Catfight

This Sunday will pit my favorite football team, the Carolina Panthers, against the Cincinnati Bengals. A few years ago I might have had a little more confidence in the Panthers chances but the Bengals look fairly impressive the past couple of years. Last yeart hey won the AFC North title, and this year they are doing a good job at repeating that feat. The 'line' favors the Bengals by 3 points, but that is a given amount for homefield advantage. Basically the odds makers are saying that this is a pretty even game. ESPN has pointed out that the receivers for the Bengals, Chad Johnson and Houjzmanzada (I just know I murdered that spelling) have both been big playmakers for the Bengals this year. Julius Peppers will be facing off against a rookie so I am liking that match up. One area I am a little concerned about it the Panther's receivers and Jake Delhomme against the Bengals secondary. I have read that the Bengals have interceptions in each game so far this year. With me having drill this weekend (no I am not retired yet) I will have to follow this game via my cell phone. I am hoping that the Panthers will break the trend of losing the last game of a 3 game run against the AFC (this is the 3rd time in the Panthers history that this has happened). I pray that you all have a wonderful weekend as I will not be back until Monday. Updates: None Verse for today: Revelation 22 : 1-7, esv Then the angel [1] showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life [2] with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants [3] will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Jesus Is Coming And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

The consequenses of poor choices

A co-worker came into work this morning and shared a drive-through story. You know those stories. You just want to grab a quick meal/snack/whatever and then something happens. What you thought should only take a minute or two turns into ten minutes or more. In his story the car in front of him contained two "very large" people and the amount of food they were getting was a lot apparently, "and of course they had a handicaped license plate". Now I am not sharing this story to comment about people buying a lot of food, or how the driver or owner came to be handicapped. What I am commenting on today is how many times am I 'suffering' because of a poor decision I have made? Today I have a pair of bad shoulders and knees. Both are the result of poor choices I made when I was younger. My shoulders are the result of an attempt to lift a pair of very heavy objects into a helicopter one handed (one in each arm). I was full of adrenalin and youthful arrogance. Instead of setting one item down and putting the other in, then getting the next one I attempted this stunt - which did not work anyway. The next day I could not lift my arms abouve about a 25 degree angle! And today I still have trouble with them. My knees are the result of pushing myself in a 2 mile run in Air Assault school. When I went through this school the Army still required the candidates to run the distance in boots. I have never really been a very smooth runner anyway, but in boots there was no shock absorbtion. Both my knees swelled up and I went to the medics. When I was told that if they reported my knee problems I would be going home. Well, there was no way I was going to quit so I popped two asperin every night and elevated my knees with pillows from the guys that had been washed out. Today my knees still ache and it has caused back problems and everything. My point is this... none of us make good choices all of the time. I'm willing to be the sun will not set without us each making at least one bad decision. There may or may not be any consequences to them, but they are all there. Updates: None Verse for today: Romans 3 : 21-26, esv But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Busy Day

Today was pretty crazy. Bossman was down in Reston along with another coworker. It's not too bad but it does add some additional duties. But I made it through the day (so far) without too many knives sticking out of my back. I received the books I ordered from Amazon.com yesterday and will begin diving into the first one tonight. This is going to be a long road and I definetly will need to take my beloved away for a long weekend when this is over. Speaking of which, the first month (well just a little over a half a month now) of my self promoting candy sales has netted just over $20 so far! At this rate, if I manage to stick to my timeline, I will have just about $500.00 for out getaway! LOL... well, once I get enough to open up a savings account I will. At least it will be earning some interest. Side note: I submitted three short stories to an internet aquaintence for an article he is working on for Necromunda. He liked them and is planning on useing all of them. He even asked me for some more. I'm not sure I have the time, but... if they come to mind I will. This will slow down what I push to my own short story blog as I am pretty sure I need to not 'publish' these stories when I 'give' them to him. Long story, anyway, if/when these stories make it to 'publishing' (i.e. posted on the 'net somewhere) I will post a link like a proud papa. Well, I need to get one more thing done for work today, and then it will be time to hit the books. May the abundant grace of the Lord Jesus Christ rest on you all. Updates: None Verse for today: Romans 5:15-17, esv But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. If, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

The latest widgets

Well I finally broke down and picked up a copy of the Madden NFL game. I enjoy watching football and my oldest son keeps asking me to play with him on the Nintendo Game Cube. Problem is I really can't get into Mario Party or the Sonic games. The latest is Pokemon something or other. I've had Madden for the PC, but never the a games system. I've been told that the game systems play better (easier to control, etc.). So while I was out with S#1 picking up parts for his required science fair project I dropped in the Game Stop and picked up a copy of Madden NFL 05. That's right baby! Well, it was only $8.00! :) The newest version is about $40.00. I had a birthday recently where I turned 40. To me this is no big deal. I feel good about my age, I am not one who really cares about how old I am. I tend to look at it as another day/year closer to heaven. Sooner or later I will die - I might as well enjoy the ride for as long as it lasts. My beloved threw a nice little party. Normally I am not one for large gatherings, but she really enjoys hosting parties and is good at it. There was the black ballons and all. The gag gifts like a couple of canes and a walker, denture adhesive, and a basket full of 'goodies' us older gents are assumed to need when gettings - shall we say - closer with our wives. But there were some really nice gifts too. Two of them from friends that knew the theme was gag gifts (for the party) gave me on the side. One was a set of samurai swords. There were not straight from Japan, and I am sure they are not made like an authentic sword, but they were very thoughtful. The have a nice finish and look very nice. The other is a collection of 'samurai' movies. I don't know where I will find the time to sit down and watch them all, but I will squeeze them in over time. :) All the gifts were thoughtful, and it was nice to see so many people (the number of children outnumbered the number of adults!). The Panthers pulled one out yesterday against what is considered to be one of the top defenses in the league. I am happy about that. Next week it is on to Cincinnati and the Bengals. A tussel beteween a pair of big cats. :) That is all for today... ramblings from a rambling mind. Updates: Hiku Verse for today: Proverbs 16:1-5 esv The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.

Friday the 13th

I've never really been one to be superstitious. I remember as a kid deliberately walking under ladders, not carring if a penny was tails or heads up. Sometimes I'd walk on the other side of coloumns and not say "bread & Butter" and it freaking my mother out. We were halfway across a parking lot when she turned around and walked all the way back just to walk back around the poll! The Panthers game on Sunday will be a good game. At least it looks to be on paper. Both teams look solid on defense. Where there seems to be an edge is on the offensive side of the ball. I think the Panthers have a slight edge. But this could be the fan in me. I have a hard time being objective and unbiased when it comes to football. That is because I generally do not try and follow all 32 teams. Not even the 3 other teams within the NFC South. I might when I have more time, but not right now. Last night I was watching the end of CSI: (The original). The story line was about a group of teenagers that went around beating up the tourists. Of course they get caught and the cast is having a discussion in the locker room of where they work. Grissom (the boss) was talking about how a moral compass can only point someone in a general direction. It does not make a person do anything. And with society being "everything is alright", and Las Vegas being built on the premis of anything goes (I'm paraphrasing here) and there are no consequences, the end result is something akin to what these kids were doing, and without guilt or remorse. It was not a statement to endorse any sort of religion (as Grissom's charecter has some issues with the church), but to me it was a very positive statement. I applaude CBS, the writters of the show, and the actors for actually putting something like that on the air. Now, obviously, I would promote the church as a great source for moral direction. But for this show to actually come out and say (in a genreal way) that our youth and society need moral guidance - makes me at least a little happy. Especially in a time when I do not feel so secure in proclaiming my faith due to concerns of being thought lesser off (a sin on my part - fear of man). I know that the church is full of hypocrites and people putting on a good face, wanting to be a part of a something, etc. But it is also more than that. This is "Pastor appreciation month". I would encourage each Christian who reads this humble blog this weekend to lift up your pastr in prayer. Pray that they will hear the Holy Spirit. That the Lord would give them strength and courage to follow Him first and formost. That they would be equipped to be good leaders in their homes as husbands and fathers (if they are married and/or have children) as per the guidance set forth in Timothy (and elsewhere) - but also in their churches. Pray that they too would have moral fortitude to preach what God has for His people and not just to tickle people's ears. But do not stop there. Pray that the congregation would have ears to hear. That their hearts and minds would see what the Lord has for them also - and then that they would be filled with hope, courage, and strength to follow where God is leading. I pray this for myself too. I know I am not a perfect paritioner. May the Lord richly bless each of you. May you hear what the Lord has for you, and may the light be bright upon the path He leads you. Updates: None Verse for today: Matthew 11:11-17 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, [4] and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, [5] let him hear. “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ -we should dance and rejoice, we should be bold and proud to be called Christians. -samurai

Too much to read

I ordered three books to study for work: Routing & Switching Official Guide, Cisco LAN Switching, and some flash cards for review. And these are just the tip of the iceberg. I have been slowly steeling myself for the months ahead. I keep cycling through determination and doubt, but I am pressing forward. At home I have one of the recent Necromunda Novels, "Cardinal Crimson" sitting on my bathroom sink, and I am wanting to get "Back from the Dead". I have also been wanting to read more from the Bible more - I especially would like to read through the gospels again. So many interesting discussions with a coworker lately. But then I'd like to read more about my son's Aspergers and other good books. There just is not enough time in the day. There has to be a balance between learning all the time and doing all the time. Updates: None Verse for today: Psalm 106:1-5, esv Praise the Lord!Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord, or declare all his praise? Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people; help me when you save them, [1] that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.

Words to Live by

Normally I would have waited until tomorrow to post but the inspirtation struck me as I was wrapping up a study session. Here are some quotes that really define my way of thinking and sort of form a guidline for how I live my life:

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Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. [1] He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness [2] for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [3] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely [4] goodness and mercy [5] shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell [6] in the house of the Lord forever. [7]

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It is Not the Critic Who Counts

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds might have done better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, if he wins knows triumph of high achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."

-Theodore Roosevelt

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Samurai Code Chu - Duty & Loyalty: For the samurai, having done some “thing” or said some “thing,” he knows he owns that “thing.” He is responsible for it and all the consequences that follow. A samurai is immensely loyal to those in his care. To those he is responsible for, he remains fiercely true. Gi - Justice & Morality: Be acutely honest throughout your dealings with all people. Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself. To the true samurai, there are no shades of gray in the question of honesty and justice. There is only right and wrong. Jin - Compassion: Through intense training the samurai becomes quick and strong. He is not as other men. He develops a power that must be used for the good of all. He has compassion. He helps his fellow man at every opportunity. If an opportunity does not arise, he goes out of his way to find one. Makoto - Complete Sincerity: When a samurai has said he will perform an action, it is as good as done. Nothing will stop him from completing what he has said he will do. He does not have to “give his word.” He does not have to “promise.” The action of speaking alone has set the act of doing in motion. Speaking and doing are the same action. Meiyo - Honor: A true samurai has only one judge of his honor, and that is himself. Decisions you make and how these decisions are carried out are a reflection of whom you truly are. You cannot hide from yourself. Rei - Polite Courtesy: Samurai have no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove their strength. A samurai is courteous even to his enemies. Without this outward show of respect, we are nothing more than animals. A samurai is not only respected for his strength in battle, but also by his dealing with other men. The true inner strength of a samurai becomes apparent during difficult times. Yu - Heroic Courage: Rise up above the masses of people that are afraid to act. Hiding like a turtle in a shell is not living at all. A samurai must have heroic courage. It is absolutely risky. It is dangerous. It is living life completely, fully, wonderfully. Heroic courage is not blind. It is intelligent and strong. Replace fear with respect and caution.

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"To move swiftly, strike vigorously, and secure the fruits of victory is the secret of a successful war" - Thomas J. Jackson

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Updates: Samurai Yarns Verse for today: Psalm 23 - which I posted above. :) God bless one and all.