DMZ 3 - Confusious say, "Man who stand on toilet..."

This one was on the "station" to the right of mine.  This one almost speaks for itself, buuuut...

Something I seem daily reminded of is the value of time.  Even as I write these thoughts I have to decide what it's worth to me, and why.  I spend moments with my children each day, moments with Candi, reading books, praying, working, and playing.  But almost without exception I think "Man, it's already ... o'clock."  So there never seems to be enough time in the day.  I know that if we were given more time and our bodies would go longer without needing sleep we would fill every second and that's the thrust of it - we would fill it, intentionally or apathetically, but it would be filled.

And with each moment we draw nearer to death, which is one of the few sure things.  "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement."  Kind of morbid, but I think it's important to face reality - and not ignore it. 

There are times that I call down the hall, "Kids, get in the car.  We're leaving."  I almost always get the response, "Where are we going?"  That's a great question.  The answer to that question determines what preparations they'll make.  The answer to that question determines what they will spend time on before going.  The answer to that question determines how excited they are about leaving.  The answer to that question determines what their expectations will be for the future.

The question of God is obviously a big deal with these questions.  There are plenty of other important factors that determine what I'll do between now and death, but I think the God question must be answered first.  After answering that, every other question changes.  I won't determine how I will spend my time the same way whether or not God exists.  My priorities or the things that are important to me won't be the same.  No, I think this is a deal-breaking question.

In the end, I somewhat disagree with the wisdom of this one bathroom sign.  I believe death comes when it's supposed to.  I only hope that I find myself prepared and not caught off guard, thinking I still had things to do.

Time Is On My Side

This is the first Saturday since being home in the States that didn't have high demands on it so Candi and I enjoyed some deep conversation this morning.  Topic of discussion: what in the world is daylight savings time?

Confession: my mind doesn't get the math.  I'm glad that my whole family is in the same time zone this year.  That'll save me some headaches.

This is what we read on the topic. 
Why Observe DST?


Many countries observe DST, and many do not. The reason many countries implement DST is in hopes to make better use of the daylight in the evenings, as well as some believe that it could be linked to reducing the amount of road accidents and injuries. The extra hour of daylight in the evening is said to give children more social time with friends and family and can even boost the tourism industry because it increases the amount of outdoor activies.


DST is also considered as a means to save energy due to less artificial light needed during the evening hours—clocks are set one hour ahead during the spring, and one hour back to standard time in the autumn. However, many studies disagree about the energy savings of DST and while some may show a positive outcome of the energy savings, others do not.


It is difficult to predict what will happen with Daylight Saving Time in the future. The daylight saving date in many countries may change from time to time due to special events or conditions.The United States, Canada and some other countries extended DST in 2007. The new start date is the second Sunday in March (previously the first Sunday in April) through to the first Sunday in November (previously the last Sunday in October).

Since joining the military we've only observed daylight savings one year... this one.  Arizona (our first and third assignments) has let everyone in else in the states know that you're all crazy and we're simply not changing our clocks.  Japan didn't participate.  My Pastor in Korea said that the RoK tried it one year and it almost brought the entire economic infrastructure down.  The church we're fellowshiping with this weekend change all their service times to allow people to screw this up.  I like the benefits of it in the summer time, but I wonder how long it will last.

Here's a link that lists the countries that observe for those that have friends and family around the world.

Living the Dream

I now have 2713 days left in the Air Force until I'm retirement eligible.  Maybe blogging about that is like my daughter saying she has six years until graduation.  It's a little early, hey?

The retirement concept in the military is a little different because it's really just preparation for another job.  So then I'm left thinking about what that job will be and how I should prepare for it.  But how do I prepare for something I don't know?  Here's my game plan which will probably get revised often, but I thought it would be good to have it here to look back on one day and think "That's funny."

1. Pray.  That sounds like the church answers I hear from my kids: "God" "love" "Jesus" "the Bible."  I tell my kids that those answers are great when they are correct answers.  So as you've all seen from the past prayer is something I consider on a practical rather than religious level.  So I'll pray about... well, I'm not all together sure yet.  I probably need some more brainwashing and better glasses, frankly.

2. Focus on improving the skills that God has placed before me now.  They may only be needful at this time of my life, or they may be a stepping stone.  Either way, those skills are worth the attention.

3. Watch those that God has placed around me (friends, family).  God has provided me with amazing friends and family who love God and teach me daily how to pursue dreams and desires in a healthy way.

4. Don't obsess over what job or activity I'll be doing; God's plans are always about the people that we will have influence on and about His glory - not me and mine.

So that's the "road map."  It's not very definitive, but really how can it be when the Bible says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."  and "A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." and "A man’s steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way?"

While I'm thinking about this, does anyone have any suggestions?

Wash That Thing

          I recently got into a discussion with a good friend over the importance of attending a college or university.  That's a topic for another time, but we had to confess that every argument brought forth on either side was driven by our experiences.  I told her, "You're just saying these things because that's what you've been taught and raised in.  You've been brainwashed." (paraphrased)  I was teasing.

          I've also had many discussions with people about my faith in God, His Son Jesus, and the Bible that ended with the other person saying in more or less words, "Dale, you're just saying that because you're brainwashed into thinking it." 

          I think I have to go on record to say, yes, I'm brainwashed, but that I did it intentionally.  And I think that's a good thing, but may require an explanation.

          I think every experience or learning point that we encounter shapes our thinking in small or large ways.  It is a shame to stop learning.  It's foolish to avoid anything that may prove our beliefs or thoughts wrong.  For example, in grade school I really like math.  I told myself that I would seek out opportunities to learn what I could about it.  In the same way, my faith in the God of the Bible, Jesus as described in the Bible, and the Bible itself are things I once knew a little about and then intentionally chose to seek out opportunities to learn what I could about them.  In doing so, I've intentionally guided my worldview and perspective in a certain direction. 

Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

          The biggest objection to this is that it makes me close-minded.  Frankly, I don't think it make me less open to ideas, it simply filters those that I have found to be categorically empty, false, or a waste of time. Some people say that they will try anything once; I believe there are somethings that I just don't need to experience and those things can generally be seen quite a ways off and avoided.  Going back to the math example, sometimes I would learn something that made me change the way I looked at certain problems; adjustments had to be made.  Other times I would come to an unexpected conclusion and realize that somewhere I had broken a math rule.  If I had compared my calculations with the unchangeable rules of math, I would have avoided going down that mathmatical road. 

          On the other hand, it can bee seen both way.  Those that believe being a Christian causes close-mindedness are being awfully close-minded toward the possibility of one faith being right and every other faith being wrong.  I think the search for truth has to be conducted more objectively than that if the truth will ever be found.

Job 12:13, "With [God] are wisdom and strength, He has counsel and understanding."

          I think it is also foolish to not chose a direction of focus.  The quote comes to mind: "If you stand for nothing you'll fall for anything."  Perhaps in the same way, if I'm not about anything specific, I'm about nothing significant.

Proverbs 2:1-6, " My son, if you receive my words,

And treasure my commands within you,
So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;"

I'm not sure I agree with this...

... but if anyone has issues with an evil villian, just give me a call and well see what happens.

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