54808

My latest Pet Peeve

2008-10-26T09:04:00.002-04:00

What gets under your skin? There are so many things to choose from. Well, now I can add one more. There is a new phrase being used these days, and it really gets my hackles up. Actually, it's more of a preamble to someone's declaration of fact. Maybe you've heard it.

"I'm not gonna lie to you...."

Huh?! Why would someone say that? I'm glad that when someone who says this to me, is going to be telling me the truth. But then I wonder if everything else they tell me(or have told me in the past) is a lie. Kind of goofy, don't you think. I have in fact, had someone use this phrase in conversation and had that same person later lie to me. So how do I take them seriously at any time? I sincerely hope that this phrase quickly goes the way of "fer sher dude."

Back In Victory Lane!

2008-10-06T12:45:00.006-04:00

The Radical Jesus

2008-09-24T10:52:00.003-04:00

Three weeks ago, my wife and I began a Journey Bible Class taught by "Dr. Bob" Laurent. The class is called 'The Radical Jesus,' and it has been an incredible time of learning for us both. In week one, Bob talked at one point about how Jesus was radical because he loved he people that the Pharisees said not to love. The sinners, the diseased, the outcasts. Dr. Bob grabbed a volunteer from the class and played out a section of scripture where Jesus showed just how radical he was in his love for people. While he talked about this particular event, it reminded me of a similar telling of the tale by someone else. I had read it in the book, "Just Like Jesus," by Max Lucado. In his book, Lucado presents what it may have been like as seen from the leper's perspective. I love this account so much and have copied it here for you to enjoy as well. My only advice is....grab a Kleenex.

The Ultimate Outcast

"When Jesus came down from the hill, great crowds followed him. Then a man with a skin disease came to Jesus. The man bowed down before him and said, "Lord you ca heal me if you will."
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man and said, "I will. Be healed!" And immediately the man was healed from his disease. Then Jesus said to him, "Don't tell anyone about this. But go and show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded for people who are made well. This will show the people what I have done."
- Matthew 8 (vv. 1-4)

For five years no one touched me. No one. Not my wife. Not my child. Not my friends. No one touched me. They saw me. They spoke to me. I sensed love in their voices. I saw concern in their eyes. But I didn't feel their touch. There was no touch. Not once. No one touched me.
What is common to you, I coveted. Handshakes. Warm embraces. A tap on the shoulder to get my attention. A kiss on the lips to steal a heart. Such moments were taken from my world. No one touched me. No one bumped into me. What I would have given to be bumped into, to be caught in a crow, for my shoulder to brush against another's. But for five years it has not happened. How could it? I was not allowed on the streets. Even the rabbis kept their distance from me. I was not permitted in my synagogue. Not even welcome in my own house.
I was untouchable. I was a leper. And no one touched me. Until today.

One year during harvest my grip on the scythe seemed weak. The tips of my fingers numbed. First one finger then another. Within a short time I could grip the tool but scarcely feel it. By the end of the season, I felt nothing at all. The hand grasping the handle might as well have belonged to someone else - the feeling was gone. I said nothing to my wife, but I know she suspected something. How could she not? I carried my hand against my body like a wounded bird.
One afternoon I plunged my hand into a basin of water intending to wash my face. The water reddened. My finger was bleeding, bleeding freely. I didn't even know I was wounded. How did I cut myself? Did my hand slide across the sharp edge of metal? It must have, but I didn't fell anything.
"It's on your clothes, too," my wife said softly. She was behind me. Before looking at her, I looked down at the crimson spots on my robe. For the longest time I stood over the basin, staring at my hand. Somehow I knew my life was forever being altered.
"Shall I go with you to tell the priest?" she asked.
"No," I sighed, "I'll go alone."
I turned and looked into her moist eyes. Standing next to her was our three-year-old daughter. Squatting, I gazed into her face and stroked her cheek, saying nothing. What could I say? I stood and looked again at my wife. She touched my shoulder, and with my good hand, I touched hers. It would be our final touch.
Five years have passed, and no one has touched me since, until today.

The priest didn't touch me. He looked at my hand, now wrapped in a rag. He looked at my face, now shadowed in sorrow. I've never faulted him for what he said. He was only doing as instructed. He covered his mouth and extended his hand, palm forward. "You are unclean," he told me. With one pronouncement I lost my family, my farm, my future, my friends.
y wife met me at the city gates with a sack of clothing and bread and coins. She didn't speak. By now friends had gathered. What I saw in their eyes was a precursor to what I've seen in every eye since: fearful pity. As I stepped out, they stepped back. Their horror of my disease was greater than their concern for my heart - so they, and everyone else I have seen since, stepped back.

Oh, how I repulsed those who saw me. Five years of leprosy had left my hands gnarled. Tips of my fingers were missing as were portions of an ear and my nose. At the sight of me, fathers grabbed their children. Mothers covered their faces. Children pointed and stared.
The rags on my body couldn't hide my sores. Nor could the wrap on my face hide the rage in my eyes. I didn't even try to hide it. How many nights did I shake my crippled fist at the silent sky? "What did I do to deserve this?" But never a reply.
Some think I sinned. Some think my parents sinned. I don't know. All I know is that I grew so tired of the damnable bell I was required to wear around my neck to ward people of my presence. As if I needed it. One glance and the announcements began, "Unclean! Unclean! Unclean!"
Several weeks ago I dared walk the road to my village. I had no intent of entering. Heaven knows I only wanted to look again upon my fields. Gaze again upon my home. And see, perchance, the face of my wife. I did not see her. But I saw some children playing in a pasture. I hid behind a tree and watched them scamper and run. Their faces were so joyful and their laughter so contagious that for a moment, I was no longer a leper. I was a farmer. I was a father. I was a man.
Infused with their happiness, I stepped out from behind the tree, straightened my back, breathed deeply...and they saw me. Before I could retreat, they saw me. And they screamed. And they scattered. One lingered, though, behind the others. One paused and looked in my direction. I don't know, and I can't say for sure. But I think she was looking for her father.
That look is what made me take the step I took today. Of course it was reckless. Of course it was risky. But what did I have to lose? He calls himself God's Son. Either he will hear my complaint and kill me or accept my demands and heal me. Those were my thoughts. I came to him as a defiant man. moved not by faith but by a desperate anger. God had wrought this calamity on my body, and he would either fix it or end it.
But then I saw him, and when I saw him, I was changed. You must remember, I'm a farmer, not a poet, so I cannot find the words to describe what I saw. All I can say is that the Judean mornings are sometimes so fresh and the sunrises so glorious that to look at them is to forget the heat of the day before and the hurt of times past. When I looked at his face, I saw a Judean morning.
Before he spoke, I knew he cared. Somehow I knew he hated this disease as much as, no - more - than I hate it. My rage became trust, and my anger became hope.
From behind a rock, I watched him descend a hill. Throngs of people followed him. I waited until he was only paces from me, then I stepped out.
"Master!"
He stopped and looked in my direction as did dozens of others. A flood of fear swept across the crowd. Arms flew in front of faces. Children ducked behind their parents. "Unclean!" someone shouted. Again, I don't blame them. I was a huddled mass of death. But I scarcely heard them, I scarcely saw them. Their panic I'd seen a thousand times. His compassion however, I'd never beheld. Everyone stepped back except him. He stepped toward me. Toward me.
Five years ago my wife had stepped toward me. She was the last to do so. Now he did. I did not move. I just spoke. "Lord you ca heal me if you will." Had he healed me with a word, I would have been thrilled. Has he cured me with a prayer, I would have rejoiced. But he wasn't satisfied with speaking to me. He drew near me. He touched me. Five years ago my wife had touched me. No one had touched me since. Until today.
"I will." His words were as tender as his touch. "Be healed."
Energy flooded through my body like water through a furrowed field. In a instant, in a moment, I felt warmth where there had been numbness. I felt strength where there has been atrophy. My back straightened, and my head lifted. Where I had been eye level with his belt, I now stood eye level with his face. His smiling face.
He cupped his hands on my cheeks and drew me so near I could feel the warmth of his breath and see the wetness of his eyes. "Don't tell anyone about this. But go and show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded for people who are made well. This will show the people what I have done."
And so that is where I am going. I will show myself to my priest and embrace him. I will show myself to my wife, and I will embrace her. I will pick up my daughter, and I will embrace her. And I will never forget the one who dared to touch me. He could have healed me with a word. But he wanted to do more than heal me. He wanted to honor me, to validate me, to christen me. Imagine that...unworthy of the touch of a man, yet worthy of the touch of God.

Half Way There

2008-09-22T13:41:00.002-04:00

Today is kind of a benchmark day for me. I'm half way through! Twenty down....twenty to go! The cool thing is, I am not the same guy I was at week one. I have learned things I never knew about myself, my wife & children and the other guys involved with me. I am actually glad that God brought me to this place. When it is all over, I look forward to using what I have learned to help others. For those of you who are totally confused about what I am referring to, please check back in 20 weeks. I'll enlighten everyone at that point. For those of you who do know what I am talking about, thanks for your support and your encouragement. It means a lot!

New Photos Posted

2008-09-17T07:50:00.006-04:00

Hey everyone! I just posted some new pics on my Flickr account and I thought I'd spread the word.
If you'd like to check them out, click on the New Photos Posted title line.

I hope you like some of them.

Goodbye To A Coworker

2008-07-29T09:37:00.002-04:00

This is kind of a sad day for me. My son and co-worker Ryan,is leaving. Today is his last day in the police radio room. He has been doing a great job but alas, dispatching is just not for everyone. Ryan has decided to explore other options. I really cannot blame him though. The high stress, the expectations of police, fire, citizens and co-workers is a lot to deal with. Nobody wants an ulcer by the time they are 21!
But let it be known that I am very proud of Ryan for his achievement in this job. I know that God has great plans for his life and he will succeed at anything else he pursues. I will miss seeing him come in as I get ready to leave for the day. But myself and everyone in the radio room will always have a soft spot for PN958.

The Bucket List review

2008-01-22T15:08:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday night I saw The Bucket List, starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It is the story of two men who have cancer and share a hospital room during their ensuing treatment. They also soon are told that they only have months to live. This revelation drives their ideas of a 'bucket list.' A list of things to do before they "kick the bucket." Things are grandiose as witness something truly majestic, and as mundane as laugh until I cry. There were a few that I would love to have on such a list. Such as driving a 1960s Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, see the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids. The one that sticks out most in this movie however, could be the easiest, and the most difficult. Both at the same time.

The task was to help a complete stranger for the good. That seems like it would be so simple, yet often times, takes tremendous courage and humility. Such character traits are found in Freeman's character Carter Chambers. A man whose dream in life was to become a history professor. But as often is the case in life, a wife and kids changed his direction and he settles into being a mechanic. Nicholson's character Edward Cole is the typical rich, hard-nosed business tycoon. He needs nothing and wants for nothing. or at least he thinks so, until he comes face to face with his own struggle to live. Carter knows he doesn't have too much time left, and begins his bucket list. After learning of the short amount of time he has, he crumples the paper and forgets the notion. Edward finds the paper and scoffs that it fails to have some other exciting experiences on it. Cole tells Carter he will finance their list if he will participate. This is where the fun, the laughter and even a few sad times begin.

I went into this movie having read a few reviews by major film critics, who lambasted the movie as being formulaic and uninspiring. They all left me wondering the same thing. Did they see the same movie?! Sure the formula was similar to so many other films, but since when is originality a grand commodity in Hollywood these days? There were some extremely funny scenes, many great site gags, and final explanation about what is wrong with the expensive coffee is priceless!! There are also some very poignant and moving scenes scattered throughout. I really must say that if you don't feel a lump in your throat at the end, you really must have ice in your veins.

I cannot recommend this movie enough! I am certainly not a professional movie critic, but I do know enough to go into a movie to enjoy it on its face value. In this case, I was well rewarded.

I'm still here

2007-11-07T17:47:00.000-05:00

Hey all. I've been gone from the blog world for quite some time (due to no home pc). But, here are a couple things I have done over the last few months (since I last posted).

* Went on a weekend 23rd anniversary get-away with my wife to Silver Beach in St Joseph, MI (first time there).
* Decided to write a book and started to get stuff together toward that end.
* Finished my 13th book (Flashbangs by Mark Steele)
* Started book #14 - "The Gospel Reloaded" (about the parallels of Scripture & the Matrix movies)
* Got to sing a Kenny Chesney song ("There Goes My Life") at GCC.
* Paid off approximately $4,000 in debt so far (and still going).
* Started playing "The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion," on XBOX 360 (this game is like video crack!)
* Saw several movies (The Bourne Ultimatum, The Brave One, Transformers, 3:10 To Yuma).
* Watching plenty of NASCAR & NFL football.
I'm forgetting so many other things I've done, but suffice it to say, I've been keeping myself busy since August. Hopefully, I'll get more opportunities like this one to blog some more and keep you all up to date on what I'm up to. Take care & God bless.

Tony Stewart Wins at the Glen (2007)

2007-08-13T14:53:00.001-04:00

Smoke Gets His 4th Watkin's Glen Victory!

Hello All...Here's Something New!

2007-08-12T13:28:00.000-04:00

I am still here in the land of the living. I am blogging at the internet station of the public library. This will have to do until I have paid off my debt (ala the Dave Ramsey plan) and get my DSL turned back on.
I am doing well. Still working at the South Bend Police Department (dispatching) and still singing with the Vocal Team at GCC.
Speaking of GCC....this last Thursday night at New Community, the speaker was teaching on a passage dealing with the character of Benaniah (the son of Jehoida). Among other things this young man did, he 'chased a lion into a pit!' Did you catch that? He CHASED a lion! Well, the crux of the message was whether we as Christ-followers wanted to just run from risky lives and choices (or even just flirt with them), or did we want to do something totally unexpected and powerful?
Well, during this message - I felt a fire being lit under me. I have always flirted with a specific idea and until that night had just kind of sloughed it off as a whim. But now I feel like God is challenging me to step out and risk doing something powerful and unexpected. Wanna know what it is? I'm really stepping out here with this, and am not really sure what sort of Pandora's box I may open. But........

I'm going to write a book!

Not just any book, but a book about myself. Over the years, I have had countless people ask me if I had been burned in a fire and how it happened. When I tell them the short version of the story, they all say the same thing, "That is amazing! You should write a book about that!"
During the message on Thursday night, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I even had chapter titles popping into my head. I will have so many things to do, to perhaps bring this project to reality. I will need to come up with a pretty reasonable sum of money to purchase all of my old medical records & pictures from the Shriner's Burns Hospital. I will want to try to talk to those involved in the initial fire and some who were a part of my life through the years. Plus the whole aspect of the writing itself. Seems like a daunting task. But, if God will's it, he will help provide the means to do it. Now that I've shared my idea, I guess I'll have to follow through, so please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I will most certainly need and desire them.
Let me know if you have any thoughts about this idea. Thanks all and God bless.

Bye

2007-06-02T14:37:00.001-04:00

To all - I am shutting off my DSL - so I will not be blogging for quite a while. So see ya later.

Tim

Eric Johnson Desert Rose

2007-05-29T17:25:00.001-04:00

My favorite guitar player crankin' out one of my favorite songs on an old episode of Austin City Limits. Dig the marching band jacket...yeah!

Miss USA takes a Fall

2007-05-29T16:41:00.001-04:00

Uhhhhh....maybe this had something to do with Miss USA being the 'FIFTH' runner-up!

He thought he knew it all. Guess not!

2007-05-22T18:41:00.001-04:00

Kent Jennings, the winner of the largest Jeopardy jackpot - proves that while he may know more than most of us about opera, 18-Century Authors, etc. He still has a hidden 'darker side." He, He.

Who Casts the First Stone?

2007-05-14T23:14:00.000-04:00

The other day I was at work in the Police Department radio room, when we received a call of an unwanted person. It seemed that there was a known (and registered) sex-offender who was at a little league park watching a baseball game. The caller wanted this man to leave and since the man didn't want to, they called the police to remove him.
I have told people that my job can cause you to become rather jaded about what goes on in the word. But, in this particular instance, I felt differently. The people I work with, were as quick to pass judgement on this person as the people at the little league park. We pulled the person's picture up at the on-line site for registered sex-offenders in the community, and this person did look a little scary. The police were sent out and the man left on his own, without any kind of police involvement. But I could not shake a single thought rattling in my brain. "Was this person really doing something wrong?"
I mean, obviously this person had committed a wrongful act (with a minor) in the past, and that was why they were registered as a sex-offender. However, no one knew what it was, or if they had received the help necessary to solve the problem. I am pretty confident that there was not a computer terminal at the little league. So, the people were following along with the information of someone who knew of this person's past.
I kept thinking to myself, "sure someone can be found guilty of something and must face the consequences of their misdeed. But where is the point where we attempt to allow that person to try to show themselves as trustworthy again? My own children have done some very foolish things and may have broken my trust. They have also had to pay some serious consequences for what they did. But, does that mean that I can never trust them again? Certainly not.
Now I know some will say that I am comparing apples to oranges, but the day after this occurred, I was reading my Bible and found something interesting. I was reading in Deuteronomy 17. Moses is speaking to the Israelites before they cross the Jordan into the promised land. He reminds them of the laws and regulations God had established for them. In Chapter 17, verses 6 & 7, it says this:
"But only on the testimony of two or three witnesses may a person be put to death (by stoning). No one may be put to death on the testimony of one witness. The witnesses must throw the first stones in the execution, then the community joins in."
Jesus uses this very same regulation when confronted by the Pharisees. They had caught a woman in the act of adultery; a sexual offense of great magnitude in that day.
Jesus tells the crowd in John 8:7:
"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."
One by one, they all leave, until the woman is left alone with Jesus. In my mind, I can see the men who surround this woman, thinking of how they are only there ready to kill this woman, because of what the Pharisees have told them. Did they really see it? Did more than one of them? Two or three? Did they burst in and catch her in the act? Who knew for sure? Jesus did. He was fully man, yet still fully God. He knew that even though this woman had been guilty of doing wrong, the people accusing her were not without their own sin. He knew that the Pharisees would never throw the first stone, but would rather depend on the angry crowd to do it for them. The Pharisee's were to be the first to cast the stones, and when they did not, the crowd could not. When confronted with their own sin, they knew they could not continue. They dropped their rocks and left. The woman was left alone with Jesus, who told her that he did not condemn her and told her, "Go now and leave your life of sin."
I wonder had Jesus been at that little league park the day this incident happened, how would it have played out? In today's world of hate, contempt and suspicion, is there no more room for the grace and love that Jesus showed us? And if we dare to boldly offer it, will it bring a change in those it is given? I hope so.

Junior says, "See Ya!"

2007-05-10T21:10:00.000-04:00

Tactical Error

By Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! SportsMay 10, 2007

The Boston Red Sox once sold Babe Ruth so its owner could fund a play. The Portland Trail Blazers once passed on Michael Jordan. The Minnesota Vikings once traded five players and six draft picks for Herschel Walker.
None of those moves were as disastrously bad as the one Teresa Earnhardt made when she thought she could call Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s bluff about leaving his late father's racing team.
Her stepson was serious. Painfully so for DEI.

Thursday at his JR Motorsports headquarters in North Carolina, Earnhardt Jr. announced he is leaving DEI. Whether he is going to drive for his own team or will join an existing competitor is not certain.
What is known is that he'll still be sponsored by Budweiser, still will drive a Chevy and, of course, still be the overwhelmingly most popular and recognizable driver in NASCAR.
Only now, he'll be doing it for even more money and even more (if not total) control.
Junior had asked for a majority stake of DEI to stay. No one yet knows how negotiations between Junior and Teresa broke down – maybe Teresa really did all she could, but it doesn't seem like she was willing to give Junior the 51 percent control he wanted. Now she has 100 percent of a company in ruin.

Financially, the best move for Junior would be to expand his JR Motorsports, currently a Busch Series operation, to Nextel Cup, where he and current teammate Martin Truex could form a two-car team. With engine and technical support from Hendrick Motorsports, winners of seven of the season's 10 races, it could be a formidable team from Daytona on.
Most importantly, it would allow Junior to control the outrageous revenue he brings in, cashing in on the popularity that made him bigger than DEI, even if DEI couldn't realize it.
Since his father's on-track death in 2001, Earnhardt Jr., now 32, has become the driving force in all of NASCAR. He has what, half the fans? Sixty percent? Seventy? Any track, any weekend is a home game for Junior, as a sea of red-clad worshippers make him more beloved than his nearest competitors – the likes of Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon – combined.

When Junior takes the lead the place goes nuts. When someone bumps him into a wreck, they'll be met, eventually, with a hail of boos and beer cans from the grandstands.
There essentially is nothing else like it in sports. Only Tiger Woods controls golf in the same manner – assuring crowds, television ratings and revenue. But Woods doesn't play every week, and culturally golf and NASCAR fans are little alike.
Even so, you wouldn't see Nike Golf let Tiger walk under almost any circumstances. You wouldn't see Nike co-founder Phil Knight assume he could just rebuild the division with someone else. Nike knows Tiger is the golf division.
That Teresa Earnhardt didn't see the same in her stepson is stunning. Maybe she really never does show up at the track? Maybe she really never talks to Junior and still thinks he was some silly, hard-partying kid who didn't know the difference between tens of millions and hundreds of millions?

Whatever it was, it was a colossal miscalculation.

If both Junior and Truex leave (Truex's future is unknown), DEI's Nextel Cup driver stable would consist of rookie Paul Menard and, uh, yeah, that's it.
It will still have the Intimidator's likeness to sell – a considerable cash stream. And Jeffrey Earnhardt – Senior's grandson and Junior's nephew – is under contract, but he's 17 and several years away, if ever.
But other than that, it's a leveling of the company. By not sharing more with Junior, Teresa wound up with all of nothing.
Meanwhile, if Junior keeps this in-house at JR Motorsports (where his sister Kelley is president) he officially can begin to print money. His new operation will select its marketing partners from a crush of Fortune 500 companies.
In terms of merchandise sales, this could be historic; the most popular driver with a new car and number.

Many fans hope Richard Childress Racing would surrender the rights to Senior's No. 3 and allow Junior to run it himself, but no matter the number, there are millions of Junior fans now in the market for new T-shirts, bumper stickers, key chains, flag, tattoos and heaven knows what else. The No. 8 is obsolete.
It's like the New York Yankees changing colors. Only with more fans who are more loyal.
If Junior is as smart as he has demonstrated recently, he'd invest some of that revenue into a great CEO for JR Motorsports.
And that is, perhaps, why just joining an existing team, albeit with a hefty compensation or partial ownership deal, would be the better choice. The demands of being an owner-driver can become too big. It's a double responsibility that has proven extremely challenging for Michael Waltrip and Robby Gordon.
Earnhardt needs to concentrate mostly on driving.
Of course, it's not like he's been tearing up the track. The most remarkable thing about his popularity is that it is not – like Tiger Woods' – based on dominating the competition.
Junior never has won a Cup title, hasn't won a race in a year and has taken checkers just twice since 2004. Yet he has the most fans.
The on-track results had to factor into his decision to walk. It's not like DEI was giving him the best car each week to begin with. If they weren't going to meet his business demands either, what was the point?

But for whatever reason, Teresa Earnhardt figured he wouldn't leave his daddy's company. Maybe she underbid him. Maybe she refused to give up control. Maybe she banked on a family discount.

Whatever it was, she guessed wrong. Terribly so. The good news for DEI is it only took the Red Sox 86 years to recover from something so dumb.

Laying A Hero To Rest

2007-05-01T16:02:00.000-04:00

Laying A Hero To Rest (more)

2007-05-01T15:54:00.000-04:00

What A Great Statement

2007-05-01T15:09:00.000-04:00

Monday evening I sat in my living room watching video of Col. Nick Polizzotto's funeral. The staggering number of police from so many different agencies. The firefighters who also turned out for the solemn occasion. The seemingly endless line of cars in the procession to the cemetery and the incredible aerial shot of a sea of flashing red & blue lights. I watched as they showed snippets of the funeral mass and listened in quiet remembrance as Nick received his final "10-42" call from police dispatch.
But, after that, something else caught my attention. The video crew was doing interviews with some of the citizens who came and stood along the procession path. One young said something that sounded so simple, yet so profound. When asked why she had come out, she said, "she understood that Nick gave his best an an officer. To Serve and Protect our community. Now, this was her opportunity to return the favor by showing up to Serve and Respect." I was blown away by that statement! In a world where so many people fell like they are 'entitled' to being served & protected, this woman was keeping the focus where Jesus would have placed it. On someone else other than herself. Someone who really did deserve it. Hopefully, other people heard this statement with not just their ears, but with their hearts as well.

Why?

2007-04-27T04:23:00.000-04:00

What is wrong with people these days?! Does a human life hold less value than in days past? Are respect and common sense things that can only be expected or hoped for from a rare few? What causes someone to value life so little, that not only do they see their own life having little worth; that they equate that with the lives of others as well.
Why do people I know, work with and care about have to die so needlessly. Even more, why do they have to die at the hands of those very ones they strive to serve and protect?! This type of incident is becoming far too common in our community, our country and even our world.
Tragedy is not uncommon in my line of work. I see it almost daily. But this is UNACCEPTABLE! How cruelly irony has slapped us all in the face. A candlelight vigil is held to honor the memory of a fallen comrade one year ago, only to see another one fall only hours later. What is wrong with this picture?!

My deepest hope and prayer is this: God, shake us all! Awaken within us the recollection that we are all created in your image. You created us for better than this. You call us to love, respect and serve one another. To live at peace with one another. To treat each other in a way that we would like to be treated in return. Most importantly, to do all this knowing that when we do these things to others, we are doing them to you. Amen.

Goodbye My Friend

2007-04-27T03:57:00.000-04:00

It is with deep regret that we must report that Corporal Nick S. Polizzotto of the South Bend Police Department, has succumbed to the gunshot injuries he recieved while responding to an armed disturbance in the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 24th, 2007.
On April 24th, 2007 at 01:39 AM, the SBPD Dispatch Center received a call of shots fired in the 1700 block of Lincoln Way East. Officers arriving on the scene were then directed to the Wooden Indian Motel, located at 1631 Lincoln Way East. Moments later the officers were able to locate an armed man and were attempting to detain him when the subject shot both officers.
During the encounter, Patrolman Michael Norby was shot and wounded and Corporal Nick S. Polizzotto, a nine year veteran of the South Bend Police Department, was shot and killed. The suspect in this case was also fatally wounded by gunfire during the exchange.

Thissss Issss Nutssss

2007-04-17T15:16:00.000-04:00

SUPPORT: "Hello, technical support, how can I help you?"

LADY: "Last night my computer started making a lot of hissing noises at me so I shut it down. This morning when I turned it on the computer started hissing and cracking, then started smoking, put out a bad smell, and then nothing."

SUPPORT: "I will have a technician come over first thing this morning. Just leave the computer just like it is, so they can find the problem and either fix it, or change it out with another computer. Give me your address and phone number, and the technician will be there just as soon as they can".

When the technician got there, the lady showed the technician where the computer was, and explained what happened to it. This is what the technician found wrong. Take a look at the pictures... you won't believe your eyes!!! And you thought you had computer problems !!

The technician told her It must have been after the mouse! The woman didn't think it was very funny at all.

Two Weeks Ago

2007-04-12T23:44:00.000-04:00

These are pictures from my performance at GCC two weeks ago. I sang the song "Cry Out To Jesus," by Third Day. These are the first pictures I have gotten from a performance and I wanted to share them.

Keep Your Chins Up Boys

2007-03-28T01:12:00.000-04:00

These are some photos of men who were in a Best Beard competition in Germany. I think it's safe to say that none of their last names is Gillette. Also, is it just me or is that possibly the guy from Monopoly in the center of the group shot (third picture down on the right)?

I Am Convinced That Most People Are Tone Deaf!

2007-03-09T16:00:00.000-05:00

I watched American Idol last night. I thought things were going well with who was chosen to leave. Until the end of the show. Then I just sat slack-jawwed, as two very, very talented vocalists had to leave, while two other totally untalented vocalists were given gifts they didn't deserve.

Those who left:

Those who should have left:

Here's hoping that next week will bring the justice that so desperately is called for.

A Hero Meets His End

2007-03-07T14:07:00.000-05:00

NEW YORK - Captain America has undertaken his last mission - at least for now. The venerable superhero is killed in the issue of his namesake comic that hit stands Wednesday, the Daily News reported.

On the new edition's pages, a sniper shoots down the shield-wielding hero as he leaves a courthouse, according to the newspaper.
It ends a long run for the stars-and-stripes-wearing character, created in 1941 to incarnate patriotic feeling during World War II. Over the years, an estimated 210 million copies of "Captain America" comic books, published by New York-based Marvel Entertainment Inc., have been sold in a total of 75 countries.
But resurrections are not unknown in the world of comics, and Marvel Entertainment editor in chief Joe Quesada said a Captain America comeback wasn't impossible.

Still, the character's death came as a blow to co-creator Joe Simon.
"We really need him now," said Simon, 93, who worked with artist Jack Kirby to devise Captain America as a foe for Adolf Hitler.
According to the comic, the superhero was spawned when a scrawny arts student named Steve Rogers, ineligible for the army because of his poor health but eager to serve his country, agreed to a "Super Soldier Serum" injection. The substance made him a paragon of physical perfection, armed only with his shield, his strength, his smarts and a command of martial arts.

In the comic-book universe, death is not always final. But even if Captain America turns out to have met his end in print, he may not disappear entirely: Marvel has said it is developing a Captain America movie.

I Really Liked Star Wars Too....But Come On.

2007-03-07T01:27:00.000-05:00

Obi-Wan's brown cloak sells for $104,000

LONDON - The brown hooded cloak worn by Obi-Wan Kenobi in the "Star Wars" films — and then forgotten for years in a warehouse — sold for $104,000 to an anonymous telephone bidder Tuesday at an auction of movie and TV memorabilia.

The auction's main attraction was the hooded cloak worn by Alec Guinness as Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi in "Star Wars." It had gone unnoticed in the company's inventory until its provenance was discovered last year.

"How would anyone have known when that film was made that it would attain cult status?" said Tim Angel, chairman of Angels The Costumiers.

Tonight's The Night!

2007-03-05T12:30:00.000-05:00

Season Finale and a new sneak peak...what combination! Tonight is the season finale for the breakout television hit Heroes, which has been my favorite television indulgence since it started! Tonight so many people....so many potential cliffhangers. Arrrgh!

Plus, after the finale is over, we get to see the next trailer for Spiderman 3! A night of heroes all around. So at 8 o'clock be sure to pop some corn, hit the bathroom, take a seat (or set up your tivo), grab a drink and hold on tight. I've see the advanced trailers for tonight's episode, and you're not gonna want to miss this one!

How 'bout a little Financial Peace?

2007-02-27T23:18:00.000-05:00

My wife and I are in the third week of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University program. We started the program at a church near our home. I just found out that GCC will be starting the same program in March. I have been a long-time listener to Dave's Radio show and have read his book "The Total Money Makeover." Taking the FPU classes was the next logical step for my wife and I, to get out of debt and start setting ourselves up for a future with financial peace. I give my hardiest endorsement for this program and invite anyone who has debt, an unstable financial prospect for the future, or both, to get into this class. It'll change your future. It'll change the future of your children. It will even change the future of your current or future grandchildren. The details for the GCC class are listed below. Check it out!!

Financial Peace University

WHO:Anyone age 15 and up.

WHAT:How would your life change if you were debt free? What could you do? Who could you help? This 13-week class helps the average family reduce their debt by $5,300 and save $2,700 in 91 days.

WHEN:Starts Tuesday, March 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.COST:$95 (Includes your materials for 13 weeks)If you're registering as a couple, the cost is still $95 total (not per person).

WHERE:GCC Campus, Great Room

Better this week

2007-02-25T21:08:00.000-05:00

Last week's last place finish at Daytona was replaced by a must better 8th place finish for Tony Stewart at the Auto Club 500 from Fontana, California. The 2-time NEXTEL Cup champion would probably have finished better than that had he not gotten called for excessive speed when entering pit row.

Well, the Cup boys have a two week break before Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 13th. I will satisfy my racing fix ext weekend by watching the Busch Cup boys race the only road course ace in Mexico City. I love road courses. They really test a driver's skill (there is more than just pushing down the accelerator and turning left all day).

Odd Building Designs

2007-02-20T23:42:00.000-05:00

Goal Update

2007-02-12T22:31:00.000-05:00

Back on January 5th, I posted some goals that I had set. This is the current standings of those goals (so I can be accountable).

1. Spend an hour with God each day.
I have been pretty consistent with this one. I have had my share of days when I have been lazy and slouphed it off, but it's becoming easier and more intense with each successful day.

2. Spend more time with Carol & the kids.
Carol and I have a new arrangement. Each day I come home from work, I have to give her the first 20-30 minutes. Nothing else gets my attention but her. I have also spent more time hanging out and talking with Ryan & Rachel. We have learned some pretty cool stuff about each other. Ryan especially....he learned that his dad could actually play Guitar Hero 2 and do ok on the medium setting.

3. Lose 36 pounds.
I started at 234.5, then actually went up to 236.8 a couple days later. But I have been faithful at working out every day after work. I am up to 30 minutes on the elliptical machine and doing plenty of crunches and some lifting to stay toned. I'm currently weighing in at 230.2.

4. Read 25 books
I am currently behind on this goal. I am now approaching the end of book #3 (John Eldredge's - Wild At Heart).

5. Start a small group.
Still no movement on this one. I think it's gonna have to wait until springtime.

6. Read through the Bible again.
I am currently just finishing up Exodus and am well into Psalms. I switch back and forth between New Testament and Old Testament to keep it from getting dull (with all of the laws and so-and-so begats).

7. Get to a NASCAR race.
I am tentatively scheduled to go t0 the second NASCAR weekend at Michigan in August.

8. Do some creative writing/poetry projects.
I did a creative writing project which I have already posted. It's about making a move and was inspired by the series "Move" from Lifeline.

9. Pay debt down to just car & house.
Tonight Carol & I had our first class for Dave Ramsey's 'Financial Peace University.' We are both very excited and looking forward to walking through this with many other couples.

10. Blog more consistently.
Well, I have definitely been doing this more. Now if I can just gt some help in learning how to do a couple other neat things with this blog.

"Smoke'd" Em!

2007-02-11T17:47:00.000-05:00

Last night 'Smoke' won his third Bud Shoot Out. He stayed with Kyle Busch until he got close enough to take the air off Busch's car and got him loose enough to make the pass for first place. Tony stayed out front, holding off a hard last-minute charge by rookie driver David Gilliland. Just as Stewart was about to cross the line and take the checkered flag, there was a crash behind. Dale Earnhardt Jr. got into the back of his friend Elliot Sadler, who got into Denny Hamlin, and so on. But that didn't keep Tony Stewart from a first place finish and a prize of $215,000. Not to shabby for a little over an hour's work.

Is this win a sign of what we can expect from the number 20 car this season? I'd like to think so. Last year Tony missed he Chase for the Championship by 116 points. Given this fact, he still went on to have an incredible last ten races...which included two wins. Not having made the chase last year could be the fuel that drives him to his 3rd Nextel Cup Championship.

Colts Win!!!!

2007-02-04T23:08:00.000-05:00

It was a rainy, soggy night, but in the end - the Colts prevailed. There were tense moments - such as Devin Hester's 92 yard kick off return

on the game-opening kick off. The Bears had 4

turnovers, while Indy gave up the ball 3 times. But

while the first half ended with the Colts up by only two points, the second half was all Indy. Dominic Rhodes ran for 100 yards and Joseph Addai put in his fair share of ground work as well. In the end, the scoreboard said it all: Colts 29 Bears 17.

It was a night to celebrate. The Colts win their first Super Bowl since moving t Indy. Tony Dungy becomes the first black head coach to win a Super Bowl. Peyton Manning finally gets to the Super Bowl where he not only wins the game, but also MVP. That will almost assure him a place in Canton, Ohio.

Great job guys....you deserve it!!!!

God's Timing Is Incredible

2007-01-31T23:18:00.000-05:00

Today at work, I dispatched police to look for a missing 8 year old boy who apparently never got on the bus for school. Don't worry, they found him next door with the neighbor boy. They were both trying to play hookie so they could stay home and play in the snow.
Anyway, the cool thing about this incident is that the boy's mom lived next to us when Carol & I lived in South Bend. She was just a young child of about 7 at that time. Now she's 22! Well, we had a good friendship with her mom and her, and shared the gospel with them a few times. One day they told us they were moving away to Michigan. It was too far for us to go see them and we said our goodbyes. Years went by and we all lost touch, but we always had them on our minds.
Well, today I noticed the name on the dispatch and called the young boy's mom after we had found him. She didn't recognize me at first, but when I mentioned my wife's name, it clicked and she remembered us both. She asked about our kids and told us she had her 8 year old son and a 2 month old daughter. Carol called her later, and through the course of their conversation she told Carol that she would like to get together and catch up. So we are inviting her and her kids over for dinner.
It always amazes me how you want to talk to someone, or do something specific, according to your own timetable, but God's timing is different. I believe that our finding her was meant, 'for such a time as this,' and I'm looking forward to seeing this young lady and hearing her stories of life (I do know that there are some pretty bad ones in there too). Thanks Jesus for bringing Angel back into our lives.

The fingernail mark is gone!

2007-01-30T22:21:00.000-05:00

Sunday night at Lifeline I put a black mark on my fingernail, to help me remember to take my next move. Well, today I did it. It wasn't anything grandiose, but it was beneficial and helpful to three of the people who live nearby. it's really funny too, because when I left the house and went outside, the mark was on my fingernail, I came home and started removing my glove thinking about how I took my step and could now wash off the mark. But, when I looked, the mark was already gone. Kind of cool huh?!

The Ride Of Our Lives (Book#2)

2007-01-27T15:39:00.000-05:00

This was book #2 on the reading list. It's author is Mike Leonard, a feature reporter for NBC's Today Show. He tells the tale of packing his parents (both in their 80's), his son, his daughter & his daughter in-law up in two Motor Homes, for one last cross-country journey. The trip will be his parent's last big hurrah in traveling and the trip culminates at the hospital where they will arrive in time for the birth of their first great-grandchild. The both is chalk full of hysterical stories. Some about 'the old days,' and some are simply incidents that happened during the trip itself. Anyone who has ever been on a trip of any kind with their extended family, will be delighted with this book. It is a joy to read and is packed with great little nuggets of wisdom and smart observations on being human. Here are just a few of my favorites:

I gradually realized that the nagging gut-level discomfort causing me to fear the end of the day was also prompting me to make the most of what was left of that day.

My weak intellect might have been a blessing in disguise. No situation was overanalyzed. No odds were calculated. It was all very basic.

Before long I had talked myself into believing that failing grades didn't mean that I was going to fail in life. In fact, it would be the opposite. So what if I was lousy at math, English, biology, and all the other subjects; I was good at...well, there wasn't anything that I was good at, not yet anyway. But I would find something. Or something would find me. I convinced myself of that.

I did something totally out of character. I set my alarm for 6:00 A.M. That was an hour earlier than necessary, and until that moment I never did anything that wasn't necessary. Schoolwork, chores, summer jobs - none of those tasks inspired me to give anything more than what was expected of the average kid. I took comfort in that role. Nobody expected excellence. There was nothing to live up to. When the alarm went off the next morning, my sleepy brain immediately started penning another permission slip for a boy to do what was normal, to roll over and drift back to sleep. It was a school day and it was still dark outside. And cold. But I shocked myself and slowly climbed out of bed. The outdoor rink in Glencoe was five or six blocks from our house. They didn't allow hockey during regular hours, so the only way to practice was to sneak on before the facility opened. It was an open-air, natural ice rink on an empty field in the middle of a residential area. Sitting down in a snowbank, I laced my skates, periodically exhaling great blasts of warm air into my cold, cupped hands. Then I stood up, stepped onto the ice, and glided off into the darkness. It wasn't a punishing workout. No wind sprints. No shooting the puck until my hands bled. I hardly shot at all....I just skated, moving the puck back and forth with my stick, while gliding around and around, backward and forward, turning, swooping, circling, and most importantly, pretending.A few weeks later, in the third hockey game of my life, I scored three goals. That's when it dawned on me that individual achievement wasn't all that difficult to attain. Just do a little bit more.
I also knew something else, something that was undetectable to the people around me. They still saw the struggling student living on the outskirts of high school scene, but I had already moved way past that. I was living in the future...doing something well...and doing it creatively. This was not just a wish. This was a certainty. Now all I had to do was find my talent, keep trying, and be patient.

"Life is easy." He sighed. "We make it hard."

"You make your own happiness," he said. "You don't buy it."

I loved the story about the woman who was deaf and also had a problem with passing gas and not being able to hear it.

"You shouldn't go back in life. It makes you depressed. You should go forward."

My parents have never had a problem exposing their flaws and laughing at their mistakes. They were human, and all humans have failings. Growing up in that kind of environment gave me strength. I didn't have to be perfect or pretend to be smarter or more accomplished than I was. By openly acknowledging many of my weaknesses and fears - math, roller coasters, bugs, muddy-bottomed lakes, etcetera - I had taken most of the ammunition away from people who might have wanted to make fun of me. I could try and fail, and try and fail again without worry of ridicule. Years later, after trying and failing more times than I would have liked, it finally paid off.

Brendan stopped strumming his guitar. "Napoleon meant nothing to me," he said. "What does he have to do with me? You can say that about anyone. If you try to say, "What am I worth to the entire world?' you're not going to be worth a whole lot. So why don't you make yourself worth something to the people around you and the people you care about?"
It's the factor of one. In the complex equation of life, a staggering number of human connections are made. All is takes is one...added or subtracted...and the final balance changes in ways impossible to calculate.

Don't compete. Create.

Hurt feelings often block the truth from seeping in.

Tim's note: I was kind of saddened by the conversation the parent had about dying and the possibilities of eternity....
My father leaned back in the chair, folding his hands across his lap. "I'm gonna take it as it comes," he said. "I have no control of it and no fear of it." "Of death?" I asked. "Why not?""Well, I believe there's a hereafter," he relied, "and a heaven. I think if you've earned it, you'll make it, and if you haven't you won't"

Woo Hoo!

2007-01-21T14:53:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went to a youth leader's training event. Jeanne Mayo was the speaker. She has been in youth ministry for 37+ years and had some awesome things to share. She talked about having four key things to have a youth ministry with significance. I will explain a little about each, but will elaborate on one that peaked within me today.
1. A sense of Destiny.
- Destiny is not something far off. It is this day and this hour. What we do now shapes the future.
2. A sense of Childhood.
- Fun childhood stuff appeals to youth.
- Child likeness....not childishness.
3. A sense of militancy.
- Something larger to fight & pay the price for.
- Not just training them in the Christianity, but also giving them opportunities to use what they've learned.
4. A sense of family.
- Create an environment of welcome and belonging, where people know that they matter and are cared about.

Now, I served this weekend, singing with the vocal worship team. When I left on Sunday, it had just snowed and the parking lot was a little icy. I was parked way in the boonies and well....I couldn't help myself. I had to do a donut. It felt good, so I did another, and another. Well, all total I did four. Someone drive by as I did one and I'm sure they were wondering why I was doing it, but I didn't care. I WAS HAVING FUN! I felt like a kid again, and drove out onto the street feeling like I had just won a NASCAR race and that was my post race celebration. So, I would have to say, I think I have a good grasp on point number two. WooHoo!!!

First Move (Creative writing project #1)

2007-01-18T15:27:00.000-05:00

Standing. Looking. Waiting. Where do I go? My yesterdays call me to reminisce on days gone by. My present bids me stay in the familiar. Stay where things are easy. Stay where I'm comfortable.

But something else calls to me. Something I cannot see or touch, yet it draws me. My heart races and my will fights. A silent struggle wages within me. Wanting to stay, but feeling the need to go.

What to do? Oh what to do? After standing still for what seemed my whole life, I did what I thought best. I moved. Just one step....forward. It seemed so insignificant at first. But then I took another step, and another, and still another. I was moving and it felt great. With each new step the call of the past faded. The present became a joy as it brought new opportunities. The future is becoming clearer and brighter, with each new move I make. You might ask me, "what next?" My answer is simple. I will find another person and help them learn how to make their own first move.

God Bless You Benny

2007-01-16T19:05:00.000-05:00

Today is a sad day for NASCAR fans. Announcer and former Winston Cup Champion Benny Parsons died today, after a battle with lung cancer. Parsons death comes just 32 days from the running of the Daytona 500, NASCAR's season opening race.

Benny's announcing was always done in a way that everyone could understand. He had a way of explaining how something worked that made it easier to understand. He also "called-em-like-he-saw-em." If he had an opinion, he shared it. The difference with Benny though, was that he shared what he felt, but never bashed some one's character while doing it. He will be missed by many.

2007-01-14T23:30:00.000-05:00

The stage is set for next weekend in Indianapolis. The Colts will play their biggest playoff nemesis...the New England Patriots for the AFC Divisional Championship! I will see this game in it's entirety (even if it means recording it and shushing anyone who already has seen it). The classic battle. Payton Manning & Tom Brady, air attack versus monster defense. But one thing Indy will have is the fans. Home field advantage baby! With the NFC game pitting the New Orleans Saints against the Chicago Bears (at the sure to be frigid confines of Soldier Field), this will be an incredible weekend for NFL football. I am a tried and true Indianapolis Colts fan, but truth be told, ANY combination of the four remaining teams have the makings of an incredible Super Bowl 41. Go Colts!

29 Days Left Before the Thunder Rolls

2007-01-12T13:59:00.000-05:00

2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup schedule

Date/Race/Site
Feb. 10
Budweiser Shootout*, Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway
Feb. 15
Gatorade Duel*, Daytona International Speedway
Feb. 18
Daytona 500, Daytona International Speedway
Feb. 25
California Speedway, Fontana, Calif.
March 11
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
March 18
Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton, Ga.
March 25
Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway
April 1
Martinsville (Va.) Raceway
April 15
Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth
April 21
Phoenix International Raceway
April 29
Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway
May 5
Richmond (Va.) International Raceway
May 12
Darlington (S.C.) Raceway
May 19
All-Star Challenge*, Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C.
May 27
Coca-Cola 600, Lowe's Motor Speedway
June 3
Dover (Del.) International Speedway
June 10
Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Pa.
June 17
Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, Mich.
June 24
Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, Calif.
July 1
New Hampshire International Raceway, Loudon, N.H.
July 7
Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway
July 15
Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, Ill.
July 29
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Aug. 5
Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Pa.
Aug. 12
Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International
Aug. 19
Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, Mich.
Aug. 25
Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway
Sept. 2
California Speedway, Fontana, Calif.
Sept. 8
Richmond (Va.) International Raceway
Sept. 16
New Hampshire International Raceway, Loudon, N.H.
Sept. 23
Dover (Del.) International Speedway
Sept. 30
Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, Kan.
Oct. 7
Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway
Oct. 13
Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C.
Oct. 21
Martinsville (Va.) Raceway
Oct. 28
Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton, Ga.
Nov. 4
Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth
Nov. 11
Phoenix International Raceway
Nov. 18
Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, Fla.

* - non-points races

Welcome to the 'Work Force'

2007-01-12T12:43:00.000-05:00

This is my son Ryan. He is in the midst of his first year of college at Ivy Tech. He is also the newest addition to the world of full time employment. Last week he started a new job at Performance Plastics, working quality control. He is working the night shift from 10pm to 6am. He comes home from work each day, spends 2 hours at home, leaves for college (a 90 minute class each day), comes back and eats something and then heads off to bed. Eight hours later, he starts the process all over again....until the weekend.

Well, the other day he came home from work and fell asleep. He was having some difficulty waking up and getting off to college, so I had to go 'assist' him in getting up. After spending a couple minutes encouraging him to get up, he sprang out of bed uttering those immortal words we all have spoken at some time or another: "I HATE WORK!" I had to laugh. Just two days before he was telling me how much he liked his job. Well, having been in that place and state of mind, I understood what he meant. But despite his lack of both motivation and free time...he got up, got ready and off he went.

I really must say that I am so very proud of Ryan! He understands his responsibilities and he meets them. I see pictures on the walls of our home of the boy he used to be. He was sweet, mischievous, inventive and ever the funny guy. I look at him now and see those same qualities....but now contained within the body of a young man who has so much talent and potential. I look forward to the coming years, watching that man become so much more. A man of integrity. Filled with a love for God, a sense of responsibility and a good work ethic. You go Ryan!

Book #1 of 2007

2007-01-07T23:35:00.000-05:00

This is book #1 of my 25 book goal for this year. My mom got it for me for Christmas and since it was a short read, I thought I'd knock it out first. Good thing too, because it is an awesome book! The book is all of 96 pages and can be read in about 60-90 minutes. It's about dealing with change (and how to view change) in your life. Simply put, it is the story of 4 characters. Two mice named Sniffy & Scurry and two mouse-sized little people named Hem & Haw. Their existence is lived out in a maze, where they search for cheese (to meet their needs of health,happiness and success). I recommend everyone to read this book. It is only a story, but within the story there are so many thought-provoking moments. Here are a few that I was struck by:

- The more important something is to us - the more you want to hold onto it.

- Getting too comfortable can become fatal.

- When you change what you believe, you change what you do.

- Noticing small changes early, helps you adapt to the bigger changes that are to come.

- The fastest way to change is to laugh at your own folly - then you can let go and quickly move on.

- Keep life simple. Don't over analyze or over complicate things.

- Envision yourself in realistic detail - finding something better.

- The BIGGEST inhibitor to change lies within yourself, and nothing gets better until you change.

- Some fear should be respected, as it can keep you out of danger. But most fears are irrational and keep us from changing when we need to.

- What would you do if you weren't afraid?

- Do what you can to avoid being surprised by unexpected change.

- It is better to initiate change while you can, than to try to react and adjust to it.

- Are we managing, when we should be leading?

My goals for 2007

2007-01-05T20:55:00.000-05:00

Last year someone I know went public with some goals they had set for themselves. They were goals that were well thought out and realistic. Goals that would help promote change in mind, body and spirit.

I had some minor goals of my own last year and having met them, figured I'd take a page out of the same book, step things up a notch and make some new, bigger goals for 2007. Here they are (in no particular order)....

1) Spend at least 1 hour (total) with God each day.

2) Spend more time with Carol and my kids each day.

3) Lose 36 pounds (I'm starting at 234.5 pounds).

4) Read 25 books this year.

5) Start a small group.

6) Read through the entire Bible again.

7) Get to a NASCAR race.

8) Create some poetry/creative writing projects.

9) Pay down my debt to just my car & house.

10) Blog more consistently.

My final Message of 2006

2006-12-31T22:55:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone - this was quite a year. Many ups and downs. But God is faithful and I am looking forward to what He brings this next year. I hope you all have a great New Year's and a wonderful 2007! Oh and always remember......

"For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

God bless,
Tim

Hey All!

2006-12-21T16:38:00.000-05:00

I have been away from my blog for quite a while now, so I just figured I post and say I'm still here in the land of the living. Life is getting better all the time. God is renewing and restoring parts of my life every day. I took some time off this moth from the ministries that I serve in and it has been a great choice. I feel better, my health (spiritual, physical & mental) is better and I feel really rejuvinated!
I am looking forward to spending the holidays with my family and I hope you all have a very merry Christmas! God bless you all!

The Nativity on te Beach

2006-12-07T01:00:00.000-05:00

Pretty awesome sand sculpture. It would have to be a snow sculpture around here. Try doing that here and someone would say it has to be destroyed, because it offends their delicate sensabilities. Bah humbug!

Coalition 'Pharisee' Thinking

2006-11-28T18:03:00.000-05:00

This weekend at GCC, Dr. Bob talked about loving our neigbor. I saw this article on line today. At least one person gets it.

Christian Coalition pres.-elect leaves

ORLANDO, Fla. - The president-elect of the Christian Coalition of America has declined the job, saying the organization wouldn't let him expand its agenda beyond opposing abortion and gay marriage.
The Rev. Joel Hunter, who was scheduled to take over the socially conservative group in January from Roberta Combs, said he had hoped to focus on issues such as poverty and the environment.
"These are issues that Jesus would want us to care about," said Hunter, a senior pastor at Northland Church in Longwood, Fla.
Hunter announced his decision not to take the job during an organization board meeting Nov. 21. A statement issued by the group said Hunter left because of "differences in philosophy and vision." Hunter said he was not asked to leave.
"They pretty much said, 'These issues are fine, but they're not our issues, that's not our base,'" Hunter said.
His resignation is the latest setback for the once-powerful group.
The Christian Coalition, founded in 1989 by religious broadcaster Pat Robertson, became one of the nation's most powerful conservative groups during the 1990s, but it has faced complaints in recent years about its finances, leadership and plans to veer into nontraditional policy areas. The group claims more than 2 million members.

ipod shuffle

2006-11-27T18:17:00.000-05:00

Soundtrack ShufflePush Shuffle and type down what song comes through for each scenario ...

I don't personally own an ipod yet (I'm beginning to think I'm in the vast minority). So, I grabbed my son Ryan's and shuffled his to see what I'd get. This was pretty interesting - and sometimes very funny. Enjoy.

Opening Credits: "London Bridge" - Fergie

Waking Up: "How To Save A Life" - The Fray

First Day of School: "Conga" - Gloria Estefan

Falling in Love: "Money Maker" - Ludacris feat. Pharell Williams

Fight Song (Slow Mo): "Dropping Plates" - Disturbed

Break Up: "Imagine" - John Lennon

Prom: "Fergalicious" - Fergie

Graduation: "Gallery" - Mario Vasquez

Life's OK: "We're Not Gonna Take It' - Twisted Sister

First Day on the Job: "Poppin' My Collar" - 36 Mafia

Mental Breakdown: "Bicycle" - Queen

Driving: "The Scientist" - Coldplay

Flashback: "Buddy Holly" - Weezer

Getting Back Together: "You'se A Hoe" - Ludacris

Birth of a Child: "Baby Got Back" - Sir Mix-a-lot

Wedding: "Hero" - Nickleback

Chase Scene: "The Circle of Life" - Elton John

Final Battle: "Call Me When You're Sober" - Evanescence

Death Scene: "I Want To Break Free" - Queen

Funeral Song: "Thriller" - Michael Jackson

End Credits: "Love Me Or Hate Me" - Lady Sovereign

Sequel Trailer: ""Will I Lose My Dignity" - Rent Soundtrack

Happy Feet Review

2006-11-24T19:59:00.000-05:00

Tonight my daughter Rachel took me to see Happy Feet. After getting over the initial shock of my daughter offering to pay, we hit the 5:20 showing at the Encore Theatre.

First let me get this off my chest. Is it really necessary to have 10 minutes of commercials at a movie?! As if you don't get enough at home watching tv. The previews were good. We were both excited to see the previews for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (July '07). We also laughed really hard when they showed a preview for a movie about Santa Claus (played by Paul Giamatti) and his brother Fred (Vince Vaughn). The preview was kind of funny, but what made us laugh the most was when they displayed that it would be coming 'Christmas of 2007.' Huh? Nothing like a verrrrrrrry early preview! Sheesh!

But I digress, Happy Feet was a surprisingly good movie. A great story of difference resulting in alienation. Mumbles (Elijah Wood) cannot find his heart song, and instead discovers his talent for dancing. Therefore he is ostracized (or should I say Penguinized), and ultimately cast out. His dancing is simply, "not very penguin." During his time on his own - he facing challenges, meets new friends and discovers the reason the penguins cannot find any fish. He sets out to find the aliens, to get them to bring about a solution. There is plenty of good comedy (for kids and adults alike) and the music is also very good. The movie poster warns that the movie may cause toe-tapping. I did indeed find myself tapping my feet many times. The dancing was provided via computer generation by tap dancing superstar Savian Glover. I give Happy Feet a great big endorsement. Grab the spouse and kids and go have a great time.

Jackass 2 Review

2006-11-23T15:08:00.000-05:00

Call it boredom, call it a temporary lack of intellect, or call it 'sequel curiosity.' I went this week to the dollar theatre and saw Jackass 2. I paid my $1.50, bought my pop and sat down in the theatre. What I got in return was 95 minutes of my life and $1.50, that I'll never get back. Now, don't get me wrong....I had a decent idea of what this was going to be like having seen the original Jackass. But, the stunts (most of which were pretty funny), were far overshadowed by the prepubescent fasination with rectal insertions, private parts and 'doody.' One prank included a young boy whose parents should be ashamed for letting him be a part of it. They even cut out several stunts that were shown in the movie trailer.

During one segment, Chris Pontius does something very disturbing and tells everyone, "I am totally ashamed of myself...I really am." Well, Chris, I share your sentiment. I felt ashamed of myself too when I left. My glass of Mr. Pibb was the only good thing I walked out of this movie with. So please, if you are having even the slightest thought of seeing this movie....don't. Save your time, your money and the brain cells that it will ultimately kill.

Comforting Words

2006-11-17T14:55:00.000-05:00

Last night and today I have spoken with many of my closest friends. They are offering words of comfort and encouragement during a very difficult time for me. I spoke with one such friend this morning and when I was done I went to the computer and just searched around. I opened a folder of songs I have recently downloaded, and the title of one song stuck out so I clicked on it. The lyrics of that song were just what I needed to hear at theat exact moment. It's an older song, but a good one nonetheless, and with a great message too.

Just Remember I Love You
By: Firefall

When it all goes crazy and the thrill is gone
The days get rainy and the nights get long
When you get that feeling you were born to lose
Starin' at your ceiling just thinkin' of your blues

When there's so much trouble that you wanna cry
The world has crumbled and you don't know why
When your hopes are fading and they can't be found
Dreams have left you waiting, friends have let you down

Just remember I love you, and it'll be alright
Just remember I love you, more than I can say
Maybe then your blues will fade away

When you need a lover but you're down so low
You start to wonder but you never know
When it feels like sorrow is your only friend
Knowing that tomorrow you'll feel this way again

When the blues come callin' at the break of dawn
Rain keeps fallin' but the rainbow's gone
When you feel like cryin' but the tears won't come
When your dreams are dyin' and you're on the run

Just remember I love you, and it'll be alright
Just remember I love you, more than I can say
Just remember I love you, and it'll be alright
It'll be alright, it'll be alright

Let's Set the Record Straight!

2006-11-11T21:32:00.002-05:00

I have been gone from the blogging circuit for a while now. Some of the reason has been problems with my PC. Another reason is that I put my computer away for about 10 days in order to clear a space in my office to create a bedroom for my mother in-law. She moved out of the nursing home and in with us, until preparations could be made to move her back into her old mobile home ('trailer' to those of us who are past mobile home veterans). Lastly, I have been gone a while due to some circumstances with a certain relationship that are way out of my control!

Lately, most of my friends and acquaintances have been getting phone calls from a certain person who has made some very, very hurtful and disparaging comments about me. While some of the things mentioned, may have occurred in the past, it was to a much, much lesser degree than expressed. It should be noted, that the greater majority of the things being spoken about me are completely false and totally baseless in fact.

I cannot go into this any further without bringing this person's identity into the open. I will not do such a thing. I am not the monster that I am being painted as. So, for those of you who have heard these 'tales,' I am sorry you were placed in such a position. I hope (and pray) that you know me well enough to draw your own conclusions, based on the character and witness of my daily life.

I ask for your prayers, as these days have become more and more discouraging and frustrating. Thanks everyone.

Tim

Dad

2006-10-24T21:37:00.000-04:00

Pictures of Dad

2006-10-24T21:23:00.000-04:00

Today was my dad's funeral and yesterday was his viewing. There were so many people! The folks at the funeral home told us that over 600 people came yesterday to pay their respects.

At one point, I remember someone saying that seeing all the people was an incredible testimony to his life. I have been thinking a lot about that today. If that is true and all those people who were there was a testimony to the people he touched, how many more did he touch who were not there and we'll never know about (this side of heaven)?

If you ever had the opportunity to meet my father, he would have struck you as a quiet and humble man who loved his family and stood fast in his convictions. He was an incredible man and if you never had the honor of meeting him, perhaps a few of these pictures will give you just a taste of who he was.

2006-10-19T10:27:00.000-04:00

This is my dad...Steve Prugh. The hospice people told my family that he had about a 2 week window before he would die. God had a different timetable. My dad went to be with Jesus last night at 9:08pm, with no regrets, no grudges and a deep understanding that 'to be abscent in the body, is to be present with God."

I will always have special memories of those final hours. I held his hand, told him I loved him too many times to count and sang him his favorite hymn (It Is Well With My Soul). I didn't say goodbye. Rather, I told him I'd see him in a little while. Later on....after all the tears subsided, my family sat together in the livingroom sharing stories of our favorite memories.

In the picture above, my son Ryan had been given the crown for being voted most popular by his choir. We took the picture with dad wearing it. It now serves as a reminder to me that my dad is in heaven wearing the crown that God has for him. I love him and will always miss him, but my family has a storehouse of memories and that will always keep him in our hearts.

To those who prayed for us and gave words of comfort & encouragement, I say thank you so much.

You're not getting older....you're getting wierder!

2006-10-17T16:28:00.000-04:00

Today is my birthday!!! I am officially halfway to reaching my 90's....Woohoo! Here are some great things that happened today:

1) I got a Happy Birthday wish from my dad on the phone while I was at work (best gift ever!).

2) I got a great birthday note from my lovely wife.

3) I got to hear my daughter Rachel sing at her choir concert (she is so awesome).

4) My friend Corey Mann wished me happy birthday on the radio.

5) My best friend Jerry Bentley bought me lunch (Baked Spaghetti from Saylor's).

911...God will you help me?

2006-10-16T17:51:00.000-04:00

Today at work I was stationed at th position where I answer 911 and non-emergency calls. I got a call from my brother. He told me that the hospice person had been there that morning. They told my mom and brother that my dad had about a 2-3 week window of life left (but they were leaning more toward 2 weeks). I was stunned. I didn't expect things to start to end this quickly. I love my dad. I need my dad and I'm not ready to let him go yet! Even though, I know God's timing is perfect and I wouldn't want to stand in the way of his will.

I spent all day at work giving people information of different kinds, Answering calls from people who had their own personal emergencies. All of a sudden, I felt numb. I still helped those who called, but I felt like I was somehow disconnected from them. Fortunately, I have a best friend at work, who helped by taking more than his share of the calls. This guy is my rock at work. He lost his dad to cancer a little over a year ago, and I can talk with him about this stuff. So that helps a little.

I came home after work and told my mom I'd stay with dad while she went out for a bit with her sister for some much-needed time away. Freinds stopped by and well-wishers called. All the while I played the 'strong, helpful son.' But you know what? I'm not that strong at all. My wife has always noticed that I don't cry much. Not at weddings, not at sad movies, and not at funerals. I don't know why that is, but it certainly doesn't mean I'm tough. After losing my father in-law three weeks ago, and now the prospect of losing my dad in a couple more........it's tearing me up inside! I want to scream WHY GOD?! Why now? How about after the first of the year? Not before the holidays! Not before his, or my mom's next birthday (not to mention my youngest brother & sister's birthdays). I just want some more time with the dad I had BEFORE he got sick. The dad who showed me how to use the woodworking tools in the shop. The dad who loved sports and teasing his grandkids. The dad who made the best 'Pru-roni' in the entire world! Is this selfish of me? Is it selfish to want to want to have a grandpa at my kid's concerts, holidays, graduations, weddings and so much more?!

I'm not mad at God. I know my dad loves God and will be with him in heaven. That helps, but it doesn't dull the ache I have in my heart. When my dad leaves this Earth for heaven, I know his suffering and pain will be over. He'll be at peace. I also know that when he gets there he would never want to come back. I know I'll that I'll see him again when I get there too. My wife can be assured that very soon, the floodgates of my heart will burst and tears will rush like rivers. They will be bittersweet tears. Sad to see my father go, but happy and joyful in knowing that his fight is over and that he is with his Savior Jesus. I know this to be true by the swell of emotion that I feel as I type. Emotions will come and that is okay. I am ready, knowing that I have family and friends who will be there with words of comfort and warm embraces. I also know that I have a God who loves me. A God who has experienced the same feelngs I have, and will be there to give me his love and peace at the moments I need them most.

Try it, you'll like it.

2006-10-14T00:03:00.000-04:00

I was at my parent's house recently, and my mom was making breakfast for my dad. Mom was making him some Cream of Wheat and told me that he just discovered how much he liked them. She said something else. She said, "your dad's gone his whole life without ever trying Cream of Wheat and now that he finally has, he is seeing just how good they really are."

That made me think about Psalm 34:8 which says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." How many people spend their whole life not knowing who God is and how good he really is? They spend an entire lifetime consuming what 'they' want. A life of self-indulgence without reward. A perceived sense of comfort, but no risk. For years my dad had a sign on the wall in our basement that said, 'you can't steal second base with your foot firmly planted on first.' No risk, no reward. No guts, no glory. You never know what might happen if you never try.

So, just as my dad had to try Cream of Wheat to see if he liked it, people need to find the faith to embrace a relationship with the God who created them. To taste and see just how good he really is, and to experience his blessing.

Memories in the night

2006-10-05T05:25:00.000-04:00

It's 5:22am and I'm spending the night at my parent's house. My dad is back from the hospital and my brothers, my sister and I will be taking turns staying over to help my mom with the care of our dad. Mom hasn't gotten much sleep in the last couple nights, so I'm trying to wake up right away to help dad so she can keep sleeping. I have been up so many times tonight that I have lost count. During one of the brief 'down-times,' I got to thinking of some of my more memorable moments with my dad, growing up. I've given up trying to go back to sleep and thought I'd blog them since I'm awake. They are in no particular order.

1. When my dad coached baseball.
He coached little league 'Seniors division,' which was for high school age guys. I remember when he started, my brothers and I would just go and help out. But then I got old enough to play on his team. My dad drafted me for his team, and I played catcher and center field. My dad was a great coach. Always reminding us of how important 'the basics' were. Always fair (everyone played, and his kids were no more special than any other player).

2. Taking my brothers and I to his work places (Elkhart Traveler/Dutchman).
Dad was a purchasing agent. He used to take my brothers and I on the long trek (or so it seemed) to Goshen to his shop. He would use the equipment there to build things. I used to watch him work and think to myself how smart he was to be able to do stuff like that. A few years back, my brothers and I helped dad build his own workshop in the backyard where my brothers and I often make our own projects.

3. Taking our ENTIRE family to Disney World.
Dad got a really big bonus from his job and decided that as a Christmas present, he was going to take the entire family to Disney. What memories I have of the 'Prugh Caravan' making it's way to Florida. My kids were 4 and 2. I drove my dad's truck loaded with everyone's luggage. The Holiday Inn in Veldosta, Georgia. Breakfast at the Cracker Barrell in Murphreesboro, Tennessee with Uncle Dave. Stopping in Southern Indiana to say goodbye to my brother Jeff and his wife Kerry (they lived in Cleveland, Ohio). So many great memories here!

4. Dad getting my brother and I up for school.
My brother Jeff and I shared a room in the basement. Every morning at 6am we'd hear dad's footsteps and the oh so wonderful, turning on of the basement light. He'd yell, "You boys up?!" We'd shout that we were, then go back to sleep. But when we heard those footsteps making a second trip to the top of the stairs, we'd always get up right away. Because, if he ever came down....you knew there were going to be major consequences. I also have fond memories of him driving us to school and dropping us off. Each morning we got to enjoy the best of WTRC-AM 1340, with Bill Darwin. I remember thinking how much I hated listening to talk radio. Now years later....I listen to talk radio a lot myself. Much to the chagrin of my own children.

5. Dad taking all of us to a Colts football game in Indianapolis.
Dad took our family to the Colts vs. Rams game at the Hoosier Dome (now the RCA Dome). We all spent the night at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Indy. I remember taking a horse drawn carraige ride through the Circle area with my wife, my brother and his wife, then heading back to the room for bed. Dad & mom, Carol & I were all in one room. I remember no one got much sleep because dad's HORRIFIC snoring ( this memory was brought to mind as I sit here typing...hearing dad's snoring in the monitor next to me).

6. Our entire family getting together for dinner after dad finished his radiation treatments.
The picture at the top is of my brothers, my sister and I, with our dad. he had just finished all of his radiation treatments, and we were having a celebration dinner. We were all there with our own families at Heinie's in Elkhart. At the time this didn't seem all too far from what we did so often as a family. But now I know that it was the last time we actually got together as a family while dad was able to get around well.

The time now is 6:46 am, and while I am sure there are many other times that I will recall later, these were in the forefront of my mind. What great times. What a great dad!

An update....

2006-10-03T12:32:00.000-04:00

Lightning hit near our house a week ago and fried the power source for my pc. I now have it back and here's what's new in the old Prugh compound.
Things have been interesting the last couple weeks. My father in-law passed away. We had his viewing and funeral. I have spent time going back and forth from the home to the hospital to see my dad. His brain cancer has him degenerating a little more each week. But on a positive note, the cancer in his brain has deadened the areas that govern pain, so he feels very little pain now. My mom called to tell me he was coming home today, which is good, but then she said he would have to be in 'palliative care.' That rates somewhere between the hopsital and hospice, so it's also bittersweet. But, my dad is upbeat and fighting hard. He is a Christ-follower and knows that God is with him and will continue to sustain him and give him peace.
Also, this last Saturday night I went to the 7:30 service at GCC and met up with my wife, kids and the entire side of my wife's family. Including my nephew and his wife (whom I haven't seen in 2 years)! Mark's message hit on the concept of staying close to God so that our lives would be focused and on track w/ his purpose. My nephew later told me that it hit him really hard. He had told us that he wasn't able to make it to his grandpa's funeral because he was in the hospital. This was true, but he told us Saturday night, that the reason he was in the hopital was that he has been battling an addiction to Meth and almost overdosed. While in the hospital he realized how far he was from God and decided to get back to the family. That was a week ago and he hasn't gone anywhere near meth.
In Mark's message, he said, "if God seems far away from you....it wasn't God who moved." That rattled my nephew. When Mark prayed at the end, my nephew asked God to forgive him and renewed his heart & life to Christ. He and his wife are thinking of moving back to this area from the Fort Wayne viccinity, and he says he wants to come back to GCC. He told me that, "it was the coolest church I have ever been to." Before we left that night, the entire family gathered around my nephew Seth and his wife Mary, and we prayed for them. It was an incredible time and I am looking forward to what God is going to do in and through this couple and their 3 children. One other cool thing is that Seth is a musician and plays guitar. he built a small recording studio in the basement of his house. He said he would record his electric guitar there, but was looking for an acoustic guitar to buy. He had gone into several pawnshops but for some reason, never found one he liked. He came to church Saturday night and I got to tell him that his grandpa wanted him to have his Fender acoustic guitar. Right then and there, he lost it. He could barely take in the moment and it was definitely a key family moment for us all.

So This Is Heaven....Where's My Guitar?

2006-09-23T23:00:00.000-04:00

My father in-law, Paul Loy, left this earth and all the pain associated with it, tonight at 6:43pm. He 'shed his mortal coil' and left to be in the presence of his Savior and Lord. Paul was a gifted singer, accordianist and self-taught guitar player. He played in churches, at nursing homes and at family gatherings. I can just imagine that he is in heaven asking where his guitar is. He blessed me by giving me all of his musical instruments. I will play them and will always remember the legacy he left through them. I love you Paul and I'll see you again someday.

Arrangements are as follows:
Viewing: Tuesday - Sept. 26th 4-8pm at Chapel Hill Funeral home on US 20.
Funeral: Wednesday - Sept 27th 2pm at California Road Missionary Church in Elkhart.

What a car! What a life!

2006-09-22T22:04:00.000-04:00

Some of you have seen in my profile that I am a volunteer youth leader at 'Lifeline.' That is the high school youth ministry at Granger Community Church. Corey Mann (the leader of Lifeline) captured a vision last year that challenged us all to live a life of "Revolution." The dictionary defines revolution as: "A drastic and far reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving." God has used that vision to cause great change in the hearts of those involved in Lifeline.

Now I love cars. Old cars, new cars...sports or novelty. I like 'em all. Well, I wanted to take a car and place some of the Lifeline designs and phrases on it. I thought long and hard about what car to use. It came to me when I was watching a NASCAR race. Chevrolet was running a commercial about how many races have been won by drivers in Chevys. The tag line was, "be a part of the chevy revolution." TADA! Chevy it was. But which one? Well, I had to go with the most powerful car they make. The Corvette. I chose the 2002 Chevy Corvette Z06. Below are some pics of the finished product (sorry their from the tv and kinda rough). Enjoy!

David Letterman's Top 10

2006-09-17T01:10:00.000-04:00

This was Dave's Top 10 List in Honor of the top 10 driver's chasing the NASCAR Nextel Cup Championship.

Top Ten Things Never Before Said By A NASCAR Driver

10. Kasey Kahne: "Anyone know how to drive a stick?"

9. Jeff Gordon: "Does this gas taste funny to you?"

8. Jeff Burton: "I don't care much for country music or beer"

7. Mark Martin: "Switch the 'r' and 'c' in 'racing' and you get 'caring'"

6. Dale Earnhardt Jr.: "Wow, Letterman looks so young in person"

5. Denny Hamlin: "You're looking at a guy who can drive 500 miles without taking a leak"

4. Kyle Busch: "A truly great driver doesn't mind asking for directions, am I right, ladies?"

3. Kevin Harvick: "It would be nice if the guys in the pits occasionally surprised me with a piece of carrot cake or something"

2. Jimmie Johnson: "The Nextel Cup is great, but what I'm really excited for is Late Show Ventriloquist Week"

1. Matt Kenseth: "If you think I'm fast in my car, you should see me in the bedroom"

My Third Hero

2006-09-17T00:31:00.000-04:00

This is my father in-law, Paul Loy. I have three heros in my life. Jesus, my dad and Paul. In the 23 years that I have known Paul, I don't think there has ever been a time when I would have traded him for any other father in-law. He is far and away the most faithful, the most generous, the most understanding person I have ever met. He has the will of a lion and the patience of Job.

Paul got the news that he had lymphomic cancer when he was 43. They think he got it from his job with the railroad working in the diesel fuel pits. Over the years he's been through so much chemotherapy that it messed up his kidneys. He has been on dialysis (at home) for the last year and a half or so. About three months ago he started having troubles with it and went into the hospital. Things didn't improve and it also caused him not to be able to eat anything without throwing it back up. The doctor's tried everything they knew to fix it, but were baffled. Finally, my father in-law told them he wanted them to let him go. So they have decided to acquiesce to his wishes. He was transferred back to his nursing home on Tuesday (where his wife is also) and we were told that he has about a week or so to live. His first few days were good ones, however my wife said that today was a bad day. It is apparent that his body is starting to shut down. My father in-law is a Christ-follower and looks forward to being with Jesus. But, obviously, that doesn't make it any easier on his wife, my wife, her sisters, or any of the rest of us.
With my dad also battling cancer, these last few months have been really hard on our family. But, it has also brought us closer than we have been in a very long time! I love my father in-law Paul and it will be nearly impossible for any other person to fill the shoes of my third hero.

Word Of The Day

2006-09-09T23:38:00.000-04:00

Caustic (kaw - stic) adj. 1)capable of burning, corroding or destroying animal tissue. 2) severly critical or sarcastic.

He'll Just Have To Settle For The Million Dollars

2006-09-09T23:23:00.000-04:00

Tony Stewart did his best tonight to hold onto a spot in the top ten NASCAR drivers who will compete in the 'Chase for the Championship." But in the end, he finished the Rock & Roll 500 at Richmond in 18th place. That put him 16 points out and in the eleventh spot. He will not be a contender for the championship, but will collect the one million dollar prize that goes to the driver in the 11th spot (if he can hang in there).

This is the first time in the last 5 years that Stewart didn't make the chase. But, my congratulations go out to Tony's rookie teamate Denny Hamlin. Denny drives the #11 Federal Express Chevrolet and will participate in the championship chase in his first year as a Nextel Cup driver.

Those who know me - know that I am a diehard Tony Stewart fan...so despite his not making the run to defend his Championship....I'll still be rooting for 'Smoke' to pull out a few wins in the last 10 races!!

Word of the Day

2006-09-08T11:37:00.000-04:00

Burgeon (ber - jen) vi. - 1) to send forth new growth [sprout]. 2) to grow and expand rapidly [flourish].

Word of the Day

2006-09-07T17:10:00.000-04:00

Avarice ('av-ur-is) n. - excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain; to covet [Greediness].

Bulletin Bloopers: Part Duex

2006-09-07T16:54:00.000-04:00

Enjoy more of these....

** Wednesday at 7:30pm there will be a meeting of The Little Mothers Club. All wishing to become Little Mothers, please meet with the minister in his study.

** Please remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.

** Today's sermon: "How Much Can A Man Drink?" with hymns from a full choir.

** The eight-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' in the church basement. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

** Ushers will swat late comers at these points in the service.

** For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery
downstairs.

** As maintenance of the churchyard is becomming increasingly costly, it would be appreciated if those of you who are willing, would clip the grass around their own graves.

** The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind and they may be seen in the church basement on Friday afternoon.

** The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Allen Belzer, the sin of Rev. and Mrs. Julius Belzer.

** The choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

2006-09-06T12:44:00.000-04:00

Monday was Labor Day...but I owuld rather think of it as 'Labor of Love Day.' My dad loves to watch the Silverhawks play. He's been to 'The Cove,' many times over the years. But his cancer has made it very difficult to do so this summer. Well thanks to Mayor Steve Luecke and the City of South Bend, my dad got to see the last home game for the season. Not just from any ordinary spot at the stadium, but from the Suite that is owned by the City! The suite was great because it allowed my dad (and family) to have an incredible view, easy access to an 'in-suite' bathroom and no stairs to contend with. PLUS, it was Dollar Monday,so everything was easily affordable. Dad got some special visitors too. Like Swoop....The former Silverhawks mascot....and former Governor (now Silverhawks co-owner) Joe Kernan. My brothers and sister and the rest of the family were there to share the day. The 'hawks lost by one, after a valiant ninth inning rally, but we didn't mind. We all got to hang out with our dad and it was a day none of us will ever forget.

Now Appearing....

2006-09-04T11:15:00.000-04:00

This weekend my son Ryan was part of a musical drama at GCC. They did a 'live music video' type of drama to the song "Summer Night" from the movie Grease. Ryan is the one in the yellow t-shirt.
This was his first time on stage at GCC and I have to say he did an incredible job! I sat watching and felt myself smiling from ear to ear! Everyone involved did a marvelous job and from what I hear, they received a standing ovation at every service.

If you would like to check out the performance, go to www.gccwired.com click on Media player, select drama - and the performance is the first one.

2006 Blueberry Festival

2006-09-04T10:56:00.000-04:00

Carol, Rachel and I went to this years Blueberry Festival in Plymouth. It was a great day and our first trek to the festival. But it certainly won't be our last! Blueberry ice cream, blueberry cobbler, blueberry everything. Plus more food booths and craft tents than you could wish for. I had a better time here than I ever did at the 4H fair. If you've never been there, mark it on your calendar for next year.

"I don't care who you are...now that there's funny..."

2006-09-01T15:26:00.000-04:00

Ryan and I went to see Cars the other day. What a great movie. I am continually amazed at the technical skills that PIXAR puts into its movies. Now it's no secret that I'm a huge NASCAR fan...so I was watching to see just how much they connected with the whole 'racing scene.' I have to admit...those boys did their homework! From Waltrip's, "boggity, boogity, boogity boys, let's go racin'," to the disdain that those who love formula racing (Guido) have for stock car racing....it was all there.

In my humble opinion, Larry the Cable Guy steals the entire show as 'Mater.' I was at Wal-Mart a few weeks back and saw some 'Cars' stuffed pillows. They had plenty of Lightning McQueen and Doc Hudson, but only ONE Mater! My favorite line in the movie is Mater's, "I'm happier than a tornado in a trailer park."

There are several underlying themes in the movie ('It's not just about knowing where you're going, it's about where you've been.' 'It's not just about one person....you need a team of others to help you succeed.' 'What are you going to do to help make a difference where you are?') This movie hits on all cylinders and there are so many great things under the hood. The great voice talent, the musical soundtrack is perfect (especially Rascal Flatt's redux of "Life Is A Highway"), the car parts you notice in the landscape. I especially appreciated the tribute (or should that be tri'butte') to the buried cadillacs. To miss the chance to see this movie would be like running out of gas on the final lap. So, pit...er, I mean hit the dollar movie while it' still running (trust me - it would be worth the full ticket price!) and enjoy this great american laughfest.

For those who are wondering what he said....

2006-08-28T20:02:00.000-04:00

I found someone who blogged about the NASCAR race Saturday night and they included Pastor Dave Engbrecht's invocation. So, if you're wondering...here's what his prayer was before some 160,000 people.

Series: NASCAR Nextel Cup Series
Race: Sharpie 500
Date: August 26, 2006
Invocation Delivered By: Dave Engbrecht
Organization: Nappanee Missionary Church
Title: Senior Pastor
Denomination: Evangelical Christian
Specific References to Jesus Christ: Yes (TWICE!)

â€�Lets pray together. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this beautiful night where we can enjoy the greatest of races. Thank you that youâ€™ve given us grace through your son Jesus Christ. Thank you for the hope that we can have for this life and through eternity. And now Father, I pray protection. I pray protection for each of the drivers, their crews and all of the race officials, and may we, as we run the race of life, run powered by your holy spirit. Itâ€™s in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.â€�

Pretty Awesome!

And now.....the Invocation

2006-08-26T19:48:00.000-04:00

I was just sitting and watching the NASCAR race from Bristol, Tennessee. I am enjoying all the pre-race hoopla. The driver introductions, the presentation of colors and then the announcer introduces the person who will deliver the invocation. I am shocked as he introduces.....yep you got it....Pastor Dave Engbrecht from Napannee Missionary Church. His prayer was a great one. Better than most of the meaningless drivel that gets thrown into the air and falls to the ground a few feet away. A prayer of protection for the drivers, pit crews, race officials...and a request that as we ive out the race of life that God would help us to live it out with the help of the Holy Spirit. Great job Dave......Now 'Boogity, boogity, boogity! Let's go racin' boys!!!"

Back To Middle Earth!

2006-08-22T15:31:00.000-04:00

Just when you thought you'd seen the last of the Shire....Peter Jackson takes us back to Middle Earth. Not for another chapter in the Lord of the Rings saga, but for the events that led up to the Lord of the Rings. The book that started it all: The Hobbit. This is the story of Bilbo Baggins (Frodo's Uncle). His adventures, and how he came to possess the 'one ring.' A few of the original actors from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy return - including: Ian Holm as Bilbo, Ian McKellan as Gandalf and of course Andy Serkis as Gollum. The Hobbit is due to hit the theatres this December (as did the Lord of the Rings Trilogy movies). As soon as I figure out how to do it...I'll post the movie trailer.

When There Is Nothing To Blog About

2006-08-21T15:11:00.000-04:00

WHEN THERE IS NOTHING TO BLOG ABOUT...
According to YOUR personal opinion, answer these questions...

ONE of your Favorite Movie MOMENTS of All Time: 'The Prince of Egypt,' when the people are walking through the Red Sea and lighting silhouetes a whale swimming by.

ONE of the Greatest Episodes of what TV show ever: The finale of M*A*S*H.

ONE movie that made you LAUGH out loud many times: Dumb & Dumber

ONE TV show that you wish you could be on: Prison Break

ONE of your Favorite SONGS of all time: "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music" - Larry Norman

ONE song you wish YOU wrote: "Live Like You Were Dyin" by Tim McGraw

ONE of the GREATEST movies that NOBODY has seen: 'Remo Williams - The Adventure Begins'

ONE song that truly MOVES you: "When All Is Said and Done" by Geoff Moore

ONE movie that truly MOVED you: "Hotel Rwanda"

ONE MOVIE that you cried at: "Big Fish"

MOST PLAYED song on your IPOD to date: I don't have and iPOD - but the song I have been listening to most lately is...."Settle For A Slowdown" by Dierks Bentley

ONE MOVIE that you love that would SUPRISE others to know: "Amadeus"

ONE SONG that you know ALL the lyrics to: "So Long Self" by Mercy Me

The MOST RECENT song you purchased/downloaded: "Something's Missing" by John Mayer

TAG YOU ARE IT! Now let's see if some folks want to play! Rules: Helps if they have a blog, Helps if they play along, Helps if they TAG 3 more! Rachel Prugh, Leah Banicki & Steve Werner...you're it!

The One I Love

2006-08-17T22:01:00.000-04:00

This is Carol. My wife...my best friend...."my density."

It was 22 years ago that she said her, "I do," and began this journey with me. I truly believe that God creates one perfect mate for each of us. Carol is mine! She never ceases to surprise me with each new talent she discovers. I couldn't ask for anyone better to share life with, and every day it just gets better. I love you 'mommy.' Happy Anniversary!

How Did I get here?

2006-08-17T21:25:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my daughter's 1st day of school. She is a sophomore this year. My son starts his freshman year of college on Tuesday. Tomorrow is my 22nd wedding anniversary and two months from today...I turn 45. Where did the time go! It seems like only yesterday when I was a young man fresh out of college, a new wife and an uncertain future ahead of me.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade a single second of any of it. It just seems like each day speeds into the next. Each time I start getting 'tunnel vision' where time is concerned, I get another reminder. Both my dad and my father in-law are doing poorly health-wise and we're uncertain if this may be their last set of holidays. I'm three and a half years shy of having my 20 years in at the police station. See what I mean? Notice a pattern here?

BUT...do I have a point? I sure do. We all have a limited amount of time in this life we are given. What am I doing with mine? What are you doing with yours? Is it being frittered away or used to create a legacy that will last far beyond the day we leave this life? That has been what is bouncing around in my skull lately. I look at pictures of my family. I swap stories with my wife and friends. Each one brings to mind something I did that could point in either a good or bad direction. We can in fact, leave a bad legacy. So, make the most of every opportunity you have to create moments & memories that will leave a legacy that you can be proud of, and will help provide guidance for those who come after.

Me

2006-08-13T20:02:00.000-04:00

I just found this picture and thought I'd post it, since I can't figure out how to add it to my profile!!! Just call me 'Garth' Prugh.

How Are You Wired?

2006-08-13T19:36:00.000-04:00

This weekend was my weekend to serve on the vocal worship team at Granger Community Church. I got to sing worship, do a special (solo), and did background vocals on another song. We have such amazing people at GCC. The musicians, the others singers, the tech people, first impressions (greeters & building guides), children's teachers, dramatic arts people, and the list goes on and on. This weekend's service was about being part of the body by serving. Finding the "SHAPE" that fits you best. How you are 'wired,' or in other words...the areas of service that makes your heart beat fast. I love to sing and so I serve with the vocal team. I also love teenagers, so I also serve with Lifeline - the high school ministry.

If you didn't get the opportunity to see this weekend's service, you can check it out at www.gccwired.com. Go to the web site - then click on the tab that says, 'watch this weekend's service.' How many churches get to do stuff like this? It is way awesome! They update each week's service on the following Saturday night, so check this week's out before it's gone. Ohhh...and if you notice the guy in the brown shirt warbling the special song....that's me. So, please be kind with any comments.

God Used My Lazy Day

2006-08-07T15:29:00.000-04:00

This last week I figured I'd give myself a little gift and sleep in kinda late. No alarm clock, nothing scheduled, just some good old fashioned 'down time.' Well, it alsways amazes me how God grants us this kind of opportunity and uses it to help someone else. Now the sleeping in part propbably didn't do anything to help, but the lack of a schedule did.

I have a friend who has recently been going through some very tough times and has had to ponder some equally tough decisions. My phone rang at about 10:30am, and it was my friend. He asked if I was sleeping and I told him no (actually I wasn't - I was in that state of just getting ready to get up). He asked if I could get together with him to talk. I remember talking with him on the phone a few days prior about another tough issue he was facing. I had told him then that he could call me anytime if he needed someone to talk to. Well, is guess God had destined this to be his anytime moment.

He asked if we could meet right then. I have no schedule today...how cool is that! We decided where to meet and when I got there - I discovered that my friend was comtemplating a career change. His current situation is a good one, but involves working with some 'difficult' personalities as well as working with family. I have never had to work with family, but I have had to deal in the past, with the rotten personalities other employees. I had once been in a similar situation, wondering whether I should quit and go somewhere else. During my tough time, I prayed and was asking God to remove me from this situation and put me somewhere else. Somewhere I liked and would be more useful. God answered my prayer, but not by helping me find another job. His prompting toward me was, "you are my ambassador (2Cor 5:20), and this is your mission field. Be my light in a dark place." From that point on, my whole attitude changed. I begin to live my faith more courageously and things began to change. These days, I love my job, I care deeply for the people I work with and have seen God do some pretty amazing things there!

Well, my friend smiled and told me that maybe that's what God wants him to do. I can't be sure if that's so, but I know that if you look at where you are and see it as a mission field, then things can change without a move. This kind of decision takes you out of the center and places Jesus there. And once Jesus is there and central, things will change.

I don't know if I really gave my friend any advice that he probably wouldn't have figured out on his own, but I do know that God used me and my past experience to help give someone else a new perspective to their situation. How cool is that?!

Some Very Powerful Words

2006-08-02T13:51:00.000-04:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous." Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us...And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
- Nelson Mandela

Enjoy These....

2006-08-02T13:21:00.000-04:00

These are hysterical. Just wanted to share them.

www.ebaumsworld.com/newsletter/issue19/startrekpython.html

www.ebaumsworld.com/newsletter/issue14/storewars.html

www.ebaumsworld.com/farley.html

The Return of the Kids

2006-07-29T00:44:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow.....well actually today now....my kids will be returning from mexico. I have really missed them both and look ofrward to seeing them tonight. We'll be going to eat at Texas Roadhouse after we pick them up and I get to hear all their amazing stories. I'll share a few later, along with the one below from the day the group went to the 'newest iteration' of the Rio.

A Proud Father

2006-07-25T11:16:00.000-04:00

This is Ryan & Rachel.....my son and daughter. They are away now, out of the country, making a difference in the world. They left Saturday on a missions trip to Monterrey, Mexico, with others from Lifeline, the high school ministry at Granger Community Church. They are working at children's homes (orphanges) and doing work that will assist an organization there called Back 2 Back Ministries. They are doing such things as pouring cement, digging trenchs, plumbing, as well as playing with the children and reaching out to the people in the most poverty-stricken areas of Monterrey.
My wife and I are so very proud of our children and look forward to all the stories of their adventure. We follow their progress each day, on a blog which has been setup by the leaders of the trip. If you know my kids, or just want to check out what's going on, feel free to check out the site at:

www.missionmexico2006.blogspot.com

Hmmmmm.......

2006-07-08T17:41:00.000-04:00

The other morning whenI got up, I came out and sat down on the couch to talk with Carol. I saw she had taken notes of a message by a pastor on tv. They were 10 life suggestions. I liked them so much I thought I'd post them for everyone to check out.

1. Take responsibility for your actions.

2. Be willing to work for what you want. Rediscover the work ethic, For parents...don't hand your children everything or they'll become brats.

3. Don't waste time fighting for what you cannot change - move on and get over it!

4. Admit when you're wrong. Don't be an eternal victim.

5. Forgive and then forget. The seed of unforgiveness is a grudge, which when it grows, reaps a harvest of bitterness, guilt and regret.

6. Be generous.

7. Let your mouth be ruled by kindness. Apologize often. Do not bad mouth in your home.

8. Don't indulge in self-pity. It is a sin that puts you as the focal point. Get up, dust yourself off and keep walking. Remember, "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."

9. Listen. REALLY listen. Try to understand the viewpoints of others. Parents...talk with your children. You are their moral compass (not the tv, their music, movies, their freinds, etc.). On average kids get 42 seconds of uninterrupted conversation with their parents each day.

10. Be a peacemaker and a problem solver. Whether you are right or wrong, choose not to fight over unimportant things (husband and wives especially).

Well, there they are, simple but profound. I hope they give us all something to think about.

Church Bulletin Bloopers

2006-07-06T17:11:00.000-04:00

I thought everyone might enjoy a little humor. These are real mistakes found in church bulletins.

** "The Pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning."

** "The Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday from 7 to 8pm. Please use the back door.

** "The third verse of 'Blessed Assurance,' will be sung without accomplishment."

** The Rev. Merriweather spoke briefly, much to the delight of the audience."

** "The audience is asked to remain seated until the end of the recession."

** "The Pastor will preach his farewell message, after which, the choir will sing, 'Break Forth In Joy'."

** "In honor of the Easter season, sister Johnson will lay an egg on the altar."

** "A cookbook is being compiled by the ladies of the church. Please submit your favorite recipe, also a short antidote for it."

** "Hymn No. 58, 'Gold Will Take Care Of You'."

** "Do you know what Hell is like? Come in and hear our organist."

** "Thursday night - Potluck Supper. Prayer and medication to follow."

And my personal favorite.....

** "A bean supper will be held Saturday evening in the church basement. Music will follow."

Back On Victory Lane!

2006-07-02T14:52:00.000-04:00

For the second consecutive year, the #20 Home Depot Chevrolet is back on Victory Lane! With a companion first place finish in Thursday night's IROC race, hopefully this will once again be the spark that 'Smoke' needs to shoot him to the top of the points standings. Go Tony!

The Aftermath of Ryan's Crash

2006-06-19T16:21:00.000-04:00

Here's what our car looked like after 'flyin' Ryan, had his accident. I'm so thankful that he was belted in and that God had his back (and front, bottom and top)! Always remember to buckle up!!

A New Son (well sort of...)

2006-06-16T11:40:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I got a second son. Well....sort of. The two guys in the picture are my real son Ryan (the one on the left). The other is Steve, my son's buddy. Steve has been in a kinda bad foster-family situation. He has about three weeks until he can be declared independent. We made an arrangement a few months ago, so that Steve could stay with us during the weekends and find some time away from the difficulties he was having with his foster mom.
This picture was taken after their high school graduation ceremony. Steve was in the process of getting set up for a new apartment of his own, but due to circumstances with his foster mom, he felt he could no longer stay there - yet had no other place to go. He legally was supposed to stay with his foster mom until the apartment was ready for him to move into (beginning of July). However, seeing that there would be serious stress in this arrangement, my wife and I wanted Steve to come stay with us in the interim. My wife went to court yesterday to seek out a way to allow Steve to live with us until he could move into his apartment. Long story short, the judge decided that Steve would be granted a 2 week visitation with my family and I. So, Steve has moved in and will become our responsibility.
I am very pleased to have Steve here with us. He is a great guy and a good man. He has a grand sense of humor and a caring heart. I believe that he is going to be a man who does great things in his lifetime. Welcome to the family Steve!

A New Adventure

2006-06-14T18:28:00.000-04:00

God is good! I say that for two reasons. The first is that my son Ryan was involved in a car accident yesterday. He had someone start to turn in front of him and had to swerve to miss them. When he swerved back into the right lane, the front right tire hit the dirt shoulder and made the car slide off the road. He hit a speed limit sign and the car went airborn and flipped over - landing flat on the roof. The roof of the car was smashed down and Ryan had to crawl out a window to get out. He had his seatbelt on and was pretty shook up. We had him taken by ambulance to the hospital. They checked him out and said he was okay.....but that he would be sore the next day.

Well, today is the next day and Ryan was perfectly fine today as well. No pain or soreness. I have pictures that I will post as soon as I have them, but when you see them you will know that God was definitely protecting him.

The second reason I say God is good, is because in the midst of all of the storms we are facing, I have felt an unspeakable peace. I cannot shake the feeling that God is our provider and our strength. I know, that I know, that I know...that he will supply every need we have. It may be difficult to see from where I am now, but I imagine it was pretty hard for David, Abraham, Moses, the Disciples, etc. Psalm 37:25 says, "I was young and now am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread."

I have been a Christ-follower for many years now. I occasionally look back at where God has brought me from and I can see so many times when God made a way, where I could see no way. Times when He provided, even though I had no way to provide myself. Am I disappointed that my car is folded, spindled and mutilated? Yes. But I am confident of this.....NOTHING happens outside the plan and purpose of God - where my life is concerned. So with that being said, I will look forward to a future post in which I can tell of God's continual, amazing love and providence.

The HEART of the matter

2006-06-06T18:12:00.000-04:00

I am currently reading Waking the Dead (The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive), by John Eldredge. I have tried many times to read this book. I would borrow it from the pulic library, get a couple chapters in and always seem to get sidetracked. By the time I went back, it was overdue and I had to return it. Plus, I have always liked marking up the books I read. I highlight and mark in margins. So, doing this to a library book would not be a great idea. So, I asked to receive it as a Christmas gift, which I happily got. I am now 4 chapters in and can truly see why I have thus far been unable to get any further. The Enemy of my soul certainly does not want to get any further. There are truly, so many things that I could mention about this book. But for now I will only hit on one main area. When I am done I will have all of my favorite parts and sections placed into a folder that anyone interested can access and copy. What has really got me stirred up today was the chapter entitled, "The Glory Hidden In Your Heart." Eldredge talks about how Christians today continuing on the old mindset of "the heart is deceitful above all things" (Jeremiah 7:17). This was part of the old covenant, expressing the sinfulness of the heart. A heart that needed sacrifices to be made righteous . Jesus came to become the sacrifice that not only brought us forgiveness of sin and righteousness in his eyes, it also frees our heart to SHINE the glory of the one in whom we have been created. In Philippians 2:15-16 Paul says, You shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of lfe." Shawn Mullins sings a song that says, "we're born to shimmer; we're born to shine." Matthew 5:16 tells us, "Let your light shine before men." Understand? Well, I can't explain it like Eldredge can, so I'm going to cite a passage from this chapter. I hope this stirs you as it did me.

"All this groveling and self-deprication done by CHristians is often just the shame masquerading as humilty. Shame says, "I'm nothing to look at. I'm not capable of goodness." Humilty says, "I bear a glory for sure, but it's a reflected glory. A grace given to me." Your story does not begin with sin. It begins with a glory bestowed upon you by God. It does not start in Genesis 3; it starts in Genesis 1. First things first, as they say.
Certainly you will admit that God is glorious. Is there anyone more kind? Is there anyone more creative? Is there anyone more valiant? Is there anyone more true? Is there abyone more daring? Is there anyone more beautiful? Is there anyone more wise? Is there anyone more generous? You are his offspring. His child. His reflection. His likeness. You bear his image. Do you remember that though he made the heavens and the earth in all their glory, the desert and the open sea, the meadow and the Milky Way, and said, "It is good," it was only after he made you that he said, "It is very good' (Gen 1:31).

Think of it: Your original glory was greater than anything that's ever taken your breath away in nature.

"As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight."
(Psalm 16:3)

God endowed you with a glory when he created you, a glory so deep and mthyic that all creation pales in comparison.

When you take a second glance in the mirror, when you pause to look again at a photograph, you are looking for a glory you know you were meant to have, if only because you know you long to have it. You remember faintly that you were once more than what you have become. your story didn't start with sin, and thank God it does not end with sin. It ends with glory restored: "Thos he justified, he also glorified (Romans 8:30). And "in the meantime," you have been transformed, and you are being transformed. You've been given a new heart. Now God is restoring your glory. He is bringing you fully alive. Because the glory of God is you fully alive."

Man....if that doesn't stir you up, you'd better check for a pulse! Well, I will undoubtedly share more about this amazing book later, but I think that's plenty for now. Take care all and remember to let your glory 'shine like stars.'

Don't Be So Quick To Base Things On Appearance

2006-05-26T20:28:00.000-04:00

Tonight I got a lesson in not 'judging a book by its cover.' I was sitting in the truck waiting on my son to come out from work. While I was waiting, a man came out who looked kinda bad. He was unshaven, his hair reached out in different directions from underneath his ball cap. He looked like he hadn't had a bath lately either. He was carrying one grocery bag which obviously only had one thing in it. My first thought was that he may have been homeless and had scrounged up some cash for something to eat. As he came out of the store, he turned to each of the ash tray barrels where people could ditch their cigarettes before going inside. He reached into each one and carefully picked some cigarette butts out of each. I saw this and said, "ohhhh grooossss!" I thought he was scrounging for cigarette butts long enough to smoke later.
BUT, he turned around with the cigarette butts, took two steps, made sure they were all out, then threw them away in the adjacent trash can. I felt kinda dumb for my thoughts. God however, thought I needed to have the point driven home a little more clearly. The man reached inside his jacket and I once again thought, "he's gonna pull out a cigarette." Instead, he pulled out a hardcover book. It was a Bible! Now I really, really felt awful. Just before my son walked out the door, the man seemed to say something - as if saying it to himself...but I heard him clearly. He said, "gotta pull out my hidden weapon." I smiled and in the time that my son came out and we pulled out of the lot, I could see him walking away, down the sidewalk, as if without a care in the world.
Who was this guy? Was he really homeless? I haven't the slightest idea. But I know one thing. God used this man to remind me that we should look at others as those 'created image of God.' People who matter to God and as such, should matter to me - enough yo look beyond surface appearances.

Thanks Lord, for the lesson.

50 things I have learned in life (so far)....

2006-05-16T21:50:00.000-04:00

NOTE: These were random thoughts and are in no particular order.
1 We are ALWAYS our own worst critic.
2 A good old-fashioned 'weatherman' is better than a meteorologist anyday.
3 If you wear false teeth and have a dog - NEVER set them down and walk away without them.
4 Snow is beautiful to look at, but is frustrating to drive in.
5 It sucks to be in a group of people and be ignored.
6 I would rather spend an hour with a teenager than 10 minutes with most adults.
7 God created me for a purpose.
8 I love my wife - just because.
9 I have intrinsic value.
10 GCC is the best church I've ever been to.
11 Playingvideo games is totally awesome fun - but sometimes counterproductive for a marraige.
12 I pass way too much gas.
13 Never buy a brand new car (let someone else take the hit on depreciation). Buy used and pay cash if possible.
14 I am a very moody person.
15 Listen more than you talk.
16 If you don't understand your Bible, don't stop reading it. Get a new version that you can understand and keep reading.
17 Always be polite (yes sir, yes ma'am, please & thank you, hold doors for women).
18 Don't spend more than you make.
19 Sleep is nice.
20 Sunrises, sunsets, waterfalls and mountains always draw my thoughts to God.
21 I was made for more than I've allowed in my life.
22 I love doing crossword puzzles, but I hate Sudoku.
23 Pizza is the panacea for any situation.
24 Country music is my favorite genre of music (see Rachel - I told you it wasn't a fad).
25 Jesus loves us - no matter what.
26 Being burned in a fire as a kid was part of God's plan for my life (perhaps a book someday??).
27 ALWAYS make sure your swimming trunks are tied tight before diving into a pool.
28 Almost everyone lies to the police.
29 I am a complete math idiot!
30 It's okay for a woman to leave an empty toilet paper roll behind - but if a guy does it - it's a federal offense.
31 Jerry Bentley is my best-friend.
32 When doing anything on stage before a crowd - make sure your zipper is closed.
33 A good work ethic will get you far in life.
34 A relationship with Jesus will get you even farther (eternity).
35 Parents tend to be much smarter than they are given credit for.
36 Everyone should go to college. You'll learn far more about yourself than about what you study.
37 NASCAR rules! (Go #20 - Tony Stewart)
38 Consider others before yourself.
39 Life is too short not try following your dreams. Faith often means risk.
40 I love my job (I really do).
41 I love being a dad...but don't always enjoy being a father.
42 Come up with some standards for life....and then stick to them!
43 Life was never more fun than when I was a kid(hide & go seek in the dark, playing army in the big field, my home-made 'radio station,' swimming in our pool, going to Elkhart Traveler with Dad).
44 When you're tempted to think that everything is going wrong and you have it so bad....think about the one who did nothing wrong, yet was beaten, whipped and nailed to a cross to die for you.
45 Drugs, drinking and smoking are 3 sure-fire ways of ending up either: sick, busted, broke or dead.
46 I love the smell in the air right after it rains really hard.
47 Jeremiah 29:11 is my favorite verse in the Bible.
48 I love being in the water - sometimes I wish I were a fish.
49 I could never survive without music!
50 When you are single and starting a new realtionship, always remember: "Infatuation wants. Love waits."
** BONUS THOUGHT:
If you're a parent of a teenager....teach them how to: love God, tithe, save money, cook, do laundry, work hard, be respectful & to change a flat tire. But most of all....TEACH THEM BY EXAMPLE!

Indescribable

2006-05-15T16:51:00.000-04:00

At Lifeline Sunday night, we sang a song I had never heard before. It had such an incredible melody, and the lyrics were just as amazing. Please let me share them with you. The song is by Chris Tomlin and is called, "Indescribable."

From the highest
of heights

To the depths
of the sea

Creation's

revealing

Your majesty

From the colors of fall
to the fragrance of spring

Every

creature unique

in the song

that it sings
all exclaiming....

Indescribable, Uncontainable

You placed the stars in the sky
and you know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, Untamable
Awestruck we fall to our knees
as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every
lightining bolt where
it should go?

Or seen heavenly
storehouses

laden with snow?

Who imagined the sun and gave source to its light?

Yet conceals it

to bring us the coolness of night?

No one can fathom....

Indescribable, Uncontainable....

Exhausted

2006-04-28T19:32:00.000-04:00

I am exhausted! Today I.....

....had the privilige of dispatching selfless officers, who worked so other officers could attend the
funeral of one of their own.

....felt needed, then frustrated, then unimportant, and then needed once again

....awed while driving home marveling at the glory of God's creation in nature

....tired and drained, but happy to have been a part of this thing called LIFE.

At A Loss

2006-04-27T18:24:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting here looking at the screen, trying to figure what to write. Believe it or not, I am finding myself at aloss for words. The things I have seen and heard in the last several days around the police station have left me feeling numb.
I went to the funeral viewing today for Corporal Scott Severns. So many people. Friends, family, coworkers. Each with their own memories. Their own stories. Their own opinions. Some I strained wih great interest to hear. A few I didn't agree with, but all were told with love and fondness. Once I got into the viewing area, I shook several hands and asked how many of the policemen I work with were doing, then made my way to the casket. I was face to face with Scott's mom. We have never met and I was totally unsure of what to say. Fortunately, some of my fellow dispatchers had gone before me, so she said, "are you another of the dispatchers?" I told her I was and hugged her. "What do I say," I thought? So I said he first thing that popped into my head. "Thank you."
What? Why did I say that? It made no sense to me. But, Scott's mom somehow knew that I meant "thanks for letting us know and work with your son." As I fininshed hugging her, she looked at me, smiled and told me, "thank you for looking after Scott when you were dispatching him." It was an incredible moment, only eclipsed when I stood in front of the casket, to pay my last respects. I have heard so many heartwarming stories about Scott in the last couple of days. It is amazing that all too often, you never really get to know the difference someone makes in life, until they are no longer part of it.

When I got home tonight, I was looking through a book I like called "Practitioners." They quoted a section of a book by Michael Card called "Sacred Sorrow." It speaks of how 'God works within the space of doubt, failure, pain and friendship.' I do not know exactly what to say to those closest to Scott, but these words embody what I would say if I could.

"Your true friends will be willing to sit with you in silence not for a week, but for as long as
it takes. Your real friends will encourage you to keep talking, crying out to, arguing with God. And when you would be tempted to despair and quit the dance floor, saying that you simply lack the strength or faith to go on, it is only your real friends who will have the love
to leave you alone with the One who desires, above all, to finish the dance with you."