Oh the love that ensues.

Had a good conversation with a friend the other day on the topic of love. Thought I'd gather some of my thoughts. . .
By being engaged, (yes you read correctly, if we haven't told you yet, my apologies, unless I don't know you, than hey, I can only do so much), I realize yet another detail on the subject of love. Most of what follows was sparked by the conversation I had online.


I've been thinking on the subject of unconditional love, and the idea that in certain relationships we claim this type of love. I feel I am blessed by God to have been given someone to love. Now, I can say I've been blessed by every person in my life, but this is something radically different. In the past, I've heard people say what a blessing so and so is in their life, but I'm not sure I've really thought about it in this way. In this case, and with this person, God has blessed me with someone whom I will be able to catch glimpses of the way in which God loves us. I now have a living example for me to begin to see and understand what it takes for God to love me the way he does. By loving my wife unconditionally, I will know joy, pain, anger, happiness, hurt, compassion, confusion, intimacy, frustration, grief, and of course, other emotions described by words I don't know. In all of this, I will be blessed with the ability to experience, in some small amount, what it must feel like for God to love us. I will know even more the pain God feels when I sin, and the amazing love that really exists for you and me. This love that exists for us to experience acts as a double edged sword. Love cuts deep, and it doesn't make sense. To continually love something that, at times, appears unlovely, or has no love to offer, is illogical and irrational. It isn't easy for me to wrap my brain around this kind of love . . . .I don't think I can. I can't understand a love that invites me and loves me when I run from it. One that runs after me, and begs to hold me, kicking and screaming, cussing and running. But this is the dirty kind of love God has for us. One that doesn't make sense in our selfish, sin-soaked world.

In my future marriage, I know that I will be unloveable. My fiance and I are, however, committing ourselves to loving each others unlovely selves. At this moment, love is easy, and it feels loving. This isn't, however, what we are committing to. We are committing to a love that will hurt, and one that will know pain. If we simply wanted the easy, feel-good love that this world offers, we would never have made it this far.

I think this blessing is made clearer in being a parent. Until I one day become a father, (oh geez), I will never fully understand what it is to love someone even when they don't want your love. Whew, I know I was that kind of kid. Dang what morons we are as children. heheh. As Bill O'Reilly says, "no good parent has never been hated by his/her children." I take full stock in that quote; not that I'm looking forward to the experience, but the aftermath.


This is the true blessing that loving one another brings; A God-given model to practice this love on. To feel what it is to love when there is no reason. A chance to understand, in a small part, what it is for God to love us. Whether we are given this chance in the person of a spouse, a child, a parent, or whomever, it is still a gift. A precious, pain-filled gift that will hurt us to the core if we jump in, but will be a real-life challenge course experience that gives us a glimpse of what it takes for God Himself to love people like us.

-Brandon-

Random Things.

Well, a lot has happened since I last chimed in. A few things that I won't mention, because I don't think my humble blog is the right avenue for sharing the news. Ask me about it if I haven't already talked to you. Anyway, here are a few random thoughts/happenings from the last couple weeks.


Patrick reminded me of a confirmation retreat I took my kids on. This guy I know, (Vonder), and I planned the retreat, and the day before we leave, he happens to tell me that one of the chaperones he's bringing just got out of prison. . . .I'll let that set in for a moment. So, here I am, a person charged with the care and well being of several children, and I find out that a chaperone on the retreat is an ex-con. Now, I'm not one to profile, but in this case I'll make an exception. I had no idea what this guy was charged with, and, knowing the vonder, it very well could have been child molestation, and he wouldn't have cared. (Vonder, if you're reading this, I'm not sorry; man it was a bad move) So, as it turned out, the guy was great and I think he's turned his life around. I'm not even sure what he was locked up for, but he seems to be on the right path to getting his life back together. Good for him. . . . . . . . . . . .freakin vonder.


[quick sidenote, as I write this, I've been on hold with Azuma Leasing for about 10 minutes. If you're thinking of renting a washer and dryer, don't use Azuma. No bueno]

Well, I just got off the phone with Azumza, and they got me all sidetracked, so I'll write some more later. For now, the vonder moment is all I got.
-Peace out-
Brandon

So that's what happens to the tough guys.

I thought this was funny.

The school at our church just had a thanksgiving program. (It's mainly a preschool, with a couple kindergarten classes.) So nevertheless, here's the scenario: You're got about 100 kids from the ages of 3 - 6, and lots of their parents in the back of the church; here's where it gets funny. I look around and see tons of dads walking around in their work clothes holding all sorts of cameras. For real, it's like we're having a best buy sale with all the different kinds of cameras. One poor sap had a digital still camera around his neck, probably over $500 for that bad boy, and a mini-dvd digital video camera in his hand, making his 'moment capturing ablility' somewhere near the $2000 mark.
It's just funny to me to see these guys who, for most of their day, probably think they're all hard and tough working wherever they do, but once they get to their kids program, they're nothing but softies.
And to think, 15 years ago the majority of those guys were probably sitting in a frat house somewhere swearing up and down about how they're 'the man' and betting on who can drink the most beer while riding a donkey through campus.
Man I hope I don't ever have to grow up. . . . .

Just let it go man.

So I had this really long post all ready to go, but I figured I talk and write too much, so I summed it up.

We just got a new phone system put in with an automated attendant and menu options and all that jazz; (stuff that was innovative in the 70's) and yet, our church secretary has been in the bizz her whole life, and thinks that a machine is too impersonal, so anytime the phone rings. . .no matter where she is in the church, she bolts like her dress is on fire to her office and tries to grab the phone. It's not a huge deal, but it's funny to be talking to her, and then you hear the phone ring, and she just disappears.

I think one day if I see her walk by my office door, I'll call her office with my cell phone just to see her fly by. . . .I'm sure that would entertain me for at least an hour.

Blogs I hate. . .

What I hate about some blogs are the insane amount of quotes. I'm coming to your blog to find out what YOU think, not what site you can link and quote from all day long. Certainly links are cool, if you're talking about something you found on another site, or a cool picture or what not; I can handle that. . .It's information. But what kills me are all the blogs with the freakish 'cult followings' that are nothing more than quotes from other sites. Maybe every 10 posts or so will have a sentence or two of the authors actual writing, but the rest is just news relay. . .and I can get that crap on my own. These blogs become simply become a window helping readers surf the web. (I'm a youth worker, trust me, I know how to effectively surf the internet on my own. I don't need someone guiding me)

All in all, here's my thing. If you're writing a blog, write your own stuff, and don't rely on other sites and ideas to make your own look cool and exciting. I'm all for linking to another site if it's something that catches your eye, but at least write your thoughts about it. Otherwise, you're just using other material to gain readers and look 'cool'. And it's not working. . . .Well, I guess for some of the sites it's working. . . .because, if you ask me, some of the most hardcore followed blogs out there are nothing more than a links page with a fancy title and lots of readers trying to look like beatnics because they've heard of this blog. . . .
Hey kids, write your thoughts and stop reading stupid blogs. . . . .
-Peace out-

What annoys me about ministry.

The thing that gets under my skin more than anything else about working in a church is the lackadaisical attitude people have towards prayer. Because I work in a church, and I'm seen as a minister of some sorts, people find it humorous to say things like "Pray for Billy, he's a wild child in school" (This just happened as chapel was dismissing today) I don't mind requests for prayer, but I believe in the power of prayer, and I think some people miss the boat on it. The phrase gets thrown around like it means nothing anymore, and also, because I'm in public ministry, people seem to think my prayers will be more effective than their own. "Oh Brandon please pray for so and so" I want to say, "Of course, but will you also?" Certainly some people are sincere about their requests, I just feel like others have a missunderstanding of the power of prayer, and what it is they're really asking when they ask for a prayer.
Hey kids, read your bibles.
-Peace-

Books I'm Reading . . . .and other stuff

This is a great book for anyone in the post-college drudge of learning to be a 'real' person. Chapters like "How to buy groceries" and "It pays to live beneath your means" will be beneficial for anyone coming out of The 115.






Cheap Ways To. . . is just what it seems. Sections titled "Cheap ways to Get legal help" may come in handy. Other chapters include ". . .to get a masters degree. . . .to plan a creative date. . . .to take a ski vacation." This one is more laughable, but still with good intent.



Anyhow, both books just came in the mail from Amazon and I've been reading through them off and on. Don't forget boys and girls, Dream Theater just released a new album today called Train of Thought. I haven't heard it yet, but reviews say it's one of DT's best ever. If you're into progressive rock at all, this is an interesting sidenote.

Neal Morse is known in the progressive rock world "as the composer and vocalist for the leading progressive rock band, Spock's Beard. Or as the composer, vocalist and keyboardist for the progressive rock supergroup, Transatlantic (comprised of members from Dream Theater, The Flower Kings, Marillion and Spock's Beard)." (taken from) Neal Morse.com ) Anyhow, he recently put out an album entitled "Testimony". On it, he tells the story of his life as he lived it before and after he became a follower of Christ. (For those of you not familiar with Morse, this is the equivalent of the Eagles becoming Christians and deciding to put out an album full of songs that speak to their conversion.) FYI I don't know if the Eagles are Christians or not, I just picked a random succesful band. Anyhow, Mike Portnoy, of Dream Theater brings in the drums on "Testimony". Portnoy is known throughout the drum world as the leader in progressive rock drumming and I have been thoroughly obsessed with him for several years. I'm glad to see good composition coming to the Christian scene.
-Peace out-

Trash talk. . .

Last night as I was taking out my trash, which was alot even by the 115's standards, and it crossed my mind that every piece of trash I throw away was somehow brought into my apartment in a non-trash form. Everything I take out of my apt in disgust that I call 'trash', I probably brought into my apt in a new, shiny wrapper.



Earlier last night, I went to a college worship service called Refuge. It takes place at First Baptist Church in downtown Dallas. This was my second time attending the service, and it was amazing. The speaker that night had an incredible message to give us; one that I have not considered in quite some time. Talk about conviction. . .Check out Ephesians 4, specifically verse 30.
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,. . .
For myself, it's been too long since I realized the implication of God's spirit alive and working in my life. With every sin I commit, God Himself grieves. Everytime I decide to walk apart from God, He is there in a state of grief, pleading with my soul to come back. . . .I can imagine how many times just today the Holy Spirit has been crying out to me "Don't you know where that leads?! Don't you know what that can do to you?!"
Wow. . . .
This brings in to question, how long will God's Spirit continue to dwell within us? This brings questions of a hardened heart, and all that jazz. . . .we read about it in scripture, so will it still happen today? I feel like the answer is yes. Now, I have to pre-empt this with the thinking that, just like the excommunicated church-goer, the reason for a break is the desire for redemption. scripture tells us to treat those who continue unrepenting in their sin differently; to treat them as pagans (unbelievers). And guess what, we've been taught to love our unbelieving brothers and sisters, longing for them to be a member of the believers.
Ok, so back to the point. I do believe that through the constant rejection of the truth, (aka. sin), there is a point when God's spirit says 'that's it'. Now remember, we're talking about unrepentive sin here. There's a difference between striving for the perfection God demands, and simply throwing in the towel and living in cheap grace. We're also not talking about a salvation thing here. By no means do I, or scripture for that matter, ever mean that if we continue sinning our salvation will be taken away from us. This is a matter of God's Holy Spirit choosing to dwell within us.

With all that in mind, as it's alot to chew on, I am glad to be given a message of law. It've been too long without it. I think this is something we do a horrible job of in the Lutheran church. Grace is free and it's our central message. . . .but some people need to be told and convicted of their sin to realize their need for a savior. Last night, I was that person. (And I fear I've been that person for far too long.) Once again, this isn't a fear thing, where we work our butts off to be good in hopes that God will still love us. . .because like the bastard children we are, He will mysteriously always love us. This is a matter of trying not to grieve the Holy Spirit. . . . . .grieve God himself. It is an amazing thing that God would choose to make us His dwelling place. Because quite honestly, I'm a pretty crappy dwelling. I can only imagine what I've put God's Spirit through. . .how much He's grieved because of my actions.

Convicted and Saved,
-Brandon-

The Matrix

So last night, (Monday) I went to see The Matrix Revolutions. Now you may be asking yourself, 'self, how did Brandon see that movie when it isn't being released until Wednesday?' Well my little blogglets, the answer is simple. I am the unknown face behind the Wachowski brothers writing! Well, not exactly, but that would have been a whole lot cooler if I was.

A friend of mine has a brother who works in one of the movie theaters and he got us into a screening of the film. Too bad they didn't get the movie started until 12:30 at night! I didn't get home until 3:30 in the morning, but I think it was worth it. Just to let you know, I threw a spoiler into the last sentence of the paragraph about the movie, so if you don't want to know some significant parts of the movie, don't read it. . . but if you don't care, read on. I'll warn you again right before, just don't get ticked at me if you read it.


Here's my take on the whole Matrix phenomenon. . . . .

The first Matrix movie presented us with a philisophical framework that was just amazing. While the idea of defining reality is old philosophy, it was brought out in a new light with created world of the matrix. (Check out the Matrix website for some great essays on the philosophy behind the movies, and how old the concept really is.) Back when the first Matrix was released, we were told that this was only the beginning of the story, and the first one had to be shown to set up the world in which the actual storyline was going to take place. This being known, the two more recent installments in the matrix trilogy have been nothing more than elaborate action movies. Don't get me wrong, I think both Reloaded and Revolutions were great flicks, but they lack the philisophical depth of the original Matrix. Reloaded still gave us hard questions and big words from the architecht, but this was all in relation to the storyline, so it lacked the emotional/philisophical depth that the first movie had to offer.

Revolutions offers us with more answers to the world of the matrix, as well as a few oppurtunities for more questions. All in all, I thought the film was great. It had the kind of action we've come to expect from the trilogy, and enough questions were answered to satisfy my cravings left over from Reloaded. Ok, here's the spoiler. . . . if you don't want to know anything that happens in the movie, skip this last sentence and head to the next paragraph! Don't say I didn't warn you! (Agent Smith takes over Neo's body. . . .and Trinity dies)



Whew, ok, good to get that out of my system.
All in all, the reason the first Matrix was such a great movie is because it forces you to challenge your own concept of reality. Few movies have ever achieved this goal. It's not just a metaphor on human life, or a depiction of how life 'might become'. It forces us to consider the possibility that we are already living in that world. . . .or better yet, it forces us to challenge or own concepts of what is real, and how we can rationally come up with an answer. (My postmodern friends love this)

Thanks be to God that He has shown us what is real. He has 'revealed' to us the truth.
Peace out
-Brandon-

Watch out on the road!

State Farm ranks the most dangerous intersections in the nation based on number of accidents per year. As it turns out, number 8 on the list is right down the street from me. Have fun.

Sad day for YS

Well, the Youth Specialties Convention was amazing. A great time for renewal and excitment. I saw some great bands, was led in great worship experiences, and saw a good group of speakers.

Today, though, I was told about the death of Mike Yaconelli, the owner of Youth Specialties. Adam Griffin told me about it this afternoon. He read it off of Relevant Magazine this morning.

Apparently Mike was killed in a car accident last night. No other details and no mention on the YS homepage yet, but I'm sure it's to come. Mike was also a volunteer pastor at Grace Community Church in Yreka, California. Peace be to the church and his family. The little I know of this man was that he had a passion for Jesus Christ and the youth workers that preach his Gospel. His intentions for starting YS were to give youth workers the resources they need to effectively communicate God's truth to kids. I've heard few things as humble and selfless as when Mike stood at the YS convention and said if there was something YS had that we needed and couldn't afford, to simply call him, and he'd send it out. All this comes from a guy who didn't even know Mike. . . .I can only imagine the words that will come from those who did.

Been Awhile

Well I know it's been some time since my last post, and for that I apologize. Everyone gives me lip about long posts anyway, so I'm sure you needed the time to get caught up.

Tommorow I'm heading to North Carolina for the Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention. I'm excited to be able to go, and I'm ready for a good vacation. (Although this counts as work, so I guess I should try to not have so much fun.) I'll let you know how it was when I get back.
This is also the first time I've flown on a plane since 9.11 so I can't lie, I'm a little antsy. I think I'll tape a plastic knife on my leg just in case the guy next to me goes crazy, I'll at least have a chance. (Just kidding FBI man) Hey, gotta cover my bases, that patriot act is hardcore.

We had our Fantasy Basketball Draft last night. I'm feeling good about how things went. It was a good practice run for another league I'm doing. This is how my draft turned out:
-Shawn Marion
-Steve Francis
-Shareef Abdur-Rahim
-Jamal Mashburn
-Zydrunas Ilgauskas
-Wally Szczerbiak
-Bonzi Wells
-Juwan Howard
-Eric Snow
-Vlade Divac
-Alvin Williams
-Emanuel Ginobili
-Carlos Boozer
-Anthony Peeler
-Speedy Claxton

So we'll see how the action goes down this year. Needless to say, The Inside Presence will dominate once again.

-Peace-

The Genius in this world continues to astound me

I had no idea tanning increased the risk of skin cancer. . . . . wow, who would have thought?
Check it out

This is a good one

What a toolbag, check out what this idiot did in his New York City apartment.

I wonder what the pet deposit was for this complex. . . . . .

What a let-down

I just got back from Guitar Center where I was planning on entering their Drum-Off for the third year in a row. It seems they moved the dates back and it's pretty much already over. I know it's my fault for not checking the dates earlier, but that just sucks. So, it seems I'll have to wait another year to be famous. . . . .

Customer Service?

Here's the thing. I order pizza's for our young adult bible study every Thursday evening from Papa Johns. This is how they've answered the phone every time for the last 5 months.


Papa: "Thank you for calling Papa Johns would you like to try our new barbecue chicken pizza for only $12.99?

Me: No, I just have an order for delivery.

Papa: Ok will that be for pick-up or delivery?

Me: Delivery

(You can imagine how the rest of the conversation goes)


Than I called Uhaul the other day as Sarah and I were moving her stuff across town. I made these calls on my drive from Dallas to Austin. Everytime I called Uhual, which was about 10 times, I tried different Uhaul places in town, this is what I got.


UHaul: Thank you for calling Uhaul, will you be needing climate controlled or non-climate controlled storage today?

Me: Neither, I need to rent a 6X12 trailer for an in-town move this evening to be returned in 24 hours.

UHaul: Ok Sir, will you need a truck or trailer?

Me: Trailer

UHaul: Are you moving an apartment?

Me: Yes, a 1-bedroom apartment.

UHaul: Ok, we recomend our 6X12 trailer for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Me: Yeah. (Inside my head I'm choking the life out of this guy)

UHaul: Ok Sir, when will you be picking this trailer up?

Me: I'll be by this evening.

UHaul: Alright, and how long will you be needing the trailer?

Me: 24 hours.

And this conversation happened all 10 times I called.
I don't know what bugs me more; businesses that answer the phone asking me if I want some specific product, or the lack or hearing every phone-answering employee in the world seems to have. It bugs me in the same way that "Can I help you find something?" bugs me when I'm in any store in town. I dread walking into Blockbuster, because it's on their protocol to say hello to everyone that walks in. . .(even if they're across the store at the time) And don't even get me started with Best Buy. I love that place, but most of the time I'm there shopping by myself, and if I wanted other opinions I would have brought my friends. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I need help finding something, or I need more info on a product; but if I need that help, I don't sit around clueless until someone 'saves' me by asking if they can help. I find someone, (reluctantly, because they'll never leave you alone now) and ask a quick question. But then, of course, I get some dialogue like what you read above.
Actually, I was in Best Buy looking for a router a couple weeks ago, and some nerd employee asked me if I needed help. I said 'no, I'm just looking' but instead of going away and doing something productive, he stood next to me like we were best buddies and asked "so what are you trying to do?" as if I'm a retard and he's my merchandise-savior. Look pal, if I don't know what to do, I'll ask you. If not, go mop something or organize the shelves. Unless you're bringing me my complimentary 'shopping-beer' I don't want to see you. I dread the next time I need shoes and I venture within 20 yards of a 'Foot Locker'. It's not that I hate retailers pushing their crap on me. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . oh wait, yes it is.
Peace out,
Brandon

Oh These Crazy Times

I think something was wrong with Haloscan the past couple days. The comments section on a lot of Blogs was messed up.

I watched Bowling For Columbine the other day. If you're not familiar, it's a documentary by Michael Moore, see earlier posts for comments on him, about gun ownership in America. It was pretty good, but I wish I could have watched it without paying money that will somehow filter down into his pockets. Here's my thoughts......

#1. Mike still seems to assert that we are a violent people because of guns. Even though his references to Canadian gun owners, and their low gun-related crime rate, points out that there must be something else at play here.

#2. Mike never makes mention of the family system that people come from. Everything but the people doing the killing are to blame for gun-related deaths. Mike talks about a 6 year old boy who shot a classmate. He shows his mother, and how she had to work two jobs 30 miles away under a 'work to welfare' program. Basically he points to this program and to her employer, a Dick Clark restaurant, as the reason her son killed another student. When, in reality, she wouldn't have a job without this program, and no one even questions why this lady even had a kid in the first place. Let's just move the responsibility right on down the line. . .no one wants to be responsible for anything these days. It's unamerican to say you did something wrong. What you should do is find out who made you do it and sue sue sue.

What I got out of this movie is that life is all about the victimization of criminals, and how they must have turned into killers because we, the American people, gave them guns when they came out of the womb. But it must not be P.C. these days to say that parents didn't take responsibility in raising their kids and teaching them things like how to not kill someone.

"Oh but Brandon, some parents have to work so much and can't be there and they have problems and they. . . . ."
yeah, well my answer to that is tough! If you're a parent, it is your responsibility to see that your children are brought up, educated, and become decent members of society. If you can't ball up and do that, than you have no business having kids.

"Oh you can't tell me what I can and can't do!! I have the right!!"
Hogwash! It's your responsibility, and when you can't own up to it, you get some help. You know what I see as a great love for their child? The mother who, instead of aborting, decides to give her unborn child up for adoption because she loves her child enough to know that she can't raise him/her decently. Reminds me of a little story with King Solomon in (1 Kings 3:16-28) Check it out. A parent that does whatever it takes for the best interest of his/her kid.

Whew
Now, we're forgetting one little part. Michael also seems to go about this with the assumption that all people are good at heart and society somehow 'turns' them into evil killing machines. On the contrary, I think that some people are by nature killers. This would be a whole nature vs. nurture argument, and I think it's a little of both. Some people are just crazy, and that's all there is to it. A parent shouldn't be to blame for a child who has serious social disabilities or some other mental incapacity. However, a parent should be held somewhat responsible if they acted in poor judgment or inadvertently aided in their child's crazy ways. A.k.a. the 6 year old who gets a loaded gun from his uncle's house.


In Conclusion
I grew up in a house that had more guns than I can shake a stick at. But here's the deal. I respect guns. I have a respectful fear of guns. In our house, it was made very clear that anytime I wanted to see the guns or check them out, we'd pull 'em out. Now, it was made clear, "Don't ever play with them when Dad's not around!" but anytime I wanted, I could say "Hey Dad, can I check out the .386 and the Berreta's we got in the closet?!" and we'd pull them out. I was taught to respect what a firearm could do. Anytime I wanted to shoot a gun my Dad would be more than happy to go down to the rifle range with me. None of this happened very often, but what it led to was a household where we didn't have an 'untouchable' item in the house. I was taught how to use guns properly, and my interest in guns wasn't looked down upon. (Just imagine the first time a kid is home alone in a house where Dad says "don't EVER touch the guns!!!" If you don't know, you're a moron) But in our home, when mom and dad took off, the guns were never brought out with my friends and I. Why? Because they weren't some big taboo secret.

Remember that huge oaf guy from Happy Gilmore? He had a shirt that said "Guns don't kill people. I kill people."
I agree with that. Of course there is a need for regulation, and I don't think that we should be able to get a gun at 7-11, but the bigger need is for proper education and parenting on the parts of all Americans. We have to stop passing the blame and own up to where we've dropped the ball. Getting rid of guns won't stop the violence. . . .That's like me getting a headache because of a brain tumor, and the doctor just gives me tylenol to ease the headache. We have to go the root of the problem, and the guns are being used in reaction to the bigger problem. What's the bigger problem? If I knew do you think I'd be writing it in some blog? All I know is a huge piece of the puzzle is our lack of ownership in the mistakes we make.

By the way, to this day I can't point a toy gun at someone without feeling at least a little bit guilty, thinking my Dad will jump out and tell me to never ever ever ever ever point a gun at someone. Whew, and he thought I never listened. . . .

Even Blogs Get Makeovers

Well, I've found a new addiction. No no, it's something much more potent than heroin or alcohol. It's refining my blog. Here's a good site with hexadecimal color codes. I know I know, there's a million sites like this one out there, but here's one that I use. It's easy to read the color codes, and easy to put them in your site..........If you're into that sorta thing.

Updates; I put some space between each post, so hopefully it will be easier to distinguish one from another. I made the post-text smaller, so it wouldn't look like quite so much stuff. I changed a few of the colors around and added the site on Blogmatrix. This has some cool potential, like regionally locating other blogs.
-Peace-

Comments Give You A Voice

I added a comments section now. You can write under each particular post, so comment away.

Letters to Michael Moore

Not much to say lately. Thought I'd make an unusual post. This is a letter I sent to Michael Moore several months ago. (Actually it was right about the time we went to war.) This was written as a response to his anti-war efforts and Bush-bashing policies. I know it's just more war talk, but hey, it's what I got. I'd encourage everyone to check out Mike's website and his ideals. I'm not going to put my opinions about him here. . . . yet. Make up your own mind. That's what we need more of these days anyway.
-Peace out-



-Mike-

I wonder. If you were in New York, and viewed a typical mugger running off with a ladies purse, would you simply smile and flash the peace sign? Or if you were taking a stroll in central park, and saw a man rape and then brutally murder a young girl, would you pause, smile, and give the peace sign again? If you were witness to an Iraqi family watching each other be slaughtered, would you do the 'diplomatic' thing and give them the two fingers, smile, and hope for peace? Mike, there comes a time when action is necessary. In the same way that I would try and stop a rappist or thief, (even if it simply meant calling the cops), how can we not stop a murderer of even greater proportions? I guess maybe that's someone elses problem right? I haven't been brutalized by anyone, so what should I care? Give peace a chance right? I assume that if you lived under a regime that slaughtered its own for no reason, including your own family, you would simply sit back, smile, and give the good 'ol peace sign again. (I realize at this point, you may feel the need to say "Well I do live under a regime that sends its own off to war to have them killed!! But let's not be hasty, there is reason for this conflict, and that is what we are discussing.)
Will Americans die? Yes. Will innocent Iraqi people die? Yes. Does war suck? Yes. Is war necessary? Yes.

Mike, I would love to live in a totally peaceful world. I would love to live in a world that didn't involve war. I can only imagine the benefit of utilizing the war-effort-dollars here in our own country. Wow! The things that could get done!! But here's the catch. As long as one person doesn't agree to live peacefully, none of us can. Take it to a smaller level. I live in a suburb of a large city. Why should there be a police force? I'm not gonna commit any crimes that justify having police patrol all over the city. Think of all the other wonderful uses for the cities current police dollars! It would be wonderful!! Hooray, let's do it! I'm sure everyone will be all for it! Because hey, give peace a chance! But as long as criminals out there exist, we must have a police force. As long as a few, or even one member of the city chooses to break the law or endanger others, the police force must be around. The logic sucks, because it means that policemen out there may get killed. It means that some people may die. That's right. But do we abolish everything and sit back, smiling, or course, with our peace signs in the air while criminals go around looting and killing anywhere they choose?

Peace takes effort. And I stand by the comment; "as long as one person doesn't agree to peace, it won't work" Diplomacy has been tried. It has been given a valiant effort on many sides, and it has failed. There is much more to say on the subject, but for now, I'll leave it at this. I thank you for any consideration you may give this letter. And Mike, if I ever saw someone threatening your life, should I try to simply 'talk it out' with them? Well, I'll leave that decision to you. As for me Mike, I would intervene in any way possible; Without my peace sign and smile.

In Service,
-Brandon-

Are you Justified?

Well here it is; my take on the whole war situation.

I guess I come at this one from several different angles. There are several key beliefs I hold that affect my view on any war or American involvement in world affairs.

1. I believe that God blesses everyone. These blessings are manifested in different ways, i.e. talents, money, gifts. . .etc.

2. God gives us blessings with the expectation that we will use His blessings in our lives to better serve others. Basically, God expects us to use what He dishes out. (Matthew 25:14-30)

3. I believe those who have are morally obligated to help those who have not. Now; this doesn't mean that since I don't have a BMW, some richie is obligated to give me one. We're talking about basic human rights here. I see no reason why a person in this country should starve to death because they can't afford food. Once again, though, if someone is simply lazy and never gives an effort of survival, it's his/her fault; no one is obligated, morally or ethically, to help those who don't have a vested interest in their own survival. aka, if you want to sit around all day while I work to feed you, that's no bueno. Get off your butt and work, and if things still can't be worked out financially, society as a whole should step in. (This is where I think programs like Medicaid are good. There is no reason for a young child to die simply because a family couldn't afford health insurance or medical bills.)


Now......
Scenario #1
Imagine this. You're standing in Wendys waiting to order off of the glorious dollar menu. Suddenly a man behind you turns and starts spraying machine-gun fire into the restaurant. He has his back to you, and you remember you have a gun of your own in your pocket. There's no way he sees you, and you have about 3 seconds to react. What do you do?

Scenario #2
You walk into a 7-11 and notice an elderly women is about to pump her gas. On your way out you see her on the ground behind her car with a man kicking her, demanding her money. If you're a guy, lets pretend you dwarf the perp, if you're a girl, I don't know, maybe you've got some pepper spray or whatever it is ya'll carry these days. At any rate, what's your reaction? What do you do?


My take is this. If I know I can stop either of these guys from doing serious harm to innocent people, I'm gonna try and stop him. Will I get hurt in the process, maybe, but hey, the Wendy's guy already killed 8 people, and he'll kill all 26 in there if you don't do something. And the old lady isn't going to be able to defend herself, so do you simply get back in your car and drive off thinking, 'not my problem', or do you step up and do something about it? It's for these reasons that I can't fall in line with pacifist thinking. For the most part, yes, I believe peace is an attainable, better way to live, but all it takes is one person to be against peace to mess it up for all of us.



Now, with all that in mind......

Here's the thing.
I would be supportive of this effort in Iraq if only to free an oppressed people. Look at points 1 and 2. I believe America is a blessed nation. We have resources and power that are unsurpassed in today's world. Because of that, I believe we are morally obligated to help people who are living in an uncontrollable, hostile environment, when no other means of relief is possible. Think about it, we do the same thing with an abusive household. Social services steps up and removes children from situations that are beyond their control, when no other means of relief are possible. But no one steps in those situations and says we shouldn't interfere, it's not our problem. . .everyone seems to agree.
The Iraqi people were an oppressed people. They were in constant fear of torture, abuse, and death. Don't look to Michael Moore, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, or another hollywood fool to find the reality, look to the people of Iraq. If we as America have the ability to help a suffering people, I feel it is a justified effort.

Now.....
Throw into the mix the fact that these same oppressors were the very ones who masterminded or facilitated in attacks on American soil. Now we're talking about a different beast altogether. It's one thing to free the oppressed, but now we have been attacked, and we're not so defenseless. We are a nation that strives for peace. And basically the message has been, 'if you're not for peace, you're against us'.

Peace takes war. Peace takes suffering. Peace takes death.
This seems contradictory, but think, as my small mind has to, on the micro level. Think back to being in Wendy's. It didn't matter how much everyone in the restaurant wanted peace, that one person screwed the deal for everyone. As long as everyone agrees on peace it'll work. Since that one person spraying machine-gun fire didn't agree to peace, something must be done. And in this case, the gunner has to die for peace to be reinstated. No one appears to be against the death of the guy killing everyone in Wendy's, but for some reason when we talk about an oppressive nation or dictatorial government that slaughters its own people, ours minds change. BUT IT'S THE SAME THING!
In just the same way that you or I would react to the machine-gun-toating burger lover, our nation has responded countless times to oppressive governments and organizations throughout history. Should we be the 'worlds police'? No, but the bottom line is that we have power, and we're trying to use it in an effective, peace-seeking manner. To come full circle. . . .we have been blessed, and we're trying to use those blessings in a way that will bless others.



And boy I just love when Toby Keith sings "We'll put a boot in your *ss it's the American way". I used to hate that line, but at this point, I'm pumped about living in a country that doesn't back down, that isn't afraid to fight back and be on the offensive every once and awhile. Will people get hurt? yes.. .will people die? yes. But remember, it's not our doing. Just like when you ran over and punched the guy beating up the old lady, knocking him out. . . .good job, however, you actually broke two of your fingers. . . . .but those fingers healed. . . and dang it felt good knowing the lady was safe.
Know what I mean?

My Favorite Current Events

While I would love to be in talk radio, I know I lack the political knowledge-base to do any good. I'm also not mean enough. Either way, here are some of my favorite stories from today.


Charles D. McKinley shipped himself from New York to his parents home in Dallas. This is so dumb on so many levels. "The crate was carried in a pressurized, heated area, but could just as easily have been placed in the lower, unpressurized holds, said Richard G. Phillips, chief executive of Pilot Air Freight." And while this ordeal was obviously planned and took some amount of effort and thought, McKinley didn't think to take any food or water on his 15 hour shipment.


Brianna LaHara must be stopped. At this point in our culture, she is poised to bring about the demise of the music industry as we know it. Thanks RIAA for a job well done. . . .Oh, did I mention Brianna is 12, and the RIAA wanted to sue for as much as $150,000 per song she downloaded using Kazaa? That'll teach her.


Any of my friends who say they could care less about politics; listen up. It's for reasons such as this that we have a government. Decisions made by people you and I elect into office dictate peoples lives. . . .or deaths. I can't just throw my fist in the air and say "politics don't affect my life." I'm sure some people in the towers thought that same thing. Politics and religion are everyones concern. Because down the road, someone's right, and someone's wrong, and there's alot more at stake with these two topics than just stock options.

Finding Home

John Mayer has been one of my favorites ever since Aaron made me listen to some song on his laptop called Comfortable. Lately I've been learning to play a few more John Mayer songs; specifically a song called Why Georgia. You know how it is when you know some of the words to a song, but not all of them, so for the words you don't know, you just sing the tune with some crazy lyrics. Yeah you know what I'm talking about. . . .well this song was like that for me. I could sing it perfectly, with all the right inflection and what not, and in the car it was glorious. . .even though I had no idea what I was really saying. Well, I finally learned some of the lines and it was a reminder of a few things . . . . .so here we go.

I rent a room and I fill the spaces with
Wood in places to make it feel like home.
But all I feel's alone.

Might be a quarter-life crisis
or just the stirring in my soul.

Everytime I go to someones house and they have little trinkits everywhere it kinda makes me sick. I wonder how many countless hours this person has spent at Hobby Lobby and Target to give their home a certain feel. You know how it is when someone lives in a suburb somewhere, but the inside of their home is decorated like it's a country home, or an african bungalow, or a fishing cabin, or whatever makes them happy. We put up a facade to create a reality for ourselves that isn't really there.
I think we find ourselves doing this in many areas of our lives as well. We watch reality happen on television instead of going out and living it. I often joke about how dangerous a sitcom like Friends can be if we don't keep ourselves in check. If I constantly expose myself to a false world in which all problems are solved in 30 minutes, no one really goes to work, money is never an object, sex is without consequence, and life is a constant weekend, I begin to forget what reality is like. (And it ain't like Friends.)

Just look at the music industry. . .
While Snoop sings constantly about his escapades, he never seems to rap much about his wife and three kids. You heard me, wife and three kids. Yes, the same kids that he doesn't allow to see his concerts or listen to his music. The same wife and kids he goes to after concerts where he lives more as a family man than the shizzle dizzle. But I guess family man rap doesn't sell many albums.

What about Fifty Cent, who, on an interview with Extra awhile back said "Y'know what. . .70. . . .no, more like 90 percent of all rap is a lie"

Or Fred Durst, lead singer of Limp Bizkit, who, after finishing his video for the song 'Nookie' said "All these girls, we had to hire them. This looks like a big party but I'm miserable inside"


So what's the point?

If we constantly feed ourselves these images of what our lives are supposed to be like, how can we not be dissatisfied with reality. Did you hear that? Not dissatisfied with our lives, but dissatisfied with life itself. As Madonna said, "I've been to the top, and it's really not that great."


The Search For Meaning

"Wake me up inside. . . .save me from the nothing I've become."
-Evanescence-


"I've been crawling in the dark, looking for the answer. . .
Is there something more than what I've been handed?"
-Hoobastank-


"I want to heal
I want to feel
what I thought was never real
I want to let go of the pain I've held so long.
(erase all the pain til it's gone)
I want to heal
I want to feel
like I'm close to something real.
I want to find something I've wanted all along
somewhere I belong"
-Linkin Park-

To give this some semblence of order, I'll go back to what John said earlier. "But all I feel's alone". No matter our efforts, or our trinkets and cute pictures, we still feel empty. Is it just me, or does the evidence speak for itself? We're a society and a culture lost in our own lives. The bits and pieces of meaning we tac on to life just don't do it. Even those of us who achieve success, by this worlds standards, argue that there must be something more. I would attest, and will argue till I leave this world, that we are all correct; there is much much more to this life than we can ever imagine. (Ephesians 4:20) I hope you continue to be dissatisfied with this life.

As always, I have more, but will save it for later.

Peace,
-Brandon-

Oh now this is encouraging. . .

Laura Kipnis has a new book out entitled Against Love where she describes the institution of marriage as "the junk heap of human folly. It is an equal-opportunity oppressor, trapping men and women in a life of drudgery, emotional anesthesia, and a tug-of-war struggle to balance vastly different needs."

With all her talk against marriage, though, she can't seem to get past the fact that people just keep getting married. With the number of failed marriages, she considers that maybe marriage itself is a failing institution; ie. . .marriages don't fail, marriage itself is failed. She tries to explain peoples continued desire to marry by saying that "marriage is an insidious social construct, harnessed by capitalism to get us to have kids and work harder to support them." I guess God's answer to the question 'why marriage' from Genesis 2:18 wasn't satisfactory. Silly me. . .still reading some 2000 year old book.

Here's a review of her book.
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I think I'll start using headings. . .

Thought this was a good read. Should you leave your computer on or off at night? Nothing too fancy, just talks about power usage and actual dollars spent on electricity by simply owning a computer. Personally I think it's a conspiracy to get everyone to keep their Windows OS's online constantly so Bill Gates can take over the world! . . . . .but hey, it's just a theory.

Ok, since everyone seems to think I spend my entire day online browsing the internet, which I will not comment on, I decided to add a list of my favorite websites of the day. (If you're in college, you won't understand what it's like to be bored in an office all day, so some of these sites may seem dumb, but you can just shut it.)



Here's an overview:

Ebaums World
- I know EbaumsWorld is pretty crude sometimes, but they have some great flash games you can play online, and some of their videos are hilarious. However, if you don't like being offended, don't check it out.

Addicting Games
- Addicting Games is a huge listing of all kinds of quick games to relieve stress. Not too shabby.

Religion Online
- Thanks to Pastor Trovall, religion online is now an addiction for me. Great stuff, if you want your world turned upside down every once in awhile.

Bill O'Reilly Online
- Bill O'Reilly is a great person for one reason. He speaks his mind and isn't afraid to challenge others. I may not always agree with him, but he's never wishy washy, and he's always ready to hear opposing views, as long as they can be backed up or justified. He's reliable, goes by the facts, and doesn't take sides. . . he's too interested in the truth to be taking sides. And speaking of talk radio. . . . .

KLIF 570 AM
- This is the Dallas AM talk radio station. Daily I'm becoming more and more obsessed with talk radio. I love it; except for Dr. Laura, she yells at you too much. You can listen online to the talk shows, which is great for those of us stuck in an office for most of the day.

Major League Lacrosse
- Major League Lacrosse. Not much else to say, but it's gaining support.

Concordia University at Austin
Concordia's Live Webcam
- Check out Concordia's Live Webcam. I think I just saw Stormin Norman go by. I still want to call Aaron or Kenny and have them wave to me from campus. Geeky, yes, but I think it would be funny nonetheless.

Patrick's Website
- Patrick's website is pretty hilarious. The 115 Manute Bowl would be amazing, and the whole thing just ozzes the kind of comedy I appreciate. Mainly the kind found in movies like The Cable Guy, or any Christopher Guest movie. or maybe even Rushmore. . . .just make sure you show it in the right company.


Peace out.
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I was just working on a bible study for a young adult bible study when I came across this. (Hebrews 10:39) "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved."

Do you ever feel that as Christians we sulk around and see only the gloom and doom side of this world? While I think being overly prideful is teatering on the edge of a rough cliff, I can just imagine Paul sticking out his chest and loving the fact that he knows he's one of the saved. Sure it can be a hard time knowing others aren't saved, and of course our hearts go out to them. . . .but for even a moment, bask in the knowledge that you walk in the truth. That you are one who will not be destroyed; that you believe. After all, sn't boasting in the Lord's power and the Lord Himself not only ok, but an outright calling for us? (Psalm 34.) By this, than, people see not only our love displayed in life, but our confidence. I can walk with my head high in this world not because I'm so sureof where I am going, but because no matter where I end up I know God will be there. Didn't Abraham teach me anything? (Our God is a God of people, not places.)

Well, this is it. I'm sure if you're reading this than you're as bored as I am. . . . .sorry to hear that. This will certainly look much different as I learn more about the potential of this site. More to come soon. . .