Almost fully back

Sorry, it has been long since I have been around. I have been co-writing a book since last October. By last Friday, I was at almost at 78,000 words and ran into a couple of snags. One was a couple of posts ago and the other could be a post for another time. Well, my goal is to finish editing the book by this week (three weeks after my deadline). But, I am ready and raring. I have a lot to talk about and I will try to make my last post to be the last expose of the last mistake I made. I don't want to reciprocate the viceral hatred that was spewed out against me.

Was there any good?

Often we focus so much on the bad, months after a break up that we're too jaded to think of the good or even share it. We would rather focus on the bad (or falsified reports). So, what good came from my last relationship with person T:

1. I learned that I had major bitterness issues with my ex-wfie and was able to move on and get beyond it by God's grace.
2. I learned how to try to better understand women who have bitterness issues. (Might be more reticent in those situations).
3. I learned how to stretch myself with difficult people. Not her, but other people who would have severely hurt me in the past.
4. I learned how to take my love for my son to the next level. We already had an awesome relationship, but a new dynamic added allowed God to open more doors for me with my son.
5. I learned how to be continually patient with people who are offensive towards me. Especially, the Christian ones who take advantage of you and lambast you.
6. I learned how to not over commit myself and hold my ground to my decisions. I was definitely serving in too many areas in church and this year is more freeing in that I can still teach and sing and have fun serving without being burned out.
7. I learned about a really cool Christian ministry in the Orange County area that I pray will continue to have an awesome impact to society. (I won't mention the ministry name but will let God get the word out about the ministry. If you happen to land there and I never know; I am just glad you got a chance to be a part of something really cool).
8. I learned about some really nice places in California to revisit in the future. Balboa Island, Knottsberry Farm, Long Beach, outdoor mall in Irvine.
9. I learned that it pays to be faithful to that one person you are dating. In so doing, I avoided many crazy situations here locally while person T was abroad. I had many advances made towards me and the desire to be faithful (always have been), had spared me the possibility of yielding to convenience and not honoring my commitment.
10. I learned that you should make sure that the person is really serious about commiting before continually giving of yourself. The more serious sacrifices are required when you are married, but that does not remove you from the responsibility of setting the example in the relationship.

I know without the shadow of a doubt, that God used person T in many ways to make me a better man of God (granted it is all the work of the Holy Spirit).

Now, the onus is on you. What good things have you learned from the past relationships good and especially bad. Like I said, it is really easy to write the bad; but it is many-fold more difficult to write something good. For me, coming up with this list was basically a review of what I have talked to my closest friends about. I just finally took time to write it down. I encourage you all to do the same.

A Refusal to Let Go!

Life never goes the way you want and sometimes for the best. Back in December of 06, I had the pleasure of mentioning that I thought I found "the one". I made the mental, emotional, spiritual, and financial investment into something I really thought was going somewhere. Unfortunately, the stupid idiot I am, I fell for the lies again. Worse yet, this one topped the charts on hypocrisy. She basically does not want to reciprocate the sacrifices required in a relationship and says she was dragging me along. I made two trips to Califormia (which shows commitment), which costed some cash and when it was her to turn to reciprocate; COLD FEET.

She basically says hasta no vista and then cyber-stalks me. She wishes me no ill will but basically lies to her family and friends about me and assassinates my character online.

Addendum:
She says these were private thoughts the were brought to my attention. Yet this was definitely by God's providence see this diatribe against me. And then she apologizes for being caught rather than for writing the lies. Supposedly this doesn't go throughout the world but if my friend stumbled on these words of hate and he gets the real story from me; what are the people going to assume who do not have the whole story on her side. Worse yet, any discerning person could see the contradictory statements in the messages, but choose to say "You were so much better" instead of "Your statements are inconsistent. You talk about him being a nice guy and a jerk in the same story."

Now, I have a question for you ladies?

If you tell a guy to bounce (leave you alone and go your own way) and while you have hurt him, he basically respects your wishes; Why stalk and insult him for doing so?

Now, I have to deal with the immaturity of someone who said they were a Christian to turn around and behave so foul. Please people help me understand how is it that when a guy tries to show integrity, he basically gets labeled everything understand, to console a guilty conscience?

God is Good!

28JUN07

My Son received Christ as personal Lord and Saviour! Praise be to God!

ADDENDUM: (09/17/07)

God even allowed me to step in the pool and baptize him.

Cleaning the Gene Pool

You know, I believe that we all have our moments of stupidity. I, myself, cornered the market a couple of times. But, I must admit the the Darwin Awards was definitely worthy to extend this Grafitti Artist. I just thought that dying because of a concept that should have died out in the days of breakdancing is just plumb dumb. Am I that out of touch with reality or has tagging made a way back in? Anyone out there?????????

Can We Bring Back Elvis Please?

I liked some of his music but to tell you the truth; I'd rather hear about Elvis than another stinking article about Cindy Sheehan and her anti-American campaign. I think that she has now completely crossed over from bereavement to betrayal. Maybe, she can get caught in a firing squad in Cuba. She lost steam in America, went to Venezuela and now is in Cuba. How about Iraq next, Cindy? I am sure the terrorist will welcome you with open bombs, I mean open arms.

People of Valor

Merriam-Webster defines valor as "strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery". This is what I think of when I remember our troops (alive and dead). But, I also attribute it to personal and close friends who strive on despite their personal challenges of life. While they may not always do or say something that I can agree with; I will always hold them in that esteem. Do have have anyone that you consider to be a person of valor?

TAG I am it

I was not tagged; so I chose to tag myself. Here goes...

One Book That Changed My Life: Well other than the Bible I would have to say The Count of Monte Cristo by A. Dumas.
A book I have read more than once: The Count of Monte Cristo.
One Book I would want on a desert island: Bible. My memory is not all that great so, it will be good material to read.
One Book that made me laugh: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon.
One Book that made me cry: Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Patton.
One Book I wish I had written. The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan.
One Book you wish had never been written: The Koran.
One Book I am currently reading: Why Men Marry B*^*& by Sherry Argov.
One Book I have been meaning to read: The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown.

I will not TAG anyone because I have not been on in a while; so I must regain the trust of my peers before I can violate them with such musings.

Spouse Appreciation Day

As I have been inundated with a wealth of tasks this summer between work and home; I had great time for introspection. As good as I thought I was, I realize the great wealth of having that mate in your life. I am not married but I believe that anyone who is should take this Labor Day to honor their spouse. Why?

Ask yourself how effective you would be had you not have your spouse around.
Ask yourself how loving and supportive your spouse is despite their annoying habits.
Ask yourself how much more value your life has because your spouse encourages you.

I am not married, but I will make Labor Day also Spousal Appreciation Day when I get married again. I encourage you to do the same.

ETR 14AUG06

Sorry I have been gone so long. Have been in programming limbo for a really big project. I have to help a friend move to Florida. Will be back next week. Miss you guys too!