Daily Archives: August 6, 2006

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Yes, this is a very long page. But I am sincere in offering these "rules"

(I turned off comments on the page, but if you want to comment, the post directing you here is here.)

INTRODUCTION

When I have a "hand in" making a conversation go bad, whether on my blog or (especially) on another, that is cause for self-examination. This self-examination comes with a renewed determination to do things "better" next time.

I have a "rough draft" of rules to blog by - I will probably always call it "rough" because I'll need to be able to add to it as a lifelong process. I am by no means perfect - or even close. People have on occasion have called me on it, either privately or on line. I do my best to examine and repent, as needed. Sometimes I feel strongly enough that I "cannot recant" - these are primarily in areas of faith - although if you mess with my kids, all bets are off. 😉

Yes, some of these rules are formed (for me) by the behavior of others. Yes, I am going to use examples, only not by name. Some of these rules are formed (for me) by my own behavior. Yes, you'll probably recognize me.

First off, before the "real" rules, I want to make a couple of things clear.  There are two reasons that I close comments:

  • Personal slams, insults and denigrations.  Debates can be "heated" without being nasty.  Unbased personal accusations have no place here.
  • I know that my God has already won the battle - it is won, whether or not I enter into "this one". There are times when I get to the point where is it more important for me to win, than it is to glorify God. That is when I either back out, back off, or (on my blog) shut it down. It's not because I'm "losing", it's because I'm doing it for the wrong reason.

The "Short List"

  • Adhere to the Harris Twins' Commenting Guidelines, here on my site and here on theirs.
  • Read and be familiar with my personal objectives and expectations. Yes, I do expect people who call themselves Christians to follow Biblical guidelines.  If a you insist on behaving in a way that is offensive, you will be asked to repent of your attitude before commenting again.  If you repeat, I will take whatever steps are available to me that I need to.
  • Don't expext answers to leading questions. However, don't let questions "pile up". Answer questions before asking new ones of your own (exception: if your answer depends on the answer to another)

I primarily use the ESV Bible translation

You can use the search tool here:

Lookup a word or passage in the Bible



BibleGateway.com
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    The official statement is: Major Gregory J. Fester, 41, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, died on August 30, 2005, in Iskandariyah, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol. Fester was a reservist assigned to the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

    He was building schools for Iraqi children. Gregory Fesker left behind his wife, three kids and his mom.

    His daughter writes: "To Mommy, Megan, and Peyton, You all have so much to bed proud of, Dad lives through all of us. I see his smiling face in each of you every day. Dad you are my true hero and I will never ever forget the amazing sixteen years you gave me, you were always there, and I cant wait to see you again some day. Jenni"


    He was killed six days before his 18th wedding anniversary, leaving behind his wife, Julie and their three children.

    His wife writes: "My Beloved Gregory How I miss you every minute of the day. You were my soul mate and I thank you for the best 18 years of marriage that could be. I see you in our three loving children and I can't wait to run to you in heaven and talk with you. You were my "Lory" and I was your "Jo." I so wanted to have a reunion with you after this war , just like after Desert Storm. You are forever our Hero in everything you did here on earth for us as a loving husband, father, soldier, friend, and businessman. You always went above and beyond and put others first. You never faltered in your faith and left behind a great legacy for all of us to strive for. I always wanted to be just like you, and in your kind way you told me the same. How I miss you so. I wonder what your doing now? Love, Julie xoxoxoxo

    I could tell you that Gregory Fester's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal, one Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the Valorous Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Parachutist Badge.

    But that's not what makes him the man. The army is not who will miss him; this is:

    Thank you for your sacrifice - all of you.