This was written on 31 July 07 - I guess it was meant to point some things out to me. It might be instructive to others. Maybe not.
To those of you who are reading this and actually have met me, you know I am a raging cauldron of conflicting emotions and messed up intentions.
I hate seeing the way I am supposed to be and not being able to attain those lofty goals. All I can honestly be is me. And I don't like that.
I don't expect perfection, not from me, not from anyone. Yet, I get frustrated and angry when my kids don't do what I expect them to do. I constantly struggle with all of the expectations that I have for myself, my wife, and my family.
I hate it when I swear, yet I can't stop myself before I let it rip. I know that it hurts those to whom it is directed at, yet I just can't seem to stop. If I'm not swearing, I'm yelling. That can be just as hurtful as swearing.
I'm very emotionally based. It's been said that I wear my emotions on my sleeve. And I'm pretty certain that's true. Do you know how hard it is to be "emotional" and be a man at the same time. Our society doesn't accept it and points fingers and accusing glances at that type of man.
Now, link together my emotionalism with being in-tuned with how other people feel, and you find that life gets really difficult. You see, if I hurt someone I feel hurt. My pride won't let me apologize, even when I know that is the only way to get things resolved. I feel stuck in a never ending cycle of destructive behavior.
I can be at turns extremely self-confident, yet I struggle with my self-esteem. In fact, I say that most of my self-confidence is a mask that I hide behind. I can't stand the fact that I'm not the ideal anything: father, husband (lover), worker, friend, neighbor, etc.
I could probably live with all of those things, you know...it being life and all that rot. What is especially galling to me is my real lack of spiritual discipline. I can't make the time to read the Bible, pray, or meditate on that which is good and true. I know that in order to be the kind of father, husband, worker, friend, neighbor, etc that I want to be, I need to be a real, live, honest-to-goodness Christian.
Being a real, live, honest-to-goodness Christian doesn't mean being perfect. Nor does it mean doing everything "right". It means taking baby steps and doing what needs to be done. One thing is certain, any time you undertake a revision of your spiritual goals you risk proving that you don't have what it takes to be a Christian. How does one run the race to the end, especially when you are road-weary?
I guess being road-weary isn't all that bad. Unfortunately, I still haven't found what I'm looking for. I understand that I might just be the real reason why my marriage is failing so miserably. I know that it takes two to tango, but it only takes one to start the CD player, right? Might I be the one who pressed play?
Cheers
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Intel and AsusTek - You Rock
Okay, I'm obviously a huge fan of Apple's computer designs and their Mac OS X. Of course, I'm eminently practical, so I understand that paying huge sums of money to do certain things doesn't always make sense. So, in that vein, I will introduce you to something that won't cost a lot of money and is still fairly elegant in design.
AsusTek (or Asus) has introduced the Asus Eee 701. For $199 starting you get a full-functioning ultra-portable computer. It includes a 7" screen, wireless internet, and 4gigs of solid-state storage. From my understanding (which is limited due to the device not being available yet for purchase) is that it boots up a version of GNU/Linux in around 15 seconds. For an extra $100 you can double the amount of storage to 8 gigs. Obviously, that doesn't sound like a lot of memory, but it is more than enough for the average user to store the OS and any necessary programs. Couple the computer with a 2 gig USB thumbdrive and you are out, maybe, $240. The only real issue for most people will be the lack of DVD/CDROM drive. You can get a reasonably priced external USB hard drive or SuperMulti-DVD drive to add to your kit (though they are still rather heavy compared to the two pound device you would be hooking it to).
There also appears to be a 10" model in the works as well, known as the Asus Eee 1001. Not certain what the price will be, so stay tuned.
To say the least, if you can install your own preferred version of Linux on this machine (via external cd/dvd drive) I would be very interested in buying it. Especially since it isn't much larger than a standard 7 or 10" portable DVD player. That is sweet, indeed.
Cheers
AsusTek (or Asus) has introduced the Asus Eee 701. For $199 starting you get a full-functioning ultra-portable computer. It includes a 7" screen, wireless internet, and 4gigs of solid-state storage. From my understanding (which is limited due to the device not being available yet for purchase) is that it boots up a version of GNU/Linux in around 15 seconds. For an extra $100 you can double the amount of storage to 8 gigs. Obviously, that doesn't sound like a lot of memory, but it is more than enough for the average user to store the OS and any necessary programs. Couple the computer with a 2 gig USB thumbdrive and you are out, maybe, $240. The only real issue for most people will be the lack of DVD/CDROM drive. You can get a reasonably priced external USB hard drive or SuperMulti-DVD drive to add to your kit (though they are still rather heavy compared to the two pound device you would be hooking it to).
There also appears to be a 10" model in the works as well, known as the Asus Eee 1001. Not certain what the price will be, so stay tuned.
To say the least, if you can install your own preferred version of Linux on this machine (via external cd/dvd drive) I would be very interested in buying it. Especially since it isn't much larger than a standard 7 or 10" portable DVD player. That is sweet, indeed.
Cheers
Yet Another Reason Why Apple May Rock
Or why it just might not...that's up to the other, more experienced techies out there to decide. Here is the reason why: Parallels 3.0. Now, here is the reason why not: you still have to shell out a large quantity of money to purchase a valid copy of Windows (oddly enough, it doesn't say that Windows Vista Home Premium is usable...I wonder if that was just a simple oversight or not). So, to the $79 initial price you must also add at least $200 more. That is not very cost effective (in my opinion). It does give the option to play games using 3d accelerated graphics. The other, more compelling reason to use it is quite simple...as long as your program runs on the version of Windows that you have installed under Parallels, you can use it (there is intelligent program selection). There are plenty of great features that make an interesting "killer app". The only question is this...will it continue to experience sometimes severe performance hits? Only time will tell.
Of similar interest is the future release of VMWare Fusion. This is very similar to Parallels 3.0 yet doesn't seem to suffer from some of the performance issues that Parallels has. Interestingly enough, you are still stuck with Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate (not with Home Premium). I wonder why that is. Maybe it is because of certain "enterprise" features that Home doesn't have built in. Maybe, maybe not. It seems that the price point for virtual machine technology is $79.
The weirdest thing is that most of the reviews say that you are better off using Apple's BootCamp software. This allows you to dual-boot between Mac OS X and Windows. Now, that is a cludgy solution to the problem, at least as I see it. You see, I feel that you shouldn't have to choose which operating system you use to open a file. You should be able to run any program from within Mac OSX without having to reboot. Period. Many's the time that I've been doing something in Linux or Mac and had to either reboot the computer (from Linux) or move to another computer (from Mac) just to be able to run a particular program under Windows (because it wasn't supported under either Linux or Mac). That is a stupid thing to have to do.
When it comes to one of my favorite issues, choice, the Mac OS X running a virtual machine would make the ideal solution. Due to certain limitations that Apple has built-in to the Mac operating system you can only run Mac OS X on Apple hardware (let's face it, Mac hardware is generally better designed and much "prettier" than most other traditional PC designs). So, if you paired the Mac OS X machine with a virtual machine running your choice of Windows, Linux, and Solaris you would then be able to decide which program to run regardless of OS. Thus, if a program offers the feature set you need you simply buy it or download it and then use it...all from the same computer without having to reboot! Glory be, that is awesome. As an example, you could run Frozen Bubble from within the Linux vm (since that is the os that they support with the most up-to-date builds), IMT Viewer 6+ from within the Windows vm (that's a program that we use in the USAF for filling in electronic forms), and MacSword directly from the Mac...all at the same time. Makes me giggle like a little school girl! Yippee!
I so want an Apple MacBook Pro! Maybe, one of these days, I'll put the necessary scratch together and buy one. I have learned one thing, though, don't buy a computer off of eBay unless it is new. That will save you from buying a bum piece of equipment. Maybe, once I've finished a few more of my stories and sold them, I will be able to put one together. Here's to hoping!
Cheers
Of similar interest is the future release of VMWare Fusion. This is very similar to Parallels 3.0 yet doesn't seem to suffer from some of the performance issues that Parallels has. Interestingly enough, you are still stuck with Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate (not with Home Premium). I wonder why that is. Maybe it is because of certain "enterprise" features that Home doesn't have built in. Maybe, maybe not. It seems that the price point for virtual machine technology is $79.
The weirdest thing is that most of the reviews say that you are better off using Apple's BootCamp software. This allows you to dual-boot between Mac OS X and Windows. Now, that is a cludgy solution to the problem, at least as I see it. You see, I feel that you shouldn't have to choose which operating system you use to open a file. You should be able to run any program from within Mac OSX without having to reboot. Period. Many's the time that I've been doing something in Linux or Mac and had to either reboot the computer (from Linux) or move to another computer (from Mac) just to be able to run a particular program under Windows (because it wasn't supported under either Linux or Mac). That is a stupid thing to have to do.
When it comes to one of my favorite issues, choice, the Mac OS X running a virtual machine would make the ideal solution. Due to certain limitations that Apple has built-in to the Mac operating system you can only run Mac OS X on Apple hardware (let's face it, Mac hardware is generally better designed and much "prettier" than most other traditional PC designs). So, if you paired the Mac OS X machine with a virtual machine running your choice of Windows, Linux, and Solaris you would then be able to decide which program to run regardless of OS. Thus, if a program offers the feature set you need you simply buy it or download it and then use it...all from the same computer without having to reboot! Glory be, that is awesome. As an example, you could run Frozen Bubble from within the Linux vm (since that is the os that they support with the most up-to-date builds), IMT Viewer 6+ from within the Windows vm (that's a program that we use in the USAF for filling in electronic forms), and MacSword directly from the Mac...all at the same time. Makes me giggle like a little school girl! Yippee!
I so want an Apple MacBook Pro! Maybe, one of these days, I'll put the necessary scratch together and buy one. I have learned one thing, though, don't buy a computer off of eBay unless it is new. That will save you from buying a bum piece of equipment. Maybe, once I've finished a few more of my stories and sold them, I will be able to put one together. Here's to hoping!
Cheers
Saturday Night Sleepover, Sunday Morning Regret
Let me set the scene up for you...my wife left to go to a Tastefully Simple conference on Tuesday. She left me alone with our five kids (against her better judgment, I'm sure). No serious problems, no emergencies, and no 36 year old man running down the street screaming like a little girl! Yeah! Now, Sunday, it's almost over. Christina is on her way home. Unfortunately, this didn't happen before the dreaded Saturday Night Sleepover.
What Saturday Night Sleepover am I talking about and why is it referred to as "dreaded"? Good question. Well, I put my kids down for the night (um, yeah, I didn't put them down verbally nor did I put them down like a dog. I put them to bed) and settled in for a little bit of "me" time. I pulled out my guitar (you know the one...the one that never gets played and that I seriously suck at playing...but that's another story) and sat on the front steps. Low and behold, my youngest came tottering down the stairs from her room and out the door to sit beside me. No matter what I did or said, she would not go to bed. No matter what I did or said, she did not stay in bed. So, realizing that my practice time was effectively over with, I went back into the house (with the youngest child, of course. Apparently, you can't leave a two year old locked out of your house...weird).
She grabbed a pillow and laid down next to the recliner I decided to sit in. Before too long, she was out. Being the really awesome father I am, I scooped her up and brought her to her bed. She seemed to be cool with that, so I was quite happy with myself. After a bit of time, I decided that I needed to go to bed. I ambled up the stairs and prepared to settle in for the night. As I was reaching for the light switch, I heard a terrible wailing. If it wasn't for the fact that it was emanating from one of the girls' rooms, I would have sworn that a banshee was foretelling a grim future (or maybe it was). I walked into the bedroom and put her back on her bed (she had rolled off of her bed). Self-satisfied, again, I went back to my room, turned out the lights, and fell into a comfortable sleep.
Not too long after falling asleep, with just enough time to put my arm to sleep, I heard the wailing again. Grudgingly getting out of bed, I went back to the room in question and found the little one on the floor again. I, again, scooped her up, put her in her bed, and started to close the door. Unfortunately, she refused to go to sleep, instead shrieking that she wanted me. I knew all would be lost unless I came up with something clever to distract her with. So, I picked her up and brought her back to my room. I laid her little body on the bed, still sniffling and shaking from her sobs, and climbed into bed next to her.
Now, this is the part where the Sunday Morning Regret comes in. You see, my precious little daughter managed to lay sideways on the bed, perpendicular to me. I was forthwith forced to lay on a piece of my queen-sized bed that was barely wider than I am! I had to make do with such a small portion of my bed because nothing I did could get her to stay in the correct position. Every time I moved her, she turned about until her feet were pushing on my shoulder or arm. After several failed attempts at correcting her, I conceded defeat and hunkered down for a fitful night's sleep.
While I am thankful that she was able to get some sleep, without continuing to cry out, I sure do miss my sleep. Good quality sleep is hard to come by, especially when your darling little daughter is pushing you out onto the edge of your own bed! So, now, I am sitting here ready to crash. I've successfully made it through church without falling asleep, I drove us safely home, and I even made two pizzas for us to eat. Now, once I finally put my two year old down for a nap, I plan on crashing hard for at least a good, solid hour! Maybe even two! Yeah!
Snkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk.........................(shhhh, I've fallen asleep)
What Saturday Night Sleepover am I talking about and why is it referred to as "dreaded"? Good question. Well, I put my kids down for the night (um, yeah, I didn't put them down verbally nor did I put them down like a dog. I put them to bed) and settled in for a little bit of "me" time. I pulled out my guitar (you know the one...the one that never gets played and that I seriously suck at playing...but that's another story) and sat on the front steps. Low and behold, my youngest came tottering down the stairs from her room and out the door to sit beside me. No matter what I did or said, she would not go to bed. No matter what I did or said, she did not stay in bed. So, realizing that my practice time was effectively over with, I went back into the house (with the youngest child, of course. Apparently, you can't leave a two year old locked out of your house...weird).
She grabbed a pillow and laid down next to the recliner I decided to sit in. Before too long, she was out. Being the really awesome father I am, I scooped her up and brought her to her bed. She seemed to be cool with that, so I was quite happy with myself. After a bit of time, I decided that I needed to go to bed. I ambled up the stairs and prepared to settle in for the night. As I was reaching for the light switch, I heard a terrible wailing. If it wasn't for the fact that it was emanating from one of the girls' rooms, I would have sworn that a banshee was foretelling a grim future (or maybe it was). I walked into the bedroom and put her back on her bed (she had rolled off of her bed). Self-satisfied, again, I went back to my room, turned out the lights, and fell into a comfortable sleep.
Not too long after falling asleep, with just enough time to put my arm to sleep, I heard the wailing again. Grudgingly getting out of bed, I went back to the room in question and found the little one on the floor again. I, again, scooped her up, put her in her bed, and started to close the door. Unfortunately, she refused to go to sleep, instead shrieking that she wanted me. I knew all would be lost unless I came up with something clever to distract her with. So, I picked her up and brought her back to my room. I laid her little body on the bed, still sniffling and shaking from her sobs, and climbed into bed next to her.
Now, this is the part where the Sunday Morning Regret comes in. You see, my precious little daughter managed to lay sideways on the bed, perpendicular to me. I was forthwith forced to lay on a piece of my queen-sized bed that was barely wider than I am! I had to make do with such a small portion of my bed because nothing I did could get her to stay in the correct position. Every time I moved her, she turned about until her feet were pushing on my shoulder or arm. After several failed attempts at correcting her, I conceded defeat and hunkered down for a fitful night's sleep.
While I am thankful that she was able to get some sleep, without continuing to cry out, I sure do miss my sleep. Good quality sleep is hard to come by, especially when your darling little daughter is pushing you out onto the edge of your own bed! So, now, I am sitting here ready to crash. I've successfully made it through church without falling asleep, I drove us safely home, and I even made two pizzas for us to eat. Now, once I finally put my two year old down for a nap, I plan on crashing hard for at least a good, solid hour! Maybe even two! Yeah!
Snkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk.........................(shhhh, I've fallen asleep)
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Why I Love Writing
Have you ever taken a journey into far away lands, fought dragons, saved the damsel in distress, and was home in time for the six o'clock news? I have.
Have you ever lived an entire lifetime in one afternoon? I have.
Have you ever had joy turned to sorrow, a carefree spirit turned to fear, or a bright sunny day turned black with clouds? I have.
And the wonderful thing is, I have done all these things, seen all these things, and felt all these things without ever leaving my home. You see, I read. I read everything. I've flown with Jimmy Doolittle, I've ridden into battle with Alexander the Great, I watched the gods conspire against Odysseus, and I've nailed Christ's hands to the cross. All these things because of books. Whether fiction, non-fiction, historical, fantasy, reality, or inspirational, I've read them all.
The ability to give someone that very gift is why I love writing. With words you can paint a picture so vivid, so detailed, so real...and you don't need to be able to see! Words can send someone to their death, cause another to live, and imprison or free yet another! Glorious, awe-inspiring words. String them together just right and people will line up for blocks to read your story. Jumble them up and you could end up miserable for life. Really.
There are very nearly a million words in the English language alone. Yet, only 100,000 in the French language. Either the French are very poor indeed or they are merely economical in their word choices! Either way, you can do this and you can do that and all with the writing down of a few words. Coin a word, turn a phrase. Doesn't matter. I still love writing.
It's pretty amazing, really. Consider that the main reason why I love books is because during my growing up years I was shunned, mocked, and beaten by my peers. I was too skinny, too goofy, too poor, too talentless, too hyper, too whatever else that wasn't cool. So, I found the library (two and a half blocks from my house, yes indeedy!) and I found books. My first love, really. Unfortunately, I found out that I was much more advanced in my reading comprehension than my age would allow. This further cemented my need to spend time at the library (they wouldn't allow you to check out any books from the "otherside" of the bookshelves unless you were a teenager). Of course, my home life left much to be desired, so spending time at the library wasn't exactly hard for me. In fact, I craved it. Even when I grew old enough to check out any book in the library I still spent a lot of time there.
Being a "nerd" and not having a home life that encouraged self-expression contributed greatly to my desire to stay safely locked up inside my shell, book in hand, knees tucked in tight to my chest. No one could hurt me when I was lost in my own little world. There, in that always perfect little world (not too hot, not too cold, just right), I was the perfect person. I was tall, handsome, athletic. I was smart, whimsical, and witty. There wasn't anything that I couldn't accomplish. The one thing that I did manage to accomplish, despite my perfect little imaginary world, was to stay locked up, emotionless, self-absorbed, and non-communicative.
Fast-forward a lifetime and a half (emotionally speaking). I'm no longer a child. I grew up. I married a beautiful woman, she bore me five children, and I experienced the greatest horror of my life (yes, folks, I've changed a poopy diaper...the greatest horror known to men). I learned, through many trials and tribulations, how to express myself despite myself. Going from a painfully shy boy to a confident public speaker was an odd journey, one that I didn't so much embark upon as fell upon. You'd be amazed at how being a cop can force you to find yourself. And that it did. Not to mention, being an NCO doesn't hurt, either. When your back is against the wall and you have no other choice, you talk. You communicate. You share.
Now, in order to express yourself to the fullest verbally, you need to know how to write. Writing is such a joy, such a privilege, such an honor that I don't know how to get all the story ideas out of my head and onto paper (or disk, whichever the case may be). I have so many different stories to write. If only they sprang fully formed from my head! Oh well, that is what this blog is all about. Expressing myself. Getting "it" out, whatever "it" is. And that is why I love writing!
Well, looking back on the last thirty-six years, I see how God has woven a rich tapestry and called it...Jim. I would have thought that God giving me His only begotten Son, Jesus, as a sacrificial offering of Love was enough. I would have even been ecstatic at just having the Holy Spirit to guide me, correct me, and ultimately Love me. But no, I got all that and much more. While I call myself a broken Christian, I know that God, through and through, is healing me, putting me back together in the shape and form that He originally intended. To go from nothing to something in Him is awesome. To go from a shy, clumsy kid too afraid to talk to a man willing to bear his deepest wounds using words is a miracle. May God use the talents He gave me for His glory and His kingdom.
Now, what could be better than that?
Have you ever lived an entire lifetime in one afternoon? I have.
Have you ever had joy turned to sorrow, a carefree spirit turned to fear, or a bright sunny day turned black with clouds? I have.
And the wonderful thing is, I have done all these things, seen all these things, and felt all these things without ever leaving my home. You see, I read. I read everything. I've flown with Jimmy Doolittle, I've ridden into battle with Alexander the Great, I watched the gods conspire against Odysseus, and I've nailed Christ's hands to the cross. All these things because of books. Whether fiction, non-fiction, historical, fantasy, reality, or inspirational, I've read them all.
The ability to give someone that very gift is why I love writing. With words you can paint a picture so vivid, so detailed, so real...and you don't need to be able to see! Words can send someone to their death, cause another to live, and imprison or free yet another! Glorious, awe-inspiring words. String them together just right and people will line up for blocks to read your story. Jumble them up and you could end up miserable for life. Really.
There are very nearly a million words in the English language alone. Yet, only 100,000 in the French language. Either the French are very poor indeed or they are merely economical in their word choices! Either way, you can do this and you can do that and all with the writing down of a few words. Coin a word, turn a phrase. Doesn't matter. I still love writing.
It's pretty amazing, really. Consider that the main reason why I love books is because during my growing up years I was shunned, mocked, and beaten by my peers. I was too skinny, too goofy, too poor, too talentless, too hyper, too whatever else that wasn't cool. So, I found the library (two and a half blocks from my house, yes indeedy!) and I found books. My first love, really. Unfortunately, I found out that I was much more advanced in my reading comprehension than my age would allow. This further cemented my need to spend time at the library (they wouldn't allow you to check out any books from the "otherside" of the bookshelves unless you were a teenager). Of course, my home life left much to be desired, so spending time at the library wasn't exactly hard for me. In fact, I craved it. Even when I grew old enough to check out any book in the library I still spent a lot of time there.
Being a "nerd" and not having a home life that encouraged self-expression contributed greatly to my desire to stay safely locked up inside my shell, book in hand, knees tucked in tight to my chest. No one could hurt me when I was lost in my own little world. There, in that always perfect little world (not too hot, not too cold, just right), I was the perfect person. I was tall, handsome, athletic. I was smart, whimsical, and witty. There wasn't anything that I couldn't accomplish. The one thing that I did manage to accomplish, despite my perfect little imaginary world, was to stay locked up, emotionless, self-absorbed, and non-communicative.
Fast-forward a lifetime and a half (emotionally speaking). I'm no longer a child. I grew up. I married a beautiful woman, she bore me five children, and I experienced the greatest horror of my life (yes, folks, I've changed a poopy diaper...the greatest horror known to men). I learned, through many trials and tribulations, how to express myself despite myself. Going from a painfully shy boy to a confident public speaker was an odd journey, one that I didn't so much embark upon as fell upon. You'd be amazed at how being a cop can force you to find yourself. And that it did. Not to mention, being an NCO doesn't hurt, either. When your back is against the wall and you have no other choice, you talk. You communicate. You share.
Now, in order to express yourself to the fullest verbally, you need to know how to write. Writing is such a joy, such a privilege, such an honor that I don't know how to get all the story ideas out of my head and onto paper (or disk, whichever the case may be). I have so many different stories to write. If only they sprang fully formed from my head! Oh well, that is what this blog is all about. Expressing myself. Getting "it" out, whatever "it" is. And that is why I love writing!
Well, looking back on the last thirty-six years, I see how God has woven a rich tapestry and called it...Jim. I would have thought that God giving me His only begotten Son, Jesus, as a sacrificial offering of Love was enough. I would have even been ecstatic at just having the Holy Spirit to guide me, correct me, and ultimately Love me. But no, I got all that and much more. While I call myself a broken Christian, I know that God, through and through, is healing me, putting me back together in the shape and form that He originally intended. To go from nothing to something in Him is awesome. To go from a shy, clumsy kid too afraid to talk to a man willing to bear his deepest wounds using words is a miracle. May God use the talents He gave me for His glory and His kingdom.
Now, what could be better than that?
Current Picture
Well, I took a picture of myself (using my cellphone) with my Blogging Cap on (a B.B. King's Blues Club hat I bought in Memphis). I use the cap as a sort of inspirational motivator. You could even call it my "thinking cap"! Enjoy!Cheers
Open Source Evangelism
As everyone knows, the church's main mission is spreading the Gospel message. Years ago, it just seemed like all you had to do is move to a new area and "set up shop". Nowadays, it isn't so easy. With the rise of religious fanaticism in places as far-flung as India, Sudan, and Indonesia or the continued rise of nationalism in countries like Venezuela, we are finding more countries closed to traditional Christian evangelism. These developments must give rise to another way of thinking. We must develop ways to get our feet in the doors.
How might we go about doing that? Well, in my opinion, we need to utilize a three pronged approach. The first approach centers around developing indigenous people to bring the Gospel to their people. We must remember that religion was used as a convenient anvil to hammer the people against in past centuries. Africa, Asia, and the Americas were conquered by priests, soldiers, and armed settlers (squatters). It is no wonder that native Africans, Asians, and Central/South Americans are suspicious of any non-native that tries to import Christianity to their country.
The second approach centers around how to get the "foot-in-the-door". We must develop our laity, who are well-versed in open-source and open standards software and technologies, to consider committing four years to missions work. With the appropriate research, we can find out what skill sets are needed in the developing country that we wish to reach and send those that are best qualified. By utilizing the approach that we are interested in helping these countries develop their Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, we can ensure that these normally weary countries open their doors for us.
The third approach revolves around developing economic opportunities within the target countries. Using a combination of technology, education, and micro-credit type economic development programs ensures a (potentially) lasting goodwill to the cause of Christ. Obviously, being able to harness technology for economic reasons makes a lot of sense. Transmitting zeros and ones does not require you to be in the same area as the one paying you for your work. High quality and low cost will ensure a steady stream of work. Educating indigenous people on how to use computers, how to write code, and how to support their code will help to increase the economic opportunities that are available to them. Micro-credit banks, in the same vein as the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, could be established with low interest loans from church-based financial institutions. These micro-credit "loans" would allow the indigenous folks to purchase the necessary equipment that they need to pull themselves out of poverty. While developing economic opportunities that do not favor the West does not ensure a ready ear to the Gospel, it does help to soften the image of the West (which is so closely linked with Christianity).
Tying all of these approaches together won't be easy. Here is what I believe is a good model: By sending out technologists paired with trained missionaries, we gain a foothold into developing countries. The technologists provide lifestyle evangelism to those that they are trying to teach the technologies to. If the church would sponsor trained indigenous people to further enhance localization, we would have the ability to reach many more people with the Gospel. Think about it, localization of computer systems, paired with a good translation program, would allow us to:
How might we go about doing that? Well, in my opinion, we need to utilize a three pronged approach. The first approach centers around developing indigenous people to bring the Gospel to their people. We must remember that religion was used as a convenient anvil to hammer the people against in past centuries. Africa, Asia, and the Americas were conquered by priests, soldiers, and armed settlers (squatters). It is no wonder that native Africans, Asians, and Central/South Americans are suspicious of any non-native that tries to import Christianity to their country.
The second approach centers around how to get the "foot-in-the-door". We must develop our laity, who are well-versed in open-source and open standards software and technologies, to consider committing four years to missions work. With the appropriate research, we can find out what skill sets are needed in the developing country that we wish to reach and send those that are best qualified. By utilizing the approach that we are interested in helping these countries develop their Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, we can ensure that these normally weary countries open their doors for us.
The third approach revolves around developing economic opportunities within the target countries. Using a combination of technology, education, and micro-credit type economic development programs ensures a (potentially) lasting goodwill to the cause of Christ. Obviously, being able to harness technology for economic reasons makes a lot of sense. Transmitting zeros and ones does not require you to be in the same area as the one paying you for your work. High quality and low cost will ensure a steady stream of work. Educating indigenous people on how to use computers, how to write code, and how to support their code will help to increase the economic opportunities that are available to them. Micro-credit banks, in the same vein as the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, could be established with low interest loans from church-based financial institutions. These micro-credit "loans" would allow the indigenous folks to purchase the necessary equipment that they need to pull themselves out of poverty. While developing economic opportunities that do not favor the West does not ensure a ready ear to the Gospel, it does help to soften the image of the West (which is so closely linked with Christianity).
Tying all of these approaches together won't be easy. Here is what I believe is a good model: By sending out technologists paired with trained missionaries, we gain a foothold into developing countries. The technologists provide lifestyle evangelism to those that they are trying to teach the technologies to. If the church would sponsor trained indigenous people to further enhance localization, we would have the ability to reach many more people with the Gospel. Think about it, localization of computer systems, paired with a good translation program, would allow us to:
- Translate Christian textbooks - especially if they are good quality books written by college professors.
- Translate classic Christian books - this would allow for the formative classics to be made available for new generations of Christians. That way we can provide an even greater depth and breadth of Christian knowledge for everyone.
- Allow non-English/non-Western texts to be translated for our knowledge.
Why Apple May Rock
Mac OSX is known for being rock solid and stable. Built on an open-source Unix codebase, it doesn't have the known stability issues that have plagued previous versions of Windows. Nor does it crash as easily when a program goes awry. It's even been called pretty, innovative, and feature rich. What it has never been called is Windows compatible.
So, why would I say that Apple may rock considering that I just said it isn't Windows compatible? Well, because of CrossOver Mac. Now, you won't be able to run every single Windows program out there, which is a sad truth. But, I dare say, most of what the average user wants to run would be comfortably handled by CrossOver Mac. Give it a look. You just might be able to run your favorite programs on the most beautiful computers in existence.
Cheers
So, why would I say that Apple may rock considering that I just said it isn't Windows compatible? Well, because of CrossOver Mac. Now, you won't be able to run every single Windows program out there, which is a sad truth. But, I dare say, most of what the average user wants to run would be comfortably handled by CrossOver Mac. Give it a look. You just might be able to run your favorite programs on the most beautiful computers in existence.
Cheers
Friday, July 27, 2007
So. There I Was, Eating Crow...Again!
Well, I've not been a fan of Dell* for quite some time now. Lately, I've been doing a bit of soul searching, especially since my little Apple iBook G3/600 died. I've done a bit more soul searching ever since my HP Pavilion DV4018CL started acting up. Why all the soul searching? Well, I would say it's because my wife's laptop, a horribly slow Dell Inspiron 1200, has held up through two laptops that I have claimed ownership of.
Before anyone jumps to conclusions, let me set a few things straight. One, I baby my laptops. I don't even let my wife and kids touch them, if possible. Two, my wife let's our kids play on hers. Three, her computer has been through hell and back (water on the keyboard, mysterious boot issues, etc.). Now that I've been home from Iraq, her computer has worked famously. Worked so famously that I'm thinking if the Medison Celebrity turns out to be vaporware, I'm going to have to order an Ubuntu equipped Inspiron 1505n!
So, honey, I will say it now...I'm sorry for making fun of your laptop. In the future I will try my best to keep my misinformed tongue firmly trapped between my teeth. I would never have guessed that I would say Dell doesn't suck, but here I am, saying it loudly...DELL DOES NOT SUCK!!! Can you forgive me?
Cheers
*You betcha, I'm writing this on my wife's laptop!
Before anyone jumps to conclusions, let me set a few things straight. One, I baby my laptops. I don't even let my wife and kids touch them, if possible. Two, my wife let's our kids play on hers. Three, her computer has been through hell and back (water on the keyboard, mysterious boot issues, etc.). Now that I've been home from Iraq, her computer has worked famously. Worked so famously that I'm thinking if the Medison Celebrity turns out to be vaporware, I'm going to have to order an Ubuntu equipped Inspiron 1505n!
So, honey, I will say it now...I'm sorry for making fun of your laptop. In the future I will try my best to keep my misinformed tongue firmly trapped between my teeth. I would never have guessed that I would say Dell doesn't suck, but here I am, saying it loudly...DELL DOES NOT SUCK!!! Can you forgive me?
Cheers
*You betcha, I'm writing this on my wife's laptop!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
New Look, New Post
I decided that, since today is the first day of my new year, I would change the look of the site a little bit. I updated the formatting and the template. Let me know whatcha think!
Cheers
Cheers
Ubuntu Linux
Since it is my birthday, I thought that I would write on something that is important to me. So, I am going to write about Ubuntu Linux. I will start with some background on the word Ubuntu and on what Linux is. After that, I will discuss why Ubuntu Linux is so important. Lastly, I will try to provide a decent summary!
Ubuntu is less a word and more a concept. Wondering what I mean by that? Well, since the English language is so inefficient, we rarely see well contained concepts expressed by one word. Ubuntu, which is a Bantu language group word, means "humanity to others" or "I have value because of my community". In our world, we tend to view our community through how it supports our individualism. We don't see the importance of being a community member and actively contributing to it. If our community fails, we don't really care...it's someone else's fault. In the spirit of Ubuntu, we would see any community failure as just as much our fault as anyone else's.
Linux was started way back in 1991. Linux Torvalds wanted to develop an operating system that was based on Minix (a form of Unix). So, he, along with a large number of volunteers, developed the core, or kernel, and surrounded it with tools developed by the GNU Project. So, GNU/Linux (the more correct term) was developed into a viable alternative to the proprietary Unix brands and Microsoft's Windows. To those who are old enough to remember, Linux is very similar to DOS. If you add a graphical user interface (gui), such as Gnome, KDE, or XFCE, you have what amounts to the old Windows 3.1. Now, having said that, I will say that the GUIs that come or are generally available for Linux are much prettier than Windows 3.1. With a little tweaking, you can make it look way better than MacOSX or Windows XP/Vista. Plus, the kernel and it's tools are much more stable than anything that Microsoft has put out.
Now, Ubuntu Linux corrects two issues which have nagged Linux from the start...namely, installation of the system and installation of individual programs. When you download the ISO (which is the CD image that you need to burn to a CDR) and burn it, you pop the disc into your CDROM drive and reboot the computer. I won't go into great detail here, but you must have your computer set up to boot from the CDROM. Once you boot up into the Ubuntu disc, it will (eventually) bring you to a desktop that is very similar to Windows. You can now use any program that initially comes with the disc (there are nearly two full gigs of data on the disc). There are games, word processors, music players, etc for your use. This is very similar to the try before you buy, except you don't buy anything. If you want to install Ubuntu to your computer, there is an icon in the upper left hand corner that you can click on. You will be asked a few questions and then the installer takes over.
Once you have installed Ubuntu to your computer (in place of Windows), you might want to checkout some of the really cool programs that are freely available for download and installation. I won't go into great detail, but Ubuntu uses a program called Synaptic (found under System -> Administration). Synaptic is like a catalog of software with descriptions. If you find a program you want to install you click on it's check box and then hit the add button. If there is any additional software that needs to be installed, it will let you know. Very simple, overall.
While I have done a horrible job "selling" Ubuntu Linux, I will encourage you to check it out. You might find the experience much better than Windows. Then again, maybe not. Your mileage may vary.
Cheers
Ubuntu is less a word and more a concept. Wondering what I mean by that? Well, since the English language is so inefficient, we rarely see well contained concepts expressed by one word. Ubuntu, which is a Bantu language group word, means "humanity to others" or "I have value because of my community". In our world, we tend to view our community through how it supports our individualism. We don't see the importance of being a community member and actively contributing to it. If our community fails, we don't really care...it's someone else's fault. In the spirit of Ubuntu, we would see any community failure as just as much our fault as anyone else's.
Linux was started way back in 1991. Linux Torvalds wanted to develop an operating system that was based on Minix (a form of Unix). So, he, along with a large number of volunteers, developed the core, or kernel, and surrounded it with tools developed by the GNU Project. So, GNU/Linux (the more correct term) was developed into a viable alternative to the proprietary Unix brands and Microsoft's Windows. To those who are old enough to remember, Linux is very similar to DOS. If you add a graphical user interface (gui), such as Gnome, KDE, or XFCE, you have what amounts to the old Windows 3.1. Now, having said that, I will say that the GUIs that come or are generally available for Linux are much prettier than Windows 3.1. With a little tweaking, you can make it look way better than MacOSX or Windows XP/Vista. Plus, the kernel and it's tools are much more stable than anything that Microsoft has put out.
Now, Ubuntu Linux corrects two issues which have nagged Linux from the start...namely, installation of the system and installation of individual programs. When you download the ISO (which is the CD image that you need to burn to a CDR) and burn it, you pop the disc into your CDROM drive and reboot the computer. I won't go into great detail here, but you must have your computer set up to boot from the CDROM. Once you boot up into the Ubuntu disc, it will (eventually) bring you to a desktop that is very similar to Windows. You can now use any program that initially comes with the disc (there are nearly two full gigs of data on the disc). There are games, word processors, music players, etc for your use. This is very similar to the try before you buy, except you don't buy anything. If you want to install Ubuntu to your computer, there is an icon in the upper left hand corner that you can click on. You will be asked a few questions and then the installer takes over.
Once you have installed Ubuntu to your computer (in place of Windows), you might want to checkout some of the really cool programs that are freely available for download and installation. I won't go into great detail, but Ubuntu uses a program called Synaptic (found under System -> Administration). Synaptic is like a catalog of software with descriptions. If you find a program you want to install you click on it's check box and then hit the add button. If there is any additional software that needs to be installed, it will let you know. Very simple, overall.
While I have done a horrible job "selling" Ubuntu Linux, I will encourage you to check it out. You might find the experience much better than Windows. Then again, maybe not. Your mileage may vary.
Cheers
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Summer Fun (at Church!)
Well, we had our Tailgate Beach Blast at church. It was, indeed, a blast. We had lots of people (the very unscientific guestimate is around 350 people). We had lots of food. And, we had lots of fun.
There was volleyball going on, jumpy castles, slip n slides, water fights, and just plain old fashion fellowship. The food was good (can't beat grilled burgers and 'dogs), the people let their hair down, and everyone should have gone home full. Sarah had a soggy diaper from playing in the water that must have very nearly weighed three pounds! She didn't even complain when she was brought to the van. Too bad Mommy is in Minneapolis right now. I'm sure she might have had a great time too.
I was extremely lucky...while I helped to count people and direct traffic, I almost didn't get a burger! The grill had closed down and we were on our last four burgers and maybe six dogs when I made it through the line. No worries, though. There was plenty of other stuff to fill my stomach if I hadn't gotten a burger.
Well, I need to watch a movie before I go to bed.
Cheers
There was volleyball going on, jumpy castles, slip n slides, water fights, and just plain old fashion fellowship. The food was good (can't beat grilled burgers and 'dogs), the people let their hair down, and everyone should have gone home full. Sarah had a soggy diaper from playing in the water that must have very nearly weighed three pounds! She didn't even complain when she was brought to the van. Too bad Mommy is in Minneapolis right now. I'm sure she might have had a great time too.
I was extremely lucky...while I helped to count people and direct traffic, I almost didn't get a burger! The grill had closed down and we were on our last four burgers and maybe six dogs when I made it through the line. No worries, though. There was plenty of other stuff to fill my stomach if I hadn't gotten a burger.
Well, I need to watch a movie before I go to bed.
Cheers
Catch and Release
This will be a very short blog entry. Yesterday I watched "Catch and Release", which stars Jennifer Garner. To say I was disappointed would be to understate and, to a degree, misstate things. I did not understand that movie. It felt too forced, the plot was thin, and the overall execution of the movie was rough. There were certainly a couple of interesting twists, but none that made absolute sense to make. If you get the opportunity to borrow the movie from a friend, do so. If you must buy it or rent it, don't bother.
See, I said it would be short.
Cheers
See, I said it would be short.
Cheers
Health Care as Ministry, Part 2
Okay, let me continue with my post from last night. First of all, I was posting around 2333L...way late. I pretty much lost track of what I was really wanting to say. So, let me continue...
There are an aweful lot of missionaries who have taken their time, resources, and lives to bring the Gospel to the world. Far too many of them never feel like they are making a real difference. Contrast that with some of the reports that we hear concerning how many people have come to Christ because they have received much needed free health care that was hosted at a missionary outpost. The unbelieving world finds it hard to believe that Jesus Christ came to save their souls while their bodies are uncared for.
I'm not saying that the work that our missionaries are doing is worthless because they are not doctors. Quite the opposite. Rather, I feel that if our churches would get involved we could field missionary medical doctors in larger numbers. All we would need to do is set up a program where the student agrees to spend eight years on the mission field once they are board certified in exchange for a free education (post-bachelors degree). If there is a need for a certain specialty, the student (now doctor) would request a delay to reporting for missionary training until after that specialized training is finished. If the student who is accepted into the program drops out, he/she owes for the education that they have received. If the student refuses to go on the mission field, he/she owes for the education. With a proper contract we could make sure that the students understand their obligations. I know it isn't fool-proof...but it is doable.
The program could be expanded to cover other specialties, such as dentists, vets, teachers, etc. We, as the church, need to find ways to improve the lives, in a substantive way, in the communities that we want to establish missionary outposts. We need a reason for people to listen to us. With all of the blessings that God has poured out on our country, we need to start paying it back. Unfortunately, we seem bent on exporting our consumerism instead of Christ. Pathetic.
Cheers
There are an aweful lot of missionaries who have taken their time, resources, and lives to bring the Gospel to the world. Far too many of them never feel like they are making a real difference. Contrast that with some of the reports that we hear concerning how many people have come to Christ because they have received much needed free health care that was hosted at a missionary outpost. The unbelieving world finds it hard to believe that Jesus Christ came to save their souls while their bodies are uncared for.
I'm not saying that the work that our missionaries are doing is worthless because they are not doctors. Quite the opposite. Rather, I feel that if our churches would get involved we could field missionary medical doctors in larger numbers. All we would need to do is set up a program where the student agrees to spend eight years on the mission field once they are board certified in exchange for a free education (post-bachelors degree). If there is a need for a certain specialty, the student (now doctor) would request a delay to reporting for missionary training until after that specialized training is finished. If the student who is accepted into the program drops out, he/she owes for the education that they have received. If the student refuses to go on the mission field, he/she owes for the education. With a proper contract we could make sure that the students understand their obligations. I know it isn't fool-proof...but it is doable.
The program could be expanded to cover other specialties, such as dentists, vets, teachers, etc. We, as the church, need to find ways to improve the lives, in a substantive way, in the communities that we want to establish missionary outposts. We need a reason for people to listen to us. With all of the blessings that God has poured out on our country, we need to start paying it back. Unfortunately, we seem bent on exporting our consumerism instead of Christ. Pathetic.
Cheers
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Health Care as Ministry
I just read an interesting article about some U.S. students graduating from a Cuban medical school. The intriguing thing about the story is that the students received a free education. They are completely debt-free. So, they can now start practicing (once they pass the boards) in areas that have few resources.
My vision for America is hardly unique. I envision an America that doesn't throw away her people, needlessly chasing after money. I'm not against money, per se, I like having a few bucks in my pocket. Makes me feel free. But, I also understand that I have an obligation to relieve the suffering of others. Since I am not a doctor, I do what I can. Sometimes, that means giving my money, or my time, or maybe something that I own but don't use/need. It sickens me to see how health care, in particular, has gotten so expensive.
Why do we chase after the next big drug breakthrough? I don't we do more research, real scientific research, into natural cures? Or maybe into what is referred to as Eastern medicine (you would be amazed at how easy it can be to "heal" yourself just by finding the right pressure point...don't believe me, well, the next time you hit your 'funny bone' remember that is a pressure point...or think about the times that your neck being out of whack has caused you to have a huge headache. It stands to reason that if something can cause pain in another area of the body you should be able to counter that pain by pressing another area of the body).
Of course, I think that God has designed an amazing world filled with amazing things that could cure us if only we would try. Maybe we should think about that for a bit, eh?
My vision for America is hardly unique. I envision an America that doesn't throw away her people, needlessly chasing after money. I'm not against money, per se, I like having a few bucks in my pocket. Makes me feel free. But, I also understand that I have an obligation to relieve the suffering of others. Since I am not a doctor, I do what I can. Sometimes, that means giving my money, or my time, or maybe something that I own but don't use/need. It sickens me to see how health care, in particular, has gotten so expensive.
Why do we chase after the next big drug breakthrough? I don't we do more research, real scientific research, into natural cures? Or maybe into what is referred to as Eastern medicine (you would be amazed at how easy it can be to "heal" yourself just by finding the right pressure point...don't believe me, well, the next time you hit your 'funny bone' remember that is a pressure point...or think about the times that your neck being out of whack has caused you to have a huge headache. It stands to reason that if something can cause pain in another area of the body you should be able to counter that pain by pressing another area of the body).
Of course, I think that God has designed an amazing world filled with amazing things that could cure us if only we would try. Maybe we should think about that for a bit, eh?
Chocolate Milk & Casting Crowns
Being a broken Christian isn't so hard, really. All you have to be is a thinking, feeling human being who tries to follow the model that Jesus provided. That's a pretty tall order, for certain, but not impossible. Honestly, all you have to do to go from broken vessel (think clear plastic, very bio-degradable) to Christ-like is to maintain your transparency and allow yourself to be filled with Him through His Spirit. No one ever says, 'Hey, look at that clear plastic bottle filled with chocolate milk!'. No, they say, 'Hey, grab me that bottle of chocolate milk'. Everyone knows that the bottle isn't the chocolate milk. They know that the bottle merely contains the milk for a season. Once you have consumed the milk, you can discard the container. I want to be that container, used by God to transport Jesus to a thirsty soul. Once my mission in life is complete, then He can call me home and I can finally discard this mortal coil.
Now, the title says Chocolate Milk & Casting Crowns. I sure that whoever reads this (hello, is anyone out there?!) will think that the title is rather odd. Bear (or is it bare?) with me for a moment. I was just reading a passage on their website from the LifeStories book. Very gut-wrenching. I've flown into a combat zone (Iraq) on a military transport aircraft and have barely escaped needing to puke (excuse my French). I've had my stomach tied in knots because of some of the things that I've allowed myself to be talked into. Nothing has really had such an effect on me as reading the story that I read about Erin Browning and her battle with cancer. I had tears in my eyes (I'm such an emotional he-man, eh?!), my throat was constricted and I couldn't swallow very well, and my stomach hurt. The older I get (I'll be 36 in a couple of days) the more emotional and "genuine" I become.
Now, to tie everything together...the feelings that I had over that story (which I didn't finish reading for fear that I would break down and cry) are God's gift to me. I am not very comfortable with my feelings. I can't stand to lose control. Yet, I need to learn to lose control if I ever want to be the bottle that contains the chocolate milk. I want to get to a point in my life where I can freely give to Him and be what He wants me to be. I want the fear, the pain, the anger to go away. I want to be filled with His mercy, His grace, and His love. For myself, for my family, and for this world.
Cheers
Now, the title says Chocolate Milk & Casting Crowns. I sure that whoever reads this (hello, is anyone out there?!) will think that the title is rather odd. Bear (or is it bare?) with me for a moment. I was just reading a passage on their website from the LifeStories book. Very gut-wrenching. I've flown into a combat zone (Iraq) on a military transport aircraft and have barely escaped needing to puke (excuse my French). I've had my stomach tied in knots because of some of the things that I've allowed myself to be talked into. Nothing has really had such an effect on me as reading the story that I read about Erin Browning and her battle with cancer. I had tears in my eyes (I'm such an emotional he-man, eh?!), my throat was constricted and I couldn't swallow very well, and my stomach hurt. The older I get (I'll be 36 in a couple of days) the more emotional and "genuine" I become.
Now, to tie everything together...the feelings that I had over that story (which I didn't finish reading for fear that I would break down and cry) are God's gift to me. I am not very comfortable with my feelings. I can't stand to lose control. Yet, I need to learn to lose control if I ever want to be the bottle that contains the chocolate milk. I want to get to a point in my life where I can freely give to Him and be what He wants me to be. I want the fear, the pain, the anger to go away. I want to be filled with His mercy, His grace, and His love. For myself, for my family, and for this world.
Cheers
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The Importance of Manhood
In today's world, it's not exactly "correct" to be a man. Case in point? Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. No, I don't hate the men on that show. I find it rather entertaining, actually. But, I do think that through their choices they are going to reap the results of what they are sowing. Our society seems bent on making sure that everyone is the same. Remember, Neo, comformity isn't always "right".
If you go to George Barna's website, you will find an amazing amount of data that supports the supposition that men need to rethink their view that they can just run out on their families. Want to decrease the suicide rate? Decrease (or effectively eliminate) substance abuse issues? Want to make our world a better place? Get involved with your kids!
I know it isn't easy to do. With our world being so complex and confusing, with our time being drained constantly, we have very little time to be anything. We should not let that stop us. Get involved. Talk to your boss and see if you can get some flexibility with your work schedule so that you can attend a recital, a game, or what ever your child is involved in. Play a video game with your child. Stop doing all the things that prevent you from being "Daddy".
Don't have any kids? Concerned with the youth of today and how misguided they are? Join Big Brothers/Big Sisters in your area. Join the Boy Scouts of America. You could even get involved in your local church's children/youth ministries (such as Royal Rangers). "By any means necessary..." we must reach our world. Start with the young ones and you start with the future.
Working with kids can be very hard. You could easily toil for many years before you see even the smallest seed poke through the hard soil of life. The discouragement is very real, very scary, and doesn't take long to take root. You must be prepared to stay the course. It isn't always your place to harvest what you have sown. Sometimes, it seems like you have broken the soil, planted the seeds, and nothing ever comes of it. Don't for one moment seriously entertain the thought that you have failed. Only eternity can tell. Only God knows. Just remember why you are doing it...for Jesus' sake. For His glory, not yours. Let Him have it all, the frustration, the fear, the tiredness, everything. He gives joy for sorrow...trust Him in the little things and He will prove Himself faithful.
Cheers
If you go to George Barna's website, you will find an amazing amount of data that supports the supposition that men need to rethink their view that they can just run out on their families. Want to decrease the suicide rate? Decrease (or effectively eliminate) substance abuse issues? Want to make our world a better place? Get involved with your kids!
I know it isn't easy to do. With our world being so complex and confusing, with our time being drained constantly, we have very little time to be anything. We should not let that stop us. Get involved. Talk to your boss and see if you can get some flexibility with your work schedule so that you can attend a recital, a game, or what ever your child is involved in. Play a video game with your child. Stop doing all the things that prevent you from being "Daddy".
Don't have any kids? Concerned with the youth of today and how misguided they are? Join Big Brothers/Big Sisters in your area. Join the Boy Scouts of America. You could even get involved in your local church's children/youth ministries (such as Royal Rangers). "By any means necessary..." we must reach our world. Start with the young ones and you start with the future.
Working with kids can be very hard. You could easily toil for many years before you see even the smallest seed poke through the hard soil of life. The discouragement is very real, very scary, and doesn't take long to take root. You must be prepared to stay the course. It isn't always your place to harvest what you have sown. Sometimes, it seems like you have broken the soil, planted the seeds, and nothing ever comes of it. Don't for one moment seriously entertain the thought that you have failed. Only eternity can tell. Only God knows. Just remember why you are doing it...for Jesus' sake. For His glory, not yours. Let Him have it all, the frustration, the fear, the tiredness, everything. He gives joy for sorrow...trust Him in the little things and He will prove Himself faithful.
Cheers
The Power of Words
Today I was reminded of the power of words, again. We had a boy in church that got into some kind of mood. He ran outside, alone, and went to the playground. Children, for security and liability reasons, aren't supposed to be unsupervised on church grounds. One of the men that was trying to watch over him told our Outpost Senior Commander, Dr. James Dye, and I that the boy wasn't listening to him. So, we decided to retrieve him (using the two person concept...more liability and accountability). We escorted him into the church and tried to get him to go to Sunday School.
For several minutes we tried to talk him out of the corner that he had planted himself into. We each tried to talk to him, one of the ladies (hi, Sandra) tried to talk to him, all to no avail. James asked him if he wanted to stay or go home. As can be expected, he elected to go home. James left us (and about six other people who were just hanging about) to go find the van ministry driver. While he was gone, I attempted to engage him in conversation. I tried to find out if he liked soccer, football, and basketball...he doesn't play any of those games. I asked him if he played video games...no, he doesn't have a game console. No matter what, he seemed bent on keeping his face buried in the corner. I asked him what his age was...seven. Bingo, I hope. I ask him what grade he's in...first or second. He responded with first. I told him that I accepted an invitation to repeat kindergarten when I was younger. I then asked him if he liked school...you betcha! Did he like math? Nope. Did he have a computer lab to play around in? Nope. Dang...this isn't going anywhere fast. I then asked if he brought his lunch with him or if he ate at school. He told me that he ate the school lunch. I asked him, naturally, what his favorite meal was...pizza! Boy, do we have a lot in common! He also liked the smiley french fries. He didn't get to have any fruit cocktail, but he did get fresh fruit. Apples were common, though they cut them up for them. He also gets to eat carrots. I sat with him in front of the water bubbler, cross-legged on the floor, just talking about school (lunches...:)).
After several minutes, James came back with a couple of other men (deacons, I think). They ask him if he is ready to go home. He said that he wants to stay. I ask if he wants to go to Sunday School with me. Wouldn't you know it, he said yes. After we found a couple of seats, Sandra walked up and asked me what I did to get him to come in. I said I just talked to him. She seemed a little incredulous, so she asked again. I said, again, that I just talked to him. She didn't seem convinced, but she did accept it and left to attend to some of the other students. Honestly, Sandra, I only talked to him. I suppose all he needed was the comfort of a friendly person willing to take a minute to ask about what was important to him. Once he opened up and accepted that I wasn't there to punish him, he wanted to do things that made me happy. And, for the rest of the service, he sat next to me with minimal disruption (curiosity did get the better of him a time or two, but that is to be expected).
Lesson learned...words are powerful. The most powerful words, though, are the ones you hear from another person. Certainly, one must never forget that the right words spoken at the right time can have a dramatic impact on someone's life. I am just convinced that the best conversationalists are really the best listeners. Check it out. You just might be shocked at what you find when you listen.
Thanks Paul, Sandra, James, and the deacons. If you hadn't let me talk to George I wouldn't have learned a valuable lesson today. May God be blessed. May the strongholds in George's life be smashed (see, Paul, I was listening!). I will pray for George. Even if I never see him again.
For several minutes we tried to talk him out of the corner that he had planted himself into. We each tried to talk to him, one of the ladies (hi, Sandra) tried to talk to him, all to no avail. James asked him if he wanted to stay or go home. As can be expected, he elected to go home. James left us (and about six other people who were just hanging about) to go find the van ministry driver. While he was gone, I attempted to engage him in conversation. I tried to find out if he liked soccer, football, and basketball...he doesn't play any of those games. I asked him if he played video games...no, he doesn't have a game console. No matter what, he seemed bent on keeping his face buried in the corner. I asked him what his age was...seven. Bingo, I hope. I ask him what grade he's in...first or second. He responded with first. I told him that I accepted an invitation to repeat kindergarten when I was younger. I then asked him if he liked school...you betcha! Did he like math? Nope. Did he have a computer lab to play around in? Nope. Dang...this isn't going anywhere fast. I then asked if he brought his lunch with him or if he ate at school. He told me that he ate the school lunch. I asked him, naturally, what his favorite meal was...pizza! Boy, do we have a lot in common! He also liked the smiley french fries. He didn't get to have any fruit cocktail, but he did get fresh fruit. Apples were common, though they cut them up for them. He also gets to eat carrots. I sat with him in front of the water bubbler, cross-legged on the floor, just talking about school (lunches...:)).
After several minutes, James came back with a couple of other men (deacons, I think). They ask him if he is ready to go home. He said that he wants to stay. I ask if he wants to go to Sunday School with me. Wouldn't you know it, he said yes. After we found a couple of seats, Sandra walked up and asked me what I did to get him to come in. I said I just talked to him. She seemed a little incredulous, so she asked again. I said, again, that I just talked to him. She didn't seem convinced, but she did accept it and left to attend to some of the other students. Honestly, Sandra, I only talked to him. I suppose all he needed was the comfort of a friendly person willing to take a minute to ask about what was important to him. Once he opened up and accepted that I wasn't there to punish him, he wanted to do things that made me happy. And, for the rest of the service, he sat next to me with minimal disruption (curiosity did get the better of him a time or two, but that is to be expected).
Lesson learned...words are powerful. The most powerful words, though, are the ones you hear from another person. Certainly, one must never forget that the right words spoken at the right time can have a dramatic impact on someone's life. I am just convinced that the best conversationalists are really the best listeners. Check it out. You just might be shocked at what you find when you listen.
Thanks Paul, Sandra, James, and the deacons. If you hadn't let me talk to George I wouldn't have learned a valuable lesson today. May God be blessed. May the strongholds in George's life be smashed (see, Paul, I was listening!). I will pray for George. Even if I never see him again.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Oh, Yeah...I Almost Forgot!
Okay, so there I was, checking out a couple of my favorite blogs (such as Moving Parts & The GNOME commentary) when I realized that I have my own blog. Now, I'd like to blame it all on being too busy to update it. The truth is closer to this: I forgot or I'm lazy. Not certain which is closer to the truth over all (probably equal doses of each).
Many things have happened since my last post in 2006. For one, I deployed to Iraq for nearly five months. Ultimately, five months is a lot shorter than what the Army does (the Army deploys you for 12 months and keeps you there for 18 months...they never could count). I then spent two months at home before going down to Mississippi for a month and a half. Well, it's been nearly two months since I got back and I'm getting close to going back to Mississippi (this time for three short weeks). By the time I get home in September, I will have spent nearly seven months away from my family in a one year period. Makes the military life hard. Since 2000, I have spent over 2 years away from my family. Try to be a father and a husband with that much time spent away. To really seal the deal, though, consider that once I get home in September I will be eligible for six month to one year long deployments. Is it any wonder that my wife wants me to retire once my twenty years is up?
Last week I spent two days camping and canoeing. If you've never spent time on the Niobrara River in Nebraska, well, you haven't lived. It's a really pretty river (most of the time), it's shallow (it never got above my waist level...of course, I'm approximately six-two...your mileage may vary), but it is deceptively swift. Well, not really swift per se, but it was strong enough to push a grown man down the river at a leisurely two or three miles an hour. With the slippery rocks, sand, and occasional sharp rock it was no wonder that I lost my footing and ended up about ten feet from where I slipped. Once I planted my feet in the soft sand and stopped myself, I was able to get up and push my way upstream.
The trip was sponsored by Royal Ranger Outpost 1, Rapid City. You would never guess how fun it can be to camp and canoe with a bunch of third to fifth grade boys. If you want to learn something new, go and spend some time with someone that young. Unfortunately, my canoe partner tired very quickly and occasionally would stop listening to my directions. That made the first part of my river trip a bit difficult. I managed to get a righteous, splotchy sunburn on my legs (yes, I used 30 SPF sunscreen, no it didn't really help after I got dropped into the river twenty minutes or so after we started our trip). I also managed to pull something in my forearm...I would go to the hospital but I don't want to and that's the end of it.
Many things have happened since my last post in 2006. For one, I deployed to Iraq for nearly five months. Ultimately, five months is a lot shorter than what the Army does (the Army deploys you for 12 months and keeps you there for 18 months...they never could count). I then spent two months at home before going down to Mississippi for a month and a half. Well, it's been nearly two months since I got back and I'm getting close to going back to Mississippi (this time for three short weeks). By the time I get home in September, I will have spent nearly seven months away from my family in a one year period. Makes the military life hard. Since 2000, I have spent over 2 years away from my family. Try to be a father and a husband with that much time spent away. To really seal the deal, though, consider that once I get home in September I will be eligible for six month to one year long deployments. Is it any wonder that my wife wants me to retire once my twenty years is up?
Last week I spent two days camping and canoeing. If you've never spent time on the Niobrara River in Nebraska, well, you haven't lived. It's a really pretty river (most of the time), it's shallow (it never got above my waist level...of course, I'm approximately six-two...your mileage may vary), but it is deceptively swift. Well, not really swift per se, but it was strong enough to push a grown man down the river at a leisurely two or three miles an hour. With the slippery rocks, sand, and occasional sharp rock it was no wonder that I lost my footing and ended up about ten feet from where I slipped. Once I planted my feet in the soft sand and stopped myself, I was able to get up and push my way upstream.
The trip was sponsored by Royal Ranger Outpost 1, Rapid City. You would never guess how fun it can be to camp and canoe with a bunch of third to fifth grade boys. If you want to learn something new, go and spend some time with someone that young. Unfortunately, my canoe partner tired very quickly and occasionally would stop listening to my directions. That made the first part of my river trip a bit difficult. I managed to get a righteous, splotchy sunburn on my legs (yes, I used 30 SPF sunscreen, no it didn't really help after I got dropped into the river twenty minutes or so after we started our trip). I also managed to pull something in my forearm...I would go to the hospital but I don't want to and that's the end of it.
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