The Sun, The Genome. and the Internet

"In this visionary look into the future, renowned physicist Freeman Dyson argues that three rapidly advancing new technologies - solar energy, genetic engineering, and world-wide communication - together have the potential to create a more equal distribution of the world's wealth. He proposes that the advent of solar power in the Third World would connect residents of even the most remote areas to the vast stores of information on the Internet, which could ultimately end in the cultural isolation of the poorest countries. Similarly, he contends, breakthroughs in genetics might well enable us to give our children healthier lives and grow more efficient crops, thus restoring the economic and human vitality of village cultures devalued and dislocated by the global market."

- Review of The Sun, The Genome, And The Internet, by Freeman Dyson.

I recieved this book today in the mail, along with my new Jars of Clay CD. I guess the dealer really wants to push this thing. It will be in my pile of 'things to get around to reading, eventually..' books. So, if you think you want to take a gander at it before i get around to it, (which might be a while) then you're welcome to it.

An Addition my Previous Post

Jenna Q puts Christmas in a great perspective:

"December 25th is traditionally the day we commemorate the birth of Jesus, which, in and of itself, is a small part of the story. I mean, it was just one day in his life too. And kind of a cold, unglamorous one, I should think. He didn't heal people and teach that day; He didn't die on the cross; He didn't rise from the dead. He was just born like a baby. And we celebrate that little event like all the virtues of love and peace and joy are wrapped up in it. That’s because the salvation that had always been in God’s heart dawned that day, in our world. It was always coming. But when Christ was born, the plan that was in motion became visible. We could see; and know that God was faithful. And rejoice."

You can read her blog here if you want.

And im not really sure why im talking about Christmas so early in the year.

Merry Christmas! Andrew Peterson, Eat Your Heart Out!

I wrote a Christmas song with the dynamic and lyrical aid of Keilan, so you know it's good. Here are the words:

Sleep, child, sleep. Sleep for tomorrow You reign.
Sleep, child, sleep. Rest O Ye beautiful Name!

My soul, my soul is saved;
My soul, my soul; by a babe!

God became a boy tonight; a boy tonight.

The Son became a sin for us; a curse for us
When God became a boy for us; a boy for us!

Jesus Christ will die! (This child)
Jesus Christ will die! (This child)
Jesus Christ will die! (This child)
Jesus Christ will die!

So many (decent) Chirstmas songs lack a key part of our celebration during Christmas. Yes, we are celebrating His birth, but why was He born to begin with? Our salvation is through His DEATH, not his birth. Therefore I chose to use a clear picture of what we really cleave to. I like the fact that the line "Jesus Christ will die" is so real. It's a bold statement, so unused. I was thinking of writing more about His ressurection, but decided that it would have to be another song. Can't wait 'till Easter!

This could be a song.. or a hymn?

I was flipping through a notebook of mine and stumbled across a body of text. It has no date, no subject, and no scripture references. I can't, for the life of me, remember why I wrote it or what I was thinking when I did.

"I know the truth, but then again, so does the Devil. But what we bleed when we are cut makes all the difference. By grace through faith I am saved. I will get up and walk. I wonder if I would've shunned the greatest penman or if I would dismiss the tax-collector, Matthew; most hated, accepted and called, but the scribe sent away. For he healed the sick, not the healthy."

Here is my interpretation (of my own words): It is obvious that I must have just read Matthew 9:1-13. The main theme seems to be about sharing a heart with Jesus. What we should bleed, figuratively, when we are cut is compassion, acceptance*, a second chance. If by grace I am saved, how much easier, then, should it be for me to sit with the tax-collectors of my generation? The penman here, I believe, is Saul, the great Christian persecutor. God used him for something great, but would I have even given him the time of day? Anyway, I thought it was interesting, if only for a moment. Carry on...



*Acceptance; That is, loving, with open arms. Not to be confused with tolerance.

Hi, I'm Bobby and I'm an Addict

BIBLES!

I love them. I love to buy them, read them, feel them..

The thought of unwrapping a brand new bible from its plastic prison is so overwhelmingly sensational that I have begun to collect them just for the sake of owning them. I have two bibles that I use regularly, but oh the mass of God's Word stacked high beside the computer at which I sit!

I think my obsession (or dare I say, addiction?) stems from my mother. She would take me to her work when I was still too young for school (I never went to your snobbish preschool) and would sit me in front of office supplies. It did keep me busy for hours, but I believe it also sparked a fascination with anything that is stationary (paper, envelopes, stamps, notepads, etc.) I find all of those things very interesting and amusing.

I seem to have this problem under control for now, but I do not know how long I can supress the urges from inside! Help!

Life lesson and a few additions to the Do/Dont list

Having been feeling a bit overwhelmed, it is good to remember this truth: Don't sweat the small stuff. In God's sovereign providence, it is reassuring to know that I will do the work of the Father.

So, clearly, I have been relieved of this burden. Business can be Satan's sharpest weapon at times but I have a greater Shield, and better yet, a greater Sword.

So in light of this discovery, a few things may be added to the DO list:

-Laugh
-Spend time with friends

And one to be added to the DO NOT list:

-Sweat the small stuff

Good lesson, yea?

A NOTE TO D.C. (a frequent checker of the Bobby O blog): I didn't get any texts, but I have your number now!

Burning the Midnight Oil

After youth group last night, Colby invited some of us boys to stop by after he put the girls to sleep. After some political mumbo-jumbo and a short discussion about black T-shirts, the subject of steak arose. One thing led to another and Fauquier's Finest Filet Mignon steak was slapped on the grill (after a little seperation problem) and a game of hearts had begun.

Now hearts is a unique game. It is a game of strategy and intelligence, two things that I lack. Long, Long story (night) short, Colby won the game. But really we all won because of the near perfect steak enjoied in the company of such honorable men.

"Buckle Down and Straighten Up!"

Prioritizing is key, I've found, in this part of my life. Seperating what I want to do from what I need to do. Take for instance, my college application. There is a deadline (Which I dont even know, but it draws near). Instead of filling out this simple, short application, getting recomendations, and taking my ACT test, I find myself at Poker Night (yes, it's capitalized).

Also, my truck is in need of power steering fluid, and even more in need of a whole new power steering pump. Oh, yea. And a wiper motor (DO NOT pray for rain)!

So Prioritize is the name of the game.

Finally. $40 POT!!

YES! i finally won poker night!!!

It felt good to win, but during the showdown, I was a wreck. I couldn't imagine playing for millions of dollars. But who knew gambling could be so much fun?

ALSO...

I am yet again out of ideas for this month's AGS writer's conference songs.

Addition to DO NOTS: be over compulsive or a perfectionist

Present for Duty

Right now, I am at Caribou Coffee with Ben Cartwright. We just came from Lakeside and decided to chill and play with our computers for a bit before we call it a night.

The coffee here is okay, but Dunkin's is really good. (I challenge anyone to try it.) Naethan has a hard time beleiving me, but that's okay. He'll soon repent.

It's been a long, tough week. But you gotta just keep on keeping on. Life's a garden, dig it?