Someone was asking me this question recently. If God decides whether or not we are saved, then do we have free will or not? I found a good article by John Hendryx regarding this. Click here.
I'll try to summarize it later.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
There's no Place Like Home for the Holidays
It's almost 11am. Helen and I have been up for awhile getting ready to go back to Texas. We decided it'd be much easier to come back to Louisville if the house was clean and there was nothing for us to do around the house when we got back. So we've been cleaning and packing and getting ready to go.
We're so excited to come home and we can't wait to spend time with our family and friends. Our flight leaves at 6:20, so keep us in prayer if you read this before then. Adios!
We're so excited to come home and we can't wait to spend time with our family and friends. Our flight leaves at 6:20, so keep us in prayer if you read this before then. Adios!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
First Anniversary Weekend Extravaganza with Pictures
We got back a few hours ago. Helen uploaded the pictures to the computer, so now we can give the full account.
We left Louisville about 10am and arrived in Indianapolis a little after noon. The first place we went was the NCAA Hall of Champions.
We walked in and the first thing we saw was a picture of someone Helen knew...
She was a finalist for NCAA Woman of the Year. So that was funny. The next thing we saw was a statue of an old football formation called the flying wedge. Basically, the ball carrier would get behind these guys who would then smash anyone who got in their way. This led to a ton of injuries and deaths, and it led to the formation of the NCAA.
We also got to visit a half-court replica of a gym from the 1930's. It reminded me of some gyms I played in in high school. Here's some pictures of me shooting and also the first official "Fair Play" clock used in the NCAA. Apparently, there was a discrepancy over how much time was left in games, and this happened a lot. So they decided it would be best to have an official clock that everyone could see.
Some other cool things that we saw were some of John Wooden's "coaching shoes" and a page out of his playbook with his handwriting on it.
We were able to find something about Texas A&M. It was a picture of the Red, White, and Blue Out Game. I was at that game my freshmen year. Unfortunately, this picture was in the corner and covered by a fake tree. So, being good ags, we decided to move the tree in front of another display and leave Aggieland visible.
So A&M did make the Hall of Champions. After this we went back to our hotel and stayed for two hours. This is where I typed the first update. I promised a picture of Helen's funny sleeping position... so here it is...
After she woke up, we walked to the zoo. It was less than a mile and it wasn't too cold.
The above bear is asleep. He was sleeping on his back and snoring. He kept moving around and even put his thumb in his mouth. Pretty funny. We had a good time at the zoo.
After we left the zoo, we went to eat at the Olive Garden. No pictures from that, but we did have a delicious meal. After we ate, we went back to the hotel, got our camera, and went down to Circle Center. They were supposed to have an amazing lights display, but it was false advertisement. They did have a huge tree and downtown was really busy.
After the circle of lights, we went back to the hotel for the night. We woke up in the morning and ate at McDonalds for breakfast. We left about 10 in the morning and got home after noon.
We left Louisville about 10am and arrived in Indianapolis a little after noon. The first place we went was the NCAA Hall of Champions.
We walked in and the first thing we saw was a picture of someone Helen knew...
She was a finalist for NCAA Woman of the Year. So that was funny. The next thing we saw was a statue of an old football formation called the flying wedge. Basically, the ball carrier would get behind these guys who would then smash anyone who got in their way. This led to a ton of injuries and deaths, and it led to the formation of the NCAA.
We also got to visit a half-court replica of a gym from the 1930's. It reminded me of some gyms I played in in high school. Here's some pictures of me shooting and also the first official "Fair Play" clock used in the NCAA. Apparently, there was a discrepancy over how much time was left in games, and this happened a lot. So they decided it would be best to have an official clock that everyone could see.
Some other cool things that we saw were some of John Wooden's "coaching shoes" and a page out of his playbook with his handwriting on it.
We were able to find something about Texas A&M. It was a picture of the Red, White, and Blue Out Game. I was at that game my freshmen year. Unfortunately, this picture was in the corner and covered by a fake tree. So, being good ags, we decided to move the tree in front of another display and leave Aggieland visible.
So A&M did make the Hall of Champions. After this we went back to our hotel and stayed for two hours. This is where I typed the first update. I promised a picture of Helen's funny sleeping position... so here it is...
After she woke up, we walked to the zoo. It was less than a mile and it wasn't too cold.
The above bear is asleep. He was sleeping on his back and snoring. He kept moving around and even put his thumb in his mouth. Pretty funny. We had a good time at the zoo.
After we left the zoo, we went to eat at the Olive Garden. No pictures from that, but we did have a delicious meal. After we ate, we went back to the hotel, got our camera, and went down to Circle Center. They were supposed to have an amazing lights display, but it was false advertisement. They did have a huge tree and downtown was really busy.
After the circle of lights, we went back to the hotel for the night. We woke up in the morning and ate at McDonalds for breakfast. We left about 10 in the morning and got home after noon.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Update on First Annual Extravaganza
I'm writing this from our Marriott Hotel room in Indianapolis, Indiana. Last night Helen and I went to the Actor's Theatre performance of "A Christmas Carol." Unfortunately, flash photography was not allowed, so there won't be any pictures. It was a good show and I was really impressed. We woke up this morning and left from our apartment around 10:15 and headed North on I 65. We got to Indianapolis a little afternoon, checked in to our hotel and then had lunch at Wendy's. Our hotel is in an awesome location. It's right downtown, so we're in walking distance from just about everything.
After lunch, we walked to the NCAA Hall of Champions. It's basically the headquarters and museum of the NCAA. It was pretty interesting. We'll put some pictures up later and give details about what we saw.
As I'm typing this, Helen is asleep on our hotel bed, face down with her feet sticking up in the air. Pretty hilarious. I'll see if I can get a picture in a minute. We didn't bring our cord to put the pictures on our computer, so that won't happen until we get home.
If you would have told me last year that Helen and I would be spending our anniversary in Indianapolis within walking distance from Canseco Field House and RCA Dome, I would have told you that you were crazy. It's weird how much things change in just a few months.
More coming soon!
After lunch, we walked to the NCAA Hall of Champions. It's basically the headquarters and museum of the NCAA. It was pretty interesting. We'll put some pictures up later and give details about what we saw.
As I'm typing this, Helen is asleep on our hotel bed, face down with her feet sticking up in the air. Pretty hilarious. I'll see if I can get a picture in a minute. We didn't bring our cord to put the pictures on our computer, so that won't happen until we get home.
If you would have told me last year that Helen and I would be spending our anniversary in Indianapolis within walking distance from Canseco Field House and RCA Dome, I would have told you that you were crazy. It's weird how much things change in just a few months.
More coming soon!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Anniversary Weekend Extravaganza 2006
On Friday, Helen and I will begin our first annual Anniversary Weekend Extravaganza! As soon as we get back, I'll let you know where we went. Most of it is a surprise, and Helen doesn't know! Yes sir! So look forward to that!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Post UCLA Comments
I said before this week that after these last two games, we would know how good our basketball team is. It's safe to say that our team is up there with the best. Yes we lost both games, but we were in them both and had a chance to win them both.
We got to see how the Ags responded to adversity. They were down in the second half in both and came back and made it a game. I'm proud of their never-quit attitude.
Unfortunately we lost both games. Our offense is stagnant at times, and we need to find a way to get the ball down low. Joseph Jones has got to have some touches early and throughout.
Acie got it going, but he turned the ball over too much and only had four assists. He's got to get back in the groove.
Josh Carter needs to be looking for his shot instead of deferring to Acie so much. I'd also like to see some set plays for him to shoot the ball.
With all that said, I am not the coach (thank goodness). I think BCG knows what's going on better than I do, and I really think we'll be a major contender by the end of the year. We are a top 20 team, if not top 15.
I'm excited about basketball season.
We got to see how the Ags responded to adversity. They were down in the second half in both and came back and made it a game. I'm proud of their never-quit attitude.
Unfortunately we lost both games. Our offense is stagnant at times, and we need to find a way to get the ball down low. Joseph Jones has got to have some touches early and throughout.
Acie got it going, but he turned the ball over too much and only had four assists. He's got to get back in the groove.
Josh Carter needs to be looking for his shot instead of deferring to Acie so much. I'd also like to see some set plays for him to shoot the ball.
With all that said, I am not the coach (thank goodness). I think BCG knows what's going on better than I do, and I really think we'll be a major contender by the end of the year. We are a top 20 team, if not top 15.
I'm excited about basketball season.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Things I noticed from last night's LSU game
1. Chants of "overrated" were incredibly accurate. There's no way our team is the 6th best in the country right now. We're good, but that ranking is too high.
2. Our offense becomes stagnant too often. Acie needs to take control, and he was nowhere to be found last night.
3. We foul too much. We get a lot of questionable calls, but if you look at it from the officials perspective... we foul a lot, so if it's close, we probably did it. The officials were terrible last night. We got homered big time, even the TV announcers mentioned that at least twice.
4. We have a lot of young players, so the future looks bright, even though we lose Joseph Jones and Acie Law next year. I was excited to see them play. Of course they make costly mistakes, but they will be great players for us.
5. We lost for these reasons (in no particular order):
a. We got homered. Our guys got so cheap calls early and had to sit. Then they were in foul trouble and weren't allowed to guard that fat tub of lard. That put us in the hole early. They treated Davis like he was Jordan, and he got every single call.
b. We couldn't throw it in the ocean. Our shooting percentage was below 40% which is pathetic.
c. We didn't get the breaks when we needed them. Sometimes it just comes down to which way the ball falls. For example, at the end of the game, we were down six and it was LSU's ball. We forced a terrible pass, it bounced off of two of our guys and landed in that fat guy's hands right under the basket.
The best thing about college basketball is that one loss doesn't kill you. This was good for our guys. A hostile environment. Tough calls. Tough shooting night. And played with another top 10 program. We played awful and had a chance to win at the end. I'm excited about things to come.
2. Our offense becomes stagnant too often. Acie needs to take control, and he was nowhere to be found last night.
3. We foul too much. We get a lot of questionable calls, but if you look at it from the officials perspective... we foul a lot, so if it's close, we probably did it. The officials were terrible last night. We got homered big time, even the TV announcers mentioned that at least twice.
4. We have a lot of young players, so the future looks bright, even though we lose Joseph Jones and Acie Law next year. I was excited to see them play. Of course they make costly mistakes, but they will be great players for us.
5. We lost for these reasons (in no particular order):
a. We got homered. Our guys got so cheap calls early and had to sit. Then they were in foul trouble and weren't allowed to guard that fat tub of lard. That put us in the hole early. They treated Davis like he was Jordan, and he got every single call.
b. We couldn't throw it in the ocean. Our shooting percentage was below 40% which is pathetic.
c. We didn't get the breaks when we needed them. Sometimes it just comes down to which way the ball falls. For example, at the end of the game, we were down six and it was LSU's ball. We forced a terrible pass, it bounced off of two of our guys and landed in that fat guy's hands right under the basket.
The best thing about college basketball is that one loss doesn't kill you. This was good for our guys. A hostile environment. Tough calls. Tough shooting night. And played with another top 10 program. We played awful and had a chance to win at the end. I'm excited about things to come.
The Job Hunt Continues
I've interviewed for a few jobs so far. Here's what has turned out:
First, churches that are looking for worship leaders are looking for someone to lead their choir. I've known all along that would hinder me, it's just becoming incredibly obvious now. I have nothing against choirs, I just am unable to lead them in the way they need to be led.
Second, I've interviewed for two tutoring positions. These jobs fluctuate, which should have been obvious also. People sign their kids up to be tutored, then a few weeks later they may take them out. Hours in tutoring cannot be guaranteed.
Third, the more I interview, the more confidence I gain. I feel more in control now that I've interviewed for several jobs.
Fourth, the more I put things in perspective, the more confidence I gain. If I truly believe God has a plan and He will take care of us, I can be confident in interviews, not worrying that I will say the wrong things or not say the right things. I can rest in knowing He's in control.
So here's what I'm looking at. I am one of two people being considered to lead worship at Grace Community Baptist Church in Louisville. It seems like a good situation, and I really like the pastor. So I'm waiting to hear from them. They meet on Wednesdays, so maybe I'll hear today.
I am supposed to return a phone call to Educational Resources this morning. I interviewed there a couple of weeks ago, so I'm anticipating that I may have a job there. That would be a good situation as well.
Updates are coming soon, hopefully.
First, churches that are looking for worship leaders are looking for someone to lead their choir. I've known all along that would hinder me, it's just becoming incredibly obvious now. I have nothing against choirs, I just am unable to lead them in the way they need to be led.
Second, I've interviewed for two tutoring positions. These jobs fluctuate, which should have been obvious also. People sign their kids up to be tutored, then a few weeks later they may take them out. Hours in tutoring cannot be guaranteed.
Third, the more I interview, the more confidence I gain. I feel more in control now that I've interviewed for several jobs.
Fourth, the more I put things in perspective, the more confidence I gain. If I truly believe God has a plan and He will take care of us, I can be confident in interviews, not worrying that I will say the wrong things or not say the right things. I can rest in knowing He's in control.
So here's what I'm looking at. I am one of two people being considered to lead worship at Grace Community Baptist Church in Louisville. It seems like a good situation, and I really like the pastor. So I'm waiting to hear from them. They meet on Wednesdays, so maybe I'll hear today.
I am supposed to return a phone call to Educational Resources this morning. I interviewed there a couple of weeks ago, so I'm anticipating that I may have a job there. That would be a good situation as well.
Updates are coming soon, hopefully.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Why we will beat Cal...
Distinguished Cal alumni... she bangs! she bangs!
ps. borrowed this from someone else, i'm not this witty.
william hung
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Semester Over
I took my last final today. It was an essay test, but I was pretty well prepared. We'll see if Dr. Ware thinks the same way.
I suppose now I can start working on my January Term stuff. I'll be taking a four day course on the Psalms. It should be pretty good and interesting. We'll see how it goes.
Christmas is coming....
I suppose now I can start working on my January Term stuff. I'll be taking a four day course on the Psalms. It should be pretty good and interesting. We'll see how it goes.
Christmas is coming....
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Found this gem online today
(note: edited for content)
For those people who thought cart mccoy could be considered for the heisman... (yes, I have heard it from some sips).
Passing
McGee 2118 yards this year
McCoy 2262
Rushing
McGee 635
McCoy 167
Receiving
McGee 1 (completed a pass to himself)
McCoy 0
Total
McGee 2765
McCoy 2429
Punting
McGee 2 punts for 57 yards, 1 touchback and one pin inside the 1 yard line.
McCoy 0 punts 0 yards
Cries like a little baby on television
McGee 0
McCoy 2 (1 on national TV)
For those people who thought cart mccoy could be considered for the heisman... (yes, I have heard it from some sips).
Passing
McGee 2118 yards this year
McCoy 2262
Rushing
McGee 635
McCoy 167
Receiving
McGee 1 (completed a pass to himself)
McCoy 0
Total
McGee 2765
McCoy 2429
Punting
McGee 2 punts for 57 yards, 1 touchback and one pin inside the 1 yard line.
McCoy 0 punts 0 yards
Cries like a little baby on television
McGee 0
McCoy 2 (1 on national TV)
Monday, November 27, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Friday, November 24, 2006
Our First Snow
We woke up to this a few mornings ago... we're not in Texas anymore...
man, I should be a hand model. Maybe I'll give George Costanza a ring.
man, I should be a hand model. Maybe I'll give George Costanza a ring.
The Adventure of the Leaning Christmas Tree
Today we woke up around 9 and went to Lowe's to buy a Christmas tree. We don't have room in our house to store a fake one, so we have to buy live. Plus, Helen really likes the smell of a live tree. I do too, but Helen really does.
Anyway, we get to Lowe's and look around for the perfect tree. It was cold and there were tons of trees. We were looking through the $20 price range, and we found a great one.
We carried it to the people who worked there and they trimmed and baled it. The only problem is they cut it too short, which would cause problems later.
We put it in the truck, and instead of tying it down well, I decided I'd drive really slow. After an uneventful trip home (no flying trees or anything) we dragged the baled tree to the top of our stairs.
Anyway, we get to Lowe's and look around for the perfect tree. It was cold and there were tons of trees. We were looking through the $20 price range, and we found a great one.
We carried it to the people who worked there and they trimmed and baled it. The only problem is they cut it too short, which would cause problems later.
We put it in the truck, and instead of tying it down well, I decided I'd drive really slow. After an uneventful trip home (no flying trees or anything) we dragged the baled tree to the top of our stairs.
Once we got it inside, we set it up in the stand. As it turns out, the guys at Lowe's trimmed the bottom too short, and it wouldn't sit all the way down in the stand. So we had a leaning problem.
So very patiently and intelligently, we decided to use our bolt cutters to trim the bottom of the tree. You see, the branches at the bottom were thick, and we had nothing else. So we trimmed and trimmed and trimmed. But the tree just wouldn't sit right. So I got out the pliers and tightened those bolts down, hoping that the tree would finally give in to our persistence.
Eventually we won the struggle and the tree sits in our living room.
The next thing we had to was decorate it. It didn't take long, seeing as we don't have many ornaments. (Don't worry, this wasn't something we were disappointed about. Remember, the more you put on, the more you have to take off.) So we decorated the tree and prepared ourselves to watch the aggies BTHO tu.
Wouldn't you know it? during the game, the tree begins to lean... and not slighlty. So what did I do? I got out my pliers and tightened that bad boy down even more. The tree hasn't fallen yet, and the aggies prevailed against the dark side, 12-7.
Thanksgiving Feast picture
This was our first Thanksgiving together. Let's see...
It was our first time to cook a turkey, it didn't turn out too bad. I made a ton of mashed potatoes (which Brett has already almost finished off), some green bean casserole, corn, gravy, rolls, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes. And Brett bought some sparkling grape juice and brought out our chalices from our wedding. :-)
And, for the first time we used our fancy napkins that we got for our wedding!
Later that day the Bethancourts came over to hang out and eat some leftovers with us. It was a pretty good day. But, I agree with Brett, it definitely wasn't the same as being around our family! We're looking forward to Christmas for that reason.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Thanksgiving
Helen and I stayed in Louisville for Thanksgiving. We had a couple of invitations to eat with some people, but we chose to stay home and have our own Thanksgiving. Helen made a delicious Turkey Feast... with my favorite, mashed potatoes. We watched a movie or two, played cards, and watched the Cowboys massacre Tampa Bay. It has been a good day.
We miss home. I missed being made fun of for using ketchup with my turkey. (Helen's used to it by now. In fact, I think I've brought her over to the dark side.) I missed seeing all of my family act goofy. It wasn't the same this year. I suppose that's part of getting older. Not everything can stay the same all the time. Being away makes you appreciate things so much more, and it makes you realize how much you love your family. We're thankful for them, that's for sure.
Pictures are coming of our feast. (yes, we took pictures of our first thanksgiving.)
And one more day until the Aggies beat the ever livin, ever lovin, compound, complex, fightin' texas aggie 12th man, fightin' texas aggie stephen mcgee, fightin' texas aggie class of 2005 hell out of tu!!!!
brett
We miss home. I missed being made fun of for using ketchup with my turkey. (Helen's used to it by now. In fact, I think I've brought her over to the dark side.) I missed seeing all of my family act goofy. It wasn't the same this year. I suppose that's part of getting older. Not everything can stay the same all the time. Being away makes you appreciate things so much more, and it makes you realize how much you love your family. We're thankful for them, that's for sure.
Pictures are coming of our feast. (yes, we took pictures of our first thanksgiving.)
And one more day until the Aggies beat the ever livin, ever lovin, compound, complex, fightin' texas aggie 12th man, fightin' texas aggie stephen mcgee, fightin' texas aggie class of 2005 hell out of tu!!!!
brett
Friday, November 17, 2006
Job Hunt
I've been looking for a new job the last couple of weeks. FBC did some restructuring of staff, and decided my position would be a part of another full time position for which they've already called someone (or are about to call them). So, I need another part time job.
I've dropped some resumes, and honestly I'm realizing what a good job I've had the last few months. I've not found anything to match the hours and the pay and the actual job description.
I've looked into secular jobs as well. Tutoring, childcare, etc. I refuse to give in to the UPS machine here, though it seems like that might be the easiest route. I'd rather not have to choose between school, sleep, and time with Helen. So that's a no to UPS.
I've had an interview or two, and what churches are looking for are a more traditional worship leader. Not only is that something I don't want to do, it's also something I can't do. I don't know the first thing about leading a choir.
If you have any ideas or tips, send 'em my way! I have until December 31 at my current job, and then after that... yikes! The good news is that the Lord has always provided for me, and He's never given me a reason to worry about that. I've gone through about 3 years of money being tight and having to find the perfect job. It's always worked out fine.
Praise to the Lord who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth
Shelters thee under his wings, yea, so gently sustaineth
Hast thou not seen how thy desire e'er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
I've dropped some resumes, and honestly I'm realizing what a good job I've had the last few months. I've not found anything to match the hours and the pay and the actual job description.
I've looked into secular jobs as well. Tutoring, childcare, etc. I refuse to give in to the UPS machine here, though it seems like that might be the easiest route. I'd rather not have to choose between school, sleep, and time with Helen. So that's a no to UPS.
I've had an interview or two, and what churches are looking for are a more traditional worship leader. Not only is that something I don't want to do, it's also something I can't do. I don't know the first thing about leading a choir.
If you have any ideas or tips, send 'em my way! I have until December 31 at my current job, and then after that... yikes! The good news is that the Lord has always provided for me, and He's never given me a reason to worry about that. I've gone through about 3 years of money being tight and having to find the perfect job. It's always worked out fine.
Praise to the Lord who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth
Shelters thee under his wings, yea, so gently sustaineth
Hast thou not seen how thy desire e'er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Insults flying from Austin to College Station
this classy article can be found here
let me know what you think...
COMMENTARY: JOHN KELSO
Hullabaloo, kaboom kaboom: Aggie president takes over Defense Department
Sunday, November 12, 2006
If you hear a lot of bleating in the distance coming from the east, it's because the sheep in Iraq are nervous today. Why? Because President Bush has picked an Aggie big shot to serve as this nation's Defense secretary.
If asked to step into that ticklish position, most normal people would have told Bush to go chase himself. But Aggies aren't normal people. Aggies are the kind of folks who rise to the challenge. Only an Aggie would be, uh, foolhardy enough to accept this unpopular and difficult job.
So you've got to admire the guts of Robert Gates, who expects to step down as Texas A&M president to take over for Donald Rumsfeld, whose main duty had become traveling about the country so that people could holler insults at him from across the room. What was Gates thinking? Boy, is he in for it. If he thought the Army game was tough, wait till he has to deal with the Mahdi Army.
On the other hand, Corps of Cadets, Abu Ghraib: What's the difference?
Not that I'm saying Gates getting the head Defense job is a bad thing. Aggies and defense go hand and hand. Before Dennis Franchione came along, A&M had one.
Gates served as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency before he moved to Bryan-College Station in 2002 to become the head of the, uh, Central Unintelligence Agency.
Some people think that the way to handle the Iraq problem would be to divide up the country and give equal chunks of land to the Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites. With an Aggie running the show, the fix might be to build a large bonfire and stick an outhouse on top.
Now, many may wonder if an Aggie leader is intellectually capable of dealing with the Iraqi situation, since most A&M graduates think Kurd has something to do with cheese. And, let's face it, putting an Aggie in charge of the war in Iraq could lead to the stockpiling of pitchforks and cloning the occasional companion animal.
But the job is a natural fit for Gates. Basically, A&M president and Defense secretary are the same darned position. When you're the head honcho at A&M, you're dealing with guys in burr haircuts, men who march and dudes who can really shine the heck out of a pair of shoes. When you're the boss at the Defense Department, you're dealing with guys in burr haircuts, men who march and dudes who can really shine the heck out of a pair of shoes. Plus, either job is a good one if you get the itch to make somebody drop and give you 20.
So Gates should love his new gig. And, you know, the restaurants in the Green Zone can't be a lot worse than the dining options in Bryan-College Station. Although I doubt if the Green Zone has a Dixie Chicken.
There are a lot of intellectual reasons why it's a good idea to have an Aggie in a spot that could reshape world history. A university where lofty thoughts are commonplace, A&M is the place where cutting-edge vegetable scientists developed the maroon carrot.
Plus, Aggies understand tribal hatred. I think most of them feel about the Teasips the way the Sunnis feel about the Shiites. So Robert Gates, get after it. You da man. Gig 'em.
John Kelso's column appears on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Contact him at 445-3606 or jkelso@statesman.com.
let me know what you think...
COMMENTARY: JOHN KELSO
Hullabaloo, kaboom kaboom: Aggie president takes over Defense Department
Sunday, November 12, 2006
If you hear a lot of bleating in the distance coming from the east, it's because the sheep in Iraq are nervous today. Why? Because President Bush has picked an Aggie big shot to serve as this nation's Defense secretary.
If asked to step into that ticklish position, most normal people would have told Bush to go chase himself. But Aggies aren't normal people. Aggies are the kind of folks who rise to the challenge. Only an Aggie would be, uh, foolhardy enough to accept this unpopular and difficult job.
So you've got to admire the guts of Robert Gates, who expects to step down as Texas A&M president to take over for Donald Rumsfeld, whose main duty had become traveling about the country so that people could holler insults at him from across the room. What was Gates thinking? Boy, is he in for it. If he thought the Army game was tough, wait till he has to deal with the Mahdi Army.
On the other hand, Corps of Cadets, Abu Ghraib: What's the difference?
Not that I'm saying Gates getting the head Defense job is a bad thing. Aggies and defense go hand and hand. Before Dennis Franchione came along, A&M had one.
Gates served as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency before he moved to Bryan-College Station in 2002 to become the head of the, uh, Central Unintelligence Agency.
Some people think that the way to handle the Iraq problem would be to divide up the country and give equal chunks of land to the Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites. With an Aggie running the show, the fix might be to build a large bonfire and stick an outhouse on top.
Now, many may wonder if an Aggie leader is intellectually capable of dealing with the Iraqi situation, since most A&M graduates think Kurd has something to do with cheese. And, let's face it, putting an Aggie in charge of the war in Iraq could lead to the stockpiling of pitchforks and cloning the occasional companion animal.
But the job is a natural fit for Gates. Basically, A&M president and Defense secretary are the same darned position. When you're the head honcho at A&M, you're dealing with guys in burr haircuts, men who march and dudes who can really shine the heck out of a pair of shoes. When you're the boss at the Defense Department, you're dealing with guys in burr haircuts, men who march and dudes who can really shine the heck out of a pair of shoes. Plus, either job is a good one if you get the itch to make somebody drop and give you 20.
So Gates should love his new gig. And, you know, the restaurants in the Green Zone can't be a lot worse than the dining options in Bryan-College Station. Although I doubt if the Green Zone has a Dixie Chicken.
There are a lot of intellectual reasons why it's a good idea to have an Aggie in a spot that could reshape world history. A university where lofty thoughts are commonplace, A&M is the place where cutting-edge vegetable scientists developed the maroon carrot.
Plus, Aggies understand tribal hatred. I think most of them feel about the Teasips the way the Sunnis feel about the Shiites. So Robert Gates, get after it. You da man. Gig 'em.
John Kelso's column appears on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Contact him at 445-3606 or jkelso@statesman.com.
Which Bowl game?
So which bowl game will A&M end up in?
The Gator Bowl is looking to steal the top non-BCS Big XII team. Usually that team goes to the Cotton Bowl, and the last five seasons it has been a Big XII south team.
This year, the Gator Bowl is looking to step in and steal one. So here's my prediction on bowl games...
Fiesta-- tu
Gator-- ou
Cotton-- nebraska
Holiday-- Texas A&M
Alamo -- Mizzou
Insight -- texas tech
Texas -- oklahoma state
Independence -- kansas state
personally i think the holiday bowl would be huge for us, especially if we win. we'd probably end up with Cal or USC, and a win there would be huge.
What do you think?
The Gator Bowl is looking to steal the top non-BCS Big XII team. Usually that team goes to the Cotton Bowl, and the last five seasons it has been a Big XII south team.
This year, the Gator Bowl is looking to step in and steal one. So here's my prediction on bowl games...
Fiesta-- tu
Gator-- ou
Cotton-- nebraska
Holiday-- Texas A&M
Alamo -- Mizzou
Insight -- texas tech
Texas -- oklahoma state
Independence -- kansas state
personally i think the holiday bowl would be huge for us, especially if we win. we'd probably end up with Cal or USC, and a win there would be huge.
What do you think?
Friday, November 10, 2006
If College Football Teams Were Simpsons Characters...
I found this blog today. If you pay attention to college football and are familiar with the Simpsons, this will definitely make you laugh.
Click here to read the blog.
Enjoy!
Click here to read the blog.
Enjoy!
Why We Can't Fault the Big East
On the way to work on Mondays and Wednesdays, I listen to a sports talk show on ESPN radio. I think it's called The Big Easy, but I'm not too sure. Anyway, these homers from louisville call in and talk about not getting respect and how they deserve it and blah blah blah. Then, these other homers from Lexington (UK) or other places call and say that Louisville is awful and the Big East is terrible, and blah blah blah. It's a never ending discussion that has dominated this show for the last four weeks. Frankly, how much can you beat a dead horse? Is there nothing else to talk about in the world of sports? But that's not where I'm going with this.
Here's my perspective on the situation. Yes, the Big East seems to be a weak conference. And we'll never know how good these teams are until they actually play a talented team outside their conference. (This is why bowl games are so good.) The truth of the matter is this: we cannot trash louisville or the big east. It is not their fault that the BCS is a joke. I believe the adage is 'don't hate the player, hate the game.' The BCS system is a complete joke, and it makes very little sense that we depend on computers to determine who should play in the national championship game. Here's an idea... PLAYOFFS. (Cue Jim Mora... Playoffs? Are you kidding me? Playoffs?) I won't elaborate on this because I don't want to follow the example of the Big Easy and beat a dead horse. It's been talked about already. Let's just say the current college football postseason is a joke, and it's not the fault of Louisville or the Big East. Unless you want to blame them for just being terrible...
Here's my perspective on the situation. Yes, the Big East seems to be a weak conference. And we'll never know how good these teams are until they actually play a talented team outside their conference. (This is why bowl games are so good.) The truth of the matter is this: we cannot trash louisville or the big east. It is not their fault that the BCS is a joke. I believe the adage is 'don't hate the player, hate the game.' The BCS system is a complete joke, and it makes very little sense that we depend on computers to determine who should play in the national championship game. Here's an idea... PLAYOFFS. (Cue Jim Mora... Playoffs? Are you kidding me? Playoffs?) I won't elaborate on this because I don't want to follow the example of the Big Easy and beat a dead horse. It's been talked about already. Let's just say the current college football postseason is a joke, and it's not the fault of Louisville or the Big East. Unless you want to blame them for just being terrible...
Another Friday, another post
Helen is out of town right now. She left Thursday morning at around 6 am to go to a teacher's conference thing in Dayton, Ohio. So I've been on my own since then. She should be back around 5 pm today, and it can't come soon enough.
I have a week left of classes, and really it's a shell of a week. Some of my classes aren't even meeting, so I can tie up loose ends and those things before the semester runs out. Then we have Thanksgiving week, which means no classes and tons of studying for me. I have two finals the week after Thanksgiving, but I have a week to prepare, so I should be ok.
After finals, I have to start working on the Cooperative Program class that I've put off. I'll have a week or two to read a book, write a summary, watch some lectures, and then take some quizzes. It shouldn't be too difficult, especially since I have no other school responsibilities.
We can't wait for Christmas. In less than a month and a half we'll be on our way back to Texas. It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Well, enough posting. I need to read and also watch Walker Texas Ranger. If you haven't checked out my previous post, you have to.
Brett
I have a week left of classes, and really it's a shell of a week. Some of my classes aren't even meeting, so I can tie up loose ends and those things before the semester runs out. Then we have Thanksgiving week, which means no classes and tons of studying for me. I have two finals the week after Thanksgiving, but I have a week to prepare, so I should be ok.
After finals, I have to start working on the Cooperative Program class that I've put off. I'll have a week or two to read a book, write a summary, watch some lectures, and then take some quizzes. It shouldn't be too difficult, especially since I have no other school responsibilities.
We can't wait for Christmas. In less than a month and a half we'll be on our way back to Texas. It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Well, enough posting. I need to read and also watch Walker Texas Ranger. If you haven't checked out my previous post, you have to.
Brett
Friday, October 27, 2006
Top Ten Reasons Walker Texas Ranger is the Best Show of All Time
I have so much to accomplish in the next few weeks, but I still found time to exhort you to make time to watch Walker Texas Ranger when you have a chance. Best show of all time! Here's the top 10 reasons why.
10. Superior acting
9. Stars Wars-like Special effects
8. Unpredictable and interesting plots
7. Neat and Clean Beards
6. Beating people up at the drop of a hat, for no reason
5. Incredible Moral Lessons like don't mess with a white ninja who is also a texas ranger
4. Referring to everyone by their last name
3. Ninja kicks beat a 9 mm every time
2. Mullets
1.
10. Superior acting
9. Stars Wars-like Special effects
8. Unpredictable and interesting plots
7. Neat and Clean Beards
6. Beating people up at the drop of a hat, for no reason
5. Incredible Moral Lessons like don't mess with a white ninja who is also a texas ranger
4. Referring to everyone by their last name
3. Ninja kicks beat a 9 mm every time
2. Mullets
1.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
The Problem of Evil
Below I've posted my paper... I posted in sections to make it easier to read, and it turns out it's kind of upside down. The first part is at the bottom and the last section is the newest post. I have to be in class in 10 minutes, so I'm not going to fix that. So to read the whole thing, scroll down until you see the beginning and read. Then when you finish that section, go to the next post, and so forth.
Sorry for the confusion.
The first section deals with what the actual problem is. The second section describes a few of the predominate positions. (It's a very limited list.) The next section is the stance I take. The final section is my refutation of two objections posed to my position.
Read it if you dare.
brett
Sorry for the confusion.
The first section deals with what the actual problem is. The second section describes a few of the predominate positions. (It's a very limited list.) The next section is the stance I take. The final section is my refutation of two objections posed to my position.
Read it if you dare.
brett
the problem of evil : objections
Objections
One common objection to the greater good solution is essentially a challenge to the omnipotence and wisdom of God. Schilling argues that many have distorted the doctrine of the providence of God because they believe that God “plans or orders all events, helpful or hurtful to human life.”[1] Surely, Schilling reasons, God “cannot prompt men to violate the highest norms of human conduct to fulfill his hidden purposes.”[2] The most difficult challenge to a solution is that which is supported by Scripture, and Schilling presents a strong case, citing Scriptures like Genesis 18:25 where Abraham asserts, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?”
First, when reflecting upon the omnipotence and the providence of God, one must again remember that God does whatever He pleases. To place limitation on God by saying He cannot act in such a way without consideration of the entirety of Scripture is surely error. For example, in Deuteronomy 32:29 the Lord says “It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded and it is I who heal, and there is none who can deliver out of my hand.” The Lord takes responsibility for killing, and yet has He not forbidden murder? One must remember that all things belong to the Lord, and it is His right as Creator to do with creation as He pleases, whether it is injury or deliverance. We cannot fully understand the means by which our Lord operates, and accordingly He has said through Isaiah, “My ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa 55:9). Thus it is evident that God is separate from humanity, and cannot be held under the same restrictions.
Another challenge issued to the greater good defense is why did God create a world in which humans have the capacity to commit evil? Could not the omnipotent God just dispense with the idea altogether, and then achieve the greater good with a more pleasant means?[3] This question is most aptly answered by Jonathan Edwards. He argues very convincingly that God ordained evil to be so that He might show His eternal attributes more fully. Surely we could not understand goodness if there were no contrast of evil. We would not comprehend His great mercy at all if we did not have the capacity to sin against Him. If there were no evil, God could not fully manifest His glorious grace by which He saves us or His terrible wrath which destines sinners to eternal destruction, and therefore we would have an incomplete understanding of the glory of God. “It is necessary that there should be evil, because the display of the glory of God could not but be imperfect and incomplete without it . . .”[4]
In a similar context, Paul in his letter to the Romans explains the motive of God to create people destined for sin and eternal punishment. Why did God create them at all? Would not it have been better for them to remain non-existent? Paul returns with another question, “What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for
glory . . .” (Rom 9:22-23) Therefore, God has ordained evil into existence and has predestined some for destruction because of that evil so that He might make known more fully “the riches of His glory,” which is His greater good.
It is clear through a careful reading of Scripture that the Lord is omnipotent, omnisapient, and good, and also that there is evil in the world. This does not refute the existence of God, nor do these truths exist together illogically. Scripture clearly teaches that the Lord uses evil for His sovereign, wise, and good purposes, and who are we to question the Almighty?
[3]George N. Schlesinger, “Suffering and Evil,” in Contemporary Philosophy of Religion, ed. Steven M. Cah and David Shatz (New York: Oxford University Press, 1982), 26.
the problem of evil: support (my position)
Support
Because Scripture is God’s revealed Word, it should be the first source consulted when trying to solve the problem of evil. The greater good position seems to be the view that is most supported by and derived from Scripture. It is Scripture, after all, that claims God is omnipotent, omniscient, and good. Furthermore, Scripture clearly teaches that God uses evil to accomplish His own purposes, and is not an innocent bystander or victim of evil, as implied by the free will defense.
First, in view of omnipotence, God “does whatever He pleases.” (Psalm 115:3) Genesis 18:4 and Jeremiah 32:27 both ask the rhetorical question, “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” The obvious answer is recorded in Jeremiah 32:17: “Nothing is too difficult for You.” God accomplishes whatever He wants to accomplish, and nothing is too difficult for Him. He is sovereign over all He has created.[i]
Scripture is also clear with regard to God’s wisdom. Paul declares God to be “the only wise God” in Romans
Not only is God powerful and wise, but He is also good. What a terrible thing it would be to belong to a god who is powerful and wise, and at the same time completely evil! David makes a similar observation about the goodness of God in Psalm 62:11-12 “Power belongs to God; and lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord.” Furthermore, Jesus challenges the rich young ruler in Luke 18:19 by saying, “No one is good except God alone.” Psalm 100:5 praises God saying, “The Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.” David exhorts his people in Psalm 34:8 to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” God’s word is very clear that He is completely sovereign, wise, and good.[iii]
However, Scripture has much to say about God’s involvement with evil. First, God is not evil nor is He the author of evil. James clarifies that “God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone” (James
Even though God does not tempt, cannot be tempted, and evil does not exist in Him, God does use evil to accomplish His purposes. Joseph was despised by his brothers and sold into slavery by them. After a miraculous sequence of events, Joseph makes the bold statements that “It was not you who sent me here, but God,” and later, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen 45:8; 50:20). Clearly God used the evil deeds of Joseph’s brothers to bring about the preservation of humanity.[v]
In the exodus account, the Lord used the wickedness of Pharaoh to display His glory throughout the earth. The Lord tells Moses in Exodus 4:21, “I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.” Paul explains the Lord’s purpose for doing this, in Romans 9:17, “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh ‘for this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth.’” The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart causing him to commit evil so that the Lord might show His power in delivering His people from Pharaoh’s hand.[vi]
While God permits evil through secondary means, the people who commit these evils bear responsibility for them.[vii] The Lord does not incur the guilt of sin, even though He is in control of everything. Job, for example, understood the source of his pain and suffering. Although it was Satan who asked permission to afflict him, Job rightly proclaims, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job
Therefore, all four statements in the problem of evil are absolutely true. God is omnipotent, omniscient, and good, and there is evil in the world. It seems as if the greater good defense is the most scriptural explanation, especially when refined by Frame’s watchful eye. The Lord allows evil so that the greater good may be accomplished. Possibly, it would be better suited to name the perspective “His” greater good defense, supporting the idea that God permits evil inasmuch as He will receive the utmost glory. Humanity may not always recognize God’s greater good as such, but Scripture is clear that God does whatever He pleases and He will be glorified.[ix]
In fact, Christians understand God’s greater good to be their greater good also. Paul comforts Christians: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom
Ultimately, the answer to this question culminates in faith. Scripture teaches that God is sovereign over everything, eternally wise, and infinitely good. It also teaches that God permits and uses evil so that He might be glorified all the more, and He achieves His purposes through the means of evil without incurring any responsibility for being sinful. Much of this seems clear, but there remains a lack of complete understanding. If Scripture is to be trusted, then one must have faith in God with regard to these matters. If a Christian is suffering at the hand of evil, then he must trust that God is using this for His sovereign will, even if it is unclear how. Even a Christian’s own sin and wickedness result in the glory of God as displayed on the cross of Christ. It is so perfectly clear that His grace is shown as glorious as He redeems those who were far off through the blood of His Son (Eph 1:5-6). Further, the dreadful wrath of God is also made painfully clear as He crushes Jesus for our sin.
[i]Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, (
[iv]John Piper, Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist, (Sisters, OR: Mutlnomah Publishers, 2003), 347.
the problem of evil: positions
Positions
Several different belief systems have attempted to solve the problem of evil. Christian-Scientists, Buddhists, and Christians have all weighed in and given answer to this problem. Christian-Scientists deny the reality of evil, while Buddhists have completely removed God from the equation.[i] Several Christians from different denominations and time periods have submitted very different answers, including the privation theory, the greater good position, and the free will defense.[ii]
In order to dismiss the apparent contradiction, Christian-Scientists and Buddhists challenge the validity of different pieces of the question. Christian-Scientists, such as their founder Mary Baker Eddy, claim that evil does not exist.[iii] She claims that what God created was good, and thus He did not create evil. Therefore, evil is an illusion and is reduced to only erroneous ideas.[iv]
Buddhists challenge God’s omnipotence, claiming that evil in the world is directly related to our karma or deeds.[v] In their view, God is not involved and He is not able to change the circumstances in which a person might find themselves. This very closely resembles the thinking of the disciples in John 9 when they ask, “Who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?” Their assumption was that blindness had to be a result of someone’s deeds. One way, therefore, to solve the problem of evil is to simply deny the soundness of one of the four truths stated in the problem and thereby reject the existence of the God of the Bible and the reality in which humans exist.
Similarly, some Christians argue that evil exists, but only as privation. While supporters of this position such as Etienne Gilson and Augustine will defend the existence of evil, they will also reduce evil to a mere defect or lack of goodness.[vi] According to Gilson, humans and angels have the ability to fight against this tendency to return to their original lack-of-goodness state and refrain from evil since it exists only through the will.[vii] God is not responsible for evil in this view because He passively permits and does not actively cause it.[viii] Gilson claims that God cannot keep people from regressing back into nothingness because evil is the result of the will of the created sentient, not the will of God.[ix] Similar to Christian-Science, this view describes evil as an almost non-being and casts the burden on human defect.
Others, however, have sought to answer the problem of evil as it is, without dismissing the reality of evil, and also affirming the other three attributes of God. One of these views is known as the greater good defense. In this perspective, “the presence or at least the possibility of evil in the world is good, when seen from a broader perspective.”[x] The greater good defense claims that God brings good out of evil, and so He permits it that He might bring out a greater good. This view varies somewhat in its specifics, but the most commonly held position is that of the free will defense. Proponents of this position, such as Richard Swinburne and S. Paul Schilling, claim that God has granted humans the power to choose to do good or evil, and that God has taken a calculated risk in order to gain satisfaction when good is done freely.[xi] God, they argue, “thinks the higher goods so worthwhile that he is prepared to ask a lot of man in the way of enduring evil.”[xii] In view of the incarnation, the free will defense claims that God joined humanity in the struggle, that He might share the “burden of suffering.”[xiii] God cannot cause nor can He prompt humans to transgress the laws which He has established in order to accomplish His will.[xiv]
In another perspective, John Frame refines the greater good defense and concludes differently. He claims that the greater good should be viewed “not as greater pleasure or comfort for us, but as greater glory for God.”[xv] The broader perspective with which we must view circumstances must include all of human history, from the beginning of time to Christ’s return. Human perspective from only the current time period may not be sufficient to understand the greater good of God’s purposes. Frame also notes that God may not always accomplish His purposes in the way humans think He ought, and the attempts to understand His ways must be surrounded with and preceded by faith in His power, wisdom, and goodness.[xvi]
[iii]Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, (Boston, MA: The First church of Christ, Scientist, 1994), 470.
[v]Buddhism in Translation, Vol. III of Harvard Oriental Series. Edited by Charles Rockwell Lanman. Translated by Henry Clarke Warren (Cambridgeg, MA: Harvard University Press, 1896), 209.
[xi]Richard Swinburne, “The Problem of Evil,” in Contemorary Phiosophy of Religion, ed. Steven M. Cahn and David Shatz (New York: Oxford University Press, 1982), 6.
The problem of evil: the issue
The Issue
In an attempt to dismantle the notion of a God-reality, atheistic philosophers have crafted seemingly unanswerable quandaries aimed at destroying theism. One of these predicaments is the so-called problem of evil.[i] The logic follows as such: If God is omnipotent, omnisapient, and infinitely good, then why is there evil in the world that He created? If God were all-powerful and wise, then He must not be good because there is obviously evil present in the world. Further, if God were wise and good, then He must not be omnipotent. This question rests upon a couple of presuppositions. First, this problem apparently refers to the God of the Bible because the God of the Bible is omnipotent, wise, and good.[ii] As soon as one of these three attributes is denied, the God of the Bible is not in view, and the best means to defend the God of the Bible is through His revealed Word. Second, the problem assumes that if the human mind cannot comprehend the existence of these seemingly contradictory circumstances, then God, especially the God of the Bible, must not exist, and there is no room for faith or a simple lack of understanding. Believers, challenged with a valid question from unbelievers, must give valid and earnest attention to this question, reasoning with them so that this hindrance to saving faith might be removed by God’s grace.
Walking in Winter Wonderland in October
No, it's not snowing. But to me this is December weather to me. The leaves are absolutely incredible, you guys in Texas have no idea. Helen says it's like something out of a movie. I'll try to post some of the pictures once we get them off Helen's camera.
Today I'm turning in my paper on the problem of evil, so that means i'll post it here for those of you who are interested. I'll post it one part at a time, that will it will seem like a shorter read.
These next four weeks are huge for me. I'll be reading like crazy, and trying to cram in every bit of Hebrew into my brain. But once the mad dash is over, it's thanksgiving and time to study for finals.
Soon,
Brett
PS it wouldn't be a proper post if I didn't mention football... thank you Red Bryant, and blast you that Nebraska guy who can't hang on to the football. And BENCH drew bledsoe!
Today I'm turning in my paper on the problem of evil, so that means i'll post it here for those of you who are interested. I'll post it one part at a time, that will it will seem like a shorter read.
These next four weeks are huge for me. I'll be reading like crazy, and trying to cram in every bit of Hebrew into my brain. But once the mad dash is over, it's thanksgiving and time to study for finals.
Soon,
Brett
PS it wouldn't be a proper post if I didn't mention football... thank you Red Bryant, and blast you that Nebraska guy who can't hang on to the football. And BENCH drew bledsoe!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Well, we're definitely not in Texas
Who knew it could be this cold in October? I remember going to an Aggie game at the end of October one year and I got sun burned and almost passed out because it was so hot. We're going to get a frost tonight, and it's only the beginning of October.
On the plus side, we're starting to get some leaves that are turning. We'll get some pictures up soon, hopefully.
Everyone keeps asking for Helen to post... well, i've been trying, but she insists that I'm way too good at it, and it would be a crime to prevent me from rambling. I'll keep nagging her, and we'll see what the outcome is.
Scott and Aurelie and their daughter are coming to visit this weekend. They're coming in on Saturday and leaving Wednesday. Helen will be on fall break, and I'll be in school. woohoo.
To update you on my fall break... Yes, I did finish my paper. I need Helen to read it to make sure it makes sense, and I seriously doubt that is something she was looking forward to doing on her fall break. So as soon as she assures me that it makes sense, and as soon as I get it turned in, i'll post it for those of you who are interested. (I'll wait until after I turn it in, that way if someone finds flaws in my logic it will be too late for me to mess with it. I've done all the writing I will do on the paper.)
I spent some time reading The Reformed Pastor by Puritan Richard Baxter. It's a great read for anyone, not just pastors. If you've never read the Puritans before, realize that they habitually write in page-long run-on sentences, and the language arts teacher in me shudders constantly.
If you are interested, one of the best and most famous Puritan writers is Jonathan Edwards. Being a Puritan and a genius, he is difficult to read. But he gives insight to some of the most difficult passages of Scripture and philosophical dilemmas. I used him on my paper on the problem of evil, and he has influenced many of the great contemporary theological thinkers (i.e. John Piper.)
One of the most famous sermons of Edwards is Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. We read it in high school, and if it does not stir you unto repentence, I'm not sure what will. Read it if you dare.
In other news, did I mention it's cold outside? I have to get back to studying, so until next time!
On the plus side, we're starting to get some leaves that are turning. We'll get some pictures up soon, hopefully.
Everyone keeps asking for Helen to post... well, i've been trying, but she insists that I'm way too good at it, and it would be a crime to prevent me from rambling. I'll keep nagging her, and we'll see what the outcome is.
Scott and Aurelie and their daughter are coming to visit this weekend. They're coming in on Saturday and leaving Wednesday. Helen will be on fall break, and I'll be in school. woohoo.
To update you on my fall break... Yes, I did finish my paper. I need Helen to read it to make sure it makes sense, and I seriously doubt that is something she was looking forward to doing on her fall break. So as soon as she assures me that it makes sense, and as soon as I get it turned in, i'll post it for those of you who are interested. (I'll wait until after I turn it in, that way if someone finds flaws in my logic it will be too late for me to mess with it. I've done all the writing I will do on the paper.)
I spent some time reading The Reformed Pastor by Puritan Richard Baxter. It's a great read for anyone, not just pastors. If you've never read the Puritans before, realize that they habitually write in page-long run-on sentences, and the language arts teacher in me shudders constantly.
If you are interested, one of the best and most famous Puritan writers is Jonathan Edwards. Being a Puritan and a genius, he is difficult to read. But he gives insight to some of the most difficult passages of Scripture and philosophical dilemmas. I used him on my paper on the problem of evil, and he has influenced many of the great contemporary theological thinkers (i.e. John Piper.)
One of the most famous sermons of Edwards is Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. We read it in high school, and if it does not stir you unto repentence, I'm not sure what will. Read it if you dare.
In other news, did I mention it's cold outside? I have to get back to studying, so until next time!
Friday, September 29, 2006
It's fall break time!
I've been on fall "break" for about 5 hours so far. Here are the things I have to accomplish before the "break" is over.
#1. Rest. If I can find time to do it, I'm going to take advantage.
#2. I have to start and finish a paper for Systematic Theology. I think I'm going to write it on the different views on the problem of evil. I spent an hour in the library today looking for books, and I've found some great stuff. Obviously, Augustine, Jonathan Edwards, John Frame, and Wayne Grudem will take one side of the debate. I found some Christian Science literature that will take another side, basically arguing that evil is an illusion and does not really exist (okey dokey?), and then Buddhism/hinduism/brahamanism (?) will be another side. I found a Harvard translation of Buddhist literature, and they basically argue that evil is a result of karma (deeds). So if evil happens to you, it's because of something you've done. God has very little to do with it. So I'll be working on that all week.
#3 I need to read at least half of Spurgeon's Lectures to My Students. It's a great book filled with great advice for ministers. It's just a lot of difficult reading. If I'm productive I'll get about half of it read.
#4 I won't forget my Hebrew. I don't have any assignments over the break, which is probably more harmful than anything. My best intentions are to continue to drill and review over the "break" but we'll see how that goes. If I don't do anything, it's going to be ugly when we have to go back.
#5 Celebrate the Fightin' Texas Aggie butt kicking we put on tceh (see a few posts down). Yes, finally, I have included my token friday college football plug. The game is on regional coverage by ABC. Which means if you're in non-Big XII states (like me) you'll have to find someone with ESPN gameplan to catch the game. I'll either be at the Kentucky A&M Club gathering, Buffalo Wild Wings on Shelbyville Rd, or sitting in front of my computer watching it on Gameplan for $22. If our defense shows up, we'll win by two touchdowns. If we play normally, who knows what will happen...
It's the biggest game for the A&M program since the Cotton Bowl in 2004... we all know how that turned out! yikes!
BTHOtt!!!!
#1. Rest. If I can find time to do it, I'm going to take advantage.
#2. I have to start and finish a paper for Systematic Theology. I think I'm going to write it on the different views on the problem of evil. I spent an hour in the library today looking for books, and I've found some great stuff. Obviously, Augustine, Jonathan Edwards, John Frame, and Wayne Grudem will take one side of the debate. I found some Christian Science literature that will take another side, basically arguing that evil is an illusion and does not really exist (okey dokey?), and then Buddhism/hinduism/brahamanism (?) will be another side. I found a Harvard translation of Buddhist literature, and they basically argue that evil is a result of karma (deeds). So if evil happens to you, it's because of something you've done. God has very little to do with it. So I'll be working on that all week.
#3 I need to read at least half of Spurgeon's Lectures to My Students. It's a great book filled with great advice for ministers. It's just a lot of difficult reading. If I'm productive I'll get about half of it read.
#4 I won't forget my Hebrew. I don't have any assignments over the break, which is probably more harmful than anything. My best intentions are to continue to drill and review over the "break" but we'll see how that goes. If I don't do anything, it's going to be ugly when we have to go back.
#5 Celebrate the Fightin' Texas Aggie butt kicking we put on tceh (see a few posts down). Yes, finally, I have included my token friday college football plug. The game is on regional coverage by ABC. Which means if you're in non-Big XII states (like me) you'll have to find someone with ESPN gameplan to catch the game. I'll either be at the Kentucky A&M Club gathering, Buffalo Wild Wings on Shelbyville Rd, or sitting in front of my computer watching it on Gameplan for $22. If our defense shows up, we'll win by two touchdowns. If we play normally, who knows what will happen...
It's the biggest game for the A&M program since the Cotton Bowl in 2004... we all know how that turned out! yikes!
BTHOtt!!!!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
There is a fountain
Today in chapel, a couple of people sang a beautiful hymn called "There is a fountain." I must have heard it before because it sounded so familiar, but I can't really remember the last time I heard it. I'll publish two of the verses here. I will be playing this song at WOW (worship on wednesdays... not a theogically sound name, i know) very soon.
There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Immanuel's veins
And sinners plunged beneath the flood
Lose all their guilty stains
E'er since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply
Redeeming love has been theme
And shall be 'til I die
There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Immanuel's veins
And sinners plunged beneath the flood
Lose all their guilty stains
E'er since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply
Redeeming love has been theme
And shall be 'til I die
Friday, September 22, 2006
Another Friday and What I will not discuss
Another friday and another post. It couldn't get any better than this. There are many things upon which I might rant and rave, and there are other things upon which I might humbly comment.
I've resolved not to talk about the debacle that occurred in San Antonio last weekend. I promise I won't draw the parallel between an unnamed coach not going for two last year against Clemson and subsequently losing by one point on a last second field goal, and this year going for it on fourth and inches on your own 30 with two minutes to go with a four point lead and practically asking to lose the game...... (how many prepositions can you fit in one sentence?)
I've resolved not to talk about how if we do lose to LA Tech this weekend, I may be forced to actually follow the NFL this year. And I surely won't talk about what texas tceh (i know it seems as if i spelled tceh wrong, but turns out, i was spelling it wrong my whole life... check out the classic non-photoshopped pic at the end of this post) might do to us next weekend because our linebackers are soft and our defensive backs play scared.
Please people, there are more things going on in this world than college football. For example, my mom and wife and grandparets and health teacher and everyone has always told me that spinach is good for you. They tried to explain (unconvincingly) "Come on! It's not going to kill you!" Well, as it turns out, I was right all along.
Helen and I are ready for a break. Luckily, in Kentucky, they have these things called "fall breaks." What an invention! I remember at A&M we got out of school for MLK, Thanksgiving, that "non-religious" friday right before that "non-religious" Sunday in the Spring somehow affiliated with pastels and a giant rabbit, and also Spring Break. Rain or shine, electricity or no electricity, we even went the afternoon of September 11, 2001. But we do get a fall break here, and we're excited. Unfortunately, our fall breaks are not the same week in October, which means I'll be researching and writing a position paper during mine... Helen's will be more eventful because the Magnusons will be coming to visit and we are so excited about that too!
Sooner or later, I will comment on some things of some worth, but until then, please enjoy the aforementioned ITT tceh picture.
Until next time.... keep on keepin on.
I've resolved not to talk about the debacle that occurred in San Antonio last weekend. I promise I won't draw the parallel between an unnamed coach not going for two last year against Clemson and subsequently losing by one point on a last second field goal, and this year going for it on fourth and inches on your own 30 with two minutes to go with a four point lead and practically asking to lose the game...... (how many prepositions can you fit in one sentence?)
I've resolved not to talk about how if we do lose to LA Tech this weekend, I may be forced to actually follow the NFL this year. And I surely won't talk about what texas tceh (i know it seems as if i spelled tceh wrong, but turns out, i was spelling it wrong my whole life... check out the classic non-photoshopped pic at the end of this post) might do to us next weekend because our linebackers are soft and our defensive backs play scared.
Please people, there are more things going on in this world than college football. For example, my mom and wife and grandparets and health teacher and everyone has always told me that spinach is good for you. They tried to explain (unconvincingly) "Come on! It's not going to kill you!" Well, as it turns out, I was right all along.
Helen and I are ready for a break. Luckily, in Kentucky, they have these things called "fall breaks." What an invention! I remember at A&M we got out of school for MLK, Thanksgiving, that "non-religious" friday right before that "non-religious" Sunday in the Spring somehow affiliated with pastels and a giant rabbit, and also Spring Break. Rain or shine, electricity or no electricity, we even went the afternoon of September 11, 2001. But we do get a fall break here, and we're excited. Unfortunately, our fall breaks are not the same week in October, which means I'll be researching and writing a position paper during mine... Helen's will be more eventful because the Magnusons will be coming to visit and we are so excited about that too!
Sooner or later, I will comment on some things of some worth, but until then, please enjoy the aforementioned ITT tceh picture.
Until next time.... keep on keepin on.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
the new clock rules
First, let me say that I love college football. This is a great time of year, and it gets better when we get into conference play and perennial powerhouses actually play real teams instead of high schools. (yes I realize last week #1 and #2 played... although #2 hardly looked like #2, thanks and gig 'em... but that is the exception rather than the rule.
All that to say, September, October, November and December are good months for TV on saturday. But there is something I must speak against. Of all the things lacking in college football, the NCAA picked one of the least important to fix. They could have decided that it is ridiculous to have a math formula determine who plays in the national championship, and decided to create an eight team playoff whereby the national champion would be determined. It works in high school, I-AA, the NFL.......... why can't it work in Division I-A? (I think it has to do with money, bowls, and sponsorships, but I can't put my finger on it.)
Or what about car dealerships (allegedly) paying players (allegedly) truckloads of money for (allegedly) very little work? maybe the NCAA could spend some time investigating that? (Rhett and bob... i'm looking in your direction)
No, the NCAA decided theyd throw us all a curveball. I know, let's completely ruin everyone's end of game strategy by messing with the change of possession clock rules. In case you haven't heard, the clock now starts on the whistle after a punt or other change of possession. also, the clock now starts when the ball is kicked on kickoffs, rather than when the ball makes contact. Why? With regard to football, I can't figure it out. But I do know this. TV wants nice little 3 hour packages so they can play afternoon blockbusters (allegedly) with no name actors that no one cares about.
So, I found this little website that you can use if you are as opposed to this as I am.
Sign this petition at www.wehatethenewclockrules.com and blog about it. Because that's about all we can do, since the NCAA is a dark overlord who will not be challenged.
That's it. I feel better.
All that to say, September, October, November and December are good months for TV on saturday. But there is something I must speak against. Of all the things lacking in college football, the NCAA picked one of the least important to fix. They could have decided that it is ridiculous to have a math formula determine who plays in the national championship, and decided to create an eight team playoff whereby the national champion would be determined. It works in high school, I-AA, the NFL.......... why can't it work in Division I-A? (I think it has to do with money, bowls, and sponsorships, but I can't put my finger on it.)
Or what about car dealerships (allegedly) paying players (allegedly) truckloads of money for (allegedly) very little work? maybe the NCAA could spend some time investigating that? (Rhett and bob... i'm looking in your direction)
No, the NCAA decided theyd throw us all a curveball. I know, let's completely ruin everyone's end of game strategy by messing with the change of possession clock rules. In case you haven't heard, the clock now starts on the whistle after a punt or other change of possession. also, the clock now starts when the ball is kicked on kickoffs, rather than when the ball makes contact. Why? With regard to football, I can't figure it out. But I do know this. TV wants nice little 3 hour packages so they can play afternoon blockbusters (allegedly) with no name actors that no one cares about.
So, I found this little website that you can use if you are as opposed to this as I am.
Sign this petition at www.wehatethenewclockrules.com and blog about it. Because that's about all we can do, since the NCAA is a dark overlord who will not be challenged.
That's it. I feel better.
Friday, September 08, 2006
it's friday, time to laugh
my last class of the week is over at 950am on fridays. so to kind of let out a sigh of relief... here's some of comedian mitch hedburg's finest. (took this from aaron keyes myspace.) enjoy!
"When someone hands you a flyer, it's like they're saying here you throw this away.""
I like rice. Rice is great if your hungry and want 2000 of something."
"I was going to get my teeth whitened, but I said screw that, I'll just get a tan instead."
I was at this casino minding my own business and this guy came up to me and said your gonna have to move you're blocking a fire exit. As if there were a fire, I wasn't gonna run. If you are flamable and have legs you are never blocking a fire exit."
"An escalator can never break. It can only become stairs. You would never seen an Escalator temporarily out of order sign, just Escalator temporarily stairs. Sorry for the convenience."
"I was walking by a drycleaner at 3a.m. and there was a sign that said Sorry, we're closed. You don't have to be sorry. It's 3a.m. and your a drycleaner. It would be ridiculous for me to expect you to be open. I'm not gonna come by at 10 and say, hey I was here at 3a.m and you guys were closed. Someone owes me an apology."
"When you go a resturant on the weekends and it's busy so they start a waiting list. They say Dufrane, party of two, table ready for Dufrane, party of two , and if no one answers they'll say the name again, Dufrane, party of two. Bu then if no one answers, they'll move on to the next name. Bush party of three. Yeah, but what happened to the Dufranes, No one seems to care, who can eat at a time like this? People are missing. You people are selfish. The Dufranes are in someone's trunk right now ,with duct tape over their mouths and they're hungry.That's a double whammy! We need help! Bush search party of three. You can eat once you find the Dufranes."
"I wish I could play little league now. I'd be way better than before.
"Every time I go and shave, I assume there is somebody else on the planet shaving as well, so I say, "I'm gonna go shave too."
"I would imagine if you understood Morse Code, a tap dancer would drive you crazy.
"I want to be a rebellious McDonald's owner. Cheeseburgers... NOPE... we got spaghetti!
I bought a seven dollar pen because I always lose pens and I got sick of not caring.
I had a bag of fritos, they were texas grilled fritos. These fritos had grill marks on them. They remind me of something, when we used to fire up the barbeque and throw down some fritos. I can still see my dad with the apron on, better flip that frito, dad, you know how I like mine.
I use the word totally too much. I need to change it up and use a word that is different but has the same meaning. Mitch do you like submarine sandwhiches? All-encompassingly...
On a traffic light yellow means yield, and green means go. On a banana, it's just the opposite, yellow means go ahead, green means stop, and red means, where'd you get that banana?
You know they call corn-on-the-cob, "corn-on-the-cob", but that's how it comes out of the ground. They should just call it corn, and every other type of corn, corn-off-the-cob. It's not like if someone cut off my arm they would call it "Mitch", and then re-attached it, and call it "Mitch-all-together". T
he next time I move I hope I get a real easy phone number, something like 2222222. People will ask, "Mitch, how do I get a hold of you?" I'll say, "Just press two for a while, when I answer, you'll know that you've pressed two enough."
got to write these jokes. So, I sit at the hotel at night and I think of something that's funny. Or, If the pen is too far away, I have to convince myself that what I thought of wasn't funny.
want to get a job as someone who names kitchen appliances. Toaster, refridgerator, blender....all you do is say what the crap does, and add "er". I wanna work for the Kitchen Appliance Naming Institute. Hey, what does that do? It keeps crap fresh. Well that's a fresher....I'm going on break.
at my hotel room, my friend came over and asked to use the phone. I said "Certainly." He said "Do I need to dial 9?" I say "Yeah. Especially if it's in the number. You can try four and five back to back real quick."
This shirt is dry clean only. Which means... It's dirty.
It's very dangerous to wave to people you don't know because what if they don't have hands? They'll think you're cocky.
I used to do drugs. I still do, but I used to, too.
I think foosball is a combination of soccer and shishkabobs.
If you had a friend who was a tightrope walker, and you were walking down a sidewalk, and he fell, that would be completely unacceptible...
"When someone hands you a flyer, it's like they're saying here you throw this away.""
I like rice. Rice is great if your hungry and want 2000 of something."
"I was going to get my teeth whitened, but I said screw that, I'll just get a tan instead."
I was at this casino minding my own business and this guy came up to me and said your gonna have to move you're blocking a fire exit. As if there were a fire, I wasn't gonna run. If you are flamable and have legs you are never blocking a fire exit."
"An escalator can never break. It can only become stairs. You would never seen an Escalator temporarily out of order sign, just Escalator temporarily stairs. Sorry for the convenience."
"I was walking by a drycleaner at 3a.m. and there was a sign that said Sorry, we're closed. You don't have to be sorry. It's 3a.m. and your a drycleaner. It would be ridiculous for me to expect you to be open. I'm not gonna come by at 10 and say, hey I was here at 3a.m and you guys were closed. Someone owes me an apology."
"When you go a resturant on the weekends and it's busy so they start a waiting list. They say Dufrane, party of two, table ready for Dufrane, party of two , and if no one answers they'll say the name again, Dufrane, party of two. Bu then if no one answers, they'll move on to the next name. Bush party of three. Yeah, but what happened to the Dufranes, No one seems to care, who can eat at a time like this? People are missing. You people are selfish. The Dufranes are in someone's trunk right now ,with duct tape over their mouths and they're hungry.That's a double whammy! We need help! Bush search party of three. You can eat once you find the Dufranes."
"I wish I could play little league now. I'd be way better than before.
"Every time I go and shave, I assume there is somebody else on the planet shaving as well, so I say, "I'm gonna go shave too."
"I would imagine if you understood Morse Code, a tap dancer would drive you crazy.
"I want to be a rebellious McDonald's owner. Cheeseburgers... NOPE... we got spaghetti!
I bought a seven dollar pen because I always lose pens and I got sick of not caring.
I had a bag of fritos, they were texas grilled fritos. These fritos had grill marks on them. They remind me of something, when we used to fire up the barbeque and throw down some fritos. I can still see my dad with the apron on, better flip that frito, dad, you know how I like mine.
I use the word totally too much. I need to change it up and use a word that is different but has the same meaning. Mitch do you like submarine sandwhiches? All-encompassingly...
On a traffic light yellow means yield, and green means go. On a banana, it's just the opposite, yellow means go ahead, green means stop, and red means, where'd you get that banana?
You know they call corn-on-the-cob, "corn-on-the-cob", but that's how it comes out of the ground. They should just call it corn, and every other type of corn, corn-off-the-cob. It's not like if someone cut off my arm they would call it "Mitch", and then re-attached it, and call it "Mitch-all-together". T
he next time I move I hope I get a real easy phone number, something like 2222222. People will ask, "Mitch, how do I get a hold of you?" I'll say, "Just press two for a while, when I answer, you'll know that you've pressed two enough."
got to write these jokes. So, I sit at the hotel at night and I think of something that's funny. Or, If the pen is too far away, I have to convince myself that what I thought of wasn't funny.
want to get a job as someone who names kitchen appliances. Toaster, refridgerator, blender....all you do is say what the crap does, and add "er". I wanna work for the Kitchen Appliance Naming Institute. Hey, what does that do? It keeps crap fresh. Well that's a fresher....I'm going on break.
at my hotel room, my friend came over and asked to use the phone. I said "Certainly." He said "Do I need to dial 9?" I say "Yeah. Especially if it's in the number. You can try four and five back to back real quick."
This shirt is dry clean only. Which means... It's dirty.
It's very dangerous to wave to people you don't know because what if they don't have hands? They'll think you're cocky.
I used to do drugs. I still do, but I used to, too.
I think foosball is a combination of soccer and shishkabobs.
If you had a friend who was a tightrope walker, and you were walking down a sidewalk, and he fell, that would be completely unacceptible...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)