You don't get strong by being weak.
bIsh
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Wither Pluto?
Ah Pluto, the least loved of the planets, or dwarf planets, or orbiting spacial objects, or whatever they're calling it today. Pluto, for over 80 years included with the nine in the pantheon of planets; now demoted in status, outcast, no longer part of the gang. Pluto, now the father of a new class of orbiting spheres - dwarf planets (or Trans-Neptunian Objects). Is it the end of an era or the beginning? And does it really matter?
Certainly, Pluto isn't affected by what we call it, and neither is the rest of the universe. In fact, life on Earth will not change at all. Sure, textbooks will have to be revised, and certain mnemonic devices will have to be rethought, but that's about it. And there may be a few arguments and debates, but nothing too serious. No wars will be fought, no one will resort to fisticuffs. Angry mobs will not rise up against the cruel oppressors of astronomy. Telescopes and observatories will not be burned or looted. In fact, I'd wager that in 10 years this will not be given a second thought.
After all, the classification of heavenly bodies is just a human convention. We like to classify and categorize and sort and name. Look at the animal kingdom. We have names and classes and orders and families and species and phylums and genuses, but the animals don't care. It doesn't really matter how we class them from the animals' point of view. Look at life, too. When I was in high school there were 5 kingdoms of life - Plant, Animal, Protist, Bacteria, Fungi - and now there are 6 or 7 recognized kingdoms of life - depending on whom one asks. So it is with celestial things. Where there was officially (or unofficially, as there was never a formal definition of planet) one class of things called planet, now there are at least two, and there may be more in the future. So be it.
The thing I don't understand is why some, or maybe many, astronomers are opposed to including Pluto with the planets and possibly classifying more things as planets. There's enough room in the solar system for a few more planets, right? So why are so many in the astronomic community so opposed? I don't know.
The key disqualifier for Pluto's planethood is that it does not "clear its orbit"; that is, it crosses the orbit of another planet - Neptune. Of course, if this definition is consistently applied Neptune must also be demoted from planethood because it crosses Pluto's orbit. On the other hand, one could now argue that since Pluto is not a true planet anymore, Neptune does not cross the path of another true planet. But this is splitting hairs, and could lead to splitting headaches.
Bottom line - it doesn't matter. I shall continue to think of Pluto as one of the planets, regardless of the official classification. It is big and round and it orbits the sun and no other bodies. It was orbiting the sun long before man discovered it, and it will keep on orbiting until the Lord declares otherwise.
Just don't ask Mickey to rename his dog.
bIsh
Certainly, Pluto isn't affected by what we call it, and neither is the rest of the universe. In fact, life on Earth will not change at all. Sure, textbooks will have to be revised, and certain mnemonic devices will have to be rethought, but that's about it. And there may be a few arguments and debates, but nothing too serious. No wars will be fought, no one will resort to fisticuffs. Angry mobs will not rise up against the cruel oppressors of astronomy. Telescopes and observatories will not be burned or looted. In fact, I'd wager that in 10 years this will not be given a second thought.
After all, the classification of heavenly bodies is just a human convention. We like to classify and categorize and sort and name. Look at the animal kingdom. We have names and classes and orders and families and species and phylums and genuses, but the animals don't care. It doesn't really matter how we class them from the animals' point of view. Look at life, too. When I was in high school there were 5 kingdoms of life - Plant, Animal, Protist, Bacteria, Fungi - and now there are 6 or 7 recognized kingdoms of life - depending on whom one asks. So it is with celestial things. Where there was officially (or unofficially, as there was never a formal definition of planet) one class of things called planet, now there are at least two, and there may be more in the future. So be it.
The thing I don't understand is why some, or maybe many, astronomers are opposed to including Pluto with the planets and possibly classifying more things as planets. There's enough room in the solar system for a few more planets, right? So why are so many in the astronomic community so opposed? I don't know.
The key disqualifier for Pluto's planethood is that it does not "clear its orbit"; that is, it crosses the orbit of another planet - Neptune. Of course, if this definition is consistently applied Neptune must also be demoted from planethood because it crosses Pluto's orbit. On the other hand, one could now argue that since Pluto is not a true planet anymore, Neptune does not cross the path of another true planet. But this is splitting hairs, and could lead to splitting headaches.
Bottom line - it doesn't matter. I shall continue to think of Pluto as one of the planets, regardless of the official classification. It is big and round and it orbits the sun and no other bodies. It was orbiting the sun long before man discovered it, and it will keep on orbiting until the Lord declares otherwise.
Just don't ask Mickey to rename his dog.
bIsh
Voices part 2
A quick update to my last post. I called out to the voice, and it has called back to me. Fellowship has been restored. I have learned much, and I will be wiser in response to this voice. The voice is friendly now, and I think it will likely be for some time. If things start to turn otherwise, I will know better how to respond.
Hear ya later.
bIsh
Hear ya later.
bIsh
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
The Voice is Calling
A voice. I hear it. A voice from the past. A voice that has been silent for a time. Many yoms. A voice that was grating and harsh when last I heard it. Now it calls to me from the mists. Calls me to call back to it. It is no longer harsh, but kind and inviting. A voice I know well. This voice, has it run out of ears in its misty realm? Is it seeking familiar ears to fall upon? Familiar voices to return the call? I have known this voice - the full spectrum of itself - for many yoms, until it silenced itself to me. Chose to not fill my ears more with sound. Chose to be a voice unto itself - a voice that did not need any ears to hear it.
Now it calls out to me again. What shall I do? Shall I answer this voice? Shall I open my ears once again? I must decide. Has the voice changed from grating to graceful? Or is this merely one more swing around the loop of itself? One more part in the cycle of the voice - its full spectrum?
The cycle of the voice once took years to complete; now it is months. Faster and faster it seems to cycle. How can I listen to the voice but not be caught by its cycle?
Much has happened since last I heard the voice, and I like to think I am a bit wiser in regard to it. I think I can listen wiselyer and avoid those other parts of the voice's spectrum of cycling. I can, I believe, be prepared and shield myself from those parts.
I will call out to this voice. For, in truth, I have been listening for it, hoping that I would again hear it, but also letting it go, further and further behind me. I will call out. I will be cautious, but I will call out. For, in truth, this voice is seeking other voices, other ears. It does not like to be cut off, alone, with no ears to hear it. I will call this voice because I have said that I would be available if the voice ever called out to me again.
At least it's not a voice in my head.
bIsh
Now it calls out to me again. What shall I do? Shall I answer this voice? Shall I open my ears once again? I must decide. Has the voice changed from grating to graceful? Or is this merely one more swing around the loop of itself? One more part in the cycle of the voice - its full spectrum?
The cycle of the voice once took years to complete; now it is months. Faster and faster it seems to cycle. How can I listen to the voice but not be caught by its cycle?
Much has happened since last I heard the voice, and I like to think I am a bit wiser in regard to it. I think I can listen wiselyer and avoid those other parts of the voice's spectrum of cycling. I can, I believe, be prepared and shield myself from those parts.
I will call out to this voice. For, in truth, I have been listening for it, hoping that I would again hear it, but also letting it go, further and further behind me. I will call out. I will be cautious, but I will call out. For, in truth, this voice is seeking other voices, other ears. It does not like to be cut off, alone, with no ears to hear it. I will call this voice because I have said that I would be available if the voice ever called out to me again.
At least it's not a voice in my head.
bIsh
Friday, June 23, 2006
Man it was hot today.
Well, the hot weather is finally here. It's been getting up into the upper 90's during the day, but it still gets nice and cool at night - in the 50's and 60's. Typically, we don't get a lot of real hot weather around here; we might have a few hot spells, but generally it's mild and comfortable.
So what else has been going on? I've been riding more, and I'm getting some of my riding strength back. My mountain bike is a custom-built job based around a Santa Cruz Superlight frame (I did not use any Shimano parts). My street/commuter bike started life as a Bridgestone (you remember Bridgestone) MB4, way back in 1994, and now only the frame, derailurs, bottom bracket, and crankset are original (and the rear derailur is scheduled for replacement). I've been riding with a friend of mine, and having a riding partner really motivates me to get out there more than if I was doing only solo rides.
What else is happening? My Z is in the shop - tranny rebuild and front-end work. I hope to get it back this week so I can take advantage of my vacation days and go somewhere. My 510 is a good car - runs great all the time - but it's not so good for long trips. I guess if I don't get my Z back I can take some shorter trips. Either way, I feel the need to get away for a couple of days. This week was supposed to be my annual backpacking trip with friends, but some of them had health challenges and the trip was called off. It was a real let-down, but I've moved on and accepted it.
Keep moving.
bIsh
So what else has been going on? I've been riding more, and I'm getting some of my riding strength back. My mountain bike is a custom-built job based around a Santa Cruz Superlight frame (I did not use any Shimano parts). My street/commuter bike started life as a Bridgestone (you remember Bridgestone) MB4, way back in 1994, and now only the frame, derailurs, bottom bracket, and crankset are original (and the rear derailur is scheduled for replacement). I've been riding with a friend of mine, and having a riding partner really motivates me to get out there more than if I was doing only solo rides.
What else is happening? My Z is in the shop - tranny rebuild and front-end work. I hope to get it back this week so I can take advantage of my vacation days and go somewhere. My 510 is a good car - runs great all the time - but it's not so good for long trips. I guess if I don't get my Z back I can take some shorter trips. Either way, I feel the need to get away for a couple of days. This week was supposed to be my annual backpacking trip with friends, but some of them had health challenges and the trip was called off. It was a real let-down, but I've moved on and accepted it.
Keep moving.
bIsh
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Still here
It's been almost a month since my last post. I guess the motivation just hasn't been there lately to write anything. I'm sure it's just a temporary condition. I mean, I've got all kinds of ideas and things to say. Of course, those ideas don't always come to me when I'm sitting in front of the computer, ready to publish something. Often ideas and thoughts arrive when I'm far from any computer - driving for instance, or riding, or hiking. Maybe I should write some of these things down so I don't forget.
The subconscious mind is an amazing piece of creation. As an example: when I'm sleeping, dreaming, my mind comes up with some incredible stuff. It composes original music, designs complex landscapes, builds complete buildings (interior and exterior), paints individual people, and allows me to experience some cool things. If I could remember that music when I wake, or the blueprints to those buildings, or figure out how to paint those amazing landscapes I could be famous. But alas, they are only temporary - for my own private viewing pleasure only. Too bad - there's some really cool stuff to see. And dreams are just one aspect of the subconscious mind. Imagine all it does when we're awake. How anyone could actually believe that the human mind is a result of random chance and evolution, I don't understand. Clearly, the mind is a created thing, as is everything we see in this world.
Think about that!
bIsh
The subconscious mind is an amazing piece of creation. As an example: when I'm sleeping, dreaming, my mind comes up with some incredible stuff. It composes original music, designs complex landscapes, builds complete buildings (interior and exterior), paints individual people, and allows me to experience some cool things. If I could remember that music when I wake, or the blueprints to those buildings, or figure out how to paint those amazing landscapes I could be famous. But alas, they are only temporary - for my own private viewing pleasure only. Too bad - there's some really cool stuff to see. And dreams are just one aspect of the subconscious mind. Imagine all it does when we're awake. How anyone could actually believe that the human mind is a result of random chance and evolution, I don't understand. Clearly, the mind is a created thing, as is everything we see in this world.
Think about that!
bIsh
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Home Again
Well, I'm home again. I went to Las Vegas over the past weekend for a business conference, then I spent a couple of days around the Bridgeport, CA area. It was an excellent trip, and it was good to be away from my normal routine for a while. I spent some time exploring around the Mono Lake Basin, too. That is an amazing place. I wanted to go into Bodie, but the roads are closed, presumably due to the excessive snow this year. My blue 280z did quite well, and I had some fun driving through the deserts of Nevada and the mountains of California. There are a couple of aspects of the driving that I will comment on in more detail.
The first aspect of the drive that I want to comment on is sort of a rant. I've commented before in this space about truckers on the highways. I have nothing against them as people, but I do have something against their practice of passing each other and holding up traffic. In my experience, it is not rare for one truck to pass another truck when their speed difference is very small. This results in a significant slowdown for traffic while one of these lumbering beasts creeps past the other. That would not be too bad if the truck drivers waited for openings in traffic to pass each other, but quite often the driver of the passing truck apparently has no regard for the traffic, and he pulls out whenever he feels like it - regardless of how much space he has. Why do they do this? There was one truck driver that I appreciated, however. He sticks out in my mind because when he passed another truck, he had some excellent momentum and he did not slow down the other traffic. This is a rarity, and I appreciated it. Anyway, enough about this. In then end, it really doesn't matter - it's just a minor annoyance.
The second aspect of that I want to discuss is what happened to me. Before I left home I asked the Lord to remind me that speed is not the most important thing on the road, and I asked Him to help me be calm on the road. He answered yes to both requests. I was often not able to drive as fast as I wanted to, and I was ok with it - I was calm and patient. I was pleasantly surprised, as I have tended to be an impatient guy on the highways. But I was cool this time. Thank you, Lord.
Well, I guess that's all for now.
Keep on truckin'.
bIsh
The first aspect of the drive that I want to comment on is sort of a rant. I've commented before in this space about truckers on the highways. I have nothing against them as people, but I do have something against their practice of passing each other and holding up traffic. In my experience, it is not rare for one truck to pass another truck when their speed difference is very small. This results in a significant slowdown for traffic while one of these lumbering beasts creeps past the other. That would not be too bad if the truck drivers waited for openings in traffic to pass each other, but quite often the driver of the passing truck apparently has no regard for the traffic, and he pulls out whenever he feels like it - regardless of how much space he has. Why do they do this? There was one truck driver that I appreciated, however. He sticks out in my mind because when he passed another truck, he had some excellent momentum and he did not slow down the other traffic. This is a rarity, and I appreciated it. Anyway, enough about this. In then end, it really doesn't matter - it's just a minor annoyance.
The second aspect of that I want to discuss is what happened to me. Before I left home I asked the Lord to remind me that speed is not the most important thing on the road, and I asked Him to help me be calm on the road. He answered yes to both requests. I was often not able to drive as fast as I wanted to, and I was ok with it - I was calm and patient. I was pleasantly surprised, as I have tended to be an impatient guy on the highways. But I was cool this time. Thank you, Lord.
Well, I guess that's all for now.
Keep on truckin'.
bIsh
Sunday, April 16, 2006
April Musings
March was an unusually rainy month here - the wettest in 100 years. It rained 28 out of 31 days. We're in the middle of April now, and the past couple of weeks have been rainy. We had a couple of days of sun, but more rain today. This must be what it's like to live in Seattle. Anyway, I'm ready for some sunny weather, and I think most people in this area are, too. Although, it is nice to see the grass, trees, and bushes green and full of life.
As I write this, Resurrection Day (also called Easter Sunday) is drawing to a close. I visited with my family today, and we had some good food and fellowship. We had an excellent message in church today as we remember our Saviour's death and resurrection. Thank you, Jesus, for dying for me, and rising again.
The past few weeks I've come to see two seperate holidays being celebrated today - Easter and Resurrection Day. Easter, as I see it, has nothing to do with Jesus or savation - it has only to do with eggs, chickens, bunnies, flowers, pretty dresses, etc. Resurrection Day is a remembrance and celebration of Jesus' death and resurrection - it has nothing to do with the secular trappings of Easter. The two are unrelated, from where I stand. A lot of people choose to celebrate this spring day called Easter (the word "Easter" is, in fact, derived from the word "Ishtar", a goddess of fertility), and I suppose that there is nothing inherently wrong with having fun with some of these things - as long as we remember that this day is really about remembering and celebrating Jesus' finished work of salvation for you and me. I choose to remember Jesus today, and His finished work and empty tomb.
I'll be going on a trip later this week if the Lord wills. I'll be travelling through eastern California and western Nevada. I don't know exactly where I'll be going, or what spots I'll be visiting. I'm considering stopping by the Manzanar Internment Camp from WWII. I've driven past it once or twice, but never stopped by yet. I'd like to get out to Bodie, California, sometime soon, but I understand that the increased rain and snow this year have rendered Bodie inaccessible at this time. It will be good to get away for a while.
Happy Resurrection Day!
bIsh
As I write this, Resurrection Day (also called Easter Sunday) is drawing to a close. I visited with my family today, and we had some good food and fellowship. We had an excellent message in church today as we remember our Saviour's death and resurrection. Thank you, Jesus, for dying for me, and rising again.
The past few weeks I've come to see two seperate holidays being celebrated today - Easter and Resurrection Day. Easter, as I see it, has nothing to do with Jesus or savation - it has only to do with eggs, chickens, bunnies, flowers, pretty dresses, etc. Resurrection Day is a remembrance and celebration of Jesus' death and resurrection - it has nothing to do with the secular trappings of Easter. The two are unrelated, from where I stand. A lot of people choose to celebrate this spring day called Easter (the word "Easter" is, in fact, derived from the word "Ishtar", a goddess of fertility), and I suppose that there is nothing inherently wrong with having fun with some of these things - as long as we remember that this day is really about remembering and celebrating Jesus' finished work of salvation for you and me. I choose to remember Jesus today, and His finished work and empty tomb.
I'll be going on a trip later this week if the Lord wills. I'll be travelling through eastern California and western Nevada. I don't know exactly where I'll be going, or what spots I'll be visiting. I'm considering stopping by the Manzanar Internment Camp from WWII. I've driven past it once or twice, but never stopped by yet. I'd like to get out to Bodie, California, sometime soon, but I understand that the increased rain and snow this year have rendered Bodie inaccessible at this time. It will be good to get away for a while.
Happy Resurrection Day!
bIsh
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Dreams
This is an experience I had that I thought worth sharing.
Last night I had a disturbing dream. This is rare for me, extremely rare. I don't remember all the details, but I recall that in my dream I was staying at someone's house, and I was getting ready to go to bed. The room was dark, and I saw a small, unknown object fly into the darkened room and land. My thoughts, in the dream, turned immediately to UFO's. I went to sleep (still in the dream) and dreamed disturbing thoughts, getting scared. In my dream within my dream I called out to the Lord, and I woke up in my dream. Still dreaming, I started singing worship songs and waking up the other people in the house. Then I actually woke up, disturbed, and I sang some worship songs. Then I read my Bible and prayed- something I had neglected to do that day, and the previous day. I must admit that for the past few weeks I have been slacking a bit in my daily Bible reading and nightly prayer, not making these things the priority they need to be in my life. As I reflect back on this experience, I believe that the Lord was getting my attention, reminding me of some things I need to be doing every day.
God speaks to us in ways we do not always expect. Last night He used a bad dream to wake me up and to help get me back on track.
bIsh
Last night I had a disturbing dream. This is rare for me, extremely rare. I don't remember all the details, but I recall that in my dream I was staying at someone's house, and I was getting ready to go to bed. The room was dark, and I saw a small, unknown object fly into the darkened room and land. My thoughts, in the dream, turned immediately to UFO's. I went to sleep (still in the dream) and dreamed disturbing thoughts, getting scared. In my dream within my dream I called out to the Lord, and I woke up in my dream. Still dreaming, I started singing worship songs and waking up the other people in the house. Then I actually woke up, disturbed, and I sang some worship songs. Then I read my Bible and prayed- something I had neglected to do that day, and the previous day. I must admit that for the past few weeks I have been slacking a bit in my daily Bible reading and nightly prayer, not making these things the priority they need to be in my life. As I reflect back on this experience, I believe that the Lord was getting my attention, reminding me of some things I need to be doing every day.
God speaks to us in ways we do not always expect. Last night He used a bad dream to wake me up and to help get me back on track.
bIsh
Sunday, March 19, 2006
I Like to Ride My Bicycle...
Well, it's been a couple of weeks since my last post. So sue me.
Went riding today with a friend of mine. He got a new road bike (Trek XO-1) and he wanted to try it out. We did about 45 miles all around the town. It was excellent. Haven't done a long ride in a long time. As we were riding and conversing, I pointed out a contradiction in his thinking, and I realized that we all have contradictions. For instance, I've heard a lot of people say that they hate a certain electronics retail establishmen, yet those same people continue to shop there. Contradiction. I'm sure that I have some conflicted thoughts and ideas, too.
We've had snow on the hills for a few weeks now. This is most unusual for this area. Snow at all is unusual. Snow several weeks in a row is extremely rare. The weather finally warmed up a bit, and the snow is gone, but it was a sight to behold while it lasted. I have a few pictures here. Image quality was limited by the camera available to me at the time.
I guess that's it for today.
bIsh
Went riding today with a friend of mine. He got a new road bike (Trek XO-1) and he wanted to try it out. We did about 45 miles all around the town. It was excellent. Haven't done a long ride in a long time. As we were riding and conversing, I pointed out a contradiction in his thinking, and I realized that we all have contradictions. For instance, I've heard a lot of people say that they hate a certain electronics retail establishmen, yet those same people continue to shop there. Contradiction. I'm sure that I have some conflicted thoughts and ideas, too.
We've had snow on the hills for a few weeks now. This is most unusual for this area. Snow at all is unusual. Snow several weeks in a row is extremely rare. The weather finally warmed up a bit, and the snow is gone, but it was a sight to behold while it lasted. I have a few pictures here. Image quality was limited by the camera available to me at the time.
I guess that's it for today.
bIsh
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Snow Days!
Snow? Here? In the Valley of Heart's Deligh? Yes! Well, in the surrounding hills and mountains, anyway. Yes, folks, we got some snow in the hills here over this past weekend. Every couple of years we get a dusting on the hilltops, and it usually stays for a few days. This year I was able to get up into the hills to see, experience, and photograph it. Those who live in snowy areas might wonder what the big deal is. The big deal is that it never snows here! Well, only once every few years, and only in the hills. So it's a rarity in these parts. And one thing I've observed is that people are attracted to, and sometimes fascinated by, things or conditions that are out of the ordinary. For instance, people who live in urban areas like to take time to go out into undeveloped natural areas and parks; whereas people who live in unpaved, undeveloped areas want to see smooth paved roads and concrete. People crave what they do not have. People like to visit what they do not see every day.
A related phenomenon that I have observed is that people who live near tourist attractions tend to ignore them, and visitors to those areas tend to seek out the tourist attractions. I live in the vicinity of the Winchester Mystery House and the Mystery Spot, yet I've only been to the Winchester Mystery House once (at the invitation of my visiting cousin), and to the Mystery Spot never. A friend of mine lives near Old Town Sacramento, yet (as far as I know) he doesn't go there. I wonder if people in Paris view the Eiffel Tower as just another building.
Learning to appreciate my surroundings,
bIsh
A related phenomenon that I have observed is that people who live near tourist attractions tend to ignore them, and visitors to those areas tend to seek out the tourist attractions. I live in the vicinity of the Winchester Mystery House and the Mystery Spot, yet I've only been to the Winchester Mystery House once (at the invitation of my visiting cousin), and to the Mystery Spot never. A friend of mine lives near Old Town Sacramento, yet (as far as I know) he doesn't go there. I wonder if people in Paris view the Eiffel Tower as just another building.
Learning to appreciate my surroundings,
bIsh
Who are you?
Who are you? What do you do? These are two questions that we hear
countless times in our lives. How do we typically answer? "I
am "Mark. I work for..." Or, "I own such and such a business..."
Or, I do ..." How should we answer these questions? What does the
Bible say?
Romans 1:1-4 "Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle
and singled out for God's good news — which He promised long ago
through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures— concerning His Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to
the flesh and was established as the powerful Son of God by the
resurrection from the dead according to the Spirit of holiness."
(HCSB)
Who does Paul say he is, and what does he do? "a slave of Christ
Jesus, called as an apostle and singled out for God's good news
[Gospel]". "A slave of Christ Jesus". When was the last time any
one of us answered like that? I do not recall ever having answered
someone with that statement. I usually have said, "I am Mark, and I
do..." So many of us identify ourselves based on what we do for a
job, or a hobby, or a business. Yet what is our primary calling on
this earth if we are born again? To tell others the Good News!
Our preacher recently challenged the congregation to think about
this and re-think who we are and what we are really doing on this
earth. I challenge you to do the same.
Who am I? I am Mark, a follower of Jesus, called to spread the Good
News of God's salvation through Jesus Christ. May God give me the
boldness to speak His name whenever and wherever I am.
bIsh
countless times in our lives. How do we typically answer? "I
am "Mark. I work for..." Or, "I own such and such a business..."
Or, I do ..." How should we answer these questions? What does the
Bible say?
Romans 1:1-4 "Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle
and singled out for God's good news — which He promised long ago
through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures— concerning His Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to
the flesh and was established as the powerful Son of God by the
resurrection from the dead according to the Spirit of holiness."
(HCSB)
Who does Paul say he is, and what does he do? "a slave of Christ
Jesus, called as an apostle and singled out for God's good news
[Gospel]". "A slave of Christ Jesus". When was the last time any
one of us answered like that? I do not recall ever having answered
someone with that statement. I usually have said, "I am Mark, and I
do..." So many of us identify ourselves based on what we do for a
job, or a hobby, or a business. Yet what is our primary calling on
this earth if we are born again? To tell others the Good News!
Our preacher recently challenged the congregation to think about
this and re-think who we are and what we are really doing on this
earth. I challenge you to do the same.
Who am I? I am Mark, a follower of Jesus, called to spread the Good
News of God's salvation through Jesus Christ. May God give me the
boldness to speak His name whenever and wherever I am.
bIsh
Monday, February 13, 2006
The Ride
Went on an epic ride yesterday with a friend of mine - epic by my standards, that is. It wasn't that it was really long, but we really pushed ourselves beyond our limits. We went out to a place called Saratoga Gap, or The Gap. We started at the main parking lot, and we went out along the main paths to the Grizzley Flat parking lot. Then we did a most unwise thing, considering the lack of shape we are in; we went down Grizzley Flat, across the creek a few times, then up the Table Mountain/Charcoal Road trail. We got back to the car well after dark, and there was a lot of walking. It's a ride I've done before with no problems, but I was in a lot better riding shape then. My friend and I have not ridden for several months, and yesterday was our second ride in two weeks.
I have chosen to learn from this experience - know your limitations and don't foolishly push yourself farther than you can go. Of course I'm not saying to not push your limits, or improve what you can do. I'm saying to not be foolish about it, as my friend and me were foolish. We went too far. That said, I do want to get back into shape enough to do that same ride with no walking. It will take time, but I know I can do it.
As Clint Eastwood said, "A man's got to know his limitations."
bIsh
I have chosen to learn from this experience - know your limitations and don't foolishly push yourself farther than you can go. Of course I'm not saying to not push your limits, or improve what you can do. I'm saying to not be foolish about it, as my friend and me were foolish. We went too far. That said, I do want to get back into shape enough to do that same ride with no walking. It will take time, but I know I can do it.
As Clint Eastwood said, "A man's got to know his limitations."
bIsh
What does it really cost to follow Jesus?
I subscribe to the Worthy News Brief, and today's message was a
good reminder to me of what our focus should really be. And I
wonder, how focused am I? Would I really risk death to preach the
Gospel? Am I really giving my all to Jesus? What more can I do?
The men mentioned below all died for their faith in Jesus.
Contrast that with what we see from the popular "Christian"
preachers of today - the Joel Osteens, Rick Warrens, Robert
Schullers, Jim Bakers, and the like. Think about your own life.
Contrast what is below with what we (Americans) think of as
persecution. We think we're persecuted when some TV show makes fun
of us. We've got it easy - the apostles and disciples knew
persecution.
Anyway, think about it.
bIsh
______________________________________________________________
From Worthy News Brief, Feb. 8, 2006
John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is
not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will
also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep
yours also.
According to traditional statements, Matthew suffered martyrdom by
being slain with a sword in a distant city of Ethiopia. Mark died in
Alexandria, after being cruelly dragged through the streets of that
city. Luke was hung upon an olive tree in Greece. John was put in a
caldron of boiling oil, but escaped death in a miraculous manner,
and was afterward branded at Patmos. Peter was crucified at Rome
with his head downward. James, the Greater, was beheaded at
Jerusalem. James, the Less, was thrown from a lofty pinnacle of the
temple, and then beaten to death with a club. Bartholomew was flayed
alive. Andrew was bound to a cross, while he preached to his
persecutors until he died. Thomas was run through the body with a
lance at Coromandel in the East Indies. Jude was shot to death with
arrows. Matthew was first stoned and then beheaded. Barnabas of the
Gentiles was stoned to death at Salonica. Paul, after various
tortures and persecutions, was finally beheaded in Rome by the
Emperor Nero.
We don't want to be the bearers of bad memories, but it's good to
realize how dedicated to the Lord the early believers were. They
weren't in it for the terrific single's fellowship, the excellent
children's program or good messages on Sunday morning. They weren't
in it for the comfortable new pews, the beautiful Christmas pageants
or the potluck dinners.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, James, James, Bartholomew, Andrew,
Thomas, Jude, Matthew, Barnabas, Paul and many, many others after
them -- they were in it for Jesus, our Messiah!
good reminder to me of what our focus should really be. And I
wonder, how focused am I? Would I really risk death to preach the
Gospel? Am I really giving my all to Jesus? What more can I do?
The men mentioned below all died for their faith in Jesus.
Contrast that with what we see from the popular "Christian"
preachers of today - the Joel Osteens, Rick Warrens, Robert
Schullers, Jim Bakers, and the like. Think about your own life.
Contrast what is below with what we (Americans) think of as
persecution. We think we're persecuted when some TV show makes fun
of us. We've got it easy - the apostles and disciples knew
persecution.
Anyway, think about it.
bIsh
______________________________________________________________
From Worthy News Brief, Feb. 8, 2006
John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is
not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will
also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep
yours also.
According to traditional statements, Matthew suffered martyrdom by
being slain with a sword in a distant city of Ethiopia. Mark died in
Alexandria, after being cruelly dragged through the streets of that
city. Luke was hung upon an olive tree in Greece. John was put in a
caldron of boiling oil, but escaped death in a miraculous manner,
and was afterward branded at Patmos. Peter was crucified at Rome
with his head downward. James, the Greater, was beheaded at
Jerusalem. James, the Less, was thrown from a lofty pinnacle of the
temple, and then beaten to death with a club. Bartholomew was flayed
alive. Andrew was bound to a cross, while he preached to his
persecutors until he died. Thomas was run through the body with a
lance at Coromandel in the East Indies. Jude was shot to death with
arrows. Matthew was first stoned and then beheaded. Barnabas of the
Gentiles was stoned to death at Salonica. Paul, after various
tortures and persecutions, was finally beheaded in Rome by the
Emperor Nero.
We don't want to be the bearers of bad memories, but it's good to
realize how dedicated to the Lord the early believers were. They
weren't in it for the terrific single's fellowship, the excellent
children's program or good messages on Sunday morning. They weren't
in it for the comfortable new pews, the beautiful Christmas pageants
or the potluck dinners.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, James, James, Bartholomew, Andrew,
Thomas, Jude, Matthew, Barnabas, Paul and many, many others after
them -- they were in it for Jesus, our Messiah!
Monday, January 30, 2006
In California, Dreamin'
I know, it's been a while. I've been focusing my free time on study these past few weeks, so there's been no time for posting.
I had three dreams the other night, involving two funerals. The first dream was about a funeral for a flute player that I was only slightly acquainted with. It was kind of weird, as dreams generally are. The second dream was about the same funeral, as a continuation. In the dream the funeral lasted for 12+ hours, going into the next day and making me miss work. The third dream was about a funeral for someone I didn't know. In that dream I was taking some part in putting on the funeral. For some reason, those of us participating were dressed as Bible characters. I was either Moses or Abraham - don't remember which. I was a bit disturbed much of the next day, as I'm not used to dreaming about death or funerals. Still, I've never had any kind of premonition, and everyone I know is well. They were only dreams.
I've been hiking up in the hills a bit these past few weeks. I've been going with a friend of mine to a park called Quicksilver. It's beautiful this time of year (well, it's beautiful all year, but winter beauty is differ'nt from summer beauty around here), the green grasses, leaves on the trees, low clouds hanging on the nearby hills. The area that is the park used to be a mercury (quicksilver) mining place. It was quite a big operation in it's time - the late 1800's and early 1900's. There are some nice ruins and old building foundations to bee seen and explored. It is nice to live in a place where nature is only a short drive away.
Get out of the house and do some exploring,
bIsh
I had three dreams the other night, involving two funerals. The first dream was about a funeral for a flute player that I was only slightly acquainted with. It was kind of weird, as dreams generally are. The second dream was about the same funeral, as a continuation. In the dream the funeral lasted for 12+ hours, going into the next day and making me miss work. The third dream was about a funeral for someone I didn't know. In that dream I was taking some part in putting on the funeral. For some reason, those of us participating were dressed as Bible characters. I was either Moses or Abraham - don't remember which. I was a bit disturbed much of the next day, as I'm not used to dreaming about death or funerals. Still, I've never had any kind of premonition, and everyone I know is well. They were only dreams.
I've been hiking up in the hills a bit these past few weeks. I've been going with a friend of mine to a park called Quicksilver. It's beautiful this time of year (well, it's beautiful all year, but winter beauty is differ'nt from summer beauty around here), the green grasses, leaves on the trees, low clouds hanging on the nearby hills. The area that is the park used to be a mercury (quicksilver) mining place. It was quite a big operation in it's time - the late 1800's and early 1900's. There are some nice ruins and old building foundations to bee seen and explored. It is nice to live in a place where nature is only a short drive away.
Get out of the house and do some exploring,
bIsh
Thursday, December 29, 2005
End of Year Thoughts
Hey there. Some thoughts at the end of A.D. 2005.
A friend betrayed me about 6 months ago, out of the blue turned against me and severed our relationship of 10+ years. Something happened today that made that reality sink in more, made me see that that part of my life is done, closed off. And that makes me a little sad. But I know I must accept it and move on. I can do all things through Christ Who strenghtens me.
I just saw a website that claims that we will run out of oil by the year 2050. I've been hearing claims that we will run out of oil in 50 years for over a decade now, but the time estimate seems to be the same - about 50 years. Whatever happens happens. I know that there are enough alternate energy sources that if/when it does happen, things will still go on. I think the only reason we don't see more non-petrolioum energy sources is because of economics. The science is proven - it's just a matter of time, money, and willingness to change.
Another year almost over, and I don't know how much I've grown or moved forward. A lot of things are about the same as they were a year ago. Hard to say how much I've grown or changed.
There are changes coming for me in A.D. 2006 - some I'm aware of, some I hope for, and some that will be total suprises. One thing that will not change is God's love for me.
Moving forward into 2006,
bIsh
A friend betrayed me about 6 months ago, out of the blue turned against me and severed our relationship of 10+ years. Something happened today that made that reality sink in more, made me see that that part of my life is done, closed off. And that makes me a little sad. But I know I must accept it and move on. I can do all things through Christ Who strenghtens me.
I just saw a website that claims that we will run out of oil by the year 2050. I've been hearing claims that we will run out of oil in 50 years for over a decade now, but the time estimate seems to be the same - about 50 years. Whatever happens happens. I know that there are enough alternate energy sources that if/when it does happen, things will still go on. I think the only reason we don't see more non-petrolioum energy sources is because of economics. The science is proven - it's just a matter of time, money, and willingness to change.
Another year almost over, and I don't know how much I've grown or moved forward. A lot of things are about the same as they were a year ago. Hard to say how much I've grown or changed.
There are changes coming for me in A.D. 2006 - some I'm aware of, some I hope for, and some that will be total suprises. One thing that will not change is God's love for me.
Moving forward into 2006,
bIsh
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Smokers!
What is it with smokers? Why do so many of them seem to think that the whole world is their ashtray? It's ridiculous. I was driving the other evening, and I pulled up on the left of a white van at a stop light. As I watched, the driver first flicked his ashes out the window onto the pavement, then he dropped his lit cigarette onto the ground. That really burns me up (no pun intended), and cigarettes dropped from cars start fires. This past summer, a large fire was started from a lit cigarette dropped from a car on a freeway. A hillside burned, and a house burned down. A house burned down, and a family lost everything because someone was STUPID enough to throw/drop a lit cigarette from his/her car! And the smoker probably has no idea that it was him/her who caused the fire. That was just one incident. How many other fires have been caused by careless and STUPID smokers?
And why do smokers think it's okay to poison other people's lungs? If they want to smoke to death inside their own homes and cars, what do I care? That's their right, I suppose. But what right do they have to poison anyone else's lungs? None. And that includes children in a home with smokers. What right does any parent have to smoke? None. Some belligerent smokers claim that non-smokers are oppressing them and trying to deny them their right to pursue happiness. This is a false argument. The fact is, no one has a right to poison the air of another.
I wonder how much of air pollution is caused by the billions of cigarettes smoked every day.
Tryin' to breath clean air here,
bIsh
And why do smokers think it's okay to poison other people's lungs? If they want to smoke to death inside their own homes and cars, what do I care? That's their right, I suppose. But what right do they have to poison anyone else's lungs? None. And that includes children in a home with smokers. What right does any parent have to smoke? None. Some belligerent smokers claim that non-smokers are oppressing them and trying to deny them their right to pursue happiness. This is a false argument. The fact is, no one has a right to poison the air of another.
I wonder how much of air pollution is caused by the billions of cigarettes smoked every day.
Tryin' to breath clean air here,
bIsh
I'm a musician.
I had a revelation tonight, an epiphany. I realized that I am at heart a musician, not a technician. I love music! It was after my church's Christmas music program (in which I play the trumpet), that I realized this. For the first time in my life I fully realize that I was born to make music. I was not born to work on computers (my current job), but to create music. I am a creative person. I used to think I was a logical person, and I am good at math and the sciences, but I am also very creative. These past few years I have seen my creative side blossom and grow. And I realize today, December 10, 2005, that I, Bish, am a musician at heart. I do not know what-all this means, or where it might lead, but I am eager to see where the Lord leads me.
Blowin' my horn as long as I'm able,
bIsh
Blowin' my horn as long as I'm able,
bIsh
Friday, December 02, 2005
Nothing Particular
Christmas season is here again. I like this time of year - the lights, the music, the decorations, the cold weather (Ok, it doesn't really get that cold in the Bay Area), celebrating Jesus' birth, family gatherings.
I replaced the heater hoses in my 280z, and so far, no leaking. I think the old hoses were failing right at the junction with the heater core. Of course, they were probably the original, 27 year-old hoses. The good news is that the valve is good, and the heater core is good. I took the opportunity to upgrade my stereo while I had the dash torn apart. I think that if this happens again I might pay someone to do it. Replacing those hoses was, so far, the messiest, unfunnest, irritiating job I have done on a car. Lying updside-down, on my back, with my upper torso and head cramped in a small space, working on parts up above my face - it was not fun. And it was very time consuming. Just getting back to where the hoses are took a couple of hours. Then removing all the hoses and assemblages took several hours. And re-assembling everything took a few more hours. But it's done, and I'm glad it's done. Hopefully, if the Lord wills, it should not need doing for another 25-27 years. So now I have both cars back on the road.
We had our first rainstorm of the season. I know, most of the country wouldn't consider what we get to be real storms, but for us it was a good rain.
That's it for tonight.
bIsh
I replaced the heater hoses in my 280z, and so far, no leaking. I think the old hoses were failing right at the junction with the heater core. Of course, they were probably the original, 27 year-old hoses. The good news is that the valve is good, and the heater core is good. I took the opportunity to upgrade my stereo while I had the dash torn apart. I think that if this happens again I might pay someone to do it. Replacing those hoses was, so far, the messiest, unfunnest, irritiating job I have done on a car. Lying updside-down, on my back, with my upper torso and head cramped in a small space, working on parts up above my face - it was not fun. And it was very time consuming. Just getting back to where the hoses are took a couple of hours. Then removing all the hoses and assemblages took several hours. And re-assembling everything took a few more hours. But it's done, and I'm glad it's done. Hopefully, if the Lord wills, it should not need doing for another 25-27 years. So now I have both cars back on the road.
We had our first rainstorm of the season. I know, most of the country wouldn't consider what we get to be real storms, but for us it was a good rain.
That's it for tonight.
bIsh
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