James 1: 25
25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
I've been thinking lately about the concept that God's laws grant freedom. I've heard this many times in my life, but it never made sense to me. How can a set of restrictions give freedom? How can limiting what one is allowed to do be freedom?
I finally understood it through a conversation I had with a friend this past weekend. He was talking about the director, Stanley Kubrick. For those of you that don’t know, Kubrick is a highly regarded director, known for movies such as The Shining, Eyes Wide Shut, Spartacus, Full Metal Jacket, and many others. Apparently, when Kubrick prepared to shoot a film, he would go through the set, the costumes, the film, the cameras, the lighting, every last detail you could imagine, to make sure everything was ready. He was a perfectionist, and he knew what he was doing. However, he would never pre-plan the camera angles. Those would be decided on the day of shooting. Why?
He spent so much time establishing boundaries, so that when the day of shooting comes, he had the freedom to do whatever came to his mind right then and there. He never had to worry if an area was lit properly, or re-shoot a scene because you could see the backside of the set. He had total freedom to work within the limits he had set up for himself.
That’s what God’s laws are like. He set up boundaries for us so that we have complete freedom within those limits. Like rock music? Listen to it! Prefer classical? OK. Singing hymns your way of worshiping? Awesome! NIV or KJV? Sure! How about, having a few drinks? Abstaining from all alcohol? Watching R rated movies? Only G rated? Play guitar? Piano? Be a preacher or a plumber? Vegetarian? Barbeque hamburgers? OK! His laws are not to restrict our freedom by outlawing certain behavior. We have freedom because that’s what His law is about!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
What Is Love?
Those who know me well, know that I'll often have a thought in my head, buried deep within, mulling it around for weeks and even months before it finally gets pieced together. This is one of such thoughts.
What is love? In life, I've been given many different answers. My religion says, God is love. My church says, serving is love. My military peers say, sex is love. The Army says devotion is love. Many say that good feelings is love. Many say sacrifice is love. To a degree, there is an element of truth to all of these.
The Bible says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
This got me thinking. The phrase, "lay down his life"....what does that mean? Traditionally, I grew up thinking that that meant death. But what does "lay down his life" really mean? Is Jesus talking about giving up breathing and moving for someone else? Or perhaps He is pointing to something much bigger than death.
Whenever someone asks for an example of love, Christians point to Jesus' death on the cross as the ultimate example of love. But can we really reduce all of Jesus to one final act, as if everything before the cross meant nothing? What about the life Jesus laid down to become human? Before Jesus was born, He was God, the Son! In a way that I don't believe can ever be adequately explained, Jesus was God, but also the Son of God. Equal to, yet at the same time, under the God of the universe! Yet, He laid all of this aside to come to live as a human. It wasn't forced on Him. At any time, He could have said, "forget this, they aren't worth it" and gone back up to be with God. But He didn't.
I'm not trying to diminish the significance of the cross, that is not my point at all. But I think that Jesus' greatest act of love was His entire life, and His death on the cross was the final culmination of His love.
So why do I say all of this? It goes back to the original question, what is love? To paraphrase the Bible (and add some personal opinions), greater love has no one than this, that he give up his way of life, his hopes, his dreams, his possessions, his reputation, all that he has and all that he is......for a friend.
JP OUT!
What is love? In life, I've been given many different answers. My religion says, God is love. My church says, serving is love. My military peers say, sex is love. The Army says devotion is love. Many say that good feelings is love. Many say sacrifice is love. To a degree, there is an element of truth to all of these.
The Bible says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
This got me thinking. The phrase, "lay down his life"....what does that mean? Traditionally, I grew up thinking that that meant death. But what does "lay down his life" really mean? Is Jesus talking about giving up breathing and moving for someone else? Or perhaps He is pointing to something much bigger than death.
Whenever someone asks for an example of love, Christians point to Jesus' death on the cross as the ultimate example of love. But can we really reduce all of Jesus to one final act, as if everything before the cross meant nothing? What about the life Jesus laid down to become human? Before Jesus was born, He was God, the Son! In a way that I don't believe can ever be adequately explained, Jesus was God, but also the Son of God. Equal to, yet at the same time, under the God of the universe! Yet, He laid all of this aside to come to live as a human. It wasn't forced on Him. At any time, He could have said, "forget this, they aren't worth it" and gone back up to be with God. But He didn't.
I'm not trying to diminish the significance of the cross, that is not my point at all. But I think that Jesus' greatest act of love was His entire life, and His death on the cross was the final culmination of His love.
So why do I say all of this? It goes back to the original question, what is love? To paraphrase the Bible (and add some personal opinions), greater love has no one than this, that he give up his way of life, his hopes, his dreams, his possessions, his reputation, all that he has and all that he is......for a friend.
JP OUT!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Classes.....sigh
So inevitably, the question arises, "How are classes going?"
All things considered, not too bad. I'm still waiting on my book for Calculus, so I've been borrowing the book for homework, forcing me to cram all homework and studying into a 1 day time span. I'm actually not doing to bad, in spite of this. It's hard, but doable. My marketing course is rather laid back and it's pretty easy as well. I have a course that deals with energy and it's effect on the environment.....kinda boring, but not super difficult....then there's physics....
I think I may be the only one in the class that is taking it without taking Calculus first. The book, and the teacher, both come at it from a prospective of...."you remember how to do this from Calculus, right? Well, we're going to add onto that concept." Meanwhile, the original concept is something we'll learn in the Calc class in about 2-3 weeks. So studying for Physics consists of pouring over Google for calculus concepts (since I don't have my calc book) and learning it from wherever I can find the info. (Including Wikipedia).
I've done math problems with letters before, but usually the answer is some sort of number. It's crazy when the problem AND the answer is entirely letters. We're dealing with vectors now, and the symbol for a horizontal vector is pronounced, "i hat". You know, like if Apple made a headcovering. The vertical vector is "j hat" which is the Jesus version of the "i hat" (see video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRiijctGcAY). The vector that deals with depth is known as "k hat", which I don't have an alternative meaning for that. My point is, I still find it odd, and slightly funny, when the teacher says, "the direction the object moved is 30.0 meteres in the i hat and 45.0 meters in the j hat".
Anywho, that's how classes are going! Hope you all are having a great day, and I'll talk at ya later!
JP OUT!
All things considered, not too bad. I'm still waiting on my book for Calculus, so I've been borrowing the book for homework, forcing me to cram all homework and studying into a 1 day time span. I'm actually not doing to bad, in spite of this. It's hard, but doable. My marketing course is rather laid back and it's pretty easy as well. I have a course that deals with energy and it's effect on the environment.....kinda boring, but not super difficult....then there's physics....
I think I may be the only one in the class that is taking it without taking Calculus first. The book, and the teacher, both come at it from a prospective of...."you remember how to do this from Calculus, right? Well, we're going to add onto that concept." Meanwhile, the original concept is something we'll learn in the Calc class in about 2-3 weeks. So studying for Physics consists of pouring over Google for calculus concepts (since I don't have my calc book) and learning it from wherever I can find the info. (Including Wikipedia).
I've done math problems with letters before, but usually the answer is some sort of number. It's crazy when the problem AND the answer is entirely letters. We're dealing with vectors now, and the symbol for a horizontal vector is pronounced, "i hat". You know, like if Apple made a headcovering. The vertical vector is "j hat" which is the Jesus version of the "i hat" (see video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRiijctGcAY). The vector that deals with depth is known as "k hat", which I don't have an alternative meaning for that. My point is, I still find it odd, and slightly funny, when the teacher says, "the direction the object moved is 30.0 meteres in the i hat and 45.0 meters in the j hat".
Anywho, that's how classes are going! Hope you all are having a great day, and I'll talk at ya later!
JP OUT!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Untitled-11
Untitled-11
Originally uploaded by Jason Pitt
1st week of December, 2008, I flew out to Los Angeles, CA to visit a friend, and to see the city. We drove back and decided to stop at the Grand Canyon on the way back.
I took this picture from the top of an observatory tower that was built in 1910. (Click on picture for larger version)
JP OUT!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Response to a Comment on Facebook
Dear readers,
I am writing this in response to something that came up on Facebook. I quote people to bring context, not to flame them. Hense, names removed.
It started on Tuesday, when I wrote:
"Jason saw history today and is excited for the next four years."
to which I got the following comments.
*NAME_REMOVED*
care to elaborate on why you're excited?
*NAME_REMOVED2*
Bravo Jason. You don't have to elaborate at all.
*NAME_REMOVED*
Well, I thought Jason might want to elaborate on what he's excited about since this era, while exciting in the sense of us having our first African-American president, is also one in which this particular president has vowed to implement programs that will lead to his father and your father being out of a job. So I thought it might be relevant in that case.
My response
I'm excited for our new president, first and foremost, for being the first African-American president. No, I wouldn't consider voting for someone for this reason, but it's still awesome to see how are nation is finally moving past racism. Seven-score and 7 years ago (147 for those that don't know how long a score is), Abraham Lincoln issued the emancipation proclamation, and last Tuesday, on the steps of the Capitol Building, we inaugerated our first African-American president, with the Invocation by Rev. Rick Warren, and Joseph Echols Lowery (who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the American civil rights movement) offering the benidiction. The inaugeration itself was monumental.
I am also excited because Hilary Clinton is not in office. I think the primaries showed that most can agree.
Lastly, I am excited because while I don't agree with all the policies of Obama, I find him to be a logical thinker and a good speaker. I find him to be a unifying person as well. As long as we continue to be a nation of Red states and Blue states, rather than the United States, we'll never be as effective as a nation. "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." (Mat 12:25) I trust God is sovereign and still in control. It seems too many forget that our government works on three equal branches. It's not the president that makes laws, but the congress. We need a clear thinker and a powerful speaker to encourage the people of America and restore unity among that vastly different opinions across the nation. Obama has been compared to Abraham Lincoln, and for good reasons, as he is coming to office when the nation is once again divided.
I quote a portion of a news article found here: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jzOYauJmi3EEpQuEdwxiiUqVjg2w.
"Barack Obama on Thursday defended his choice of a conservative evangelical pastor to deliver a religious invocation at his January 20 presidential inauguration. Pastor Rick Warren is a popular preacher who attracts some 20,000 people to his weekly sermons at his giant Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. The author of the best seller "The Purpose Driven Life," a wildly successful religious advice book, Warren is also known for his strong views against gay marriage and abortion. "It is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans," Obama said at a press conference in Chicago. But he argued: "It's important for America to come together, even though we may have disagreements on certain social issues." Obama noted that Warren invited him to speak at Saddleback a few years ago "despite his awareness that I held views that were entirely contrary to his" on gay rights and abortion. Obama said pastor Joseph Lowery, a civil rights icon "who has deeply contrasting views to Rick Warren on a whole host of issues," will also speak at the inauguration. "There will be a wide range of viewpoints that are presented. And that's how it should be, because that's what America's about ... we are diverse and noisy and opinionated." He added: "That's hopefully going to be a spirit that carries over into my administration.""
All in all, I know this is not an arguement I will ever win in some minds, but nor do I consider it an argument to win. I mearly state this to say, have an open mind, continue to pray for this nation, and realize that nothing happens outside of the Will of God.
I'm going to hide behind something really large before the attacks start.....
JP OUT!
I am writing this in response to something that came up on Facebook. I quote people to bring context, not to flame them. Hense, names removed.
It started on Tuesday, when I wrote:
"Jason saw history today and is excited for the next four years."
to which I got the following comments.
*NAME_REMOVED*
care to elaborate on why you're excited?
*NAME_REMOVED2*
Bravo Jason. You don't have to elaborate at all.
*NAME_REMOVED*
Well, I thought Jason might want to elaborate on what he's excited about since this era, while exciting in the sense of us having our first African-American president, is also one in which this particular president has vowed to implement programs that will lead to his father and your father being out of a job. So I thought it might be relevant in that case.
My response
I'm excited for our new president, first and foremost, for being the first African-American president. No, I wouldn't consider voting for someone for this reason, but it's still awesome to see how are nation is finally moving past racism. Seven-score and 7 years ago (147 for those that don't know how long a score is), Abraham Lincoln issued the emancipation proclamation, and last Tuesday, on the steps of the Capitol Building, we inaugerated our first African-American president, with the Invocation by Rev. Rick Warren, and Joseph Echols Lowery (who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the American civil rights movement) offering the benidiction. The inaugeration itself was monumental.
I am also excited because Hilary Clinton is not in office. I think the primaries showed that most can agree.
Lastly, I am excited because while I don't agree with all the policies of Obama, I find him to be a logical thinker and a good speaker. I find him to be a unifying person as well. As long as we continue to be a nation of Red states and Blue states, rather than the United States, we'll never be as effective as a nation. "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." (Mat 12:25) I trust God is sovereign and still in control. It seems too many forget that our government works on three equal branches. It's not the president that makes laws, but the congress. We need a clear thinker and a powerful speaker to encourage the people of America and restore unity among that vastly different opinions across the nation. Obama has been compared to Abraham Lincoln, and for good reasons, as he is coming to office when the nation is once again divided.
I quote a portion of a news article found here: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jzOYauJmi3EEpQuEdwxiiUqVjg2w.
"Barack Obama on Thursday defended his choice of a conservative evangelical pastor to deliver a religious invocation at his January 20 presidential inauguration. Pastor Rick Warren is a popular preacher who attracts some 20,000 people to his weekly sermons at his giant Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. The author of the best seller "The Purpose Driven Life," a wildly successful religious advice book, Warren is also known for his strong views against gay marriage and abortion. "It is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans," Obama said at a press conference in Chicago. But he argued: "It's important for America to come together, even though we may have disagreements on certain social issues." Obama noted that Warren invited him to speak at Saddleback a few years ago "despite his awareness that I held views that were entirely contrary to his" on gay rights and abortion. Obama said pastor Joseph Lowery, a civil rights icon "who has deeply contrasting views to Rick Warren on a whole host of issues," will also speak at the inauguration. "There will be a wide range of viewpoints that are presented. And that's how it should be, because that's what America's about ... we are diverse and noisy and opinionated." He added: "That's hopefully going to be a spirit that carries over into my administration.""
All in all, I know this is not an arguement I will ever win in some minds, but nor do I consider it an argument to win. I mearly state this to say, have an open mind, continue to pray for this nation, and realize that nothing happens outside of the Will of God.
I'm going to hide behind something really large before the attacks start.....
JP OUT!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
It's Really Winter
So, I'm finally experiencing a real winter. You know, the thing I wished would come every year, but always managed to disappoint?
So far, in the last 10 days, it's snowed 5 or 6 of those days, and none of the snow melted between the days that it snowed! We've got more than a foot of snow on the ground, and it's glorious! The high on Friday is -5. This is what winter is supposed to be!
Now, it's also taking some adjustment to get used to the cold. For example, I found out my bicycle isn't fully reliable under 20 degrees or so. What ever they use to lubricate the rear hub doesn't work correctly and sometimes the pedals slip (ie, it's like pedaling backwards). The car doesn't fair too well either. Now at the moment, I'm borrowing my grandparents Toyota Camary, so don't even think about cracking jokes at my car, cause it's not present to defend itself. Anywho, I drove to the store the other day, and both front doors were frozen shut. It started, but really didn't want to. The steering was stiff, the transmission took a few seconds to engage, and the brake pads were encrusted in ice, which required exuberant pressure on the brake pedal to stop the first time. It wouldn't shift gears out of first for the first 1/4 mile or so and the defrost was useless to melt anything on the window. That's a sign that perhaps it's just too cold to go out!
Anywho, at least it's been consistantly under 30 degrees.....as one would expect for winter. *sigh* FINALLY!
JP OUT!
So far, in the last 10 days, it's snowed 5 or 6 of those days, and none of the snow melted between the days that it snowed! We've got more than a foot of snow on the ground, and it's glorious! The high on Friday is -5. This is what winter is supposed to be!
Now, it's also taking some adjustment to get used to the cold. For example, I found out my bicycle isn't fully reliable under 20 degrees or so. What ever they use to lubricate the rear hub doesn't work correctly and sometimes the pedals slip (ie, it's like pedaling backwards). The car doesn't fair too well either. Now at the moment, I'm borrowing my grandparents Toyota Camary, so don't even think about cracking jokes at my car, cause it's not present to defend itself. Anywho, I drove to the store the other day, and both front doors were frozen shut. It started, but really didn't want to. The steering was stiff, the transmission took a few seconds to engage, and the brake pads were encrusted in ice, which required exuberant pressure on the brake pedal to stop the first time. It wouldn't shift gears out of first for the first 1/4 mile or so and the defrost was useless to melt anything on the window. That's a sign that perhaps it's just too cold to go out!
Anywho, at least it's been consistantly under 30 degrees.....as one would expect for winter. *sigh* FINALLY!
JP OUT!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Thank You
I have been blessed by so many people this year, I want to say a very big thanks.
Charlie & Carol Blye
Loren & Lori Vanscyoc
Keith & LaVonne Funk
Erik & Bree Johnson
Jeff & Angie Hegstrom
Ted & Sharon Pittenger
Steve & Barbara Blye
Shane & Meg Rocke
These people have been more than supportive and extremely generous and have made the transition back to college a lot easier. This is not an exclusive list, as many others have helped as well. I wanted to specifically mention the above for all they've done. I know that no matter where I go in this world, I will always have a family in central IL. THANK YOU!!!
JP OUT!
Charlie & Carol Blye
Loren & Lori Vanscyoc
Keith & LaVonne Funk
Erik & Bree Johnson
Jeff & Angie Hegstrom
Ted & Sharon Pittenger
Steve & Barbara Blye
Shane & Meg Rocke
These people have been more than supportive and extremely generous and have made the transition back to college a lot easier. This is not an exclusive list, as many others have helped as well. I wanted to specifically mention the above for all they've done. I know that no matter where I go in this world, I will always have a family in central IL. THANK YOU!!!
JP OUT!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
I'm Bringing Blogging Back....
Hey all! I'm getting back on the blog, now that I'm away again.
JP OUT!
I'm now moved in. I'm renting a house with a couple other people. It's right off the edge of campus. 5 min by bike to my furthest class. 20min by bike to the main shopping district. O, and they don't mess around with winter up here. When snow falls, it stays around! The end of my driveway...the last 20ft....solid ice.
I spent a good portion of the day filling out about 15 job applications. Gonna leave here in a bit to turn em in.
Classes start on Monday.
Drill is this weekend, first one since I've been back.
Lastly, a couple pictures of my room.
JP OUT!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Photo Post
©2008 JPI'm still sorting through my pictures, and I thought I'd share one or two on here.
When taking photographs over in Iraq, I wanted to have some connection with the famous war time photographs of WWII. I wanted the pictures to look 60+ years old, but be current. It was my silent rebellion against digital cameras. Using various techniques while taking the shot, I think I have succeeded. Please note, this is a direct scan of the negative. NO PHOTOSHOP MODIFICATIONS!!!
©2008 JP
Thursday, December 18, 2008
I Shouldn't Have To Explain Myself...
But repeat comments from several people have shown it is needed.
This is for all the people that think I made(am making) a poor choice in buying and driving my car.
An Ode to the Cars of Yester-year
MG MG, oh how I enjoy thee
Just wheels and an engine, you're technology free
Oh how I love, these great cars of yore
The days before, driving was a bore
Todays cars aren't driving, their mearly directed
Computers control everything, your inputs corrected
Make a mistake, the car corrects you
Not so with the Midget, it's unforgiving, honest and true
The Midget has no air bags, no front wheel drive
It's just the skill of the driver, that keeps one alive
No traction control, no anti-lock brake
No power steering, a fun drive it does make
The Midget has no radio, but that's more than fine
The engine sings nicely, the tires keep time
The shifting is manual, two hands just to run
This means no texting *GASP*, until driving is done
The Midget demands a driver's attention, his mind is not free
Could this actually make it safer, than it lets on to be?
By day, the headlights, the do not run
Nor do they turn themselves on, when gone is the sun
Midget oh Midget, you hold a place in my heart
I beg and I plead, that you don't fall apart
No in addition to safety and practicality issues, i've gotten a lot of flak about driving a "collectable" car when it's likely to rust, be broken into or stolen. Sure, if that happens, it'd suck, but life will go on, and I'll always have the memories of the car to look back on. How can I say this, when I so clearly like the car so much? Easy, my treasure's in heaven.
Matthew 6:19
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "
I don't think God is telling us not to have nice things. I thing what God is saying here is that we are not to be so concerned with temporal things that they become the focus of our lives, and our purpose. Life is meant for living. Things are made for enjoying. Cars are made for driving, and MGs are no exception! So to all the neighsayers, I kindly remind them of the old Disney addage. "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all!"
Now if you'll excuse me, I have some driving to do.
JP Out!
This is for all the people that think I made(am making) a poor choice in buying and driving my car.
An Ode to the Cars of Yester-year
MG MG, oh how I enjoy thee
Just wheels and an engine, you're technology free
Oh how I love, these great cars of yore
The days before, driving was a bore
Todays cars aren't driving, their mearly directed
Computers control everything, your inputs corrected
Make a mistake, the car corrects you
Not so with the Midget, it's unforgiving, honest and true
The Midget has no air bags, no front wheel drive
It's just the skill of the driver, that keeps one alive
No traction control, no anti-lock brake
No power steering, a fun drive it does make
The Midget has no radio, but that's more than fine
The engine sings nicely, the tires keep time
The shifting is manual, two hands just to run
This means no texting *GASP*, until driving is done
The Midget demands a driver's attention, his mind is not free
Could this actually make it safer, than it lets on to be?
By day, the headlights, the do not run
Nor do they turn themselves on, when gone is the sun
Midget oh Midget, you hold a place in my heart
I beg and I plead, that you don't fall apart
No in addition to safety and practicality issues, i've gotten a lot of flak about driving a "collectable" car when it's likely to rust, be broken into or stolen. Sure, if that happens, it'd suck, but life will go on, and I'll always have the memories of the car to look back on. How can I say this, when I so clearly like the car so much? Easy, my treasure's in heaven.
Matthew 6:19
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "
I don't think God is telling us not to have nice things. I thing what God is saying here is that we are not to be so concerned with temporal things that they become the focus of our lives, and our purpose. Life is meant for living. Things are made for enjoying. Cars are made for driving, and MGs are no exception! So to all the neighsayers, I kindly remind them of the old Disney addage. "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all!"
Now if you'll excuse me, I have some driving to do.
JP Out!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
A Rare Moment of Clarity
The Rubik's Cube.
Tonight, I've experienced a rare moment of clarity. Many things in life I didn't have an answer for finally were laid out in a way that I understood better than I thought possible.
It's like I've had a Rubik's Cube floating in my head for months, twisting and turning at it but achieving nothing more than perhaps a single side of solid color. Just enough progress to reminde me that it is possible.
Well, tonight, the twisting and turning suddenly connected it all together and I saw a 6 sided complete cube for a few moments before it began to rejumble itself. It was knowledge, perhaps to great for me. Understanding that I can't attribute to my own abilities.
It's given me much needed direction. Now, I must act!
JP OUT!
Tonight, I've experienced a rare moment of clarity. Many things in life I didn't have an answer for finally were laid out in a way that I understood better than I thought possible.
It's like I've had a Rubik's Cube floating in my head for months, twisting and turning at it but achieving nothing more than perhaps a single side of solid color. Just enough progress to reminde me that it is possible.
Well, tonight, the twisting and turning suddenly connected it all together and I saw a 6 sided complete cube for a few moments before it began to rejumble itself. It was knowledge, perhaps to great for me. Understanding that I can't attribute to my own abilities.
It's given me much needed direction. Now, I must act!
JP OUT!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Life........is.......interesting
So I've mostly adjusted to life back home, but it's wierd how life can be sometimes. There's a part of me that actually wants to go back to that lifestyle, like the Israelites wanted to go back to Egypt. It's not that life is bad here. To the contrary, it's quite good! It's just so easy for anything else to look better, be it the future, the past, or even the thought of what could be.
All we can do is live for today, trust God for tomorrow, and ask Him to forgive our past. Cause who knows? Each day could be our last, so why waste it?
JP OUT!
All we can do is live for today, trust God for tomorrow, and ask Him to forgive our past. Cause who knows? Each day could be our last, so why waste it?
JP OUT!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Title Change
So, since I'm no longer around the world, I changed the title of the blog to reflect that. I will continue to post, but it will consist of my current thoughts and musings. Read some, think about it some, add some comments. All in all, it's just for fun anymore!
Enjoy!
JP OUT!
Enjoy!
JP OUT!
Friday, October 31, 2008
I'm BACK!
Man, it feels good to be home!
Posts will likely be few and far between until I have settled in. Please be patient.
Thank you for all your support!
JP OUT!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Short Update
Hey everybody!
I've got limited internet access, but I'm ok with that, because I'm breathing crisp, clean, WI fall air! That's right, I'm currently at Fort McCoy, schedualed to return in a matter of days!
See ya soon!
JP OUT!
I've got limited internet access, but I'm ok with that, because I'm breathing crisp, clean, WI fall air! That's right, I'm currently at Fort McCoy, schedualed to return in a matter of days!
See ya soon!
JP OUT!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
En Route
Hey, I have begone my stateward travels! Still several days left, but the process has begun and it is back on schedule, after a short delay due to weather. Be back before ya know it!
JP OUT!
JP OUT!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Busy busy busy!!!
Wow! Things are crazy right about now. We're packing up (hint hint) but I can't give exact dates we're leaving. Here's another hint...don't send any more mail! Now, I very very much appreciate the mail I have recieved, but it's unlikely any mail sent now will get here in time.
Normally, at this point, things are supposed to be winding down and getting easier. Instead, due to unforseen issues, it's busier than ever! It's like trying to run 8 laps in a set amount of time, and you're comming around on your last lap and the official counting your laps says you got one more lap to go. So then you're comming around again and "One more lap". I'm on lap 15.
Many of you have probably noticed I haven't been communicating much lately. Please know, I'm ok, just busy (notice a pattern?)
Now, to respond to the comments:
Anna, I kinda need to lay off the brownies for awhile, so nothing too elaborate. Perhaps some chocolate chip cookies, cause then I won't feel compelled to finish the tray. :)
Beth, I don't recall second place. If it makes you feel any better, I finished the butterscotch brownies you sent in 2 days! I ate about 90% of em! (Hence why I need to lay off the brownies!)
Micah, after my experience with cameras, I might have to take you up on the offer! If this one breaks on me, I might just have to give up photography! Three strikes and you're out, right? O, and to clarify, I did the full 100.
Theresa, thank you soo much for your help with getting the bike! It made a huge difference! I was honestly a bit skeptical of the huge tires it had, but it proved to be a good choice! Name the trail and the time, I'll be there!
Ryan, I did time myself. I stopped to help some people with a flat, which took nearly 45min cause the air pump was leaking. My overall time including that was 9hrs and 20min. So, 8hrs and 35min estimated time.
Steve, no, I haven't been shot at since May. Course, you haven't called in a while! My phone won't call your area code, so I have to wait for you to call! What gives?
Caleb, thanks for forwarding that message! My facebook appears to be working now.
Ok, so that's about all.
JP OUT!
Normally, at this point, things are supposed to be winding down and getting easier. Instead, due to unforseen issues, it's busier than ever! It's like trying to run 8 laps in a set amount of time, and you're comming around on your last lap and the official counting your laps says you got one more lap to go. So then you're comming around again and "One more lap". I'm on lap 15.
Many of you have probably noticed I haven't been communicating much lately. Please know, I'm ok, just busy (notice a pattern?)
Now, to respond to the comments:
Anna, I kinda need to lay off the brownies for awhile, so nothing too elaborate. Perhaps some chocolate chip cookies, cause then I won't feel compelled to finish the tray. :)
Beth, I don't recall second place. If it makes you feel any better, I finished the butterscotch brownies you sent in 2 days! I ate about 90% of em! (Hence why I need to lay off the brownies!)
Micah, after my experience with cameras, I might have to take you up on the offer! If this one breaks on me, I might just have to give up photography! Three strikes and you're out, right? O, and to clarify, I did the full 100.
Theresa, thank you soo much for your help with getting the bike! It made a huge difference! I was honestly a bit skeptical of the huge tires it had, but it proved to be a good choice! Name the trail and the time, I'll be there!
Ryan, I did time myself. I stopped to help some people with a flat, which took nearly 45min cause the air pump was leaking. My overall time including that was 9hrs and 20min. So, 8hrs and 35min estimated time.
Steve, no, I haven't been shot at since May. Course, you haven't called in a while! My phone won't call your area code, so I have to wait for you to call! What gives?
Caleb, thanks for forwarding that message! My facebook appears to be working now.
Ok, so that's about all.
JP OUT!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Finally, an update!!!
Whew! In the time that stress should be going down, it's only increasing. More on this later.
Anywho, first things first.
I found the info for the brownies. But not all the info, so the winner will have to claim their prize. The winner is the cheesecake brownies!
Next, the bike race.
So, 3 or 4 days before the race, I'm getting ready to leave work. I grab my camera bag without realizing the top is open. My new (to me) Nikon camera goes for a tumble onto the hard floor. No visible damage, but the shutter no longer works!!! No worries, I still got my digital camera. Now it's the morning of the race. I take out my digital camera to start snapping photos. "Memory card read error". Yes, that morning, the memory card in my camera decides to give up the ghost. Thus, I personally have no pictures of the event!!! However, not all is lost! Many others had cameras that day, and I should have pictures shortly.
So on to the results...there were 47 riders who signed up. Some for 25 miles, some for 50, some 75, and some 100. There were 8 from my unit (2 at 50 and 6 at 100). Of the 6, only myself and one other guy, SGT Zegarra finished the 100 miles. Of the 47 total riders, only 8 completed the 100 miles. I came in 3rd place (1st in my unit)! I owe a big part to my family, my 4-H leader, and Russells Cycle and Fitness! I was a little skeptical of the bike at first, when compared to the competition, because they all had road bikes with thin, fast tired. However, the mountain bike proved to be the better choice when I was one of the very few that never had a break down or a flat! Thank you!
Then moving on, like I said, it's getting more stressful. The new unit has arrived, so now there's a lot of people in a small space. This is just asking for problems. Also, there has been a huge influx of Ugandan guards at this base. For those that don't know, there is a huge contract for Ugandan security guards here in Iraq. Anywho, it's made for some stress because there's often a 1-1.5hr wait to use the computer, the shuttle buses are always packed to the gills with Ugandans, there's hardly any seats in the chow halls, and there are certain times of the day that it's pointless to try to use the gym.
Then, my hours at work have increased, but the workload has decreased. I can use the internet there, but more sites than not are blocked, like myspace, facebook, youtube and even my bank's website are blocked! It's like driving a car that has a max speed of 20mph on the highway! So then I finally get a chance to use the public computers, and due to Facebook updating their page, I can't even use Facebook there! The chow hall is out of milk, leaving soy milk. (BTW, I will be drinking a very tall glass of real fresh milk when I get home). And this is my first chance to be online since I last posted.
Sigh, I know it's little stuff. I know I should be thankful, considering I'm in a war zone, and not in danger. Yet, it's at the point where I just want to go home. I want to be able to drive a car without needing to take a second person with me, or wearing a helmet, or having someone guide me as I back up, or be able to walk around without a rifle on my back, or wear headphones while exercising. Like I said, little things. Sigh....it's almost over!
JP OUT!
Anywho, first things first.
I found the info for the brownies. But not all the info, so the winner will have to claim their prize. The winner is the cheesecake brownies!
Next, the bike race.
So, 3 or 4 days before the race, I'm getting ready to leave work. I grab my camera bag without realizing the top is open. My new (to me) Nikon camera goes for a tumble onto the hard floor. No visible damage, but the shutter no longer works!!! No worries, I still got my digital camera. Now it's the morning of the race. I take out my digital camera to start snapping photos. "Memory card read error". Yes, that morning, the memory card in my camera decides to give up the ghost. Thus, I personally have no pictures of the event!!! However, not all is lost! Many others had cameras that day, and I should have pictures shortly.
So on to the results...there were 47 riders who signed up. Some for 25 miles, some for 50, some 75, and some 100. There were 8 from my unit (2 at 50 and 6 at 100). Of the 6, only myself and one other guy, SGT Zegarra finished the 100 miles. Of the 47 total riders, only 8 completed the 100 miles. I came in 3rd place (1st in my unit)! I owe a big part to my family, my 4-H leader, and Russells Cycle and Fitness! I was a little skeptical of the bike at first, when compared to the competition, because they all had road bikes with thin, fast tired. However, the mountain bike proved to be the better choice when I was one of the very few that never had a break down or a flat! Thank you!
Then moving on, like I said, it's getting more stressful. The new unit has arrived, so now there's a lot of people in a small space. This is just asking for problems. Also, there has been a huge influx of Ugandan guards at this base. For those that don't know, there is a huge contract for Ugandan security guards here in Iraq. Anywho, it's made for some stress because there's often a 1-1.5hr wait to use the computer, the shuttle buses are always packed to the gills with Ugandans, there's hardly any seats in the chow halls, and there are certain times of the day that it's pointless to try to use the gym.
Then, my hours at work have increased, but the workload has decreased. I can use the internet there, but more sites than not are blocked, like myspace, facebook, youtube and even my bank's website are blocked! It's like driving a car that has a max speed of 20mph on the highway! So then I finally get a chance to use the public computers, and due to Facebook updating their page, I can't even use Facebook there! The chow hall is out of milk, leaving soy milk. (BTW, I will be drinking a very tall glass of real fresh milk when I get home). And this is my first chance to be online since I last posted.
Sigh, I know it's little stuff. I know I should be thankful, considering I'm in a war zone, and not in danger. Yet, it's at the point where I just want to go home. I want to be able to drive a car without needing to take a second person with me, or wearing a helmet, or having someone guide me as I back up, or be able to walk around without a rifle on my back, or wear headphones while exercising. Like I said, little things. Sigh....it's almost over!
JP OUT!
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