So, this past month has been crazy...I went to Philadelphia, went home to visit Penny and my family. Then I went back to St. Louis only to go home again 2 weeks later for a funeral. One of my closest friends from WPI passed away while doing counter-IED missions in Iraq. His name is Ryan Patrick Jones and he was an Army Lt. We graduated and commissioned together as well as did OL (Orientation Leader) for 2 years. His passing, obviously, was very shocking and sudden and he is going to be missed.
Now on this blogging thing, I am horrible. How does everyone find time to do this thing? I'm really wondering because I barely have time to eat sometimes haha.
Well - this is going to be short, but I have been extremely busy at work and we just got done doing a base exercise on our emergency response. Also - my roommate, Eric, will be home from Iraq on Saturday so his family, friends, and I are all really excited about that!
Please be praying for my friend, Meka, who is in Afghanistan leading a Provincial Reconstruction Team through different parts of that country to build it up and improve their infrastructure. She's away from her husband and 1 1/2 yr old baby boy!
Thanks everyone, and I apologize to you all (ahem...Amy)...
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Traveling
The next few months, I have the great opportunity to travel!
On Saturday, I am going home to see my family and Penny. I'm really excited about it and hoping that we have a good time. My parents bought Red Sox tickets, so it looks like I'll get to see Josh Beckett pitch against the LA Angels!
Then, the first week in May, I'm going to Philadelphia, PA for the SAME National Conference. SAME is the Society of American Military Engineers and is the professional organization for military engineers (CE's, EE's, ME's, ChemE's) to include active duty and civilian employees. I'm probably going with one of the guys in my office, who I get along the best with. His name is Dan. This is a great opportunity to learn more about military engineering as well as a time to get to network with other people in my career field. The week has a lot of fun things too - a golf tournament, a tour of an aircraft carrier, a military ball (where I get to wear my mess dress). I'm hoping I can hook up with my aunt and cousins too, who live about an hour from Philly.
I love traveling so much! I guess that's one of the big pulls of the Air Force too!
Well, have a great night!
On Saturday, I am going home to see my family and Penny. I'm really excited about it and hoping that we have a good time. My parents bought Red Sox tickets, so it looks like I'll get to see Josh Beckett pitch against the LA Angels!
Then, the first week in May, I'm going to Philadelphia, PA for the SAME National Conference. SAME is the Society of American Military Engineers and is the professional organization for military engineers (CE's, EE's, ME's, ChemE's) to include active duty and civilian employees. I'm probably going with one of the guys in my office, who I get along the best with. His name is Dan. This is a great opportunity to learn more about military engineering as well as a time to get to network with other people in my career field. The week has a lot of fun things too - a golf tournament, a tour of an aircraft carrier, a military ball (where I get to wear my mess dress). I'm hoping I can hook up with my aunt and cousins too, who live about an hour from Philly.
I love traveling so much! I guess that's one of the big pulls of the Air Force too!
Well, have a great night!
Monday, April 9, 2007
The Resurrection
Yesterday was such an amazing blessing to me. Just like every Sunday, I go to church to celebrate with my brothers and sisters the amazing victory Jesus won over death, but yesterday we took a special look at His resurrection. We sang this song yesterday morning that had the words that went like this:
Those were my nails
That was my crown
That pierced Your hands and Your brow
Those were my thorns
Those were my scorns
Those were my tears that fell down
And just as You said it would be
You did it all for me
After You counted the cost
You took my shame, my blame
On my cross
(FFH - On My Cross)
Yeah, my eyes welled up when we sang it yesterday. I sometimes just forget how personal Jesus was on the day He died, but how even more glorious He was when He came back. In Mark, the angel at the tomb says something like this: "He is not here, he has risen...just as he said he would."
His final act can in relation to connecting with us, I think, can be summed up by this CS Lewis quote: "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." His love was evident in His death, and His power in His resurrection.
I love Easter just because of the special time we spend on His great victory!
Those were my nails
That was my crown
That pierced Your hands and Your brow
Those were my thorns
Those were my scorns
Those were my tears that fell down
And just as You said it would be
You did it all for me
After You counted the cost
You took my shame, my blame
On my cross
(FFH - On My Cross)
Yeah, my eyes welled up when we sang it yesterday. I sometimes just forget how personal Jesus was on the day He died, but how even more glorious He was when He came back. In Mark, the angel at the tomb says something like this: "He is not here, he has risen...just as he said he would."
His final act can in relation to connecting with us, I think, can be summed up by this CS Lewis quote: "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." His love was evident in His death, and His power in His resurrection.
I love Easter just because of the special time we spend on His great victory!
Friday, March 30, 2007
So yeah...
I already stink at this keeping people up to date thing...
But last weekend I went to Nashville, TN to a rugby tournament called Nash Bash. It was a ton of fun, and I didn't even know who I was going with, I was just stoked to be playing rugby. I carpooled with 2 other guys named Tom and Syd. Tom is our hooker and Syd is one of the flankers. They are both nice guys, but we didn't do much talking because they both fell asleep on the ride down. On Saturday we played Ft. Campbell at noon and lost 22-10. I played the 2d half and was a big part in our only try of the day. We actually should have won that game - we had to scores (7 points) held up in the end zone and then we missed 2 penalties (6 points). The rest of the day was spent in the sun and heat (90 degrees) watching lots of rugby on the 8 fields they had. There were teams from as far as Michigan, Connecticut, and South Florida in the women's tournament...the men's side was actually a "jamboree" of sorts because each team only played 2 games. In the second game, I played the entire game...we got out-hustled in the first half and were losing by 2 tries, but in the second half, things clicked with the backs...I think the big thing was they got used to my timing and the quickness of my passes. Anyways, things worked really well and we got another score (we ended up losing the game again).
The cool thing about this weekend is that I won the starting job at fly-half (that's what I played in college). We have another game this weekend against our biggest rival, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, which is a huge Army base...we're playing at home and I'll let you know how it goes!
After the game, I'm going to the opening day of the arena football for the River City Rage. I had a blast last game and this should be even better...
Last week, Penny and I started a new study on prayer and how do that better and how to establish it in our life more concretely. We've been doing a really good so far of praying with each other every night and I know that I've been keeping my prayers like an open dialogue with God...hopefully I'm not saying too much and listening more to the Holy Spirit every day. Praying has actually made my devotions a lot better too because it disciplines me and gives me an outlet of fellowship (my small group changed its time and now I can't go anymore, please be in prayer about finding a new study). I've really noticed that when I'm praying a LOT of different people come into my prayers, especially for my family and friends...it seems that I pray a lot about their salvation and my testimony before them...I think that's been the main focus of a lot of my requests lately.
Anyways, I just got out of the rain after getting half of my front law mowed (it looks ridiculous half-mowed) so I need to get changed! Have a great weekend everyone!
But last weekend I went to Nashville, TN to a rugby tournament called Nash Bash. It was a ton of fun, and I didn't even know who I was going with, I was just stoked to be playing rugby. I carpooled with 2 other guys named Tom and Syd. Tom is our hooker and Syd is one of the flankers. They are both nice guys, but we didn't do much talking because they both fell asleep on the ride down. On Saturday we played Ft. Campbell at noon and lost 22-10. I played the 2d half and was a big part in our only try of the day. We actually should have won that game - we had to scores (7 points) held up in the end zone and then we missed 2 penalties (6 points). The rest of the day was spent in the sun and heat (90 degrees) watching lots of rugby on the 8 fields they had. There were teams from as far as Michigan, Connecticut, and South Florida in the women's tournament...the men's side was actually a "jamboree" of sorts because each team only played 2 games. In the second game, I played the entire game...we got out-hustled in the first half and were losing by 2 tries, but in the second half, things clicked with the backs...I think the big thing was they got used to my timing and the quickness of my passes. Anyways, things worked really well and we got another score (we ended up losing the game again).
The cool thing about this weekend is that I won the starting job at fly-half (that's what I played in college). We have another game this weekend against our biggest rival, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, which is a huge Army base...we're playing at home and I'll let you know how it goes!
After the game, I'm going to the opening day of the arena football for the River City Rage. I had a blast last game and this should be even better...
Last week, Penny and I started a new study on prayer and how do that better and how to establish it in our life more concretely. We've been doing a really good so far of praying with each other every night and I know that I've been keeping my prayers like an open dialogue with God...hopefully I'm not saying too much and listening more to the Holy Spirit every day. Praying has actually made my devotions a lot better too because it disciplines me and gives me an outlet of fellowship (my small group changed its time and now I can't go anymore, please be in prayer about finding a new study). I've really noticed that when I'm praying a LOT of different people come into my prayers, especially for my family and friends...it seems that I pray a lot about their salvation and my testimony before them...I think that's been the main focus of a lot of my requests lately.
Anyways, I just got out of the rain after getting half of my front law mowed (it looks ridiculous half-mowed) so I need to get changed! Have a great weekend everyone!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
"Obscure" Sports
Two obscure sports: Rugby and Arena Football
Many of you know that I am in love with the game of rugby. It seems lately that it has really just become more and more popular in the United States. I am finally getting settled enough here in St. Louis to join a club and start playing. This weekend I am going to Nashville, TN, for a huge tournament called "Nash Bash." We'll be playing 2 games over the weekend and the coach has promised me all the minutes I want (obviously I want all 160 minutes!). He even said that I could play Fly-half, which he said they are in desperate need. I think I can play that position, since I played 8 seasons there for WPI. I just bought new boots for this season and they are pretty snazzy. They even match our uniform (which I didn't plan). They are Canterbury's and are black with red and white stripes across. Another cool thing is that they are made of kangaroo leather which is great for kicking. Last night I found The Rugby Channel on the Internet and I am going to get to see over 250 matches of the next year (most of this summer!). The Rugby World Cup is also coming this fall and should get national coverage in the US.
Well, after this upcoming weekend there will be more to report about rugby! Now on to Arena Football.
Folks, I am now a "season-ticket holder" for the River City Rage, St. Louis' arena football team. I have 2 tickets on the front row 30-yd line. We can talk to the players, the coaches, the refs, and even catch some balls (we get to keep them!). Last night was the preseason opener for the Rage and it was a blast. They killed the other team by over 30 points. The stadium is in MO, but only about 45 minutes from doorstep-to-doorstep. 8 players play on each side (the NFL has 11) and the receivers can get a running start up the field, which makes the action quick and high scoring. Another cool thing is that the field is only 50 yards long and is a similar size to a hockey rink (with padded boards too). At the game last night there must have been 4 or 5 huge hits right in front of us on the boards - I was definitely pumped up! I may or may not have trashed-talked with a few of the visiting players...especially when they missed tackles or blocks. Overall I give it an A+ for the night...
The next Rage game is in 2 weekends--look for the update on this as well! Have a great week!
Many of you know that I am in love with the game of rugby. It seems lately that it has really just become more and more popular in the United States. I am finally getting settled enough here in St. Louis to join a club and start playing. This weekend I am going to Nashville, TN, for a huge tournament called "Nash Bash." We'll be playing 2 games over the weekend and the coach has promised me all the minutes I want (obviously I want all 160 minutes!). He even said that I could play Fly-half, which he said they are in desperate need. I think I can play that position, since I played 8 seasons there for WPI. I just bought new boots for this season and they are pretty snazzy. They even match our uniform (which I didn't plan). They are Canterbury's and are black with red and white stripes across. Another cool thing is that they are made of kangaroo leather which is great for kicking. Last night I found The Rugby Channel on the Internet and I am going to get to see over 250 matches of the next year (most of this summer!). The Rugby World Cup is also coming this fall and should get national coverage in the US.
Well, after this upcoming weekend there will be more to report about rugby! Now on to Arena Football.
Folks, I am now a "season-ticket holder" for the River City Rage, St. Louis' arena football team. I have 2 tickets on the front row 30-yd line. We can talk to the players, the coaches, the refs, and even catch some balls (we get to keep them!). Last night was the preseason opener for the Rage and it was a blast. They killed the other team by over 30 points. The stadium is in MO, but only about 45 minutes from doorstep-to-doorstep. 8 players play on each side (the NFL has 11) and the receivers can get a running start up the field, which makes the action quick and high scoring. Another cool thing is that the field is only 50 yards long and is a similar size to a hockey rink (with padded boards too). At the game last night there must have been 4 or 5 huge hits right in front of us on the boards - I was definitely pumped up! I may or may not have trashed-talked with a few of the visiting players...especially when they missed tackles or blocks. Overall I give it an A+ for the night...
The next Rage game is in 2 weekends--look for the update on this as well! Have a great week!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Mid-Week
The weather here has been so great the past week and it's been WONDERFUL...I'm finally over my allergies and the gunk is out of my throat and nose.
Penny and I just finished a good study on 1 Peter, where we really struggled to finish it but we finally did it. Ya know, it's really hard to do bible studies over the phone because it's hard to get "participation" a lot of the time. I'm really happy we finished it though, and now we are going to move on to a study about prayer by JC Ryle. I'm looking forward to focusing on this because it's probably the one area that I have had the least "discipline" in. I mean, I've prayed, but there has been no structure or organization to it. Hopefully this study will change all of that and allow me to be a "prayer warrior."
(Tangent: Why are there so many cliches that come up within Christianity? Examples: Prayer Warrior, WWJD, FROG (Fully Rely on God), etc...Is there a reason for this??)
Moving on...
This weekend is going to be very exciting...I bought 4 season tickets to see the RiverCity Rage. They are in an arena football league and my tickets are in the FRONT row! 2 of the tickets went to my friends, Eddie and Laura, and the 3rd ticket I bought to bring whoever I want. This week I'm bringing a guy from work and it should be a good time. Hopefully, this turns into a blessing for them and a good opportunity to witness to him. Pray for us on Saturday night, thanks.
Anyways, not too much has happened here. Work is moving along and all my projects are closing out so I'm picking up a really big project for Gen. McNabb, the 4-star General in charge of Air Mobility Command (AMC). That's going smoothly and should be done in a few months. Also, another thing about work is that they are starting to pull people from deployment bucket in September. Now, I know I just got back in September and I would rather not go at all. BUT if I have to go, I'd like to leave in September to be back earlier for my wedding (instead of leaving in January and getting back a month before the wedding). A lot of this is because when I got back last time, I had a little bit of a difficulty in adjusting back - using the phone every day and being talkative and open, doing normal American things, etc etc...nothing crazy, just normal stuff that was a problem for a little bit and stressed me and my loved ones out a bit lol. So that's what's on my mind about work.
It's time for bed but hopefully I'll have another post about the game this weekend! Later, Jeremy
Penny and I just finished a good study on 1 Peter, where we really struggled to finish it but we finally did it. Ya know, it's really hard to do bible studies over the phone because it's hard to get "participation" a lot of the time. I'm really happy we finished it though, and now we are going to move on to a study about prayer by JC Ryle. I'm looking forward to focusing on this because it's probably the one area that I have had the least "discipline" in. I mean, I've prayed, but there has been no structure or organization to it. Hopefully this study will change all of that and allow me to be a "prayer warrior."
(Tangent: Why are there so many cliches that come up within Christianity? Examples: Prayer Warrior, WWJD, FROG (Fully Rely on God), etc...Is there a reason for this??)
Moving on...
This weekend is going to be very exciting...I bought 4 season tickets to see the RiverCity Rage. They are in an arena football league and my tickets are in the FRONT row! 2 of the tickets went to my friends, Eddie and Laura, and the 3rd ticket I bought to bring whoever I want. This week I'm bringing a guy from work and it should be a good time. Hopefully, this turns into a blessing for them and a good opportunity to witness to him. Pray for us on Saturday night, thanks.
Anyways, not too much has happened here. Work is moving along and all my projects are closing out so I'm picking up a really big project for Gen. McNabb, the 4-star General in charge of Air Mobility Command (AMC). That's going smoothly and should be done in a few months. Also, another thing about work is that they are starting to pull people from deployment bucket in September. Now, I know I just got back in September and I would rather not go at all. BUT if I have to go, I'd like to leave in September to be back earlier for my wedding (instead of leaving in January and getting back a month before the wedding). A lot of this is because when I got back last time, I had a little bit of a difficulty in adjusting back - using the phone every day and being talkative and open, doing normal American things, etc etc...nothing crazy, just normal stuff that was a problem for a little bit and stressed me and my loved ones out a bit lol. So that's what's on my mind about work.
It's time for bed but hopefully I'll have another post about the game this weekend! Later, Jeremy
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Sunday Night Fun
I attribute my new found sickness to the amazing time I had on Sunday night.
I went to my first concert in a very long time. I saw Anberlin play at the Creepy Crawl in St. Louis and made my way to the front row. This place was so tiny but had a great vibe. The fans were only feet away from the stage and all the bands were having so much fun being close to the fans. This is how I think I got my cold: I was so sweaty and tired and gross after standing outside for over 45 minutes and then got into my cold car and changed my shirt.
Before Anberlin got on stage a young guy came out to advertise for a worthy charity: To Write Love On Her Arms (caution some graphic content inside). This effort is dedicated to teens (male and female) who struggle with depression, loneliness, and thoughts of suicide. From reading through the site, I believe it is primarily a Christian organization, but not exclusively. The purpose of the organization is to promote hope and belonging to young men and women who feel that they have no "self-worth." I was so intrigued by their effort, not to mention inspired. I love hearing about my generation getting involved and being compassionate for the needs of others in our generation. Anyways, check out the site and let me know what you think.
Back to the concert. It started right at 7pm and ended just before 11 and had 4 bands: Jonezetta, Meg&Dia, Bayside, and Anberlin. I didn't care for the middle two bands too much, but I liked Jonezetta and loved Anberlin. Anberlin's songs are a lot of fun to sing along to at a concert and the lead singer (Stephen Christian) was all about getting the crowd involved. Actually, they just came out with a new CD, "Cities." Everyone I was around (including me) knew all the words even though it had been out only about a week! If you ever have the opportunity to see Anberlin in concert, GO! They are a great rock band!
At the end of the month I am going to see Relient K and Mae in concert (RK's new CD came out yesterday and I really like this one too!)...I sometimes wonder how a 24 year-old is still into music like I am (fyi - Mae is going on tour with The Fray and will be in MA on 6/23, Indy on 6/19, probably won't go - have a wedding to attend that weekend). Actually, I've been getting into a whole lot of new bands lately - The Fray, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Brad Paisley and other country artists, and I've even been known to watch American Idol. Hey - speaking of the Relient K CD, check out these lyrics: good lyrics. I think that this man's life is something that a lot of Americans can relate to, especially concerning relationships and addictions - things we all struggle with.
So today's message: listen to Anberlin & Relient K, be generous, and don't waste your life :-D
God bless!
Jeremy
I went to my first concert in a very long time. I saw Anberlin play at the Creepy Crawl in St. Louis and made my way to the front row. This place was so tiny but had a great vibe. The fans were only feet away from the stage and all the bands were having so much fun being close to the fans. This is how I think I got my cold: I was so sweaty and tired and gross after standing outside for over 45 minutes and then got into my cold car and changed my shirt.
Before Anberlin got on stage a young guy came out to advertise for a worthy charity: To Write Love On Her Arms (caution some graphic content inside). This effort is dedicated to teens (male and female) who struggle with depression, loneliness, and thoughts of suicide. From reading through the site, I believe it is primarily a Christian organization, but not exclusively. The purpose of the organization is to promote hope and belonging to young men and women who feel that they have no "self-worth." I was so intrigued by their effort, not to mention inspired. I love hearing about my generation getting involved and being compassionate for the needs of others in our generation. Anyways, check out the site and let me know what you think.
Back to the concert. It started right at 7pm and ended just before 11 and had 4 bands: Jonezetta, Meg&Dia, Bayside, and Anberlin. I didn't care for the middle two bands too much, but I liked Jonezetta and loved Anberlin. Anberlin's songs are a lot of fun to sing along to at a concert and the lead singer (Stephen Christian) was all about getting the crowd involved. Actually, they just came out with a new CD, "Cities." Everyone I was around (including me) knew all the words even though it had been out only about a week! If you ever have the opportunity to see Anberlin in concert, GO! They are a great rock band!
At the end of the month I am going to see Relient K and Mae in concert (RK's new CD came out yesterday and I really like this one too!)...I sometimes wonder how a 24 year-old is still into music like I am (fyi - Mae is going on tour with The Fray and will be in MA on 6/23, Indy on 6/19, probably won't go - have a wedding to attend that weekend). Actually, I've been getting into a whole lot of new bands lately - The Fray, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Brad Paisley and other country artists, and I've even been known to watch American Idol. Hey - speaking of the Relient K CD, check out these lyrics: good lyrics. I think that this man's life is something that a lot of Americans can relate to, especially concerning relationships and addictions - things we all struggle with.
So today's message: listen to Anberlin & Relient K, be generous, and don't waste your life :-D
God bless!
Jeremy
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