// Random Entries

I am not sure if many people are aware of the recently hyperactive sun spot activity that has been taking place. There have been stories all over the news and the net, such as: Biggest solar storm in years hits, so far so good. This one was built up as being a major event. Air traffic was diverted away from the North and the South Poles. People around the world were told to expect disruptions in electronic communications. Some people even feared major power grid outages around the world. Nothing happened.

But wait, there’s more … Sun continues to spew … Solar Flares 2012: Another Storm Coming … They just keep coming.

I was browsing through my old blog entries yesterday while looking for something. I ran across a post from January 2008: Eat Snow, Poop Ice?(!). It was about a robot that cleans snow covered walkways. In that blog post, I said

… I feel we are relying too much on “technology” for our basic daily routines … Scientists have said many times that we could be hit by a solar flare that could knock out all electronic communication satellites around the world. The technology that we have come to rely on could be gone …

Do you see where I am going with this?

These recent solar flares have scientists shaking in their shoes. Most people around the world went on about their daily routines this past week … relying on technology. I will simply end with the same line I ended that January 2008 entry … All that to say this: the more we “advance” our society, the “lazier” we seem to become.

..end transmission..

With a Facebook addiction, blogs collect digital dust.

Believe it or not, not everyone who has internet access uses Facebook.

With time, plenty of time, patience and time … channeling George Harrison … I am going to return some of my scattered focus to this blog. I have already reactivated my photo blog. This has been fun.

A new calendar on the wall. Typically people try to “start” new things or “restart” old things.

Here’s to a new year of Random Entries

**end transmission**

A dear friend went home to dance with Jesus this Sunday. It was a long and heart wrenching weekend. My 6 year old’s first reaction was “well, at least they have their daddy.” Later, after he could tell that his mommy was still crying, my wise 6 year old said of our dear friend, “her back’s not hurting any more and she’s not in pain anymore …” The simply profound wise words of a small child.
Cris Fike was a bold “out loud” devoted follower of Christ. Hmm … “out loud” … that was Cris. At church Sunday morning, I heard so many people “quoting” Cris. I had to laugh. I mean really laugh. As people were saying things, I could hear Cris’s voice saying them. And I heard her laughing as the same time. She is a big part of my son’s life. She is a big part of many children’s life.
With Cris in her accident was her son’s girlfriend. Right now, Jen is in ICU and not doing well. Jen has a precious baby girl at home … 600 miles away. My heart aches for the families. My heart aches for the young man who lost his mother and may loose his girlfriend. My heart aches for the young woman who lost a mother and will be getting married in less than two months without her mother by her side. My heart aches for the man who lost his best friend in life … he beloved wife. My heart aches for the baby girl who does not understand where mommy is nor why mommy is not coming home. My heart aches!
Sunday also brought news of another dear friend being in the hospital after having a stroke. It was not a “bad” one. It was, however, still a stroke. This added to my aching heart.
Late afternoon, on the same day, I find out that a sweet lady in our church also went home to be with our Lord. Her body could no longer fight the battle that illness had wagged against it. She too is no longer in pain. He too is dancing with Jesus.
I have read countless messages posted on Facebook over the course of the weekend. The many prayers being lifted up … the numerous statements of disbelief … the abundant encouraging comments to the living family members … and the plentiful stream of “remembrances” from friends. My heart if full of joy that 2 wonderful ladies are in now with our Lord God Almighty and achiness for those who are left behind. I have not felt compelled to “comment” on Facebook. I sat down here at my computer not really sure what I wanted, or needed to do. I just started typing. I guess this was my way of “processing” what has occurred. I am ending this entry now and going into my son’s room, kissing him on the forehead and praying over him. I then am going into my bedroom, kissing my wife on the forehead and praying over her. I need to commune with my God for a bit.

**end transmission**

I have not forgotten my blogs. I have fallen to a Facebook Addiction! I have been trying to weening off of good old Facebook as of late. Well, actually, it has been numerous games on Facebook that have taken most of my attention.

My small group at church has been going through a book called “Celebration of Discipline” … one of the disciplines is “fasting”. It came up in the discussion that fasting from time wasters could be included in that area … ie, iPhones, texting, and yes, Facebook.

Ironically, I was the one who mentioned it. So, I realized that I needed to step up and work on beating my Facebook addiction. After all, it is time wasted that should be used for God’s work.

..transmission paused..