Greg's Randomness

An evening with Elvis Cole and Joe Pike

2012-01-31T12:18:00.000-08:00

I spent an evening with a couple of old friends Sunday. We havent touched base for about a year. It is always good to find out what they have been up to.

It seems I had so much catching up to do when we first made contact. Elvis Cole first told me about the Monkey's raincoat and that began a relationship that made me hang on every word he shared about him and his dear friend, Joe Pike. Even when Elvis was recovering from a gun shot wound, Pike set out on his own to help even more people, from avenging the death of a friend to looking out for the safety of someone he did not even know, and never did know much about her.

Yes, they are fictional characters from the mind and pen of Robert Crais. I found out about the books he wrote just a few years ago while in California caring for my ailing grandmother. I picked up the first book and did not stop reading until I had read the entire series plus the stand alone books he also wrote. I feel like I know the characters, although you can not get me to describe what I think they look like. When they seek out clues to solve the situation, I am right there with them. When they take a few seconds to subdue someone, I am am in awe of each punch or hold or battering. When they have cried, I have cried. I have Mr. Crais to thank for that.

After the last enstallment, I had to wait almost 13 months for the latest book. Finally, last Friday, Taken was released. I went to Costco, picked up a copy and was going to finish a book I was reading before I opened it up. I couldnt wait. I started reading, at my usual slow pace. I read until I went to bed at 9:30, turned off the light and put the book down. At 1:30 AM, I could not sleep. i had to see how the story played out. Finally, at 3:30, I finished the book, speed reading record for me, and put the book down. of course, I was so wound up I couldnt sleep the rest of the night. I have so appreciated the way the two men can show how much they love each other with very little fanfare or demonstrative outpouring of emotions. But it is there. Oh to have a friend like that.

Now, the hard part..... Waiting another 13 months to read about their next adventure.

Mark Driscoll and Ricky Gervais: Why Is Offensive an Option?

2012-01-17T07:20:00.000-08:00

I stopped following Mark Driscoll on Facebook awhile ago. It was just too much Mark on his posts. Then, I thought, if I delete his posts maybe I should delete a few others because of the same thing. So, I did. But that is a topic for another rant of randomness.

I dont follow Ricky Gervais either. He may be a very entertaining guy. I didn't know what he was up to until I saw the commercials and interviews leading up to the Golden Globes, a program I don't follow either. But I was intrigued by statments he made concerning how offensive he was going to try to be. My first thought was if you need to ask how offensive you can be, then you probably have gone too far already. But, I could be wrong.

I heard a few comments about his performance. He wasn't very good because he wasn't offensive enough. Oh my.

Mark Driscoll may be a gifted preacher, a man solid in his beliefs, a good leader and someday, may be a well-quoted teacher. However, I don't hear about him unless he offends someone. I don't mean offending a non-believer because he mentions Jesus. I mean offends the very same people who, apparently believe the same as him.

In entertainment where many people listen to you and take in what you say and mega-churches with great multi-media means for many people to listen to you and take in what you say, why is being controversial and offensive worn as a badge of courage?

Of course, I could be wrong.

LOOKING AT THE SCORES FOR 2011

2011-11-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

I was going to wait until the end of the year, but I am going to have surgery next week and I will be recovering for a number of weeks. So, I will take a look at how I did this past year in my non-resolutions resolves for 2011.

I SAID: I need to read more meaningful books. I have done a pretty good job on this. I will say that Francis Chen proved to be the most challenging. But a book by Leonard is helping me to look at evangleism as discipleship. It is the little things we do daily that are more effective than one big push or pull.
I have enjoyed reading many different authors this past year. Of course, the new Robert Crais Elvis and Joe novel is coming out and Harry Bosch will be here soon in a new book by Michael Connelly. So I give myself a very good score in this area.

I SAID: I need to pray more. I am still not a prayer warrior. I have tried to grow in that area this year. I am disappointed that I have not gotten better in my prayer life, which is really real life. That is one that will carry over into next year. My score, not too good. C bordering on C-.

I SAID: I wanted to be more of a second chance person. Well, this is a tough fight. I want to work on patience, understanding, tolerance and acceptance. Unfortuantely, these are traits that begin to wane as you get older. So the fight for me has been a rough one. But I feel being a second chance person is winning out over my intolerance. A strong grade there.

I SAID: I was happy we were in the church we were going to and I SAID that I wanted to find a mentor..... Well, it was an interesting summer and fall concerning that. God brought a man and a church into our lives. We have started attending a church other than the one we were going to. The previous church served a purpose in our lives and we will forever be grateful. However, sometimes one just feels God's leading in a very real way. A couple of perfect storms led to our decision and we are very pleased to be involved in a small church as we grow along with this family of believers. It looks like it will be both rewarding and challenging, in a good way, this coming year.

God put the pastor in my life in a unique way and it makes the transition so much easier knowing it has truly been a God thing.

I SAID: I needed to address the health issue. Next week I will have colon surgery. Although they will cut me open and do some work, the surgery is being deemed routine. As I have tried to stay on somewhat of a course concerning my weight, I look forward to using the recovery time to reajust my diet routine. That will be helped by a week of broth and jello. But I will give my grade a Hold until further notice.

ALL IN ALL: I can not see my life without Jean in it. I cannot see OUR life TOGETHER without God guiding her and I. I can not see us being where we are, able to make the decisions we have made in the past year without yielding to God's presence and leading. In that area...... A+.

FASTING THE RIGHT WAY

2011-09-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

I fasted on Tuesday. Now before you think I am so super spiritual, I fasted to clean myself out for my ten year colonoscopy. The prepaeration started out by me not eating, all day. Then at 4:00PM, I began drinking two gallons of some sort of prep mix that really did not taste that bad. Butit did not taste good either. I drank two gallons of this prep drink, eight ounces at a time until it was gone. Now unlike a bottle of Maker's Mark that suddenly goes empty without warning, or so I have heard, this two gallon jug stayed half full for what seemed like, well forever. But it was gone by 7:15.

Then the purging. That lasted until right before I went to the endoscopy place. That part was over in a matter of minutes. I was home in less than two hours.

As I was sitting there Tuesday evening, drinking the prep, purging, halucinating about food, I was thinking about those who actually fast for the right reasons. I was so busy thinking about the lousy tasting prep drink and how hungry I was, I did not take time to think about why I was doing all of this. The purpose was to check and see if I was healthy down, well, in there.

Could I fast if I really wanted to? I mean for the right reason? Would I be so worried about when I could eat again or how bad I felt or how long I had to go without food that I would not be taking the time to be really into prayer. I would not be thinking about God. I would not be listening for what He wanted to communicate to me. I would be worried about my comfort.

Do we do things out of duty and not for the right reasons? Are we reading our chapters in the 100-day challenge because it is our duty? Do we attend services because it is the thing to do? Do we serve because we are so good and we feel we are supposed to?

Serving, attending, worshipping, fasting and praying should be done for the right reasons. To honor God. To know His will. To better be His child. I hope when it comes times servin gHim, I am not doing it just because I am supposed to.

I

RICK PERRY DOESN'T LISTEN TO ME

2011-09-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, first off, who noticed the picture is on the right? Funny, eh?

Okay, I guess Rick Perry was one of the few people who did not read Greg's Randomness yesterday. Well, the other republican candidates didn't either. I asked them not to mention their opponents and how bad the others are. I really didn't want them to tell me how great they are.

All I wanted was to hear what can fix American politics and what can reinvigorate this country back to being proud of itself and make it progress again. I didn't want politics. I didn't want to hear how bad the current President is. i didn't want to hear how bad their opponents are.

But they didn't listen to me. Just once, please Mr. Moderator, start your question by saying...... "Without mentioning your opponents name, please tell us YOUR plan for this particular issue."

But alas, no one listens to me.

"WITHOUT TELLING ME HOW BAD YOUR OPPONENT IS....."

2011-09-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight there is another one of those get-to-gethers that they call a Debate. You know what they are, eight to ten people get together and tell any one listening how bad the others on the stage are. They begin by shaking hands. They then spend 90 minutes bashing each other. Then, at the end, they shake hands again.

Then, the talking heads tell whoever is listening who "won" the debate.

Here is what I dont want to see or hear during this campaign season, part Two......

I do not need to hear how bad anyone's opponent or opponents would run the country, or state, or city or country club.

HERE IS WHAT I DO WANT TO SEE HAPPEN THIS TIME AROUND

I would love to see the moderator start a question with, "Mr senator, without mentioning any of your opponents, would you tell anyone who is listening how you are going to handle a certain situation or what kind of plan do you have for a crisis or problem we face."

When the speaker mentions an opponent, his, or her, microphone gets turned off and the moderator says thank you and asks the next person a question, beginning with the same, Without mentioning an opponent....

I do hope someone reads this and I would like to know if any one agrees or thinks I am, again, all wet.

WHAT I DO NOT WANT TO SEE DURING THIS CAMPAIGN

2011-08-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

This is the first in a series of thoughts on "What I don't want to see from politicians" during this next year of campaigning.

These thoughts are coming in no particualr order and will probably not be seen or commentedon by any one else. These are my thoughts and sometimes I like to see what I have to say.

With the announcement that Wil Cardon will not be using his own money to help finance his campaign, it made me think of one of my pet peeves about campaigns. This is more about the media, but I am sure candidates love to hear about how much they have raised.

I do want to know how much money a candidate has raised in the shortest amount of time. I know all the candidates have money. Some even want to spend the money on their campaigns. But my idea of a good servant is not how much, as a candidate, that the individual raised. I dont care.

Now if there was a story in the media bout a candidate spending some of their money by donating it to a charity or a church ministry or to help a family get out of debt, then I am all for it.

Raising lots of money to spend on a campaign is not my idea of good leadership. That person has already lost points with me.

By the way, the reason why Mr Cardon decided to back off his pledge to use his money is that he found out he wouldnt get as much money from his followers.

Genesis 11:1-9 I just Can't Stop Wondering If These Stories Tie In Somewhere Along The Line.

2011-08-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

This was in an email sent to me today. It made me laugh and it made me think. I amnot a Biblical Scholar and I am not into the whole Prophecy thing, although I do see prphetic signs from scripture daily. But I was just wondring, do we ever take what God has given us and used it for unhealthy purposes?

Hope anyone who reads this gets, at least, a kick out it:

When I bought my Blackberry, I thought about the 30-year business I ran with 1800 employees, all without a cell phone that plays music, takes videos, pictures and communicates with Facebook and Twitter. I signed up under duress for Twitter and Facebook, so my seven kids, their spouses, 13 grandkids and 2 great grand kids could communicate with me in the modern way. I figured I could handle something as simple as Twitter with only 140 characters of space.

That was before one of my grandkids hooked me up for Tweeter, Tweetree, Twhirl, Twitterfon, Tweetie and Twittererific Tweetdeck, Twitpix and something that sends every message to my cell phone and every other program within the texting world.

My phone was beeping every three minutes with the details of everything except the bowel movements of the entire next generation. I am not ready to live like this. I keep my cell phone in the garage in my golf bag.

The kids bought me a GPS for my last birthday because they say I get lost every now and then going over to the grocery store or library. I keep that in a box under my tool bench with the Blue tooth [it's red] phone I am supposed to use when I drive. I wore it once and was standing in line at Barnes and Noble talking to my wife and everyone in the nearest 50 yards was glaring at me. I had to take my hearing aid out to use it, and I got a little loud.

I mean the GPS looked pretty smart on my dash board, but the lady inside that gadget was the most annoying, rudest person I had run into in a long time. Every 10 minutes, she would sarcastically say, "Re-calc-u-lating." You would think that she could be nicer. It was like she could barely tolerate me. She would let go with a deep sigh and then tell me to make a U-turn at the next light. Then if I made a right turn instead. Well, it was not a good relationship.

When I get really lost now, I call my wife and tell her the name of the cross streets and while she is starting to develop the same tone as Gypsy, the GPS lady, at least she loves me.

To be perfectly frank, I am still trying to learn how to use the cordless phones in our house. We have had them for 4 years, but I still haven't figured out how I can lose three phones all at once and have run around digging under chair cushions and checking bathrooms and the dirty laundry baskets when the phone rings.

The world is just getting too complex for me. They even mess me up every time I go to the grocery store. You would think they could settle on something themselves but this sudden "Paper or Plastic?" every time I check out just knocks me for a loop. I bought some of those cloth reusable bags to avoid looking confused, but I never remember to take them in with me.

Now I toss it back to them. When they ask me, "Paper or Plastic?" I just say, "Doesn't matter to me. I am bi-sacksual." Then it's their turn to stare at me with a blank look. I was recently asked if I tweet. I answered, No, but I do toot a lot."

P.S. I know some of you are not over 60. I sent it to you to allow you to forward it to those who are. Us senior citizens don't need anymore gadgets. The tv remote and the garage door remote are about all we can handle.

IF A BLOG ISPOSTED, AND NO ONE READS IT, IS IT STILL A BLOG?

2011-08-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of pretty toilet paper covers. You see, they go over an extra roll to be put on a shelf or a sink or a counter top in the bathroom.

Remember the old question about the tree falling in the forest and if no one hears it, does it still make noise? I know there is another question about the forest, something about where a bear relieves himself. The Charmin people seem to think that bears use their product exclusively for their bathroom needs.

That led me to think about this blog. Or any blog. or any comment I may add to any blog. I ask myself this question....... If I post on this blog and no body reads it, is this still a blog? Partially out of ego and partially out of going back to the beginning of this blog, my answer to the question is, Yes, it is still a blog.

There is no duty by anyone to read someone else's blog. There is no law that says anyone needs to respond to a posting on a blog. And there is no reason for anyone to think they need to care about any one's blog.

From the beginning, I had the idea that this was mainly for me. Most would not agree with much of what I would have to say anyway. Anytime I have tried journally, I have had in the back of my mind that I will write in this journal things I know others will read. So I need to write what others want me to say. Not so with a blog. I can write what I feel I want to say and not have the fear of anyone reading it and being offended. So maybe I should treat my blog as a journal. Write what I think, feel, believe, etc and not worry about offending any one.

Bears dont worry about where they relieve themselves, maybe I should not worry about what I put out in this blog either.

GOOD BYE COYOTE

2011-07-31T11:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is time to break ties with an old friend because what they are doing is just not healthy. Staying with them would cause persoanl, physical or spiritual harm. You will miss the times you spent with them but the decisions they have made in their life just can not mesh with the direction you have chosen for yourself.

Today I had to do something I never thought I would do. Somehow, I thought we would be together forever. We would both grow old together, enjoying each other's company and love our time together. This morning, I started my car and the radio was dialed into 95.5. Aw, KYOT, the coyote, how we have enjoyed the years. I have been concerned by the subtle changes you have gone through. My concerns have played out we have not been able to be as close as we had been in the past 16 or 17 years.

Today, I removed 95.5 from my car radio pre-sets. Don't ask me what I replaced it with. For this is not about me, it is about my dear friend, the coyote. It has turned into, are you ready for this, because we all know we need a new hip hop station, "the new sound" which is the old school sound. Will Smith was rapping, followed by Peaches and Herb, not even the original Peach either.

Nick Francis, I have two words, run away. As much as I appreciate listening to Quiet Music on Sunday mornings on my way to church, I feel so bad that you are associated with this awful turn of events. But, you already knew about this company.

So I say, good bye coyote, we did have some good times.

FRIENDS ARE FOREVER.

2011-07-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

I got a call this morning from my friend, Pastor Fred Snider. I saw that it was him on the caller ID. He didnt know it was me at first because he thought he had called a man in his church. Fred was helping the man find a job. A good pastor ministers all week.

Before he went too far into the job opportunity(it was in Huntington Beach and it did get me thinking) I told him he had called me by mistake. He told me that there are no mistakes and we spent some time catching up. Last year we took some time with our friends Marcel and Floren catching up as we met up for Rick's memorial service.

I was wondering how I was going to commemorate the day one year ago today that Rick went to be with his Lord in Heaven. It was a post by my friend Charlene in facebook and a phone call from Fred. Charlene said what a great outing she had yesterday and my dear friend Fred calls, albiet in error, to remind me that friends are forever.

On a day that I could hang out and be sad, I can only marvel at how God has blessed me with friends for life.

NOT OF THE WORLD

2011-06-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the lessons from our small group comes before or after the actual meeting. As we are waiting for everyone to show up, we engage in conversation. Maybe sports, church, family, our weeks, even politics.

As we break up for the evening, Jean and I walk every one out to the front yard. The little conversations, again, turn more personal and comments made often are where I get the lesson for the night.

Last night, Jason and I were talking before he drove away. He said something like there are alot of things going on in the world that he could never support or agree with, moral issues. He said as long as he had the opportunity to speak out, he will. But he knew the trends will not change and probably get worse. But he had to stand his ground. He said we are in the world but not of the world. That is the ending thought that I took away from our night together.

This morning, as I continued reading The Church Awakening by Chuck Swindoll, I came to a point he was making about worship, corporate and personal, on Sunday and the rest of the week. In the middle of that, he quoted from John 17, how Jesus asks the Father not to take His followers out of the world but to keep them in the world. But to sanctify them in Truth.

Again, if we are hearing something from more than one source, is God trying to show us something? Jesus said God's Word is Truth. We worship God in truth. I hope you agree.

GOOD THING THEY DONT GRADE ON A CURVE

2011-06-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

Looking back at the areas I felt I needed to work on this year, I see I am not there. But lets see how it is going....

1. I SAID: Address the health situation. I should not just sit there and watch the Biggest Loser each week, feel sad for the eliminated contestant and be inspired by every one's story. I have to make some changes in my health situation. These are more than aches and pains any more. They are life affecting symptoms. I need to do the Big Two when it comes to healthy eating. I HAVE to EAT LESS and MOVE MORE. What a concept.
SO FAR... I have started and restarted a few times this year. I am on a Start mode recently. The 8-10 pounds I lose are quickly found the next week. Not a success so far.

2. I SAID: I love the books of Michael Connolly, James Patterson and Robert Crais. But in order for me to grow as a person, I HAVE to read more meaningful books this year. I have a short list of books I need to tackle this year that includes Mike Batterson, Francis Chan, Andy Stanley, Chuch Swindoll, John Macarthur, Ben Arment and John Burke. I pray I am not just dropping names but I truly seek out what they have to say.
SO FAR: I still like Connolly and Crais. But I have read more books by Christian authors this year. I will continue to do this. This one I grade a little higher.

3. I SAID: I like to pray. I like to let God know how He is doing. I like to let Him know what I need and expect from Him. I HAVE to learn how to be a better listener. God is telling me stuff every day. My hope is that I learn to listen.
SO FAR: Prayer life is improving. It seems like sometimes I am just not ready to hear what God has to say. I will keep moving forwrd on this. The grade would be a resounding, keep going.

4. I SAID: God has put Jean and me in a church that feeds us very well and allows us the opportunity to serve in many areas. We are blessed in what we do. We drive onto the campus and feel a sense of protection. God is letting us know that every thing is okay and He is control. I HAVE to make myself more available.
SO FAR: I have enjoyed doing what we have been doing in the way of service. Learning to use more of my gifts and not someone elses is important. Score is above average there.

5. I SAID: I HAVE to become more of a Second Chance person.
SO FAR: Right on

6. I SAID: I HAVE to find myself a mentor. Every one needs an idol, a mentor, a friend, a partner and a pupil. I HAVE to be open to finding that mentor.
SO FAR: Oh who can control the wild horse Tonka? I have found myself paying more attention to those who would mentor me. It is not always face to face, but possible in a few blogs I read or sermons I hear on line. I would still like to hook up with someone and maybe partner a growth spurt.

SO FAR: I love my life and how it has gone the first half of 2011. I look forward to what else will transpire.

REFLECTING ON A HOLIDAY

2011-05-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

We had a great week end. For a couple who never does anything, we are always busy. We love o ur life together.

Friday after work, we went to Best Buy so I could spend some of my birthday money. I got a gift card for my birthday and I had already visited Best Buy to buy a CD. I went up to oneof the employees and asked where the CDs were. He asked me, "What is CD?" Well, it wasnt that bad, but they really dont sell CDs anymore. My choices were down to the ultimate Earth, Wind and Fire and Jimmy Eat World. I decided to wait to use my gift card. We ended up buying a disk scan for my Kodak camera. The camera my son-in-law laughs at everytime I show it to him.

Saturday we played Papa and Grammie to two of our grand boys. Dylan and Nathan spent some time with me and Jean. We took them to Home Depot and then we stopped by Frys. I didnt know until Dylan took me there that Frys had a large selection of Thomas toys. After purchashing a Thomas toy, the boys played in our new pool. Yes, they both fit in at the same time. Then, they started to get tired, so we took them home.

Saturday evening, we went to church and Perry spoke on being a people church, caring for others. It was a very good message. Then, we decided to go to My Big Fat Greek Restaurant. A good meal and always good company with Jean.

Sunday, we took our time getting up, meaning we we up, read the paper, had breakfast and worked on the yard by 830. We spent some time with Nathan, Ariel, and Ozzie, well thats what I call them while Mommy and Daddy went to church. They all love their Grammie and Papa.

Yesterday, we had Dylan and Abigal over with their parents. I watched an old war movie, Hell to Eternity, and had a good dinner.

Holidays whould be about family. But I wish we took a little more time to reflect on the reasons that make it a holiday. As I get older, I am ever so mindful of the sacrafices that others made so the rest of us can be free to spend time with family, take a day off from work and wake up every day to my wife.

Birthdays: Rick and Jeremy and Baseball

2011-05-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

The other day, a pastor at the church I attend, Jeremy, celebrated a birthday. I follow his blog, http://tomorrowsreflection.com, on a regular basis and I recommend you do as well. I dont always agree with him, but the blog includes quite a variety of subjects and there is something for every one.

Now that the plug is over, I was thinking about the greeting I sent to him on his birthday. One area we do not agree on is our choice of favorite baseball teams. His favorite baseball team is the New York Yankees. As for me, they are my second favorite team. The other 29 teams are tied for first. My birthday greeting to Jeremy included a dig on those same Yankees.

There is a major difference in how many people root for their teams these days and in another time. My best friend while in high school, Rick, was a big Giant fan. In fact, he liked all the Bay area teams. I liked all the LA teams. We had some really good teasing all through the years that lasted all these years since and it carried over into the next generation as his son went to Mountain View High School and my daughters went to Mesa High school. There was a time when Mesa beat Mountain "Pew" in football one Friday night. We went into the sunday school room on Saturday and decorated the room with purple and gold for Sunday morning.

As I reflected on my birthday greeting to Jeremy being a dig on the Yankees, it made me think about the tragic, senseless, all too easy to believe for LA beating of a Giant fan on opening day. Last week, suspects were arrested and, hopefully, justice will be served.

I wonder why we cant have our preferences without being mean. Ed Schultz disagrees with Laura Ingrahma and feels a need to call her a bad name. People disagree with her and she finds it in herself to degrade them.

I hope I never get to the point in my life that I am mean to someone who is different or thinks different than I do. I hope I can continue to banter about sports teams, TV shows, preference in music and other things that really do not mean anything in the over all scheme of God's Kingdom.

Church Diversity: Look ma, I finished another book

2011-05-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

I have made an effort to read more this year. I have read books by some of my favorite fiction authors. Robert Crais and Michael Connelly being the two I like most. I have also tried to read books with a little more lasting significance. They have included books by Christian authors. I try not to get too deep. Lord knows how many times I have tried to read books by CS Lewis.

I have visited a blog by Scott Williams. Up until recently, he was a campus pastor for that Juggernaut of a church sensation, Church.tv. He wrote a book about his passion. It is something he has lived with, been through, enjoyed and suffered through all his Christian life. Church diversity. In fact, that's the name of the book, Church Diversity. Following are some thoughts I had while reading the book and later digesting what I read.

Right off the bat, the premise is set. A quote that he attributes to Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday morning at 11:00 AM is still the most segregated hour of the week. I am sure after reading that line, many people either said, right on brother or "hey, any one want to buy a slightly used book?" I read on.

First off, I love Mr. Williams' passion. I wish I felt so strongly about something that it would influence and obsess me throughout all the jobs I had in my life. From what he writes, he never relented in his thoughts that the church somehow needed continual injections of diversity.

Second, he knew how to present his views. He tells of the many people in leadership positions he presented his ideas to. He tells of how some of those leaders got on board and have encouraged and promoted his views within their churches and corporations.

Thirdly, I do not think he will stop fighting his fight. He believes strongly that God has given this mantra to him and he has got on the horse of diversity and will not stop riding it until every one in every church joins him in his quest. Again, I honor him for taking his passion and making it is life long witness.

I would recommend this book for anyone who has gone to church, any one who lives in a community that is a mixed racial population, any one who lives in an area that is more than 90% of one ethnic group or any one in leadership in a church or companiy.

My personal feelings on this book. I couldnt help but feel as if I was being lectured and chastised for choosing to attend a church that is predominatly attended by one particular ethnic group.

His decision to make Church Diversity a race issue and the way he lets the reader know they are wrong if they disagree did not set well with me. I think Church Diversity has to do with race, worship styles, preaching styles, financial status, location of the church and a lot more factors. Racial diversity is important. But it is not the biggest road block for churches who proudly claim Matthew 28:19 as their key verse.

I have a set way I think church should be done. But it would be foolish if I set it out there that everyone else was wrong if they didnt agree with me.

Church Diversity is one of the paddles in the canoe we call church. If all the paddles are a certain color in the canoe I am in, then that is church Preference, not segregation. I hope Scott Williams never stops preaching his message. I hope he will understand if I prefer to fight a different battle.

Being Drafted with Billy Willis and Church Diversity Part 2

2011-05-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

I only told that first story because I want to tell this story. I was 19 and I was working for the Postal Service. I think it was still being called the Post Office back then. In March, I was drafted into the US Army. As patriotic as I was, I figured by working in the Post Office they would leave me there and draft one of my friends. They were never as patriotic as me.

Any way, I got on the bus in LA with 35 other guys from the LA area and we were driven up to Ft. Ord. Lo and behold, guess who turned out to be my bunk mate? I mean, guess who turned out to be the guy who slept on the top bunk of my bunk bed? Billy Willis. My friend from San Fernando Junior High. By the way, did I mention that Billy Willis was black? I know, it did not have anything to do with that other story. But he was. We had a good mix in junior high school. I always tell people we had quite a racial mix at San Fernando Junior High School. It was half white, half mexican and half black.

Billy Willis and I renewed our friendship in basic training. He went to San Fernando High School, which was half mexican and half black. I went to Sylmar High School. We got along very well during our time at Ft. Ord.

This is where this story is about diversity. We laughed all the way through our diversity classes. There was no problem with racial relations in basic training. I am pretty sure Billy Willis did not make this saying up. He was a witty guy and had a great sense of humor. But I believe he did not originate this saying. But it was the first time I ever heard it, so I give him credit. "There is no difference in color in the Army. We are all green in the Army. Some of us are just a little darker green than the rest of you".

The awareness that they tried to convey in the classes was something Billy Willis and I had lived with for years. Seriously, I am sure that it was and is a problem for others. I just never saw the problem because I lived it. It seems the only people who have problems with diversity, in a out of the church today, are those who are not living it.

I later went to Viet Nam. Billy Willis went to Germany. We never saw each other again. I hope he continued to keep his sense of humor and served his country well. I am sure Mr. Asbury had forgotten about that part of the day Billy Willis laughed at the girls who were crying. I am sure he remembers other parts of it. I only remember it because some parts of certain days, you just never forget.

I finished the book, Church Diversity by Scott Williams over the week end. I am sure he, or you, will not care what my response is to the book. But I share my thoughts. And I will, soon.

Billy Willis and Church Diversity, Part 1

2011-05-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

If you were alive on November 22, 1963, you remember where you were around noon, California time. I was in Mr. Asbury's history class. Mr. Asbury was one of those teachers who no one could dislike. He was one of the nicest men I had known up until that time. Probably even now, he is one of the nicest I ever met. During class that day, the principal of the school came on the PA. He started out by saying that President Kennedy had been in a car in Dallas, Texas. Seriously, and not as a joke, my first thought was, "Why was he driving a car in Texas?" He went n to say that while President Kennedy was riding in a car in Dallas, Texas, he was shot and killed. Wow, that was tough to hear, even for a 12 year old. We were told that the National Anthem would be played and the flag would be lowered to half staff.

We all stood at our seats and they played the song. Mr. Asbury stood solemnly at the front of the room. Billy Willis stood at his seat and saw two girls begin to cry. He sort of pointed their way and started giggling at them. For crying. During the playing of the National Anthem, he continued to laugh. No one else made a noice, except the two girls, who were crying. Until the song was over. After it was over, Mr. Asbury went up one side of Billy Willis and down the other. He told him how inconsiderate and disrespectful he was to do that. The mild mannered Mr. Asbury clearly showed his disappointment with Billy Willis.

All the while, Mr. Asbury never called Billy Willis a bad name, tossed a racial slur at him or degraded Billy Willis. He just let Billy Willis know he was disappointed withhim and let Billy Willis known that wha he did was disrespectful.

Did I mention that Billy Willis was a friend of mine? Did I mention that he black? I only tell that story because I have another story about Billy Willis and me. And that I am reading a book on Church Diversity. So far, I feel Billy Willis was treated much better by Mr. Asbury than I am by the author of this book.

Rob Bell and In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

2011-05-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

I am sure every one has done this at one time...or many. Just like others, I have tried to add dialog into Bible stories. Like when Peter was walking on the water, I wonder if he was talking trash to the other disciples. Like maybe he said hey look at me, I am pretty cool, eh? Okay, perhaps he didnt talk with a Canadien accent.

I wonder what was said when Adam and God were walking in fellowship in the garden of eden. Did you know that the real words of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida were supposed to be In the garden of eden. Far out man.

Then Eve comes along. What was said as Adam and Eve walked around the garden? Did they hold hands? Were roses the flower of choice back then?

And did Eve ever tell Adam, "Oh that serpent. He does have a way with words. He writes, I mean says, so many things that sound so close to what God is saying. He sures makes me think".

He sure makes me think, right before he deceived her. Right before following what he said led her to lose everything she had enjoyed in fellowship with God.

He sure makes me think. I sure didnt think he would deceive me.

What's all This About Communion?

2011-05-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

The other day during communion, I mistakenly took two little pieces of bread and dipped them into the cup. I wondered there for a second, "Did I just receive a double blessing?"

Then, I was brought back to reality and remembered this, as all things church, is not about me. I have always wondered why there are disagreements concerning the way we pause to remember the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior.

Some churches take pride in deciding to do communion once a year, on Good Friday because that is the day the disciples shared the first one with Jesus.

Then some churches believe that the cracker and wine is really the body of Jesus. They make the whole rigamarole a big rigamarole and protect every little crumb. Woe to those of us who do not believe that is so.

I went to a church that did communion on the first Sunday of every month, without fail. The deacons would sit up on the stage so we could see them drift off during the "communion meditation" which was code for a shorter sermon. I think it was because the pastor knew the deacons would drop off during a longer sermon. Then the deacons would pass the trays and collect the deacons offering.

I know of some churches who have communion as a part of their weekly services. Some take this as being extra spirtual because they do it so often.

No matter how it is observed, I wonder how many people actually, "Do This in Rememberance of Me". Jesus never said to do it on Sundays, Tuesdays or three times a week or year. He said to do it to remember Him. I like that alot more than debating on when to do it.

IF I COULD JUST GET IT ON PAPER

2011-04-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

I check in with many Blogs during the week. Some more than others. Some because I agree with what the person says, some because I agree with what the person stands for and some because I like to ask, "What the heck is he thinking?"

I just figure, even though no one checks into this blog, I need to type my mind. So I will try to post more thoughts. They, as always, are my thoughts. Like the Buffett song says, "If I could just get it on paper. Things that have happened today......"

Has any one else wondered why the first Bobblehead give-away for the Diamondbacks this year is a cartoon replica of one of their broadcasters? The broadcaster can not be the most popular person in the organization. Unless it is the Dodgers and Vin Scully is the most popular person inthe organization. And most important.

A month into the season and I am ready to be the first person to sign the Let's get rid of Sutton petition. I am ready every year.

See, this is a good way I can vent and stay harmless.

April, In Like An Animal and Out Like Another One

2011-04-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

I just noticed I did not post anything in April. I know my thousand of follower(singualar) were all disappointed I did not share my randomness all throughout one of my favorite months of the year. (Tied with the other 11 months).

What happened while I was away?

I was going to try to write some more about my memories of my friend, Rick. As was mentioned before, we shared the month to celebrate our birthdays. To tell the truth, it was hard during this month. There is not a day that goes by that a memory does not come up. So, after I quietly observed a moment for Rick and his family, I couldnt add any more thoughts. Oh they were there. Like when the pastor of the church I attend read from Peter when he quoted Isaiah, saying the people, like sheep, had gone astray. Jean turned to me and said..... Bah. Thanks Rick. Even she knows.

Speaking of Rick and our great, safe, friendly, on-going, fun, never mean rivalry of rooting for different teams in California. Los Angeles has given me another reason to not like the Dodgers any more. I know, the real fans did not attack the Giant fan on opening day. I am sure a gang member, yes I said it, attacked the fan. But how did it get to that point? The crown jewel of baseball will forver be tarnished.

President Obama produced his birth certificate. My randomness so I can say this, I think he is leading the country in the wrong direction. But that is all his opponents had? A birther conspiracy?

Two days after my birthday, I was treated to a surprise party by Jean and my kids. Likein many areas of my life, I did not have a clue. A wonderful time was had by all

Rick Partain: Shared Birthday and Shirts

2011-03-31T15:42:00.000-07:00

Springtime, when a young man's fancy turns from Ice Hockey to Baseball, or however that old saying goes. Springtime lasts all winter in Arizona and then when the rest of the country begins to thaw, we start summer.

My favorite song is Groovin, made famous by the Rascals. Recently it was remade as an instrumental by Kirk Whalum, Norman Brown and Rick Braun. It was number one during this time of year in 1967. or 66, whatever. It has always been a happy song.

My birthday is in April. I share the month with members of my family. But I also shared it with my friend Rick Partain. His birthday is April 3 and 18 days later, it is my birthday. I am sure through the years, we shared celebrations with our church youth group. But it was never lost that he was just a little older than me. Even though I was more mature, more learned, more, yeah right.

One year my dad bought me a shirt at JC Penneys. It was a red paisley shirt. I think I have a picture of me wearing the shirt. I was proud of that shirt. One Sunday, I wore the shirt to church. I was ready to show off my new shirt. I walked into the Sunday School room. By the way, if you dont know what Sunday School is, ask your parents or your Baptist friends. As I walked in, I looked over at Rick, I usually did look to see where he was so I could sit close by. You should have seen what he was wearing. It seems Rick had somehow acquired the same shirt.

The teasing was taken in fun as it was given. Laughter throughout our day at church and that is what church is all about. laughter, eh?

Although we played up the embarrassment factor all day, I was secretly happy that Rick had chosen the same shirt I had. It validated the choice my dad had made for me. I wore the shirt proudly for as long as I had it. I had a shirt just like Rick Partain. It was always important to me to do as much as I could like Rick.

Strangely enough, Rick never wore the shirt to church again.

California Road Trip Part One

2011-03-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

The search for the California sunshine took four days and led us from Burbank to Santa Maria and back again. The sun trying to shine through the clouds was the best that we could do. We all love to use that line from the Edward Bear song, It never rains in Southern California. But it pours, man it pours.

The raindrops were outnumbered by the laughs and smiles that Jean and I shared during our visit to California. We visited my brother and mother. That, alone, brings many laughs. We went to Klondike Pizza and Irv and June treat us like royalty when we go. There isnt an available anchoive for any pizza for awhile since they load the ingredients on any pizza we order. The best pizzas and I love anchoives.

The long drive back to Burbank and the cancelled flight and the long drive home in the middle of the night could not dampen(ha ha) our spirits and we look forward to our next road trip.

More about our trip will be written on this blog for the three of you who read it.

KING ARTHUR AND PETE WILSON: PLAN B

2011-02-16T18:04:00.000-08:00

I finished reading Plan B by Pete Wilson. This is a must read for everyone. It asks the age old question: Why, God? Guess what? It never answers the question.

I watched Camelot over the week end. Jean was so impressed that I strolled through the house singing along with King Arthur as he wondered how to handle a woman. "Merlin told me once never to be worried when a woman thinks. They dont do it very often. But what do you do while they are doing it?"

After reading Plan B, I have a deeper understanding of the fact that I am not in control. And that there will always be things in our life that make our plans worthless, that a second set of plans, Plan B, sets in. I call it real life. Some of you may call it life sucks.

King Arthur asked Merlin what good comes from sorrow, disappointment, tragedy, hurt? (Okay, I expounded on the line from the movie. It was a movie you know).

Merlins answers was, "We Learn".

What have I learned through all my Plan Bs? Many, or most of my plan Bs have been self started. I have learned.

I have learned I am not in Control. I have learned that my ideas dont always work. I have learned that I can not be the best person I can be on my own. I have learned that if I dont run my plans off the track, someone, something, some experience will. I have learned that God is in control. I have learned that when he is not guiding me, it is I who stopped following. I have learned that, although I will never get the answers to the great questions of why, when, why not, how come, why did they, will it ever, God gives me a plan to respond to what happens and guidance for growth.

I recommend watching Camelot someday. A true Plan B if there ever was one. I also recommend reading Plan B. An answer within the non-answers if there ever was one. I truly recommend you allow God into your life so you can experience that peace that passes all of our human understanding.

WILD GOOSE CHASE

2011-01-25T13:41:00.000-08:00

I am really looking forward to Mark Batterson's visit to Central at the Prayer Conference. I am reading one of his books and I continue to pick up tidbits of teaching and wisdom from his writings. As usual, some of his points are things I have heard many times. Sometimes timing and willigness play a role in how I receive the truth.

Here is something I read today.....Satan wants to remind you of your greatest failures over and over again. Why? Because if you focus all of your energy on past failures, you'll have no energy left over to dream kingdom dreams or pursue kingdom purposes.

I do not have Biblical references to this thought, but I have always thought that Hell is a land of continual regrets. "If only; Why did I; Just one more time;...etc

So many times I read in Facebook posts by people of Grace, people living that second chance, staff and members alike, who still are so caught up in their guilt. So despondant about their failures, so sorry about underacheiving. It is so sad.

Depending on God, chasing the Holy Spirit(Wild Goose, read the book), following Jesus is an adventure. We are slaves to Christ. To some that still has a negative connotation. I am proud to be a bond servant for Christ and, boy, do I have fun.

Francis Chan's FORGOTTEN GOD

2011-01-12T06:52:00.000-08:00

I am a little slow on the uptake when it comes to important books to read. I do not stay up on the "next best" author or what all the cool church leaders are reading today. When a book finds me, I try to pick it up and go through it. I try to take in what God wants me to learn from the book.

I have found that Francis Chan writes in a way that peaks my interest. It is almost as he is writing with a sense of urgency. Like he has found something and really wants to share it with me because he believes it can help me as much as it helped him. He does not so much as writes a "How To" book but this is what God has taught me book.

As I am going through this book, I came across something he asked, "Is your church big or powerful?" Is the Holy Spirit leading this church, or what, who?

Here is something that really hit me. If I have a manifestation of the Holy Spirit to edify the church I am part of, would they miss me, and more importantly that gift if I were to leave? Oh my. I wonder if I am missed at all the churches I have left in my life.

If all the Christians acted exactly as I act, would we be making a difference for Christ?

Read on Greg, there is more for you learn. Thank you, Francis Chan

EVERY ONE MAKES RESOLUTIONS. I RESOLVE NOT TO MAKE THEM

2010-12-30T12:55:00.000-08:00

Like I have pointed out many times, I made one New Year's Resolution many years ago. It was never to make a new year's resolution. I have done a pretty good job keeping that one safe. One of the reasons I do make them is because I know I will never keep whatever I resolve. If it is enough of an issue in my life that I admit I need to change something, then I should just change it and not put it out there for every one to know it bothers me when I do whatever it is I say I should not be doing.

However, in searching through all of the blogs and websites I come across, I am constantly looking for entires that make me want to respond. One that moved me, JC Wert shared a plan he has for the year 2011. He calls it the Mustard Seed Year. http://www.jcwert.com/2010/12/16/mustard-seed-year/
I can not claim to have that equal committment as he, but he spurred me to seek changes in my life.

So, here are areas I HAVE TO ADDRESS this year. Not to be cool or be like anyone else. But by not addressing these areas, I can do myself tremendous harm, physically and otherwise.

1. Address the health situation. I should not just sit there and watch the Biggest Loser each week, feel sad for the eliminated contestant and be inspired by every one's story. I have to make some changes in my health situation. These are more than aches and pains any more. They are life affecting symptoms. I need to do the Big Two when it comes to healthy eating. I HAVE to EAT LESS and MOVE MORE. What a concept.

2. I love the books of Michael Connolly, James Patterson and Robert Crais. But in order for me to grow as a person, I HAVE to read more meaningful books this year. I have a short list of books I need to tackle this year that includes Mike Batterson, Francis Chan, Andy Stanley, Chuch Swindoll, John Macarthur, Ben Arment and John Burke. I pray I am not just dropping names but I truly seek out what they have to say.

3. I like to pray. I like to let God know how He is doing. I like to let Him know what I need and expect from Him. I HAVE to learn how to be a better listener. God is telling me stuff every day. My hope is that I learn to listen.

4. God has put Jean and me in a church that feeds us very well and allows us the opportunity to serve in many areas. We are blessed in what we do. We drive onto the campus and feel a sense of protection. God is letting us know that every thing is okay and He is control. I HAVE to make myself more available.

5. I HAVE to become more of a Second Chance person.

6. I HAVE to find myself a mentor. Every one needs an idol, a mentor, a friend, a partner and a pupil. I HAVE to be open to finding that mentor.

JC Wert has jumped into his Mustard Seed Year. I hope and pray 2011 is a year of change and growth for every one

PISTACHIOS AND APRICOTS: SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE

2010-12-26T14:29:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here, enjoying my apricots and pistachios that Santa has added to my stocking for so many years, reflecting on 2010. One thing I have learned as I have aged is that there is no such thing as New Year's resoltions. Or turning over new leaves or Old Lang Synes. January 3rd is a day in my life just like October 3rd and April 21st. Days that God has given me to do what I can and lament over what I should have.
But we all take time to look back on our year and I am no exception. One thing that stands out this past year is that death visted me more than any other year. Early in the year, my grandmother died at 101. It was not fun watching her die. It was not fun watching my mother watch her die. I realized that as my grandmother got older and more dependent for help, and knowing my mother will need more asistance now, it sure would be nice if we were younger so we had the strength to better help them.
I did not watch my friend Rick die. It was sudden, shocking and, to this day, so dificult to believe. There isnt a day goes by that something does not remind me of our times together and what he meant to me.
Right before Christmas, another kind of friend died. We watched him die. Our dear Sheldon got hit by a car, doing what he loved to do, Run. It has been a tough time for me. God gave me Sheldon to keep me company while I was out of work. It is ironic that God took him away after Sheldon knew I was safely back to work. He was mommas boy and my buddy all rolled into one.
At the end of this year, all of our children still do not get IT. They are all wonderful people and, in their own ways, are very loving. I pray that God will touch their hearts and cause them all to make that leap of faith in 2011. I love them all or I wouldnt pray that.
The biggest disappointment this Christmas season was the Spielberg, Action Figure, Kapowie build up for the Christmas eve services by so many churches that I follow around the country and respect so much. It is, afterall, one of the most important events to celebrate as a Christian. No need for such a build up.
Those are five areas of disppointment and concern from my year. But what a great year it was. I am back to work. Thanks to the prayers of family and friends and hard work of a few friends, I am back at ASU. I am happy for that.
Out of the death of our friend Rick, I was able to reacquaint myself with some very dear friends from the way back machine. For that I am grateful.
In spite of the unnecessary build up, I think the Thanksgiving and Christmas eve services at Central were wonderful. Sometimes, I am glad that they remember that we really need some good time as a family. And, in the eve, eve service a gentle invitation from Jeremy for others on the outside to be able to join the family. And, oh what a family it is.
This was not a perfect year. We are not a perfect couple. We do not have a perfect relationship. But I can not believe that any two people can be more in love with each other as Jean and I are. I cant believe she loves me and I can not believe how I fall in love with her again every morning. Being with her just makes all the negative not so bad and the good times even better.
I look forward to more ups and downs this coming year. But I know God will be there through it all.

I SAID TOO MANY GOOD BYES THIS YEAR

2010-12-18T10:59:00.000-08:00

Looking at this thing, I see I havent made any entries since the end of October. It is not that I did not have anything to say. It is that I have not taken the time to write those thoughts down.
Today I have so many thoughts going through my mind and my heart is crying, again. Today we said good bye to our boy, our doggy, our puppy, our little friend. The guy who stayed with me all the while I waited to find a job. He slept with us every night and was always here when we walked in the door, tail wagging, telling us what he did while we were away.
We got Sheldon from the pound. He had been running through traffic and the police said they had to spray him twice to subdue him enough to get him to the shelter. That is probably one of the reasons he was always a little leary when my male friends from our Bible Study walked in each week.
My brother and a few others have already said God gave me Sheldon to get me through that time I sat at home, waiting, hoping. He kept me out of the deeper depression I would have gone into if we didnt get him.
But Sheldon was a momma's boy. He would snuggle next to Jean on the couch, in bed. He would wait for her outside the bathroom when she was in the shower and if the door was open, he would put his nose around the curtain to see that she was okay.
Sheldon was a prayer warrior. Every week at Bible Study, we would be in discussion and at exactly 8:20, he would begin to, well it wasnt a bark and it wasnt a growl. It was more like him telling us, OK it's prayer time.
The one thing we were so afraid of is when he had the chance, he would out the gate and run through the neighborhood. We knew if he ever got out on Southern, it would be dangerous for him. He loved to run. He would do laps in our back yard. He was taken off the streets running. He would had run to his death if we didnt have him this very short time. Last night he ran. It was dark and he got disoriened. He ran out on Southern and was hit by two cars. Jean and I both saw him get hit. Nothing we could do. He left us running, something he loved to do.
God allowed us to save him from the streets and from the pound. And while he was with us, we believe our boy saved me from a deep depression.
This was our house, Jean and mine, before Sheldon got here. Now that he is gone, it is still our house. While he was here, this was his house and we just got to stay here. He gave us back our house and after the tears are dried, he has left two people very much in love with each other, and with him, with many happy, happy memories.

Little Girl, You are Out of Your Mind

2010-10-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

There is an episode in Acts 12 when Peter gets arrested and his friends pray that he will be released. He was released supernaturally. It must have been a coincidence. When he went to the house where his friends were praying that they would see him safe, the girl at the door, first, did not let him in she was so surprised. Then she ran and told the others that Peter was at the door. They told her she was out of her mind seeing such a thing.

Boy do I know how they feel. What happens when something you pray a long time to happen actually happens? What happens when God actually gives you what you have been bargaining with Him for?

When I was praying to God for Him to give me something, I made some deals. I made some promises. I vowed some different things would happen. Guess what? God gave me what I was asking for. Now What?

Now, it happens. I need to come through with some things. I need to make good on some promises. Only time, my heart and God's knowledge will tell if there was a differnce. You usually dont share the deep issues you barter with God for with others.

Sometimes it seems that getting the answer you really wanted is tougher to deal with than when He has other answers for you.

Now, the real work begins.

FACEBOOK: What I learned during my time in Facebook

2010-10-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

Questions answered
Serves a purpose
Stay in touch with friends and family
Find old friends
A way to spend time during the day
Joining in fun games
Information gatherer
Social media is good
Fun to share thoughts and stories and work together

Questions those answers presented
What purpose
If they wanted to stay in touch, wouldnt they call or stop by?
They tried to run away in the first place
What other ways can we wasteour time?
The games appeared to be scam generated
How much is really useful?
How many billions is that guy worth?
Building that tower in babel was fun too, until someone got hurt

I have a telephone. I have email. If they want to, they will call.

LETTERS TO AND FROM VIETNAM: Reflections of Rick Still Happen

2010-10-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

It started to happen last week when Arkansas almost beat Alabama in college football. It got a little stronger as the 49ers continued to lose each week in pro football. It hit its peak yesterday when the Giants won the National League pennant. It doesn't take much, but, yes, many things still make me think of my friend Rick.

It may be little things like when I was over near ASU last week and I saw a Fed Ex truck drive by. There were so many Fed Ex employees from different locations at Rick's memorial service. Yes, a few of them raised their hands when it was asked who had their cars worked on by Rick.

Last week, Jean asked me if I would ever go visit the grave. Even though carrying the casket to the site was one of the toughest things I ever have done and we have both feel burial is not the way we want to go, I had to tell her that, yes, I have thought about visiting the site.

One of the biggest things that make me reflect on Rick is when it comes to sports. Rick and I had a life long habit of rooting for different teams. We loved to hate the teams the other liked. He didn't even like ice hockey, but he would root for the teams he knew I didn't like just to bug me. That rivalry was passed on to the next generation. When our children went to different high schools, I am sure he had Sam go to Mountain View because he knew it would bring disappointment to the Memberto household.

One year, while Sam still played for the Toros, Mesa beat them in the annual rivalry game. Melissa and I got the key to the high school room at church and decorated it in Jackrabbit colors and the group, in which Rick was one of the leaders, walked in and sat in the midst of Purple and Gold for the entire class.

One of the things that I looked forward to during the year I was in Vietnam were the letters I got each week from Rick. During the baseball season, I got weekly reports about how the Giants were so good and how much he hated the Dodgers. The best, however, were the letters I got during the football season. The 49ers, his beloved 49ers and the LA Rams, yes kids, they used to be in Los Angeles, were having up and down seasons. They fought it out to the end against each other. The weeks the 49ers were on top, I received such fine letters of encouragement. Rick telling me how good life was and how he loved that his team was on top. The weeks, however, when the Rams were doing well, the letters turned to ungodly(yes they included even cuss words)venom about how terrible, evil forces were in the world.

The love that he showed me, even while I was away, helped me get through some tough times. He was always around when I was away. I always knew how to find him for an encoraging word, a loving diatribe about our teams, something to share about his family, his church or our friendship.

Yes, even now, reflections still come to mind about my friend Rick. The pain won't go away soon. But the memories sure will continue to make the reflections fun and loving.

YESTERDAY'S REFLECTIONS BROUGHT ON BY TOMORROW'S REFLECTIONS

2010-09-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned before that I am a fan of Tomorrow's Reflections, the personal blog of Jeremy Jernigan, one of our teaching pastors at Central. He made a point of bad starts and good results in his most recent offering and it got me to reflect on some other bad starts in history.

It made me think of Dodger Stadium. To this day, it is still known as the Crown Jewel of Baseball. Right before it was opened, someone noticed they did not add drinking fountains. So, they had to add the fountains. Sure, if people got thirsty, they could always go to the concession stands. But they felt it was the honorable thing to do to add the fountains.

My dad would go to the stadium and, along with many other people, would stand behind the left field pavillion and watch the game through a chain link fence for free. Sort of an updated version of the knot hole gang. When that was discovered, the chain link was quickly replaced by other fencing and the freebies were gone. Score one for free water, take a point away for having to pay to get to the free water fountains.

Some of the early concerns and problems could have caused many people to not want to return to Dodger Stadium, other wise known as the Crown Jewel of Baseball. But millions have attended a game there and millions still do each year. It is good that someone's first impression is not always lasting. they are important but not lasting. I am glad God has given me, at least, a chance to overcome people's first impressions of me. it hasnt always worked out well, but there is that chance.

MY FAVORITE WAR MOVIES

2010-09-23T11:16:00.001-07:00

I don't know if I have mentioned this. But I have had some free time this past year. I was just sitting around the other day and said to myself, "Self, what are your favorite war movies? You know, the ones you think about watching again and again when you are in the mood to watch war movies".
So as not to disappoint myself or keep myself waiting, I compiled a list for myself. I will publish that list. I am not so presumptuous to think anyone who reads my list may be inclined to add their own. But, hey, stranger things have happened.

GREG'S FAVORITE WAR MOVIES: (not in any particualr order)
1. Kelly's Heros
2. The Great Escape
3. Hell Is For Heroes
4. The Best Years Of Our Lives
5. Sands Of Iwo Jima
6. Here To Eternity
7. Hell To Eternity
8. Guadelcanal Diary
9. To Hell And Back
10. Casablanca

BETWEEN THE ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

2010-09-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

I know we have all heard, and probably used, the term, "Between a Rock and a Hard Place". Eugene Peterson of the Washigton Post just used it in describing a situation that the President is in. I wonder how that became a negative term.

It seems if we are between the Rock and a hard place, wouldn't that mean we are between Jesus, the solid rock and the firm ground that we should build our house, or live our life?

Psalm 18:2 says, "The Lord is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer, my God and my Rock, in whom I take refuge. My Shield and the Horn of my Salvation, my Stronghold." That sounds like a good place to be.

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus tells us to build our house on solid ground, the rock, so to speak. Not on the sandy, unstable ground. That way, when the storms come, which there will be many in our lives, the house will stay standing.

That tells me that being between a rock and a hard place is a good thing.

OH GOD, revisited

2010-08-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

I remember when the movie, The Last Temptation of Christ came out. It caused quite an uproar in churches. Pat Boone led demonstrations. Church groups picketed theaters that chose to show the movie. Athough some critics thought it was a good movie, it was not a blockbuster and all the picketing did was give the movie free publicity on the 6 oclock news.

About that same time, a movie called Oh, God came out. A comedy that depicted god as a wise-craking, cigar-smoking old man with cute glasses. It had some very funny parts to it and it was received well enough to have a sequel. I am not sure if the other movie about the cruxifiction of the savior had a sequel.

Someone finally pointed out the hypocricy of condemning a movie that depicted Jesus as being married and other unbiblical points and church people flocking to a movie depicting god as a wise cracking man with glasses.

I was thinking about that incident so many years go over the week end. I had a concern. But I guess I am the only one. I thought that it was odd, to me, that church people would condemn another religion building a building dedicated to a religion that isn't Christian while they embrace a wise-cracking man with glasses "preaching" a gospel that is not Biblical. The cutsey woman with morals and Christian beliefs embraced him as one of her own.

I guess I am the only one.

THE FOOD NETWORK STAR

2010-08-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

Have you ever pretended that you were in front of a camera as you were preparing a meal? Kind of narrating what you are doing, which step are you on and how delicious the food will taste? OOPS, Am I really the only one? Oh well.

I was making a sandwich for Jean's lunch today. Turkey and cheese. Very simple. Mayo, cheese, turkey and bread. I am narrating (to myself. I dont want her to think I am the rest of the way crazy).

I get to the part where I tell the audience, yeah right, that she likes her sandwiches cut in half. I take out the knife and proceed to cut through the bread and meat. I dont tell my "audience" that I am having a problem cutting the bread with our small bread knife. I certainly dont want my "TV fans" to know I am not an expert in every little aspect in food preperation.

I finally get the sammich sliced and put both parts in the baggie for transport to the fridge at her office. Not the freezer, which is another story and not about me. So why would I even share it if it isnt about me. As I tell my "audience" how to seal the bag and let them know it is important to wipe off the mayo from the knife, I slide the knife along a paper towel and turn it ever so slightly and cut my finger. Not a gash where blood squirts three feet. It is one of those that you look at your finger and wait........for the wound to appear.

The "wound" did appear and a little, tiny cut did, in fact, require a small bandaid. Here is my question...... Should I have demanded that the "camera man" turn off the camera at that point? Or continue to shoot the scene to help my "loyal audience" see how I handled the situation?

The trials us POTENTIAL superstars have to go through to be what we are.

THE LAND BETWEEN

2010-08-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

I am not much of a reader. I try, believe me. But, as much as a Robert Crais mystery can hold my attention and I read the book in a couple of sittings, when I pick up a book of "substance", something that will help me in my walk, it only serves as a night light that helps me fall asleeep.

Having said that, I picked up a book written by one of the speakers at the Leadership Summit this year. Jeff Manion wrote a book on that area we all spend time in. That area between everything is going well and "wow, I am glad we got through that. I know, for some, we never get to the later destination. The area in between is called THE LAND BETWEEN. Like I say, for some, that is where they have spent most of their time.

He used a line from a Philip Yancey book, Reaching the Invisible God. It goes like this...."Life is difficult. God is Merciful. Heaven is sure". I loved that quote. We all lite on one of those spots. Sometimes we dwell too much on the fact that life is difficult and forget that God is merciful and this will not last eternally.

I am not reviewing the book except to recommend it for anyone who is going through something (oops that's everyone) that it will take some faith and patience and, most importantly, trust that God will see us through whatever it is.

In this world we will have tribulation, troubles, problems, poor decisions, bad neighbors, unforgiving relatives, mean bosses, lazy employees. But we should be of good cheer, because Jesus Christ has overcome this world.

DON'T YA GET CRAZY, LIFE GOES ON

2010-08-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

There was an old song by Ian Whitcome with a chorus that went something like, Life is cruel, life is hard, Don't cha get crazy, life goes on. Aren't we always reminded of that.

The Facebook page honoring our friend Rick has all but gone silent in these past few weeks. But if you think that is because we have stopped honoring him, or we have forgotten him or the hurt has gone away, think again. Greg Laurie, who's son past away almost two years to the day our friend died still hurts. He asks please do not ask, hey how are you doing? Has the pain gotten any less? No, the pain is still there two years after the death, it is as deep as the day he first heard of it. No, the pain has not gone away. No, we have not forgotten. Yes, we still honor him.

I have picked up one lesson from this time. In my reflections of my friend Rick, I thought of the fact that Rick never told me what to do. He never told me he disapproved of what I did or in the decisions I had made. The closest thing to a commentary on my life I remember him saying was he was glad I was a happy drunk. That was the night we to see Jimmy Buffett together.

No, Rick didnt preach. He had trouble being in front of people giving talks. In fact, he was more famous for falling asleep during talks and sermons. One time he actually fell asleep and started leaning into the speaker as we sat in a circle. Did I ever tell you he made us Laugh all the time? He didnt give sermons. HE LIVED OUT ALL THE SERMONS YOU EVER HEARD. Growth, Grace, Forgiveness, Charity, he lived out every lesson you were taught. Perfect? No. But Godly, yes.

My lesson from these past few weeks, or at least one of them, is that just like he never told you to live like him ( all he showed you is to be yourself just like he was always himself, real), he would not want me to give up just because he isnt here on earth with me anymore. He would want me to live my life being myself, not perfect, but forgiven.

Life canbe crazy, life can be cruel, life can be hard. But lets not get crazy, life does go on. Our lesson should be to pick each other up and live our lives alongside each other.

THE INNOCENT AGE Reflection of Rick, taking the fifth

2010-07-30T15:16:00.001-07:00

If you ever have a chance to listen to the old Dan Fogelberg song, The Innocent Age, please stop what you are doing and hear the lyrics. It is a song about the group, Buffalo Springfield. They were a group during the mid to late 60s. They were part of the soundtrack for our group. They broke up and went in different directions about the same time the San Fernando Baptist youth group was breaking up and going in different directions. The Springfield never broke apart. They went in different directions. They still are friends. But they have their lives away from the group. That is the same as the San Fernando group. Pay particualr attention to the line about following the dreamer, the fool and the sage. We had all of those and more in that group. We didnt have a leader, we had a dreamer, a fool and also a sage, and more. Rick was in the middle of that group. At times, he was a dreamer. At times he was the fool. And at times, I have known him as a sage. Oh to relive those days of innocence. I would love to be spending my summer days and nights with the dreamer, the fool and the sage and more. Back at the start, it was easy to see, none to own to and nowhere to be, except to be with the dreamer, that fool and the sage, and more. Ricky, after all these years, you paid to help us recapture the innocent age.

Capture the moment
Carry the day
Stay with the chase
As long as you may
Follow the dreamer,
The fool, and the sage
Back to the days of
The innocent age.
Storybook endings
Never appear
They're just someone's way of
Leading us here
Waiting for wisdom
To open the cage
We forged in the fires of
The innocent age.

Back at the start
It was easy to see
No one to own to
Nowhere to be
Deep in the heartlands
A sad memory
Calls to me.
(Calls to me)

Fretful horizons
Worrisome skies
Tearful misgivings
Burning your eyes
Yearnings unanswered
Reckon the wage you
Pay to recapture the innocent age.

Back at the start
It was easy to see
No one to own to
Nowhere to be
Deep in the heartlands
A sad memory
Calls to me.
(Calls to me)

Fretful horizons
Worrisome skies
Tearful misgivings
Burning your eyes
Yearnings unanswered
Reckon the wage you
Pay to recapture the innocent age.

FRAYED ROPES Refelctions of Rick Back and Fourth

2010-07-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

My Reflections of Rick continue. So many times during the day, I see something or hear something and I turn to whoever is near me, usually Jean who feels she knows him as well as I do because of all the stories I have told her, and say, "Oh there was a time that Rick......" or, "I remember when Rick....."

Rick did not handle sorrow real well. He was so full of fun and laughter and joy and smiles that when we did experience some form of sorrow, a death, the leaving of our pastor, dealing with a wrong decision by one of us or a kink in a relationship, Rick was saddened. He never wanted any of his friends to fail. He did not want any of his friends to be sad. He never wanted to see any of his friends to feel sorrow in their life. I mentiond to some people the other night, I think one reason that God took Rick so soon is that He wanted to spare him of feeling the way we all feel right now when members of his army of friends began to die. But those are my random thoughts.

Four very old friends got together after the service the other night. Two of his very oldest friends who grew up in the church we attended, Marcel and Floren Suetos, Pastor Fred Snider, who was our spiritual leader, and myself. Fred and I spent the entire service wiping our eyes. Oh those allergies in AZ. We sat in my living room and took turns telling Rick stories. So many laughs. Some stories we can share with you when you are old enough.

Fred reminded us that when Rick did well in RISK, oh the very few times he succeeded in that game, as he moved his armies into the country he just conquered, he would use his best James Coburn voice from the Magnificent 7, turned to his conquered friend and say, "You Lost".

I had many friends back then and have had many friends since. But my Magnificent 7 were Kenny, Floren, Marcel, Fred, Ricky, Rick and Joel. Like the original Mag 7, some have died. But we have overcome the bad guys and will be remembered for that.

Our lives were like the twine that weaves together to make a rope. Some of those pieces have become frayed by the useage. But the strength of that rope is greater than the weakness of any of its pieces. There was no glue to hold us together. The God of Creation, Grace and Forgiveness had wound us together to be strong.

ALL WE LIKE SHEEP HAVE GONE ASTRAY Reflections of Rick times 3

2010-07-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

I know Rick did alot of teaching over the years. My chikdren tell me of his Sunday School lessons and his Bible Studies. Mostly, he was good at sharing himself and what he had learned along his journey. I heard him speak a few times, but I never heard him give a sermon. But his life was lived as the application of every sermon you ever heard.

We sang in the youth choir at San Fernando. Howard Weller was the choir director. He was so old school baptist. But he sure showed all the patience God had given him when he led the youth choir. Later, Floren took over leading the youth choir. We had three tenors. Rick, Marcel and me. Marcel would stand in the middle. The only way I could carry a tune is by hearing what Marcel was singing and my voice would follow his. Marcel would sing with a finger in his ear. Rick asked him one time why he did that. Not wanting to make Rick feel bad, Marcel told him that by putting a finger in your ear, you can hear yourself better and stay on tune. So, for the remaining time of our youth choir days, Rick and Marcel would stand up in the choir loft, singing with a finger in their ear. Rick, following Marcel's reasoning, to sing better. And Marcel? Well it was later pointed out to Rick that Marcel had done it for all those years so he wouldnt have Rick throw him off with his singing. Rick took that, along with everything else that came his way, in stride. He knew he would not be the singer Marcel was. As much as Rick loved music, is it any wonder that he married a woman with one of the best voices he or I ever heard?

The first Sunday of every month, we would have communion at San Fernando. It was always set up the same way. The pastor, Ray Murray, would stand behind the communion table and give a short communion meditation. The deacons would sit on the platform on either side of him. We thought they were up there to keep an eye on us the entire service. The communion would always follow the same format. Pastor Ray would read a passage from Isaiah 53. "A man of sorrows, acquainted with grief." Then he would pass out the trays with the crackers on them. Then he would recite further in chapter 53. "All we like sheep have gone astray."

One Sunday, Rick turned to me and made his hand to look like a hoof. He looked in my face and said,......"Baaaaaaaa". I lost it as did the others within ear shot. We tried not to laugh out loud. We held our hands over our mouths, we snorted like we were all coughing, at the same time. The rest of the communion service was a blur. After the, after they had supped, they sang a song and went out, we ran out of the church so we wouldn't face any more dirty looks from all the deacons up on the platform.

It took maybe six months to get through a communion Sunday without some laughter or smiles. When Jean finally met Rick, she asked me, "so that is the guy who said Baaaa"? Recently in church, someone quoted Isaiah 53:6 and Jean and I looked at each other and smiled.

So many people today do not have fun in church. It is a duty to attend. It is one of many choices to do on a Saturday night or Sunday morning. It is something to stay away from because it is no fun and we dont get anything out of it. Rick made church fun. Rick was one reason that I looked forward to going to church while God was maturing me into realizing why we go. Did I ever mention that around Rick, there was always laughter and smiles... and Joy?

RICK PARTAIN DID NOT WALK ON WATER REFLECTION PT DUEX

2010-07-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

In all the years I knew Ricky Partain, he never walked on water. Some of us thought he could if the situation arose. I saw him at the beach, in the ocean, riding the waves as we would go body surfing. He loved being in the water.

I saw him on water skis as we learned to ski. It took us both awhile tolearn as Marcel and Floren would glide on their skis. Rick and I would spend alot of time eating water, gliding, sort of, on top of the water. Later, after we moved out here, partly to be closer to Rick, he would take us out to the lake and I would watch, in amazement, how well he skied. I have very good mind fotos of the days at Canyon Lake, he and I jumping off the cliffs. the short ones. And skiing from behind his boat. The first place he took us to when we visited was to go tubing. So, yes, I did see him on top of the water quite a bit. But he never walked on water.

I saw him at Roger's pool, learning to stand on top of a surfboard. It was back in the days when boards were 9 feet long. We tried to jump off the shallow end onto the board to see if we could stand on it. As we took a rest, Rick decided to try one more time. He ran and jumped on the board. He called out to us, "Hey, look at me". As we looked over, he fell back and the board shot up in the air like it was shot out of a cannon. It landed on the diving board across the pool. We didnt use Roger's pool to learn to surf any more after that. Rick was better off body surfing.

One time at 1000 Pines, our mecca all through high school, we had a diving competition. You would announce the dive and then proceed. Rick announced he was about to do a swan dive. As he jumped off the board, Marcel called out a very good QUACK. Rick lost it and looked like a bird shot out of the sky. No Points for that dive. But lots of laughs and lots of fun. Did I tell you that around Rick there were always laughs and smiles?

Oh yes, there was one time I saw him walk on water. Or so it seemed. We were up in the mountains, hiking along a creek. The creek was not very deep, but, none the less, you would get wet if you stepped in it. Someone came up to Rick to show him a small, very small, harmless at that, snake that they had caught. Rick screamed and his only escape was across the creek. As he ran, it appeared he was running atop the water. So, yes, I did see Rick Partain walk on water, so to speak.

Only two people are on record as walking on water. That phrase is reserved, now, for those who would measure up to the status of our Lord and Peter. It is true that Rick never walked on water. But he did know where the rocks underneath were to stay dry. He depended on all the rocks he encountred throughout his life. The Clemo Partains, the Merle Shorts, the Dan Foos, the Dave Falconers, the Rick Johnsons, and all the other men who helped shape him into a little bit of all of them to be who he was, and will always be to so many of us.

REFLECTIONS ON RICK PARTAIN PT. 1

2010-07-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of things already said about my Friend, Rick Partain. And, approriately enough, much more will be and needs to be said. This will not go away for a long time. Rick made too great an impression on all the lives he touched for us to feel normal for a long, long time. I do not sit down here to say the right thing, or the best thing, or the most memorable thing about Rick. Most of the things I have heard this past week from others have been my very thoughts. Just had someone else say it for me.

This is more for me than any one else, mainly because I dont get reactions from what I write any way......

The first time I heard the name, I was part of a YMCA flag football league. We were told by guys on another team that it was a good thing thatwe didnt have to play a certain team of guys from Patrick Henry because they had a guy named Partain, just Partain, who was great.

When I first got to San Fernando, Rick was the first friend I made. We were about three weeks apart in age. We had so many similar interests. And we both loved to laugh and make others laugh.

We loved to play sports. He still was very much involved playing with guys 30 years his junior. But in the high school days, we played whatever sport was in season. Softball in baseball season, football until it got too dark to see. And basketball. We used to call his jump shot the "Oops shot". Because everytme he would shoot, it missed the mark by so much that he would say, OOPS.

I was thinking that so many people are known by only one name. Pele, Madonna, Wayman, Lebron, Koufax, Mays. We all knew Ricky Lamar Partain. But you didnt need to say the entire name. Because all you had to say was, Partain. that was enough to bring a smile to my face and everyone else got that warm feeling that we were in for a good time.

TOMORROW'S REFLECTION

2010-07-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

I think it is important to check out blogs by people from different walks and viewpoints. One Blog I try to follow on a regular basis is from Jeremy Jernigan, a teaching pastor at Central. His views on scripture are right on, he has interesting friends, he enjoys sharing from his vantage point on being a young father (wait for the teen years my young friend), and although his alligences to the Yankees and Buffalo Bills are tough to comprehend, at least his passion for both teams is commendable.

One ingredient to his blog is OTR, his series of interviews with people you and I may never meet. A recent installment was with Brett McCracken, who is a writer and reviewer. One question Jeremy usually asks is should we use a different word other than Christian. Mr. McCracken gave an answer I really appreciated. Just because a word has baggage, it should not be set aside. Every word has baggage. I might add that every person has baggage too. I think IF SOMEONE DOESNT HAVE ANY BAGGAGE, HE HASN'T BEEN ANYWHERE. I liked the interview as I have enjoyed reading all the previous ones. Keep up the good work Jeremy. I still say you need your own TV show.

IT'S SO NICE TO HAVE THIS TIME TOGETHER

2010-07-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

Now, my fear of and lack of skill with PDAs is legendary. My aversion to them is well known and my previous post bore that out when I had a touch pad device for all of 40 minutes. Therefore, what I have to say can be interpreted as jealousy or sour grapes. But, here it goes.

Did you read Mitch Albom's article in the Sunday paper? The one about how parents encourage their kids to bring their cell phones to summer camp? So they can stay in touch? While the kid is away at camp? The kid is at camp. Away from you mom. That is one reason to go to camp. Now, we know being away from your facebook or myspace page for a week, or not being able to tweet for allthat time could make you unknown by the time you get home. But, come on. Leave the device at home. The camp staff will let you know if there is an emergency. If you do not trust the staff, find another camp. Like thousand pines baptist camp. Oh, I loved that place. We went there when we still hand wrote letters and we had to wait days to get an answer.

The other evening, we went to dinner with some of our children.let me say this, we went to dinner and some of our children were in the same restaurant. Five out of six of them spent the entire time texting someone not present. Well, I guess I had nothing to say, but we will never know.

SMART PHONE, I AM NOT

2010-07-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I entered the smart phone era today. And quickly went back to the 20th century. It is time for a phone update. I waited for this day because I wanted to turn in my flip top phone and get something fancy. I got one of those touch screen jobs. I brought it home, took it out of the box, opened the directions. It took a few minutes to find the part in English. Then, I proceded to try to figure the thing out.

After an hour of looking at the thing, I decided I am not ready for a smart phone. YOU HAVE TO BE SMART ENOUGH TO USE ONE IF YOU WANT ONE. So, I took it back. I figured I could not live with myself if I allowed myself the pain I experienced for that hour for the next two years of phone ownership.

What I got, in return, was a device that (1) receives phone calls, (2) allows me to dial out going phone calls, and even (3) sends text messages. It will take some time to figure that part out. but i will have this phone for two more years.

Now, I hope I get some calls soon and I hope I push the right button so I can speak to the person who calls me.

A Perfect Ending

2010-06-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

Something hapenened this week that was a great example of how important baseball is to real life and how it mirrors real life. An Umpire missed a call. The story should have ended right there. A human being made a mistake.

Baseball is a timeless game. No clock running. Played by two sets of individuals who are human, who sometimes are successful, and most times not. It is guided by human beings. Those in the supervising aspect of the game make wrong decisions. it is the most human of any endeavor in reallife.

When an umpire misses a call, and i say it is so rare, it may or may not effect the outcome of that particular game. But if it does, another game is played within one or two days. it is truly a lesson of pcking ourselves up and moving on with real life.

With TV contracts, unqualified people becoming owners and even commissioners, we are watching the gran old game fall a victim to the same fate of all the other sports. When it becomes automated, what do we have to look forward to? Do we slip a tape in and watch the super-graphics?

I am sorry the young pitcher was deprived of the honor of pitching a perfect game. But in its inperfection, Baseball can continue to be the perfect game.

1909 - 2010

2010-06-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

We were in California last week for my Grand mother's memorial service. Many of her grand children stood up and offered a memory of her. She was a dancer for many years. Ballroom champion as a matter of fact. I remember she was so happy when ballroom dancing was made a demonstration sport at the Atlanta Olympics.

She was a princess, all of her life. She demanded attention every time she walked into the room. These were a few of my thoughts from last week....

My grand mother was a dancer, a baker (her lemon bars were great), she sewed much of the costumes for her dance group, the Strutters, in her 90s.

She was born a Catholic. She did not follow the religion by their book. But she would never turn away from that religion. But, she was one woman who transcended her religion and had a tremendous faith. She was a prayer warrior. As I lost my religion, so to speak, she continued to pray for me. Her prayers were answered. In her last days, as the system was shutting down, she cried out to God. I asked her if she loved God and believed that Christ was her Savior. She knew she was dying and she made her peace with God.

She was wittty until the end. I did not get my love for sports from her. However, we shared a good sense of humor. I wont live to be 101. But we all can learn to live a life for god for as long as we do have from Bea Bea, my grand ma Bea.

I MISS THE BACK RUBS

2010-04-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a little over a year since we all made the trek to grand ma Bea's 100th birthday. Recently, at 101, she had a pace maker put in. No, I do not know the answers to the questions you are thinking right now. For that reason, and the fact I miss the back massages from BeBe, I am going to Santa Maria Sunday. Hopefully, I can give my Mom a little help in caring for grand ma.
I know my brother is there and has everything under control. But perhaps he needs a break too.

I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW HE WAS A CHRISTIAN

2010-04-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

We were driving home from a very nice early, pre-birthday dinner the other night. We came upon a car and we both wondered what it was. It was small, rather generic looking. When we got close enough to see the emblem, we found it was a Mercedes Benz. If not for that label, we would not have been able to guess correctly. We talked about how Mercedes and Volvos used to be so unique in their design. Now, they just blend in and do not make a statement on the road any more.

It made me think back to the harshest indictment I ever heard about me. I was still at the Postal Service. I was in a small group and I attended church weekly. I was doing what I was supposed to be doing, on the outside. A guy who delivered mail to a member of my small group started talking and the small group member asked if he worked with me. He said yes, but he didnt even know I was a Christian. What an indictment of the way I witnessed in the world. I am hoping my days of being an undercover Christian are past me. I know there are times people would have their doubts. That is something I need to work on.

I need to be like the older Volvos and Mercedes. I need to be unique in my design and, more importantly, in my performance, or the way I present my Jesus to the world.

TIMING... A GOD THING?

2010-04-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

We were watching TV last night. We found ourselves switching channels. We are not Country Music fans. but we visited channel 5, CBS and the Country Music Awards show. Just then, Toby Keith began singing a beautiful song and it turned out to be a tribute to Wayman Tisdale who died almost a year ago after battling cancer. Earlier in the week end, we heard a song called Wayman's Smile, a recording by his friend and sax player Tom Braxton.

I am not one who believes God routes out every step I take each day. but i am glad "something" led me to turn the remote to that show at the very time Toby Keith began the song.

Not many "celebrity" deaths have made such an impression on me as the death of Wayman Tisdale. He was a fantastic basketball player, playing the last few years of his career with the Phoenix Suns. He was quite a jazz performer, brightening any room and stage with whoever he was playing. He was a force on stage and his love for God showed through every circumstance. I could never say we were friends, having only met him a couple of times. But I am glad God has continued to remind me of his death and has reminded me that we never know how much time we have and we need to be that light for every one we meet. If I can only do that for the people I meet each day.

IF I WERE ELECTION CZAR FOR A DAY

2010-04-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

As many times as I have voted for John McCain, I still dont know what he has done for me. I know how bad his opponents have all been. I know he has more experience and integrity and grit than his opponents all have had. I know he is able to jump on the most opportune bandwagon going at the time. But I have never heard an original thought from him. As I make my plans to again vote for him in the next primary and election, here is what I would tell him and other politicians posing as public servants...

Senator, without mentioning your opponent's name, please tell me what you plan on doing for me. Senator, without referring to the current stand by your party, please tell me what you plan on doing for me. Senator Kyl, without telling me what you dont agree with, please tell me what you plan on doing to help make my life better. Congressman Mitchell, without being so nice of a guy, please make a stand. Senator Pierce, without making such a hard stand, please show me you can be a nice guy. Debate moderators, after you ask a candidate a question, if they mention their opponent's record, turn off their microphone as they have forfeited the responsibility of answering that question.

Jesus said He would do something and then did it. He would have made a terrible politician, but, oh, what an example of being a servant He was.

Believe in What?

2010-04-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

This is something I came across in our study of John..... I cut it up a bit and added a thought or two. But the original thoughts from John Macarthur stand....

There's a whole theological school now that's developing and their thesis is "faith in faith." Isn't that good? They have faith in faith. They believe in believing. And you'll say to people well, you know, this and that ... and they'll say, "Oh, I believe ... I believe." What do you believe? "Oh, I believe ... I'm a believer." A believer in what? "Well, I just believe. I believe that God is in control ... I believe." Oh, that's real good.

You know something? Faith in nothing is nothing. It's zero, zilch, nothing. It doesn't mean anything to believe in believing. You know, I like it ... you've heard the song, "I believe for every drop of rain that falls a flower grows." Oh, in the first place, that's a lie. "I believe that somewhere in the darkest night a candle glows." Tremendous. "Every time I hear a newborn baby cry, or touch a leaf or see the sky, then I know why I believe." (Gee didnt we sing this in youth choir?) You believe what? Don't push me. "I believe." Well, goody-goody. You see, that's the kind of attitude that a lot of people have ... I believe. You believe what? Usually when somebody comes to you and you ask them a question they say, "Well, I believe that's it's over there." That means they don't know. If you can't believe in something and on something, you're believing is ridiculous. Who cares whether you believe a candle glows? Who cares whether you believe a flower grows? That's irrelevant. God's not going to say to you someday, "Well, enter into My Kingdom because you believed the candle glowed." No, no ... that's so ludicrous it's inane.

No, no, no that's not the point. The point is at the end of verse 45 "they believed ... what? ... on Him." You see, faith is nothing unless it's placed in Jesus Christ. That's the whole point. Peter said, 'Neither is there salvation in any other, there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." If a man does not put his faith in Jesus Christ his faith is meaningless. And what cuts the ice is faith in Him. John 1:12, "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on ... what? ... His name." Christ is definitive. There aren't options. You can't just believe any ole thing you want, that's ridiculous.

OH THE PRESSURE

2010-04-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

I recently read somewhere that the greatest burden we put on ourselves is to try to make it all about ourself. The pressure we put on ourselves when we make all the problems going on in the world about us. All the trials we are going through about us. All the wrong decisions others make about us. Just everything that we come in contact with being about us makes for too much pressure and puts us in an unsolveable dilemna.

No matter how we got into a circumstance, no matter who's "fault" it may have been, no matter how low we may feel we are, it is not about us.

When His friend, Lazarus was dying, Jesus pointed out that the circumstance was not about his illness or, ultimatelyy, his death, but it was for God's glory and that Jesus might be glorified. It was about God. Earlier, He was asked who's "fault" it was that a certain man was blind. Jesus said it was not about him or his parents. But it was to show how God would work in his life.

I find it much easier to be going through tough, uncertain times knowing it is not about me, but about how God will be with me as I go through them. It is also good knowing I am with someone who sees it the same way.

TOO MUCH STUFF

2010-04-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

In One Particular Harbor, Jimmy Buffett laments about having too much..."I used to rule my world from a pay phone, ships out on the sea. Now times are tough, I got too much stuff. Can't explain the likes of me." Or something like that. Never could get a quote exactly right. (disclaimer: I know that is not the album cover for One Particular harbor. But it shows the pay phone).

I remember when one phone call on the only availiable type of phone, was made and details of our evening were set. I stood outside waiting for my friends to pick me up and we were out for the evening. I kept a quarter aside in case I had to call my dad to pick me up. Of course, he said never call him from a police station, call my mother instead. I heeded his warning until the calls from the station had become much more costly.

Now, there is tweeter, texxxing, emails, gmails, IMs, someone sent a picture of the outside of a friend's house to let them know they were outside waiting. I know I will never have a smart phone because I am just not smart enough for one.

All that "stuff" has only made relationships obsolete. There is no need for close relationships any more when you can brag abut having 200 friends on facebook. When I see someone, i cant ask them, eaten at any good restaurants lately because I already saw what they had yesterday taken on the droisy Iphone, thing-a-ma-zinger and posted on twister.

I am glad Jesus did not use texting. from martha, Laz is dead. From JC, Noprob, b there soon.

I am glad God is the same yesterday, today and forever.... insert smiley face here.

High Brow Dog

2010-02-16T07:03:00.001-08:00

We love seeing Sheldon watching TV. Last night, he went crazy watching the dog show. He goes to the TV and then looks behind the screen to find the dogs on the screen. Then the funniest, he goes outside to find the dogs. Is that cruel of us? I hope not. We love our doggy and he has added alot to our home.

I WONDER WHAT THE VOTE WAS

2010-01-27T09:19:00.000-08:00

In the Bible Study we attend on Tuesday evenings, we came to the passage in Ephesians that tells us that we were chosen by God to be holy and blameless and adopted by Him before the creation of the world. And besides that, for His pleasure and His glory. And it is so human to think we had something to do with that choosing. But, joyfully, it was God the Father who drew me to His Son, Jesus. Takes away a lot of the pressure to do it all on my power. That is cool.

It did get me to thinking how the conversation went when God preordained me to be His own. In light of all the politics that decides so much of our lives on earth now, I worry that the creation was delayed because of the debate in Heaven. I mean here is God, ready to create the world and before that creation He chose me to be in His family. I wonder if the vote was a split decision, like two to one or something like that. Makes me think my response to what He did for me should be more of appreciation and obedience rather than questioning everything I dont understand.

Family Issues

2010-01-04T07:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, people, this was a family discussion. Rick Warren was speaking to his congregation. There are needs in every family. If some in the family take it outside the family, it is not his fault. The guy doesn't benefit from the funds. He takes no salary.
Here, at Central, the exact areas of need that Rick Warren shared about are hurting as well. I know some people feel better giving "their" money to ministry rather than buildings. I feel it all goes to good whatever the designation may be.
It is still a fact that all areas of ministry, as well as all areas of the economy, are lacking. Good thing God is bigger than all the squabbling.

2010, GOOD YEAR, SO FAR

2010-01-01T13:39:00.000-08:00

First off, I didn't know a gala mean't suits or tuxes. I was not the only one who was not "dressed up". I didn't stand out but there were few enough of us that we were noticed. Jean bought a new top and I had on a new shirt. But I haven't seen that many ties in a long time.

Second, after a very "dry" year of not much Smooth, I have to thank Brian Bromberg for inviting some of his friends, and some of our favorite smooth jazz stars, to bring in the new year. Richard Elliot, Rick Braun and David Benoit are three of our favorites. As chance would have it, sitting at our table was the morning voice of the KYOT, Melissa Sharpe and her husband.

And at midnight, I could only reflect on how thankful I am that I am starting another year with Jean.

NEW YEARS DAY IS TOMORROW, TODAY AND YESTERDAY

2009-12-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

I am sure I will read some very good posts in the next few days dedicated to reflections, regrets, resolutions, ramblings, resolves for 2009 and 2010. Truly, tis the season for taking down Christmas decorations and car ads and commercials for weight loss programs. For some, New Years resolutions will be made. Some will resolve to lose weight, some will really stick with their read through the Bible plan. Some will look back on a great year and some will think the turning of the calendar will, somehow, change their lot in life.

I can not reflect too much on 2009. Not much happened, actually. Nothing that would change the course of the world.

Oh sure, I lost 40 pounds. I gained 25 back. I had hip pain, so I got a new knee replacement. I have both knees replaced now. Because of that, I can not run to exercise. Like I ever did. Ending the year waiting on a root canal. Blood pressure medicine seems to be stablizing my high blood pressure. The dizziness I was having from the one medicine has gone away. Any dizziness now is because I have not gone to the gym in about two months. See, not much happened health wise

I actually was affected by the politics of this country. The drive to pay for more educated, properous, motivated workers allowed my employer to reduce the size of the worker-ant force and I lost my position four years away from retirement. Unemployment insurance suddenly became IN and I receive a payment each week as I continue to look for the elusive job, both at my former employer and outside the ivy walls of the institution. See, not much happened job wise.

We got older this year. With it, we saw death get a little closer than year's past and we anticipate it will continue to be a part of our lives in the future. My step dad died. My best memory of him was how much he loved my mom. When we surprised her on her birthday, he sat and cried because someone had done something loving for her. Jean's mom also died. I never met her but I know her from how much Jean loved her. There will be more, I know that. See, nothing happened death wise.

My reflection of 2009? No matter what, I can not believe how much my wife loves me. And no matter what, I can not believe that I wake up more in love with her each day. I have enjoyed so much watching her love for God grow and how lovingly she serves Him and His children. See, that is what happened this year.

New years day is in three days and in a week it will be three days past. It is just a day. Another day that will be affected by Real Life and Real Love.

NOT NOW, NOT EVER

2009-12-24T16:29:00.000-08:00

It is amazing that no matter how often I watch Nobody's Fool, it continues to entertain me and touch my heart. It is truly my favorite movie of all time. I used to see it as my favorite Christmas movie. Now, I say it has passed up such great flix as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Kelly's Heros and Casablanca as my favorite any time of the year.

I do hope every one has had a meaningful Christmas. I can not be so bold as to wish each of those that may see this as having a great season. I do not know where you are at spiritually. But even if you are down, I pray you a season and time that is meaningful and you grow from it.

The Thanksgiving Message: Appreciation and Compassion

2009-12-02T13:15:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving week end. It was long. Lots going on. Lots of family. I had a chance to have all the grand boys over at the same time.
Thats Nathan, Josh, me and Dylan. I do think that grand kids are a tool God gives you to make amends to your children.

I appreciate all of my children so much. We have been blessed with six wonderful kids and all of their spouses and kids. Now, if I can spread the compassion I feel towards our kids to others in need, this would be a better world.

SO MANY QUESTIONS

2009-12-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

I can not go through a day without having so many questions to be answered. Well, such as:
1. If they were invited to the White House dinner, did they ever find their table? Wouldn't there had been a place setting with their names on it?
2. If your wife heard a crash out in the front yard, would she grab your golf club and see if she could help you? Or would she run outside and see that it was you and run, empty handed, towards you to see if she could help? The only way she would have a golf club in her hand is if she were already chasing you with it.
3. How is that Notre Dame contract working out for NBC?
4. I wonder if someone could explain to me how 15% interest is so much better than 17.5%.
5. Can Mark Grace see how much better he is away from Darrin Sutton? And how much more he could accomplish if he were down on the field with Matt Williams next year? Or anywhere other than with Sutton?

Thanksgiving

2009-11-20T09:24:00.000-08:00

There was a question I saw the other day. Is there too much emphasis on God when it comes to Thanksgiving? Afterall, isn't Thanksgiving all about Family, Food and Football? People ask why so many people have to make it a holiday that God comes into the picture.

It is true, we tend to get together with more family members on that day. It is true we tend to make a rather large meal to have for the family. It is true we tend to watch, at least, a little more football on that day. Thanksgiving is always reserved to watch the ultimate turkey, the Detroit Lions, play football.

I am sure the pilgrims did not say about that the first meal of thanks, "Hey lets have the first annual festive dinner and we can call it Thanksgiving". They actually were thankful that they lived through the trip across the Atlantic, they got through a harsh winter and could begin a new life in a new land. They left their homes to worship God. they left a land they could not openly worship God. They actually were thankful, uh,er to God.

I am glad we have Thanksgiving. I am glad we take extra care to thank God for the blessings He gives us. I am glad those Christians put too much emphasis on God during this time of year.

Good Bye Soupy

2009-10-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

The flag at The Spales Swoy is at half mast today. Soupy Sales died last night. There will never be another like Soupy. Fun, Frolic and wisdom shared that all shouldlive by. Good bye Soupy, Pookie, White Fang, Black Tooth and I will miss you greatly. I will never forget the advice he gave, such as.. Don't bite your nails, especially if you are a carpenter.

Reminders From The Past

2009-10-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

I was looking through some old papers yesterday and came across my dad's birth certificate and the program from his memorial service. The service was held at the Falconer Funneral Home. The following was poem was on the program. I thought it has so much meaning even now as I am going through a not-so-high point in my life. It is just a reminder that I have an advantage, even now, over those who do not know God, that I do have the faith that God will provide for my every need. I am thankful I have friends and a wife from heaven to remind me of that each day.

Here is the poem:
God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not not promised sun without rain,
joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
rest for the labor, light for the way,
grace for the trials, help fromabove,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love...

WHAT? I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE

2009-09-04T14:36:00.001-07:00

One thing about this social network thing is that it allows you to find old friends. After a special friend from high school saw my last entry, she wrote to give me support and words of hope. Here is some of what she wrote....

It used to be easier for me when my kids were young and I literally had no money. My husband at that time made $4000.00 one year and $4500.00 another and I think $5000.00 another. He got us through at every turn and honestly, we didn’t feel poor because we had all of our needs met and the kids never lacked for anything. Now we are both working and I struggle daily to live within my means to get out from under a tremendous amount of debt. The three principles of God are to tithe, give offerings, and live within your means. He says in Malachi that if we will bring in our tithes and offerings into the house of God he will open a window and pour out a blessing that will overtake us. That is paraphrased of course, but that is the jest of it. Sometimes it is so hard to make that choice, but I am trying. I think that you will see Him move in a mighty way in your circumstances over the next six months and however long it will take because you have no choice but to trust in Him. Aren’t you glad we have someone to trust like that? We don’t have to despair like those that don’t know Christ, even though it is hard for us sometimes to trust, we ultimately know that we are not alone in this. The harder part comes when we are not lacking. Sometimes it is harder to look to heaven.
Anyway just my thoughts on your heartfelt writing. I pray for the best for you Greg, you will always have a special place in my heart.

Thanks to my friend Darla for those words. I wonder how many others are facing, either not enough or, more importantly, too much. Either way, we do need to depend on God.

NOW COMES THE TEST

2009-09-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

The last day of administrative leave. The slim possibility of finding another position has taken reducing pills, the pipe dream of a chance to be placed on from the rehire list has been stopped up and the many resumes sent out to any other employer have been sent with, lets call it, not much response. All the waiting is over.
Now that the door to ASU is all but closed, I can barely see light at throughthe bottom of the door, it is time to really see if i am faithful in allowing God to provide. Lets see if I stay selfish and think I can do things on my own or really trust Him to get us through this season. I can not begin to share all the good things and the many blessings that have come our way in the past six months. So the question I never can answer is this.. If God has done so many great things for us in the past six months, why cant I trust Him to do even greater things as I surrender. Now the real test comes.

GALATIAN 6:2

2009-09-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

It is oe of the toughest things to do as a Christian. Trusting someone else with your thoughts, hurts and burdens. We just have been burned so many times that we find it so hard to trust another, even if they go to the same church as us.

This is what I gathered from what Cal shared Friday night.
GALATIANS 6:2

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

CARRY EACH OTHER

KNOW WHAT WEIGHS US DOWN

WE NEED TO SHARE WHAT WEIGHS US DOWN

WE NEED TO TRUST EACH OTHER TO SHARE WHAT WEIGHS US DOWN

FOR ME TO TRUST YOU, I MUST GET TO KNOW YOU

TO GET TO KNOW YOU, WE NEED TO SPEND TIME TOGETHER

BY SPENDING TIME, WE CAN LEARN TO TRUST EACH OTHER AND THEN I CAN LET YOU KNOW ME AND I CAN TRUST YOU SO I FEEL COMFORTABLE ENOUGH TO SHARE…..
WHAT WEIGHS ME DOWN AND YOU CAN…..
CARRY MY BURDENS.

I think it is a cool thing when we get that close to be able to ALLOW someone else carry our burdens.

STOP ME IF YOU HAVE HEARD THIS ONE BEFORE.....

2009-08-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

A guy walks into an interview. Feels good about what is discussed and leaves pleased with how it went. A few days later, a member of the search committee calls the guy to tell him he did great. They really liked him. However, their boss tells them he wants to change the title of the position and to do new interviews. Now, our man probably will not qualify for the new job title even though they wanted him to do the job with any title attached. So, he probably will nt be called to be re-interviewed for the job he was almost chosen for in the first interview.
I really dont know what to tell this guy. He and I spent 20 years watching the Cardinals come away with so many "moral victories" only to lose the game. I guess that is a start.

The New Lawn

2009-08-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

It is complete. I really feel we are in our own home now. We laid some sod a few weeks back and we bought a lawn mower. The dusty, weedy, uneven back yard is now a lwan. Well, it is still uneven but Dylan and his mommy stopped by to check it out today. He seemed to like it as he and Sheldon roamed all 400 square feet of grass.

Willow Creek Association Leadership Summit

2009-08-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

I held off in going to the Leadership Summit at Central because I did not think of myself as a leader. However, I have gone the past two years. Although, I still do not think of myself as a leader, I have gotten alot out of both summits. The premiss is that we all lead something. A corporation, a ministry, a family, but more importantly, our own lives. I have seen we need to take ownership and responsibility of our own lives even before we can be responsible with other lives.

I have gleaned tidbits and inspiration from both years concerning my life. Applying just one or two concepts from the two days can help anyone. Two things I picked up and what I will attempt for my life is, one, to read something worthwhile for at least 30 minutes a day. Okay, sometimes it takes me 30 minutes to read the sports page. But they mean't something written by a meaningful author.

Second thought I got, and this was not necessarily taught like this, but I need to look more at how all areas of the Bible always come back to the central theme of the Gospel, Christ died for my sins. It all seems to center around that one thing, eh? Paul said any other Gospel is rubbish.

The Almost Perfect Omelet

2009-07-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

Something fantastic happened to me this morning. You may understand this because it may have happened to you before. Some of you will not believe this because you know I have trouble making an almost perfect omelet. I have a love-hate relationship with eggs. I try over easy and the yoke breaks. They become scrambled. I try to do an omelet and I put too much stuff in it. It becomes a fritatta. I make scrambled and I burn the eggs. It becomes, well, scrambled eggs with brown bottoms.

But this was great. I decided to follow some advice. I didn't put too much stuff in it. I began with green onions, pepperoni, and tomatoes. I only used two eggs. I kept the heat down so it wouldn't burn or over cook. I wish I could share with you how excited I was when the omelete came out. I wish you feel the same way I do. It is a great thing that happened to me. I added the cheese. Just enough cheese. When I slipped it off the pan, it went right onto the plate and I folded it over. It was the "almost perfect" omelet. I am so jazzed. I wish I could share the experience with you. But understand that it was a great thing for me.

There is one other experience that happened to me that jazzed me more than making the "amost perfect" omelet. Ask me about it some time. It is better and longer lasting than my "almost perfect" omelet.

So Long, Eli

2009-07-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine has moved on today. I only met Eli Stone last year, but I feel as I have known him for a long time. We had a lot in common. He had physical needs. He liked music. He had trouble discerning what God wanted him to do with his life. He had friends and good family members, but didn't always treat them right. He had fun, he had succesess and he had failures and down times. So much like me. As he moves on, his life is still in limbo. He is still trying to figure out the God thing in his life. He is having trouble with free-will and being open to God's will. We still have a lot in common.
Eli Stone was a TV show on ABC. Just a TV show. But the less than two seasons it was on, Jean and I loved watching it. We couldn't wait for the next episode. We laughed, we were surprised, we were amazed and we even shed some tears over the character. It truly was one of the best shows we have ever watched. Well, we can't argue with ABC for the cancellation. They have never called and asked me for my opinion. I think they are afraid I will let them know what I think of the BCS and all. They probably will never call and ask me for my opinion.
But I am sorry my friend Eli Stone and his friends and family have moved on. I wish him well and I do hope he figures out exactly what God has in store for him. We will always have so much in common.

Visit Jeremy's blog.

2009-07-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

I guess I could write this same comment each and every time I visit Jeremy Jernigan's blog, http://tomorrowsreflection.com. He continues to enter so many comments and entries that touch my life. I can not recommend to you to add his blog to the ones you visit on a regular basis enough. Now, if I could just read as much as he does. Baby steps, greg, baby steps.

Sarah Palin's Higher Calling

2009-07-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

I thought Sarah Palin was a refreshing addition to the political season last year. I think if she would have been introduced at the convention to the national audience and given a speech in a lesser role, by the time 2012 rolled around, she would have been ready to take the party by storm. But, too much, too soon and her flame is about to burn out all too soon.
I am really puzzled by her anouncement that she is going to answer to a higher call. Does that mean she will be making hot dogs? Read hebrew national. Or will she forgo her political ambitions and become an inspirational speaker or even an evangelist, the ultimate higher call. Read Joyce Meyer, et al.
Well if she sticks with what she is alluding to as a higher call, national politics, I am sure she will have a very hard time. You need a very thick skin and she does not appear to have one. Come to think of it, those in ministry need a thick skin to take what the evil one throws at them and continue to preach the word. Read Cal and Jeremy or any one who enters full time ministry.

The time is 11 minutes past the hour

2009-07-04T09:25:00.001-07:00

I was watching Jack Hayford a few years back and he mentioned something he tried to help him pray for his children. I need all the help I can get to pray more and better. Or Mo better prayer. He said every time he saw the time as :11, he would stop and pray for his children and family. Like you are sitting at work and look at the clock. 11:11. Stop and pray. You are driving along and the clock in your car says 3:11. Say a prayer. You would be surprised how often God prompts you to look at the time and it is 11 minutes after an hour. Depending on what you are doing, it could be a quick, God watch over my family or being able to take the time to mention each one by name in a longer prayer. Try it, you will be amazed.

Never Going to Work Again

2009-07-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYubOhqz3XM&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Ftwentytwowords%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded

Here is my reaction after I open my emails to see if any company has received my resume and wants me to join them.
Actually, it is from Abraham Piper's blog, 22 words. http://twentytwowords.com/
But i do feel like that sometimes after submitting a few resumes

Brad Evans of USA Soccer

2009-07-02T17:25:00.000-07:00

Most people in the US do not find soccer, or futbol to the rest of the world, exciting. The fact that the team from the USA finished second in the Federation Cup finals the other day was overlooked by minute to minute coverage of Michael jackson's death. I think once a person is dead, people should let them be gone and move on. unless the person made an impact like Tim Russert of something like that. Back to soccer. I dont know Brad Evans. He is the nephew of a friend at ASU of my wife and he plays soccer for the Seatle team in the MLS. The big news is that was included on the USA roster for the CONCACAF Cup tournament this month. Don't worry if you dont know what concacaf stands for. or what soccer is all about. it is just a good thing for me to have an indentification with a player on the team, even if it is a nephew of a friend. It will give me one more reason to root for the team as it represents its country on the Pitch.

Prayer Warriors

2009-07-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

At Central Christian Church, there are two people on staff who lead up the prayer ministry. Paul and Cathy are loving, outgoing people and their commitment to prayer shows in everything they say and do. Always there to greet you with a smile. I even call Paul pastor handshake because he walks around the worship center before each service and greets as many people as he can before the service with a genuine greeting and welcome. It is good to have people like that along with Steve and Edyi, who put such a high premium on prayer.
I have never been much of a pray-er. I mean, I pray, but I have not been able to have that passion to be a prayer warrior. That is interesting because God has blessed me with a prayer warrior in my own home. Jean is such a good pray-er. Even when she prays in a public setting, such as small group, you can tell her sincerity. When God answers those prayers, it is a good thing to watch as Jean shows she is truly thankful to Him for His work in her life and the lives of her loved ones. Just this morning, she took the time to call me when she found out her sister did not have cancer. I could tell her joy through the phone line. I am glad to know she prays for me, especially now during my recouping from surgery and my job concerns. And i know our children are covered by her prayers even when I don't take the time to pray as much as she does for all of them.

Reading?????

2009-06-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

I am not much of a reader. I have conniption fits if the paper is not on the driveway each morning. But if an article runs to the next page, I lose interest. Something about my attention span. But since I am not working these days, I have been trying to read a little more. I actually read The Shack. And Cal and Jeremy used some quotes from Story by Steven James. So I have been reading that one. I am almost finished with that. Yeah, that's really the cover. I remember the dewey decimal system.
Jeremy suggested using a technique for basic Bible reading a few days ago. It is a technique developed by a professor at Master's College. It is all about reading one chapter from ten different sections of the Bible. I will let Jeremy explain it better.
http://tomorrowsreflection.com/ Check out his blog for a great explanation and his thoughts on it. I have enjoyed doing it so far. A little confusing going back and forth, but what a great way to discover new (and old) things in a very n

Meet Sheldon

2009-06-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

Well, the knees are still sore from the surgery and rehab. I am still looking for work. I am home during the day trying to search web sites of peple who might be hiring. Our future is not set and we know God has a plan fo rus. We are always enjoying our time together. So, to help with the stress, we went out and adopted a dog. Meet Sheldon. We named him that because he reminds us of the character on the Big Bang Theory. Skinny, nervous, nerdy looking. So far, he is being a puppy. I forgot how much dogs go.......where ever they might be at the time. living room, hallway, bedroom, etc. So we have a new member of the household. Jean has named him Sheldon Gregory Memberto. How nice.

Finally, No More Kobe, for awhile

2009-06-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

That's my old friend, Steve. Well, not old, since I am older. But my ole Friend, Steve. I acknowledge him because, until Kobe Bryant is gone from the Lakers, Steve is the closest thing to the Lakers I can like. Steve works for the Lakers. Years ago, that would impress me greatly. Oh, what am i saying, it still impresses me. But the Lakers used to be my team. When it was a Team. Now, it is Kobe and his posse. Congrats to them, they won. Now, I can rest a little bit and not have to hear about Kobe, and those other guys, whoever they may be. From the sounds of it, my friend Steve could have started at center and...... well you know. I grew up an LA fan. But with Manny, Kobe and whoever is on the Kings any more, it is very easy to turn my allegiences to the Phoenix teams. I am glad old friends, even the ones we dont see all the time, can last longer than team loyalty. I thank God for my friend Steve. hey, Steve, can I try the ring on?

OTHER

2009-06-02T08:09:00.001-07:00

This past week end was one of those times we went to both services. Regular and 3F. We went Saturday evening with Sandi and Steven. We all had that feeling of if we went Saturday night, we can "take Sunday off". Well, after listening to Jeremy talk on Unity that evening, I felt I needed to also listen to how Cal approached it. You know how you sit there listening to the sermon and either thinking, "oh I hope Jean is listening to this" or "Oh I wish so-and-so could hear this, it really pertains to them". Of course, that is the opening to the next thought. Shut up and listen yourself, this is about you.
By the way, the "OTHER" refers to a short list of traits we all have that stand in the way of progress for a church. Gossip, Slander, Judging, Self-centeredness, Short-sightedness. Nope, that's not me.. Oh yeah. I am guilty of something OTHER than what was listed. The OTHERS always get me.
The Church, not the organization we belong to at the time, but the real Church was made by Jesus. He left the church to do His work. If I am the one who is standing in the way of God's work, then it isn't fighting the elders of Central, but I am trying to prevent God from doing the good He has promised.
I need to be more open to what God has in store for me and my family and the church I attend and not so closed to God's leading.
Thanks again, Jeremy and Cal, for words I needed to hear, Twice.

One Last Thought On Wayman Tisdale

2009-05-22T07:13:00.001-07:00

I hope that this will not be my last thought on the life, inspiration and death of Wayman Tisdale. The inspiration he had on so many people will live on for a long time. The cartoon pretty well speaks to me deeply. To have that kind of effect on others you come in contact with is something I hope I can improve on for as long as God allows me on this earth.

Wayman Tisdale

2009-05-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

I was going to add some thoughts about Wayman Tisdale in the previous blog. However, I wanted this to be seperate. We read in the paper and see on TV stories about people dying all the time. Famous people, popular people, people who are close to us and people we have never met. Wayman Tisdale was all these things to me. He was famous, a famous athlete. He as popular, a popular bass guitar player. I met him twice face to face and saw him countless other times and I felt a closeness beyond other people I have known for years. And although we did meet and I had a chance to share some brief moments with him, I was just part of the crowd, the many people who had their lives changed when he walked into a room or on stage.
Wayman Tisdale died last week. It was the day before the Newport Beach Jazz Festival. So ironic because when he first found he had cancer, he had to cancel a performance at that very festival two years ago. Oh, he closed the festival last year, in fine Wayman fashion. Every one who played this week end had something warm to say about him.
One of the best things I heard about the man was from Tim Bowman. He said if you ever met Wayman Tisdale and you had a problem with him it was all on you. I only wish I could have had that impression on people and I, because of his example, I will try to be more like that from now on.
Wayman was a believer and he is in Heaven today probably trying to teach Peter, James and John how he is able to get such a great wound out of that big bass guitar of his.
God Blessed Wayman Tisdale and all of us who met him along the way.

I Had Such High Expectations

2009-05-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Wow, looking at the blog, I see I have not posted anything since before I went in for knee surgery. Almost two months ago. Let's see, I had knee surgery, I have almost completed directed physical therapy, been in contact with people from ASU about finding a position, gained weight, even went on a romantic road trip with Jean to So Cal and had a blast. We do travel well together.
Then, after a month of sitting around keeping my knee iced, I was reading a post in Jeff Gibson's blog, http://jeffreygibson.typepad.com/ about what he would do if he ever got laid off or had lots of time. Some of his ideas were thoughts I had, such as write my book, yes, I do have some ideas. Fact and Fiction (rolled into one), sky dive, Not bloody likely mate. But you get the idea.
Now, here I am, still sitting and waiting. Still working on strengthining the legs, still waiting for a call from ASU, still formulating my book in my head, still being with the most understanding and loving woman in the world.
So, I have made a decision that I absolutely need to step it up. Look into more possibilities, both at ASU and otherwise, call the church and see if they need an envelope stuffer and get back into real life.
Now, about that book idea...........

When Will We See It All

2009-03-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

Just when you think you have seen everything, more comes along. A man is driving home after sharing time with his nephew at lunch and is shot by a stray bullet from a gang shoot out. He dies. President Obama will speak at Notre Dame. Will that be the first time he attends "church" since talking to Rick Warren?
I am let go from my job and face another knee operation. It would be a simple thing to feel sorry for myself.
I am lifted in my spirit knowing that after surgery, and a long rehab, I will feel much better and may finally take working out more seriously. Also, it has made me feel good that so many of my former customers at ASU have written some very kind words to me and have said nice things in support of me.
And, how can I ever have unjoyful thoughts as long as Jean is my wife and in my life.
I can not help but feel for those that haved faithfully served at Central Christian Church and were told Tuesday that they were being let go by the church. How can any one feel sorry for their circumstances when we think of these people giving their heart, soul and lives to serving God in this place? I can not help but think what I could have done to prevent this. Given more? Well, yeah.
I know God has His mighty hand on these people and their families. And He will provide other opportunities to minister.

The Waiting Is The Hardest Part

2009-03-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, Tom Petty was right. It has been a little over a week since I was informed I was no longer needed at ASU. After 13 years of service, the powers at be decided my entire operation was closing down. So, I am soon to be one of the many people who have lost their jobs because of the budget crunch. Then, the next day, I decided to have my knee replacement surgery at the end of the month. Now, I sit home, very uncomfortable with knee pain and wait for the surgery on March 30.
It has been really tough to sit down and add a post to this page this past week. I was not sure what direction to go. I have watched a lot of TV, yes, too much. And I watch sports and news. Yes, I have opionons of what is happening on those two types of stations. Where is Sam The Cooking Guy when I need him? I ask myself, do I comment on the days events? Do I trash the people who were instrumental in my being let go? Do I hammer the President because he is not doing it the way I want him to? Do I add my take on the sports happenings? By the way, I may only be a quarter Dutch, but I sure enjoyed watching the Netherlands advance in the WBC tournament.
I figure I should Wait. Wait for a time I really feel passionate about something before I comment and not make a comment just to make a comment. This idea may change in a few days if I get ambitious enough to post. But for now, I will not trash the people who told me unceremonously I was being sent packing. I wont tell the President I think he still acts like a candidate and not the President of the US of A. And for today, I wont give my take on the spoiled(not all), underhanded(just a few), underacheiving(some) athletes who are hurting the sports we love to watch and follow.
And I continue to wait what God has in store for me in the coming days, weeks and months.

One New Knee Deserves Another

2009-03-05T08:34:00.000-08:00

I found out yesterday that I go into the hospital March 30 for knee replacement surgery. So, now, the right knee will be just like the left knee. I will soon have matching scars. Hopefully, I will take the rehab process more seriously and make both knees stronger.

22 words

2009-02-25T07:11:00.000-08:00

One blog I visit on a regular basis is Abraham Piper's 22 Words.
This is his post for today, asking this question
Getting nostalgic ahead of time: What still exists that you’re afraid will disappear?
February 25, 2009 at 8:22 am · Filed under Miscellanea, Questions

What things will you miss that you think will probably disappear in your lifetime?

Letter-writing, hymnals, properly spoken English, light-bulb-shaped light bulbs?

Here is what I added......
Home delivered newspapers
Pitchers hitting in baseball
My 100 year old grandmother
Fair and balanced reporting
Two-buck Chuck
My Health

I would like to see what others have to answer this question. You can visit 22 words at http://twentytwowords.com/

Yes Officer, I will sign the ticket

2009-02-24T06:45:00.001-08:00

That's me talking to the Highway Patrolman in Quatrzsite. What a way to beging a road trip.
Well, we began our road trip Friday morning. Three cars. We are on our way to Santa Maria for my grandmother's 100th birthday. Just outside of Quartzsite, i got a speeding ticket. Officer was very profssional. I figured this was not the time to try to be funny or say anything sacrcastic. I signed the ticket, got back on the road and was the recipient of many jokes for the rest of the week end. It will add a few dollars to our trip. And I didnt even know the old trailbazer could go 90.

Presidential Suite

2009-02-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

I have an idea for the next time our president visits our great state. This will save the American tax payer alot of money too. Instead of paying $4000.00 for the night in the Presidential Suite, he can stay in my extra bedroom for much less in Mesa.
He could have had the run of the place that evening before his Mesa speech because we were at a Small Group Bible Study talking about prayer and the evil influences on our American and Christian ideals. We wouldn't have bothered him when we got home and he would have had a very peaceful and safe(after all, the Mesa police helicopter is usually flying overhead for something)time to himself and his most loyal secret service personnel. Our wine list would not have been as extensive as the hotel's(you know, the bankrupt one), as we only buy the Walmart and Trader Joes brands.
But he would have enjoyed his stay none-the-less and the next morning I could have used my "furlough hour" from ASU to make him breakfast before his SHORT trip to Dobson High School.
Shouldn't we all be doing our part for the US of A? By the way, the prayer time was very good and uplifting.

Take Them Away From The Ball Game

2009-02-11T07:52:00.000-08:00

Here is my plan to help get rid of the threat of steroids in Major League Baseball...
When all the players report to Spring Training this month take a test. It will take a few weeks to test every sample. But it will all be completed before the beginning of the season. Any one who tests positive will be suspended 81 games, one half the season. When that player returns to the team, he will will be tested again. If he is positive again, he will, first, be presented his I Am An Idiot card. Then, he will be suspended for the rest of the season. If the test is negative, the player is allowed to rejoin his team.
First positive...... 81 games
Second positive within five years.... Season
Third Positive...... Out of baseball, thank you, good bye
Too costly? Too harsh? Too time consuming? Do they want to fix the problem?

Blog As You Are

2009-02-11T07:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know hardly anyone will visit this blog. This is all about me. So, I guess it is all right for me to give my opinion about any topic that I want. So, that is what i will do. They will be my opinions and I hope any one who reads them will let me know what they think about them. The only way i will learn is for people to let me know where I am right on and where I need to look at something differently. Please feel free to tell me where I am all wet.

A TRIP TO THE PARK WITH POPI

2009-02-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful day last Saturday and Dylan hung out with Popi. We decided a trip to the park was a great idea. So we packed some juice and a spare diaper and hooked up the wagon and went to the park. The wagon ride was very enjoyable. Dylan was okay on the swing, but unsure on the slide. He really didn't like the rocking toy. After a little rest in the shade of a tall tree, we went home for treats and TV.

Dylan's First Birthday

2009-02-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Dylan's, the grand boy, first birthday last Sunday. He got too many gifts and his cake was way too big to eat. All the gifts were appreciated and we all had a great time. And he had fun with the cake. Grammie and Popi enjoyed the time and his mom and dad had so many family and friends over. He is a great kid. His next adventure is to go visit his 100 year old grand mother. He will enjoy the oatmeal that she will make for him. She gets up every day and makes her oatmeal and eats her prunes. He loves his oatmeal so they will get along very well. His mommy did a great job with decorations and refreshments. The cup cakes tasted good and we all fit in their new home.