Old School Gary

2012-01-05T15:24:00.002-06:00

A Big Pile of Remembering

I have a remembering problem and a thankfulness problem. Maybe you do, too?

Romans 1:21 says For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
--forgetting to be thankful

Psalm 77:11-12 says I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
--meditating on His deeds--constantly mulling them over in our minds, not our failures, hurts (which is what I tend to focus on)

Besides the numerous feasts and celebrations of rememberance in the Old Testament, there were also many times they erected pillars of stones as a reminder. On their every day commute, there'd be that pile of rocks--"Oh yeah, remember how God pounded on the Caananites!"
--remembering His provision in our life, His faithfulness, His mercy.

So, here's the beginning of my Big Pile of Rocks of Remembrance.

running water
electricity without interruption 99.999% of the year
a job
never missed a meal
always had the choice of a good bed to sleep in
healed of stage 3 melanoma
insurance that provided the doc for above
survived a very bad accident
the work of Jesus covers my sins
co-heir with Christ
adopted as a son by God
secure in salvation
25 different choices of cereal at the grocery store (and countless other palatable choices)
the fellowship of friends in Christ

2012-01-02T10:05:00.001-06:00

A few thoughts for the New Year

Calvin Coolidge
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race”

(although I would disagree with him that persistence will solve the problems of the human race. The ultimate problem is sin.)

Prosperity is only an instrument to be used, not a deity to be worshipped.

Theodore Roosevelt
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.

New Year's Resolution

2011-12-29T07:13:00.005-06:00

Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average… which means, you have met your New Year's resolution.

One of my all time favorites

2011-12-15T13:06:00.001-06:00

Be Thou My Vision

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,
naught be all else to me, save that thou art;
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

Be thou my wisdom, thou my true word,
I ever with thee and thou with me Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.

Be thou my breastplate, sword for the fight;
Be thou my dignity, thou my delight;
Thou my soul's shelter, thou my high tower:
Raise thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise:
Thou mine inheritance now and always;
Thou and thou only first in my heart;
High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O Bright Heaven's sun!;
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

-8th century Irish hymn

Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T07:56:00.000-06:00

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.
If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. Deuteronomy 8:17-19

We live in an amazing country at an amazing time in history of unprecedented wealth and goodness--and yet we whine and complain. and I am guilty of this, too. May God forgive us.

It's Time for Holiday Picture Taking!

2011-11-15T12:02:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again. Another chance to take crummy, mugshot pics or something worth remembering.
People sometimes ask me, "What kind of camera should I get?" The answer? The one that allows you to fully explore your skills as a photographer. Yes, a nice camera can make a difference, but I've seen lots of crummy pics taken with $1,000+ cameras and amazing pics taken with pin-hole shoebox cameras and smartphone cameras.
Good photos are a blend of art, tech & technique.
My first recommendation when somebody wants better pictures is spend some time absorbing this website: Kodak 10 Tips to Better Pictures and learn about the art side of composition, rule of thirds and other concepts that underline good art. Then try to translate those to the photography world.
Good shooting!

Wedding Celebration/Ceremony

2011-10-17T15:58:00.000-06:00

I was privileged to perform this ceremony... D-man and N-gal's names were changed to protect their privacy.

2:25

Friends & family,

Thank you for coming today! We are really glad you are here. What a great day it is, indeed!

Just a friendly reminder, don’t lock your knees. We don’t want anybody laying down on the job today.

So, we are here today to celebrate the marriage of D-man and N-gal. The legal community recognized them as being married on March third, 2011. Today, as their friends and family, we will be witnesses to and testify to their marriage commitment before us and before God in Heaven and also to celebrate with them, their love and devotion to one another.

2:27

Please join me in prayer (pray)

Father in Heaven,

· Thank you for your grace & mercy in bringing us here today

· Thank you for the family & friends and safe travels

· Help us hear your truths from the Bible and take them to heart

2:28

The Ideal Marriage

Friends & family, I would like to share with you today that at its foundations and core, the ideal marriage has a solid faith in God and a commitment to His definitions of love & marriage. For a marriage devoted to God, where both husband and wife are committed to God, has the hope that no matter what challenges they face as a couple, God will empower their faith and empower their commitment to remain true to the biblical view of love and marriage and will sustain them throughout their marriage no matter what life throws at them. To live out these biblical ideals requires an active faith in God and a trust the He empowers us with His Holy Spirit to live it out.

Despite the post-modern mentality of our day, marriage is much, much more than a simple legal arrangement between two people. The Bible makes it clear it is much more. It portrays the union of husband and wife as a melding of two persons into one. Very early in the Bible, God said in Genesis 2 that It was not good for the Man to be alone

And Adam said upon Eve’s arrival,
"Yes! Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh!
Therefore a man leaves his father and mother and embraces his wife. They become one flesh.

The Bible says that the two shall become one flesh. This does not mean the husband & wife lose their individuality, but they become much more as one. In this way, it is a reflection of the mystery of the Trinity--God the Father, God the Son & God the Holy Spirit—three in one. Marriage, in a similar way, is a bringing together of two people where the sum of the two is greater than the individuals—two in one.

To become all it can be and all God designed it to be, marriage requires a special level of devotion to one another. Too often today, marriage is approached from a 50-50 point of view—I’ll meet you halfway. Although this might be a reasonable approach for a legal contract, it falls short of what the Bible sets out for the ideal marriage. Marriage in the Bible is not a 50-50 proposition. The ideal marriage is an “I’m all in”, 100% dedication to one another. D-man & N-gal, believe me, there will be times where this commitment will be tested in this modern society of instant, disposable relationships. To be “I’m all in” requires a faith and a trust that God above loves each of you, will give you both that love and faith to be “all in,” to be 100% committed to each other even when it might appear the other’s commitment is waning. If you believe and have faith that God will and can meet all your needs, this ideal biblical marriage can be a shining example.

Most, too, would agree, that love is key to an ideal marriage. So, what is the Bible’s view on love? Turning to 1 Corinthians 13, it gives us a pretty good definition of true, biblical love.
It reads:

Love is patient,

love is kind.

It does not envy,

it does not boast,

it is not proud.

It is not rude,

it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered,

it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres.

Love never fails.

D-man & N-gal, that is biblical love. Love like that will sustain and grow your marriage in a way that will blow the mind of those around you.

What else does the bible have to say about marriage?

We won’t cover it all today, but to share just a few of the thoughts from the book of Ephesians. It lays out both groundwork and goals for both the husband and the wife.

I’d like to personalize these passages for you, D-man & N-gal, but understand friends & family, they apply to all of us that are married or that will become married.

In Ephesians, it says, D-man & N-gal, be angry if the situation calls for it, but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. D-man & N-gal, don't let the sun go down on your anger. Don’t go to bed angry. Ephesians continues, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another. D-man, forgive N-gal, and N-gal, forgive D-man, just as in Christ God forgave each of you.”

Before I read the next passages, let me acknowledge, some of you may be bothered by it, even object to it. Please hang in there with me until I finish the command to the husband before you write it off. Second, consider how beautiful and great this approach to marriage can be with an “I’m all in”, 100% commitment to each other with the power of God behind it, versus the 50-50 approach.

Again, personalizing these verses for you, the Bible says, “Out of respect for Christ, D-man & N-gal, be courteously reverent to one another.”

It continues. N-gal, understand, support and respect D-man in ways that show your support for Christ. D-man should provide leadership in your marriage as Christ does for His church, not by domineering, but by cherishing you. So, just as the church submits to Christ as He exercises such leadership, N-gal, likewise submit to D-man.

D-man, go all out in your love for N-gal, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. He laid down His life for the church. Christ's love makes the church whole. Jesus words evoke her beauty. Everything He does and says is designed to bring the best out of the church, clothing the church in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that, D-man, is how you ought to love N-gal.

Notice, D-man, it’s not your job to make her submissive. And N-gal, it’s not your job to make him love you. Focus on what God calls you to do; give it your 100%. Each of you in the power of the Holy Spirit and by the grace of God, will fulfill these biblical roles for marriage.

But, God’s about rules; He’s about relationships. He’s about giving you life and life abundantly that comes through the ideal biblical marriage.

More good news! God also wants you to enjoy each other in every aspect. Ecclesiastes says:

Seize life!

Eat bread with gusto,    Drink wine with a robust heart.
   Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure!
   Dress festively every morning.    Don't skimp on colors and scarves.
   Relish life with the spouse you love
   Each and every day of life is God's gift.

Proverbs says:

D-man, enjoy the wife you married as a young man!
Lovely as an angel, beautiful as a rose— don't ever quit taking delight in her body.
Never take her love for granted!

I could read from the Song of Solomon, but I’d probably blush too much. So, I encourage you to check out the beautiful portrayal of the tender love between two betrothed lovers upon their wedding in the Song of Solomon.

Finally, D-man & N-gal, be wise and heed these words of Jesus in Matthew…

D-man & N-gal, “In the beginning, the Creator ‘made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together today in your marriage, let no one separate.

In marriage, each partner is to be an encourager rather than a critic, a forgiver rather than a collector of hurts, empowering rather than a reformer.

D-man & N-gal, God loves you both and God wants you to enjoy all the fullness and beauty He intended for the ideal marriage, the biblical marriage. Commit these truths of commitment, devotion, respect and sacrifice of the Bible to your heart and you will have the ideal marriage.

Most of all, commit to love.

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast,

it is not proud. It is not rude,

it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,

it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts,

always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

2:38
Let’s Pray: Thank you God for words of wisdom; words of life. You don’t leave us drifting. I lift up D-man & N-gal to you, asking you to nurture, protect and empower them throughout their marriage.
2:39
WAIT…. (D-MAN & N-GAL EXCHANGE THEIR VOWS)
Do we have the rings?
With this ring / I, N-gal, / take you, D-man, / to be my husband, / my constant friend, / my faithful partner / and my love from this day forward. / In the presence of God and our family and friends, / I offer you my solemn vow / to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, / in good times and in bad, / and in joy as well as in sorrow. / I promise to love you unconditionally, / to support you in your goals, / to honor and respect you, / to laugh with you and cry with you, / and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live. / With this ring, I thee wed.
With this ring / I, D-man, / take you, N-gal , / to be my husband, / my constant friend, / my faithful partner / and my love from this day forward. / In the presence of God and our family and friends, / I offer you my solemn vow / to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, / in good times and in bad, / and in joy as well as in sorrow. / I promise to love you unconditionally, / to support you in your goals, / to honor and respect you, / to laugh with you and cry with you, / and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live. / With this ring, I thee wed.

2:44

Friends & family, I present to you D-man & N-gal, husband & wife!!!

Modern Spiritual Cisterns

2011-06-05T06:35:00.001-06:00

Since I am old school, I'm going to talk about cisterns. Cisterns are for collecting & storing water. Back in the day, there wasn't public water supplies; you had to store up water for the dry days, unless you had dug your own well or lived near a clean fresh water source.

Hear what Jeremiah had to say to the Israelites back in the day:
My people have committed two sins:
They have forsaken Me (God), the Spring of Living Water,
and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

Think of the absurdity of a person walking away from a fresh water spring to dig a hole in the ground to try and store water that won't even hold it. Stale, muddy water versus fresh spring water.

Spiritually, we do the same thing today, and not just those that don't follow Christ, but even followers of Jesus.
Consider these cisterns of our age...science, self-help, financial security, comfort, materialism, hedonism. Some good, some bad, but all turned into idols, false gods, broken cisterns.

Later in that same book of Jeremiah, he prophecies: "Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the Lord your God and have no awe of me," declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty.

May each of us realize the futility of digging our own broken cisterns and seek the fresh, embracing Living Water. Jesus Christ is that Living Water.

Need to text while driving? NO YOU DON'T

2011-02-09T14:57:00.001-06:00

23 times more likely to have an accident. Would you drive 70 mph with your eyes closed for 5 seconds on a busy road?

Stuck for gift ideas?

2010-12-15T11:44:00.000-06:00

Nothing says "love" like the Bacon of the Month Club :)

Bank Account full of Asphalt

2010-11-23T08:59:00.000-06:00

It struck me today as I was verbally lashing the slow person in front of me on the way to work (a topic for another day) that my investments on earth amount to what is a piddly amount of asphalt in heavenly terms. If the streets of the New Jerusalem/Heaven are paved with gold (and Revelation says they are), then my little collection of earthly gold is like the pile of asphalt used to patch potholes by the street guys.

God's economy is just so very different from man's, and all too often, it's my economy, too.

Man's Economy
Your due. Definitely due. Buick Riveria
Built Ford tough.
Breakfast of Champions
Because I'm worth it. L'Oreal
Think different Apple
The Power to Free Yourself BMW Z4
Doesn't Your Dog deserve ALPO?

God's Economy
Greatly blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Greatly blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

Greatly blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.

Greatly blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.

Greatly blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

Greatly blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.

Greatly blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.

Greatly blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

On the wrong team?

2010-11-07T21:58:00.000-06:00

I think I'm on the wrong team; at least it feels that way sometimes. If you're even a somewhat remote fan of MLB, you saw the Rangers and the Giants duke it out for the World Series, except it was mostly the Rangers striking out. That's how life kinda feels like right now--"Life's" pitching for the Giants and I'm one of the really bad Ranger's batters. Lot's of whiffed swings with an occasional foul ball. Family, work, marriage, faith--they've all been throwing 98 mph fastballs. Evidently, I'm not listening the the Batting Coach very well.

Need some Frim Fram Sauce

2010-11-02T06:06:00.000-06:00

I want the frim-fram sauce with the ausen fay with chafafah on the side.

Blue Forest

2010-10-21T11:55:00.005-06:00

A recent favorite image from Oak Creek Preserve in Plano from the weekend.

More here if you're interested, http://photos.leavelles.net

The Idol of Self

2010-10-21T11:51:00.000-06:00

It struck me the other day that probably the biggest idol in my life is the idol of self. Even as a follower of Jesus, self and thoughts of self are consuming. So much of my thought processes, when I'm honest, begin and end with self. Pile on top of that the constant, 24x7 pounding of the double whammy of consumerism and narcissism of our culture powered by the trifecta of temptation--lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and pride of life.
Apart from God, it would all be so hopeless; thanks be to Him for a hope outside of myself. So, if you're anything like me, the biggest idol in your life is the one staring back at you from the mirror in the morning, brushing it's teeth. Tell it to take a hike. Forget what lies behind and focus on what lies ahead, the Author and Perfecter of our Faith.

How Attentive are you?

2010-10-11T19:34:00.001-06:00

This may challenge you preconceived notions.
http://www.youtube.com/v/vJG698U2Mvo?fs=1&hl=en_US

We Need This Life of Practical Romance

2010-10-05T19:32:00.001-06:00

But nearly all the people I have ever met in this western society in which I live would agree to the general proposition that we need this life of practical romance; the combination of something that is strange with something that is secure. We need so to view the world as to combine an idea of wonder and an idea of welcome.
G.K. Chesterton 1874 - 1936 Orthodoxy 1908

We are driven beyond comfort, yet also desire comfort. It's a strange, weird tension that exists. We are called to rest in Him, yet be transformed into Him. "Be still and know that I am God." yet "present yourselves an acceptable sacrifice". It is an overwhelming challenge at times.

Twin Sons of Different Mothers...

2010-08-29T08:26:00.003-06:00

... was the title of a Dan Fogelberg album from the 70's. It also nicely describes the writings of Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz and The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. Even though one is from the post-modern era and one from the 17th century, they share much in common.

Blue Like Jazz
Too much of our time is spent trying to chart God on a grid, and too little is spent allowing our hearts to feel awe.

TPOTPOG
...resolving to use his utmost endeavors to live in a continual sense of His presence, and, if possible, to never forget Him more. books.google.com

There's a synergy when these books are read together. Hope you'll check them out.

twitter

2010-08-26T20:18:00.002-06:00

you can find me on twitter as gleavelle.

Samuel Adams

2010-08-26T19:54:00.003-06:00

Occasionally, I like a cold brew. I recently discovered Samuel Adams Seasonal Sampler, which includes notables like Octoberfest, Pumpkin Ale and Irish Red. mmmmm, beer. :)

time for a new post

2010-08-25T06:07:00.003-06:00

it's only been 3+ years...

lot's happened, but I won't bore you with all the details, but maybe one.
no more bikes--the stable's been emptied and now I walk with a limp.

Instead, I'll suggest 2 books:
Blue like Jazz: Donald Miller
Practice the Presence of God: Brother Lawrence

Old thought revisited

2007-02-17T12:51:00.001-06:00

This is an email I sent out in April 2001. I ran across it the other day and thought I'd share it.

The Third Biggest Challenge in My Life: Remission

Remission: the complete absence or removal of something, i.e. cancer

Well, a quick synopsis since my original “second biggest challenge” email. I went through a battery of CT scans, a PET scan, and a MRI. Although there was a suspicious shadow on my liver in the CT scan, the PET scan showed it to be a false “spot” and the net result was no detectable tumors found in any of the scans—yeah! Still, the docs were concerned that melanoma might be present near the original tumor, possibly in the lymph nodes. Approximately an inch by two inch section of skin and tissue was removed around the original site, the sentinel lymph node was identified via radioactive tracing (they said I had a glowing personality), and all its lymph node neighbors were removed for biopsy. Also, most of the parotid gland, a large salivary gland near the ear, was removed. Skin was rotated up and pulled down, a section of nerve grafted in, and a temporary skin graft from my upper thigh covered the exposed spot on my neck.

All the nodes and tissue that were biopsied were negative for melanoma—another big yeah! In two weeks I start interferon injections (an immune boosting drug) for a year. In about a month, they’ll insert a tissue expander under the skin in my neck/shoulder area. Four to six weeks later, there will be enough extra skin to replace the thigh patch. My energy level and spirits have been great. After surgery, the numbness felt like somebody had plastered eight pounds of play-dough on my face. Now, it only feels like about a pound. So, I’m in remission and won’t be declared “cancer-free” for a year. Remission’s a strange place to be. You gird up and fight the good fight. Many haven’t been as fortunate as I. My fight appears at this stage, to be relatively short. So now, I go back to the day-to-day living, but hopefully not quite the same.

I’d like to talk about some spiritual thoughts now. As before, if you're offended by spiritual, "religious" talk, then don't read on -- but I hope you will. I hope they’ll encourage you, challenge you, and spark some thought and discussion between you and the Almighty.

I still feel an amazing peace about the whole situation, a peace that I directly attribute to God’s mercy upon me. In the original email, I talked about melanoma being the second biggest challenge. Remission will be, I think, the third biggest challenge of my life. Remission, “to mission again”, is an apt word, I think to describe life for me now. Life continues, yet in some ways, has started over—a new mission. I wish I could say that this experience has changed me radically for the better. I know in some ways it has, but others—no. Those character flaws and weaknesses are still there, even though I feel like I have been snatched from the looming abyss by God’s own hand. I’m still a guy that some twenty odd years ago knelt before God and agreed with Him that only in the remission (or complete removal) of my sins brought about by the work of Jesus on the cross, could I enjoy unrestrained, eternal fellowship with Him. My “good works” should be an outflow of my love for Him and His love for me, not used as a justification for Him to accept me. If you think that’s just the craziest thing you’ve ever read, then let’s dialogue. Send me an email. I’ll be glad to share Scripture that discusses those points. For those of you who enjoy a serious brain challenge, try C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity. His fiction work, The Great Divorce is good, too.

So, I thank God for my immediate, physical salvation from melanoma. I thank Him for the peace He’s granted me through it all. I thank Him that all my sins, my ugly, hypocritical, selfish deeds are remember by Him no more. The Bible says as far as the east is from the west is His remembrance of our sins—for those that are in relationship with Him.

From Psalm 103…

Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear/revere him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear/revere him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.

This is my last planned “mass email”, as I think I’ve tapped out the minute trace of writing skill I learned in Mrs. Morini’s Senior English class.

Thank you for your concern, your support, your prayers, words and notes of encouragement. Thank you. I am a blessed man.

New Year, New Bikes

2007-01-04T21:23:00.000-06:00

Well, OK, my name's Gary and I'm a terrible blogger. It's been 5 months since my last post. Just too much to do to try and come up with anything pithy. The latest in the motorcycle stable is Queen Izzy, a Brit bike, specifically a 1995 Triumph Speed Triple. A "naked" hooligan black beauty. For non-MC types, a naked bike doesn't have all the plastic fairings.

My son has also joined my in my wanderlust across Texas. He took the MSF course over Thanksgiving weekend and is now riding a Kawasaki Ninja 250. Here's a recent pic of a two day trip we made to College Station. I did finally finish painting the house--actually 98% finished. That last two percent is the death of me. The big project for 2007 will be to finish the utility room out. Ripping out cabinets, replacing with Elfa type shelving and yes, painting.

A final thought.
Peace on Earth; Good will toward men. The peace that came to earth was the Prince of Peace bringing not peace from wars, pestilence and disease (at least not immediately), but peace between man and God. We all can embrace the cuddly baby in the manger, but wince at the thought of the Man on the Cross. His journey began in the manger on our behalf. Reconciling God & man. May 2007 bring you health and the Peace that surpasses all understanding.

Pandora.com Cool Site

2006-08-12T21:01:00.000-06:00

pandora.com
Free streaming music site where you can build your own "radio" stations.
(and a picture from my motorcycle tour of Arkansas. Go God!)

Some favorites:
Phil Keaggy
Larry Carlton
Muddy Waters
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Johnny Cash
The Tragically Hip
T-Bone Burnett
Blind Lemon Jefferson
Lynyrd Skynyrd

Another eclectic rock radio site is radioparadise.com

BTW, I recommend getting a "free" email account at Hotmail or Yahoo to give out to sites such as these so you don't end up getting a lot of spam in you "real" e-mailbox.

Rocky Mountain National Park

2006-08-02T23:16:00.000-06:00

My favorite photo of the moment. Taken on Timberline trail in Rocky Mountain National Park in June 2006. Of all the years I've been to Colorado (maybe 10-12 trips), this was the first time I've seen columbine in the wild.