Sunday, March 26, 2006
Sunday
Phew....another weekend over. Personally, I can't wait to get back to work so I can get a break. For some reason it was one of those busy Sundays. Church in the morning, bible study, go to lunch, back to church for meeting, over to WCCC for my concert (trombone trio) come home and collapse. I am tired. I have to admit, though, I'm happy to start seeing the sun again. It's nice to have it coming up as I wake up in the morning. I'm starting to feel a little life again. Who knows....maybe I'll be able to start working out again. I almost feel like I have enough energy. I do hate the winter funk. Ah well....I'm just venting. Everyone have a good week. I'll come up with something more interesting later.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Jeremiah/Romans
Hey there folks, I'm still moving. It's been kind of a busy week...we wrapped up field work with the auditors and I finally feel like I can get moving forward again. Anyway, this post is a response to a question I got last week from someone in a class where I was substitute teacher for the week at church. Since learning comes from interaction with others, I'm curious to see what any of you think of my response. Here you go:
The question presented was, “Why does Jeremiah 31: 34 appear to conflict with our study in Romans 1 regarding whether people can be culpable in having knowledge of God? Romans 1 makes the claim that no man is ignorant of God and instead chooses other than God, Jeremiah seems to make the claim that there are people that do not have knowledge of God and are told by their brothers about Him.”
Assuming that I have summed up the question correctly, I would offer the following as a possible response to your question.
I think there is an assumption that the two passages are attempting to make similar (or at least closely related) arguments and that the “people” involved in each discussion comprise the same universe of people. In the passage we were studying in Romans, Paul was discussing the righteousness of God against a people that have rejected Him. Paul starts his argument in chapter 1 against the pagans/heathens in the society around him that have rejected God. His argument will then expand in chapter 2 to include the Jews who proclaim to follow the Law and who don’t act/judge righteously. Effectively he is condemning the entire world, the Jews and the Greeks (barbarians). It is important in reading this not to impose our erroneous view of the church on Paul’s argument. Paul is arguing as a Jew who saw the completion of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ, his “Christianity” is not a separate church from the Jewish people. His focus here is why God is righteous in judging man. Remember, his overall argument is for the glory & righteousness of God as revealed in the Gospel.
Jeremiah 31 deals with a promise made to God’s people, Israel, to bring them back from their exile. Right off the bat, there is a difference in the universe of people being dealt with. You mentioned that you read this as a messianic passage and I do believe that you are correct in assuming Christ is being shown in the passage. Amusingly, of the commentaries I had around here they either dealt with it as a strictly historical prophecy (completed with the return of Israel) or else glossed over the section without laying out any substantive discussion or premises to review. I believe that as with most (all?) prophecies given through the prophets, there is usually a dual context; and seeing Jesus in this passage is correct, as all scripture is properly interpreted through Law & Gospel and that Jesus Christ is the revelation of that Gospel. That is not to diminish or overlook the historical relevance of the prophecy, but I believe we are correct here in looking at it here from a messianic viewpoint. In this context, Jeremiah says that He (God) will place His Law within His people. They will no longer need the external Law; they will live within the Law as completed by Jesus. This passage is speaking about how God’s people will interact with Him and with each other, not with how guilty they are before God. The will walk together through the internalization of the Law of God, not an externalization (e.g. - the 10 Commandments as written in stone).
I believe entirely separate conversations are taking place in each area that when placed in context form a complementary view of life in Christ and don’t contradict one another. Man is depraved before God and He is entirely righteous in His judgment upon us. Fortunately, we are adopted sons and daughters through faith in Jesus Christ and as such live with His righteousness imputed to us and His Holy Spirit living within us.
Thoughts? Comments?
The question presented was, “Why does Jeremiah 31: 34 appear to conflict with our study in Romans 1 regarding whether people can be culpable in having knowledge of God? Romans 1 makes the claim that no man is ignorant of God and instead chooses other than God, Jeremiah seems to make the claim that there are people that do not have knowledge of God and are told by their brothers about Him.”
Assuming that I have summed up the question correctly, I would offer the following as a possible response to your question.
I think there is an assumption that the two passages are attempting to make similar (or at least closely related) arguments and that the “people” involved in each discussion comprise the same universe of people. In the passage we were studying in Romans, Paul was discussing the righteousness of God against a people that have rejected Him. Paul starts his argument in chapter 1 against the pagans/heathens in the society around him that have rejected God. His argument will then expand in chapter 2 to include the Jews who proclaim to follow the Law and who don’t act/judge righteously. Effectively he is condemning the entire world, the Jews and the Greeks (barbarians). It is important in reading this not to impose our erroneous view of the church on Paul’s argument. Paul is arguing as a Jew who saw the completion of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ, his “Christianity” is not a separate church from the Jewish people. His focus here is why God is righteous in judging man. Remember, his overall argument is for the glory & righteousness of God as revealed in the Gospel.
Jeremiah 31 deals with a promise made to God’s people, Israel, to bring them back from their exile. Right off the bat, there is a difference in the universe of people being dealt with. You mentioned that you read this as a messianic passage and I do believe that you are correct in assuming Christ is being shown in the passage. Amusingly, of the commentaries I had around here they either dealt with it as a strictly historical prophecy (completed with the return of Israel) or else glossed over the section without laying out any substantive discussion or premises to review. I believe that as with most (all?) prophecies given through the prophets, there is usually a dual context; and seeing Jesus in this passage is correct, as all scripture is properly interpreted through Law & Gospel and that Jesus Christ is the revelation of that Gospel. That is not to diminish or overlook the historical relevance of the prophecy, but I believe we are correct here in looking at it here from a messianic viewpoint. In this context, Jeremiah says that He (God) will place His Law within His people. They will no longer need the external Law; they will live within the Law as completed by Jesus. This passage is speaking about how God’s people will interact with Him and with each other, not with how guilty they are before God. The will walk together through the internalization of the Law of God, not an externalization (e.g. - the 10 Commandments as written in stone).
I believe entirely separate conversations are taking place in each area that when placed in context form a complementary view of life in Christ and don’t contradict one another. Man is depraved before God and He is entirely righteous in His judgment upon us. Fortunately, we are adopted sons and daughters through faith in Jesus Christ and as such live with His righteousness imputed to us and His Holy Spirit living within us.
Thoughts? Comments?
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
The cutest book in the world
I've just finished a book you have to read if you've ever:
1. Owned a pet
2. Currently own a pet
3. Are thinking about getting a pet.....well, I guess get the pet first then read the book.
Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog by John Grogan is about the sweetest book I have read in a while. Sugary sweet maybe, but if you've ever owned a pet you'll get it. It's a quick read, I spent my lunch hours the last few days alternating between histerical laughter and being on the brink of tears (definately a scary thing when you're eating out in public.) This retrospecive of the author's (and his family's) 15 years with his faithful companion is just irresistable.
Good night all....I'm up way past my bedtime... ;)
1. Owned a pet
2. Currently own a pet
3. Are thinking about getting a pet.....well, I guess get the pet first then read the book.
Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog by John Grogan is about the sweetest book I have read in a while. Sugary sweet maybe, but if you've ever owned a pet you'll get it. It's a quick read, I spent my lunch hours the last few days alternating between histerical laughter and being on the brink of tears (definately a scary thing when you're eating out in public.) This retrospecive of the author's (and his family's) 15 years with his faithful companion is just irresistable.
Good night all....I'm up way past my bedtime... ;)
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Music and the Church (AKA - too much time on my hands driving around)
I don’t take a lot of time on this blog to write about the “deeper” thoughts that go running through my head. I’m not sure why that is, except that writing has never been my strong suit. In high school I was in AP everything, except for AP English. I think I just disliked writing papers. Eh, eventually I learned to just write in my own voice and that’s usually what you “hear” when I write (grant you, sarcasm never seems to translate well.) That little aside behind us, I thought I would try every once in a while to share some of the stuff that goes through my brain on a semi-random basis.
Today, for instance, I was thinking about contemporary Christian music (ccm) and the way I’ve seen it change over my lifetime. Some of those changes have been good, others not so good. In particular I was contemplating the trend toward “praise” music that’s been going on for the past few years. Admittedly I’ve never been a fan of the new “praise & worship” trend. I’ve always felt that the purpose of song in worship was to pull you closer to Jesus and His Word. A lot of the songs I hear just seem to want to make me feel good about me (insert broad paintbrush here). Or they use “Christian-esque” sounding language without any meaning (yup, getting a good coat o’ paint on the ole house of cards today). Or my personal favorite, spiritualizing actual events or types without really proclaiming to the people the physical realities (“Days of Elijah”, anyone? Yes, he is coming on a white horse. No, he hasn’t come yet). Maybe I’m just turning into a grumpy old man, but there seems to me to be something different about the whole situation now. What used to be loudly proclaimed as a musical ministry to those outside the church suddenly turned into an industry with its own target market right inside the sanctuary. Where songwriters used to find ways to share the Gospel through music, now it feels like we share personal experiences and stories instead. Is that bad? Not necessarily, but I feel like it winds up being somewhat fake. It’s as though we use it as a substitute for relationship…for community. It’s easier to identify with the thought or feeling in a song rather than with a person. Rather than using that communication in a didactic way, we try to use it as a substitute for an intimate connection.
So in an attempt to fake my own intimate connections with people, do you have any comments? Am I totally off the mark? Hitting some points? Help me formulate some thoughts on this. In the meantime I’m going to go back and listen to some vintage Petra and Steven Curtis Chapman and revel in the glory days that were the 80’s. ;)
Today, for instance, I was thinking about contemporary Christian music (ccm) and the way I’ve seen it change over my lifetime. Some of those changes have been good, others not so good. In particular I was contemplating the trend toward “praise” music that’s been going on for the past few years. Admittedly I’ve never been a fan of the new “praise & worship” trend. I’ve always felt that the purpose of song in worship was to pull you closer to Jesus and His Word. A lot of the songs I hear just seem to want to make me feel good about me (insert broad paintbrush here). Or they use “Christian-esque” sounding language without any meaning (yup, getting a good coat o’ paint on the ole house of cards today). Or my personal favorite, spiritualizing actual events or types without really proclaiming to the people the physical realities (“Days of Elijah”, anyone? Yes, he is coming on a white horse. No, he hasn’t come yet). Maybe I’m just turning into a grumpy old man, but there seems to me to be something different about the whole situation now. What used to be loudly proclaimed as a musical ministry to those outside the church suddenly turned into an industry with its own target market right inside the sanctuary. Where songwriters used to find ways to share the Gospel through music, now it feels like we share personal experiences and stories instead. Is that bad? Not necessarily, but I feel like it winds up being somewhat fake. It’s as though we use it as a substitute for relationship…for community. It’s easier to identify with the thought or feeling in a song rather than with a person. Rather than using that communication in a didactic way, we try to use it as a substitute for an intimate connection.
So in an attempt to fake my own intimate connections with people, do you have any comments? Am I totally off the mark? Hitting some points? Help me formulate some thoughts on this. In the meantime I’m going to go back and listen to some vintage Petra and Steven Curtis Chapman and revel in the glory days that were the 80’s. ;)
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Changes
So I've got some of the first round of changes up on the website now. My goal is to make this something of a website about Julie and me, but also to put news and info about things I find interesting out there as well. Kind of a one-stop shop for all my interests. If you happen to be one of my scientifically calculated half-readers, let me know what you think. What stuff could I improve? Anything you'd like to see? I hope to keep working on the pictures section soon.
Jim
www.jimsweb.us
Jim
www.jimsweb.us
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Hmmm...ok
I know I just posted. Two in one day would be kind of weird. But here's a somewhat surreal bit of news I just read:
Chicago is getting to release Chicago XXX (March 21)......cool
Said record is produced by Jay DeMarcus. Bass player for Rascal Flatts. Oh yeah...the rest of RF also contributes on the album......huh?
Chicago will be touring this summer with Huey Lewis & the News......cool
So I'm full of mixed feelings. I love Chicago and I'm looking forward to hearing an album of new material. And they're touring with Huey Lewis & the News. I like that. More than a 70's/80's thing, I just always have a lot more respect for working musicians that have made a living. Much more than these flash in the pan well-marketed karoke singer (I mean vocalists). But this whole thing about it being produced by the guy from Rascal Flatts? Well, I guess we'll just have to see.
Chicago is getting to release Chicago XXX (March 21)......cool
Said record is produced by Jay DeMarcus. Bass player for Rascal Flatts. Oh yeah...the rest of RF also contributes on the album......huh?
Chicago will be touring this summer with Huey Lewis & the News......cool
So I'm full of mixed feelings. I love Chicago and I'm looking forward to hearing an album of new material. And they're touring with Huey Lewis & the News. I like that. More than a 70's/80's thing, I just always have a lot more respect for working musicians that have made a living. Much more than these flash in the pan well-marketed karoke singer (I mean vocalists). But this whole thing about it being produced by the guy from Rascal Flatts? Well, I guess we'll just have to see.
I'm Still Alive
One of the biggest problems with having a blog is that you need to keep it up. You stop writing on it for awhile and even the writer begins to doubt his own existence ("I blog, therfore I am?") So for the one person who actually reads this on a regular basis* here's all the news that's fit to print:
(Ahem....ok, I'm better. I must admit, I've never been so loved as I have been since we started the twice a day feedings)
I had a first practice yesterday with a couple of other trombone players from Ypsi. We're trying to get a trio together for an ensemble concert we have coming up in a month or so. Should be fun. We selected a couple of pieces to work up. I forgot how nice a "choir" of trombones can sound together.
Since I'm working on comic books here's the news that's grabbed my interest:
Alrighty, a happy Sunday night to all. Simone says "mrrrow"**
*note - audience size scientifically estimated on possibility of accidental selection of random link that forwards the surfer to this page. No guarantee is given that said surfer actually reads page or really even cares at all.
** "mrrrow" - roughly translated "Feed me now, chunky man". My mistake, I thought it meant "bye"
- Julie went to Washington DC this weekend to go visit some girlfriends. Fortunately she got in before the snow hit the area. From what she's said it isn't too bad, she should be able to fly back out without a problem this week.
- A side effect of Julie's trip is that I'm at home alone with the cats. It's not all that bad, I'm catching up on some projects I'd been wanting to work on: filing away comic books, working on website changes, getting a couple of things finished for work. The bad thing is that we just started the kitties on their diet. We're only feeding them twice a day. Normally it's not too bad, but today I'm getting the BIG EYES. They're driving me nuts. I fed them this morning. We're just trying to go a little longer before I feed you again..... quit looking at me. QUIT LOOKING AT ME!!!!!
(Ahem....ok, I'm better. I must admit, I've never been so loved as I have been since we started the twice a day feedings)
I had a first practice yesterday with a couple of other trombone players from Ypsi. We're trying to get a trio together for an ensemble concert we have coming up in a month or so. Should be fun. We selected a couple of pieces to work up. I forgot how nice a "choir" of trombones can sound together.
Since I'm working on comic books here's the news that's grabbed my interest:
- Dark Horse is jumping the Star Wars universe 100 years into the future from A New Hope. They're already running series based on the Knights of the Old Republic, as well one set during the Rebellion. They figure this gives them a nice playground that is safe from the Del Rey book series. I'm still in Star Wars geek heaven.
- Grant Morrison is taking over writing duties for Batman. Hmmm. Hmmm.
Alrighty, a happy Sunday night to all. Simone says "mrrrow"**
*note - audience size scientifically estimated on possibility of accidental selection of random link that forwards the surfer to this page. No guarantee is given that said surfer actually reads page or really even cares at all.
** "mrrrow" - roughly translated "Feed me now, chunky man". My mistake, I thought it meant "bye"
Sunday, January 22, 2006
And another weekend gone....
Wow. It's hard to believe how fast these things go by. I'm really not kidding. I go into Friday night all excited because I get to play racquetball and I have a whole weekend to rest. Then I lift my head again and it's Sunday evening. I don't know where it goes. Anyway, here's some random stuff that's grabbed my attention lately. Check it out if it grabs yours:
- AICN has some reviews of X3 and some leaked picks of Famke Janssen. Check it out here. I'm not sure how I feel about the review. I really want to like this, but I'm getting nervous. Not sure how I feel about the Dark Phoenix outfit either.
- Happy "Sweet Sixteen" Birthday to Liz. We ran into her yesterday and found out it was her birthday today. Then we found out she's sixteen. Gawd, I'm getting friggin old.
- We ran into Liz while we were at a memorial service for a member of our prior church who had died recently. It was interesting see all his family and friends there and to find out some detail of his private life. I really got me thinking how little we ususally know about each other even though we're all members of the same church. The fact that this man played checkers in nationwide competitions was a total surprise to me. It's really got me thinking that within my new church we really need to take the time to get to know each other. Relationship is so much more than just saying hi to each other on Sunday.
- Roy had forwarded me this article about the latest rumor in the saving of Arrested Development. Come on Showtime, pick it up. Surely someone must have the brains to see how funny this show is.
- Julie and I finally finished Lost: Season 1. Arrrrrgh. Can ABC just go into immediately reruns so we can catch up with Season 2?
Ah well, time to move on. God bless 'all. See you later.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Rest
Finally the Tasha drama is over. Now I'm just kind of chilling again. But through it all, I think Roy had the best quote from the whole thing:
"Note to Tasha: What happens outside the condo, stays outside the condo"
It's kept me cracking up for a couple of days now.
"Note to Tasha: What happens outside the condo, stays outside the condo"
It's kept me cracking up for a couple of days now.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Tashawatch - Day 7
The Princess has been recovered....repeat......The Princess has been recovered.
At 1830 hours the trap was deployed by Agent Jim. Agent Jim then returned to the house for dinner and Bible study. 2000 hours: Agent Jim goes downstairs to watch tv. 2030 hours: Agent Jim observes the trap from the window and sees potential bogey caught inside. Agent Jim donned gloves and exited the house. Confirmed identity of captured bogey as Natasha, aka Tasha, aka The Princess. Natasha was brought into the house, checked over for any immediate wounds and an attempted sponge bath was given. At this point love and petting were also administered. Agent Jim calls wife and family to inform of capture. At 2100 hours, Natash was secured for transport to Animal Emergency Clinic for checkup. After numerous tests (and one rather awkward temperature taking) it was determined that the Princess had bloodied her paw after splitting a claw and was a little dehydrated but was essentially ok. Fluids were administered and the Princess was secured for transport home. Instructions have been left for Agent Julie to continue care in the morning. Report was filed and the case was closed.
[Wednesday, January 11, 2006 (12:31 am)]
'night y'all. Somehow I have to get up for work in the morning.
Jim
At 1830 hours the trap was deployed by Agent Jim. Agent Jim then returned to the house for dinner and Bible study. 2000 hours: Agent Jim goes downstairs to watch tv. 2030 hours: Agent Jim observes the trap from the window and sees potential bogey caught inside. Agent Jim donned gloves and exited the house. Confirmed identity of captured bogey as Natasha, aka Tasha, aka The Princess. Natasha was brought into the house, checked over for any immediate wounds and an attempted sponge bath was given. At this point love and petting were also administered. Agent Jim calls wife and family to inform of capture. At 2100 hours, Natash was secured for transport to Animal Emergency Clinic for checkup. After numerous tests (and one rather awkward temperature taking) it was determined that the Princess had bloodied her paw after splitting a claw and was a little dehydrated but was essentially ok. Fluids were administered and the Princess was secured for transport home. Instructions have been left for Agent Julie to continue care in the morning. Report was filed and the case was closed.
[Wednesday, January 11, 2006 (12:31 am)]
'night y'all. Somehow I have to get up for work in the morning.
Jim
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Tashawatch - Day 6
We're getting closer. Here's the report:
A live trap was set out to apprehend Tasha (aka -the Princess). Agent Julie came home from a recruitment dinner around 2200 hours, saw Tasha on a neighbor's porch and attempted to follow and apprehend. In the darkness, the Princess spotted our agent and proceeded through a series of evasive manuevers, eventually leaving behind Agent Julie. Agent Julie returned to HQ and after a short debriefing, proceeded with an evening of R&R. Agent Jim took over survelience of the trap. At 2300 hours a final check of the trap was made. Trap was found to be empty. Agents Jim & Julie retired for the evening. At 0300 hours Agent Jim awoke via pre-set alarm to check on the trap. A review of the trap indicated the involatary confinement of a white long-haired cat with black patches along the body - it was not the Princess. Agent Jim proceeded to open the trap and release the detainee. Resetting the trap, Agent Jim returned to bed. At 0600 hours Agent Jim awoke and rechecked the trap. The trap was empty. Agent Jim proceeded through his morning routine and at 0700 hours, brought the trap in for the remainder of the day. Agent Jim then headed off to work. Agents Boris & Simone are conducting reviews of the trap to ensure that no detainees could escape the closed box. They appear most interested about the food that is found in the trap. Report is expected upon return to HQ.
"Operation Tasha-in-a-box" will recommence at 1900 hours.
Agent Jim
A live trap was set out to apprehend Tasha (aka -the Princess). Agent Julie came home from a recruitment dinner around 2200 hours, saw Tasha on a neighbor's porch and attempted to follow and apprehend. In the darkness, the Princess spotted our agent and proceeded through a series of evasive manuevers, eventually leaving behind Agent Julie. Agent Julie returned to HQ and after a short debriefing, proceeded with an evening of R&R. Agent Jim took over survelience of the trap. At 2300 hours a final check of the trap was made. Trap was found to be empty. Agents Jim & Julie retired for the evening. At 0300 hours Agent Jim awoke via pre-set alarm to check on the trap. A review of the trap indicated the involatary confinement of a white long-haired cat with black patches along the body - it was not the Princess. Agent Jim proceeded to open the trap and release the detainee. Resetting the trap, Agent Jim returned to bed. At 0600 hours Agent Jim awoke and rechecked the trap. The trap was empty. Agent Jim proceeded through his morning routine and at 0700 hours, brought the trap in for the remainder of the day. Agent Jim then headed off to work. Agents Boris & Simone are conducting reviews of the trap to ensure that no detainees could escape the closed box. They appear most interested about the food that is found in the trap. Report is expected upon return to HQ.
"Operation Tasha-in-a-box" will recommence at 1900 hours.
Agent Jim
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Tashawatch - Day 4
Ok, so now God and Tasha are playing a joke on me. I see that now.
So for the weekend Julie and I have placed some bowls of food outside where we can see them from the house. On Saturday Julie was out and I was on watch. Around 8:00 or so I look outside and see a fuzzy little butt with cute little white mitten paws trotting away. I rush around to grab my coat and a flashlight, but by the time I get out there...she's gone. However she has eaten the bowl of food so I guess we're doing ok.
On Sunday we get a different idea. The food is still outside, but we lock away the other two kitties upstairs and we sit in the house, in the dark, with the front door wide open. And we sit. And we watch. We see a couple of kitties, a couple of possums but no Tasha. Finally about 9:00 we give up. It's been two hours, we're cold, we're tired and we just want to rest. No problem. We watch an episode of Lost. After it's over I start to head upstairs. I stop to look out the observation window and what do I see? Tasha sitting there eating. I open up the door and Tasha bolts. So what do I do? I bolt after her. No coat. Jeans and a sweatshirt. In my bare feet. In the middle of winter. Unfortunately she was moving quick and was gone. I lost her around a corner. So, I have to think smarter, but at least we know she's ok and she must have a hidey hole somewhere. Sigh....she just needs to come home before it gets too cold.
So for the weekend Julie and I have placed some bowls of food outside where we can see them from the house. On Saturday Julie was out and I was on watch. Around 8:00 or so I look outside and see a fuzzy little butt with cute little white mitten paws trotting away. I rush around to grab my coat and a flashlight, but by the time I get out there...she's gone. However she has eaten the bowl of food so I guess we're doing ok.
On Sunday we get a different idea. The food is still outside, but we lock away the other two kitties upstairs and we sit in the house, in the dark, with the front door wide open. And we sit. And we watch. We see a couple of kitties, a couple of possums but no Tasha. Finally about 9:00 we give up. It's been two hours, we're cold, we're tired and we just want to rest. No problem. We watch an episode of Lost. After it's over I start to head upstairs. I stop to look out the observation window and what do I see? Tasha sitting there eating. I open up the door and Tasha bolts. So what do I do? I bolt after her. No coat. Jeans and a sweatshirt. In my bare feet. In the middle of winter. Unfortunately she was moving quick and was gone. I lost her around a corner. So, I have to think smarter, but at least we know she's ok and she must have a hidey hole somewhere. Sigh....she just needs to come home before it gets too cold.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Natasha
So somehow over the last day and a half, or so Tasha somehow got free and left the house. Can't find her, don't know where she went. I suppose God was taking care of her before we got her and He'll keep taking care of her now, but I miss my poor Tish-Tosh.
this sucks
this sucks
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Almost there
Happy New Year (almost)!!!!!
Ya know, for a “restful” holiday week I think I’m ready to get back to work just so I can take a break. This has been one of those weeks where just about everything I wanted to accomplish has not been done, but we’ve been coming up with interesting new challenges just to see how Jim would react. Frankly, it all started out so well. Nice holiday, lots of family time. But it seems that my life all fell apart thanks to an ornery dryer. You heard me; my appliances are rebelling against me. Ok, admittedly it is partly my fault. I was trying to fix a part of the dryer that I thought would be easy enough to open, take the old part out and pop in the new part. Heh…silly me. Little did I know that they design this stuff so you have to dismantle the entire dryer to replace one simple little part. So long story short, I got the thing back together but, cliché I know, it was never quite the same afterwards. A day later, after the high pitched whiney noise that indicated the end of the dryer I spent a day tracking down a new dryer/washer, transporting the silly thing home and getting it installed. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but trust me, it was an entire day. Then most of this day was dedicated to getting rid of the old machine. Two days of the five day vacation…….sigh…..
But I get to go to church tonight and then we’re having friends over for the evening to celebrate the new year.
Ah well, I know this is a bit rushed but I have to get ready for church. More to come tomorrow (the last day of this exciting day vacation).
Ya know, for a “restful” holiday week I think I’m ready to get back to work just so I can take a break. This has been one of those weeks where just about everything I wanted to accomplish has not been done, but we’ve been coming up with interesting new challenges just to see how Jim would react. Frankly, it all started out so well. Nice holiday, lots of family time. But it seems that my life all fell apart thanks to an ornery dryer. You heard me; my appliances are rebelling against me. Ok, admittedly it is partly my fault. I was trying to fix a part of the dryer that I thought would be easy enough to open, take the old part out and pop in the new part. Heh…silly me. Little did I know that they design this stuff so you have to dismantle the entire dryer to replace one simple little part. So long story short, I got the thing back together but, cliché I know, it was never quite the same afterwards. A day later, after the high pitched whiney noise that indicated the end of the dryer I spent a day tracking down a new dryer/washer, transporting the silly thing home and getting it installed. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but trust me, it was an entire day. Then most of this day was dedicated to getting rid of the old machine. Two days of the five day vacation…….sigh…..
But I get to go to church tonight and then we’re having friends over for the evening to celebrate the new year.
Ah well, I know this is a bit rushed but I have to get ready for church. More to come tomorrow (the last day of this exciting day vacation).
Monday, December 26, 2005
And......cut!
And on the second day God said, “Give Jim a break!”
Ok, not really, but I’m ready for that break now. After three days of family and friends and church services it was nice to spend an afternoon just sitting around the house and not being social. The batteries are starting to recharge but it’s going to take a little while. As one of those introverts, being around people just tends to wear me out. The worst part is that people tend to interpret your actions as being rude, or not liking them when that’s really not the case. In my case it’s just that I’m a homebody. I recharge at home. Place me in a group of people or take me away from my home and I get drained. Just the way it is. But I did have a wonderful time with everyone I spent Christmas with. And I love my new church family. There was a wonderful service Christmas morning that was just so….worshipful. I love where I’ve moved to. Praise be to God for bringing me there. So enjoy your vacations, all. Time enough to work later ;)
Ok, not really, but I’m ready for that break now. After three days of family and friends and church services it was nice to spend an afternoon just sitting around the house and not being social. The batteries are starting to recharge but it’s going to take a little while. As one of those introverts, being around people just tends to wear me out. The worst part is that people tend to interpret your actions as being rude, or not liking them when that’s really not the case. In my case it’s just that I’m a homebody. I recharge at home. Place me in a group of people or take me away from my home and I get drained. Just the way it is. But I did have a wonderful time with everyone I spent Christmas with. And I love my new church family. There was a wonderful service Christmas morning that was just so….worshipful. I love where I’ve moved to. Praise be to God for bringing me there. So enjoy your vacations, all. Time enough to work later ;)
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Merry Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas to all!!!
Ok, I know it's a day early, but I finally got two minutes to sit down here and I don't know how busy tomorrow will be. So to all, I hope the holiday is peaceful. Relax and enjoy the downtime.
Jim
Ok, I know it's a day early, but I finally got two minutes to sit down here and I don't know how busy tomorrow will be. So to all, I hope the holiday is peaceful. Relax and enjoy the downtime.
Jim
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Snow Fun!!!
And the snow has arrived!!!!!! We finally got our first good 8 inch snow and here I am in Flint. Ah well. I have a hotel room booked for the night so I think I'm going to go there, eat a nice dinner and sit around with my book for the evening. Hope everyone else is safe and warm. How in the heck will I sleep without the kitties on my feet? Hmm...cool. More bedspace for me. ;)
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Miscellaneous news
Wow…two posts in one day??? Ok, so the first one was cheating a little bit. I actually wrote it a couple of days ago, but was having some problems with Blogger so I didn’t get it posted. Today I have the pleasure of sitting around the house with my first cold of the season. My throat hurts and my head’s congested. You really have to love this time of year.
So I’m getting plenty of quality time reading comic books, watching tv and catching up on novels. Since I don’t have much to write about, how’s about we see what’s going on out in cyberspace.
Here’s an article out of the Chicago Tribune about Willow Creek and the fact that they’re not holding Christmas services. I’ve read through the reasoning three or four times and it still doesn’t make sense to me. They’re equating a personal family celebration (the birth of a child) and equating it to corporate worship. Talk about a lesson in not getting it.
Just when you thought it would never happen, here is a link to an article that has pictures of the soon to come movie, “Rocky Balboa”. That’s right, Rocky VI. I’d try to come up with some witty, sarcastic remark about this movie, but come on, you know you’re going to go see it. How can you not see Rocky VI???
We’re at T-minus thirteen days until “Serenity” is released on dvd. I know the movie didn’t exactly break any box office records, but I still loved it. And now it appears that Joss Wheadon is going to continue the Buffyverse and Serenityverse with straight-to-dvd movies. So I’m happy.
Alright, I’m having trouble sitting up straight, so I’m going to go back to the couch. Happy Wednesday, all!!!
So I’m getting plenty of quality time reading comic books, watching tv and catching up on novels. Since I don’t have much to write about, how’s about we see what’s going on out in cyberspace.
Here’s an article out of the Chicago Tribune about Willow Creek and the fact that they’re not holding Christmas services. I’ve read through the reasoning three or four times and it still doesn’t make sense to me. They’re equating a personal family celebration (the birth of a child) and equating it to corporate worship. Talk about a lesson in not getting it.
Just when you thought it would never happen, here is a link to an article that has pictures of the soon to come movie, “Rocky Balboa”. That’s right, Rocky VI. I’d try to come up with some witty, sarcastic remark about this movie, but come on, you know you’re going to go see it. How can you not see Rocky VI???
We’re at T-minus thirteen days until “Serenity” is released on dvd. I know the movie didn’t exactly break any box office records, but I still loved it. And now it appears that Joss Wheadon is going to continue the Buffyverse and Serenityverse with straight-to-dvd movies. So I’m happy.
Alright, I’m having trouble sitting up straight, so I’m going to go back to the couch. Happy Wednesday, all!!!
Here comes the cold
And winter has arrived…..yuck.
Actually it’s not so bad. I do tend to like winter, but the reason I really like winter is because I’m such a homebody I like any excuse to stay in and in bed. My biggest annoyance during the winter has to do with driving back and forth to work. Considering that I have an hour drive to work each day when the weather is good, I tend to get a little grouchy when the weather turns like this.
Julie and I had a nice weekend at my company Christmas Party. There’s nothing like taking Julie to meet all of the crazy souls I tell her I encounter during the day. Now she knows why I am the way I am when I get home.
My new toy arrived this weekend. That’s right, I now have a DVR!!! Woo-hoo! Ok, I had to give up HBO to get it, but frankly I wasn’t watching much HBO anyway.
For my fellow geeks out there, they’ve released a teaser trailer for X3. Don’t know if it’ll be any good or not, but I liked the first two so I’m willing to give this one the benefit of the doubt. Have to love the look of Kelsey Grammer as the Beast. And please, just let me look at that shot of Famke Janson walking out of the infirmary four or five times in slow motion and I’ll be perfectly happy.
Actually it’s not so bad. I do tend to like winter, but the reason I really like winter is because I’m such a homebody I like any excuse to stay in and in bed. My biggest annoyance during the winter has to do with driving back and forth to work. Considering that I have an hour drive to work each day when the weather is good, I tend to get a little grouchy when the weather turns like this.
Julie and I had a nice weekend at my company Christmas Party. There’s nothing like taking Julie to meet all of the crazy souls I tell her I encounter during the day. Now she knows why I am the way I am when I get home.
My new toy arrived this weekend. That’s right, I now have a DVR!!! Woo-hoo! Ok, I had to give up HBO to get it, but frankly I wasn’t watching much HBO anyway.
For my fellow geeks out there, they’ve released a teaser trailer for X3. Don’t know if it’ll be any good or not, but I liked the first two so I’m willing to give this one the benefit of the doubt. Have to love the look of Kelsey Grammer as the Beast. And please, just let me look at that shot of Famke Janson walking out of the infirmary four or five times in slow motion and I’ll be perfectly happy.