Catching up on a little Matt

Ok, I've decided to keep the link to the explanation page. It explains the icons on the front page. Of course, if you visit my page you are certainly doing so solely to keep up with my goings on, in which case the bonds of friendship have either already compelled you to find out about the icons, or you couldn't give a fig and won't follow this link anyway. All this to say I'm probably wasting my time, but then, I already know that, which explains why I haven't actually updated the explanation page in over 4 years.

Wednesday, 5 August 2009

Well, as many of you know, I'm deploying this fall for six months. However, as almost none of you know, the details have changed quite a bit. I was deploying to Afghanistan the first week of October; now I'm deploying to Baghdad in 11 days. It was a bit of a shocker to me, too. Apparently someone got injured and dropped out of the deployment, and I was the next person from our organization deploying so they moved me up a bit. I was told last week. I had an orderly plan to spend time with family and friends, wrap up my projects at work, and finish my pre-deployment processing during the month of September. That's all out the window, and I'm now just trying to get my pre-deployment stuff done and work transitioned over as quickly as I can. Flexibility is the key to air power.

Monday, 27 July 2009

Saturday night some friends and I went to the Nationals-Padres game - that's right - the two worst teams in baseball duking it out for last place, which I think made it a lot more fun. It certainly provided for a lot of extra room in the stadium. And the ten or twelve fans who were left after the 3 hour rain delay were really into the spirit of things. (And if not for all of the above factors, I never would have gotten to sit one row behind the home dugout, which, all things considered, was pretty darn cool.) All in all, it was a good time out at the old ball game. The next day was Mt Vernon with some more friends. It was hot. Thank goodness George had the foresight to add on a massive back porch with plenty of chairs in the shade, a nice breeze, and a spectacular view overlooking the Potomac. Good man.

Tuesday, 21 July 2009

It was sooooooo great seeing everyone in St. Louis - it even eclipses the three times at Ted Drewes! My sister's wedding came off without a hitch, and it was the best reception food I've ever had at a wedding - good job, guys. The drive there and back, on the other hand, was... challenging. It's a 14 hour drive one way, and we drove all night on the way out and ended up doing the same thing on the way back. Ugh. Let's hear it for energy drinks (of the six I tried Sugar Free Amp was the best tasting - hard to tell which one was the most effective). I drove while Jeanine stayed in back with Ben (who would have probably been just fine if we had driven during the day). We made it, and I don't think we'll ever do it that way again.

Saturday, 4 July 2009

We're off to St. Louis for a couple weeks so no updates until at least 19 July. We're very excited for everyone to see Ben, and I can't wait to revisit old stomping grounds. The plan is to leave this evening and drive through the night so Ben will sleep through nearly the entire trip. Don't worry, Mom; we'll get a room if we get too tired. Also, new Ben sightings posted. Happy Independence Day, everyone!

Friday, 26 June 2009

Ben loves his jumperoo, and I envy him. I think an adult jumperoo would be fantastic! Also, an adult hopping ball would be awesome! Wait... (Googling...) Yes!!! Super cool and sweet!

Friday, 19 June 2009

Great news: Jeanine, Ben, and I are coming to St. Louis for my sister Sarah's wedding! We should arrive on 5 July and leave on 17 or 18 July. Please let me know if you'll be in St. Louis during that time, and we'll try to get together.

Sunday, 14 June 2009

I am surprised that people will say they believe in God but disbelieve the Bible because of the miracles. If one believes in a god, then surely most any deity would be able to perform many of the miracles recorded in the Bible; certainly, the God of the universe is able to do so much more than is written in the Bible. Either one believes in God (or at least a god) and everything that entails, or one does not believe in God and therefore does not believe in the Bible and the miracles therein. But let us not have a deity so feeble that the least supernatural action eludes him - such an idol is an insult to God and also to the one who who professes such belief. Incidentally, one's belief has no bearing on the actual truth of matter.

Wednesday, 10 June 2009

Unexpected surgery yesterday. Nothing major - my doctor referred me to dermatology to have a mole on my ear examined. I thought the doctor would examine it, take a few cells for testing, and that would be it. But I went in, the doctor looked at it and said, "I think we'll just cut this off right now." So now I have stitches in my ear. My phone ear. The ear I lay on on my pillow. And they itch. Also, while I was in the dermatologist's office, she (yes, that's right, she) said, "Here's your gown; strip of all your clothes; we're going to do a full body exam." See, this is why I don't like going to the doctor.

Friday, 5 June 2009

I know the Christian and pro-life communities have already weighed in on this (and I find it interesting that The Wall Street Journal did a piece on it), but I wanted to also add my voice: I strongly condemn the murder of Dr. George Tiller. Life - all human life - is of inestimable value to God, and no one is beyond salvation. Only those institutions He has placed over us (governments) are given authority to take human life; it is not a choice for the individual but for the nation through its representative.

Sunday, 31 May 2009

Ben continues to explore the world one mouthful at a time. I have become a family man: this weekend I was excited about getting a drill bit set from Home Depot and the prospect of some weed eating. For you old hands out there, sure, you think, that's a good time, but this is new territory for me.

Thursday, 21 May 2009

What's the difference between a reason and an excuse? I think it is based entirely on whether or not the recipient of said explanation thinks it is satisfactory.

Friday, 15 May 2009

Public service announcement: cover your mouth when you yawn; don't pick your nose; close your mouth when you chew gum. Thank you.

Monday, 11 May 2009

Focusing on our problems is focusing on ourselves. Anytime we excessively focus on ourselves, we generally make things worse - whatever the "things" are (our character, relationships, perhaps circumstances), a self-centered focus usually makes them worse.

Monday, 4 May 2009

On Friday, 1 May, I was promoted to the rank of major! Also, this past weekend, Jeanine, Ben, and I spent Saturday and Sunday with two other couples in our Bible study at a lake house in western Maryland. It was Ben's first trip and first night away from home, and he did reasonably well. Even though the temperature never topped 60, and it rained all day Sunday, a good time of fellowship was had by all - thanks Jony and Susan!

Wednesday, 29 April 2009

Here's one of the somewhat amusing problems with the world today. Is it wrong that some of those look good? Is it wrong that I've actually had a few of the items?

Sunday, 19 April 2009

I recently discovered powdered peanut butter, and today I tried it - it has revolutionized my peanut butter mousse! There aren't a lot of peanut butter desserts, and I discovered why: peanut butter can be freakin' hard to work with - it's dense, viscous, and oily and really hard to make into something light and airy. But now, with peanut butter powder, I just add some to my regular mousse, and voila! I celebrated by scooping up the mousse with chocolate wafers, like a Willy Wonka version of chips and salsa.

Sunday, 12 April 2009

Christ is risen; He is risen indeed!
My grandfather's funeral was a moving celebration, if I may use that term. He touched the lives of many in his church and community, and my father and the pastor gave outstanding eulogies, both presenting the Gospel in talking of my grandfather's life. I hope that I may leave such a legacy that glorifies the Lord. Grandpa was a WWII veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and there was an Army honor guard at the funeral who played the bugle and folded the flag. I was wearing my service dress, and they presented the flag to me. It was quite a poignant moment, and I will remember that day always.

Sunday, 5 April 2009

My paternal grandfather has gone to be with our Lord Jesus, and I am glad for him. He was 85; his wife preceded him last November; and he was greatly suffering from a degenerative neurological disorder. Certainly we will miss him and his booming laughter, and I wish that he could have met his great-grandson. However, he is in a far better place, and we will see him again soon enough. I'm flying to Des Moines today for the funeral tomorrow, and I return on Tuesday; Jeanine is staying here with Ben.

Sunday, 29 March 2009

Public service announcement: shake liquid items before opening or serving. I'm tired of getting a glass of orange-flavored water or watery orange pulp; I don't like a puddle of water seeping into my fries instead of ketchup; I don't enjoy salads as much with a drizzle of oil instead of a delicious blend of oil, vinegar, and spices. That is all.

Tuesday, 24 March 2009

I usually read two devotional sites each day to supplement my quiet time (Utmost and Spurgeon). I read this on Spurgeon today: "You may often see Jesus Christ wreck a life before He saves it. (Cf. Matt. 10:34.)" I've seen it in others, as you probably have, too. We often have to hit rock bottom before we'll abandon our own failed efforts, repent of our sin, and cry out to Jesus. Then, finally, those tears of sorrow turn to tears of joy as He redeems a lost soul. We experience this in our own lives, too, (or at least I do) from time to time as He allows suffering in for His glory, for the service of others, and for our benefit. I know this is not new, but I really liked the way the great Spurgeon put it.

Saturday, 21 March 2009

I'm back, and the trip was very busy but fairly productive. And if you're ever near McGuire AFB or Fort Dix this place is great.
So Jeanine, her sister Jessie and boyfriend Andy, and I were walking Ben around a neighborhood the other day, when I saw a trampoline in someone's yard...

Tuesday, 10 March 2009

The trip to New Jersey went well; lots of boring but productive meetings, a few tasty meals, and some good nights of uninterrupted sleep were the highlights. (Actually, the sleep alone probably made it worthwhile.) Those meetings, though - thank goodness I had my laptop and a mobile Internet card.
Also, Ben slept through the night for the first time Sunday night (6 hours and 45 minutes!) and then promptly returned to his old routine of waking up a couple times a night last night. But it gives us hope that we will sleep again.

Monday, 2 March 2009

So, before tv and the Internet, was the back of one's hand a lot more entertaining? I don't know about you, but I can't say I know mine particularly well.
I'm off to McGuire AFB in New Jersey tomorrow for the rest of the week. Big meetings; my boss will also be there, which carries with it both benefits and perils (he's a safety net, but then I may need a safety net).

Friday, 27 February 2009

Ben is two months old today! He got his first set of vaccines yesterday, and I think it was more traumatic for Mom and Dad than it was for him. He cried for about 30 seconds and was fine, while I am still picturing them jabbing needles into his little chubby thighs.
To follow up on the post before this, I suppose fashion changes, and top hats and spats and tails are no longer in style. Nevertheless, I think one would be hard pressed to come up with a swankier look (or maybe that's just me and my penchant for formal wear).

Sunday, 22 February 2009

When did top hats go out of style for formal wear? And why? They look like they would be a lot of fun to wear, but then I also think spats would be cool.

Monday, 16 February 2009

Happy birthday, George.
I think magicians have to walk a fine line between showmanship and arrogance because nobody likes a know-it-all.

Wednesday, 11 February 2009

The Air Force has declared me physically fit for another year (I passed my annual fit test on Monday). Also, yesterday marked seven years in the Air Force - can you believe it? It feels like a lot longer than that... Thirteen years to retirement or three years until I can get out. Writing that out makes it all feel a tad depressing.

Saturday, 7 February 2009

You know your life has taken an unexpected turn when the highlight is getting baby to bed without a fuss and the most interesting thing you can tell your spouse is a fact about sea lions you read in the paper. I exaggerate, but things certainly have changed (generally for the better.).

Tuesday, 27 January 2009

I think the people who coined the phrases, "Easy as pie," and, "Sleeping like a baby," were speaking ironically.
Ben is one month old today and continues to grow in adorability. We're tired, though - round the clock feedings every two to three hours are tough. And a feeding itself lasts thirty to forty minutes with another fifteen minutes of burping, changing, swaddling, holding, etc., before he might go back to sleep, if we're fortunate. But he's just so cute!

Monday, 12 January 2009

My parents are visiting for a week, and it's great to see them again (and get a little help with Ben). Speaking of, here are some pictures.

Tuesday, 6 January 2009

This is not going to turn into a blog about fatherhood or my son. That said, he is such an adorable and amazing little guy. He's a good baby, too - he's not too fussy; he nurses well, takes his naps, doesn't spend hours crying. Of course, he does cry. Apparently newborns cry 1-4 hours a day, but Ben is on the lower end of that scale, and there are lots of things we've learned to help soothe him (let's hear it for swaddling). He's so tiny, and he makes such funny faces. We're also pretty tired since he needs feeding every 2-3 hours, but that's more taxing on Jeanine than it is on me. Not much else going on around here; it's pretty much all Ben, all the time.

Wednesday, 31 December 2008

I'm a dad! Benjamin Matthew was born 27 Dec, weighing 7lbs 5oz and measuring 22 inches long. He's a beautiful baby boy, and Jeanine and I are thrilled. Jeanine delivered naturally, and I'm very proud of her. Pictures of Ben will no doubt follow soon, but I'm too tired to put them up now. When I stop to think about it, being a father is incredible - he is so precious, and I am so grateful for my little baby boy - I'm getting choked up even as I type this thinking about God's amazing gift to me. It is humbling, and I feel small in His presence. (I realize I am not the first father to feel this; nonetheless, it is true.)

On a related note, my mom emailed us about another aspect of the miracle of Christ's birth: God was willing to entrust His Son to human parents, showing His amazing love for us at the beginning of Christ's life as well as at the end.

Monday, 15 December 2008

With Google, there's no excuse for sloppy idioms or grammar! Laziness!
Also, the egg is an entirely unique item of food - what other food item starts out, essentially, as a liquid in its own container? Milk is the next closest thing I can think of.

Sunday, 7 December 2008

Thank you to our small group for throwing us an excellent baby shower yesterday! We had fun, and we really appreciate all you've done for us. Our baby is due three weeks from today, and it's all terribly exciting right now.

Tuesday, 2 December 2008

This is the most impressive bit of flying I've ever seen.
Also, I don't think she wants the attention, but happy birthday to my wonderful sweetheart!

Saturday, 22 November 2008

This is from Oswald Chambers:
"After every time of exaltation we are brought down with a sudden rush into things as they are where it is neither beautiful nor poetic nor thrilling. The height of the mountain top is measured by the drab drudgery of the valley; but it is in the valley that we have to live for the glory of God. We see His glory on the mount, but we never live for His glory there. It is in the sphere of humiliation that we find our true worth to God, that is where our faithfulness is revealed."
I think that a number of Christians spend far too much energy chasing mountain top experiences, rather than faithfully serving Him in our day to day lives.

Monday, 17 November 2008

I've had the flu for the past week or so, but it's now passing. There really isn't much on tv, is there?
In other news, there isn't much other news. We're slowly unpacking and getting organized. Jeanine is doing well, and our baby is percolating.

Wednesday, 11 November 2008

The trip to New Jersey went well - beautiful drive with all the leaves changing, and I must say, there are tons of fantastic diners in that state.
On another note, is the "close door" button in elevators actually hooked up to anything, or is it just there to help impatient people feel like they're doing something?

Saturday, 1 November 2008

Friends, sorry about the lack of updates. We've spent the last three weeks moving, and yesterday we finally turned in the keys to our old place. It's been exhausting on me and Jeanine, with all the packing, transporting, and cleaning, but we made it to our new place (and are now in the process of unpacking and organizing). We were in a two bedroom apartment in an urban area, and now we're in a three bedroom townhouse with a small yard in a suburban area so we now have room for the baby.
In other news, I will be in New Jersey all next week for discussions with officials at separate Army, Navy, and Air Force bases on how we're going to merge all three into one megabase, as mandated by Congress.

Monday, 13 October 2008
As Jonathan Edwards argues, charity demands we put the best construction on the facts, not the worst.

Thursday, 9 October 2008
Scarce or difficult does not equal good (e.g., caviar, blowfish).

Sunday, 5 October 2008

Well, Jeanine and I had a childbirth class yesterday from 9-3:30, and if I never again hear anything about a mucous plug it will be too soon. I certainly did not appreciate the videos.

Wednesday, 1 October 2008

It seems that a good way to get a high-performing child is to be an extreme parent - either an absent deadbeat or a taskmaster who withholds love while pushing the child to succeed at something. Fear is a stronger motivator than love; loving a child just the way he is means he will stay just the way he is. I think that is a generally fair assessment of human nature, which makes me more grateful for Christ.

Saturday, 27 September 2008

Congratulations to the Races who just had twins! All of you are in our prayers.

Saturday, 20 September 2008

We ought to examine our own attitudes and feelings and opinions. We do not do this so we can figure out what will make us happy, but we do this so that we may root out sin and bring ourselves in line with God.

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

I think the real value of facebook is that it provides friends' contact information that is updated by one's friends.
Also, the pictures from my Hawaii trip are now posted.

Friday, 12 September 2008

Ok, so I'm posting something unusual here. It's something I spent a couple hours looking for but couldn't find. So I made it. It's a Merit Systems Protection Board flowchart. If a federal government employee is suspended or fired, he or she can appeal that adverse action to the MSPB, and this chart gives an overview of the process. I wouldn't normally post work product, but it's a useful resource (if you're an employment attorney) that I thought would help clutter up the Internet.

Sunday, 7 September 2008

So I finally caved and signed up for my first chain blog (as in chain restaurant) at facebook. As a result I've been obsessed the past couple of days with listing every book I've read - it's a neat application that visually displays your books, along with ratings and reviews if one so chooses. I'm up to 180 books (so I'm winning?), but I haven't dumped a lot of the fantasy or sci-fi books into the list yet - I want to continue the illusion that I'm well read.

Saturday, 30 August 2008

Even when there's an announcement by a live person, some people still forget to turn off their phones. Even during important, historic ceremonies like the first ever promotion of The Judge Advocate General of the Air Force from Major General to Lieutenant General (3 stars). You would think people would be more mindful of their phones and careers.

Saturday, 23 August 2008

Hawaii is more or less what it's cracked up to be. It has beautiful sandy beaches, warm weather, mountains, jungles, volcanoes, and tasty food. It also has a lot of traffic on Oahu (where Honolulu is located), and everything is expensive (except Hawaiian shave ice at Matsumoto's and shrimp from the roadside shrimp shacks). I strolled around Waikiki beach (at the heart of Honolulu), swam in the ocean (quite warm) on the North Shore, saw sea turtles, toured Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, and even took a helpful deposition. I also brought our camera, and I'll try to get the pictures up soon.

Sunday, 17 August 2008

I'm off to Hawaii tomorrow for a deposition on Wednesday! I've never been to Hawaii, and I'm looking forward to it. I hope I'm able to get in some sightseeing and beach bathing while I'm there, though I fly back on Thursday getting in Friday morning. I must say, being in the Air Force has paid off travel-wise.

Monday, 11 August 2008

We're having a boy! Jeanine and I went to her sonogram today at the hospital, and while the technician was working the wand with all the goo on her stomach, I asked the technician if the baby was a boy or a girl. The technician asked us to guess, and we did; and then she opens her mouth to tell us, and right then, in the middle of the sonogram, the fire alarm went off! We actually had to get out of the building - Jeanine had to wipe her stomach off and get dressed, and then we hurried out only to learn it was a drill. After a while, they let all the doctors and patients back in, and we were able to finish the sonogram. The baby looks healthy, and we're having a son.

Wednesday, 6 August 2008

So I received a personal email from Prof Charles Soludo, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Apparently, he has a proposition that will be of great financial benefit to me. I would think that after all these years, he would have been able to find someone to help him out. Getting one of these emails is actually a little nostalgic to me now, like seeing that guy who made fun of you in junior high still flipping burgers at McDonald's after all these years. You're not angry when you see him; you feel a little sad but smile a bit at those old hijinks.

Monday, 21 July 2008

The conference went well, and I had time to see Boston Common, Harvard, the Boston market, the USS Constitution, and Breed's Hill (the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the first major engagement of the Revolutionary War). Boston has some great areas and seems like a cool city.
Also, I've seen this around - "Love means never having to say you're sorry" - and I think it is moronic.

Saturday, 12 July 2008

I've been reading The Cross Centered Life by CJ Mahaney, and I really liked something he said that I will summarize. Too many Christians chase feelings and call it experiencing God. There's nothing wrong with feelings, per se; but they are not the arbiter of Truth. Focusing on feelings instead of Truth is focusing on ourselves instead of Christ. His Truth, in particular the critical truth that Christ died for our sins, must be the foundation of our lives, not our feelings.
Additionally, I think that a number of Christians make not feelings but knowledge their foundation, when knowing Christ and living out His grace in our lives is the goal, and knowledge does not equal character.
Also, I'll be just outside Boston for a course this coming week, so no updates for a week.

Wednesday, 9 July 2008

I know it sold lots of copies, but I don't think Every Man's Battle is a particularly effective book (disclaimer: I have only skimmed through it). It seems to promote man-centered solutions to problems of sin. Whereas Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is) by Joshua Harris (which I recently finished) starts with and stays centered on Christ and addresses sin from a biblical perspective. It does not offer the relatively easy solution of self-discipline, though it does incorporate that aspect of fighting sin. Actually, I think the book offers excellent guidance for dealing with any sin in our lives, and I heartily endorse it.

Saturday, 5 July 2008

Happy Independence Day! Jeanine, a friend from work, and I went to a BBQ with friends from church. Afterwards we stood in drizzle for a couple of hours while listening to a band to watch some spectacular fireworks. We didn't watch the fireworks on the Mall since they're only 17 minutes this year (presumably because of the budget and shortage). Instead we went to another display with 3 times as many shells lasting twice as long. The show was smaller in scale, but we were very close, so the size of the bursts (the main difference between larger and smaller shows is the size of the bursts, not the effects of the shells) didn't matter. Much fun was had by all (apart from the hours in the rain).

Saturday, 21 June 2008

Jeanine and I are having a baby!!! She is due on 28 December, and we'll find out the gender sometime in August. Very exciting. Unreal, but exciting.

Monday, 2 June 2008

Tomorrow night we're going to see the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Washington Nationals with another couple from our small group - should be heaps of fun! Also, we saw the new Indiana Jones movie, and if you're only going to make it to one summer blockbuster then see Iron Man. But if you see another one, then make it The Dark Knight. We were disappointed with Indiana Jones - we really did not like the very unexpected direction the franchise took. But you should still go see it because everyone is talking about it - just make it a matinee.

Monday, 26 May 2008

Thank you to those who died for our country.
In other news, the course went well, and I learned a thing or two. Our cat is terrified of the outdoors: she even runs away when we crack open a window. This completely frustrates my dream of taking her on walk through the park.

Saturday, 17 May 2008

I'm off to Maxwell AFB for another course this week, but this time I'm only attending not teaching. Also, Iron Man was a lot of fun - be sure to stay for the scene at the end of the credits. Speaking of, why don't more people stay until the end of the credits - a lot of movies put a scene there; plus it is a good time to ponder the movie and appreciate all the work involved in making it.

Monday, 12 May 2008

I'm back, and the course went well. So I'm now the Air Force's expert in an obscure and relatively unimportant area of the law, the Family and Medical Leave Act. Apart from that, I do hope everyone remembered their moms yesterday.

Saturday, 3 May 2008

Well, I'm off to help teach the Advanced Labor and Employment Law Course at Maxwell AFB for a week. Also, Jeanine and I (along with my office) went to a Washington Nationals baseball game at their brand new stadium on Wednesday. It was a lot of fun, and the Nats pulled out a victory in the 12th inning.

Saturday, 26 April 2008

Ok, I don't mean to turn this into Joe's blog, but this entry on God's sovereignty in the face of suffering is also excellent.

Wednesday, 23 April 2008

My good friend and former TU roommate has posted a number of great entries on his blog, but this one struck me. It is so easy to forget that knowledge does not equal character.

Thursday, 17 April 2008

I'm attending a conference today and tomorrow here in DC at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel, and it is the classiest conference I've ever been to. (I note that I feel like a hick by using the word "classy.")
Also, when someone says, "Can I ask you a question?" what they really mean is, "I'm going to ask you something personal and uncomfortable now."

Sunday, 13 April 2008

This is amazing. Like most people, I've seen a large number of amazing/cute/funny animal videos, but this one takes the cake. It is an elephant painting a self-portrait (or it could just be a picture of another elephant - it's not like he's Rembrandt). The video is long, at over 8 minutes, but it is quite impressive.

Wednesday, 9 April 2008

Like most Americans, I have enjoyed many a quick and tasty meal of instant noodles flavored with a high sodium spice satchel. Cheap, simple, quick, good. What could be better? As it turns out, that's the bottom rung of the Ramen ladder. We went to an Asian market where, literally, an entire aisle was devoted to the tasty noodles. Apparently, there are packaged instant noodles with two or even three spice packets, and the more packets, the tastier the noodles. And the delicious king of the Ramen world is a five-pouch Ramen dream that I think can only taste that good if one of the packets is MSG. Let's hear it for expanded horizons.

Saturday, 5 April 2008

In DC the thing to do this time of year is anything related to cherry blossoms, whether it be photographing them, taking nighttime blossom strolls, visiting a Japanese cultural fair, or attending cherry blossom anime festivals. We strolled through the cherry blossoms at Kenwood (a subdivision nearby) with Jeanine's family and later on at the Tidal Basin. You can see all about it here.

Monday, 31 March 2008

This is not a comment on evangelism. I hear something like this from time to time: "Jesus didn't spend time with religious leaders - He hung out in bars with hookers and sinners." I don't think this is true. Jesus reached out to and greatly loved the lost (all of us), including prostitutes, tax collectors, and so forth. However, He seemed to spend the majority of His time with people who were no longer lost (the disciples (most of whom were regular working class men). Certainly Jesus loved people, no matter what they had done, and He was not afraid to break social conventions to reach out to them. But He wasn't hanging out in brothels. He appears to have spent most of His nonpraying time in fellowship with those who already were or were becoming Christians.

Tuesday, 25 March 2008

I think that the main person leading contemporary worship in church should sing the melody. I don't think that person can go off on different harmonies or riffs - that person is responsible not for a performance but for leading the flock in worshipping the Lord. As such, that person is in the role of guiding and assisting the congregation, primarily by helping them sing the song, which requires that the (presumably less musically talented) congregation always be clear on what the melody of the song is. Others helping to lead worship can be creative with harmony, but the song leader must be faithful to the melody. A beautiful performance is not the primary goal, but rather a time of unified congregational worship.

Good Friday, 21 March 2008

This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. I John 4:10 (NIV)
The part that most causes me to bow my head in humble gratitude is that God did this while we were yet His wretched enemies. Charles Wesley put it well: "Amazing love! How can it be, that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?"

Monday, 17 March 2008

Well, friends, after much prayer, we have committed to another 4 years in the Air Force. The job market seems tight right now; I really like the job I have; we would like to stay in DC for a few more years; and we got a signing bonus that will enable us to pay off almost three-quarters of my remaining educational debt. Those are the main reasons, and while I wish I could have all those things and stay in St. Louis, well, I can't. We are very grateful for all of your prayers and hope to visit more frequently now that we're in the same country.

Tuesday, 11 March 2008

This week I'm in a course here in DC learning about labor relations (unions, management, and how they negotiate and work together). It's fairly interesting, and while I don't plan on supporting increased union rights, I do see their value and appreciate weekends.

Thursday, 6 March 2008

Well, I have been selected for promotion to Major (along with 64 other captains this year)! It's pretty cool and all, though I should add that the promotion rate this year was over 90% so it's not quite as impressive as it sounds. Also, I likely won't actually be promoting ("pinning on") for another 1 - 1.5 years, since you're selected for the rank well in advance (the military is keen on planning). But still, it's pretty neat, and I'm technically a major-select now (which is also known as a captain).

Sunday, 2 March 2008

Our pastor is preaching an excellent series on the life of Moses, and he recently gave a really good sermon on three things Moses' life teaches us about developing a relationship with God (based primarily on Ex 33:18-23 where Moses has such an intense desire to know God that he wants to see as much of Him as he can). 1) We have to realize such a relationship is possible, that we can be intimate, deep, and personal with God. 2) We must have a hunger and thirst for God and for a relationship with Him. 3) We must be willing to pay the price in suffering for God (not that we seek it out, but that we do not shrink from it and that we want God more than our own comfort and more than other worldly things (e.g.: sacrifices of time)). Each of these points was supported by Scripture and expounded upon, but I wanted to at least post the main points. I have been thinking about them quite a bit lately, as I seek to deepen my relationship with the Lord.

Monday, 25 February 2008

I passed my annual fitness test today (pushups, situps, 1.5 mile timed run, and body fat measurement) - woohoo! Of more import, one of my coworkers who was also testing today collapsed on the run. We helped him as best we could until the ambulance came and got him. It turned out that he was severely dehydrated and will be fine.

Saturday, 23 February 2008

Happy Birthday, Jessie! We had a party at our place tonight for Jeanine's sister's birthday and also a going away for Jeanine's parents before their trip to Vietnam on Tuesday. It was a success: great food (buffet with everyone contributing), fun games (poker, and Jessie won the last hand), and good times (yup, good times).

Tuesday, 19 February 2008

While I grant you that some tattoos can be touching, appropriate, or even attractive, I don't know why anyone would ever do this. Don't these guys ever want to work outside a used record store or tattoo parlor? Won't they at some point want to go outside during the day? I think it's a matter of being able to think beyond the moment.

Friday, 15 February 2008

One of our British friends sent us this. I think it's about a year old but still fun.
Also, this could be quite useful.

Monday, 11 February 2008

Six years ago yesterday was my first day on active duty in the Air Force. I find that it does and does not seem like a long time. Older people always talk about how quickly time flies, and kids about how slow it is. I think I'm in the transition stage where it's both.

Friday, 8 February 2008

Here's an interesting bit of aviation history. Also, a light bulb went "on" not "off," (unless it's an insult) and it is a bald- or bare-faced lie, not a bold-faced one. That is all.

Tuesday, 5 February 2008

Hi all! I'm back a little early since my second case settled. Alaska was cold: it was -4 the morning I left. Anchorage surprised me because it was a lot like a northern Midwestern small city, like Duluth or Des Moines. It seems fairly peaceful, not too crowded, the same chains that one sees across the country - it was a little disappointing actually. I guess I was expecting less contemporary and more Klondike. That said, mountains ring the city, and there's a foot of snow on the ground so it is a very pretty winter wonderland. Also, great salmon and crab.
In other news: congratulations to my good friend who just made partner!

Monday, 21 January 2008

I'm off to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, for two and a half weeks to defend the Air Force in a couple of hearings. I'm excited - I've never been, and I've always wanted to visit our largest and wildest state (though I note that homesteading ceased in 1988 (not that I was planning to move there, but it did add to the mystique)). It will be about a 12 hour trip to get from here to there, which astounds me - 12 hours just flying within our country.

Tuesday, 15 January 2008

Ok, so you have all probably done this by now, but all US citizens are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus. You can request them here, and you can dispute any negative results right there online. Disputing negative results can improve your credit (though verifiable negative information doesn't have to be removed for 7 years). However, if you have a legitimate reason for disputing it, then go ahead and do so. Many times, the company reporting the negative item will not be able to produce records proving it, and the item will need to be removed. Also, it's good to check your report for any signs of identity theft.

Thursday, 10 January 2008

One of the few sports entries here (if you can call this one sports). It's just so strange (or sign of the times), but I suppose I wish him well.

Monday, 7 January 2008

Preventive not preventative
Vicious cycle not circle
Regardless not irregardless
I could NOT care less
among others...

Thursday, 3 January 2008

Merry Christmas, happy New Year, and welcome 2008! We had a great time in St. Louis, and it was wonderful catching up, though we couldn't get to nearly as many friends as we wanted to. Myra turned out to be a really good traveler. She gently meowed for the first hour of the drive, and then she calmed down and spent most of the trip purring in Jeanine's lap or stretched out in the rear window. Good kitty.