The Valentinian Contingency

Frustrated!!!

2013-03-15T18:35:00.001-07:00

Today Monday 31113
a vast amount of WORK related
Accumulation
Of
Just about every
office related time consuming
situation came in
like waves of the ocean and
crashed down onto my world.
And also its day light savings time.
I got snappy and snippy about 4pm.
Me gets this way when hungry me thinks.
My name was called again to do some task. Its not the work that frustrates nor the task at hand its the interruptions. Because to be interrupted means you go into RESET mode, which means you must stop what you are doing, pack it up, put it out of the way and come back to it later. Its a tough thing when you'really trying to be on top of your game.

Sometimes I just want to hide when my name is called.
I cannot(not for long anyway) because if I disappear when I re-appear, they will give me an ear full.

Time management is a joke.
Its solid prioritization. Everday,I list my goals look at what needs to be done and run as fast as I can before I'm called to another responsibility then after that responsibility is complete, I resume the chase.

Finally winding down to complete the day. I can see the runway. The flaps are down landing gear down. Approaching the last waypoint then SMACK! One last "little" assignment a 10 copy something or other, that must be done today. It's a return to flight. After an hour of fixing and processing.I get a call, Hey greg ya still there?, stop where you are, it can be done tomorrow. I was already done.

That was Monday.

Mentally taxing

2013-03-15T18:29:00.001-07:00

What a week!
Court and work errands. Papers deadlines.
Lizards catching overgrown crickets and separating them.
Traveling dag check engine light just went on.
Blockbuster video is closing for good.
Exhausted fell asleep during a really exciting episode of little house on the prairie. Kids giving me "the angry eyeball."
Physically exhausted.
Look in the fridge, Higgins bosson! The kids ate all my Aldi dinners. I'm gonna get them.
Mentally exhausted.
Playing a videogame, I fell asleep!!

When I sit in any chair at home. I'm fast a sleep before I can blink. When I awake, the kids are all staring at me.

They don't like it.

My kids tell me they are disappointed in my behavior.
I appeal to their mercy.

Glad its Friday.

Thursday 6:30pm by the elevator.

2013-03-07T17:02:00.001-08:00

I turned the corner heading for the elevator. Bag on shoulder, hat on head. It's check out time. Its time to bug out and go home!!
Did my final office checks. No heat machines on. Closed the gate, filled up copiers. Unplugged fan made sure office paper is ready for tomorrow. Got the last of the mail and proceeded to the exit.
Opened the door. It gravity SLAMS shut behind me. Turn the corner. Almost home free.
Shock!
Its my boss! He's going home too! Stands there looking up at the ceiling he is, with hands on hips. Waiting for the elevator. Its that awkward moment of "boss and employee"all done for the day, level ground- kinda.
(Too late, can't retreat back, already made eye contact.)
"Good evening." He says.
(Dag... I shouldve said it first! I screamed I'm my head. He beat me to it!)
I gained my footing took a deep breath and prepare for battle. "Good evening.... how are you doing? :) " I asked. (For real, I really wanted to know. Never ask a question you don't want to know the answer to. That's lying if you do. {Oh how I hate when people ask you how are you doing? as they sail by without missing a step, so very irritating! But I digress} Everyone has a stressed out boss to some extent. Believe it or not, they're people too. They have many things on their plate. It's like they're a people perpetually pregnant with plenty of problems)
"Could be better." He says.
(Gauging his facials and body language, factoring sarcasm at play, I relaxed just a little. Quickly processing all the data, Then proceeded to reply switch the dial from "combative" to "friendly" internal dial settings. Trying to match tone and language.)
"Well, good that today is over, and tomorrow could be better or worse, but it's never the same as today." My empty computer bag on my shoulder feels heavy so I shift weight all to one foot. (I'm not sure if that metaphysical response I gave, depicted the correct message I really wished to convey).
"That may not be a good thing to look forward to."he says.
(Yep, it was too metaphysical. Gotta bring it down, Greggie, me thinks in my head.)
We stepped onto the elevator.
"Well, one good thing is that tomorrow is Friday......, " pause I lean slightly towards the right the metal doors then continued .... "bagel Friday!" I say in a matter-of-fact tone. hoping to encourage.
He gave a smile. (Getting a smile is better than an insult. That's good, my thoughts and mouth didnt betray me today. Not sure what will come out of my mouth sometimes.) So,I am relieved. Elevator door opens.
" Thats true.....Have a good night". And he proceeds out.
Thank you, you too. Goodnight.
(Praise the Lord, Survived another close one, y'all.)

I do really like my job.

The best case scenario, managed to get into, and off of the elevator while making the boss smile and he not thinking any less of you, as you go home to return the next day. Worse case scenario, maybe just became the comic relief?
3/7/13

Falling off

2013-02-24T08:10:00.001-08:00

Every second of everyday is falling off into eternity. Cant stop it. Gear up and be ready for it. We're having a stay-cation right now. Due to predation risk the thing that happens when you sleep someplace different for the night. Well I just woke up and looked at my wife and kids sleeping . They're all aging forward. Slowly, just thinking of all the things they are marching towards and moving to tough life issues and even tough decisions that have to be made. Friendships challenges, family fights, meeting the wrong person meeting the right person,engagement marriages, births, accidents, mistakes, death fun, happiness, sadness, heartbreak, salvation,faith decisions, learning to stand on principles. Fear. Sleep, courage, wimpiness. Every second is moving towards eternity. Think about it. Don't waste a second. Bye.

Today August 14

2013-02-20T08:08:00.000-08:00

Big Splash
Bubbling up
Blurry view
Echoes surround
Chills in the body
Choking in the lungs
Needing breath
Kicking with might
Pushing against the air
Racing through the crowd
Stopping in place
Stopping
Standing
Turn in
Embracing the truth
Facing the fear
Saying truth
Space widening
Day brightening
Fear retreating
It pleasure to meet you my name is Gregory I am a former missionary, trained by the best, I still love Jesus and love sharing about him and no longer impressed or trapped by titles. If you're a believer in Jesus and member of the human race then you're my family

So They Entice You to Buy

2013-02-20T07:59:00.001-08:00

So they entice you to buy. Not sure if you really need it and You don't have the money to buy it. Some how they convince you that you must have it. You fill out a credit card application because the rates are sooooooo low. Yep now you have the "money". Then you go to purchase this much needed item. You take out that credit card and place it rigjt next to that item of your desire. But there's a pause. A thought. A consideration. Hey! What do I need with some item I couldn't even pay for in the first place?
You pick that item up. The cashier looks at you funny. They're thinking I can't believe how long that person waited on line for that dumb thing?! The Security guard eyes you. You take a step. And the proceed to placing that item back on its shelf. You realize the value of a dollar earned and hard work and commit yourself to save enough cash to buy it later or wait for the price to drop. Mom and dad would be so proud. You listened to that inner voice......
"Sir are you gonna buy this thing or what? You're holding up ma line!" Says the cashier.
"Sorry,daydreaming." You say. "What's the price?"
"More than you make in four weeks." is the reply
That's the price!?! you gasp.
Would you like the warranty?
No thanks. why would I need that? Wow tax is that high? This feeling is getting worse by the second.
"Cash or debit or soul-debt?"They say.
Credit?
"Soul debt" the cashier says blankly
"Is that credit?"
"Yup."
Sign your life on the led screen. Push harder.
Three seconds after purchase you feel it. That strange, how do you say, um a "lurking?" That empty gulp. That "why did I buy this thing?" a buyers' remorse feeling. "I'm a trooper, lets make it work." (Actually this neat cool thing will now put me to work, and take food money from my children's mouth).

First invoice comes in. No problem
Easy shifting of priorities and blam minimum payment received. Feeling good feeling responsible
Minimum payment plus interest restores the amount to full amount due.

99 more minimum payments to go! Yaay.

more to follow.

Hold Your Fire!!!!!!

2013-02-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

Hold your fire!!!

By Greg Valentine

Low Level assault (LLA)Voice: “Laser cannon Charged”

L1: Target selected. Proceed HQ?

HQ: Unit leader- Hold………

L1: Copy that HQ?

HQ: “Hold-static……. static-down! Repeat,”

L1: Copy that HQ? Commence fire upon target?

HQ: “Static………Hold-static……. static-down!”

L1: Fire at target, HQ?

HQ: Hold……….Fire

HQ: Silence……….

L1: Squad Unit,

L2: Roger L1,

L1: proceed to fire on my mark. 3,2,…….

HQ: Stand down -Unit leader! Stand down! It’s the wrong target.

L1: Roger that HQ, standing down.

L1: L2 Stand down

LLA: Laser cannon weapon disengage.

What just didn’t happen here?

I received a comment from someone. It was my turn to volley back a response.
I had ready all my literary weapons, charged and ready, to rain down truth and to broadcast my sound unbeatable opinion on this simpleton. Then common sense set in. A holy voice of reason said to me. "Pray and ask God to have you take a step back and further think. Do examine this incoming assault from a different set of eyes." I took my finger off the send button and sought the Lord. He said stop and wait and I will make it clear to you. SO I LISTENED.

It was a Good thing too. Had I fired my opinion from out of my heart, through my fingers into cyberspace I would’ve been wrong, extremely wrong. When I held my tongue, stopped to think and decided that reexamine what I want to say several times before I fired the comments, the rebuttal back if you will, I saved myself from having to apologize for a wrong I would have committed. I sat there relieved. Thanking God tremendously, that my emotions did not get the better of me, like the poor soul who fired the first volley in the first place. I went and reread my post I previously wrote on the conclusion and started to ask myself the questions I was asking the universe.

So, now as I sit here contemplating how to respond to the comments stated so publicly, I say to myself. “Self, Let everyone be quick to hear slow to speak slow to wrath, for the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20” I doubt the person who said what they said will humbly say sorry for misfiring, but I will wait to see what they are made of, first. If they want to continue this relationship, If not, I will still wait.

Im in your face but you don't see me.

2013-02-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

A funny thing happened to me a few days ago. I will try to explain it. Someone I know was in my face telling me how I needed to speak up and say to those around me "don't forget me". Well this person was looking me in the eye didn't offer me a ride home but asked me about my neighbour they were dropping off if I've seen them! Then proceeded to leave me there!
What does a person say to something like that? Maybe that their advice was limited in its scope and grasp. Maybe that they really didn't understand the concept they were sharing and practically didn't even remember that they said such things the same day!

What do we do with people who don't seem to remember the advice that they give you? we watch them. Scrutinize them and wonder why we ever listened in the first place.

Packets of relief and hope.

2013-01-26T03:47:00.001-08:00

2 Peter 1:2-10 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

The conclusion

2013-01-02T14:04:00.001-08:00

Today is Wednesday January 23rd 2013. One month ago, Our houseguest, my dear friend J. passed away, on Sunday, Dec 23rd. One entire month has transpired.
In one month I've learned more than before :
1. Grudges have no place in a Christian's life. Really, fix your problem the sameday, if you have the option. If you don't make it a priority. Its urgent to fix to save from regret and smooth memories, its also a great thing to do.
2a. Stubborn and obstinate people have a very hard time dealing with betrayal. And we are all obstinate and stubborn people, we just don't realize it.
2b. People will treat you however they like, and will only remember when you loose your cool no matter how many nice things you've done for them. However, do good anyway see Reason 3.
2c. Don't be a jerk, no matter how much a person makes you feel(actually no one can make you feel bad without your permission) you have no right to go out your way to make a person feel less than important.
2d. Suck it up, have a conversation and fix the relationship. (If its worth it.)
2e. Don't dare be the first song bird to sing praises at a persons funeral if you don't care for them while they're living. Phoney and hypocrite are the words thar come to mind.
3. Love really does cover a multitude of sin and love casts out all fear.
4a. Funerals are really messed up events, sad jokes and to some degree a worship of the dead. Expensive Ceremony and sad performances. I've learned that its important to say what you are going to say while the person lives. It's pointless to say fanciful compliments and nice statements you've never said in life, at the person's death . Do what they need while they live.
4b.Also It is pointless to send flowers to a viewing, when you boil it all down, its sort of a major waste of money. Give the cash to the family. If you were a part of their life then the conclusion of their life is where you'd celebrate, not the place for any selfish-self justification so everyone thinks you look good. Not the place.
5. People lie a lot.
6. God knows the truth completely.
7. You may be now apart of a few people who know the entire full story,now what? The person who is dead can't help you verify or deny the details. There comes a point where you have to be at peace with all the info you have and truth knowledgeand connected dots, you know now because it doesn't bring the person back. Also second guessing self only spins your wheels. Learn the lesson treat people right.
8a. Many problems can be solved. Completely and thoroughly with a "please forgive me. I was an idiot" I said before in another blog, it takes about 10 seconds to renew and release but it takes humility and a want to it fixed (see reason 3 again). I was a jerk, forgive me lets do it over.
8b. Forgiveness costs less than regrets.
9. Though I don't believe in dead people roaming the earth, I do believe people can be haunted by regrets in all manner of ways. And they'll manifest in time.
10. May God have grace and mercy on all of us. May we show mercy and grace to others. God will set straight.
11. Tell the people you love, that you love them everyday and every night.
12. Do right by people even when you're upset.
13. At the end it the day let them go.
Not that I've perfected any of this. These are just some lessons I've learned. Any one out there I've offended please forgive me. Lets talk as soon as possible to fix our relationship. Maybe we can salvage our friendship.

Is forced faith, faith?

2012-12-12T04:23:00.001-08:00

I had a late night discussion with a friend. At one point we spoke on faith verses common sense. That friend's point was faith was beyond human common sense. Which believe it or not, makes sense. What did not make sense, well common sense anyway, was saying that I have no choice but to have faith. Or simpler I'm forced to have faith. Now I hate wasting people's time, so ill run quick to seek out getting to the point, can a person have a faith in something against their will and their beliefs and still say it's faith? Is it possible? I'm not sure.

I've said it before in passing. Fact is fact. Belief is an opinion unless its based on a fact. Faith is based on something unseen but its like a promise. They call it good faith. A guarantee, a certified seal and an engagement ring. It is only as strong as what it placed on and what is promised by it. However once seen its no longer faith, just fulfillment. This is what the Bible means when it says, hope that is seen is not hope.

" Romans 8:24-25 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. "

To say you are forced to have faith. Means no other options available to you. It means you have exhausted all your resources and left with only faith.

I've pondered the other side. Hoping that this situation whatever it might be will somehow work out. Is the other side. Is that forcing faith into a situation? Maybe forced faith is actually a prove real thing? I've listened to guys speak on optimism and not giving up even when situations says give up. It has worked when doctors say no way they think they can make it and they do! That would be an example of forced faith in the positive. Forced faith in the negative would be having no positive out look and just jumping infront of a truck. That is the forced faith of survivors of suicide attempts somehow it will work out. Not if your dead or mangled, it wont.

Fighting 12/12/12

2012-12-12T04:22:00.001-08:00

Fighting,

by Greg Valentine
12/12/12

Once upon a time there was a time, when, yes, I used to get into arguments with people. I would try to set them straight and put them into their proper perspective.

Honestly, I don't do this so much any more. (Well, I do it much less)

I read a book called "How to win friends and Influence people" by Dale Carnegie.

On my Facebook page, I just put up my stuff and I just leave it there.
My friends know its pointless to argue with me, by now, on the matter in question because I'll just say it and let them decide what they want.

When I was younger, I believed I was responsible for a person's ultimate decision in life. I read in the bible from Ezekiel 3:18 concerning the the watchman. His job was to warn people about trouble coming down the pike. It says that if you( the watchman) see trouble coming before anyone else, you are to warn them and to help them prepare for it, and to keep them safe. The flip side was if a person does not know you did not warn them so they cannot act upon it. If they don't know and you do, and don't tell them, then you are responsible and could be held liable for not telling them before God and before man. They do need to know.

I was under the persuasion that people just didn't know and that they needed instruction to fix whatever problem they are facing. Spiritual life, physical life, and emotional life is a result of decisions and choices.

I have come to conclude that many problems people face are because of their own choosing. Still we tell them.
I have come to see that there are decisions and habits that people do, on purpose, to destroy themselves. You can warn them. You really should, but the bottom line is that people will do what they really want to do.

This is the deal.

Then there's the fight.

2 Corinthians 10:5

When a person fights, they fight with feelings and emotions. They fight to get their point across. They fight to share their mind and hopefully, someone out there gets it. They fight to be heard.

We were watching this interview thing on the Westboro Baptist family, they go by the name "America's most hated family"- we watched it on Youtube the other night and they were fighting and being so belligerent and being so obnoxious and so poisonous in their approach to reaching people. Some people got injured and the family itself was afflicted for a message of hate. I could not see how they would win anyone, eventually I just closed my ears to them. I could never see the point in what they were saying in regards to "rejoicing in all of God's judgments". I searched the scriptures and never found that specific verse, they kept quoting. What I did see was,however, was that God made a way for people to find relief, to find hope, and forgiveness from sins committed against God and his way was thorough his Son Jesus. I see in the bible that we are all to flee from the wrath of God to come against every and all sin, and that the sheer goodness of God leads men(and women) to repentance. Repentance means a change of heart towards God. And saying that God indeed was right I am a sinner who needs a saviour, that my sins are evil in his sight and he loved me enough to send heavens best to take my sins. A message of love and sacrifice. That is worth fighting for. This is the Good news that Jesus died and rose again from the grave to pay for everybody's sins, but only if you choose to accept his way will you find God's forgiveness. In faith alone in Jesus finished work.
Yes, and in this case I will warn.
Flee from the wrath to come.

Not so good fighting, includes hurting, includes being vicious, includes wounding people. Fighting is returning evil for evil and devouring one another for the sake of feeling good. I hate fighting and I hate having to make up after all the fighting, energy spent, and new lessons learned that I've just lost my cool on something immensely stupid.

Why can't we just get along?

So you miss me, eh?

2012-11-29T15:00:00.000-08:00

Being missed

By Greg Valentine

We've all heard it. The dreaded "Oh, I miss you's"

from strangers, family friends and frenemies.

It sounds so nice, and oh it’s so easy to say!

So let's dig into it.

I miss you.

I....... MISS..........YOU..........

Right off the bat, I would think of a person longing, a yearning to be with someone.

"So you long to see me? How nice" I'd think.

Well, do ya now?

When was the last time you saw me?

What do you really miss about me?

My presence?
My jokes?
Is it how I make you feel?
Do I make you feel good?
Do I extra encourage you?
My conversations?
The closeness?
My mannerisms?

What is it that you miss so much?

Why don't you just call me?

You know my number.

So is it about being where I am. Like within a close proximity to you, like an actual location, not really in mind and heart, not a longing? If so, then you do know where I live.

Sitting through a message together you mean? Or looking in the same direction,

Let's share our lives together waaay better than sitting and watching a sport or a performance.

Is there anything else?

Can you come visit me, if you have the time? You do have the time, don't you? What are you saying? Are you saying that you're just too busy? You really want me to make the effort to come see you? Sure, what time then? Oh, you really have no time, this week?

Do you really miss me?

Feel free to miss me on your terms nice phrase but it lacks real action and pursuit.

Miss me over there in that corner please.

Maybe the truth is that you only want something from me? You want me to give you something. Maybe you don't really miss me at all. Maybe you and your world needs some kind of positive "rub my belly" encouragement, regardless of what you may return give to me. Think about it. What is it that you truly miss about anybody? It's kind of selfish aint it?

All I ask is if you truly, miss me come visit me or don't say it. Please don't say it. We have feelings and we have things we want to share if you really miss me come see me.

If you really love someone and miss someone that badly, you'll find a way, if not so much, you'll find an excuse.

Ponder that my friends, ye who "misseth" me and mine.

******************Update********************************
When a person comes to the end of their life. There is a strong desire to say I miss you.

Everyone has the right to say this, this is the only time where someone can say that they miss you,( in my opinion) and really mean it. They of course will never see that person alive, walking and talking, ever again.

This is what the main idea of my entire article is above. DO NOT TAKE PEOPLE FOR GRANTED BECAUSE IN FIVE MINUTES OR FIVE HOURS FROM THE LAST TIME YOU"VE SEEN THEM, THEY CAN BE GONE FOREVER.

So let it be said, that you can be stupid and tell people you "miss them" while they are alive, which is a complete and an utter stupid statement, when whatever PROBLEM you are facing that's keeping you away, can be communicated away in 10 SECONDS OR LESS- Hey, I was stupid and I was a FLIPPING Jerk, please forgive me, I want to start all over. BOOYEAH! ITS SOLVED. What you need more time? Well work it out.

REMEMBER, THERE ARE BIBLE COMMANDS THAT SAYS FIX YOUR DANG PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY!!!! But if you are some kind of idiot, you will say I MISS YOU and hope the other person feels guilty and comes around.

Get up, right now, and go fix it now and be done with it forever. Or you can regret forever wishing you made peace. My advice, stop flipping wasting time!!!! Life is precious, Y'ALL.

Prometheus review

2012-11-28T07:46:00.000-08:00

Wow! what! hey! Nice planet, No way! Nice storm! Thats not supposed to happen! Sick, nice spaceship! nice explosion, alien whoa! Who the what? Now what?
That's my overal review of the movie. Hope you enjoy it too.
I just uncovered a huge continuity problem in the alien universe. When the alien known as deacon is revealed in Prometheus I was like cool! Then I started thinking, wait a second, haven't we already seen a fully formed queen alien in alien versus predator? and that was not as far into the future as Prometheus movie which is a couple movies away from alien? And in predator 2 we saw a fully formed alien skull. Then even in Prometheus we see a fully formed queen in a mural! So go see it but if you are a die hard fan you will spot all the holes in this Swiss cheese.
Prometheus 2 better be darn good!

Being a thorn in the side

2012-11-17T07:40:00.002-08:00

Being a thorn in the side

by Greg Valentine

Once upon a time, my wife and I became examples to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (1 Tim 4:12) we sought to work as missionaries and to help train churches to reach the miss informed in New York City. We trusted God in faith to provide the monthly missionary money requirement. We were not able to make it. And we were let go from the mission board.

Being faced with the challenges of relocating our new missions statement and purpose, we sought to become people who would use our gifts to benefit the Church body at large, incidentally, in so doing, we became fighters against the system. We were following the initial shadow, of what we thought was right and good, as a unit collective, a so called family, working together. We believe that the gathering of believers is to mimic that of a real life family.

One day after many years of travail in that local assembly, trying to understand that it seemed less and less like a family and more like an organization of checks and balances, we gathered that the system was indeed corrupt and that believers should take steps in seeking a new vision of who the Saviour, Jesus Christ, is in relation to the organized religious system back in the day. He turned tables and was a bother to the "religious machine."

We could only encourage and inspire others as far as we personally have taken steps, No armchair quarter-backing. When the time came, we took the necessary steps to continue that example, as we left the organizational church system, to find the the sufficiency of Jesus alone, first then the fellowship of the believers, in close second. Determined to find the saviour who helps us stand we left.

The song says

"In Christ alone, my hope is found 
He is my light, my strength, my song 
This cornerstone, this solid ground 
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm 
What heights of love, what depths of peace 
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease 
My comforter, my all-in-all 
Here in the love of Christ I stand"

So this brings us to the topic at hand:

Being a thorn in the side.

We were severely warned that leaving the "church" would lead to death: physical, spiritual, mental death. Needless to say we have been out of the Church building for almost 3 years. We have sought to live up to the standards set in the word of God. At the end of the day, isnt everyone who is a Christian supposed to wave this banner?

"Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: That The Lord knows those who are his and Let everyone who names the name of Jesus depart from iniquity." (2 Timothy 2:19.)

God knows his people and his people have a distinction and its not the skirts and haircuts, people. The distinction comes from knowing that the Lord knows you and that you have a real quality life to encourage those around us.

This realization, I suppose, I would have, if I were in that congregation of the faithful building dwellers, a thorn in the minds of all our friends who still attend the weekly services. There would be thoughts like "What do we do with the Valentines? What category do they fall into? Clearly they are still believers, but they are not attending the church services any more? They must be in sin! They must be in a cult! They must be not living right!" Here we stand and continue to stand by the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wondering when the Calvary and defenders of the institutional way, is ever going to come, and snatch us back to the estranged building, if they ever leave their pews, perhaps!

I'm not a monster so I'll say it here there are some good sound people in the building. I do believe that every infant needs a temporary nursery, but there comes a point when the baby grows up and leaves the milk bottles and diaper changing behind and seeks to walk on their own, feed themselves and make a contribution to the world at large, not a financial donation contribution, mind you. A contribution were you leave a mark on this world and change your surroundings like a thermostat.

Being a thorn has opened my eyes to seeing that really if you go against the flow, they will first deny your spiritual validity, then try to debunk your personal convictions, then fight you vehemently on one verse, then they'll try intense persuasion then finally they'll leave you alone. So hang on, tough it out, and fight the good fight, because if someone push against a thorn they're gonna get hurt!

Don't be an arrogant jerk,however, but be willing to hear and address the questions of the onlookers and questioners, if they personally ask you, why you are being a thorn in the side. This is only in regards to living the life outside the building, never is a believer to be using his or her freedom in Jesus for the use of defending or supporting sin.

Don't ever get caught twisting Bible verses to make yourself happy or right. Many religions, politicians and individuals do this, and there's nothing worse than having to deal with God judging and correcting your bad motives and intentions on the things he has clearly spoken on. It's called justification. It's truly by the grace and mercy of God that we're not all dead!!

Nothing to give

2012-11-14T06:41:00.003-08:00

"Please help, change food, help." Is what the lady said on the train today. I know I don't have a nickel or any cash on me. No food either just trying to get to work.
Oh that girl should get a job.
Oh that person should get food stamps. Oh that person should be ......fill in the blanks. Opportunity to help nothing in my pockets. I probably should ask them for help. If you walk up and down the train during rush hour you gonna get some money. If you really think about it, it's not a bad gig. Except for the begging part and facing the cops since it's illegal to pan handle in the subways.

Gregs last stand

2012-11-14T06:41:00.001-08:00

I prepped my house as best as I humanly could, digging some dirt an preparing for the impending rainstorm hurricane Sandy. Making sure the dirt stays where it supposed to and the water only goes down the drain. Imagine the feeling most people feel before fighting an army greater than them. I am a person who clings to God for comfort. I am truly scared about this thing but I have to be strong either way. My family depends on my focus and my ability to help them to make it through the storm. our goal is not one drop is allowed into our house.

Daniel Craig is James Bond before you see Skyfall see Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace

2012-11-10T23:20:00.000-08:00

Amazon.com Widgets

The Aftermath

2012-10-09T15:55:00.001-07:00

What is advice? Is it not merely Suggested subjective external evidence provided publicly? Simply stated its what you have experienced.It is uniquely and entirely yours. Unless you're playing rhe game battleship where everything is stationary, you've played it before and pretty much requires no skill whatsoever to play, your advice is limited to your experience, and even then you may not be sure that the same advice will work for your Neighbor. So generally speaking give and take advice, but remember it comes down to opinions and circumstances. Even your own advice,may not even work again for you the second time.
Being able to take ideas and custom make it to your own education, is the mark of a superior mind. A wise mind Who, like the wilderness survival techniques of some, are able to find fruit trees in the Antartica.

Why Do Men Sit? by Gregory Valentine

2012-09-23T09:48:00.003-07:00

Why do men sit?

By Gregory Valentine

I went to an event.

I saw the ladies struggling to serve the tables,

I saw the men sitting watching television.

I saw the ladies preparing the event.

I saw the men sitting enjoying sports and drinking.

I saw the ladies correcting their children, taking the kids to the bathroom, wiping their noses, and fixing problems.

I saw the men sitting, then they got up and stood in some pictures and got another drink then sat back down.

I saw the the women frantically making meals, getting supplies, and cooking dinners.

I saw the men sitting and laughing.

I realized that there is a problem here, so I said "How can I help?"
"I don't want to be a sitting man."

So I stood with the ladies and served with the ladies.
I helped with the kids and planned with the ladies.
I guarded the cake and watched the kids.
I got plates and spoons and napkins, then took the pictures for the people, laughed with the kids and silly danced in the corner, saw special things in the event; fun things, the little wonderful blessings that you can't see, when you enter in a room and then leave quickly. The joys of youth and life, the wisdom of the second.

Why do men sit?

Is that joke or sports game so important to miss life?

Is that drink so important, that you miss the excellent moments of life?

When there is such a blessing in serving others?

Why do men sit when Jesus said that He who wishes to be greatest of all will be the servant of all?

Now not all men are like that.

Jesus walked with the ladies and encouraged them,

So, I don't want to be a sitting man :)

Rain

2012-09-22T00:29:00.000-07:00

I'm convinced that God speaks to me more or gets my attention more in the rain. There's a verse in the Bible that says he makes it to rain on the just and the unjust.
Rain for me is a reminder that we are unique and special in the universe. That we have a special connection with God by our creation. We need him, we need the water cycle, we need fresh water.
Rain also reminds me of the flood where God flooded the earth for 40 days and 40 nights.

Free food!

2012-09-16T09:05:00.001-07:00

I'm constantly thinking of the story of the little red hen. You know this story right? Starts off with a little hen and its brood who asked her friends for help, to plant wheat, water the wheat, harvest the wheat, mill it, bake it and serve it. Each time the red hen asked help from her friends, they told her no. They told her no each time, except when she was serving the bread. Then they came to eat.

The little red hen, like a good Christian, said "Sure, come eat of my bread that I struggle to grow, care for, harvest, mill and process into bread. Yes, come take food from my children's mouth and eat, eat, and eat.

That's only in the alternate universe, man! She said No! No, you get nothing, because you helped me not at all when I asked for your help! Nothing you will get, because you only think of your needs and love yourself. The bread goes to my children.
Was there a problem in the statement of the hen? Was she mean? I don't think so. I believe that this is a very good story!

Okay, how does that relate?
We have people in this world who love to get, who hate to give help and then they are there to reap the rewards of other people service and give speeches and praises of how good the free bread is. There are people who rob and steal from those around them by not helping out! This is not an indictment on anyone on welfare, read on and see for self.

Our government takes pride in it's taxation right. In its ability to get money by forced taxation and give it to society in forms of assistance. It takes money from many and gives it to the few.

Why are so many people on government assistance? Is it because many people have no friends to help then? No friends to contribute time, effort, money, and love to assist them? And people don't like being put in the situation of forced help. The real Christian thing to do, is to help wherever you can if a person is willing to help you in return when you ask for it. That's where it breaks down when it breaks down.
The red hen struggled to find another way and provided for herself and family because friends didn't help. So the government has to snatch the money from others to feed the poor. To make programs that cost the taxpayers millions of dollars, because that person lacks the friendship and familial support because of whatever reason.

Honestly, This is not an indictment on the government either but on us(me too) who are clueless on the needs of our friends, and family to which they must find help from other sources, namely the government.

Too many people have been abandoned by "blood". Too many have been left to languish alone in this world so they are hereby forced to get what's needed in anyway that they can. By humbly submitting to the govt machine. Where's the friends and family? I hope they are doing more than praying in the comforts of their home

Some take advantage of the system and they should be severely punished for it with penalty and community service. They are not the topic. The statement is we are all being punished for all the people who refuse to help their family and friends so we get to robbed of the reward of new friendships and lessons on life. If we helped our friends and family there would be no one on government assistance forcing the help from us.
In short, there is "No Free Food".

Matthew 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Greg's Created Comic Collections

2012-09-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

Nothing to give

2012-09-11T16:56:00.001-07:00

Connections

2012-09-10T15:53:00.001-07:00

Connections
by Greg Valentine

We're all connected as people. To some extent if not by creation alone then by our memories together.

I missed a day of work today, I stayed home taking care of my wife and kids today, fixing our breaks and being an extra human helper in the home. I had a few moments to blog and to sit in my car. I was listening to the preparation of the 911- 11th anniversary on N.P.R. radio. My memory raced back in time, while listening, I began contemplating missing my mother in her 10 years absence.
The conversation was about the importance of being there. Experiencing history. Being in the actual spot of where history and memories coincide.

My mom was alive when 9/11 happened in 2001. The following year 9/11 2002 she wad no longer alive. She passed away 9/7/2002. We found out that we were expecting 3 months after our wedding our first child, Tytus. My mother, would never see them, nor they see her in person.

When I got the call, that my mother had passed away, I was cutting my hair in the shower room . I went to the morgue to see her after that. I touched her body. It was solid, frozen, cold, and lifeless. It was a reminder that her real self is not in the flesh no more.

When the towers fell, a few days after its time, I went to the site. I had to see it in person. As the person, in the actual location of an event, it connects us. It connected me.

Occupy wall street, I went when the movement was strong. When they occupied Zuccotti park. I've been back even after the fall of the movement in Nov 16th. Seeing the connection and watching life unfold.
Forever reminded of the time by standing in the actual spot.
Being there is important be there for someone
Change the world.
Greg v