at one point, not too long ago, i thought about renewing my old domain: outsidetheloop.com. That dream is gone, because some Japanese squatters took it. Now I know how hotwired.com felt like.

UPDATE: the idiots that took over hotwired.com apparently gave up. jeff veen gives a look back at hotwired from beginning to end, just in case you missed it.

I’m in the middle of the second week of work. It’s pretty satisfying to be working full-time again (even though at times they let people go when there isn’t work to do).

I forgot lunch today so I had to go to the Briar Creek shopping center. It’s rather sprawling much like South Point (the outdoor part) except that it isn’t as “fake” i.e. –  forcing the participant to make-believe that they’re in some village market, fake streets and all.

As an aside, why do developers do that? Perhaps a better question would be why does the market allow this? Even better than that is why am I offended by developments, homogenous shopping centers, etc? or to reverse it, why do I like ugly (imperfect) things?

Anyway, I forgot what I was going to say.

“The Lord will provide.”

This was what Abraham had told his son, Isaac, when asked where God’s sacrifice would come from.

It’s been on my mind especially from the time I’ve moved until now. More so now than before. However, now it is because of neglect on my part.

The question, though, is what am I trusting God for? To make this go away? To lessen the severity so I don’t feel like a complete ass? To comfort me while slowly rebuilding this wreck?

I had put a bunch of check in the mailbox for utilities (in Asheville and Durham). For some reason, to be determined, the mailman didn’t take them. Later, I checked by balance online to discover that I had been overextending my bank account and the overdraft account was practically depleted.

Lesson: even though it hurts like hell, check your balances often. Especially before paying bills.

Another mercy: not getting into the biology course (and waiting for the refund check for the hours).

Tuesday, I’ll be starting my job, so that couldn’t have come at a better time.

So, what is the proper response when we get ourselves into these situations? Abraham trusted God so completely, both that what God was promising was worthy of do what he was commanded and that God would be able to either raise Isaac from the dead or to provide another child, that he was willing and able to follow through. Perhaps that helps. Perhaps you’re now asking yourself (like I am), Abraham was called to do that; he didn’t get himself into a hopeless situation by neglect. True.

David, the king of Israel, who had slept with another man’s wife and had the husband killed, faced a situation that is comparable, in some ways. When the child became ill and died, David fasted for days. After he had heard that his child had died, he washed himself, ate and worshiped God. Then he said this, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said ‘Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child might live?’ But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? . . .” (2 Samuel 12:22-23).

Pleading with God for mercy (as in fasting, praying, etc) is normal (and necessary?) response to bad (or hopeless) situations that we get ourselves into, but even when God doesn’t answer us in the way we want, I think David’s response is correct. We should worship God, because He is the one that gives us things to hold onto.

The Drop/Add period is apparently over, so I could not sign up for Biology 111. However, I did sign up for the Bartending course and the online medical terminology course. Both the academic success (minimester I) course and the medical terminology course start on Wednesday. The bartending class starts on the 28th. Not a bad start to the semester, even though none of them are the full length courses.

The music to Jesus, Precious Treasure was played at the offertory today (Blacknall Presbyterian). The words are especially apt.

Jesus, priceless Treasure, Source of purest pleasure, Truest Friend to me.
Ah, how long in anguish shall my spirit languish, Yearning, Lord, for Thee?
Thou art mine, O Lamb divine! I will suffer naught to hide Thee, Naught I ask beside Thee.

In Thine arms I rest me; Foes who would molest me cannot reach me here.
Though the earth be shaking, Every heart be quaking, Jesus calms my fear.
Lightnings flash and thunders crash; Yet, though sin and hell assail me, Jesus will not fail me.

Satan, I defy thee; Death, I now decry thee; Fear, I bid thee cease.
World, thou shalt not harm me nor thy threats alarm me while I sing of peace.
God’s great power guards every hour; earth and all its depths adore Him, silent bow before Him.

Evil world, I leave thee; Thou canst not deceive me, Thine appeal is vain.
Sin that once did bind me, get thee far behind me, come not forth again.
Past thy hour, O pride and power; sinful life, thy bonds I sever, leave thee now forever.

Hence, all thought of sadness! for the Lord of gladness, Jesus, enters in.
Those who love the Father, though the storms may gather, still have peace within;
Yea, whatever we here must bear, still in Thee lies purest pleasure, Jesus, priceless Treasure!

Written by Johan Franck (1655); Translated by Catherine Winkworth (1863); Music by Johann Cruger (1649) JESU, MEINE FREUDE

I’m all moved in (barring the 20% of boxes that have yet to be unpacked), that is #1. #2 is that I found out yesterday that I have been accepted into Durham Tech. Which is mildly funny, since I had already registered for classes last Wednesday. However, it would have been awesome if I had the information contained in the letter when I had registered (credit for the transferred classes). It would have made the whole process easier. Just saying.

I’ll be taking the standard Academic Success class and Biology 111 (if they’ll allow me to drop/add tomorrow). There is an Medical Terminology (online) and a Bartending/Mixology (continuing ed.) class that I’m interested in taking, in addition to the 1-5 credit hours.

Last week, I attended Church of the Good Shepherd (PCA) where the sermon focused on Psalm 90. This week I attended Blacknall Presbyterian (PCUSA) where they’re beginning a study through Colossians. I’ll probably attend Grace Community Presbyterian (PCA) tonight as there seems to be dirth of evening services at churches in the area.

Things to work on / pray for: unpacking, keeping in shape, enough rest, continue on work given me before I moved while looking for other (more permanent) work.