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.
Monday, August 11, 2008
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.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Random Thoughts while descending the mountain
It has been two weeks since I have been able to sit at my computer for an extended period of time to blog. First I was out at Rock Lake Christian Assembly for a most excellent Senior High Week, then out with my father and sister for a week of pop-up camping at Covenant Hills during Family Camp. A time of seeking, a lot of encouragment and a lot of praying would best describe the time that has passed. Onto the list:
1) For those not familiar with Covenant Hills and their Family Camp week, perhaps this will help. The Free Methodist Church is not independant like Restoration Movement Churches. Michigan is divided into 3 conferences. My home Church, Lansing Central Free Methodist, is part of the Eastern Free Methodist Conference, and Covenant Hills is our camp. To understand Family Camp, this of camping like at the Northman, except it is for all people (not just men) and each lot has an electric hookup. Don't worry hardcore campers, I was in a tent for the week.
2) Having had the experience of growing up at Central FM yet schooling at GLCC I've often heard the question "What is the difference between the two?" The biggest things I notice is that FM is based slightly on the holiness teachings of John Wesley, but not to the point that they are more authoritative than the Bible by any means. They also do not believe baptism is an essential part of salvation. Regardless of what that makes you think, I want to make one thing perfectly clear: God is moving and advancing his Kingdom through the Free Methodist Church. After a week at Covenant Hills hearing ministers share their testimonies and what they are doing for the kingdom that is clear. Now I might be stepping on toes here, but maybe if we focused more on serving God and not what separates us from the denominations we could all do that work together. (Note: I am not saying that God is not moving in the Christian Church/Church of Christ. Far from it. What I am suggesting is that maybe we are missing oppertunities to partner in ministry with other Churches.)
3) Hindsight truly is 20/20. I began this summer wondering where God would use me next and what I would be doing as I figured out the next part of life. With the main parts of summer nearly over I look back and see that God has continued to use me, a lot of it with me not realizing or admitting it. God did some great things at each week of camp I got to serve at. You don't have to be vocationally hired to do great ministry, you just have to be reading and willing. That makes a segueway into the next point better than I planned.
4) I'm back on the job hunt. With most of the summer oppertunities I had finished up, it is time to find a source of income. With some recent car troubles, a looming dentist visit and an Itunes music account it couldn't come at a better time. I am not closing the door to vocational ministry by any means, but I am no longer afraid to seek other means of employment that can utilize my gifts and passions just as well. Pray for this, that was a scary conclusion to admit to.
5) This post's verse of encouragement comes from a powerful part in Philippians 4:13. "I can do all things through Him strengthens me." Paul is talking about how he has been through times where he has had plenty and he's had times where he has had nothing. Well almost nothing. Nothing but Christ. And that's really the opposite of nothing isn't it. While I do not know what the future holds, I have no doubt that God will continue to use me and work through me while I find a way to make money that enables me to do that ministry. And that's really what it's all about.
6) Part #5 may become a regular feature in this blog. Well at the least the verse of encouragement part.
1) For those not familiar with Covenant Hills and their Family Camp week, perhaps this will help. The Free Methodist Church is not independant like Restoration Movement Churches. Michigan is divided into 3 conferences. My home Church, Lansing Central Free Methodist, is part of the Eastern Free Methodist Conference, and Covenant Hills is our camp. To understand Family Camp, this of camping like at the Northman, except it is for all people (not just men) and each lot has an electric hookup. Don't worry hardcore campers, I was in a tent for the week.
2) Having had the experience of growing up at Central FM yet schooling at GLCC I've often heard the question "What is the difference between the two?" The biggest things I notice is that FM is based slightly on the holiness teachings of John Wesley, but not to the point that they are more authoritative than the Bible by any means. They also do not believe baptism is an essential part of salvation. Regardless of what that makes you think, I want to make one thing perfectly clear: God is moving and advancing his Kingdom through the Free Methodist Church. After a week at Covenant Hills hearing ministers share their testimonies and what they are doing for the kingdom that is clear. Now I might be stepping on toes here, but maybe if we focused more on serving God and not what separates us from the denominations we could all do that work together. (Note: I am not saying that God is not moving in the Christian Church/Church of Christ. Far from it. What I am suggesting is that maybe we are missing oppertunities to partner in ministry with other Churches.)
3) Hindsight truly is 20/20. I began this summer wondering where God would use me next and what I would be doing as I figured out the next part of life. With the main parts of summer nearly over I look back and see that God has continued to use me, a lot of it with me not realizing or admitting it. God did some great things at each week of camp I got to serve at. You don't have to be vocationally hired to do great ministry, you just have to be reading and willing. That makes a segueway into the next point better than I planned.
4) I'm back on the job hunt. With most of the summer oppertunities I had finished up, it is time to find a source of income. With some recent car troubles, a looming dentist visit and an Itunes music account it couldn't come at a better time. I am not closing the door to vocational ministry by any means, but I am no longer afraid to seek other means of employment that can utilize my gifts and passions just as well. Pray for this, that was a scary conclusion to admit to.
5) This post's verse of encouragement comes from a powerful part in Philippians 4:13. "I can do all things through Him strengthens me." Paul is talking about how he has been through times where he has had plenty and he's had times where he has had nothing. Well almost nothing. Nothing but Christ. And that's really the opposite of nothing isn't it. While I do not know what the future holds, I have no doubt that God will continue to use me and work through me while I find a way to make money that enables me to do that ministry. And that's really what it's all about.
6) Part #5 may become a regular feature in this blog. Well at the least the verse of encouragement part.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Random Thoughts on the 4th of July, on the 6th of July
Wow I slacked off! I usually make an annual post on the 4th talking about something significant and historical. I guess this year I opted for some muppets music which I ate up like the steak we had for lunch. All right, down to business.
1) One of the things I personally remember and honor the week of the 4th is a battle that occurred July 1st-3rd. That is the battle of Gettysburg. As part of an organization dedicated to remembering the sacrifice that the Union soldiers made during the Civil War it is a time that is especially important in my mind. Often overlooked is the battle of Vicksburg which ended a day later than Gettysburg. So many lives lost, so many who paid the ultimate price to unify our country. So many more fight and represent our country today. I thank, honor and pray for them. Regardless of how you feel about where they are or why they are there the fact is they are there and they deserve our gratitude and prayers.
2) This very entry was just suspended for a good 10 minutes? The reason? I was startled by a sudden snarling noise that repeated itself every few minutes. After watching outside very carefully my eyes chanced upon 3 rodents invading our driveway. I shined our trusty mag-light and revealed the critters to be 3 racoons up to no good. Two of them were sneaking across the town and being followed by a third. I say it this way because the snarling I heard was the first stopping, turning and attacking the third one every now and then. Only in Mason. A fun detour that could possibly derail this post.
3) Fun fact I should have known: Today, July 6th is a very special day. Not because of another historical event, at least not one that will go down in text books. Today is the anniversary of the wedding of my parents. That's right, they said their vows, traded rings and tied the knot on this day 34 years ago!
4) For those of you keeping track at home that means they were married 8 years before I came along. Lucky them right?
5) Visited Trinity Church today for my Sunday service attendance. Nice building, good children's safeguard measures. I went with Jason and Asia Sleight so they have to drop off their kid, and it's a good way to see how they do it. So those parts were nice. I didn't get to see the youth room so I will have to do that sometime. Otherwise to be honest it's not a place that I am desiring to visit again.
That's all I got tonight. Rock Lake's Senior High week is in a week. Looking forward to that! Have a great week.
1) One of the things I personally remember and honor the week of the 4th is a battle that occurred July 1st-3rd. That is the battle of Gettysburg. As part of an organization dedicated to remembering the sacrifice that the Union soldiers made during the Civil War it is a time that is especially important in my mind. Often overlooked is the battle of Vicksburg which ended a day later than Gettysburg. So many lives lost, so many who paid the ultimate price to unify our country. So many more fight and represent our country today. I thank, honor and pray for them. Regardless of how you feel about where they are or why they are there the fact is they are there and they deserve our gratitude and prayers.
2) This very entry was just suspended for a good 10 minutes? The reason? I was startled by a sudden snarling noise that repeated itself every few minutes. After watching outside very carefully my eyes chanced upon 3 rodents invading our driveway. I shined our trusty mag-light and revealed the critters to be 3 racoons up to no good. Two of them were sneaking across the town and being followed by a third. I say it this way because the snarling I heard was the first stopping, turning and attacking the third one every now and then. Only in Mason. A fun detour that could possibly derail this post.
3) Fun fact I should have known: Today, July 6th is a very special day. Not because of another historical event, at least not one that will go down in text books. Today is the anniversary of the wedding of my parents. That's right, they said their vows, traded rings and tied the knot on this day 34 years ago!
4) For those of you keeping track at home that means they were married 8 years before I came along. Lucky them right?
5) Visited Trinity Church today for my Sunday service attendance. Nice building, good children's safeguard measures. I went with Jason and Asia Sleight so they have to drop off their kid, and it's a good way to see how they do it. So those parts were nice. I didn't get to see the youth room so I will have to do that sometime. Otherwise to be honest it's not a place that I am desiring to visit again.
That's all I got tonight. Rock Lake's Senior High week is in a week. Looking forward to that! Have a great week.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Random Thoughts after Camp
Greetings to quite possibly a dozen people! How has your week been? As you may or may not recall I spent Sunday night, Monday and most of the day Tuesday at Rock Lake for Terry Strickler's 2nd-3rd grade week of camp.
It was a great experience and as I go into this edition of "Random Thoughts" I will be touching on that specifically.
1) Children are awesome. They are so cute and innocent. I am the worst disciplinarian when it comes to dealing with them. I can't punish them. Well eventually my nerves get worked and I can but it takes me a long time to get there. You learn a lot about God working with kids.
Children are an interesting part of the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus rebukes his disciples for trying to stop parents from bringing their children to Jesus. He sternly says to them "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." The more I work with them the more I see this. From my year of playing with Hannah Lowman several times a week to the first few days of this week.
Everything a child does, he/she does whole heartedly. They are so passionate about everything they do, whether it's going down a twisty slide or shouting the "We Love Jesus" chant against the other trailer on the chariot. They strive to do everything (good and bad) to the best of their ability. When do we slip up and lose that? I'm not suggesting we are terrible people, but I know there are times in my life when I didn't do something as well as I could. I also know of times when I've done tasks assigned to me without passion.
2) For non-Rock Lake Campers, the chariot is an archaic truck towing two trailers that transports students and staff between the two main areas of camp.
3) An unexpected surprise visit from a friend always brightens any day. This brings about a new saying: A day can always get brighter even when you think it can't!
4) I have gotten more mosquito bites taking my dog outside for five minutes than I did in my combined time at camps this summer. What's up with that?
5) Do you really have to be skilled to do a job well? If I may backtrack for a moment (and I may, it's my blog!) I'm beginning to wonder if the simple truth is if you do anything whole-heartedly you will be good at it. Sure maybe computer networking takes skill, but if you passionately study it and work at it you will get good at it. I wonder if everything in our life, from how we work to how we relate to people could be based on how passionately we choose to live. Hmmmm...
That's all I got for now. Have a great weekend!
It was a great experience and as I go into this edition of "Random Thoughts" I will be touching on that specifically.
1) Children are awesome. They are so cute and innocent. I am the worst disciplinarian when it comes to dealing with them. I can't punish them. Well eventually my nerves get worked and I can but it takes me a long time to get there. You learn a lot about God working with kids.
Children are an interesting part of the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus rebukes his disciples for trying to stop parents from bringing their children to Jesus. He sternly says to them "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." The more I work with them the more I see this. From my year of playing with Hannah Lowman several times a week to the first few days of this week.
Everything a child does, he/she does whole heartedly. They are so passionate about everything they do, whether it's going down a twisty slide or shouting the "We Love Jesus" chant against the other trailer on the chariot. They strive to do everything (good and bad) to the best of their ability. When do we slip up and lose that? I'm not suggesting we are terrible people, but I know there are times in my life when I didn't do something as well as I could. I also know of times when I've done tasks assigned to me without passion.
2) For non-Rock Lake Campers, the chariot is an archaic truck towing two trailers that transports students and staff between the two main areas of camp.
3) An unexpected surprise visit from a friend always brightens any day. This brings about a new saying: A day can always get brighter even when you think it can't!
4) I have gotten more mosquito bites taking my dog outside for five minutes than I did in my combined time at camps this summer. What's up with that?
5) Do you really have to be skilled to do a job well? If I may backtrack for a moment (and I may, it's my blog!) I'm beginning to wonder if the simple truth is if you do anything whole-heartedly you will be good at it. Sure maybe computer networking takes skill, but if you passionately study it and work at it you will get good at it. I wonder if everything in our life, from how we work to how we relate to people could be based on how passionately we choose to live. Hmmmm...
That's all I got for now. Have a great weekend!
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