Today is Memorial Day. Today we remember the Americans throughout history who have given their lives so that we may remain free. May their courage and sacrifice never be forgotten.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 4:19 PM  I   I  0 comments

"I like the night. Without the dark, we'd never see the stars."
- Stephenie Meyer

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:20 AM  I   I  0 comments

After a mechanical delay on Saturday, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was successfully launched into space early yesterday from Cape Canaveral in Florida. The commercial-built Dragon capsule is now in orbit, and bound for the International Space Station. Part of the payload includes the partial remains of Star Trek’s original Scotty, James Doohan. He passed away in 2005.

The payload carrying Doohan's remains separated from the main launch vehicle, and will remain in Earth orbit for a year after which it will fall back to Earth and burn up in re-entry.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:14 AM  I   I  0 comments

I went to a family funeral yesterday (Thursday). It was a Christian funeral for a beautiful young eighteen-year-old girl on my wife's side of the family, who passed away last week after a long battle with a rare blood disease. As I sat there listening to the moving poems and tributes, I got to thinking.... I wonder what people will say about me at my funeral?

Have I left as much of an impact upon those around me as this girl has among her family, friends and high school classmates? Have I enriched other's lives as deeply as she did? What would I be remembered for?

I know death may seem sad for most of you, especially those who do not share the same faith as I. But, if I have any say in the funeral plans when I pass away, I don't want there to be any sad songs. I would want there to be laughter at the silly, crazy, and entertaining things I did in life. Stories of my geekiness, my passion for making other people smile. My love for telling stories. My joy and fascination for the natural beauty in the world around us -- the things most people fail to stop and explore. Happy music with a good beat. Warm apple pie with ice cream. Lilacs. More smiles than tears.

Personally, I believe in Heaven -- eternal life with my loving Savior, Jesus Christ. Death is not the end, but a new and perfect beginning. I would want everyone present to focus on the joy of that knowledge, rather than the sadness of my passing.

I don't feel ready to go to Heaven yet; there is much I can still do here in life. But when my Earthly walk is over, I don't want it to have been in vain. And I don't want those who love me to focus on the tears. When I do go Home, it will be a happy occassion. And I want everyone present to share in that joy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 12:53 AM  I   I  0 comments

Well, it would appear that my love of blogging went on vacation for the entire month of April. I can't say I'm particularly happy with that fact. Or proud of it. But, I can say, great things are happening in my corner of the world lately, and THEY have had the honor of sucking me in. So, now that I've spent a month basking in the light of awesome opportunities, let's see if we can get back to the joy of blogging as well.

Who's with me? Who's reading? Still following my life's adventures and observations?

If not.... then come join me. Stick around. It's a lot of fun!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:57 PM  I   I  0 comments