another interesting thought that's come to mind as i've been reading through the OT: how do you feel about all the violence that was God-ordained back then? initially i thought it was cool how God miraculously delivered the armies of Israel & Judah on so many occasions against unbelievable odds, but then i started realizing that God was basically playing a direct hand in the death of all those people. God commands us in Exodus 20:13 ESV "you shall not murder," yet He was the power that made it possible for all those victories. Is it ever morally right to kill in the name of God? if yes, then when? when someone is blaspheming God and outrightly opposing God? that could obviously lead to some "holy wars" like back in the days of the Crusades. what about if they oppose or oppress God's people (who today would be any Christian, not just the Israelites) but not necessarily because of their religious beliefs? somehow violence and death in the name of God just doesn't seem right. i haven't thought about this too deeply yet, but this doesn't sit well with me. so just want to see what anyone out there in the Xanga world thinks.

a mildly amusing God afternoon...i was telling my colleagues during lunch that yes, i play golf by myself (i'm that much of a fanatic), but it's fun b/c i often end up playing with some interesting people, which makes for interesting experiences (it's good practice for me to be more outgoing and to learn to interact w/ a variety of personalities). lo and behold, this afternoon i ended up playing w/ one of the coaches from my high school, Bellaire h.s.!! how crazy and random is that??? he was never my coach, but i remember him: coach kramer. kinda weird playing w/ a guy who used to be one of the coaches, and now he wants me to just call him "mike" (his first name). was also interesting b/c the 3rd person in our group was this 11-yr old kid named, marsh, who plays great already and has a lotta potential. he consistently hit the ball straighter than both me and coach kramer!

on top of that, God blessed me again w/ some provisions.
1. i've been thinkin' that i would like to get a new golf bag. there are 2 types, a "stand bag" and a "cart bag." i have a stand bag, but a cart bag would be better since i never carry my bag when i'm playing a course (which is what the stand bag is for). while talking w/ coach kramer, i found out that he has TWO new bags, and he said i could just call him up and he'd give me one of them for FREE!!! usually these bags cost anywhere from $50 & up!
2. as i was walking back to the parking lot in the almost complete darkness (yes, i stayed out til the very last minute possible. i was the last player to leave the course and parking lot.), i was thinking that it was a pretty good day b/c i had lost a net of only one ball. i had lost 2 balls to the water, but found one during twilight on the last hole i played, on the way to the green. (when you're an average or below average golfer, you can count it a "good day" when you simply don't lose too many balls, regardless of your score). shortly after that, i looked down at the ground and saw a Nike golf ball just lying there, not far from the practice chipping green and the first tee box! that's quite surprising b/c whoever lost that ball should've been able to find it easily in that location! that made it a very good day, cuz now i lost a net of zero balls!

Praise God for providing for us in even the small, amusing ways in everyday life! makes me smile to know i have a personal relationship w/ a God like that