THOUGHT: Follow-Up To: What's Up With Online Lingo, yo?

I was unclear. I apologize.
The whole point, that was clearly understated, in the former blog was to be the use of coarse, abusive, foul, or disrespectful language through acronyms or abbreviations. I understand why people use the lingo my concern was, and this again, I am sorry, was not clear, my point was that I was uncomfortable with the comfort level that folks had with off colour language.
So I was saying I didn't like the notion that a couple of letters removes me from the responsibility to use language respectfully. I used LOL because it is a non-offensive term and I was hoping that people would just instantly know what I was thinking. Just not true.
So here it is, my concern is the use of online phrases such as:
LMAO
OMG
WTF
NFW
and the like.
I wouldn't say those things and so I'm saying we should not type those things. I also do not get to redefine those terms to mean what I want. They have an accepted meaning already.
That was the point. But man, it sure seems that I was not clear, so I wanted to be clearer.
Thanks for the comments and responses both on here and through email.

g-ram

ANNOUNCEMENT: We passed the 1000 Threshold

Well it happened. It's done.
We have now crossed the 1000 podcast download threshold.
Amazing! Who would have thought that it would have happened so fast? The first public notification was on this blog and it was April 22nd 2008. First 1000 in 6 months and most of that was summer with no new content. Unbelievable.
You guys are amazing. Keep spreading the good news.

g-ram

THOUGHT: Fall/Authumn....Whichever

I like it.
I guess I used to be: "whatever." But not any more. I love it.
I love the colour, the natural exuberance, the sense that something really important is happening.
I like looking at a wall of trees and thinking that they are all blended together so perfectly in a pattern that would not be considered wise on paper. How can you look at the trees and think they look so perfect and then you move closer and you see the flaws? Or maybe you see a tree and think "that's the perfect one, with perfect leaves."
But it isn't.
All the beauty is so intense and yet so flawed. There is beauty in spite of the flaws.
Maybe there is beauty because of the flaws.
Maybe that can be just like me? Beauty despite my flaws.
Maybe even beauty because of my flaws.

We are not perfect, we are all flawed but when we release exuberantly, we are beautiful.

That can't help but make me happy.
:)

g-ram

THOUGHT: What's Up With Online Lingo, yo?

Ok, I guess I am getting old or something but I feel like I have had this conversation about a million times before.
"That's just the way everyone does it."
When I was a little boy some big person told me that: "the first line in the devil's bible is 'Everyone is doing it.'" Now I can't confirm that because I don't have a copy of the devil's bible but I think I get the idea. It doesn't matter what it refers to, the idea of "I can" or "should do it just because "everyone is doing it" is just never a good reason to do do it." We should always ask "is it right or wrong," not "can I get away with it our justify it."
So what is the new bee in my bonnet?
Online Lingo.
I guess my English background makes me queasy when I see the new level of "creative" spelling. Why use the agreed upon spelling when you can make up your own?
But my uneasiness is more than that, it is the new abbreviations that are getting my goat. A phrase that is established in meaning cannot be changed based on your intent. LOL means "laughing out loud," it does not become "lounging on lizards" because "that is what I want it to mean." The same is true of all abbreviations. The reason you want to use it is because it has an established meaning that is more brief than typing the whole thing. You want to convey the feeling but you do not get to change the language or tone.
So yeah I guess I feel uncomfortable reading more stuff online, in chats and on Facebook. Choose wisely when you throw up phrases on your stuff. Choose to honour the lifestyle that you wish to live. If you would not say those phrases out loud then you shouldn't type them on your stuff. If you would say them out loud then perhaps you need to reconsider your phrasing choices. Much of who we are and how we are perceived is based on how we portray ourselves. We need to be conscious that when we carry the name of Christ we do not cast shadow upon it.
Think about it. Or maybe just tell me that I am way off and I just don't get the real world. Just tell me that everyone says I'm wrong. Then I'll listen for sure.

g-ram

ANNOUNCEMENT: So You Think You Can Dance-180 Remix

November 12th 7:30-9PM $5

The time is fast approaching. The event is getting better and better. Let me give you the update on this:
From the TV show "So You Think You Can Dance Canada" the Rubik's Cube guy "TK" will be joining us for some dance moves and to teach us some as well. Check out his moves at the beginning of this video.

Would you like to be a performer also? Let me know.

More info/details to come.

g-ram

Full Disclosure Soulhouse October 19th

The new series has begun and there was a great atmosphere to launch it. The real question that we always need to ask ourselves after an evening like that is what do we remember? These memories fade quickly and dim to seeming bland with surprising speed.

Remember:
What you see is not all there is.
You are not alone in your battles.
Your prayers are far more powerful than you know.
We do not fight for victory, we fight from victory.
1 John 4:4

When you feel separate from God remember to reconnect. 1 John 1:9....go look it up and memorize. This is one of the keys, one of the secret weapons for living the life.

Here is a real nice tie in from the new song we learned last night (Desert Song):

Verse 1:
This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

Verse 2:
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

Chorus:
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Verse 3:
And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship


Verse 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favour and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow

Isaiah 54:17 (New International Version) (I forgot this one in the email, sorry)

17 no weapon forged against you will prevail,

Verses referenced by the song. Truth statements that are good to have in your head.

Romans 8:17 (New International Version)

17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:28 (New International Version)

More Than Conquerors

28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:37 (New International Version)

37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Go ahead read all of Romans 8, it won't hurt a bit.

That is the start of SuperNatural. More to come.

g-ram

Full Disclosure 180 Sr Oct 15/08

This Week: Contraband: 1 Creation and Brokenness:

We are working through the major themes of the Bible in this Contraband series. 4 sessions, 8 words and a summation of the themes of the Bible. A lofty goal and some serious study notes.

It is easier to break than to create, easier to tangle than to untangle, easier to create tension than to remove it, easier to sever relationships than to repair them. When creation was fresh it was perfect, but it didn't take long (chapter 2) to start messing it up. As soon as that first law was broken, it severed all the perfect relationships that existed. Now we suffer being surrounded by brokenness. That is just what we know and we ache because of it. How will save us from this sharp, jagged, broken world?

Next Week: QU: Apologetics 1: God: Does He exist? Does it matter? How can we know? Does it make sense to believe in God? What can give me confidence, boldness, hope in my faith?
Come and find out.
We will be discussing one of the greatest questions of philosophy.
Advance notice would be awesome so that we may prepare adequate quantities of resources.

g-ram

ANNOUNCEMENT: Upcoming QU class: APOLOGETICS Part #1 God

October 22nd 7-9 PM in The Board/Room. No cost but advanced registration is requested to ensure enough materials.

1 Peter 3:15-16 (New International Version)

15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

This verse is almost a slogan for Christian apologetics. The text would support both understanding of “a reasoned defence of Christian truth claims” and the telling of a story that explains our hope, our expectation to people who have no hope. The point of Apologetics is not to bash people over the head with facts. You are never to say, “believe in Jesus or you are stupid.” The point of this study is give you confidence in your faith. We are to be kind and respectful and never intellectually arrogant or dismissive. We are not seeking to prove that we are right, but that there is a hope beyond us that may bring peace.

g-ram

ANNOUNCEMENT: And Now It Shall Be Revealed

I've got rhythm, I've got rhyme, When I dance I fall on my behind.
I need some help and so that is why we are pulling in some special instructors to teach us some moves. It can now be revealed.
The secret is sprung, but you are the first to know. The story broke here first.
The Next 180 Remix will be on Wednesday November 12th and it is going to ROCK! Check it out:

Do you want to see the original?
Do you want to see the scary version?
This one reveals some of my deep needs.
Man, have I got serious moves? Come on out and check out the live action that will be going on. Mark it on your calendar, set the day aside, book work off, tell your friends, cuz they can all come.
More details to come. And they are good details, if you know what I'm saying.

g-ram

ANNOUNCEMENT: Some of my light has disipated

The day that I have been dreading has come. A little of the joy of livin' has seeped away.
Today, but only in the evening, I had to wear socks and pants. It chills my heart, but I will process and move along.
Hey fall is here! How awesome is that. I love fall. The colours, the leaves, the walks, it's all so great.
It is so great that I almost don't mind wearing pants and shoes.

g-ram

ANNOUNCEMENT: Sneak Peek

There is something coming that you don't know about yet. Something so secret that it is not even known by those people who know. Like me. I only kind of know. But there is an event coming that is going to be awesome.
I managed to sneak out a photo from the PRIMEtime Production Studio. See if you can figure out what this is all about before it is announced officially. Only those who come for sneak previews will know about this.
Ok.
Check this out, without any further ado or delay, right now:

What is going on here?
Man that guy is smokin' hot! Somebody get him a bucket of water cuz he is on fire!
How does this relate to what is coming?
More details coming?
You bet.
Let me hear your guesses. Shout them out now.

g-ram

THOUGHT: Prayer

We have talked about prayer lots. No one can do it for you, you have to do it yourself.
But what if there was someway to keep God on your mind?
Or what if you could mezuzah something to bring God back into focus for you?
What if, in the middle of your day, you got a little bump that reminded you to pray. Not force you. Not whack you on the head, but just a little message.
Well if you are interested then perhaps you should go and check this bad boy out. It is free and free is a good price these days.
www.echoprayer.com
The problem with traditional prayer journals (you know, paper ones) is that they don't organize your prayers and send you reminders via email and text messages like Echo. Not much to complain about with this web app. It's a simple, intutitve tool that can help you manage your prayer life.
Strap on your gear you tech-savvy prayer warrior. Go out and do some good.
That sounds like it could be LifeSupport. Yeah, I support you living your life with intentional spirituality.

g-ram