The Revolutionary Paul Revere, by Joel Miller

A timely addition to the various books on men who helped lay the foundation of our country, The Revolutionary Paul Revere has great insight to the life of Paul Revere. The book starts with a little family history and the paths to Boston. The young Paul learns a trade and is shaped into the man the country needed in a time of need.

The book was a little slow in the beginning, but was necessary background information of how Paul became involved with key people in our nation's formation. His skills as a craftsman put him in position to meet various people in different levels of society. The book also delves into his entry and ascension into the Masons and friendships formed.

The book quickly speeds up as England begins to try and force taxes and importation laws on the colonies. As the incidents heat up, Paul becomes more involved with the business of espionage and delivering information to other colonies, including the famous ride to warn of plans to destroy ammunitions in Concord and the arrest of Hancock and Adams. The rest of the book flows nicely during the war and after, where Paul expands his business, always learning new skills for wages and to help the fledgling nation.

The book seemed very well researched and meticulously noted in almost 30 pages of references. This book is a great comprehensive look into the life of Paul Revere.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

man

Yesterday I went to a funeral of a great man.

His life was well remembered.

If my life can be lived half as great as his, I will be successful.

Thanks Phil...for who you were.

-R

Living Life in the Zone by Kyle Rote, Jr. and Dr. Joe Pettigrew

Living Life in the Zone by Kyle Rote, Jr. and Dr. Joe Pettigrew

Handling scenarios and everyday occurrences in a Godly manner and being a better man of God is the theme of this daily devotional book. The book is written by men, for men and using 'Playmakers' as examples of how men deal with life situations. It is set up as a 40-day spiritual game plan and easily relates to men's lives.

The book is broken down into different sections or ‘zones’ in your life with which men deal on a daily basis: God, family, friends, jobs and your future. I enjoyed reading stories of famous people, such as James Brown from CBS to the not-so- positive examples of Michael Vick and Coach Bobby Knight. The book helped me look at my daily situations in a less selfish manner and more focused on God and what my priorities should be.

Even if you are a man that does not normally read books, you will look forward to reading the short daily devotionals in this book. The ‘thought of the day’ can help you remember the subject throughout the day and live your life ‘in the zone’.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

God speaks

So...if you follow me on Twitter, you know I have had some questions. The one most recent though is the fact that God is speaking to me and I am trying to figure out exactly what He wants me to get out of what He is saying. Does that make sense? :)

Within the last couple of weeks or so, in different scenarios, a scripture has been coming up in conversations, in devotionals and even a website I visited today. Coincidence? No.

But, as I was telling Nicole, I just wish He would yank me up to Heaven and tell me point blank like Isaiah...or write it on the wall like He did to King Belshazzar or just appearing to Abraham during the day for a spot to eat before he took out Sodom and Gomorrah. She replied that it was like the song by Todd Agnew...Written on the Wall, we think is the one. Talks about the same thing.

Anyway, I mentioned that I am thankful He is trying to tell me something even when I am dense and cannot figure out exactly what (or I am just blocking out anything that I think in the back of my mind I don't want to deal with). I also told her that the last time something like this happened to me was a period of time before my mom died. He kept reminding me that He loves me more than I could ever understand...and that His compassion is new every morning. I couldn't understand why He kept telling me this, kept reminding me in ways that were too obvious to ignore. Then, my mom died. All of that came flooding to me at that time. I could never understand how much He loves me...how much He loves my mom. I was able to go through that time, I am sure, so much easier than had He not kept bringing to my attention that He loves me...He cares for me...He is with me in the weeks leading up to her death. No doubt about it.

So, that brings me to present day. He is reminding me that I need to trust Him. Why? It makes me nervous. And then, as I told Nicole, I feel bad for feeling nervous. :) Just because He is reminding me of something doesn't mean something bad is going to happen. I should be grateful He is talking to me so obviously.

What about you...do you ever get nervous about what God has in store?

-R

thoughts

Have you ever had one of those days where there are so many thoughts going on in your head that you think you probably should write them down at that moment or you are going to forget all of these random thoughts? That was my morning. :) And I did not get them all written down, but here are some thoughts on a couple...

I got to enjoy some time with the boys this morning as they came in and interrupted my time on the computer. :) I was going through messages and getting ready to update the books when Ethan pops his head in. He sounded like Isabella from Phineas and Ferb...'Whatcha doooin'?' I think he heard my music playing first and that is what drew him in. I was listening to Switchfoot's Hello Hurricane CD and he loves that CD. Of course, he demanded that we listen to 'Mess of Me' right then. Then Evan walks in...he wants to listen too. So, instead, I pulled up the video for 'Mess of Me' on You Tube. They love it. Then they want to watch Project 86 videos. We ended up watching videos from Switchfoot, Project 86, Skillet, Disciple...good times. :)

While watching the video for 'This is Home' from Switchfoot, I got wrapped up in the lyrics. Great song, and if you watch the video, Jon explains a little about the song. But, the line - 'Created for a place I've never known.' - great stuff...especially if you have read C.S. Lewis material. It is truly like we are living in the Shadowlands and we are longing for the place we were created for. Love that song. Also, while watching that and 'Mess of Me', I started thinking of how cool it would be to be that band member (in this case, Jon) singing to the crowd and walking through them, grabbing their hands, entering their lives. I know a lot of people daydream about being a rock star for the travel, the fun, the frivolity. But, watching this video...what stands out to me is he gets to see all of these people, relate to them. They are telling him, 'I know what you mean...I feel the same way.' Music is a very powerful medium...and Switchfoot pulls it off. Which brings me to another idea that was rolling around in my head....

Relationships. We need them. Sure, we get some sort of community from Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites, but they never can take the place of true human interaction. I need someone to talk to when things are getting rough. I can talk to my wife, but not about everything. There are some things that men need to talk to another man about. Get things off his chest, bounce things and ideas off of each other, have a camaraderie with someone else that relates, that gets it. I need to get that back, a friend to turn to when I need some advice on things. I have lost that...and I miss it.

Do the same sort of thoughts roll through your head time to time? Hit me up on Twitter sometime...make your thoughts known. :)

-R

book review

I received my new book yesterday from Thomas Nelson to review through BookSneeze. Looking forward to digging in. They sent me the book, Living Life in the Zone. It's a 40-Day Spiritual game plan for men. I am going to start digging in tomorrow...look for a review, well, in 40 days or so. :)

I got that big hunk of a cast off of my leg today! Woo hoo! But, let me tell you, it sure hurts to walk on it now. It has been in a cast for 6 weeks and not had any pressure on it at all, so now that I am trying to put pressure on it, it is understandably not happy about it. But, I shall prevail! No more cast baby! I don't want to break that again!

Hopefully wrapping up a network install tomorrow. It has gone on longer than I thought it would, but they should be screamin' along down the road with new Cisco phones and new workstations and laptops running Windows 7. Love new networks...good, clean installs as opposed to existing networks after months/years of WinRot. :)

Off to do some exercises with the foot!

Until next time...

musings

I read in Genesis today about Dinah and Shechem and the revenge Dinah's brothers (Jacob's sons) inflicted on Shechem, his dad...and well...every male in the town. Brutal. Good tactic though...get them to agree to circumcision and then come in and kill them while they are so sore they can barely move. Then take their stuff, wives and kids for good measure...I would say that'll teach 'em...but they didn't live to learn the lesson!

Looking forward to receiving my new book from Thomas Nelson Publishers so I can get started on it. Then look for my review here on my blog when I am done.

I shouldn't have started this blog...had some things to discuss, but need to go to take some food to some friends and see the new baby boy! Watch out Cody...here we come!

Until next time...

-R

books...and more

I am wanting to read more books this year. Who would have thought? :) I signed up with Thomas Nelson to read books and blog about them, but have not heard back from them yet...hoping to get something from them soon since it involves free books. Who could ask for anything more?

I have started reading the Bible through this year...I have done it before, but this time a different translation. I am not going to be so legalistic as to get bummed out when I miss a day or two...it isn't like I cannot catch up to the so-called 'reading plan'. It is just about reading the book that has changed countless lives throughout the years...including mine. This isn't a study either...that is in addition to.

Going through the book of James with other guys at The Assembly at the moment on Wednesday nights, but even that leaves me wanting. Have you ever noticed that you want to read the Bible, enjoy reading the Bible, love to study the Bible and the things that can change your life and yet...you find yourself not accomplishing it as much as you want? I think that is a challenge we all face...it's constant. Fighting the battle of busyness and distraction.

Speaking of which...even though I am reading the Bible through, I obviously am wanting to and reading other books...and trying not to let that get in the way of me doing other things. I just bought the book, The Lightning Thief, which is also coming out in theaters soon. I have always had a thing for Greek mythology and the stories. Looking forward to reading the series....yes, I know...more of a young adult series, but that is ok...still looking forward to it. I mean, one of the best series out there is young adult, The Chronicles of Narnia, by one of the best authors out there..hello!

I am also reading other things...a Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives book (love that show!), The Pocket Guide to the Bible, and Can We Trust the Gospels. It is hard for me to put any book down, but I need to work on focusing on one book at a time this year...especially since I would like to share my thoughts on them.

Anyway, gotta run. I need to go build a 'Cars' car track with the boys. A late Christmas present from Erika!

-R

Twitter - Death of Blogs?

Can Twitter be the death of blogs?

On one hand I enjoy being able to dispense information quickly in less than 140 characters and provide a link if needed. Quick. Easy. Accessible. Not to mention, if you have Windows 7, load the Twitter gadget, Twitter Explorer found here.

Then there are the topics that need a little more explanation. A little more detail. That is where the blog fits. I will be updating this blog more often this year with tidbits of information, the goings on of everyday life, the questions...hopefully, the answers. And, of course, more links to others' useful information and dispensary of wisdom.

I also hope to review some books, as well as music. There have been some great books I have read lately and I should probably share my thoughts on those as I have in the past with Donald Miller's musings. Good stuff.

Anyway...just a quick update to say, no, I have not forgotten you. If you need more of me, follow me on Twitter, that is usually updated several times a day. Just click on the Twitter icon on the right side of my blog in my profile section. Happy Twittering.

-R

revenge

So...I was listening to this song from Jon Foreman again this morning. Probably one of my favorites from him. I thought I would share the lyrics...I think one of the best views on the crucifixion of Christ. It's from the view of the thief that gets ransomed at the end. Love it.
Enjoy.

I'm the failure, I'm everyone's fool
and I am losing my cool at the ends
I'm the loser, my number has come up
I have been hung up with thoughts of revenge.

I watched you from my terminal view
As you struggled to rise to your end
I laughed hard at the insults we threw
As the weight of the world found revenge.

How hatred and gravity won.

The world hung upside down
I drew first blood, I drew first blood.
With my hate for a crown
I drew first blood, I drew first blood...revenge.

I watched heaven dying today
And I'm gonna die here tonight
I'm the villain, I deserve to be dead
I've been hung up for wreaking my life...revenge.

So I stopped for a moment to look at the Son
Dying today
That's when the irony hit me
This was revenge, that Love had descended and stolen our pain away.

We consumed heaven's Son and I drew first blood.
My hate was undone, I drew first blood. Revenge.

Here's a story how a thief had been robbed
How a murder had stolen my rage
Think of me, Lord, I'm a few breaths away
As my lungs finally rip from the cage

Revenge

tongue

Reading the Word this morning, my devotion was focused on Ephesians 5 and devotion to your spouse. Do you remember the vows you spoke to your wife? Have you reviewed them lately and determined through introspection whether you are keeping those vows? Just a quick thought and I knew I have failed in at least one area. Put the emphasis on at least. That area is my words. How do I speak to my wife? Am I pleasant at all times? Do I speak well of her to others? Do I stand by her? Wow...tough questions for a Saturday. :)

But, thinking in this area about how I talk to her and how I speak of her brought me to James 3. James talks about taming the tongue and how we can tame so many things, but not the tongue. How we can praise the Lord and yet curse men who are created in God's image with the same mouth. Ouch. Read that passage here.

I also want to share a couple of things that are in the Bibles I use. Typically I use my Men's Study Bible when I am studying the Word...it is a Promise Keepers Bible that I purchased years ago and really enjoy it. But here is an excerpt from a commentary on that part of scripture:

In this short passage, James bluntly addresses the issue of our
speech. Have you ever realized what a potentially wicked thing that little
muscle in your mouth is?
Make no mistake about it - the words you speak are powerful beyond
imagination. They expand or limit your friendships. They can make or
break your career opportunities. If you're married, they'll determine
the quality of your marriage. If you're a father, they'll shape your
children. (Emphasis mine.)
A godly man recognizes the tongue's power to build up or to tear
down. But the tongue only shapes the words that originate in our hearts
and minds. Hearts that are controlled by the Spirit's power will produce
speech that builds others up instead of tearing them down. In other words,
if we want to control our tongues, we must ask God to help us control our
hearts.

Good stuff there. In another commentary on this portion of scripture it talks about how an uncontrolled tongue can cause serious damage. It can divide people and pit them against each other...I have seen this recently. It has even affected how I see others because of what I have heard about them or heard that they have said something to others. The thing is...once something is said or heard, it cannot be taken back. Nicole at one point as a teacher has mentioned this to her students in an exercise where they squeeze out tooth paste out of a tube and then tell them to put it back in. You can't. Once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back. You can ask forgiveness, but the damage already happened and scars could remain even though there may be forgiveness.

Something to think about there. I need to control my mouth...watch how I talk to my wife and kids...and I can only do that with God's help...with my tongue and my heart. Hopefully this encourages someone else as well. Let's fight to get our hearts and tongues in the proper place.

-R

painted deserts

Nice, snowy spring weather we are having right now!  Thunder snow storms!  Gotta love Oklahoma.

I just wanted to share a few quotes from the book I just finished, 'Through Painted Deserts', by Donald Miller.  Good book, easy read, funny and thought provoking.  These are a couple of things that caught me during the read:

"Many cities, these days, seem to have people living on the surface of life but hardly in its soil, diluting the deeper questions of life in television monologues and reality shows, amusing ourselves to death, as Neil Postman would say." [If you don't know who Neil Postman is, check out this link.]

"I start thinking again about what Paul was saying, about how we have to submit to whatever God has us on this journey for, about how we just have to agree that it is all His.  And I know God made stars and friends and love and poetry to dazzle us, but there really is a part of me that wants some freedom, that doesn't want to have to do everything right or be religious anymore.  It's not a serious struggle, but it's like I said about how and why questions, when you know the why, you are just kind of trapped, and when you only ask how and never ask why, you can be happy and ignorant.  Even if God is taking the cosmos somewhere good, I begin to wonder what He does with folks who just want out."

""Yeah,", Paul confesses.  "I guess I am.  Nothing deep, really, just that, you know, I know you have been thinking about things and I just feel like God has put us here to enjoy Him, and He gave us free will so it is tough sometimes, because people use their free will selfishly, but I think also He created us to enjoy Him, that He is love, you know, and I would just hate to see you walk away from that.  I mean, if He were love and all.""

[Standing in the mountains of Oregon watching the sun rise.]

"And if these mountains had eyes, they would wake to find two strangers in their fences, standing in admiration as a breathing red pours its tinge upon earth's shores.  These mountains, which have seen untold sunrises, long to thunder praise but stand reverent, silent so that man's weak praise should be given God's attention.

It is a wonder that those exposed to such beauty forfeit the great questions in the face of this miraculous evidence.  I think again about this small period of grace, and thank God for it, that if only for a season, I could feel the why of life, see it in the metaphor of light, in the endlessness of the cosmos, in the miracle of friendship.  And had these mountains the ability to reason, perhaps they would contemplate the beauty of humanity, and praise God for the miracle that each of us is, pondering the majesty of God and the wonder of man in one bewildering context."

Anyway...good stuff from a good book.  Check it out...check out the links...enjoy.

-r

thoughts

Just a quick post as I am watching a workstation update...

Yesterday was a hard day for me. I blame it on work, but not sure that is it. Yes, I am upset that I have to work on Friday...out of town even, but it is a good thing I have a job, no? What is it then? Something underneath the surface is nagging at me...haven't figured out what yet though.

A cool part of the day yesterday morning was before I left for work, I heard Evan tell Nicole that he and Ethan would do their best to listen and obey today. It was one of those moments you just think is cool...maybe we aren't doing a bad job, maybe things are soaking in. I hope so...I know I have a lot of work to do in my life...my attitude, my responses to situations, etc., which brings me to the next thing I wanted to post...

I read another blog entry today from Andrew Schwab about forgiveness. He had some great things to say. Some of the people who posted some comments afterwards had some good things to say...if you look past the ones that seem to be agreeing with him because of who he is. It is a good article and has some good points, but it always seems to come down to the same thing in life: PRIDE. We have too much of it and it is usually our downfall. Even Christ was tempted with pride from Lucifer in the desert. Problem is pride is very strong in our lives and Christ was able to humble himself past the pride...and He had everything to be prideful about. Another reason we are to become like Christ. Will we ever get past pride totally in our lives? Doubtful...but we are supposed to try. Read the article and see what you think:
Andrew Schwab Blog

Hoping to get out of work soon...it is after all, Christmas Eve. Happy Incarnation to all!

Powell endorsement

I love this excerpt from the blog from Stu with the Glenn Beck show...you can click on the link to go to his full blog:

Glenn Beck - Stu's Blog

Glenn went over some of the reasons why Colin Powell said he endorsed Barack Obama on Meet the Press: 

"I think he is a transformational figure" 
"He is a new generation coming" 
"Because of his ability to inspire" 
"Because of the inclusive nature of his campaign" 
"Because he is reaching out all across America" 
"Because of who he is" 
"His rhetorical abilities" 
"He has both style and substance" 

Apparently to Powell, this is "the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president." 

Huh? 

I’m not one to care about who endorses who, and I don’t think endorsements generally matter that much. This probably is about as big as they get, and I still don’t know if it will change too many people’s minds at this point. 

More importantly though-- shouldn't democrats shun Powell's endorsement? I mean, reject it out of hand. This is THE guy who "lied" to you about WMDs. Remember that? 

habitat show

Good evening.

Went to the Music Builds Tour last night in OKC.  Red, Jars of Clay, Robert Randolph and The Family Band, switchfoot and Third Day.

All had great sets...at the end they were all on stage (except Red) and sang, 'When Love Comes to Town'..the old U2 song.  All in all...great show!

More later.

-r 

things

Four things I liked about today...

1) Driving in the sunny weather thinking about my boys playing on the playground

2) Talking to the boys and Nicole while eating dinner and listening about their day at school

3) Video taping the boys acting very silly

4) Going to a client at 9pm and not having to stay very long!  :)

blahg

Been awhile...thought I would share something of my day.

Started out with watching it rain through the office window after the wife and kids left for school, I like to watch it rain.

Went to a client and even though I had to reload a workstation because of a nasty bug, I had fun because the people that work there are fun.

Was asked 7 questions in a group setting at church tonight and mine was, "What is something God has been showing you lately?"  I said He has been showing me that I am selfish and talked to my group about it.  But then, Rob walked around to the groups and had someone pick out a number and whomever had that question had to tell the entire congregation what they had answered...and it was me.  So then I told everyone there that God had been showing me I am selfish and that I need to change.  That was fun.  :-|

My day in a nutshell.

-R

jon foreman

Just a quick note (it's been awhile)...

If you have not heard the Jon Foreman solo stuff (singer for Switchfoot)...check it out. He has released four EP's called 'Spring', 'Summer', 'Fall' and 'Winter'. You can download them or have them shipped to you.

Go here!

-r

travel/study

Man...what a couple of weeks. I think my brain has almost passed out. I have one more day of studying and exams and then I will board the plane back home with four more initials after my name. Is it worth it? Me not being with Nicole when her brother died and missing the funeral even? She seems to think so...she says I am taking care of the family by doing it.

I wanted to do this, but I was torn as well. Get it all done in a short amount of time and then focus on the roll outs and the details of the system when I return back to town.

It is going to be good. CUCM is a cool product and will be fun to work with...so I glad I am getting this opportunity. It never hurts to have a Cisco Professional level certification either!

So...tomorrow around noon Pacific time, I will be taking the last test to get my Cisco Certified Voice Professional certification and flying back into town! Woo hoo!

Wish me luck!

-r

adultery

Reading through Proverbs this morning, I ran across this...a sidebar in my Bible (the Strive edition for Men). It talks about the dangers of adultery...something every man has struggled with, struggling with or will struggle with at some time in their marriage. It was an issue back then, it is an issue now...check out the warnings below (first the scripture, then the sidebar):

Wisdom will save you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. Surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead. None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.
Proverbs 2:16-19

If you've ever toyed with the idea of having an affair, you know how strong the allure of a new sexual conquest can be. That thrill of erotic pursuit can have a hypnotizing effect on guys - to the point that we block out all else, including common sense.
If you're under such a spell, this passage in Proverbs should act as a slap in the face. Something to wake you from your fantasy world.
Regardless of how smooth or calculating you think you are, you can't pursue an affair without destroying what you have with your wife. That's a given. Experts may tell you that relationships can be pieced back together after an affair. But things can never be the same as they were before. There are no 'do-overs' where faithfulness is involved.

-r