To Assume Too Much
I got this idea from Alex.
Take five books off your bookshelf.
Book #1 — first sentence
Book #2 — last sentence on page fifty
Book #3 — second sentence on page one hundred
Book #4 — next to the last sentence on page one hundred fifty
Book #5 — final sentence of the book
Make the five sentences into a paragraph.
Eighteen and a half centuries ago, and the land which now lies desolate—its bare, grey hills looking into ill-tilled or neglected valleys, its timber cut down, it's olive— and vine-clad terraces crumbled into dust, its villages stricken with poverty and squalor, it's thoroughfares insecure and deserted, it's native population well-nigh gone, and with them its industry, wealth, and strength—presented a scene of beauty, richness, and busy life almost unsurpassed in the then known world. Morton used the melodies of folk standards and then added lyrics of his own, based on events like these, to make a political point. To sum up, my argument has been that having a right to life presupposes that one is capable of desiring to continue existing as a subject of experiences and other mental states. Our contention here, then, is that the language of Christian theology is cognitively meaningful, for its truth status in that of a metaphysical system. One day we shall all be gathered in that great concert hall of God, and we will hear the glorious beauty of the concerto God was playing while you and I plunked out our childlike version of "Chopsticks."
1. Sketches of Jewish Social Life by Alfred Edersheim
2. Down The Highway: The Life of Bob Dylan by Howard Sounes
3. Ethics For Modern Life by Raziel Abelson & Marie-Louise Friquegnon
4. Christian Theology (2nd Edition) by Millard J. Erickson
5. Dangerous Wonder by Mike Yaconelli
Friday, June 04, 2004
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Not Only The Black Gals
Look, I figured out image html. The last post was basically an attempt to get comments. A lot of good that did. This one is about chicks.
I watched Something's Gotta Give last night. One of the Movie Gallery's in Dothan is competing with the newest local Video Warehouse. Both places have .99 cent rentals, so I'm pretty much open to watching anything. Thus my interest in this film.
This post isn't necessarily a review of the movie. It's more about my fascination with older women; or should I say, my interest in women outside of my demographic. Besides my inability from birth to look like Keanu Reeves, his character in the movie (Julian), is interested in Diane Keaton (Erica), and I can totally see his why. Not that I think Diane Keaton is all that attractive, I just see why young guys dig older woman sometimes. All the while, Jack Nicholson's character is making his way through the movie, falling more in love with the lady who he wasn't even interested in (he's the type of guy who goes after the young ladies--Diane Keaton's daughter!).
Society accepts older men being into younger women because, well, I don't know. Why do we accept it? But, it's weird for a young guy to dig an older gal. The Bible tells us, men at least, to respect older women as our mothers and respect younger women as our sisters. So perhaps dating much older or younger than you isn't a good idea, but what about dating different races, cultures, types, et cetera (keeping in mind the options that don't contradict the Bible)?
Like I said, this isn't a post about older women. It's not even an argument for why I don't like White Anglo Saxon Protestant females 21-26. It's more about my ability to connect with people who are not like me. I don't think I have a multitude of friends, but I do think I surround myself with a group of people who have various characters, mannerisms, values, beliefs, et cetera. So, just like my friends, I am interested in girls who compliment me, not reflect me. My main point is, I enjoy people I can have an intelligent, fun, stimulating, and enjoyable conversation with. That is probably why I could see myself dating or maybe marrying someone who is considerably older than me, not my race, creed, nationality, or whatever else.
God obviously knows who I am going to marry. Whether there is a one or several possible candidates, whether she is white or not, whether she is older or younger, I need to keep my options open. But, keeping in mind, I need a godly one, not a degenerate one. Which is even more proof that I need to look to God for answers to my questions. I fail a lot; relying on God and having honorable relationships. Maybe I should become a monk?
Look, I figured out image html. The last post was basically an attempt to get comments. A lot of good that did. This one is about chicks.
I watched Something's Gotta Give last night. One of the Movie Gallery's in Dothan is competing with the newest local Video Warehouse. Both places have .99 cent rentals, so I'm pretty much open to watching anything. Thus my interest in this film.
This post isn't necessarily a review of the movie. It's more about my fascination with older women; or should I say, my interest in women outside of my demographic. Besides my inability from birth to look like Keanu Reeves, his character in the movie (Julian), is interested in Diane Keaton (Erica), and I can totally see his why. Not that I think Diane Keaton is all that attractive, I just see why young guys dig older woman sometimes. All the while, Jack Nicholson's character is making his way through the movie, falling more in love with the lady who he wasn't even interested in (he's the type of guy who goes after the young ladies--Diane Keaton's daughter!).
Society accepts older men being into younger women because, well, I don't know. Why do we accept it? But, it's weird for a young guy to dig an older gal. The Bible tells us, men at least, to respect older women as our mothers and respect younger women as our sisters. So perhaps dating much older or younger than you isn't a good idea, but what about dating different races, cultures, types, et cetera (keeping in mind the options that don't contradict the Bible)?
Like I said, this isn't a post about older women. It's not even an argument for why I don't like White Anglo Saxon Protestant females 21-26. It's more about my ability to connect with people who are not like me. I don't think I have a multitude of friends, but I do think I surround myself with a group of people who have various characters, mannerisms, values, beliefs, et cetera. So, just like my friends, I am interested in girls who compliment me, not reflect me. My main point is, I enjoy people I can have an intelligent, fun, stimulating, and enjoyable conversation with. That is probably why I could see myself dating or maybe marrying someone who is considerably older than me, not my race, creed, nationality, or whatever else.
God obviously knows who I am going to marry. Whether there is a one or several possible candidates, whether she is white or not, whether she is older or younger, I need to keep my options open. But, keeping in mind, I need a godly one, not a degenerate one. Which is even more proof that I need to look to God for answers to my questions. I fail a lot; relying on God and having honorable relationships. Maybe I should become a monk?
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Monday, May 24, 2004
Don't Die on Me/Can You Help It?
Last night me and Donna met Jeff up at Krystal's in Dothan. Can you believe this guy? He went to work on his day off just to give a kid he didn't even like a proper sendoff. Sometimes I like to brag on my friends, particularly when they don't even realize they're getting something right. To tell you the truth, I don't know all the specific details of Jeff's calling but he's put his heart into this job and into those kids. I think that's our basic calling to love people and give of ourselves to help them.
Over that last semester I considered my calling as much as ever. I got a little more clarification and affirmation on my specifics. Or so I think. My family asks what I can do with my degree. I tell them, "get a master's." For this next step will be required of me to reach my next goal: to teach at a college level. But of course, a family wants to know what I can do now. WORK. For too long school schedules have interrupted job possibilities. It is likely that simply having this four-year degree will open more job opportunities this remains to be seen. Even less probable is the likelihood of my finding work in my degree area. I'm not bothered with that right now. Right now I will concern myself with being a good steward and paying off those wonderfully amassed student loans. I'm not putting God or my ministry on hold; I'm being practical.
These past four months have been slow-going and trying. There have surely been more agonizing periods of my life. Certainly I have experienced greater anguish, defeat and loss. Since my uncle's wreck I've dealt with the thing head first. Day after day passes and after 3 months it starts to feel like a really long funeral. The things we have taken as hope quickly begin to look like reflex and not any possibility of hope. But I know, just as easily as he got in that coma he could awake from it. I know people have woken up out of comas after ten or more years. Still, watching his bones turn out and stiffen and watching his body depreciate to a mass of naybe 90 pounds really strangalizes my hope. There is hope, but boy is it under fire. This has all effected me in ways that I don't think can be measured yet. I'm deeply sad.
Last night me and Donna met Jeff up at Krystal's in Dothan. Can you believe this guy? He went to work on his day off just to give a kid he didn't even like a proper sendoff. Sometimes I like to brag on my friends, particularly when they don't even realize they're getting something right. To tell you the truth, I don't know all the specific details of Jeff's calling but he's put his heart into this job and into those kids. I think that's our basic calling to love people and give of ourselves to help them.
Over that last semester I considered my calling as much as ever. I got a little more clarification and affirmation on my specifics. Or so I think. My family asks what I can do with my degree. I tell them, "get a master's." For this next step will be required of me to reach my next goal: to teach at a college level. But of course, a family wants to know what I can do now. WORK. For too long school schedules have interrupted job possibilities. It is likely that simply having this four-year degree will open more job opportunities this remains to be seen. Even less probable is the likelihood of my finding work in my degree area. I'm not bothered with that right now. Right now I will concern myself with being a good steward and paying off those wonderfully amassed student loans. I'm not putting God or my ministry on hold; I'm being practical.
These past four months have been slow-going and trying. There have surely been more agonizing periods of my life. Certainly I have experienced greater anguish, defeat and loss. Since my uncle's wreck I've dealt with the thing head first. Day after day passes and after 3 months it starts to feel like a really long funeral. The things we have taken as hope quickly begin to look like reflex and not any possibility of hope. But I know, just as easily as he got in that coma he could awake from it. I know people have woken up out of comas after ten or more years. Still, watching his bones turn out and stiffen and watching his body depreciate to a mass of naybe 90 pounds really strangalizes my hope. There is hope, but boy is it under fire. This has all effected me in ways that I don't think can be measured yet. I'm deeply sad.
Sunday, May 23, 2004
Sleeping on the floor is an inexpensive way to meet bugs.
Most days when my mind really gets to working it is when I should be going to sleep. So naturally I fight it. Even if what I sit up to do is insignificant like looking up songs to see how many people have covered them, which is what I've been doing these wee hours of tonight. A second ago I got a little too tired to read the screen and decided to lay down on the floor behind me. I woke up fifteen minutes later still as tired but not ready to give in yet. I didn't encounter any bugs this time but I just as well could have. Tne point is I'm endangering my life to sit here and write you this. Spider babies could be hatching in my ears as we speak.
A little known fact is that the land that the apartments I live in are built on was formerly and remains a hotbed on insectual activity. Sure, bugs are everywhere and all of that but this is different. Every bug you've ever met, his roots are in Florida. I swear. This is their natural habitat and they want it back. They are like the Indians or Native Americans in that respect. They have every right, but I don't care they freak me out. They make me paranoid. For example, I'll be sitting here and my leg will itch. I have to wonder if the itch means I'm about to lose blood at the fangs of an angry mosquito. I'm pale which makes me an easy, more approachable, target.
I'm not usually quick enough to kill them. It's not like I ever learned JU-JIT-Su, mind over matter harry carry riddle or whatever. And you might say, what about bug sprays or bug bombs? No. They refuse to die. They are much like Bebe's Kids in that way. This is hand-to-hand combat. Luckily, I sometimes manage to catch them when they don't have all their eyes on me. Oh and when I do it is surely war. You may ask what war is good for. Plenty of things like killing bugs for example. You may ponder what a huge waste this has been. I offer no apology. Actually, I can't believe I sat awake another thirty minutes for this. I call myself a night owl but my gears could not possibly be turning.
hoot.
Most days when my mind really gets to working it is when I should be going to sleep. So naturally I fight it. Even if what I sit up to do is insignificant like looking up songs to see how many people have covered them, which is what I've been doing these wee hours of tonight. A second ago I got a little too tired to read the screen and decided to lay down on the floor behind me. I woke up fifteen minutes later still as tired but not ready to give in yet. I didn't encounter any bugs this time but I just as well could have. Tne point is I'm endangering my life to sit here and write you this. Spider babies could be hatching in my ears as we speak.
A little known fact is that the land that the apartments I live in are built on was formerly and remains a hotbed on insectual activity. Sure, bugs are everywhere and all of that but this is different. Every bug you've ever met, his roots are in Florida. I swear. This is their natural habitat and they want it back. They are like the Indians or Native Americans in that respect. They have every right, but I don't care they freak me out. They make me paranoid. For example, I'll be sitting here and my leg will itch. I have to wonder if the itch means I'm about to lose blood at the fangs of an angry mosquito. I'm pale which makes me an easy, more approachable, target.
I'm not usually quick enough to kill them. It's not like I ever learned JU-JIT-Su, mind over matter harry carry riddle or whatever. And you might say, what about bug sprays or bug bombs? No. They refuse to die. They are much like Bebe's Kids in that way. This is hand-to-hand combat. Luckily, I sometimes manage to catch them when they don't have all their eyes on me. Oh and when I do it is surely war. You may ask what war is good for. Plenty of things like killing bugs for example. You may ponder what a huge waste this has been. I offer no apology. Actually, I can't believe I sat awake another thirty minutes for this. I call myself a night owl but my gears could not possibly be turning.
hoot.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Because Yahoo! Can Go To Hell
Apologies for language.
Well, it is now certain that nothing can be done for my old email address. I cannot use it because I don't know the *changed* password (I didn't change it). This is the second time this has happened to me with Yahoo!. However, have no fear. I am calling on you, the readers of this site, to help me come up with a new email address. All suggestions will be accepted and considered.
Please, comment away!
Apologies for language.
Well, it is now certain that nothing can be done for my old email address. I cannot use it because I don't know the *changed* password (I didn't change it). This is the second time this has happened to me with Yahoo!. However, have no fear. I am calling on you, the readers of this site, to help me come up with a new email address. All suggestions will be accepted and considered.
Please, comment away!
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Four Way Stops
The way you sit all a laze
Not minding the way the sun hits your face
I caught you flipping your hair
You want to act like you don't really care
Style to amend and catch a craze
Fashioned to remove your subtle haze
Adjusting the mirror to see traffic clearer
Annoyed if I stare, bothered if I don't
Make up your mind because makeup won't cover the lies
Beauty can only get you so far
You have to willing to try
Adjusting your look to fit the day
Desperately seeking some other way
I see cars like yours all the time
Methods of penence to make yourself kempt
Unelaborated designs blend with your mind
Excused impressions for second guesses
Somehow you keep finding new ways to feel elated
That's when I knew I shouldn't have hesitated
I waited for the right of way
You yielded and offered it to me
Before I could go, you just left
As I watched you drive off
I'm stunned that you even waited
Accidents in life are frequent
And most always subsequent
To seeing you
The way you sit all a laze
Not minding the way the sun hits your face
I caught you flipping your hair
You want to act like you don't really care
Style to amend and catch a craze
Fashioned to remove your subtle haze
Adjusting the mirror to see traffic clearer
Annoyed if I stare, bothered if I don't
Make up your mind because makeup won't cover the lies
Beauty can only get you so far
You have to willing to try
Adjusting your look to fit the day
Desperately seeking some other way
I see cars like yours all the time
Methods of penence to make yourself kempt
Unelaborated designs blend with your mind
Excused impressions for second guesses
Somehow you keep finding new ways to feel elated
That's when I knew I shouldn't have hesitated
I waited for the right of way
You yielded and offered it to me
Before I could go, you just left
As I watched you drive off
I'm stunned that you even waited
Accidents in life are frequent
And most always subsequent
To seeing you
Friday, May 14, 2004
My Last Late Night Beach Trip
I'm going to be in big trouble for this. It's 4am and I have to be awake at 8. I guess it's kind of late for a school night. Then again it isn't really a school night. Tomorrow is my graduation. Neato. About being done with it, I'm excited, however, about all of the pomp and circumstance and whatnot, well not really that excited. Well, maybe excited but in the negative sense. Anxious. Why God why do I have to sit at the end of a row? It's too much responsibility. I already have too much to think about...like if my tassel is on the correct side or when I am to remove my cap or when I stand or walk or where I walk. Sometimes, if sometimes is possible, I have social anxiety disorder or something that feels like that is described. Part of me worries that I will sleep straight through the graduation ceremony. Another part hopes that I do. I suppose people would be disappointed if I didn't show.
By the time I log on again to check comments the anxiety will likely be a distant memory. Probably. But right now I am sweaty(even though the air is on), my eye is irritated,I can't stop sniffling and I just feel like a bad dude. I guess I just needed somebody to talk to. I could call Donna but the other day I broke my phone cord so calling anyone isn't really an option. (Besides then she'd know that I was still awake; I don't want to get into any trouble.) I was just feeling stressed out and she was totally great, but it was time to say goodnight...and no amount of talking at that point could get me to believe that everything is cool. Maybe I'm just stubborn. It was like she had totally expended all possible "cheer me up" speeches. nothing remained to be spoken. I felt some sort of sad and rushed to say goodnight. So I said it and morosely shut the door and walked as slow as I could into my apartment. I thought about just going over and knocking on her door and saying that I was sorry and that I love her and that yes, I know everything is going to be okay. Still, I just felt the conversation would get nowhere because I still felt stubborn.
So I saved her the aggravation, I guess. I came into my house, got ready for bed and put on So by Peter Gabriel. I made a trade with Jeff tonight and this was what I received. The music carries with it a sort of Simon and Garfunkel quality to it. Like, the innocence and the poetry and what not. Plus, its combined with 80s synthesizer which at least for me creates a sense of optimism. I wanted to listen to the second half but I'm too lazy to see about turning it over. I think I'm going to hit the hay now. Look for me tomorrow, I'll be wearing all black and a baby blue tassel...and some of Jeff's clothes. Well, I have a pair of socks and a tie of his. I have clothes of my own but they were hiding when I looked for them. I need at least three and a half hours of beauty rest...so I better get going. Later.
I'm going to be in big trouble for this. It's 4am and I have to be awake at 8. I guess it's kind of late for a school night. Then again it isn't really a school night. Tomorrow is my graduation. Neato. About being done with it, I'm excited, however, about all of the pomp and circumstance and whatnot, well not really that excited. Well, maybe excited but in the negative sense. Anxious. Why God why do I have to sit at the end of a row? It's too much responsibility. I already have too much to think about...like if my tassel is on the correct side or when I am to remove my cap or when I stand or walk or where I walk. Sometimes, if sometimes is possible, I have social anxiety disorder or something that feels like that is described. Part of me worries that I will sleep straight through the graduation ceremony. Another part hopes that I do. I suppose people would be disappointed if I didn't show.
By the time I log on again to check comments the anxiety will likely be a distant memory. Probably. But right now I am sweaty(even though the air is on), my eye is irritated,I can't stop sniffling and I just feel like a bad dude. I guess I just needed somebody to talk to. I could call Donna but the other day I broke my phone cord so calling anyone isn't really an option. (Besides then she'd know that I was still awake; I don't want to get into any trouble.) I was just feeling stressed out and she was totally great, but it was time to say goodnight...and no amount of talking at that point could get me to believe that everything is cool. Maybe I'm just stubborn. It was like she had totally expended all possible "cheer me up" speeches. nothing remained to be spoken. I felt some sort of sad and rushed to say goodnight. So I said it and morosely shut the door and walked as slow as I could into my apartment. I thought about just going over and knocking on her door and saying that I was sorry and that I love her and that yes, I know everything is going to be okay. Still, I just felt the conversation would get nowhere because I still felt stubborn.
So I saved her the aggravation, I guess. I came into my house, got ready for bed and put on So by Peter Gabriel. I made a trade with Jeff tonight and this was what I received. The music carries with it a sort of Simon and Garfunkel quality to it. Like, the innocence and the poetry and what not. Plus, its combined with 80s synthesizer which at least for me creates a sense of optimism. I wanted to listen to the second half but I'm too lazy to see about turning it over. I think I'm going to hit the hay now. Look for me tomorrow, I'll be wearing all black and a baby blue tassel...and some of Jeff's clothes. Well, I have a pair of socks and a tie of his. I have clothes of my own but they were hiding when I looked for them. I need at least three and a half hours of beauty rest...so I better get going. Later.
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