blog already

Why isn't anyone blogging?

Well, Mike is working third shift and going to school. And trying to stay awake and texting a lot.

Joe is without internet, moving to VA, and busy with the new life of an airplane mechanic.

Matt is waking up early, traveling an hour to school, teaching school, then staying late for basketball practice, and then traveling and hour home. At which point he tries to see his wife and sleep.

Jenn. . .really doesn't have much excuse. She is online plenty and she's coming to MBBC. So, why she doesn't blog more, IDK.

Me? Meh, I go to school, and work once and a while. I spend my evenings online, answering questions, or e-mailing, or job searching, or blogging, or doing greek at my desk, or other homework.

So, yeah, (aside from Jenn) I understand why people aren't blogging. It makes sense. I'd still like to see it though. I like to hear the wit/thoughts/lives of everyone else. Even if you can't blog, you could at least comment on other people's blogs.

We got through my module this week. It was good. I got stuff I need to get accomplished on Monday. I need to get myself a planner that I make sure to check every morning. And keep with me throughout the day.

It is supposed to snow/rain/sleet Saturday night. I hope it doesn't. But, my hoping doesn't usually accomplish much when it comes to the weather.

I need to go again. hope you all are well. Only a few more weeks.

Praise the Lord

Over the last two weeks through a few different means, I have gotten an extra $1,000. God's goodness is amazing.

We are supposed to get snow and then sleet Saturday afternoon and into the evening. I usually go somewhere Saturday evening till late into the night. Maybe I'll bring clothes to change into and sleep in my car if it gets really bad. We'll see. Of course, I would like to be able to just sleep in the basement but how dare I suggest such a thing.

I need to go get some work done. I'll be home in under 4 weeks. I'm so excited.

praise

So, when you hear someone say "Praise the Lord!" what comes to mind? The 100's of times you have heard your unsaved co-workers take the Lord's name in vain in exactly that manner? What do you do when Christians say it? I heard someone say it the other day. I was completely shocked. The person knew exactly what he meant, but I was unsure if he meant it as he said it or had to think about it later. But at the same time, I just had a confusing situation I wasn't sure about with my credit card be taken care of the way it shoulda been and it wasn't me. The proper response had to be "Praise the Lord." or "Thank God." Which, when I was telling my roommate is what I said.

But think about it. How often do we as Christians shy away from correctly praising the Lord because the unsaved have taken that praise and perverted it? Maybe its just me. I've heard so many people say it about the dumbest things it has driven me crazy. I half-jumped on the Christian I heard say it the other day. Because, in MY mind, that was not something worth being thankful for. How foolish of me!!! Everything is worth being thankful for.

So, I think it comes down to attitude again. Just like prayer. People praying in church; is it vain repetition? or is it true prayer? Depends on their heart for them and yours for you.I can say the same words every week if I truly mean them and am praying them. Or I can change it and speak wonderfully and mean nothing by it. So, if the snow falls and you say "Thank God!" Mean it, and praise him for the snow. If you have been praying about your money situation and God provides in ways you didn't expect, "Praise the Lord!" and mean it. He deserves it. But don't say things you don't mean, ever.

That's just free info anyway. Don't say things you don't mean.

I'm engaged. I'm so happy. I gtg. peace. (That's anther one. It is "ok" to wish peace to friends and family. True peace comes from God, and that is what is meant. Same as saying "have a good day." If I mean it I should say it.) Peace be to you.

W00T!!

I'm engaged!! =D

Flow chart

Too bad how often that fits. . .good thing is, I don't have time to follow this very much anymore.

Oh, and I got their blessing. Took 2 hours of talking (er listening on our part) but we got it. Yay!! I'll call you all sometime. Hope you had a good thanksgiving and have a nice weekend.

happy thanksgiving

As I get ready to go to work in 15 minutes, I just want to say, happy thanksgiving to all those I won't see during this weekend. (Which is most of you.)

I am thankful for good friends and close family. That's all you guys. Thanks.

I won't be working anymore this week after I get out of McD tomorrow morning, and school is closed, so I won't be blogging. Hope you all enjoy your festivities. Remember, only 4 1/2 more weeks till Christmas. I can't wait to be home. =D 10:43pm.

So, here I am

So, I'm out of money. Plain and simple. Gone.

$500 into my car since coming out here. And the guy tells me my rear brakes will cost me another. . .$240+ labor. yay. $300 more bucks . . . my dad says that for every $500 into a car it should last another year. If I can be done after putting this $800 into it for a solid year without much more than normal upkeep I'll be happy.

It always seems like when things seem to be going well spiritually, that things stop going well temporally. I mean, I've been trying harder lately.

I'm often being impressed upon (by my gf) to just stop worrying and trust the Lord. And so I was thinking about that. I didn't really think I was worrying. I was calculating. I can't find any possible ways for the funds to show up. And then it kinda hit me. . .isn't that what it means to trust the Lord? If I can see where the money is going to come from then I don't need to trust really, because I can see it.

Now I'm sitting here with no idea where I'm going to get the money for Christmas presents, a trip home, fixing my car, a wedding, etc. I am still looking for a better job if it should show up and I'm trying to be content with the job I have.

I don't like asking for money. Its hard for me to take other people's money. Why? When you watch old TV shows, the problem is always someone is too proud to take the money. I don't quite see that its pride. . .I mean, maybe it is, and as much as I try not to take it, I also try to be grateful when its given.

Topic change.

"For the brightest students, academics can become a kind of game. For average students, it is very serious business."

I got a newsletter thing from someone recently and the above quote was written.

I understand that the ability I have comes from God. It isn't anything in me that makes it easier for me to do Greek, or type out a paper in a day and a half. But this gift has bred laziness in me. I have taken advantage of it, and thus not put myself fully to my tasks.

I find there is sooo much that needs work in my life. And if I try to work on everything I can feel overwhelmed. At the same time, I don't know how to not work on everything because there is no excuse to say, "I'm not going to work on that sin, and I'll work on this one." But, wow. . .I guess its just another thing that says "You can't do it. Go to God." Because, I can work on one thing at a time. But I just get exhausted.

Topic Change.

I've been looking for a job. I was on the MI state website the other day. I need to take the civil service exam. That is the start I need. Then I can start applying and stuff.

But, Kaylynn hates the cold. It gets into the 40s and she freezes. I don't know how she has survived in WI for the last 20 years. She doesn't like it. I don't particularly like the cold either. I don't like it as warm as she does, but there is a medium between tropical island 83 all the time, and MI/WI freezing winters. Of course, if we lived in MI we could keep the house warm.

Where do I want to live? Well, MI is still my preferred place, if I could find work. And good work. If I could work for the state it would be fine. Good benefits/pay, etc. Of course, whenever something happens to state budgets someone gets cut. Both my uncle and my dad hear about it.

A tropical island would be cool to live on too. But I think my reasons for wanting to live there aren't the best. The warm/nice weather. The ability to say "I lived on a tropical island." My future wife would probably be warm.

Ok, I think I need to take a civil service exam of some kind...but, I really have no clue. There are half a dozen different exams on the MI.gov site and none seem for the IT job I'm looking at. Entrance level of course.

What can I do with my degree, but teach? Right? What does a Bible degree do for me? My computer degree doesn't do much since I don't really like programming.

It isn't likely I can get a good job without having a degree in something, and everything my degrees are in I can't get a good job. I look at some stuff and see, MA, or MB, or PhD. A year ago I was thinking I would get my PhD so I could say I had it. Now I'm thinking I should get something to use it. Bleh! What a waste was CMU! I should have gotten a degree in business.

I sound pretty gloomy. I think my desperateness is good though.

My roommate isn't online so, I can't chat with him like I would normally be doing right now. bleh!

Big pre-school thanksgiving thing in the little gym tonight. Caused us to close the gym, weight room, and aerobics stuff. College students weren't terribly happy, but I liked it. ;)

I'm thirsty.

I need to use my money wisely.

If I want more money I better use my few pounds I have now wisely. Oh great. . .I might have to take down the chairs from the kids thing. . .I caught the dinosaur. Or did I not catch the dinosaur?

I need to get some reading done so I'm gonna log for now. Hope all is well with you. 8:53.

Maxims

Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs.


Simplicity of character is the natural result of profound thought.

Wisdom in the man, patience in the wife, bring peace to the
 house, and a happy life. 

A fool must now and then be right --- by chance.

He who has a good wife can bear any evil. 

A fool in his own house will not be wise in mine.

Use your wit as a buckler, not as a sword.

White ants pick a carcass clean sooner than a lion will.

The wise man has long ears, big eyes and a short tongue.

Wit without discretion is a sword in the hand of a fool.

They who make the best use of their time have none to spare.

To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.

You must judge a maiden at the kneading trough, and not in a
 dance.

Step by step one goes far.

Hasty judgments are generally faulty ones.

Talking comes by nature, silence by wisdom.

What ardently we wish we soon believe.

Let no man value at little price a virtuous woman's counsel.

Wit ill applied is a dangerous weapon.

More have repented of speech than silence.

A foolish man diligently advertises his own folly.

Books give not wisdom where was none before.


And what started it all:


It is unbecoming for young men to utter maxims.

My girl

She is worth it all.

I have been going through a lot of ____ lately. Most of you hear about it here and over the phone. You guys have been encouraging, supportive, and thought provoking, and I appreciate it.

At no point do I want anyone to think I wouldn't have done this if I had known the trouble, or that I regret any of it. I don't. She is worth every bit. (no, none of you have implied such, I just want to make it clear.)

She is amazing. I can't begin to describe it. I prayed and this is who God gave me, and I am still in awe. So, yeah, there is a lot of stuff happening that is bad. It is annoying, aggravating, irritating, irrational, hypocritical, and often unscriptural. But she is 100% worth it, and I'm grateful for her.

politics

Now, I don't know much about politics. I don't claim to. But anyone who watched The West Wing would know some obvious things. Things that you could get without watching it if you just thought about it. . .like not having your veto overturned. Seriously.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/11/08/congress.water/?iref=mpstoryview

So, if the president makes the mistake of vetoing something that has that much support. . .I mean it wasn't even a close vote. They flat rejected the veto. So, I guess we shouldn't be expecting Bush to get much done. . .like we were anyway?

He has 1 year left. . .1 year. When I think about Gore or Kerry being in charge, I can be happy about what has been accomplished concerning the war, etc. But on the homefront. . .nvm.

So, I used to dislike the news. . .I still do largely, but I think I dislike "TV news" and not the actual news. I get news headlines from CNN, Fox, Drudge, NY Times, Reuters, LA Times, etc. Yes, still about half the time the article is pointless, but among all of those I can usually find "real" news. And that I think it is important to try to keep up on.

Yellowstone is again filling with molten rock. There is no guesstimate of how long that happens before it subsides or erupts. So if you're planning on seeing Yellowstone, do it quickly and hope it doesn't erupt while you're there.

California is suing the US regarding emission standards from cars, etc. I'm pretty sure the correct term is suing although they aren't doing so for money. Just to get permission on something that has been rejected. Suing gives it a more publicity I think though.

My gf brought me dinner. . .she's the best.

I need to go do homework. ttyl.

correction

My dad's grades did NOT drop. It was just a couple of quiz scores. Just thought I'd clear that up.

Aristotle once said:Dignity consists not in possessing honors, but in the consciousness that we deserve them.

So, basically I can be dignified. heh. Its kinda funny that I should find that quote today, while I am considering my B's. But alas, I must move on to other things.

I'm preaching tomorrow. Pray for me please.

Hosea 10:12.

Sow to yourselves in Righteousness.
Reap in mercy.
Break up your fallow ground.
Time to seek the Lord.
Till He come and rain righteousness on you.

I am feeling good because I'm feeling so unable. I am nervous and haven't done this in a while, and its a scary thing handling the Word of God. This is all driving me to pray more about it and I'm grateful for that. But now I need to go. ttyl. 5:22

remember remember the 5th of Nov

The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.

The rest goes like this:

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent

To blow up King and Parli'ment.

Three-score barrels of powder below

To prove old England's overthrow;

By God's providence he was catch'd

With a dark lantern and burning match.

Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.

Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!

And then long time ago, there traditionally was another verse:

A penny loaf to feed the Pope

A farthing o' cheese to choke him.

A pint of beer to rinse it down.

A faggot of sticks to burn him.

Burn him in a tub of tar.

Burn him like a blazing star.

Burn his body from his head.

Then we'll say ol' Pope is dead.

Hip hip hoorah!

Hip hip hoorah hoorah!

Anyway, perhaps its time to remember the 5th of November and blow up Old Main, er I mean. . .nvm. ;)

Guy Fawkes and other Catholic conspirators if you didn't know attempted to blow up the houses of parliament on Nov 5th, 1605.

Things to blog about. . . . . . . . . . . . .I'm busy getting ready to preach on Wed. Maybe tomorrow night if I have time I'll run through a brief outline of my sermon. Pray for me. It has been a LONG time since I've preached and I'm also swamped. But I shall persevere. Right?

Gtg get a drink and work some more on my message. ttyl. peace be to you. 7:34.

me again

So, I met with Mr. O this morning over breakfast. It was interesting. I will try to be as kind and honest as I can.

First question resulted in me saying we were planning on getting married this summer. This was the biggest thing we didn't think they were aware of. It didn't appear to surprise him too much. (oh yeah, I thought I was meeting both of them, but only Mr. O showed up.)

His two biggest concerns were: my debt, and her schooling. Both of which I completely (as completely as I can) understand.

Note: He said whatever you decide "we will support you." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I messed up. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't even want to blog anymore. . .I'm just mad at myself. Anyway. . .

We talked for about 2 hours, and he wants the four of us to meet with pastor and wants us to pray about waiting an extra year. Well. . .he just wants us to wait an extra year, and I said that we would honestly pray about it and if we felt we were supposed to we would, and if not we would let them know that too.

As such, he wanted to wait before he officially gave his blessing until we had prayed about it. Praying about it is good. . .waiting is hard. But, as a dad is giving away his daughter. Spending a week in prayer should be something I should be willing to give. . .shouldn't I? He didn't really ask for it. It is kinda just what I said he could have.

Now, as for her schooling. We are forgetting largely the many many many verses that speak of God being the friend, helper, and husband of the fatherless and widows. I'm not even married and I'm already finding great comfort in these verses. I know my grandma rejoices in them and finds encouragement there. But, if the Lord tarries and blesses such, as a father and husband, what more comforting thought can there be that if God takes me out of the picture, He will also care for those for whom I was responsible? Now, obviously I'm not discounting life insurance, and savings etc etc. But that seems to me a huge blessing that previously I was unable to understand as such.

As to my debt. $5k. Yes. . .that is some debt. How many people do I know with WAAAAAY more than that? Now, I don't like debt. I don't. I plan on paying it off. It is something to work towards. But in the grand scheme, when I owe way more than $5k on a house. . . . . .seriously.

I know people who buy the new cars, boats, etc. I can be confident because I know me. They don't know me, so me trying to assure them of my dislike of debt and yet my comfortableness with getting married with $5k is somewhat difficult.

But, neither of those two reasons are reasons worth postponing. They are something worth seriously considering. And we have, and continue to do so. But that is all.

Now, neither are we in a huge hurry. There are reasons we are in a "hurry." We don't get treated very well, or rather as adults. And some of that may carry on for the rest of our lives, unfortunately. But that is why we would want to move away sooner. If, however Kaylynn DID want to finish school. Our biggest concern I think is being here. We both can't stand it. If they change so much that we can enjoy being here, rather than fear/dread it then I honestly can't see a huge difficulty in waiting. . .if we could do what we want. And that's the key. We won't be able to.

He already told me that the rules will change when we are engaged. He opened them up so that there are very very few. But some things. . .that I woulda wanted changed anyway, aren't changing till she moves. And he made that clear. Like midnight curfew. ahem. Seriously.

Now I talked to someone and they said "Curfews are good." I don't get why. Curfew your teenager because you think they need more sleep then they are getting, fine. Don't curfew an adult. You have a house rule that the house locks at midnight, then really why did you give keys to people? And is it worth telling her she needs to be home by midnight or move out?

I don't understand curfews, IF there is trust. Why have a curfew? Do you trust your daughter? Do you trust your son? So, a group of friends goes out to the college function and then to pizza hut. No, that is wrong!! Isn't the whole point of the curfew to say, "I don't trust you?" There has to be something I'm missing.

Responsibility. It teaches responsibility. Really? Are you sure? Ok, they need to be home. I'm glad that they missed the last 20 minutes of the movie to make it home by the randomly set time in the house. "Start the movie earlier." Yeah yeah yeah. Normally, that's just what happens. They sit around until 10:35 to start the movie that is just a little over an hour and a half. Purposefully too. Or maybe, they know how tired they are, how it affects them, etc etc etc. I'm just saying that once a person is an adult. . .I can't find a good reason for a curfew. I will have them for my kids, but once they get to be an adult. . .I better be able to trust them because a curfew is pointless by that time, and drives a wedge between us.


So, where are we? Well, we talk some more. Next time we talk, whether its tomorrow, or next week or with pastor I state very plainly that I expect an answer today. We do not need to set a wedding date in order to get the blessing. We might need to pray about waiting for a couple weeks, or a month. Idk, but the point is that he said "It isn't a matter of 'if,' but 'when'." And they know we are getting married and that we are right for each other and they are determined to be supportive either way, so that sounds like a blessing, right? without actually having to say yes. So, next time, I will go through everything and then make sure we get a yes.

One of the pastors I talked to said I needed to do that this time. Just make sure I get a solid answer. I had too many paths I was chasing, and I coulda argued the above paragraph today had I considered it, but it didn't cross my mind. Ah well.

Now, in the grand scheme of things, I'm glad I'm not asking her to move out against her parents wishes. Although next semester she may be moving out and that will be against their wishes. . .I think. He was adamant that if there weren't guys that decided they liked his other daughters he expected them to remain at home. . . .indefinitely. . . . . .that won't happen, and its sad. But they are driving them away. (good pronoun use there, huh? ;))

Next time we talk I think I need to remember to bring up some other things too.

Christmas. She is coming home with me for over a week. YAY!! =D =D =D

During that time she will be getting a phone on my plan.

Spring break we plan on spending in MI as well.

Kaylynn had previously said she didn't think they could help with the wedding. He said they would help a little. Don't know how much, but we would appreciate any help and that was nice. (as long as it doesn't have strings attached. I hate to think that way, but . . .)

I don't want to work in the computer field. . .I don't know what I'm supposed to do though.

Of course, everyone wants to know what I plan on doing, and what can you do with your degree. I can do some stuff, but its incredibly difficult.

I was told the other day that a Christian school job is not a very good income. I think I would know that. heh.

One of the pastors I talked to told me that if there was anyone in all of history who fell into the Rev. 22 curse it would be Bruce Metzger. That is without a doubt true. He sat on so many councils "shaping" the Scriptures. It would scare me to give one iota of input, and he sits there hacking away at entire verses/chapters/books. And the funny thing today is that he is viewed as a great scholar in the field of textual studies, and exalted in our fundamental baptist schools. Think about it.

Then try telling a group of students that he is in Hell, when their NTI prof says he was a genius and a great "godly" man. Who determines Godliness these days? I guess I'm out of the loop. Tischendorf supposedly a great godly man. I don't think I heard anyone go that far with W&H, but maybe. . .it would be in my notes.

Kurt Aland would be another. Sitting on the council for the UBS 3 and 4, and the NA 26-27, and even before. I think he goes back to the Nestle 13 or 14. What type of man would dare? One who exalted himself above the Word of God?

Which is partly why we get all these wishy washy messages on who the Rev 22 curse really applies to. I mean, anyone who stands and says something that isn't right. Well, that doesn't really apply here. It isn't good, but you can't condemn someone to Hell forever for that. You can for tampering with the transcendent holy Word of God. Well, not you personally, but the text does.

My argument has changed over time. I have I think, maintained the same points with some adjustments, but my order of presentation has changed often. I started with the character of God, then came the church/Word/Spirit relationship, I recently began with certainty, now, I am where I probably should have started: exegesis. You see, the CT side does not have any exegetical support. Indeed, they claim the Bible doesn't speak to the issue. AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH. Sorry, think about it though. Fundamental Bible Believing Baptists who say that the Bible speaks to each and every matter of faith and practice says the Bible doesn't speak as to its own preservation. Again, I say, AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH.

So, if I begin with exegesis, which is not always the first instinct and it should be (for all matters of faith and practice. . .exegesis of Scripture should always be first.) then I have the "I win" button. If the Scripture speaks to these things then the CT side must acknowledge them. And they try to skirmish out of it. This is why its a matter of faith for us. We believe by the testimony of the Word and the inward working of the Holy Spirit that we have in our possession the very Word of God. Amen.

Sometimes its easy to see how Paul could break into doxology in the middle of an epistle and certainly at the end. Reread the statement above. . .yeah, we all know it, but that is truly amazing.

Last night I spent about an hour and a half talking to my roommate about relationships and then prayer and God's goodness. I don't often talk to him, but when we do have a real conversation we talk about serious stuff. It was a good talk. I think I gave some good advice and I went away encouraged and reminded of some things I needed.

But you know, I prayed and prayed. And there were things, even praying for the perfect girl, that I wasn't praying for and that I wouldn't have preferred but I would have put up with. The way God matched me with Kaylynn is bewildering. We are sooo perfect for each other. . .I can't even express it. It was one of those things that is just an encouragement because God knew me better than I knew myself. That can be scary, but what an encouragement.

My dad's grades dropped when he dated my mom. Part of me didn't really get it. I get it now. I'm fighting and it will be a struggle to maintain an A in one of my classes. It isn't that the work is hard. It is just harder to find time. And school isn't a priority. I like getting A's. But I like knowing that I coulda got the A almost as much. So me getting a B on a paper because it was a week late and drops a grade is one of those things that I smirk about and am content with. Anyway, I'm still going for the 3.75 but if it stays at 3.65 I won't complain. I didn't come in here with strict expectations, so meh.

Btw, in under 1 years time I will have my M.A. =D =D =D =D :D =) :) =) :D

A year and a half ago I was single, unemployed, out of school, and living at home. I was a guild master though. heh ;)

Now I almost have a wife and a MA. Good progress in a year and a half imo. Great blessings.

I think I overuse commas. I find that I like to insert them a lot. I was thinking too the other day that I need to brush up on my English rules. I'm learning a lot of Greek syntax and I don't even know a lot of English. I barely remember learning Cases. I remember going over it, but what I learned I don't know. I just know what sounds right and certain things. My English isn't bad, generally. I edit my own papers and thanks to my parents I think I do a pretty good job on it. There are just things I think I should know, and should brush up on. . .Just need to find the right English book. I don't want to read it through just be able to look things up when I forget. I need to stay on top of it. I enjoy English. My parents would be so proud.

I think I could teach high school. I was thinking about it. Be a principal, idk. I'm sure I could, but I would need to talk to my dad about how to do it. But I think I can teach high school math, english, computer apps, bible, phsycis. . .maybe chemistry, and history. Actually, let me re-phrase that: I know enough or can re-learn it and enjoy it enough, but I don't know if I've ever tried teaching much, and I think I could teach kids. But. . .what a big responsibility. Oi Vey. (I think that's what my sister would say there. . .but I don't know what it means so, if its swearing blame her. :P )

hmmmmm, I found something interesting while I was paying bills and such and it could be a pleasant surprise or just another petty annoyance. I'm hoping its the former.

I found my old guilds website. Just thought about it for some reason and stopped by. Recognize some of the main posters but that's about it. meh, Just stopped by to brag to em about me girl.

I'm gonna go. Hopefully my girl will be here soon. peace. 2:14.

lots of stuff

I first need to be thankful.

Some people are just nice. Every now and then you see them, or run into them. For no reason other than that they are nice do they go out of their way to be generous. I think I used to be like this. But I can barely remember it. That's too bad. I'm not even sure people can attest the fact and so, its really too bad. I need to work on it again. I'm trying.

But on to what I'm thankful for. My roommate was reading my blogs and as I just barely mentioned the fact that I don't have any cheese, jelly, or chocolate chips, he mentioned something to his brother. When I opened the fridge that night, I had all three on my shelf. You know, it made my evening. Sometimes the little things are big. I got so much stuff on my mind, and going and trying to find some food I would enjoy was not one of them. Having a brick of cheese (which I ate in two days) was great. So, thanks Marc.

Second, thanks to all who prayed about last Saturday. It went better than expected, but not good either. But I had prayed and prayed and prayed that it would not go horrible and it didn't, and we praise God for it.

Things are moving and I'm meeting with her parents on Saturday morning to further discuss their blessing on our marriage. I was kinda worried last night. Today I'm more anticipating it. I talked to three pastors for about 2 hours time. Got a lot of advice and counsel. "In the multitude of counsellors there is safety." "In the multitude of counsellors they [purposes] are established." I have talked to lots of people.

It was really, really nice to talk to my uncle Pete today. I haven't talked to him really since the 4th, and we talked for an hour. About half the time on my situation, but the other half on the Bible issue.

I also found out that Joe got the job in VA. (which no1 back home has told me. . .???)

And that Pete's adviser for his ThM thesis wants him to shorten it and dumb it down because he doesn't understand the words Pete is using.

I'm grateful for my family. I have thought about it, and I could call almost anyone and talk to them. It is a happy thought to know that there are good Christian people willing and happy to give advice and listen to your problems. And the fact that it spans multiple generations is great.

I grabbed a dozen roses today and dropped them off for Kaylynn while she worked. Why, you ask? I love her.

I have been searching again for a place around here that offers an IQ test. Not a lot, but just a couple online searches. I would like to try again to get into Mensa, but more than that, I would just like to know how far I'm off. I took the one test, but they never give you a score, just a yes or no. That was disappointing. Of course, I don't have the time right now, nor have I taken enough varieties of IQ tests to be ready. I would study and push myself this time. But oh well.

I was complemented on my choice of clothes today. Mostly because I was wearing khakis and not black pants. (which I wore everyday last year). Yes, my girlfriend is having a good influence on me.

We got three checks last month. Last year they paid us once a month a set amount. This year they are paying us regularly like the rest of the staff which means every two weeks. This is good. This will mean we won't be getting anything in May, but we will be done in May anyway. But it was nice to get the extra check last month.

I can't wait for Christmas. I'm so excited. yay!! Its already Nov. I know that that still means two months. But that is it!!

So, I had someone mention to me that it is important that Kaylynn finish her schooling. Because, what if I die in 10 years? Then how will she provide? I have not considered this too much and so the following will be me thinking through these things, and I'm sure I will miss something.

First, a degree does not necessitate a job. Second, where does trust in the Lord come in? Now, I understand wanting to have her cared for, because, I do. And yes, it is hard to imagine me dying like that, but it does happen. That suddenly leaves my parents/in-laws caring for my family.

So, I mention it to someone else, and he agreed. He said that he would wait a year and work and save and let her finish. I'm not forcing her to quit though. I am not even the one who, back in the beginning, brought up changing her degree to a two year.

The sole reason of that would be for her to have her degree. Because any other positive you try to wiggle out of it, I can argue against.

One of the pastors I talked to was happy to hear she was dropping out to marry me. He didn't seem worried. Of course, he probably wasn't thinking about me dying either.

Someone mentioned that even if college wasn't completed she should have some skills that could help her besides waitressing. She currently manages as well. That's something. She can play/tutor piano. She has already had one student. That's something else.

Idk. . .it is an odd thought. And I frankly can't be satisfied with her having to work at all. Which I think is my problem. If I happen to die, I don't want her to have to work and bring up our kids. Which, Duh, nobody wants that. Hmm. . ./sigh. . . . . .I can't let it bother me. The only conclusion I can come to, is that a degree is not Biblical in itself. If she wants it, I have never been opposed to her getting it. I have told her that. If we pray about it and believe that she should have it then, we will make sure she gets it. That is the only conclusion I can come to I guess.

I need to get some greek done. I got two verses of translation and then this work sheet to fill out. I just found out my roommate disagrees with some of the ideas I am advocating regarding anyone leaving their house without their parents permission. It was an interesting conversation.