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February 6th, 2010
02:30 pm - Can you mix IM and face-to-face? POLL!
Hey guys, I want your opinions!
Social interaction has changed, and there's a bunch of unwritten rules that go along with it.
In your opinion, what's the rule on "crossing networks"? Most people don't have a problem following up a face-to-face conversation by IM, txt, facebook, tweet, etc, but what about other arrangements?
Does information shared on one network stay on that network?
Questions to think about:
(for you over-analytical thinkers, the "I" is relative and hypothetical in the questions below)
1. Can I reply to your tweet by making a comment on your facebook?
2. Is it ok to bring up yesterday's IM conversation at today's lunch conversation?
3. Can I reply to your text by sending you a tweet?
4. We talked about some deep personal hurts and stuff last night on IM. It is weird to continue that conversation in person the next time I see you?
5. I missed your phone call, so I posted on your facebook asking what you wanted. How do you feel about that?
6. We're talking on the phone and commenting back and forth on facebook at the same time. Why are they two totally separate conversations?
7. We're sitting in the same room within comfortable talking distance. I IM you instead of talking. What's your response to that?
8. Is it ok if when you text me; I call you instead of texting back?
9. Can I tweet you about a status you just posted on facebook? (Specific example: If your facebook indicates you just broke up, can I send you a tweet with my condolances?)
10. It is ok to refer to IM chats in facebook comments and twitter tweets?
Bonus Question
11. I have died. I have also set up an automatic blog/status/and tweet poster that keeps posting for the next two weeks. Are you freaked out?
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January 31st, 2010
11:34 pm - Reason to Obey
I liked this -
"There are some general principles in which we both agree—
1) That there is a God; and
2) that this God having given us some stated general rules for our service and obedience,
2a) we ought not willingly and knowingly to offend Him, either by neglecting to do what He has commanded, or by doing what He has expressly forbidden. . . .
3) that the blessing of God does not ordinarily follow presumptuous sinning against His command; and
Thus) every good Christian will be affectionately concerned to prevent any that are under his care living in a total neglect of God and His commands."
The French Clergyman,
The Further Adventures of Robin Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe
Chapter 6
A fine argument giving a very practical reason for following the commands of God.
Now, this will not make you a Christian. But it's sound reasoning for Christians to attend unto obedience!
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January 26th, 2010
11:29 pm - Does Diversification go a Bit Too Far?
In an effort to reduce discrimination and expand diversity, Organic Nuclear Biochemicals Incorporated, A United States-based organization, is beginning a radically new diversification program.
The formal policy states, "It is important to recognize the special skills and abilities of all members from different backgrounds. Our goal is to fit members from all social classes, walks of life, and previous experience into a highly efficient pluralistic team. ONB is committed to diversity education, and has adopted a diversification training program for all managers and employees. Failure to successfully complete this program may result in job termination.
ONB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, handicap, worldview or religious beliefs, criminal record, current criminal status, degree of sanity, physical or mental ability, danger to society, drug use, or previous job performance."
CEO Alan Acepta gave an example of the stereotypes the company is trying to eliminate. "Many managers have a negative bias against current convicted felons, especially escapees. Our goal is help our people develop an appreciation for the unique skills and abilities each person brings to the table. A recent survey reported that white middle-class employees are 'extremely uncomfortable' working alongside a recent serial killer. These findings indicate that many of our employees still need to be convinced of the benefits that come from diversity."
ONB believes that exposure to diverse colleagues helps managers develop breadth and openness. The new training program includes mandatory diversification association, with minority and discriminated groups -- such as burglers, robbers, murderers, rapists, and terrorists -- leading an awareness session explaining and demonstrating the background they come from, the unique norms and practices that are a part of their culture, and conclude by leading the group in activity in their area of expertise. Differences must be acknowledged, accepted, and seen as significant contributors to the entirety.
To demonstrate their commitment to diversity, the company recently hired Sue Spender as Vice President of Finance. "Her previous work experience demonstrates a superior ability to handle money," Acepta explained. "Only those filled with prejudice would argue that we should not hire her." This is a powerful step forward for the ONB diversification program, considering that Spender is a member of more than one minority group. Spender is Nigerian, female, does not speak English, and was recently convicted of embezzlement.
ONB expects that company stock will triple in value over the next year as a result of the new program. Company analyst Slyket Capone stated, "The advantages of diversity to an organization are undeniable. Our studies show that diversity is the spark that ignites innovation. Diversity contributes to organizational performance." Vice President Vadik Lenin added, "Anyone that disagrees with this just hasn't been convinced yet. The new training program is in place to insure that managers and employees at all levels understand the benefits of a pluralistic company."
Source:
Baloney Network News - "All the news that isn't true."
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January 23rd, 2010
10:57 pm - In Training
10/20/2008
I am learning, painstakingly and elementarily, to obey immediately the first gentle correction of the Holy Spirit. It is a tediously slow and humiliating task, not altogether unlike foreign language drill. The will must be trained to obey my Lord's calls without thinking, for my Lord does not argue once I start to rationalize. I feel like a young child. I know the boundaries. Reach and spank. Reach and spank. Reach and am corrected by "the eye."
These do not feel like spiritual battles. They feel like drill. Yet these may be some of the hardest battles I fight, for they are the very question of whether I will obey my Lord or not. Like a horse in training whose own will must break, around again we go with word, with reign, with whip. I am finally choosing to obey and learn. I pray my obedience will become first nature.
I found these thoughts interesting in light of the challenge I posted recently.
http://dlorimer.livejournal.com/2010/01/19/
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January 19th, 2010
06:48 pm - Under Control of the Holy Spirit
Ever feel like you're working so hard to keep control of your mind that it's counter-productive?
For example, if you are trying to conquer worry, an intense focus on stopping yourself from worrying can be almost as bad as worrying itself. Instead of fighting, it may be better to surrender - to God.
I found this helpful, so I decided to pass it on.
Our natural inclination is to simply quote Scripture back to God as a mental or intellectual exercise. This will rob us of the riches of God’s wisdom and the joy of His fellowship. Therefore, we must bring the mind under the control of God’s Spirit with a definite act of the will.
Thus, it would be wise to pray, “Heavenly Father, right now I do place my mind under the control of Your Holy Spirit and the authority of Your Word.” With this prayer, you have just taken a giant step toward daily success. - Bill Gothard
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January 14th, 2010
06:36 pm - Jungle Pilot - The Story of Nate Saint
Jungle Pilot by Russell Hitt
How can a normal guy, who feels a bit "lost" in life, made a big difference for God?
Nate Saint was the pilot who perished with Jim Elliot, Ed McCully, Roger Youderian, and Pete Fleming when they were murdered while trying to bring the gospel of Christ to the Auca Indians in South America. It's easy to think of him as a hero, or someone above our level. But this book makes the picture a lot bigger than that.
Jungle Pilot is a fairly straightforward and simple account of the stories of Nate Saint's life. The style and writing is a shade weak, but is balanced by a large amount of block inclusions of Nate Saint's own writing. Nate said, "I don't want to be a great writer, but I long to express myself." (p. 130) Nate's simple, yet unique, style shows that he was successful at expressing himself in an engaging way.
It's a story of a normal guy whose heart deeply desired to serve God. His upbringing was Christian, but perhaps somewhat lacking (moderns might say "disfunctional). He struggled to find God's will for his life. He spent time "doing his own thing," yet having a heart to serve the Lord. He faced painful struggles and losses in relationships. Yet God was guiding his life, and brought him first to a place of work for His Kingdom, then to the place of ultimate sacrifice for His plan.
I read the earliest chapters at starts and stops, slowly getting the picture of who this man was. As I progressed further, I found my eyes would read on into the next paragraph, even after my brain had said I needed to do something else. About 2/3 of the way through, I was throughly engaged, and put aside everything else in order to continue this story. I knew what was coming . . .
It began to be very difficult to read as my eyes slowly filled with tears. While convulsing coughing had been my lot for several days, the shaking was now due to silent sobs. Yet it is not the loss of life that has brought me to such emotion. It is the dedication and commitment to the Lord and His work. It is the realization of a love so powerful that it transcends life itself. My heart longs to be what God had made each of these men. I want that kind of committment and dedication. I want that kind of relationship with my Lord. I want that kind of love for the lost.
"Nothing was more burning in his heart than that Christ should be named among the Aucas. By life or death, oh, may God get glory to himself."
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January 6th, 2010
08:51 pm - Robinson Crusoe
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
In Short - Loved it!
I really enjoyed Robinson Crusoe. It tends to move at a slower pace, with less action and suspense than one might expect. I was using it as bedtime reading, though, so this was perfect.
Once, a group of guys in the dorm entertained the idea of doing an audio drama based on Robinson Crusoe - just with more people. Now I'm glad we didn't. We would have had to modify it pretty heavily.
Overview
The story is fairly simple. A man stricken by chronic wanderlust is cast away alone on an island. He finds ways not only to survive, but thrive. Eventually, he saves the life of a native from the mainland, who then joins him on the island. Then, the real action starts ... read the book. :)
Initially, I was extremely impressed with Defoe's apparently expansive knowledge of the sea and island living. But apparently, Defoe based a good bit of the book on the real life story of a castaway sailor. Still, it is well-written. Some parts seem inconsistent or incorrectly "made up," but they don't hurt anything, lol.
Christian Presentation
I was particularly impressed with the strong Christian message presented (please note I read the unabridged version). Good values are presented first, with Crusoe making bad decisions, and paying the penalty. However, during his time on the island, he becomes a Christian. Not only is the discussion of Christianity very clear, the gospel and plan of salvation is presented! Later, Crusoe leads Friday to the Lord, and a few of their religious discussions are outlined, and are very well handled. This is not a large percentage of the book (I don't think someone would be put off by it having too much "God talk" or a "Christian agenda"), but is effectively presented. Friday even suggests that Crusoe become a missionary to his people.
There were a couple of interesting things that struck me. These may become independent blogs later, but right now they're just rolling around in my head.
The Adjective "Christian"
Crusoe's use of "Christian" was very interesting to me. He refers to England and other European countries as "Christian civiliations" or "Christian people." Now, I know very well that these are not "Christian" in our modern usage of the word, especially the sailors to whom he is referring. However, he is speaking in contrast to the barbaric pagan civilizations of the many places he has been. (And Catholicism, I understand.) It's a novel use of the work, and may speak very strongly of the powerful influence of Christianity in the world. Every "Western" civilization now is "Christian" in the exact same sense. Amazing how much difference this religion has made in the world.
Societal Interaction
The social interaction he describes, especially after leaving the island, is fascinating. Imagine a world where there are no regular banks or businesses for holding, transfering, and converting of money and goods. Each relationship is exactly that - a relationship. You have to find trustworthy people, often by references and recommendations, and make your arrangements directly with them. You find a person to hold, use, and invest your extra money. You transfer goods by trust, hope, and commision. We really don't live like this anymore, yet I wonder if there's something inherent to humanity in this type of interaction . . . . Though businesses superintend most of this now, the method he describes is still the most effective method of getting things done. We often call it politics.
The End
I actually put off finishing the book. I was expecting a standard ending, and fearing an ending with a twist. Either way, I was anticipating lots of things to think about upon completing the book. A book that prompts lots of thinking is not the best for bedtime reading, as I was using this book.
However, I got a twist I was not expecting. The end of the book covers events rather rapidly, then nonchalantly announces that there is another book. The End.
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January 1st, 2010
02:25 am - Who Would Have Thought? 2009->2010
"I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." - Philippians 3:12
As I think back over this year, I'm amazed at what has happened in the lives of my friends. Who would have thought?
Who would have thought at this point last year ...?
-That unanticipated move, redefining both life and home. Who would have thought?
-Life would fall apart this year, and have to be put back together piece by piece. Who would have thought?
-The loss of a loved one, and life will never be the same. Who would have thought?
-The job change, unforseen 12 months ago. Who would have thought?
-The honors and awards, visible results of hard work and good character, which led to more major life changes. Who would have thought?
-So many, making choices they do not fully understand, have seen their lives transformed. I know many who, following God's leading to Bible College this year, have found that by their obedience, God has done a work in them they never could have imagined! Who would have thought?
-That "special someone" and a new relationship. Who would have thought?
-Making those friends and meeting those people who have changed your life. Who would have thought?
-Making those choices which influenced others, and their lives have been changed. Who would have thought?
-The flutter of new life, bringing a child into the world; life changed forever. Who would have thought?
Friends, we have no idea what will happen in 2010. Some of us may face great pain and hardships. Some of us may experience life's greatest joys and blessings. But we are here; this is our life. This is the only one we get. Let's make it the best we possibly can!
In this New Year, I am resolutely determined to serve my Lord Jesus Christ. I do not know what I may face, but this I have decided. No matter what comes -whether I understand or not- I will serve the Lord.
This year, I want to know God better. I wish to become more like Him. I want to learn, "sitting at the feet of Jesus." And I would love to be a part of advancing the Kingdom of Christ, and helping others come to know my savior! My sincere desire is to be a part of young people finding a deep hunger and relationship with God that spills out into a lifetime of dedicated service and love.
The New Year 2010:
"I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." Philippians 3:12 NKJV
“The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul.”
-G.K. Chesterton
“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.”
-Bill Vaughn
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December 31st, 2009
03:18 pm - 5 Things You Should Know About Google Chrome
Why you should switch to Google Chrome . . . and why not to.
A comparison of Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome internet browsers.
The Greatest Reason to switch to Chrome:
1. Chrome handles Facebook chat wonderfully! Guys, when you were trying to sell me on Chrome, if you would have said that it doesn't have the annoying Facebook chat issues, the would have sealed the deal!
Let's face it, Firefox just doesn't handle facebook chat very well. Every time you receive an IM, it stops you from typing, even if you were trying to reply! What's worse, if you hit backspace, it's likely to go back a page, and you lose everything on the page you were working on.
Chrome, however, works like one would expect it to. No errors or problems, the chat just pops up, and you can check it when you want to. No interrupted typing; no lost data.
The other jabberings:
2. Chrome runs every new tab as a separate process. This has some benefits, such as more efficient operation on multi-processor machines, and less risk of losing all your tabs if one crashes. However, for a heavy browser user like myself, it wasn't impressive. I am often using 10-30 tabs at a time, and adding that many processses kinda fills up the task manager. (If you don't understand that last sentence, don't worry about it. Just ignore this entire paragraph.)
3. Chrome has been touted as faster and less intensive, using less system resources. Say what you like, but my experience says this point is mostly moot. Sometimes it loads faster than Firefox; sometimes slower. With few tabs open, it uses less resources; with many tabs open, it uses more. Check out these notes from my experiments:
"Chrome is using less resources right now. I'm gonna kill Firefox and see if it speeds things up ... since it's receiving all these Facebook IMs also ..."
"Hmm, ok. I just managed to stall Chrome like firefox stalls. It uses a good bit of system resources, and steadily uses more until it's closed, just like Firefox.
I don't think there's significant benefit in speed or resources."
"Now I'm using Chrome pretty heavily, and I noticed a significant computer slowdown. So I opened firefox at the same time, and opened the same amount of tabs (10). Chrome is using 77% MORE system resources than Firefox."
(Really) Odd Things:
4. Chrome seems to have been designed with Facebook in mind. It appears that Chrome can stay logged into Facebook, even when the same account is being accessed from another computer! (Yup, I tried it.)
"LOL, what on earth did google do? Firefox and Chrome are SO closely linked, that not only can BOTH be logged into the same Facebook account at the same time, but both will ALSO receive the same instant message -- as though they are exactly the same program. *Cough Cough*"
The Deal Breaker
5. There is no Ad Blocking plugin for Chrome. If you have been using Firefox with Ad Block Plus, this will be one of the first things you notice when using Chrome. There are ads everywhere, and you can't get rid of them! I did not realize how many ads there are now (and how bad some of them are, I might add), because I never see them in Firefox. Unfortunately, this is the deal-breaker for me. Chrome is nice, and I really like smooth Facebook operation, but it just can't top having complete control over your ads.
If/when Chrome has an adblocking plugin, Chrome will become my browser of choice.
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December 25th, 2009
01:03 am - How much did you spend this Christmas?
Christmas ... money ... materialism ... shopping ... greed ... money ... gifts ... shopping ... money ... Christmas.
What Does Christmas Cost?
$1.5 Million Dollars per minute on Christmas Eve. Oh, and that's just in Britain. (1)
$24.9 Billion Dollars on holiday spending (up to December 21). Oh, sorry guys, that's just online spending. (2)
$133.6 Billion -- $133,600,000,000.00 was the approximate spending last year. Oh, that's only for the US. :-) (3)For a bit of comparison, that is the approximate equivalent of the Gross Domestic Product (for the entire year, mind you), of Morocco or Slovakia.
Or to look at it another way, Americans spend more on Winter Holidays than 135 of the worlds' nations' individual entire economic output for an entire year! (according to the CIA factbook). (4)
What Would Jesus Do?
How much did you spend? How much is it worth?
Seriously guys, "What Would Jesus Do?" Would he really spend so much on gifts!?
Wait -- maybe He would ...
Jesus gave up his house, that He might live in men. He gave up His salary. He gave up respect. He gave up fame. He gave up His security. He gave up His rights. He gave up what He knew He could do, in order to do something that only He could do.
He came to preach the gospel. He came to present a message that would change the lives forever of those who heard it. He came to change the world.
And He came to die. He knew He was going to die – that's the whole reason why He came. He was the only way; the sinless sacrifice for the sins of a fallen humanity. His gift brought life and freedom. He did it all because of the passion He had that whoever would believe in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life.
God spent more on His gift than the Gross Domestic Product of the entire world. Jesus became a gift whose cost is beyond human comprehension. Christmas cost a lot!
What does Christmas cost? Was it worth it?
Have you heard the good news? God came down from heaven to take away the penalty of the wrong things we have done!
Merry Christmas!!!
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NIV)
Catch the full story here.
1. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8430258.stm
2. http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2009/12/21/online-holiday-spending-hits-record-913-million
3. http://www.mindbranch.com/Holiday-Spending-R567-612/
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(PPP)
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December 16th, 2009
09:53 pm - Don't Think and Drive (10)
Today's Travels were short, but found a bit of humor.
Those restricted access signs --
"Prohibited:
Animals on Foot" -- Apparently animals on motor scooters are ok?
Not sure why this struck me so funny --
The rear license plate on a brand new black Lexus: "Oh Well"
One shop was advertising their wares with a slightly confusing sign -
"Ceramic Carpet" -- Now THIS I've got to see!
Slightly later:
Installation instructions can sometimes be confusing. Tonight I was greeted with these messages, with no other messages in between:
"Important: DO NOT connect the printer ..."
"Cannot find the printer - make sure it is connected to your computer ..."
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December 10th, 2009
10:17 pm - Are You Surviving?
Why get a job so you can survive in this life?
Why just live life, and tag God onto it?
Sure that's great and all -- but life is nothing if you're just surviving it. You're just making money to get along, so you can continue to survive in life.
Is it not so much better to use your life completely for God? Serving Him personally, yes, but so much more. Why not spend your life being a witness and a minister for Christ, telling others about Him? Are you actively trying to build the Kingdom?
Yes, we must "survive" life, but if surviving is all we do, what good is it? Would it not be better to "survive" only 4 years of life, and have used those 4 years completely for God?
I'm not saying that a secular career is bad. You can be a minister for God in a secular career too. But we have about 85 years here, and then we're gone. Just 85 years - it's not really much time. And for most of us, we've used at least 1/4 of it already. And it really won't matter how well-off we were. Our money won't matter and our job won't matter. One thing will matter -- Did we make a difference?
This life isn't going to matter once we're gone. Why on earth are we spending 95% of life just "surviving" life? That means 95% of everything is absolutely worthless! Why not spend all of life for God? Maybe that means 80% working with people -eternal people- and just 20% to support ourselves doing it.
Why not?
Is your life worth anything or are you just surviving?
"The length of our days is seventy years--or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away."
-Psalm 90:10
"I've never understood why people spend all day at a job they don't like, to support a life they aren't happy with, and to pay for a house they don't live in!"
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December 4th, 2009
11:34 pm - The Impossible Museum
Museums have a lot of things, but
There are some things you just can't put on display --
The man who holds the Guinness book of World Records for humility.
First paper ever thrown away in Bill Gate's office.
First atom ever divided.
The first plane used in a Japanese Kamikaze mission.
The rocket upper stage from Apollo 11.
The Vanguard I.
The first ice hotel to make 1 million dollars.
Peter's first handkerchief, before they figured out they could cure diseases. (Acts 19:11-12)
The Hindenburg.
Last bomb to be used in World War II.
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November 26th, 2009
12:35 pm - Giving, Thanks
1. I am thankful that there is a God, and therefore life has purpose, meaning, and responsibility.
2. I am thankful for Christ, who provided salvation and deliverance from sin, and a personal relationship with the almighty God.
3. I am thankful for my family, with a wonderful Christian heritage, upbringing, and example.
4. I am thankful for you -- my friends, who mean a lot to me; who challenge, encourage, and inspire me.
5. I am thankful to live in a free country founded on Christian principles.
6. I am thankful for peace and safety, and freedom from persecution.
7. I am thankful for abundant blessings - I lack nothing, and have more things than I need to survive.
8. I am thankful for my job, where I get to impact the lives of youth; where I am privileged to learn and grow in a caring environment.
9. I am thankful for Kentucky Mountain Bible College, and our emphasis on training in holiness; training not just to survive life, but preparing for life itself.
10. I am thankful for the ability to be thankful. We're the only ones who can - we are special in creation.
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November 21st, 2009
04:25 pm - Universal Relativism
Pondering relativism recently, I was struck by a peculiar thought. I cannot build a large-scale model based on relativism, because relativism only exists in a limited scope.
Relativism is relative.
"His law he enforces, the stars in their courses
And sun in its orbit obediently shine;"
- Let All Things Now Living, Katherine K. Davis
We might believe in relativism, but why?
Let's start as far out as we know -- The Universe. Here we observe absolute law, so continuous an accurate that we (or the Mayans) can accurately predict hundreds - even thousands - of years ahead. This is true throughout the universe, the galaxy, and the solar system.
So let's come down to earth. Surprisingly, here we also observe absolute law. Gravity operates here without exception, just as it has throughout the entire universe. Everything is consistent, absolute, and reliable. Photosynthesis works - always. Respiration, the hydrologic cycle, the law of entropy, as well as recovery, and regeneration. A forest burns, and a forest grows back. Water evaporates, and water rains. It is all reliable; consistent; absolute.
Here we observe animals - something we have not seen anywhere else in the universe. They too, are very consistent, and the circle of life appears absolute. They grow; they die. But they all continue in constancy and consistency. We can predict what will happen, and it does.
Then we see a strange animal. Sometimes active during the day; sometimes active during the night. Sometimes carnivore; sometimes herbivore. Sometimes building; sometimes destroying. We cannot predict him. Each one acts differently, and each one may not act the same way every time in the same situation. Strange he is, this creature called human.
And it's the only place where we find relativism.
Nowhere else in the entire universe have we seen relativism. Nowhere else on the earth. What is it about this creature that is different? He is inconsistent; he is changeable. We cannot accurately predict him. What has given him freedom from the absolute law that governs all?
Friends, we could argue that we have evolved to this point. But how can we, who evolved by absolute law, rise above that law? How can we free ourselves from it? All of the rest of the universe is absolute -- how can we be outside it?
No -- moral relativism, social ethics, societal differences, situational ethics, and "Darwinian morality" all must come from somewhere else.
We are left with an obvious deduction: In order for us to be free from the law, we have have been freed from it. Was the human race granted freedom of choice at some point? Were humans given the ability to operate outside absolute law? Were they permitted the freedom to rebel?
Humans are different; humans are special. They are not just another animal. They are very unique. The Bible shows that it was God - the Creator of the absolute universe - who made man in His own image and gave him the freedom of choice. (Genesis 1-3) We have a privilege no other creation has. We can believe relativism and situational ethics only because God gave that freedom to us.
Friends,
Relativism shows the significance of man.
Relativism declares the existence of God.
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November 7th, 2009
09:54 pm - Well, What do You Know?
"I met a man at the coffee shop, and was telling him all about the powerful players in the Middle East controversy. Found out at the end of the conversation that this man lives next door to me."
I wonder if we can't see any of the world, because we are trying to see all of it.
(background in Amusing Ourselves to Death)
(Inspired by a small portion of the Pilgrim's Regress, p. 198-199.)
In our modern age, we are inundated with information. We have the ability to know what is going on (albeit, perhaps a bit skewed) in almost any part of the world. It has almost become a moral obligation to be not only aware, but punditic and opinionated to the point of argument.
But what has actually occurred is the exact opposite. We don't care. We are overloaded with information, and so we withdraw from it all.
Perhaps, in trying to see the whole forest, we see and care less about the trees. Perhaps, in trying to know the whole world, we know nothing about our neighbor. Perhaps, in trying to become part of the "universal consciousness," we are in fact, comatose.
What if we were created for the opposite. What if, in knowing one person so well, we can then meet all people, because we know they are just like our friend. What if, by loving our community, that love would overflow to every community we see. What if, by being so attached to one place, we then care about every place, because we know it is someone's home.
If we quit trying to save the world, (and tried to save our neighborhood) perhaps we would.
"The Landlord has knit our hearts so closely to time and place -- to one friend rather than another and one shire more than all the land."
"Out, little spear that stabs. I, fool, believed
I had outgrown the local, unique sting,
I had transmuted away (I was deceived)
Into love universal the lov'd thing."
(The Pilgrim's Regress, p. 198)
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November 3rd, 2009
10:57 pm - Don't Think and Drive (9)
Fall Break at KMBC:
Youth Challenge went great! I think this was one of the best years for me personally.
To all my friends who were there -- It was great to see you again!!
Along with 3 days there, today was a optometrist (eye doctor) appointment, which added a bit more excitement.
On the serious side:
"Microwave Altars" really bother me. If someone comes to the altar, and doesn't get help by the time we've finished the closing prayer, something didn't work. It's time to get up and go anyway. I've seen altar workers push people through a litany, like everyone has to fit situation #14 in the altar workers' handbook, or "it's just emotion." Why can't we work with people in a way that gives them time to let God really deal with them, instead of just rushing through prayers?
If you say, "we don't encourage that," I will reply. #1, I watch it encouraged all the time, intentional or not. #2, that is already the social expectation that we have created. We'll have to work to change it. When you microwave, you run the risk of it getting soft and soggy. Let's try Sonbaking!
Some funny things:
Shushan: *shock* "David is wearing a bracelet!"
Shushan: "There's a dog driving that car!"
Me: "What!?"
Shushan: "He's sitting in the driver's seat." *calming down* "Well, he's sitting in the driver's lap, but still, he shouldn't be there!"
Me: "It's probably his seeing-eye dog."
Now here is a walking motion disaster --
A tight straight jean skirt with 5 inch heel knee-boots! (Talk about "can't walk"! Lol)
So, I'm driving along today, and suddenly see a pair of sunglasses reflected in my window. I've owned this car for 8 months, and never saw those things! I guess they came free with the car. :)
Have you ever wondered why they have you pick out new frames - your new "look" for the next couple years - while your eyes are dilated, and you really can't see?
Speaking of which, I decided today that these "auto-drive" features on cars would be a great idea. After the dilation didn't wear off anywhere close to as fast as they said it would, I would have preferred for a computer to be driving my car! (for clarification, they have now begun to return to normal - over 7 hours later)
See
http://www.engadget.com/2005/08/27/gm-will-launch-self-driving-car-in-2008/
Today, my car read "Oil Pressure, 2psi. NORMAL" -- That doesn't seem very normal to me! LOL
"I prefer to run eastward marathons. Whenever I run westward, everything starts going wrong. It seems as though the whole world is turning against me!"
- Marathon runner Iván Buddíndenwin <input ... ></input><input ... >
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October 26th, 2009
11:08 pm - The Anda, Top American Invention, 2009!
http://www.segway.com/
Introducing the Anda, a brand new type of Segway that promises to keep you in shape while getting you where you need to go.
The Segway company, developers of the original Segway, have just released the Anda in response to the "fat and lazy concerns" from Segway users. Users complain about discomfort and lack of circulation resulting from the rigid stillness required to drive a traditional Segway. But the days of standing still are almost gone!
The Anda is a two-wheeled transport featuring an open frame and gyro-based moving belt. Unlike traditional Segways, which do not allow for any type of user motion, the Anda requires the user to move around while traveling. As the user pushes the belt in a walking motion, the Anda moves forward. If the user moves faster, the Anda picks up speed as well. To turn, the user simply leans to that side and continues walking. The Anda will be right underfoot. Even with wheels turning one way and the belt the other, thanks to Segway-patented gyro technology, the Anda never tips over.
The Anda MSRPs for $5500, and boasts a top speed 5.2 mph!
Segway is expected to release the Marathon, a jogging model with a top speed of 12 mph next year.
Voted Top American Invention, 2009
Check it out here.
Source:
Baloney Network - "All the news that isn't true."
Think it's a crazy idea? Think again --
Check out the Centaur -- http://news.cnet.com/Photo-Segway-Centaur/2009-1026_3-5408282.html
And this one --
http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/24/the-treadmill-bike/ (love the sentence under the picture)
http://www.bikeforest.com/tread/index.php
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October 20th, 2009
09:37 pm - Grey Area
Sometimes when a person rejects the Christian faith, it is pretty obvious that they are no longer following the Lord. One may do what they know is wrong, as a rebellious act of clear defiance.
But most often, we find ourselves concerned about someone because we just don't know where they are. They haven't clearly stepped over a line, but neither do they seem to be doing well spiritually. Sometimes, the person doesn't even know themselves. Often, people in this state will call themselves Christians, even after they seem to have long since abandoned God. How does this happen? Can it happen to us? Would we notice if it did?
There is a large piece of ground between heaven and hell. "Grey Area" is a dry and trackless wasteland, without signposts, landmarks, or boundary lines. It is very difficult to know where you are and whose side you are on. It is not like walking off a cliff and falling into sin (like most people fear, and like our first case, above). It is like wandering without any sense of direction. You can walk right into sin, and not even know it. By the time you recognize a landmark, you may find that you are a hundred miles inside the enemy camp.
By choosing to live in Grey Area, you are choosing to live without the knowledge of right and wrong. It may seem like freedom, but you've sacrificed knowledge. We often like to think that God doesn't know where the line is either, so it's safe to be out there. But if we don't know where we are until we finally see a landmark, whose landmark do you think we will see? It's the temptation that Christian faced in "Pilgrim's Progress" when he saw a green path that ran "parallel" to the road. He didn't know the path soon disappeared and left him without direction. Grey Area doesn't make you right, it makes you lost.
Many of us want to live in Grey Area, for we do not like the idea that God will judge us for our actions. We feel we are safe out there, because we cannot fall into sin. There are no cliffs; there is no danger. We are outside the clear voice of God, and outside the reach of Satan. It's a safe middle-of-the-road. But friends, if we are outside the voice of God, how will we hear when He calls His children home?
Do you know for sure that how you are living is right?
“Grant me, O Lord, the grace to know what should be known, to praise what is most pleasing to You, to esteem that which appears most precious to You, and to abhor what is unclean in Your sight.” -- Thomas a Kempis (Imitation of Christ, p. 236)
"Let a man but have so much piety as to intend to please God in all the actions of his life, as the happiest and best thing in the world." -- William Law (A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, Chapter 2)
Important Note:
*There is a difference between observing others in a "grey area," and choosing to be there personally. I strongly encourage you to personally stay out of grey areas. Choose to live the way you know for sure is right. If you don't know for sure, stay clear away from it!
On the other hand, I encourage you to have grace with others you observe. Just because you don't know if they are right doesn't mean they don't know. Don't announce that they are going to hell. We are to hold each other accountable and spur one another on in the faith. Ask if they know for sure what they are doing is right. Point them to God's Word as the boundaries and signposts for our lives. Exhort them to a life that abandons grey area in favor of right living. All of us, in any spiritual state, need to hear that exhortation.
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October 17th, 2009
10:07 pm - 1 Great Way to Get Rid of Trashy Ads
Trashy ads bothering you? Here's a simple way to help protect your space.
You don't have to live with the ads on Facebook (or the rest of the internet)!
You can get rid of them if you are using Firefox as your web browser with the adblock plus plugin!
If you do not have Firefox, start here:
1. Download and install Firefox
go to http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/personal.html
click the download button to download firefox
2. Install firefox
3. After installing, run firefox
If you are already using Firefox, start here:
4. In firefox go to https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865
this is called Adblock Plus
5. Click "Add to Firefox"
It will install (may require a few more clicks)
6. Restart firefox
7. When firefox restarts, it will show a subscription page. Select "Easy List (USA)".
8. Bam, your ads are gone!
A few notes:
--You should now have an adblock icon in your top-right corner (looks like a stop sign).
--Some legitimate web images may accidentally be blocked by adblocker (for example, it sometimes blocks the main picture on the kmbc homepage. You can disable adblock to check or select "disable for __site__". (both of these are found at the stop sign.)
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