You know, there are so many topics discussed here, and I only seriously consider about 5-10 topics a week - with my life, I can't follow any more! There is a wealth of knowledge and opinions, but also of honesty and lots of heart. But here are some random thoughts that just might intrigue your imagination, tickle your pickle, floats your boat or finds your lost remote, whatev - just enjoy!

There comes a time when my Christian beliefs clearly define things as wrong. I will say that in a blog in order to bring a moral standpoint to the issue, but really out of concern for those involved, not to condemn them. Sometimes, my thoughts aren't seen as valid for whatever reason. I am sorry to any of you who have felt I've been too forceful, especially if you hold "truth" to be different from the Bible. From my point of view, if I say nothing, then a person might never hear otherwise that God IS offering them something different than what we settle for in this life. If I can play a part in improving someone's life by pointing out what is hurting them and offering an alternative - Jesus Christ - then I will do it, no matter how crazy it sounds. I do have passion for sharing the truth of the Gospel. We're all passionate about something. Without that passion, we don't really see a reason to stand for something. I mean, since when did we wake up with a burning desire to champion the rights of a garden gnome?

Another thought...

I've been doing research on my books to be written within the next 6 years or so. This has involved many hours on wikipedia, learning about warfare and history. One thing very much shocked me: the technology of the Japanese in World War 2. Did you know they built several submarine carriers that launched 3 planes each, were about 3 times larger than known U.S. submarines, and were equipped to attack Washington, New York, and the Panama Canal? Or that one was equipped for biological warfare, by releasing plague rats and insects in major U.S. cities? Do you know what stopped this? Japan's surrender in August 1945. The U.S. got their hands on at least one of them, and did quick research on it before sinking it as a target ship off the coast of Oahu, mainly to destroy it before Russian scientists could benefit from the submarine's amazing technology.

Yet more thoughts...

I think that the Christmas episode of Saturday Night Live was the best of the past season, mostly because of Jack Black's charisma, and because of the "Lazy Sunday" digital short. My favorite part of the ep was Jack Black's "King Kong" theme song as the opening monologue. I'm no Jack Black fanatic, but after watching that display of audio goodness and showmanship, I might as well be:

"King Kong...pass the Grey Poupon - King Kong! Fightin' the Viet Cong - King Kong! Everybody bang a gong for...King Kong!" - shortly followed by many lines of hilarity involving forgetting the plot, not reading the script because he can't read, leaving a surprise in Peter Jacksons' coffee pot. But I must stop, and continue by directing you all to youtube.com and typing in Jack Black King Kong, and finding the almost - 4 minute clip in the search results that says "the best jack black song I've heard". Unless you're a rock, or living under one, you just might like it :)

I went to church with the wife tonight and learned some good stuff about marriage. The core teaching was that there is a difference between a contract and a covenant. Too many marriages rely upon a contract type of marriage, where there are conditions that, if met, make both sides happy. But if something is missing, like if one spouse develops apathy for their mate and grows resentful, or if "falling out of love" happens, or "growing apart", then the contract is breached and the marriage fails. A covenant marriage, on the other hand, is sacrificing something of ourselves to protect and love our spouse. That is NOT giving up your freedom, but rather ensuring that your spouse will be protected. Every one of us at some level is afraid of rejection somewhere, from someone. When we feel protected and loved, we don't fear rejection or much else nearly as much. You feel much safer in the arms of a loved one than alone in a dark place. Personally, I like the covenant marriage much better - it means that my wife will put my needs above her own to take care of me, and that I will do the same. Too often, I've surfed on Soulcast while she's talked to me, and she needs to be heard and appreciated. I can sacrifice by shutting the laptop and giving her my full attention, instead of doing the typical husband "yep, uh huh, sure honey" while watching a screen displaying football/blogging/movies/video games. We can't make apathetic spouses care again, but we can still keep caring for others in our own lives. Who knows? Our example just might lull an apathetic spouse to reciprocate. Love begets love.

More thoughts!

"An Officer and a Gentleman" just finished as the Saturday night TV movie. Never seen it, mostly because it was released the year I was born, but at times it's tragic. The last scene pretty much made up for it. Richard Gere in his officer's uniform carrying Debra Winger out of the factory, with some kickass synthesizer fading into "Up Where We Belong", a tasty morsel of 80's love song.

I just can't believe we're getting another "Rocky" movie. If it's good, I'll just assume Rocky 5 never happened. OK, ROcky 3 wasn't that great, but Apollo Creed is the man. And ROcky 4 didn't suck just because of a great 80's soundtrack and Dolph "I must break you" Lundgren, aka Dolph "If he dies, he dies" Lundgren, aka Dolph "Live action He-Man movie" Lundgren, and the lesser known Dolph "I'm a Lutheran" Lundgren. He'll reform you up and down the canvas.

Dang, people need to start caring more about the sport of hockey. It's so great. Just go to youtube and look up "Rob Hisey" and you'll see the potential for sweetness goals scored and exciting stuff going on. Also, watch for Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, future superstars. Ovechkin scored the best goal in years last season, and Crosby will captain the Penguins to at least 2 Stanley Cups in his career, guaranteed. You heard it here first - but if I'm wrong, you'll probably forget by the time he retires :)

Last one...

working the overnight shift, it's tough to find time with my wife, with opposite schedules. I'm gonna go get to bed and just enjoy time with her. Marriage is a great, great thing, and our hard work to invest love and protection into it has been well rewarded many times over. Goodnight, all.