Sickness Stinks!

Good Grief! Since Wednesday Night I've been afflicted with a "severe" case of the same thing that had gotten both my children down. Fortunately neither of them had it as bad as I got it. I'm just now coming back to some semblance of normalcy. I was able to actually eat solid food yesterday, after 2 days of no food what-so-ever, not because of an upset stomach but because of a VERY painful throat. My Temperature climbed so high Friday night that I went very close to convulsions, my wife says I did, but I think I was just shaking like that because I felt so cold. Normally for you to get in that shape it has to get at or above 104 degrees. I remember being that hot once when I was a boy, due to pneumonia, bronchitis, or something like that. My sleep patterns are so hosed that its going to be hard to get them where they should be. Its good to be back in the land of the living, even if its only partially at the moment. The Dr. (Ryan Mire of Heritage Medical one of few I would highly recommend) said I'd be contagious for 48 hours after starting the medicine, but wouldn't be 100% until some time after that. The nurse and Dr. both seemed rather surprised, if that's the right word, at the extent of the infection.
I think there maybe a connection to the backed up drains at the club where I exercise, the two kids and just getting real tired. Getting up and starting work at 3:50 am and then taking Christine to the Emergency room That night at 10:30 because of strep throat which caused me to worry. And, before her Michael had it, so more worry. Their cases weren't accompanied with the sheer pain mine came with fortunately. Once we got them on the Antibiotic their temps were fairly easy to control as well. I guess that's the blessing in this is that while they were sick, and that's bad enough, they weren't severe cases. I worried more about them, and I guess I forgot to pay attention to me, and wound up catching a double dose. I don't care what the risk is, if you are a man at all you're not going to refuse your son or daughter while their in pain. My daughter especially just wanted to sit in my lap for a little bit, and what daddy is going to say "no"?
Another blessing was that God helped me find a preacher to fill in today at Missionary Ridge. I was so out of it, to be honest, I just didn't care, but with Angela's careful prodding I worked on it, and God got it done. So, Bro Cecil Gilliland (sp? forgive me brother if its spelled wrong) is taking care of things today, and I pray God's blessings on his messages. One of these days I'll live in a land where nothing defiles, or makes unclean! I wont have to visit hospitals, or call Doctors. I wont have to preside over Funerals or visit cemeteries. I can't wait.

New Dell Laptop a winner

Unlike the HP AMD 64 bit laptop, everything is now working in the new DELL. I got a E1705 with the Intel Core 2 Duo T7400, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB HDD, 17"WUXGA screen, and Intel 3945 Pro Wireless card. I had to completely wipe the hard drive, but thanks to Dell's foresight in packaging a real Windows install DVD, and driver CD or DVD, I was able to install Vista on a 30 GB partition, and allocate the rest to Kubuntu Edgy (Linux distro I use most now). The only issue that remains is that with the Nvidia Video drivers loaded I get a lot of popping and crackling in the sound when I play a video intensive game. I can play DVD's with no ill affect, which makes me wonder what's going on.
I figured out how to get the Intel Wireless card to be up and running by login time. I put two lines in my rc.local file as follows:

ifdown eth1
ifup eth1

and now things work pretty good. I'd like to be able to take this out, but its working, so its not urgent. What I found surprising is that the drivers for the wireless card worked right off the bat in the live cd boot up! I didn't even have to wait for the full install.
Sound works, Video works, and to beat all hibernation works! (well for the most part, last night it never completely shut down for some reason). I'm really enjoying this thing, and I'm looking forward to Feisty going public, as long as I can still print to my brother printer. Brother's Linux support is horrible because its half hearted. They have a full blown CUPS driver for the Mac, but for some reason they are unwilling to put out a CUPS driver for Linux. What gives there?
My next attempt to make Linux really look good will be to install Beryl or Compiz and get the full 3D desktop I've been hearing so much about. I can't remember which works with KDE better at the moment, but I'll update the Blog here when I get that done.

Anyway, the son is enjoying his toy, and Dad is enjoying his, and the house is happy.

Drum Set pics

My Daughter has a FisherPrice Kid's digital camera, so this thing is grainy I know, but it'll give ya' an idea of the drum set. My son is sitting at it. He's taken some lessons at the Renaissance Center in Dickson, so he's not doing bad for a beginner. He has to concentrate, like his dad, too much right now, but he's picking it up. I hope that this helps him grow in his confidence.

Here's another one.
Can you tell I'm proud of my youngin's? :-D

No Church, Waiting on Laptop, and Drums

I hate sundays with no Church. Due to the snow and icy road conditions this morning, left over from last night, we canceled Church. I hate doing that, but I know the people well enough to know what that'll do to the crowd. I know what you may be thinking, but I don't want folks feeling less than "spiritual" because they can't get out on the snow or ice, its not their fault. I also don't want some to try, and wind up wrecking their car hitting some odd patch of ice. I have found myself much more cautious about the snow since I've learned what it means to care about others. You think you know when your single, or living in Mom or Dad's house, but you don't really. Its not until someone is completely dependent on the decisions you make that you realize how important it is to consider what you do, and its affect on them, before you do it. Anyway, I remember in my younger days I would have plowed ahead and had Church anyway, and praise God there are those who can do that now, but now, I'm more reserved. I guess the two kids, and wife have made me a softy.

On another note, I sent back the HP, and as I said they were aggravating, but they finally returned my money. So, I've returned the HP and ordered a DELL, E1705, with the Intel T7400, 17" WUXGA (some outrageous resolution), and 4 years of accidental coverage, instead of 2 and its cheaper than the HP anyway. I would have liked the hp Intel version, don't get me wrong. I liked the 2 hard drive idea. I also have NO problem with HP in general. I really think they have the best server line with IBM coming in VERY close to 2nd. However, I like Dell's Laptops and Desktops. I Like IBM's midrange hardware better than anyone's, and I don't know of a second best there that's close. AIX on RS/6000 boxes just can't be beat for midrange power. All that said, I think its fair to say I'm not really attached to any particular vendor,however, there's one I can't stand, and they generally produce an OS that you can look out of, but if you open their glass panes you'll let the bugs in if you know what I mean. So, I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival, it'll probably get here sometime around the first of next month. Some reviews site its not very pretty and the speakers in it aren't very exceptional, but that's ok. I can add speakers, or headphones for sound, and looks aren't involved in my purchase plans. (I did price an Alienware laptop, because they look cool, but they couldn't come close to the price point of Dell.

The other interesting goody to come into the house is my son's drum set. We bought him a low end DDrum D2 drum set for about 380 at a music store in Bellevue, TN. My son just started jumping up and down Saturday when he came home and found it in his room. Again, I'd like to have a Digital camera to show it to ya' but alas, that's low on the purchase priority list. They're nice enough for starting, and they came about right with all the used drum sets I found that were worth having. Not only that, but I have a 2 year warranty (1 year from the store doubled by the Ccard I used). I think he'll take to it fairly well, if he can ever get me off of it. It reminded me of how much I enjoyed playing when I was in High School. Its amazing what you can remember, BTW, when you sit down behind one. My daughter wasn't so happy, 'cause now he has one more thing to irritate her with, and because she doesn't have a real Piano. (not to mention the fact that her casio keyboard cost about that much when we bought it a few years ago, and that she's been able to play sports, take Piano lessons, and everything else he hasn't for quite some time, but that's another story). Well, generally speaking everyone's happy here now, and life is good. God is great folks, and why He's so nice to me I'll never understand. He's given me a good family, a great wife, and two good (well, for the most part anyway) kids, and a great job doing what I love (on both sides, the Church and Ardent).

That's all for now. God bless.

SNOW! Yes

Hey, this is just to commemorate our fist (howbeit half decent) real snow. It wasn't much, maybe an inch of real powdery snow. We tried making a snowman, and throwing snowballs, but the snow just wasn't slushy enough. Oh well, Christine and I had fun anyway, we made snow angels, and did our best with the snow balls. I wish I had a digital camera so I could post images of it, but, alas that's yet to come.

Michael, my son, is sick with a stomach Virus of some kind, and can't go out. So, it wasn't as much fun thinking of him stuck in the bed. I'm working from home today so I could enjoy this as much as possible, its not like Snow comes very often around here any more. What's up with that anyway?

Oh, I got word that the new Laptop is in route! YEA! So it should be here sometime after the 7th or 8th. I got the free shipping, if you know what I mean. Well, enjoy the weather and may God bless you and yours.

Bye Bye Sugar Coating

Well, I've been preaching this kind of stuff for years. I have long believed that you CAN NOT win a soul to Christ using the flesh! A person will not be won to the Spirit after having the flesh appealed to first!! Why do I say that? Because for years now the SBC (at least the TBC) in their "Youth Evangelism Conferences" have used "Christian Rock" or "Contemporary" music to attract young people. Well, I read in the December 15, 2006 The Sword of the Lord an Article with the following Headline:

"Compromised Youth Ministries Now Admit Failure"

Imagine that? The first half of the article is a quote from Christianpost.com's article quoting Time's "IN Touch with Jesus" for November 6, 2006. whew, that was a chain to follow. Anyway, I finally find out that I'm not alone in my stand against Christianizing the World's music!!! Sorry, but I lived the Rock-n-Roll scene for real, AC/DC, Journey, Motley Crue, etc. etc. concerts, the whole nine yards. I have always held to the FACT that you cannot convert something of the world and call it Christian without putting it through the fire, melting it, and remolding it. THIS is exactly what modern Christianity has failed to do with Rock Music. Had they put it through the Fire of God's Word, they'd find out from its history, and its layout (the beat) that it is NOT healthy, spiritually or physically. The Word of God COMMANDS us to come out from among the World, NOT make friends with them, or appeal to their flesh in competition with worldly pursuits!! I especially appreciated this part from the Editor of The Sword of the Lord,

Over the past few decades churches by the thousands have caved in to the pressure of the culture. They compromised their values and capitulated to "what kids want." What they wanted was entertainment, a good time, fun and games, rock music, no work, no demands and certainly no standards. Now they are forced to "fess up" to their failure. The churches went along, and so did the kids (for a while).

So, now does anyone believe me? Those who truly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will. Because they are more worried about glorifying Christ than they are about putting up good numbers for the associational report letter!!

The Summary of that article was to enforce the idea that true Bible Based Worship, was what gets kids, adults, women, men, boys and girls, into Church, and its what keeps them there! God centered Churches are what we need, NOT seeker friendly, or man centered Churches! I'm not here to please men, I'm here to please Christ!

The problem I have now is that there are those who are wrapped up in their sin of selfishness, and pride who will refuse to accept these facts regardless of what the Bible says, and facts show. They'll point to the very few who keep attending Church to "prove" they are right. I remember way back, before I went to Bible College, I left the TBC's (Tennessee Baptist Convention) Youth Evangelism Conference and swore to never return because it was nothing more than a Rock Concert with a little bit of Jesus sprinkled on to make it look good! Why? Because while the hectic music was playing I saw all manner of godless behavior, and NO worship coming from the youth attending, and because as soon as the preaching started, they became restless and uninterested. Imagine that? If the music was what those who push it on us say it is, WHY does it not draw these young people to a full commitment to Christ? I have long held that music should move your heart to bow before God, to praise His greatness, and think of all His benefits as the Psalms tell us. I have also used as a guide to the music I listen to, the Bible. If a song isn't Biblical in its message, its of the Devil I don't care if Billy Graham sings it himself!

Finally let me finish with one more Quote from Dr. Shelton Smith of the Sword:

Youth groups that are entertainment based are destined to fail. Kids need to get a steady diet of Bible teaching and strong preaching with an emphasis on Scripture, salvation, sanctification, separation, standards, soul winning and the surrendered life!

Amen.

Careless Caretakers

Ok, here it is. The post I alluded to earlier today.
For some reason I've really begun to notice a reckless attitude toward children from their moms or caretakers. Today, while at McD's I was sitting in a center area where a water tank in the shape of a tube with a floating Nemo in it, and some bar type chairs around it. This little girl, who I had seen come in with a lady and another girl a little younger, immediately left mom and started climbing over the chairs. Now, this is a very busy place, lots of men, women, and others running around. Mom doesn't even notice for at least 5 minutes that this girl isn't with her. By the time I see mom even wondering where the girl is she had already darted for the play area. Why is this a problem? Well mom began looking for her, and I told her where the girl had gone. Mom thanks me and rushes to get back in line!! WHAT THE HECK?!? She was more worried about her spot in line than she was her daughter! Once she heard the girl was in the play area she acted as though professional child keepers were there! I could have stuffed the kid in a bag, told mom the kid was in the play area and left and MOM WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN!!! I was finished eating and had left and NEVER saw mom go get the girt!
A day before, at about 15 minutes before 6 am, I'm getting gas at a local station right near the Interstate. Very busy, even for that time. A Mom, again, I'm assuming here, has three boys in the car. Without locking, or securing the car in any way, proceeds into the gas station as I start pumping gas into my pickup. She doesn't come out until I'm done! I have a 21 Gallon Tank! More than enough time for some one to snatch at least one or two out of the car and be gone!
Note, these are just two examples, I've seen so many in the area where I work its unreal! These Rich or well to do women are more worried about their looks, place in line, coffee, or whatever, than they are the behavior of their Children! Like I said above, I'm a Baptist, I believe in Discipline. My children make me practice that belief very regularly. I guess hopping that I'll lose the faith. Note, I believe in the rod as well, but that isn't the ONLY form of discipline. (that's a topic for another BLOG entry). My point is my children know, and are reminded regularly, how to behave in a place like that. I'm not saying they don't dart off when they're not supposed to, or that they don't cause a stink, I'm just saying that more often than not they'll think twice. Not only that, but I or my wife are paying enough attention to notice BEFORE they get out of sight. My point is that I think Mom and Dad need to care more about little johnny's behavior, and running off than their place in line. I also think you shouldn't run off into a very busy truck stop / gas station with your children in an unlocked car that is unattended!! The reason kids aren't any better behaved than they are in our day isn't because they are any worse than any other kid, its that they are not cared for properly. Proverbs 29:15 tells us, "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." And so I say, shame on any mother who would not even bother KEEPING the children close enough to know they are starting to run off!
The problem is we forget that, again according to God's Word, foolishness is bound in the heart of a child. Because we forget that, we get frustrated, angry, and / or overly trusting in the child. We either think the child is a little angel who could do no wrong, or we get overly upset because it seems they can do no right. What we need to understand is that they, like ourselves, are sinners who are bent toward sin. Our rod of correction will help them get over it, I hope, just like God's Discipline works our disobedience out of us. We need to remember, they do good on occasion, and they'll do bad on occasion. We just have to pay attention so that we notice and either correct the bad, or reward the good. I dare say those moms who aren't paying any more attention than the one's noted above don't do either, and so encourage, (even if unintentionally) the bad.
That's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it! Sorry about the Rant, I just care more about kids than to see one hurt because of careless caretakers.