1) SNL used to be funny, what happened? Even Michael Phelps isn't adding anything to the show. On a side note I will say that guest star Tina Fey did a phenomenal Palin.
2) I meant to write about this on Thursday, but I didn't get to it. It's interesting to me that I can still remember the exact moment I found out about what happened on 9/11 seven years ago. I remember that moment, what I did immediately afterwards, and nothing else about that day. As I understand it you'll be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't remember where they were and what they were doing as they found out about it.
3) When I think about 9/11 now I am encouraged because right after it the country was united. Is it possible that humanity only exhibits its best qualities as a reaction to the worst circumstances? Just thinking out loud.
4) I didn't think it would take two points to emphasize this, but SNL IS TERRIBLE.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Random Thoughts from the middle of the week
In no particular order:
1) Went to the dentist yesterday. Finally got a filling on the chipped tooth that has probably been bugging me for close to half the year. It feels much better. My face was numb most of the day yesterday.
2) My political observations thus far:
Democratic ticket: "We can't afford more of the same, it is time for a change and here's the guy to do it!"
Republican ticket: "Vote for this guy, he was tortured in Vietnam and deserves it!"
3) The media has already selected our next president. Note who gets praised and who gets scrutinized if you don't believe me.
4) Tonight I get re-involved with the youth ministry at South Lansing Christian Church. I'm back in the junior high again and I know it will be great. Still no luck on finding tents to be built but at least I can still do some ministry.
5) A thought that has been floating around in my head and has nothing to do with anything recent: Is a sermon really necessary in a Church service or has it become the most sacred of cows? If I recall correctly statistically you've already forgotten 90% of it by the time you get to your car. Just wondering out loud.
6) Drive-In Church. In case you don't watch the CBS evening news. Thoughts?
7) Verse of the post: Matthew 6:1 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in Heaven." No particular reason for that one, it just stuck out to me. Maybe it stuck out for a reason. You'll know better than I.
1) Went to the dentist yesterday. Finally got a filling on the chipped tooth that has probably been bugging me for close to half the year. It feels much better. My face was numb most of the day yesterday.
2) My political observations thus far:
Democratic ticket: "We can't afford more of the same, it is time for a change and here's the guy to do it!"
Republican ticket: "Vote for this guy, he was tortured in Vietnam and deserves it!"
3) The media has already selected our next president. Note who gets praised and who gets scrutinized if you don't believe me.
4) Tonight I get re-involved with the youth ministry at South Lansing Christian Church. I'm back in the junior high again and I know it will be great. Still no luck on finding tents to be built but at least I can still do some ministry.
5) A thought that has been floating around in my head and has nothing to do with anything recent: Is a sermon really necessary in a Church service or has it become the most sacred of cows? If I recall correctly statistically you've already forgotten 90% of it by the time you get to your car. Just wondering out loud.
6) Drive-In Church. In case you don't watch the CBS evening news. Thoughts?
7) Verse of the post: Matthew 6:1 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in Heaven." No particular reason for that one, it just stuck out to me. Maybe it stuck out for a reason. You'll know better than I.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Random Thoughts after far too long
So this post is a few weeks overdue, it will be scattered. I wouldn't call it Random Thoughts if they weren't random though...
1) Powerglove. Heavy Metal band that covers music from several notable video games. Amazing. I can't go to sleep without listening to something from their album "Metal Kombat for the Mortal Man."
2) Random Bulleted Thoughts on the Olympics: This could be a whole post in itself.
-Great job Michael Phelps. His attitude and conduct was what impressed me the most.
-Great job to all the American athletes who realized their is more to the Olympics then them being there.
-Lola Jones, who fell during the women's 100m hurdle final got more camera time after the race than the American who won. Unbelievable.
-A big thank you to the media for scrutinizing everything China did, you really did your part to bring the world together for two weeks.
-Human rights activists protested the rumored displacement of chinese citizens during Olympic construction. Interesting side note: You don't hear the Chinese complaining about it. I don't think it's because they are censored or threatened. Maybe they have learned to take the good and the bad and live with it. Sound familiar?
-The Canadian 500m Kayaker was light years ahead of everyone. So was Usain Bolt when he finally ran all out.
-Do we have to make excuses for the women's gymnastics team? We don't win so we go on the attack about the ages of our chinese counterparts. Again thanks for bringing the world together for two weeks. I've seen several tiny people in my life so I don't have a problem with a 16 year old who looks 12. I've seen 20 year olds who look 12. Stop making excuses and lets just compete and show sportsmanship for once. A silver medal is great!
3) Trying to get plugged into substitute teaching while I look for my next vocational opportunity, if that's where God is leading me. The idea of being a "ministering tentmaker" is really growing in my mind.
4) Really? Yes, yes I did. And you have to fess up if it got you.
5) Encouraging verse of the post: Matthew 13:31-32 "He presented another parable to them, saying, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."
What you do matters, even the little things or things that seem like they don't matter.
1) Powerglove. Heavy Metal band that covers music from several notable video games. Amazing. I can't go to sleep without listening to something from their album "Metal Kombat for the Mortal Man."
2) Random Bulleted Thoughts on the Olympics: This could be a whole post in itself.
-Great job Michael Phelps. His attitude and conduct was what impressed me the most.
-Great job to all the American athletes who realized their is more to the Olympics then them being there.
-Lola Jones, who fell during the women's 100m hurdle final got more camera time after the race than the American who won. Unbelievable.
-A big thank you to the media for scrutinizing everything China did, you really did your part to bring the world together for two weeks.
-Human rights activists protested the rumored displacement of chinese citizens during Olympic construction. Interesting side note: You don't hear the Chinese complaining about it. I don't think it's because they are censored or threatened. Maybe they have learned to take the good and the bad and live with it. Sound familiar?
-The Canadian 500m Kayaker was light years ahead of everyone. So was Usain Bolt when he finally ran all out.
-Do we have to make excuses for the women's gymnastics team? We don't win so we go on the attack about the ages of our chinese counterparts. Again thanks for bringing the world together for two weeks. I've seen several tiny people in my life so I don't have a problem with a 16 year old who looks 12. I've seen 20 year olds who look 12. Stop making excuses and lets just compete and show sportsmanship for once. A silver medal is great!
3) Trying to get plugged into substitute teaching while I look for my next vocational opportunity, if that's where God is leading me. The idea of being a "ministering tentmaker" is really growing in my mind.
4) Really? Yes, yes I did. And you have to fess up if it got you.
5) Encouraging verse of the post: Matthew 13:31-32 "He presented another parable to them, saying, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."
What you do matters, even the little things or things that seem like they don't matter.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
What in the world?
Maybe you've been RickRolled. Maybe you haven't. Regardless of where you are with that, what do you call this?
Monday, August 11, 2008
Random Thoughts from Syracuse, NY
Good morning! We are sitting in our hotel room in Syracuse after an amazing day touring many exciting sites in Boston. This may not be a typical Random Thoughts post as I am almost too excited about the great day that it has been. We'll do our best. Here goes:
1) Jon, thanks for the video. Anyone who is curious check out the comments on the previous post and follow the link. It's an office Nerf War. I loved it but I had a heart attack when the actors broke out the Vulcan EBF-25 Blaster. Further research indicates it comes out next month. I am excited.
2) BOSTON IS BEAUTIFUL!
3) We got to see many sites while we were in Boston, and the excitement and honor it was to tour those sites will not be expressed well in this post. I'll do my best. Pictures will be up on Facebook when I get home. Today's tour visits include the following:
- A full tour of the USS Constitution, the country's oldest warship still in commission. She is still crewed by the Navy which we were told also get the honor of actually sailing it in the Harbor 8 or 9 times a year when restoration work isn't being done. INCREDIBLE honor and easily the highlight of the trip. She was a breath taking beauty. Our Airman tour guide mentioned that she was 33-0 in her naval engagements, making her crew the only undefeated team in Boston. During her first major battle a crewman stuck his head out a gun port to observe the shots from the British opponent and remarked "Huzzah! Her sides are like Iron!" which gave her the nickname Old Ironsides. The airman commented the crew man had to be an American because who else would be crazy enough to stick their head out a gun port during a naval battle?
- An open deck visit of the USS Cassin Young (DD-793), a decommissioned Fletcher class destroyer that saw extensive action in the Pacific. From the Battle of Leyte Gulf to the invasion of Okinawa, she was an active ship. She underwent several overhauls for the Korean conflict but was restored to her original look when she was decommissioned. Commander Young received a medal of honor for his actions at Pearl Harbor, and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions at the battle of Guadalcanal where he was killed. As a result this Fletcher class destroyer (1 of 125) was named after him.
- A tour of the Bunker Hill Monument at Breed's Hill. That's right. Ordered to take and fortify Bunker Hill, the Continental army chose instead to dig in at Breed's Hill. The brave volunteers of our army repulsed two British assaults before falling back during the third. A British Officer whose full name I can't recall was quoted saying "A hill that cost too much to take."
- Yes, I did climb all 294 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument. The view was breath-taking. So was the climb.
- We also had the pleasure of eating at the amazing Warren Tavern, recommended to us by one of the local park rangers. A historical monument in addition to a restaurant, we were amazed to learn that the tavern was a favorite of Paul Revere, and was named after Dr. Warren who died at the Bunker Hill Battle. Restaurant of the year in Boston several years running.
- We also drove by the Old North Church (couldn't park by it) and we also drove by Fenway Park on our way out of Boston.
I would normally do a verse of encouragement and a fun Olympic highlight (Did you know the women's US fencing team swept all 3 medals? The bronze medal winner has to leave the) but it is late and if I don't head for bed now I will not fall asleep amidst the very heavy snoring that is about to start in this room. It was a great day, we finish the ride home tomorrow.
1) Jon, thanks for the video. Anyone who is curious check out the comments on the previous post and follow the link. It's an office Nerf War. I loved it but I had a heart attack when the actors broke out the Vulcan EBF-25 Blaster. Further research indicates it comes out next month. I am excited.
2) BOSTON IS BEAUTIFUL!
3) We got to see many sites while we were in Boston, and the excitement and honor it was to tour those sites will not be expressed well in this post. I'll do my best. Pictures will be up on Facebook when I get home. Today's tour visits include the following:
- A full tour of the USS Constitution, the country's oldest warship still in commission. She is still crewed by the Navy which we were told also get the honor of actually sailing it in the Harbor 8 or 9 times a year when restoration work isn't being done. INCREDIBLE honor and easily the highlight of the trip. She was a breath taking beauty. Our Airman tour guide mentioned that she was 33-0 in her naval engagements, making her crew the only undefeated team in Boston. During her first major battle a crewman stuck his head out a gun port to observe the shots from the British opponent and remarked "Huzzah! Her sides are like Iron!" which gave her the nickname Old Ironsides. The airman commented the crew man had to be an American because who else would be crazy enough to stick their head out a gun port during a naval battle?
- An open deck visit of the USS Cassin Young (DD-793), a decommissioned Fletcher class destroyer that saw extensive action in the Pacific. From the Battle of Leyte Gulf to the invasion of Okinawa, she was an active ship. She underwent several overhauls for the Korean conflict but was restored to her original look when she was decommissioned. Commander Young received a medal of honor for his actions at Pearl Harbor, and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions at the battle of Guadalcanal where he was killed. As a result this Fletcher class destroyer (1 of 125) was named after him.
- A tour of the Bunker Hill Monument at Breed's Hill. That's right. Ordered to take and fortify Bunker Hill, the Continental army chose instead to dig in at Breed's Hill. The brave volunteers of our army repulsed two British assaults before falling back during the third. A British Officer whose full name I can't recall was quoted saying "A hill that cost too much to take."
- Yes, I did climb all 294 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument. The view was breath-taking. So was the climb.
- We also had the pleasure of eating at the amazing Warren Tavern, recommended to us by one of the local park rangers. A historical monument in addition to a restaurant, we were amazed to learn that the tavern was a favorite of Paul Revere, and was named after Dr. Warren who died at the Bunker Hill Battle. Restaurant of the year in Boston several years running.
- We also drove by the Old North Church (couldn't park by it) and we also drove by Fenway Park on our way out of Boston.
I would normally do a verse of encouragement and a fun Olympic highlight (Did you know the women's US fencing team swept all 3 medals? The bronze medal winner has to leave the) but it is late and if I don't head for bed now I will not fall asleep amidst the very heavy snoring that is about to start in this room. It was a great day, we finish the ride home tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Random Thoughts before I slumber...
Once again I don't have too many random thoughts but I couldn't pass up the chance to pass some great material along, without permission too!
1) The song "Ecstasy of Gold" from the soundtrack of The Good, The Bad, and the Ulgy has been in my head all day. While I do enjoy a cover of it performed by Metallica I am talking about the original in this case.
2) While I do not consider myself new to the blogging world, there are some parts of it I am not very active about. Perhaps the biggest reason is that it is something that could easily occupy my entire day. So it comes as a surprise to me when I am reminded that the world wide web is indeed world wide. This opens up some interesting opportunities to read perspective from people I have never met. In particular I want to point out a blog whose author recently left a tip (i.e. comment) after sampling the buffet. The "New Jersey Jesus" is an intriguing and inspiring read that I highly recommend. (I don't know if there is a formality where you ask bloggers if you can link to their stuff, so I'm just going to do it!)
3) I appreciate bloggers who take the time to browse and read other random blogs. I don't want to discourage anyone from stopping by. If you are eating at the Random Thought Buffet don't be afraid to leave a comment. I've been to some fascinating blogs that cover some interesting aspects of life. Some of them aren't even Christian. To be honest, those are the ones that fascinate me the most. I've grown up in the Church my entire life, and while I do not regret that at all I am very interested to see life from other perspectives.
4) We live in a world that is very connected. To further emphasize this point (as if #2 and #3 didn't already do that) a few weeks ago I was on Xbox Live playing a simple board game (Ticket to Ride). To my amazement the three people I was playing with were all chattering most of the game in German. When I finally mustered the courage to attempt to say hi in their native tongue I was amazed that they all spoke English, and we had a nice chat. My favorite remark came when I said, "I can't understand most of what you all are saying but I am really enjoying this experience." The person who was in last place in the game hastily replied "I'm not."
5) Relationships are a central experience to life. Points #2, #3, and #4 and helped to demonstrate how easy it is to connect to people. I hate to go cheesy and Osteen here but connecting with God is just as easy. Sometimes us "Christians" really over complicate this. We make it look like you have to act perfect, hide your faults and act happy and goofy to show how much we love Jesus. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact I think if you took the whole Bible and summarized it into one sentence it would read something like this: "You are loved. I want you to know that." (BSNSGNJS) And when you know, or experience that truth in your life it doesn't leave you the same. That's about as simple as it gets in my mind at least.
6) In case you are wondering what that group of letters in parenthesis stood for, well when you quote the Bible you usually put which version you used. So I thought I should reference that I read from the "Brand Spankin New Some Guy Named James Summarization." And by read I really mean made up on the spot.
7) This post's verse of encouragement comes from the NASB translation of Psalm 34:13-14 "The Lord looks from Heaven; He sees all the sons of men; From His dwelling place He looks out on all the inhabitants of the Earth." Nothing too fancy to that one. I felt it went well with my summarization. Have a good night!
1) The song "Ecstasy of Gold" from the soundtrack of The Good, The Bad, and the Ulgy has been in my head all day. While I do enjoy a cover of it performed by Metallica I am talking about the original in this case.
2) While I do not consider myself new to the blogging world, there are some parts of it I am not very active about. Perhaps the biggest reason is that it is something that could easily occupy my entire day. So it comes as a surprise to me when I am reminded that the world wide web is indeed world wide. This opens up some interesting opportunities to read perspective from people I have never met. In particular I want to point out a blog whose author recently left a tip (i.e. comment) after sampling the buffet. The "New Jersey Jesus" is an intriguing and inspiring read that I highly recommend. (I don't know if there is a formality where you ask bloggers if you can link to their stuff, so I'm just going to do it!)
3) I appreciate bloggers who take the time to browse and read other random blogs. I don't want to discourage anyone from stopping by. If you are eating at the Random Thought Buffet don't be afraid to leave a comment. I've been to some fascinating blogs that cover some interesting aspects of life. Some of them aren't even Christian. To be honest, those are the ones that fascinate me the most. I've grown up in the Church my entire life, and while I do not regret that at all I am very interested to see life from other perspectives.
4) We live in a world that is very connected. To further emphasize this point (as if #2 and #3 didn't already do that) a few weeks ago I was on Xbox Live playing a simple board game (Ticket to Ride). To my amazement the three people I was playing with were all chattering most of the game in German. When I finally mustered the courage to attempt to say hi in their native tongue I was amazed that they all spoke English, and we had a nice chat. My favorite remark came when I said, "I can't understand most of what you all are saying but I am really enjoying this experience." The person who was in last place in the game hastily replied "I'm not."
5) Relationships are a central experience to life. Points #2, #3, and #4 and helped to demonstrate how easy it is to connect to people. I hate to go cheesy and Osteen here but connecting with God is just as easy. Sometimes us "Christians" really over complicate this. We make it look like you have to act perfect, hide your faults and act happy and goofy to show how much we love Jesus. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact I think if you took the whole Bible and summarized it into one sentence it would read something like this: "You are loved. I want you to know that." (BSNSGNJS) And when you know, or experience that truth in your life it doesn't leave you the same. That's about as simple as it gets in my mind at least.
6) In case you are wondering what that group of letters in parenthesis stood for, well when you quote the Bible you usually put which version you used. So I thought I should reference that I read from the "Brand Spankin New Some Guy Named James Summarization." And by read I really mean made up on the spot.
7) This post's verse of encouragement comes from the NASB translation of Psalm 34:13-14 "The Lord looks from Heaven; He sees all the sons of men; From His dwelling place He looks out on all the inhabitants of the Earth." Nothing too fancy to that one. I felt it went well with my summarization. Have a good night!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Random Thoughts while the internet actually works...
1) Holy cow our internet is actually working! We have no idea how long this will last. For the last several weeks it is down for several hours each day. Well technically I can't vouch for the weeks I was at camp but a "reliable source" told me it was down most of that time too. We called our company to make a point about it and they are not coming out until Thursday. One thing I notice is they always say a day that's far away and then call 2 or 3 days early and say "Hey we are in the area, I know we aren't supposed to stop by until Thursday but can we stop by now?"
2) Last week at the Great Lakes Crossing Mall in Auburn Hills my dad made a purchase at FYE. It was a collection of several classic composers with some of their best work: Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Handel, Mozart, Strauss, Tchaikovsky and Vivaldi. A steal for only $20. With permission I snagged it for my Itunes and it has proven helpful to setting a relaxing tone to otherwise busy days.
3) Sat down thinking it would be nice to make a nice blog post. Two in one week would be a big deal with how inconsistent my blogging has been as of late. To be honest there's a lot on my mind (more than just the usual billions of thoughts) and I usually wait to blog until after it's processed and chewed upon. Long story short I'm still chewing, so I can't write about it!
4) This post's verse of encouragement comes from Psalm 46:10. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." As I start the job hunt and figure things out I need to remember to do this.
2) Last week at the Great Lakes Crossing Mall in Auburn Hills my dad made a purchase at FYE. It was a collection of several classic composers with some of their best work: Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Handel, Mozart, Strauss, Tchaikovsky and Vivaldi. A steal for only $20. With permission I snagged it for my Itunes and it has proven helpful to setting a relaxing tone to otherwise busy days.
3) Sat down thinking it would be nice to make a nice blog post. Two in one week would be a big deal with how inconsistent my blogging has been as of late. To be honest there's a lot on my mind (more than just the usual billions of thoughts) and I usually wait to blog until after it's processed and chewed upon. Long story short I'm still chewing, so I can't write about it!
4) This post's verse of encouragement comes from Psalm 46:10. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." As I start the job hunt and figure things out I need to remember to do this.
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