It is just amazing how one thing can overwhelm your life. The sad part is that we do not really recognize it happening at the time. Once the situation settles out things become so much more clear.
That is what happened with me and work. Things have been really hectic but the dust is beginning to settle a bit. Maybe it was the start of the new year. Maybe it was a renewed positive attitude within my self. Maybe it was Amy's medical situations becoming less obtrusive in our lives. For whatever reason, life seems a bit less 'in your face' ...
It's like the first breath of cold, clear air on a winters morning. The stars seem a bit more sharp, clear and inviting.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
This Old House *
* Not the PBS program
After much delay and trying of patience, our office is expanding over into the other half of our building. Population-wise the office is the largest in the judicial district that we serve. As such the employees who work in our office have literally been on top of each other for quite a few months. Tempers have flared and patience has been tried during this time of having 9 people working in a space designed for lmuch ess than that number. While the officers have their own offices, the secretaries do not have their own defined work space.
Even while it has been cramped we have managaed to remain civil. Even on court dates when there are new intakes to do and alot of extra activity going on we have managed to remain above board and have managed a degree of decorum. I don't mean to make it sound as though we are at each other's throats, but it has been trying at times.
Moving to the other half of the building means we double our space. We have extra offices to move into and to utilize. The secretaries will be more on their own and will have extra room to spread out. We now have two bathrooms instead of one. We also have room for a waiting room in the office. Up until now defendants have had to sit on the front porch waiting to be called in for their appointments. Not really so bad unless the weather is extremely cold, really hot or rainy. Fortunately, we have not had to deal with snow. We will have extra rooms for meetings, informal hearings and to use for auditors and the likes.
So, with a fresh coat of paint and cleaning of the carpets we move in. It is amazing what improvements can be made with just a relatively simple outward change. However, what is important is the change from what was previously going on in that half of the building. Basically nothing! The juvenile offices were there but they were gone and out of the office more often than not. Their duties just did not require them to be in the office too often.
So often this is just like our lives. We make a change for ourselves in who we are and what we do. But is the change only cosmetic? A friend told me an old adage one time . . . Beauty is only skin deep but ugly goes all the way to the bone. So true.
When we make changes in who we appear to be it is so much easier to maintain tha change once we have incorporated the change into who we are and who we want to be. People can tell pretty quick if the change in our lives is real or if it is just a sham. What we do in our lives usually says more about us that we can sometimes describe. People ususally don't care how we look but more have we act and how we live. As does God. What we do in His name means more to others than words can express. A life lived in harmony with His Word is a life of fulfillment and service beyond anything we can do.
There is an old gospel song. I'm not sure of the title of the song but it speaks of a house being old, run down and tired. At first people try to perk it up with a fresh coat of paint and by cleaning the windows. But it is soon discovered that the house itself is empty and in need of someone to live in it. Our lives will be fuller if we allow the spirit of God to live in us and work within us to fulfill His will in our lives.
May we begin each day with the idea that we are the temple of God and that we go out into the world daily to seek and to serve and to fulfill.
After much delay and trying of patience, our office is expanding over into the other half of our building. Population-wise the office is the largest in the judicial district that we serve. As such the employees who work in our office have literally been on top of each other for quite a few months. Tempers have flared and patience has been tried during this time of having 9 people working in a space designed for lmuch ess than that number. While the officers have their own offices, the secretaries do not have their own defined work space.
Even while it has been cramped we have managaed to remain civil. Even on court dates when there are new intakes to do and alot of extra activity going on we have managed to remain above board and have managed a degree of decorum. I don't mean to make it sound as though we are at each other's throats, but it has been trying at times.
Moving to the other half of the building means we double our space. We have extra offices to move into and to utilize. The secretaries will be more on their own and will have extra room to spread out. We now have two bathrooms instead of one. We also have room for a waiting room in the office. Up until now defendants have had to sit on the front porch waiting to be called in for their appointments. Not really so bad unless the weather is extremely cold, really hot or rainy. Fortunately, we have not had to deal with snow. We will have extra rooms for meetings, informal hearings and to use for auditors and the likes.
So, with a fresh coat of paint and cleaning of the carpets we move in. It is amazing what improvements can be made with just a relatively simple outward change. However, what is important is the change from what was previously going on in that half of the building. Basically nothing! The juvenile offices were there but they were gone and out of the office more often than not. Their duties just did not require them to be in the office too often.
So often this is just like our lives. We make a change for ourselves in who we are and what we do. But is the change only cosmetic? A friend told me an old adage one time . . . Beauty is only skin deep but ugly goes all the way to the bone. So true.
When we make changes in who we appear to be it is so much easier to maintain tha change once we have incorporated the change into who we are and who we want to be. People can tell pretty quick if the change in our lives is real or if it is just a sham. What we do in our lives usually says more about us that we can sometimes describe. People ususally don't care how we look but more have we act and how we live. As does God. What we do in His name means more to others than words can express. A life lived in harmony with His Word is a life of fulfillment and service beyond anything we can do.
There is an old gospel song. I'm not sure of the title of the song but it speaks of a house being old, run down and tired. At first people try to perk it up with a fresh coat of paint and by cleaning the windows. But it is soon discovered that the house itself is empty and in need of someone to live in it. Our lives will be fuller if we allow the spirit of God to live in us and work within us to fulfill His will in our lives.
May we begin each day with the idea that we are the temple of God and that we go out into the world daily to seek and to serve and to fulfill.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
A Purpose Driven Life *
* with partial thanks to Rick Warren
I have been thinking a bit lately about the life we, as Christians, live. We are so lucky to have a future off almost unimaginable beauty waiting for us. We presently live a life that is beyond any value we could place on it. We have been truly blessed.
After the discussion we had at breakfast this morning I am again reminded of the value of this life. This is not something that was just handed to us by God. Yes, it is a gift, and one that we have to reach for, accept and use. But it is one that we have to grow up into. If it were just laid out for us, what would be the value of that gift. As with any present, there has to be a time of anticipation, a time of discovery, a time of learning and a time of experience. There, eventually, also has to be a time of ownership of the gift. In otherwords, we must grow into the experience of the gift.
The greatest part of the gift of this life is the 'purpose' with which we live. Our purpose is to be good God-centered examples for others to see and, hopefully, to follow. The fulfillment of that purpose, the 'intent' with which we live, is to try and persuade men to follow, not us, but Jesus and our Father God. As Ray reminds us frequently, the parable of the soils tells us that the majority of those who are given the information for life will not follow. But that does not mean we stop being examples. It is only through persistence that we can grow into the examples that Christ would have us be.
Through persistence we can grow a "harvest of righteousness".
I have been thinking a bit lately about the life we, as Christians, live. We are so lucky to have a future off almost unimaginable beauty waiting for us. We presently live a life that is beyond any value we could place on it. We have been truly blessed.
After the discussion we had at breakfast this morning I am again reminded of the value of this life. This is not something that was just handed to us by God. Yes, it is a gift, and one that we have to reach for, accept and use. But it is one that we have to grow up into. If it were just laid out for us, what would be the value of that gift. As with any present, there has to be a time of anticipation, a time of discovery, a time of learning and a time of experience. There, eventually, also has to be a time of ownership of the gift. In otherwords, we must grow into the experience of the gift.
The greatest part of the gift of this life is the 'purpose' with which we live. Our purpose is to be good God-centered examples for others to see and, hopefully, to follow. The fulfillment of that purpose, the 'intent' with which we live, is to try and persuade men to follow, not us, but Jesus and our Father God. As Ray reminds us frequently, the parable of the soils tells us that the majority of those who are given the information for life will not follow. But that does not mean we stop being examples. It is only through persistence that we can grow into the examples that Christ would have us be.
Through persistence we can grow a "harvest of righteousness".
Monday, July 02, 2007
Anticipation (Not The Catsup)
About two weeks ago, my supervisor told me that me wants to talk to me about something.
The ususal order of things around here is that the supervisor just shows up and takes care of what needs to be taken care of. This is usually done without a whole lot of fanfare and it's usually no big deal. However, when someone calls and says they want to talk to you and then tell you they'll be here . . . that is another story. And then when they say they'll be here "sometime" today, tomorrow or on a given day and they don't show up or keep moving the "sometime" . . . well, that tends to work on your nerves a bit. I will admit to a bit of apprehension though I try not to dwell on it too much. I feel that if it were really that important he would have been here sooner. So it can't be that urgent, can it?
Either way, please pray that things aren't that bad as I'm making them out to be in my mind and that I can handle whatever may be coming my way . . . if anything. I tend to make a mountain out of a molehill in these sort of things. I tend to go through all kinds of scenarios in these types of situations getting ready and being prepared for whatever may come. I will just "prepare for the worst and hope for the best."
The ususal order of things around here is that the supervisor just shows up and takes care of what needs to be taken care of. This is usually done without a whole lot of fanfare and it's usually no big deal. However, when someone calls and says they want to talk to you and then tell you they'll be here . . . that is another story. And then when they say they'll be here "sometime" today, tomorrow or on a given day and they don't show up or keep moving the "sometime" . . . well, that tends to work on your nerves a bit. I will admit to a bit of apprehension though I try not to dwell on it too much. I feel that if it were really that important he would have been here sooner. So it can't be that urgent, can it?
Either way, please pray that things aren't that bad as I'm making them out to be in my mind and that I can handle whatever may be coming my way . . . if anything. I tend to make a mountain out of a molehill in these sort of things. I tend to go through all kinds of scenarios in these types of situations getting ready and being prepared for whatever may come. I will just "prepare for the worst and hope for the best."
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
What a Waste!
Wednesday is trash day. Each week on Tuesday evening I spend a few minutes going around the house to empty the trash cans in the various pasts of the house. I also check the refreigerator for anything that may be past it's prime. It's amazing what gets lost and then rediscovered in the back of the fridge. There may be food that is just old and needs to go out (like today, a bit of left over cake). I also have to get the recycle bin ready, though this gets addressed pretty much on a daily basis (old newspapers and recyclables from the house). I am always amazed at the amount of stuff that gets thrown out each week. And there are only two of us at home on any regular basis. However, I will say that as a general rule, we rarely have more than one bag and the recycle bin is only about 1/3 to 1/2 full on any given trash day. I don't feel so bad though when I look around the neighborhood and at other trash cans in the city that have tons (no exaggeration) of garbage, so much so that the trash cans are overflowing. I can understand businesses and people w/ large families or those that have kids at home . . . but, holy smokes!!. I really cannot believe the amount of trash that our society produces. And, on a regular basis.
I am not an evironmentalist, per se. I don't 'bleed green'. However, I do believe that we have a responsibility to take care of what we have been given. Anything new that we can recycle or any new product that will lessen the impact we have on the earth is okay with me. Anything we can do to increase mileage and lessen our dependence on other's oil is really okay with me. Any new form of transportation that we can develop that would be a real people mover. . . go for it.
You never know where thoughts will come form. As I was leaving the house this morning, I just looked at all the big blue trash cans down my street, down Goodwin, up 281 and then out 97. Down my street it just looked like a big blue gauntlet and I just thought about all the garbage being thrown out. It didn't help that blue is my favorite color. Why did they have to pick blue for trash cans? But ultimately, if you think about it, everything we have or own has the potential for being garbage.
So what are your thoughts? Or do you have any on the subject? Share with me.
I am not an evironmentalist, per se. I don't 'bleed green'. However, I do believe that we have a responsibility to take care of what we have been given. Anything new that we can recycle or any new product that will lessen the impact we have on the earth is okay with me. Anything we can do to increase mileage and lessen our dependence on other's oil is really okay with me. Any new form of transportation that we can develop that would be a real people mover. . . go for it.
You never know where thoughts will come form. As I was leaving the house this morning, I just looked at all the big blue trash cans down my street, down Goodwin, up 281 and then out 97. Down my street it just looked like a big blue gauntlet and I just thought about all the garbage being thrown out. It didn't help that blue is my favorite color. Why did they have to pick blue for trash cans? But ultimately, if you think about it, everything we have or own has the potential for being garbage.
So what are your thoughts? Or do you have any on the subject? Share with me.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Ipod Game
Okay, thanks to Erin, here is my verison of the Ipod Game, or rather should I say the Computer-In-My-Office-Set-On-Shuffle Game.
How do you feel today? - Could We Fall In Love - Craig Chaquico
What's your outlook on life? - Circle Of Life - Elton John
What does your family think of you? - Pride & Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughn
What do your friends think of you? - That's All I Can Say - David Benoit & Russ Freeman
What do your exes think of you? - Florida Straits - Spyro Gyra
How's your love life? - Another Park, Another Sunday - Doobie Brothers
How will your life be in the future? - Don't Look Around - Mountain
Will you get married? - Why Should I Cry For You? - Sting
Are you good at school? - State Of Grace - Jeff Lorber
Will you be successful? - Wild Night - John Mellencamp
What song should they play on your birthday? - The Wind of Change - Acoustic Alchemy
What song should they play at your graduation? - Steve's Boogie - Eric Johnson
The soundtrack of your life? - Homecoming - Acoustic Alchemy
You and your best friends are . . .? - I'm On Fire - Bruce Springsteen
Happy times: - I'm Free - The Who
Sad Times: - Big Dance Number - Spyro Gyra
Every day: - The 14 Carrot Cafe - Acoustic Alchemy
For tomorrow: - Once In The A.M. - Foreplay
For you: Hey, Ninteen - Steely Dan
What does next year have in store for you? - Bouncin' Back - Robert Cray
What do you say when life gets too hard? - Passionelle - Acoustic Alchemy
What song will you dance to at your wedding? - Shadowland - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
What do you want as your career? - Aspen - The Rippingtons
Your favorite saying: - Clap For The Wolfman - Guess Who
How will you die? - In Bed - Rare Earth
This was fun. Everyone do this and share. It is good for a few good chuckles. Tryyy it, you'll liiike it.
How do you feel today? - Could We Fall In Love - Craig Chaquico
What's your outlook on life? - Circle Of Life - Elton John
What does your family think of you? - Pride & Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughn
What do your friends think of you? - That's All I Can Say - David Benoit & Russ Freeman
What do your exes think of you? - Florida Straits - Spyro Gyra
How's your love life? - Another Park, Another Sunday - Doobie Brothers
How will your life be in the future? - Don't Look Around - Mountain
Will you get married? - Why Should I Cry For You? - Sting
Are you good at school? - State Of Grace - Jeff Lorber
Will you be successful? - Wild Night - John Mellencamp
What song should they play on your birthday? - The Wind of Change - Acoustic Alchemy
What song should they play at your graduation? - Steve's Boogie - Eric Johnson
The soundtrack of your life? - Homecoming - Acoustic Alchemy
You and your best friends are . . .? - I'm On Fire - Bruce Springsteen
Happy times: - I'm Free - The Who
Sad Times: - Big Dance Number - Spyro Gyra
Every day: - The 14 Carrot Cafe - Acoustic Alchemy
For tomorrow: - Once In The A.M. - Foreplay
For you: Hey, Ninteen - Steely Dan
What does next year have in store for you? - Bouncin' Back - Robert Cray
What do you say when life gets too hard? - Passionelle - Acoustic Alchemy
What song will you dance to at your wedding? - Shadowland - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
What do you want as your career? - Aspen - The Rippingtons
Your favorite saying: - Clap For The Wolfman - Guess Who
How will you die? - In Bed - Rare Earth
This was fun. Everyone do this and share. It is good for a few good chuckles. Tryyy it, you'll liiike it.
Monday, June 11, 2007
A Dark Sky Over Death Valley (Pt. 3)
It's HEErrree! I received the photo that I have been talking about. It arrived this past Saturday. I opened the front door of the house to go check the mail and there is this round cylinder in the middle of the doorway. Normally, the post man/woman will ring the doorbell to let us know there is something that will not fit into the mail box. But not this time . . . It just sort of showed up.
I've had it on the kitchen table so as to look at it. It is an awesome picture. It is all in black and white and clearly shows the Milky Way. Some of the stars are a bit blurry since it is a panorama but that just adds to the nature of the scene. I showed it to Caleb and told him some of my ideas for the frame and matting. I guess I'll be over to his shop soon.
Can't wait to see it on the wall at the office.
Next stop: Mount Everest!!
I've had it on the kitchen table so as to look at it. It is an awesome picture. It is all in black and white and clearly shows the Milky Way. Some of the stars are a bit blurry since it is a panorama but that just adds to the nature of the scene. I showed it to Caleb and told him some of my ideas for the frame and matting. I guess I'll be over to his shop soon.
Can't wait to see it on the wall at the office.
Next stop: Mount Everest!!
Friday, June 08, 2007
What a week!!
This seems to have been a really long week. I have been so tired every day. You would think that sitting at a desk all day talking to people would not be too hard. I think, though, that most of my fatigue is mental. Having to be mentally on your toes dealing with people's issues and problems and ready to deal with whatever comes your way . . it can just really be exhausting. And trying to wind down . . . I'm better at that than in the past. But, still . . .
I have thought all week that it was not the day it was. Must be wishful thinking. On Tuesday evening I was thinking how grateful I was that tomorrow was Thursday. My philosophy is that if I can get up on Thursday morning, I have the week made and Friday will be a breeze. On Wednesday morning I was thinking about having to get up only one more day. Then, this morning, thinking it was Saturday morning, I woke up at about 4:00 am and thought about how nice it is going to be not to have to get up with the alarm clock. That dream was shattered at 5:45 am by the alarm clock reminding me that today was Friday.
So, what good happened this week:
Monday - Had a good visit with the Wharton's. Enjoyed watching Amy and Shanon get to spend time together.
Tuesday - Court went smoothly, surprisingly so since it was a double-court day.
Wednesday - Spent the evening in fellowship with brethern.
Thursday - Had a good breakfast with Ray. Spurs won!! . . . and more fellowship.
Friday - A quiet day at work playing catch up and preparing for the next week. Get to go home once I reach my 40 hours (about 2:15 pm).
However, chores at home await. Guess I'll just shift gears.
Have a great weekend.
I have thought all week that it was not the day it was. Must be wishful thinking. On Tuesday evening I was thinking how grateful I was that tomorrow was Thursday. My philosophy is that if I can get up on Thursday morning, I have the week made and Friday will be a breeze. On Wednesday morning I was thinking about having to get up only one more day. Then, this morning, thinking it was Saturday morning, I woke up at about 4:00 am and thought about how nice it is going to be not to have to get up with the alarm clock. That dream was shattered at 5:45 am by the alarm clock reminding me that today was Friday.
So, what good happened this week:
Monday - Had a good visit with the Wharton's. Enjoyed watching Amy and Shanon get to spend time together.
Tuesday - Court went smoothly, surprisingly so since it was a double-court day.
Wednesday - Spent the evening in fellowship with brethern.
Thursday - Had a good breakfast with Ray. Spurs won!! . . . and more fellowship.
Friday - A quiet day at work playing catch up and preparing for the next week. Get to go home once I reach my 40 hours (about 2:15 pm).
However, chores at home await. Guess I'll just shift gears.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Signs and Signals
So, I'm sitting at a train crossing . . . waiting on a train to cross. Signal arms are down. Lights are flashing (both those beside the track, those above the track and those on the crossing arms). Traffic is backing up. The air horn on the engine of the train is blowing loudly and getting louder as it approaches the crossing. There are curbs on the street, not only to make the road look nice but to provide a definite appearance as to what is the road and what is not the road. Suddenly, the driver of a pick-up truck decides he cannot figure out what all the fuss is about and decides to drive over the curbed area that separates lanes, around the crossing arms and across the train tracks! All this with a train barreling down at about 30-40 mph! What a no-brainer . . . the driver, not the decision! I also saw people on the other side of the intersection get out of their cars to wave and yell at the truck driver, pointing to the approaching train, trying to warn him. Thr truck drivers response, to just keep on driving. I don't think that I have ever seen sparks coming out from under a locomotive before. And I'm sure there was something else coming out of the mouth of the engineer of the train, but we'll not go there. Fortunately, there was not a collision, but it was oh so close.
I cannot figure out why that driver decided that he did not have to abide by all the signs and signals that were warning him of the impending danger. Besides the danger that he posed to himself there was also the danger that others could have been harmed physically had there been a collision. What of the mental anguish that could have happened to those who would have been a witness to the accident? What about the emergency personnel who would have had to pick up the pieces of the incident? And finally, what about those members of the families of those who would have been involved in the accident?
Those signs and signals around the intersection were put there for a reason, to warn of the possibility of impending danger. And yet this person chose to ignore them.
In addition to the things mentioned that tell us of the train crossing, there are also painted on the roadway before the crossings thick white lines along with thick white X's with big white 'RR' letters. At some intersections there are rumble strips that attract our attention. Along with these signs, on the side of the roadway are other signs placed there by the highway department that tell us of the approaching crossing.
I couldn't help but think about how this relates to us and the dangers of sin that are all around us in out lives. There are signs and signals that constantly warn us of danger. These warnings can be obvious, not so obvious and at times are very subtle, but they are very real. We must always be aware of our surroundings and looking out for danger wherever it may be or wherever it may come from. We must be ready to react and act to find safety. Why do you think school buses, other forms of public transportation and some large semi-trucks usually stop at all 'RR' tracks? It is for the safety of themselves and those around them. It's a funny thing about sin . . . it affects not only us but those around us, as well. Once it gets ahold of us, it does not let go until we firmly resist it or until it is through with us.
Some random thoughts from a happenstance occurance. Those are my thoughts. What are yours. Share with me.
I cannot figure out why that driver decided that he did not have to abide by all the signs and signals that were warning him of the impending danger. Besides the danger that he posed to himself there was also the danger that others could have been harmed physically had there been a collision. What of the mental anguish that could have happened to those who would have been a witness to the accident? What about the emergency personnel who would have had to pick up the pieces of the incident? And finally, what about those members of the families of those who would have been involved in the accident?
Those signs and signals around the intersection were put there for a reason, to warn of the possibility of impending danger. And yet this person chose to ignore them.
In addition to the things mentioned that tell us of the train crossing, there are also painted on the roadway before the crossings thick white lines along with thick white X's with big white 'RR' letters. At some intersections there are rumble strips that attract our attention. Along with these signs, on the side of the roadway are other signs placed there by the highway department that tell us of the approaching crossing.
I couldn't help but think about how this relates to us and the dangers of sin that are all around us in out lives. There are signs and signals that constantly warn us of danger. These warnings can be obvious, not so obvious and at times are very subtle, but they are very real. We must always be aware of our surroundings and looking out for danger wherever it may be or wherever it may come from. We must be ready to react and act to find safety. Why do you think school buses, other forms of public transportation and some large semi-trucks usually stop at all 'RR' tracks? It is for the safety of themselves and those around them. It's a funny thing about sin . . . it affects not only us but those around us, as well. Once it gets ahold of us, it does not let go until we firmly resist it or until it is through with us.
Some random thoughts from a happenstance occurance. Those are my thoughts. What are yours. Share with me.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
A Dark Sky Over Death Valley (Pt. 2)
I heard from the guy in Californa who can produce a print of the photo that I blogged about yesterday. To make a long story short, the computer file (the photo was made in a digital format) is apparently huge. When we were discussing formats and how large I wanted the print, he told he that this file in a musuem quality print would be 90 feet long! I don't think I want something that big, though you have to admit that would be awfully cool! After he checked out the format and doing whatever he does on the computer, he told me that the optimum size for what I wanted to do with it (I want to hang it in my office at work) would be 50" x 16". I thought this was much more reasonable. He stated he will print it on archivable paper and will leave enough white edging that it can be framed or just hung as it. I am excited! I will be ordering it soon.
If you wish to see the website that I look at each day, including this photo (May 8, 2007), go to Google and enter Astronomy Picture of the Day Archive. The site has been up since 1995 and they have an archive that goes back to the start of the site. It is run by people who have connections to NASA so they have a wealth of photos to choose from. Save this to your favorites as I guarantee it will become one of your favorites, also.
If you wish to see the website that I look at each day, including this photo (May 8, 2007), go to Google and enter Astronomy Picture of the Day Archive. The site has been up since 1995 and they have an archive that goes back to the start of the site. It is run by people who have connections to NASA so they have a wealth of photos to choose from. Save this to your favorites as I guarantee it will become one of your favorites, also.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
A Dark Sky Over Death Valley
I have been a fan of manned space flight and, consequently, the cosmos since I was in elementary school. I can remember being at school when I was in the 1st through 5th grades and we would watch the launches of the Mercury and Gemini missions all day. There was nothing more exciting to me than watching the challenge of man reaching out for the moon and beyond. At one time I could tell you the names of all the constellations and stars and planets. I could tell you their Latin and Arabic and English names. I could tell you their locations in the skies by the season of the year and the hour of the night. I didn't need a calendar to know when there would be a new or full moon. I also knew the names of the various moons as they occured during the year. I lived and breathed the cosmos. Talk abut having your head in the clouds!
Anyway . . . several months ago, Robert Hutton turned me on to a website (Astronomy Picture of the Day Archive) that has mostly pictures of the heavens. Man, I was in hog heaven (no pun intended)!! I have loved this website as I am able to feed my interest in space and things that occur "out there". The best thing is the explaination from the photographer that comes with the photo.
I recently saw one photo entitled A Dark Sky Over Death Valley. I have been trying for over three weeks to get in touch with the photographer to see if I could get a print. It is a panoramic view of Death Valley, Californa taken at night. The photographer is an employee of the National Parks Service. Once I got ahold of him he referred me to the person who would provide the print. We spoke on the phone earlier today and he will be getting back with me on prices and formats. I can hardly wait. Who knows, maybe I'll be going to see Caleb soon.
Anyway . . . several months ago, Robert Hutton turned me on to a website (Astronomy Picture of the Day Archive) that has mostly pictures of the heavens. Man, I was in hog heaven (no pun intended)!! I have loved this website as I am able to feed my interest in space and things that occur "out there". The best thing is the explaination from the photographer that comes with the photo.
I recently saw one photo entitled A Dark Sky Over Death Valley. I have been trying for over three weeks to get in touch with the photographer to see if I could get a print. It is a panoramic view of Death Valley, Californa taken at night. The photographer is an employee of the National Parks Service. Once I got ahold of him he referred me to the person who would provide the print. We spoke on the phone earlier today and he will be getting back with me on prices and formats. I can hardly wait. Who knows, maybe I'll be going to see Caleb soon.
A Black Kettle
I have several blogs with which I have been keeping up. I have not had much time (or patience) to blog lately but I have a personal rule that if someone does not blog for about 90 days, I delete them from my favorites. So I have let some go from people that I would have liked to continue to hear from, but . . . no blog, no hear, and therefore - delete.
This is one of those "I said all that to say this" moments.
I will promise to blog more. I will try not to let work, life, impatience, slow computers, apathy (well, you get the point) get in the way of my blogs. I so enjoy hearing from people from the perspective of their blogs. It gives me an insight into that person I might not have received otherwise.
See you 'round the blog-o-watercooler!
This is one of those "I said all that to say this" moments.
I will promise to blog more. I will try not to let work, life, impatience, slow computers, apathy (well, you get the point) get in the way of my blogs. I so enjoy hearing from people from the perspective of their blogs. It gives me an insight into that person I might not have received otherwise.
See you 'round the blog-o-watercooler!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
It Seems Like Only Yesterday
31 years ago today, I married my best friend and partner. I have not always made the best decisions in life but this was a good one. Amy and I have laughed, cried, prayed, supported and talked our way through good times and bad, kids (not necessarily our own), friends, brethern and family. We have both become who we are, in large part, because of who the other is. Would I do it again?
Absolutely . . you bet!!
Absolutely . . you bet!!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Driving Miss Daisy, or Me Crazy
As you may know, in my opinion, one of the lowest common denominators in our society are those people who don't know how to drive or behave while they are behind the wheel of a moving automobile.
People talking on cell phones, eating lunch, putting on make-up, feeding kids, reading the newspaper (yikes!!) or maps...they just don't get it. I will admit that I am not perfect and have made my share of mistakes while driving, but I hope I have learned to not repeat my mistakes. However, the other day I was reminded of how completely obstinate people can be.
I was at the Wilson County Sheriff's Office for court and was returning to the office which is about two miles away. There is a crossover at the main entrance to the sheriff's office and you have to cross over a four lane divided highway. There is a yield sign when you get ready to turn left into the southbound traffic. Across from here is a Valero station. I was concentrating on the cross traffic and did not see a light blue Chrysler minivan preparing to go across the traffic flow to go through the crossover. I pulled out and luckily saw that vehicle at the last moment. I stopped, looked at the driver and waived my hands in surrender and mouthed an apology, "I'm sorry". The other driver's reaction...give a dirty look, mouth something and issue the "one fingered salute". I can only assume that he was actually telling me what his I.Q. is. Obviously he was demonstrating it. The really sad part...he had a small child in the front seat with him in a car seat. What a great demonstartion of how to be an adult.
People talking on cell phones, eating lunch, putting on make-up, feeding kids, reading the newspaper (yikes!!) or maps...they just don't get it. I will admit that I am not perfect and have made my share of mistakes while driving, but I hope I have learned to not repeat my mistakes. However, the other day I was reminded of how completely obstinate people can be.
I was at the Wilson County Sheriff's Office for court and was returning to the office which is about two miles away. There is a crossover at the main entrance to the sheriff's office and you have to cross over a four lane divided highway. There is a yield sign when you get ready to turn left into the southbound traffic. Across from here is a Valero station. I was concentrating on the cross traffic and did not see a light blue Chrysler minivan preparing to go across the traffic flow to go through the crossover. I pulled out and luckily saw that vehicle at the last moment. I stopped, looked at the driver and waived my hands in surrender and mouthed an apology, "I'm sorry". The other driver's reaction...give a dirty look, mouth something and issue the "one fingered salute". I can only assume that he was actually telling me what his I.Q. is. Obviously he was demonstrating it. The really sad part...he had a small child in the front seat with him in a car seat. What a great demonstartion of how to be an adult.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
And In This Corner...
I was supposed to go to Seguin today to testify in a revocation hearing on someone that I had supervised in Wilson County. This person committed three different offenses in three difference counties. This person had three different probation officers watching everything they did. Bottomline, there were three different opportunities to do good. But in this case, this person squandered three different opportunities to get it right and afetr 10 years, messed up. This person is now looking at a substancial amount of time in our state's penitentiary system.
I also had to be in Cuero last week to do the same thing there for another person. Again, another opportunity squandered. This person decided to take a plea that had previously been offered after three police officrs, a deputy sheriff, a federal marshal, two probation officers and two assiatant district attorney's lined up in the courtroom ready to do their jobs. Talk about the deck being stacked against you. Problem was, he was the dealer and dealt the hand against himself!
I have often remarked to Amy how much I dislike court when I see how poorly people treat each other. I particularly see this on the civil side of the docket when couples are going through a divorce. Now, there are a lot of those cases that are handled relatively amicably but, in general, that is not the case. I really appreciate my wife and our relationship when I have spent the day listening to couples fighting over "things" and worst of all, when they use their children as weapons in a fight between themselves.
The bottom line is that as much as I enjoy my job, there are aspects of it that I really dislike. I am just reminded, though, that there is a better way to be and to act towards one another.
Thanks be to God for giving us His Son and showing us a better and higher way to live! I always try to treat those people whom I supervise with respect but that does not always translate into a better person until they take some of the lessons they are taught and apply them to their lives. This is a lesson that I must daily be reminded of...I must not allow myself to live in the same pen as the pig or I will become a pig.
Some random thoughts. What are yours. Share with me.
I also had to be in Cuero last week to do the same thing there for another person. Again, another opportunity squandered. This person decided to take a plea that had previously been offered after three police officrs, a deputy sheriff, a federal marshal, two probation officers and two assiatant district attorney's lined up in the courtroom ready to do their jobs. Talk about the deck being stacked against you. Problem was, he was the dealer and dealt the hand against himself!
I have often remarked to Amy how much I dislike court when I see how poorly people treat each other. I particularly see this on the civil side of the docket when couples are going through a divorce. Now, there are a lot of those cases that are handled relatively amicably but, in general, that is not the case. I really appreciate my wife and our relationship when I have spent the day listening to couples fighting over "things" and worst of all, when they use their children as weapons in a fight between themselves.
The bottom line is that as much as I enjoy my job, there are aspects of it that I really dislike. I am just reminded, though, that there is a better way to be and to act towards one another.
Thanks be to God for giving us His Son and showing us a better and higher way to live! I always try to treat those people whom I supervise with respect but that does not always translate into a better person until they take some of the lessons they are taught and apply them to their lives. This is a lesson that I must daily be reminded of...I must not allow myself to live in the same pen as the pig or I will become a pig.
Some random thoughts. What are yours. Share with me.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Groovin' in The Grass!
Several of my acquaintances have been talking and blogging about working in their yards so I thought I'd offer a perspective on it.
I remember the first time I was allowed to mow the yard by myself. Man...how proud I was that Dad trusted me enough to run a machine by myself. I still had to have help putting gasoline in the mower and checking the oil, and I still got tips on how to mow and maintain the mower, but it was great. We had a rear discharge mower that usually left more grass on your legs and shoes than on the lawn. The mower was taller than I was so there was more pushing up on the handle than forward but as I grew that issue took care of itself. I learned to mow the grass when we still had to rake the yard and trimming was done with a hand trimmer. Loved the mowing, didn't mind the raking but hated the trimming. Dad eventually got a powered edger but we weren't allowed to use it unless he was home.
So, now I do my own yard. Since Amy and I bought our first mobile home in 1977, I think I can count on one hand the number of times someone else has mowed the yard for me. Well, maybe two hands. I will have to admit that mowing does not carry the excitement that it once did. My favorite part of the job is when I have finished mowing the yard and it has been trimmed and the grass has been blown off the driveway and sidewalks. To stand and look at the yard, to appreciate the neatness of the yard . . . the satisfaction of a job well done. And to just wish it would stay that way for a while longer. I once had a friend who says that man is the only animal who raises a crop he will not eat.
I spent this past Saturday in the yard trimming the lantana, the bushes along the back fence and the wisteria, "dead heading" the rose bushes and, of course, mowing the grass. It smells so good to be walking in the yard while grass is mowed. It gives me lots of time to think and mull over things going on in my life. I have found out that there's a lot more going on at the business end of a lawn mower than just walking and pushing. It's great exercise, both for the body and for the mind.
I remember the first time I was allowed to mow the yard by myself. Man...how proud I was that Dad trusted me enough to run a machine by myself. I still had to have help putting gasoline in the mower and checking the oil, and I still got tips on how to mow and maintain the mower, but it was great. We had a rear discharge mower that usually left more grass on your legs and shoes than on the lawn. The mower was taller than I was so there was more pushing up on the handle than forward but as I grew that issue took care of itself. I learned to mow the grass when we still had to rake the yard and trimming was done with a hand trimmer. Loved the mowing, didn't mind the raking but hated the trimming. Dad eventually got a powered edger but we weren't allowed to use it unless he was home.
So, now I do my own yard. Since Amy and I bought our first mobile home in 1977, I think I can count on one hand the number of times someone else has mowed the yard for me. Well, maybe two hands. I will have to admit that mowing does not carry the excitement that it once did. My favorite part of the job is when I have finished mowing the yard and it has been trimmed and the grass has been blown off the driveway and sidewalks. To stand and look at the yard, to appreciate the neatness of the yard . . . the satisfaction of a job well done. And to just wish it would stay that way for a while longer. I once had a friend who says that man is the only animal who raises a crop he will not eat.
I spent this past Saturday in the yard trimming the lantana, the bushes along the back fence and the wisteria, "dead heading" the rose bushes and, of course, mowing the grass. It smells so good to be walking in the yard while grass is mowed. It gives me lots of time to think and mull over things going on in my life. I have found out that there's a lot more going on at the business end of a lawn mower than just walking and pushing. It's great exercise, both for the body and for the mind.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
My Favorite Place on earth
I want to tell you about my favorite place on earth. It is a small block of land in Pleasanton, Texas on Main Street. Some of my favorite people meet there on a regular basis to live and learn about the God who created us and loves us, literally, to death. It is the place where the people of God meet on a regualr basis. It is the hub from which the spokes extend that cause the wheel to spin in the lives of people who earnestly seek God and who want to learn about and fulfill His will.
I have been to several foreign countries, as well as several states in the United States. As much as I love this world that God has created and the beauty that sustains it, I cannot think of any place that I would rather be than in the presence of His people and the place in which they gather to dwell. Yes, I know the buildings and land upon which they are built are just temporary things and I know that there is nothing special, devine, holy or sacred about the brick and mortar but what goes on within the confines of that property is amazing. People with different backgrounds, different attitudes, different social-economic situations and different education levels come together to work and worship God. All our differences are put aside for the betterment of the whole. That which binds us together is more important than that which makes us different. We gather to quietly worship God and to petition Him for love, mercy and grace, and to learn how to extend these same virtues to others. We always seek the betterment of the other person. Our drive...our aim is to present God and His Son to a lost and dying world. Our goal is the salvation of our souls and of those around us.
Even with our feebles and foibles, with our sometimes petty bickerings this is still the best place on earth. I always cannot wait to get home if I am away to meet again with those who meet there. Just to catch up and see what was missed. There is always something going on in peoples lives that is interesting, something to pray for or about.
Those are my thoughts. What are yours? Share with me.
I have been to several foreign countries, as well as several states in the United States. As much as I love this world that God has created and the beauty that sustains it, I cannot think of any place that I would rather be than in the presence of His people and the place in which they gather to dwell. Yes, I know the buildings and land upon which they are built are just temporary things and I know that there is nothing special, devine, holy or sacred about the brick and mortar but what goes on within the confines of that property is amazing. People with different backgrounds, different attitudes, different social-economic situations and different education levels come together to work and worship God. All our differences are put aside for the betterment of the whole. That which binds us together is more important than that which makes us different. We gather to quietly worship God and to petition Him for love, mercy and grace, and to learn how to extend these same virtues to others. We always seek the betterment of the other person. Our drive...our aim is to present God and His Son to a lost and dying world. Our goal is the salvation of our souls and of those around us.
Even with our feebles and foibles, with our sometimes petty bickerings this is still the best place on earth. I always cannot wait to get home if I am away to meet again with those who meet there. Just to catch up and see what was missed. There is always something going on in peoples lives that is interesting, something to pray for or about.
Those are my thoughts. What are yours? Share with me.
So...On a More Positive Note
My last post was a bit of a downer. I want to be more of a positive person but there are some things that just grab me and don't let go. I let the issue hang onto me for so long until I am just quite literally tired of the weight and then I cast it off. I have been told that I have a melancholy personality and that is the way I will deal with certain issues in my life as they arise. I don't really like that but I suppose that is the way it is with me. Or, as Babe the pig would say, "The way things are is the way things are."
So...now for something a bit more positive.
See next blog entitled "My Favorite Place on Earth".
So...now for something a bit more positive.
See next blog entitled "My Favorite Place on Earth".
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Sick and Tired
In recovery from addiction, there is a saying about how people feel when they have hit rock bottom and they know it is time to make a change in their life. Basically, they say that they are sick and tired of being sick and tired.
I've had this feeling lately that I am not living up to my obligation of being an elder in the Lord's church. Everybody knows that they can do more for the kingdom, but for me, there has been this nagging feeling lately. Several things have occured recently that really made me feel like an ignored or a second class citizen in the Lord's church.
I spoke to Robert about this yesterday and poured myself out to him. He has kind of noticed the same thing. So, without going into great detail, I am going to ask that you pray for our eldership, that we can be more bold without being haughty, that we can reach out more and make people feel more at ease with who we are and what we are about.
Short, simple and to the point. I covet your prayers.
I've had this feeling lately that I am not living up to my obligation of being an elder in the Lord's church. Everybody knows that they can do more for the kingdom, but for me, there has been this nagging feeling lately. Several things have occured recently that really made me feel like an ignored or a second class citizen in the Lord's church.
I spoke to Robert about this yesterday and poured myself out to him. He has kind of noticed the same thing. So, without going into great detail, I am going to ask that you pray for our eldership, that we can be more bold without being haughty, that we can reach out more and make people feel more at ease with who we are and what we are about.
Short, simple and to the point. I covet your prayers.
Monday, April 02, 2007
* In response to Jackie.
It is amazing how loss affects us. Life just seems to be trucking right along and then... No matter how and when it happens, the experience grabs your attention and does not allow you to focus on anything else.
When I have lost someone, no matter how close, it has always been a hallmark for me. I saw my first dead body in a casket when I was a junior in high school, the father of a close friend. I did not attend my first funeral until I was in college. It was one for a member of the church in Huntsville...Brother Morris Cotton. He and his wife had opened their house to the college group on numerous occassions. We ususally went to their house and sang. My best memories of them are of smiles, open arms and hugs. His funeral was packed with alot of people but not alot of grieving. Again, a lot of smiles, open arms and hugs. For a long time after the services there was an empty seat in the auditorium where he used to sit and people would not sit there, I guess out of respect. But, beyond the obvious, there was just something missing. Kind of like a change in your daily routine or having walked into a room and forgotten why you were there. That sense of having to do something but not quite sure what it was.
Sudden loss can be like a brickwall. Having run into a few things lately that do not give has reminded me that there are things in this life that suddenly grab your attention. The immediate pain will be there but then slowly goes away as the hurting sensation goes away. The hurt will always be there but is easier to deal with.
Gradual loss seems to be easier to handle. You can see it coming and can be prepared for it. It is almost a relief when it occurs. I know when Amy's Dad was injured and in the hospital for about a month before he passed away, it was just a stiff-upper-lip getting-through-the-day-thing and once the eventually occured, it was just a huge relief..like a large weight had been lifted off our shoulders. His passing was the first time in my life that I had lost soemone that close. Yes, I had had my birth mother, several great aunts and grandparents who died...but, other than by time and distance, this was the first time that I had been so intimately involved with the process.
I think it is also so amazing that life goes on without us during the time of grieving. Yards still need to be mowed, dishes need to be washed, kids need to be tended to, bills need to be paid... We still need to eat and sleep. How many times have I stood by the graveside of a loved one and listened to the traffic drive by, felt the sun on my face, the rain on my shoulders, heard birds singing. It is almost a comfort that life continues to function. At the same time, some of the daily routines seem a bit trivial when they are performed. And, I have to admit that there has a feeling of guilt in performing the trivial when a momentous event of this nature has just occured. It's almost as if you are besmirching the memory of an individual by going on with life.
But, we go on and mow the grass because that is how we cope. Life does not stop when an individual does, other than for a time of rememberance. It is just a reminder to us of the temporary nature of life on earth. Let us be thankful that we have things to do to go beyond the staring at the yard.
It is amazing how loss affects us. Life just seems to be trucking right along and then... No matter how and when it happens, the experience grabs your attention and does not allow you to focus on anything else.
When I have lost someone, no matter how close, it has always been a hallmark for me. I saw my first dead body in a casket when I was a junior in high school, the father of a close friend. I did not attend my first funeral until I was in college. It was one for a member of the church in Huntsville...Brother Morris Cotton. He and his wife had opened their house to the college group on numerous occassions. We ususally went to their house and sang. My best memories of them are of smiles, open arms and hugs. His funeral was packed with alot of people but not alot of grieving. Again, a lot of smiles, open arms and hugs. For a long time after the services there was an empty seat in the auditorium where he used to sit and people would not sit there, I guess out of respect. But, beyond the obvious, there was just something missing. Kind of like a change in your daily routine or having walked into a room and forgotten why you were there. That sense of having to do something but not quite sure what it was.
Sudden loss can be like a brickwall. Having run into a few things lately that do not give has reminded me that there are things in this life that suddenly grab your attention. The immediate pain will be there but then slowly goes away as the hurting sensation goes away. The hurt will always be there but is easier to deal with.
Gradual loss seems to be easier to handle. You can see it coming and can be prepared for it. It is almost a relief when it occurs. I know when Amy's Dad was injured and in the hospital for about a month before he passed away, it was just a stiff-upper-lip getting-through-the-day-thing and once the eventually occured, it was just a huge relief..like a large weight had been lifted off our shoulders. His passing was the first time in my life that I had lost soemone that close. Yes, I had had my birth mother, several great aunts and grandparents who died...but, other than by time and distance, this was the first time that I had been so intimately involved with the process.
I think it is also so amazing that life goes on without us during the time of grieving. Yards still need to be mowed, dishes need to be washed, kids need to be tended to, bills need to be paid... We still need to eat and sleep. How many times have I stood by the graveside of a loved one and listened to the traffic drive by, felt the sun on my face, the rain on my shoulders, heard birds singing. It is almost a comfort that life continues to function. At the same time, some of the daily routines seem a bit trivial when they are performed. And, I have to admit that there has a feeling of guilt in performing the trivial when a momentous event of this nature has just occured. It's almost as if you are besmirching the memory of an individual by going on with life.
But, we go on and mow the grass because that is how we cope. Life does not stop when an individual does, other than for a time of rememberance. It is just a reminder to us of the temporary nature of life on earth. Let us be thankful that we have things to do to go beyond the staring at the yard.
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