A Random Assembly

My thoughts have been jumbled recently, so there is nothing cohesive or even related going on in between my ears today. As such, all I've got to share is a seemingly random assembly of thoughts. Brace yourself.

1. My pastor's goatee has somehow gotten off-center. Seriously. If one goes south starting at his left nostril, they will end up smack dab in the middle of the goatee on his chin. I noticed this during a video he shot during the first service today, promptly pointed this out to the rest of the worship arts team, and we had a good chuckle about it for the remaining two services. I have absolutely no idea how one might accomplish this, but I find it greatly amusing. Chances are it will be shaved by next Sunday when he's back from the mission trip to Antigua.

2. The Marine Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) includes the rank of Sergeant and Corporal. It is designed to be a distinguishing time in a Marine's career, as they are considered more responsible than the first three ranks (known as Junior Enlisted Marines), while not burdened with the responsibilities of command that are assumed by the Staff NCOs. It is supposedly the best time in a Marine's career. However, with the privileges entitled to an NCO also comes the responsiblities of looking after and training the Junior Enlisted Marines. More importantly, they are looking to us to be their role models. The NCO is to be Marine the younger Marines emulate, and the NCO is to care for his Junior Enlisted Marines more than he cares for himself. It kills me to see NCOs that haven't grasped this. They view themselves as just another Marine and they don't understand the importance they play in the Corps. They don't see that the future of the Marines is being shaped directly by their actions and inactions, and there is nothing that gets my blood boiling more than a lazy, out-of-shape, or irresponsible Marine NCO.

At present, I feel as though I am working with several of them. Perhaps God is growing my patience.

3. Sex. Its sacred. God created Man and Woman in His image, so we each reflect part of what God is as a whole. He intended sex to be an intimate, special, sacred activity to be shared with one other person. Moreover, upon marriage, God views husband and wife as one. Its an intimate relationship in the spiritual sense. As such, only after man and woman become one in God's eyes should they have sex - or become one - here on earth. In that light, sex with one's spouse could be considered a form of Godly worship!

Friends... we've been taking sex entirely too lightly. I hope it hurts your heart as much as it hurts mine to see this.

4. Let me be very explicit with this bit of information before you get the wrong idea: I love women. They stop me in my tracks and take my breath away. They are the pinnacle of creation, and there is nothing I want more deeply than to find that perfect girl, get married, and have a family. However, despite being single, I'm done looking for her.

I don't know where I'll be in the next 6 months or where my life is headed in general. I trust God will bring her into my life at the right moment, but until then, I will simply be standing by.

5. One of my friends is an inconsiderate prick. Its hard to love him when all I really want to do is punch him. Lord God, be my strong tower and please grant me patience.