Music Monday - 20100726 - the evening edition

I took a long weekend to get some errands done, and to visit with my "favorite sister-in-law" and her two really cool girls.  (Sorry, no funny nick names for them yet... )  On Thursday i took care of personal errands.  Friday we headed to Hershey Park.  Wow that was hot day, but a fun time was had by all.  By the time Saturday came around my Beloved and i were feeling the lasting affects of heat exhaustion. 

I have dealt with heat exhaustion over my years.  Especially during my times with the National Guard.  I've learned to not only be preemptive, but to learn how to "push through" it.  Sometimes, no matter how much water you drink, or sodium you put into your body, it will just not handle the heat.  I've struggled with the heat since coming home with the flu from school one year.  I was so sick i didn't leave the couch i collapsed on until i went to the hospital with dehydration.  It sucks.  Not much you can do except just muddle through it and continue to drink adequate fluids and ensure proper diet.  The body will bounce back, but you have to take care of it.  Since i am more used to dealing with this i have been trying to help my Beloved stay in a rest state.  Yesterday i took THUMPER, PIRATE, and PUMPKIN to the early service and let my Beloved sleep in.  I arrived a little late to the service for reasons i shan't go into here, but at the end the worship team sung the song that seemed to express my hearts desire, and thus i thought i would use it for today:

The More I seek You
by Kari Jobe


The more i seek you,
the more i find you
The more i find you, the more I love you

I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath, here your heart beat
This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming

For me it fit my desire to draw closer and closer to Christ.  I want to sit at His feet, i want to just be near Him.  And yet, unless the Father open my mind and my heart, my desire would never have been such.  I've remembered thinking how it would be to recline at the Last Supper like the Disciple John did.  To be among Jesus' followers and to walk with them, to see what they saw, and to hear what they heard.  And yet... i fall short of even my own basic desires.  I often allow distractions to interfere with my quiet times, and that is frustrating.  I long for the day when i no longer have to look as into a dim mirror.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.  When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:9-12, ESV)

After surfing around Kari Jobe's website i may have found yet another new "young" artist (i have no idea how old she is, only younger than me ) that i enjoy.  She seems to have a heart for God that, from what i can tell so far, comes through in her music.  It is wonderful to hear.

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Music Monday - 20091123

With Thanksgiving being this week i went in search of a song that expressed thanks to God for all He has done. When i tried to search my own "database" (i.e. my own memory) i came up with nothing. I did not give myself a lot of time, but i am not entirely sure it would have made much difference though. So, i began a search via Google. Although this is not a style of music i would listen to on my own normally, the lyrics are very good.

Thank You By 'The Katinas' Album: Timeless Just a little while longer I wanna pray Can't get You off my mind so I came to say Thank You Lord just for loving me Many times as I do forget Every need that You have met Oh thank You Lord, I know You're showing me You are there when I am down and out You're holding me, Your love is so amazing Oh it changed me Chorus: Here I am with all I am Raise my hands to worship You I wanna say thank you, oh thank you For everything, for who You are You cover me, You touch my heart I wanna say thank you I could have died in my sin but You saved me Didn't have any hope at all You gave me peace divine, strength to carry on I should have been the one to pay But instead You took my place My Jesus, words cannot explain Even though I don't deserve Your love for me You look beyond my fault and You showed mercy CHORUS I wanna say thank you for the sun I wanna say thank you for the rain Everything You do is beautiful I'm so grateful for Your love

This group is indeed worshiping God and giving praise to Him for what He has done and once i saw the video i knew i had to go with this one this week. Yesterday our Pastor talked about the importance of self discipline, especially when it comes to our relationship with Christ. This is an area that i find myself struggling in of late. It has not always been that way... I am praying for God to help me regain some of that, but i know it is like a muscle. it will only get stronger as i exercise it.

Rambling Rememberances

Yesterday i was catching up with an old Army buddy on Facebook. As i was looking through his old pictures two of them caught my attention. The first one here is a snapshot of our platoon when we did a rotation to Honduras. What an incredible experience that was. I remember it being incredibly HOT. August in Central America is like that. We flew into a really small air strip in C-130's and then got trucked - literally to the small Honduran army base. It was not all that big, but i remember it being lined with concertina wire, and the tents (pictured above) were already set up for us. Misquotes were incredible. I remember being issued this bug spray in a nondescript aerosol can. You had to take your uniform off and apply the bug repelant directly to the uniform, let it dry (which sometimes took a little while with the humidity), and then you could put it back on. But it worked great. I remember getting heat rash for the first time. We had to burn the barrels beneath the latrines. One of the Platoon Sergeants even demonstrated the water purification tablets, but then couldn't get any of us lower enlisted to follow up the demonstration. About the third or fourth day there my body stopped digesting meat and dairy products. I could only drink water, soda (five for a dollar), and eat only fruits and vegetables. Bread i could tolerate in small quantities. I lost 10 pounds off of my 155 pound frame in a little over 10 days. Even now, about once a year, usually in the early parts of summer, my body will not tolerate meat or dairy for about 3-5 days. The country was beautiful. The jungles were lush and green. The mountains incredibly steep - i know this because i had to lug my young butt up and down those slopes carrying five gallons of water - plus my regular load. At night i leaned my ruck against a tree and sat on it to sleep so i would not slide down the mountain. I remember sunlight streaming through the clouds after one of the daily downpours. I remember it mostly because i was a brand new Christian (less than two weeks) and one day while i was changing my drenched t-shirt one of my Honduran counterparts said, "Cristo" and pointed to what little chest hair i had. Apparently what i did have was in the shape of a cross. I traded one of my unit patches with the man for one of his, and then he mentioned "Cristo" once more. He then gave me a hand woven cross made of some kind of durable string. He tied it around my neck. It stayed there for many a year until it literally wore off. My next picture is one of my high points of my Infantry career. My first job was that of a 'Heavy Weapons, Anti-Tank, Infantryman. My job was to be the eyes and ears for my battalion as well as provide anti-tank support. You see, i had joined the historic 29th Infantry Division (light) and vehicles were in short supply so we had a dual scouting role as well (which led to a lot of interesting competitions with the Scout platoon. Anyway, although we trained with the TOW system we did not get the opportunity to fire an actual missile all that often. In the six years i was in the TOW platoon we fired only two missiles. In order to determine who would have the honor of getting to fire the one missile we would have (at the time) we held a two month competition to determine the "Top Tube" award. The winner would get the honor. When the competition started i did not consider that i would have a chance because, despite all of the training i had on the missile system, i was nowhere near the qualification scores of many of the other soldiers. But what i didn't know was that our APFT, Rifle Qualification, and a few other things that i can not recall all played a part. When they announced i had won you could have knocked me over with a feather. The picture below is one that my old Army buddy on Facebook actually took of me on the day i got to send that baby down range. I still remember the sound of the missile's systems starting up, the discharge motor igniting and the wash of heat as the missile launched out the tube. I remember my sight picture and how i gently brought the crosshairs down onto the old tank out on the dropzone, and i remember nailing that sucker right between the turret and the deck - a perfect shot. I remember feeling slightly disappointed that there was not a bigger flash of light or puff of smoke -something. I learned later that the reason for this was that it was a perfect hit and all of the energy went into and through the tank. The spectators in the stands, including my photographer here saw the hit, and on the backside of the target the remaining energy of the shot knocked down a small tree that fell over in "slow motion". I still have the electrical connector cap as a memento. From all of this i also received a 29th Division coin from the commanding General (which, i can't remember his name now ). The only other award that i cherish from my time in the National Guard as an Infantryman was when i earned the Air Assault badge. That was the toughest course i have ever taken. I still have my handbook from that school. On the back i kept track of the number of students in the class. We graduated just over half of out starting number. Of the seven students my battalion sent only three of us came home with our 'wings' (above right). Of the three Scouts sent, none of them came home with them. A source of pride for both myself and the TOW platoon. Not too long after i met my beloved and i was smitten. I had been a "hard charger" and referred to as "High Speed, Low Drag" soldier. But then i met her and a lot of my priorities changed. For a while i allowed myself to get mired in an MOS i really, really, didn't like - but it allowed me to be home a lot more often. More on this some other time. I remember not just these vivid memories of my (then) young military career, but the tuggins God was placing on my heart. How is transformed me through the military from a young man who could not care less about anyone, or any thing, other than himself (for example i would not keep a job more than three months) into the man who i am today. I found something that i loved and could excel at, but even then that was not the end point. God would introduce Himself to me in 1989 and my priorities changed even more. He did this through the Chaplain's assistant i would meet in my first NCO school, and many other men i would meet in and out of uniform who witnessed to me - and not just by sharing the gospel. I have many fond memories of this time of my life... but time is linear... and it ever moves forward. There are a few examples of God not wanting His people to dwell in the past, but He also encouraged them to set up monuments in tribute to what He had done. I give thanks to God for these memories, and the incredible journey He has brought me through. While the verse i want to use below is in the context of the writer being in a severely oppressed position, but...

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. ~ Selah (Psalm 143:5-6, ESV)

While i was never in the same league of trials as this writter, God did use the pressure and the 'heat' of those years. And for that i am grateful and will ever praise His name.

Music Monday - 20080818

I didn't have a song in mind when I dragged my tired body out of bed this morning. My blog entry was the last thing on my mind as I didn't get to sleep until after midnight, woke up around 4:30 and didn't get back to sleep until after 5:00, and then - totally by God's grace - I woke up at 6:00 right on the button. Both of my alarms were muted, so if God has not woke me up I would probably still be asleep. ;-) What really prompted this song to strike me so was the fact that when I woke up at 4:30 it was because of a dream that I had. Even now that dream is fading from my memory, but I remember it really disturbed me. I do know it was along the lines of things of my past catching up with me.

You Reign Mercy Me Even before there was a drop in the ocean Even before there was a star in the sky Even before the world was put in motion You were on Your throne You were on Your throne You reign Glory in the highest You reign Let creation testify By Your name Every knee will bow And every tongue proclaim That Jesus Reigns Even before Your hand made the heavens Even before the breath of all mankind Even before we had to be forgiven You were on Your throne You were on Your throne Chorus Yesterday, today and forever You are God who was, and is and is to come Written by MercyMe and Steven Curtis Chapman © 2007 Simpleville Music / Wet As A Fish Music / ASCAP (admin. by Simpleville Music, Inc.) Sparrow Song / Peach Hill Songs / BMI (administration by EMI-CMG Publishing) All rights reserved.

This song actually followed along with a theme that God has been using in my life lately. That is my works have no direct impact on my life. Sure, things like when I pay a bill late I am charged a late fee, or if I open a door for some one who is disabled I will feel better about myself - but it does not determine, not just my standing before God but, my standing within society as a whole. It is God who places favor in my life, it is He who has provided my career and job placement. Even when I am not a good steward it is His hand who sustains me, and that no matter what state I find myself (but especially while I am experiencing prosperity) I need to acknowledge and praise Him. What an awesome God i serve. I am filled with wonder and amazement. I am dumbfounded that He would select me, reach down and touch me, reach down and bless me. That He cares for me. There was nothing good... there was nothing that would draw me out from the crowd. I am no one, or anything, special, and yet He has chosen to reach down and speak to my mind and my heart. Praise be to God in the highest. \o/ Verse for today: Philippians 2 : 5-11, ESV Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [1] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, [2] being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Yet more ramblings

I'm not really sure what to blog about so I thought I'd just put down some random thoughts... * My beloved had an eye exam at the request of our primary care provider. No change in her vision, so we still do not know what is causing her headaches. More follow visits to come. * So, I am almost asleep while watching the end of Monday Night football last night when ESPN cordially informs me that the Panthers are still in the playoff hunt. (See my blog entry on what their real chances are) Ok, I'll buy into it - after all, I believe in miracles. * Speaking of football... somehow, the team I am playing in my church fantasy football team has made it to the 'Championship' game! What makes this so blog-worthy was that my team was 6-7 going into the 'playoffs', and since then I've taken out the #1 and the #4 seed. This weekends game is against the overall #2... to be honest, I'm just happy to be there. :-) * We had some pretty severe storms over the weekend. Sometime Sunday-night/early-Monday morning a tree in my side yard went down. It didn't just lay over, it snapped at about six feet. And, I am not talking about a bending kind of break, but a complete break. By God's grace it didn't hit the house, or my neighbor's fence. It practically fell parallel to the property line. Now I get to play lumberjack. :-) * Last night my beloved went to a cookie exchange with a bunch of friends. She had a great time, but because so many ladies participated, whe came home with eleven dozen cookies. A funny image came to my mind... what if at these things they did things like at a 'wine tasting' party. You know, you take a cookie, nibble on it, and then spit it out into a spit bucket so you don't end up getting too full by eating too many cookies and ruining your dinner. LOL * I am done with the shopping part of Christmas, but that does not mean I might not have more gifts to buy. There are some gifts for my family that my beloved usually takes care of. Now, to be fair it is not her job to buy gifts for my family, it's just that I've gotten spoiled over the years. :-) And there is also all of the wrapping that still needs to be done. I was sitting at my home computer getting ready to type up our family letter when it hit me... there are only eight (seven now) more days until Christmas! * A friend of mine got some really good news! By God's grace she has been able to eliminate most (if not all) of her debt! Just in time for Christmas! \o/ Praise God for His mercy and kindness. * Facebook is both a blessing, and a curse. I joined up to network with someone who invited me to join so that we could network with some others with similar interests (he's Catholic, and I am protestant, so there is some oil in the water, but that does not mean we don't have similar interested - especially in our Lord and Savior). Since then I have become totally hooked. So many widgets and gizmo's. It's becoming my second favorite thing to do on the web (Blogging is still #1, and Webkins has been dropped to #3). One great thing about it has been that I've been able to connect with some Army buddies who are not able to be home for the holidays. * I have started the early stages of working with my friend to see if we can add a little 'trimmings' around the Dojo blog here. Seeing how fast this is coming along, it might be next summer before it's ready. LOL - BTW, if any of you guys (especially Linda and Susan) know how to update the template via the new Blogger platform, I would love to hear how. Also, if you have suggestions I'd be happy to hear them. Verse for today: Psalm 86:11-13, ESV Teach me your way, O Lord,that I may walk in your truth;unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me;you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

Where has the day gone!

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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



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

Rest interrupted

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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



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

Walking through the Valley

Valleys can be more than just dark and desolate places. I see them more of a journey through times of trial. Good, bad, dark and bleak, light and bright. To me these are times not of rest but of work and unknown. At times they also seem like they are fairly constant. The times in this life where we seem like we are at peace - everything has come together and we can enjoy the moment... they are fairly few and far between. There is always something we are dealing with. Be it work, family, personal, relational, whatever. For me it just sweetens the anticipation of what awaits at the end of the journey. To sit and dine at the Maser's table. To enjoy the wedding feast. Oh to dwell in the house of the Lord... But it also would be wise to dwell in the moment that are so rare - no matter how faint. Enjoy those times when the Lord has brought you to a place of peace. It will never be complete until we are home... don't wait for everything to be perfect. I am talking about those times when you are struggling with a child and then something clicks, or even when you check is balanced. Take a moment to be like the one leper - come back and give thanks to the One who done this in your life. It is a glimpse of what awaits. Verse for today: Luke 17:11-19. ESV On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, [6] who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” [7]