Mac VS. PC

Before Christmas, I am generally asked one question: "Which should I buy, a Mac or a PC?"

Now in the old days, prior to 2000, I would have easily said a PC. Windows wasn't the greatest, but Apple didn't have their act together enough to warrant a purchase. I occasionally used a Mac and loved it, but finding ample support for them was like finding a needle in a haystack. But that was before 2000.

Then came Mac OS X in 2001 and everything changed. The computer world seemed a little brighter. I admit that I didn't jump on the bandwagon right away. I was still content with my blue screens of death and enjoyed the memory hiccups every time I opened an application. However, the more I experienced the new Mac OS, the more I loved it.

Then the inevitable happened - I switched my allegiance. I considered the arguments and for the past six years have recommended purchasing a Mac. Why? Performance. The Mac outperforms the PC. Plus, support time for the PC is far greater than the Mac. The cute Apple commercials don't lie.

Those who took my advice have been pleasantly surprised. Sure, there's a little learning curve, but it's pretty much smooth sailing afterward.

Is a Mac right for every one? No, it is not. But I would rather take my chances on a Mac anyday compared to a PC.

To find out more, click here: X

Graduation: A New Challenge

Saturday, December 15th began with a quiet excitedness in the air. My wife, I, and our boys would soon be meeting our good friends, Misawa and his wife, for lunch. Soon thereafter, we would join Misawa in the celebration of a long-awaited journey. He would be graduating from college with a 4-year engineering degree. There was much to celebrate.

As I have gotten older, I've taken the time to look for meaning beyond what I see on the surface of life. For instance, Misawa graduated not only with fellow students from the United States, but with students from other nations. Yes, there were students who earned their diplomas from such places as China, Kenya, Nigeria, Latin America, and Iran.

I found it wonderfully amazing that these students, from near and far, came here to earn their degree. They came here in pursuit of opportunity; opportunities they probably wouldn't have in their home countries. Yet with their diplomas, they can now pursue opportunities any where in the world. May God richly bless them.

Misawa - You've persevered and finished one of many races yet to come. As one journey ends, another begins. Remember, keep God and family first and don't ever let work embroil your life. Lastly, never lose the love of adventure...

Christmas Movies and Music

Listed are my favs for Christmas movies/shows and music:

Movies/Shows:
5. A Christmas Carol [classic version]
4. It's a Wonderful Life - Jimmy Stewart was incredible in this movie!
3. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - "...that's cause bumbles bounce!"
2. A Charlie Brown Christmas - I get teary-eyed every time Linus quotes from Luke...
1. Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas - both cartoon and Ron Howard's film

Music:
There are only two Christmas albums I listen to over and over again.
2. A Muppet's Christmas with John Denver
1. A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi

Interview: David Slagle

I've met a number of pastors in my short 'born-again' life. Very few have the heart like Pastor David Slagle of Veritas Church. For one, he isn't the typical suit-wearin', bigger-than-life, pastor. In fact, David is probably no taller than 5'8" and very personable.












He listens intently and is not quick to judgement. I met David two years ago when Veritas invited author, Donald Miller, to speak. The worship service at Veritas was truly authentic and full of grace.

I consider David a good friend and hope all who visit Veritas Church enjoy the worship.

A Wonderful Light

A wonderful, thought provoking piece from Holly E. Ordway on her journey to faith.

"The man named Jesus had preached, been crucified, died. That much I accepted as historical fact. But was this man the Son of God? Had Jesus risen from the dead? If that were true, Christianity was true.

This was frightening stuff. I was close, very close, to something life-altering. I knew that if this were true, it would change ... everything."

May God bless you today as this article blessed me...

Updates...

I've conducted and posted my first interview on faith-love-mercy-action. I had the honor of interviewing my good friend and co-worker Rendell Day, Chaplain, Habitat for Humanity.

Yesterday, I had my third laser treatment on my right eye. The more I have these treatments, the more frustrated I become. I am in constant prayer that God will heal me and lead me to do wonderful things.

If you haven't seen the latest news from my very, very good friend, Misawa, please go here: A Cat-less bag

Have a great weekend! Go Bulldogs, Badgers, and Ducks!!!

A New Beginning

For some time now God has been leading me to view his work being done in the community. God's children, big and small, are doing wonderful things to show Christ's love to everyone. Out of this observance, I've started this site:

faith-love-mercy-action

I will focus on groups, individuals, and churches demonstrating the light of Christ in the community. I believe we can lead people to Christ by showing his love, grace, and mercy. Please keep those who diligently serve in prayer and those who need to witness Christ's love in action in prayer.

Faith In Action

If there is anything that brings joy to my heart, aside from my family and friends, it's serving in the community. Want to show the love and mercy of Christ? Serve in your local community. The following links are very personal to me and I encourage you to find a place to show Christ's love:

Habitat for Humanity - Pick a local affiliate and help buid a home. There's nothing like seeing the joy of a person building and earning their own home.

Big Oak Ranch - I personally met John Croyle, a couple of years ago, and his testimony of helping [rescuing] abandoned boys and girls made me weep.

Belmont Foundation - Author Donald Miller [To Own a Dragon, Blue Like Jazz] began this wonderful organization to mentor boys and girls who have no fathers. This constantly pulls at my heart-strings.

The Drake House - Homeless single mothers with children and no where to go. Brings tears to your eyes, doesn't it?

Faith - Love - Mercy - Action
It doesn't take much.

Another Dive...

This afternoon I go for my next round of laser surgeries, but this time on my left eye. Life still goes on...

In other news, I'm coming to the conclusion that life is too short not to enjoy it. I'm working too much; eating too much; not spending enough time with my family, etc. John 10:10 comes to mind:

"I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." [ The Message]

Real life is now and time is fleeting. Faith is action.
See next post for the meaning...

More on Life

Life in the last 2 weeks has been so chaotic, that I don't know where to start.

1. We've moved from West Cobb [praise God!] and now reside temporarily in an apartment for 6 months.
2. My right eye is still 'fuzzy' at best, but I believe the laser treatments are working. On October 4th, I will have surgery on my left eye.
3. We just attended a weekend family camp with my wife's, and our sons', school. The best part aside from spending time with my family? Hearing God's voice. We had a community worship service on Sunday and it was truly wonderful. I felt so blessed. [Martha, if you read this, your testimony touched my soul. Keep your faith in Christ strong.]

And for the first time in months, I actually took time to read God's word AND let it speak to me. I read 1 Timothy chapters 1 - 3. Here is what God said to me:
[1 Timothy 3:2-3 NIV]
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

The key word is 'temperate" [not quickly angered]. I admit through my frustrations that I've lost my temper at times. I've blown my cool with family, friends, and co-workers. God also spoke to me to seek 'grace' and to understand it. I thought I understood grace, but maybe I don't. If you have any wonderful resources on understanding grace, I could surely use them.

See you soon...

Laser Treatment 2

This morning I endured 10 + minutes of throbbing laser surgery on my right eye. I'm very sore, but my spirits our high. I wanted to go into the office at noon, but my doctor, wife, and sister (who was with me) were much against it. I guess it wouldn't have been good since I was also sedated.

The only bad news I received was that my doctor is now going forward with laser surgery in my left eye. Yes, I was bummed, but it could be worse...

Sometimes you view these challenges in either two ways: 1. You question God's wisdom and timing and wonder, "Why me?" OR 2. You see opportunity and remind yourself that you are here to serve a great God.

I may be down, but not out. I may be on the jagged edge, but I'm in God's hands, and life doesn't get any better.

More laser treatments to go...hope never dies.

Life...

A lot of things have been going on in my, and my family's, life lately. We are in the process of selling our house in West Marietta, and moving to a house in North Marietta. All this to be done within the next 3 weeks. But that's not the entire reason I'm writing this entry.

On Friday, September 7th, I was diagnosed with severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In English, there is bleeding in my right eye causing me not to see clearly. I can see objects, but nothing clear.

Thankfully, I saw a top-notch retinal specialist (by God's doing, not mine) who will take excellent care of me. We began laser treatments that will run weekly for the next 3-4 weeks. Sadly, I am now unable to exercise or cause my head to even move too much. I can't cause a rise in my blood pressure nor bend over. And yes, there is trouble in my left eye, too. From what I understand, and I could be wrong, blindness may happen over time even after treatment.

I'm trying to stay positive about all this news. The specialist said there was nothing I could've done to prevent this, since I've been a diabetic for over 30 years. Can't seem to accept that as a reasonable answer.

The answer I do know is that I am not going to give up. Every waking moment is now spent burning wonderful images of my family and friends into memory. Smiles, laughter, colors, all the little things we take for granted are being photographed in my mind. My bloodsugar levels are being watched more closely. My eating is much better too.

I have my other senses, my hands and feet. I am very blessed for all this and wonderful family and friends. I have a God and his Son, who are watching over me and comforts me during this trying time. I can't imagine ever going at this alone.

Please keep me, my family, and others who are going through this disorder, in your prayers. Our God is a loving Father who loves us deeply and feels our pain and struggle.

Baptists Bundle Burglar

Try saying that 3 times...

From the AJC: Trail of bills tips church members to bank robber

First, the moral of the story: If you rob a bank and make your getaway by trying to blend in among church-going folks, you best be ready for some divine intervention.

Blessings Through Hard Times

As I am writing this, my family (and I) are going through some difficult times. For the past 4 months, we've been trying to sell our home in West Marietta, Georgia. In addition, we've hit a spiritual slumber. It's so difficult to give God any glory at all through trying times. Our lives have been on a roller coaster of turmoil for the last 2 + years.

I sometimes wonder what God really has planned for my life. For now, I simply don't know.

And yet, there are blessings through this fog. Blessings that I praise God for.

* My wife is blessed with her job, as a Kindergarten teacher, at a wonderful Christian school. We couldn't have asked for a better school, and I mean this with all my heart.
* I am blessed with my job, even though it is still in technology, at an awesome ministry. It's not the job that matters; it is the people.
* We are healthy! Through all our trials and tribulations, I am amazed at how well my diabetes is doing. I am inspired every day by my wife and boys to do my best.
* We have been blessed with God's provisions: loving friends and family, a home, food, and much more.

God has given us time to contemplate who we are in him. There is hope in Him and through Him.

Last night, we all watched the movie, "Facing the Giants", for the third or fourth time. [we love it!] In it, the character Grant Taylor tells his football team that they will glorify God no matter what the outcome of the game. Thanks to the movie, I am reminded to glorify God through good times or bad.

This morning, I witnessed the sun rise above a mist covered field and river. The light shown through so beautifully, all I could do was give thanks and praise to God.

I know there are more trials ahead. But God will never leave me nor foresake me. I will praise Him with all my being.

Book Review: The Road to Unafraid

The Road to Unafraid tells the gripping story of U.S. Army Captain Jeff Struecker, who took part in numerous military operations including the battle of Mogadishu aka, Black Hawk Down. From his early life in Iowa to Fort Benning, Georgia, Struecker provides details on his life and how God has deeply blessed him.

Although a quick read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wished for more. I remember when the battle of Mogadishu happened and seeing our soldiers being dragged through the streets. I can also recall when then Chief Warrant Officer Michael Durant was freed. Struecker gives his account of that horrendous battle and the impact it had on his faith.

"The difference between being a coward and a hero is not whether you're scared or not. It's what you do while you're scared." [Ch. 1]

God's Gift: Ruth Bell Graham

God gave us all a modern-day gift.

Her name is Ruth Bell Graham. She had God's strength and courage to raise 5 children while her husband travelled the world spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She will be remembered not for being just Billy's wife, but a woman who persevered and remained faithful to God.

Joe Lieberman News

Okay, I 'm not writing as much on politics anymore, but this story rose my curiosity.

From the AJC: Lieberman: U.S. Should Weigh Iran Attack

"We've said so publicly that the Iranians have a base in Iran at which they are training Iraqis who are coming in and killing Americans. By some estimates, they have killed as many as 200 American soldiers," Lieberman said. "Well, we can tell them we want them to stop that. But if there's any hope of the Iranians living according to the international rule of law and stopping, for instance, their nuclear weapons development, we can't just talk to them."

Senator Lieberman doesn't just shoot words from his mouth: He does his research very well. In fact, and I could be wrong, but I believe he has visited Iraq more than any other U.S. Senator.

Now listen to what Bill Richardson has to say:

To deal with Iran's nuclear ambitions, Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Richardson said tough negotiation is called for.

"I would talk to them, but I would build an international coalition that would promote and push economic sanctions on them," Richardson said. "Sanctions would work on Iran. They are susceptible to disinvestment policy. They are susceptible to cuts, economic sanctions in commodities."

Do you know what "tough negotiations" get you? A knife in the back.

Too bad Senator Lieberman isn't running for President...

Mr. Universe WINS In Court

From Diabetes Health: Charges Against Bodybuilder Doug Burns Dropped

I'm a littl e late in publishing this article, but I'm fighting a nasty cold. Here's an excerpt:

The decision to dismiss the case and not go to trial was based upon evidence from an endocrinologist that Doug was in diabetic shock at the time of the incident and therefore had a viable defense of unconsciousness.

It's nice to see some logic come through. Let this be a reminder to us diabetics that even though it is 2007, not everyone is aware of how to treat hypo- and hyperglycemia.

Doug Burns Update

From Diabetes Health:
Update On Mr. Universe: Doug Burns Arraigned in Court:

The District Attorney asserts that based upon current evidence, Doug was not in an altered mental state due to low blood sugar, although Doug has reportedly submitted substantial medical documentation to the contrary.

I'm going to watch this very closely. Why? In the past, it has been my experience that emergency and law enforcement officials usually don't know how to treat insulin dependent diabetics properly. They are not trained appropriately.

My hunch: I have a feeling the DA has 'hired' endocrinologists who claim Mr. Burns was just fine during this whole ordeal. Either that or there is something to Mr. Burns' character that I'm unaware of. Either case, this event could've been handled differently.

There's more to come...

Betty Adamski Schunke: Inspiration For All Diabetics

From Diabetes Health:

After All These Years: Betty Adamski Schunke Recalls Diabetes Icons

In her early twenties, Betty worked as a nurse at Camp Joslin for boys. There she met Dr. Best, famed co-discoverer of insulin. A friend of Dr. Joslin, he’d come to the camp to help celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. “The thing that impressed me most about him,” says Betty, “was that he was just a very down-to-earth person, and he was so excited to see the boys living in a relatively healthy way. He commented over and over again how special that was to him, to see all these boys having fun. And I kept thinking, but it’s thanks to you and your work with Dr. Banting that these boys are here. How do I say thank you to a man who basically gave me life?”

Doug Burns Article

Great article from Diabetes Health magazine.

Mr. Universe's Police Run-In Becomes a Force for Education

To everyone with diabetes who has read about his recent tribulations, Doug wants to reiterate that although lows happen, it’s important not to feel ashamed or frightened. No matter who you are, if you have type 1, you may crash occasionally. You have to brush yourself off and move forward.

The Trouble With Diabetes

I've been an insulin dependant diabetic for over 30 years now and I can tell you firsthand that extremely low blood sugar, or high blood sugar, can make you do some crazy things. Mix a case of severe hypoglycemia, with 20 + years in the martial arts, and you can have a potentially dangerous situation.

Doug Burns, the reigning Mr. Universe, who is also a diabetic, ran into this situation.

"Police wrestle, mace, arrest Mr. Universe"

For Burns, though, the fact is he doesn’t recall much between feeling his blood sugar dropping in the Cinemark theater and regaining coherence in the San Mateo Medical Center with mace on his shirt and glucose paste down the side of his face. The time in between are snapshots, he said, of being on the sidewalk in front of the theater unable to speak, hearing officers theorize he was on PCP and hoping somebody noticed either the Medic Alert bracelet on his wrist or a card in his wallet identifying him as the director of diabetes and obesity education for a medical research institute.

Note to all diabetics: Burns was wearing his Medic Alert bracelet. This may save him later. The only downside? He should've been carrying glucose tablets, especially since he just changed insulin regimen. And yes, I have been guilty of this, too.

Two weeks ago, I had a serious morning low. After gaining consciousness, I realized that my wife was speaking softly and feeding me graham crackers. She said I had already drank a large glass of orange juice, but I had no recollection of it. I was weak for the rest of the day.

Sound familiar?
Ah, the trouble with diabetes.

Irena Sendler

From FoxNews: Poland Honors Woman Who Saved 2,500 Children During Holocaust

"Every child saved with my help and the help of all the wonderful secret messengers, who today are no longer living, is the justification of my existence on this Earth, and not a title to glory," Sendler said in a letter read by Elzbieta Ficowska, who was saved by Sendler as a baby.

Let us never forget the brave actions of persons, like Irena, who risked their lives to protect others during a time of war.

Thoughts on Christians and Christian Music

As I read Tim Ellsworth's post on the recent Jars of Clay interview, thoughts cross my mind. For example, a stream of Christian musicians such as Derek Webb, Switchfoot, and Jars of Clay, are not the mainstream conservative Christian types, and therefore really don't fit into any current mold.

Is this really a bad thing? I mean as long as their character exudes Christ, is it bad for there to be diversity amongst Christian artists.

Case in point: Let's look at Toby Mac. Have you listened to his lyrics? The man is a singing missionary. He sings to such themes as racial diversity [relationships], homelessness, character, and God's unconditional love. Last I looked, he's no walking poster boy for the Democrats or Republicans either. Is this a bad thing?

Sometimes we become so wrapped up in what one political party is doing over the other, that we forget who we are and our mission:

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Stupid

From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Only a crumb would do this

A guy gets drunk and high on drugs and robs a girl scout of her cookies. Thankfully, he's caught.

So, here's a few punishment suggestions for all you judges out there:

1. Order the assailant to dress as a girl scout and sell cookies at a Home Depot. He must explain to everyone what his crime was. If not at a Home Depot, then at a construction site.
2. Make the assailant do 500 hours of community service as ordered by the Girl Scouts. Since he's got so much time to drink alcohol and do drugs, he's got time to do community service. If he balks, then on to number 3.
3. Serve 5 years in prison with no chance of parole.
4. Last, order him into the Marines for a mandatory 20. [Oh, I do like this one!]

If you think these suggestions are too harsh, I have news for you. The typical drunk assailant will not only spend some amount of time in jail, BUT, they will commit the same type of crime again once they're free. Increase the punishment, make them do some hard labor, and just see what happens...

Freedom of Speech

On many occasions, I believe we take freedom of speech for granted. Yet, here is a FoxNews article on what happens, in Egypt, when one doesn't have that same freedom.

He [Abdel Kareem Nabil] was a vocal critic of conservative Muslims and in other posts described Mubarak's regime as a "symbol of dictatorship."

Now Nabil will be going away to prison for 4 years.

We moan and holler about the price of freedom, when in reality we could all be facing prison time if our country wasn't a Republic Democracy. Men and women fought for our freedoms today and the threat to freedom tomorrow.

Dinosaurs and Noah's Ark

If you read this article from CNN, you have to look at it from a humorous point of view. Ignore the ACLU for just a moment [it shouldn't be hard to do], and focus on what the student says:

"LaClair says Paszkiewicz told students evolution is less fact-based than the Bible, there were dinosaurs on Noah's Ark, the Big Bang theory of creation is unscientific, and that the Bible has been proven to be literally true."

Either Paszkiewicz [the teacher] doesn't know the Bible well and/or LaClair is exaggerating what was said.

Dinosaurs aboard Noah's Ark... That would be the equivalent of releasing a bunch of Baptists on a buffet lunch after Sunday's service. Ouch!

A Happy Anniversary

I'm a little late in this posting, but I have some wonderful news to pass on.

This past December [the week prior to Christmas], I celebrated having insulin dependent diabetes for 30 years. 30 years! What do I have to show for it? Nothing. That's right, nothing. No bodily damage due to reckless behavior. Am I lucky? No.

I am blessed. Luck has nothing to do with my disease, nor my life. God does.

Want better news? I just got my 3-month A1c result from my doctor. Now please realize that I have been off my insulin pump since June '06. In addition, my sister introduced me to Lantus. In July '06, my A1c was at 6.7. Not too shabby. So what is it now?

6.1

Let the applause begin.

I honestly didn't believe I could get better control on shots with a long acting insulin. I thought I was going to get in big trouble. I prepared myself to go back on the pump if necessary. So what does all this mean?

That if you take the time to keep your diabetes under control, it won't rule you; it won't destroy you. Believe me, after 30 years, I've been there and understand the challenges. Life is too valuable for me to allow diabetes to take it.

Keep fighting the good fight.

A Little Friday Humor

My youngest son got the bright idea, this morning, to give us all superhero names. This is probably due to my boys' new fascination with superheroes, i.e. Hulk, Captain America, and Spiderman, just to name a few. So with much anticipation, here are our new superhero aliases:

Mom - aka "Wonder Woman"

Oldest son - aka "Fly High"

Youngest son - aka "Wild Fire"

Dad... um... aka "Deep Toot"

Don't ask... please just don't ask.

A Few Grrrs

More rants? Feel free to add some in the comments section.

Georgia Govenor, Sonny Perdue, has threatened any legislation regarding Sunday retail alcohol sales. According the article, Georgia is only one of three remaining states in the nation that prohibit retail alcohol sales on Sundays. It's about time we move on.

Michael Vick in trouble with the law? No way!!!

Atlanta Braves trade firstbaseman Adam LaRoche to the Pirates. Personally, this was a bad move, but only time will tell.

Consumer information stolen from T.J. Maxx. Brilliant!

Last, but not least...

Mother seeks court option for ban of Harry Potter books. I'm not a fan of the books. As a parent, it is my job, not the government's, to look after what my child is reading.

God's Grace

A wonderful article by Chuck Norris on grace and forgiveness.

"My faith would be tested over and over throughout my martial arts and movie careers, when I, like so many before me, had succumbed to the enticements of fame and fortune. As resilient as I thought I was, I bit and swallowed the hook of the Hollywood lifestyle. It would cost me my marriage and cripple my faith.

I learned from my failures, even the spiritual ones. Despite my driven and optimistic attitude, I failed to live up to God's standards. And I needed God's grace and forgiveness, just like anyone else."

2007 Goals

Yes, I'm setting goals. Not just any goals mind you, but goals I need to accomplish. So without further rambling, here they are:

1. Give more time to my family - Where we live right now isn't the best for travelling to and from our jobs. On average, my wife and I travel an hour each way to our jobs. This is causing severe stress for both her and our boys. We will resolve this issue by spring.

2. Spend more quality time with God - This is really number 1. The more quality time I have with my Father, the better my life will be.

3. Church - We've been church hopping for 6 months now and it is wearing us down. This actually goes along with number 1 and will cease in the spring.

4. Read more, write more - I love to read and write, but usually don't have the time.

5. Exercise - I'm not getting any younger and, if I want to be a good role model to my boys, I need to exercise. I'm still amazed at how great Chuck Norris looks at 66. I've read that he [Norris] works out for an hour a day. He also reads the Holy Bible everyday with his wife Gena. He is inspiration for all of us.

Please keep me in prayer as I set out to accomplish these goals.