Patrick's Ponderings & Perceptions

Moving

I'm moving to Blogger where its free and I don't have to pay. I don't like the layout as much, but its free.

Visit me at http://patrickcg.blogspot.com/

165 Things You Probably Don't Know About Me

Bold anything that applies to you.

001. I miss somebody right now.
002. I watch more TV than I used to.
003. I love olives.
004. I love sleeping.
005. I own a home.
006. I wear glasses/contact lenses. (all the cool kids do!)
007. I love to play video games. (love may be a bit strong a term. Certian games though)
008. I've done something illegal. (I am a known traffic mennes)
009. I've watched porn movies. (It was my B.C days. I was still in high school, maybe even Jr. high. My dad had them around the house, and a couple of friends wanted to see them, so we watched them. I thought they were gross.)
010. I have been in a threesome.
011. I have been the psycho-ex in a past relationship.
012. I like my handwriting.
013. I have acne-free skin.
014. I like and respect Al Sharpton.
015. I curse frequently.
016. I have changed a lot mentally over the last year.
017. I have a hobby.
018. I've been to another country.
019. I carry my knife/razor/whip/whatever weapon you want here everywhere with me.
020. I'm really, really smart. (I would settle for just really smart ;) )
021. I've never broken anyone else's bones.
022. I have a secret that I am ashamed to reveal.  (But its not about me)
023. I love rain. (Nothing like watching a powerful thunderstom while sitting on a porch)
024. I'm paranoid at times.
025. I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.  (You would think with how insacure I am about my looks I would, but I would feel like I wasn't me. Kind of like the one time I tried to dye the grey out of my hair)
026. I need money right now.
027. I love sushi.
028. I talk really, really fast sometimes.
029. I have fresh breath in the morning.
030. I have semi-long hair.
031. I have lost money in Las Vegas.
032. I have at least one brother and/or sister.
033. I was born in a country outside of the U.S.
034. I shave my legs.
035. I have a twin.
037. I couldn't survive without Caller I.D.(But I do like it)
038. I like the way that I look.
039. I have lied to a good friend in the past 6 months.
040. I know how to do cornrows.
041. I am usually pessimistic.
042. I have mood swings. (Sometimes when I overannalize things)
043. I think prostitution should be legalized.
044. I think Britney Spears is pretty.
045. I have cheated on a significant other.
046. I have a hidden talent.
047. I'm always hyper no matter how much sugar I have. (close enough)
048. I've been sexually intimate with less than ten people.
049. I am currently single.
050. I have kissed someone of the same sex.
051. I enjoy talking on the phone.
052. I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.
053. I love to shop. (yeah- I'm weird) 
054. I would rather shop than eat. (i like to shop, but I'm not crazy!)
055. I would classify myself as ghetto.
056. I'm bourgeoisie and have worn a sweater tied around my shoulders.
057. I'm obsessed with my blog.
058. I don't hate anyone.
059. I'm a pretty good dancer. (Doesn't stop me from trying though!)
060. I don't think Mike Tyson raped Desiree Washington.
061. I'm completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother. (Depends on when you ask me)
062. I have a cell phone.
063. I watch MTV on a daily basis.
065. I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months. (Try never) 
067. I have never been in a real relationship before.
068. I've rejected someone before.
069. I currently have a crush on someone.
070. I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.
071. I want to have children in the future.
072. I have changed a diaper before.
073. I've had the cops called on me before. (Loud music)
074. I bite my nails.
075. I am a member of the Tom Green fan club.
076. I'm not allergic to anything. (I use have them really bad as a kid, buyt i grew out of them)
077. I have a lot to learn.
078. I have dated someone at least 10 years older or younger.
079. I plan on seeing Ice Cube's newest "Friday" movie.
080. I am very shy around the opposite sex.
081. I'm online 24/7, even as an away message.
082. I have at least 5 away messages saved.
083. I have been rejected by someone.
084. I have made a move on a friend's significant other in the past.
085. I own the "South Park" movie.
086. I have blown off work to have some fun.
087. When I was a kid I played "the birds and the bees" with a neighbor or chum.
088. I enjoy country music.
089. I love my best friend(s). (does anyone have best friends they hate?)
090. I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza. (If you live in Chicago you know this is not true)
091. I watch soap operas whenever I can.
092. I'm obsessive, anal retentive, and often a perfectionist.
093. I have used my sexuality to advance my career.
094. I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.
095. I know all the words to Slick Rick's "Children's Story".
096. Halloween is awesome!
097. I watch Spongebob Squarepants and I like it. (well, I'm not crazy about Patrick the Starfish, but its still pretty funny)
098. I have dated a close friend's ex.
099. I'm happy as of this moment.
100. I have gone scuba diving.
101. Had a crush on somebody I had never met.  (You can change that to "has" a crush)
102. I've kissed someone I knew I shouldn't.
103. I play a musical instrument.
104. I strongly dislike math.
105. I'm procrastinating on something right now.
106. I own and use a library card.
107. I fall in "lust" more than in "love."
108. Cheese enchiladas rock my socks. (they are good- but not "rock my socks good)
109. I think The Lord of the Rings is one of the greatest movies/books ever.
110. I'm obsessed with the TV show “The O.C.”
111. I am resentful that I have to grow up.
112. I am an entirely different person around different people.
113. I think the world would be a better place if people just smiled more often.
114. I think ramen is one of the best foods in the whole world.
115. I am suffering of a broken heart.
116. I am a nerd. (can I double bold this one???)
117. No matter where I am or who I'm with, I always seem to be lonely.
118. I am left handed and proud of it.
119. I try not to change who I am for someone.
120. My heart resides below my feet.
121. I have dated someone longer than 6months.
122. I enjoy smoothies.
123. I have had major surgery.
124. I have adopted a pet from the ASPCA.
125. I am listening to Radiohead right now.
126. Some people call me by a nickname.
127. I once stole something. (yeah- sorry to say I have)
128. I like pumpkin pie.
129. I love NASCAR!
130. I own over 200 CDs. (maybe not anymore- I just sold a bunch)
131. I work 7 days a week.
132. I have had mono.
132. I don't have the ability to make decisions without changing my mind. (but sometimes I have doubts)
133. People tell me I have a horrible sense of humor.
134. I'm still in my PJs. (It's 7:20 PM- so I hope not)
135. I'm looking for love in all the wrong places.  (I'm hoping I'm looking in the right places)
136. I have a tendency to fall for the wrong boys, or have them fall for me, so I can't help but reciprocate. ( I don't fall for boys, but most of the girls I have dated were girls that could have been the right one. Only one that was not right)
137. I'll try anything three times. (One time)
138. Done drugs other than alcohol or cannabis. (never done the pot either)
139. I'm having trouble sleeping.
140. I am a cuddler.
141. I love John Waters films.
142. I have made a pornographic videotape.
143. Sloth is my favorite deadly sin.
144. One of my boobs is bigger than the other.
145. I know all the words to the "Firefly" theme song. (see #116)
146. I love Dr. Pepper
147. I'm a programmer.
148. I can't explain why I'm unhappy at times.
149. I own and have read all of the Harry Potter books. (own the first three, but have read none of them)
150. I like to smell my own hair.(that would be really hard)
151. I carry a book with me almost everywhere I go. (At the very least I have my Pocket ESV Bible)
152. I have an eating disorder.
153. I have flown to a different country to see a band.
154. Been hospitalized for "mental issues".
155. I have survived totaling a car I was driving.
156. I am addicted to a Manga/anime.
157. Somehow I always seem to get myself into trouble.
158. I have dated someone for longer than 5 years.
159. I have been hit by flying Eric Szmanda spittle.
160. I have lived in three different countries.
161. I have tattoos.
162. I have lost someone I cared about deeply.
163. I've filled out an obscenely long quiz.
164. I am not human until I have had some form of caffiene.
165. I can't use can openers.

Patrick Gaffney: A-Z

A - Age you got your first kiss:  15
B - Band listening to right now: Playing a song that was sent to me tonight by the person in the next letter,(Hi there!) a really cool arrangement of "Ancient of Days"
C - Crush: Tina (Hi there!)
D - Dad's name: Patrick   

E - Easiest person to talk to: Lately- it's letter C (Hi There!)

F - Favorite Bands at the Moment: Been listening to some of the old favs lately- Charlie Peacock, Steve Taylor, Keith Green.
G- Gummy Bears or Gummy Worms: Gummy Bears. Not a big sour fan   
H - Hometown: Elk Grove Village, IL   
I - Instruments: Sound board   
J - Jam or Jelly: Peanut Butter
K - Kids: None
L - Longest Car Ride Ever: Chicago to St Louis
M - Mom's name: Valerie
N - Nicknames: Trick, Gaffer, Groovy, and my newest seems to be "sunshine" (Hi there!)
O - One Wish: To visit Texas (Hi there!)

P - Phobias: I don't know if its a phobia, but I hate to drive over bridges.
Q - Quotes: If that is the worst thing to happen to me today, today will be a pretty good day
R - Reason to Smile: well, there is this girl.. (Hi there!)

S - Song you last sang: I was singing along to the radio at work, but I dont remember what the song was.

T - Time you woke up today: about 7ish
U - Unknown Fact About Me: If I told you, it wouldn't be unknown.

V - Vegetable you hate: Big veggie fan! I cannt think of one now.

W - Worst Habits: Putting myself down
X - X-rays you've had: they did it last time i was a the docote a couple of years ago, but it was just a check up

Y - Yummy Food: Big juicy cheeseburger!
Z - Zodiac Sign: Whatever Dec 13th is

What Kind Of American English Do You Speak?

Your Linguistic Profile:

75% General American English

15% Upper Midwestern

5% Midwestern

5% Yankee

0% Dixie

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

Give it a ry and post what you re here. Concidering I am in the Chicago area, and lived her my whole life, the results are not that suprising!

The Pope and Forgivness

With the Pope's passing the weekend, I was reminded the of when he forgave the man who shot him years ago.  Steve Taylor wrote a song about it, and I'm going to post it on here today. I've upleaded the song on herre too, so if you click the following link, you should be able to hear it, or just read the words if you want. It's a bit 80's sounding, but hey, it's from the 80's so I guess that's okay. It's still a song I like from one of my all time favorite artist. (You can read more about the Pope forgiving the man who shot his here as well. 

Download 04_to_forgive.wma

I saw a man
He was holding the hand
That had fired a gun at his heart
Oh, will we live
To forgive?

I saw the eyes
And the look of surprise
As he left an indelible mark
Oh, will we live
To forgive?

Come...
Find release
Go...
Make your peace

Follow his lead
Let the madness recede
When we shatter the cycle of pain
Oh, we will live
To forgive

Come...
Find release
Go...
Make your peace

I saw a man
With a hole in His hand
Who could offer the miracle cure
Oh, He said live
I forgive

Oh, He said live
To forgive

Forgiveness

Over on Monday Morning Insight yesterday, they made a post that has the roll of Christians in forgiveness so wrong, I just feel like I need to talk about it a bit.

I'm going to start off quoting the article a bit, then responding to what he said.

The author says: The critical question that needs to be answered here is, “how does God forgive us?”  Let’s answer this question in two ways.  First, how does God forgive us as Christians, His children, those born-again?  The answer is found in 1 John 1:9.  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  Is God willing to enter into full fellowship with us in our daily lives when we refuse to acknowledge our sins against Him?  According to this verse, the answer is no.  God’s forgiveness toward us in our walk with Him, those who are destined to spend eternity with Him, occurs only when we acknowledge our sins.  Until then, His sweet fellowship in our daily lives is withheld.

This paints of a picture of God, sitting up in heaven, arms crossed, pounting, and saying "well, I'm not going to forgive them unless they say they are sorry first. This is not the Christ I have read in the scripture. The God of the bible activity pursues his people. He doesn't wait for us, but rather, while we are still sinners, he came to us and offered his life for our forgiveness.

The author adds "Second, how does God forgive those who have never entered into a relationship with Him?" I also think the author misses the point when he says Gos is not willing to enter into fellowship with us unless we repent.  God greatly desires a relationship with us. The problem is we don't desire a relationship with him. God isn't with-holding his fellowship. Its we, the people, that refuse to enter into fellowship with him.

For example, let's say I have done something against you. I did something that caused you pain and has severed our relationship. We want nothing to do with each other.  Now somewhere down the road, something moves in your heart and you forgive me, but I am still mad and don't accept your forgiveness.  "I don't need your forgiveness! Why would you forgive me. I still hate you. " Even thought you have forgiven me, our relationship is still severed because I have not accepted your forgiveness.

This is very similar to how things are between God and us.  He has forgiven us, but we cannot be in fellowship unless we accept that forgiveness, repent of our own wrong behaviors (sins), and then our relationship is restored with God. It's not about our repentance. That's not what says us. Its us accepting the forgiveness that has already been offered to us.

I'm not saying we do not need to repent. But that is what comes after forgiveness. Not before. A couple of weeks ago I talked about the movie "Beyond the Gates of Splendor". What if Elizabeth Elliot and the other wives waited until the men of the tribe who murdered their husbands had repented? Sitting back and waiting for the other person to say sorry first is the way of the world. I don't believe it is the way of those following the cross.

Image at the top of the post came from lorashelley.com 

Driving around in a fog

Sunday morning I had to drive through the thickest fog I think I have ever seen. I couldn't see more then about three car lengths in front of me. It was really kind of odd. I knew where i was just because i drive to church so much I could do it my sleep, but it felt like i was somewhere else. Many of  house and buildings on the sides of the roads were missing . Shopping centers were out of sight. The water towers and office buildings had been swallowed in this thing fog as well. I imagined myself back in a time before cars, lost, but only a couple of hundred feet from shelter, but not knowing it. I really found it kind of cool. And I don't think I'll look at fog analogies in the same way again

Apostle to the Irish - The Real Saint Patrick

Lat year on St Patrick's Day this was Chuck Colson's Breakpoint. I thought I would share it with you all on the St Patrick's Day.

Oh - and Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

If you ask people who Saint Patrick was, you're likely to hear that he
was an Irishman who chased the snakes out of Ireland.

It may surprise you to learn that the real Saint Patrick was not
actually Irish-yet his robust faith changed the Emerald Isle forever.

Patrick was born in Roman Britain to a middle-class family in about A.D.
390. When Patrick was a teenager, marauding Irish raiders attacked his
home. Patrick was captured, taken to Ireland, and sold to an Irish king,
who put him to work as a shepherd.

In his excellent book, How the Irish Saved Civilization, Thomas Cahill
describes the life Patrick lived. Cahill writes, "The work of such
slave-shepherds was bitterly isolated, months at a time spent alone in
the hills."

Patrick had been raised in a Christian home, but he didn't really
believe in God. But now-hungry, lonely, frightened, and bitterly
cold-Patrick began seeking out a relationship with his Heavenly Father.
As he wrote in his Confessions, "I would pray constantly during the
daylight hours" and "the love of God . . . surrounded me more and more."

Six years after his capture, God spoke to Patrick in a dream, saying,
"Your hungers are rewarded. You are going home. Look-your ship is
ready."

What a startling command! If he obeyed, Patrick would become a fugitive
slave, constantly in danger of capture and punishment. But he did
obey-and God protected him. The young slave walked nearly two hundred
miles to the Irish coast. There he boarded a waiting ship and traveled
back to Britain and his family.

But, as you might expect, Patrick was a different person now, and the
restless young man could not settle back into his old life. Eventually,
Patrick recognized that God was calling him to enter a monastery. In
time, he was ordained as a priest, then as a bishop.

Finally-thirty years after God had led Patrick away from Ireland-he
called him back to the Emerald Isle as a missionary.

The Irish of the fifth century were a pagan, violent, and barbaric
people. Human sacrifice was commonplace. Patrick understood the danger
and wrote: "I am ready to be murdered, betrayed, enslaved-whatever may
come my way."

Cahill notes that Patrick's love for the Irish "shines through his
writings . . . He [worried] constantly for his people, not just for
their spiritual but for their physical welfare."

Through Patrick, God converted thousands. Cahill writes, "Only this
former slave had the right instincts to impart to the Irish a New Story,
one that made sense of all their old stories and brought them a peace
they had never known before." Because of Patrick, a warrior people "lay
down the swords of battle, flung away the knives of sacrifice, and cast
away the chains of slavery."

As it is with many Christian holidays, Saint Patrick's Day has lost much
of its original meaning. Instead of settling for parades, cardboard
leprechauns, and "the wearing of the green," we ought to recover our
Christian heritage, celebrate the great evangelist, and teach our kids
about this Christian hero.

Saint Patrick didn't chase the snakes out of Ireland, as many believe.
Instead, the Lord used him to bring into Ireland a sturdy faith in the
one true God-and to forever transform the Irish people.

Chuck Colson's Breakpoint: March 17, 2004

Tooting my own horn

I made it through 34 years in my life without ever being in the news. On January 16th an article ran in the Sunday Daily Herald in the Neighbor section that mostly interviewed my friend Rocio, but also featured a couple of quotes from me. I figured I would put it on here because it saves me from having to type out something longer on my own for a couple of days

Sidewalk salvation
Group finds field work the best way to spread Christian message
By Henry Stuttley Daily Herald Staff Writer

Armed with religious tracts, blankets and brown bags stuffed with
food, Rocia Rosas and other members of the Chicago Outreach Ministry
stroll through downtown Chicago.

As they pass the busy shoppers on State Street, they spot a homeless couple cuddling in the cold as they sleep on the corner.

A sign reading, "Just Plain Hungry," is propped up against them while several suitcases and a trash can sit behind.

Rosas, of Carol Stream, kneels and offers them sandwiches, potato chips, a thick blanket and socks.

Without hesitation, they accept.

After eating, Rosa prays with the couple.

"You don't have to stay out here," she says before calling several shelters to find refuge for them. "When you get back on your feet, always seek God first."

Rosas and other members of the Chicago Outreach Ministry believe they're called by God to travel outside of the church to spread their Christian message.

Members of the ministry, an evangelistic group, are parishioners of Harvest Bible Church in Rolling Meadows.

Once a month, Rosas, who is Chicago Outreach's discipleship coordinator, helps lead a group of volunteers that travels around the Chicago area.

The trips are as much a mission to spread Christianity as they are an attempt to help people.

Consisting of six to 20 people, the volunteers also pass out spiritual bracelets and questionnaires about religious beliefs.

They have set up prayer stations at O'Hare International Airport, Grant Park and Navy Pier, where they held their first outing in 2002.

Volunteer Patrick Gaffney of Naperville said it's a way of going outside the walls of the church rather than waiting for others to come to God.

"You can take it to people and not be offensive and in their face," he said. "If our faith is so important to us, it shouldn't be something hard to talk about."

Some reject their message.

But some have become Christians or renewed their faith in God, organizers say.

The one-on-one ministry is something many Christians embrace as the best way to spread the word.
Some talk about their faith at work, sporting events or even grocery stores.

Listening to people will make a difference, too, Gaffney said. But he doesn't believe God would want him to always be silent.

"If Christ is the most important person to you, you want to talk about him," he said.

Happy Ides Of March

Julius Caesar, Act I, Scene ii

SOOTHSAYER:  Beware the ides of March. CAESAR:  What man is that? BRUTUS:  A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March. CAESAR: Set him before me; let me see his face. CASSIUS: Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar. CAESAR: What say’st thou to me now? speak once again. SOOTHSAYER: Beware the ides of March. CAESAR:  He is a dreamer; let us leave him: pass