20080910
Ramblings yet again (from yesterday)
Not sure what to post about...
I had to take my home computer into the shop last night. For sometime the graphics card has been coming less and less compatible with the games my kids like to play. Games they once were able to play - like Lego Chess - no longer work. Then there are the two CD R/W drives that will no longer open, and it could use a good cleaning as well. So finally it takes the in-laws coming into town next month to push me to get it fixed. After all, Jidda's gift from last year just has to work! ;-)
That brings up some "honey-do" items as well. I have to paint the stairway and the ceiling where we had to fix a drainage problem in one of the upstairs tubs. I am slowly running out of time. I will either run out of time to fix them normally or I will run out of time to sleep. ;-)
I have recently "rediscovered" 'celtic rock'. I am leary of this style of music because of the affinity it receives from various groups. Particularly 'pagans' and some 'humanists', but the instrumental pieces are what I enjoy the most. Flutes, violins, mandolins, harpsichords, etc. Not sure why, but I like these kinds of instruments.
One last thing before I run out of time today. Man that was a sweet win by the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. There are still 15 more games to be played, but it's nice to savor such a victory for a week.
20080908
Music Monday - 20080908
Wow, is it Monday already? So many things running through my mind. The Panther's victory yesterday, i just found out about a Tron sequel (apparently titled Tr2n). But no, today is "Music Monday", and i have a desire to share some worship! :)
Verse for today:
Romans 15 : 8-13, ESV
For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
You are Holy
Michael W Smith
from the Worship Again album
You are holy, You are mighty
You are worthy, worthy of praise
I will follow, I will listen
I will love You all of my days
I will sing too and worship (You are Lord of Lords, You are King of Kings ) The King who is worthy (You are Mighty God, Lord of everything ) I will love and adore Him (You're Emmanuel, You're the Great I Am ) And I will bow down before Him (You're the Prince of Peace, who is the Lamb )
And I will sing too and worship (You're my saving grace) The King who is worthy (You will reign forever, You are ancient of days) And I will love and adore Him (You're the Alpha, Omega, beginning and end) And I will bow down before Him (You're my Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and Friend) You're my Prince of Peace and I will live my life for You
You are holy, You are mighty You are worthy, worthy of praise I will follow, I will listen I will love You all of my days
I will sing too and worship (You are Lord of Lords, You are King of Kings ) The King who is worthy (You are Mighty God, Lord of everything ) I will love and adore Him (You're Emmanuel, You're the Great I Am ) And I will bow down before Him (You're the Prince of Peace, who is the Lamb )
And I will sing too and worship (You're my saving grace) The King who is worthy (You will reign forever, You are ancient of days) And I will love and adore Him (You're the Alpha, Omega, beginning and end) And I will bow down before Him (You're my Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and Friend) You're my Prince of Peace and I will live my life for You
I will sing too and worship (You are Lord of Lords, You are King of Kings ) The King who is worthy (You are Mighty God, Lord of everything ) I will love and adore Him (You're Emmanuel, You're the Great I Am ) And I will bow down before Him (You're the Prince of Peace, who is the Lamb )
And I will sing too and worship
(You're my saving grace)
The King who is worthy
(You will reign forever, You are ancient of days)
And I will love and adore Him
(You're the Alpha, Omega, beginning and end)
And I will bow down before Him
(You're my Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and Friend)
You're my Prince of Peace and I will live my life for You
You're my Prince of Peace and I will live my life for You
Every time i hear this song i am filled with an urge to find a secluded space and immediately worship my Lord. Mr. Smith has been able to help me into a worship mindset like very few others. I know our worship of Christ is not supposed to be based on how we feel, but there is something felt when we are truly worshiping God.
What an awesome thing to think about. No matter how we feel, by the blood soaked grace of God, we are able to enter in and worship. That in and of itself prompts me to praise God.
Verse for today:
Romans 15 : 8-13, ESV
For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.”
And again it is said,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”
And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.”
And again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
20080905
Football and/or Fallout Fridays
Finally we have football games back on the air! \o/ But i didn't watch the game last night... Why you may ask? Primetime at the US Open. :) Man Roddick looked BAD last night. He just can't get the angles. It's almost likes he relies upon his incredible serve (he holds the world record at 155mph!). Gjokovich played great and has been steadily improving his game. Fedderer and Nadal need to step up their games as they both look like they are vulnerable. Ok, back to football...
The Panthers finally begin their 2008 season and they are only 9 point underdogs to the San Diego Chargers this Sunday. I won't be able to watch the game since i don't live in the Carolinas, but i plan on following it on my phone as much as possible - as well as whatever game i can get on the TV. We'll see. Speaking of the upcoming season there are a few games i am looking forward to:
14-Sep: The Chicago Bears - this game is sort of a personal rivalry thing. Back when i was called up to active duty my poor Panthers were struggling. They were coming off of their 1-15 season and was working their way through a 7-9 season under first year head coach John Fox. Any way my platoon leader, a die hard Chicago Bears fan, wanted to "make the game interesting". I relucantly agreed when he mentioned sweatshirts. I thought to myself, "how much could that be? $20-$30 at most?" It ended up he wanted to do the NFLshop.com! I gulped when i found out, but i was committed. By the grace of God the Panthers won. I still have the sweatshirt. :) The tradition has continued and i now have a nice hat and 3'x5' flag - all Carolina Panthers gear. :) I think that tradition is due to swing the other way - but this time my friend is serving over seas. Not sure what he might he might want - but I'd be willing to send him something, just to let him know i am still thinking about him.
12-Oct: @ the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - the past several seasons this has really developed into a nice rivalry. Each time both teams bring their very best effort. It is also a division game, and the Panthers tend to wear their 'alternate' uniforms. A dream present for me is an authentic John Kasay jersey. But i hope i never get it in a way... they are incredibly expensive.
19-Oct: The New Orleans Saints - Since Hurricane Katrina, with the exception of the season they played all 16 games on the road, have been playing with a chip on their shoulder. They have also really stepped up and actually performed with more than pride. Even before that though, the two meetings each season between the Panthers and the Saints have been some really good games.
8-Dec: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (ESPN) - for the same reasons above, but to include that this is the only nationally televised game for the Panthers so i will plan on sitting down and watching it.
28-Dec: @ The New Orleans Saints - for the same reasons above, but this is also the game that closes out the regular season. With God's provision this won't be the last game for the Panthers this year, but... we shall see.
I also found a new button for my Facebook flair board:
Sad, i know. LOL
Not too much more to report other than it is still 52 more days until the release of the game. I've also been busy on eBay to try and pick up a few trinkets. All of them are sales like promos done by Bethesda Softworks. 
The first is a CD that i got when i pre-ordered the game from my local Game Stop. The label on the CD and the jacket were both done up to look like an old 45 lp. The songs are not all that great from strictly a music stand point, but are funny and fit the atmosphere of the game. 
The second item i picked up was the 'Vault Dwellers Survival Guide'. This is a tongue in cheek 'guide' for how a person who is used to living under ground all their lives should act in order to survive out in the nuclear wastelands. This was a promotional item available at a computer games convention known as the "Penny Arcade Expo" (or PAX for short). 
The last item i picked up for fun is a 'Nuka Cola bottle opener'. Since I am such a fan of Coke and Dr Pepper (especially in glass bottles for some reason) i thought i would pick this up. I am not sure if it is even usable as an actual bottle opener. All of these things will most likely sit on a shelf somewhere until i die and my kids are going through my personal affects and they say, "what in the world is this", and "what was he thinking"? LOL Still, they are interesting conversation pieces I guess. None of them cost very much, but I am sure I will feel guilty for spending the little bit extra it did cost me.
Two countries, Australia and Germany, have restricted the game in some sense. Australia does not like the 'realistic' depiction of the use of drugs within the game (I totally understand their reservation here). Germany on the other hand has reservations about the graphic depiction of violence within the game (yet another "i get it"). I've considered trying to get the game from Germany but I am not sure. Part of the game is the 'campy over the top' of certain things. One of them is the result of combat within the game. Having said that i have also learned that it is completely possible to play the entire game in 'pacifist' mode. That is you would only have to kill one creature, and that is in the tutorial at the beginning of the game where you are trying to learn the controls of the game.
Verse for today:
Psalm 25 : 1-7, ESV
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
The Panthers finally begin their 2008 season and they are only 9 point underdogs to the San Diego Chargers this Sunday. I won't be able to watch the game since i don't live in the Carolinas, but i plan on following it on my phone as much as possible - as well as whatever game i can get on the TV. We'll see. Speaking of the upcoming season there are a few games i am looking forward to:
14-Sep: The Chicago Bears - this game is sort of a personal rivalry thing. Back when i was called up to active duty my poor Panthers were struggling. They were coming off of their 1-15 season and was working their way through a 7-9 season under first year head coach John Fox. Any way my platoon leader, a die hard Chicago Bears fan, wanted to "make the game interesting". I relucantly agreed when he mentioned sweatshirts. I thought to myself, "how much could that be? $20-$30 at most?" It ended up he wanted to do the NFLshop.com! I gulped when i found out, but i was committed. By the grace of God the Panthers won. I still have the sweatshirt. :) The tradition has continued and i now have a nice hat and 3'x5' flag - all Carolina Panthers gear. :) I think that tradition is due to swing the other way - but this time my friend is serving over seas. Not sure what he might he might want - but I'd be willing to send him something, just to let him know i am still thinking about him.
12-Oct: @ the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - the past several seasons this has really developed into a nice rivalry. Each time both teams bring their very best effort. It is also a division game, and the Panthers tend to wear their 'alternate' uniforms. A dream present for me is an authentic John Kasay jersey. But i hope i never get it in a way... they are incredibly expensive.
19-Oct: The New Orleans Saints - Since Hurricane Katrina, with the exception of the season they played all 16 games on the road, have been playing with a chip on their shoulder. They have also really stepped up and actually performed with more than pride. Even before that though, the two meetings each season between the Panthers and the Saints have been some really good games.
8-Dec: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (ESPN) - for the same reasons above, but to include that this is the only nationally televised game for the Panthers so i will plan on sitting down and watching it.
28-Dec: @ The New Orleans Saints - for the same reasons above, but this is also the game that closes out the regular season. With God's provision this won't be the last game for the Panthers this year, but... we shall see.
I also found a new button for my Facebook flair board:
Sad, i know. LOL
Not too much more to report other than it is still 52 more days until the release of the game. I've also been busy on eBay to try and pick up a few trinkets. All of them are sales like promos done by Bethesda Softworks. 
The first is a CD that i got when i pre-ordered the game from my local Game Stop. The label on the CD and the jacket were both done up to look like an old 45 lp. The songs are not all that great from strictly a music stand point, but are funny and fit the atmosphere of the game. 
The second item i picked up was the 'Vault Dwellers Survival Guide'. This is a tongue in cheek 'guide' for how a person who is used to living under ground all their lives should act in order to survive out in the nuclear wastelands. This was a promotional item available at a computer games convention known as the "Penny Arcade Expo" (or PAX for short). 
The last item i picked up for fun is a 'Nuka Cola bottle opener'. Since I am such a fan of Coke and Dr Pepper (especially in glass bottles for some reason) i thought i would pick this up. I am not sure if it is even usable as an actual bottle opener. All of these things will most likely sit on a shelf somewhere until i die and my kids are going through my personal affects and they say, "what in the world is this", and "what was he thinking"? LOL Still, they are interesting conversation pieces I guess. None of them cost very much, but I am sure I will feel guilty for spending the little bit extra it did cost me.
Two countries, Australia and Germany, have restricted the game in some sense. Australia does not like the 'realistic' depiction of the use of drugs within the game (I totally understand their reservation here). Germany on the other hand has reservations about the graphic depiction of violence within the game (yet another "i get it"). I've considered trying to get the game from Germany but I am not sure. Part of the game is the 'campy over the top' of certain things. One of them is the result of combat within the game. Having said that i have also learned that it is completely possible to play the entire game in 'pacifist' mode. That is you would only have to kill one creature, and that is in the tutorial at the beginning of the game where you are trying to learn the controls of the game.
Verse for today:
Psalm 25 : 1-7, ESV
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!
20080904
Around and around we go...
The past few hours have been pretty swirly. So much so that i am not sure what to write about.
Yesterday afternoon "Gunny" asked me why I chose the name for my blog (well, not just me. But i was one of the people he asked). It took me a little while to remember... lol. Anyway, i posted about it yesterday.
Over on Facebook a fellow soldier posted some videos of our last AT together. I don't have a copy of them, nor do i know how to upload them from my PC (yet), but i am thinking if i learn how quick i will share one or two here.
Tonight is finally the kick off for the 2008 NFL season. I know it's only the Redskins and Giants, but it is Football baby, and it is being played on National television.
20080903
Why "Samurai's Dojo"?
I chose the title 'Samurai's Dojo' because i like to view myself as someone who is similar to a samurai in the pursuit of service to his lord. Just in my case, my Lord is Jesus Christ.
The reference to a 'dojo' is that it refers to it being a place where i work out the things i am trying to learn. Websters defines 'dojo' as, "a school or practice hall where karate, judo, or other martial arts are taught." God's word is referred to as being "sharper than any katana "(Hebrews 4:12). On my blog i seek to apply God's Word to both my life and my observation of the environment in which God has me.
Although i do not always blog about 'spiritual' things, i do always try to work out my faith and help myself learn more about what God may be showing me. I blog publicly mostly because i want to invite others to share and help me learn and perhaps, by God's grace, help others grow as well.
It was a new day yesterday, but by God it is an old day now
It is amazing how fast time seems to fly, and the older you get the faster it flies. I used to think that it was just because i had children and my life was busier, but nope! Those who have children grown and out of the house say it is just as fast, if not faster for them now! 8/ bummer
After missing four consecutive days at the gym over the weekend it was really hard to force myself up and out of bed both yesterday and today. I missed Friday because of the tooth i blogged about last week, and the first day of our yard sale. That set me behind, so i planned on making sure i got to the gym on Monday. God must chuckle when we think we have things all planned out. Sunday morning my beloved woke up with some severe pain in her lower abdomen and back. "Worse than child birth", she said. 8/ Wow... fast forward to Sunday night and we are in the ER. She has a kidney stone. Ouch! So despite having a few extra hours of awake time the past few days it still feels like they are flying by - even though my tail is draggin' in the dirt so far this week. :) I did, however, make it both yesterday and today, and today is our first weigh in at my work for our very own "Biggest Loser" contest. My first weigh in was: 205.8 lbs with a BMI of 31.40. :( When i got married i weighed a mere 165lbs - so it is obviously all my beloved's fault! ;) Seriously though, i am trying to control my eating habits and portion control. Soda Pop is like liquid crack for me. Especially Dr Pepper. I am already feeling a little better just having been going to the gym for about four weeks now. When they asked me what my goals where and i told them my short term goal was to just make getting to the gym a habbit. After that we can discuss the longer term goals.
I had more to write about, but it has flown away and a shiny object has taken its place. :) Before i sign off i do want to want to say that my title for today comes from a Jethro Tull song. I pray for this man (Ian Anderson) and his group. I am not sure he would like that, but I like his music and feel it is a good thing.
Verse for today:
Luke 9 : 57-62, ESV
As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus [7] said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
I had more to write about, but it has flown away and a shiny object has taken its place. :) Before i sign off i do want to want to say that my title for today comes from a Jethro Tull song. I pray for this man (Ian Anderson) and his group. I am not sure he would like that, but I like his music and feel it is a good thing.
Verse for today:
Luke 9 : 57-62, ESV
As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus [7] said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
20080902
Music Monday - 20080902
Ok, i know it's not Monday but i wanted to get this one in this week. The parable of the "Rich Young Ruler" (Luke 18:18-30) has been playing over and over in my mind this past weekend. I know the parable does not reveal an anchor that is only money. The things we hold onto can be hobbies, or possessions, or even relationships. But God has told us that if we are faithful, if we turn from our idols (sins) and turn to Him, and call His name, he will draw us near to Him.
Verse for today:
Matthew 24 : 15-28, ESV
“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.
Call My Name Lyrics
Third Day
Songwriters: Anderson, Tai; Avery, Brad; Carr, David; Lee, Mark D; Powell, Mac
It's been so long since
You felt like you were loved
So what went wrong
But do you know
There's a place where you belong
Here in My Arms
Chorus:
When you feel like you're alone in your sadness
It seems like no one else in this whole world cares
And you want to get away from the madness
You just call My name and I'll be there
"Call My Name"
You just call My name and I'll be there
The pain inside
Has erased your hope for love
Soon you will find
That I'll give you all
That your heart could ever want
And so much more
Chorus:
When you feel like you're alone in your sadness
It seems like no one else in this whole world cares
And you want to get away from the madness
You just call My name and I'll be there
You just call My name and I'll be there
[these lyrics are found on http://www.songlyrics.com]
You just call My name
You just call My name
Call My name say it now
I want you to never doubt
The love I have for you is so alive
Call My name say it now
I want you to never doubt
The love I have for you is so alive
You just call My name
You just call My name
You just call My name
The love I have for you is so alive
The love I have for you is so alive
You just call My name
You just call My name
You just call My name
© CONSUMING FIRE MUSIC
Are we really willing to leave our father and mother, brother and sister, our homes, our jobs, if God called us to? This morning i was reading in Matthew some things that really kind of caused me to wake up and pay attention (I was having a hard time dragging myself out of the warm covers this morning). If our Lord was to return today would we be willing to drop everything and respond to Him?
I know we have to live our lives right where we are. We need to focus and live our lives and be prepared - but are we allowing ourselves to grow complacent? These questions are more for me today than any sort of challenge to a reader that may happen by.
Verse for today:
Matthew 24 : 15-28, ESV
“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.
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