Not Whistling Dixie

Up and Down on the Round

2012-01-27T15:21:00.002-07:00

Is it really possible to make 10 pars and still not break 90? Yep. Did it today.
19 over par on 8 holes, that more than double bogey on the bad holes.

It's still all good because I enjoyed the warmth, the partly cloudy day, and good friends.

Broken World Day

2012-01-26T08:56:00.005-07:00

Love the BOKEH in this picture, the blurriness in the background highlights the subject of the flower, but today, the sharp rough background of life was all to visible and vivid.

It started in the home of a grieving wife and daughter, facing an empty house and planning a memorial, then the inside of an incredibly busy emergency room, full of controlled chaos and at least 60 people hurting badly from injuries, organ failures, including a cute boy strapped to a gurney with a spine and neck injury. Hard.

Then to the part of Mesa that is old, and run down and poor, where most of the people ride the bus and poverty is visible everywhere, into an intermediate care facility with the aged and infirm, many men staring blankly, who have no life interest and no family, just sitting.

Home for a hair cut, only to find that I had dropped both my drivers license and my debit card somewhere between here and there. An hour of retracing my steps, locking my card access, praying, only to find that a young kid had turned in my cards to a business nearby. Thankful.

Strange tug in my heart....I am called to go into this world, and relieved to leave it for my gated community.

Old and New Ideas

2012-01-24T21:05:00.003-07:00

/Remarkable identical adult twins visited church on Sunday.

I believe that God's ultimate purpose is the restoration of all things. Lots of debate about what that means, but in order for it to mean things in heaven and things on earth, then the idea of resurrection and immortality must define our ideas of heaven instead of the other way around. Our ideas of heaven and hell are unworthy of the greatness of God's plan.

It's a hard sell, but worth an effort.

Afternoon delight

2012-01-24T08:40:00.003-07:00

One of the duties of ministry is hospital visitation. I am not expected to sit in my office from 8 till 5. So, the afternoons and early evening are the time when I pack the miles on my car. Here is how it went yesterday.

Noon-lunch with the folks volunteering in Mesa at Amor Ministry.

Stop at Best-buy to get software for Office Computer-total fail.

Drive to Gilbert Mercy Hospital to visit a friend who just emerged from a five day
induced coma to deal with pneumonia- one grateful man.

Home for a quick cup of Joe with Laura. Laura had good news about some medical retesting this week, and was emotionally worn out.

An Office wedding, a delight.

Dinner- half rib-eye, half baked potato, salad.

Chandler Regional to see another pneumonia sufferer.

Thankful for the chance to be alive and be used to bring comfort.

Why Napali?

2012-01-23T09:18:00.003-07:00

A view from the top of Napali.

Lately I have been seeing websites that display a series of large photo's along the top and I kind of like it, although I have not changed the look of the blog much. The Napali Coastline in Kauai is a place I have seen from the ocean three times and from the top three times, although the last visit was so fog enshrouded that I was disappointed.

Like the Grand Canyon this coastline reflects long ages of wind and rain shaped beauty, and like the Grand Canyon and the Karchner Caverns, there is evidence of an old earth.
For many Christians raised on Usshers dateline, they feel threatened by any creation story that would reflect such a possibility. Ussher said his studies in Biblical Genealogy puts the age of the earth as 4004 years, but this was almost pre scientific and most conservatives will date the earth at 10,000 years, and state than any geological evidence is the result of the flood or other catastrophic occurrences.

I have no issues with a God who creates quickly or slowly, because the fight He is fighting against the powers and principalities is a slow one, and my life is passing quickly. Whatever, I rate the view of the Napali Coastline as one of the most moving moments of beauty in my lifetime, and once we rode a spine fracturing pontoon boat and walked among old ruins of a village at the base of the largest vista in the 18 mile coast. Way Cool.

2012-01-22T13:06:00.004-07:00

Beginning our life together standing with our friends and family.

Did you know Billy Graham was friends with Bob Hope, and Martin Luther King, and almost all living Presidents during his years as an Evangelist.

I am off the opinion that no one will rise to the level of public proclamation like His again in our lifetime, and it is was past time for Christians to walk the walk and talk the talk with all the scandals and hypocrisy among Christians and leaders.

Nevertheless we celebrated the impact of his life, including his last book on how to age well, and finish well. It was a pleasure to bring up some great memories over the last several decades in the evangelical movement.

Firebirds Celebration

2012-01-21T09:03:00.003-07:00

A southern restaurant with western themes, returns west. They have opened 20 0f these up scale open spaced eateries in the last 12 years. Good food, kind of noisy, our second time there, but a great wedding anniversary evening.

Diet Helper

2012-01-20T07:09:00.004-07:00

I snapped this picture on the way to our yearly mens breakfast, where I violated the spirit of this post with biscuits and gravy, a real throwback to my days in Dixie.

I got heavy on a product called Hamburger Helper. It was post college in our first group home where a bunch of men took turns cooking. It was new in the 70s and so easy to brown meat, throw in water and the macaroni and sauce. It made a lot and it was always eaten completely. Two years of living like that put me near 250 lbs. Only when I left hamburger helper and replace it with a helpmate, ie. my wife, did we begin to address my issues, discover my hypertension, eat right and enter the ministry quite healthy and at a proper body size.

Christians in the south were not health conscious. I started gaining several pounds a year in a battle that goes on today. I was in the health store shopping for supplements last week on a half off sale. I purchased a type of body cleanse created for diabetics, and wow, it is working. Somehow it has taken the edge off hunger pangs and is helping me to eat our boring little meals of a small portion of fish or chicken, a vegatable, and a salad.

In our church, we have become more health conscious as we age. Its nice to see the church learning a little from our health conscious culture.

Year 38 begins in our marriage

2012-01-19T09:10:00.003-07:00

Most of our lives are routine and duty bound in our working years. We both woke up at 3am this morning but Laura stayed in bed and I watched a cute movie with my TV Ears on.
I am dragging a bit but at work.

I gave Laura these roses to mark our special day, and we set aside Friday for a nice dinner out.

A Happier Honeymoon Story

2012-01-18T10:19:00.003-07:00

37 years of load bearing together. I love you Laura.

Today is our 37th Wedding Anniversary. My my how time flies. The newly wed broke student phase, the baby phase, the kids and PTO stage, the high school can I drive the car phase, the empty nest phase, the you cook I am too busy stage. I have loved it all with this women. We are in the life companion stage where a back rub is part of our joy and vacationing with our grand children is a huge bonding experience.

We hope and pray for many more.

How the Honeymoon Ends

2012-01-17T09:18:00.004-07:00

Full moon over the Point at Poipu.

If you happened to watch Undercover Boss this week you met the new Owner of Diamond Resorts Internation, which took over management of my home resort on Kauai several years ago. He kind of came across like a cigar chewing bull in a China Shop.

We bought what they called a Honeymoon time share package in 2001 which enabled us to use or trade our resort every other year. It was sold as a way to prepurchase future vacations and escape inflation. HA?!

Long story short, our costs have sky rocketed, and just before Christmas he passed along a bill for us to unexpectedly pay for 65 million dollars in repairs at our resort. Go to Angry Owners at Poipu Point on FaceBook to see the rants.

We had three great vacations in Kauai and one in Maui, one in New Orleans and one in San Diego, but this dude has ruined it, and we are joining others in a lawsuit if possible, and an exit strategy of some sort. It's sad, so many older folks believed the time share promises and have been ensnared in a shady Vegas racket. DRI company has ruined it for us, but they cannot ruin those beautiful islands.

Red and Yellow Black and White

2012-01-16T08:52:00.005-07:00

My black and white cat, who is scared of everybody...not a watch kitty, when the doorbless rings she heads for the closet.

When we moved to central Alabama in Dec. of 61, it was for my father's job promotion. From upstate New York to Alabama. Little did I know it would change my views about people and hatred and bigotry. I know the word bigotry is strong and used by people who think they are not against people who are. But bigotry and racism are part of my southern experience.

We were white folks, living in a white neighborhood, shopping in a white town square with a confederate soldier statue in the center. A few streets over there were black businesses, serving black folks, whose kids went to black schools, and that's the way God ordained it and intended it and blessed it. Something was wrong with that picture.

Until Martin Luther King began to join the protests for change, and the history is still being made.

Heroes

2012-01-15T12:30:00.002-07:00

Dr. Laurie P. spoke to a full house last night about her time serving in Iraq as an emergency physician, saving the lives of our soldiers.

It was very moving to hear of the procedures to patch up the masses of men and women who had severe damage to extremities and heads.

She and her team served heroically in my opinion, but she insisted that the soldiers were the heros, which I agree with wholeheartedly.

Farewell Hostess Twinkies

2012-01-14T11:26:00.003-07:00

Shave Ice and homemade banana bread on Mauai. YUM

As a youth, I ate my share of Twinkles and Snow Balls. No that big a fan of Ding Dongs and Ho Ho's. These days if it comes in a wrapper I am likely to pass. The passing of the Company does demonstrate how free enterprise works, as many companies tried to created healthier snacks the market eroded. I do not think the government should bail out Hostess, if it survives in a buy out or emerges with newer products fine. And I hope all the fine Hostess employees find other work.

Now Little Debbie Zebra cakes!! That's another story and a serious addiction in my adult life...you could get like a whole bunch for them for $1.79. And the cake blended with chocolate both white and black and the creamy filling...don't get me started.

Visiting the Greens

2012-01-13T15:42:00.004-07:00

It was so nice to tee it up with my friends. We had a dozen men today ranging from 60 to 80+. There was a frost delay so we finished at two.

There were some good shots enjoyed but mostly a mediocre day, except it was like
a gift to be back out there again.

Thank you again

2012-01-12T07:20:00.003-07:00

My daily photo blog reached 20,000 hits yesterday, which I began counting two years ago. This little encouragement keeps me writing. I remind you of my purpose, which is a daily photo and a daily connection of something I thought about or something that occurred I felt like sharing.

This is not a Theo blog, although I think about God and truth alot. This is not about trying to change any ones thinking, except to realize that every one of us is really like George Bailey. We all want to be heroes, and world changers, and world travelers, and famous, but most of us live modest, small lives, and that is OK, it is more than OK it is great and wonderful.

Hope is a powerful thing, yesterday a friend gave me a book on a few supplements that have shown to help people with heart disease. Sprout's is having a vitamin and supplement sale this week, so I bought them. Will they work? I hope so, and hope as I said is a powerful emotion. Your quick visit during the day fills me with hope that my little life has meaning, but if my readership drops tomorrow to nothing, I still have hope that my life and love and living have significance, and I am not whistling Dixie on that!!!!

Tim Tebow

2012-01-11T10:12:00.003-07:00

Golf Carts are becoming more stylish these days, this is a real head turner.

Had a discussion with our Men's Bible Study about Tebowing type witnessing. They all though it was bold and good for the faith. My point of view was how silly the whole John 3:16 talk about the game last week was, and and wondered about what Jesus said about beware of practicing your righteousness before men.

This distracts us from the real desire to see American return to the faith, it won't be showy and star driven and patriotic bring back prayer in school talk, it will be repentance and honesty in the halls of government and the boards of business.

Just thinking out loud.

In a glass darkly

2012-01-10T09:57:00.003-07:00

Being back to work means study, which I enjoy daily. It means interaction with others, which gives life zest, at home, in the office, in the hospital, all of which I did yesterday.

It's odd to walk into a hospital to visit someone when you were there just a few days ago as a patient, although the identification with those being treated is heightened.

It means planning ahead, for nothing happens tomorrow without our preparing for it, and that forward focus is good.

Lots of hooting among my southern friends about LSU vs. Alabama BCS Bowl. How they love their football in the SEC. I lived in Alabama for four years, perhaps they are my college teams?

Monday, Monday

2012-01-09T09:56:00.005-07:00

Lunch Day-17 people enter the study room to make sandwiches for the homeless. A blessing.

Maui-Watching the Opening Golf Tourney and seeing from the air what Laura and I drove on delightful Sunday afternoon the year before last. We stopped at each promontory and descended into a small beach primarily used for snorkeling, then the popular family beach that gets great ratings in the travel books. I showed her the Plantation Course and we drove through the oceanside course and stopped at looked at a sacred burial site.

Ended the day at a brand new McDonalds, done in Hawaiian culture. Precious memories.

Bought a present for those memories, a 12 inch digital picture frame for my office, and I can de-stress by lifting my eyes to the wall and see my favorites every day. I am favorably impressed with the color, picture quality and handling options of the Pandigital brand.

Made my first Microsoft movie slide show of highlights from 2011, worked great, learned things for the next try.

New Day, New Week, New Year

2012-01-08T13:16:00.004-07:00

2012, the Mayan doom year is finally here and I am not listening to the Mayans, nor anyone else about the end of days.

I am going to live each day as if today is a special gift, and even though there will be some dreary ordinary ones and some painful ones no doubt, I will enjoy being here while I am here and trying to be fully here instead of in yesterday or tomorrow.

Diet and exercise will continue to be of interest and tweeked as needed, politics will be a necessary element of an election year, and I will enjoy the blessings of my native land, long may she thrive.

The Descendents

2012-01-07T09:40:00.004-07:00

This beach played a big role in the movie, its on Hanalei Bay in Kauai near the Princeville resort, also played a role in the musical South Pacific. The prewar pier still functions as a picnic and play area.

A powerful film, do not see if you are offended by profanity but it plays a role in the rebellion of the main charactar's children. Oahu, Kauai, play an inportant role in the drama about tragedy, disfunctional families, and family values, all portrayed with power and the traditions of hawaiian music, culture, and beauty in the backgroud. You see the high price of infidelity and the strength of family.The suffering in the movie created bonding and strength. We liked it.

Being glad in this day

2012-01-06T09:51:00.003-07:00

Maui sunset.

My life returns to normal, thankful for a week of rest and recuperation after my heart cath. Laura has returned for a teacher only preparation day for the second semester, I am going to be out and about for gas, some errands and some fresh air and sunshine. I put on some new pants I got for Christmas and a new Hawaiian shirt, the email has been checked at church, Bullitens ready, dear assistant back from her vacation and playing catchup. She did threaten to kill me if I had died this week leaving her to clean out my office.

I did read a remarkable book this week that gently reminded us that the Bible is about the redemptive message of Christ and not about cooking and baking and dating and marriage manuals. We have weakened the message by trying to make it a manual on everything rather than the story of the gospel.

Cath Lab Hilton

2012-01-05T08:19:00.004-07:00

I am home from the hospital. Spent 24 hours in the new home of the CRH Cath lab. They now have there own unit with 8 or 10 rooms. This was dedicated in September and the crew are loving it. So did I because everything was nice, got to walk to the bathroom, order coffee and have a great team of nurses tending to my care.

In a providential moment my nurse was the pastor's wife at the church where my daughter attended and works for. We had good fellowship. The procedure was my fifth in eleven years, and I continue to be amazed at the way they can deal with heart blockages so effectively.

Three of my visits were related to chest pain and a quick trip through the emergency room to the table. The last two were preemptive diagnosis, and it is a much prefered way to deal with heart disease.

There are only four arteries that feed the heart, I think. This one was the place where my first heart attack in 2000 occurred. The stent had slowly begun to plaque and they fixed that, then stented another more serious blockage. You may be tempted to ask me what I can do to stop these expensive visits....I did, and the answer is to keep doing what I have been doing and keep having yearly stress tests, because some people have a proclivity to plaque up, usually with a rare form of cholesterol than is smaller and denser and sticks to the walls for more damage.

I consider my life a gift, and an extension of the miracles of modern medicine. I cannot tell you how good it feels to "keep on keeping on" with my daily wonderful life. I have to be very vigilant about diet and exercise, but that is a small price to pay for the gift of resuming my ministry, my presence at the side of my dear long suffering Laura, who gave up two days of vacation sleep for me, and for my cat, who loves to sit on my chest and purr while I stroke his fur.

Thank You for praying

2012-01-04T12:04:00.002-07:00

eVery thing went well, balloned a ten year old stent and put another in. 70 and 90% occluded, Its genetic foe me. This catching it early is way better than an attack, will spend the night in the hospital.

Life as a Vapor

2012-01-03T09:30:00.005-07:00

OK, I know I said I was going silent, but the habit of sharing daily is a good one so thanks for checking in.

Anytime you go on a surgical table, you spend some time contemplating your mortality, which I have been doing. There is just no good way to prepare for the possibility, just hope and trust.

Todays picture shows the result of our daughter working 3+ hours to hang four 12 pound pictures on our kitchen wall, not an easy task but a very pleasant result that fills the room with angles and reflected light.

I took some time away from reading, praying and reflecting to go see "Ghost Protocol" with wifey. Incredible story and action, oh if the human body could really sustain all the stuff they make Tom Cruise and crew perform in the movie.

I really want to spend more time in this physical realm. I have worked hard to take care of the temple in recent years, but dealing with a defective mechanism takes it out of my hands for a while tommorow. Lots of dear friends are praying, and I am trusting. I never got to preach to thousands or travel around the world, but like George Bailey, the angels have shown me that I have had a most wonderful life.

Offline for a few days

2012-01-01T12:58:00.004-07:00

I am taking a few days to be quiet and renew so I will be back on Thursday, Lord willing.

I am going to have another heart exploration in the form of an angiogram early Wednesday, to see if a blockage is developing in the artery feeding the lower quadrant of my heart. I am of course dissapointed, it is possible to strengthen the heart muscle through exercise but you are stuck with the condition of your major artories. So the cardiologist will attempt to restore blood flow, hopefully with another stent or ballon, worst case, by pass.

Your prayers are appreciated, hope to be with you Thursday.

2011 a quiet year with a health blip

2011-12-31T11:49:00.004-07:00

Georgie's well read Bible on display at her memorial service yesterday.

We had a good year, marked by two heart cath procedures, which led to our decision to stay close to home during Laura's summer vacation. I was able to get back to exercising quickly and enjoyed a four day study leave in San Diego in August.

I have always felt personally helped by observing the seasons and passing of time, for it is the way in which life is experienced, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly.

2012 is an important year for our world, how can it not be given the present tensions.

Nevertheless, Happy New Year, friends.

In Case of Rapture

2011-12-30T14:20:00.003-07:00

I have acquaintace with a respected Christian leader in the area of music who published a book recently about his passion for Bible Prophecy, which he told me he had been studying for fourty years. This year he placed an insert at the end of his book which shared his reasoning and his biblical understand of the math involved, and basically state that he believed that the first stage of the end times, the rapture of the true believers from the earth will take place.....tomorrow, December 31st, 2011.
Not being an expert in these things, but living most of my adult life surrounded by various predictions, I am not holding my breath or spending my wifes inheritance. I did this past month, in light of this knowledge, thank God daily for my life and for His presence over the decades. I am pretty sure I am a true believer, although I will not be presumptuous.
If he was sincerely mistaken, I am OK with that, I still love and respect the brother and know that I myself have gone down some sideroads over the years I had to back out of.
But, I did want to let you know just in case this blog is unmanned, I am sure the crash will leave no one left behind injured, just befuddled.
Happy New Year?

The Inn is temporarily closed for remodeling

2011-12-29T16:10:00.004-07:00

Lots of changes when Shannon turned 12, she will no longer be bunking with Ben. Her newly designed room will feature a 60+ year old dresser, bed, and nightstand that we inherited from Laura's mother.

It leaves us guest roomless, but no matter how many years I done been beggin' and beggin' hardly any of our northern or southern friends comes to visit.

No worries, Laura has plans.

The Contemplative Life

2011-12-28T09:16:00.003-07:00

I am hearing the call to get away to a quiet place before the New Year begins and listen and renew. I try to do this twice a year, just a day or two. But I am the only person in the office this week and a memorial service is coming. These tensions we all face. I will find the time.

Spending time with a family in grief, walking through a home that is every inch the reflection of the interests and passions of the dear departed wife. An office/hobby room that is organized and efficient. Collections of memorabilia lining shelves, jewelry and clothing no longer awaiting their selection for the day. We Christians believe in hope beyond the grave, but I continue to agree that death is the last enemy. It is deeply difficult to lose a life partner.

GIGO leaves a lasting residue

2011-12-27T09:56:00.004-07:00

This is me, dressed in dark clothing, trying to look slender for a photo, and it is not quite working.

Garbage in Garbage Out was a computer concept from the early days of programming I think, and it is also a spiritual truth in the physical and spiritual realm. My body has been treated to many sugary treats, and some second helpings this week, and my body dutifully tries to deal with it, but some calories get packed in the storage zone and now something has to happen to get those guys burned up.

What we put in our minds and hearts leaves a residue of sludge if we think and react poorly as well.

We are not and will not be perfect in this life, but I love the phrase Peterson shared in his book on Psalms, "a long, slow, obedience in the same direction".
Just get back on the right path and keep going.

My messages this January will be developed from the theme, "He knows our weaknesses".
"touched with the feeling our our infirmities" the old KJV put it.

A Wonderful Day for Family

2011-12-26T13:10:00.003-07:00

I amg proud of catching such smiles.

Christmas 2011 was a joy. Great food, gift exchanges, relaxing.

We lost a sweet friend yesterday. Georgie M died from complications of surgery. We are in shock and saddened by our loss. She was so honest and interested in others.

Waiting

2011-12-25T12:25:00.006-07:00

Wet Hair and Beautiful, many Christmas's ago.

What I am doing I could not have done when I was a kid. An afternoon present opening an an almost evening Christmas Dinner. I had some eggs at 7, and am snacking of Christmas candy, but waiting for a great meal of Turkey and Dressing.

Enjoy you day and your family.

Merry Christmas to all

2011-12-24T12:20:00.004-07:00

An old Christmas when I had my dog Don-Anna, and Laura's dog Noel.

We enjoyed a fun reunion with our Mississippi friends down in Casa Grande, where we met halfway. After we visited some stores in the Casa Grande Mall and enjoyd the latest Sherlock Holmes adventure. They are so full of surprises and film making uniqueness that we have loved both of them.

Eddie and Jill showed me their new truck camper which I thought was really neat. I live around so many people with two homes or large travel trailers, none of which suit our budget or lifestyle. They have this really cute cabover insert that is amazingly nice and functional with a queen size bed, full bathroom, and full kitchen. I could see myself buying a truck someday and using that to see the USA, Lord willing.

We enjoyed our saturday workout in the gym today and now I am preparing for our church service tomorrow while Laura cooks for our Christmas Dinner. Nourishing Traditions!!!

Laura begins her two week break

2011-12-23T09:58:00.004-07:00

My bride, the Christmas before we married. We have our 37th coming next month.

She's home and we slept a bit later on my day off. Headed to lunch with Eddie and Jill whom we have known since college. God has been good to both of our families and lots of living was enjoyed.

Hawaii has been much on my mind as I join a group wrestling with the management of my timeshare. Someone showed a sales piece I distictly remembered about the advantages of owning versing using hotels to vacation. They said we were "prepaying" and inflation protecting our future vacations. OOOH Yeah. The owners have been assessed a fee for repairing the damaged buildings that would make this summers vacation cost me 1000 dollars a night. The owner was a big contributor to Pres. Obama as a resident of the state. Decisions will have to be made soon as to our reaction to all these issues.

Bad Shopper

2011-12-22T08:35:00.003-07:00

Here is a better view of the contruction project at the Intel plant. It looks like a five or six story structure so that crane has to be over 40 stories tall.

I have developed over the years an aversion to large malls. I never know when I go if I will enjoy my time there. I think because I have no ability to shop well for others it becomes burdensome to try. Laura knows this and probably wishes I were not like that. I need hints and ideas.

We look forward to seeing some of our college friends who are in Tucson visiting their daughter. We have very few folks we have stayed close to that long and catching up will be great. They live in Jackson, Ms.

May the days leading up to Christmas be filled with His Kingly presence, which began when He was born, declared a King by His Father.

Christmas Music Magic

2011-12-21T09:06:00.003-07:00

I did not take this picture but it reminds me of Robert Frost's two paths poem and makes me thankful that God led me down the path less traveled, because my life has been forever changed.

Again this year, listening to Christmas music has been not only a blessing but a strengthening experience. My three new albums were great, a classic Amy Grant, Micheal Buble, which is mostly secular but nice. (my kids reminded me that he has a potty mouth in his concerts, which is regretful and not like the great balladeers upon whose shoulders he rests) The last and most wonderful has been Sarah McLaughlin whose harmony voice overs with herself and the songs themselves have enchanted me.

Best Christmas Presents Ever

2011-12-20T08:29:00.003-07:00

The Choral Group singing/acting.

A 5 foot sled when we lived in upstate New York. A kid with a sled and a hill is a happy fellow. The sliding dish was a close second. I my opinion neither of them were very directionally controlled and I have a scar to prove it.

When I was 15 I got a small reel to reel tape player, which was my introduction to electronic voice reproduction. I taped all kids of songs and conversations.

Best Christmas Candy I have not seen in a long time. Ribbon Candy peppermint, all looped an waiting to be broken and enjoyed.

Best sleeping arrangment. As the fourth child of middle class folks we never owned a four bedroom home, so I often slept in dining rooms. On Ceperly Dr. I would rearrange the dining room chairs at night so I could watch TV when my parents thought I was asleep.

Best Toy, in Troy, a Fire Truck that you could hook up to a hose. I would spray everything with that toy.

Most used gift. Two used bikes in fourth grade, a classic English Bike with gears and a bell, and an old big framed bike for off road and casual riding.

Funniest memory, family pictures around holidays, including all my sisters in curlers and strange knee length pantie thingys. I still have that picture, check in tomorrow to enjoy that blast from the past.

2011 in Photos

2011-12-19T14:44:00.004-07:00

Horses are a significant part of Arizona History, this guy waits outside the Courthouse for his
rider, long bronzed.

Because I always carry a camera, each month and special event is recorded. It is valuable for me to see all the ways I am allowed to enjoy and serve and see my world. I will share some highlights at our last board meeting this evening.

A Balancing Thought

2011-12-18T12:07:00.003-07:00

My sister Judy said that there is something worse than an overteched Christmas celebration, it is one in which equally talented kids have to go through a HOLIDAY Celebration in which words have been changed and the message of Christmas silenced for political correct singing....I agree.

We had a lovely Brass Quintent support of choirs and singing today, and we enter into the week before Christmas with a quiet schedule and a thankful heart.

The Best of the Best of the Best

2011-12-17T17:23:00.004-07:00

Here is an example of the youth preserving something ancient and passed down. I love that.

My grandaughter performed in a youth choir that was part of the Christmas Extravaganza of our largest Christian High School, which was using the 1000 seat sanctuary of a church that began shortly after I moved west. As you know, I kind of dropped out of the contemporary church scene a decade ago, and I was reminded again how much things have changed from the more traditional way we worship.

The church has a black stage, more like a rock concert, with fog,(which I am told makes the cameras focus better). There was singing and dancing and acting and glee like comedy and I knew I was watching the best of the fine arts kids, from full orchestra, to piano, to singing and acting and even a percussion group. There were fast moving slide shows and movie clips on two large screens with teenage cameramen preserving views of the faces, and even snow at the end.

It was all great, and there was all kinds of interest among the kids in serving God with their lives, but......I could not escape the fact that for these kids, serving God is singing and dancing, and high tech lights and computer graphics, and showy, glitzy entertainment.

It made me feel old and obsolete, Laura observed that even the Gospel invitation was so perfect it made her uncomfortable. My daughter says the tuition is quite high, and I wondered about what will happen when all this is old hat. Have we Christianized Glee or has the world Gleefulized the youth of this generation. I feel really bad thinking that.

Rabbit Ears...Who knew

2011-12-16T15:41:00.005-07:00

I was given a lovely small screen LCD TV by a friend this week, just right for an office location. Since we went digital we have only had one cable connection live in our home. I found out the HD channels can be picked up with Rabbit ears, and its true, I had over 40 channels, all the local channels and some nice family time channels as well. I am in business.

On another note, the Intel plant outside our neighborhood is putting some huge new structures in place with one of the largest cranes in the world. I stopped for a picture the other day.

Change we can't live with

2011-12-15T09:18:00.004-07:00

This chuck of land used to belong to the coastline of Hawaii, but got stranded all alone.

All change is difficult. Risky something for the future, breaking a harmful habit, facing the inevitable decline we feel in aging.

The church is changing, society is changing, culture is changing, I am changing.

Some changes are worth resisting, some cannot be resisted, some should be embraced.

I have an acquaintance that left her marriage and her faith, reached out from traditional beliefs to a broader new age type of spirituality, and found it equally frustating. At this point she is only sure on one this, that she is living and still alive, and still about to live and love and experience the daily reality she faces.

That's enough of an anchor is times of great change.

Nuclear Stress Test

2011-12-14T17:57:00.003-07:00

The Angel of Healing.

I guess I have had five of these over the last decade. It has been over three years and unfortunately I postponed one before my heart incident in April that might have detected a serious problem. Hence today and tomorrow.

The Stress part requires you to get your heart rate about 136 for over a minute. I reached 150 and kept it there. It is stressful, but being in shape helps alot. Then you lay very still while a picture is being taken by a machine sensitive to the radiation they injected when your heart was racing.

I stopped my meds for four days and was glad to get back on the one that keeps my blood pressure stable.

The result is a picture of your heart veins that shows any blockages and allows a safer intervention.

Streams in the Desert

2011-12-13T15:47:00.003-07:00

I tried to capture an ocean fog on the campus of Point Loma Nazarene this August.

My backyard is a big puddle, its still raining, and I enjoy it because it is so rare. I had a chat with a friend who moved back to the northeast a few years ago and she misses our weather so badly she looks out her snowy window and feels like she is a prisoner.

These days are hard on teachers like Laura because the kids do not get to let off energy outside and they must fill the extra time.

Weather is God's business, and it is a marvelous balance of seasonal influence, even in the desert.

Rescue Mission Monday

2011-12-12T16:56:00.005-07:00

The talented orchestra from Sundays Cantata.

The crew arrives at 8:45, I have been out since 7 am shopping for the supplies needed to makes 250 PB&J sandwiches, with pretzels, cookies, and some candy.

I am teased about my inability to keep the spread inside the bread, and it is true, I am a sloppy jammer.

We drive on a cold rainy mid morning to that side of town that shows the wear and tear of being industrial, and post war. The gatekeeper, the same for the last several years, opens the gate looking like a relic from ZZ Top and has never looked directly at us or spoken to us. His silence holds pain, most probably.

Larry and i switch from delivery boys to consumers as we drive to the Business Costco for items for the church and personal as well. I snag two more cases of Alkaline water in my healing program.

We splurge in every way at a shiny new Oriental buffet, sampling small portions of lots of different things. I overdose on protein. We cannot help but notice the large number of very obese people, for whom we know this is like pure cocaine. It is sad, especially when the seeds of the disease rest in my heart.

A final stop at a huge golf emporium where we hit a few new clubs, convinced that they will help our game, but we leave empty handed.

I hit the gym at 4 for a long walk and stretching, coming back slowly from the miserable cold I suffered and the lost days of exercise. I see a beautiful women on the treadmill, and I desire her, and we speak about dinner plans and a coffee time together, she is my wife, the best part of my wonderful life.

A rainy Monday, in my wonderful life.

Special Cantata

2011-12-11T13:43:00.005-07:00

I hear the Prophet Calling, by Pepper Choplin was a great pleasure to sing for our mutual congregations this morning. Thank you Bob C. for finding it and teaching us to perform this Christmas special.

We had fainters in both services in the choir, it was warm up there with sixty folks on the platform. We are hoping both are OK.

Music prepares the heart for worship.

Knowing?

2011-12-10T16:09:00.005-07:00

Shannon and I drove around the lake in the golf cart and stopped for a photo.

It's a beautiful Saturday in Phoenix. I am on that last leg of a cold, last night I slept propped up with pillows so I could breath. Ah, the common cold.

I am looking forward to the presentations of our Cantata tomorrow with over 40 voices and a dozen orchestral instruments. It is a modern rendition by a very talented composer who weaves the Christmas themes old and new together with some great styles and a very meaningful message.

Since we are under a rapture watch, I have been watching a few apocalyptic movies during my sick time. In the film "Knowing",Nick Cage is a widower and a preachers son who finds out the hard way that we live in a predetermined pattern of history.

Lots of biblical images and struggles with science and faith and calamity and a moving sort of angelic rescue to restart humanity elsewhere. It's dramatic and thought provoking.

Heart Health

2011-12-08T09:41:00.003-07:00

Vacation blessing and nightmare.

Had a six month check up with my Cardiologist and had a good EKG readings, stable heartbeart, clear lungs and carotids. I have scheduled a Stress Test as all my heart incidents have been asymtamatic, meaning, no warning signs preceding the actual blockage event. It is the only way to see arterial closing and plaque buildup.

I am really working on the attitude of making each day a gift and cherishing life.

We have a major stressor going on with our time share on Kauai, which has been a problem since we bought it 10 plus years ago and is now a major problem. The present management company has decided to pass on 65 million dollars of repairs to the owners. This will push our nightly stay cost way up. What a disaster for so many who actually believed they were purchasing future vacations without inflation. It was a lie, a damned lie and we are trying all legal methods to get rid of this albatross, and are close to some less legal methods. Any ideas out there??

Silenced

2011-12-07T08:54:00.003-07:00

Tried to teach a Bible study this morning without a voice. It is rare for me to lose the voice, but I was squeeking and raspy today.

Even the youngest navy men and air force recruits who survived Pearl Harbor and approaching 90. Soon the eyewitnesses will be gone and the footage with remain and the books, but when you lose the voices, will we remember how quickly the world can change?

One week of Xooming

2011-12-05T19:01:00.003-07:00

The visual, tactile, speedy and convenient Xoom tablet opens up the visible side of the web, and the reading and research are so pleasing. I am just adding useful apps and the wifi hotspot is working very well. The picture and this short first impression was done on the xoom with the Xoom camera.

A full Sunday of Music

2011-12-04T20:10:00.002-07:00

The Bell Choir added beauty to our traditional worship with the combined Choir today and the Chandler Symphony played with a Pheonix based Bell Choir this afternoon. One of there best Christmas concerts yet. Another dinner birthday celebration, and Shannon is home with bookoodles of new clothes. Thats a southern word that Laura used today....really....she did.

A cold and rainy Saturday

2011-12-03T17:30:00.004-07:00

Shannon resting after a long shopping spree with Mom and Grand Mom. The 2011 Version of our Christmas Tree and the new decorative mirror Laura bought.

Am reading Scot McKnight's book, The King James Gospel revisited and he echos so many of the things I learned from Dallas Willard and others on the reduction of the gospel to a plan of salvation that is private and works like "sin management" software where we get a code label so Jesus can scan us and tell who is in and who is out in a crowd.

The gospel is about a King and a kingdom, rooted in the story of Israel and fulfilled in the story of Jesus, He is the gospel, He is the life, and He is the presence of the kingdom that is here and coming. We are called to follow Him daily, in a costly way that cannot be hidden, and be willing to invest our present lives in things that bring justice, peace and mercy and redound to our life to come.
Good thoughts for Christmas time.

Shannon's weekend of fun

2011-12-02T21:11:00.003-07:00

Acting all Goofy at Disney Land over Halloween.

Shannon, our first grandchild turns 12 on Sunday. She has allowed me to relive my own first daughters fun as an older and more seasoned human being. We have so enjoyed her visits, her talents and maturity and our travels together. She has helped us to be young everywhere we go.

Tomorrow the girls go on a clothes shopping trip while I enjoy Ben.

Today was a beautiful as yesterday was cold and windy and wet. Got to play golf again with my regular Friday friends and enjoyed being outside so much.

National Memorial Cemetery

2011-12-01T19:24:00.003-07:00

Golf today, the group was smaller and the weather was blustery, but we had fun.

I led the burial service for a veteran of WWII and Korea today. There was a live Mariachi band playing at the service nearby, and the honor guard had to fold the flag twice because the first did not pass muster.

This man flew many planes around the world and each time he got close to combat something intervened and he spent time training and writing about air safety for the Air Force. He was healthy into his 90s, and a lovely Christian man who loved his life and his family.

The WWII vets are almost gone, and each time I am emotionally moved with the honor and care shown at the Memorial site.

Christmas Music time

2011-11-30T21:12:00.003-07:00

St. Joseph Hospital and Barrow's Clinic down-town.

I love my collection of Christmas music and try to add one or two each year. Bought Amy Grant's classic "Home for Christmas" to play a song at Bible Study and Laura who loves all things Buble' asked for his recently released Christmas Album.

It funny that I just learned that my smartphone has unlimited use in 3g in a parented in plan. I had been stingy in playing music from the Amazon Cloud, but turns out I can use it as much as I want, which will be great for the gym.

Last years favorites were Enya's Christmas album and Yo Yo Ma's Dona, Nobis, Pacem.

A surprising solution to saving money

2011-11-30T09:58:00.003-07:00

Laura is digging the Xoom as well.

Please don't judge me because I embrace the internet, and enjoy cutting edge technology. Some churches employ technology people to communicate with people and use the new media effectively, and here, its me, part of the package. Pastor Don, pastor, amateur photographer, web and mail manager, occasionally will sweep walks and arrange desks and chairs, gives rides, available for golf.

So I tell the Verizon guy I am paying for three internet ramps and its too much. He shows me how to save money because the tablet is a tether and remote hotspot. Goodbye WWAN usb connector, get to keep the smart phone and still save each month a goodly portion. All three laptops me and the church use are automatically online when in the vicinity of the tablet, super cool. I was so impressed with the technician I asked him for advice in selling my timeshare??????!!!!

Juggling on line ramps

2011-11-28T19:47:00.002-07:00

Bought a Black Friday deal at Verizon, a Motorola Xoom 4G tablet. Here is my thinking, I have owned a smart phone for almost 2 years, and I love it....too much....I have become dependent on it for news and reading my theo blogs, checking Email ect. It is very small and hard to read, and answers are hard to type. I have also pulled it out when driving or with friends too often.

I look forward to the day when each family pays for one online ramp to the internet for all their devices, the present plan is too expensive. So, I am going back to a regular phone, and using the tablet for browsing, emails, scheduling, and all the incredible cool apps that Android has developed. It will still be with me in the man bag, but just not quite so accessible that I overuse it. I love the Xoom so far, and it sold at a screaming price.

Jesus is my Messiah

2011-11-28T09:08:00.004-07:00

Took the point and shoot out to golf last week and shot a low one into the morning sun. I like it.

I spent some weeks this summer discussing the issue of God Behaving Badly in the Old Covenant and how this was not God's ultimate purpose for nation to be killing nations physically in conquest.

At the same time there is an indissoluble link between the promises God made to Israel and to the Church, same deliverer like Moses, same King like David.

The break is in the area of grace and peace and loving and praying for our enemies, for in this we become servants of the Prince of peace.

The peaceable Kingdom is our calling to build, amidst the false gods and violent upheavals in the quest for power we see in the world. I am hoping to develop in my flock the idea that we are servants of the King now, and not just deciders to believe in Jesus for life after death, but disciples to follow him in life and to victory.

Did the Pilgrims discover Popcorn?

2011-11-27T11:46:00.004-07:00

We love popcorn snacking around this house, and movies and popcorn are made to go together. My friend Larry has the large popper he keeps filled in his home but we just don't have the room for a big one.....so I bought a small one that Laura expressed interest in. It has the same fun of watching the corn spill out of the kettle and keeping the corn moving while it heats.

So far we have been dissapointed by the number of unpopped kernels that get blown out of the small kettle. I have glued pennies on the top to keep this from happening and have cut the rate of wasted corn in half.

We cannot wait to have the grand kids see this toy in action, and yes, to me the corn only serves as a transport system for buuuutttteeerr!!

The nectar of God

2011-11-26T12:00:00.002-07:00

We have some friends who summer in their home in Vermont and bring us a yearly present that keeps on giving. Pure Vermont maple syrup makes any attempt at Aunt Jamima like syrups taste terrible.

It is so sweet and pure and Vermonty. Our grand kids love Waffles with real butter and Vermont Real Syrup. It is one of God's most precious gifts.

4.7 degrees of separation??

2011-11-25T13:17:00.005-07:00

Yesterday I had turkey with three owners of the company that provided the turkeys for the turkey pardoning ceremony at the White House. They donated the 30 turkeys that were chosen to be domesticated and people friendly by the Willmar 4H kids.

The man who placed the turkey on the table and the man who held the turkey and his wife and daughter were all related to our dinner party. So, I was for a brief moment connected to the White House through people I know....I think that's how the degrees of separation this goes??

It was a good day, I ate past fullness, but cannot hold as much as I used to. The dressing had raisins and other fruit in it, and the turkey was butter basted and delicious.

Back to the gym to work myself down the few pounds of feasting added to my storage units, IE, belly, and where ever.

I bought something at a Black Friday sale, the result of trying to take advantage of the information age in the most manageable manner given my needs, interests, callings, and habits. More on that later.

I am going to start enjoying seasonal music this weekend, another year whisking away into the past, and me, increasingly grateful to be enjoying it all so dearly.

Enjoy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T08:13:00.004-07:00

So many memories of Thanksgivings past, and sincere blessings to friends and family who stop by to check in to my current post. I am watching the pre parade in NYC, and remembering how much I love this parade.

I spoke a bit prophetically last evening on the struggles that may be ahead if we don't get our debt problems under control. I pray that we will choose the harder path with leads to freedom.

I will still cherish all the normal cultural fun that has been America in all her quirky, beautiful, creative, reality.

JFK Assassination Anniversary

2011-11-22T19:14:00.003-07:00

Fourty Eight years ago I became an adult. I heard the news during lunch hour, was the first to take the news to the teachers table and was yelled at for fibbing. The whole week is etched into my memory as the week I lost the innocence and joy of youth and realized that evil sometimes succeeds.

Over the decades my interest in the conspiriacy theories gave me lots of reading and searching time. I still do not believe we know the whole story but it really won't make a difference all these years later.

A Nice Break Ahead

2011-11-22T18:22:00.004-07:00

The young lady in this picture has her first good camera and lens. We had a nice discussion about sunsets on Maui.

We gather on Thanksgiving Eve for a service, but all other meetings are off for the week. I am enjoying the time to reflect and read for Christmas emphasis.

Purchased a new tower computer for our administrative Assistant, another Dell, her present machine is 2003 so its time. She needs a flat screen, her old box looks ancient in computer time.

So thankful for Al and Freddy for taking down the borrowed video screen this week. He promised to work on a few of the connections that were not working.

Visited an elderly friend so ready to die, but is going home after a week with illness. This saint lost his wife last year and enjoys his walk with the Lord and the care of his family, but his body is wearing out.

I am hoping the mess that is Congress can get hold of runaway spending, I am not a big government guy, we need safety nets but not a nanny state. Help us!!!!

Pre Feasting

2011-11-21T20:18:00.002-07:00

This was hot dishes, another table full of salad dishes, another full of deserts. Sheesh! It was goooood.

Its not so much Turkey Day but the tendency around the church to pre feast. I have had multiple opportunities to eat past fullness and the tradition and time of the year have me falling into the old patterns of eating.

Not to worry, just keep up the exercise, eat well on the normal days, and it will be a great week of thankfulness for continued bounty.

Times are hard, I am learning to be content.

Kubili shares her life

2011-11-20T16:26:00.005-07:00

Four years of college, one year of post grad work, three years of initial Indonesian living, serving and language learning, now two plus years of living in a tribe of people in the Indonesian interior called the Nagi People. New Tribes Ministry serves as her sending agency and supports the work faithfully.

Today she shared her progress with the language, the day to day living among a group of people who have no stores, who live and eat and marry in a world of ancient superstitions and fears.

She and her room mate have indoor plumbing, and a small fridge, washer dryer, lights and a computer connection all powered by energy from the sun on the roof.

This gospel cross cultural thrust of missions draws deeply dedicated Christians to give what they cannot keep to gain what they cannot lose, and to serve the King on the outer edges of the worlds populations. Kubuli is utterly charming and so full of love for children and a spirit of cooperation with her team that we are proud to know her and support her.

Part A goes into Part B, which connects to C

2011-11-19T19:48:00.004-07:00

The yearly sale to build a kitty for special projects and repairs to our Sun Lakes Chapel is over, I hope lots of money was made by the many volunteers.

Today I attempted to put a large projector screen together and got hopelessly confused at which point I called in friends who also had great difficulty following the very poor directions of ill fitting tubes over which a screen sheath slide and tightens with Velcro strips.

This project will enhance our visit with Kubili C tommorrow. She is on her second furlow from missionary training and real missionary living among an unreached tribe in the depths of the Indonesian Islands.

Her willingness to answer the inner call to serve through New Tribes Mission inspires me and puts her on my living heroes list.

It's the season again

2011-11-18T20:09:00.003-07:00

Things are bustling around Sun Lakes with two big rummage sales to raise money, the occasional garage sales so people can exchange stuff.

We finished our third year of involvement with Franklin Graham's Christmas Gift program with has really grown to be a major event in good will and mission around the world.

God Wins

2011-11-17T08:55:00.004-07:00

That's the name of Mark Galli's response to Rob Bell's Love Wins. He thinks its a better way to understand the Gospel.

It is a continuing conversation (love that word) about the relationship between mercy and justice. Galli is defending Augustinian theology, which is the ground on which all western theology rests. Hell has to exist because God will be just. The bible teaches Hell no matter how queasy it makes you feel about God and His character so get used to it. Doctrine trumps your feelings or questioning a God who is love who subjects the majority of all humanity to eternal conscious torment.

The book never seeks to answer the gentle musings of Bell about the actual scriptural teaching of "eternal conscious torment". Bell believes in right and wrong, and justice and mercy as does Galli, but he questions the justice of a one size fits all, throw away the key and prepare for pain for 15 trillion years, which you can never pay back. 15 trillion????where have I heard that word????

So do I. Augustine's prolific writing and foundational thought I believe, as do others, misses the nuances of the Greek word "aion" or "eon". The man did not know Greek. There is a word for eternal in the bible, a different word, and one applied to God alone, who has no beginning. An eon is a word demarking time, short or long duration, and no matter how you put the adjectives together they never become non-time or eternal.

This has enormous implications at to our understanding of Heaven and Hell. Galli says we should stay in the box Augustine created four hundred years after the death and resurrection of Christ, the various uses of the word eon, or age, could thus be termed "age enduring correction or punishment" and open the door for love winning and God winning through ultimate restoration at the end of the ages. Remember its a conversation, no stone throwing, we should be past old covenant stone throwing.

Alkalized Water

2011-11-16T09:57:00.003-07:00

Studying nutrition is like studying theology, lots of schools of thought, debates, disagreements, old wives tales, ect.

I like the concept of Kundun water, discovered by a Russian scientist and popularized by Japan. I could not figure out why the companies wanted to sell you an expensive machine until I read that the process of alkalizing the water had not been stable. It has to be consumed within two days or it returns to balance.

Drinkrealwater.com has a bottled product I found at a Costco that seems to have stabilized the process and I am working my way through a case of it. I like what they do in the purification process and the reverse osmosis, and I am believing the claims of what the magnetizing electric process does to the water and its PH and oxidation enhancements. Check it out if you have interest.

Elvis performers are very dedicated

2011-11-15T17:17:00.002-07:00

The Elvis mentioned something I did not know. For all the hundreds of songs Elvis recorded in his career and all the fame and money he earned, his only grammy, the only musical recognition or award he won was for a gospel song. It was for How Great Thou Art.

Hell yes!

2011-11-14T16:39:00.004-07:00

We had some very creative fall centerpieces by Butch decorating the tables at our Fall dinner last evening.

I am in possession of two books written in response to Rob Bell's book Love Wins. I continue to be impressed with this conversation and look forward to reading them both.

Met another author making a very specific prediction about the rapture of the church, and unlike Camping this man has pursued his studies on the shoulders of the great premillenial authors of the early part of last century. Another interesting conversation. If he is right we have little time for further reflection.

Can you tell I am enjoying using this new buzzword conversation. I believe Martin Luther was seeking debate, ie conversation back and forth with Roman Catholic scholars. There violent response led to a religious war unimaginable in our own modern mind, at least I hope it is unimaginable.

The failure to consider and reconsider has charactarized failed religion over the centuries.

Bells and Cellos and French Horns

2011-11-13T17:19:00.003-07:00

The Sun Lakes Handbell Choir did some beautiful hymns today, expecially on the Welsh tune Ash Grove.

The theme of native folk music was expanded in the afternoon Chandler Symphony Concert featuring Gustave Mahler Symphony #1 in D. This in addition to a Saint Seans Cello movement with a very talented musician.

I am not an expert in classical music but I enjoy the exposure to different pieces from that magical period when instumental music hit its peak.

On our way to another piano concert this evening along with a delicious meal prepared by the phase one restaurant.

I really do, unfortunately miss alot by the competing sound of tinnitus ringing in my ears. I am so glad that music masks the problem to a good degree.

On the playing of musical instruments

2011-11-12T12:34:00.005-07:00

This young man mastered classical guitar while being home schooled and just decided not to become a professional musician in favor of keeping it fun and a hobby. I agreed but was inspired with his skill and memorization discipline.

I learned the Tonette in 3rd grade, my folks bought me a trumpet in fourth grade with I played through the ninth grade including a year in marching band. I wish I had kept playing in the band in high school, but that ended my instrumental playing for twenty years until I bought a guitar which I still play and got into my Irish whistle phase in 2006.

I purchased a flute for my daughter when she was in sixth grade which she played quite well through high school, when she lost interest and it went up on the shelf.
I rescued it a year ago and learned to get a tone, play a scale, practice simple hymns.

Today I drove to Milano's Music, fought my way through Western Days exhibits and picked up that flute with was cleaned, repaded, and generally repaired. It is twenty years old but I was told it is a solid student flute.

The joy of playing guitar and flute for myself and not with perfection answers a deep need in me to make music. My love for the tones of the flute, for sharps and flats, and the expense of the refurbishing mean that my two valuable whistles with be going up for sale soon.

I've grown accustomed to her face

2011-11-11T23:14:00.003-07:00

While I hit the links with friends my wife hit the Mall and scored some shoes and clothes and generally enjoyed herself, then the grand kids spent an unexpected evening with us while parents attended a business function.

A family day is a precious day, and this picture of my wife way back in college reminds me how great a life companion is, and all the life that flows from love.

11/11/11

2011-11-10T17:28:00.003-07:00

Some serious bubble gum action at the Elvis Party last week.

Nov. 11,11 I like it,I am sure I will feel the same when I wake up. My dear wife gets a day off, and I hope to hit the links even though the weather is a bit iffy.

I am surrounded by healthy active 80 year olds, and I like it, and hope longevity is catching.

Speaking of eleven, I am heading toward the eleventh anniversary of my first heart attack, the one that I did not recognize until I lived with it for seven hours, and the one that did the most damage because of my stubbornness. I thank God for the time I have had since then, and for the strong heart beat, really low pulse, great blood pressure readings and great health I am enjoying after more than a decade.

Jury pool #13 passed by again

2011-11-09T19:20:00.002-07:00

A stutue of a family outside the Maricopa County Circuit Court in downtown Phoenix, naked as jaybirds it seems.

I have been answering jury summons for 35 years, and have never been chosen to serve on a jury except a week on a grand jury in the late 70s.

They look for a jury of their peers and one lawyer or another decides that a minister is not a good peer. I make all the cuts right up until we introduce ourselves and say what we do, and boom, I am otta there!

I have no other reason except to admit, I have no peers?!!!! I am peerless!!!!

Paul, sublime and absurd at times

2011-11-08T21:23:00.003-07:00

Gun Turrent, USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Hawaii

I have always loved the Pauline epistles, some of the explanations of the Gospel are so wonderful and the insights so perfect that I marvel, and then some things he says just grate against my sensibilities and I see him as a semi reformed pharasee trying to legislate against the freedoms of the new covenant he defends and explained so well.

I am rereading Scott McKnights book on Bible reading and discernment and find myself really valuing his advice of reading the bible as a story and seeing the context of each book and its author, Isaiah's way for Isaiahs days, thus even Paul can be caught in a cultural dynamic that no longer exists. The perpetual inferiority of women and the silence passages are the point at which he has changed his thinking and so have I, thank God. Men are saved by faith, women by childbirth????? What?????

Convincing a person who grew up with a flat and strict literal understanding, along with the usual convenience of ignoring your own uncomfortable passages and enforcing those you life, make the job of Bible exposition a challenge.

New and Old

2011-11-07T17:17:00.002-07:00

For years the former quansite hut served as the worship home of Grace Community Church, as we grew we could squeeze 130 in, and then we went to two services. It was then that I realize that my sermon would change with the audience response and my sensitivity to the leading of the Spirit.

For a while I was troubled that I was not able to stay and watch the city reach its goals, but as I look back it was as it should have been, and my health issues have been better served where I am.

Today I write at the Gym, having finished 30 minutes of aerobic heart exercise and 30 minutes of weights and stretching. Glad I get to concentrate of making my body the dwelling place of God and not about bricks and mortgages.

A meaningful memory

2011-11-06T17:23:00.003-07:00

Ten years ago today I led worship in a brand new building that took years of planning and giving and some borrowing to complete. It was the fulfillment of some of what I came west to do in 1989. I wanted to help a church reach another level of growth and usefulness.
In 95 when I began serving there were two buildings and a picnic shelter, yesterday I passed by five buildings, including a doubling of the size of that original new sanctuary. The whole area has grown significantly and they have a Christian School now, something we could not have foreseen or prepared for back then.
It was a rich and challenging time, I was able to have a home large enough for raising teens and a nice pool in the backyard, and we grew from 50 to over 200. Now they have multiple services and over 1000 attending, and that is good.
I would stay one year and enjoy the new building when I would know it was time to leave. There were some struggles to find the right leaders and a church merger that would allow things to go forward.

Queen Creek Dream

2011-11-05T10:27:00.003-07:00

When I served a church in Queen Creek, the place was beginning to boom, there was one little corner and a huge triangle of empty space. Yesterday everything they envisioned has happened, including a by-pass around town that enables the downtown to have a feel of safety.

When I used to visit my poor friends, they were miles out in the middle of nowhere, now they are less than a mile from a McDonalds and a shopping center beyond them.

The other side of the story

2011-11-04T21:54:00.004-07:00

Last week I shared the success of the Rainbow Acres vision, and how fortunate those are who live there. Today I stopped to see a family that had been part of the church I served a decade ago The family have various mental, emotional, and physical handicaps and with the passing of parents they are fending for themselves with a lot of governmental aid.

We all helped as much as we could, but both families have merged in that little trailer and it is meager.

I asked about their diet and she said, mostly mac and chess and hotdogs. Years ago they had a new mobile home but lost it, and things have been poverty level since then. Very sad, but they are doing the best they can.

Big Bang Theory

2011-11-03T18:54:00.004-07:00

I love this picture.

Is one of the funniest nerd comedies ever written. The characters are so full of comedic possibilities that we laugh out loud each week. The brilliant but emotionally imbalanced one, the normal and love starved guy, the Indian lonely guy, the Jewish momas boy, the frustrated starlet. Great stuff.

Liver, love it or leave it

2011-11-02T20:26:00.006-07:00

Today I had liver and onions from a family restaurant. It tasted good but I think I have had my fill for a while. I was on my way to our family owned music store called Milano's in Mesa to give my flute a check up and repair, probably the first one since Melissa was in High School, a key is sticking. I love seeing all the instruments and musical equipment in that place.

Had a good missions prayer meeting tonight, kingdom building around the world is vital and worth our concentrated prayers.

This post is done on my new Toshiba Satellite which finally has the software to run my internet link. Slowly this new machine will be my daily go to workhorse, and I like it.

Interfaith meetings

2011-11-01T20:50:00.004-07:00

I just friended Johnny C recently, the guy of the left, one of the most naturally funny people I have ever met. These best men meant a lot to me during my college years.

I sat with an academic theologian a few days ago that described a meeting that produced the Cordova statement, which was inspired, she said, by a time in Spain where the three major faiths lived together in peace for a period of time.

Then I received an evangelical periodical which stated dogmatically that any Muslim talking about peace was being unfaithful to the Koran.

Its all confusing, because a Christian nation should be following the teaching of Christ about her enemies, should'nt we???? I just keep hearing the "them or us" showdown talk around me too much. I said I was not going there!!!!

I just don't want to go there or there, or there

2011-10-31T17:47:00.003-07:00

A mural painted on the wall of the Palmer Community Center.

I am not trying to be an isolationist, but neither do I want to jump in to the conversation about the very real issues we face at this point in history. I am glad for those who have the gifts and passions for debating politics, economics, sociology, or even a religious topic like Muslim terrorism....unless you are sitting across my desk or in a coffee shop.

I do have a growing impression that the Christian world is entering a reformation for renewal and new life for the future, and that it may get more confusing before we see the more genuine things emerge. If I am still here I want to be a tiny little part of it.

Come unto me

2011-10-30T12:38:00.003-07:00

This modern sculpture of Jesus welcoming the physically challenged is the centerpiece of the new Palmer Community Center at Rainbow Acres. I was telling my folks today about the ranchers showing us their rooms in the group home.

One man was a big fan of Toy Story with his own Woody Doll, and another had an impressive collection of Hot Wheels miniature cars, trucks and planes. Another man was on the basketball court shooting impressively from the corner, and yelling just like a kid for people to watch.

People were doing chores, and we heard of the crafts, therapies, recreations, trips, work opportunities that they pursue depending on age and ability, and finally the pieces all fell together for me.

These needy adults are safe, cared for, and valued. We all need that.

Founders Day at Rainbow Acres

2011-10-29T17:35:00.004-07:00

Rainbow Acres is a Christian home for disabled adults near Camp Verde AZ. Founded in 1974 by Dr. Ralph Showers who celebrated his 75th birthday and was honored by all who attended the open house today. Ralph lost his arms in an accident as he was beginning the ministry and became a spokesman for treating the disabled with dignity and spawned many similar home across the nation.

We were inspired by the stories of faith, the maturity of the beautiful campus especially their new community center which will provide for large group experiences.

A good walk spoiled

2011-10-28T17:07:00.003-07:00

Our family and Danny's family at the meet up after the graduation in 2001.

The old golf memory muscles failed me today and the frustration of flubs and disastrous shots dimmed the few good drives and putts made.

It was however, in the 80s, and sunny, and I was with good friends, laughing and walking and moving, and we had a nice lunch, and I am alive and well on this beautiful planet, so, life is good.

Yesterday after I reflected on difficult aging issues, Warren came in from playing tennis, and told me how much he is enjoying dancing each week, and he is 88.

I determined once again to be among the many who chose activity and healthy eating, even if the golf spoils the walk.

Bulldog

2011-10-27T20:23:00.002-07:00

Do you think this guy is a one tour or a lifer?

When you visit the Marine Corp Recruitment Depot they have such an atmosphere with the old buildings and the impressive downtown San Diego location. Matt said the other marines called them Hollywood Marines.

The museum and store are really worth visiting also.

Marines for life

2011-10-26T18:32:00.002-07:00

Dr. and Mrs. Fetzik will be traveling to San Diego to see their son get his pin shortly. Our time was Aug. of 2001. Matt experienced combat in Afghanistan and a really cool time in Japan between his duties in North Carolina. He has been home for a week preparing to a job change and visiting friends.

We know the ceremony will stick in your mind and heart forever and you will well up with patriotism more than you ever thought you could, and if you are lucky you will see the sqautty mascot waddling around.

Observing the long goodbye

2011-10-25T21:12:00.003-07:00

a bold rock squirrel begging food from beach goers.

Dementia and Altzimers seem to be increasing in our aging population. I am used to seeing most around me lose focus and mental accuity. I feel and see it in my own performance, and we laugh and accept it as part of aging, but when the brain begins to atrophy and you see the retreat of a once out going personality, it is painful to watch. Thank God for caregivers.

Happy Birthday Judy

2011-10-24T18:15:00.002-07:00

Life has not allowed my sisters and I to live close to each other, but we love each other. This blog exists to share with family and friends my daily life.

Judy had a birthday today, me and my sisters are all working our our health and diets, that what being 60+ is partly about.

Judy left for college when I was young, and stayed in New York, and loves it there. Enjoy your family and precious life today.

Happiness Runs

2011-10-23T16:46:00.004-07:00

Even Chip and Dale started dancing to the music of a Dixieland Band.

Donavan visited the Museum of Instrumental Music this week. He was one of the most unique singer songwriters of the 70s, whose Britiah voice and songs were influenced by folk, english traditional and world music. He looked like the aging hippy he is, but he spoke of the emotional power of music during his visit.

My youngest son bought Donavan's greatest hits this summer or I would not be writing this, but as I listened, I was emotionally transported in my head and heart to the headiness of that decade, "here comes the hurdy gurdy man, singing songs of lo oh ove",then actually seeing my first real Hurdy Gurdy player, which is an organ you run with a crank and play with one hand.

In the album he has a sing a long song, the women sing "Happiness Runs, happiness runs" and the men sing a La La La along with it and Donavon coachs and sings a one line song, and it goes faster and faster, and the people were absolutely caught up in the fun and they literally got happy in the audience.......that is the power of music.

Office Laptop

2011-10-22T19:03:00.004-07:00

You can see the size relative to a 17 inch behind it, and the cool backlighting. I often type in low light and forget where the keys are.

My five year old Office Laptop will be doing permanent duty as an audio-visual tool for my teaching ministry and today I decided on a Toshiba Satellite 14 inch machine. Reasons, speed and smaller size for portability. Good ratings, and a backlit keyboard which is the coolest thing I never knew I wanted. The screen is plenty big enough and the 4lb weight is easy to lug if I need to carry it out. Thankful to the board and the Reynoldson fund for technology purchases.

Dr. Harold Camping and his ilk

2011-10-21T20:16:00.004-07:00

We had dinner this evening with our friends in the Turkey growing industry and took this picture to share with them at Disney, and speaking of turkeys......

When I was young the used Book stores where filled with the prophecy writings of Salam Kirban, and I heard his book "I predict" was so badly off base that he spent the rest of his life selling health products. At least they helped for he lived to be a healthy 85.

In just a few hours the second end of the world date with have passed leaving 90 year old teacher Harold Camping going back to the drawing board to see where he could have misunderstood in his elaborate scripture numbering system.

I feel sorry for his loyal followers and hopers, and for all who abuse and misuse the Bible for good or evil motives. We teachers will be held responsible for this propagation of error. Sometimes it makes me want to close my mouth and stop trying to understand and teach divine revelation.

Best Buy?

2011-10-20T21:37:00.003-07:00

I found a laptop I am interested in and Best Buy said I could get it at a store if I ordered it on the Web. I went to the store and said I really don't want to buy it without seeing one, so can I look at one?

The salesperson looked up the model and there was two stores in Az that had one, the closest was Tucson, or Bakersfield CA, so the computer they advertize they actually do not have in stock anywhere in the Southwest.....and they wonder why Amazon is selling so much stuff.

Mark Sisson has put out a simpler guide to primal lifestyle that I gave to my son for his birthday, quite motivating and well photographed. He started me on a better way to view nutrition and diet and exercise that I hope Matt will enjoy trying.

Still enjoying golf, sort of.

2011-10-19T19:37:00.005-07:00

This was taken during the shutdown of Indian Jones ride, we were stuck here for 10 minutes watching Indy and the ball getting ready to crush us.

Here in the desert southwest, we reseed with winter rye grass and for a couple of weeks courses are closing and people are scrambling to find places to play. The grass is thick, you have to walk alot, and the greens are so slow it make the putting part kind of impossible, and the two golfers who live in me, the choker and the player, just show up whenever they want. There were ten strokes difference between the front and back today.

Shopping for a new office computer, you think you know what you want and get overwhelmed went you get to a store with all the different models.

Revisting the disciplines

2011-10-18T17:00:00.003-07:00

A moment in time from long ago happy days with Brian and Matt.

With a mixture of sensing my own inadequacy and the enormity of the need for the subject, I have using Renovare materials to remind our people in the Bible study of the practice of the presence of God and the intensity of the development of mind of Christ in our life.