The Thoughts of a Lazy Writer

New Addition to The Family

2010-10-07T00:24:00.001-05:00

It was eight years ago this past August that we purchased our first Dell computer. Since that time it has been under attack from viruses, hijacked, twice in one week, no less, and used without virus protection. But never once did it fail . . . with one exception: a lightening strike took out the network card.

But, times being what they are and the computer not performing as would be liked, it was time for a new addition to the family. I researched Dells and Asus computers. I like the Asus but when we were ready to buy the model we want was off the shelf and the deal that we liked a week before was gone. When we looked at what else was available we found this Dell. Six gig of RAM, 750 Gig hard drive and a flat screen monitor. It has Windows 7 and so far I really like it. It really flies.

I am not foolish enough to say the RAM or the hard drive is enough forever but for now it will do quite nicely.

Well, enough about our new addition. It’s a fun toy and a good tool but that’s about all I can say and keep your interest.

Good bye and good night.

Unexpected Prose – June 21, 2010

2010-06-21T23:31:00.001-05:00

Words slowly come to life across the page. One by one the letters form the familiar patterns that become words. With each word the sweet song of sleep melts into my mind slowing the action of the keyboard.

Dreams await but whether they be good or bad is not for to say now but only for me to step boldly toward their horizon.

I sometimes wonder what dreams are for? They have shown future events to some and because of these others either fear dreams or become slaves to their perceived meanings.

I seek the adventure they hold. I have been frustrated in their incompleteness and saddened by their endings but never have I sought their council.

In the council of dreams, though, does lie the foundation for fantasy and in that regard I seek them the more eagerly.

Words are slowing, the morning draws closer, if only by minutes, but my mind quests on for better words and grander stories. Tomorrow will begin a new story. What will God write upon the parchment of the brand new day? Time will tell and adventure awaits!

To God be the glory! Great things He has done! Grace so amazing and mercies new await the morning.

Less Rnat, More Encouragement – June 17, 2010

2010-06-17T22:32:00.001-05:00

In an earlier post I ranted for a long time. Though I tried to leave on a godly note I felt I needed to make another post regarding real hope.

First, the basis of this hope:

Jesus died for sins and rose again the third day.

(This is the good news in ten words. That's all it takes. God does the rest.)

But did you know that that is not the end of the story?

For one thing the same power that raised Jesus from the dead now resides in those who believe! Why? To help us to learn more of God and how we should live and to aid us in the tasks that god has set for each one of us...all for His glory!

For another, God did not give us this gift and then let us maintain it, oh no! He knows that we are like dust and at the first opportunity we would turn tail and run the other direction. We are natural born sinners and even as Christians we tend to waiver toward wrong.

No, God loves us too much to let us protect His precious gift of salvation. It cost Him too much!

So not only does the Holy Spirit live in us to help us understand and be our strength, but He is God's deposit that guarantees the things He has promised! We are sealed by God Himself and cannot lose our salvation. It's as though God has taken the salvation He gave to us, put it in a heavenly Ball canning jar, sealed the lid, and put it in His secure vault until the time is right and we are face to face with our Creator and God! What a day that will be!

Yes, we can choose to sin and often times we do, but God gives more grace. This is not a license to sin, but an opportunity to live for God, by His enablement.

We are saved by His grace, empowered by His Spirit, and sealed by the same Spirit guaranteeing our inheritance. What an incredible God we serve!

Thinking About Tomorrow and Ranting A Little – June 17, 2010

2010-06-17T20:20:00.001-05:00

I've been thinking about tomorrow. Not Friday but the future. Up until a few years ago I did not pay much attention to politics, in fact, there were years that I didn't vote. This was not so much because I believed it was not worthwhile but that there were no candidates I liked.

I need to mention that if you have this same mentality, to not vote for one reason or another, you do not have a voice for complaint, or the right. Voting is where we voice our opinions. Voting is the one mechanism Christians have to make change in government. Our government has been setup by God for His purposes. We have a legal means to make changes and voting is that means.

Another area I've not had a solid grasp on is my party affiliation. I have always voted Republican and usually straight party. I really did not know why I voted Republican but I did. I have to admit that there was a time, a short time, that I thought the Democratic Party was the devil's own. I think much differently now. There is no party or form of government that will bring the peace we seek in our lives until Jesus Christ returns and begins His reign. Period. There are good and bad on both sides of the aisle.

Now I weigh the people and cast my vote based on who has the best ideas for the people and not simply power for themselves. This has led me to vote for some Democrats. But my heart belongs to the ideals of the Republican Party. Less government is much better, less government spending is much better, fewer social programs, and a strong military. But, I will reiterate, those who have the best ideas get my vote.

As for me, the current administration is out of control and needs to be removed come November. Not one of their high priced ideas has benefited the common people and will be much more damaging to future generations as the cost of their socialistic programs continues to rise and they're not done yet! I wonder where they think the money comes from?

Let's look at healthcare. Having worked in a hospital environment it's not legal for them to turn away anyone, regardless of income, today. People can see the doctor if they need to see the doctor. Perhaps they would not come in for some of the frivolous things we who have private insurance do but they still have access. No one is stopping them.

Another thing that troubles me is this administration's push for environmental Cap and Trade. Global warming is a dead duck, never was more than a political puppet and yet our leaders are trying to push into legislation environmental things that will only damage the people further.

One thing that is clear is this administration's desire to "spread the wealth." Number one this is not a biblical practice. In Acts we see people selling property to help a needy family or person but this was in no way "spreading the wealth." This was a means of saying, "I have extra and you need help. Let me help you." Helping people is what God wants us to do but His word is very clear, "If a man won't work he shouldn't eat." Look in the book of Proverbs. It is littered with sayings about the lazy and the diligent. The lazy will suffer want and the diligent will prosper. Where is "spreading the wealth" a good thing? Communism should have showed us that it doesn't work. How is it fair for perfectly healthy humans to sit around while other hard working Americans pay their way? It's not! The wealthy have earned their way (for the most part, not all). Take Bill gates as an example. He earned his money by ingenuity and hard, diligent work. There are perfectly healthy families who have been on welfare for years and years. That is not right!

Everyone needs a helping hand at times and that is perfectly fine, just don't make hands out your career choice. And don't take what a hard working American has earned to turn around and give it to the lazy. That is wrong in every way.

Look what the socialistic mindset has done to Europe. The European Union is failing -- fast. The scary thing is that right now the United States debt to GNP is worse than the failing European nations. How much longer can this stand?

This is not a Republican vs. Democrat problem. In fact, we need to be working as a team. The problem is that we have an elitist administration that refuses to listen to those who put them there. We are on the fast track to becoming a socialist, failing nation. It's not for me to say but I've watched dominos take longer to fall than the countries around the world seem to be falling due to money issues stemming from socialistic governments.

Until we have the hindsight of history we cannot tell what will happen for certain; however, with all the money problems the world is facing, it is not farfetched for a one-world monetary system to be established. Once the money is all one, it's a small step to a small group of people controlling it, and another small step for one person to step and take control. Control the money and you control the world. There's talk out there...

Back to God. He has setup our current government for a purpose. It does not matter what that reason is, He set it up. Not only did He put it in place, He has instructed us to be praying for our leaders. We do not have to like or respect them but we must pray for them. This can be hard but it is not a choice for Christians. We must lift our leaders up to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Let's be praying, fervently for our leaders...

Obviously this is all speculation on my part and an opportunity to rant a bit, but the truth is that God is in control and as believers our reward is before us. All because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. It's time to look to our Maker and Redeemer and lift up our leaders. It's time to stop whining about "who's in charge" and vote! Voting: Our legal, Christ-like revolution of change.

The Sweetness of Failure – June 1, 2010

2010-06-01T21:30:00.001-05:00

Col. 3:17--And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Emphasis mine)

Everybody falls sometimes. The bitterness of our failure fills our souls until our lives seem to be made of ash. Our weaknesses become a stench in our nostrils. Finding peace after the fall, even when we've delivered our stains to the Lord for His amazing cleansing, is not always automatic, but I have found that when the darkness seems to be the deepest, God sends light from unexpected places that revives my heart and mind!

One of these unexpected places that God works from is music. There is a Christian band that is having an incredible impact on my life and God used them this past weekend to bring peace to my stained soul.

The band that has been having this huge impact on me is Kutless. One of their songs, "What Faith Can Do" is rolling even as I write this, tears threaten to stain my cheeks as I listen and hear God's grace in every note sung. It's a powerful song sung with a powerful voice. In fact, I've listened to it several times today. This song moved me to tears the first time I listened to it; it held everything I needed at that moment!

The lead singer of Kutless is, Jon Micah Sumrall. He has been gifted with a powerful voice and a direct line to God's heart when it comes to lyrics. The band leans toward a more rocky sound but ballads such as "What Faith Can Do" slow the pace for a real washing of peace.

But even their more upbeat tunes are tastefully engineered so that the words and God's power are not lost in the instruments. (Though I am of a mindset that instrumentals can and do glorify God, but if the instruments are too loud then you might as well not sing the songs. Kutless's words are worth listening too.)

Here is the link in case you would like to listen to this song.

http://www.kutless.com/

Click on the song title in the upper right hand corner and listen to the words. Take time to listen to it two or three times and let the words penetrate your heart and mind. Hear what God, through faith, can and will do in your life. Past failures, whether from sin or from taking a chance and failing, will be washed away in the light of God's great love and compassion for you.

There are a lot of wonderful brothers and sisters singing encouragement from God's to our hearts but there are only a small number of these singers who have impacted my life. This is not to knock them but simply to say that God has used these special groups, like Kutless, in a way that encourages me like no others can. I would guess that there are groups that do the same for you and if we compared our lists we would find that they are not the same from beginning to end. There may be some names on our lists that would match but our lists would, in general, be different. That is the wonder of God's diversity and one reason why we have such a wide range of sounds and styles. God has created each of us uniquely and the things that He uses to encourage us are different too.

I am awed to know that God loves me so much that even when I shake my fist at Him and run my own direction He waits for me to return. He doesn't accuse, He just waits for me to agree with Him that I have sinned. This is confession. When I do this our fellowship is restored and His sweetness fills my heart again. If worship is defined as "A heart response to a reveled God" then I am worshiping right now!

Like Jesus from the grave, God raises us up to stand above the ashes and bitterness of our failures and shine with His light, reflecting His glory in all that we do.

Rejoice and be glad that God has called us to live for Him!

Dissecting Insanity – Apr. 20, 2010

2010-04-20T22:21:00.001-05:00

"But My child be warned: There is no end of opinions ready to be expressed. Studying them can go on forever and become very exhausting. Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey His commands for this is the duty of every person..." Ecclesiastes 12: 12-13 (NLT)

Many of you may know that for the past eight weeks I've been on a diet. It has been productive and I have lost a good amount of weight in that time. This particular diet plan is a low carb plan. I won't go into details but just so you understand where I'm coming from. It has worked for me and that's a nice thing. I found the plan on the internet and though I don't jump on every cool sounding thing I find on the internet, this one caught my attention and so, by god's enablement and my wife's tender care, I started it.

Since that time, out of curiosity and by reading the comments readers leave on the articles, I've read a number of interesting sounding diet plans....None of them agree on any point! One says, "Protein-only is the way to go!" Another says, "You have to count calories!" Another proclaims, "Reduce your carb intake!" And yet another says, "If you want to lose weight you must eat cabbage soup only for twenty-three years!" (Yummy! I was tempted to try this one for sure!) Who do you believe? Each plan has a list of success stories and some are better sounding than others. (I'm still searching for the elusive chocolate-only diet. If anyone finds it please send me the link! I know I could follow that plan!)

And then there are cars. Everybody has a car expert in the family or at least close at hand, and most of those folks have strong opinions regarding which make\model to buy. Some will tout the virtues of Ford while spitting in disgust at the mere mention of GMC. Or some sing the praises of Dodge and swear that if you buy a Ford it will fall apart before you leave the lot! And don't get them started on the foreign jobbies. What's a person to do? Maybe by a bicycle; SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT! Now, which bike to buy...Huffy-They're kind of for kids. Then there's Schwinn...How about a European model? Then there's...

And the ever popular subject of politics. You have not seen something divide a group like politics. (Perhaps...religion, but you know how I feel about that word...) The democrats are "big government", the republicans are "pro big business". This group panders to the communists, and this one to the ice cream makers. It is maddening! How do you decide? Just when you think you've got the correct party one of its top members admits to being gay, or to having an affair, or that he prefers Dairy Queen over Cold Stone. (How absurd that is! No way he's getting my vote!) And with each new candidate comes the heart-stopping campaign slogans. "Change and Hope!" "NO NEW TAXES!" "Hope for tomorrow's future the day before yesterday!" I know...that last one is a really good one! Maybe I should run for president.

The pattern begins to emerge. Ask ten people about any given subject and you can expect ten different opinions. It's no wonder that we suffer from so many psychological maladies. This great country we live in offers so many options that no one of us knows all the choices. We have to decide what to eat and what two sides we'd like with it. Do we want to super-size our meal today? The options that we could possibly add to our new vehicle, once we decide which vehicle that is, are astounding. CD player, MP3, DVD player for those long trips with the kids, anti-lock brakes, four-wheel drive, the list goes on and on. If you can imagine it you can add it...for a price of course.

Manufacturers have zeroed in on this concept and offer "accessories" to make your purchase more user-friendly or more convenient to carry. And the more we buy into these things, the more cluttered our lives become. And the more cluttered our lives become the more complex. With complexity comes frustration and confusion. And when these have run their course we find our minds have turned to mush and once an hour a friendly man in white scrubs comes to our padded room to give us the drugs that help us to cope with the insanity that we have immersed ourselves in. In a strange way there is peace.

But...there is an easier answer a better answer and Solomon 3500 years earlier had it right. He made trial of all that we've discussed with equivalents of his day and discovered that they did not hold any more satisfaction than we find today. He even discovered despair. He found nothing that held any lasting meaning or significance, except one thing.

After summing up all his thoughts his conclusion was that life is tough and can be big, hairy, and ugly but if a person focuses their attention on God and obeys His commandments that person will find peace and contentment even in the whirlwind of this life.

I would like to inject one personal thought: God has always desired a relationship with you. He won't force Himself on you and He won't shout and scream to get your attention. Slow down. There is nothing more important than to start your day with a time of quiet before the Giver of Life, the Creator, our Enabler: God Almighty. He desires to spend time with you. Think about that statement for one moment. HE DESIRES TO SPEND TIME WITH YOU. Can you think of anything more amazing than that truth? The time is never spent in vain. You will be strengthened, encouraged, invigorated, revitalized, and loved. Isn't what God has done for you worth a few minutes of your busy day? Try it. You will find the value beyond anything a few extra minutes of sleep could ever provide.

Horsepower Satisfaction, Filling The Void, Pt. 2 –Apr. 18, 2010

2010-04-18T15:00:00.001-05:00

I wrote in yesterday's post that we can find great satisfaction in hard work. As I mused on this topic throughout the day I realized there is a flaw. Not in God's design but in we humans.

We were created with a hole in our hearts that demands to be filled. This hole has an odd shape to it, this hole is God shaped. If we fill it with the right "stuff", with God himself, we find contentment and satisfaction even here on earth. But a need arises within that drives us to fill this hole, while the hole remains empty we feel incomplete. However, as we attempt to fill it with the things of this world, material possessions, adventure, even good deeds, we soon realize that the more we shovel into the emptiness, the less full it gets. It's really paradoxical until you understand why these things can't satisfy.

This paradox comes from the design of the hole itself. The hole rejects anything that does not belong and so leaves us the impression that the more we try to fill it with wrong things, the emptier we feel.

When we look around this world and see successful people like Tiger Woods, and hear how dedicated he is to his sport: The long hours or training, his focus, his very heart is the game of golf. The results speak for themselves: He is one of the most recognizable figures in sports today and one of the all-time most successful players in the game. Even with all that, plus a beautiful family, one would think all of this would fill many holes, but as we've seen, it was not enough and in his attempt to fill the void he traversed paths that proved that even with all he had acquired it could not fill the emptiness in his heart. It was all the wrong "stuff".

We see this in everyone who by the world's standards are considered great. A flame of desire burns in their souls and drives them to go further and climb higher. It takes courage and discipline to travel the path of greatness but in all their devotion, once they attain to the "speed of business" as the advertisements for UPS say, stopping becomes the terror, because if they stop they might fall, and to fall from the glorious heights would be nothing short of disaster. If, however, they were not too terrified to stop and exam their lives, they'd find themselves looking into an infinite hole of vaporous nothing. All their accomplishments would be like steam and as they try to grasp and cling, it vanishes before their eyes like a dearly loved one's ghost that we long to hold onto in our dreams. And like our dreams, we're left with nothing, just like those who attempt to fill the void with the things of this earth. For you see, everything we throw into the hole in our futile attempt to find contentment and satisfaction, is mist. Only God can fill the hole all the way to satisfaction and contentment.

Work, hard, dedicated work, does provide us all with a sense of satisfaction, and God commends this to our lives but...when work (or anything else) is our means to fill the ever present emptiness, it becomes like a mirage of water in the dry and thirsty land of our souls.

When God is the "stuff" of our emptiness, then our souls are revived by the living water that can only be given by Him. Our shriveled souls are revived and then, and only then, does the work we do truly satisfy.

Where are you finding satisfaction today? Even long time believers can fall into the trap of worldly thinking and find their souls dehydrated. Turning back to God and allowing his healing streams of life to flow into our hearts will once again imbue us with refreshing life.

Unexpected Understanding -- Apr. 17, 2010

2010-04-17T08:58:00.001-05:00

Since starting my “diet” I’ve lost 23 pounds. I feel great and I have more energy than I ever had but since my hobbies and work are both sedentary activites sometimes I feel close to bursting. It is wonderful! (I need to get a bicycle!)

Each day for the past week, I’ve gone to bed around 11:00 and awakened before my alarm, refreshed and ready to go. My heart sings to the Lord even as the birds outside my window lift their voices in praise to their Creator for the day He has granted them. My mind, body, and emotions all seem to be on the same track.

This morning was just little different. I woke up early, feeling the blessed energy flowing in my viens and my mind was tracking the list I have to accomplish today but something was not quite right. I couldn’t quite put my finger on the problem. Then it struck me. My emotions seemed a bit...oppressed for some reason; melancholy is a better term. I was melancholy today. My body and mind were still raring to go but my emotions were lagging behind like a child not wanting to go into the doctor’s office and with a stubborn pout refuses to walk in the door behind mom. I’m thinking about “calling in sick” today and just being lazy...

For me melancholy is not unusual. I’ve gone through days and even weeks where this malady kept me pinned down but it has not happened since I started my diet so it's throwing off my groove this morning. It’s not all bad though. Melancholy often helps settle the craziness in my head (usually self-induced. See my previous blog) and helps me focus more. So I don’t despise these times but they do tend to draw away some of the energy I have, which leaves me a little drained.

Since I will be co-teaching the book of Ecclesiastes this fall I’ve started reading in preparation for the class. I think it is the one book in the Bible that nails down exactly how life is for us, to use a cliché: It's where the rubber meets the road. Don’t get me wrong, there is something for this life and beyond in all of the books of the Bible but Ecclesiastes for some reason feels more "down to earth", so to speak.

As you begin to read it you will see your life laid out before you, raw and unadltrated. No punches are pulled and it makes one squirm a bit because there seems to be a hint of materialism in the words. Materialism tells us that since we are all made of the stuff of the universe that not only are we no off better than animals but there is no real purpose in our lives.

Solomon appears to be taking us dangerously close to this edge of meaninglessness. But, in reality, what he is telling us is that our deeds, in and of themselves, without God, are meaningless because once we die, whatever we obtained in this life will be gone along with the hopes and dreams we held in our hearts.

Solomon spent his life devoted to determining what it is that is good for us to do all the days of our lives. What he discovered is that there is nothing better than for us work hard and play hard. There are times in all of our lives that cause us pain and sorrow but we also have times when there is happiness. God wants us to do our best in all the things we do.

I’ve discovered in my own life that when I work heard, really put my heart into what I’m doing, the reward is a deep sense of satisfaction, a feel of contentment. When I slack off and cut corners because I do not want to be doing whatever it is I am doing, I feel a sense of guilt and loss. Oddly enough, for me when I do my tasks with all my heart my play time is much more satisfying as well. Maybe this is because if I’m being lazy and then try to have fun I feel guilty as though I haven’t done anything to deserve the fun. It has started to become circular logic for me—Work hard and gain satisfaction. Work hard and play time is more satisfying. Work hard and be satisfied. Work hard and play time becomes so much better. This makes me want to work harder not only so that play time is more enjoyable but because the sense of satisfaction is rather euphoric. So by working to my utmost abilities, I actually enhance my life! What a concept!

God has ordained that we work and play hard. The satisfaction we get from doing our best makes the things we do worthwhile. Not only this but God desires the best from us and when we do our best we also honor God and that is true satisfaction.

I think God has made me to live in melancholy once in a while to help ground me in reality and I do not despise it and at times, I even embrace it. Melancholy was my friend today. God used it to help me to see some truths that had been eluding me or that, perhaps, I chose to ignore.

We have a choice and a chance each and every day. 1) Rejoice just because God has given you another day. 2) Whatever tasks are before you today engage them with your whole heart. You will please God and you will find that the satisfaction of doing your best makes the whole thing worth your while. 3) Take time to play, to enjoy the lighter side of life, but put your whole heart into that as well, don’t be afraid, God has ordained both, just give your all.

Good bye for now, Melancholy. I know you better now than I did in before. I don’t always welcome you but I do recognize your purpose in my life.

I'm afraidn that I won't be "calling in sick" today. My God deserves to be glorified! Look out day, here I come in all of God's power! HA! HA! HA!

May I please you in all that I do and say and think today, my Father...

Expounding On Two R’s – Apr. 15, 2010

2010-04-15T21:18:00.001-05:00

Two words come to mind at this time, each one holds great power and influence but each one is moving in the opposite direction of the other. One, in an attempt to get to God, drives me away from God; the other draws me to God.

One word speaks and emptiness fills the abyss--the void that drains life and withers vitality. The other word speaks of hope, an assured certainty of life, true life, abundant life.

One word speaks in lofty, arrogant tones; the other is the language of humility and meekness.

The first promises serpentine bondage and burdens beyond strength; the later speaks of freedom and service from a grateful heart.

One word deals with work, effort, and self-esteem, the other speaks of trust, rest, and truth.

The one word I grow to despise daily because it is full of treachery and false hope.

The other word burns brighter as I take time to listen.

The first word wounds mercilessly, reminding moment by moment of guilt. The first word offers no freedom from this awful, heavy load that the heart must bear because the first word offers no hope, only desperation and oppressive futility.

The second word breaths healing to a bruised heart and a lowly, weary soul. The heart heavy with burdens is freed when this word is taken and nurtured. Unlike the first word, this word brings a soul rest and forgiveness, a cleansing of the heart.

The wake of the first word leaves the stench of death while the drawing of the second word, the sweet aroma of love and security.

It's time for the reveal. Don't be surprised if the first word conjures images of beauty and happiness, it's only a delusion, a white washed tomb, as Jesus so aptly described it. The external trappings are beautiful but within you will find corruption and death...The path of this first word leads right to the gates of Hell. The word: Religion. Does this surprise you? Not me, because within the sacred teachings of God's word there is no room for religion. You may be wondering if I've lost my mind but I haven't, I merely point to the truth of scripture.

The answer is quite simple if you have a grasp of who God is and how He operates. God wants us to trust Him. Nowhere in the Bible will you see man pleasing God except in acts of faith, where people step out for God by trusting that He will enable them to perform the task, not relying on their own prowess to accomplish their God-given task.

Religion is man's attempt to get to God. These attempts are in the form of, but not limited to, self-proclaimed penances, good deeds, or giving. None of these things are bad and in fact, are commendable in God's eyes as long as they are not used as the medium in which a person tries to win merit with God, for that is not possible.

The other word, the second word, is: Relationship. It can be confusing because they both begin with the letter 'r' but they are two different words, through and through.

Where religion is man's attempt to attain God's favor, relationship is God's attempt to win His beloved creation. God's desire is to live in relationship with us. Throughout history His word shows us the various ways He uses to draw us closer to Him. In these later days He goes so far as to take up residence within us. God actually residing in our hearts! What a grand privilege! You can't get any closer than that when you are developing a relationship.

Relationships are usually a give and take matter. If you really work from the abundance of love, then each person is giving all they have to that relationship. When you are so busy giving it makes it difficult to find time to take; each person exerting the greatest effort to fulfill the needs of the other.

God does not need anything from us, His reason for beginning the relationship with us is that He desires to be in relationship with us because He loves us.

Relationship also takes effort. Since in our state of sin we had no interest in a relationship with God He took the initiative and came to us. Not only did He give up His rights and His throne, He gave up His life to free us from that bondage that sin held us to.

Spending time together, getting to know one another. The wonderful thing about us is that even if we lead a simple life we are so complex that it takes a lifetime to get to know one another and even then we can't learn all there is to know. God is even more so. When we've studied Him for an eternity there still will be more to know. And more after that, and more after that!

Religion is man's futile attempt to win favor with God. Its question is: "What can I do for God? Relationship, on the other hand, asks: "How could God ever accept me for all the wrong I've done?" God answers both of these questions. To the first He says, "'All your righteous deeds are as filthy rags...'" And, "Depart from Me you evil doers, for I never knew you." To the second question His answer is: "I loved the world so much I gave My one and only Son. When you place your trust in Him I will rescue you from your sins and come and live with you." And he also said, "It is finished."

Religion is wasted effort, relationship is heaven sent. Relationship is a gift to us purchased at great cost to God our Father. In essence, religion is man telling God that the overwhelming price He paid was not adequate and we are going to help Him to save the souls of man. Relationship, on the other hand, tells us that what God did was enough and now the deeds we do are in thanksgiving for what He did for us.

Where do you stand? Whose court are you in? Are you attempting to win God's favor or are you resting in the knowledge that God's work is more than enough to win favor for us? There is no middle ground. If you are not trusting God alone then you are "religious", futilely attempting to win merit with God. Jesus is the only one who can and has won merit with God. Place your trust in Him and your ever-life is guaranteed.

Thinking time...

Random Variations on The Theory of Evolution – Apr. 14, 2010

2010-04-14T19:49:00.001-05:00

"Information habitually arises from conscious activity."

-Henry Quastler

I'm becoming more and more interested in the whole Evolution vs. Intelligent Design ID) debate. One the one hand you have the proponents of Evolutionary Theory. They seem to be stepping up boldly and proclaiming that the debate is over and evolution wins; Hands down, no arguments. http://www.discovery.org/a/13391

One question I have is why are their own people defecting to the ID side? Take prominent British Philosopher, repudiated his life-long adherence to atheism based in part of the evidence of intelligent design. http://www.discovery.org/a/3059

One sign I like to look for in an individual is their willingness to learn, to set aside preconceived notions and listen to what someone else has to say. I love doing this myself. Sometimes it hurts my feelings when a long held belief or "fact" is soundly countermanded but if it is true I learn to accept it. I'm not afraid to listen to other points of view. Staunch Evolutionists do not fit in the category of "willing to learn". I wonder what they are afraid of. If they have the answers why not face the world and once and for all dispel the "myth" of Intelligent Design? I would theorize that the reason they don't is because they can't.

Contrary to this are the staunch evolutionists who refuse to even debate. The scientists who back ID are relegated to posting their defense of ID on blog sites whereas the Evolutionists have full might of the media at their disposal. It is arrogance plain and simple. (I wonder from what arrogance evolved? I would guess from some form of grasshopper...Maybe Cro-Magnon-Hopper) In their arrogance they claim Evolution to be the "true" science but science by its very definition should be open to study and correction when necessary and not an immovable stubbornness that refuses to look at all the evidence.

Others are so determined to avoid the truth they flatly deny any attempt at debate. Such is the case with Dr. Richard Dawkins when Dr. Stephan Meyer challenged him to a debate in evolution vs. ID. His representatives told Dr. Meyer that Dr. Dawkins does not debate with Creationists. This is nothing more than fear, fear of facing the truth, because unlike the proponents of Evolutionary theory claim, Intelligent Design is theology but a methodical observation and study of life and its origins. http://www.discovery.org/a/13011

True science, true scientists would not be fearful of looking at all the evidence and adjusting their theories based on what they observed. So what does this say about our staunch Evolutionists friends?

The more the evidence points to intelligent design the more the proponents of evolution close their eyes and plug their ears.

Pride and fear come together and form a barrier to truth. Though intelligent design is based on scientific research and observation, taking the next step and finding God and discovering that He is holding us responsible is what lies at the very heart of our evolutionary friends' minds.

An Aside For Randomness – Apr. 13, 2010

2010-04-13T20:28:00.001-05:00

Have you ever put so much information in the ol' noodle that it feels like it's starting to leak out? Or, worse yet, it feels like everything's building up toward critical mass and you're hoping that the worst that comes of it is insanity. Well, I'm getting there—quickly.

You see, I have a habit of sometimes taking on more than I can really handle when it comes to reading and invariably I end up on the short end of burnout. (Does anyone else smell smoke?) I love to read and I can't get enough usually but what sometimes happens is that I'll be reading a book and another book catches my attention. I'll pull it off the shelf and begin to "browse" through it. I'll get interested and begin to read it. Then things start getting bad.

I'll also be reading a book or web sites at work (Yes, work related) when things are slower.

I get home and find that it's time for my quiet time so I begin to read God's word. And so on and so forth it goes. I have been known to be juggling five books at one time! Sometimes I even mix them up in my head as to what's happening in each book. Maddening!

Soon there comes a point when there's just too much going on in my noodle which, by that time has actually become a wet noodle, and I lose my way, in a manner of speaking. It feels like I can't possibly fit one more item in my head. I start to become imbalanced and, a sure sign of trouble ahead, I begin to have trouble making decisions. You know there's a problem when deciding what to have for breakfast causes a minor panic attack. Time to back off.

How does one clear out the...excess...OK! Bloated extras in one's mind? One thing that has worked for me in the past has been to take a night or two and watch television. You may be thinking, "TV?? That is a mind killer!" YOU GOT IT! Sometimes just letting the TV go helps me clean out my mind. You have to be very careful though, because it can sneak up on you and pretty soon you've killed more than you thought and then you have to fight to be free of the new TV addiction you've found yourself in but, taken in bite-sized chunks, TV can help bleed off some of the excess overages in your brain.

One other thing I've found that can help and can be somewhat therapeutic, is writing. I have come to a point where TV just does not call to me as it once did, its siren song drawing me to the murky depths of oblivion all the while images stimulate my brain to mush. So writing is a wonderful alternative.

But what to write?

It is true that there are times when your mind is so much slurry that you can't even form a coherent thought let alone...write. That is the beauty of writing. Just because you write it does not mean someone else has to read it.

During these times of mental constriction, take the writing medium of choice and simply start to put words on to the paper. They do not have to be correctly spelled, punctuation is optional, and during this time the words do not have to make sense-Just write whatever pops into your mind next. Here's a sample:

Horses love green grasshoppers women from yonder cats calling and birds hammering Grant to grace and falling short behind a barn on a forested hill top looking over orange tigers on a cool night in July with no place like home to kill a mower in the process of digging up ants in the backyard.

Fun, isn't it? This is also a wonderful technique for blowing out writer's block. It helps your mind gain some creative momentum, but beware! It will drive your inner editor absolutely COOWAZY! (That is a really fun thing to do!)

So two options to drain excess brain goo: 1) A little bit of TV; 2) Writing. I do enjoy a good movie now and then but I get much more joy from putting words to paper. And the risk of permanent brain damage is little to none when you write.

So long All!

A Time to Kill – Pt. 2

2010-04-11T08:04:00.001-05:00

There are some parts of part two I'm not thrilled with but my mind is a bit distracted so I'm posting now.

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"Miss me," he mewed in his sick, sweet voice. I stared at him for what seemed like hours, cursing my luck. Why couldn't he have been hit by a bus, or mistaken for an assassin's victim. But no, he sat there with his tailored blue, pin striped suit and slicked back hair. He picked at a stray hair while he sat there and gave himself a further inspection.

Looking up again, "You don't look like you're very happy to see me," he said sending chills through to the core of my muse.

"I suppose you think you did a wonderful job of "writing," the word stank of disdain as it rolled off of his sophisticated tongue, "but I've seen it and it's all rot. ROT, do you hear me," I could see flames flare in his dark eyes, "But you're stuck at the pier at Raven's Point and you don't know how to get Lon and Breia to Bane." Another hair, "All the ideas you've come up with so far are stupid, stupid, STUPID!" In that moment my writing drive suffered a severe blow, not quite fatal but wounding deeply; the vital liquids of creativity oozing from the gash in my psyche. However, my loathing began to simmer.

Lowering my eyes in shame, I said, "I know," feeling as guilty as the condemned man that I Really was...Condemned never to get a complete story written and...Oh heck, I thought, He's right! I'm not cut out for this form of art! I ran a hand through my hair, I'm lying myself, I have no creativity, I'm a loser with a wild fantasy. Ed smiled, sitting up a little straighter, sensing victory.

From that moment on my Ed has had me cowed. It seems to be ok that I think about writing or even if I read about writing but if I so much as try to put ink to paper or fingers to keyboard, he's there beside me giving me a knowing look, or wagging a forefinger under my nose, and a disapproving "Tsk, tsk, tsk."

"You can't hold me forever, you know," I said, stammering, a meek attempt to gain control and show this intruder who is boss. He smiled and melted from my sight.

I sighed. The one thing that brought a measure of passion to my life is now in shambles, relegated to the flames of perceived incompetence, increased complacency, and more self-doubt, all supplied in abundance by Ed; not so much an editor, but more like an torturer...

I've reached the end of my rope! I'm ready to unleash the fullness of my passion and soar on the wings of the written word and not allow this miserly fiend to keep me grounded with the other turkeys who refuse to take flight! I am taking action now! I...I..I'm going, to hire an assassin! That's it! I'll hire someone to take this scum out once and for all. I will show no mercy as he has shown me no mercy! But how? Where does one find an "inner editor assassin"? My face fell at this thought. My idea dead before it even gets off the ground. I thought some more, desperate to wring more ideas from my embattled mind.

There are your average, ordinary assassins, of course. The ones who kill a president here or a king there or maybe some famous actor, but I need a special assassin. There are character assassins but this inner editor if mine is not a character...wait! Wait one minute! If I write him into a story, say, this story, he then becomes a character! And as a character he is vulnerable to character assassination! YES! That is the answer. What a revelation! Rubbing my hands together, I head for my office sanctuary.

After careful investigation, I have concluded that the best assassin I could find is actually a team of assassins. I'm not willing to take any chances.

Psst...I need to tell you who they are in case something happens to me before I can execute (no pun intended here, but it is funny!) my plans.

The assassin duet I hired consists of two dedicated individuals and come highly recommended. Their names? The first goes by "M". He says it's best this way. The less I know the less cleanup needs to be done when this thing's all over. His smile is like daggers. Shivers run down my spine, seeking a place to hide.

The second man is "Mr. D".

(Wait! I need to stop. Ed's lurking about and I don't want him to see us talking. See you tomorrow!)

A Time to Kill – Pt. 1

2010-04-10T09:23:00.001-05:00

Here's part one of a fun little story I've been writing to help me try and overcome this writer's block I've been having. I hope you like it though it is not a polished piece...just for fun...

There comes a time in a man's life when enough is enough! When the poison of despair sets in and festers in his heart until it becomes like a boil on one's soul. The only answer is extreme, extreme to Death. It's not vengeance but the hatred is just as powerful and the desire just as strong. That time has come in my life now.

Five years ago I started on a quest of creation. Through some candid conversation friends who saw something in me that I didn't: A spark. If this spark could be set to the right material, a flame would grow and maybe spread into an inferno.

The story goes something like this: I had explained that I had been blessed with fantastic dreams and a love of stories. They told me I should write. Put the visions in my head onto paper.

As I mused on this idea, a chill of excitement rippled across my soul. This could be fun.

So, soon after I started the quest of the golden pen. I began researching what it took to write a book. No one said it would be easy and all said it was brutally difficult. I scoffed a bit at this because I was sure I had something that the likes of Grisham, Sanderson, and Jordan didn't have that would make me an international best-seller with much less effort than these other, inferior authors. I just knew it would be much easier for me. I'm sure that knowing smiles flitted across the faces of the great ones as these arrogant thoughts danced in my head.

It was about this time that I began to notice an obscure reference that I had long ignored, ignored almost too long, and it has been the bane of my writing existence ever since, the source of my growing hatred. A few of my on-line "teachers" talked in cryptic hints about a strange, almost mystic individual they referred as the "inner editor", a vile and stifling entity bent on disrupting creativity.

They warned that this creature was necessary but never during the initial writing phase. His mere presence, looking over your shoulder, critiquing every word, every point of punctuation, was enough to drive any sane person saner, disrupting the creative process sometimes to all out writer's block. When it seems like words begin to flow this..."inner editor" (I am calling him Ed, though it's a much better name than he deserves!)...steps in to tell you how proud he is of the garbage you are scribbling, a sour look twists his pinched face; contempt for my prose oozing from every pore of his disgusting body.

At first I was grateful for his "help" but the more I tried to write the more this villain spoke: "That is garbage! No one will accept that work!" "What Crap! There are first graders who could do better than what you've written!" "I know Grisham, and you sir," pointing an accusing finger at my prose, "Are NOT Grisham!" Exasperated, I close down my computer and walk away, head throbbing and frustration bubbling within.

Then one day it happened. I had just finished reading two wonderful books on the craft of writing and I started writing—

I wrote a few words and paused, squeezing my eyes shut in anticipation, waiting for the inevitable harangue declaring my ineptitude...but nothing happened. With care, I opened one eye just a crack. Nothing. He wasn't there, but still skeptical, I waited longer. Still nothing. So both eyes I began to write again, stopping on occasion just to be sure he was not around, but he truly seemed to be gone. Where he was I didn't know and I didn't care. I hoped he was pestering and belittling some other author or would-be author, just as long as he wasn't bothering me. (I know this is a mean spirited sentiment and I do feel for the author who has to battle his or her own Ed, but with the amount of frustration filling my mind, it's easy to understand.)

When I finally realized that he was not going to harass me, my fingers began to fly over the keyboard. Three weeks later and I had over forty thousand words written! I was amazed! I knew there would have to be some rewriting but still...FORTY THOUSAND words! And no brain-bashing by my nemesis! Hurray!

Birds were singing sweetly in the trees outside my open window. It was hard to be irritated with them hearing the beautiful praises for the morning. My alarm clock sounded. Though I didn't want to get up, the clock's persistence finally persuaded me that I needed to open my eyes and get moving. Though I was tired I couldn't help but smile as I thought about the fact that not only was it a beautiful day but that sneak, Ed, was gone!

I opened my eyes and the smile faded from my face, sliding downward toward a frown. There at the end of my bed, with a nasty little smirk on his face, sat Ed.

Brilliant Finishes...April 3, 2010

2010-04-03T09:21:00.001-05:00

One of the times I feel most at peace is when I'm on a mountain by myself. It does not happen nearly often enough for my liking but there is something about being on an outcropping as the sun rises, streams of light spilling into the valley before me, breakers of light washing over the mountain's sides. During these times praise and worship for God pour from my heart like a mountain spring dances in joy as it runs the course laid before it.

Jesus was in the habit of spending time with His Father daily. Often He would go to the Mount of Olives. I wonder if He saw the same beauty and felt that same peace that I have so often felt as He looked at what lay before Him.

Jesus came for a mission; he had a goal and a purpose. Though His capacity to enjoy the wonders of this world, as its Architect, may have been greater than ours, He was not here for vacation and His one source of strength came from His time with the Father. Even on the busiest of days with important tasks to accomplish, Jesus always took time to dip His heart in the healing waters of time with the Father. There were no excuses and it was not onerous to Him but a time of joy and peace.

One of the last recoded prayers of Jesus came shortly before His death. Having fulfilled the tasks He had to do, He took His disciples to the Mount of Olives, usually a place of refuge and spiritual renewal for Jesus, but this night would be different. Instead of the peace and joy He normally received, drops of agony dripped from His head as He wrestled with the suffering that awaited Him for our sake. Not just the physical pain, that in itself was enough to wither a hero of old, but the separation from His Father He was to endure, something which had not happened to Him before. Jesus was going to be put to death in the body but He was also going to take upon Himself the sin of the world; the sin from those who came before, those who are now, and from those who would come after, fell on His shoulders.

Did He find peace during this time of prayer? He knew what was ahead and He asked that the cup be removed from Him, but...but He subordinated His will to the Father's in spite of what loomed ahead—suffering beyond anything known previously or since.

"It is finished." There are thousands upon thousands and myriads upon myriads of famous quotes that have inspired nations and moved men to accomplish great deeds but there are no words that have changed the course of history like these: "It is finished." These words usher in true freedom; freedom from the bondage of sin; freedom from the clutching, grasping, sucking maw of Hell that held each one of us in its lustful grip. "It is finished." The purpose of Christ is complete but this is not the end of the story, only the beginning.

Jesus may not have found peace on His last visit to the Mount of Olives and He wasn't there for the view, but He did find what He needed: Strength in a time of weakness and courage in a time of dread. He found the ability to undertake the purpose He specifically came for.

It is finished but the story continues...

Remembory -- Jan. 23, 2010

2010-01-23T11:43:00.002-06:00

I remember this place...I've been here before. It's been a long time ago, but I believe I've been here at some point in my past. I recognize o few of the sights and some of sounds seem familiar to me. What is new and different is this year, 2010. You may have heard some silly comments on how to pronounce 2010: 1) Is to say "Two thousand-Ten; or 2) Say, "Twenty-Ten." I've discovered that it changes nothing no matter how you decide to pronounce it but saying, "Twenty-Ten" seems to be the way I've adopted. Regardless of how you say it, I hope God brings blessing to you in 2010. (Hey! No one has mentioned saying, "Two-Zero-One-Zero." That's odd...) The goals I set for myself last year went the way of the bad neckties in, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" the movie, to the dumpster. I've not given up on setting goals for myself but I think I will be a little less boisterous in talking about them because it causes no end to my embarrassment when I fail. I'd much rather work quietly in the background and then show the results later. Check out Helium.com. I just wrote my first article in a long time and the first for this year. I wrote it on the topic of "If God is Love Why is There Pain and Suffering?" I hope you will find it interesting. As always, I'd love any feedback. Well, so long for now!

A Wii Update – July 14, 2009

2009-07-14T17:52:00.001-05:00

No, Wii is not a new toy in our home, just a play on words and though Logan probably wouldn’t complain too much if it were a new toy for him. No, this is just a quick writing update.

So far I have not met the goal I had for 2000 words a day starting July 1 but I have filled a few holes in the plot line and hopefully make things a little more three dimensional so I have not been idle.

I have been praying for God’s guidance and I think I’m learning some things from this “test” novel. It is not easy and with my short attention span it makes focusing on a thread of plot or sub-plot is not too good. This is maddening because on rare occasions I am able to focus, I have an awesome time! I wish I could do this more often.

Right now I’m toying with having Lon and Breia having to get a ride on a Trogan Slaver ship. This helped me add some tension on their trek from Majica and Raven’s Point on their way to the Isle of Bane. It has been a hoot and I love using my imagination! You can create anything with your imagination. What a gift from God!

At this point in time I have forty pages written. This is, of course, the rough draft and rough it is! I have had to immobilize my internal editor but he still strains to see over the fence and even lofts his criticisms from way back there! I did let him out for a few hours a week or so ago because I had to do some clean up because of a new revelation and had to remove the “old way” I had started. At some point you have to stop making changes but for now my novel is a hot bed of experimentation! (Is that cliché or what?)

That’s it! (I KNOW! Such a short post!)

Bye for now!

Various Updates – July 5, 2009

2009-07-05T20:20:00.001-05:00

I know this is a bit out of character for me to post this close to my last post but now that I have actually been writing I feel I have some things to talk about.

I continue to bring my writing before the Lord and He keeps confirming that I should be doing this by the peace I have in my heart and the desire He has set in that place. He has not; however, told me that I would ever be a best selling author or a selling author of any type but once I hit the “zone” I have a hard time stopping and I think about the story more and more often. I have to say it is FUN! It taxes my brain and I have despaired once or twice but God has helped me over those hurdles. In one instant he has provided a good friend who enjoys the same genre of books I do so I have been able to explain what I want to do and he and I have talked through the issues. Twice now God has used him to help me past some sticky points. And then He uses the very imagination He has blessed me with. Sometimes to get past one of those pesky obstacles I have simply sat back and stared thinking through the possibilities and an idea forms. It has been great fun! Wouldn’t it be great to do this full time? At this point I have no religion in my story and I feel it is missing something so I would not be surprised if some type of religion pops up and gets woven into the story web, but I can’t say for sure!

The 2000 word\day mark I set for myself has not yet born the fruit I had hoped it would but I have run into more storyline problems than I had thought I had. This time has not been all wasted though! I have been able to work through some of the problems I had and I actually let my internal editor out for a little play time and he helped me to clean up some problem areas I had and redirect the plotline in the new direction. He had fun and he was so cute to watch! (I wish I had taken some pictures!) Anyway when I finally put him away I had most of my rough draft problems cleared up along with some of the confusion that was starting to creep in. It was looking like a big mess but it is all better now and I should be able to write at a faster rate, at least for a while.

I have completed thirty-six pages of rough draft as of this writing and I am not done yet tonight. Kim and I took a nice walk and I wanted to get another posting out but I would love to make the forty-page mark before I go to bed, I just don’t know if it’ll happen or not. On the plus side I am not overly tired right now. In fact, lately my mental faculties have been much better than they have in a long time. I am not smarter just seem to be able to use what I do have in a more effective manor. I praise God for this because I hate the fog I walked around in for the last 30 years! I am convinced it has to do with the fact that I have stopped drinking pop. I have no way to prove my theory but only to say that my mind’s functioning has improved since I have stopped drinking pop. (now if I could only cut back on the rest of the crap I intake!)

Alyssa leaves tomorrow for a week at Chicago to get some evangelism training. It should be a very good experience for her and I hope the Lord will use it in her life. Please pray for her in those lines and for safety for their traveling.

Logan has one more week of baseball with the 8th grade team. There have been a lot of rainouts this year, it does not seem like we’ve had a full season but it has been enjoyable.

The Holy Spirit has been having me focus on the lives of Joseph and Daniel in my Bible study times. There are a lot of parallels and some cool lessons. I will pass on more to you as I learn.

Well, I’m getting back to my other writing!

Keep your dreams alive and work hard. Lay your plans in God’s hands and He will help you!

Bye!

Writing Update –June 28, 2009

2009-06-28T18:06:00.001-05:00

I am praising God write now! (You’ll understand the pun later!) I finally feel that I can use this blog for what I had originally planned to use it for:Writing updates! As I mentioned in my last post I am actually writing! Hands dirty, nose to the grindstone, writing! As of this moment I have completed, in rough draft (VERY rough!) close to 26 pages so far. I even experienced a phenomena that writers say is a good sign that you have some passion, I almost cried with one of the scenes I was writing. It was a scene where the twins lost almost everyone of their family members in a brutal attack by Trogan slavers. (These names won’t mean a thing to you unless you actually read the finished product) I could feel their grief as they remember. It is very cool! Very exciting!

God has blessed me with a good friend in Chris Watson. He and I like to hike together and my prayer is that when we walk together I can encourage him as much as he always encourages me, though I know that he encourages me way more than I encourage him.

We walked yesterday. We talked about a myriad of topics and it was simply a joyous time! I then brought up the subject of writing, and as always, God used this fellow to encourage my heart and free me to be used as God intended me to be use. These talks, though not specifically about my stories but, instead, about how God could use me and writing, has freed my mind and because of that I have been able to fill more gaps in my story and I introduced yet another character, (ALWAYS cool when a new and unexpected person joins the group!) who I am afraid is an unsavory type but necessary to fill in some holes. I do not like him at all, in fact I board on hatred. That is very cool! Not that I hate but that I hate my character! He is really evil though he appears to be, at first, an angel of light. He needs to be developed more but so far he is BAD and I do not like him!

I have also set myself some writing goals that are bigger than I am currently following but it is necessary if I really want to finish my story.

Starting July 1 I will begin writing 2000 words a day. Right now that is about an hour and half’s worth of work. This does vary but in general terms I can pump out about 10000 words every forty-five minutes.

With this goal in mind I intend to be done with the rough draft by Sept.1. I will then give myself a couple weeks off to let the whole thing simmer and then I will release the beast…my internal editor! This fellow is a nuisance when trying to bang out a rough draft but he is absolutely a welcome guest during the editing process. You see, when you are pounding out the rough draft you don’t need that turkey keeping you grounded, nagging you about every mistake, every slip of the grammar wheel and every spelling error, not to mention telling you what he thinks of the ideas themselves! No, what you need to do is lock that turkey up and soar with the eagles where freedom resides. Where you are free to put down on paper whatever comes to your head instinctively knowing it may not be the best…yet…but that soon enough you will take the time and, carefully working with your internal editor, fix the problems that as a free spirit, you did not care about.

With his help I will begin the burdensome task of editing. The first pass will be to fix obvious errors in spelling, grammar, and story flow. Once I feel good about the first draft, which I have until Dec. 1 to finish, I will, gulp!, recruit some folks to read what I have and start giving me feed back.

Then around the Jan. 1 timeframe I will take the ideas I have been given, (I will be reading it too and making changes I think are needed) I will take all the ideas start draft two.

About April 1 I hope to have draft two done and from there I am not sure what I will do…

If I receive a lot of genuinely positive feedback from draft one, I may send out draft two for a second reading. If that comes back favorably, I will seriously think of getting an agent and trying to publish the thing.

I want to clarify positive feedback. Family and friends can sometimes be so gracious that they are not willing to be honest lest it hurt my feelings. I want to say now that you CANNOT HURT MY FEELINGS!

If you choose to help me, though I do not want you to be mean spirited, I do want brutal honesty. I need brutal honesty to be able to make appropriate changes. If the plot is flat or boring, tell me. If the characters lack depth and you can’t tell me which character is talking without me actually writing, “Fred said”, or “Mary said”, then tell me. I can’t improve unless I have constructive criticism

On the other hand if you like the way something is working I would love to know that too!

This is happening! This is really happening and I give all the credit to God. He has orchestrated all the details for me to come this far. I do not want to sound like what I am doing is going to sell or even be good but I don’t care. I will say that again for clarity, I do NOT care! If I gain nothing else from this it will be experience so that maybe the next time I can create something saleable. I am excited about my story, I like it but if no one else does at least I will have experience under my belt and with that, like practicing any sport or musical instrument, I will improve. I already feel I have improved somewhat and the fear I used to have is gone right now. When fear leaves freedom moves in and then you can do wonderful things! What a great ride this has been and continues to be!

For now I press onward with the strength and freedom God has granted me! If you are out there and maybe fearful of stepping out in faith to accomplish what God has in store for you, don’t wait any longer! Take the leap! Jump! You will see that fear is only, as they say, a paper tiger, it looks real but it has no power over God and His enablement! You will see that, though the road may not be smooth or without certain pitfalls, the freedom you will ride on is, well, freeing!

(After all of that do you now understand my pun? LOL!)

Come and fly! God’s waiting for you. Trust Him!

Bye!

A Slight Hesitation – June 24, 2009

2009-06-24T21:31:00.001-05:00

I almost hesitate to mention this because if you have been a follower of this blog for very long you will note that I can spin wild tales of me actually writing something…at least something more than a blog about writing. But now I am not only going to mention it I already have some momentum built up and, it appears to me, fuel to keep the train going.

In past attempts to write my first story (I REALLY hesitate to call what I am doing a novel) I got seven pages done and had no idea where to take it from there. I slogged around and jotted down an idea or two here or there and I even have attempted to motivate myself by telling you all that I WAS GOING TO WRITE! Nothing really worked. In fact, I almost talked myself out of writing because if I wasn’t going to work at it diligently, why do it all. I just could not let go though!

I have prayed about writing, at least a little, but nothing seemed to happen then I learned a definition of discipline that hit me square in the forehead (I noted it in a previous blog…there it is…just scroll down a little farther…There you go!) That has helped tremendously and I was amazed (dismayed??) that the book of Proverbs is plumb full of verses about the lazy man, the sluggard, the slothful man. If you use Chuck Swindoll’s method of personalizing scripture you get the following:

“The slothful Greg”, “The lazy Greg”, “The sluggard Greg”…Do you start to see a pattern? Me too and I did not like it. I think I’ve known it for a long time but was too proud or too ignorant (Mom always used to tell me not to say “Stupid”…Thanks, Mom!) but the Lord finally, in His eternally gracious and merciful way, helped me to face the truth. If I was ever going to accomplish anything I needed to work at it. An amazing revelation!

And then there were the two books on writing. I won’t say they changed my life because I’ve already waxed too melodramatic already but they were insightful and full of good, concise writing advice. One was Stephen King’s “On Writing” ( I do not recommend this book because Mr.. King tends to allow vulgar language into the mix rather liberally…Be ye warned!) which came across to me as real, down to earth and actually showed some real examples. I stumbled over the language but the advice was sound.

The other book is by a guy named Chris Batey. Mr. Batey started a writing…challenge about ten years ago called NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month (or at least something very close to that.) His challenge is to start writing every day beginning Nov.1 and ending Nov. 30 an in that time frame write a 50,000 word novel! If you faithfully write every day in November this number equates to 1,667 per day that you need to write. Not really too hard actually until you realize you kinda need to have some sort of coherent story on the other side. It is a challenge I intend to take up this coming turkey month.

Anyway, from these two books I learned to start small, work every day, and shut off my internal editor. That pesky voice that hovers over my shoulder and tells me every mistake I make such as spelling, grammar, and spelling again; and likes to critic every sentence (If he even finds something he would consider a sentence!) and generally telling what a horrible example I’m setting for the writing world.

For those of you who are now completely lost or a at least felling a little dizzy, I have 1) Found a supply of discipline and am employing it to best of my abilities; 2) Writing 1000 words (sometimes more!) per day; and 3) I have evicted, temporarily because he will be needed to for the editing process, that blasted internal editor. (When you do this you really don’t care what you have written because you know you will go back at some point and edit. (It sounds like a long and tedious process to me too!)

Employing this set of tools for the last week and a half, I now have over 14, 000 words written which is roughly 15 pages. This count is five partial scenes out of over seventeen plus as I am writing I am finding all sorts of holes that will need to be filled and there have even been some surprise new characters that I never even knew existed before I started writing! It is so exciting! Each word I lay down is a new adventure and I hate the fact I have to break into my day for things like work when I have this adventure waiting for me at home! I have never been so exited about writing as I am now! Is it hard? Yes it is mentally taxing but I find a pleasure in it as maybe a runner feels when he or she gets that runner’s high. Dare I say I feel God’s pleasure when I am writing? I think I can! Do I think this is bragging? NO WAY! I think I am doing what God has designed me to do! And now that He has been helping me begin to overcome the things that I let hinder me I feel free! Free!

There are times where the muse seems to slog along but it’s those times that discipline comes along and pushes me to the finish line! “Only 100 words?”; “Only 400 words?”; “Only ten more words to go!” “Only 990 words?” Other times its like I hit 1400 words and wonder where the time went! It’s great!

Whew! I see I’ve done it again! But that’s what happens when I let my mind go and my fingers fly!

Good bye for now!

Total Sickness – June 5, 2009

2009-06-05T15:22:00.001-05:00

Before I get to today’s missive I need to get something off my chest.

Today, as noted above, is June 5. Friday, June 5th to be precise which means the end of another school year. This is not just any school year though but a year with a couple of milestones.

1) Alyssa is now officially a high school senior (YES THAT IS CORRECT! A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR!); 2) Logan is officially in high school! I can’t believe it! the time has gone so fast, but here it is and I’m not sure our kitchen table can hold any more college information packets! WOW! Sigh…What will the next couple years bring?

I have had a first this week. I was home sick for four out of the last six days. Some sort of virus I think. Kim had a similar something two weeks ago so I’m sure it was the same thing I had.

I went to work Monday and yesterday but it was not fun (Monday was not bad but yesterday was a mistake.)

Anyway, sinuses, sore throat, plugged ear ducts, coughing, hacking, wheezing, jumping, reading, writing…Opps! Sorry. Got a bit carried away as usual. I think you get the idea though.

The odd part is that I usually do not get sick for this long, but it happened! I guess that’s what we have sick days for, isn’t it?

The other odd thing is that I read a 285 page almost in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down! The really unusual part is that the book was by Stephen King. I can’t say I’m a fan of King’s mostly because I do not enjoy the genre he writes in but I had heard so many good things about his book “On Writing” I thought I would give it a try.

I was blown away! It was a fluent read and for some reason I could not put it down. Kim picked it up for me at the library at 4:00 PM on Wednesday and I had240 pages read by bedtime with a fine supper thrown in the mix. I just finished it.

King had some interesting things to say on the craft and his writing style is wonderful. I am considering reading one of his book just to taste it on the fiction side. But be aware! If you decide to read this book understand that King is real. He says what he means and means what he says and because of that there is a LOT of profanity and I do not mean mild profanity either! If it is a “four letter” word, it is in the book! Yes, this does bother me and most of the time when I run into too much of that kind of language I will stop reading the book but King had so many good things to say I trained my eye to “ounce” over those words when I came to them.

(When I say “real” I do not mean to say that because he uses profanity he is any “realer” then you or I but he does not pull any punches. He says what he says.)

I felt as though what he had to say really resonated with my heart. I don’t know why but it really did.

I am not recommending it just because of all the “four letter” words but the book did have an effect on me.

I have also have began to actually write my new story. Right now I have a goal of 1000 words a day and since this is my second day of doing this I have two thousand words written. They are not good words yet but I have started moving forward.

I had hoped that once I started writing I could throw discipline out the window because creativity would have stepped in and carried the day but that is not the case. Once I start writing I do enjoy it but I still must discipline myself to do it each and every day. Two down…X more to go! ;-)

Good bye for now!

An Item or Two… May 26, 2009

2009-05-26T18:31:00.001-05:00

I see from the calendar that I have once again delved deeply into the mines of laziness and have not posted since April 19th!

Well, now I have a couple things I would like to share.

First, I have been world building for my story. It has gone OK... I know I don’t sound excited but it really is fun. The more I think about the different scenes the more holes I see that need to be filled. There are a lot of questions to be answered and I am still uncertain about the ending. I have a couple of twists I have been toying with…:-)

Though I have spent at least a few minutes almost every day for the last month or so working on it I still feel that I have not dedicated myself to the process as I should have been doing. You’re right, it’s not too late but I still bemoan the fact that I could be much farther along than I am. It can be daunting at times if not down right overwhelming! But when I think of the possibilities I can soar with ideas. In fact, I am considering adding some scars from an ancient wizard-war that could add some intriguing twists…

Discipline:

This is an area that I have admittedly been somewhat thin on…I am so easily distracted for one thing. I really hate that! Those times that God grants to me focus I fly and good things seem to happen but the other times this lack of focus is a real enemy!

I want to leave you with a saying from a gentleman who spoke at our church for our annual Spring Bible Conference. His name was Dr. Ron Sauer and he is a neat individual. He had a wonderful series with plenty to muse over but one particular saying I have come to memorize. In fact, I have made a special print copy and hung it in my cube.

It goes like this:

Discipline: Doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, in the manner it ought to be done, regardless of how I feel about it.

…

The Photos – Apr. 19, 2009

2009-04-19T20:46:00.001-05:00

Here are some of the photos I took while on my adventure on the 17th.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well they turned out (digital photography can make the most inept look good!) mostly because the little, I mean tiny, video screen I can’t see in the best of times and the sun was so bright the only thing I could see was my reflection. So what I did was point the camera at the object I hoped to capture and pushed the button. Here are the results. I hope these will entice you to setup a time to go hiking with me sometime!

Here is a picture of Indian Creek right off the main path.

You can see the beautiful sky and if you really squint, I mean really squint, you can see the moon. (It’s the white speck right in the middle of the picture) The day was so incredible the moon stuck around to take it all in.

One week ago Pastor Bryan and I followed this same path and the green you see in this picture was all black from he burn they did. Maybe not so impressive until you realize that it was black less than seven days ago! God’s creation is so amazing!

You can see one of the snobbish musk rats in the picture. He likes the limelight and so I got him in the middle. He was not so amiable when I asked him to tea. How rude!

Here we have the curious Mr... Turtle. He is just one of four that I saw and he was watching me as closely as I was watching him, in fact I think he may have had a camera too as I swear I saw a flash once in awhile. I’m probably being posted on his blog as we speak. (If you run across it let me know. I’d like to see if he got my good side.)

Here we have the melodious red wing black bird. Although not overly friendly, they were curious.

These are the last three photos I will submit for now. This has become one of my favorites. It is a wetland down in a little valley and at this time of year, has an abundance of water. It is just a peaceful and beautiful area.

Let me know know if you would like to see these up close and personal. I would be overjoyed to take you on an in-person tour!

For now…

BYE!

Trying Something New – Apr. 19, 2009

2009-04-19T20:14:00.001-05:00

Since it’s been awhile since my last post I decided to go big and try something new. I decided to do a photo journal.

On Friday the 17th, I took our digital camera and my binoculars; my walking stick and notebook and hit the Indian Creek Nature Trail.

It is not unusual to see walkers on the path but I thought, I had hoped, I would not see many people this day because I wanted to be able to catch some wildlife. I also intended to get some scenery shots but it was not as important for there to be less people because the scenery seems to be not quite as skittish around people.

The day was absolutely perfect. Mid 40’s upheld an almost spotless blue sky with just the hint of a breeze. I could not have asked for more. Well, maybe one thing more…

As I parked the car and got my equipment together I could not keep my feet in line as they were most excited to get on the trail. (I had a hard time keeping up with them!)

As I got closer to the tributary path I that would take me to the prairie I started hearing a sound that caused the sun to dim and blue sky to fade to a bright gray…construction work. At this time I had come to the hard decision to not let this…this…noise…ruin my day, but it was not easy. In fact, I was surprised that this little thing had hit me as hard as it had. I finally talked myself into growing up and stop acting like a baby!

I found my turn off and wandered down the path and found to my horror, that the construction was actually taking place on the prairie!

There was a bulldozer tearing up the ground and two lumbering dump trucks waiting to remove the carnage, all the while aiding to the trampled affect. I consoled myself with the story that they were probably adding a pond…

I’m afraid that I can’t tell you how much area this prairie covers but it makes for a good walk. There are ground hog mounds and other areas of concern that one should endeavor to avoid so that the ankles and knees can maintain their created functionality without the aid of man-made supports, you know, sprained ankles, twisted knees, and varicose veins. I have flexible knees and ankles, plus an implanted GPS system so that I am able to skillfully avoid these pitfalls. Nevertheless, there are enemies on the prairie that the most skillful of outdoorsmen fall into or step into…In all of the vastness of the prairie I found and stepped in, the only pile of doggie pooh within a hundred leagues. Of course…

One thing I like to do is try and keep track of the critters that Gods puts in my path. I love the discoveries that are within three miles of my house. Very cool!

I saw: A turkey, not just a turkey but a turkey in flight, that is almost frightening, two deer, four vultures (YES, Virginia, Iowa does have vultures! How do you think all the dead animals get cleaned up?), a myriad of birds, including one of my local favorites, Red Winged Black birds! The colors are so vivid, and their songs are enchanting. I was privileged to encounter two musk rats, they were not as thrilled with the encounter as I was as they swiftly swam away, four turtles, and three red headed wood peckers. These guys have a wonderful voice as well. I saw four painted turtles, and to my delight, they were almost as interested in me as I was in them. It was most delightful and peaceful to just look for the awakening of nature.

Now recall my rant about the people and technology that I discovered and forget about it as I share with you one oddity in this regard. There are train tracks that run just to the south of the prairie area. These tracks are the self same tracks that run through downtown Ames, IA which gives me an unusual connection to my home town! BUT the odd thing is that as the trains go through, they seem almost as natural as the vultures or musk rats. I don’t know why this is so but I do not mind the trains and the wildlife seems ok with it too.

Well, I have broken the rules of blogging and created a monster but it was so much fun!

I will do a second posting and post the pictures, or at least some of them, in that post.

If you want to go hiking with me, let me know! It is one of my greatest joys to take people around this area and spend time in fellowship. Let me know!

Bye!

Opps! Forgot One Item -- Mar. 15, 2009

2009-03-15T15:36:00.001-05:00

One last note I forgot and then I promise I'll leave you alone. I have an immense amount of work to do in the next three weeks so I might appear to be falling off the wagon again (which could be the case!) but it also might just be the strain of a enormous application roll out we will be doing on March 29th. So far testing has gone well but the opportunity for trouble always exists with such a large roll out as we are planning.

So long!

Bye!

Mercenary Writers! -- Mar. 15, 2009

2009-03-15T15:32:00.001-05:00

Or, writers for hire! (I just like the sound of the title! :-)) Freelance writers, to be precise!

One thing I have always wanted to do is to have a business of my own. It does not have to be fancy but something I can feel proud of and maybe make a little extra money.

Kim and I have looked into a lot of options over the years and have made some bad mistakes in times of over zealousness but we have never really got any idea to take. To be perfectly honest, we have not put into our desires the effort it takes to start even a small little business so the blame falls squarely on our shoulders but not for lack of ideas, just effort. I think it was Thomas Edison that once said something like, "Invention is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration", we fall squarely on the 10% side...so far. I have discovered I am a slow learner but one thing that I have learned is that beginner's luck works fine when playing a new game but not for business. It takes planning and clear thinking to get up and running. A dose of courage can't hurt either!

We have friends (no details because I don't have permission to write about them) that are starting a new business and I can't think of better people to to do this task. They are brave and smart and have a double portion of creativity! They love the Lord and I know they have put in a lot of prayer to this business, as have a lot of us, and I am excited for them and hope the Lord will bless their socks off with this new endeavor!

Well, having said all of that (you can see I have come out my lax state!) I would still like to get a business started and what I would like to do is freelance writing. I have been reading about it and it sounds like something I could do. I just don't know how to get from here to there. One thing I need to stop doing is procrastinating! Though, on second thought, one of the ways one can make some side money is to write informational reports on subjects you know and I DO know procrastination, so maybe I could write a document on "The Ten Steps to Becoming A Professional Procrastinator". It could be a best seller! I know a lot of people are good at procrastinating but my ten tips would take these folks to the next level, a professional level! I'll have to put some real thought in on that...but not today.

So, though I have little to nothing planned and the only asset I have right now is a desire to get something started, I do have one step I must take. The father of a friend of mine used to do copy work before he retired. I have been told he would be glad to talk with me about this dream of mine but, as noted above, my professionalism will not yet allow me to try and setup a time to meet with him...yet. This just strengthens my position as a professional procrastinator but does nothing to further my dreams.

Next, I know a lot of folks who are in a number of businesses in the area that I could try to hook up with through networking and possibly land some freelance work. But...

But what if I can't do it? What if the person who hires me doesn't like what I've done? What if I fail?

None of these questions are valid because they project worry onto the future in which I am not privy to know. In the vernacular of the Bible, I need to have faith that God will direct my paths if I leave my plans in His hands.

This does not mean that I will be successful in this world's eyes but that I will be successful in God's eyes. He knows what H e wants me to do and if I feel led in a certain direction it does no good to worry about the "what if's" they are irrelevant if I am trusting God. It does not mean that they won't be painful but how do I know what will work and what won't if I don't step out in faith and take a stab at it? I can only speculate on what could go wrong and that can lead to unfounded worry. Sinful worry. What is "sinful worry"? Worry is sinful worry. We are taught to trust and not to worry. Worry says that we don't think God will take care of us and fear of the future causes us to focus on our circumstances instead of God's provision.

Ok! I get it! If I think God has called me in this direction I need to move. It is no less sin to not do what God has called us to do than it is to do things we know we should not do. Sin is sin.

Though I do not have a solid plan I will move forward with what I do have and let God fill in the details. Sounds like a plan to me! Hey! That's exactly what I need, a plan! Praise the Lord!

I will now, finally, bring this to a close. I'm so glad to be writing again and I enjoy sharing my heart with all of you. As always, feel free to contact me and share your heart with me!

Bye!

Filler -- Mar. 15, 2009

2009-03-15T14:55:00.001-05:00

Yes, I know...The last post was dated Feb. 20, almost a month ago! I hate that but I have been very busy and also a bit lax in keeping up so this is just some fluff until I get my blogging feet under me again.

My alma mater, Ames High School, played one of the local high schools in the Marion area, Linn-Mar, last night for the Iowa 4A High School championship basketball title and it was a great game! I was excited that Ames got there in such grand fashion, 25-0 season, but I had to cheer for Linn-Mar because I know some of the players and their families.

Though Ames won, Linn-Mar gave them the closest fought game that Ames had had this year only losing to Ames by ten points and, a good half of those points were due to the fact that Linn-Mar had to foul to try and get the ball back. It was a great game!

In most of the other Games Ames has played they have been forced. out of courtesy to the other teams, to take out their all-star, Harrison Barnes, to keep the game within a merciful amount. You see Ames has beaten most of the teams they've played this year by an average of thirty points, thus, Barnes has only averaged eleven minutes of game time. The play of Linn-Mar forced Ames to keep him in the game the entire time and Linn-Mar was down their top scorer due to a "misjudgment" on his part that caused him to lose his spot on the team for the remaining games of the season. It could have been a different game. No doubt that Ames was tested. It was a great game and Ames looked really good! I understand why they are number one in the state. Wow!

One of elders at my church happened to see Harrison Barnes play against West Des Moines Valley a while back and reported back that he was not as impressive a player as everyone thought but I must respectfully disagree, I thought he was outstanding and every bit deserving the press he has received. Not only that, but rumor has it that he is an excellent student and leads a morning Bible study at the high school. This kid seems to be in good shape all around.

It was a really good game, and even though Linn-Mar lost, they played like champions and have no reason to hang their heads though I understand the disappointment. There is no room for shame though! They played a real titan of a basketball team and turned in a better performance than any other of the twenty-five schools that faced Ames previously. Great job guys! And congratulations on a fine, fine season, Ames! It makes me proud that I was once black and orange follower too!

Logan was sick ALL of last week with what we believe was Influenza B but on Saturday he was fully recovered and could not wait to get out of the house. It was good to see him back to full strength!

Alyssa competed at state for speech yesterday and, though I don't understand the whole process, she got all one's which means she did really well. Now she just waits until tomorrow to see if she makes All-State. She likes the idea of all one's but she says she would be content to keep the one's and not go to All-State. She has been so impressive in my mind and it appears the judges think a lot of her performance as well. We'll see...Stay tuned.

Bye!

The Mormons All Over Again! -- Feb. 20, 2009

2009-02-20T13:32:00.003-06:00

After I submitted my post last night I spent some time in deep thought. One thing I have learned about myself is that when something burns my heart like this web site did I jump in to make some sort of comments. Often these comments are "spoken" in the heat of the moment, so after I pressed "SUBMIT" I spent a long time thinking about what I wrote.

One thing I have learned from my wonderful pastor, is to be objective and fair. When I jump in with both feet I loose that objectivity and can become somewhat legalistic myself. So to take time and meditate on God's word, seeking wisdom and understanding from God, is a good thing!

This weighed on my heart so I went back out to the web site and did some more reading. One thing I believe is that these people are Christians, born-again believers bought by the blood of Jesus Christ. Beyond that, I lose connection with their thinking. They did have some good points, I cannot deny that at all. But the overall tone is pride and arrogance which I cannot tolerate.

At this point, I closed down my laptop and tried to sleep but he Holy Spirit kept the wheels spinning and I found I had to get out of bed. I grabbed a No. 2 pencil and a pad of paper and started to ask questions. When God says "seek and you will find..." I believe I found some things. I am not going to share them now because I want them to be more coherent than they are now but I will say I felt great peace at spending some in-depth time with the Father. It was not a new "revelation" or audible voice but felt the hand of God guiding me.

Here is the bottom line: And just before I went back to bed about 0100, one more thought entered my mind, "This is just like your encounter with the Mormons the other night. What you have read tonight challenged what you thought you believed and forced you into God's word for guidance. What a great blessing!" Right, wrong, or indifferent, going to God for answers is always the right way. You may not like what you find, and to be sure I do not have all the answers packed away as nicely as I wish I did, but I truly believe that there are some points within God's word that one simply has to take on faith. They can't be puzzled out. There is no earthly answer. There is simply the belief that God does know what He is doing, He does love us and all will be revealed in time.

I know that I do not have the market cornered on truth nor is everything I believe today so solid I can't be taught a different lesson later, but God does not change and His love toward us endures forever.

I am excited to learn more and to post what I learn. Please pray for me that God would give me good wisdom to know His truth.

Thank you.

Bye!

Rebirth- The Return of The Pharisees -- Feb. 19, 2009

2009-02-19T22:25:00.001-06:00

The Pharisees were so busy trying to "do" God's law that they missed the most important part: People. They were so caught up in in themselves that pride became the alter at which they worshipped. Jesus stated that these people honor God with their lips but their hearts are far from Him. They were legalistic and considered anyone not of their class to be beneath them. There is no room for love in their puffed up hearts. The pride they felt as they "served" God was all-consuming. This is the story of some modern day Pharisees. It is a tale of sorrow and woe.

In modern times it seems there has been a rebirth of the "Pharisees". Their only purpose on this earth is to dig under every rock so as to discover anything that might resemble sin. One misspoken word, one foot out of step and they are there to set you straight, to warn you against that teacher or organization. How does the saying go..."Brushing aside the dollars to find the dimes". Perfection is theirs!

One thing that gives me great comfort is the fact that the authors of this web site have removed the log from their eye so as to be able to get the speck out everyone else's eye; you know, so we can see clearly. "God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men...like that tax collector over there..."

You will see, if you are bold enough to venture to this web site, that there are few ministries that have not felt the wrath of these modern day Pharisees.

To be fair, they do have a lot of known cults and misguided people on their lists, and we do need to be aware of them, but the pride they have in their "ministry" is blinding them to the fact that God's word has a second side to it: love. God is love, He is just, to be sure but He is also love. They highlight "justice" and conveniently leave out love.

Probably the most disturbing part of the web site is their stance on salvation: You must believe and repent. Jesus is not good enough, what He did on the cross is not sufficient, you must act as well. This is a lie and fits in perfectly with the rest of their "work". The sour, scowling faces I see in my mind (oops! I said, "mind", that is complete whacked out heresy in their...minds???) epitomize what so many think about Christianity that it is no wonder people don't want to listen to us! Their message is only a heavy, legalistic yoke to burden the masses, the very ones Jesus came to free. The very sin of the Pharisees. The truth belongs to them.

My heart does not feel much better but I wanted to get this out on "paper". By the way, in their estimation (notice I did not use the word "minds" here..OOPS! I said it again!), journaling, writing in a journal, is a sin too. Don't ask, I have no clue! I am really freaked out about this web site!

I try not to rant too often but this web site has my hackles up.

I don't know why I'm posting this here but check it out if you want to:

http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/

We are created in God's image, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We have been given...m-i-n-d-s...to...t-h-i-n-k...with. To learn, to study, to grow. It is not a sin to learn. Man has taken learning and twisted it to try and squeeze God out of it but learning in and of itself is not wrong, even if we are trying to learn about the mind. We are not robots. We, like God, have the capacity to think, to learn, to love, to choose, to imagine (another wicked sin, apparently) but I think we honor God when we use these things. He certainly was imaginative when He created this wonderful world! Can we go too far? Yes! But to exercise our minds and imaginations is not wrong. What I can't imagine is the world in which these authors must live. A one room shack with a non-scented candle as the only source of light, digging in God's word for one more way to condemn another ministry! Do I sound angry? I am angry! This causes more damage to the cause of Christ than any act of sin ever could! What would happen if these men channeled their energy to reaching out in love to the lost and let God deal with the rest?

Jesus was angry with the Pharisees because of their hardness of hearts. they clung to their traditions and their perceived righteousness more than they did to God's truth. They rejected Jesus and they put Jesus to death. What I see is that the "religious zealots" caused more grief to God and did more to hinder what God was trying to accomplish than all the sinners and tax collectors combined! Jesus was hard on those who did not love but tender with the lowly. Did He condone sin? Absolutely not, but it was not with the sinners that He contended, but it was their so called teachers.

If you go to this web site you will not find love, for there is none there, it is not welcome. What you will find is a dry and barren wasteland, you will find the heart of the Pharisees.

I am far from perfect, Any of you who know me know this for a fact, but my heart burned within as I read the garbage found on this web site!

As always, I welcome your comments, questions and feed back.

...

Looking at The World -- Feb. 18, 2009

2009-02-18T14:15:00.001-06:00

I just finished looking at the headlines and I am simply amazed! How did this country, this world, get so messed up? How can these huge corporations be in such trouble? The car makers got a huge shot in the arm and now they claim they need more?? Huge, old banks all going over the edge. Investors have stolen millions if not billions of dollars from their clients to the hurt of so many people. What is going on?!?!

I think our time is getting short on this earth. No, I am not making a prediction and God's word is quite plain that no man knows the day, but as I look around it appears that we might actually be getting into the birth pangs of the end times.

Our world has shrunk. I remember geography class in third grade where the countries we studied seemed so remote and exotic to me. I was fascinated. Now Iraq, Iran, Russia, England, Japan, all seem as though they are in our backyards. This also means that as the world shrinks we become increasingly one-worldly. For example, the current financial situation could easily culminate in the development of a one-world currency which could then give rise to a one-world government, and, perhaps, a one-world religion. Is this a stretch? As quickly as power changes hands and all of the monetary systems tied together as closely as they are today (our markets influence other markets around the world) it is not so farfetched. Our sin is bringing the world to its knees. I really believe this, but it is all within God's control. That is where our comfort comes into play.

Regardless of who we are or our position in this life sin will catch up to us and in one way or another we suffer for those sins. Don't get me wrong on this point, God is incredibly merciful as proven in Jesus dying for our sins but in one way or another we suffer for our sins and this can't be swept under the rug. Let me give you an example. If a teenaged girl becomes pregnant and if she seeks forgiveness, God will grant it and even parents too, but the girl is still pregnant and has to, if she does the right thing now, go through the blessings and trials of being a mother. God does not take that away. She is suffering for her sin. This can and does happen with any sin. I believe this is what is happening to our world now, but I really think this could be what actually pushes us in the direction of a one-world system.

To knit all of this together, I have to say I am not a prophet nor do I claim to be, but with what God says in His word and what I am seeing in this world now it could be the method God chooses to use get the one-world system His word talks about it.

As always, I welcome comments and questions. I am not smart in these areas but it is what I see from my perspective.

As we go through these times, turn your anxieties and worries to God, He will not fail us.

Bye!

The Mind: More of God's Image -- Feb. 16, 2009

2009-02-16T22:02:00.001-06:00

As I look back on my life there are a number of things that I picked up from my parents. These things do not always come readily to mind but when I sit and think through my life, I mean really wonder the corridors of my past, I find just how many times my parents impacted me.

For instance, I give a great deal of credit to my mother for my spiritual growth. There was a time when I was, oh, around seven years old. My mother was cooking supper and I was in the kitchen with her. I do not recall the reason, perhaps she just sensed an opportunity to share some teaching about God, but whatever the reason, she told me about the Holy Spirit and that when we quieted our hearts we could hear what He had to say to us. I then, being wise beyond my years, said one profound thing, "SHHH!" That did not go over well at all! The second lesson that day was not to make fun of the things of God. Whatever God had in mind that day, I must have learned something because it is still with me to this day.

One other thing that I learned was something my dad taught me though I bet he never knew it, and that was a desire for counseling others. My dad was the family councilor for his side of the family. No, he was not a professional nor did he receive payment for his services but I can not even begin to guess how many times he was on the phone with a cousin or one of his siblings doling out advice. Everyone knew to call "Uncle Bob" whenever there was a problem. I'm still amazed to this day. He seemed to have some sort of ability to empathize with people because they always came back for more.

I find this fascinating and God has opened in my heart a desire to know people better, to better love them. I am a slow learner but I am learning.

I love to watch people and I always wonder what their thinking. What are they going through? What is hidden behind the outer facade? I know in my life there is a whole complex me on the backside of the exterior. This is not to say that I am a completely different person on the inside but there are most certainly things I do not willingly share with the world around me which forces me, at times, to put up a front. This is most helpful to understand this about myself because most people live their lives in a similar fashion so I can be sympathetic toward their feelings even if I don't have any specifics of what they are in the middle of at the time. Human nature fascinates me!

God's word is the ultimate authority on the human condition. The more I understand Him the more love I have for others. Though God's word does not endow us with the ability to read minds or communicate telepathically it does give us enough insight into the human heart that we do gain a measure of discernment because deep down we have the same nature. This does not happen because we want it to but because we take the time to get into God's word, study what it says and by faith apply it to our lives.

I am learning. I am not "there"; I have not "arrived" but I see a desire to work with people and help them to see the truth that can set them free. No, I am not an active evangelist but more and more I see that only in the truth of God can we find true peace and freedom that we desire.

I am reading a wonderful book at the moment called, "When People are Big and God is Small", by Edward T. Welch.

In a nut shell, Mr. Welch is saying that we have trouble with self-esteem, peer pressure, codependency, etc. because we try to fill the emptiness we feel inside with other's opinions, approval, and overall thoughts of us. We are so obsessed with gaining others' approval that we make them our gods and what they think of us becomes our driving force and we become enslaved to others. People become big in our lives and we forget that they are created beings and not the Creator. We fall into worshipping the idol of others. We need to step back and realize that what really counts, what really matters is what god thinks of us. Not that we can win His favor by what we do but when we turn our lives to Him in trust, faith He is pleased knowing that He is our refuge and strength. Is this simple? Not on your life! It takes daily discipline and trust. This is beyond what I fully comprehend or at least what I am able to communicate properly, but our esteem needs to come from God. He loved us so much that He was willing to die for us so that we would not have to pay the price for our foolishness. He has proven just how much we are worth by paying the price we could never pay even though we were enemies in His sight. What more do we need to know to understand how precious we really are?

Maybe you are not the best looking, or the smartest or most talented but if you are trusting God, if you have had your eyes opened to the fact that you are very special in God's sight, this is freedom. This is true esteem. This is peace in the face of worldly hardships.

No, I am not a real councilor but if God can use me in some way to encourage someone else, I am willing. The ultimate hope is that these people should see Jesus and not me. This, however, is a different subject for a later post.

This is a lot to chew on but learning is happening, if not for you certainly for me. Please feel free to add to my learning by contacting me with questions or comments. I have a lot of learning to do but I am ready for the challenge! For God's glory!

Bye!

On The Mission Field -- Feb. 13, 2009

2009-02-13T09:03:00.001-06:00

Last year my friend and co-worker, David, and I started walking on a fairly regular basis in the evenings and on Tuesday night I had the privilege to do so once again. The day had been pleasant and the night was most comfortable for a sweatshirt and ball cap.

We partook of our usual banter about management and leadership, when we inadvertently stumbled onto the Mormon mission field. What a surprise to be walking in the dark night with two sharp dressed young men approaching and as we moved aside to let them pass it happened...

This has never happened to me before but they stopped us and started their pitch. Though they were, as always, well prepared with defenses and arguments, I could not help but feel that they were desperately trying to "sell" me something, as though their very lively hood depended on "making the sale".

There was a taller blond young man who did the majority of the talking with his slightly shorter sidekick interjecting a phrase or two here and there in support of his fellow missionary. They were well versed in their technique. Well prepared. In fact, I have never run into a Mormon who was not prepared, though I dare say I have never run into one who was quite so persistent.

In any event, they injected a lot about prophecy and the Holy Spirit and how He would guide me to the "truth" if I sat down and spent time in God's word (which I agree with 100%) and talked a lot about how the Bible came into being but not a word was spoken the whole time about Jesus, or at least nothing that comes to mind.

I am improving as I grow in my walk with the Lord and He guides me the way I should be going, but I have never enjoyed getting into debates with people. Indeed, I do not even like to watch others debate. I hate to see the perceived divisions; I want everyone to get along and not argue. It's my personality. So when I am thrust into a situation of debate the first thing that usually happens is that my mind shuts down, no coherent thought will pass. I really hate this because later, as I reflect on what happened I see all sorts of wonderful arguments I could have brought out. Not to "win" or embarrass the other but to show God's love. It is a real bother to me and that night was no exception. They "won" because they were prepared and I was not. It was not a matter of who got zinged or who trumped the other but it is all a matter of preparation, a matter of the heart, the deepest most inner part, who you really are, and I was not ready.

This bothered me because this is not the first time that I have not "been ready". This is to my shame; however, in God's always-present, overflowing grace, He helped me to see this...again and He has shown me some real positives. I have been spending a great deal of time praying and meditating in my heart over God's word and through His Spirit He is opening up passages to me that bring me peace and comfort as to who He is and, ironically, the Mormons were right, the Holy Spirit has been revealing truth to me. And the truth is that it really does not matter how the Bible came into being, or how God has revealed Himself throughout the ages but that we realize that He sent Jesus into this world to pay the price for our sins that we could never pay. That He opened the doorway for us to be with Him forever in Heaven. Not because of anything we have done or not done but simply on the basis that He loved us so much that He was willing to die in our place and all that He requires of us it to trust in Him. Simple trust, simple faith.

They made no in-roads in my heart or mind thanks to God's good grace but I am grateful to them in the fact that God used them to show me the truth that I am not where I should be and without a regular time in God's word we are none of us prepared for what satan throws at us. "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.". I have learned, once again thanks to God's great patience with me, that I am not as prepared as I should be and that frightens me. Without God I am vulnerable and weak, easily deceived.

How about you? Where are you at today? What if the Mormons stop at your house today? We are not here to defend God, He does not need to be defended but we are called into relationship with Him and the only way to develop that relationship is to spend regular, quality time with Him each day. Oh, look! There's a spot on my mirror...

Lord, Your patience with me is beyond my comprehension but I am so grateful You do not give up on me. You have, once again, taught me I need You now and forever more. I pray You will continue to work in my heart and the hearts of all those who desire to know You better. As we seek You with our whole hearts please guide us into Your truth that we might be united as one in Your Spirit. I pray that as You present to us opportunities to talk with the Mormons or anybody else that You would help us to see those people as You see them and help us to love them them as You love them. Help us to understand that we are not spending time learning about You to "win" a debate but to present Your truth. And help us to remember that it is not our job to convince one of who You are but to simply speak to them the truth of Jesus and what He has done for us and that You will make the changes as You see fit. Thank You. Amen.

Have a God-filled day and keep your eyes and heart opened to God's leading.

Bye!

Appropriate Title -- Feb. 11, 2009

2009-02-11T16:29:00.001-06:00

This blog certainly has been living up to its title as of late and it is just due to lethargy. I have find that the stress I talked about in my last post settled into lethargy as silt settles in a river. My mind was not active. Since it has been awhile, I decided to post at least something today.

I'm doing a study in the Life of David with the goal of discovering what it really means to be "a man after god's heart...", it is not an easy question to answer but I am starting to get a little picture of what it might be about.

I went for a walk last night with a friend of mine and got stopped by a couple of Mormon missionaries. Though I do not shy away from talking to those folks I usually don't think of the things I should say until much later. I'm nit talking zingers here, I mean solid Biblical truth. My mind just seems to shut down in these situations. On the positive side, it makes me realize what areas of doctrine I need to work on. Interesting conversation. Though friendly, they seemed to be quite desperate to help me see the "truth" and that I should take one of their booklets. I really felt as though they were car salesmen.

Well, I have got to go.

See ya.

Bye!

The Stress Factor -- Jan. 23, 2009

2009-01-23T15:47:00.001-06:00

I discovered this week that stress is a killer of thinking. I had the opportunity to be under an unusual amount of high stress this past week and I found that my mind shut down all major functionality except the bare necessities: Breathing, pumping blood, etc. (I am grateful for that!) But everything else was black. Nasty business for certain! But I have learned from the past and from that knowledge blossomed wisdom. (I define wisdom as knowledge put into practice) My first stop was the Throne of Grace. I can't remember a time in my life that I have ever been so humbled. (I know it's probably killing you to not know what my trouble was but I am not going to tell you. I am not trying to be mean, I just do not want to go into all of the details) I found to my great joy that promised peace that transcends all comprehension. I was amazed! One day, no answers, I was frantic and shutdown. The next day I had no answers but I was full of peace as I continually sought God's hand. What a humbling, joyous time! I do not want to go through that pain again but it was so blessed. Whenever you are drawn closer to God it is a good thing for sure, even if the circumstances are not what you would choose!

Now I have answers and my joy is even more full! But it was not a time I look back on with fondness other than the afore mentioned closer walk with God.

It is good to be on the other side of pain. But even so there are other tunnels that are approaching but if we take what we have learned from our past trials the future tribulations don't look as dreary as they one time might have, if, that is, you have taken what you learned from past trials and apply the lessons. Remember: Wisdom.

Bye for now! I hope you all have a peaceful quiet weekend.

Bye

Today's Muse -- Jan. 15, 2009

2009-01-15T12:22:00.001-06:00

I'm at lunch right now and just finished my daily dose of Helium.com ratings. There are so many opinions about various subjects that the best one can do at times, is to agree to disagree. Even within one's own circle of friends who share common beliefs, there are differing ways of looking at certain topics. Unfortunately,this is why we have many church denominations. The various and differing beliefs drive us to seek out those of a more common belief structure. I am sure it does not please God. Unity is His call and we fall far short of that calling.

When I rate an article I am looking to see how the article fits in with the subject title. I then look for mechanics and structure. One thing that will turn me off in an instant is preaching. If an author is preaching to me, even if I totally agree with his or her stance, I instantly give a lower rating or choose the competing article; as long as that article is not a complete mess. I have been known to do a skip if both articles are terrible or if both are preachy. There is no room to be preachy. I have found that it is a relatively simple task to get your point across without in-your-face- preachy-ness.

On the other hand, a well thought out article, even if I am am totally opposed to the author's point of view, will receive a higher rating based on its form and quality. I'm not necessarily looking for what I agree with but how well the article is written. I do have to say that if there is an article subject I do not hold with, it is much harder reading than with subject matter I do agree with, but I try really hard to be a neutral "editor".

Switching gears now...

I was diagnosed with asthma almost twenty years ago. It has not been something that causes me great problems and I have never been in the hospital for it. But my asthma seems to be more of a ninja warrior, a stealthy invader. One of whom I am not aware until I actually treat it. Here is what I mean:

I initially went to the doctor because at the most unusual times I would have this irritating dry cough. I didn't think too much of it until one evening, I worked the 3-11 shift at this time, I was sitting with some of the ladies of another department and they told the story of how one of the ladies husbands had a strange cough that had been misdiagnosed and and it turned out he had terminal lung cancer. I'm not usually paranoid about these things but for some odd reason this story really struck my heart, so I went to the doctor only to discover I had asthma.

My asthma is triggered, for the most part, by allergens; dust, mold, and cat dander are among the most potent of the triggers. Times that I am in areas with such things in the room will trigger an allergic reaction and launch an asthma attack. (Too much caffeine A couple puffs of my inhaler and I am good. However, there are the more usual and subtle attacks; attacks I don't really associate with asthma. Aches, pains, especially in my lower back and the upper sides of my torso. these pains can last for days and cause me to loose sleep even. Case-in-point: This past month I have had all these signs and symptoms and have had a tremendously poor sleeping record. So last night I decided to take a stand. I still did not realize I was dealing with asthma but I took three Ibuprofen, used my Netty Pot to cleanse my sinuses (highly recommended!) and I was my inhaler.

Now I have to say I do not like using my inhaler because it tends to freak out my nerves and I can get jittery. In fact, I absolutely will not use it on the days I donate plasma because it elevates my heart rate. So I try to use it at night whenever possible.

I did this last night and the combination of the Netty pot and inhaler really sent a swig of oxygen to my brain and I gladly went to sleep. It was the best sleep I had had in weeks! Once again, my stealthy enemy had attacked my lungs and caused my more trouble than it should have caused! By the time I realize what's happening, I have been suffering for days, if not weeks (as in this case) and not realized what was happening to me.

It is a tricky enemy but I love experimenting to see if there are natural things that will can help my condition. I do know for a fact that my overweight condition is not helping and I am working on that area but I also want to see if there are other things that would help too.

I am not a naturalist nut job but I really do believe there are natural things that can help us in our daily ailments. I am convinced of it! I just need to research more and see what is true. What I find to be the most reliable source of truth is people I actually know who have tried things for themselves. With that in mind, as I experiment I can then be a witness to the benefits of the things I try. We'll see what happens.

My goodness how I have rambled! Well, I will let you all go now and rest your weary eyes. Talk to you soon!

Bye!

An Experiment -- Jan. 14, 2009

2009-01-14T13:32:00.001-06:00

I have been reading a lot about a couple of products that people seem to be raving about: Bromalite and Acai. Now, I am not usually one to go in for pills and that sort of thing but the more reading that I have done about these two products the more I thought I would give them a try, and for $10 for a 30 day supply, I did not think I could go wrong.

The Bromalite is supposed to help cleanse your colon, something I have been intrigued about for a long time but up until now have not put much stock into it. And the Acai is made from the Acai berry and is supposed to give you a good shot of energy.

A couple months ago I did the same thing with a product called FRS touted by the one and only, Lance Armstrong. I was skeptical about that too but for shipping and handling, I gave it a two week trial. It worked GREAT! I loved it! The only problem is that I can't afford to keep using it now so I have not. This is the reason I decided to try these two products too. It is cheap and there is enough to let me know if it will work or not. I will keep you posted.

One last note: If you are trying to sell a product and you truly believe in it, give away samples! It is a great way to get your product into the hands of interested buyers and could end with you making some good and loyal customers. I would be one of those with the FRS product if I could afford it. It really worked! I hope Acai and Bromalite work. I want it to...does that count?

For now I will sign off but keep looking up, your salvation is nigh!

Bye!!

Just Plain Frivolity! -- Jan. 6, 2008

2009-01-06T16:26:00.001-06:00

Unlike my usual posts today I do not have anything earthshaking to share with all of you out there. Normally, my posts are full of useful information and witty and whimsical prose that you cannot bear to wait for! This time, however, I just feel like banging out a few words just for the sake of writing. I hope you're not too disappointed...

We are already six days into the new year and I have not written '2008' on anything yet. (Well, except for that 2008 I just wrote here and that one there...other than that, I have not written 2008. (OPPS! I did it again!) That fact, in and of itself is most unusual. It usually takes me 4-6 months before I'm over that little problem. Anyway, the year has started out somewhat quietly work-wise. I have a couple carry-over projects from last year (2008...There it is AGAIN!) but there is still a long ways to go before I really have an in-depth part to play but I must be involved now so I know how to implement my portion of the project.

MY calendar looks pretty empty but Alyssa's...that is a whole other story! She is a busy girl! At least she can drive! If she was still a non-driver, MY calendar would be much busier too! And speaking of driving, this is the year Logan can get his learner's permit! YIKES! is all I have to say! (At least I didn't write 2008 again! CRUD!)

It looks like we will be doing the GPL Foundation Pancake Breakfast the third week of February this year. If you're going to be around, come on out for some pancakes. We do not charge a thing but we do take donations. We use this event to help with the expenses of our summer softball tournament. It is always a good time. (Unless, of course, there is an ice storm like we had two years ago.)

I am co-teaching with Pastor Bryan in Sunday School on a few of the parables. They are really something! I have never really taken much time to study them prior to this class and they are full of great lessons! I did the "Pharisee and the Tax Collector" last Sunday and plan to teach on the parable of the "Rich Man and Lazarus" this coming Sunday. At this point I will also teach on Feb. first but I don't know what parable I will teach on then, at this point.

Well, I think that sums up 2009 so far. I hope you and yours are having a wonderful new year and that the Lord would bless your plans as you leave them in His hands this brand new shiny year!

Bye!

It's Here! 2009 Has Arrived! -- Jan. 1, 2009

2009-01-01T11:06:00.002-06:00

The New Year is upon us and one thing that I have in mind for the start of this new year is a time of reflection. To look back at was has been and see if there is anything that I need to change or improve upon. With introspection I have seen many areas that need to change in my own life and many Mistakes I have made, not just in this past year but from way back when and have whipped up on me in this past year. But instead of backing up the dump truck and unloading all the guilt and shame I will allow myself some grace, as my God has, and try taking bite sized chunks to start the improvement process.

There are two areas that I have set out as a starting point:

1) My weight. I am way too heavy and I am tired of being tired. My goal is to lose 30 pounds this year. (I need to lose more but I will start small.) This equates to about less than three pounds a month which I believe is obtainable.

2) My writing. Though I have become more prolific in the last couple of months I want to do even better than that. I also would like to stretch myself more in the areas of research and becoming more profitable with my writing.

I did not mention a couple of other areas that I have seen take a nose dive this past year, because I want them to be a part of all I do and not just be something to strive for.

1) Make God a art of everything. In everything I do I want to do my very best. No more half way. No more mediocrity.

2) Integrity. I have always thought of myself as being a man of integrity but I saw this area slip this past year and I was in shame at some of the things I did or did not do.

Without the hand of God on my life I cannot hope to attain to any of these things so it is to Him I look first and foremost. I also need to come up with a plan, a mission, if you will, to get me on track and keep me focused on the things I need to do this year. Saying "No" will be a part of the plan.

Take some time to reflect on this past year. This is a new year with new challenges and new opportunities! Make plans, turn them over to God, and put your heart into all that you do! I think you will be surprised at the results!

Happy New Year to all of you!

Bye!

Preview of Christmas No. III -- Dec. 27, 2008

2008-12-27T11:42:00.001-06:00

Writing anything of a personal nature, such as this blog, would be missing the mark if I failed to mention the big birthday boy! December 27, 1996 Grady was born! What a wild year that was in Christmas memories!

Since We live in Cedar Rapids we actually become the center of all traveling activity. All our relatives live within three hours of us north, south, east, and west. I should correct that to "used to live" as Kim's grandparents have since moved from Burlington to Ames, but we used to be that "center of the universe" stopping spot.

Anyway, that year Kim could not travel so we had to have everyone come to our house. My folks came during Christmas, hoping Kim would produce a new little Larson while they were with us, but alas, they went home on Dec. 26th disappointed.

My In-Laws then came for Round II and Grady was finally born on Dec. 27. (I am not being so specific with the In-Laws because I don't remember the exact timing of their visit, just that my family left the day before Grady was born!)

All that to say that if Grady were still with us he would have been 12 today. I certainly wonder what he would be like but it is not to be. The Lord had better plans for that youngster so we celebrate with a heavy heart.

Now onto Christmas III, The Bowman Family! This, the final act in our Three part Christmas, is in danger as of this morning. The weather in the Ames area is producing ice today, making travel unsafe so Brian and Colleen might have to come and stay with us tonight but that is still unclear. I'm sure that would not be the first choice since moving from one "hotel" to another with three young children is not the ideal situation!

Also among the threats is the stomach flu. The two little girls had it earlier and Hayden picked it up yesterday. When G-ma talked to them on the phone this morning Hayden was not up yet so it was uncertain his current condition.

All in all, there will be at least some changes to the plans for Christmas III. More adventure!

I will let you all know what the outcome of this most exciting cliffhanger will be late next week. As for today, I am on call but, as history has borne out, it has been quiet. I'm hoping it will remain quiet but now that Father-In-Law has a high speed internet connection, I can do my work from there. That is a great relief on my mind.

Well, for now I will leave you but hope to have more to share in the coming days!

OH I ALMOST FORGOT! I posted another article out on Helium.com today about "The Unpardonable Sin". Check it out if you have time and, as always, I welcome any feed back!

Bye!

Twists Make Life Interesting! -- Dec. 23, 2008

2008-12-23T13:38:00.001-06:00

As I took a look at my Paid Time Off (PTO) bank before the Christmas I decided to be frugal with the time I took off over the Christmas. (By the way, how PTO works is that I get about 13 hours of Paid time off every two weeks. This bank of time off is used for all time off purposes: Vacation, holidays, and sick days. You can use it however you choose but when it's gone, it's gone. I am allowed to accumulate up to 480 hours but, as you might imagine, that takes a LONG time!)

Anyway, back to the story. I had decided to just take the 25th off (actually this is a mandatory day off unless you get permission from your boss. Like who'd do that?!) and for our Bowman Christmas, the 29th and 30th off.

So I would be working Dec 24 and 26; and working Dec 31 and Jan 2. As time has drawn nearer I decided I deserved a four day weekend so I would ask for the 2nd off as well. What a great way to end 2008 and bring in 2009!

Then it hit me! WAIT! I cried, That means I only have ONE day to work next week! This is silly! In an impressive display of executive decision making I decided to scrub the whole time off thing and re-submit it taking the whole week off. I think it is a brilliant idea but only if the boss agrees to my request!

So this story is just another of those little twists that make life so interesting!

Bye!

Christmas #1 In Review -- Dec. 22, 2008

2008-12-22T11:52:00.001-06:00

We had a most enjoyable weekend even though the weather was bitter cold and wind-blown.

We spent the entire weekend indoors but, unfortunately, my sister and her family had to go in and out. On the brighter side, everyone seemed to survive and have a good time.

We start our "Christmas Day" with breakfast, prayer and a traditional reading of Luke 2. We then open gifts and clean up a bit. The goodies are then laid out and the munching begins. We will have soup or pizza for supper but goodies rule the day. One thing we like to do at my folks house is to watch Christmas movies all afternoon. We watched 'White Christmas' and 'Elf' this past weekend. In the evening we generally will play games of some sort.

Later "Christmas Night" a few of us, my mother and me for sure, cap the night off by watching 'A Christmas Carol'. We particularly like the 1951 version staring Alistair Sim. I like several other versions but this one, for some reason, is my favorite.

Due to the weather, we had to follow the road reports to see if we were actually going to come home or not. As the day went on we decided to 'risk' it and made it home with no problems. It did not take us any longer than normal. There were moments where the snow blew pretty hard but no so as to create a complete white out.

Our next Christmas, the real Christmas (Dec. 25) will be nice too since we will just be at home and have no plans to venture out. Very relaxing. We'll head for Ames for Christmas III on Sunday.

Well, I'm signing off again. See you soon.

Bye!

Odds and Ends; Bits and Pieces -- Dec. 15, 2008

2008-12-16T17:04:00.001-06:00

On Friday last I was able to put to rest the truck's registration problems. It was easy but it would have been a lot cheaper if I had not forgotten in the first place. I still need to pay my fine but I am driving legally once again. It's amazing how stressed I was the two days I had to drive before I was able to get the new sticker. I can't imagine ever committing a real crime! Oh, I forgot to tell you! I was pulled over on Thursday by a Cedar Rapids officer for the same thing but he took pity on me since I had just received a ticket on Tuesday. I was very relieved, to say the least. But now it's over until next year!

We are close to being done with Christmas shopping. A few more tidbits and we will be done. Kim went to town the other night and wrapped the gifts we had that she could wrap.

Kim made caramels on Saturday and we cut and wrapped those Sunday. I'm fearful that there will not be enough tough since there are only 254, so there will be a little less for everyone this year! LOL! (We'll probably still be eating caramels in June!)

I made one batch of fudge so far and intend to make two more, probably tonight night. We don't have anything planned and it's snowed a goodly amount so fudge making sounds like a great plan!

We are looking forward to some family time! Friday night we'll be at mom and dad's for our "Christmas Eve" dinner, always good! And on Saturday we'll have "Christmas". Mom and I like to watch A Christmas Carol one night or the other so I have that to look forward to as well.

The following weekend, Dec. 28 to be exact, we are heading for Ames once again, this time for Christmas with Kim's family. We like to split our weekends so we can spend as much time with our respective families as possible. We feel that even a drive across town dampens the time with family and just adds another layer of stress that is not needed. When we stay for a whole weekend with one family we don't have to worry about packing up and heading for wherever we're staying that particular weekend. It's one less thing to think about, thus less stress.

I plan to bring my laptop to Ames this weekend and try to keep up with the articles I have been writing. I got one more submitted and have one more almost ready to submit. I have a 90% of my articles that are in the top 25% which is so encouraging to me! I don't mean to toot my own horn but it is simply exciting and encouraging to have a regular good review! I was planning to finish it yesterday but I had to sacrifice my plans for the good of the caramels.

Well, I think that's all the odds-n-ends for now...

WAIT! I forgot. Our computer has started going south, and unless I miss my guess, it is not going with the intent to come home! I'm going to try to repair or reinstall the operating system and see if that fixes the problem. If it doesn't I really hope that the "users" have their valuables backed up! I try to stress that with them but it does not always work out that way. We'll see. We really need a new computer but right now it is not in the budget. The funny part about this is that fact that the computer is really no longer just a luxury but a necessity. The kids do so much homework on it that it has really become a needful item. We'll see about that too.

Well, Bye for now!

Organization Failure -- Dec. 10, 2008

2008-12-10T12:57:00.001-06:00

I am a person who likes to be organized. I should say, probably more accurately, I like the concept of organization. People who are organized, like my Father-In-Law, can find anything at a moments notice and never have to worry if the socks he just pulled from his drawer match. To be fair, I am organized too. In fact, if you asked me for any important document that I should have in my possession I'm sure I could find it in one of my many piles of documents. (Sometimes I'm really organized and I shove those piles of papers into a file drawer!)

Being the organized person that I am, I sometimes find I need help. Let me give you a recent example: I was driving home yesterday from work and knew I had to stop and get some air in one of my tires. As I pulled into the gas station I noted, with a touch of pride, that one of Marion's Finest was monitoring the intersection of Grand and 11th to catch those who might not be cognizant of their current speed or the color of the traffic lights. Very cool! I am a law abiding citizen so I knew I had nothing to be concerned with.

As I finished filling the tires I carefully backed out of the parking stall and with all the expertise of my 25 years of driving pulled out of the station and up to the light. I noted that as I did this the police officer followed me out of the lot.

As the light turned green I once again employed my best driving skills and headed the two blocks to home, again crowing to myself about my wonderful driving talent. Just then the officer's lights came on. He probably wants to let me know what a model of driving I have shown to the community at large! Anyway, I pulled over.

He then proceeded to inform me that my registration was out of date by more than a month and that I needed to get it corrected as soon as possible. I thanked him as he handed me back my proof of insurance and a beautiful citation as a reminder. It is so good when someone is willing to come along side you and help you in areas you where you have a weakness, in this case my organizational skills are somewhat lacking and this officer was kind enough to help me to get on track.

In looking back on this incident, I have a lesson I would like to share with you. There are cheaper ways to get organized than the $90 fee I was charged that has now helped me to make sure my bills are not tucked away for safe keeping. Out of sight is for sure out of mind!

Happy driving, from the Driving Master of Marion!

Bye!

Prolific Writing Weekend...Sort of -- Dec. 8, 2008

2008-12-08T10:14:00.001-06:00

I completed another article on the Golden Rule and I have an article that I just need to polish a bit and it will be ready for posting as well. This last article is in regards to how I think President-Elect Obama's presidency will go based on his messiah-like popularity. You won't be able to see this article for a while since it is a Market Place article which means if it is chosen I will get paid! Really cool! If I do not get chosen, it should be available for your viewing pleasure in a few days.

Check out the Golden Rule missive and let me know what you think. It was a fun write!

Bye!

God's BIG Quiz -- Dec. 5, 2008

2008-12-05T06:25:00.003-06:00

One last post for today...

If you were to die today and stand before the Creator of Heaven and Earth and He should ask you one question, "Why should I let you into My Heaven?" How would you respond?

If you were to die today, do you know for sure that you would go to Heaven?

When God created the heavens and earth and everything in them, it was just as He wanted them. Things were perfect and the people He created literally walked with Him in fellowship.

But God did not create robots that would obey His every command and make His very wishes their commands, He created people with a will, the ability to choose, choice, freewill, if you will. They could choose to love and follow Him or to reject Him and disobey the rules He had set forth. Choice is the only way to prove love. Is it really love if you do not have a choice? If you are forced to "love" someone or something, is it really love? No, of course not! God built us with the ability to chose.

We took that choice and we rejected God, turned out backs on Him to go our own way. Thus, sin came into the world in which we all are partakers.

God is perfectly holy, we cannot even begin to comprehend what this really means but He is purity incarnate. This means that deviating in the slightest way, a "white lie" even, totally violates His holiness and condemns us to eternal separation from Him, or Hell. Think about this, one tiny, "innocent" white lie condemns us to eternal separation form God! If we move beyond a little lie...WOW! No excuses! God is perfect and demands perfection to gain Heaven. Who can attain to this level? No one can! This is bad news! Really bad news! How do we answer His question? The only answer, in and of ourselves is, we do not deserve to enter Heaven. We deserve Hell.

End Game!

Wait! A light! A light shines in the distance! What can it be? It is filled with hope, with good news! What is it? What is the good news?

God does demand perfection. There is no way around that, but He also knows we cannot attain to His standards so He made a plan. He Himself would pay the price He required of us and not only would He pay the price but He also would give it to whoever desired to have it.

Did you see that! He paid the required price and He then gives it to whoever wants it! What does this mean?

God knew we could not attain to His expected standard of perfection so He sent Jesus, both man and God, to pay the price. Listen to this:

Jesus died for sins and rose again the third day. Ten words that say it all! The good news!

Jesus did the work and paid the price for your sins and my sins and all He requires in return is that you trust Him, that His payment is sufficient to satisfy God's holy requirements and there is nothing more required. He paid it all and He offers you Heaven in return for your trust. Is that too much to ask in return for all He has done for you?

If you, having read through this, see your need for a Savior and you trust Jesus now that you have seen what He has done for you, tell Him so right now. He is with you and can hear you even if you tell Him in the quietness of your heart.

You could say something like this: "Jesus I know I am a sinner and I am in need of a Savior. I trust that what You did for me by dying on the cross and being raised the third day is sufficient payment for my sins. I am now trusting You for my salvation."

That was prayer! But it was not the prayer that saves you. The prayer is simply telling God you are now trusting Him. It is trust in Jesus and Jesus alone that saves you.

If you have trusted Jesus for your salvation today tell someone else so that they can trust in Him too!

If you have trusted Christ you can now answer both of God's questions with confidence and assurance! What peace this will bring into your life!

I would also love to hear from you if you took this most important of steps today. It would e a great encouragement to me to hear your story. Use the "Contact Me" link on the right to send me an email if you trusted Jesus today! Also I would be happy to try and answer any questions you might have regarding all of this information so please feel free to contact me.

The Mood has Struck! -- Dec. 5, 2008

2008-12-05T05:54:00.001-06:00

Today, as noted in my earlier blog, I am up early and I have been been blessed with a desire to write, so you get a second posting today.

God is so gracious. I have been brooding for a long time how to insert myself more into my children's lives but as I thought of all of the things I could do with each one it seemed boring even to me so how could I expect them to enjoy the time?

This took me to a place that all of us should go when faced with a nagging problem (The first place for any and everything in all reality!): prayer. For a long time I have agonized how to reach out to my children and leave a legacy of something more than "Whose Line is It Anyway" and "Wife Swap". TV was becoming the legacy my children would inherit. A worthless, time-wasting legacy! (I DO watch TV and can watch too much also but I have been trying diligently to cut out some TV time, with a degree of success, I might add!)

Finally, the week before Thanksgiving I decided I would just start something with Logan and see how it went. Here is what we do:

1) Watch a movie together (I KNOW! It's TV but that is not all we do! Pay attention, now!)

2) We have a 30-60 minute Bible study and talk about how to apply it to our lives. This has been a terrific time! I am actually getting to know my son! He is a fascinating person! You all should get to know him!

Through this we actually have mission statement for ourselves and we are going to keep each other accountable to our mission statement!

Here is the mission statement Logan and I came up with ( I want to add one more part but for now it helps us to focus): "To love God, love people, and do the best we can in everything we do." Next week we are going to flesh out what those points mean. It is really cool! You might say it's a "mission from God"! :-)

3) We play a game that requires thinking. Chess, Othello, Mind Trap, Bible Trivia Pursuit, etc. I want Logan to start using his God-given brain to think and this is partly how I am going about doing this. I also do not allow "I don't know" as an answer to the questions I ask him when we're doing our Bible study. This encourages him to think outside the box and it has worked! He really puts forth a brilliant effort to answer my questions! I am inspired and I think we are both growing! I am really loving this time with him! It is so cool! I praise the Lord for it because He has answered my prayer, at least in part.

4) I want to incorporate exercise into this as well but last night we ran out of time.

Now, as most of you know I have a daughter too. She is Alyssa and she is 16. She is not only 16 but she is active in school. She is not only active in school but she also has a job, a real job. She not only has a real job bit she has friends, friends not only from her school but from other schools as well. I think you get my point, she is very busy! This is daunting to my desire to spend some time with her too. I realize it won't work to do the same things with her as I do with Logan but I want to do something.

Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. If God gave me an answer for Logan He will give me an answer for Alyssa too. It will be different and not as much time in one sitting but it will be a good thing. I'm praying, Alyssa! This means God will give me an answer! Stop rolling your eyes, young lady! You can't run from God's plan! tee hee!

Well, I am done for now. I need to pray and get a dose of God's word before I run off to the office. Maybe even some breakfast in the mix.

God is so gracious! In my next post I will tell you more about this Guy!

Bye!

A Real Wake Up Call -- Dec. 5, 2008

2008-12-05T05:23:00.001-06:00

It is currently 0500. For you non-military types, it's 5:00 AM. Note the AM part. It is early and, yes, I am up. This is not by choice but when one is on-call one can be summoned at any moment by the magic of the pager. Its heart-stopping, nerve-shaking tones drags one from the deepest, most pleasant dreams into the harsh cold reality of Friday morning! But no matter. Now that I am up I decided that I would stay up since the alarm was set to go off at 5:45 anyway.

Speaking of Friday morning, in just under two hours I will be off of call for another four weeks. If you care to look on the calendar this puts my next call rotation during our visit to Ames for our Bowman side of Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, this time of year becomes hard for me to focus at work. It's almost like vacation in the fact that I know I have several days coming up in the near future where I will be off for various holiday festivities and I find myself at odd times counting the minutes. However, the boss has had a great number of extras for me to be working on this past year so the times I get to spend counting the minutes (in these, now rare moments, minutes actually feel like hours! I wonder if this is a phenomena akin to wind chill--it says it's -3 degrees below zero but it feels like -120! We could call it..."On and ON" as in, "This day is dragging "on and on!" The On and On factor today is 2. For every minute you stare at the clock today, it feels like two hours.") is considerably lessened!

In reality, I don't mind being up early. When everyone is in bed it is a lot more peaceful. At night you can get a lot of traffic and even just the feel in the air is of unsettled chaos. But in the early hours of the day, once you get out of bed, the entirety of life seems a bit more peaceful and rested. Once I manage to pry the sleep-coated eyelids open and the heart starts beating again, the early mornings are really a nice time.

(It must be really cold outside, the furnace has kicked on three times in the last 30 minutes. That is such an encouragement to go out and go to work! Brrrr! Or as Alyssa used to say, "BOOOO it's code!") tee hee!

So long for now. Stay warm!

Bye!

Interesting Writing Site -- Dec. 4, 2008

2008-12-04T15:43:00.001-06:00

If any of you out there would like to boost your writing check out this site:

http://lab.drwicked.com/writeordie.html

I just discovered it and it looks cool. I have not tried it yet but I plan on trying it and I will let you know what I discover. Sometimes we need a push, I ALWAYS need a push, so this could prove to be a good tool...

I'll let you know!

Thanksgiving -- Nov. 26, 2008

2008-11-26T08:07:00.001-06:00

I wanted to shoot out a short missive before things get moving for this holiday celebration.

I start call this weekend which, historically, should not be too bad and now much easier since my father-in-law now has a high speed connection to the Internet.

Football is the usual fare on Thanksgiving afternoon so I may pop out the old laptop and work on a article or two. I have an idea or two for an article that I may try to play around with. I really need to get more articles out on Helium. I still have the eight I originally wrote and I have earned a whole 17 cents so it's about time I add to my vast fortune!

The Chicago branch of the Bowman clan will be in town for Thanksgiving this year and G'Pa B will be coming to town for Turkey day too! We will have a full house.

On a sadder note, the Bowman family will be having one of her "firsts" this Thanksgiving. The first without G'Pa A. For my family in losing Grady, the "firsts" were the hardest part and I do not imagine it will be any different for the Bowman clan. It is sad for me...

Though it is more traditional to reflect on the past year closer to Christmas time I'm feeling a bit nostalgic this morning so I will just take a peek backwards.

There is no escaping the fact that it was a tough year for the East Iowa Larson branch this past year, and as I look back it occurs to me that I really never want to face another year like that again. On the other hand, it is the tough times that force us to look to God who waits for us to call on Him. He answers prayer, too! Oh, it is true that the way He answers those prayers may not be the way you would like for Him to answer them but He is faithful.

When I see all the times this past year that He took part in our pain and brought us to see Him in action, it was a real blessing in spite of a poor heart attitude. In fact, in the darkest times of the past year He provided. It is incredible to look back and see where He intervened. Right now? Right now God has granted to us some relief. I would not say a mountain top time but the stress is of the normal, holiday type and not manufactured, as it is when you look ahead and worry about what might happen. No wonder God calls worry sin. It really comes down to a lack of trust in His provision.

No, it has not been a fun year but it is very good to look back and see how God has provided but I need to take what I have learned and remember it for the future. Because even though God has granted to us a reprieve from a difficult year, He also promises that this life is hard and there will be ups and downs. But when we learn to see God's hand in those times, how He moves to help us, as He promised He would, we then experience a growth in faith and, if we have gained any wisdom form our past, are quicker to turn to Him when the next "tunnel experience" comes our way.

Have a God filled Thanksgiving! We all have a tremendous amount to be thankful to God for this year.

Bye!

Late Night Reflections -- Nov. 21, 2008

2008-11-21T22:43:00.001-06:00

It's Friday night and my house is quiet. Kim is in bed watching the news. Alyssa is still working. She closes tonight so she won't be home until after midnight. Logan is at the first-ever Junior High Retreat at Camp Wapsi. This leaves me me in a quiet place for a while.

I'm not overly interested in going to bed and I really want to write but my attempts to get a Helium article out have crashed into a smoldering heap. Not discouraged but still needed to bang out some words, I'm turning to the faithful blog. Where I don't have to have a real plan but I still need to make some sense since there are some folks who do read this thing!

I made a plan to spend time with Logan at least once a week. A time where we can look at God's word, talk, play a game and perhaps some other activities just to hang out together.

I have wanted to do something for a long time but I have always talked myself out of it because I did not think I could compete with PS 2. But after praying about this and having been encouraged in Men's Fraternity, I decided to just do it and an interesting thing happened: we had a great time! I am now looking forward to doing this more often.

I want to do something with Alyssa too, but it will not be quite as intensive since she is much busier, but I still think a regular time with her at lunch or some other little activity will prove to be a real blessing. It sure was with Logan! It was most encouraging and I am so grateful to the Lord that He was able to talk me into it.

When I was still at home, around Logan's age, I did not appreciate the talks I had with my folks. Since that time; however, it has become a real joy to spend time talking with my parents. I do not feel I have missed anything. I do wish I could get over to see them more often but that doesn't work out too well at this phase of life.

It is interesting how your perspective changes on certain things as you grow older and mature. I can;'t say that there are many things I still have the same perspective on that I did 25 years ago. I know that career-wise I certainly have evolved.

Well, my teeth are feeling fuzzy which means I need to brush, and I think I hear my bed's siren song, so I will sign off for now.

Have a wonderful weekend and I hope to be back on-line next week!

Bye!

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made! -- Nov. 18, 2008

2008-11-18T12:48:00.001-06:00

On Wednesday mornings before most of your alarm clocks are even awake I am meeting with a group of men at church. We are going through a series called Men's Fraternity. It has at least three years' worth of material and each years' material runs for about 16 weeks.

Last year I opted out but this year caught my eye. It has to do with finding out how you are built by God and leveraging that design to its fullest might to glorify God. I was really excited about this program!

Part of the program is taking an on-line personality test called, "My Design". We will be going into these evals over then next month or so but it was really fun taking time to sit down and think about your likes and dislikes. I took my eval last night. I learned some surprising things about myself and I had confirmed things I strongly suspected.

Before I read the results I had Kim read them and see what she thought and if she thought it it was accurate. Overall, she thought it was pretty accurate but there were a few odds and ends that did not fit me at all. After I read it I thought the same thing. It will be interesting to see how it all fits together once we are finished with the process.

I personally think it makes me look better than I at least think that I am but I can also be too hard on myself too. It's good to be honest with yourself both in the areas that you need to "fix" and the areas that may be strengths for you. I can be tough on myself without being honest about my strengths and that is wrong too! God has gifted all of us in certain ways and I think that it's wrong to diss the good in trying to be "humble". No, I do not think we need to brag about we can "do" because it all comes from God but what if we don't use the giftedness God has given to us? I think we dishonor the Giver along with the gift and we miss out on blessings god may have planned for us. Think about that...

For now, I will keep exploring who God has made me to be and see where He wants me to go and do! It is really exciting!

Good bye and may God direct your paths today!

The Story of This Week-- Nov. 14, 2008

2008-11-14T11:59:00.001-06:00

I took some time last night to pull all of the pieces of the story I have been working on, together into one location. It is such a relief to actually have some organization to this beast! I really can see how an author can get lost in the details. I have three pages of just generic plot outline, no meat, mostly questions that need answers but there are a LOT of them! The more the merrier! Half the fun is in the creation! I'm hoping to spend a large number of minutes on this project this weekend!

Well, that's all for now.

Bye

The 'Pre' Week-In-Review--Nov. 11, 2008

2008-11-11T16:43:00.001-06:00

I have a cold. I have a cold and I have to blame my father for my cold. No, I have not been close to my father in better than a week but he called on Saturday to say that he would not be coming over because he had come down with a cold. Now after talking with him on the phone I have come down with a cold and I stayed home from work yesterday because of it. Distance is no barrier to colds! Thanks, Dad! I think I need to upload Symantec's anti-virus suite so I can better fight this thing. If colds are now being transmitted over the phone lines, as seems quite obvious to me right now, then SURELY a good anti-virus software should cure my cold. Wouldn't you think??

Alyssa's musical was this weekend and as usual the kids did a great job but the overall story was a little lame! (NOT your fault Al, just not a great story) I can't wait for the spring and the play! Last year's play was so fun and Alyssa and the group she works with did such a terrific job in preparing! I love plays! I miss being involved myself so I now have to live vicariously through my daughter! Go get 'em, Little Love!

We also went to see the 'Wizard of Oz' this past weekend. Kyle's school did this classic for their musical and they did great too! The 'Wizard of Oz' is a much better story and I got to play with Emmy. WHO is Emmy you might ask? Emmy is one of the Renning's (from church) dogs and she is a sweet little poodle-ie type dog who is immune to all excitement making her the best candidate to play the infamous 'Toto', as in, "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Toto...", remember?

The Renning's also have a six month old mixture of energy and excitement named Riley and I really thought they should have used Riley as Toto. This dog would have added a new level of energy and probably changed the whole complexion of the play. tee hee! But I was the only one that could see the brilliance in that particular suggestion so the play went on as it was first scripted...Ho hum! Oh well, there's always next year!

Well, I have an upgrade to do tonight so I should sign off. See you later and have a pleasant evening!

Bye!

The Falling of the Snow -- Nov. 7, 2008

2008-11-07T13:56:00.001-06:00

A crisp chill hung in the air as I left for work this morning. The distinct feel of snow caressed my face and I knew we'd see snow today. I also heard it from the weather guy but sometimes they forget to put their rocks out so they can't determine exactly what the weather is like at the moment.

I have a number of eccentricities about me which makes me a hard one to figure out at times but one thing I really like is to see snow falling. We can have a winter like we had last year and I still get a feeling of peaceful awe when it snows. (Note: I don't always like the results of the snow falling but I love to watch those fluffy pure flakes falling!) So, much to my delight, snow flakes were swirling around the crisp late fall air! I have often wondered what it would be like to float without a care in the world, down to a world full of cares and concerns and just maybe, add a bit of lightness to someone's day...

This reminds me of God's grace. Even the tiniest, most delicate creation on this earth can bring some tranquility to our lives if we would take a single moment to just appreciate what there is surrounding us. It's amazing what you can find when you take the time to stop and look and listen. No! Don't speak just observe. See the flakes fall; feel them on your skin as they lay their cool touch on exposed flesh; and hear...the silence. No one wants to be out in the snowy weather so silence can reign supreme; what a great go that can be! Especially if you take a walk down a park trail. What a wonderfully peaceful place to be! try it sometime. It's not that cold!

God's grace. Simple, elegant reminders are everywhere just take time to see them. Once you have experienced these joys you will never look at a snow flake in the same way, I promise you!

Bye for now!

Election Reaction -- Nov. 5, 2008

2008-11-05T09:02:00.001-06:00

It's FINALLY over! Hurray! This round of presidential elections seemed to go on FOREVER and with good reason: They started so much earlier! BUMMER for most of us!

I have to say I did not vote for Mr. Obama but I am not disappointed. It is my firm belief that God allowed him to get into office and God is in control. I am also firmly convinced that nothing will really change. Why? Because there is a lack of team work. We do not have the UNITED States we have Democrats and Republicans. I feel that we will not really move forward unless we all work together.

I have more details in my article on Helium.com. Check it out for more of my thoughts.

Bye!~

The Gospel Truth -- Nov. 4, 2008

2008-11-04T10:33:00.001-06:00

We are in the middle of a new evangelism training system at church that has been really eye opening. The Elders are going through the training now and then we have a plan to try and get sixty or so more folks trained by Fall 2009.

This system is from a group called "Evantell" out of Dallas, Tx. The Elders of our church spent two days with them back in September and we started the training six weeks ago.

It's a twelve week program that gives you a simple way to share the gospel in everyday life. You don't have to add more items to your "list" but just find ways to incorporate those who need to hear about Christ and His gift to us into your daily life. It also gives you a simple way of sharing the gospel.

What is the gospel? In essence, it comes down to ten words:

"Christ died for sins and rose again the third day." That is the gospel! See I Cor. 15 for proof.

The training encourages you to get people talking about themselves and for you to listen to what they say. As you listen you can pick up on areas where you could grab onto and turn the conversation from secular things to spiritual things. Asking questions and listening are two keys to this process. As the Holy Spirit leads sprinkle liberally with salt and light (Colossians. 4:6) and if the Lord opens the door share the gospel! The target of our conversations with non-believers.

Of course this can only happen within God's strength so it is vitally important to bathe all of your evangelistic endeavors in prayer, asking God for boldness and opportunities. If you do this be warned: God WILL provide those opportunities so you need to be prepared!

One great method of sharing the gospel is the "May I Ask You A Question?" track. It is straight forward, short, and simple. If you don't have a way to obtain the track you can go to this web site and read all about it:

http://www.morningside.ws/question.htm

Remember: We can only share the truth with others, bring them to Christ; God brings Christ to them! He does the real work of conversion! He just wants you and me to partner with Him in leading the lost to Him.

If you get involved with evangelism I would love to hear of your experiences, good and bad. We may be doing a news letter once we kick this off in January and we want to include stories of how God has used people in His mission to find lost souls! If you do have something you would like to share use the 'Contact Me' link and email me.

God bless you as you walk in His ways!

Bye!

The Year of Celebration -- Nov. 3, 2008

2008-11-03T12:06:00.001-06:00

We had a fun weekend! We went to Ames to celebrate the ninetieth birthday of G'ma Allee. Ninety years old! That is so cool! (Each year I get older makes those who celebrate birthdays seem much younger than they used to! Odd...)

We had good food and the kids and women folk went to an art studio they have in Ames to paint ceramic. They appeared to have a good time and we men folk were able to quietly cheer for our favorite football teams while they were gone. (If you count snoring a quiet activity!) We also played some table games and I actually won! That is a rarity!

On Sunday we went to my folks place and had some delicious Angus beef steaks grilled by my culinary wiz of a brother-in-law! He does a great job in the food department.

My nephew and sister also celebrated birthdays in the last few days so it was an entire weekend of celebrations.

Every other year Kim's brother and family stay in the Chicago area for T-giving so we don't get to see them until Christmas but this year is not that year! This year we have had the opportunity to see them them on several occasions.

1) We saw them at the funeral for Kim and Brian's Grandfather, Guy Allee. Not a happy thing to happen but it was most enjoyable being together. G'ma, as noted above, seems to be getting on fine but she certainly does miss her mate.

2) Our annual Chicago trip. Since this was an Olympic year we had the now traditional "Backyard Olympics". Fun was had by all and the pairings allowed us to play with any number of nieces, nephews, in-laws...it was quite a riot!

3) This past weekend for the big 9-0 birthday bash.

4) Thanksgiving

5) Christmas.

All in all we will have some good quality family time by the end of this year.

I hope you all had a great weekend and year too!

Bye

Tough Love -- Oct. 30, 2008

2008-10-30T12:52:00.002-05:00

A happy 40th to my Sister! (No, this is NOT the tough part! I'm coming to that part...)

I have done mean things in my life and I can come across a bit aloof at times but I would not categorize myself as a mean person. In fact, I often will go out of my way not to be mean and sometimes I loose out because I am not assertive enough, but that is not really my point either.

I am caught in a situation that I am actually struggling with. In our walk with God our faith can only truly grow as we endure hardships. This is not to say we should go looking for trouble but it's only in times of adversity that we grow closer to God. This is true in our relationships too. As we face trials of various kinds, whether it be with a friend, family member, or spouse, often relationships are strengthened through hardship. It certainly can go the other way as well, but it is through hardships that we grow. I would bet God is sorrowful that this is the way it has to be but He also knows that in the end we can be strengthened in faith toward Him.

This is true for good stories as well. How many times have you read a book (or even FOUND one for that matter) where everything was all peaches and cream with no adversity and no pain? It would not be a good seller. Conflict is what makes for a good story. The ending may turn out "happily ever after" but in getting to that place our heroes must go through the crucible. In other words, as a writer I have to be mean to my characters, I have to deliberately place them in harm's way and as they jump out of the frying pan they fall fast and hard right into the fire. Not the uncomfortable edge but right into the white hot middle. I hate that!

As the author, the creator of my story, I am god to those in the book. No, they do not worship me or even know that I exist for that matter but I give them life, raise them, give them a cause and send them out into the cruel world, into the tricks and traps that I set for them! That is hard for me to think about let alone do but without it my story becomes flat and boring prose regardless of how flowery. I must exercise tough love. Some may die and others prosper but guess what? That is how life plays out. God obviously has our best in mind but I must think of new and more sinister ways of getting my characters into trouble.

It is hard! I have created these folks and I want the best for them so it is...difficult to purposely place them in harm's way to the point that they despair of life itself.

Well, just call me "meany" because I am, even as you read this, plotting harm for my characters and I am anxious to see how they will react! Stay tuned!

Bye for now!

In God's Image - Creator --Oct. 29, 2008

2008-10-29T11:18:00.001-05:00

When God created mankind (Male AND Female!) He made us in His image with intelligence, will, and...CREATIVITY! Just look around you and you will see creativity everywhere! From the buildings we live in to computers we work or play with, creativity is everywhere. To deny we are a people of creativity is to not only deny what is right before your eyes but also deny God's image. For indeed He is THE Creator.

As I have been exploring who I am (I wish I would have started this YEARS ago!) one thing that comes to light again and again is my desire to create. I love to create! Especially with words. For me to create however, is much different than my Creator, for He is able to create with just the thought but I have not been granted that skill, I have to apply myself.

I have read a LOT about writing novels, short stories, etc., and time and time again they authors tell me, clear as day, that it is not an easy task, it takes time and effort. For me, being a little slower than you out there, it takes time for all of this to really sink in and only when I truly apply myself to a task do I finally come to understand. It is the same with my writing. Even though all these veteran writers are telling me that there is no magic bullet to writing and even the veterans have to dig a scratch and fight to get the words onto the paper (however much they love their jobs!) it is still work. This realization has FINALLY dawned in my heart and mind!

I picked one of my many story ideas and have determined to go as far as possible with it, following the teachings of those I have decided to follow for writing advice. There is so much good advice out there that if you don't pick a small portion to follow you will never be able to get any writing done as I have been discovering!

In this story I have began to develop a plot line and a few characters. Of course I already have a map but right now I am focusing on my characters. Wanting them to be more than talking heads or two dimensional freaks I am spending time trying to develop who they are by asking questions as to their history, what they want, where do they want to go, what is preventing them from getting what they want, etc. It is a long process, especially if you have more than one character. But it is exciting! Why? Because I am creating! Just like my Heavenly Father only with a lot more effort! I can't simply speak a story into existence but I can take what I know and mold it into a character with a real life, real history, real wants and needs. The really cool thing about all this work is that you, the reader, may never see any of the character's history but, if done correctly, this information makes the character someone real to you and has you cheering for him or against him, depending on the circumstances. It is very very cool!! In fact, (you're gonna laugh at me hear!) I have read books where the characters were so real to me I almost felt the need to pray for them! Can you believe that?!? That is how I want my characters to be and spending time planning their past lives, giving them a life outside of the story brings them right off the page and into your hearts! That how I want to create!

I owe all this to my Creator, God Himself! He has created me in His image and I want to follow in His footsteps to glorify His name! And in His strength alone will I be successful.

Bye for now!

Another Friday??? -- Oct. 24, 2008

2008-10-24T12:34:00.001-05:00

It amazes me that time appears to be moving faster the older I get. I say "appears" because time has not changed since I was a boy, twenty four hours is still twenty four hours in length but for some unusual reason my perception of time makes it appear to me that time goes faster as I get older. I wonder what it will be like when I get to eighty years of age (Lord willing, of course!)...Will I celebrate Christmas one day and the next day be preparing for Thanksgiving the following year? It makes me grin just thinking about that!

I have never been one who was concerned about getting older and I feel like I have been growing old with grace. Oh sure, the signs of age are there and I still get a surprise when my aches and pains don't heal as fast as they used to (Ironic don't you think, in light of my theory of time seeming to be going faster!). It just has never bothered me.

Well, all this to say to you, "Welcome to Friday!" Though I have struggles that take my eyes off of Jesus and thus cause me great stress, I still look at each new day a wonderful potential for learning and growing making each day, even Monday, new and exciting! They obviously do not all turn out good but difficulties are our path to growth in trust to our God and the very life of any good story. Thus our lives, all of our lives, have the potential for great stories!

So minutes glide past on the face of each clock giving birth to new hours which in turn bring forth new days. New days bloom bright and flare brightly as they merge into the week and the weeks expand until they fill our months. Each month then adds its strength to the making of our lives; short or long. Each part of these building blocks are our opportunities for God to use us and help us to grow that His love would stir in our hearts and, as we cry out for understanding and wisdom from the Giver of Such Things, our eyes are open to those around us, our neighbors.

How do you use your time? I have to go now and put some thought into how I am spending the time given to me. There is ALWAYS room for me to improve. :-)

Have a God filled day! "Redeem the time..."

So long!

Breathing Helium – Oct. 23, 2008

2008-10-23T15:31:00.001-05:00

I had some really fun news today! I got an email from Helium.com telling me that I am now a PREMIER WRITER! It is a motivation for me to receive this encouragement.

From what I have been able to tell so far this really only means that enough of the articles I have written have been good enough to get a top 25% rating which means that I get access to premier articles in the "Market Place" writing area. This is the area that publishers use to get the best article and pay more than the penny or two I get for someone like you reading my article.

For me this is a wonderful encouragement from God to continue writing and that I need to kick it up a notch!

Thank you to all who have read my articles and I would ask that you would pray that God would use my articles to glorify His name. If I gain anything from my writing, then that would be a bonus but if God gets the glory that is what is really important.

Bye for now!

Random Randomness -- Oct. 22, 2008

2008-10-22T13:20:00.001-05:00

I am eating lunch right now and I want to write but I don't have any real direction so you can understand the title of today's muse.

Went to Men's Fraternity this morning and it was interesting. Our table has some fine men who are willing to open up and share and as we go through the various lessons there is a veritable feast for thought! As men we can sure find ourselves lost in all we are supposed to be doing for our families, churches, community, etc.

We went for a bit of walk and explored as far as we could to see how far the we could make it in the skywalk system. We discovered that we could access roughly half of what we could prior to the flooding this past summer. It felt more like home, walking in the skywalks but I am still waiting for the day the library will be open again.

While I was eating lunch I started reading a writing class I 'won' from one of my favorite author\teachers, Holly Lisle, about scene creation. As I was reading I found my desire to write growing once again. She has a great way motivating me. I can't say for sure what it is that motivates me but she has what it takes. I need to take an injection of discipline and to get busy! Right now I am ready.

Work has been "odd" lately. I have really enjoyed the oddness but it has been odd. I have asked for more responsibilities and have been given them and these new responsibilities have started taking over my time. I REALLY enjoy these tasks so it's not a bad thing just different. In fact, I feel a bit guilty because these tasks do not feel like work thus I feel like I'm not earning my way. But I must remember these are supplements to my "usual" work.

I am going to try to get my hair cut tonight, Lord willing. If you look at the new photo of me on this blog, you will undoubtedly notice my hippie hair. Usually my hair needs to be cut every 6-8 weeks and at 8 weeks I can not stand it anymore! I have thought about letting it grow out long again, just for kicks but I can't seem to get past the 8-week barrier. Mullet has come to mind because it's the front that drives me nuts but I'm just not cool enough for one of those things. Do a Google on 'mullet' and you'll see why I do not consider myself cool enough to sport one of those bad-boys!

Meetings, meetings, meetings! I am in another meeting in which I have no input but there seems to be a thing that my name needs to be included in all meetings. It's a curse. LOL!

I get an hour break and then more meetings.

Well, this really has been random thoughts today. I hope you are not all spinning with the change in subjects. Like I said, I wanted to write but had no clear pathway or idea so what you see is what you get.

Have a God filled day!

Bye!

2x4 Indentation--Oct. 20, 2008

2008-10-20T14:18:00.001-05:00

It used to be that people would quit their jobs, sell all they have and travel to some remote part of the world (it helps to have a high mountain readily available too) to find themselves. I have never met anyone who has gone on one of these quests and actually found themselves. This does not mean that someone out there has not accomplished this largish feat it just means I have never met any of those people. Considering all the people that live in this world my web of relationships is quite small; infinitesimal even, so it is no surprise that I haven't ever met anyone coming back having found themselves. In fact, most of the people I know I think are pretty secure in who they are and have no need to go find themselves. On the other hand, most of those people probably think I should maybe at least take a hike around the block to see if I might at least get a glimpse of who I am. (If I walk one direction there is a bit of hill I must walk up. Not quite a mountain but it least it has an incline to it!)

There comes a time when you do so many stupid things that you hit rock bottom. Before you get too comfortable there, however, more stupid things crash in on you and though you've hit the solid floor of stupidity the the rest of the stupid things you've done then fall on you to crush you. (You know! The old 'Rock and Hard Place!' This is the place!)

I have been doing a lot of reading trying to understand how to think better, how to treat people better and how to be a more effective leader. In fact, these areas have become something of a passion for me. I am reading all sorts of wonderful books and articles and even am trying to apply them in my work environment. There does seem to be some merit in these things. But..(there's always a BIG but...) these things don't take into consideration that the idiot (or in technical computer talk, The ID-10-T error) should be allowed to play with these toys. In case you are wondering I can assure you that one's increase in knowledge, and even one's attempt to practice that knowledge, does not decrease the size of foot that can fit into one's mouth.

I was at small group last night and the ice breaker was a favorite soup or soup story. I am not a big soup lover so, being several people away from having to answer, I had plenty of time to come up with a really big mouth sized shoe fitting.

First, it is import for you to understand that one of the easiest dishes to bring to a get together like this is soup. We have soup regularly at our small group and it is really fine. I do not mind soup but...

My response was this: "Given any other choice besides soup I would take the other choice in a heart beat." Now that is not too bad in and of itself but as soon as the words left my mouth I tasted dirty rubber from the souls of my sneakers filling the vast cavity known as my mouth. The whole thing just came out wrong and the only right thing was that there was one other who, a few minutes later, agreed with me. (Thank you, Jim!) But it does not leave out the fact that my statement did not come across with tact or anything resembling pre-thought.

So I have requested of our leader a moment at our next meeting to apologize for my comments. (That is if I can get my foot out of my mouth by then!)

This all led me to take a hard look at all aspects of my life and when you do a stupid thing all the other stupid things you've done, are doing or will do come into sharp focus and give the appearance of being what your entire life is built on. You would think that after reading all the books on building people up, watching all the respectable people doing such a wonderful job of building people up even by just saying, "Hello" to someone, that you would learn, but it does not always happen. Sometimes you simply get a hearty helping of leather instead, with the added bonus of hurting someone's feelings. Nothing like wounded hearts to go along with some tasty Wal-Mart brand pseudo-leather. UMM! UMM!

My only comfort today is that God is graceful and can change even me (although I have to be one of the toughest cases He's ever faced!) and a plan to apologize in person.

What I have discovered in trying to find myself is that the tongue is not so easy to tame and that reading a few books can't substitute for a genuine and gracious heart. A word spoken to build someone up is better than trying to get a laugh and hurting someone's feelings.

If you plan on trying to be clever or could potentially contract this foot-in-mouth dieses, wear flip-flops!

Bye for now!

Twitter Update...Oct. 16, 2008

2008-10-16T12:59:00.001-05:00

I decided to remove the Twitter posts from my Blog. I felt it was too cumbersome and a bit tacky looking too. Rest assured I'm still Twittering but I am not posting the results on my blog anymore.

If you want to join Twitter and start following me!

Bye

Hidden Treasures...Oct. 16, 2008

2008-10-16T12:56:00.001-05:00

I don't like throwing things away. It seems to me that somewhere somehow I could find a use for it and, it is a known fact, that the minute I do throw it away I will need that very item the next day. However, there comes a time when I know I'm being a psycho so when I can't stand it anymore, I employ a tool I learned a long time ago called, "Getting Brutal". This means that once you decide that you are throwing something out you do it regardless of your mental and emotional attachment to the object. It's brutal! (Thus the name...get it?!?!)

One area that I draw the line in brutality is books. I LOVE books! I have always loved books and I don't even care if I read them or not, I love books. There's no ego here, there's no bragging, no nothing, just a plain love of books. This love extends to notebooks as well.

I have notebooks from years back in which I wrote Bible studies or notes from a Bible study but I have saved them.

The other night I ran across some notebooks that I had been using a year or so before Kim and I got married and there, on the first page, Kim had scribbled this note, "ONLY 11 MONTHS LEFT TO GO!". She was talking about our wedding, of course!

I also found that I had written notes on an evangelistic message I wanted for our wedding since there would be people there who would never darken the door of a church outside of a wedding or funeral. (Christmas and Easter don't even make their lists!) This is where the wedding was almost off, at least at Kim's home church.

The pastor looked me in the eye and said that he would in no way do this type of message because it just did not work in this type of environment! That was the whole of his answer. I was FLOORED! What do you mean it doesn't WORK?!?! There will be people here who need to hear this message! What doesn't work??? I was THIS close to walking out and not coming back! Not that I would not have married my Kim but I was not doing it in that church!

Needless to say I DID get married, for family peace, in that church but to this day I still feel anger toward his unwillingness to have an evangelical message for MY wedding! (I mean OUR wedding, Honey!)

(This has gotten WAY off the point I started with! Well, at least you have some history of the Larson wedding days!)

In my mini treasure hunt, I also discovered a neat study guide that I acquired some years back, how I don't recall, but I have been using that for my "fast" this week and it is REALLY cool! Simple yet it forces you to think and I love to do think! (Not real good at it but it is fun when I can focus!) (This was where I was REALLY going before I got off track with that wedding stuff!) (Do you like Kryspy Kremes?)

I don't think books are a stumbling block for me but I hate throwing out books. If you want to win your way into my heart give me Barnes and Noble gift cards (Note the 'S' on the end of CARD. LOL!) for my birthday! I go crazy when I get those little beasties!

Well, though I could go on and on you are now bored out of your skulls so I will sign off! Have a good weekend!

REMEBER:

McCain or Obama just as long as you exercise your God given responsibility and VOTE! It's coming soon! Roughly three weeks to go!

Fast Times...Oct. 13, 2008

2008-10-13T08:02:00.001-05:00

It has been brought to my attention that I have been spending so much time doing so many things that I have allowed any real time with God to slip away. It's time to get back on the "fast" track!

No, this will not be a food fast but a "things that take Greg's attention from God" fast; i.e.: TV, books that are just for fun reading, etc. I do this from time to time and it is no easier than a food fast. It's too easy for me to get caught up in the things I like doing and now it's time for me to make some sacrifices.

This week is going to be a busy one outside of work. Donating plasma tonight at 1930; tomorrow we start our SEEDS training, a new evangelism method we're employing at church starting at 0630; Wednesday is Men's Fraternity, 0600; Elder's Meeting at 1700; 1930 is another plasma donation; and last but not least, Friday at 0600 I meet with my friend and accountability partner, Jim. Oh yeah, on Saturday at 0930 I get to meet with H&R Block because this year we used them for our taxes and for the first year the State of Iowa has sent us a letter saying we owe more than what H&R Block said we did.

This looks even worse on "paper"! WOW! Oh well, that's a part of life.

Well, I'd better go! It looks like it could be a long week!

Bye for now!

Homecoming Weekend -- Oct. 10, 2008

2008-10-10T10:19:00.001-05:00

The crisp nip of Fall is in the air. Not quite chill enough to put on heavy clothing yet but enough so to remind you that colder weather is not far off.

Leaves are crisping on the branches and float to the ground to be crunched by passing walkers. The fall weather seems to bring the walkers to life. The smell of Fall, the fading light of the year gone by, seems to revive one's heart. Strange, since Fall is the twilight of the year; the fading of the old and the promise of the new.

Sports fans of all type turn their hearts to football this time of year and not more so than during Homecoming! And Homecoming is what we have in Marion this week. The activities for the students have been many and varied From Super hero day to Red and Gold day. (Suspiciously like ISU Cyclone colors but the kids deny this fact.) The air is full of peppy energy! Go INDIANS!

They have a tough assignment tonight as they face the the Knights of Union. This team is supposed to be very good but Marion is tough and prepared! They are scrappy and it's HOMECOMING!

Though Kim and I will not be attending the game tonight we are sending a great delegation consisting of: Alyssa, Logan, and Kyle! They will add their energy to the crowd which will be huge as it always is during Homecoming. I wouldn't mind going but tonight is Friday and I have $36.00 of Barnes and Noble gift cards that may find the end of their life tonight. Gone but not forgotten.

Whatever your Friday hold for you, Homecoming or travel, or just an evening of relaxation, enjoy the time God has given you! Relax and forget the past week; look to tomorrow where once again, God's grace is renewed!

Get out and crunch through some leaves this weekend!

Bye!

I have a Twitter... Oct. 9, 2008

2008-10-09T14:06:00.001-05:00

No, this is not something inappropriate for younger viewers nor is it a disease...To tell you the truth, I'm not really sure how to classify it. It is just kind of fun.

I guess I would call it a mini blog. Each entry can only be 140 characters long and it's meant to be used to answer the following question, "What're you doing today?" I really like to consider it a mini-blog or an minute by minute, "What's up?".

Here's the link if you want more info:

http://twitter.com/

Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think. It is being used in a lot of different ways including on-line marketing. No, you can't put a whole marketing scheme in Twitter but you can inform your clients of new material in 140 characters or less. Or point them to your updated web site etc.

The jury is still out as to its practicality but it is kind of fun and it would be even better if a bunch of you would jump on my "Follower" list. (If you join, I'll become one of YOUR followers as long as you let me know you joined!)

Stress Alert!! -- Oct. 8, 2008

2008-10-08T22:01:00.001-05:00

There are times in my life when all of the stresses begin to accumulate to a point where nothing seems to help. It's at this point where I know God is the only answer and to take some time to just sit back and do nothing except maybe read. I must say that in some strange manner writing helps. Though this is certainly not one of those moments of revelation, I have known this for a LONG time, it's just that it's hard to motivate myself to write when I find myself in this place. It's a cruddy place but it does bring me to me my knees which is a good place to be, proving that the tough times are the times God cherishes most because they are the times that draw us to Him.

I don't know what this means for this weekend. I get off of call and that is always a good thing. It's homecoming for Marion so there are a number of activities planned including, odd as it may sound, a football game. The Indians play the team from Union, a very tough opponent I am told. We'll see what our guys are made of this week.

I will say that if it's nice, a walk is another welcome distraction.

All in all God knows me, wants me to know to know Him better and He can use things like this to draw me closer. Keep this in mind because He wants YOU to get to know Him better too! :-)

Go with God on your way the rest of this week.

The Poems – Oct. 4, 2008

2008-10-04T11:29:00.001-05:00

Here are two poems I wrote the other night. These are not to make you laugh so, if after reading them you feel like busting out, please remember that I am not a poet and not really trying to be one I'm just "tinkering". These things just come to me once in a great while and it feels good, somehow, to write them down. I posted one a LONG time ago on this very blog so this is not the first time. Hold on, here we go!

A pearl of wonder

A pearl of great price

Locked deep inside

Sealed, out of sight

A lamp aglow

Beneath the basket

No light does show

Seeming dead, a casket

Unlock the depths

Unleash the light

Into the darkness

Glorious sight

Number two:

First bite so sweet

Now eyes opened wide

Shameful faces flushed

Longer to abide

Naked they fled

Running to hide

Seeking them out

Surely to chide

In pain and sweat

Now to live

Love sought them

Still willing to give

The price to be paid

He knew in his heart

In darkness wad laid

But soon to depart

Poetry Unleashed -- Oct. 3, 2008

2008-10-03T13:13:00.001-05:00

I do not yet have them ready but once again I have tried my hand at a little poetry. I have NO IDEA really, how to write a poem properly so I will spruce them up and place them out here sometime this weekend. I like them but my taste is usually way different than other peoples' taste. :-)

See you soon!

Leadership Unveiled -- Oct. 2, 2008

2008-10-02T14:44:00.001-05:00

Today started out early because I had an upgrade to do on our retail pharmacy system. Due to their odd schedule I had to do this at 0500 this morning. Once I got out of bed it was not too hard, but...0500?? YAWN!

That really doesn't have anything to do with leadership but it was just a "fun fact" about my day.

I have become a student of leadership. I think I enjoy it so much because I really enjoy people. I look at leadership as a way to help people grow. My boss has come along side me in my desires to get into management and has taken a direct hand in mentoring me.

He has put me into all sorts of situations and given me all sorts of extra tasks to accomplish. I have found it an exhilarating experience that has brought new life to my once hoo-hum job. It is so cool to once again be excited about the new day! Even Mondays have been better.

I have been ready books, listening to tapes, going to seminars, and, the most important part in my opinion, observing people. I like to see how people react in certain situations and then I take what I see and see if I can apply it to my life. I want to apply what they do that is good and verify and change in my own life, anything that I see in others that I don't like. It is so cool! I am really excited to see what god can do with this!

Keep leaning on the Lord and keep learning! The day you stop learning is the day your life ends. Keep up the curiosity!

Bye for now!

A New Record! -- Sept. 29, 2008

2008-09-29T08:42:00.001-05:00

I have set a brand new record! This is a not a record I was trying to break nor have I been training for it but it just goes to show you how perseverance can overcome any obstacle!

The record, you ask? First let me say that the previous record was two hours and now the record is ZERO hours! That's right! Zero, Zip, Zilch, Nada, Big Fat Goose Egg 0! This record was for hours slept. (my eye is twitching. I'm so proud!) Yes I got no sleep last night. Surprisingly I feel pretty good so far but I know that once lunch is done I am toast.

Though it was a sleepless night it was not fruitless. I had a lot of thoughts that I was able to weed through, prayer was involved, and I came up with some new writing ideas, so all in all, not too bad if I can make it through...fourteen more hours! No problem! I just can't stop moving for one moment, eat lunch or lay down on the bosses' desk for too long. Should be no prob...YAAAWNNN--lem.

That's it for now. When the throttle of your mind sticks open thoughts come unbidden to your mind and one shows up boundless others are sure to follow. Think, if you will, of a small hole in a dam. Once a little water starts flowing it's not long before the entire reservoir pours through. Get your life jackets! Or better yet, your Tylenol PM!

Bye for now! I'm off to see if the boss is using his desk.

Just A Random Ramble... -- Sept. 28, 2008

2008-09-28T23:59:00.001-05:00

Liquid lead flows through your veins where blood should be flowing and your mind is wrapped with a shroud covering your seemingly dead creativity. Try as you might thoughts come only through Herculean effort and through unmitigated suffering.

You have been invaded by lethargy. A monster so insidious that it can swallow life whole. No mercy and no escape, when lethargy bites its poison penetrates to the deepest recesses and paralyzes as sure as a torn spinal cord. It is cold and unfeeling and does not discriminate, all are vulnerable to its vicious bite.

Within the icy grip, lethargy can seem like prison, a pseudo depression, like a mini-ice age of the heart, freezing activity and seducing inactivity, soothing the guilt as though induced by drugs. You want to lay down and melt into the deep fabric of Swamp Couch.

As gangrene begins to envelope your heart, your very being, hope opens a most unusual avenue of escape. That hope? That hope is to grasp the guilt lethargy sets to smoother in its viperous caress. That's right, grasp the guilt hold on to it like it's your lifeline; do not let it go! Don't give in to siren song that the hag known as lethargy croons , lulling you toward oblivion.

Normally we fight tooth and nail to rid our selves of guilt. Guilt makes us feel bad and as it grows it does not allow us to rest contentedly. Ahh! Starting to see the big picture? Starting to see the answer to overcoming the beast? Lethargy wants to lull us to sleep, to give up and pool up into a soggy stupor. However, if we grab onto the guilt it can bring us to a point action.

The beauty of this plan? When we fall into the lethargy trap our activity slows to near-death and we can feel as we're floating but floating away from what we should be or would like to be doing. Guilt begins to set in as mold as our minds slow and lead flows, but the beast's venom begins to numb our guilt sense, our conscience, and we slip into the bliss of oblivion. However, if we fight the effects of the oily poison, and do something, anything, the lethargy weakens its grip and as we do the things we should be doing the guilt fades away as well.

This is not new age cosmic psycho babble but a biblical inspiration. God wants us to do our best in all things and He has provided the Holy Spirit as our Helper; God living in us! What a great gift! The Holy Spirit uses our consciences as a tool to help keep us on the straight and narrow. When we get off-target He pulls the trigger of conscience to help us to see our error. When we listen we can be free of the guilt but when we choose to ignore that still small voice we grow deeper in guilt. This is not to say that we can use guilt ourselves and overdo the guilt feelings but it is a tool God uses to help us to stay on track. When we let lethargy win we become lazy and unresponsive. God can use guilt to bring us back on track.

Weekend Time! -- Sept. 26, 2008

2008-09-26T15:43:00.001-05:00

It is finally time for the weekend! It has been an interestingly good week. I have really enjoyed the last few weekends and interestingly enough Friday nights have been particularly good. Not so much that good things have happened but I have had a overwhelming sense of peace and refreshment on Friday nights. (It's best if you just leave this one alone and chalk it up to one of my idiosyncrasies.) I don't know why because that has not been true historically for me but lately it sure has!

That's all I wanted to say. In truth I just couldn't not write something today and it had to be something that I could just let flow. Best place to do that is right here!

Have a great and wonderful weekend!

Bye!

I Have A Plan...--Sept. 25, 2008

2008-09-25T13:49:00.001-05:00

I have a plan. This may not seem like a big deal to most of you, especially you "planner" types, but to me it is a step in the right direction, at least I think it's a step forward.

Saturday promises to be a nice day and my yard needs some spring cleaning. No, I am not confused, at least not any more confused than normal. (OK! I AM confused but it has nothing to do with my plan so back off!) I know it's Fall but my yard did not get its annual cleaning this year. That time of year that I pull all the weeds and trim all of the foliage and generally make the trash man unhappy. Not a bad plan in and of itself but that is not all! (I know what you're thinking here: "How could it get more elaborate?")

Well, here is where I plan to kill two birds with one stone. (Where'd the stones come from?) I have been weighted down with guilt about my lack of time I have been spending with my wonderful family. My daughter is at the age where she has so many things going on that she makes Buggsy the Famous Juggler (C'mon! You have to have heard of Buggsy!) look like a fraud! She is BUSY and handling it with poise and in-human responsibility! I am not only amazed but incredibly proud but she never has the time for me to tell her so! So here it is, Alyssa:
I am PROUD of you! Keep up the good work! (She's probably too busy to read this but I tried!) Logan is busy with TV, video games and football. I would add school but he does not formally recognize school as an activity worth mentioning! And Kim she is her usual motherly self busy keeping our house rolling along.

So Saturday I am planning an adventure in the yard. After saying all I said I am offer Alyssa an escape because she has been so busy and has very little downtime. She is very welcome to join us but it is not a requirement for her.

Kimberly also has the choice since she has other household activities that could occupy her time but again she would be most welcome to join us.

Logan and I have a mandatory roll this Saturday. I have any number of tasks which would allow us to work side by side and gain in two ways: 1) we gain satisfaction form a job well done; 2) We get to spend time together away from electronic diversions!
I realize that this is not necessarily a "fun" activity for Logan but I wanted us to do something together. Again this is open to the whole family but the girls will have an out. Besides, us men will be hungry for lunch after we do all that work!

Ready or not family, here Saturday comes!

By the by, Kyle, you are welcome to join us too!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! -- Sept. 22, 2008

2008-09-22T14:46:00.002-05:00

Well we went to Adventureland on my company this past Saturday and had a nice time even though we missed Alyssa.

Before we hit the park we had the privilege of meeting with the Holmes as they were in Des Moines for a family get together. It was so nice to see them even though it was for a short time. It is always a blessing for me to sit and talk with Greg.

Anyway be broke away from that fun and headed for the park. We all were hungry and lunch is usually around 1130 and goes until 1300 but...

We got to the park and found our tickets and instantly noticed a mistake, a real typo right on the ticket. Instead of 1130 the ticket proclaimed lunch was at 1300! That had to be a mistake, my stomach wouldn't lie! I boldly proclaimed to my starving family as we dragged our weakened bodies across the tarmac that I would straighten it all out by walking right into the Palace Theater and prove to them it was a mistake! 1300 has always been the ending time not the starting time!

As it turned out the ticket was correct so we had to find someway to distract our stomachs for a whole hour and a half! Do you realize how difficult it can be to try and soothe a cantankerous stomach let alone THREE cantankerous stomachs?!? Not pleasant, let me assure you! It took all my will power not to break down and get a funnel cake...for each of us!

We did make it until lunch but only because some kind soul opened the doors early. We went at 1245 to get in line and discovered to our joy the doors were already opened, there was not much of a line and the food was ready!

Tears streamed down our cheeks as we cried out with joy at the sight of people serving our lunch. OUR lunch! I sobbed to the older man whose line I had stepped into and with tear stained cheeks I went to kiss his him for the bounty of his grace toward my family and me! I suspect that the joy we felt was contagious because he has not been seen since he screamed and ran out the door. It's good to be able to be an encouragement to others!

Another perk of coming to Adventureland on IHS day is that during lunch they have door prizes. Usually they hand out gift certificates from various businesses and just as usual I never win, so as we finished our lunch we decided it would not be worth the effort to see EVERYONE else gather there prizes so we headed back out to the park.

Later I met a friend who told me I won! I scowled at him for making fun of me and the winless streak I was on. I threatened to bring him to HR for...for...well, for something! It's never a nice thing to tease someone in regards to their shortcomings!

So today I went straight up to HR and told them what I thought about my friend and his callous treatment and wondered what form of torture they would inflict on him, thumb screws I was hoping, when lo and behold they handed me an envelope with my prize. MY PRIZE! I had won! It's a first! No it was not a chicken dinner but a gift certificate to Wal-Mart but, come to think of it, they do have chicken dinners so it might turn out to be a chicken dinner after all! Very cool! SO flexible!

Ok I'm back. Sorry about all of that! My mind left but my fingers stayed behind and just kept typing. Oh well, I don't have time to fix it now so I'll just leave it for now!

Have a wonderful day and if I don't see you before have a good weekend too!

Bye.

Today is the Day...Sept. 17, 2008

2008-09-17T12:11:00.001-05:00

I have two more articles in the chute but one is just barely started and I'm not having near the success with that one as I thought I would when I first jotted the idea down so it sits there staring at me with accusing eyes wondering where the flare went. I can't answer that right now.

However, I have a full first draft done on the second article that I wrote last night but it needs rewriting so it's not ready for the limelight yet, but at least I have the first draft done. I have more hope for this article than I do for the first one mentioned here. This article is not being quite so elusive although I have this unrealistic notion that all my articles should flow freely from inspiration instead of that being the exception and work and sweat being the norm. Well, as they say, "Forewarned is forearmed". Cool saying but who are "they" anyway? I think they must be quite influential because "they" say a lot of things; some of the things "they" say are even profound.

Today is my last day of work as I will be heading off to an Evantell conference with some of my fellow elders. We leave at 0630 tomorrow morning and return on Friday afternoon. It should be a great time and I pray the Lord will take what we learn and help us to disseminate to our church family that we could all employ what we've learned for fruitful labor for the Lord.

On Saturday the company I work for is having a day at Adventureland for us and we are going. The sad news is that Alyssa will not be able to go with us as she has other pressing business but at least Kim will be there to keep Logan and I in line. Tall order, Honey!

Well, I'm signing off for now. Have a God filled day and week!

Bye!

First Week Back -- Sept. 15, 2008

2008-09-15T12:21:00.001-05:00

It has been just over two months since The Flood of 2008 chased us from home and work. Gazing out the window this morning I remembered taking a break during our evacuation back in June. The water swirled and then roared down the same streets my cohorts and I two days before had been walking on during a break at lunch time. Quite surreal.

Of course the downtown has not fully recovered and may not for many years but there are some real signs of life. Restaurants are opening, businesses are coming back on line and people are starting to filter back to their abandoned offices. I don't know the numbers but there are sure signs of new life in downtown Cedar Rapids.

We walked by the library the other day I took a moment to peek into the window. The appearance is that they are ready to put it back together but the rumor is that is will be another two to three years before it's operational again. It's a sad thing to think about being a library fan. It was a wonderful place to steal away to when things got to stressful in the ol' cube here in the office. Oh well, Lord willing it will be back eventually.

Since the new Cedar Rapids government took over a couple years ago the library seems to have taken the brunt of their fiscal cuts. The joke in my circle of friends it that whenever there's a leak in the skywalks they have to cut the library budget to be able to afford to fix it. What I can't understand is how all of a sudden CR has fiscal problems when all the years before they did not seem to have any issues wit money? Hmmm...Oh well, I live in Marion so just curious.

Well, that's it for now. I did not get any more articles written this weekend but I do have at least two more ideas but they really don't fit into any of the known helium categories that I have been able to find yet but I won't give up that easily!

Good by for now.

Walk humbly with God and trust Him even when things look bleak. He won't leave or forsake you even in the tough times.

Bye!

Title Change? New Blog?? -- Sept. 12, 2008

2008-09-12T15:48:00.001-05:00

I am just coming off another week of call and it wasn't to bad, but it's ALWAYS good to be coming off of cal as opposed to just starting call..."Only seven more days of call left" I'd say wryly at 5:00 PM on Friday night of my first day of call. Usually the worst part of being on-call is a mental game--"I have to start call tomorrow! Woe-is-me!" (Usually!) In reality call is normally not that bad. It really doesn't hinder plans too often.

I have another article I'm working on on how to study your Bible. I have it mostly done but as I was re-reading it, it just didn't flow like I wanted it to so I need to do some revising. This will be my second how-to article and though I am writing instructions for installing software multiple times a day I find this type of article the most challenging so far.

This will be my sixth article, doubling my previous output. It is really exciting to me as I begin to become more prolific! I really like writing and I am especially enjoying these shorter articles right now. Perhaps it's because it's helping me to grow in the writing mechanics and helping me to become more comfortable in the whole writing arena. I still would like to do a novel or six but for now I am content in writing these smaller articles.

I still am not sure how I'm really doing, if my writing is any good, but it is great to just to write! The rating system on helium.com goes a goodly way toward a benchmark but it can't compete with the verbal feedback of a writers group. I may have to see if the Noble Pen is still meeting and get back in with them. they always had good feedback for writers. I'll see.

As much as I have actually been writing lately the "Lazy Writer no longer applies, I may have to change the title. Having said that I'm not even close to some of the writers on Helium. Most have a at least one writing star and have written tens if not hundreds of articles. WOW! I have ways to go. But guess what? I'm not them, I'm me and me (I? No, me is funnerer) has only five articles completed to date and one in the tube ready to launch.

One thing that I have been exploring is starting a second blog that I would entitle, "Triple E". This stands for Enlightenment, Encouragement, and Entertainment.

I would use this site to write articles that would have the three-fold purpose of enlightening folks to God and the many benefits of His kingdom, encourage those who are looking for hope, and, hopefully, some entertaining short stories as well. Triple E! (Get it?)

I have not put any more thought into than that but I want it to be professional and well thought out so you probably won't see it before the beginning of the year, Lord willing.

If you're looking for something to pray about and don't have anything better to pray for, this could be a good subject.

Good bye for now! Go in God's grace and may His mercy find you every moment of every day.

Bye!

A Stray, Although Odd, Thought -- Sept. 10, 2008

2008-09-10T19:17:00.001-05:00

I have an interest in a broad area of disciplines: Science, literature, mankind, the list goes on and on. I read an article about the Higgs particle, or commonly referred to as the God particle, in a news article this morning and one tiny portion having nothing to do with the article itself, caught my attention.
A new multi-billion dollar particle accelerator is to be utilized to try and discover this “God particle” by racing protons around a seventeen mile ring at near the speed of light and cracking their skulls together at the end. Through this process scientists hope to discover how particles get their mass. Dr. Stephen Hawking, renowned British astrophysicist, indicated that he hoped that they would not find the particle so that they could spend more time thinking about it, studying it, getting to know the idea better, really dig into it more. This sentiment intrigued me and caused me to think for a moment. The following is the culmination of my thoughts:

I have been reading a trilogy based on the popular computer game, “Myst”. The characters are from a fictional land deep within the earth called D’Ni. (Pronounced Duh Nee)They have lived there for many millennia and their society has formed into a number of groups called “guilds”. Each guild has a separate skill set that has evolved over the years as each has improved upon their particular specialty. The bottom line is that they are intelligent, thinking beings who desire to learn and build upon their knowledge. Of course, they have problems like any other society but I love the thinking and learning that their culture is built upon. Simply put, their role in life is to learn as much as possible and then to take action from what they have learned. The main character, Aitrus, always has a notepad with him and is constantly documenting what he observes from the environment around him. This is passion for him.

Most of us have been on a treasure hunt at one time or another. We attend a birthday party or, in the case of my children, visit their grandparents’ for a week in the summer. This hunt can take many different forms and in the case of my kids treasure hunt, there are clues they have to solve to finally find the hidden treasure. What I love about this is that it requires thinking--using the mind God has given us. What does this have to do with the “God-particle” and Stephen Hawking? There is one common thread: The desire to think; to seek; to explore. This is so cool!

During my brief time of thought on this subject I have come up with a theory that gives me chills. Not chills of fear but of excitement.

God gives us so much including salvation, but our lives are not about religion or even just about salvation. We have been created in the image of God and that means we have the capacity to think, to dream and to create. All of us have these abilities in one degree or another. To search out a thing is the glory of man.

Here’s my theory:
When God created all things He did it in such a way that would require us to learn, to dig, to seek if we wanted understanding. We’re not created to lounge about and simply reach up to pluck a fruit from the vine when the urge takes us but we are to glorify God by doing. Whatever you do, do it all as though to the Lord. We glorify God by working hard. That may be physical labor or it might be in puzzling out the mysteries of the universe. As God was putting all of this wonderful creation together (By the way, He didn’t have to look at the install instructions!(They were in Spanish anyway!) Now you know where we guys come from when we think we can do it without the instructions. We’re just following our Father’s example! :)) He placed treasures and mysteries, just like the summer treasure hunts or the God particle, for us to apply our minds to discovering! Isn’t that cool?! Whether it is archeology, biology, medicine, physics, art, whatever, we can apply ourselves to uncovering the treasures and mysteries that God has planted for us to find in His creation. And, if we take these discoveries and look at them objectively, we can see that, indeed, there is a God and He does want to be found. That desire to be found is catalogued in His word, the Bible. That book also, requires investigation and time. As you roll through this masterpiece you soon discover, as many others have discovered throughout history, that many lifetimes would never be enough to know all that God has reveled about Himself to us through His word.

I think that God, being infinite, can never be fully known by us but when our time in this world is over and we are in Heaven we will have eternity to continue our research and have God Himself by our side!
Apply your whole self to all that you do because in doing that you glorify God and set a good example to those around you, pointing others to the Master in Heaven.

Floating on Helium -- Sept. 8, 2008

2008-09-08T16:04:00.001-05:00

You may recall that I took up residence on a web site called Helium.com a few months back. Since that time I have reviewed almost two hundred articles (called 'rating' on the web site) and now have written five articles.

In one way or another I have liked all the articles I have written but mostly they have ranked in the 50-60% area in terms of the number of articles written for a given topic.

This past weekend I wanted to write and was intrigued by a title that came to my attention called "Thief on The Cross". Earlier in the week that topic had come to my mind, the reason escapes me at the moment, but there it was in all of it's glory. I had to write!

It took me a good three hours, which is typical for a 400-1500 report including some rewriting, but I succeeded in doing it.

I published it out to the sight and left it alone for critique.

There were only three others that had published to this title so I figured I couldn't do much worse than fourth but I felt pretty good about this article.

The next day I went out to investigate and low-and -behold I was number 1! That's right, my article was chosen the best out of four! I was really excited and there is no better motivation to write than to get some good critiques! I had to praise the Lord for His kindness toward me! I am still pretty stoked! (Is 'stoked' still ok to use now days?? Oh well, I used it anyway!)

By the way, the number one rating doesn't mean a whole lot in and of itself but as I rate others and as my writing improves and I start nailing articles in the 25% range, I can earn money. And YES I have earned money as of this writing! (At this point if you struggle with greed or are inclined to jealousy you'll want to turn away for a moment while I brag about my writing income!) I have earned, sit down now, $0.02! Yes you did see that correctly! Two Cents! One cent for an article I wrote a while back and one cent for the other! They were both in 50-60% range so I can't wait to see if I get paid for my No. 1 article! I would think five or maybe even, dare I think such extravagant thoughts, ten cents! WOW! (I'm quitting my day job, Honey!) Honestly, I'm not sure how I get paid it has never been clear to me but getting a no. 1 article sure was a boost of encouragement to continue!

This has fired my imagination for another blog that I would like to start but I have not worked out the details yet so I'm not sure how or when I will start it but it is tumbling around in my noodle at this time.

If you would like to read my articles click on the helium.com link on the left of this page and it will take you to my articles page on helium.com. Feel free to give me feedback as I am always wanting to improve my writing skills!

Put the Lord first in all you do and He will guide you in His will!

Good Bye, all!

Update on my Type -- Sept. 3, 2008

2008-09-03T08:08:00.001-05:00

I am at home today not feeling well. My sinuses are full to overflowing and that makes doing anything difficult. In fact, Kim and Logan are here with me suffering from the same thing. It's not a usual happening around here, to say the least.

After a break this weekend I got back into "Do Who You Are" and I have made a decision: I need to go back through all the material I have already done but more carefully. As I was reading about people with my type I discovered that what they really cherish I don't find I had the same desires. I'm not sure I'm wrong about what I did pick but I want to reevaluate and make sure I am spot-on.

Now that I am done with the Book of James I have started a personal study using Chuck Swindol's book "growing Deeper in The Christian Faith" and I am excited about it and I will tell more as the days go on.

Not much more for today. Don't forget to spend some time with God today, He's waiting for you!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight."

Proverbs 3:5 - 6

What You Are? -- August 29, 2008

2008-08-29T15:43:00.001-05:00

As I grow older I have discovered that I have changed. No, not just the extra weight and the gray hair (I actually like to think I'm going back to the blond I was when I first entered this world) but in a number of areas.

I used to accept anything that anyone told me as "gospel"; I had a very narrow view of life; and work was something you had to do to get the money you needed to pay the bills you had to have in order to have the things that made for life...in other words work was a necessary evil.

For a number of years I have been putting a lot of thought into what kind of job I would like to do and how could I find this mythical "Nirvana". I have discussed this with a number of close friends and I have spent a good amount of time in prayer, seeking God's council.

One tool I have been using is quite interesting.

To start I have to bring to the foreground, once and again, Kim and my friends from the little hamlet of Heston, KS., Greg and Kelly. These two people have become a sounding board for my inner man. They fired my heart to write, they challenge my walk with the Lord, and they introduce me to the most wonderful books!

One such book is "Do What You Are", a book written by Paul Tieger and Barbara Barron.

This book expands the age old receipt for finding that elusive "perfect" career form just what are you good at and what do you want to do? to include your personality type or type.

How you are wired can also affect what career would be best for you. Are you a person who loves excitement and thrills? You probably would not be happy being a number crunching accountant. Are you shy and retiring? Perhaps the accounting job would be quite appealing to you.

To determine this they help you to take the Briggs Meyer personality test. The amazing thing about this process, if you are honest in answering the questions, is that it is remarkably accurate! It pegged me, if not 100%, 90% for sure. It's sort of freeing when you stop for a moment and take a look at yourself, who you are as a person.

We can mold ourselves into being who we have to be for the sake of our careers and that can have an impact on how you answer the questions, but if you follow the authors' advice you can get remarkably close to who you are personality-wise.

The authors brilliantly but gently guide you through the process of finding your personality type. They are most accurate! I was surprised.

This is as far as I have come so far. I will update you with more later.

Oh, in case your wondering about my personality type: I am an INFJ...

:-)

Sail on with the Lord fighting the good fight as you travel the path He has placed you on.

Post Post -- August 18, 2008

2008-08-18T10:02:00.001-05:00

I want to update you on a couple of items.

1) Alyssa did get her license and has been driving (oddly enough) and due to her being a girl AND getting good grades, our insurance will only go up $20\month. THat is good news indeed!

2) The kids are registered for school and they start Wednesday.

3) I read Kelly's blog the other day and I was SHOCKED to learn they started school LAST Tuesday! WOW!

I am almost done with the study in the book of James for Sunday School. It has been a good class but challenging for me (I hope for the others as well, but it has been for me for sure!)

Now that I will be off the teaching schedule for a while I am doing a study in John and I am trying to get my hands firmly around doctrine. I want to understand doctrine better.

What I really want to achieve is to become a better thinker. But I am not doing this just to gain knowledge. Knowledge by itself can puff up and make one arrogant. My desire is to understand God's word better, apply it to my life so I can better server those around me.

Keep fighting the good fight, know God and obey the Word.

Evermore Update -- August 1, 2008

2008-08-01T12:53:00.001-05:00

Wow! I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around a few realities lately.

1) My little girl will turn sixteen in two weeks and, along with that distinction, will join the ranks of licensed drivers! Now there are a few benefits with having another driver in the family and they are: a) My wife and I don't have to drive her all over the globe to get her to all the activities she is or will be involved in; b) We have another driver to run to the store for us when my wife forgets items on her grocery list that she absolutely needs for the new recipe she's experimenting with (Maybe this is NOT a bonus feature! :-)); d) She will be able to take her brother to his events as well! All in all there will be more freedom for one and all in the Larson household very soon.

2) I can't believe it's already August. This year has gone by so fast! Where does the time go and why do I perceive time going faster the older I get? I know I'm not the only one because others in my age bracket, and older, tell me the same thing. Does this phenomena mean that as we get older we have less time to get things done???

3) Logan will want to turn away at this point because I will be using the "s" word. School is about to begin again! This does not directly affect me but it certainly seems the summer break just started and now we're gathering supplies for the upcoming school year.

4) Logan will be in 8th grade ( a senior in Junior high) and Alyssa will be...a JUNIOR in high school! WOW! This relates to No. 2 above.

Now to Evermore. The last couple of days I have been revamping the story idea I had been working on a month or so back, you know BF (Before Flood) but I had set it aside in light of other new story ideas that came to my attention.

During our little vacation this year I purchased a book called "The First Draft in 30 Days". It's a guide to getting the first draft of your novel out in a thirty day period. I am not naive enough to believe you can do a novel in thirty days, and indeed the author soothes my anxiety by telling me that I am not a failure if it takes 60 or 90 days. (I guess if it takes 91+ days I am a failure?? :-)) But what this book has helped me to do is to get better organized and move me to keep working on one project at a time. When new ideas pop up, write down the idea(s) and then get back to your original work.

For the most part Evermore has not changed a great deal but the changes that I have started incorporating require some rewriting of what I already had written. Since I only had about eighteen pages done I am just considering starting over with the new changes in place. There are a number of paths I was taking with the characters that I am now reevaluating with these new ideas.

That's all there is right now. See you all later and have a Godly weekend.

This Week in My History -- July 23, 2008

2008-07-23T11:41:00.001-05:00

It has been a most unusual week. To start with Kim's grandfather passed away last Tuesday and we did quite a bit of traveling for the funeral and the burial. Though it was a sad time it was refreshing to spend time with the family.

We have also been struggling mightily with financial problems and I had resigned myself to the fact that God was going to let us flounder because we have brought most of it on ourselves anyway. This is not a knock on God's love or His care for us but I simply thought I was paying the consequences for poor decisions.

But the last couple weeks I have seen His hand in tangible ways. For instance as we were heading to the burial site on Sunday our van broke down about one mile from Belle Plain, Ia at about 11:30 am.

We were caravanning so there were people with us but it was Sunday.

We discovered there was a gas station that could come help us. The man had a battery pack that we hooked onto the van and I was able to get to the station. He looked at the battery and discovered the alternator was not charging and he could not get one until the next day.

We had to have my in-laws come to Cedar rapids with us because we did not have enough space to fit all our luggage and ourselves.

I figured it would be around $200-$250 for the repair and I had just enough to cover the cost actually in my wallet. When I called to get the price I was was stunned to find out it was $365.00! I did not have that much, or so I thought.

A black cloud formed in my heart as I also discovered we also had an unexpected $500 bill. things were not looking good at all. I turned to the Lord in a very Davidic way asking why He was letting us get farther into trouble when we had been working so hard to get out this mess! I was a mess and we had company! I couldn't hide I had to be a good host though I thought my heart was going to burst form anxiety!

I went to find out what we had in savings and low and behold we had $400! Praise the Lord! That would cover the cost fully!

I came home yesterday, Tuesday, to discover I had a "Thank you" from my company for the role I played in the flood efforts and that "thank you" has helped us pay off a couple of bills that were taking their toll on our finances. What a great and unexpected praise! I never doubted the Lord was good but I did not think He would intervene in this way! He is so good!

The reason I added the times into my story above is to show God's timing:

It was Sunday. Rarely will you find a service station open at all let alone on Sundays.

The station closed at noon on Sundays. We broke down one mile from the station at 11:30.

I thought we were out of money but we had enough to cover the cost of the repairs!

And finally the "thank you" from work! Like a cool rain after a hot sticky day...SO refreshing!

It has not solved all of our woes but it so very helpful in a tough time! So cool! God's timing is perfect! I maintain that money will not solve all of your problems but when you can get control of it the stress levels in your life are so much less! Praise the Lord for His steadfast goodness!

Never fail to trust the Lord! He will always be with you whatever the circumstances!

A Big Step for A Little Writer --July 15, 2008

2008-07-15T15:21:00.001-05:00

Well, I did it! Another big step for this little writer.

I submitted an article to a publisher, Tranquil Living.

The article was an instructional piece on how to journal. If my article is chosen, I will a whole lot closer to my retirement goal. In fact, I will be $24.00 closer. That's right! You read it correctly! $24.00! I look at it this way: If I were $24.00 away from making my first million, if chosen, I would, sniff, have obtained my goal of making my first million dollars.

the biggest problem with this line of thinking is that I have never had a goal to make my first million so it really doesn't matter but if it did matter I would be that much closer!

My real goal is to get better at writing so that submitting articles for publication and being accepted by the publisher will become a regular source of income. that would be cool and is a goal I am shooting for, even if it's just part time.

Since I submitted it to a publisher I am not sure if it's available at the usual Helium.com or not but go a head and check it out and let me know what you think. I need good constructive criticism if I'm to grow so feel free to "criticize"!

Bye for now.

Preening in Pride -- July 11, 2008

2008-07-11T13:19:00.001-05:00

I finished my second article today, finally. It took me longer than I expected because I want to make each new article better than the last. So I went to work rewriting and rewriting. I wondered if I was being too picky but I was not happy with the article when I finished the first copy but I did like my idea so I went paragraph by paragraph, yes even sentence by sentence and rewrote the whole thing.

I don't say it's award winning but I enjoyed writing it so much and I think I did alright. I will have to see how good a rating it gets.

Though I still struggle with stretching out plot lines beyond the first twenty pages, I still can not get the excitement of building a world, a character, a plot...a story that stirs my heart! But as my article indicates, I have one enemy that I must face and defeat...Complacency.

I let complacency rule and it is squashing my work. It's time to draw the sword of discipline!

TO BATTLE!--

Fare thee well, fellow warriors!

Not Much for Updates

2008-07-07T13:37:00.001-05:00

It has been a surreal time in my life with everything that has happened around here and that is my excuse for lack of writing. In my opinion there is never a good excuse for not writing. I find that I regret the times that I don't write.

I have started an article about the craft of writing that I still need to get published on Helium.com but it is not ready yet.

I felt...awkward writing about writing having never been published but the more I thought about it the more I was convinced that even though I have not been published ( yet! :-) ) I still have enough experience to add my two cents' worth so I wrote and am now rewriting and hopefully will post it soon. You will note a powerful weapon to beat back the monsters that attack a writer during the creative process but you will need to read the article to get the answer! (Pretty good marketing, huh?!)

I have another idea for a story that I am toying with and it has been fun but I have not have not put much time into it yet. Lots of ideas and so much procrastination!

This is it for now, see you later!

Bye!

A New Element

2008-06-27T08:23:00.002-05:00

Good day to you all! I have added a new element to my blog page today! It took me a long time and quite frankly, it was not a top priority but I now have a Contact Me link so now if you would like to email me you can! I find it a bit ackward communicating back and forth via the COMMENTS section so I was happy to learn how to create the link to enable folks to email me.

A Breath of…Helium?? -- June 24, 2008

2008-06-24T16:51:00.001-05:00

I alluded to the fact that I had started out writing for another website called Helium.com.

It's pretty neat so far as I have been able to determine.

I have only one article so far but I hope to have more in the near future.

I think it will be a great way to improve my writing skills and the more public my writing becomes, hopefully the better my writing becomes.

I have added a link to the sidebar on the left side of this blog so feel free to look at the one article I have submitted so far and look for other articles in the near future.

If you are inclined to write yourself, check out helium.com's home page. It's free for you to sign up and potentially profitable.

Bye for now!

May the Lord guide your ways and may you look to Him in all things.

A Post for Today -- June 19, 2008

2008-06-19T11:50:00.001-05:00

They took us downtown today in groups of three to take any of our personal items that had been left behind and I privileged to yet another eye opener.

On Tuesday, yes, just this past Tuesday, we went down to pull out more equipment and discovered the downtown area was infested with workers trying to assess the mess. It was literally chaos. A war zone. Vehicles parked all over the streets with just enough room to drive through, debris, and mud everywhere.

Today as I looked around down there I would say organized chaos. People have had a few days to view the carnage and get an initial assessment of their situations.

There were neat piles of garbage ready to be hauled away and lower levels have been pretty well pumped out. It's still a mess but there is a strong sense of determination and fortitude that bubbles from the laborers. It is quite impressive.

In a former post I indicated how proud I was of my coworkers and the leadership we are blessed with as to how our part was handled in all of this muck but I want to expand this to my compatriots from the downtown district as they have accepted the fact that there is loss but they are not dwelling on that thought, they have rolled up their sleeves and are "gittin' 'er done!" Go Cedar Rapids, Go!

Through it all God has shown His hand of grace. I think sometimes it's hard to see His hand in times such as we face today but when you step back and just look you begin to see that it is His Spirit guiding the whole thing.

Why has this happened here? Why are so many of our loved ones made to suffer so much? These are age old questions that don't always have a clear cut and dry answer but it is clear that God is in and amongst us because He has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

It will be a long road to recovery and there may be some of our brothers in business that never fully recover, in fact I don't know if we'll ever go back to that building again but the things of God will move forward and His purpose will be fulfilled with this disaster.

What is all of this about? I don't have an answer but I do know God is stretching out His hand to all those who do not know Him, draw those who do know Him closer and show the rest of us what He is willing to do to get our attention.

Could there be something else beyond this? Yes indeed there could be but we may never know.

Sometimes the lack of knowledge which, in reality, is a lack of control, fills us with anxiety and dread. It's during these times that we must fully employ the faith we have in Christ Jesus and His love for us.

No, it does not always make sense and it will not always make sense but to survive in the whole we must trust our God and Savior.

May the God of all Wisdom and Power guide you safely through the floods.

Bye!

Update on Things in My World Since the Flood --June 18, 2008

2008-06-18T15:02:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe that one week ago we were sandbagging around our building. In hindsight it was an exercise in futility but it had to be done.

We are in a new location on First Avenue for the time being but it is expected we will be back downtown at some point in the future but that could be months from now. The new location is really close to my house (no more than four miles round trip) and it's actually cheaper for me to drive than to take the bus but I will get back to the bus once we are back downtown.

I have heard rumors that some of the buildings downtown suffered structural damage to the foundation and may need to be taken down but I do not have any first hand knowledge. If it were to be discovered that our building were damaged that would probably end our bid to get back in.

It's hard to fathom but I think I am suffering from some grief through this as well. As noted earlier we were not directly affected by the flood as a family but knowing that there are friends that have lost a great deal causes feelings of guilt for having come through unscathed. I have been reminded, however, that God is in control and we need to be praying for and helping those who have been devastated by these flood waters as we are able to but I also need to be thankful to God for what He has done to keep my family safe.

I have found that when I get under too much stress my mind shuts down so the only writing I have been doing is this blog and my personal journal but I have been writing and to me that is a wonderful thing.

Please be in prayer for those who have lost so much to the flood and though there has only been one reported death, the loss of property and the emotional devastation is real and it is heavy. Pray people will see their need for God during this time where they may have nothing left but God and that they may see this is what they needed all along.

Maybe God will use this to take away something that someone has been holding onto to the ruin of their spiritual walk. This may sound cruel but when compared to eternity the loss of things in this life is insignificant. I certainly am not belittling anyone's pain due to loss but I am trying to show that this life is short and we need to be tending our spirit because it will last forever and the things of this life will not.

May God's grace and mercy shine on all of us but especially on those how are suffering right now.

Good Bye!

2008 Flood Update – June 13, 2008

2008-06-13T22:15:00.001-05:00

Due to the great flood of 2008 my office is now in the middle of the Cedar River instead of just east of it. It has been incredible around here! It is painful to see the homes that have been destroyed and the damage to downtown Cedar Rapids is, at this point, uncertain but I feel sure it will be costly. With every news broadcast I see businesses that I am intimately familiar with that have water all the way up to the top…massive cleanup will be required. I can't even imagine.

My group has been relocated to St. Luke's and though it is chaotic we are managing to get things back up and running. Everyone has been incredible, so patient and helpful. So often IT gets blamed for everything I half expected that our users would blame us for the flood too but I have been so wrong! Everyone has been so helpful.
I talked to one coworker who felt heads would roll at how things were handled but as I have thought about it I completely disagree. You see we had contingency plans in place for disasters just like this and we implemented them but from one who was there regardless of how much you plan that is all it is, a plan. The plan is a guideline to help you keep on track but it has to be dynamic just in light of the simple fact that no one, no matter how gifted in planning can fully predict how bad a situation really will be until after the fact. As the saying goes, hindsight is twenty-twenty.

It is easy to criticize and find fault when you look back but in the heat of the battle decisions have to be made dynamically as the situation demands and often times it is not according to plan but according to necessity. Keep this in mind: It is good, it is right, indeed it is a requirement to be prepared, to have a plan and not just for business but for our personal lives as well. But with every plan you have to be willing to modify on the fly. Our best laid plans can come unraveled if we are so set on following the rules heedless of how the disaster plays out.

Be prepared but be ready to change as the circumstances dictate. I am so very proud of the entire effort of my coworkers! They have bent over backwards in getting things done and I applaud their efforts I wish all of you could have been here to see how hard everyone has worked.

Above all, in all things trust God. Even in the in midst of a flood that has inundated the area of our five hundred flood plain, YES that is correct: our FIVE HUNDRED YEAR flood plain, (Mercy Hospital was flooded and it sits over ten blocks away from the river! Ten blocks AWAY from the river!

It is simply incredible, unimaginable in fact. I know the pictures have been seen around the U.S. if not the world, do not do the scene justice at all, not at all.

I have heard time and time again that even in the flood of 1993, which were devastating even considered a hundred year flood, was nowhere near as bad as the current flood.

I am thankful for the fact that we are far enough away that our home was not affected by the devastation but I know that a tornado could come through as we had a couple weeks ago just north of us in Parkersburg, and destroy what we have, but I am reminded that God in in control and all we have belongs to Him and not to me.

So we continue to pray for those affected by this flood and we continue to be grateful for all that God has given to us for we know it is all from Him and it can all be taken from us by Him at anytime and in any way.

Thank you, Lord for all You do and all You have given to use. Please be with those who have lost homes or even livelihoods. Help this to be the event that will point many to You.

Amen.

Good bye and the Lord watch over and keep you in the shelter of His wings.

Writing but with A Difference – June 10, 2008

2008-06-10T15:15:00.001-05:00

After a couple of weeks of not being able to work much on my story I determined to write at least some this week. Since I took today off from work I thought that this would be the perfect day for writing.

I have had a desire that has been growing within for a long time now and that desire is to write for a living. I am blessed to have a growing list of friends who have been encouraging me in this desire but I am still…afraid. I don't know what exactly what it is that I am afraid of but there is some fear that I must overcome. For sure I have a fear of my mechanical abilities—spelling and grammar -- have never been a strong point but that is because I have not had really tried, at least since high school. There is a lot I do not remember.

I also am afraid of how to start. Actually this is more of a fear of how and where to start but it adds to the anxiety. As much as I hate to admit this one, I am afraid of what people think of me because of my writing. When I write I really get to the heart of things and that can touch a cord with some. This cord can produce all sorts of emotions and these emotions can cause debate and I have lived my life avoiding debates, I don't even like to watch them. I have to say that this is getting better and when I do write I feel…bolder, as I'm sure others do but even though I am improving in this area it is still scary putting yourself out there for all to see.

I signed up for another web based writing site called Helium. It's free and easy to get up and running.

They have a variety subjects for me to write about and I am evaluated by other writers and this determines what kind of ranking I get. It is a great way to improve my writing skills.

There are also opportunities to write for money. There are articles to be written that allow me to make some extra cash. This is right in line with what I would love to do.

All in all I am writing and it is freeing to me. I now want to gain the confidence that my writing is good and consistent.

I am excited and I believe this may be a direction the Lord wants me to go.

Thank you for reading and may the Lord guide you in the path you should go.

Bye!

The Deer in the Headlights Syndrome, June 3, 2008—

2008-06-03T16:21:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday I started teaching in the Book of James. I am excited about this particular study because it is so hard hitting, James doesn't pull any punches when it comes to putting our faith into practice and how to employ it in diverse situations. I came away from my studies nervous because of my lack in these areas.

Oh, sure, I've been through a good share of trials but I have not always handled them with the proper attitude and joy is often missing. I keep wondering how I can stand in front of folks who I know stand head and shoulders taller than I do in the faith and tell them to stand in trials with joy. It is at best humbling at worst intimidating. I feel…transparent.

I told the class that unless you're comparing yourself against the Word of God, against Jesus Himself, you are looking at the wrong measuring stick. (See, even I do it! J) We are all at a different place in our walk.

Where one may not get it, someone else may be at a point where the Holy Spirit is opening their eyes to see a truth or maybe applying a truth, and someone else may be long on the road in a particular area walking strong in God's enablement. We are each different. Even if we've been given a similar gift as someone else God might have us utilizing it in a different way all to His glory. The same yet different.

One thing that some of you veteran teachers can relate to I'm sure is the deer-in-the-headlight-syndrome.

This particular ailment seems to be more prevalent with a larger class for some reason but I've seen it in smaller classes too.

I would be a bit turned off to teaching and wondering if I was really called to teach if not for the fact that other teachers, many of whom I respect as teachers myself, have admitted to having run into the same signs.

Lack of focus, eyes staring through you as though you're not there, and the classical glaze as though you've recited the entire Constitution of the United States in Swedish….Borshky Borshky Borshk…

You wonder if everyone is bored or that you've said something you shouldn't have said.

But it is all worth it because you trust that God has the people in the class that He wants there for the purpose He has them there for. I have been in any number of classes where something the teacher says triggers some learning that was not even part of the class. In other words, I'm reminded of something else the Holy Spirit has been working on me for from something the instructor says but what I learn has nothing to do with the topic of the class. So I try to keep that in mind and that helps when all I can see is glaze…
There are also those moments when someone comes up to you and thanks you because they had never looked at it from that point of view. It's not me, never me but God using me. In fact I go into any class assuming I am going to learn as much if not more than the students.

All in all I am curious who will be in class next week and who won't. I know it's summer and the class will fluctuate but I wonder if there are other reasons…

I can get really passionate when I teach and I think this might turn some off but unless I am offensive to someone I like the passion.

It does not matter how much I prepare for a lesson when I stand up in front of that class for just an instant I forget everything and momentary panic grips my heart. "I can't do this!" "What am I doing up here?" But I remind myself that I am a willing servant and God will use what I say for His glory.

"It's just that I wish," I say to God, "That I could be eloquent when I speak Your word then I could stand up here with confidence and speak boldly…"

"Oh yeah. It's not about me," I then say as God reminds me why I'm up there in the first place, "It's not about me, I'm Your tool. Thank You."

It's not about me, about us, it's about Him and doing the things He asks us to do with a willing heart and it's not ours to be anxious about the outcome, it's our to give our best to a God who can use "our best" even if we stumble and fumble about as though locked in a dark room in the middle of the night looking for the bathroom.

I did not get any writing done this weekend due to extreme busyness but I am planning to get some done in the next day or so. I'm beginning to realize that 'busyness' is here to stay and I need to carve out time to write regardless. Keep praying for me because I am determined to get this book done. It took Tolkien 15 years to write the "Lord of the Rings" so I just need to be patient and steadfast.

Go in God's grace and empowerment! You are special and you have a divine purpose, use it for God's glory!

Bye

Week of May 25, 2008 Writing Update…

2008-05-28T10:44:00.001-05:00

It was another incredibly busy week. I am hoping this next week will be a bit less hectic.

Nonetheless, I was able to get a bit done on my story this past week,

I was sorely disappointed that I was not as productive as I was last week but I am proud of the fact I over came my lethargy to get some writing done.

I started with one scene that I wanted to add but it tanked and I only got one page. I am reviewing this scene to see if I really need it so it may not even exist in the near future.

I then came up with some things that needed to be included in the story and so I was able to pull out four more pages. Not what I was hoping for but then again, I wrote.

One benefit for not having already posted this week is that I can add the fact that I did come up with thirteen more scenes last night so I now have a total of eighteen scenes to flesh out. I think that is cool! There is some sort of formula about how many words your novel will be and the number of characters and the number of scenes each character should have but I am not that organized at this point so I am winging it. There have been a number of times I just wanted to chuck the whole thing but I persevered and it continues to move forward.

Missing names are starting to surface, I have a line on some cool bad guys and I have a chorus of heroes that are ready to march! I have an end goal now and I have the freedom to change the whole thing! All in all I am feeling like things are progressing nicely if not as quickly as I would have liked!

(I really wanted to have a full novel the first day. I feel it's good to set lower goals so they are easier to attain!)

I am also preparing a study in the book of James for Sunday School which starts this Sunday so that also has been taking my time but I think it will be fun! I am learning already and can't wait to see what God will teach us through the book of James. I fully anticipate feeling less worthy than I already do! LOL! Good thing God is merciful and full of grace.

Well, that about sums up the past week. Logan has at least three more baseball games this weekend so I don't know what story writing will hold. The only thing I do know is that I am anxious to get started.

I know it looks like I am just a weekend warrior but that is just how my time has panned out so far.

Good bye for now. Go in the grace of God.

Story Update: Week of May 18th

2008-05-18T21:01:00.001-05:00

One thing that I have grown to love about the craft of writing is that it is so dynamic, alive and growing.

This week was very busy in the Larson household and at work.

Ten to twelve projects sprang to life at work, all coming at me at in various conditions and at different points in the project process. One is just beginning and requires a great deal research to start. Another one needs to be started and finished ASAP, in other words, today is too late. The others are there and need attention, are clamoring for attention in fact but are not at a level requiring immediate attention, they're simply there, buzzing in the annoying ways untouched (unloved??) projects can do. All in all it makes for busy day.

Home life is not much less busy. Baseball games, baseball practice, choir concerts, honors banquets, graduation parties...we are simply social butterflies! (Not my style but one must do what one must do! J

All in all this kind of lifestyle is not my number one choice and wears me out mentally if not physically. I am drained. I went through the entire week without stepping foot into my haven which means nothing happened other than more ideas to add to the story. I despaired of moving forward this week, if at all.

A happy opportunity came up on Saturday that broke the despair and opened me up to something that I have not experienced in a LONG time: writing.

The happy opportunity? A minor spat with my wife. Actually it was all me and not her. I was in a mood, an irritable mood and we were trying to clean out the other half of the room my office was born from…our storage room.

I had tried to be helpful but my wife made an innocent comment and I let irritation posses my soul and I walked out before I blew a gasket. (Actually there is some wisdom there perhaps…)

I stopped off in my office and sat down with a heavy sigh, looking at the notes that I have put together I sank deeper into despair. How and I going to move this forward? My mind is not cooperating here!

I need to put in more details! More details! The more my thoughts went to the details the more depressed I got. I want more details, I love details, perhaps I am a detail junkie. (Someone help me!)

Anyway, I whispered a prayer to the Great God, picked up a pen and began to write. I wrote and wrote and wrote. I did not care how crappy the prose was, and it is crappy, and I did not care what scenes I wrote, I just wrote. And as I wrote words came to mind. Conversations, locations, details.

In my writing the story changed and evolved and grew. I worked on a scene, no particular order and wrote. When I felt I was done with a scene I wrote another scene and at a certain point I stopped.

When I finished Sunday night I had fourteen pages! I felt great!

I know, I know! I've read the words: Real writers write. They write all the time. In fact, they can't not write they are compelled. This makes me think less of myself as a writer but as I think about it, I am a writer. I did have to employ discipline to get in the seat and begin but I wrote. And while I was writing I was focused. It was awkward writing a conversation between two people as it happened but I believe that rewriting is what will solve that issue. Now I am just getting the words done. A form of controlled free writing, controlled chaos. It is FUN.

God's grace has been enabling me to do this and I can't describe how it feels to do what I should and how I should. It is exciting, exhilarating.

I do not know where all of this is going but it is fun!

Keeping questing for the Lord. He will be found.

Bye

Week of May 9th Writing Update…

2008-05-12T08:07:00.001-05:00

Life has a way of creeping up on you and taking over and when you have teenagers this "life creep" can be overwhelming to any personal schedule or desire.

This was the past week. Now before you turn away in disgust, thinking I have not done anything with my writing again this week, take heart! I spent almost every night this week in my office doing at least something on this story so I have some updates for you all.

I have pretty well knocked out names for my main characters and that was really helpful. When I was struggling with this I went to the name generators out on the internet and used that to try and come up with names. I am not a fan of these things. The names they produce just seem phony to me. Don't get me wrong I think they are cool but the names they generate never seem to work in the stories I have been working on. If you need a name for a character and are really struggling to come up with one, these little tools might be what you need to jump start your story, but so far they have not worked for me.

The best thing I have come up with for names is just listening and observing. I have one character that I named based on a book my daughter was reading. The main character was Alice. I don't know why that name stuck but it did and I started messing around with it by adding a letter here or there. I finally landed on Halice. I like the sound of it and it fit with the names I have been using.

When I started working last weekend I had a ton of exciting things going on and I felt I could really crank out some scene ideas but I ran into a wall that stopped me dead. This has been a problem with my writing since the beginning and it drives me crazy! I will get an idea that is pretty cool and I will start to develop it when suddenly it becomes dull and boring causing me to stop. To be honest if I look back on some of those first attempts, they don't look as bad now. This can be a lesson for all of us: Leave a story alone for a while and maybe it will come back to life for you after time, kind of like a fine wine.

Anyway I found myself in that spot this week. I hate that! I really do, but I was determined to spend at least spend some time on this project each day.

Did I mention teenagers can throw a wrench in your plans? I have two of these creatures now and they seem to spew activities. I do not dare think I have free time until I check with the calendar. If I do not see purple ink (my daughter) or blue ink (my son) I feel a bit safer, but last week was busy! The quintessential teenage household, something almost every night or, at best, taxi service needed to and from these events. In light of this, my daughter had a play at school on Thursday that she had been working for a "No Talent Night". Normally I would be excited to see her perform because she has some real talent in this area if I do say so myself, but since I was already feeling down because of the wall I had hit, I was not looking forward to this time at school.

The very first play was an interesting one-act that I normally would not be excited about in the least (Other than the fact Alyssa was in it) but, as it turned out, it was the one thing that broke my block! I was so excited! I knew where I was going to start and how the important book in my story would be stolen! The only problem was that this one-act was the first of many little acts and I had to sit through them all!

When I finally got home I quickly wrote down the scene idea and by the time I was done I had three scene ideas. I know, that is not many but it is a start and I have others that are percolating just below the surface, just taunting me and energizing me to move forward tonight as well!

The next two weeks for sure will be no less busy than this past week but with all that is going on with this story I know, Lord willing, I will be in my office at least a little each night!

That's it for now. I hope to improve what I put in these updates but that is it for this past week of writing.

Keep faithfully questing for the Lord!

Bye!

Some Things that have Been Accomplished – May 5, 2008

2008-05-05T11:31:00.001-05:00

I had a very productive weekend working on my story. I spent three hours Friday night, a couple of hours on Saturday and just a half-hour or so yesterday but I was wiped out from a whirlwind weekend. (The positive is that I still managed to work on the story at least a little bit.)

I filled out most of the details of my map (although I just realized I do not have a name for the overall land, but that's not very critical at this point), wrote several pages of back story that has enabled me to know where the story has come from and where I will take it to. I created a list of potential names for my characters but I have only settled on one name for sure for the female thief.

My next step is to corral the back story that is, get it organized so I don't have any conflicting data, finalize on character names and start creating scene cards.

No real surprises so far but I have added a bad guy point of view character and I have added an important book that the bad guy will be stealing.

My goal for this next week is to have names and some back story for the characters. I like doing this because it helps me to understand how they will act in any given situation and why they respond the way they do to said predicaments. I love the details!

I also want to have several scene cards made. I can use these to map out my story and using note cards allows me to lay them out and create an order that fits properly. The scenes will just be a sentence or two that I will expand for the novel. A fun exercise, I hope. (At least I have been told it's fun. I will let you know).

I also have a piece of software that I can use to do this. I might try using that; it would certainly keep things tidier…J

One thing I have realized through this process is that I do not have to get this done by Friday. In fact, I want to take what I have, start molding it into a story and massage it into a good story.

Another thing that has come to mind is that I am more focused on the cool items in the story and I need those to take a back seat to the characters. I want the characters to come alive and the goals they have will just boost their characters. I think that if the story is about a magical staff or an important book it will not have the depth I would like to get it to. We'll see what I can do.

I will send out another update later this week or next Monday.