I was having a discussion with some other students over lunch at the seminary today. After a little while, the topic turned to politics as one of them is an active Ron Paul fan, even to the point that he passes out the buttons and DVDs.
It was a fun conversation, that though there were many varying opinions, never turned argumentative, though heat was present.
Ultimately, I wondered the answer to this question:
As Christians, are we to evaluate the candidates in a way to see who we think might make the best leader in line with our beliefs, the best leader for the country at the time, or the leader who would lead to the accomplishments of God's plans?
My instinctive (and I believe correct) answer is that Christians must base their vote on which candidate they think will best carry out God's plans for this world. This was not as fun to realize, as since America isn't the chosen country (regardless of what your church or the media may tell you), the President who best carries out God's plans might also then have to be the same President that does the worst things to move America forward.
It is possible, that God's main agenda in this world isn't moving America to being a more stable, comfortable, friendly place to live.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Hot Tub Adventures
Jason and I didn't grow up with pets. We had fish, even fish we would give names to, but we never had a bird, dog or cat to call our own. Jason had wanted one more than I did, but I wouldn't have minded if we had gotten a pet of our own.
Like every child, we promised we would take care of it. Our parents thought they knew better. Mom always figured she would end up having to take care of it, and not wanting to do so, never allowed us to get a pet.
That didn't stop us from playing with animals though. In California, we found ourselves with a couple of strays that we would see consistently. One of them looked like a tiger, so we named it "Tiger." He was our friend.
I can still remember finding him sitting on the hot tub cover, or trying to pry open the screen door to the house. He would succesfuly make it inside, only for us to have to kick him out again.
One night, while in the hot tub, Tiger came to visit. He stayed around throughout my time in the hot tub, and Jason and I decided he must be hungry and need some food. For once, we actually convinced mom that it might be a good idea feed him. She rummaged throug the refrigerator looking for something to give it and decided that the left over ham and turkey that we likely wouldn't eat would be fine for the cat.
Tiger seemed pleased. Not a scrap was left. With a full belly, Tiger walked away for the evening. We imagined, now that we had fed him, it wouldn't be long before we saw him again.
Instead, we realized weeks later, that our old, nasty ham must have killed that cat. It went from having the cat to play with everyday, to no cat at all. The funniest part to me, is that it was when mom decided how to take care of the cat, is the same time the cat died.
Maybe, Jason and I would have been fine with the pet, and mom just knew that she, nurturing as possible to children, would kill a cat with one meal.
Like every child, we promised we would take care of it. Our parents thought they knew better. Mom always figured she would end up having to take care of it, and not wanting to do so, never allowed us to get a pet.
That didn't stop us from playing with animals though. In California, we found ourselves with a couple of strays that we would see consistently. One of them looked like a tiger, so we named it "Tiger." He was our friend.
I can still remember finding him sitting on the hot tub cover, or trying to pry open the screen door to the house. He would succesfuly make it inside, only for us to have to kick him out again.
One night, while in the hot tub, Tiger came to visit. He stayed around throughout my time in the hot tub, and Jason and I decided he must be hungry and need some food. For once, we actually convinced mom that it might be a good idea feed him. She rummaged throug the refrigerator looking for something to give it and decided that the left over ham and turkey that we likely wouldn't eat would be fine for the cat.
Tiger seemed pleased. Not a scrap was left. With a full belly, Tiger walked away for the evening. We imagined, now that we had fed him, it wouldn't be long before we saw him again.
Instead, we realized weeks later, that our old, nasty ham must have killed that cat. It went from having the cat to play with everyday, to no cat at all. The funniest part to me, is that it was when mom decided how to take care of the cat, is the same time the cat died.
Maybe, Jason and I would have been fine with the pet, and mom just knew that she, nurturing as possible to children, would kill a cat with one meal.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
No Power
3 book reports, 2 days (4 if you count the Dr. Seuss one).
No brainpower left for the story of my childhood tonight.
Wait anxiously until tomorrow.
No brainpower left for the story of my childhood tonight.
Wait anxiously until tomorrow.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Book Review Time
I haven't found much time for reading the books on my to read list that are exciting to me, as I continue to pile up book I need to read for Seminary.
In the last two days, I've read 2 and 1/3 books, and I have to finish the third (and write a report on it) before 7:00 tomorrow evening.
Outside of cheating (Some of you might view it as such) and writing a review of one of the books of the Bible, it would be hard for me to think of a book worth reviewing for you all, that I read recently.
So after I put
Jenny to bed
And before I read
For school instead
I chose this book
And thought of you
This book that I
Must now review.
This book was filled
With many creatures
But two young children
Were its features
It had two messages
which started as one
First things first
Its good to have fun
The second message
found in there
Is that funny things
are everywhere
This book I read
For you tonight
This book I chose
With you in sight
The book designed
To teach us right
That fun is had
With all our might.
One Fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish is a profound book by author Dr. Seuss. A fascinating read from beginning to end, you will meet characters of a fantasy land and adventure with them on a day of fun. Learn about how to view life through the eyes of a child and enjoy every moment as Dr. Seuss weaves you through the adventure of discovering funny things everywhere you go.
In the last two days, I've read 2 and 1/3 books, and I have to finish the third (and write a report on it) before 7:00 tomorrow evening.
Outside of cheating (Some of you might view it as such) and writing a review of one of the books of the Bible, it would be hard for me to think of a book worth reviewing for you all, that I read recently.
So after I put
Jenny to bed
And before I read
For school instead
I chose this book
And thought of you
This book that I
Must now review.
This book was filled
With many creatures
But two young children
Were its features
It had two messages
which started as one
First things first
Its good to have fun
The second message
found in there
Is that funny things
are everywhere
This book I read
For you tonight
This book I chose
With you in sight
The book designed
To teach us right
That fun is had
With all our might.
One Fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish is a profound book by author Dr. Seuss. A fascinating read from beginning to end, you will meet characters of a fantasy land and adventure with them on a day of fun. Learn about how to view life through the eyes of a child and enjoy every moment as Dr. Seuss weaves you through the adventure of discovering funny things everywhere you go.
Monday, January 28, 2008
If We Still Married Young
Tonight's voted topic was "A Story about your childhood (highly fictionalized)." I designed this topic as one that would likely force me to make up a story since I was only around for one consistent reader of this blogs childhood. Jason (that reader) voted for it. I'll leave it to your imaginations, or his confessions to decide which parts of this story are true (if any) and which parts are fiction (if any).
If We Still Married Young - A story of Jason's Childhood by Nathan Kemper.
Jason wasn't always the kind, considerate, helpful, chivalrous gentleman his father succeeded at raising him to be. Though his training was proper, he often rebelled to try and be as selfish as possible when it came to relationships with women. This, is one of those tales.
It was a typical day in Jason's kindergarten class. He had walked to Bard Elementary school with his friends Jimmy, Johnny, Joseph and Jesus. That isn't Jesus, like the Lord, don't be confused, the Lord would have had nothing to do with what was going to take place this day. No, "Jesus" must be read with its correct Hispanic accent here.
Jason stumbled into class a couple minutes after the bell had rung. He walked in like he owned the place. Red hair does that to a young child. Not because of its uniqueness, but because of the control it exerts over the lady folk. Jason took his seat in the back row, claiming the control of all the rebellion that would go on, he had placed himself in the chairs circled by Anna, Amber, Amy, Angela and Alyssa.
They swooned as he walked in. They had not yet decided that boys were icky, at least not the boy with doll like red hair. They waited with hearts skipping beats, hoping just to touch him. Luckily for them, today was Thursday, and every Thursday, Mrs. McGillicuddy would lead the children in a craft project that allowed for independent and unsupervised movement. Jason enjoyed these days the most.
As quickly as the paste jar had been opened, and Jimmy had begun licking the glue stick, Jason had grabbed Amber's hand and proceeded to lead her under the desk. As they made it to the floor, Jason opened with his usual line.
"Want to run your fingers through my hair?"
Amber couldn't resist. She began grabbing his head, running her 5 year old fingers through his hair until Jason found her eyes to be lost deep in his. At this point, Jason leaned in and pecked her gently on the lips to test the waters.
The childlike kissing continued, not until they were broken up, but until Alyssa also wanted to rub her fingers through Jason's hair. And so he established it. A revolving door of kindergarten girls proceeding to meet Jason under his chair for minutes of kissing while they were supposed to be making crafts.
Ultimately, craft time would end. Jason would arise from the depths of the desk in the back row and proceed to pack up to head home. It wasn't even time for lunch yet, but Jason had already accomplished all he intended to at school that day. He would squeak by the rest of the afternoon until he was released to walk back home.
To this day, if you look through the childhood arts and crafts created by the Kemper children, you will notice a void of Jason's kindergarten year.
It took dad until age 6 to train Jason in the proper way to treat a lady. If in today's culture, children still married young, Jason might have had many wives, but no doubt, all their names would have started with an "A."
If We Still Married Young - A story of Jason's Childhood by Nathan Kemper.
Jason wasn't always the kind, considerate, helpful, chivalrous gentleman his father succeeded at raising him to be. Though his training was proper, he often rebelled to try and be as selfish as possible when it came to relationships with women. This, is one of those tales.
It was a typical day in Jason's kindergarten class. He had walked to Bard Elementary school with his friends Jimmy, Johnny, Joseph and Jesus. That isn't Jesus, like the Lord, don't be confused, the Lord would have had nothing to do with what was going to take place this day. No, "Jesus" must be read with its correct Hispanic accent here.
Jason stumbled into class a couple minutes after the bell had rung. He walked in like he owned the place. Red hair does that to a young child. Not because of its uniqueness, but because of the control it exerts over the lady folk. Jason took his seat in the back row, claiming the control of all the rebellion that would go on, he had placed himself in the chairs circled by Anna, Amber, Amy, Angela and Alyssa.
They swooned as he walked in. They had not yet decided that boys were icky, at least not the boy with doll like red hair. They waited with hearts skipping beats, hoping just to touch him. Luckily for them, today was Thursday, and every Thursday, Mrs. McGillicuddy would lead the children in a craft project that allowed for independent and unsupervised movement. Jason enjoyed these days the most.
As quickly as the paste jar had been opened, and Jimmy had begun licking the glue stick, Jason had grabbed Amber's hand and proceeded to lead her under the desk. As they made it to the floor, Jason opened with his usual line.
"Want to run your fingers through my hair?"
Amber couldn't resist. She began grabbing his head, running her 5 year old fingers through his hair until Jason found her eyes to be lost deep in his. At this point, Jason leaned in and pecked her gently on the lips to test the waters.
The childlike kissing continued, not until they were broken up, but until Alyssa also wanted to rub her fingers through Jason's hair. And so he established it. A revolving door of kindergarten girls proceeding to meet Jason under his chair for minutes of kissing while they were supposed to be making crafts.
Ultimately, craft time would end. Jason would arise from the depths of the desk in the back row and proceed to pack up to head home. It wasn't even time for lunch yet, but Jason had already accomplished all he intended to at school that day. He would squeak by the rest of the afternoon until he was released to walk back home.
To this day, if you look through the childhood arts and crafts created by the Kemper children, you will notice a void of Jason's kindergarten year.
It took dad until age 6 to train Jason in the proper way to treat a lady. If in today's culture, children still married young, Jason might have had many wives, but no doubt, all their names would have started with an "A."
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Ask, Seek, Knock
According to the electoral college, tonight is the preaching competition topic. Stay tuned for a story about Jason's childhood (which may be highly fictionalized), a book review, and a story from my childhood.
Every year, Bethel hosts two preaching competitions. One open to all students, and one open to graduating students. This year, they are trying a new format with the one open to all students, due to poor turnout and performances the last couple years.
Previously, they had only asked students to turn in a manuscript of a sermon, and they chose 3 finalists based on that alone. They found that they were not getting many entrants, and the ones they got often couldn't deliver their sermons well. This year, the new head of the preaching department has changed things.
Every entrant will preach a sermon on the same passage. It is the "ask, seek and knock" portion of the sermon on the mount found in Matthew 7. Entries must be submitted by dvd. You must turn in a dvd of yourself preaching that message to a live audience. The 5 teachers of the preaching department will then watch all the videos and pick three finalists. Those finalists will all speak in the Seminary chapel to be viewed by the students of the Seminary. They student body will then count for one vote, the preaching department one vote, and all other faculty one vote. They will place those three finalists in order.
3rd place gets $300 dollars.
2nd place gets $400 dollars.
1st place gets $500 dollars and will preach their sermon in the large chapel for the entire Bethe Undergraduate community in May.
I am still debating if I will enter a sermon into this competition. It has been opened up to one of my classes (expository preaching of the New Testament) that we can do one of our in class sermons on this text and have it video taped at that time. If I decide to enter, this will be the avenue I take. I simply don't know if I have the time, motivation, or confidence to make it worth my while.
The date I would need to preach this sermon in class is still about a three weeks away, but i've already had to turn in one sermon brief and outline of a narrative section of the Gospels which I could easily (and originally was supposed to) preach in class. I would have to find the time to write another one.
Only time will tell, maybe i will, maybe i won't.
Every year, Bethel hosts two preaching competitions. One open to all students, and one open to graduating students. This year, they are trying a new format with the one open to all students, due to poor turnout and performances the last couple years.
Previously, they had only asked students to turn in a manuscript of a sermon, and they chose 3 finalists based on that alone. They found that they were not getting many entrants, and the ones they got often couldn't deliver their sermons well. This year, the new head of the preaching department has changed things.
Every entrant will preach a sermon on the same passage. It is the "ask, seek and knock" portion of the sermon on the mount found in Matthew 7. Entries must be submitted by dvd. You must turn in a dvd of yourself preaching that message to a live audience. The 5 teachers of the preaching department will then watch all the videos and pick three finalists. Those finalists will all speak in the Seminary chapel to be viewed by the students of the Seminary. They student body will then count for one vote, the preaching department one vote, and all other faculty one vote. They will place those three finalists in order.
3rd place gets $300 dollars.
2nd place gets $400 dollars.
1st place gets $500 dollars and will preach their sermon in the large chapel for the entire Bethe Undergraduate community in May.
I am still debating if I will enter a sermon into this competition. It has been opened up to one of my classes (expository preaching of the New Testament) that we can do one of our in class sermons on this text and have it video taped at that time. If I decide to enter, this will be the avenue I take. I simply don't know if I have the time, motivation, or confidence to make it worth my while.
The date I would need to preach this sermon in class is still about a three weeks away, but i've already had to turn in one sermon brief and outline of a narrative section of the Gospels which I could easily (and originally was supposed to) preach in class. I would have to find the time to write another one.
Only time will tell, maybe i will, maybe i won't.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Help Wanted (a guest blogger edition)
That's right...while the men are out to play, the wife takes over. Ok, he's just playing Risk with a group of guys and left me home to play with Photoshop. Which brings me to our topic.
I need some help. I have been staring at my kitchen wall, baren of design and creativity. I have always wanted to decorate my house with some of my own photography, and after playing with a few shots in Photoshop for far too long I have some ideas. The problem is that yet again I am struggling to make some decisions. I want to hang three pictures on the kitchen wall, and I want them to each be a different color. The next step is not so clear: 1. Do I hang 3 different photos using 3 colors? Or 2. Do I hang 3 of the same photo using 3 colors?
So here's where you all come in. The polls are opening again and it is time for another vote. Below are nine pictures total; three variations of three different photos. Pick your favorite combination and vote by commenting to this post. You may only choose 3 pictures total!
Lanterns in Blue:
Garden Pot in Green:
I need some help. I have been staring at my kitchen wall, baren of design and creativity. I have always wanted to decorate my house with some of my own photography, and after playing with a few shots in Photoshop for far too long I have some ideas. The problem is that yet again I am struggling to make some decisions. I want to hang three pictures on the kitchen wall, and I want them to each be a different color. The next step is not so clear: 1. Do I hang 3 different photos using 3 colors? Or 2. Do I hang 3 of the same photo using 3 colors?
So here's where you all come in. The polls are opening again and it is time for another vote. Below are nine pictures total; three variations of three different photos. Pick your favorite combination and vote by commenting to this post. You may only choose 3 pictures total!
Lanterns in Blue:
Lanterns in Red:
Lanterns in Yellow:
Bucket in Blue:
Bucket in Green:
Bucket in Yellow:
Garden Pot in Red:
Garden Pot in Blue:
Garden Pot in Blue:
Garden Pot in Green:
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Donkeys, Elephants, Sheeps and Goats
Politics are a stimulating conversation in many circles today. There has been an influx of books by Theologians and other Christian authors which speak of the role of the Christian when it comes to politics.
Though I'm interested in reading many of these works, I confess that I have not read any of them. These instead are my thoughts. I have a distinct political slant. I have a far more distinct Christian Faith. I long that the latter inform the former and not vice versa. I doubt people will likely agree with all the points I claim, I doubt that I will explain them as well in this blog as they are in my head, but a couple people said they were curious about my view on politics, so here goes.
I don't think politics should be awkward. I don't know who I'll vote for yet. I have no party affiliations. When election day comes, I will vote, and though I'll view it as a fortunate right to have in this country, it will mean little to me. I have little hope invested in politics to bring about the things I'd like to see in the life of individuals, a nation, or the world.
I'll start by confessing openly that I despise the default of many Christians to vote Republican because they feel that is the most faithful and biblical choice. Though in some elections, I might find the Republican candidate to be a better choice, I wouldn't place my eggs in a party basket because the so called "evangelical American movement" seems to be heading in that direction.
I equally despise choosing a Presidential candidate based on their profession of faith. I can't remember a President in my lifetime who didn't espouse to owning an individual faith in Christ. At least, they said they were Christian. This has shown to have little practical significance in the leading of many of those Presidents.
I haven't kept up much with the caucuses and primaries. I likely won't. I'll begin informing myself heavily on the candidates presented once the likely ballot names have been presented by all parties (not just the big two).
It's time to get far more controversial. If I had to vote today, based on my limited and vaguely broad understanding of the candidates I know, I doubt that I could punch, fill in a circle, digitally check, or write in a candidates name based solely on individual ethics. The President's stance on gay marriage, abortion, stem-cell research, or cloning mean very little to me. These are not the issues I will weigh in this election.
In being open, I'll admit that those individual stances had a large impact on my voting in the last election. I have not changed my point of view because of the current President, nor has it changed in the last four years, I simply thought that since that President would likely be appointing influential judges and lawmakers (of whom I would weigh heavily stances on individual ethic) I must weigh that heavily in my decision.
This election, I have been granted no such warning. Thus I'll look instead on finding a leader who I think will best move this nation and world towards what I think the Bible (again I hope my faith informs my politics and not vice-versa) espouses. I'll break it down in two large categories.
Legislated and national laws have never helped people that weren't moral, ethical, obedient, to become so. No better evidence is given than the nation of Israel immediately after they are given the Law from God himself. I don't care to hope that moral laws today will have any greater affect. Sin will run rampant, laws will not change that. I see no reason to elect a President based on their desire to see these laws one way or another. Even if those laws came into existence (I've never seen a President do something so drastic since maybe slavery), the motivations and sins behind people's choice to disobey will remain.
In the same fashion, legislating justice is impossible. That failure also can be seen in the Israelites whose law did not just deal with individual ethics, but also with the treatment of the poor, fatherless and widowed. They again, remained starkly unglamorous in their ability to hold those standards. I do however, see that this government has power to force people to be involved in such causes. I don't mind that.
I don't deserve any of the money that I will ever make. It is a gift. A product of chance and environment. I might initially complain and whine, because I'm as sinful and selfish as the next person, but if someone were to tax my income for programs that increase the well being of those less fortunate than myself, well then I can jump on board with that.
I don't think that this type of taxing and legislation is the best way to accomplish these things in the world, but I know that many people won't take any step themselves, let alone a step based in faith, if they are not forced. I don't mind if some people get forced to do this.
Ultimately again, my claim in the hope of politics to bring about the type of world I desire is minimal. I believe in a God who wants to use His people to accomplish these goals, and thus I hope to be obedient to Him above and beyond any obedience to a national law or a national leader.
I think that it is unfortunate that things in many churches, and no doubt in American society at large have placed the ideals of this country over the ideals of Yahweh. That is unfortunate. I'll close with this quote, by Lesslie Newbigin:
"The charge of blasphemy, if it is ever made, is treated as a quaint anachronism; but the charge of treason, of placing another loyalty above the nation state, is treated as the unforgivable crime."
Call me a criminal, but my loyalties are placed firmly in God and held loosely to any creation of this world.
Though I'm interested in reading many of these works, I confess that I have not read any of them. These instead are my thoughts. I have a distinct political slant. I have a far more distinct Christian Faith. I long that the latter inform the former and not vice versa. I doubt people will likely agree with all the points I claim, I doubt that I will explain them as well in this blog as they are in my head, but a couple people said they were curious about my view on politics, so here goes.
I don't think politics should be awkward. I don't know who I'll vote for yet. I have no party affiliations. When election day comes, I will vote, and though I'll view it as a fortunate right to have in this country, it will mean little to me. I have little hope invested in politics to bring about the things I'd like to see in the life of individuals, a nation, or the world.
I'll start by confessing openly that I despise the default of many Christians to vote Republican because they feel that is the most faithful and biblical choice. Though in some elections, I might find the Republican candidate to be a better choice, I wouldn't place my eggs in a party basket because the so called "evangelical American movement" seems to be heading in that direction.
I equally despise choosing a Presidential candidate based on their profession of faith. I can't remember a President in my lifetime who didn't espouse to owning an individual faith in Christ. At least, they said they were Christian. This has shown to have little practical significance in the leading of many of those Presidents.
I haven't kept up much with the caucuses and primaries. I likely won't. I'll begin informing myself heavily on the candidates presented once the likely ballot names have been presented by all parties (not just the big two).
It's time to get far more controversial. If I had to vote today, based on my limited and vaguely broad understanding of the candidates I know, I doubt that I could punch, fill in a circle, digitally check, or write in a candidates name based solely on individual ethics. The President's stance on gay marriage, abortion, stem-cell research, or cloning mean very little to me. These are not the issues I will weigh in this election.
In being open, I'll admit that those individual stances had a large impact on my voting in the last election. I have not changed my point of view because of the current President, nor has it changed in the last four years, I simply thought that since that President would likely be appointing influential judges and lawmakers (of whom I would weigh heavily stances on individual ethic) I must weigh that heavily in my decision.
This election, I have been granted no such warning. Thus I'll look instead on finding a leader who I think will best move this nation and world towards what I think the Bible (again I hope my faith informs my politics and not vice-versa) espouses. I'll break it down in two large categories.
Legislated and national laws have never helped people that weren't moral, ethical, obedient, to become so. No better evidence is given than the nation of Israel immediately after they are given the Law from God himself. I don't care to hope that moral laws today will have any greater affect. Sin will run rampant, laws will not change that. I see no reason to elect a President based on their desire to see these laws one way or another. Even if those laws came into existence (I've never seen a President do something so drastic since maybe slavery), the motivations and sins behind people's choice to disobey will remain.
In the same fashion, legislating justice is impossible. That failure also can be seen in the Israelites whose law did not just deal with individual ethics, but also with the treatment of the poor, fatherless and widowed. They again, remained starkly unglamorous in their ability to hold those standards. I do however, see that this government has power to force people to be involved in such causes. I don't mind that.
I don't deserve any of the money that I will ever make. It is a gift. A product of chance and environment. I might initially complain and whine, because I'm as sinful and selfish as the next person, but if someone were to tax my income for programs that increase the well being of those less fortunate than myself, well then I can jump on board with that.
I don't think that this type of taxing and legislation is the best way to accomplish these things in the world, but I know that many people won't take any step themselves, let alone a step based in faith, if they are not forced. I don't mind if some people get forced to do this.
Ultimately again, my claim in the hope of politics to bring about the type of world I desire is minimal. I believe in a God who wants to use His people to accomplish these goals, and thus I hope to be obedient to Him above and beyond any obedience to a national law or a national leader.
I think that it is unfortunate that things in many churches, and no doubt in American society at large have placed the ideals of this country over the ideals of Yahweh. That is unfortunate. I'll close with this quote, by Lesslie Newbigin:
"The charge of blasphemy, if it is ever made, is treated as a quaint anachronism; but the charge of treason, of placing another loyalty above the nation state, is treated as the unforgivable crime."
Call me a criminal, but my loyalties are placed firmly in God and held loosely to any creation of this world.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Control of the Electoral College
I think people need a refresher course in voting. There was one category on yesterday's ballot. What should I blog about next? Strangely, people found a way to vote for more than one thing.
Both anonymous characters gave two votes, Mrs. B. chimed in with two, Marcus Kemper provided two, Jeremy fit in their somewhere with two votes and a question about a third topic, and Jek, Mark, and Jason all obeyed the rules and voted for only 1 thing.
Have recent elections taught us nothing? If we included all votes, the order would have been: Story from my childhood, Politics, 3 tied - book review, preaching competition, 10 movies, and lastly a story about your (Jason's) childhood, which he reminds us could be highly fictionalized.
Fortunately for me, the electoral college cleared some things up. Again, as past elections might have shown us, majority does not always win. The electoral college provided me with this result: 10 movies, Politics, Preaching, Jason's Childhood, Book Review and My Childhood.
Thus will be the order of my next 6 blogs. Starting now with 10 of my favorite movies.
In no particular order, here are my 10 favorite movies (and 3 alternates):
Braveheart - FREEDOM
Top Gun - I still shudder when Goose dies. You can be my wingman, no, you can be mine.
Shawshank Redemption - Had a long run as my favorite movie ever, still would contest.
The Matrix - Revolutionized movies in my era.
Remember the Titans - Disney movies follow an emotional formula, but they are still great, especially based on a true story as this one is. And, a sports movie had to make the list.
American History X - A little more swearing than suits some people's taste, but a great movie about racism and its affects on society and families.
Gladiator - Highly entertaining and gives me preaching material for my favorite sermon topic to preach on.
The Usual Suspects - Best Movie Ending Ever. And it not even close.
Last of the Mohicans - The music alone is one of the most fantastic pieces of art ever created.
Dead Poets Society - It has shown up in multiple different significant life moments, and I love literature.
Honorable Mention: Oceans 11, Italian Job, Bourne Identity.
Still honorable: Indiana Jones, Godfather, Hitch.
Both anonymous characters gave two votes, Mrs. B. chimed in with two, Marcus Kemper provided two, Jeremy fit in their somewhere with two votes and a question about a third topic, and Jek, Mark, and Jason all obeyed the rules and voted for only 1 thing.
Have recent elections taught us nothing? If we included all votes, the order would have been: Story from my childhood, Politics, 3 tied - book review, preaching competition, 10 movies, and lastly a story about your (Jason's) childhood, which he reminds us could be highly fictionalized.
Fortunately for me, the electoral college cleared some things up. Again, as past elections might have shown us, majority does not always win. The electoral college provided me with this result: 10 movies, Politics, Preaching, Jason's Childhood, Book Review and My Childhood.
Thus will be the order of my next 6 blogs. Starting now with 10 of my favorite movies.
In no particular order, here are my 10 favorite movies (and 3 alternates):
Braveheart - FREEDOM
Top Gun - I still shudder when Goose dies. You can be my wingman, no, you can be mine.
Shawshank Redemption - Had a long run as my favorite movie ever, still would contest.
The Matrix - Revolutionized movies in my era.
Remember the Titans - Disney movies follow an emotional formula, but they are still great, especially based on a true story as this one is. And, a sports movie had to make the list.
American History X - A little more swearing than suits some people's taste, but a great movie about racism and its affects on society and families.
Gladiator - Highly entertaining and gives me preaching material for my favorite sermon topic to preach on.
The Usual Suspects - Best Movie Ending Ever. And it not even close.
Last of the Mohicans - The music alone is one of the most fantastic pieces of art ever created.
Dead Poets Society - It has shown up in multiple different significant life moments, and I love literature.
Honorable Mention: Oceans 11, Italian Job, Bourne Identity.
Still honorable: Indiana Jones, Godfather, Hitch.
Time for a Vote
I can't decide what to write about tonight.
So... Tomorrow, when I go to write my blog, i'll choose from the following topics, likely taking whichever one receives the most votes through comments.
My Current thoughts on Politics
Review of the latest book I read
A Story from my childhood
Top 10 movies I would recommend
My Internal Debate about entering a preaching competition at Seminary
A Story from your childhood (highly fictionalized)
Fire Away.
So... Tomorrow, when I go to write my blog, i'll choose from the following topics, likely taking whichever one receives the most votes through comments.
My Current thoughts on Politics
Review of the latest book I read
A Story from my childhood
Top 10 movies I would recommend
My Internal Debate about entering a preaching competition at Seminary
A Story from your childhood (highly fictionalized)
Fire Away.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Anniversary Traditions
The traditional list of anniversary gifts states that the first year should have been paper, and the second (this year) should be cotton.
The modern list states the first year should be clocks, and the second year should be china.
We don't follow those lists. Last year we went with our own list and got "material" for each other meaning we bought clothes. This year, Jenny said we should get "air" which we turned into getting carbonated beverages. Our other air ideas just didn't work well with this time of year. We couldn't find a hot air balloon ride, nor a skydiving trip that was going out this afternoon in the snow.
Nonetheless, we continued last years tradition with a dinner at the Macaronni Grill, where I decided that we are only required to be as mature as long as we've been married. Thus tonight, we only had to be as mature as two year olds. I think we succeeded.
The modern list states the first year should be clocks, and the second year should be china.
We don't follow those lists. Last year we went with our own list and got "material" for each other meaning we bought clothes. This year, Jenny said we should get "air" which we turned into getting carbonated beverages. Our other air ideas just didn't work well with this time of year. We couldn't find a hot air balloon ride, nor a skydiving trip that was going out this afternoon in the snow.
Nonetheless, we continued last years tradition with a dinner at the Macaronni Grill, where I decided that we are only required to be as mature as long as we've been married. Thus tonight, we only had to be as mature as two year olds. I think we succeeded.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Meat and Veggie Day
Ingredients for lunch: 1 large bag of popCORN
Ingredients for dinner: 5 mystery meat Oscar Meyer hotdogs, 1 and 1/2 bags green giant corn
Along with inside day, I managed to have meat and veggie day. Jenny returns tomorrow. That should help.
Ingredients for dinner: 5 mystery meat Oscar Meyer hotdogs, 1 and 1/2 bags green giant corn
Along with inside day, I managed to have meat and veggie day. Jenny returns tomorrow. That should help.
The Wrong Side
I actually woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.
Jenny is gone still, and I woke up where she was supposed to be.
Luckily for me, it didn't cause my day to go bad.
P.S. It's cold here. When the high tomorrow is supposed to be -3, that isn't as much fun. Though it gives everyone a great excuse for inside day.
Jenny is gone still, and I woke up where she was supposed to be.
Luckily for me, it didn't cause my day to go bad.
P.S. It's cold here. When the high tomorrow is supposed to be -3, that isn't as much fun. Though it gives everyone a great excuse for inside day.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Understanding the Ancient Near East
Jason asked:
I have a question that I have been meaning to ask you. In Church, our Pastor has mentioned that Christ fulfilled the prophecies of the coming Messiah by being in the blood line of David. However, Joseph was the blood line of David, not Mary. So I guess I do not understand how that is being explained.
Ahh, astute technical observations, my favorite. I'll try my best to explain my understanding of this as best I can, but where I muddy the waters or cause confusion, more dialogue can be had in the comments section.
If one looks at the genealogy of Jesus recorded in Matthew 1, they will clearly fine Jesus line extended back to David through Joseph, as Jason has stated. Numerous prophecies were made about the messiah coming from David, most poignantly in 2 Samuel 7.
So, what of the fact that Jesus is not biologically or scientifically Joseph's son, but only the son of Mary? At this point, it is important to dig into a little bit of the Ancient Near East (ANE). In the ANE, family relationships were more important than is often represented in our culture. Survival often depended on family, houses depended on family, people did not move out and away when they turned 18, but remained close throughout life. As a brother would die, one's "nieces" and "nephews" would become equal descendant of their "uncle" (now father).
There wasn't such a thing as a legal adoption in the ANE as we have it today. No formal process. Instead, one was to be considered "adopted" if they were taught the family trade by the father. Jesus, was thus considered in his culture to be Joseph's son because Joseph had taught him the trade of carpentry.
"Adoption" in that culture provided a child with all legal rights. They were now heirs in every sense a biological child would be. Thus, Jesus can be traced through his legal, royal line as an heir to the throne of David.
More interestingly (in my nerdy opinion) is how this relationship (legal yet not biological) also plays out when looking at other OT texts. Because Jesus was only a legal and royal heir to the line of Joseph, he avoided any biological cursings put on that line, as curses only extended to direct, biological kin.
As the kings of Israel grow exceedingly wicked, God curses them, and their biological line. In Jeremiah 22, God declares that "this man" (Jehoachin) to be "recorded as if childless, a man who will not prosper in his lifetime, for none of his offspring will prosper, none will sit on the throne of David or rule anymore in Judah."
As clearly stated in that text, the line of David has been cursed. None in his line will rule as king. Jesus, then fulfills the promise that the messiah will come from the line of David as promised in 2 Samuel, while not having to remove the curse which was put on David's biological line.
He is the rightful, royal heir to the throne, a throne that looked far different than Israel was expecting and a throne that he sits on to this day.
That should have muddied things up enough.
I have a question that I have been meaning to ask you. In Church, our Pastor has mentioned that Christ fulfilled the prophecies of the coming Messiah by being in the blood line of David. However, Joseph was the blood line of David, not Mary. So I guess I do not understand how that is being explained.
Ahh, astute technical observations, my favorite. I'll try my best to explain my understanding of this as best I can, but where I muddy the waters or cause confusion, more dialogue can be had in the comments section.
If one looks at the genealogy of Jesus recorded in Matthew 1, they will clearly fine Jesus line extended back to David through Joseph, as Jason has stated. Numerous prophecies were made about the messiah coming from David, most poignantly in 2 Samuel 7.
So, what of the fact that Jesus is not biologically or scientifically Joseph's son, but only the son of Mary? At this point, it is important to dig into a little bit of the Ancient Near East (ANE). In the ANE, family relationships were more important than is often represented in our culture. Survival often depended on family, houses depended on family, people did not move out and away when they turned 18, but remained close throughout life. As a brother would die, one's "nieces" and "nephews" would become equal descendant of their "uncle" (now father).
There wasn't such a thing as a legal adoption in the ANE as we have it today. No formal process. Instead, one was to be considered "adopted" if they were taught the family trade by the father. Jesus, was thus considered in his culture to be Joseph's son because Joseph had taught him the trade of carpentry.
"Adoption" in that culture provided a child with all legal rights. They were now heirs in every sense a biological child would be. Thus, Jesus can be traced through his legal, royal line as an heir to the throne of David.
More interestingly (in my nerdy opinion) is how this relationship (legal yet not biological) also plays out when looking at other OT texts. Because Jesus was only a legal and royal heir to the line of Joseph, he avoided any biological cursings put on that line, as curses only extended to direct, biological kin.
As the kings of Israel grow exceedingly wicked, God curses them, and their biological line. In Jeremiah 22, God declares that "this man" (Jehoachin) to be "recorded as if childless, a man who will not prosper in his lifetime, for none of his offspring will prosper, none will sit on the throne of David or rule anymore in Judah."
As clearly stated in that text, the line of David has been cursed. None in his line will rule as king. Jesus, then fulfills the promise that the messiah will come from the line of David as promised in 2 Samuel, while not having to remove the curse which was put on David's biological line.
He is the rightful, royal heir to the throne, a throne that looked far different than Israel was expecting and a throne that he sits on to this day.
That should have muddied things up enough.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Enjoying Other's Humiliation
I'll admit it. I spent two hours tonight watching t.v. hoping to see people humiliated as they attempted to sing in the American Idol competition.
It is amazing how Fox has this down to an art form. They know they can possibly hook me into watching the entire series of the contest if they can hook me with the embarrassment of people who for the most part, still sing better than I do.
I enjoyed it. I even listened in surround sound so that I could have a better understanding to how they really sounded.
It is amazing how Fox has this down to an art form. They know they can possibly hook me into watching the entire series of the contest if they can hook me with the embarrassment of people who for the most part, still sing better than I do.
I enjoyed it. I even listened in surround sound so that I could have a better understanding to how they really sounded.
My Battle With Poetry
I can't decide where I stand on poetry. I often read poems that I think sound great, but I realize I vehemently disagree with their meanings.
Invictus: By William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of Circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of Chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Invictus: By William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of Circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of Chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Differences Between Spouses
Jenny is going to Atlanta on Wednesday. From Wed. to Sun. I'm a starving bachelor again.
I noticed, again, another difference between her and I.
She started packing. She made a list. I wouldn't have done either. I would pack Wed. morning. I can't figure clothes out that far in advance.
Are you an early packer or a last minute crammer?
I noticed, again, another difference between her and I.
She started packing. She made a list. I wouldn't have done either. I would pack Wed. morning. I can't figure clothes out that far in advance.
Are you an early packer or a last minute crammer?
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Free Previews
Today, our worship leader had the congregation read Psalm 23 along with her.
Part of me was excited about it for very nerdish reasons.
By the second week in February, I have to memorize and record myself saying the Hebrew text of Psalm 23 from memory.
For now, I'll just get started with remembering the English version. Feel free to join me:
NIV Psalm 23:1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Part of me was excited about it for very nerdish reasons.
By the second week in February, I have to memorize and record myself saying the Hebrew text of Psalm 23 from memory.
For now, I'll just get started with remembering the English version. Feel free to join me:
NIV Psalm 23:1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Enjoying Inside Day
I'm not imagining that I will have many inside days this quarter where I won't have any homework that I need to be doing.
Today might have been the only one. I enjoyed watching some golf, and both NFL playoff games. Though I was right about who won both games (i picked all the teams that had bye weeks) I actually hoped that the Patriots, and tomorrow the Cowboys, would lose.
I had some homework I actually might have worked ahead on, but the books have not arrived yet. I expect them to show up on Monday, which is still in plenty of time for my assignments.
Bye Inside day, i'll miss you.
Today might have been the only one. I enjoyed watching some golf, and both NFL playoff games. Though I was right about who won both games (i picked all the teams that had bye weeks) I actually hoped that the Patriots, and tomorrow the Cowboys, would lose.
I had some homework I actually might have worked ahead on, but the books have not arrived yet. I expect them to show up on Monday, which is still in plenty of time for my assignments.
Bye Inside day, i'll miss you.
Important Popcorn
It was a date night. We went out to dinner. We were planning on renting a movie, but the redbox we showed up at was out of order.
We decided we would just watch one at home. It took two more hours before we decided to actually put one in. I just wasn't ready for popcorn yet.
I wanted to have popcorn with the movie. We had bought a box tonight, along with some Dr. Pepper, and I wasn't going to watch the movie without enjoying both.
It took two hours until I was ready. Then we had popcorn and watched our movie.
I like date nights.
We decided we would just watch one at home. It took two more hours before we decided to actually put one in. I just wasn't ready for popcorn yet.
I wanted to have popcorn with the movie. We had bought a box tonight, along with some Dr. Pepper, and I wasn't going to watch the movie without enjoying both.
It took two hours until I was ready. Then we had popcorn and watched our movie.
I like date nights.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The Institution of Marriage
The institution of marriage suffered another blow today.
I found out, that after 21 years, Peter Parker (Spider-man) and Mary-Jane are no longer married. Marvel comics newest issue was a story of their marriage becoming non-existent.
No divorce though. Some weird deal with some villain.
Marvel said in their story (which I read on UsaToday) that having the two of them married for the last 21 years had always been a problem and they are glad to finally resolve that.
I don't know why this was national newsworthy, but apparently it was.
I found out, that after 21 years, Peter Parker (Spider-man) and Mary-Jane are no longer married. Marvel comics newest issue was a story of their marriage becoming non-existent.
No divorce though. Some weird deal with some villain.
Marvel said in their story (which I read on UsaToday) that having the two of them married for the last 21 years had always been a problem and they are glad to finally resolve that.
I don't know why this was national newsworthy, but apparently it was.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
How Crafty...
Are there any crafts you would be excited about honing? I am excited that tomorrow morning starts a new quarter of a preaching class. I truly enjoy preaching.
I truly enjoy the craft of writing and delivering sermons. It is one of the few crafts in life that I always hope to be getting better at. It is something that I hope drives my future vocation and that my job allows and forces me to continue to use this craft.
What kinds of crafts are others excited about learning more in depth? They don't necessarily have to be skills used with your job, just skills you would enjoy.
I truly enjoy the craft of writing and delivering sermons. It is one of the few crafts in life that I always hope to be getting better at. It is something that I hope drives my future vocation and that my job allows and forces me to continue to use this craft.
What kinds of crafts are others excited about learning more in depth? They don't necessarily have to be skills used with your job, just skills you would enjoy.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
A Win - Lose Situation
I ended up having to take one of my classes on Tuesday Nights. It was only being offered Tuesday Afternoons and Tuesday Nights.
Both situations were losers. Nights was the biggest loser.
My internship is on Tuesday afternoons, and it overlapped with the afternoon class for an hour. I would have had to miss some of the Youth Homiletics course I'm helping with if I was in that class.
Unfortunately, it was full and I got bumped to the night class.
This class is at the same time as my adult small group with my church. There is some possibility that all of the couples involved may be able to meet on a different night of the week starting in February, but having this class at night makes me miss out on one of the most enriching parts of my week.
I hate lose/lose situations.
Both situations were losers. Nights was the biggest loser.
My internship is on Tuesday afternoons, and it overlapped with the afternoon class for an hour. I would have had to miss some of the Youth Homiletics course I'm helping with if I was in that class.
Unfortunately, it was full and I got bumped to the night class.
This class is at the same time as my adult small group with my church. There is some possibility that all of the couples involved may be able to meet on a different night of the week starting in February, but having this class at night makes me miss out on one of the most enriching parts of my week.
I hate lose/lose situations.
Solid Reminders from the Past
Sometimes I have trouble with faith. That specifically stinks, since I understand faith very academically and theologically as the only thing that saves me.
It was a nice reminder in class today when my teacher quoted Martin Luther saying:
"The goal is not to move from vice to virtue, the goals is to move from vice and virtue to faith."
I need that reminder often. It isn't my job to be virtuous. It isn't my job to get rid of vice. It is my job to have faith in God, and obedience to his commands. That will always result in virtue and get rid of vice, but the goal is faith and obedience first.
It was a nice reminder in class today when my teacher quoted Martin Luther saying:
"The goal is not to move from vice to virtue, the goals is to move from vice and virtue to faith."
I need that reminder often. It isn't my job to be virtuous. It isn't my job to get rid of vice. It is my job to have faith in God, and obedience to his commands. That will always result in virtue and get rid of vice, but the goal is faith and obedience first.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
American Gladiators
It took me an hour an a half longer into the show than it should have for me to witness people playing "assault" again. It's the game where the gladiator gets a gun that shoots tennis balls at 100 miles per hour, while the contender tries to hit his target with an odd arsenal of weapons.
It wasn't as fantastic as I remembered it. There was much more to laugh at than I remembered.
I had more pity on most of the contenders than envy. The New York Firefighter held his own really well, and won by a landslide, but almost every other contestant (and gladiator) was laughable.
I might not see much more of this show. I can only watch people fail at running uphill for so long before i'm unamused.
It wasn't as fantastic as I remembered it. There was much more to laugh at than I remembered.
I had more pity on most of the contenders than envy. The New York Firefighter held his own really well, and won by a landslide, but almost every other contestant (and gladiator) was laughable.
I might not see much more of this show. I can only watch people fail at running uphill for so long before i'm unamused.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
We Decided on Stripes
Stripes was the decision as will be seen below.
Another great day of watching football. I get one more tomorrow before school starts again.
Both the teams I thought would win in the NFL playoffs did today, though one game ended up a lot more interesting than it needed to be.
Here's to enjoying my last day of winter break. Next Quarter has the busiest schedule yet, but I have a preaching class again, so I'm excited about it.
Here's the stripes:
Hair Extravaganza
Jenny got her haircut tonight. She says that my noticing it got cut doesn't get me any points because she told me in advance she was going to.
She also says she chickened out while she was there and wishes she wouldn't have. She thought of cutting it shorter than she had in a long time, but then pulled back when she was in the chair.
On another hair not, my facial hair started bothering me today, so it will likely get trimmed before church on Sunday.
Anyone have any amusing ideas of a picture I could take in the process of trimming it. The child predator mustache picture has been done before, so any ideas instead of that one will be entertained.
She also says she chickened out while she was there and wishes she wouldn't have. She thought of cutting it shorter than she had in a long time, but then pulled back when she was in the chair.
On another hair not, my facial hair started bothering me today, so it will likely get trimmed before church on Sunday.
Anyone have any amusing ideas of a picture I could take in the process of trimming it. The child predator mustache picture has been done before, so any ideas instead of that one will be entertained.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Gathering Resources to Work Ahead
One of my winter classes' syllabus has been posted online.
In that particular class, I will have to listen to 5 sermons and evaluate them.
I have 60 waiting to be listened to on my computer right now. I listened to 4 tonight while playing golf.
It is one assignment I know I won't have any trouble finding the resources or motivation to accomplish.
In that particular class, I will have to listen to 5 sermons and evaluate them.
I have 60 waiting to be listened to on my computer right now. I listened to 4 tonight while playing golf.
It is one assignment I know I won't have any trouble finding the resources or motivation to accomplish.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
More Golf Woes
The crossroads have become official. I looked to see what stations might be broadcasting the PGA season opening tournament tomorrow, even though I knew it wouldn't be on any networks.
Only the golf network is, and they are only playing it live, which isn't good for me since it is being played in Hawaii.
The times are way off.
Instead of being able to get my golf fix by watching it, I now have scored my record low 56 for 18 holes on Tiger Woods Golf 08.
I've also decided that standing up a little straighter while putting makes it more difficult for me, and will continue to bend over farther than most people do as I putt. It just makes me more confident, like I have more control over the putter.
I need spring.
Only the golf network is, and they are only playing it live, which isn't good for me since it is being played in Hawaii.
The times are way off.
Instead of being able to get my golf fix by watching it, I now have scored my record low 56 for 18 holes on Tiger Woods Golf 08.
I've also decided that standing up a little straighter while putting makes it more difficult for me, and will continue to bend over farther than most people do as I putt. It just makes me more confident, like I have more control over the putter.
I need spring.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
I'm In TouchPad Trouble
I hate touchpad mouses on laptop computers. I've always preferred the trackpoint eraser looking thing instead. Unfortunately, laptops rarely come without the touchpad anymore.
Our laptop only has the touchpad.
Yesterday it stopped working.
Because of my vocal dislike of the touchpad, Jenny has blamed this problem on me.
Luckily, it still works fine to have a normal mouse plugged into one of the USB ports.
I still hate touchpads.
Our laptop only has the touchpad.
Yesterday it stopped working.
Because of my vocal dislike of the touchpad, Jenny has blamed this problem on me.
Luckily, it still works fine to have a normal mouse plugged into one of the USB ports.
I still hate touchpads.
Happy New Year
I'm not much of the resolution type. At least, not because of New Year's Day. I tend to make resolutions at significant life season or event changes, but not because of the flip of a calendar date.
Instead, the New Year often allows me to look over the past year and see both it's highs and lows in a quick glance.
Physical High: Completing a Marathon
Physical Low: The day after a Marathon
Emotional High: Jason and Sarah becoming Husband and Wife
Emotional Low: The physical passing of Pappy
Spiritual High: The continued assurance that God is for me
Spiritual Low: The continued assurance I don't live it out properly
Recreational Highlights:
The first 18 holes of golf with Jenny
The ESPN 3 club tour day with my father and brother
Winning a Fantasy Football Championship
Vacationing with Jenny
Like every year of my life, I can quickly point out far more high points than I can low points. Even with some key lowpoints this year, I would be doing a great dis-service to most of the world if I had any argument that this wasn't a great year. I was never without food or shelter. Never without love. Never without family and friends.
Bye 2007.
Instead, the New Year often allows me to look over the past year and see both it's highs and lows in a quick glance.
Physical High: Completing a Marathon
Physical Low: The day after a Marathon
Emotional High: Jason and Sarah becoming Husband and Wife
Emotional Low: The physical passing of Pappy
Spiritual High: The continued assurance that God is for me
Spiritual Low: The continued assurance I don't live it out properly
Recreational Highlights:
The first 18 holes of golf with Jenny
The ESPN 3 club tour day with my father and brother
Winning a Fantasy Football Championship
Vacationing with Jenny
Like every year of my life, I can quickly point out far more high points than I can low points. Even with some key lowpoints this year, I would be doing a great dis-service to most of the world if I had any argument that this wasn't a great year. I was never without food or shelter. Never without love. Never without family and friends.
Bye 2007.
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