8vGLLdF9JW5-CK15bV2u8P6_ngk3-YGHUJAhcKEBTPqZ5aunwU6HzznWBiLgQM2JQFftyZKozePTp-2cthpB0cFd0OxeeVLg/s1600/His+way+-+my+way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHH23OAioAQ74Nn_7lWlcFp-52xxO0vTLRm0H8vGLLdF9JW5-CK15bV2u8P6_ngk3-YGHUJAhcKEBTPqZ5aunwU6HzznWBiLgQM2JQFftyZKozePTp-2cthpB0cFd0OxeeVLg/s1600/His+way+-+my+way.jpg" /></a>Pride will invariably, at some point, exert itself, and God has told us what will happen to us because of our pride. He also does occasionally do something about it - hello, the Flood (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Genesis+6/" target="_blank">Genesis 6-9</a>), or Sodom and Gamorrah? (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Genesis+19/" target="_blank">Genesis 19</a>) He has also promised that He will be dealing with the entire world, and their transgressions against Him, and each other (which is, in turn, a transgression against Him), in His own time. However, if one chooses to not accept His time and place for such things, than they will most likely find themselves placed alongside Satan and his fellow angles who wanted to be like God and rebelled.<br />
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samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-22307340043526490012014-03-05T20:00:00.000-05:002014-03-18T15:05:31.066-05:00Super 6-1, twenty years later<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="292" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_ijQFhKrbWI" width="420"></iframe> <br />
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I tire of hearing "The Battle of Mogadishu" (aka "Blackhawk Down") labelled as a defeat. As a bloody, black eye, on the history of our Military Operations. People forget that the military, at least in this country (and many, many more around the world), does not operate on its own. It does not just up and decide to go into places like Mogadishu to beat up on some mean old warlord who is starving his own people. Military operations are supposed to be, the extreme last resort of political interactions. This operation was the very same one where the first teams coming ashore were <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/10/world/mission-to-somalia-tv-army-on-the-beach-took-us-by-surprise.html" target="_blank">met with TV News cameras</a> because of "leaks".<br />
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This raid was a rousing success! The rangers and other special operations teams inserted and obtained their objectives. When this helicopter was shot down, while a heartbreaking experience for the families of those men, is a part of war. People are shooting at you! They intend to do harm to you! Warfare is not an even exchange where we are trying to make sure everyone goes home with a trophy. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson said it best with this sentiment, <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">"The time for war has not yet come, but... ...when it does come, my advice is to draw the sword and throw away the scabbard."</span> It is the objective of any armed force, to inflict as much violence upon their enemy so as to break their will to fight back.<br />
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This country has forgotten what the true toll of combat is. World War II was the last time the U.S. truly appreciated, and SUPPORTED their troops. It began to wane after that, through the Korean War, and then even more so during the "Police Action" known as Vietnam. It has gotten so that the American population is revolted by the casualties we have sustained in Iraq and Afghanistan.<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(1)</span>While i have personal issues with the 'causes' of heading into Iraq, people have obviously forgotten the 'why' we are in Afghanistan... for those confused about the latter, please review your history of 11-September-2001.</div>
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Our politicians are too flippant in their unleashing of the "hounds" of the U.S. Military (arguably, THE best military the world has ever seen to date). While i disagreed with the "whys" for the Iraq "II" involvement, and still do today, once those boots hit the ground, the only option in "Supporting our Troops" is to let the leash loose, and let the "Dogs of War" do what they are trained to do - within the rules outlined in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva_Conventions" target="_blank">the Geneva Convention</a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(2)</span> of course. But, it HAS to be understood that once the bullets start flying, people are going to die - and THAT is why 'armed conflict', so casually tossed around needs to be held so much more sacred. War devastates all involved. From the men and women at the tip of the spear, to the locations where the engagements are fought, to the support systems of both sides - to include the very families of the men and women on the ground.</div>
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The engagement now known as "Blackhawk Down" is, to me, a resounding success story of our elite special operations teams. These men swooped in, obtained their objective in efficient and spectacular fashion, and - even after "the shit hit the fan" and the battle plan went out the window - they regrouped, secured the prisoners, the wounded, and the dead, and managed to get all but six (four crewmen from 'Super 6-4', and the two Delta Snipers, Randy Shugart and Gary Gordan) of their fellow soldiers, back to base. Yes (approximately) 100 of the 160 (and again, approximately) were either dead or wounded, but they fulfilled that promise to never leave a man behind (they eventually secured the bodies of the Delta Operators and bodies of the crewmen, and later obtained the release of CWO Durrant), but considering the numbers of enemy combatants they were constantly engaged against while they were out there, this is an AMAZING feat.<br />
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The "failure" of situations like Mogadishu, Iraq, etc., is not in the soldiers, sailors, airmen, or marines - it is the men and women who put them in those situations, and then failed to "support the troops". They allowed political positioning, image, and pride, to interfere, not realizing that they failed them before those combat losses ever took place.<br />
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If you are going to commit the lives of men, women, and engage in combat operations, don't give them an empty clip to put in their weapon, or impede their ability to fight and defend themselves by ludicrously complicated "rules of engagement.<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(3)</span><br />
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I encourage everyone to take the time, read the first hand reports, and learn the details of how things went.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkBcYnh_UhWNuhiNAgGdR6zBc_jZn7UUFwUtTXtZtKIGbbeENx6CNW7pQmhHCZ7-Gva_u-FNYWlbBRjFmgo0ocg9agvPa9psFrkam_8KUIxwtr3ZirI8iVwLRrrhCElkttvw0/s1600/1796508_756207934390163_657336167_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkBcYnh_UhWNuhiNAgGdR6zBc_jZn7UUFwUtTXtZtKIGbbeENx6CNW7pQmhHCZ7-Gva_u-FNYWlbBRjFmgo0ocg9agvPa9psFrkam_8KUIxwtr3ZirI8iVwLRrrhCElkttvw0/s1600/1796508_756207934390163_657336167_n.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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A Special shout out of thanks to the teams at <a href="http://specialops.org/">SpecialOps.Org</a> (they brought the <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/60-minutes/" target="_blank">60 Minutes</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube</a> footage to my attention via <a href="http://www.facebook.com/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>) and <a href="http://www.11bravos.com/" target="_blank">11Bravos</a> (they shared the 'Grunt' picture above), for their tireless support of our men and women in uniform.</div>
<br />
<ol style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">I am not dismissing, or diminishing, the sacrifices of these men and women, and/or their families. Their deaths, and lingering injuries, are not 'little' things. I truly believe the saying, "The ultimate sacrifice", because that is exactly what it is. One can simply not give more than their futures, either in severe injury or in death.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">I am not a fan of using Wikipedia as a source, but it can be useful, so long as one checks the sources, etc. that they cite.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Please do note assume that i believe in just shooting and blowing everything up. That is NOT the case at all. But take the time, try and think through the eyes of the "boots on the ground" and try and get just a fragment of a picture of what they have to deal with, all the while there are people shooting at you.</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.esv.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWw5kgLM58uPt0Q6LldlkgnmGh90kjFFk_8vEhckkajmJ3Rh8nMMP37B1omG4dkRn6tFT1EYisZl6oufLD5OyVPyLJv4GeNDhbqvq4xKH2TPr9ciZHlipwZHyakPde6COKzaN/s320/Katana+signoff.jpg" tt="true" /></a></span></div>
<br />samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-3449716636943899022013-08-26T20:00:00.000-05:002013-08-26T20:00:03.236-05:00Guard your mind<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know it has been many a moon since my last post. I blame myself. Mostly for not being sure what to post, a phobia from actually hitting my 1Kth post, life getting too busy, whatever. One thing i did learn early on in the Army was that, "the maximum effective range of an excuse is zero meters". So, i shall not try and excuse my absence, rather, i will endeavor to find things to post about... and actually force myself to put some fingers to keyboard more frequently.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A couple of weeks back, by way of random exploration, i found a new book titled, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Wisdom-Ageless-Modern-Updated/dp/1937884007/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377523600&sr=1-1&keywords=warrior+wisdom" target="_blank">Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior</a>". While the author is apparently not a Christian (i do not know him personally, and i am not seeing anything come through in what i have read that would tell me otherwise), and i have thus far NOT found any biblical references or quotes via the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The.Warrior.Lifestyle" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page, there is some biblical wisdom to be found. Remember, i am a Christian first and foremost - and thus i view and analyze via this 'filter' if you will. That is not to say that i do not think, "outside of the box" from time to time, but when i come to share something here, it will always be from this view point - and as a "samurai" in service to my Lord Jesus Christ.</div>
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Anyway - before i would recommend such a book for general "consumption" here, i would want to read it through. But, some tidbits, i would like to share here. Two for today. One is a picture the Facebook page shared, and the other is a symbol, which to many, is a symbol of Eastern Mysticism.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I was inspired to share this picture because it immediately reminded me of the <a href="http://castingcrowns.com/" target="_blank">Casting Crowns</a> song, <a href="http://youtu.be/QASREBVDsLk" target="_blank">Slow Fade</a> (click the link to see the video on <a href="http://youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube</a>), which Tulip shared with me... a year or so ago.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWlvFeAhdhtkI2w306YWdDXNpE1EPKpN4mNnSA-QijD6ybEJpMLTP-gKGJmULD4JjuRP7UV3gSAWSAXHHwVEsgcjFdzpvBzOTh1XDTCWChiCabQDCAYDt-GVlcS9fkCMNH5OH/s1600/Guard+your+thoughts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWlvFeAhdhtkI2w306YWdDXNpE1EPKpN4mNnSA-QijD6ybEJpMLTP-gKGJmULD4JjuRP7UV3gSAWSAXHHwVEsgcjFdzpvBzOTh1XDTCWChiCabQDCAYDt-GVlcS9fkCMNH5OH/s320/Guard+your+thoughts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, this is a quote from <a href="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/lao.html" target="_blank">Lao Tzu</a>, but there is Biblical truth in it, even if the author had no idea of who God is, and that is one of the most amazing things about God to me. Everything cries out His glory, even those who may, or may not, oppose Him.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][1]"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0].[0]">"<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">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 </span></span></span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0].[0]">to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0].[1]" /><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0]"></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0].[3]"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">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,<i><b> think about
these things</b></i>. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in
me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.</span>" ~ </span><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0].[5]"><a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Philippians+4/" target="_blank">Philippians 4:4-9</a>, <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(emphasis mine)</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0].[5]"></span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We as followers of Christ, whether we be '<a href="http://www.artakiane.com/" target="_blank">artisans</a>', <a href="http://www.chick-fil-a.com/" target="_blank">merchants</a>, or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PetersonFarmBros" target="_blank">farmers</a>, we are to bring every thought under control. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and <u>take every <b><i>thought </i></b>captive to obey Christ</u>,</span><span class="extra_text"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">...</span>" ~ <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/2+corinthians+10" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 10:5</a>, <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a></span><span class="extra_text"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0].[5]"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(emphasis mine)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
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I say this because it is obvious that God sees the heart, and not just the outward actions.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="userContent">"<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">And he called the people to him again and
said to them, “</span><span style="color: #e06666;">Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing
outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things
that come out of a person are what defile him.</span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">” And when </span><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">he
had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him
about the parable. And he said to them, “</span><span style="color: #e06666;">Then are you also without
understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from
outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his
stomach, and is expelled?</span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he
said,</span> “<span style="color: #e06666;">What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, <u>
out of the heart of man, come evil <b><i>thoughts</i></b></u>, sexual immorality, theft,
murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy,
slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and
they defile a person.</span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">”</span>" ~ <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Mark+7" target="_blank">Mark 7:14-23</a>, </span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0].[5]"><a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a></span></span></span></span></span> <span class="extra_text"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0].[5]"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(emphasis mine)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
</div>
BUT, even in every effort we exert, we should endeavor to bring our thoughts into captivity. It is important however, to remember that without the work of the Holy Spirit, our efforts would be in vain.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.</span>" ~<span class="extra_text"> <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ephesians+2" target="_blank">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>, </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0].[5]"><a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a></span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-=-=-=O=-=-=-</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3fO-tdLAKgmYfDIJGbYn2eAHMcSVhj-Dfm4_PpbLvCmAqBGtnzH_yzHw5PpvyMwlvvgHCtZ0WFj6Wvh6AUfYRgfGqEQHUjMaEYgG8yLwfksBYRA9nbX4eYLY7Rc9qZyr2W49/s1600/29th+ID+Patch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3fO-tdLAKgmYfDIJGbYn2eAHMcSVhj-Dfm4_PpbLvCmAqBGtnzH_yzHw5PpvyMwlvvgHCtZ0WFj6Wvh6AUfYRgfGqEQHUjMaEYgG8yLwfksBYRA9nbX4eYLY7Rc9qZyr2W49/s1600/29th+ID+Patch.jpg" /></a>The second item i would like to talk about what is commonly referred to as the YinYang symbol. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Back before i had realized that God was revealing Himself to me, i had joined the Maryland Army National Guard, the historical <a href="http://www.29infantrydivision.org/" target="_blank">29th Infantry Division</a>. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(I will not divert into the history of this unit, but i encourage anyone so inclined, to click on the link above.)</span> I will, however, discuss the unit's iconic symbol. When the division was first organized, just prior the United States' full commitment into World War I, it was formed from the National Guard organizations of Maryland and Virginia. The memories of the American Civil War were still firsthand of many at the time. The Maryland and Virginia units symbolized the re-establishment of the Union from both sides of the conflict <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(despite Maryland being firmly South of the Mason-Dixon line, but i digress...)</span>, AND a representation of the only American Military Unit, the 1st Maryland. to have met it self on the field of battle, on opposing sides <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(again, a tale for another time)</span>, thus the colors of the Blue and the Grey (with the field of blue to always be closest to the bearer's heart). While the Yin Yang symbol originally represented the 'eternal struggle' between good and evil. the unit patch is a symbol of America's own struggles, but also, within the Christian, it is a symbol (to me) of the struggle we continue to wage between good and evil in our flesh, for we are not completely reborn until we are raised again with our new bodies and our eternal fellowship with Christ. The complete symbol incorporates two smaller circles within.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3DeObEVNiXXJqHqhbWcAOIwTIydVx2skaYQBkvIaiavG5TjlrdecazyIqRsriGUJ-4xoLHuPAwDgXCDIFVsD2C35FQ6UCmXlVQ-kza2pv9LOIlv1nPRqpcxLspYzQ5KYu8Ht/s1600/Yin+Yang+Symbol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3DeObEVNiXXJqHqhbWcAOIwTIydVx2skaYQBkvIaiavG5TjlrdecazyIqRsriGUJ-4xoLHuPAwDgXCDIFVsD2C35FQ6UCmXlVQ-kza2pv9LOIlv1nPRqpcxLspYzQ5KYu8Ht/s1600/Yin+Yang+Symbol.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These circles are always (or are supposed to be) of the opposite field of color. This represents the "evil within the good, and the good within the evil". Important note here - this dichotomy ONLY occurs within man, and NOT within God, for He is completely Holy and good.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The "evil within the good" represents (to me) the stain of the sin of man. Within the complete holiness of God, once man has stepped within even the "smallest" of sins, he is forever tainted.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?
Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are
unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.</span><span class="extra_text">" ~ <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/1+Corinthians+5" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 5:6-8</a>, </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0].[5]"><a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a></span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The "good within the evil" represents (again, to me), that no matter my circumstances, no matter how bad things are, He is at work in me. He is transforming me into the image of His Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ.</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because<span class="footnote"></span> the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,<span class="footnote"></span> for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.</span>"<span class="extra_text"> ~ <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Romans+8/" target="_blank">Romans 8:26-30</a>, </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0].[5]"><a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a></span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
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<span class="extra_text">For me, this symbol, is a symbol of hope, and not one of eastern mysticism. I think what i am trying to say is, God is everywhere, and at work in everything... even in the things we think of as evil. And while evil does exist in the world, and for whatever reason, He is allowing it, it ALL to work together for the good. If you ever doubt, or say, "How could God allow this?!?", i would highly encourage you to read <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Job/" target="_blank">The Book of Job</a>, and take comfort in it.</span></div>
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"<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and
he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the
temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able
to endure it.</span><span class="extra_text">" ~ <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/1+Corinthians+10" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:13</a>, </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[42wh6].[1][4][1]{comment10151815044523028_11647134}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3].[0].[5]"><a href="http://www.esvbible.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a></span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.esv.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWw5kgLM58uPt0Q6LldlkgnmGh90kjFFk_8vEhckkajmJ3Rh8nMMP37B1omG4dkRn6tFT1EYisZl6oufLD5OyVPyLJv4GeNDhbqvq4xKH2TPr9ciZHlipwZHyakPde6COKzaN/s320/Katana+signoff.jpg" tt="true" /></a></span></div>
<br />samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-49579313733300728042013-05-08T19:00:00.000-05:002013-05-08T19:00:04.585-05:00How to walk, when blinded by self<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<span style="color: cyan;">I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. </span>(<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Romans+12/" target="_blank">Romans 12:1-2</a>, <a href="http://www.esv.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGLzbUzs6t189e2I5eMMQFZNUtNYNdBfc03TIafukioFLZpuUmYfTpvpBlzTTRPXxsfA0y5hWpEAsRTgjdEjNRfe_aOw0OTjSHhzv3sL2eb6EUbCFId2z2XFmDlMgPAa_mHjR/s1600/Dance+in+the+rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGLzbUzs6t189e2I5eMMQFZNUtNYNdBfc03TIafukioFLZpuUmYfTpvpBlzTTRPXxsfA0y5hWpEAsRTgjdEjNRfe_aOw0OTjSHhzv3sL2eb6EUbCFId2z2XFmDlMgPAa_mHjR/s1600/Dance+in+the+rain.jpg" /></a></div>
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I start my blog this week knowing that, if anyone other than myself, actually reads this, is going to think, '<b>Hey! Don't judge!</b>', but i am going to go forward anyway, and hope that the reader will still be around by the end of this blog entry for today, and at least give me a change to fully explain my train of thought... well, maybe not fully... but at least attempt to better expound my point of view some.
<span class="footnote">Recently i have become aware of two, somewhat close, people who are at least within 2 degrees of myself, who are, or where, actively engaged in sinful behavior. One was a nineteen year old, who attended a Christian school for at least seven years. The other is a person whom i have known for at as long as i have been married. Both grew up with people who attended church, but in each case, they willfully engaged in sex outside of the covenant of marriage. The point of this blog, is actually not to focus on these two people, not in a singling out sort of way. It is, however, an attempt to illustrate a deep concern i have regarding the American church in general.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bkC9yzbN03-M2ZHlWuFUuQPD2RigtlnNNaUrryKUU7LQ-8SRXw7IEQxoKabl0Oh5OIeHwN4yMSysIK1IorfWlul7bOgsEpN_mMq4KXEKXTpm8VmybCF9gzX_KwNJDOg2V0FR/s1600/Going+to+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bkC9yzbN03-M2ZHlWuFUuQPD2RigtlnNNaUrryKUU7LQ-8SRXw7IEQxoKabl0Oh5OIeHwN4yMSysIK1IorfWlul7bOgsEpN_mMq4KXEKXTpm8VmybCF9gzX_KwNJDOg2V0FR/s1600/Going+to+church.jpg" /></a>It is of my opinion that the American church has been 'suffering' a time of prosperity. A time where we could get comfortable and complacent in our pursuit of God - which He has amply supplied us with grace to pursue. We allow ourselves to become distracted by the world, to covet the things of the world. To actively pursue the things of the world, and yet, at the same time, allow our passion for Christ to be sidelined and placed and secondary (or even tertiary) to our heart.<br />
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I PLACE MYSELF IN THIS CATEGORY AS WELL!!!</div>
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<span class="footnote"><span style="color: cyan;">For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good.<span class="verse-num" id="v45007017-1"> </span>So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.<span class="verse-num" id="v45007020-1"> </span>Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!</span> (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Romans+7/" target="_blank">Romans 7:14-25a</a>, <a href="http://www.esv.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a>)</span></blockquote>
<span class="footnote">We allow ourselves to become callous to the very things that put Christ on the cross in the first place! And then, when we may perceive a possibly questionable act by others, we are told to "Judge not, lest you be judged!" We become timid, and afraid to speak in love and truth into our friend's and/or neighbor's lives. Is it even possible to discuss such things anymore?</span></div>
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<span class="woc">“<span style="color: #ea9999;">Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; </span></span><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span class="woc">give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put <a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps79.12%3BIs65.6-7/" title="Ps. 79:12; Isa. 65:6, 7"></a>into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” </span></span><span class="woc"><span style="color: #ea9999;">He also told them a parable: <span class="woc">“Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?</span> <span class="woc">A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. </span><span class="woc">Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?</span> </span><span class="woc"><span style="color: #ea9999;">How
can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that
is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your
own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then
you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's
eye.</span>"</span> (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Luke+6/" target="_blank">Luke 6:37-38</a>, <a href="http://www.esv.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a>)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpvVOG28t0vl9MsugZzNgQ9EgDyb87SWJbTMHm1A6qzqQZ6aaU86Yc2W1UrkZUs0m1ejGpXFF6IEFrCgNYLwgtavRKWXqLYFTN5wauDdGHxPjfXERANHVBPLTTl0O_woD88cF/s1600/CJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpvVOG28t0vl9MsugZzNgQ9EgDyb87SWJbTMHm1A6qzqQZ6aaU86Yc2W1UrkZUs0m1ejGpXFF6IEFrCgNYLwgtavRKWXqLYFTN5wauDdGHxPjfXERANHVBPLTTl0O_woD88cF/s1600/CJ.jpg" /></a><span class="woc">I say it is. But how? For one thing, we can NEVER consider ourselves better than someone else. For another, it is NOT our place to judge the person we seek to help. Only God will be the judge. We also have to allow for the Holy Spirit to move in grace and love. It is entirely possible that what you are seeing as a sinful action, may not even be on the person's "radar". Why? because God is working on other things in that person's life at the time, or they have become spiritually blind to it. Don't allow it to become a source of division, but, if the person receives the word, than try and help as best you can, if it is not time, or the person does not want to receive the word, then back off. Ultimately it is <i><u><b>NOT</b></u></i> we who affect the change in other people. All of us, myself included, are only changed when the self works in concert with the Holy Spirit. Until we stand before the Throne of the Father of heaven and earth, and we hear "Well done", we are going to be dealing with the stain of sin in everything that we do on a daily basis. Like a pinch of leaven permeates the entire batch of dough, so does sin infest our very flesh. It will only be completely removed when the Fathers gives us our new clothes, and our new bodies, will it be dealt within in finality.</span></div>
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<span class="woc">For some time, God has brought people in to my life. People in deep pain. People only just seeing the sin in themselves, and in others. Each time i have prayed for the Holy Spirit to speak truth through me, and that it not be me or my opinions that is heard. I have encouraged women to leave abusive relationships. I have told men to swallow their pride and be the man of their house that they needed to be. I have mostly listened. Some crazy life situations, and those that are seeking do not want just pat answers and glib statements. They want to know that you hear them, that you see, in some small degree, that you know or understand. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxEnjDgzVQSNcgCoVTPxq6LmWbBtH5JMYcg0RX2DaJUpFoCgrt3cHvSkLdTTvk_dnATx2g9D8KX_Tw7i7Y86eo7PZScqlc1d6dPvOJsGjsmS-xWJMu22UgTY-MPOj07zZ1Ozx/s1600/Prayed+about+it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxEnjDgzVQSNcgCoVTPxq6LmWbBtH5JMYcg0RX2DaJUpFoCgrt3cHvSkLdTTvk_dnATx2g9D8KX_Tw7i7Y86eo7PZScqlc1d6dPvOJsGjsmS-xWJMu22UgTY-MPOj07zZ1Ozx/s1600/Prayed+about+it.jpg" /></a>I am VERY aware of the Word of God where it talks about divorce being a sin except in the case of infidelity, but i also honestly believe that God would not just patently condemn someone for leaving a person who is abusive either physically or mentally. Christ took the time to reach out and touch the leper, to talk to the woman who had five husbands - AND was living with a 6th man, who was she was not married to. Christ knew this BEFORE he spoke to her. The woman that was to be stoned by the crowd - he did not condemn. Example, after example, of those who are struggling and hurting IN their sin, Christ spoke to them about the love of the Father. He repeatedly would reach out to them, preach to them, heal them, never condemning them where they found themselves in sin, and always telling them to "go and sin no more" (which all of us who walk with Christ daily know, is neigh impossible, as i expounded upon above).</span></div>
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<span class="woc"><br /></span>
<span class="woc">That is not to say that what they, or i, was doing, wasn't sinful and SHOULD be stopped.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiljok7NkEVPXbpSAVFl71mwPANdPHVDQyZyK2Ls7lIVR4dP_0-CVRzBEOUAQgMvCoz460O1Wmrcy-RXMYygAvD_sE-LIMqRD-a2c_-UU3L3vBEaIVCQKlnxXhFSQgwxssDA8/s1600/In+Christ+alone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiljok7NkEVPXbpSAVFl71mwPANdPHVDQyZyK2Ls7lIVR4dP_0-CVRzBEOUAQgMvCoz460O1Wmrcy-RXMYygAvD_sE-LIMqRD-a2c_-UU3L3vBEaIVCQKlnxXhFSQgwxssDA8/s1600/In+Christ+alone.jpg" /></a>We must each walk out our sanctification with the Lord on a daily basis, but always know, that when you are ready to turn to Him, he is ready to receive and forgive you. Just like the thief upon the cross, right next to Jesus, began the day, taunting and hurling insults at Jesus, near the end asked that Jesus to remember him when Jesus entered in to His kingdom, and right then Jesus said to that man, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43, ESV) No one has the power to save, or condemn, but God. It is only our duty as His followers, to convey the message as it has been revealed to us, and then allow it to be received, or rejected. I say all of this and want to punctuate one thing - that does NOT mean everyone goes to heaven. The Bible is clear, human-beings are sinners, in need of saving grave, and NOT everyone who thinks they are Christians will be saved. The following, is in the very same chapter where it says "Judge not..."!</span><br />
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<span class="woc">“<span style="color: #ea9999;">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.</span></span><span style="color: #ea9999;"> <span class="woc">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?’</span> </span><span class="woc"><span style="color: #ea9999;">And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.</span>" (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Matthew+7/" target="_blank">Matthew 7:21-23</a>, <a href="http://www.esv.org/" target="_blank">ESV</a>)</span></div>
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<span class="woc">I started out this blog conveying a deep concern for the health of the American church, and i ended it with my thoughts regarding grace and salvation. While they may not seem to correlate on the surface, i am trying to say they are one and the same. Be faithful with the Word of God. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUwSgv20oYarZGTWHgQmE2gx1iNEMhxhToqDkBdNsdXup3X9PdLkl_HGebqW1bmxXuFo1whuU-lH5GMTl33TsEItozLHucGIsIBHyGjrtUshMOn-n8h07Ltq_SCSDQFZ_RCYe/s1600/God+is+most+satisfied.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUwSgv20oYarZGTWHgQmE2gx1iNEMhxhToqDkBdNsdXup3X9PdLkl_HGebqW1bmxXuFo1whuU-lH5GMTl33TsEItozLHucGIsIBHyGjrtUshMOn-n8h07Ltq_SCSDQFZ_RCYe/s1600/God+is+most+satisfied.jpg" /></a>Be willing to speak out in truth and love, but also be aware that the Holy Spirit, and the person(s) you are speaking to, will not always receive what you have to say. Only God can change a mind, change a community, change a region, a state, a nation. Israel has walked with God some six thousand years, and even today the "Nation of Israel" does not have a place to call their home in peace. Why? Because their home is not of this world, and neither is the Christian's. Like the Samaritan woman who "ate the scraps off the floor from the Master's table" (ref: <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Matthew+15/" target="_blank">Matthew 15:26-28</a>), we can leave the progress of people, and of nations, to the Lord. We just need to tend to the troubles of today.</span>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.esv.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWw5kgLM58uPt0Q6LldlkgnmGh90kjFFk_8vEhckkajmJ3Rh8nMMP37B1omG4dkRn6tFT1EYisZl6oufLD5OyVPyLJv4GeNDhbqvq4xKH2TPr9ciZHlipwZHyakPde6COKzaN/s320/Katana+signoff.jpg" tt="true" /></a></span></div>
<br />samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-17284787054141077692013-05-01T19:00:00.000-05:002013-05-01T19:00:01.169-05:00Space: Above and beyond (nothing to do with the old TV series)<div style="text-align: justify;">
OK - it's been a bizallion seconds, OK... slight exaggeration, but a long, long time, since i last blogged. I have no excuses. No really good explanations either. In any event, when presented with writer's block, the best method to break through it, is to just get typing, so... here i go.</div>
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"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. <span class="verse-num inline" id="v19139014-1"></span>I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.<span class="footnote"> </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps72.18/" title="See Ps. 72:18"></a>Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. <a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jb10.8-10%3BEc11.5/" title="[Job 10:8-10; Eccles. 11:5]"></a>My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in <a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps63.9/" title="Ps. 63:9"></a>the depths of the earth. <span class="verse-num inline" id="v19139016-1"></span>Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your <a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps56.8/" title="Ps. 56:8"></a>book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Psalm+139/" target="_blank">Psalm 139:13-16</a>, <a href="http://www.crossway.org/bibles/choose/" target="_blank">ESV</a>)</div>
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I have struggled in the past, at least a little bit, in regards to my struggles with ADD and possibly HFA, but recently my beloved implored me to go see a Neurologist. It took her almost a year and a half to get through to me but she finally did this past month or so. I mean, possible HFA, ADD, and dealing with depression, you want to add more 'mental' problems on top too?!?</div>
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Technically this was a follow up to a sleep study i had in 2009. Of course it was discovered that i had sleep apnea, apparently i completely stop breathing up to thirty times a night. Well, in addition to the apnea, it was discovered that i suffer from narcoleptic seizures. This freaked me out to hear. It messed with me enough that after the required follow up with a Neurologist - who was not all that great - so, when she didn't find anything out of the ordinary, i didn't really question it further. I was forthright, but not aggressive in my pursuit of learning more. Well, three years on now, and some really poor nights of sleep, my beloved had me pursue a follow up with different Neurologist. This meeting was much better. The new doctor actually interviewed me. He listened to what i had to say, and actually asked several more questions. I also learned that the first MRI i had three years ago showed a small "mass" in the frontal lobe. That was news to me!</div>
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Since then i have had another MRI, and i am scheduled for an EEG in a week or so. When i was young, i had several EEG tests due to having Post Trauma Epilepsy, and then a follow up appointment in early June. Well... dear reader, now you know that i am even a bigger freak than i had first let on.</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.esv.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWw5kgLM58uPt0Q6LldlkgnmGh90kjFFk_8vEhckkajmJ3Rh8nMMP37B1omG4dkRn6tFT1EYisZl6oufLD5OyVPyLJv4GeNDhbqvq4xKH2TPr9ciZHlipwZHyakPde6COKzaN/s320/Katana+signoff.jpg" tt="true" /></a></span></div>
<br />samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-66130065765845143652013-01-09T20:00:00.000-05:002013-01-09T20:00:03.769-05:00The Wolverine - coming to grips with oneself<div style="text-align: justify;">
When i was younger i was fascinated by Super Heroes. I mean, who wouldn't be right?!? A being that looks like any other human, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjjVgRqpkWl4nGocjIobmg3sfj37WN26gFnRd_ZOs6DiUpjH40YVz4PlX4y0mAwMrPjyD4kvy53wFQVBYMB6bsihSUxloUWlQwfYPc4tYbAtdPIm5NP0MVQygektaW86AvbbU/s1600/Angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjjVgRqpkWl4nGocjIobmg3sfj37WN26gFnRd_ZOs6DiUpjH40YVz4PlX4y0mAwMrPjyD4kvy53wFQVBYMB6bsihSUxloUWlQwfYPc4tYbAtdPIm5NP0MVQygektaW86AvbbU/s1600/Angel.jpg" /></a>that is able to fly, or teleport, or shoot laser beams out of his eyes, or stretch to incredible lengths, or control the weather, etc. How awesome would that be! They always stopped the bad guys, and always made sure justice prevailed. I know it is trendy today for young adults, and even more... mature people, such as myself, to appreciate the comic genre, but it really has been a life long interest for me; although, i never did dive very deep into the various <a href="http://marvel.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marvel</a> or <a href="http://www.dccomics.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DC</a> universes. To be honest, i just couldn't afford to keep up with even a single title, let alone dozens. Especially when the story lines 'crossover' between the various titles. </div>
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The first superheroes i remember where Superman and the Flash. I was first introduced to them a neighborhood <a href="http://www.7-eleven.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">7-Eleven</a> (comics and <a href="http://www.7-eleven.com/Drinks/Cold/Slurpee/Default.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slurpees</a>). It was a storyline where they raced each other, can't remember who won now though. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjhQRjDbJ-eZDow_XsL1Kgu1SmtNEusHQne5BG7URLPB2W4CRYOCsbLgj6d0H-vFj-rhLtsQF7w0wTW8AMd_HQ2fJHscUiBX0o1W4spMv3aa1hw1njTrpxrs2vuELLL-fzGkz/s1600/Nightcrawler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjhQRjDbJ-eZDow_XsL1Kgu1SmtNEusHQne5BG7URLPB2W4CRYOCsbLgj6d0H-vFj-rhLtsQF7w0wTW8AMd_HQ2fJHscUiBX0o1W4spMv3aa1hw1njTrpxrs2vuELLL-fzGkz/s1600/Nightcrawler.jpg" /></a>There was then a huge gap from then (i was about seven or eight) until i was in my mid teens (about fifteen). I was given an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-Men" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">X-Men</a> comic. I don't remember the story, but i remember <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Worthington_III" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Angel</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclops_%28comics%29" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cyclops</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Grey" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Phoenix</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professor_X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Professor-X</a>. I also remember <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolverine_%28character%29" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wolverine</a>. I was immediately drawn to Angel and Cyclops. I had always wanted to fly, and since i have worn glasses for as long as i can remember, that power beam shooting out of Cyclops' eyes was awesome to me. From then on i went as often as i could, and especially when i was able to scrounge together the money to actually buy a comic book or two. While i still really liked Scott Summers, Angel wore off, and i began to like some of the others, like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storm_%28Marvel_Comics%29" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Storm </a>and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitty_Pryde" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kitty Pride</a>. At first i was indifferent, but slowly the character Wolverine really began to 'speak to me'.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2t1VJb3xbs_mbmN5SOg9jpGohEGmHr4DWXFIbKGLzulmvxlCgsWc7wGgDrX0Ijyvc2zvNYCAKFWS9yhU9gbBSeHaH1DvUW6uDvlOyFGCHuBkUUvWXalQuHs6XB8VQ3Wrsisc/s1600/Wolverine+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2t1VJb3xbs_mbmN5SOg9jpGohEGmHr4DWXFIbKGLzulmvxlCgsWc7wGgDrX0Ijyvc2zvNYCAKFWS9yhU9gbBSeHaH1DvUW6uDvlOyFGCHuBkUUvWXalQuHs6XB8VQ3Wrsisc/s1600/Wolverine+1.jpg" /></a>When i first saw him in the comic, his rough demeanor, and his hesitation to become a willing member of the team, grated against my own desires in life. I wanted to be around nice people, and be a part of something larger. Unfortunately, i was really a lot more like him than i wanted to admit. Often the other kids around me were not to my liking. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCy7pL3hZ-OyE0FznpboxUNNumhQS7AugpY7tajdOvVFjd9DcqXBTy16lCDZA89cuIgNTd7qcCfuRjUfjUtV2W5mAUVeDx8nK4-MxBeyKEktbGrWdbilwTfZhy5koGPAYgOay1/s1600/Wolverine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCy7pL3hZ-OyE0FznpboxUNNumhQS7AugpY7tajdOvVFjd9DcqXBTy16lCDZA89cuIgNTd7qcCfuRjUfjUtV2W5mAUVeDx8nK4-MxBeyKEktbGrWdbilwTfZhy5koGPAYgOay1/s1600/Wolverine.jpg" /></a>Either they picked on me, or they did not think and act like i did - and that weirded me out. So, even though i didn't want to believe it, my life really was somewhat parallel to Logan's. I struggled with my own rage, my own struggle to find out who i really was. I know some may say that these next recollections are more akin to wanting to look back and see what i am seeing, but this is really how i was. Two instances readily come to mind.</div>
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The first one was when we were playing a game called 'Maul Ball'. Basically it is a gang-up game where everyone who does not have the ball (be it a dodge, basket, or football) tries to tackle - aka 'maul' - the one who does. In this case, it was a small game, maybe only four to seven players. I had the ball and was doing a decent job of keeping away from those who wanted to 'maul' me, when out of the corner of my eye i see my brother just get leveled. I have no idea why it happened, but i no didn't care. I dropped the ball and charged head long at this kid, who was about my size, but out weighed me by a good twenty pounds or more (i was a thin stick of a kid, it took me until i was thirteen to break 100 pounds). He never saw me coming. Picture an NFL receiver going across the middle who gets decked by a Free Safety. I laid him out, and proceeded to stand over him, challenging him to get up. Which, from what i remember, didn't happen (him getting up to challenge me).</div>
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The next one was when friends of mine and i were practicing a game called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagorhir" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dagorhir</a>. It is in essence, a medieval reenactment group, with a fantasy element to it. Now, these were long time friends, guys i ate lunch with everyday, played Dungeons & Dragons with - everyday. I liked these guys. Well, i did something to really irritate a friend who i will call "Tynie", and he let me know it. I wasn't having it though. Things got heated and he threatened to shove my cushioned sword down my throat. That was it, i told him to come down from the stoop he was standing on, and try it. He took one step towards me and laid in to him. A single punch to his nose, and down he went. In my anger i shattered his nose in five places, and cracked it in three others.</div>
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While typing those two examples, quite a few others came to mind. I am not proud of any of them. I only share them to try and illustrate that i had a side to me that no longer cared about my own well being, that no longer cared about those around me. My world became so focused on the point of my rage that i was going to commit whatever act of aggression that i had on my mind at the time, come hell or high water. I am very glad to say that i am no longer this disconnected with the real world. For one thing... i never had Wolverine's incredible regenerative ability. The other, i really don't have his skills either. There was a very real danger that my actions would attempt to 'cash checks' that my body just would not be able to support. </div>
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Even as my mind was slowly awakened to the real world consequences around me, i found myself more and more drawn to the Wolverine character. As the writers and artists and Marvel slowly fleshed out his storyline, i liked him even more. With his sense of honor and martial prowess... it's weird - most likely - but, in a lot of ways he is a 'hero' to me. A fictional one, but one nonetheless. I liked what i saw in him, and i wanted to be him.</div>
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Well - it's been many a year since i last bought a true comic book. They've gotten even more expensive and i can afford them even less now. I have bought the occasional graphic novel - which is usually nothing more than a handful of issues compressed in to one volume, and the adverts removed. Which is much more preferred by me actually.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ezZqKdQFAQSeTxpJ4cb42KVQBAHYrMZvqv-_SPzrMW2TOnOQuJwLOXL5Irg2nDzDBU939R0sSu3ME9w3cp6LaNcVaiIT_lkXVHvloazNoXeYEZkm8CJcgdR4ZrVXajYQrVzR/s1600/Wolverine_Rooftop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ezZqKdQFAQSeTxpJ4cb42KVQBAHYrMZvqv-_SPzrMW2TOnOQuJwLOXL5Irg2nDzDBU939R0sSu3ME9w3cp6LaNcVaiIT_lkXVHvloazNoXeYEZkm8CJcgdR4ZrVXajYQrVzR/s320/Wolverine_Rooftop.jpg" width="108" /></a>In the end, and this irks me to admit this, but Wolverine has been my overall favorite comic book character. It irks me because he is arguably the most liked Marvel character. I can't speak as to why other people like Logan, but for me it came down to all of the things i saw in him, that i also discovered in myself. I saw a man who felt lost in the world he was compelled to live in. I saw a man who struggled to know himself, a man who didn't think himself worthy to live among those with such ideals (his fellow X-Men), and yet he had a sense of duty to those very same people. He thought of himself more of an animal than a man, a creature who struggled to contain his own rage and was a threat to those closest to him, this is why he always kept others at arms distance. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetKTff02tZW6_rlr8ZNcOEACpJCUtGGGxL2Y55WTCBSJEY8f7U8H2cY1gLEQMgR6diWbJTJyy_SEKc8t09qUUKy80KItq-fRIyBA-UzvfX8Loo0_TfNZL0D7kcCXJQaCKlpij/s1600/Bowing+Samurai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetKTff02tZW6_rlr8ZNcOEACpJCUtGGGxL2Y55WTCBSJEY8f7U8H2cY1gLEQMgR6diWbJTJyy_SEKc8t09qUUKy80KItq-fRIyBA-UzvfX8Loo0_TfNZL0D7kcCXJQaCKlpij/s1600/Bowing+Samurai.jpg" /></a>When he met <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariko_Yashida" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mariko</a> and learned of honor and the ways of the samurai, he learned how to control the rage within, and a means of an outlet when needed. He found a purpose, a way to live his life if you will. For me i never did find a purpose within the way of Bushido, not completely. For me, my true purpose was only felt when i finally gave in to my Master's call, the Lord Jesus Christ. In that way we were different... well that, and the fact he was a completely fictional character.</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.esv.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWw5kgLM58uPt0Q6LldlkgnmGh90kjFFk_8vEhckkajmJ3Rh8nMMP37B1omG4dkRn6tFT1EYisZl6oufLD5OyVPyLJv4GeNDhbqvq4xKH2TPr9ciZHlipwZHyakPde6COKzaN/s320/Katana+signoff.jpg" tt="true" /></a></span></div>
<br />samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20618444.post-25344416047751406132012-12-27T19:00:00.000-05:002012-12-27T19:00:10.521-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
For those who are anti-religion, i am about to lose you. If my faith offends you, there is not much i can do about it, but i ask that you give this blog entry a chance.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher,<br />
vanity of vanities! All is vanity.<br />
What does man gain by all the toil<br />
at which he toils under the sun?<br />
A generation goes, and a generation comes,<br />
but the earth remains forever.<br />
The sun rises, and the sun goes down,<br />
and hastens to the place where it rises.<br />
The wind blows to the south<br />
and goes around to the north;<br />
around and around goes the wind,<br />
and on its circuits the wind returns.<br />
All streams run to the sea,<br />
but the sea is not full;<br />
to the place where the streams flow,<br />
there they flow again.<br />
All things are full of weariness;<br />
a man cannot utter it;<br />
the eye is not satisfied with seeing,<br />
nor the ear filled with hearing.<br />
What has been is what will be,<br />
and what has been done is what will be done,<br />
and there is nothing new under the sun.<br />
Is there a thing of which it is said,<br />
“See, this is new”?<br />
It has been already<br />
in the ages before us.<br />
There is no remembrance of former things,<br />
nor will there be any remembrance<br />
of later things yet to be<br />
among those who come after.<br />
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(<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ecclesiastes+1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ecclesiastes 1:2-11</a> <a href="http://www.esv.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ESV</a>)</blockquote>
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This blog post was actually started in rough draft form several weeks before <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Newtown+CT+Sandy+Hook+Elementary+School" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the tragedy that took place in Newtown, CT on Friday</a>. I have been concerned with a tendency to over legislate ourselves here in America. When things are not working out our legislators pass some law, hoping to curb whatever behavior that has caused the issue. There are times that something comes up that that needs some additional guidance and a new law should be passed, but i feel we over compensate. Granted, lawyers often search out the most miniscule detail and will exploit it for the gain of whoever their clients are. They rarely concern themselves with "intent" of the law, etc. This is what propagates new laws being on the books to correct previous omissions, etc. The problem is, you can not legislate moral behavior.</div>
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We have all encountered the layman lawyer. The person who always knows the answer, who always knows the 'truth'. We also know a person (probably more than one) who feels that it <fill blank="blank" in="in" the="the">is only illegal if they get caught. More restrictions on the purchase of firearms may help, but i feel where we are failing as a society is that we are not teaching our children. We have lost the right and wrong mentality, but too often it is not backed up with consequences. </fill></div>
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I have no idea, yet, of what Adam Lanza's mind was like. I don't know if he had mental issues, or what set him off, but i do know that Connecticut has some of the most stricter laws in regards to gun ownership - and - he didn't own them. He killed his own mother and stole them from her. Now the call for more gun laws are being shouted even louder.</div>
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I am sorry, but more laws will not fix these sorts of problems. Man is the Apex predator on the planet. He is set apart, not only by opposable thumbs, but a brain that can work things out. Some better than others, but basic problem solving is wired into every human's brain, and within that problem solving it includes how to get around boundaries and obstacles... such as rules. A child does not need to be taught how to lie, or covet, or even steal. Granted, not EVERY child does ALL of these things, but they do at least some of them - and i am willing to bet that if the first child thought they could get away with it without any consequences, they would do all of them at some point. Timothy McVeigh didn't use a gun, he used diesel fuel and fertilizer. On the very same day as the gun attack in Connecticut a man wielding a knife in China <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/14/world/asia/china-knife-attack/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">attacked kids in a school there</a>. </div>
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I am going to be honest here. I have no crystal ball here. I have ideas of what might work, and what might not. I will not proclaim to be as sure as many who shout out in the media - from both sides. One thing i do know for sure, the issue lies at the heart of the perpetrator. It is impossible to legislate morality. For decades now there has been an eroding of Judeo Christian values within the United States and the world. Now, i will be among the first to say that us white - Anglo Saxon - protestants AND Catholics have not been the most inclusive, understanding, gracious, representatives of the God we proclaim to follow (the Crusades and Inquisition immediately come to mind, as well as other more recent historical examples), but we are being told a fallacy. That man is a basically moral creature. That we have developed these moral senses of right and wrong as we became more civilized. To this i say - hogwash. Just look at any country where law and order break down. One could even take a deeper look at any social dynamic, even within a body of church goers, to see that selfishness and envy and anger are constant struggles. It's not matter of what laws are in place to keep these things from 'exploding', it comes down to a matter of teaching what is right and wrong and how to deal with such issues - BEFORE - it gets out of hand. One cannot teach that right and wrong is a matter of perspective without expecting a conflict to eventually arise.</div>
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<br />samuraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.com0