On the Attack

So.

I was talking to my friend about a sermon I had heard recently. Exciting I know, but I mentioned one of the quips the speaker let out. He said something along the lines of "I don't want to go on another Retreat. I want to go on the attack for once."

That really hit me, since it's something I've been thinking about. What it means to be on the attack in the Salvation Army. The popular belief seems to be that we're on the attack every day, just by going out into the world, and living good lives. Smiling at people, holding doors, and when the situation calls very clearly for it: speaking of God.

Sure. Why not. It's St. Francis of Assisi. "Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words."

But is that far enough? If I had to classify that in a military way, that would be holding the lines. We're possibly influencing somebody's day, making the world a little brighter, but it's not enough.

An attack, as far as I'm concerned, is getting out there. You work hard when you're on the attack. You're in the line of fire. You're out past the front line, you're in No Man's Land.

The Salvation Army isn't on the attack anymore. As an organization, the battle duties have been delegated to Officers, and hired staff. It's become the Salvation Reserves.

What can we do to fix that? Maybe we should all ditch the country club. Maybe we should burn down our churches. Who knows? If we've got nowhere to be comfortable in, then we might actually do some of the Lord's work.

Community service should be mandatory for Soldiers in the Salvation Army. You can't join the Canadian Forces and expect not to do your duty. Then how is it one can be a Soldier in the Salvation Army, and not be on the front lines?

NOTE: I'm just as guilty as the next Soldier. Just trying to figure this out.

Do you think we'll ever meet them?

Bweeeee! New Halo 3 commercial, and I almost wet my pants watching it.

Who's excited? I hope that shield thing ACTUALLY IS what the X button does.

NERV

I've always loved the NERV logo. Strangely enough, though, today was the first time I noticed the motto, or whatever it is, written around the bottom.

"God's in his heaven, all's right with the world."

I can understand the sentiment, I guess we all can. Obviously I don't agree with the statement, but it feels sometimes like God isn't on our side, doesn't it?

I had this conversation with a friend of mine about a week ago. When stuff goes bad, we blame God, but do we even give a thought to the fact that Satan's probably working harder?

A friend of mine in High School was talking about his "religion" (actually a cult). He looked at me and said "... but you're a Christian, you don't believe in demons."

Oh no, my friend. I probably believe in them more than you do.

Craziness

This is going to be long, since I want to tell two stories that are related, plus I need to rave about my night.

Story #1 actually happened. It's actually pretty short. I'll just dive in.

After church last night, a group of us decided "Hey! Let's go to A&W!" So we did. I had a Mozza Burger with Swiss Cheese. Doesn't that make it NOT a mozza burger? Anyways, much fun was had, especially when we started talking about cartoon shows and the like. Some were speechless when I outlined my plan for a Coup: a simple plan for a better Salvation Army (Note: I was joking). I think people started yelling at me when I outlined how we would invade IHQ.

Anyways. After this, the group split. Long story short, Rebecca and I discussed marriage. I believe my exact words were: "... I mean, c'mon. I'm totally wicked, and you're kind of okay. It could work." Much laughter was had, and my approach was questioned. I honestly can't understand why.

Story #2 is a dream, that I believe was heavily influenced by Story #1, My "Govenator" T-Shirt, and the discussion of movies that Greg and I had.

There were a bunch of us. The whole "Gang" from the citadel, plus some others. We were on a cruise ship, and I'm honestly not sure if it was a space-ship, or a regular boat. Anyways, Rebecca and I were somehow married, and I, yes I, was pregnant.

Some game was being played, which included much running. When I ran to the front of the ship, I met Mr. Ahnold Schvatzeneggah (I am aware that this is the incorrect spelling).

"I see that you are carrying a baby."
"Uuh, what?"
"You are pregnant."
"Uuh, yeah, I guess I am."
"It's rough."
"It is."
A pause.
"Hey, you were pregnant, right?" I ask.
"Yes. In Junior." (It's a movie for those who don't know)
"How did you get through it."

Yes, Manly Man Arnold and I had a conversation about pregnancy. I just thought that was so hilarious.

Anyways, my night:

The girls decided they would have a sleepover, in their typical girlie fashion. Rebecca, Stephanie, and Catherine, went somewhere, to have this celebration of the night. Greg and I decided we'd do the same.

He came over to the house, and watched movies.

First we watched Dragon Ball Z ... one of the movies. I honestly cannot believe how much I've missed that show. Some of it was foolish, but I can't say I don't like it. Gogeta kicks ass.

Then we watched V for Vendetta. I didn't expect much from that movie, but I really liked it. A fairly compelling storyline, great vocabulary, and decent fight scenes. I'd watch it again in a heartbeat.

This morning, after some breakfast, we watched Starship Troopers. I really enjoyed that, since it's sort of a Sci-Fi classic I've been meaning to see. A fair bit of cheese, and gore, but great nonetheless.

Then Greg and I played Halo 2. I'd forgotten how awesome multiplayer really is.

Now I need to reconstruct my room, and give some serious thought to studying. Foolishly, the past two months of notes were simply dumped on my floor, and there's an unsorted pile retaining the knowledge that I need to review. Appropriately enough, said pile is underneath my garbage can right now.

This is going to take a while.

I Feel Sick

The title says it all, I guess.

Still searching for a direction.

Going to take it somewhere new.



Watch the video. I thought it was great.

"Do you know that I mean when I say 'I don't want to be alone'?"

Yip Yip Yip Yip Yip Yip

Oh Sesame Street. How I miss you.

Searching for a Complaint

I have a huge respect for George Bush. Is he the most brilliant man on earth? No. Would I like to serve under him if he Annexed Canada? No. But the man takes so much flack, and still hasn't killed himself.

I've come to accept that somebody, somewhere will always complain about something. It sucks, because obviously, I'd prefer if everyone were happy, but that's not happening. I just have to ignore it, I guess, which is really hard for me.

I came across this while blog-hopping today. I thought it was pretty neat. Wierd? Yes. Helpful? Heck yes.

This is comforting to me. With all the fuss about this stuff, I'm always afraid Canada will pull out of Afghanistan, and the US will pull out of Iraq. It'd be like running to somebody's crappy house, kicking it over, stating "We'll help you build a better one!" and then leaving before the work is finished. Do I agree with the Americanization of every living being? Of course not! But the more I read of The End Of History, the more I realize that these people need Democracy.

I'm not entirely sure it's happening the best way, but it'll have to be 2040 before we can look back and say the Iraq war was a mistake, or we should have gone about bringing democracy to Afghanistan a different way.

EDIT: More exiting articles!

A whale of a jerk, and Church gang wars in China.