Whiteboards and Pulpits

Just the other day, as I was wiping up pee on the floor I had a realization about life. (Odd time I know, but it seems most fitting for my life). Have you ever noticed that in the midst of cyclonic activities or intense situations that people respond in basically two ways? Either you get anxious and loss your bearings (i.e. making irrational decisions, bouncing between ideas, nothing congruent, poor communication) OR you see a sense of calm and steadfastness. Now, I am not going to say that fear is not present in either case, because I believe that fear still has its role. I am just observing that people respond clearly in those two ways. I think I know what's the difference. I believe that a person who has gone through a situation knows at least from the previous experience the liberation from the event and a possible end result solution. For instance, I have been to the hospital numerous times to visit sick people, counsel a soldier who just lost a spouse, and even watched se

After a splendid weekend, a new Beagle named Heidi, a Worship Service at Trinity Reformed Church, an inquisitive small group, ...hamburgers...several eye catching gazes with my wife,...I am left just asking myself, what could bring my joy down? At about 0755 this morning my browser opens to reveal the front page paper to Drudgereport, and my heart sank. I admit that I may not know every detail of the outcome of this bill that was passed, but I do know that ultimately that our countries leaders do not seem to value human life. With a vacuous state in my own family, Jessica and I desperately longing to fill with an adopted child, I just can't imagine anything more horrifying than abortion. Something, so senseless when I know of thousands of families who would be eager to bring any of these 'unwanted' home. I grieve today. I may be heading to DC this coming week for an Army class. How ironic...to be sent to Arlington...at such a time as this.

Take a good look at these two photos...do you see anything different? Well, to the untrained eye...you may notice that the left has a dull cross...while the one on the right has a glimmering cross (possible stay-bright). Look closer. Ok, you give up. The one on the bottom right, actually has a new ribbon. Its not an elaborate change, but none-the-less, its a little change. On March 26, 2010, I will have been in the Army for 12 years...and yes...that little Ribbon (Army Achievement Medal) is actually the first one I have ever received. I remember being a Private First Class in 1998, watching a fellow soldier get one,...and I got so green with jealously. I guess, God's got a sense of humor to teach patience. Also,...just to for those who read my wife's blog and think she is TOO COOL, and I am just a 'tag-along' in her glory...well look real hard on her web site you WON'T see anything like these APPLES on her site. You might get a little 'flour' and 'su