Blog your God.

I talked myself into finally getting another blog in.
It has been a while, not because I haven't wanted to blog (everyday I want to blog), but because I have been finding and learning so much, ever evolving sight, convincing me more and more that the truth IS out there ...and IN there. 'In' being your own. Knowing what I know now, I know that I know not enough.
Actually, I'd like to make this a challenge, also: Blog YOUR God.

I MUST put a little 'disclaimer' here:
  In no form, do I intend to degrade any person for their faith-based system of belief. With that, I must also warn that I believe that the majority of faith-based systems are mis-understood, and in most cases idiotic. I have many friends, covering a good chunk of belief systems out there, and where we differ we respectfully disagree. On last note (of disclaimer), I am always open for discussion and willing to admit fault where needed. With knowledge comes understanding ...comes wisdom.

Another admission; no, I am not a scholar, nor have I done ALL the research. The search for knowledge in one's lifetime is never-ending.

Remember later; The firing of neurons/Synapses

In my studies (which are in no way complete), it has become more and more noticeable the similarities in the stories of man, passed generation to generation ...era to era ...millenia to millenia. Put all the stories (no, not literally all, there are exceptions to the rule) from all the societies, from all ages in what we can decipher from recorded history, backed by social adherence and archaeological finds, and (if you don't fall asleep first) it is quite easy to see the same basic story/plot. Like how much of what is modern entertainment media (theater, print, screen) just rehashed stories, with different characters in different places. Or, the 'remakes' of populars, maybe throwing in a new slant. And, how each and every story has some basis in fact, whether it be locale(s), names, events. Storytellers take what they know (which in most cases is based in what they've heard) and retell, most often with exaggeration. As the story goes on, it most often gets little omissions, personal twists, moral implications, and so on. That is how storytelling is, and, as we have seen repeatedly, always has been.

Ever wonder why ethnicities are usually depictable/recognizable? Ever notice the 'mistaken identity' phenomenon? Ever notice how some people, even separated from relation and ethnicity, have some very similar traits/characteristics? "Bird nose," hairline, voice control, eye shape, metabolic tone ...Ever wonder why?

As nature occurs, elements act and react with surrounding elements as elements do. Not all elements "live in the same neighborhood." The neighborhood of this hydrogen living in France might not have the same 'ethnic' population as a hydrogen living in Hawaii. Yet, elements do as elements do ...some elements get along and some don't. But, like elements do like things with other respective elements. It's a big, chaotic circus. Some come away winners; some just have fun; some leave disappointed; and some don't leave at all.

Now, take the previous three paragraphs and ponder: The development of structure (and it is all structure) is very similar to a story that goes through the ages. Along the way of development, stories change. The sustainable ("believable") characteristics of the story get passed on. Some stories last a long time. Some don't. Some similar characteristics/traits get passed along, even through many dilutions. ALL still retain an origin ...a portion of truth, fact.

Even a short comparative lesson in theology and philanthropy/sociology can just about convince anyone that what they hold dear to as 'common belief' is AT BEST a misunderstood story ...retaining still it's portion of truth, fact. Not to 'pick' on Christians, but to hold their scriptures as THE Word of God over ALL works, with all it's little 'inerrant' discrepancies, is as logical as holding to worship of the god Horus, or Osiris, or Thor ...or my microwave. Let us delve there a bit, sorta.

The definition of myth: The term "myth" is often used colloquially to refer to a false story; however, the academic use of the term generally does not pass judgment on its truth or falsity. In the study of folklore, a myth is a symbolic narrative explaining how the world and humankind came to be in their present form. Many scholars in other fields use the term "myth" in somewhat different ways. In a very broad sense, the word can refer to any traditional story.
The definition of faith: is the confident belief or trust in the truth or trustworthiness of a person, concept or thing.
The definition of religion: is a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a supernatural agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
The definition of story: is a common term for a description of a sequence of events, notably:a traditional form of storytelling, told to a child to prepare them for sleep; a narrative used in organization studies; a fictional narrative of briefer length than a novella.

From 'creation' to 'enlightenment' or 'apocalypse,' there's the 'damsel,' the 'distress,' the 'king,' the 'hero,' the 'city,' and the 'country.' The heroes have their fame, the kings their kingdoms, the damsels their knights ...prayers and adoration ...exaltation and coronations. What is notable in all the themes are mainly two things (all the other common themes can be grouped): A beginning and a prophesied 'end' or 'change.'

Back in 1993, I had a (what I considered) life-changing event.  Not anything massive like loss of loved-one or near death experience, but an 'answer to prayer.'  The moment exhilarated my soul and sparked a fire.  I was 'saved,' and believed it.  That flame lasted until another 'answer to prayer' revealed depth.  The latter prayer was to teach me truth.  I dove and dove and dove into everything i felt lead to that would help me understand more my divine relationship.  I was drawn heavily into creation and eschatology.  It was in that 'dive' that i realized many don't know their own faith.  "Spread the good word," and "be a witness" rang the bell ...so, i sought the Spirit in sharing my knowledge with others, in hopes to 'save their souls' or 'admonish the spirit.'  There, i learned 'inerrancy' ...and hypocrisy.  "Those who have ears to hear, let them hear" that even if Christianity was correct, the Holy Scriptures are AT BEST inspired by Elohim, not THE Word of God.  Same exact principle for all other faiths.

Just noticed that this is gonna be pretty long.

Again, i must note, that i do not want to seem to be 'picking' on the Christians.  Quite the contrary, actually.  I speak of the Christians in this piece because i came from the Christians, and i studied my arse off.  The scripture speaks of knowing "His Word"  and having it in your heart, and being able to give answer for the faith.  The world had questions and was lost;  The Word of God had the answers.  Right?

Now, let's jump to some physics.  If you read Stephen Hawking "The History of Everything" and "The History of the Universe" ...i'm probably 85% in-line with that thinking.  LOL, in no way am i inferring that i'm in the same caliber.  There's a couple things i would not fully agree with, or see a different alignment, but for the most part, maybe 90%, that is how it is.

Now, let's take this all in;  Storytelling/stories, elements, myths, religion, history, physics ...let's throw it all in to:
  Synapses in the brain
  Electrical pulses
  Neurons firing

  Cause ...effect

I DO believe in a 'higher' or 'supreme power.' I DO believe that religion has played and will continue to play a vital role in the development of culture and power.  Unfortunately, because we are animals who need rewards, there will be greed, thus the misuse and abuse of power through religion mainly.  I believe that religion provides, where truth and honesty abound, structure and guidance along one's way.  It provides perspective and meaning to life.  Lo, i say, no religion today, save a miniscule may, has the way.

"God" is a GREAT storyteller who wanted to tell a story.  As the words came to his thoughts, like fairies all a buzz, they made real what never was.

A synaptic connection in the mind of God ...BIG BANG!

The entire universe, in all its wondrous array and complexity, is the intellectual property of God. Interactions built stories upon stories; legends and epics.

So, what does that mean for life?  Now, that is a conversation.

**definitions were snagged from wikipedia.com.  i strongly endorse personal research against any claim made by any entity.  resources abound, use them all.**

You and me and the rest of the world

The past (say, 10) years have been quite a learning experience for me. As I'm writing this, I'm trying to figure out how to start. I know where I want to go, the introduction is not quite coming to my fingers.

Mary had a little lamb ...no, thats not it.

I have involved myself in some open discussion social groups recently (and plan to continue them for a little while) about life, the choices we make and how they progress. I have noticed in these groups that too many people so easily blame others or the system for the sh*t that goes on in their life. Not that i just noticed it, but how rampant it is. Like no one is being taught personal responsibility anymore. Now, in no way am I saying I've got life figured out or am perfect in anyway (my ego has been stepped on a few times). What I am saying is, most of life's 'troubles' are not the fault of others, but of our own choices. I've made some really dumb mistakes in my time, but learning from one's mistakes is the best way to progress thru life.

Cause and effect: Science class in primary and secondary education teaches us that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. What I think is failing in the education of this property is people aren't being taught (or realizing) that it not only applies in the books, but also in life ...everyday. Every step we take, individually and socially, every breath we take, every decision we make, every action we involve has an effect.

Personal responsibility is realizing that effect, working thru the consequences, and learning as you go. When a mistake is made, we should be learning from those mistakes and not repeating those same mistakes. Do we blame others when things are going well? The vast majority of life's problems could be eliminated if responsibility was taken by each of us for the lives we lead.

Man, all this sounded so much more eloquent in my head, lol.

A challenge to the world:
Live life responsibly. Think before acting. Accept the consequences of your choices and actions. Learn from your own mistakes and the mistakes of others. Turn mistakes into lessons. As many mistakes as we all make, we should be good at this stuff by now. No wonder we aren't more advanced as a people than we are. It's too easy to say its someone else's fault.

Sorry, for the rant. Its just that some people's mentalities annoy the crap out of me.

We have choices ...

I mentioned in my previous post, the meaning of life is in the pursuit of the meaning of life ...do i need to explain it a little further? Let's see ...

Knowledge -- man, how does one define knowledge <---hint, click here <---
Intelligence -- putting it all together
Wisdom -- applying it

We can put it in a roleplaying format: the more knowledge you gain and use that knowledge, the more intelligent you get; thus, the more you practice everything you learn and how certain things work together or don't work together, the better you get at applying it. And then there's charisma, but not now.

Or the creation view with the tree of life and tree of knowledge of good and evil ...in that case, life being the pursuit of life (meaning of life), and knowledge being the sudden epifany (did i spell that right?) that one has a choice of 'good' and 'evil.'

We have choices ...

Although faith has played a very instrumental role in my pursuit, I don't claim a religion. I understand much about faith and socio-alliance structures, but do not align with any one system. In a sense, I have used religion to 'see the big picture.' I do believe that ALL the 'parts' of the globe/world are integral to all of what was, is, and is to come. I believe its in the correlation of and desire for truth and answers from history that will prepare us for EVERYTHING that is to come, and whats next on the horizon. In school, I remember classes being referred to as lessons ...history lessons: Did we learn anything?

The American society has absolutely no reason to be behind the bar on so many levels. In this wonderfully crafted democratic society we proudly call home, we have the access to vast volumes and libraries and resources of just about everything, yet we piddle potential away with convenience, comfort, and complacency. Saying we're proud as Americans isn't as loud as taking pride in being American. Being the leading example of all human potential is at our feet, but we trample over it for the sake of convenience, comfort, and complacency.

A philosophy of mine is 'Life is a quest with an undefined beginning, and an undefined end. To know where it goes, one must find the origin.' I believe it to be possible through correlative inspection to find the 'origin,' thus finding truth. To borrow a cliche from a mainstream faith, the truth will set us free. Somewhere, globally, mankind got way off course and followed tangents rather than truth. Greed soon reared its ugly head, and now we're in the pickle of a lifetime. I believe we can find the origin, find the truth, see where we are, and make way for where we're going ...but not until we take pride in being Americans ...take pride in being human. Our choices direct our paths; every action has an opposite and equal reaction; every decision comes with consequences.

There is a MIGHTY change coming to this globe; I believe we can all be ready, and we can all play an integral part in how things shape for the future.

What are you afraid of?

Now and then, I'll 'evaluate' myself ...by talking to myself.

Recently (in the car on my way home), I asked myself, "What are you afraid of?" As if, it was being asked by someone one could trust with their innermost.

First and foremost (atleast until it can be defined further), I'm not a big fan of hostile confrontation, especially verbal, between coworkers and friends. All others I'm at ease with. And, this is most definitely to a detriment. For instance, we needed to fabricate an addition to our tempering machine at work to make the flow of progress much more efficient. It was discussed for quite some time, but with everything going on in our shop, there was very little opportunity to progress. When that time did arrive and we discussed what materials to use, there was conflict; wood, which was plentiful and cheap, or aluminum and tin, which was more costly and an ordering process that would have taken up to 2 weeks. The wood won over because of one man's insistance (although we have a welder and machine on premise), and now we wait and see if it catches fire: hopefully not. What we did make out of aluminum (we have a metal bender), there was conflict over. Keeping in mind that I run this operation that the additional fabrication is for, the wood idea was from the 'manager' of another division (of which we are all a part of) ...that might be another post. Anyway, although neither of us has explicit authority over the other (unless my division is not in operation, then he does have authority over me), I allowed him to lead the process of this additional fabrication. Wow, this is getting longer than I thought it would be. Aaaannnd, back to the aluminum part ...after a few minutes of thought and discussion with a coworker, I had to step up. So, roughly 15 minutes after the discussion with the 'leader,' I had to disagree and tell him. I'm going to make these {this way}. He said 'ok.' Hrmmmm ....learn something.

I'm afraid of flying stinging insects, like wasps, hornets and bees. If the means are convenient, I'll atleast try to kill a bee, though. I don't get close enough to hornets and wasps to kill them. And they know it. They taunt me all the time. I hate those things. When I was a little kid, like 5 I think, I was stung on my upper-inner thigh (extremely close to something I would soon be close to) by a bee. That was a terrifying ordeal. Then, two years ago, helping my father-in-law trim a loquat tree in our backyard, I was swarmed and attacked by hornets. Since that day, you will hear a grown man wine about hornets and wasps.

I've had other fears in the past, but a great deal of them have been dealt with and there's nothing I can think of now that I fear ...save hornets, wasps, bees, and verbal hostile conflict between coworkers and friends. Thats all!