Blizzard Remembrance

It came down, rain, hour after hour, drenching our world. The temperatures began to drop and the wind rose. Reports came in on the radio and the TV, interstates closed, schools cancelling quickly. This was the first of winter's true attack on the Great American Desert. Friends a mere 20 miles out were stranded without power for 28 hours in one place, two days in another. Trees gathered ice and snapped in the wind causing damage to homes and yards. Communications were limited in some areas to wireless only. Road crews were called in from their rounds due to the lack of visibility. Life as we know it came to a slow, freezing halt. Ice on vehicles reached a depth of a quarter inch right here at our house. The entire north side of the house became coated with a sheet of ice(hopefully the snow will drop tomorrow so I can take pictures)and our patio window which looks out on the backyard filled with powdered snow until there was not an inch left uncovered(the window measures 24 feet by 8 feet)! Darkness reigned over the living room during daylight hours. In the very midst of the storm, though, there came a blessing. Her name is Kyra. She is my 4 1\2 year old grand. We decorated today!!! No preschool, no way to really get around, and nothing to do but enjoy one another's company. What a day! We decorated, ate too much candy, enjoyed some pie and pizza(in that order)and for the most part let the rest of the world take care of itself except during mealtime prayers. I had to return her to her mom at 6. She returns tomorrow at 9 in the am for another day with Cheryl and I. Tomorrow evening the Governor of SD will be in town for one of those political dinners($1000 per plate fund raiser at a friends home). We'll be there helping with final preparations for his visit, and in the midst of it all we will be celebrating the coming once again of the Christ Child in our hearts. I noticed that the time sort of sped by today as we did our various activities. Maybe life is always like that but we just don't notice. I give thanks tonight for the wonder of a storm, the warmth of our home, and the safety we have been given in being able to take care of one another. We are all alive and well, and the days will continue to march forward to the birthday celebration that is coming. Holidays and storms give us much cause to remember. Even the worst of storms are not without their blessings if we take the time to see them for what they are. I pray you are enjoying the coming of Christmas with those closest to you and creating memorable moments you can share for years to come. God bless, Preacher.

Getting Ready!

 
My wife(Cheryl)told me not to put anything out here until the decorating was finished. If you're reading this, honey, I hope you realize that nobody sees everything the way we do. Out here on the internet people only see what the lens on the camera sees, and that isn't all that good 'cause of the guy on the backside of the lens\screen. All anyone sees is a portion of what is going on. Kind of like life, really! None of us really knows everything that is happening at any given moment. Kids always ask a lot of questions this time of the year(as if they don't all year through), for the most part I enjoy answering them, but there is that one question. "Does God really see everything that is happening?" The truth is I believe so much in God that I know all things are possible. I don't think it's like we watch TV as one youngster mentioned a few years ago. I wouldn't like to think that God was tuning into my channel every once in awhile just to see how I'm getting along. Take for instance the policeman that pulled me over for running through a red light while taking my wife to Walmart. If God had been watching I'm sure I wouldn't have gotten a ticket, after all it was an honest mistake. The truth is I just was not paying attention. I pulled into the left turn lane and wasn't even looking for the left turn lane light. I did note that there was no opposing traffic, that's a good thing. The officer even mentioned that I was lucky there had been no oncoming traffic at that moment. I also noted that he ran the same red light to pick me up but decided I had better not mention this to him while we were chatting in his car. Is God checking out our daily lives? I don't know. I know we do the best that we can and when we fail God is there to build us back up and strengthen us for the next attempt. I know that God is present with me every moment of every hour in every day. I know that God is in me and in Christ I am one with God. God's Spirit is in here with me, and that is a for sure! So I guess when I consider the question again, I'd have to say God is watching me. I pray He is watching you, also, as you get ready to celebrate Christmas this year. God bless, Preacher. 

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Like spring cleaning and yard work another season has just opened. This one is the celebration of our Savior's birth. A joyous holiday recognized over the surface of much of our planet. A major portion of the celebrating is accomplished through the media and with the help of smal recatangle shaped pieces of plastic. I truly love the end result of the season for me in a purely selfish way. I get to share the music of many generations with children of all ages. In the malls and shopping plazas the sounds of Christmas will be heard cheering people on, and helping to alleviate the stress of overspending. We all have our limitations, but at Christmas time they usually go by the wayside. I enjoy the giving of presents to folks, I guess that's why I do it year around. My secret for gift giving is this: "Never give anyone anything that you wouldn't just love to have for yourself!" That really makes the gift a special one for the recipient, and also does worlds of good for me on the inside. Tomorrow as we gather for worship we will begin the walk the wiseguys started on their way to Bethelville so long ago, led by that meteorite that blazed through the night sky. There were some drovers that saw it, too! They rounded up their doggies and ended up at the same livery as the wiseguys that night so long ago. God bless, and happy holidays to all, Preacher.

Unfinished Business!

 

These are the doors that lead to our combination pantry\laundry\utility room. We've lived here for six years with no door, and(like a lot of other things)I never got around to putting it together until now. I think I am a procrastinator(maybe I should look this up for correct spelling and definition - nah, I can do that later), not all the time, but when I am I do it well! Today's memorial service was a good one! It had all the earmarks of a horrible personal experience, but God somehow turned that around and made everything come out as it was supposed to. His timing is always so much better than mine, I don't know why I spend any time worrying, but I do. This evening we gathered at the home of the gentleman we remembered today. Mostly family, and my wife and I. The food was excellent and the fellowship fine. Around 7:00 I was exploring the workshop where Jack did his relaxation with a host of woodworking tools. In the lathe there is a bowl that he was working on. As I examined the piece that is near completion one of his great grandsons came out to talk with me. He was very curious about me and opened our conversation with, "You're an indian, aren't you?" That always leaves me in a really good mood so I entertained the 11 year old lad. Soon we were talking about the various tools and how they functioned in the shop. Jack was 83 years old and his shop is a vast storeroom of history when it comes to tools. Andrew and I talked of his home in San Diego and of his school, and a lot about what his great grand dad did out in the shop. What struck me most deeply was that here I was with a lad that hardly knew Jack at all, but he was drawn to asking question after question about the "things" Jack did. We had about 20 minutes out there together, and it was me that came away with the greater blessing. The unfinished bowl made a statement that I will not forget. None of us knows when or how we are going to pass from this life(that would be scary)but we have to realize at some point that we are going to leave some stuff unfinished. Some of those things will be trivial matters, but some of them will be of immense importance to someone close to us. Several times these past few days with the family I have heard mention of concern over the state of Jack's soul, which I have no doubts about myself. He is with our Lord tonight. The things that were really important Jack took care of very well. The bowl may get finished by someone else, but there are decisions that only you and I can make. Things which we can only do ourselves, and it is best we don't put them off until it is too late. Therefore, it is really important that we let the people we love know that we love them. Finish the things as much as possible that someone else can't do. Leave this world with a sense of peace concerning your passing. I need every day to make sure that I haven't neglected to share my faith with anyone who is in need of assurance and forgiveness. I suppose compared to these thoughts the bowl becomes less significant, but only if another does not take up the tools to complete the work we have begun. That's how our faith works! God teaches us so that we may teach others. That's how it has been for 2000 plus years living in the light of our Savior, Christ. God bless, Preacher. 

Food, Family, Friends

They needn't be in the order I placed them tonight in the title, but these are very important elements when healing loss of a personal nature. On our recent journey to the south we encountered a family owned restaurant where the bread is so good it has to be tasted to be believed. Fun the like of which I haven't had in an eating establishment for a long time is the daily fare of the world's one and only(there are three of them now)bun tossing emporiums. Lamberts is a total experience in down home(southern)style hospitality and quisine. It is not the same without great company to enjoy it with, though. Life is also like that, we need to share it with others in causal ways, and intimate ways. Everything from the "best" friends ever to the dearly loved family cannot compare to the love God desires for us to share. I like the sign that tells of "drinking" as an important part of life. I suppose a few years ago I would have seen this as an affirmation of one of my afflictions. Today I see it with a grin and have to laugh when recalling the experiences I've had as a result of drinking the wrong beverages. I still like the thought, but for me it is presently on my "don't do" list. I joined tonight with a family of folks for whom I'll be working a memorial service for tomorrow. Too many reflections to pull together tonight, maybe it has something to do with the number of times I've been down this particular road. Here is a brief assurance....God's healing presence is to be found in the three elements I've chosen for the title. Some of us open quickly to these elements, others hold back until they have to partake of the comfort offered. To each of us it means something different to share this deeply personal journey of grief. If you happen to be a praying person do me a favor tonight, pray for the widows who have lived long and loved well. In the midst of the family, friends, and of course, food, there is an age old battle taking place that will determine life or death for those who continue on. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Bloomings In The Spirit

My wife, Cheryl, calls them "Christmas Cactus." I think we have a white one, too, but it wasn't around in the house when I was taking pictures today. Strange thing about these plants, they only seem to bloom a couple times every year. Neat colors, and not much of a problem to take care of, but they do make an impact on me. Some places where people keep them they refer to these cactus plants as "Easter Cactus, too! That's the thing that impresses me most about them. Like many people I know, they only bloom a few times a year, and then only for a very short while. Christmas and Easter are the times of the year when a lot of the "membership" comes to worship! Most of the year they are out there somewhere doing something, but during these two seasons they feel oddly compelled to visit the rest of us that are there every Sunday! I've only been at 1st B for a few years, but(Thank God)it isn't like some of the churches I've served. When the number of members is up in the hundreds the ranks in attendance twice a year swell greatly. I've never really understood this phenomena. Like the plant, we have these(may I call them "bloomers")who come to visit and are really quite offended if the pastor does not know them. One Sunday a lot of years ago when I was much younger I remember greeting "visitors" warmly during the announcement portion of the Sunday service only to find out later that they were members! I suppose I offended them a great deal! But I'm running in the wrong direction, again. You see, God doesn't have a score card. He is not keeping track of how often you get yourself up on Sunday and go to church(He really doesn't care what you wear when you come, either). What God cares about is us! So much so that He sent His only Son to make the ultimate sacrifice to redeem His people forever. God cares about us all the time, not just when we're sitting in a sanctuary pretending to be deeply(that isn't fair, I know a lot of folks really aren't sleeping)moved by all that is going on. Much of what we do on Sunday mornings is simply a reminder of God's care and provision for each of us. Like the cactus many of us may not bloom but a few times a year, it's up to the rest of us "buds" to be ready to share their colors and their beauty whenever they enter into our immediate surroundings. Tend them and fertilize as needed and pray that they are growing strong and healthy. I guess we're here to help one another grow, and in so doing, we grow, also! It's a beautiful thing to watch the blooms appear, I pray you are watching for them and enjoying them. Maybe they can be encouraged to share their beauty more often, but then, people aren't flowers. Or are they? My Bible does refer to my Savior as the "Rose of Sharon." Maybe there is a corralation here. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Repot, Repot, The End Is Near!

This picture has nothing to do with tonight's blog!!! I just put it out here for my wife so she can see what the inside of my head looks like sometimes. She knows what it's like to live with me, but seeing is believing. This is just a weird stage of growth, kind of like this plant that needs a larger pot. Preacher.

Praying or Preying

"The church is changing," the cry was heard throughout the land. "Faith has taken on new significance in people's lives!" These are sayings from 1800 years ago, 1500 years ago, 1000 years ago, 100 years ago, and yesterday! "In America we have not seen a revival in the past 50 years," one author writes. It seems that most of us that are believers in Christ are in need of revival, or so some would have you believe. Many say that the state of affairs with the church is the very worst that it has ever been, and they will continue to say it, just as they have since the first "reorganization" of the church. It amazes me that there are so many that want to help us. Here we are on the Great American Desert dying in our pews on Sunday morning because we haven't figured out the true way, the "right" way to worship God. And this is not just here, it's everywhere, and it always has been. My personal opinion is that wherever there is a dollar to be earned with religion you will find someone hawking their own personal version of how to worship God. The radio, the TV, the internet; these days if you just gave a dime to every person that would like to help you get closer to your creator you would soon be out of dimes and more than likely still languishing in a state of being "lost." The Bible teaches us that there is "nothing new under the sun." It also admonishes us not to go chasing rainbows and pretty butterflies that someone has caught up in their net(we usually end up being the ones "caught" in the net). The church is ever changing, this is true, but faith is no different today than it was for the disciples of my Savior 2000 years ago. Beware of those who would "pray" for you and "prey" upon you. They are nothing new. These same people were around in the ministry of my Lord. God's grace is free! Forgiveness cannot be purchased again. Once was sufficient. "People are more in need now than ever before," and if you've heard it once you've got to have heard it several times over. "Times have changed, and we need to change with them." When was the last time you heard that one? It would seem in the ecclesiastical world that there are always those who are more than ready and willing to tell you and I what we need, and then follow that up with an estimate of how much we need to contribute to fill that need. The church is not Walmart, but the selling techniques are used in much the same way. The same folks that put out the commercials for Budweiser work in the advertising campaigns for denominations. That's their job, selling! You cannot buy your way into heaven, nor can you purchase a righteous seat in the congregation of the faithful. That fellow on the TV has fifty people working for him to open your envelope, and if you were to walk up to him on the street(if you could get that close to one of those individuals - they have to hire a lot of protectors)you would be more than a little surprised at the person you met. Not everyone is in ministry for the money, in fact very few are really in it for that reason. Faith is now just as it has always been, and there may be new words to sell, programs to participate in, events to attend, and music to hear, but the true sounds of faith are not heard loudly. They are heard in the quiet moments that take us within ourselves and join us to God as we reach out seeking the truth that is there to be found. It's a simple thing. It's a prayer. And that is how close our God is right now to each of us. "The church is changing," the cry was heard. What they don't hear is "faith is the same, yesterday, today, and forever!" In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Warmer Days

 
This is just the beginning of winter on the Great American Desert. I haven't bothered with a coat yet(although I have gotten out some gloves), anything above zero without wind is sweater weather. The snow fell beautifully for a short time today. A "light" dusting for the ground, just enough to keep it looking fresh. Pile up on the interstate involving a semi, schoolbus and a few cars. Nobody seriously injured, but a good reminder for those of us that travel often, the overpasses are particularly tricky when weather conditions are like we have had lately. I give thanks tonight for the summer we had. So much beauty, and so little time. Thanks to my lovely wife we have cactus flowers blooming all over the house. I'll get some pics of them the next few days and see if they perk up your spirit the way they do mine. Some days seem so bleek, and yet there are always opportunities to be found. I've felt much like hibernating lately, but the opportunities knock on the door and call on the phone, once in awhile they pop up on this little 'puter screen, too, and I'm thankful. Every living moment we have is time freely given for us to make choices. We can choose to do nothing(some days I lean this way when it's cold), we can choose to get out there and do something, or we can take a little time to 'DECIDE' what God is calling us to do. I don't mean that we make the decision, what I mean is deciding what He is actually telling us. Prayer is very helpful, but you really can't beat listening to the voice of that spirit that dwells within each of us. Tonight I've been listening, and I love the answers that I have received. It is good to be in the midst of life, even when it's cold. God bless, Preacher. 

Long Ago A Mansion

This home was spotted about six months ago when the weather allowed me to roam freely on the Harleys. Once the trees have leaves this forgotten mansion on the Great American Desert becomes virtually invisible. Today I drove(four wheels unfortunately, the temp was only 16 degrees)the frozen ground and found no obstacles to prevent my intrusion on this sleeping giant. The age of the trees which have begun to push the wrap-around porch out of alignment indicates 75-80 years of disuse. Once warmed by two huge fireplaces and a wood cookstove in the kitchen, this relic now feels like a walkin freezer. I don't know if that would change in warmer seasons, but I may have the opportunity to find out now that I know it is safe to explore. The main staircase has rotted to the point of no return, but the stairs up from the kitchen were in workable condition. Seven bedrooms and immense halls and closets greet the visitor on the second story. Ceilings in excess of 10 feet everywhere, and the door you see standing open on the south side upstairs was to gain access to the porch above the porch. All of the old railings were beautiful, but sadly fallen down and buried in the refuse that collects in places like this. My imagination has a tendency to run wild when I explore and today was no different. This house was so filled with life long ago that even the years cannot still the holidays that were celebrated in grand style. The formal dining room is large enough to seat at least 20 people to dine with appropriate cabinets built into one end large enough to house my entire kitchen. Remnants of wallpaper and paint shared indications of decore commensurate with affluence. The residents were well to do back when the 20s were roaring in the US. The day room opens directly on to the porch on the north side, almost like we would have a deck built on our modern homes. There was one indoor "water closet" upstairs, and another immediately below on the main floor. It seems like I shouldn't go to these places alone, but for the most part I don't know anyone who would care to be there with me. The master bedroom was a true joy to behold. It has two immense closets and a third room on it's north side that was probably for the babies and there must have been a lot of those here. Floors, as always, have to be tested slowly for the bearing of weight. This place has been pushed so hard by the trees that there is hardly an area that doesn't creek and tremble at every footfall. I did happen to think during one heartpounding moment as a bedroom floor began to sag perilously fast over in a walk in closet that someone would surely find the car and investigate, someday! God never deserts me, nor allows me to get into anything I can't get out of, so my prayers of thanks for that watchful angelic presence were winging there way heavenward in a stream of conciousness that keeps me tuned in to my Creator. As I wandered the rooms I pondered the fate of those who dwelled here long ago. Perhaps one day we will have an opportunity to choose what kind of home we would like to have in heaven. I think I'd enjoy one like this! Needs a little fixing here and there, but all in all it has some great stories to tell. God bless, Preacher.

Yesterday's Time!

It would seem in our lives that there are always some things that we have not the time to complete. For one reason or another we simply don't get it done. There is always another day coming, is a thought which crosses our minds on a frequent basis. So it was this year with winter prep here on the Great American Desert. Some things are ready, some are not. When it comes to our salvation many of us put off making the commitment far too long. Tonight I pray for one such individual who was laid to rest this afternoon. Dave passed away at the ripe old age of 53 last Friday, alone in his home sometime late Thursday or early in the am. His passing wasn't really important until he didn't show up for work, then he was missed. I wonder if he had everything ready? How about me, am I ready? My own persoanl answer is a resounding, YES! I'm ready to go home, but I fear there are many out there that have no clue as to where home is or what it takes to be certain of getting there. Last week it was easy, I just kept driving until, finally, I was in my own driveway. We are never going to have the time, energy, resources, or wherewithall, to complete all of the things we have begun. That, for me, is the perfect reason to be taking care of last things first. I may not have my back patio cleared and ready for winter, but everything at a distance is done, including a way to get out the trash. Getting the garbage out of our lives is the first step towards being prepared for going home. If you're anything like me just living day to day for 50 plus years means that you have accumulated a fair share of refuse. We do not have to keep it with us, and we do not have to live in the midst of it. We can be free! In Christ we can find the freedom to be who we are, how we are, and where we are in the midst of the years that God has granted us. If you have a plan for your life, I pray it includes a "how to" plan for when you are no longer experiencing a beating heart. They say our brain activity continues for well over a day after we pass away. I wonder what we think about! As for me I don't want to be regretting the things I didn't finish. Plan now for that early retirement and you can be assured of a peaceful hereafter(that's a lot better than working in the snow tomorrow)and also gives us an opportunity to live fully today! In Christ's Love, Preacher.

It's Good To Be Home

We have returned safely from our journey to Tennessee! A beautiful trip accompanied by personable people and weather that was fantastic! Memphis is always a joy and this return did not disappoint us. BB King's backup band had me wound nearly as tight as I ever get. The return miles were done in one 30 hour day. I would have made it all the way without sleep but just south of Sioux City, Iowa there were snakes jumping up and down on the highway. The next thing I saw was my Savior carrying His cross down the center line so I knew it was time for a short nap. The Iowa department of highways provides a rest area at exactly the right place for catching some much needed sunrise shuteye. It took about 40 minutes to rejuvenate my battery(I didn't need these "rest" stops 30 years ago, but back then they weren't quite as nice so I suppose I need to be thankful for that, too)for the 2 hours necessary to pull us up in the driveway of our present home. I use the term "present" simply because we did find a few places that appeared to be suitable for us to reside in if doors should open in that direction. I heard that the temps are not always as warm as we experienced, but then, anything has to be better than 20 below on the Great American Desert! I give thanks tonight for a safe journey(2800 miles in all)and the protection that God offered over the course of my birthday week. I also extend thanks to all of the folks who E-mailed congrats. While we were in Nashville I think a lot of people knew it was my birthday. Everywhere we drove people were honking at us as they went by. It's always good to know that folks care even when you're a long ways from home. Today being Sunday I was back at First Baptist at the piano enjoying the relaxation that music affords me in the context of worship. You know, things do not always go as we plan, and there can be some really rough bumps in the road while we're traveling. It's good to know that at the end of each day God is with us, and at the beginning, too, and everywhere inbetween He is beside us, guiding us as best we allow. I'll be back with my stories about the days between these past two Sundays this week. I pray your life is good! In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Life Is A Journey, Not A Destination!

Tomorrow is Sunday. I'm not as prepared this week as I would like to be, but then who can really be prepared for a Sunday of communion? When we come forward to partake of the elements of communion we are supposed to be really aware of the state of our hearts and in the process of doing everything we can to cleanse them before God. From my faith perspective this is the ultimate test, short of meeting my Savior face to face, of the strength of belief that is within me. Can I really forgive every wrong that has been done me? Can I truly find it in my heart to repent of the evil thoughts that have floated to the surface of my mind when confronted with an abolute idiot on the streets? Do I truly repent of that desire to throw a punch instead of share a kind word? How far removed must I be from my human side as I step forward once again? In our humaness there is some of this that I am certain sounds impossible, but when god speaks to our hearts and knows our repentence for the vile creatures we are He does add forgiveness to the long list of blessings we receive in faith.
I'm going to be gone for about a week starting tomorrow. My wife, Cheryl, and I are headed south a thousand miles or more and visiting with friends I have yet to meet. Tonight I am both excitedly expectant and sadly hesitant. I haven't begun to pack yet(if this were a journey on two wheels I would have had that done yesterday)and I wonder if that is a sign that I am not really ready for the journey? In my heart of hearts I believe that my preparation for the journey begins tomorrow with the moment of communing with my Savior. Each day is a new beginning, and each journey provides opportunities to serve. Our unique opportunity to commune within the Body of Christ is so important that it has often been on my heart that we whould commune together in the fellowship of the sacred meal each time we gather. I'm afraid most church attenders would rapidly tire of this event and decry it's frequency. Perhaps it is good that we celebrate communion only once a month. I also keep in mind that we celebrate a personal "communion" with our Lord each time we offer prayer. Maybe that is why we need to cleanse our hearts so well. Much of life is a mystery as is the celebration of the Holy Sacraments. But then, the events of each day are a surprise, too! So it is good that we have the opportunity to share with brothers and sisters in the Lord wherever we meet them. I pray that your Sunday is a blessed one and that your heart is constantly being mended by the love of our God that cares for each of us so beautifully. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Helpful Hints 329-335

When preparing a "scalloped" meal use a baking dish that is slightly smaller than the portion you wish to prepare. Carefully line the pan\dish with aluminum foil and let it extend about an inch above the edge. Cleaning time afterwards is a breeze and your oven will thank you for helping to keep it from exuding smoky odiforous emanations during the baking process! When seeking a "center" of calm in your life it is useful to draw upon images that guide you toward that sense of calm you seek. When traversing mountainous regions in a 1937 Dodge pickup take care to have all the tools necessary for rebuilding the engine in the back along with a host of spare parts and, whenever possible, have your mortorcycle along on a trailer or flatbed conveyance! When in Frankfort Germany be certain to dine exclusively on the local quisine. I realize it is a temptation to drop into the "American" fastfood emporiums, but what with the sentiments concerning our country running at an all time high, it is best to avoid giving away your country of origin. When seeking to share your christian heritage it is always good to have prepared well ahead of time by actually knowing in whom you believe. When using a computer becomes a frustration rather than a joy it is time to quit! Upon completion of a thousand mile journey to meet your enemy make certain the journey is his! Finally.....When the days grow short(I'm talking about life here)is a good time to begin making plans for your eternal future, but not the best time! The best time is right now, today. The free gift of Salvation in my Savior is yours for the asking. Christ is ready to receive all who will come to Him and desire the freedom of truth and light! In His Service, Preacher.

Deserted Forever!

This was a "gray" day. The kind encountered when the first light of dawn grows no brighter as the hours pass. The sun finally peeked through the overcast just as it was setting, but that was not nearly enough brightness for my eyes. I tried one of the spots that I've been going to write about for a long time. Even the brilliance of the cameras flash barely cut through the goom of this long-deserted workshop.
Completion of winter preparations nears completion here at our home. Workbenches once clean as a "whistle" are now heaped with bits and pieces accumulated from the many tasks I've been accomplishing. Everything has to be cleared away before the final piece of work, vehicle prep for the long winter that comes. The pictures were taken in a forgotten workshop miles from our home. Tools still lay on the bench, amidst blown leaves and debris that has to encompass a minimum of fifty years of disuse. I was particularly fascinated by the array of bits and pieces still hung on nails above what was once a busy place. The person who worked here was a proud, orderly, and talented man. The variety of parts indicate that his expertise extended to mechanical stuff large and small. Even the wrenches are hung neatly beneath the bench, still in order the way I must assume they were the last time the space was in use. Roof caved in, doors falling off, and very little glass left in the windows due to the press of surrounding brush and trees, it could be called a "spooky" place by some. For me this is another of the mysteries which encourage exploration and speculation! I love the wheel hanging from the ceiling. That's an old one! Some childs vehicular conveyance or perhaps a carriage for the baby, a cast off that harkens back to pages in America's history long closed. I suppose if I walked out the door right now and nobody ever cleaned up the space in my cave it might look a lot like this in fifty years. Hammer handles would rot and their heads would rust, and the dust would deepen obscuring the scars left on the surface of the bench by tasks long ago completed. There was an entire rack of bits standing rusted in their holder. The type which went with what they referred to as a "brace & bit" affair for drilling wood. The block holding the bits was handmade, and each one was in order, except for one which was still in the tool set aside on the bench from the final project. I can never bring myself to move the articles around from where I find them, it feels as though that would somehow break the spell of the last presence to occupy the space. There was no wind to speak of this morning so the quiet within the confines of the old shop was overpowering in contrast to the music I have blaring from the speakers on the Ultra Classic while riding. Thinking back on the moment, I remember now that when I started up to leave I turned the music off, it seemed somehow inappropriate for the time just spent. I find myself, even now, praying for the person who last used that bench. Life was good for him, and he took pride in the many things he did. I've got to clean up my workspace before leaving for the week long journey that lies ahead. Just in case I don't make it back I don't want someone snapping pictures of the things I left undone. What we have is a limited number of years in which to get everything done that God would have us do. How we use those years is going to say much about who, how, and what we stood for. Even if we have never met a person we can tell by the things they have left behind much about them. So it is with my Savior. He has ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of His Father, God, and has left behind His Holy Spirit to reveal to us the things that are truly important in life. More than likely none of us will make the journey to the next life with everything nealtly cleaned up in this one. The guy who left behind this workspace had every intention of coming back to do more. So it is with our Savior. He is coming back to do even more! We've got some time, maybe we'll be a little closer to "finished" with our stuff than we are today, but more importantly is keeping the order and making certain we have all the necessary tools for our job. When all of the windows are broken and the world has reclaimed our space, it will be good to return and see clearly how well we ran the race. God bless, Preacher.

Considering Turkeys

I'm going to try these pictures from a different direction and see if they come through a little later. Sometimes the server can be slow. The photos of the turkeys were shot above Jericho camp last August in Sturgis, SD. Now here is the interesting things I've learned about turkeys(I lived about half a mile from a turkey farm when I was growing up). They are not very smart! They are not stupid either, they are simply turkeys and when encountered in their different habitats they react differently. When they are on the farm I could walk up to the fenced in enclosure and talk to them. They get curious and very soon they will all flock up to the fence to see what is going on. It's really quite amusing. One of my friends pointed out this week during a turkey discussion(we shoot them out here on the Great American Desert), that when in captivity they will all bend their necks and heads to watch an airplane go over, thus presenting the watcher with a view of hundreds of turkeys turning their heads sideways to look with one eye. I don't think they can use both eyes simultaneously to observe the same objects. In the wild they are quite impossible to approach. That's what makes hunting them so much fun, you don't actually "hunt," you find a spot and wait. Now a few months ago a gentleman from Minnesota brought out a family of turkeys to a 25 acre spread owned by mutual friends and turned them loose. They had been raised in captivity so they knew nothing about just being free to roam. Most often the little ones accompanied their mother everywhere she went and it was fun to watch them troop around the grounds. That is, until they began to diminish in number, one by one, until they were all gone. You see, without any practical skills for living in the wild they knew nothing of the danger present in the form of fox. This has been a landmark year for fox out here. Early mornings you can ride out about fifteen miles from the house and watch them playing in the sunshine on the fields that have been cleared by harvest machines. So it is with people, not the playing in the fields(although we do some of that as well)but the distinct difference between being raised in the "wild" and growing up in the more remote corners of our nation.
We're not turkeys, although that term has been used for a number of years to refer to folks in a derogatory manner. We do, though, bear some striking similarities that are very "turkey" like. Something is happening and we all gather to watch. We're fine in our own "backyard" but find it difficult to adapt to new surroundings. Raised in the city(the wild)we're much more difficult to approach. This is where I pick up the faith perspective for those who are just curious enough to see where this is leading. God created all of us in God's image. Therefore, the only thing that truly separates us is the conditions of our upbringing based on the variables found in our environment. If it is a "christian" environment of faith and a belief system founded on the principals set forth in God's Word, we can truly find others in whom we can place our trust. Mutually shared faith is the basis upon which we can live in peace and, presumably, safety based on our ability to take care of one another. Sounds like a model for living, doesn't it? It is! Thousands of years in the preparation, even more in the planning stages, and available for us today at no cost whatsoever! God's plan is perfect, and one that if followed leads not only to a good life, but to an eternal one as well! You don't need to take my word for it. Look around you and see for yourself the goodness that seems to fill the lives of some. You might even want to check where they are on Sunday mornings. God calls each of us to a life that is good, not all respond to that call. I pray you are listening for that call right now. I also pray that if you have already responded this helps to confirm your belief that you are on the right path. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Turkey Business!

I think I've now worked out all the "turkey stuff" that was going on in my 'puter. I'm going to have dinner now. Tonight I'm dining on roast pheasant, I've had enough turkey for one day. God bless, Preacher.

Micro Turkey

 
This is my own way of having a little fun. I'm sure the computer has no clue who is supposed to do what other than when I am putting things in. What I don't understand is how when I do a "Firefox" update, complete the download, and restart, according to the directions, that Internet Explorer suddenly becomes my default browser. Could it be there is a turkey in the woods and he's just hiding out until we aren't watching to come out? 

So, if anyone can tell me why Internet Explorer keeps attempting to be my browser when I've told it no, please inform me. It is a little frustrating, I've done everything short of just uninstalling the thing. What turkeys!