Fathers and Sons

The following is one of my all-time favorite songs ever written. I tried to translated it, but I don't think I did a good job bringing the depth within the lyrics.



Pais e Filhos (Legiao Urbana)

Estátuas e cofres
Statues and safes
E paredes pintadas
And painted walls
Ninguém sabe
Nobody knows
O que aconteceu...
What happened...

Ela se jogou da janela
She jumped off the window
Do quinto andar
From the fifth floor
Nada é fácil de entender...
Nothing is easy to understand...

Dorme agora
Sleep now
Uuuhum!
É só o vento
It's just the wind
Lá fora...
Outside...

Quero colo!
Carry me!
Vou fugir de casa
I am going to run away from home
Posso dormir aqui
May I sleep here
Com vocês
With you
Estou com medo
I am scared
Tive um pesadelo
I had a nightmare
Só vou voltar
I will be back
Depois das três...
After 3 am

Meu filho vai ter
My son will have
Nome de santo
the name of a saint
Quero o nome
I want a name
Mais bonito...
That's the most beautiful...

É preciso amar as pessoas
We need to love people
Como se não houvesse amanhã
Like there was no tomorrow
Por que se você parar
Because if you stop
Prá pensar
To think about it
Na verdade não há...
There isn't...

Me diz, por que que o céu é azul
Tell me, why is the sky blue
Explica a grande fúria do mundo
Explain the great fury of the world
São meus filhos
My kids are the ones
Que tomam conta de mim...
Who take care of me....

Eu moro com a minha mãe
I live with my mom
Mas meu pai vem me visitar
But my dad stops by
Eu moro na rua
I live in the streets
Não tenho ninguém
Don't have anyone
Eu moro em qualquer lugar...
I live anywhere...

Já morei em tanta casa
I've lived in so many houses
Que nem me lembro mais
I don't remember anymore
Eu moro com os meus pais
I live with my parents
Huhuhuhu!...Oh! Oh!...


Sou uma gota d'água
I am a drop of water
Sou um grão de areia
I am a grain of sand
Você me diz que seus pais
You say that you parents
Não lhe entendem
Don't understand you
Mas você não entende seus pais...
But you don't understand your parents...

Você culpa seus pais por tudo
You blame your parentes for everything
E isso é absurdo
That's an absurd
São crianças como você
Children like you
O que você vai ser
What will you be
Quando você crescer?
When you grow up

In the name of the one

If violence and oppression are demonic, violence and oppression "in the name of Jesus" is far more so...

This tragic history [of the church] has to be considered one of Satan's greatest victories, and the demonic ironies abound. In the name of the one who taught us not to lord over others but rather to serve them (Matt 20:25-28), the church often lorded over others with a vengeance as ruthless as any version of the kingdom of the world ever has. In the name of the one who taught us to turn the other cheek, the church often cut off people's heads. In the name of the one who taught us how to love our enemies, the church often burned its enemies alive. In the name of the one who taught us to bless the one who persecute us, the church became a ruthless persecutor. In the name of the one who taught us to take up the cross, the church took out the sword and nailed others to the cross. Hence, in the name of winning the world for Jesus Christ, the church became the main obstacle to believing in Jesus Christ.

Pr. Greg Boyd. The Myth of a Christian Nation. pg 81

Mes

I have a me who wants to buy
Another me who wants to sell
Yet another who wants to give
A me who doesn't want to die
The me who wants to yell
And one who needs to forgive

With so many 'mes,' which me
Should I trust? Which me
Should I follow? Which me
Is really me?

I don't know.

Love over law

It is hard to communicate to a prostitute her unsurpassable worth by taking up a cross for her, serving her for years, gradually changing her on the inside, and slowly winning the trust to speak into her life (and letting her speak into our lives, for we too are sinners). Indeed, this kind of Calvary-like love requires one to die to self. It is much easier, and more gratifying, to assume a morally superior stance and feel good about doing our Christian duty and vote against the "sin of prostitution." Perhaps this explains why many evangelicals spend more time sacrificing fighting against certain sinners in the political arena than they do sacrificing for those sinners. But Jesus calls us and empower us to follow his example by taking the more difficult, less obvious, much slower, and more painful road -- the Calvary road. It is the road of self sacrificial love. -- Pr. Greg Boy. The Myth of a Christian Nation. pg 65

Catch you later, Larry!

This week, we lost a pioneer. Larry Norman went on home. He is credited by many as the father of 'Christian Rock,' and independent of how the connotation of 'Christian' is handled today, I believe that I was able to meet and fall in love with Christ in Brazil back in the 90s because of the work Larry began in the 60s and 70s. Thanks Larry. The day before his death, the following message from Larry was posted on his website:

I feel like a prize in a box of cracker jacks with God's hand reaching down to pick me up. I have been under medical care for months. My wounds are getting bigger. I have trouble breathing. I am ready to fly home. I won't be here much longer. I can't do anything about it. My heart is too weak. I want to say goodbye to everyone. In the past you have generously supported me with prayer and finance and we will probably still need financial help. My plan is to be buried in a simple pine box with some flowers inside. I'd like to push back the darkness with my bravest effort. There will be funeral information posted on my website, in case some of you want to attend. We are not sure of the date when I will die. Goodbye, farewell, we will meet again.

Currently reading...

1. The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Power is Destroying the Church
   
2. Michael Schumacher: The Whole Story
3. The Manga Bible: From Genesis To Revelation
4. Producing Open Source Software: How to Run a Successful Free Software Project

1. I've mentioned this book before, it is a fantastic read. I honestly think that every 'conservative-evangelical-American' should read this book. I don't necessarily think that everyone should agree, since most people that I know that fall under that category wouldn't, but it is a good 'thinking' book of what really means to call yourself a Christian.

2. I love F1, and I am a big Schumacher fan, and even though this book does bring up some interesting facts about the Michael, I find the manner in which was written extremely confusing to read and follow... but then again, I am not what you would call it a professional reader.

3. The Holy Bible as a Japanese-anime-like comic book (known as Manga). This work is fantastic! It is very accurate, the illustrations are cool (even though they are black & white), with references to the Bible passages, and they are told in chronological order (which even the Bible itself, isn't set up that way all the time). It is mostly an overview of the 'biggest' stories of the bible, but I would really love to see a more detailed version of it.

4. Interesting book, I am mostly reading it at work during lunch break or downtime. It's available for free (click on the link above to download).

Improving perception

A lot of times, well, most of the time, it's not our lives that suck. It is not our lives that are stressful. It's not our lives but how we perceive our lives. Two different people could go through similar situations in life, and one person will perceive that situation totally different than the other.

I've mention before that listening to music at work has made my day a bit 'brighter', 'more fun', 'less stressful,' yet the amount of crap I have to put up with hasn't changed... so life hasn't really changed... what has changed is me perception.

This week, I've added something new to my perception improvement exercise, I went to bed everyday between 10:30 and 11 PM. Going to bed early has made an incredible difference on how I perceive my day. This week has been one of the best week's I've perceived to have since moving to NC.

Maybe if I were to add some physical fitness work, with a better diet, maybe I could reach a new level of perception... which by the way reminds me, i haven't stopped eating meat... it didn't work. I suck, but you can still have a healthy balanced diet with meat on it... I actually have a friend whose mother is a nutritionist taking a look at some balanced diet for me... Let's see what happens.

You can have

Você pode ter a casa repleta de amigos
You can have a house full of friends
Paredes e pisos cobertos de bens
Walls and floors covered by stuff
Ter um carro do último tipo
You can have the lastest model car
E andar conforme der na cabeça
And walking around as you wish

Ou pode até ser um cara que vive apertado
Or you could be the type who is always short on cash
Até mesmo dentro de um lotação
Maybe even taking the bus
Curtindo assim mesmo num fim de semana
Still enjoying a weekend
A andar conforme der na cabeça
And walking around as you wish

Mas sempre será como folha no vento
But it will not always be like a leaf in the wind
Esperando o momento de cair
Waiting for the moment to fall
Você pode ter tudo aquilo que sonhar
You can have everything you dream of
Mas nunca terá a paz que existe lá dentro
But you will never have the peace inside
Que não se encontra pra poder comprar
That can't be found for sale
Porque essa paz só tem a pessoa
Because that peace only exists on the person
Que se encontra com Cristo
Who meets Christ

By Joao Alexandre

A sad description of 'Computer Science'

Name of Course: Computer Science
Credit: 1/2 Credit (one semester)

Description of Course:
The Computer Science class is an in-depth study of several of the programs in Microsoft Office and their integrated use. Completion of this course prepares the student for certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist. The class examines many features that work with graphics and text formatting in MSWord. In Excel, students create and use built-in formulas as well as several styles of spreadsheet charts. In MS Access, students learn database basics as well as the use of sorting, indexing and queries to access information quickly. With PowerPoint, students can create and enhance presentations using visual and audio features.

No wonder so many students drop out of computer science when they find out what it really is all about... This is a real description taken out from a real High School in the United States of America.

24 days until...

Formula 1 begins!!!!!!!!!!

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

**The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee**

*When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar He shook the jar lightly The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else---the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.'

The coffee just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

I got this at work from a friend.

Lousy 'Christian'

... the word Christian originally suggested one who follows and looks like Christ. By definition, therefore, the distinctive mark of a Christian is that one aspires to think, feel, and act like Christ. -- Greg Boyd on 'The Myth of a Christian Nation,' pg. 51

If that is truly the definition of a Christian (and I believe it is), it makes me feel less of one. I honestly don't deserve that title, that privilege, because for every 1 thing I may do in the name of Christ, I do another 100 things that He probably wouldn't approve.

Which leads me into the wonderful beauty of God's fantastic miraculous GRACE! And that humbles me to the point where I cannot express it in words anymore.

Sexual Beings

Yup, I am writing about it. What about it? Not sure. It's just something people don't talk about. Some may say it is taboo, others will say it is embarrassing, and it might, but just like breathing, eating and drinking it is something that the vast majority of human beings do, and most of us (men and women) have an urge for (some more than others).

Here is what I will say. I love to make love. There is nothing, (for better or worse), in this world that I'd rather do than make love to my wife. It is not just the sex itself (which is always good), but it is the intimacy, the comfort of being. I am not comfortable on my own skin in front of nobody (naked or not) in this planet except for my wife... not sure why, and I don't really care why.

To have sex with her, I'd do pretty much anything, there is no other priority (other than someone's life being in danger) that would take me away from being sexually intimate with my woman. I need it, somehow it keeps my life a bit less dysfunctional, much more fun, and I would even dare to say closer to something bigger than me.

There aren't many things in this 'reality' of ours that can produce (even if temporarily) such an euphoria, blinding ecstasy... something that I would dare calling 'supernatural.'

Sex is good, sex is great, and I love it, and I thank God for creating it.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's...

Dwight Howard wining the NBA 2008 Slam Dunk contest!

Saturday Fun

* Assassin's Creed for the Xbox 360 is a fun game.
* It's always nice to have friends over at the house.
* Staying up with my boys watching NBA All Stars Weekend is awesome.
* A new ipod to back up and carry music around.
* No more credit card debt!

Happy Valentine's Day

To my wife, Joanna:

For you see, each day I love you more
Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.
~Rosemonde Gerard

PS - I got a new article published on RHM today.

I need a week

I've made the decision that for at least 7 days, I am going to try not to eat any meat.

If you know me, that is possibly one of the hardest things I could possibly do, if you consider how much I love my meat, and how picky I am with food. There are some reasons behind this decision. Right now, all I am going to say is that I am trying to test my 'will power'.

14:43

Cold in the North
Hot in the South
Just right, here
At 14:43

Work to do
Email to read
Everything for a fee
At 14:43

A family to love
A life to live
A million places to see
At 14:43

A God to follow
A crowd to lead
All without me
At 14:43

A rhyme to write
An entry to post
Even if you disagree
At 14:43

Over 100 pages

This weekend, I read over 100 pages (combined) of the two books I am currently reading. I've reached a point (or at least seems like I've reached it) where TV and Internet can't keep me entertained anymore. There is nothing remotely interesting on TV to watch (w/ the exception of Lost, which has been interested in this new shortened season).

My internet routine is currently like this:

1. Glance at my RSS feeds from Google Reader.
2. Check my gmail account
3. Check my LU email
4. Check my DLP course
5. Check/Post Flickr
6. Check Facebook
7. Check CNN
8. Check Digg
9. Check O Globo
10. Read Pastor Ricardo Gondim's writings (if any)
11. Check Google Analytics
12. Check Google Adsense
13. Check Bank Account
14. Check/Write on my blog

Within that routine, I also check things on work, and chat with friends on IM Clients, at night there usually isn't anyone online to chat...

Maybe reading could turn out to be a habit, although it is very hard to teach new tricks to an old dog like me.

The Myth of a Christian Nation

That's the title of one of the books that I am currently reading. The book is written by Pastor Greg Boy, and contains a lot of things that I already believed, but a lot of 'in your face' things that I hadn't realized yet. Every American-evangelical-Christian should read this book.

"Laws, enforced by the sword, control behavior but cannot change hearts." pg. 18

"The kingdom of the world is centrally concerned with what people do; the kingdom of God is centrally concerned with how people are and what they can become. The kingdom of the world is characterized by judgment; the kingdom of God is characterized by outrageous, even scandalous, grace." pg. 32

I am sorry

This week, I was walking from the dealership to fast food restaurant to grab some breakfast when from the corner of my eye I saw a man fall down on the side, and he couldn't get it. Instead of going towards him and help him up, I kept going...

Gospel of Luke, chapter 10 verses 25-37.

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn in Jericho and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

I didn't, and for that I am truly sorry...

Luke.356...so.far....

Luke.356...so.far...., originally uploaded by afsilva.

I was bored tonight, these are the pictures of the 'Luke.365' project so far...

America:

One Nation, Over Weight, Over Budget.

Source: 37 Signals

Music to my ears

I brought some headphones to work today so I could listen to music while I deal with all the stuff I have to deal with everyday. It's amazing what a difference it makes. Today is possibly the best day I've had at work for the past month or two. Just because of the music!

The Lighthouse

Lost at sea
Alone on the waves
Distant from land
Seasick on the surface

Wet from the rain
Burnt from the sun
Cold from the wind
Hungry and tired

The silence is maddening
The blue is blinding
The white is comforting
The horizon is promising

At night, there is no rest
At light, there is no task

Where is the lighthouse?
Light to the path of salvation
Bright flash of hope
In the midst of nothing

Science, Technology, and Society

I am going back to school, kind of. If I ever get the chance, time, patience and money to get a PhD, this is the subject I would like to do it on.

So, I hope to start going through the *free* online course work soon, and proof something to myself I've always believed in. I didn't get an education just because of a piece of paper or the type of job it can get me.

A prayer

I don't know where to begin.
It seems we haven't talked in a while.
Like friends that move away, and grow apart
Placing the relationship in life-support via the phone,
And talking about the same superficial subjects
During every conversation: "How's the weather?"

I don't need fancy words to talk to You
I just need words and a will to open up

You've got to understand that I live in a time
Where distances have been minimized.
I can talk to someone across the world
I can get an education without leaving my bed
I can order food, clothes, and entertainment
Without having' to move

I want to be moved by You
I want to run towards Your arms
I want to go to Your house everyday
I want proximity

But, I know that I am not moving
I need You to come and knock on my door
Call out my name, so I know without a doubt
That You miss me, I already know you love me

Come, and tell me what is right
Yell at me when I do wrong
I can't learn if everything I do
Has already been 'forgiven and forgotten'

Remind me of my doings, so I can do
What is right over and over again
And what is wrong I can be ashamed
And hopefully learn my lesson.

I'd rather have tough love
Than feel like this.
A feeling that everything is relative
And it is up to my understanding of reality
To decide what is right or wrong

Come, ring the doorbell.
Walk into my heart unannounced.
Rearrange my furniture.
Take away my possessions,
So, I can focus on our friendship.

I miss You, and I hope You can still hear me.

Eee PC

Eee PC, originally uploaded by afsilva.

I'm caught in the middle

You've been workin' hard
Tryin' to make your life appealing
You've got no regard
You don't know what the hell you're feeling

You've got everything, live like a kink
But how will you live tomorrow?

You're caught in the middle
And you don't know where to go
Turn it around, come back to the ground
Before you break and lose control

Are you here at all
Or are you at the point of no return
You've got to make a call
You've got to make a choice before you get burned

You've got what it takes, make no mistakes
Don't live your life in sorrow

Friday, at last!

I've been so busy this week that I haven't had time to write at all during the day, and at home I've either been busy helping, playing or work working as well. The truth is that I haven't been feeling very thoughtful recently.

It's quite amazing how my everyday 'business' can get in the way of thoughtfulness. Some may say that is a good thing. It keeps us away from thinking about 'evil' things... at the same time, there's gotta be some times to think about 'good' things.