Several weeks ago, I got together with a friend who lives near Purcell Park and so I suggested taking a walk through the area.  Although I had visited the park several months prior, this time I took the opportunity to return to my childhood destination of Kids’ Castle.

Unfortunately, what I discovered was very distressing; the wooden structure was falling into disrepair.  Many of the metal surfaces had begun to rust, some of the boards were exceedingly worn, a few nail ends were visible, ready to pierce the hands of unaware children, a tire bridge was actively disintegrating, and a handful of weeds grew up through the gravel.  Although it was beginning to rain, I toured a bit of the castle and nearly fell on an exceedingly slippery piece of wood.  It was as if Kids’ Castle had been more or less forgotten, abandoned these last 22 years.

I brought up this matter during the public forum of the next meeting of the Harrisonburg City Council.  Reaction from the council was mixed.  For example, Council Member Chenault mentioned that a newer park, A Dream Come True, over on the west end of the city was built to replace Kids’ Castle and given the sorry state of the facility, it might be best to tear it down.  After the meeting, I received an email from Council Member Degner and a phone call from Council Member Shearer; due to these contacts, I also spoke to the manager of Harrisonburg’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Yesterday, I was featured on WHSV TV-3 to briefly speak about the matter.  That segment, which aired at 11 PM last night, can be found at this link.

It is my great hope that Kids’ Castle can be repaired so that the present and next generation of children can treasure it as much as I once did.  And, assuming I ever experience the joy of children of my own, I’d very much like for them to have a wonderful and nearby place to play outside, a recreational option that is much healthier than the hours of television or video games that parents increasingly rely upon these days.

So what will happen next?  Well, as a result of the city council meeting and the reporting of WHSV, I’ve been told that the city is planning to repair much of Kids’ Castle by the end of July.  It is excellent news.  It is time to reclaim Kids’ Castle!

Now, it seems likely that many of you might question why I, the author of a blog entitled “The Virginia Conservative”, would willingly choose to spend any time with a multitude of self-avowed liberals.  After all, aren’t these people our political enemies, a group that should be shunned at every turn?

When I first became embroiled in politics a number of years ago, I held a similar view of political activists across the aisle.  These people are unreasonable, intolerant, and best avoided.  As far as I could tell, they didn’t care much for me, so why should I treat them any differently?

However, in recent times I have come to a somewhat different realization.  For example, prior to attending a number of Libertarian functions many years ago, I held a rather dim view of those sorts of people.  However, the more time that I spent around them, the more I realized that we actually did share a number of common interests, that they were not some radical monolithic group that wanted nothing more than to spend their day smoking pot and abolishing all forms of government.  Perhaps the best aspect of all was the friendships that came about as a result of our time together, including one that I treasured more than all of the rest combined.

Now, I admit that I don’t share much, if any, political ground with most liberals these days.  Issues that might normally unite us, like a concern for the erosion of our civil liberties and a rejection of an interventionist foreign policy seem less likely given that President Obama has been promoting policies that stand in stark contrast to these views.  Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean, nor should it mean, that each and every self-identified liberal endorses this course of action simply because a Democratic president does as well.  Just a handful of conservatives (not enough in my mind) opposed these same big government policies of Republican George W. Bush.

It is natural for people to band together into like-minded camps such a liberals, conservatives, libertarians, statists, and the like.  However, the sickness in American politics is that there is very little communication between these groups these days, in part, because we are constantly bombarded with an “us against them” mentality promoted by the talking heads on radio and television.

However, I believe that this widening gap is a situation that can and ought to be remedied, which is why I attended this gathering last night.  Now, I didn’t, of course, either literally or figuratively enter the group wearing a sign proclaiming my conservatism; doing so would likely would have created an air of hostility and suspicion from the onset.  Rather, I sat down with a number of folks and spoke to them one on one about issues, current events, and predictions for the future.  Yes, believe it or not, the other side isn’t some collection of political monsters.

As some of you may know, I am currently in talks with a local radio station to craft a new radio program about state and local politics that explores a multitude of political opinions.  Ideally, I hope to showcase the entire political spectrum, not to degrade these other viewpoints, but to create an atmosphere where discussion and rational thought is encouraged rather than simply shouted down.

Although I am not a liberal, nor do I have any plans to become one, I still enjoyed my time with the Harrisonburg and Rockingham liberals last night.  Despite our differences, it is my hope that we can expand this interpolitical dialogue so that each of us can express our viewpoints without fear of rejection or immediate condemnation.  That, I believe, is the hallmark of a classically liberal society, an ideal that we should all strive to achieve.

From there, I traveled to the Keister Elementary precinct in Harrisonburg, my polling place.  Again, the scene was the same as it was in Rockingham County, rows of empty parking spots and absolutely no one outside asking for my support.  At about 1:10, I registered as voter number thirty-two, which is about 1% of their registered voter total.  Not only was there no line in front of me, but also there was no one else voting at that same time.  I spent a few moments chatting with the various poll workers.  Having served as election official in a previous election, I know that they ware in for a particularly long and boring day.

Although I am not a member of any Democratic Party, I did find it curious that none of the campaigns sent me any mailings over the duration of the primary season.  After all, my voting history shows that I have voted in a handful of Democratic contests over the years, such as the 2004 Democratic Presidential Primary, the 2006 U.S. Senate Primary, and the previous 2009 statewide contests.

Yes, turnout is low in this part of the state today and given that fact, my prediction for the outcome remains the same.  Aneesh Chopra should win the LG race by a small margin over Northam, while Mark Herring will enjoy a convincing victory for AG over Fairfax.

Delegates in a vast majority of the commonwealth are unchallenged.  However, regardless of the delegates’ races, in every single polling place there will be a primary; the Democratic Party will be selecting their nominees for lieutenant governor and attorney general for the 2013 general election.

Given that Virginia does not have party registration, every voter, regardless of party preference, can vote in tomorrow’s primary.  It is not merely a contest for Democrats, but for Republicans, Libertarians, Greens, Constitutionalists, and independents.  However, with those thoughts in mind, one important exception is that no one can vote in both parties’ primaries.  Therefore, if you vote in a Republican contest on Tuesday, you will be ineligible to participate in the Democratic one as well (or vice versa).

Now, many Republicans I know are abstaining from voting tomorrow, claiming that it would be improper for Republicans to participate in a Democratic Party issue.  I take a different approach.  If the Democratic Party didn’t want outsiders to participate, then they would have held a convention like the Republicans did on May 18th and the Libertarians did on April 21st.  In addition, given that the contest is decided by a primary, that means that the Virginia taxpayers pay for Tuesday’s contest.  If a party takes my money, either directly or indirectly, then I believe that I am entitled to voice my opinion in that process.

With these thoughts in mind, how can we differentiate among the candidates?  After all, the Democratic Party offers two choices for lieutenant governor and two choices for attorney general.  They are (with a link included to their websites):

Lieutenant Governor

Aneesh Chopra

State Senator Ralph Northam

Attorney General

Mark Herring

Justin Fairfax

But for which of the candidates should you vote?  Well, there are several competing theories, that I discussed more in depth in an article four years ago.  You could vote for the candidate who you believe is the strongest (or weakest), in order to give the Democratic Party the best (or worst) chance of victory.  However, my recommendation is to support whichever candidate best represents your political principles.  After all, if a Democrat does win in the general election in November, I’m hoping we would get the most conservative of the candidates (assuming such a candidate exists).

For me, control of the Virginia Senate is a very important issue in the LG race.  Given his openness to creating a power sharing agreement in the Virginia Senate (which is currently evenly split between Democratic and Republican Parties), I will be casting my primary vote for Ralph Northam.  Then again, this very same issue may be the driving point which convinces some of my more liberal friends to choose Aneesh Chopra.

Although I know that many of my readers have no plans to vote in tomorrow’s primary, I still encourage you to learn about the various choices and cast a ballot based upon your research.  Never go to the polls in ignorance; arrive well informed.  Our political system requires a knowledgeable electorate.

Don’t forget tomorrow’s primary!

Thanks to Lowell Fulk for indirectly reminding me to write this piece through his Facebook post.

However, so far the McAuliffe campaign has not accepted this idea.  As a result, the Cuccinelli camp has run a series of ads on Facebook and elsewhere insisting that Virginians deserve a multitude of opportunities to hear from and learn about their choices for governor in November.

Now, I absolutely agree that debates serve as an important tool in campaigning and a handful of lively contests are exceedingly valuable.  For that reason, I wrote against my own representative back in 2010 when he refused to attend a debate sponsored by James Madison University.  Should McAuliffe agree to at least a few debates?  Yes, a thousand times, yes!

Unfortunately in this situation, Cuccinelli has fallen into the same trap as Representative Goodlatte did three years prior; the debate ought to be used as a forum to allow all candidates that will appear on the ballot to express his or her opinions.  Goodlatte would not debate back in 2010 because he only faced third party opposition.  Cuccinelli wants to debate in 2013 but according to fellow blogger Rick Sincere, plans to exclude at least one other candidate, Libertarian Party nominee Rob Sarvis.  This news is deeply disappointing.

This whole situation has echoes back to the national stage.  After Ross Perot’s performance during the presidential elections, Republican and Democratic operatives got together to make certain that independent and third party candidates would be excluded from future debates.  They created a monopoly among their parties.  After the Green, Libertarian, Constitution, and Justice Parties weren’t invited to take part in the 2012 Presidential debates, an organization called Free & Equal hosted a debate where all of the candidates, along with the two major party candidates, were invited to participate.  Not surprisingly, neither Barack Obama nor Mitt Romney chose to attend.

I applaud the Cuccinelli campaign in their effort to bring the candidates to a vast number of citizens across Virginia.  However, to exclude any eligible candidate based upon his or her party (or lack thereof) is unacceptable.  Debates are a great thing, but to be legitimate, they must allow all of candidates the chance to express their opinions.

What a trip we’ve had!  Some of you have been with me since the beginning while others have just recently discovered my site.  Throughout this time, I have strived to provide you with interesting political news and commentary and hope that I’ve succeeded in this endeavor.

Who could have predicted back on June 2nd of 2008 that this blog would not only still be running five years later, but enjoying a significant boost in traffic and readership?   It has been a rewarding experience for me, dear reader, and I hope it has been for you as well.  As a result of this site, I’m pleased to say that I’ve been featured in the LA Times, appeared on several different radio and TV programs, and had the fantastic opportunity to meet a host of politicians and those seeking political office.  It has been an fantastic journey and I hope my exploration of politics gets even more exciting in the years to come.

Although I don’t typically make a plug for fundraising, if you would like to join me in this celebration, please consider making a small donation through the donation button on the bottom right column on this page.  I would certainly appreciate it.

So, where do we go from here?  I hope that you’ll continue to stick with me so that we can find out together!

Thanks for reading!

The Easter Egg

By Joshua Huffman

3/31/13

There once were two friends, a young boy and a young girl.  Over the last several months they had become the best of friends, the type who had so much in common and shared everything with each other, from what kinds of foods were their favorites, to their hopes for the future, to their deepest, darkest secrets; the ones that they hid from everyone else.

That Easter these two got together, along with a bunch of other kids, to take part in an egg hunt that the villagers had prepared.  Working as a team, they found the hidden eggs, many more than most of the others, but the quantity of eggs they gathered mattered far less to either of them than the moments they shared enjoying each other’s company.

Toward the end of the hunt, the girl found a particularly unusual egg.  She called her friend over and showed him this amazing treasure that she had discovered.  The boy marveled over the egg for quite a long while; it was the most beautiful object he had ever seen, a dazzling kaleidoscope of the deepest blues and most vibrant greens.

Seeing how much he stood in awe of her new possession, she gladly offered it to her friend.  He refused, sensing its value and feeling unworthy of it, saying that she was the one who had found it and, even if she hadn’t discovered its location, she still deserved it more than he.  However, she insisted that it would mean far more to her if she knew that he had it, rather than if she kept it.

Gratefully the boy accepted this wonderful present from his friend and felt a peculiar flutter in his heart as the girl carefully transferred the egg from her hands to his and their eyes met.

The hunt now over, each participant returned home.  Walking back through the forest, the boy was brimming with indescribable joy.  He bounded happily through the woods, skipping along the journey, and whistling a happy tune.  Not only did he have the great fortune to spend considerable time with a friend whose company he enjoyed more than anyone else’s, but he now carried an important package: a gift that instantly became his greatest possession, not because of some supposed immense financial worth, but made priceless because of the love and sacrifice of the friend who freely gave it to him.

Thinking only of the egg, and therefore not watching where he was going, the boy accidentally strayed a little from the dirt path.  His foot struck a small rock and although it only caused him the slightest of pain, his hands clenched around his egg so that he wouldn’t drop it.  Unfortunately, in the attempt to save his precious package from falling to the earth, he gripped it a little too tightly.  He heard a loud cracking sound and felt something wet in the palms of his hands.

Awash in a feeling of dread, the boy slowly opened his hands to survey the egg.  Much to his horror, he saw that the shell now had a long crack down the middle, a small piece had broken free, and yolk leaked through his fingers and was forming a small pool on the forest floor below.

Not knowing what else to do, the boy tried to force the shell fragment back into its proper place, but his plan only made the hole larger and he grew frustrated and overwhelmed with despair.  Overcome with grief, with no more ideas on how he could fix this problem, he plopped himself down on the ground and cried.  He cried for the loss of the egg, of course, because he thought he would never see something so beautiful again, but he cried, too, for the girl, the friend who gave it to him, and for everything it represented.

And so he sat, deep among the trees and moss, where no one else could hear him, where no one else could help him, and wept for this fragile egg; he wept until he could weep no more.

For the record, here is the ad in question:

And here is the Republican National Committee response:

Democrats And Virginia Legislators Catch Terry McAuliffe Speeding Away From The Truth In His Latest Campaign Ad

Terry McAuliffe’s Campaign Is Airing An Ad That Claims He Played A Role In The Passage Of A Transportation Bill In Virginia. “McAuliffe’s campaign ad that began airing last week details McAuliffe’s behind the scenes efforts to lobby Democrats in the General Assembly to vote for the historic, compromise transportation funding package. The ad infers that McAuliffe’s efforts helped secure passage of the measure.” (Todd Allen Wilson, “Sen. Stosch Says McAuliffe Didn’t Help Transportation Deal Pass,” Daily Press, 5/28/13)

Democratic State Sen. Charles J. Colgan, On McAuliffe’s Participation In Negotiations Over Virginia’s Transportation Bill: “When I Was There, He Didn’t.” “Sen. Charles J. Colgan, Manassas Democrat and the longest-serving member of the Senate, was an informal adviser to the conferees as they hashed out differences between the House and Senate versions. But Mr. McAuliffe never spoke to him about it, he said Tuesday. ‘When I was there, he didn’t,’ Mr. Colgan said.” (David Sherfinski, “Virginia Governor’s Race Turns Harsh With McAuliffe’s Soft Campaign Ad,” The Washington Times, 5/28/13)

Democratic State Senator J. Chapman Petersen Said “He Never Spoke With Mr. McAuliffe.” “J. Chapman Petersen, Fairfax Democrat and one of two Northern Virginia senators to vote against the plan, said he never spoke with Mr. McAuliffe.” (David Sherfinski, “Virginia Governor’s Race Turns Harsh With McAuliffe’s Soft Campaign Ad,” The Washington Times, 5/28/13)

State Senator Petersen: “I Don’t Know If He Tried To Reach Me.” (David Sherfinski, “Virginia Governor’s Race Turns Harsh With McAuliffe’s Soft Campaign Ad,” The Washington Times, 5/28/13)

A Senate Aide, On McAuliffe’s Participation: “There Was No Contact Between Terry McAuliffe And Our Office And Nobody Thought He Had Any Impact On The Outcome.” (David Sherfinski, “Virginia Governor’s Race Turns Harsh With McAuliffe’s Soft Campaign Ad,” The Washington Times, 5/28/13)

A Democratic Aide Claimed “She Wasn’t Aware Of Any Direct Lobbying Efforts From Mr. McAuliffe On The Bill.” “One Democratic aide acknowledged that Mr. McAuliffe attended a private caucus meeting but that she wasn’t aware of any direct lobbying efforts from Mr. McAuliffe on the bill.” (David Sherfinski, “Virginia Governor’s Race Turns Harsh With McAuliffe’s Soft Campaign Ad,” The Washington Times, 5/28/13)

“State Sen. Walter Stosch, R-Henrico, Said Claims In A Television Ad By Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Terry McAuliffe Are Absurd.” (Todd Allen Wilson, “Sen. Stosch Says McAuliffe Didn’t Help Transportation Deal Pass,” Daily Press, 5/28/13)

State Senator Stosch, A Conferee On The Bill: “Terry McAuliffe Was Not A Participant Nor Did He Have Any Influence In The Development Or Negotiation Of The Transportation Bill.” “But Stosch, who chairs the Senate finance committee and was on the conference committee of House of Delegates and Senate lawmakers who hashed out the final deal, said McAuliffe is taking credit that he shouldn’t. ‘Terry McAuliffe was not a participant nor did he have any influence in the development or negotiation of the transportation bill,’ Stosch said in a press release Tuesday.” (Todd Allen Wilson, “Sen. Stosch Says McAuliffe Didn’t Help Transportation Deal Pass,” Daily Press, 5/28/13)

So what’s the big deal, you might ask?  Well, one of the unique features of this establishment concerns the appearance of their employees.  Their well-endowed all-female server staff wears short plaid kilts (though they look a bit more like mini-skirts than kilts), a matching top, which accentuates their physical features, and a tied shirt that leaves the midriff more or less completely exposed.

Many in the religious community, especially the Valley Family Forum, have strongly condemned the Tilted Kilt, declaring it to be blight on the Shenandoah Valley and a place that sexually exploits and objectifies their women servers as well as their male clientele.  Others, however, including one local church, see the Kilt in a positive aspect, as it is a place that offers new food choices as well as a variety of jobs to citizens.

Yesterday, along with a couple of friends, I visited this establishment to learn a bit more about the controversy first hand.  Given the animosity in the newspaper, I was a bit surprised that there were no angry protestors picketing outside.

Communicating with the wait staff was a bit of a challenge at first; given the abundance of cleavage, one did have to try hard not to stare.  However, as my cousin pointed out, is there too much difference between the Kilt attire and spending a day at the beach?  I ordered a cup of their chili.

After the meal, I took a bit of time to speak with our waitress regarding her experiences.  Perhaps defying stereotypes, she was fairly well educated, a college graduate.  Although she too expected an angry barrage of folks outside the restaurant when it first opened, she stated that protests have been pretty minimal thus far.

So, what do you think about the Tilted Kilt in the culturally conservative Shenandoah Valley?  Is it a boon or a burden?  Is it simply another restaurant trying a new tactic to earn a buck or is it degrading to its employees and customers?

Either way, if you do ever plan on stopping in either to gauge the controversy for yourself or for a bite to eat, I’d recommend against the chili; a few too many onions and not quite enough spice for my tastes.

In the approximately hour long conversation, we spoke about a variety of issues, most notably why Republican voters should vote for Dr. Berg over Delegate Sherwood.  The reasoning against Sherwood is fairly clear for most conservatives.  Sherwood has not compiled a record that indicates she favors limited government.  For example, in the most recent General Assembly session, she voted for the transportation tax hike, labeled the largest tax increase in Virginia’s history, as well as approving the implementation of Obamacare in this state, expanded Medicaid, and creating a virtual statewide Environmental Protection Agency through the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.  Dr. Berg also stated that in recent years Delegate Sherwood “has voted for four out of the five big tax increases.” Certainly these are all issues that would make just about any fiscal or constitutional conservative cringe.

But what motivates Dr. Berg?  Well, professionally and politically he is a retired family practice doctor who has served on the Republican State Central Committee for the 10^th district since last year.  However, as is the case with any candidate, it is his position on the issues that is most valuable.  When I asked him about his principles, Dr Berg responded by saying,  “There are two big principles that I think are not promoted and not adhered to well and that’s limited government and individual liberty.”  Unlike Sherwood, Dr. Berg opposes Obamacare and the tax bill.  Regarding Obamacare, he stated, “I know what it is going to do, as a physician I can see what it is going to do and it is a huge mistake both financially for the state and for personal liberty.”  He believes that the state needs to stand up for itself and for its citizens against the ever-expanding encroachment of the federal government.

One big challenge, according to Mark Berg, is that a lot of Sherwood’s constituents don’t know her record.  Her thinking doesn’t match the Republican creed and the traditional conservative values of the Shenandoah Valley.  Government policy should not be designed merely to pick winners and losers.  Too many politicians, in his mind, say one thing and then vote another way.  However, Dr. Berg believes that each legislator ought to be able to justify his or her votes according to his or her own political philosophy.  With those thoughts in mind, given that this year marks the first that Delegate Sherwood has faced a challenge from within her own party, will she listen to the conservative voices in her district by transforming herself into a legislator who promotes their values?  Dr. Berg thinks it is unlikely.  “…After nineteen years of being an incumbent, (she) pretty much continue(s) to do what she’s done.  I don’t think her record is what we need to go forward with right now.”

It seems that Dr. Berg’s message of liberty coupled with a general distaste for Delegate Sherwood’s policies, is attracting considerable support from both within the 29^th district, in a coalition of conservatives and the local tea party, as well as recruiting volunteers from other portions of the Shenandoah Valley.   His goal is to speak with as many voters in the district as possible, either in person or through his supporters, in order to form a connection with them and gather feedback, rather than simply blanketing the area with glossy direct mail pieces.

Given that 29^th district Republican primary happens to fall on the same day as the statewide Democratic primary and that voters will only be able to vote in one of these two primaries, it seems unlikely that too many Democrats will participate.  However, Dr. Berg thinks that this fact could likely benefit his campaign given that he is the more conservative of the two candidates in the race.

I very much appreciate Dr. Mark Berg taking a bit of time from his campaign schedule to travel down to Harrisonburg to share his message with the readers of The Virginia Conservative.

Lastly, as a bit of personal commentary, for those fellow conservative and liberty-minded voters and activists, I’m sure you’ll agree that Dr. Berg seems to be a candidate who not only shares our values, but also is willing to ardently fight for them in Richmond.  Given everything that I know about the two candidates, if I lived in the 29^th district, not only would I be voting for Mark Berg, I’d also do my best to help spread his message to my friends and neighbors and encourage them to get informed and be involved.

Don’t forget to vote on June 11^th!

we’ve featured them before singing this:

and still find them endearing.

those scandanavians.

what can i say.  i have a weakness.

College wine tastings can prevent alcoholism among pupils, believe French advisers

the theory being that controlled wine tastings can prevent binge drinking.

no.

so, for the good of our community, it is your duty to attend the wine tastings each week.

yes.

5-7p tonight!

if macrock is is scheduled to happen april 2-3, and only 20 bands have been announced/alerted that they are officially on the bill, how do the organizers expect this thing to fly?

are bands expected to hold the weekend “just in case”?

seems like most bands plan ahead – like more than 3 weeks ahead – for a major event.

i bet that back in the day, you didn’t wait around to inform fugazi, elliot smith, and sufjan stevens that they were invited to perform.

what’s up, macrock?

we really look forward to feeling like harrisonburg is cool like austin once a year.  it’s been good times in years past…

here’s to hoping that it’s just your website that is a little slow this year…

including the realization of a special request from a very pregnant woman desperate for a grown-up alternative to cranberry gingerale:

jason,

you rock.

the $2.00 bottle deposit may be offputting to some, but not only do i believe it to be worth it, but the bottle return cash i get at the front desk leads me & my 3-year-old across the parking lot to goodwill.  with a few milk bucks in my pocket, we’re set to score some toys & books.  today’s crop included:

two mini coopers, one eric carle book about cats,

a recycled frisbee,

and some amazing books.

(today, i believe the Lord would gather his flock around the water cooler.)

i was thinking of using the latter as freebie giveaways for preacher’s show on wxjm live this thursday night (streaming here). 

but we’ll see if i can bear to part with them…

i can’t decide if this proves or disproves my theories (that the specialization, in terms of developmental-appropriateness, etc., along with the evolving purposes of kids’ tv time, have led to a present-day situation where most grown-ups wouldn’t want to bother actually spending time with their kids enjoying a program; not to mention the escapist hell of vanilla, straight-edge, politically-correct subject content), but it’s my 3 year-old’s new favorite:

and, there’s pingu:

bob mcdonnell believes in the campsite rule (just like dan savage!), and pledges to leave this darn commonwealth a nicer, cleaner spot than he found it, which evidently means stopping tax adjustments, as suggested by outgoing tim kaine,

McDonnell, who will succeed Kaine on Jan. 16, promised to work “in a bipartisan fashion” with House and Senate money committee leaders to make the cuts necessary to balance the budget, but he added that “it is bad economic policy to increase taxes on Virginians” during a recession.

in favor of cutting program funds (i.e. local teachers, etc.).

the state of oregon has a different idea: raise taxes on the wealty, & large corporations:

Oregon voters bucked decades of anti-tax and anti-Salem sentiment Tuesday, raising taxes on corporations and the wealthy to prevent further erosion of public schools and other state services.

The tax measures passed easily, with late returns showing a 54 percent to 46 percent ratio. Measure 66 raises taxes on households with taxable income above $250,000, and Measure 67 sets higher minimum taxes on corporations and increases the tax rate on upper-level profits.

The results triggered waves of relief from educators and legislative leaders, who were facing an estimated $727 million shortfall in the current two-year budget if the measures failed.

so, bob mcdonnell, can we clean up our campsites just like those oregonians?

or will moderate “democrats” give you another pass on your pseudo-populist hypocrisy?

“Bunch of Phonies Mourn J.D. Salinger”

but the news made me think of this gem:

“Search For Self Called Off After 38 Years”

The search initially showed great promise, with Speth’s early discovery of his uncle’s old Doors records and a copy of The Catcher In The Rye. Over the next two decades, however, the “leads just petered out.”

r.i.p.

(we’re hosting one for Friendly City Co-Op in Feb…)

so, i was particularly keen on this:

sounds a hell of a lot better than cuchi guidos to me…

Oops…I forget her stupid little traffic ticket…failed to appear so she was tried in her absence and poof! $99 fine!

Her homeowners association appears to have sued her in Frederick County District Court…that case was dismissed when she paid them…she makes $33,084/year.

Breathwaite Bankruptcy

Parker’s charges were, eventually, dropped in the JDR Courts where Parker and her subordinates regularly practice law in their attempts to jail non-custodial parents by one of the same judges that she and her subordinates appear before — certainly no conflict of interest there!

Parker has been a DCSE employee since 2003, and as a Program Administrative Manager III, she receives $71,555 of taxpayer dollars, annually.

I’ll have the bankruptcy papers for Norfolk DCSE Supervisor, Mary Breathewaite, online soon…for her THIRD bankruptcy while working for DCSE.

A couple weeks ago my wife and I left on a light in our living room, only to return  home with it off. We left the light on intentionally because we trust our dog enough to leave her out of her crate, and so we left a light on beside the couch. When we returned home some hours later, the light was off. As in, had to pull the cord again to turn it on. We sort of shrugged it off as a “maybe we didn’t leave it on” sort of thing.

About two days after that I was getting started with my night time routine, and had the kitchen, dining room and living room overhead lights on (as I do every night to check on my cat, and make sure I didn’t leave anything I would need the next day in a place I would forget). So I headed upstairs to our bedroom to get our glasses off the night stands to get both of us water and as I turned to walk down the stairs, all the hair on the my head and neck stood up. As I walked down the stairs I felt more and more odd, and when I turned the corner, the dining room light was off. Now, I froze for a second. I ALWAYS have all three of those lights on downstairs before bed, and I turn them off one by one as I head upstairs. Every single night. Same thing. When I got into the kitchen I felt an overwhelming “cold” feeling and all the hair on my body stood up. As I type this I get the same reaction knowing how intense that feeling was, like I was being watched, like something was very wrong in the room.

So I spoke out loud to this sense of encroachment, and spoke in scripture rebuking whatever “being” (to me an evil spirit) was in my home.  I informed it that it has no power of me, my wife or this home, in the name of Jesus Christ. I immediately felt the “coldness” leave me and felt almost immediately better (other than being a little weirded out by the situation).

So I proceeded to go back upstairs and continue with my routine (turning out the lights on the way up). When I got to the bedroom I put my wife’s glass on her night stand, and then my glass on mine. As I turned around I IMMEDIATELY felt that feeling from the kitchen again. It was like being hit by a truck, I felt as though I was being watched, and that something very evil was in my presence. I spoke aloud to it again, with more intensity and rebuked it in the name of Jesus Christ, and demanded that it leave my family, and my home immediately. Suddenly, a pair of jeans fell out of my wife’s closet, and her door opened slightly. I. WAS. FROZEN. My wife and I came together and openly rebuked this spirit, and prayed aloud for the protection of our Father in heaven.

Last night, my wife called me upstairs as she was getting ready for bed, and asked me about my night stand. I was curious, the glass of water was knocked over (between when we left for work yesterday and when we came home). It had all but ruined the top of my night stand from soaking into the wood. All the things included my bible were soaked. You may be thinking that one of my animals did this, I will tell you that we keep our bedroom door shut every day because my wife is allergic to our cat, so in order to maintain that she sleeps well, we keep the cat out of our room.

So, I’ve never been one to ignore the existence of evil however I’ve never closely experienced it. I would call all of this a coincidence, however it’s all just started happening. My wife and I have been at each others throats on the stupidest of things, and we argue far more than usual (we’re married, it happens). There is evil in our home. I don’t know if it’s after us, or there regardless of us.

All I know is, it’s unsettling. However, it says in Psalm 91 (The Message):

“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,
    “I’ll get you out of any trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care
    if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
    I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.”

I promise you this is true. My God is my protector, and I am bought by the blood of Jesus Christ, and this THING, whatever it is, has no power over me in my life. I will hold fast, and “hold on to” Him “for dear life” and he will get me out of this trouble.

-j

So iOS7 has been seeded to developers. I am fortunate to have a few friends that actively develop for iOS and one of them was kind enough to add me to his “developers” list and thus I’m able to try out the new OS.

There’s been an awful lot of talk about how it’s not “Apple” at all, and that it’s not like the old iOS. I would have to whole-heartedly disagree. Though it does look a good bit different and it has new features, I find no issue navigating around and using the new feature, or adapting to new looks.

I will agree the stock icons are a little weird, though they don’t bother me, in fact it could be just because I was so used to the skeumorphic design that them being flat and altered messes with me a bit. I dunno. I’m okay with the overall UI aesthetic.

It’s not ready for prime-time yet. That’s for sure. There are the usual random crashes of apps. Many apps still use old framework, and call on old API’s (which are still included in the OS) and so the experience isn’t uniform. You don’t have the same system-like elements in every app. It’s okay. That’s why this is a Beta, and not a release candidate. I’m sure there will be updates as we get closer to the release. I’m going to continue to daily-drive, and share my experiences with my developer friends so they can add mine and their input to their feedback to Apple.

Anyway, it’s awesome, it looks cool…but wait for the release. I think, regardless of what the internet-Apple-hating folks say, iOS 7 is going to be a big deal for Apple. It’s about the feel. Uniformity. Usability. The “feeling” we get from using an Apple product. These are things Apple cares about, because they dare to dream bigger than stock prices and how many units sell. Customer loyalty and customer satisfaction are their bread and butter, and I think they corner the market on bread and butter.

The statement by Tim Cook about the feeling you get from using these devices, and the new brand-building campaign is very reminiscent of Steve Jobs, and I for one welcome the change, or reversion whatever it may be. They have a signature. A loyalty to their making, their brand. It is their legacy, and they leave it to us one feeling at a time…

-jw

You know, there is one central theme in all of Hillsong Church.

Purpose.

All that they do, they do on purpose, for the Glory of God. They act on the call of God in their lives. They expect that God provides. They expect that they do not see what God sees. Their own disbelief or doubt in certain things are not what they listen to, they follow the love and the vision of God. That God sees all the best, all the greatness, all the potential that is within their leaders, their community, their country…their WORLD! They strive for greatness, not because it’s best for them, but because it’s best for God and proclaiming the name of Christ in this world. This means that they work much like two of the three servants with the masters talents (Matthew 25). They don’t take the talent they’ve been given by the Lord and bury it. They take it, and they invest it, and invest in it. So that they can offer up more for the glory of God.

What does this mean for me? Well, for me it means I need to decide to live not the life I’ve been living, but to live the life God has for me. The life where I invest in the gifts I’m given. Not just use them, but grow them. To make them greater, for His glory, and not mine. He wants the best for me. He gave me these gifts that I may find joy in them. What greater joy is there than to grow in them for my joy, and the greater joy of the Lord. Even though I’ve been serving and leading ministry for over a year now, there are things I’ve held back on. Not anymore…

It’s time I start living my life with purpose.

-jw

“Honey, I need the air you breathe
because nothing i breathe is clean.
Love me with the fire of pain,
a promise that teaches to promise.

I trust in the faith of men.
The faith of men is the grace of God
Love is the grace of God,
and I, the fall of man.

I wish I could believe in your god
he has no face, no name, no grace.
Cold hard truths grow dead shallow roots.
I trust in the faith of men…

The faith of men is Jesus.
My love is Jesus.
Son of God.
Face of man.
Jesus.

I’m excited to share it at some point. When I get off my lazy butt :)

When I think about my spiritual (and vocational) struggle right now, I think of 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone”

I feel that I’ve been blessed beyond my wildest imagination. Since knowing how to seek and follow the Lord in my adult life, He has taken me on a great journey (one that I’m sure is far from over, probably just at the beginning). I toured in a band with my best friends and brothers. I’ve been able to build a career as a network engineer (even in the midst of music and touring then). I’ve been blessed and bestowed the responsibility (on the weekends and in my life) to lead my church congregation in worship. I’ve been blessed with the greatest wife a man could ask for. A wife that is in line with scripture. One who seeks after the heart of God. I’m blessed with a community of believers that is unequivocally devoted to uplifting one another and sharing the burden of each others lives.

So what am I struggling with?

I think I’m struggling with much of the same things others do. It just seems more real, and more important to me, you know, because I’m human and I struggle with being a narcissist. I struggle with the fact that I have a great job, with an income far beyond what I do. Others work so much harder than I (physical labor, etc) and I get paid a lot. I do. I’m not afraid to say that. It’s not a secret. Money is evil. So maybe, perhaps I’m less blessed in the money area, because with all my human-ness, I waste it. Moving on…I’ve been leading worship for my church community for a year now. I cannot fathom a greater calling or a job, or a greater responsibility. I have never done anything for this amount of time (as a volunteer) and not been burned out by it. I feel that my passion for it grows by the day, and that my fulfillment and joy in it is contagious…at least I’ve been told it is.

I pray that I am where I need to be; that God will show me mercy in my restlessness and grant me patience in this struggle. It is an amazing struggle, and I give all Glory and Honor to my creator in the name of His son, Jesus Christ. I am a servant. I will be responsible with the gifts and blessings I’m bestowed.

-jw

Anyway, that’s not really the point here.

I left my job @ Buccaneer/Vangent/GDIT. It became a source of anxiety because of the commute (1-hour each direction), the level of pressure on engineering staff when management couldn’t set appropriate timelines, and more than anything, the increased time required of me to do my job in those tight time constraints.

So now I work for Navy Federal Credit Union. It’s an excellent environment. Everyone has been completely welcoming and accepting. They seem to really have their ducks in a row when it comes to IT infrastructure too. That’s an exciting thing for me because no matter where I’ve been before it seems as though there are always two sides competing for what is ultimately the same goal.

Anyway, this was my first post in a while. I hope to begin posting here more now. I do have ten more hours a week (now that I don’t commute).

-jw

Conservatism is calling, a new wave of it. One without agendas and restrictive laws, one that basis its past and future on libertarian fundamentals. Where we are free to do as we please with minimal or no government interaction. Where we pay less taxes and maintain our wealth, not because we deserve it, but because we’ve earned it. Then we will be free from the confines of financial woes, and be able to give freely to the sick, the poor and the needy.

Please watch this video. It was made pre-election, but it’s going to be my bible for voting for the rest of my life…and I stand by that.

So yes. Hello again from across the Atlantic. Today was an off day (obviously, it’s Sunday). The team (myself and two other guys) decided to make a day trip to London for some sightseeing.

The weather was great. Cloudy then sunny, cloudy then sunny…also very light on the heat. I don’t think it was much above 75 there today. We spent much of our time at The Tower of London. I had NO idea how large it was, or that it held so many buildings, and that much history. I mean I guess I’m just a snotty ignorant American when it comes to knowing the world’s history, and I should have assumed that something as large as The Tower of London that’s still standing in one of the world’s great cities would be full of history and be, you know, a big deal.

London is a beautiful town. I’ve got a ton of photos going up soon on my Flickr account. Check them out here.

I got video of the changing of the guards. Walked further down the street and saw Buckingham Palace…just an awe inspiring place. God save the queen indeed, she has a big home to clean…even though it’s my understanding that she spends most of here time at Windsor Castle, rather than turning off the vacancy sign at the palace.  (see I did learn some things from the tours…)

I’ve got four more work days coming up. Monday through Thursday. Then I’ll leave the hotel around 08:30 on Friday and proceed to catch my flight back stateside, leaves around 12:30 if I remember correctly.

So, thanks for reading, and as they say here, Cheers!

-jw

I’m over here doing some work for the UK government on a contract to help them improve their health care system, and make it more cost-effective. I mean, I’m not really doing that sort of work, I’m just helping build the network that will transport the information and the application to the fingertips and eyes of those who will be using it.

I’ve never been abroad on my own before. I can’t believe I’m saying that at the ripe age of 28 (going on 29). However, this is an awesome experience. Really digging the atmosphere, really enjoying the people here, and my hotel isn’t too bad either. Holiday Inn has really stepped it up.

It’s Thursday. That means I have 6 more work days until I’m leaving. My flight home leaves around noon on Friday the 22nd. This is the second longest I’ve ever been out of the country. It’s been great so far.

I’m sure I’ll update again soon. Prayers welcome.

-jw

I miss so much the sights, the sounds and sometimes the (unfortunate) smells of the road. I miss performing. I want to do it with people who share the same passions I do.

Recently saw John Mark McMillan again, at the Jammin’ Java in Vienna, VA…again. I’ve really started digging into them as a band, and who they listen to, and who their friends are. They played with two groups called Theroyalroyal and Jude Moses. Both totally different. Both (as the bassist from Theroyalroyal put it) “a small piece in the worship conversation”. I really like that phrase. I like the motivation behind it. Or what I feel the motivation behind it is.

I want to be a part of that.

To the title of this post: I can’t decide if I’ve sacrificed my passion (music) for my current (and well paying) career in network engineering or if I’m sacrificing a selfish lust or want of that life to have a better life with my wife, and future family. I see plenty of people having both. I’m sure it’s difficult. I’m sure it’s not what it’s cracked up to be.

I just know I miss it. The timing and location is just a difficult thing for me. I’m so busy with work (sacrifice) and with my church, and all the other things of life, most importantly, time with my wife.

Lord, just tell me where to be.

DARLENE NOVINGER – Former FBI operative, January 23rd, 2003. Novinger was known to hold sensitive information on the Clinton and Bush I administration’s drug operations. Her husband murdered March 1987 when she went public with initial reports. Her father died July 8, 1993 four hours after Darlene was a guest on the Tom Valentine show. Suffered retaliation after reporting discussions by government protected drug smuggler who described contacts with Vice President George Bush and his son, Jeb Bush.

DAN MULLONEY, a television news photographer who shot footage of the 1993 Branch Davidian siege.

CHARLES RUFF – White House Counsel and Clinton defense attorney during the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the impeachment trial. Of apparent natural causes.

JAMES MCDOUGAL – Clinton’s convicted Whitewater partner died of an apparent heart attack, while in solitary confinement. McDougal was a key witness in Kenneth Starr’s investigation.

MARY MAHONEY – A former White House intern was murdered July 6, 1997 at a Starbucks Coffee Shop in Georgetown. The murder happened during the pre-trial publicity surrounding the Paula Jones lawsuit days after Newsweek’s Mike Isakoff dropped hints that a former White House staffer was about to go public with her story of sexual harassment in the White House.

VINCENT FOSTER – Former White House counselor, and former colleague of Hillary Clinton at Little Rock’s Rose law firm. Foster was found dead July 20, 1993 of a gunshot to the head ruled a suicide. Rumours were that Foster and Hillary had an affair.

RON BROWN – Secretary of Commerce and former DNC Chairman. Reported to have died by impact in a plane crash. A pathologist close to the investigation reported to the Bob Grant Radio Show a hole in top of Brown’s skull resembling a gunshot wound. At the time of his death Brown was being investigated, and spoke publicly of his willingness to cut a deal with prosecutors.

C. VICTOR RAISER II – Former National finance Co-Chairman, Clinton for President Campaign and son MONTGOMERY RAISER died in a private plane crash in Alaska, July 30th,1992. Raiser was described as a major player in the Clinton organization by Dee Dee Meyers.

JEREMY “MIKE” BOORDA, President Clinton’s former Chief of Naval Operations allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself in the chest with a .38 caliber pistol on his front lawn in May 1996. The unauthorized wearing of valor pins was the alleged reasoning behind the suicide. By 1998 this reasoning was proved false after the Navy issued a report that said Boorda earned the right to wear the pins afterall.

PAUL TULLEY – Democrat National Committee Political Director found dead in a hotel room in Little Rock, Arkansas September 24, 1992, Described by Clinton as a “Dear friend and trusted advisor”.

ED WILLEY – Clinton fund raiser-found dead November 30, 1993 deep in the woods in Virginia of a gunshot wound to the head. Ruled a suicide, Willey died on the same day his wife Kathleen Willey claimed that Bill Clinton groped her in the oval office in the White House. Ed Willey was involved in several Clinton fund raising events.

JERRY PARKS – Head of Clinton’s gubernatorial security team in Little Rock. Gunned down in his car at a deserted intersection outside Little Rock. Parks’ son said his father was building a dossier on Clinton. He allegedly threatened to reveal this information. After he died the files were mysteriously removed from his house

JAMES BUNCH – Died from a gunshot wound. Reported to have a black book of people containing names of influential people who visited prostitutes in Texas and Arkansas.

JAMES WILSON – Was found dead by hanging May 18, 1993. Was reported to have ties to Whitewater.

KATHY FERGUSON – Ex-wife of Arkansas Trooper Danny Ferguson died in May,1994 was found dead in her living room with a gunshot wound to her head. It was ruled a suicide even though there were several packed suitcases, as if she was going somewhere. Danny Ferguson was a co-defendant along with Bill Clinton in the Paula Corbin Jones lawsuit. She was reported a possible corroborating witness for Paula Jones case.

BILL SHELTON – Arkansas state Trooper and Fiancee of Kathy Ferguson.Critical of the suicide ruling of his fiancee, he was found dead in June, 1994 of a gunshot wound also ruled a suicide at the grave site of his fiancee.

GANDY BAUGH – Attorney for Clinton friend Dan Lassater died by falling out a window of a tall building January, 1991. His client was a convicted drug distributor.

FLORENCE MARTIN – Accountant subcontractor for the CIA related to the Barry Seal Mena Airport drug smuggling case. Dead of three gunshot wounds.

SUZANNE COLEMAN – Reportedly had an affair with Clinton when he was Arkansas Attorney General. Died of a gunshot wound to back of head, ruled a suicide, was pregnant at the time her death.

PAULA GROBER – Clinton’s speech interpreter for the deaf from 1978 until her death December 9, 1992. She died in a one car accident.

DANNY CASOLARO – Investigative reporter, investigating Mena airport and Arkansas Development Finance Authority. Found dead with slit his wrists in the middle of his investigation.

PAUL WILCHER – Attorney investigating corruption at Mena Airport with Casolaro and the 1980 “October Surprise” was found dead on a toilet June 22, 1993 in his Washington DC Apartment. Had delivered report to Janet Reno 3 weeks before his death.

JON PARNELL WALKER – Whitewater Investigator for Resolution Trust Corporation. Fell to his death from his Arlington, Virginia apartment balcony August 15, 1993. Was investigating Morgan Guarantee scandal.

BARBARA WISE – Commerce Department Staffer, worked closely with Ron Brown and John Huang. Cause of death unknown. Died November 29, 1996. Her bruised nude body was found locked in her office at the Department of Commerce.

CHARLES MEISSNER – Assistant Secretary of Commerce who gave John Huang special security clearance, died shortly thereafter in a small plane crash.

DR.STANLEY HEARD – Chair National Chiropractic Heath Care Advisory committee died with his attorney.

STEVE DICKSON – Died in a small plane crash. Heard, in addition to serving on Clinton’s advisory council personally treated Clinton’s mother, stepfather and brother.

BARRY SEAL – Drug running pilot out of Mena, Arkansas. Death was no accident.

JOHNNY LAWHORN Jr. – Mechanic, found a check made out to Clinton in the trunk of a car left in his repair shop. Died when his car hit a utility pole.

STANLEY MUGGINS – Suicide. Investigated Madison Guarantee. His report was never released.

HERSHELL FRIDAY – Attorney and Clinton fund raiser died March 1, 1994 when his plane exploded.

KEVIN IVES and DON HENRY – Known as “The boys on the track” case. Reports say the boys may have stumbled upon the Mena Arkansas Airport Drug operation. This controversial case where initial report of death was due to falling asleep on railroad track. Later reports claim the two had been slain before being placed on the tracks. Many people linked to the case died (see below) before their testimony could come before a Grand Jury.

THE FOLLOWING SIX PERSONS HAD INFORMATION ON THE IVES/HENRY CASE:

KEITH CONEY – Died when his motorcycle slammed into the back of a truck in July, 1988.
KEITH McMASKLE – Died, stabbed 113 times, November 1988.
GREGORY COLLINS – Died from a gunshot wound, January 1989.
JEFF RHODES – He was shot, mutilated and found burned in a trash dump in April 1989.
JAMES MILAN -  Found decapitated-Coroner ruled death due to natural causes.
JORDAN KETTLESON – Was found shot to death in the front seat of his pickup truck in June 1990.
RICHARD WINTERS – Winters was a suspect in the Ives/Henry deaths. Was killed in set-up robbery in July 1989.

ANDREW BREITBART – Died of “natural causes” on March 1, 2012. He had planned on releasing damning footage of President Obama during his college years with very dangerous people (Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn). This comes as a shock as he was quoted saying “wait ’til they see what happens March 1st” referring to his release of said video.

“Hello America,

let me reintroduce myself; my name is Barry Obama, er Barry Soeto, er Barack Hussein Obama.

I was born illegitimate, to a polygamist Arab/African Muslim father who abandoned and ignored me, raised by a single mom who neglected me, then raised and educated as an Indonesian Muslim, adopted by an Indonesian Muslim step-father who abandoned and ignored me. But That’s OK.

While in Indonesia I studied the Koran as required by law, attended Islamic services, discovered the Islamic call as the sweetest sound in the world, and wrote a paper stating that one day I would be president’, and I was very lonely
and isolated. But That’s OK.

I then went through another divorce, relocated to Hawaii, was abandoned by my mother, raised by a typical white racist Grandmother I threw under the bus, and an atheist communist Grandfather. But That’s OK.

I somehow managed to attend a small elite private high school in Hawaii, where I played basketball as a 6’2” Black kid with such a bad attitude and drug habit that I never started a single game, and I can’t release my application forms, records or transcripts from there. But That’s OK.

I attended some colleges, where I also can’t release my applications, records or transcripts, or really explain where/how I got the money and scholarships to attend. But That’s OK.

I attended Harvard Law school, made Law Review President, although I’ll never know how much of the selection was racial preference, and it is odd that I never wrote or published a single Law Review article. But That’s OK.

When I moved to Chicago, I needed to join a Christian church, so I chose the Black Liberation Theology Rev Wright church, where I attended 20 years, and referred to Rev Wright as my spiritual advisor, but never realized that he practiced Black Liberation politics, ranted against America and Jews, and honored Louis Farrakan. But That’s OK.

I’ve never had a real private sector job, but I did Community Organize’, although some criticize that I never achieved a single victory or worthwhile success as an organizer or actually helped anyone, and some point out that Chicago neighborhoods and schools deteriorated dramatically under my watch. But That’s OK.

I entered politics within the Chicago Daly political machine, and somehow in 20 years within the machine, I never learned of, blew the whistle on, or exposed a single dirty deal or dirty pol. But That’s OK.

Of course, I did kind of have to cheat and steal to get my first State Senate seat, by getting all opponents disqualified on really obscure technicalities, and took a lot of heat for denying voters a fair Democratic choice. But That’s OK.

And, in the so many years of the IL State Senate, I never did author substantial bills, and I was criticized for avoiding stands by voting present 130 times. But That’s OK.

I then ran for US Senate, although I did go back on my promise to IL voters that I would complete the whole 6 years, and not seek higher office, and, I did ditch my Senate responsibilities, and campaign 24/7 for POTUS from the start,
and the other Senators did ignore, snub and even make fun of my arrogance. But That’s OK.

And the Pelosi/Reid/Obama Dem Congress I joined did become the lowest rated Congress in US history with a 9% approval rating, and we did take an inherited record high DOW, sub 4% unemployment, and 52 straight months of economic growth, and turn it into the greatest recession in 80 years, the greatest DOW drop since 1930, 10% unemployment, and the banking/financial systems we oversaw did crash and fail. But That’s OK.

And my Dem Congress did pass ALL the TARP’s, all the bailouts, all the failed pork-stims, and we have averaged $1.105 Trillion deficits, contrasted with the previous Republican Congress average $105 billion deficits. But That’s OK.

Now, as POTUS, I have been dissed and spurned by other couries I hoped to influence, I have been caught bowing to Muslim leaders, AlQ/Taliban are not loving me for pandering as I expected, and the US military cadets did sleep through my warmongering Commander in Chief speech. But That’s OK.

And I have failed to pass the socialist healthcare, illegal alien amnesty, open borders, Union forced choice card-check, cap and Tax massive punitive taxes on the rich’ bills I wanted, and the Nobel Prize those 5 drunken leftist Danes
gave me while I was waging and escalating 2 wars I promised to withdraw from was a little embarrassing. But That’s OK.

And we Dems did take GM from it’s bond and share holders and give it to the Unions, and bail out or Wall Street friends, and I have accumulated a $1.4 Trillion deficit, am on track to doubling the national debt in 5 years, tripling it in my 8 years, we Dems have increased Federal spending 35%, I have overseen the loss of 10 million jobs, and our pork-stim bills did fail. But That’s OK.

And I did put my credibility and power one the line and got disrespected and rejected by the Olympic Committee, the Global Warming Committee, and the voters of PA, NJ, and even MA. But That’s OK.

And me and my advisors have caused an incredible drop in Dem credibility, trust, and influence, while giving Republicans a truly incredible boost and national recovery, and it is unusual that Dems are switching parties and
retiring in record numbers, and I have likely damaged the Democrat party for a generation. But That’s OK.

And we Dems did fail, despite having an entire year of overwhelming majority power, to produce a workable, sellable Health Care bill, and we have been exposed and tainted for some incredibly corrupt backroom payoffs to politicians, health care interests, trial lawyers, Unions, Pharmacy companies, AARP, AMA, etc. yet still failing even to cheat, lie and sell out successfully. But That’s OK.

I have lost about 35% popularity, to the lowest 1 year POTUS ratings ever, my Dem congress is the lowest rated Congress ever, our Dem Speaker was the lowest rated Speaker in US history, and our Dem Senate Majority leader is polling 30%
in his home state, and far lower nationally. But That’s OK.

So, Americans can relax, knowing the state of the Obama Land is OK.”

Can we all just agree to vote this numb-nuts out of office for good so he can go down as THE LARGEST disgrace this country has ever seen in the White House? Thank you.

I was preparing to watch one of my favorite artists, Future Of Forestry perform at a church in Harrisonburg. I got a “News Alert” on my iPhone stating that Jobs had passed.

Gosh, you know, I just can’t tell you how odd it was to feel such sadness over a man I’d never met, passing away.

(Now there are the labels, “Apple fan boy”, etc, etc. I don’t care what you call me, all I know is I like what I like, and I’ve liked it for years, even before Apple was “a big deal” — I’ll just say that I’ve been a major fan of Apple since their stock was well under $100/share. — the sadness I feel for Jobs’ death is real, and necessary)

What does his death mean to me? Well, my father and I were texting this morning about his death, and he said “I’m sad too. Last of the great innovators.” That is incredibly true. Innovation is dead. Literally.

He was the last of the true innovative few. The Silicon Valley Titans.

What it really means…he’s human. We’re all human. It’s undeniable truth that our world holds no power. A man with his success and the means to attempt and pay for any medical research and procedure, passed away. No amount of money. No amount of power. No amount of influence will save you from becoming dirt.

What is there for us here?

“Has this world been so kind to you that you should leave with regret? There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.” – C.S. Lewis

I know you’ve probably heard that a hundred (and a half) times. I know I have. Probably thousands. That phrase caries such a heavy truth.

For over ten years I’ve been in IT. Shoot, if you really want to get into it, I started fixing computers (for money, not just cause I could) for people since I was 13. I had an ad in the paper (that my parents put in for me) to fix computers. My parents chauffeured me around town and waited while I fixed client’s machines. It was nuts. I didn’t charge a ton, because lets be honest, I was a 13-year-old kid. No real experience, but I was doing it, and people were satisfied.

Since then I’ve held many IT-related positions. I’ve been on retainer with many local business for IT support (when they need it most). I’ve been a telephone/telecom engineer, systems admin, network engineer, and now most recently a Senior Network Engineer.

I have the hunger to thrive. To climb the ladder, to move beyond where I am. I don’t know if its that after a few years I lose the satisfaction I have in my positions, but I just feel deep down that I can do more. I can be better. I can manage more.

Well, as I’ve already written in previous posts, my wife and I have moved to Winchester. To be with our families, and also because I now have a new job.

I have to say that I wasn’t aware of how ambitious my request was when applying for this job. It’s not that I didn’t have the experience, or that I didn’t understand the position. It’s just that understanding is different from undertaking. I’ve been with Buccaneer for just over a month now. I’ve been to Des Moins, IA already. I’ve traveled to MD a couple of times. I’m also now working with project managers to smooth out and plan for a proposal for a project in the United Kingdom.

I’m always amazed at what opportunities are placed at my feet. When I have the courage to dream, stand up, and put one foot in front of the other, doors are opened, my life is changed, and I really get to see and experience new things.

God is good, folks. I’ve never felt that God just gives us experience or success, but that we must be looking, and dreaming, and in conversation with Him, considering and using the gifts and messages He’s given us.

I wouldn’t be here without Him. That’s the truth.

-jw

We talked for a few minutes about it being the weekend, and we got to the part about our plans and and I said, I wanted it to be a relaxing weekend free from obligations etc, etc. You know what he said?

He said, “I’m going to spend my time in faith, and pray for this storm. That it doesn’t hurt no one else. That it moves on, that it won’t cause any more harm than it’s already caused…especially in this economy”

I smiled, and then he said “Maybe it’s just naivety, but maybe if I come together with people and pray, that thing will just turn out to sea”

I said, that’s not naivety, that’s faith.

These are the moments in life that I smile about. The little moments, when I’m not a network engineer. I’m not in Warrenton. I’m not Jonathan. I’m a child of God, and so was our security guard.

Time, location, position, etc. make no difference in those little moments.

Good day…

-jw

Just this week I got it back up and running, and faster than before, and more secure than before. Anyway, the last you’d heard I was working for the Harris Corporation in a data center in Harrisonburg, VA.

This is no longer the case.

My wife and I have moved to Winchester (where she was born and raised, and where I lived for 9 years) to be closer to our families, and to get me closer to my new employment. I’m now a Senior Network Engineer for Buccaneer Computer Systems and Service Inc. (www.bcssi.com) assigned to two contracts. It involves a great deal of time, process, project and personnel management.  I find myself privileged to be working where I am, in the position I am, with the people here. As the company name says, we’re pirates, and it’s an awesome environment (which means I could wear shorts and t-shirt to work if I wanted to, generally don’t though).

So it’s been a real change. A welcome one, mind you. It’s hard to say what lies ahead. I don’t really know.

We’ve rented out our home in Massanutten. We just recently signed a lease on a duplex in downtown Winchester (W. Piccadilly). We will get to move in by the 15th of September. We can’t wait.

Well that’s the update for now. I know say it often (but I THINK I mean it this time) but, check in for updates. I hope to be writing more, and more often.

Thanks, and God bless.

-jw

I left JMU to work for Harris Corporation. To give the details a wide berth, we’ll just say it wasn’t the right fit for me. I will be starting a new job on August 8th. Now because of a new job, we’re moving. Moving back to Winchester. We’re nervous, excited, a little sad (to be leaving some very awesome people behind in Harrisonburg).

Marriage is going well. My wife is the greatest.

The band I am in, About Sound, changed our name to Maple Union, which was the name of the band the lead singer was in before getting AS together. We started recording…which sucks now that I’m moving, but I still want to be somewhat involved in that.

Anyway. I’m at work right now. 8:48pm. Kinda irritated. Mostly because I don’t wanna be  here.

So see ya!

-jw

44 hours, is A LOT OF DRIVING! We did it in three days. We arrived in  Tacoma, WA (right off the campus of University of Puget Sound) on Thursday evening around midnight.

I have much to share and think about after visiting the Pacific Northwest. I have much to think about leaving my best friend out here as well…

My flight leaves Sea-Tac at 11:15am tomorrow.

Just over 12 hours from now I’ll be heading back home. To my home. To my family. Mostly, to my wife. I can sleep soundly again.

Been one heck of a trip. Glad I came. Glad I’m going home.

goodnight,

-jw

I’m driving from the right coast to the left coast with my best friend who is moving along with his wife to Tacoma, WA.

Harrisonburg, VA —to—> Tacoma, WA. Long freaking drive. 44 hours I believe. Holy moley.

11 hours of driving / day.

get some.

Updates daily. (maybe hourly…maybe even more often…)

-jw

Well the weather was crap…and I mean CRAP. The metro ride in and out of DC is always semi-pleasant. The subtle bouncing of the cars, and hum of track-to-wheel noise almost always lull’s me to sleep.

Anyway, the real reason for the trip was to go experience “a mighty raucous evening” with Mr. John Mark McMillan (http://thejohnmark.com). The venue was Jamin’ Java in Vienna, VA. Not really an awesome place. Very typical in my opinion of mid-to-upper-range music clubs. Not large. Not tiny. Good sound system (at least from where I was standing).

The opener (at 10:15PM – puke! – only cause I had to drive two hours after the show) was All The Bright Lights. An excellent, spirit-filled, worship-esque, mostly-instrumental group, made of up half of John Mark’s band. I snagged their record a while back (on Amazon I believe) and have since worn it out. It’s very thoughtful and beautiful, and carries some tension…I liked it. I think they played maybe 4 songs…still was awesome. Then we waited for John Mark. I think it was probably half an hour until he started.

I have to admit we were all cranky. More than likely because of the looming drive home and the fact that we had to be up and ready to set up at church (http://riseharrisonburg.com) at 7:15.

Well. The wait, and crankiness was worth it. It was better than listening to his record turned up to 11. It was honest. It was loud. It was organic. It was worship, of its own kind. It was a verb in itself. The evening was an action. John, mid-way through the set spoke of his trip to Africa which I IMMEDIATELY shared his sympathies with from my trip to Malawi and Mozambique – (Africa Photo Set on Flickr.com). It only brought me a bit closer to who he is, and what he cares about. At one point in the evening John spoke about the members of the band, and their families and their kids…sort of gives me hope, as a musician, that some day I could do what he’s doing…knowing full well they’ve been hitting the pavement for quite a few years to get where they are. It’s not easy. I know. I was in a band five years that “hit the pavement” hard. It’s difficult. I applaud them.

Anyway – the music was AMAZING. James Duke, their lead guitarist is JUST SO SMOOTH. I love his style. Everything he plays just fits like it’s part of musical theory itself. Just love it. I can’t remember the other three members’ names, but they’re equally amazing. Just so tasteful in their own parts…anyway, this is less about the show, and more about the writing of the songs…back to it…

The show was awesome. I can’t wait to see them again. I can’t wait for their new record… from what I heard of the new songs that night, the new record is going to make The Medicine seem weak…truth is though, I love that record…it’s pulled me out of some dark places…

All this to say, next time they’re on the road, I’ll gladly give them my money, and you should too.

That is all.

-jw

In a single year, we’ve had oil spewing into the ocean from a mile beneath the surface, foreign governments overthrown by its own people, a earthquake and tsunami that have all but crippled a major economic and industrial world power, all the while the tech blogs are more concerned about whether or not these issues will affect output production of Apple’s iDevice components and delay product delivery…

We’ve got militant leaders who are asking for help, while still killing their own people. Chernobyl is now no longer the worst nuclear crisis the world has seen. Fukushima now takes that cup. Drug use is up in the U.S. by 12%. There are now students in colleges around the country who make their own drugs in their dorm rooms…maybe that’s always happened, but it’s happening enough to make news now…

WHAT is going on?

On top of that, the larger (and some smaller) nations of the world are facing a related symmetrical financial”depression”. The world as I knew it, even in just the 27 years of my life, is changing. Rapidly. We’ve got our government throwing punches around at each other while our country is in the pits. Unemployment is still high. Jobless rates are on the climb. The US Dollar is a joke abroad.

Democrats pointing fingers are republicans. Republicans being the exact same as they always are. No one is budging. NO ONE. Our president is mad that he doesn’t have a “cool phone” in the Oval Office. I’m sorry Mr. President. I really am.

However, Mr. Obama…Keep firm on the promises you made! UNITE US! CHANGE US! Make us better! I want nothing more than for you to succeed! I want to raise my future children in a world that I’m not afraid to raise them in. I want you to succeed! Rise above this political  nonsense and unite us…

NEVER has this country been more polarized. We’ve not been this divided since the civil war. Is that what’s on the front? Is that OUR tsunami? Is a civil war lurking? I sure hope not…

It seems that at every turn, I see more heartbreak. More bankruptcy. More death.

The only reason we’re seeing consumer spending increasing, in my experience, is because people are hiding. They’re hiding from the pain…by buying THINGS. Materialism is a plague. It’s taking over. What better place to start than in the U.S…

I know this was probably very stream-of-consciousness, but I just don’t know what’s going on.

I love this nation. I love our president. I said it. I love him. I love his whole family. — do I agree with him? Not typically. But I love him. I WANT his policies to work. I WANT SOMEONE’S POLICIES TO WORK! I’m tired of the polarization. I’m tired of the division.

The Divided States of America. DSA.

-jw

Just wanted to make my first post on my now VIRTUALIZED webserver. All the servers in my home are now part of an ESX(i) VMWare host. 1 Server that is running 4 virtuals. Thank you VMWare gods! haha.

That is all. I’m a nerd. Get over it.

-jw

What is control? Is it will power? Is it incentive? Is it a temper? Is it love?

What is failure? I do believe failure consists of a great many things. Failure consists of  being found guilty of taking part in the illusion of balance and control.

Why is it that when we begin to take the theoretical “reigns” of our lives that we quickly find that they’re not what we thought. They don’t offer us the control we hoped, they offer us quite the opposite of balance, they pull us more than we pull them, and in the end, we ultimately end up losing sight of or failing at what we wanted.

What happens when you find yourself in the middle of a deep valley in your life, and no amount of climbing and hiking moves you even an inch off that valley floor? I find it amazing both physiologically and emotionally, that we can fall from great peaks into deep valleys in a matter of days. Sometimes just upon reflection of our thoughts, our actions, or attitudes…we find that we’ve crashed. We’ve tried to take control, and in that active state, we’ve mercilessly obliterated who we are.

I wouldn’t necessarily say this is me. What I would say is that I find myself in a position where I thought I would never be. Questioning the things I have “known” my entire life. Questioning my faith. Questioning my heart. Questioning what my recent decisions have been, and even ones from the distant past.

Now, I often find myself looking for the positive. The “what in my life is right” sort of thing. A basic “letting go” of everything, and what sticks around MUST be important.

For me, it’s my wife, Yvonne. She’s the best thing to ever happen to me. It’s also my faith. I believe in a grace-filled God. Not a condemning and damming one who smites my every impure thought or vocalization. I believe He is a just God. I believe that because of him there are definite rights and wrongs, and on those are built basic morality and decency in human behavior. However, I have come to believe that the Sunday school teaching of “actions and situations are black and white” is a total lie, and in no way what Jesus lived by.

Anyway – I won’t get into a philosophical discussion on here. I’m just writing today to sort of put down for myself, what’s going on in my head, in my heart, and in my life.

I struggle. I rejoice. I plan. I fail. I fall. I get back up. I support. I break.

You and I can never be all we set out to be, and also be everything to everyone. We have a purpose. A divine one. With that purpose comes divine balance, divine control, and divine failure. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve screwed something up so bad, and at my wits in realize that there is a real lesson to be learned, and that the love my savior has for me never ceased.

God is amazing. I hope I can understand some day.

-jw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHz1I7ETW2w

…and yes, I just made a correlation with a could-be bad wedding day and drag racing. I’m a man. get over it.

Anyway – they day was great. I cried. Yvonne cried. Others cried. We danced, our DJ played the Bed Intruder song. By the way his name is DJ Ty Walker, and he’s amazing. Look him up on Facebook. He also runs/hosts/dj’s a dance club/party on JMU’s campus every month or so called Club Gilty. Check that junk out. Fantastic stuff. Anyway. It was awesome.

The hotel we stayed at that night was amazing. It’s the historic George Washington Hotel in Winchester, VA. Which I know, many people turn their noses up to Winchester, but seriously that town has really grown up. If you’re familiar with Winchester from years ago, you’ll be blown away to know that most if not all of the streets in downtown are TWO WAY now. Holy crap. I thought I was going to crap my pants when I saw that Cameron Street was two way, and FOUR LANES. Wowza! Anyway – GW Hotel was great. Valet’d car, Luggage cart. Tipped the people. Free apples from the concierge. 650Sq. Ft Hotel room, with a separate living room, bedroom and bathroom (which was split up from the water closet, shower and his and her sinks. Fan-friggin’-tastic.

Anyway – So to the honeymoon. It was awesome…for so many reasons. Do some thinking. You know why. I AM ALL THAT IS MAN. moving on…i hope…

Yvonne actually become sicker by the day. With what sounded like a TB cough, and a sore throat to put throat cancer to shame I think…I felt so bad. My heart broke for her. Only to figure out that on the check-out day that I would begin getting ill. Saturday I started feeling bad. Sore throat. Aches and pains. Etc. Sunday was worse. That night I ran a fever up to 101.8. I was delirious. Not that 101.8 is that horrible, but when it basically hits you in about 30 minutes, your body FREAKS out. Fever broke in the morning. Been fighting a sore throat and minor body aches all day…but much better.

Anyway – to wrap up – let me just say that I’m very excited to be starting my new life with Yvonne. I’m excited to be back in town and geared up to begin serving at RISE again. VERY excited to begin the demo’ing and recording process with About Sound (my band), and maybe planning some more shows for the new year. I am so excited about this band I could scream.

Sooo…thanks for reading. it’s getting late. 11:18. I need to get to sleep. Work tomorrow ( I hope)

-jw

To our troops overseas, and the family’s of those fighting, fought, and lost…thank you for your service and your sacrifice. There is nothing I can do to ever repay that service.

May God bless you and yours on this day, and forever.

I’m going to make it a point to thank every veteran I know of today. Every person in an armed forces uniform, I’m going to thank them. It’s the LEAST I could do today. Quite honestly, it’s the least I could do every day…but I need to start somewhere…what better day than Veterans Day.

that is all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVNgYXFi_Q

That is all.

The quick and dirty explanation of complacency is “self-satisfaction” – my gosh, it rolls off the fingertips just as easily as it rolls off the tongue. I will be the first to tell you, that on a day to day basis, I am SO SATISFIED with my life. I have the sneaking suspicion that you’re not that much different from me. I bet you get complacent. I bet you get comfortable. I bet you anything that you’d rather many things in your life, stay just as they are. Just as they’ve been. No curve balls, no moral dilemmas, no financial woes.

Complacency can come out of many things…for me I think it’s that I have a good job, a home, a car…and some toys I enjoy playing with. It’s THINGS that calm me into complacency. It’s something I struggle with daily. “The more I have, the better I’ll be” mentality plagues many of us Americans. It’s so sick…

My friends complacency is a disease for leaders. Even worse, your own complacency spreads like a wildfire through a dry forest to those you are leading. Complacency is something that sneaks into our lives, so quickly, so covertly, we’re often neck deep in it before we even feel we’ve changed.

What does this mean to us as ministry leaders? Well, I’ll come right out and say it, even beginning a new opportunity with a young church in my town, I find myself almost immediately complacent in the environment. What I set out to do is provide some leadership and depth in a portable church. Bringing with me many years of portable church experience, I thought to myself, “who better to be involved, than myself?” – thinking about this more, and more I started to think…am I allowing others to become complacent because of MY OWN complacency? Is my attitude and outlook on portable ministry affecting others? I’m comfortable with it – I’ve experienced the highs and lows of a fast-paced and highly-involved ministry that is a portable church. Am I allowing others to get comfortable too? I surely hope not.

Today I sat in my office after lunch for a few minutes, and began to think of my brothers and sisters in Africa, who I feel may never know the feeling of complacency. Always scrambling to find food or money to feed themselves. Always grasping at ways to have shelter, and just to live. I think of these people often, and what gifts they really are. I find it so powerful that these people, God’s creation, are affecting me, thousands and thousands of miles away, and I haven’t seen them in over a year (almost two years). I miss them so much. Right then, I felt complacent. I had my own home. My own car. My own church…that meets in a great place. It tears me up to think of the places the live, and the places they worship there…no roofs, sometimes no walls…God is so very real to them there…because He is all they have. THAT’S reliance on God. THAT’s the opposite of complacency. That’s seeking life. Daily. Hourly.

I want that for my life. I want that for the ministries I’m involved in. That we seek, dailiy, hourly, by the minute, to understand and praise God for the great things we have, and how we can affect our communities. You know, I think my father and myself have both made the statement, “I had no control over where I was born, or where I was raised…but I fully believe that because I was raised in this country, that has so much…I believe I was born and raised here to share it”

How will you share what you have? How will you combat complacency? Will it be giving up what you have, be it time, money, or possessions?

Combating complacency in my life looks a little bit like this: Give the time I know I may not have. Share with those who others (including those close to me) might not share with, and that includes, money, time, shelter, an attentive ear, or a shoulder to cry on. It means consistently seeking  God, and knowing that I have been blessed, and that I’ve only been blessed so that I can share it.

What does it look like to you?

So I’m going to begin a short series of posts on my experiences involved in various ministry teams over the years. Being a member and leader in groups ranging from musical performance, production, youth ministry and teaching. What I’m writing may be of some interest to you, it may not. Maybe you have all the answers. I’m happy for you. These posts will discuss mostly volunteer positions, however I don’t believe the ideas discussed will be totally useless to those even in paid positions.

Today’s topic: DEPTH

As a younger man, and a PK, I’ve been involved in ministry to varying degrees for the majority of my life. I began playing drums for my fathers church (when the original drummer left abruptly) when I was 7 years old. By the time I was 9 I was on regular rotation with the worship team. Me, a 9 year old on regular rotation with folks three to four times my age. It was awesome. It was a major opportunity, and from what I can remember a very fulfilling and healthy way for me to be introduced into ministry. That beginning would be the catalyst for a desire to serve and carry an increased involvement in whatever ministry I was placed in.

Let’s fast forward a few years. In 1998 my father (and a group of other likeminded crazy people) planted a church (Grace Community Church) in Winchester, VA. In the early days (until 2004) GCC was an all-portable church, which meant we met where we could, when we could. Our first location was in the upstairs banquet hall of the Lee Jackson Best Western. What a mess of people and talent. We had plenty of help. Plenty of combined knowledge to make the pre-launch and launch-sunday happen. People were “on fire” to help, and could not wait for the following weeks, and the future of the church.

I’ll tell you though. Within four years of our launch, most of the folks who were absolutely “on fire!” for what was going on, and volunteering even their children’s birthday time to be a part of it…were gone. They were “burned out” or wanting to “take a break.” Even more to the point, within a single year of the portable church, we had lost a fair number of volunteers that just couldn’t hack it. I don’t believe for one second that it was because they lost interest in the church, the ministry, or God. It was caused by the lack of depth in the teams. Band, production, setup/tear down, child care, etc…

Depth is a strong word. Depth implies a great many things in many different contexts. In the ocean, depth just means having some distance between you and the surface. In conversations, depth means getting beyond chit-chat and getting honest with each other. In a class setting, depth means highly detailed and knowledge-filled lesson (that’s palatable). Folks, depth in our ministry teams is all of this. No one enjoys having shallow friends, or shallow conversations, or taking classes that teach you nothing.

In a ministry team let’s think of first, the ocean. The ocean (water around us) relates to us as the number of people around us, serving and helping in our ministry facet. At first, we’re just standing in a puddle. Can’t really make a splash or get people wet with a few amount of people. As the ocean (ministry) grows, you begin to have folks surrounding you on the surface. However, on the surface, floating with our little arm-floaties (like small children use), we’re only maybe chest-deep in the water. We’re not taking the plunge, or encouraging others to. We’re not allowing ourselves the opportunity to explore the depth of the blessed gifts (the people) around us. These people, these gifts (as my pastor uses), are around us for a reason. Some, if not most of them want to get plugged in, and find some depth in their lives. Whether these people are enticed by your personality, or the work your ministry is doing, they’re interested, and you need to encourage them to dive in with you. As a ministry leader, most if not all, will be looking to you to take the first big plunge, and put your time, and your life (as you know it) on the line. However, as a ministry leader, you can only dive for so long. You can only hold your breath for so long. You need others around you to take the dives from time to time, to maintain the depth and life of your ministry. A drowning leader, is a drowning ministry. Surround yourself with those who are willing to dive deep, with or without you.

Conversations in ministry. As a leader, or a potential leader in ministry, you must not be afraid to have in-depth conversations with your volunteers or potential volunteers. There’s a piece of paper hanging on the wall of my fathers home office. I’ll see if I can remember what it says. “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.” – I think that’s about right. In fact I just did a google search, and yes found that it is correct, it’s a quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. What this means folks is, don’t tell your volunteers what you do as a ministry, or how you do it. Don’t just divvy up orders, and tell folks what to do…speak to them about why you’re doing what you’re doing. Explain to them why it is in your heart to do what you’re doing, the great reward you feel, and the blessing you and they can be on others. Teach them to yearn for that “vast and endless sea” of blessing others.

Class/teaching in ministry. This parallels closely with conversations. As the leader in (a) ministry, you must also educate. Not everyone is going to be an expert, or have the experience in what you’re doing. In fact, I would wager a guess to say that, MOST individuals will not know what’s going on with your ministry. You must empower these people. You must give them knowledge they can use in the ministry and elsewhere. You must give them the knowledge without earmarks or stipulations. You must also feed them in away that they’ll be encouraged to share (teach) it with others. It goes back to conversation, if you lead by example, and communicate with them in a way that they’ll want to express and share their adventures in ministry with others, they’ll have no choice but to share it. They’ll not be able to keep quiet about it. It’s like fishing, and the well-known quote…”Give a man a fish, and you’ve fed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you’ve fed him for a lifetime” – That’s what it’s about folks. You must lead with purpose. You must lead with the intention of growing new leaders. Some leaders are concerned about someone taking their job, or having others who may do something better than you, let me remind you, “A drowning leader, is a drowning ministry.” Having ministry superstars on your team is a blessing. Grow them, and keep them humble.

As ministry leaders, we must always understand that building up new leaders isn’t something we should do, it’s required! We must grow new leaders to “go forth” and lead others. It should always be the core goal of us as leaders to grow these God-given gifts as people, as christians, and as spiritual leaders. You’re not just making life (possibly) a bit easier on you and your ministry, you’re giving these people adventure. You’ve giving them depth. You’re giving them knowledge, and you’re showing them the exponential amount of doors than can be opened to them in their lives.

Depth really hits on a number of points. It’s ironically the surface of my series of posts. New post soon.

Thanks for reading, folks. -jw

I have become very relaxed with my world. I no longer stress about who is messing up what in Washington, or elsewhere for that matter. What’s even more crazy is that I find that I really do fall into a moderate category. I fall into almost a catch-22 category from a political perspective. I find that I am an absolutely MILITANT fiscal conservative. Fiscally, you could call me a right-wing extremist. Also tied into that is the size of our government. I think our government is FAR too large, and thus takes too much of our money. The crazy part is, I find that I’m much more liberal on the humanitarian side. I’m not saying I’m about letting murderers go. I’m not saying I’m about letting people off for their wrong-doings, justice of course, must be served. I’m saying all these platforms I’ve stood on for so long, I really feel I don’t care about. I’ve had some good conversations with some really great open-minded friends and I’ve come to a few conclusions…

• Gay Marriage. I’m against it. HOWever, I’m only against it in terms. Marriage implies some degree of church. Some degree of religion. Some degree of context from the Bible. I’m all for civil-unions. It gives folks the same rights and privileges (taxes) as opposite-sex couples. I believe that the “marriage” part of it is really ridiculous. I believe “Marriages” should be performed by churches…not courts or paperwork. (though yes, I know you need a court/clerk-served marriage license to get married). I don’t lose sleep at night with the knowledge that same-sex couples are engaging in civiil unions…I just don’t. I’m called to love these people. That doesn’t mean I roll over on the belief that marriage is a biblical and sacred oath between a man and woman.
• Abortion. I feel like I’m kind of in a weird spot as a Christian here, and I’m sure I’ll catch some flack for this. I believe that, YES abortion is killing a child. I believe it is an intensely personal decision and one that WILL affect a woman emotionally for the rest of her life. I also know that I, as a man, will NEVER know the experience and emotion of being pregnant (obviously) and the emotional affects it has on the mother. However I do feel that a bunch of men in Washington (who fall in line with what I just said) should not be making decisions about abortion. I’d rather Abortion be legalized, so that A. women wouldn’t be in back alleys or bathtubs with coat-hangers, killing both the child AND themselves, B. so that women who have come to their own decision to abort their child aren’t prosecuted. C. Most importantly, that when legalized, physicians can perform these, instead of a frightened woman with a suction bottle or a coat hanger.  Honestly – the mother making the decision of “yes I’ll abort my baby” is a life sentence of guilt. It truly is time served (as a judge would put it), folks. Bottom line, at the end of the day – Abortions will happen. Legal or not, I would just rather a doctor perform them so the woman can live.
• Legalized Pot. Because of Prop 19 in California, this is an INCREDIBLY hot topic right now. I’ll come right out and say it – marijuana needs to be legalized. I mean let’s look at some generational and non-generational facts. We’re basically at war with drug cartels from Mexico and other countries. Most of the product and profits they make are off the growing and sale of marijuana. Let’s get biological on this for a second. Our bodies, our human bodies, have THC receptors. For those of you that aren’t familiar with THC, it is the active “get-you-high” naturally-occurring ingredient in marijuana. Our bodies have receptors made to accept this compound. Unlike alcohol (which legalizing pot is often compared to), alcohol just dehydrates your system, and alters the operation of your body. You don’t have receptors that get you “high” from alcohol. Alcohol just alters your bodies function with basically a poison. Going on – the way we defeat these cartels in mexico is to de-legitimize their business. If we legalize it, and make it for sale to persons over the age of 21, their business is gone. They have no reason to sell anymore. With no reason to sell, no more marijuana-related drug violence, and the use of innocent “traffickers” – Also, the profit margin for levied taxes on pot would be INSANE. Not only could the government grow it, AND sell it, it costs next to nothing to grow good marijuana…just time. It’s stupid that it’s not legal. Would I smoke it? It’s possible. However, I know folks that do – and just like folks who drink there are two categories of each. People who drink some here and there (one or two drinks a day) and alcoholics who abuse it. Same with pot smokers. There are occasional users, who smoke some every day, or every now and then, and then there are pot heads, who smoke repeatedly during the day. As with anything – “everything in moderation”. The best part about it is, that marijuana doesn’t (in the majority of cases) make you violent, or want to drive a car, unlike alcohol. The folks who smoke weed are FAR less likely to be involved in domestic violence or be arrested for DUI. Also, to date, there are no marijuana-related deaths. We keep tobacco legalized, and alcohol legalized, and it kills MILLIONS world-wide each year. How in the world? And this ILLEGAL stuff which causes no real damage, other than the underground market itself killing folks…for the business…not because of the drug. The people in the business kill each other over the business – not because of being high. That’s where the separation needs to be. Also – let’s save millions in the penal systems by not arresting folks who smoke for themselves. Clean up our prisons for folks smoking something that’s less socially harmful than alcohol…

Anyway so there’s a little update on my thoughts. Please let me know your thoughts! :-) -jw

In some weird way I wish I were more like her. That I’d have this grand idea and dream about my (our) wedding day. That I’d be able to share in her great dream in manner than wasn’t just “yes, that looks good…yes, I like that…etc…etc..” I guess it’s just not wired in to us men. I mean I think it’s really obvious what most guys tend to think the most about when getting married. WEDDING NIGHT!! Woo hoo! I’ll be honest – though that is an awesome thing to look forward to, I really do honestly look beyond that. I look down the road a ways. I try to stand as high as I can and see as far as I can, and I am completely thrilled to spend the rest of my life with her. I’m in love. Through the thick, through the thin, through the highs, through the lows. I love her, and I’ll never stop.

I’m human so mistakes are the name of the game. I believe that to be somewhat compounded by the fact that I’m a man. I know men are wired differently (even as discussed before). We think differently. We want different things. We are lured by different things. I pray that I can be as strong of a man as I can be, and be the man that she deserves. One who cares for her, never leaves her, and never cheats on her. That last part isn’t the hard part for me. I’ve never been a cheater. Never been one to go behind someones back. Have I ever been tempted? Yes. Have I ever thought about leaving a significant other for another? Of course. Have I? Absolutely not. I have this sort of running joke with Yvonne…and it’s a funny thing…but to be honest there’s a lot of truth in it. She’s told me from early on (as we’ve both endured very troubled relationships), “don’t leave me” and “don’t cheat on me” – and my normal witty response is, “you and I both know that I’m not amazing at the whole relationship thing. If I’m just okay at one relationship, there’s no way I could even begin to take on a second one, and then balance the two.” – I mean lets be honest. It blows my mind to think that there are men who have long-term affairs. How!? How can you do that? – I’m not asking because I want to know for myself – I’m asking the rhetorical question because I think you’re troubled, and you need to seek guidance.

Anyway – let me digress. I’m getting married 48 days from today. That’s not long at all. 1 month, 16 days. I’m marrying the love of my life. I’m marrying for life.

-jw

So my last post talked about me making a conscious effort to remain apathetic to todays political climate. Guess what? – IT WORKS! I could not have believed it if I hadn’t tried it myself. I’ve never slept better. I’ve never been happier about other things in my life, that maybe before seemed to be overshadowed by this deep and dark hate and disdain I have for ALL of our government (not just the Libs). I’m going to continue. Barring anything HUGE that is really life/country-altering, I’m staying out of the game. I’m working on some new topics to post on in regards to music and technology (which this site has been lacking). Anyway – there you go! Take care, folks. -jw