altizer.org

As I’ve talked about before in some of my blog posts, I’ve been taking computer programming classes that use the Java language. I’m starting my third class in a few days. In our last class, we started using GUI’s (graphical user interfaces), which most modern computer programs use. However, in early programming classes, we mostly use what is called “console” programs. Basically, these programs run from the command line (DOS). And, there are a few IDE’s (integrated development environments) that will run these programs in a command line type interface. I use jGRASP mostly, but I’ve also used NetBeans. Java programs don’t work like Windows programs, unless you spend some money on some software that will make Windows executables out of Java programs. However, I’ve found a way to get these prorgrams to run using the Java Web Start application. It took some time to figure out just how to do this, but I finally did! The following is a URL to a page that contains two links:

http://www.altizer.org/jars/java.html

I should mention that this was my second GUI program. Note that you will need the Java Web Start software installed on your machine. If you have the latest Java runtime environment, this software is already present. Also, please have some patience. It’s a somewhat cumbersome process the first time the program loads on a machine. After that, it becomes much faster due to the fact that the application gets cached on the users machine. The first link on the page will run the application (Statistics Calculator). The second link will take you to Sun Microsystem’s site for the Web Start download. All the directions are there for you to download and install the software. It takes some doing to make Java Web Start applications. First I have to make a .jar file out of the .class file which Java compiles from a .java file. Then there has to be a .jnlp (java network launch protocol) file made. After that, a link to the .jnlp file from a web page will initiate the process. I’m looking forward to making more of my projects available through this technology from the people at Sun Microsystems.

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that Jesus could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of Jesus.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to Jesus, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have Jesus remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with Jesus, praying only for knowledge of His Will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Jesus heard my cries those nights when I was so miserable I was ready to kill myself. I would say, “Jesus, please help me, no matter what it takes…” And, he did! I got up one morning with a mindset of repentence. I was ready to turn from my evil ways. Jesus was right there with me, carrying me the whole way. He began to open doors for me. He gave me an open bed at a treatment center. He gave me a place to stay at my mother’s while my wounds healed. Thirty years of hard core partying ended that day (30 May, 2003). My new life began.

I am living proof that Jesus is in the people healing business. He healed me. Nothing else could have. My life is far from even a glimpse of perfectionism, but I know that that Jesus looks out for me. He loves me. He wants me to do good. He wants me to have good things in life.

If you are reading this, and you are suffering from an addiction, please, try Jesus! Hold Him to His word! He is what He says He is! Jesus will set you free, just trust in Him and see.

(Rev 1:8) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

The final exam for my CMIS 141A class is due today. I finished it on Wednesday of last week. I spent about four days working on the twenty-one problems. I’m glad it’s over with. This class was my second computer programming class. I’ve learned a lot about the Java programming language, but I still have a long way to go. Programmers can spend years using a particular language, and never use all the various methods and interfaces. My next class, CMIS 241, will consist of learning about data structures and abstraction. I will be using a lot of the pre-built classes in Java. For one of the projects, I will have to create a program that is a calculator, much like the Windows calculator most people have on their PC’s. It will be a great challenge! I’m sure there will be several sleepless nights thrown into the equation.

After completing this course, I should be able to:
* build reusable software objects using Java classes
* use Java interfaces to build parameterized classes
* compare the sequential and linked implementations of various
data structures
* analyze the efficiency of searching and sorting algorithms and
other algorithms used to implement various data structures
* select the appropriate data structure—stacks, queues, and so
on—to solve a particular problem
* use the following data structures (not from the Java collection
classes)
o linked lists
o stacks and queues
o binary trees
o heaps
* write methods that use recursion
* use various techniques for traversing a binary tree
* use various sorting techniques
This is going to be interesting…

This is today’s word of the day (dictionary.com). Here are its meanings:
1. Of such fine texture as to allow light to pass through; translucent or transparent.
2. Vague; insubstantial.
O God I pray that my mind will be diaphanous, letting your light shine through.
(Joh 8:12)
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
(Isa 60:20)
Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.
(Isa 42:6)
I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
(Joh 1:9)
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Thank you Father for giving us the Light through Jesus Christ in this dark world.