The Squibler

Girls and Other Stuff

2012-02-12T20:02:00.002-06:00

There is a myth I’d like to debunk. Will it be debunked, probably not. Never the less what here follows is my opinion on a matter; take it for what it is. If you haven’t heard someone preach to you that a woman won’t make you man, then you may want to burn your box. Here’s the deal, we must first do some legwork. To begin I once believed in that “one true love”, “chosen one” stuff. I no longer believe in it as anything more than a cute poetic embellishment of love. What I do believe is that any given man and any given woman have the choice to choose whoever they want to marry. Destiny doesn’t choose nor do I see evidence that God chooses either (this is a complex topic, I’ll leave it for now. However, know that I believe the Bible supports my position). He has given us the right to choose whatever we please, this after all is the liberty we have in Christ (Romans 6:1-2 and Galations 5:1). I do believe he teaches us how to make wise, just, and equitable judgments, so much so that if we were to ask for His help he’d gladly train us. But as adults God isn’t going to choose for you. The divorce rate is high because of bad choices. While the number of happy marriages is small because some men and woman were wise enough to make the right choice. Phew, I’m glad we clarified that.

Now to my point: a woman does not complete a man. Did Eve complete Adam?

“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” Genesis 2:18

First things first, if God created an incomplete being then He’s got some issues to deal with. Second things second, God created Eve so that she could help Adam and he wouldn’t be lonely! Meaning that a man can be a complete man if he resides within his creator. Thus, a man does not find the culmination of manhood in a woman: he finds it in God, and God alone.

We are relational beings. If this was false then we wouldn’t be able to communicate; language would be useless. Iron sharpens iron and so one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17). Is it possible that God uses people to shape them into whom He desires them to be? Would that mean fellowship with men of character results in the sharpening of your character? Thus, we learn to be men of character from other men of character. Thus, chasing pretty girls doesn’t define our manhood. Thus, a good wife enhances her husband’s character, but does not fulfill it.

Go to school, get a job, and get married. That’s what the world preaches in a nutshell. If you do those things you’ll be a man. What if you are to be a man before school, work, and marriage? Perhaps, that should be the goal that all men strive towards: relationship with men of character. I guarantee when your character is strong finding “the one” will be a breeze, and not nearly as confusing as it seemed in high school and most of college. This is my point; define your manhood from others who are real men themselves. Don’t forget that God has direct influence in your life if you follow the way he has laid before you things will be oh so hard, but oh so easy.

God vs. Self-centerdness

2012-02-11T12:32:00.001-06:00

I only know myself, thus this was written from my perspective. There are two realities: only one is true. Either God exits and life has a purpose or He is dead and life has no purpose. In today’s age I may not be able to prove God logically -- meaning I might not be able to show he “validly” exists” – this is where faith enters the picture. This is not an article on faith, though. This is a piece on being a man of God. For there are two possible paths: eternity or nothingness. My faith leads me down the path of eternity, from which Genesis 1:1 to chapter 3 shapes my reality. I belong to God. I find my identity and purpose as a man, in God. I owe nothing to man, but to God first. He has given me life. He has trained me. He has held me up.

Now my God is not lacking in wisdom. The purpose he has called me towards is not for my benefit, but for His. Yet, understanding –how could he not?—that passion and happiness make for better results he has endowed me with talents and passions fitted for that calling. My choice is simple: humble myself before my maker or gamble on there being nothing after life.

Perhaps, my point has been made thus far: we can choose God or bet there is nothingness and live a life of irrelevance. Contrast this with the existence of Satan and I believe one can see where the latter choice fits the character of Satan. Lucifer was cast out of heaven and condemned to death –nothingness—forever. Meaning any person who chooses to put their identity in him will ultimately put their identity in nothingness. This is a life of self-pleasing sin; a vicious circle from which your day is committed to justifying a bland existence. For Satan must be self-pleasing since he can no longer please God. That was his choice when he set out to be as God.

So, then, the charge of a man is submitting all that he is and has to God or to himself. Only from one of those will he find any meaning. Like a child seeks to please his father, choose to please your Father.

Rick Santorum

2012-02-08T08:42:00.001-06:00

Vote Rick Santorum (I'll post more when I have the time)

The Show

2012-02-05T13:07:00.002-06:00

These days it’s not uncommon to hear doomsday prophecies about the end of our economy. It seems that prophets are coming out of the woodwork. Perhaps, they’re right; the U.S economy cannot recover and we are headed for extreme disaster. Honestly, as a son of God no plight would shake me to the core, nor change who I am. Here’s the deal most prophets of doom have bought into the exaggerated reporting of the media. The middle class is being crushed; no one has money; jobs are scarce; graduated students are finding it tough to pay off their loans. Yet, during Super Bowl week I read a report from USA Today saying that almost 11 billion dollars have beenspent on Super Bowl related materiel. Now I’m not the brightest bulb in the box, but I’d like to know how a struggling economy has 11 billion dollars to throw at entertainment.

In no way am I proposing that we are not in a recession. What I am proposing is that the depression and doomsday language is nothing more than people trying to capitalize on a situation. The problem with the economy is not with the people’s money, but with government control and peoples minds. The government obtains no power, but from the people. The economy derives no power, but from the people’s money. We are country built upon the populace. If they effectively manage their resources the U.S strives. We are a government for adults, not children.

The reason we came out of the depression is because the people unified in one cause: defeat the Axis of Evil. The reason the people spent 11 billion on Super Bowl materiel is because they were unified in a common cause: discovering who is the best NFL team for the 2011 season. The only way we will come out of the recession is if we unify in a common cause: defeat the man whose leadership has stifled the economy and elect a man who will lead boldly with effectiveness. Then when this goal is accomplished unify to right the listing ship.

We are not a country of quitters, no matter what these new generations rising to positions of leadership think. They do not determine our character, they can, but they shall not. For even their losing character will lose the fight. But not because anybody sat around on they’re duffs eating chips and watching the show.

The Problem

2012-01-20T09:19:00.002-06:00

Let me begin by saying I’m not expert on copyright’s or Internet piracy. A lot of people need to admit this fact. Obviously with the new frontier of open web sources there are problems that need to be addressed. The biggest of which is piracy. Back in the day when pirates were confined to wooden ships they got hunted like rabid dogs. If they weren’t then the interests of common citizens would be trampled. It was commonly accepted by governments that the hunting of pirates had different rules. With the advancement of technology pirates in ships running down cargo ships are something of the past. But with an ocean of websites available in uncharted and unprotected waters the question of policing criminals becomes as relevant as it was in the 18^th century. I think it’s safe to assume that the only people upset over hunting down and executing pirates in the 1700’s were the pirates themselves. It follows that most of this unnecessary outrage over policing pirates in the 21^st century is from pirates themselves. Usually, the ones breaking the law are the ones who complain when it is enforced.

Lets be honest with ourselves piracy is a very real problem that needs to be handled. Making multimillion businesses on the theft of copyrighted materiel is wrong. There are no two ways about it. This should no longer be a question of right and wrong, but rather what is the best way to police it. Should piracy be a criminal office or civil? Remember the interpretation of that question has implications for someone who steals a finite object not just an mp3 file.

I’m not throwing my support to the F.B.I for how they conducted their seizure, but I’m not going to condemn them for doing their job. Judgment should be withheld until the time of the trials. Because we are never going to know the full case against any pirates until it is argued in the courts. Casey Anthony very well may have been guilty, but you still have to prove so in a court of law. They call it due process for a reason. Oh, most pirates never got the luxury of a trial back in the day; I’d say we’re making progress.

These are my final points. Where was all this outrage when the killing of babies was legalized or second amendment became the target of laws? Why is it okay for a rogue group to illegally hack into websites and it is not okay for the F.B.I to spend two years building a case and then arrest those implicated with foreign help? When has the possible loss of money become more of an issue than the possible loss of life?

Music and movie businesses might be racketeering business that rape the consumer, but we live in a capitalistic economy if you don’t like the prices don’t buy. But remember stealing is only going to drive those prices up even higher and put you on the other side of the law.

Selfishness

2012-01-15T23:41:00.001-06:00

As a rule I stay away from the writing on the more personal subjects. Tonight I’ll break this rule for the mere reason that what I sit down to pen tonight seems of far greater importance than my own rules. I’ve never quite known who exactly reads what I write. Nor have the numbers ever volunteered themselves. Perchance, only one person is impacted after finishing this, all that does not matter. This tale is going to weave in and out, perhaps to better accomplish its goal.

Inside every one of us are ingrained two things: selfishness and a trapped piece of our identity. Selfishness is the natural bent towards us as the source of pleasure, rather than deriving that pleasure from God. God can only unlock that trapped piece of our identity, if we so ask Him. It’s the real part of us. Knit into our being before our existence. For some it remains trapped forever lost to hellish fires of eternal damnation. Others it remains trapped forever, perhaps even into heavenly salvation. This essence of our being is who we are. The moment we fully depend upon God for all things, nothing barred, He allows it to be unleashed. From which flows a being ready to labor in their Fathers business.

Growing up I pretended to be a soldier, maybe more than a cowboy. Sergeant York was my favorite VHS to watch –that tape out got worn out. I even saved my money to buy a replica of his uniform. I remember storming up hills fighting Germans for hours on end. Oblivious to my surroundings I was transported to World War I as my hero saving the day and getting the girl. I also remember being a cowboy. With six shooters strapped to my hips I could out draw, out shoot, and out talk anybody who crossed my path. The sweat, sand, leather, and acrid smell of caps were a hard lifestyle. But I was the best! Nobody could beat me. Not even a tribe of Indians -flock of geese- that terrorized the grass in our back yard could stand against my fierce cry and steady aim.

Somewhere, that figment of sweat, sand, leather, and acrid smells morphed into the semi-man I’ve become. You see whoever that cowboy modeled was perhaps the most selfish being you could imagine. He existed only for his gain. The gunfights won were because someone challenged his ability. The Indians ran because they faced someone determined to show they could control a situation. Though those holsters, cap guns, and fantasies were harmless by nature they attached themselves to a piece of me that grew into what it is now. Not even the idolized Alvin York could tear down this fortification. But the flirtation with him does betray something deeper than salvation. You see Alvin York didn’t seek war to prove himself. Nor did he want to fight, because deep inside a piece of his being needed to. But when faced with fighting to save the lives of those he held dear he unleashed a fury the Germans weren’t prepared to handle. A fury not even that cowboy could handle. However, as all flirtatious encounters end so did the idolizing of a true hero. Maybe that was the real me fighting back, trying to open my eyes to reality, but my eyes were glossed over.

I’m not pretending to know the ways of God. In fact there are more times than oft where I’m left in complete confusion. But I do know this; when you humble yourself before him look out, because there is nothing He won’t do for His son or daughter. The best analogy I’ve ever heard was that of a surgeon. God is like a master surgeon with a knife. In the short term He’ll need to cause you pain so that a tumor does not become deadly. As that scalpel digs deeper the more you must humble yourself before him. When He knows you’re ready for transformation He’ll dig that scalpel deep inside you and cut out that selfish piece preparing the way to spring the true you, free.

That cowboy was as a cancer spreading through my life. Captivating my thoughts to prove who I was to whoever challenged me. If an innocent flock seemed threatening remove them from my path. Alvin York, he was the selfless piece of me locked away trying to warn me, that the cowboy would never cut it. Yet, the only way I was going to realize selfishness was the root of my problems was upon full submission to God. Upon which time he dug that scalpel in and masterfully removed the “cowboy”. Always that last cut is the most painful. It’s that last cut, which severs all ties of cancer from your life. And even though it’s a good thing, that last tie being removed is the severance of the only lifestyle you know.

Selfishness- “The exclusive of a person to his own interest or happiness; or that supreme self-love or self-preference, which leads a person in his actions to direct his purposes to the advancement of his own interest, power or happiness, without regarding the interest of others. Selfishness, in its worst or unqualified sense, is the very essence of human depravity, and it stands in direct opposition to benevolence, which is the essence of the divine character. As God is love, so man, in his natural state, is selfishness.”

Benevolence- “The disposition to do good; good will; kindness; charitableness; the love of mankind, accompanied with a desire to promote their happiness.

The benevolence of God is one of his moral attributes; that attribute which delights in the happiness of intelligent beings. "God is love." 1 John 4.

An act of kindness; good done; charity given.”

People say pride is the greatest sin. Perhaps this is so, but I would argue that selfishness comes in at a close second, if it does not tie with Pride. You see selfish people once consumed can do nothing except for themselves even when they try. to Maybe someday I’ll return and talk about how you healthily be “selfish”, I think though, we both know the answer is to humble ourselves before God.

A Greater Purpose

2012-01-13T22:15:00.002-06:00

There is an objectified idea of women advanced primarily through music and movies/television. The basic idea behind it is that if a woman is not gorgeous with all the right assets she isn’t worth your time. My favorite yet is that she is a sexual toy. Perhaps only because Christians buy into this idea, only they justify it by saying this was God’s purpose for reproduction. Thus, they don’t abuse their women. But marriage is primarily to have children. I disagree. Especially, after reading the text in Genesis 2:20-24 and not twisting it to my own design.

God created Eve to help Adam fulfill his purpose in God’s plan. Thus, the first woman was to labor along side her husband in the work God had given them. She wasn’t there to be his stress reliever or child bearer. She was there to help him. Today when looking for a wife most men try to find a beautiful, intelligent, and capable woman. There is nothing wrong with that.

How many men seek a woman who will help him whole-heartedly in the task God has called him to, and vice-versa? How many men seek a woman who will be his conscience, capable of reaching him when he is unreachable? I mean even God the Father has the Holy Spirit who intercedes on our behalf and witness with our Fathers spirit when we don’t know how to pray for what we ought (Romans 8:26). I don’t know about you, but that bares striking similarities to the image, which a woman bears. After all we are the image bearers of God. So, it would follow that certain aspects of humans would reflect parts of God. Like for example a woman helping her husband (the Holy Spirit helps God) and knowing how to reach Him (the Holy Spirit knows how to reach him). I could completely be off base. I could even be making comparisons to sound original and cool. However, I think you’d agree a woman has a greater job than to just be beautiful.

Dreamy Ramblings

2012-01-06T23:57:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I fall asleep thinking nothing of how my rest will occur. Usually, in these moments of least expectance I fight my mind to keep a dream going. The feeling of an alien reality is usually enough to captivate sense’s and create a euphoric touch of adventure. However, I can recall many occasions where that dream was fear. Everyone has many dreams whether asleep or awake. Yet, how many of us dream about our fears, willingly that is? Often that fear, or those fears, is cause to run. Whether the fleeing is mental or physical, it happens nevertheless. I can name many times where fear has grappled for control of my mind during sleep. The threats to overwhelm my senses with its addictive aroma ever present. Then I stopped to think. I plan for the future and block my fears. Yet, if in these dreams of the future I have no dose of reality then I am as a rowboat without oars in the middle of an ocean. After all dreams of the future are nothing more than imaginations of goals kept dear.

Your Calendar

2012-01-01T01:20:00.002-06:00

Let us see how well I can write at one in the morning. Twenty years and sixth months ago I could have cared less that a new year had rolled around. Twenty years and sixth months later I wish I had a few of those years back so I could etch the memories forever. A year is a year to me no matter how you put it. Each passing moment is an opportunity to learn and utilize my talents. Understand the past, live in the present, and prepare for the future are all great things. However, if no balance can be found life becomes no more than rats racing through a maze. The Mayans didn’t predict the end of the year by ending their calendar in 2012; simply they didn’t think the world last so long. Being a Godless and pagan nation I am not surprised. The question then on this day must be will your calendar run out with out the guiding hand of God? This is as much a question for the saved as the unsaved.

Of Slavery and Immigration Pt. I

2011-12-31T00:45:00.002-06:00

Of all the topics to pick from perhaps the most out of the ordinary is choosing this one. This topic is not something I usually validate. To be sure, I consider racism, as one of the greatest lies told to mankind. Only by making it an issue does it become an issue. So, that we are then faced with taking sides. The line is drawn and you must choose to stand on it or be pushed to a side little of your choosing.

1863 marked the end of global slavery. A system as old as time breathed its last breath and civilizations terrorized my oppression began to stretch their cramped muscles. Centuries are the test of any great society. Growing pains are an ever-present reality as people discover their limits and capabilities. Opposition refines ability and redirects goals. Take this moment to reflect on your own life.

A cry of newborn life poured through cool air of the dawning day. A fist attached to an eight pound three ounce body unfurled revealing five tiny fingers. The nurse quickly wiped the pinkish skin slick with its protective covering, dry. Moments before being wrapped into a blanket he stretched out his arm towards the heavens. The muscles screamed into life after being cramped into limited positions for the last nine months. Three years later the warm noon sun beats down upon the yard as a child with knobby knees pushes himself upward. Reaching out for balance the child takes one step forward. Stumbling, he over compensates to regain balance and falls into a soft bed of freshly cut grass. Determined to conquer this feat the adventurer once again places two fists into the ground and rises upwards. One step after another he makes it further before falling. Thirteen years past and the dusky warning of night have limited the visibility as flames of an accident flicker in the evening air. The young teen explains what happened. At this moment there is no evidence of an injury that will limit the normal functions he has come to love so dearly. Two years past the doctor just delivered the news that a bright young man will face a difficult future. The car accident had cut off blood flow to the part of his brain responsible for speech and other necessary cognitive functions. Soon this bright young man wouldn’t be able to speak. Thirty years later the air in the room is hushed in honor for the current company. A cold body rests. The peace engraved upon his face is almost unnatural. When he passed, he was ready. The next day a best friend remembers the accomplishments of his predecessor. He recalls the challenges faced and how they could never issue bitter defeat. If not for his friend the world would be a lesser place.

Of course what you just read is fiction. Yet, it exemplifies the growth of a civilization. Like a newborn it stretches out short arms to test the land around. Then attempts to walk, not without facing some opposition. Unexpectedly tragedy strikes which will stick with them for the rest of existence. History will more aptly remember those who overcome tragedies and make something of it. For after all, the wind will blow away the chaff of crop.

Perhaps the two greatest blots upon America’s history is our treatment of Indians and Africans. One we treated with cruelty and indifference the other we enslaved. Cold steel bent and formed into chains fastened upon the ankles and wrists of other human beings clanked as a line of African’s were led towards the auction block. Like cattle they were looked over and bid upon. “SOLD!” Yelled the auctioneer. The life of another human being priced by his ear was sent to over a hundred years of enslavement. The Negro walked as his chains clanked, “Someday, my grandchildren will hold their heads high as free men,” he thought to himself.

Those irons once obvious reminders of an age long practice remained locked upon a whole civilization until the toil, blood, and lives of the brave shook them off. My “race” is blamed to this day for the stifle of growth. As African Americans struggle to redefine their civilization and rise up to walk once again, my white skin is viewed as the damning factor to the impediment. Our job is done we have abolished the auction blocks. No longer do people line up with the purpose of bidding for the life of another human being. Yet, in a way they do. Their currency is not that of paper. Rather words and ideas. The most fluent, pungent and scholarly enslave a culture all over again. Yet, this time there is no disadvantage of whip and chain.

Possible Big Title

2011-12-27T22:45:00.000-06:00

With the end of 2011 approaching quickly, I'll try to post something meaningful. No promises, but I'll try to make it a panoramic view of the year without being cliche. We'll see how that turns out.

Pictures in a Novel

2011-12-14T20:50:00.001-06:00

Every one has a story. As I sit in Caribou forced to hear the chatter of strangers, this self-evident truth inspires the words flowing from my fingertips. Whether captured crudely or with delicacy, everyone indeed has a story. Perhaps the gentleman directly across from my seat with his bespectacled solemnity is on the brink of discovering a medical break through. The man to my immediate right could be planning a hit on some poor soul who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. A trio of ladies meeting in a coffee shop to my immediate left could be talking of an adventure they had at college during their younger years. Two young ladies deep in study by the door could be working on a top-secret mission. While the young man with headphones may be writing his lover. Is the man a little to my left and directly in front actually listening to music through his Apple ear buds? Perhaps the three young people serving everyone tonight shared jail time in a juvenile! The next person to walk through the door may have stumbled upon this strange world and thought a small coffee shop in Minnesota was a reassembly and oiling shop for his robot, which is out of juice in the parking lot. Who knows! Everyone has a story. Who will we share that story with? Like fort Knox will we hide it behind iron vaults and armed guards? Maybe something inventive like the traps Indiana Jones must navigate in each of his adventures to reach the treasure. Or in the spirit of adventure will we share that story, no matter the consequences, with those who care? Could it be that fear will inhibit you, locking that story deep inside as you judge the stories of others from the safety of your own security bubble? No matter the hurt, not matter the fear, no matter the consequences to hide behind device after device is merely to live a life of death. For if know may know your story then to the whole world your nothing more than a passing fiction as real as pictures in a novel.

Worshiping a Man

2011-12-11T19:02:00.000-06:00

There are more than a few things I’m seeking to address. Let us begin with Lovie Smith. If Lovie were to run for office not even the conservatives would take him! How many times have I said you cannot run a prevent defense unless you practice it? Putting two safeties 25 yards deep doesn’t stop the kicker with a good leg at home. Playing aggressive for 57 minutes only to stop on a dime with the last 3 minutes because you have a 10-point lead is like winning the lottery and then putting a .45 bullet through your head seconds later! Yes, Lovie has engineered a Super Bowl winning defense with the Rams, won division and conference with the Bears while making a Super Bowl appearance. No one will deny his success and defensive genius. But Chicago fans have lived with his hyper-ultra-conservative decisions for one too many times. Why do you let Martz call 6 consecutive runs that barely netted 6 yards? Why do you let Marinelli use a prevent defense in the last minutes where the edge of the defense is so soft the Bronco’s could have had a fiesta and then taken a siesta before winning the game? I almost forgot, why let Bears fans think you actually had guts by allowing Gould to kick a 57-yard field goal with the lead only to utterly collapse at decision-making in the final minutes? Why didn’t you walk out on the field after Marion Barber failed to stay in-bounds and quit? Mentally you’d checked out long before that. You’re the head coach every major decision rests on your shoulders. Game plans for situations like the one you were in should have been in place, practiced, and prepared ahead of time. Yet, the cushion the defense gave and the lack of confidence in Hanie was appalling. You aren’t allowed to believe like us fans, and rule out the possibility that Prater (one of the strongest legged kickers in the league) can kick a 59-yard field goal. Oakland’s kicker hit a 63-yard (he has the number one leg in the league, Prater possibly the second). The impossible happens coach, you can’t count on it not happening. The loss isn’t Barbers fault for failing to get out of bounds, or fumbling. This loss goes to Lovie and his staff. If I had one of the fastest and most disciplined defenses in the league at my disposal I’d not change who they were, because it’s impossible for the Broncos to win!

Secondly, for all you Tebow worshipers: I love what the guy stands for, but he sucks. He did squat against an elite defense until they played like the mediocre defense’s he’s faced all year. Also, the man needs to find the guts to tell everyone why he does so well in the fourth quarter. Most of the Christians who play sports know exactly where his game comes from. Instead he is allowing some mystic aurora to be built around him, which does not honor God. Just because you and I know it does not mean he is off the hook. Finally, he didn’t win this game. Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas, and the defense won the game. Decker made a fabulous catch off a badly thrown ball to save a safety a the drive that led to a touchdown and Thomas made a great catch for a first down, which led to the game winning field goal in overtime. Oh, if good throws had been made those catches would have been as easy as spitting.

Thirdly, the option didn’t work. That’s how you stop a college offense my friends. Well for the first 57 minutes of a game that is.

Concluding thoughts, the Bears coaching staff cost the game. Tim Tebow did not win the game of his own merit and proved he can’t play well against elite defenses. Tim worshipers should repent for their idolatry and Tebow needs to knock down the idol that is being created out of him. Finally, Tebow fans that read this will try to defend him, but we both know if the Bear’s defense played those last 3 minutes like they had the first 57 (i.e aggressive, disciplined defense) the Bronco’s would have lost. I don’t know what God’s plans are for Tebow, but I do know Christianity is no better than the Israelites of the Old Testament in their worshiping of a man instead of God.

The Perfect Christmas

2011-12-08T22:39:00.002-06:00

*From the archives (4 years ago)

Johnny ran down the stairs as fast as he possibly could. He rushed through the kitchen, turned the corner of the dining room and slid to a halt in front of the Christmas tree. Beneath it lay three small, but precious gifts, carefully wrapped and waiting. It would still be awhile before Johnny’s parents would wake up and he could see what was in those presents.

Alexandra slowly removed her warm comforter and placed her small feet on the soft carpet. Quietly making her way to the window she opened the curtains and looked out upon the fresh snow that was now falling from the heavens.

“Perfect.” She whispered to her little doll, also her best friend. Then she noiselessly made her way to the door. She had been waiting all year for this day and had made up her mind to savor every moment and not rush through it. Soon she reached the stairs and sat down on the soft carpet. Taking in the stillness she let her imagination wander. What sort of presents lay underneath “the most beautiful tree in the world”? That was she had said when she first saw the tree inside all decorated.

Maybe it was another doll for Patty? After all she did get lonely when Alexandra had to go to school, or away to some place. So, maybe a friend was what lay all wrapped up under the tree. Her and Patty had always wanted to have a tea party, just like Mother did, and they couldn’t use Mothers tea set. What if it was a tea set of their very own? She was getting big so it could be some clothes, but who would waste a Christmas present on clothes? Oh, the options were endless!

As our two friends waited, one at the top of the stairs the other in front of his Christmas tree, their parents were beginning to wake. Soon the wait would be over. After the wrappings had been torn and their curiosity pleased, Alexandra held a brand new friend for Patty, and Johnny had received the pocketknife he’d always been wanting. Of course past Christmas’s had been this exciting, but neither of them could remember which one was. Johnny could now carve sticks, and even figurines for his buddies, and mother. Plus he wouldn’t have to use his hands to open boxes anymore, now he could simply cut them open. Patty now had a friend for those lonely days when Alexandra had to go to school, or away where she couldn’t bring her. It was the perfect Christmas.

After she had finished clearing the table with her Mother, Alexandra could hear the church bells ringing in the distance. It was time for the Christmas service. Dressing in her winter coat and donning her muffs, Alexandra wrapped herself in her scarf and set off in the snow with her parents.

On her way Alexandra noticed a family raggedly dressed and clumped together, slowly making their way towards the church. With a quick tug on her Mothers jacket she asked why they were dressed that way. Her Mother said that was all they could afford because they didn’t have as much money as normal people. She also noticed another boy walking with them who was dressed much nicer, although not as nice as she was. This got her wondering about friendships. How could somebody be a friend with another person if they were different? It was an innocent kind of wonderment, one not foreign to children.

The singing was interesting, but when the preacher began his sermon Alexandra started thinking again. If they couldn’t buy nice clothing did they get Christmas presents? Life without any presents must be bad, how could anybody not get presents? It was simple questions like these that kept Alexandra busy through the whole sermon, and gave her an idea.

There was some more singing then the Christmas service was over. While Alexandra’s parents were talking she quietly slipped away. The youngest girl in the family that she had seen on her way to church was about her age. Alexandra had made up her mind to giver this little girl her brand new doll. She had discussed the whole thing with Patty. With no paper to wrap the brand new doll Alexandra gave it as it was. It was with this gesture that Alexandra gave one of the most precious gifts anyone could ever give. It wasn’t out of her own advancement that she made the sacrifice, or because she thought some award awaited this action. She wasn’t trying to win a friend, in fact she was about to turn away and go find her parents when she was stopped by a quiet “thank you.”

They talked about everything while Alexandra waited for her mother and father, and Evelyn her mother. The friendship that was forged by this simple act of selflessness would live forever. Not only had Alexandra gained a new friend, so had Patty. The two girls would bring their dolls with them to school and leave them together so that they wouldn’t be lonely.

It was at this time that Evelyn’s older brother came over to see who the new girl was; his best friend Johnny closely followed him. They had all just met when Alexandra’s mother called her to go home. But before Alexandra left she made plans to meet with Evelyn the next day. Then, saying goodbye, she ran to tell her mother about the new friend she had just made and of how she gave her doll away.

After breakfast had been cleared Johnny dressed as fast as he could so that he could show his very close friend his new knife. He had also decided that he would share it with him, after all someone as bad off as Martin could use a knife more than he could.

Meeting Martin just before the Christmas service Johnny showed him the pocketknife and told him that he could use it whenever he needed to. It wasn’t exactly a Christmas present, but as far as Martin was concerned it was the closest thing he’d had to a Christmas present in a long time. That simple pocketknife would help the boys, and individual boys, through many different circumstances. Just like the two dolls it would serve as an anchor of a friendship.

Tim Tebow

2011-12-05T10:32:00.000-06:00

Tim Tebow I believe in you. All the man does is win. He doesn’t make it look pretty, but he wins. Winning is key in life, because if you’re not winning you’re losing. After all that is the goal of life: win. It doesn’t matter the cost, just win baby! I believe in Tim Tebow. Before every test I’m going down on one knee praying that God will deliver me unto a good test score. I will pray for him to help me in unpreparedness. Every job interview I go into I’ll hit my knee in prayer that God will give me the words to say. Every relationship I enter my knee will be bent to God for help to win her heart, even if she isn’t right for me. Just win baby! Tebow does it with God, why can’t I? Excellence in writing? That’s a joke. Just as Tebows arm motion is the longest most drawn out unorthodox motion ever so will my sentences be the most long drawn out unorthodox sentences ever for my knee is bent in prayer to god that he will deliver my mesage. : if I start a sentence wrong I will be forgiven, for the message I send out is greater than be coherent. JUST WIN BABY!

-Squiber

One Nation

2011-12-01T07:35:00.001-06:00

While the rest of the country went about living their life, doing their best to improve our economy. Thousands around the country set up camps. Camps where they sat and did nothing to improve the economy. Instead they created cesspits. Breeding violence and malcontent they sat for says desecrating the image passed down by the ancestors. All this while our leaders scrambled to decide the most decent way to do away with the abomination filling our parks. The occupy movement has been a disgrace to the image of being an American. You may argue that the image has already been tarnished. On this point I will yield. Politicians have been allowed dictate the policies too long. They seat in their seats of power and do what is in their best individual interest. Yet, that image is the image of you and me. It is the image of our grandfathers fighting in both Korea and World War II. The image of our their fathers fighting in World War I, the Civil War, the Spanish War, and the Revolutionary War. It is the image of our fathers fighting in Vietnam. It is the image of our brothers dying in the Middle East. Yet, that is only a portion of the sacrifice. No one is responsible for the desecration of this image to other than you and me. We have allowed the illegitimate children of greed to run our country. The 1%? That is an enigma. The Occupy Movement has decried them for their ability to overcome self-pity and better themselves. That 1% exists because of lazy bums who sit in camps on the campuses worldwide instead of in libraries learning a trade to reach the dreams they have always hoped upon. The Occupy Movement is a disgrace as monument as the cowards in silk suits giving long-winded speeches. But nothing is as paramount as the mules that ignore the events unfurling around them and induce an ignorant state of bliss. May I warn you that if the crack cocaine addict wakes up to realize he needs a larger dose. So, someday you will wake up to realize that you need a dictator to keep your ignorance a blissful state. Upon that day it will be too late. No one will turn back. For the foundations of this country will be destroyed. The cracks are beginning to show. Our greatest strength is beginning to rot. What will happen? Death. That is all that is left. Death. This is all that will relieve the migraine of child play. Not all hope is lost. But it is not found in Ron Paul or Wall Street. It is found within yourself. The greatest strength of this country is the people. We are the people. Nations fear us. When bonded in a common cause nothing has stood in our way. Today we are divided by our ignorant states. Arise and fight the Occupy Movement and the illegitimate children of greed sitting in Washington. Change the 1%. Your ancestors didn’t sacrifice so much for you to be mules. Band together as one. As a Nation of free men and women. One Nation!

Leadership?

2011-11-18T11:08:00.000-06:00

There are plenty of common misconceptions about leadership. The biggest one perhaps is that position makes a leader. Titles don’t make leaders. If leadership is indeed –in the most basic form- influence, and I dare you to prove me wrong, everyone leads. There is no person living or dead on this planet who are not influencing at least one person. The power, purpose, vision, and drive of that influence will determine how far the leader will go. Influence is the proof of leadership and is the foundation on which everything else should be built. However, I am not sitting at my dining room table to dispel leadership myths. Rather, I would like to take this idea of leadership into relationships. Specifically, relationships between men and women. I will propose something that will shock those who read my stuff and buy into a misconception about my beliefs.

Overtime within marriage, and dating, men bought into the myth that leadership was position. Religion fed the flames of this misconception by feeding them with truth and not tempering that with more truth. From this was created a monster. Therefore, giving birth to the feminist movement. This misconception manifested itself in beatings, degradation, discrimination; silence in the work place, kitchens, corsets and the list goes on. Position, men thought, meant they didn’t have to influence anyone; all they had to do was bark a command.

I do not own leadership accolades. My leadership training consists of a camp and some reading in John C. Maxwell. The bulk of what I know comes from observing my reaction, as well as others, to being led. From observation I can tell you, I have never once wanted –nor followed- anyone who barked orders at me without intentionally establishing some line of relationship. I have also rarely witnessed anybody else doing such a counter intuitive thing. God created man to be relational. Otherwise he would not have talked and walked with Adam in the garden and created Eve. Therefore, one could argue leadership is relationships. However, this doesn’t go far enough, because at the base of a relationship lays some amount of influence.

Suitors were sweet, compassionate, and kind until they knew they’d found someone. This signaled that they had a title and husbands became overbearing brutes. I am going out on a limb to say that the reason women stay in abusive relationships is because they know what their man can be. Intuitively this triggers that they can help him. If I am right then men only burrowed deeper into the myth, because they realized how lazy they could be. After all leadership is hard work.

Whenever a new coach is introduced players will check his limits. They’ll test authority until they are assured of what they can and cannot get away with. The first week of coaching was like this for me. However, after my authority was established I had to work at building relationships with these kids. By the end of the year I could have told some of those kids anything and they would have done it. I remember our last game. One of our linebackers from the B team had to play at the A level. The opposing team was fast. The first play I put him in, he missed big time. I remember he came off the field and asked me if he had done anything wrong. This was the same kid who had in the beginning of the year been mad at me because I made him stay in a drill he didn’t want to do. Now he looked to me for teaching. That relationship didn’t grow in one day. It took a whole season! I could have used my title to tell him whatever I wanted, and for the most part he would have listened. There would have been no influence in that. It would be much like a judge handing down a judgment. The felon doesn’t follow the order because he wants to, but because he is being forced to.

How many times do men force themselves –emotionally or physically- upon women? Women look to men for leadership; I believe this to be true. I daresay none of them look for someone who will command them around. Even men (though most wont admit it) look to women for leadership; I believe this to be true. I daresay none of them look for someone who will command them around. Women and men do not look for titles; they look for some one who influences them in a positive way. The best leaders out there lead by example. They don’t have to give commands. They do, not say.

This is the problem with men these days. They are all too willing to bark commands and give orders, because that is what is easy. When someone calls them out they are all too willing to fight. Most men wait until they have a title to do this. Captain of a team, CEO, husband, coach, teacher etc. That is not leadership, it’s barbaric. However, I say a real leader is someone who realizes the importance of relationships and works hard to build those. Acts upon his vision for the future, and by his example, asks people to follow him. Leadership is hard work. At times you will fail completely and never accomplish your goal. Even though the temptation to reach for a title –like the easy button- will rise, resist. God never made anything easy for man. He intended for all of us –men and women- to work. Specifically, regarding relationships. Women are to be treated as real people, not pieces of meat. Take time to build a relationship. You will fail, probably a lot. Because after all women are intelligent, and know who they want influencing their lives and will cut out anybody who is a negative influence-if they can.

Occupy Protests

2011-11-13T19:39:00.002-06:00

"Our forefathers are speaking to us, telling us that this is what assembly looks like. Not being able to camp here severely limits the ability of us to keep our coalition together” –Occupy protester in Salt Lake City, Nevada.

I’m going to assume most of you have read or heard about the Occupy Wall Street protests. I am not going to assume you have heard that these protests have spread to other major U.S cities in protest of the wealth distribution. From what I’ve read so far protests in Portland are violent and disrupting. This is the same story in Oakland and Denver and various other American cities. The quote above from a man in Salt Lake City sums up the attitude of these people.

Like the Tea Party the Occupy protests are a sign that the political atmosphere is changing. Liberals would say for the worst. Republicans I am sensing are unsure. Ultra conservatists think the change is good and their counterparts are angered. My stance is that the effects of the Tea Party are now borne out in the Occupy protests.

The Tea Party restructured the political parties and has exerted influence that potentially could dissolve the need for the Republican and Democratic Party. Whether such change is good or not, is not my point. Rather, such a drastic change has awakened the sleeping minds of the people to the idea that they can protest/fight business as usual and be successful.

Success is the key. For example many people don’t vote because they think their vote won’t matter in the ultimate scheme of things. This is the same idea; people aren’t going to protest business as usual if they don’t have some hope for being successful. Otherwise, all they have created is more trouble for their own selves.

However, people are protesting. They must think there is a chance for success. But the results of their protesting have resulted in unnecessary violence and a black eye to our ancestors. The statement of ignorance quoted by a protestor in Salt Lake City sounds fiery, yet it is plain wrong.

“Our forefathers are speaking to us, telling us that this is what assembly looks like…” Our forefathers assembled in secret with the threat of hanging or harsh imprisonment weighing over their heads always. Their families were in jeopardy. Your forefathers didn’t protest either, the masses they stirred up did. But when things got violent or out of hand they were swift to see justice done. John Adams defended the British soldiers accused of murder.

Our forefathers didn’t put up tents and occupy places praying and hoping such a show of bodies would sway Parliament. They didn’t rape women under the cover of their overall mission. They didn’t do drugs in the encampments. You see my point. The senseless protesting going on at this very moment would appall our forefathers. They were intelligent men who understood that violence, while having a place, would get you nowhere if not used right.

Our forefathers founded this country using their wit and protected it using their strength. Consequently, the people who have started the Occupy protests have not established what they are protecting by such a show of violent un-led protesting. Therefore, I must conclude that no wit has been used and the people on the campuses of Berkeley and Harvard are high-minded idealists who couldn’t tell the difference between social contract theory and idealism if you spelled it out. Thus, the fools in Portland and St. Louis are just following the leader.

Consequently, mostly my generation is the generation caught up in this ideological goose poop. Where are the John Hancock’s, John Adams, Benjamin Franklins, Thomas Jefferson’s and such? Who is going to educate the people and fight against this messed up ideology? You see in a time where great men were needed great men rose to the occasion. America might just be faced with such an occasion. Democracy is great for keeping single dictators in check. But if not cared for democracy becomes a bunch of little dictators running rampant. Thus, why are Constitution was crafted so wisely. Whose going to defend other than those sworn to?

Frank Miller's opinion: http://frankmillerink.com/

Robots or People

2011-11-12T18:42:00.001-06:00

What happened to being yourself? Some where in history we decided that unless a person conforms to the image that their peers determine they are useless. People spend their whole lives trying to fit in. Some don't and commit suicide. In all our pity we have noticed the destructive nature of this idea. However, it remains. Men except women to conform to their idea of perfect and vice versa. It's all a game designed to create robots. Individuality has flown out the door. If you believe in a high sense of morals you a prudish. If you believe in a God, you're outdated. A robot is what you must become. In certain situations this is how you react, if you don't you've failed. You will learn from your mistakes or live a lonely life. Who made these rules? Who decided they were right? I am here to tell you if you conform to this robot idea you're confused and lost soul. If God intended for humans to be animals He would have made us animals. The very idea that man wants to conform to robots flies in the face that he was intended to be a robot!

The Mountain

2011-11-07T20:57:00.001-06:00

A young man stood looking towards the heavens. Towering high above him, capped in white, was a peak. It seemed as if this mountain grew in size within the few moments he had been standing there. Kilimanjaro paled next to the height of this mountain. At least in the mind of this young man it did.

“She’s a beaut’ ain’t she?” The aged voice of an elderly man caught the attention of our gawker.

There was no reply. It was as if something had taken the voice right out of him.

“You just going to stand here and stare?” This question was asked in only the way of the wise; demanding an answer.

“I’ve climbed many mountains. None were as tall as this one.” He reached out to touch it, but pulled back his hand. It was as if merely touching the mountain would consume him in a flame of unworthiness.

“So?”

“So, I’ve never met a challenge like this. The climb is treacherous. As far as I see there are limited handholds and footholds. I’d be crazy to attempt the climb. I mean I’m no coward. I’ve climbed some beasts. Wisdom tells me not to try this.”

“I’m the old one.” The old man with graying hair said this laughing to himself. “I guessing wisdom told you to climb those other beasts, too?”

“Not really wisdom.” The young man began hesitantly. “I just knew I could climb those, because I was prepared. I’ve never prepared for this climb.”

“Interesting. You say wisdom is telling you not to climb. I’ll tell you foolishness is telling you not to climb. You see wisdom requires you to use knowledge rightly. I think I’m safe in saying you’re not using your knowledge rightly. Then again I’ve been sued a couple times before this.”

“Call me foolish, but I know I can’t climb this mountain.”

“I believe you. You won’t be able to climb this mountain. Not with that attitude anyhow. Humor me. What if all those other mountains were leading you to this symphony?” He finished this question with a bony finger pointing to the tip of the mountains peak.

The young man looked the older man in the eyes. He didn’t seem sure of himself anymore. The fear the mountain had stirred up began to melt away as he thought of all that he’d learned over the years. Courage found its way upward.

“I might be old and outdated. But some things never change. If you hide behind the fear one day you’ll be sitting in a rocking chair talking to your best friend about the weather. Soon enough your conversation will turn towards old days and you’ll reminisce about all you could have had. Life will seem like it would have been better if you had simply tried what you knew you could have done all along. Damn fear! Try. You can hide the fear in words like wisdom. But you’ll know in here what you can and can’t do. Try” He pointed towards the young mans chest. Then turned. Disappearing into the night the young man stood there alone looking upwards. He grabbed a handhold and propelled himself upward ready to conquer the beast.

Not A Word

2011-11-05T18:57:00.001-05:00

The sunset was a vivacious glow of color. So, much as to set the heart aflame with wonder.

“Quick, Johnny. If we don’t make it home before dark mother won’t be happy.”

“I’m going as fast as I can, Jack.”

Neither of them knew what happened next. The sun seemed to fast-forward. Inky darkness surrounded them as if someone had shut off the lights.

“John!” Jack yelled out. There was no reply. He couldn’t see. Fumbling for something, anything. In the blackness, all Jack could discover was that he had fallen off his bike. The searing sensation as if he was burned by hot water told this much, at least. He yelled again while grasping from anything to sooth the pain from his knee. Still there was no reply. Darkness surrounded Jack. He was lost. Then not too far away he heard a rushing noise. Quickly he rose to his feet. Unable to see he made his way to the sound hoping it was something good. Instantly the hair on his back stood up. Something was wrong. Something out of place. A scream shattered the darkness. Jack whirled around hoping he could make out what had yelled. It felt like minutes, as he stood still, unable to see. Listening for anything that would betray the direction of the scream. Jack remembered his father, who was a psychologist, speaking of how the mind, when deprived of sight over exaggerates reality because it’s shocked. Something brushed against his back. It was furry. Jack could hear the breathing. Unsure if he was exaggerating or experiencing he tried to remain still as the fear began to consume him. Starting at his feet a sensation began to crawl into his mind. Visions of terrible beasts with large bloody fangs shredding their prey into gory pieces flashed through his mind. Stories he had thought were just meant to scare him as a child felt real.

“Not a word.” A collected voice cut through the darkness.

Too afraid to operate his speaking mechanisms Jack stood as if frozen in time. Only the trail of his breath as it froze in the chill air revealed his presence. However, this voice had an almost magical sound to it. Like the calming touch of his mother it allayed Jacks fears. Light fluttered for a moment…

A fierce snarl ripped through the air quickly followed by the sound of claws ripping through human flesh. The snarls increased with the gnashing of teeth. Fear crippled Jack. The fluttering of light had stopped as a new fear arose within his soul. At much too young of an age Jack felt the genuine fear for his life. This horror washed over him like a raging river. But he could still not yell out for his brother. Johnny had always looked out for him. When bullied at school Johnny was the first to rescue him. Trapped in the old well behind grandmas Johnny repelled down to carry him back to the top. It felt like years since they were racing the setting sun to get home before dinner. The feeling of safety felt like ages ago. Now all he could do was listen to the fight ensuing around him and smell the smells flowing from it. Just as quickly as the darkness has closed upon him all sound stopped. There was no more fighting. No more rushing. No forest. No torn flesh. No sweat. Unable to see and sense all Jack could feel was pain…

A sharp prick shot from his arm into his mind. Jack awakened with a start. His eyes jerked open, but the light was too bright. Then as if someone opened his ears the sound of beeping, voices, and crying shot through the nerves in his brain. He let out a scream of pain. All the sensations he had lost were coming back to him in an overwhelming wave of pain. He could hear is mothers fain voice: “I love you” in-between her sobs, and could almost make out her face as his vision blurrily returned with adjustment to the volume of light. He made to push himself up, but to no avail. Looking down he couldn’t see his legs or arms. At the realization he no longer had any arms or legs, the voice from his blindness came back to him,” not a word.”

Uncommon Adventures

2011-11-01T17:47:00.000-05:00

“Reaching high or the highest degree; very great.” According to the oxford dictionary online this is how we should define extreme. For the point I am attempting to make this definition fits well. The idea of marriage is not a finite one. In that I mean man did not design the constructs of holy matrimony. However, I am writing to convince you of the divine beginning evident in marriage. There are two types of people when it comes to dating. 1. Daters, 2. Courters and 3. No rulers. (Bonus type) There is no need to go into the fine intricacies of either. Rather, the idea I hope to portray is that daters dislike courters, and vice versa, while no rulers distance themselves from anything.

Most often people set out on a journey to find the perfect one. Upon the lapse of many moments time becomes an issue and they settle for something less than perfect. Either they find happiness in this or great despair. Wisdom is the right application of knowledge. Mostly knowledge unnecessarily comes through experience. So, that wisdom as preceded by knowledge cannot be attained without much stress.

With this in mind it only follows that dating has become a silent auction. The premise: find someone you think is pretty or handsome, ask him or her out and establish a relationship by which an even deeper friendship can grow. Dates then become selling pieces of you to the highest bidder.

Courting as an answer then becomes an open auction. The premise: find the prettiest or handsomest friend ask his or her parents if you can court them with the intention of marriage. Dating/time spent together, then becomes the bridge by which your relationship deepens so that at the time of marriage life is already on the fast track to success. Dates/spending time together is then pieces of you already sold.

Those two concepts are imperative to the point I am about to make. The person you marry is supposed to be the one you will spend the rest of your life with no questions asked. This society has offered a way by which you can cancel that marriage with little to no repercussions. However, I find it very clear from the Bible that divorce is far from pleasing to God. With this in mind then it follows that any person should ensure that they make a wise choice when choosing whom to marry.

Therefore, it follows that dating does present a viable end to this means. For how can you make a wise choice unless you have considered the most possible choices? Courting then also follows as a viable end to this means, because it removes the temptations inherent in dating and keeps couples pure with the highest success rate. Thus, courting would be the best option, because it logically answers for the problems that dating arises.

I disagree. Let me make this point by showing my opinion on this matter. I have neither dated nor courted, thus one could argue I am disqualified. In this case, whoever levels such a charge is unqualified, unless they have written at least 1137 words on the subject. My personal goal would be to only date one lady. I can make no promise to this end, for I am human, and make mistakes. However, I view life as a journey and marriage as a way by, which two people help each other on that journey. My life’s journey will take me then upon a tough path. Job security and financial security will all depend on the meaningful hours I spend in the film room, the knowledge I posses, and the ability to mix both into a winning formula. This road is neither glamorous for family life nor the least stressful. Whoever, I find myself helping along her walk must be understanding, and capable of dealing with such a lifestyle. Compatibility also, for me, looks like someone who has a deep faith, can cook and play the piano. I could write this list out and carry it with me until I found a gorgeous model type who fit the most categories and then ask her out on a date. To which end we discover how compatible we are. If I’m wrong then the worst I’ve done is to have sold parts of me to the highest bidder, only to find they weren’t the highest bidder. I could also wait much longer until I find a friend who fits the most of these categories and begin courting her. Then upon marriage find out about things after the ceremonies that I should have discovered before, if only because there are certain parts of your heart/soul, which should only be given to the person intended, period. The problem I am faced with in both these scenarios is that I have attempted to precede knowledge with wisdom.

Concluding all these thoughts I propose something unique. The things I look for in a woman of God seem petty or capable of compromise (only of few of which are). They are not. For if marriage is how I have described it to be. Then I am looking for someone who will best help me on my journey and I her. Thus, I must be focused on searching for someone with meaningful characteristics that will last a lifetime. Not just for the highest bidder or someone I can sell myself wholesale to, but for someone special. I also hold it in faith that the companion I seek is also looking for a man who can most help her upon her journey and her me. Therefore, I seek not to make myself into a jack-of-all-trades, so that I am the best product to be sold on auction. Rather, I prepare myself in the things, which I have been blessed in. I sharpen my talents and prepare myself for the future knowing that someday I will have a helpmeet. Dating or courting is not the issue. Wisdom does not precede knowledge. Knowledge precedes wisdom. However, experience is not always necessary to gain useful knowledge from which to make wise choices.

Finally, bringing this all together. I do not believe the problem is in dating or courting. They both have their faults. They both have their strengths. The problem is in the idea behind marriage. If marriage is just something two people do, because it is hip, then date all you want. However, if this is wrong then woe to you for desecrating the holy constitute of God. Rather, though, if marriage is a journey two people make together. Then do all that you can to prepare yourself for that journey and when the time comes to embark allow for the uncommon adventure to begin. By the way, uncommon implies that you don’t follow the adventures other people have.

Leadership?

2011-10-25T10:42:00.001-05:00

While watching McGyver –the highly explosive, and most liberal bent TV series ever- I noticed a missing element in McGyver’s character; he isn’t a leader. When people follow him, and they do so every show, they just blindly follow what he says because he is smarter than them. I could write a ten-page essay on leadership as it pertains to following, but I’m only going to write this one paragraph. A true leader does not lead a bunch of zombie followers. The men and women who follow a true leader do so because they believe in him. The followers of a true leader don’t just follow brain capacity; they follow because he has proven he is what they want as a leader. Some people will follow brain capacity because that is all they think matters, they will always blindly follow a leader. As a leader you must never forget that you are being followed not because you’re intelligent, or witty, but because your followers believe you can take them to the mountaintop!

Disability or Excuse?

2011-10-14T18:25:00.000-05:00

When does a disability cross the line of an excuse? I have spent the last 2 months (in two weeks) coaching alongside a special education teacher. My perspective on special education has changed, however, there is one aspect, which hasn’t. This idea that just because a person has a “disability” or acts as if they do, means we should treat them differently. My friend is always categorizing players into special education boxes, whenever something seems amiss. I find myself writing that player off as un-athletic based on his judgment. Is this right?

A battle rages inside whenever I think of a person who has disadvantages compared to my “normal” life, the initial reaction is that categorizing people, because they have base differences is wrong. To use myself as an example: I have a slight speech impediment and am considerably far along the spectrum of ADD. I grew up with both of these “disabilities.” Have they hindered me? You be the judge. I can write 6 page papers in a max of two hours writing time. I read philosophers for fun. Have discovered the immensely complex world of metaphysics, and can dialogue on this level of thought in both an elaborate and simple way. Give me two words and 15 minutes, I’ll create a short story for you. Multiple times I’ve been one question or word from a 100% on tests. Athletically, without any previous experience playing baseball, I have struck out DI athletes and competed with DIII athletes who have 13 more years of experience than myself. All right, I’ve had enough of plugging myself, rereading that makes me think I’m some egocentric punk whose security depends upon temporal achievements. I say all that, so the things I struggle with are better understood. I struggle to stay focused for more than 30 seconds on anything. I get bored with things super fast (those tests, yeah I’ve failed three tests in two and a half years). I can’t remember names or dates very easily. My mind runs through at least ten different thoughts at one time, sometimes so fast I often forgot what I was thinking of. There are words I cannot pronounce and combinations of words, which make me, sound mentally, retarded when I try to say them. I was a rebel growing up and always challenged authority. I’m sure my parents could have diagnosed me with any number of disabilities. If they had I know that I’d have a pharmacy of medications for my mental health and wouldn’t be able to tell you who Jonathan Bennett is, or how his argument for reality breaks down. There isn’t a chance in the world I’d be playing baseball at a DII college. Tests, well I’d have failed more than three tests. All of that failure would have been okay by me, because I would’ve had an excuse: I’m handicapped!

I’ve worked with a lot of kids over the past five years and have seen a wide range of craziness. Yet, as a rule I cannot look at any of those crazy kids and justify handicapping them. No matter how justified - at times it is justified. All I have to do is take a moment to remember how much discipline it takes for me to do most of the things I enjoy doing. Then the realization occurs if the absence of excuses in my life enabled me to get as far as I have (which isn’t that far anyway) how can I justify giving someone else an excuse? Granted, all people must be treated on an individual basis. Just because I won’t make an excuse for someone doesn’t mean I can’t reach out to him or her from the patch of grass, which they stand upon. However, this does mean you will never hear me make an excuse for why a person is the way they are. Within who they are is the capability to shine. If I wasn’t denied that who should be?

Thought of the Day

2011-10-11T19:49:00.002-05:00

Who can you reach out to? Not for yourself, but for their sake. Now go, reach out.

My thought of the day, wish I could explain more, but now is not the time.