My wife the guitar hero

Ok, first of all I would never guess Michele was a video game fan.

Secondly, I never thought she'd be turned into some raging, metal head, rock-god either, but you learn something new everyday about your spouse.

It was a very ordinary Christmas gathering at Michele's grandmother's house. Christmas food, festivities, and then Dominick and Matthew (Michele's cousins) brought over the new Nintendo Wii system. The first hour was pleasant and actually endearing seeing everyone from grandmother to aunt do bowling with the nunchucks. There was lots of chuckles and some actual smiles how this game system brought the entire family together.

Then....

...someone brought out Guitar Hero 3.

I've heard of it, and knew it was popular. Michele was pretty much ho-hum about it until a few songs came up.

Songs by Poison and Pat Benatar..

None of us did very well hitting about 20% accuracy until Michele hit rock-god status with Pat Benatar's "Hit me with your best shot".

She started hitting all the chords and climbed higher and higher on the 'star scale' and the entire room got into a rock stadium fervor building like a full on Pantera concert. She was getting better and the guitar licks coming on strong....I couldn't believe it. MY WIFE A SLASH! MY WIFE THE LONG HAIRED BAND GUITARIST!

Michele after 5 tries hit 89% on Pat Benatar..and we erupted like metal-heads when she finished the song after about five tries!

I chuckled, my wife the Guitar Hero.....and I was her biggest fan. REALLY talented and gorgeous melting hot.

Weather

Ok, it's cold.

I read an email a few days ago when one of my friends said I don't have a 'cold' gene.

I don't think it's the case now, because it's about -5 and there's a 35 mpg wind. The cold might not bother me, but the wind is another thing.

Michele and I were running from store to store and every time I would let Michele out and go park the car; by the third time I was verrrry cold. So cold I told Michele, "We don't need to get the extra deodorant stick today." It's not worth it.

We might stink, but we're warm!

Hope THIS season

You wouldn't believe what I like to do.

I like to read the back of the book before I start a novel.

Aaack. Crazy. Unbelievable.

But why give your heart, or spend hours with something only to find it a disappointment.
I mean, honestly, read that novel only to find out the ending was a disappointment - how did that feel?

I think it's a divine part of our nature to want to know the ENDING.

God gives the ending of the story of human history in Revelation. Jesus said what his end would be like.

Why? Because of Hope. We want something to be complete, fulfilled...we want closure.

During this Holiday season, remember Hope.

Hope for something better, hope for something to come, hope for good things to come. That was God's intention when Jesus came into this world.

**

Living in the mid-west, I've seen life differently than in California: birds aren't always around, the sunshine doesn't warm all year round.

Life doesn't exist that way, and God tells us that in Romans. Nature, God's creation tel
Nature gives us a glimpse of the HOPE of a new season when the snow melts and washes away our troubles, our pain, and our questions.

But the winter will pass, and the sun will come back. The deadness of life will spring once more into vibrancy and colors.

God didn't intend for life to be experiencing Winters constantly, and one day, there will be an eternal summer, an eternal cosmic summer - and heaven.
Words like Joy, Celebration, Fulfillment, Bliss will describe our ultimate Hope. Heaven is being with God forever.

Heaven's celebration isn't boring. We've all been at stodgy, Baptist like celebrations in the gym holding foam cups with punch and smiling at each other - and we think that's heaven. A Baptist wedding is our closest concept sometimes of it.

No wine? No dancing? Didn't we read Isaiah, where the 'aged wine, and feasting, and dancing' was described? What about the wedding supper? It's going to be parrrrrty!

I believe all those moments of difficulty only to see triumph come is a glimpse of our Hope.

All of our lives we get a taste, or a story of it. SuperBowls. Lance Armstrong's victory over cancer. The end of WW2. A rescue at sea. A child found alive. A love found.

This time of the season, what do you HOPE FOR?

I hope to see my mom young again, and happy with laughter again. I hope to meet Ronald Reagan without a mental illness. I hope to meet crowds of Dufur families and chlidren united happy and hugging. I hope to see Christopher Reeve run. I hope to meet the first King of China and ask where did he get the Abrahamic sacrifice ritual? I hope to see those who persecute and mock me while on earth in heaven and look into their eyes and see that God saved them; we'd hug and tear with the thought, "God is amazing isn't he?"

I hope to fly through the cosmos. I hope to do CC&C and a full season of FF with some buds.

Most of all, I hope to see God and spend time asking him questions...and watch him paint more sunsets with a wave, and spin planetary systems on the tip of his finger.


We have Hope.

On the road with the Gipper

Traffic. Commuting.

We don't like it, and most people just listen to music or 'veg' out.

I decided to take advantage of audio books and have been having a grand old time.

The best audio book by far has been the bio of Ronald Reagan, "When Character Was King".

Growing up I never appreciated Reagan, and when he died a few years ago, it truly was a passing away of an American icon and a man we might not see again for quite some time. As I grew older, and learned more of the man from both critics and friends - he was one of our greatest presidents.

The reason why I say this is Reagan was all American - he believed in the best about America and her people. He believed in a idealistic, utopia vision that Americans could make a difference, and privately he was not a man of privilege as some might believe. Yes, he was a movie star, but he wasn't like in the league, popularity of George Clooney - really more like Ray Romano. He was ordinary, sincere and true. Alot of people don't know he was dirt poor, had an alcoholic father, but the eternal goodness and faith of his mother became his inner being's mold.

Reagan always believed providence had a hand when 'bad things happened' - it was good for your soul by divine planning. In turn, he always did fight for the working man because he struggled as a working man.

If you never thought anyone could be that sincere, or cornball true - Reagan was it. Stories about him almost seems contrived, almost too good to be true, but I later found out reading bios, reports of both critics and friends...he was the real deal. There is a story, even I found hard to swallow, but pondering it more and more I believed it: when Reagan was sworn in as president during a overcast day - witness of all people swore there was a break in the overcast skies as a beam of sunshine hit the inaguration platform where Reagan was standing. It was as corn and apple pie as a Norman Rockwell painting.

Comic life

The new place

Time to catch up and give you a tour of our new place!

Michele and I move into a condo in Naperville, and we found alot of favor - approximately 1200.00 a month WITH FREE UTILITIES! Yep, that's right, we got such a great deal on this place - 2 bedroom/2 bath condo with very nice hardware decor and a spanky kitchen.

Check out the living room...

...and the kitchen, my FAVORITE..

and our living room other view - uh, yeh the living room's configuration is so weird the only place to put the tv was at the backdoor area. Work out well, I suppose, because we don't use the patio too much.

God the perfect husband

Been doing some reading over Thanksgiving in the book of Jeremiah and it struck me, God was revealed in many facets that I never quite seen. The biggest one is if God was on Oprah - I think many women would fawn over him as incredible.

Incredible in the manner that unlike most husbands and men in general, God LISTENS:
The book of Jeremiah is a book of charges against an unfaithful people and in bringing a case against his people God states what his people have been thinking, saying and doing - and in many cases it was regarding adultery:

God, could be in Law and Order - he never brings a case without evidence that we said ourselves, that we did. He listens intently to what his people say, and then reminds them, "You said this."

27 They say to wood, 'You are my father,'
and to stone, 'You gave me birth.'
They have turned their backs to me
and not their faces;
yet when they are in trouble, they say,
'Come and save us!'

One can also see the winsome heart of God, wooing an unfaithful people. It's like a wife who spurns her husband, but his endurning spirit and patience waits with open heart for his people to come back.

You also read into God's heart - I want nothing more than... - the heart of God is for our best.

19 “I thought to myself,
‘I would love to treat you as my own children!’
I wanted nothing more than to give you this beautiful land—
the finest possession in the world.
I looked forward to your calling me ‘Father,’
and I wanted you never to turn from me.



Another passage struck me, and painted a picture: God said, "my heart weeps for my people, I cannot stop crying." The irony of an all sufficent, all powerful God weeping over the wayward heart of his people is truly remarkable. Remarkable in the fact that he ENDURES with people. We say one thing, but do another, we constantly break his heart, but he constantly woos us.

THE IRONY IS THIS: God is all powerful yet desires the loving heart of a faith, loving people. God actually aches in his own heart when we stray away, and the most convicting thing is God actually HURT AND ACHE when move away from him.

Michele and I talked about this: we move away because we want to simply do what WE WANT TO DO. The mere ackowledgement of God means there is ACCOUNTABILITY. But many people don't know God isn't interested in a relationship of accountability - he's interested in us not living broken lives.

Questions about Spain

My baby sister asked my thoughts of Spain so instead of mere pics, I thought I write a few thoughts:

1- What did we like about Spain? I think the culture and the opportunity to see new things.

2- What was the most intriguing aspect of the trip? For Michele and I it was the monastery at Mount Serrat. It was isolated and built around 1000 A.D. and some of the most beautiful landscapes in a mountainous region. Set at 3000 feet plus elevation it was really clean, modern and historical.

3- Interesting observations - being clean is a suggestion not mandatory. Michele noticed only 50% of the women actually washed their hands. The men are even worse.

4- Emissions standards are not the same as the U.S.

The food was great though - seafood is very common and done very simply. The lifestyle is very culture, and very arts oriented. The best thing about Spain is people are not nearly as violent as America. It was very safe there. Not once did Michele and I fear mugging...or being held up.

Overall, as we reflect for next time, my wife and I will do something more active. Something like rock climbing.

From the archives -

A few of photos from archives

* That cute girl with the vibrant smile - is my niece Ella - hard to NOT smile huh?
* Me on a hike...being goofy.
* A photo of me at Mnt. Serrat in Barcelona...

Espana!

A few pictures from Spain - our honeymoon!

Second week of Barcelona

Well, our budget and our own preferences have confined us to enjoy Spain pretty much in Barcelona.

We´ve decided it was too much travel to venture to central Spain and Northen Spain.

Essentially we have exhausted as much of Spain as we like and we´re pretty much on the end of the ´romantic idealism´of European travel. The good things is we´ve absorbed and experienced as much of Spain too fully appreciate it, but at the same time we found out something about ourselves...we would just be as happy in Montana in a elegant, rustic log cabin or in Yosemite.

The trip has been rich and rewarding, but M and I are very much rural people and the most enjoyable trip of Spain is our visit to a monastery high in the mountains of Spain. The traffic, pollution and graffiti in Barcelona is something we can do without but the electric night life, and the culture is just as great, but not something so great we would want to move here. All in all, we´ve enjoyed our trip so far, but are looking forward to coming home. We miss family, friends and that´s what really matters, but we do have each other and had a good time of bonding and increasing our relationship as husband and wife.

Salud!

WE are safe and sound too....

Wed at Barcelona

Michele and I are sitting in a nice hotel that is not ours and writing in this blog to fill everyone in on what´s going on.

Some highlights

The computer is a valuable source for booking information, and we seriously regret not bringing it. Information is power and having more info is certainly empowering. The computer can translate alot of stuff for you and make great hotel reservations when needed.

CLEAN AIR...NOT!!! We really are astounded by the air quality...everyone smokes and the pollution is certainly not regulated.

THE GOOD HIGHLIGHTS
The cathedrals are nothing short of amazing! We were blown away and got some great video as your personal Spain tour guides.

The food has been pretty good, and we got good variety.

The city itself is full of life in Barcelona, but for Salou it feels like anytown beach USA.

The city of Barcelona is relatively safe and the walking points of interest is vast. Michele and I covered so much area a local asked, YOU ARE WALKING BACK WHERE?

And finally, Michele almost got hit by a bus...side swiped to the back to my horror...but thankfully God was there to pull her head out! I was sick to my stomach, but absolutely grateful that she´s ok. I guess we will have to watch over her like a four year old for now. hee hee.

We miss friends and family..learning Spanish....eating well...missing good organic veggies...but otherwise having a good time with each other.

We will have plenty of good video footage when we start editing.

communicating with me

The best way to communicate with me is through this blog.

Just leave a comment and I´ll read it and reply accordingly.

It´s our third day and we don´t regret biting the bullet for a good stay in this hotel Colon near the most beautiful cathedral i´ve seen.

Spain

Ok first entry of blog into Spain.

Michele and I first don´t like the train system or the bus schedules.
Why? Beccause no one keeps to the schedule. Everything is pretty much ´tomrrow´ and if you´re not quick to adapt to the Spanish schedule you will be hosed.

Our first day was all travel. We left at 5, stayed on the runway for one hour and then it was a 10 hour flight and another 3 hour bus ride to the time share. The timeshare was not I expected. It was really apartments...and in Spain it would be considered spacious and luxury. In the United States it would be Motel 6.

The next day, on Tuesday...Michele and I decided to bite the bullet and head down to Barcelona .. a 3 hour busride. NOTE TO SELF....if you can book things as close to the airport city as much as possible. For us...it wasn´t the case. We decided to stay because we were so late into Barcelona ... we didn´t think it was worth it to head back to Salou.

This was the closest. The Barcelona Cathedral was one of the sights we wanted to see, and we were NOT disappointed. The 1200 medival architecture was magnificent. I was astounded truly at the heigh and majestic architecture.

That very night, we bit the bullet and decided to stay in Barcelona. No tooth brush, no change of clothes...just what we had and our clothes. Talk about sponaniety. It was Barcelona Colon. Yes, the name is correct...named after the organ in your system, but the annunciation and the meaning is probably no what the Spanish thinks.

After the visit to the Cathedral we headed down to the local nightlife and had dinner outdoors. We had the classic dish of tapas, paella and some roasted chicken.

Quick overview and impression of Spain.
! Very much like any ordinary country until you hit the archiecture and food.
! Felt very safe...even when we walked down same neighborhoods that was less than desirable.
! Graffiti is very much everywhere. It´s not entirely a ´clean´ city, but it is full of culture and life.
! If you don´t know Spanish, be prepared to be fustrated. The Spainish drivers and clerks are not overly friendly...even when we tried our darnest to speak it.
! The accomodations and spaces here are less than US standards. We got on an elevator that would have brought out fear in any person. The elevator was about 6 feet wide and 6 feet tall. And it click and clacked with cables almost to break feel.
! The cars are small and people consider traffic laws a ´suggestion´ than the law.

ONE LAST NOTE ... for my friend who said they have internet everywhere...it really dpeends. On a massive city like Barcelona...yes. Small towns like Salou..no.

That´s my entry...and this time already cost 15 bucks for one night of digital life.

We´re safe and my wife is happy.

Pre-Spain

Well two more days.

Spain.

First time overseas. First time in Europe.

And...I'm not packed. Michele and I only have a vague skeletal structure of where we're going.

The Basque terrorists called off their truce and a bomb went off in a car in politician's vehicle two weeks ago.
No one was killed. I got inside track information that the terrorism carried out there is not like Al Queda.
They actually call to warn people, the cause of the Basque would not be helped if innocent people died.

Am I worried? Not really. There's no State Department warnings to U.S. citizens and my inside track sources in Spain said no worries. Will I keep my eyes and ears open? You betcha. Talking to my ex-paramiltary friends I've picked up a few tips to catch suspicious people and activities. I've read criminal activity before it happened a few times in my life...so being alert will keep us ok.

The one thing that worries is the warning of pick-pocketing and my wife and I've been reviewing briefly some 'partnering look out scenarios'. We will visit only one area where picket pocketing will put on us on alert. Other than that most of the cities are old and very laid back.

The general consensus and dossier reports I've read is Spain is very safe overall. You'll have more danger in Chicago than Spain. :O) The food! The people.

The only worries is our language grasp...we suck. LOL.


**

Extra luggage - yeh we will plan to bring up some goodies from Spain for our families.

What an adventure this will be!

Ok Laura

I had my friend Laura ask me to throw up more pics lately.

Yeh, sorry - been busy, I will get some pics and such when we come back from Spain.

We have a digital camera and I've been letting it collect dust too much.

Thanks for the good reminder Laura!

Happy Birthday Gregory

Well Michele and I came back for Gregory's birthday in Rockford. It was a good thing to be with family and celebrating his birthday.

Gregory is now AT&T honcho of making sure four stores stays on top, and loves his job. Wishing you a good one big guy.

**

On the other front Michele and I can't believe we're going to Spain soon. Next weekend we'll be back in Rockford to be catching a plane to Europe. It's my first time out of the country and overseas, and Michele's second.

Europe always facinated me for this fact: culture. It has history and some significance in the scheme of Western civilization. William Durant's epic volume of history of Western Civilization was something I always use to pick up and read. History in this context: history runs in cycles and we never learn from it's lessons. Even in our own lives we don't learn from the past.

I don't think I'm smartest person, but I do know what thing: you'll be a whole lot better off if you just cut down on repeating the mistakes that other people make.

Coming together and learning

Marriage has always been a blessing, but the reality of it is that it does require the adjustments of a fine machine.

That adjustment is character and God's direction in your life. No doubt about it: your marriage requires you to stretch yourself and THINK OF THE OTHER person before yourself.

In one instant I asked M to do all the research and plan our trip to Spain. I literally just 'dumped' it on her.

She was fustrated and didn't know where to start, and we talked a little, but I needed to take a break and listen to her, and later I felt God's prompting, "You dumped it on her, and she feels stressed. Go assure you, push her to learn, but you have to be sensitive to what's she's been adjusting to: a new schedule, new place...".

I had to go and ask M for forgivness and assure her we're 'in it together'. I also encouraged her "I believe you can do so much more."

Fit perfectly with a devotion I got about BUILDING UP.

Paul, the Blind Man of Damascus Road, refers to this special power when he’s speaking of his role as an apostle. He said the power and authority that emerged from Christ’s spirit within him was given to him to build others up, and that it should never be used to tear others down.

Greet people with the positive vs. Open with the negative
· Point out what is right vs. Magnify what is wrong
· Expect excellence vs. Expect perfection
· Listen intently vs. Don?t listen at all
· See the individual vs. See the stereotype
· Applaud positive changes vs. Say, ?You?ll never change!?
· Acceptance vs. Rejection
· Respect vs. Ridicule
· Apology vs. Blame
· Forgive vs. Shame
· ?You can do it? vs. ?You?re hopeless?
· Promises kept vs. Promises broken
· Unconditional love vs. ?Strings attached? love
· God interprets circumstances vs. Fear interprets circumstances
· Point toward things above vs. Point toward problems
· ?He?s a child of God? vs. ?He?s a problem to be dealt with?
You have great power; how will you handle the responsibility?

The new job

Alot of people are curious.

What do you do Gordon?

I am in charge of design, and design management for four lines of toys.
1) Sesame Street
2) Bob the Builder
3) Nickelodeon
4) Private line

It's a good move, it builds my resume and portfolio. The opportunity to work with vendors like tv shows is a huge boost to any career. Props and thanks to God.

The work is immense and the workload of frantic. Just the way I like it.
I go into work put my nose the grindstone and then look at the clock and I'm done.

The people are great and I enjoy my work. Michele and I are very much in the groove of getting acclimated to the newest city.

A few things I noticed.

1) Give yourself time to get acclimated. Driving 14 miles and taking 45 minutes to get there took some time. I ended up using my time wisely with books/cd. Might as well entertain myself or at the very least educate myself.

2) You must keep you priority straight. The weekends and the time with your wife and family becomes more important. Buy up the opporunity.

3) Relax and move. After a few hours in the car, and the office you have to get the blood pumping. Eating right, sleeping your hours and resting is super important.

New life in Naperville

Ah, the beauty of a great city. The culture. The variety of restaurants. The safety of a great city with a great police force. Naperville.

And the very fact it's smack in the middle of suburbia where the traffic commute to work is like army ants coming out of the Costa Rican jungles.

I have to travel a mere 13 miles, but my commute is on average 45 minutes.

It's less than a week and I'm constantly plotting a new route, hitting co-workers for tips, and ignoring one co-worker: you just learn to accept it as fact and go with it.

Having an iPod listening to music, and better yet podcasts does add to the 'value' of a long drive. The irony of it all is trying to listen to a sermon about patience and suffering while you're hitting the wheel at the sight of traffic. How's that for a bit of irony?

If anything it makes me pray more.

The move

Sunday, September 9th.

The move just happened.

Michele and I moved into our new condo, and the day began yesterday at 9am. We've collected boxes and boxes and packed and packed. The generous labor of family and friends made the move alot easier, but it was work. The move actually went very well...two hours to pack a truck and about 1.5 hours to unload.

I have a few highlights to hit on.

• If it's a local, but it's a long move - DO NOT do it yourself. It's alot of work unless you're a pastor, or a CEO to get free labor. This is the LAST MOVE I'll ever do myself. I'm hiring people next time!

• Never try driving a 24 foot truck with a diesel engine. I was honestly so intimidated by it, initially I felt like throwing up. We reserved the truck and HAD to move it. I wanted to get out of the situation, but honestly, you bite the bullet and go for it. Yeh, I rented a Budget truck with a high tailgate. It really felt like driving a rig.

• Pray, pray, pray. No accidents, no injuries all to which I am extremely thankful.

• Organize your move as best as you can. I had alot of comments from our friends saying it was one of the most organized move ever. We had boxes stacked in dolly-sized towers that made the move easy. Within 1 hour all the boxes were moved out of the apartment. In another hour the furniture were all gone.

• Many thanks to my wife, for her constant hard work and the many friends and my in-laws for their help.

Oh, what about the condo? We'll throw some pics as soon as we can. It's very nice.

Touchdown in Midwest

Life can be an adventure! I got laid off, and then bounced around with where I might end up working and thought it would be Colorado, but it wasn't meant to be - AT THIS POINT.

Michele and I will be moving and residing in Naperville. Naperville, was just voted by Money magazine in 2006 as the "BEST PLACE TO RAISE A FAMILY". That vote was based on schools (tops in the country), hospitals (tops), shopping (tops) and crime (very low).

We found a 1200 sq foot condo we'll be moving into, and it's brand new with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Everything is top notch and it's quiet complex. The kitchen has granite counter-tops and GET THIS: the landlord said he would PAY UTILITIES FOR THE WHOLE YEAR. Credit goes to God. When do you hear stuff like that? I was praying for favor and let me tell you God pours it on when you ask!

My job I start mid-September and it looks like a good job with good pay and good earnings with bonus and benefits. All very, very promising!

So, M and I are finally relieved to find a place, and the next big thing? MOVING.
I hate moving.....

Turning down Paradise Weather

It was seemingly a great opportunity. Move to a great state, with great weather, but it didn't seem right.

Move two weeks after a funeral? My wife's family was just experiencing a heart-ache of watching my wife's aunt die slowly after a massive stroke. It was pretty agonizing because there were constant tears for a long period.

Then a job offer came through: Illinois was calling again with more money, more stablity and a better opportunity.

It was a difficult decision but ultimately, I think I made the right decision at this point. We had to stick around a bit longer for family. There's been three funerals since I arrived in Illinois and alot of heartache.

One of my wife's family said it best, "We just want to hear some GOOD NEWS." When I told her we would be staying ... she smiled brightly for the first time in a month.

Travel Horrors

What began as a free voucher for tickets turned into this:

PLANNING THE TRIP:
* Called at night for tickets, got a call center in India and waited two hours on the phone.
* Call center couldn't get reservation right the first time. Said no flights available when the flights were opened all over the schedule on the web.
* Booked us on a 7am flight, and then told us that we needed to pick the airline tickets at O'Hare TWO HOURS before takeoff.

DATE OF FLIGHT
* Arrived at O'Hare and go to US AIRWAYS ticket booth. Tickets were not there.
* As we checked in more, the tickets were not EVEN BOOKED, despite confirmation numbers given by the India team.
* We waited for an hour before the agents were able to contact to clear things up.
* When we got our tickets, my wife and I noticed were were booked ON DIFFERENT PLANES on our connection flight!
* When we finally got it right, we burned through 2 hours waiting and so close to missing our plane that we needed special escort to get through security.

FLIGHT BACK
* We arrive at Springs airport: found out our flight was cancelled.
* The earliest flight was NEXT MORNING, told them we needed to get back for a funeral.
* They said they would drive us to DENVER - 60 miles away. We agreed.
* We arrive in Denver, only to find out the promise of FIRST CLASS TICKETS and a flight back was bogus. NO such reservation made.
* We wait two hours to be rescheduled, and were issued vouchers for a flight NEXT MORNING. The vouchers were to redeemed for food and hotel stay.
* We are driven over the FURTHEST hotel you can imagine. It's a hole...almost.
* We asked were the hotel dining area room would be and asked if we can order for meal in. Hotel doesn't have a place. They pointed to the street across a field near a dozen parked big rigs: that was the restaurant where we can redeem tickets.
* The restaurant is the worse food ever....a buffet place where everyone looked like they lost their dog.

SECOND FLIGHT BACK
* We got on our morning flight - it was delayed for an hour sitting on runway.
* In our flight, I requested to a elderly gentleman if I could switch seats so I could be with my wife: NO! was the answer.

FREE VOUCHER? We paid $600.00 total after all said and done.

Colorado Springs here we come

Well, a huge opportunity for my wife and I!

A new journey has begun. Being laid off, and now God opened a huge door for us - to Colorado Springs as I'm flying out to interview for the position as art director.

Which is something I've been aiming for - a management position as Michele and I will be transitioning into family planning. We expect a bouncing baby this time of year soon hopefully.

Lots of things happening! We got to move. We have some bad news of a dying relative. We got a job interview! We are flying out this week! Whew. What an adventure life can be and I found the perfect partner with my beautiful wife.

More details to come!

Much transpired...

Life has turns.

You're unemployed a month after you're married and the light breaks forth. It sucks to be unemployed if you're a man. Not providing for your woman gnaws at you. There is finally breakthrough because of a faithful wife. Thank you my love for your faithful prayers.

The slow dying of a relative is another turn that will spin your wheels. What do you do when a loved one is brain dead? Is life over? How can you watch and find reason, solace and comfort in a person you cannot communicate and be given the news that your relative's brain is 'cooked hamburger meat'.

The irony of life. Good nes, and bad news.

Apologies

Ok, apologies are in order for Brent and Suzie.

There are friends, that I wouldn't have the wedding I had if it weren't for them in many ways. My happiness is still linked by the token of your courage and willingness to break out truth.

So, Brent and Suzie - if you read this: apologies are in order.

Please forgive me.

Job search

Well we finally see a light.

Got job offers coming in soon, the phone was ringing off the hook today and Michele and I were laughing.

I've always said, it's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know. In this case, we know we have a good heavenly father.

DO WE READ ENOUGH?

On Reading


Christians are people of the book: God purposely chose the medium of typography to deliver his revelation to us. In that book, we are commanded to love God with our hearts and our minds (Matthew 22:34-40). This gives Christians a clear command to use their intellects — to be, in other words, a kind of intellectual.

Reading is one of the best ways to develop our minds. It can help us to know God and ourselves, gain vicarious experience, increase our perception and imagination, train our minds to think critically and logically, and teach us self-discipline.

But we have a problem: our culture is becoming aliterate. We have the ability to read but not the desire. Or maybe some of us have the desire but not the time. We make time to watch television and surf the Internet for the latest triviality, but we can't seem to make the time to sit down and read for an hour.

Christians should be readers. We should read and meditate on the Bible, of course, but we should also read theology. Good theology systematizes and explains the Bible in ways we would be pressed to come up with on our own. Few of us are a Jonathan Edwards, John Owen, J. I. Packer or John Piper, and we would be wise to learn from them.

Most of us know we should read the Bible and theology. But what about other subjects, like literature, history, biography, science, and culture? And what about books by non-Christians? I think we should read widely, and yes, that includes reading non-Christians. John Calvin thought so too:

Therefore, in reading [non-Christian authors], the admirable light of truth displayed in them should remind us, that the human mind, however much fallen and perverted from its original integrity, is still adorned and invested with admirable gifts from its Creator. If we reflect that the Spirit of God is the only fountain of truth, we will be careful, as we would avoid offering insult to him, not to reject or condemn truth wherever it appears. In despising the gifts, we insult the Giver.... Nay, we cannot read the writings of the ancients on these subjects without the highest admiration; an admiration which their excellence will not allow us to withhold. But shall we deem anything to be noble and praiseworthy, without tracing it to the hand of God? (Institutes II.ii.15-16)

God has set up the world so that even non-Christians can find truth. I've learned truth from Christians and non-Christians. We can't expect non-Christians to have sound theology, but they are some of the best authors in other subjects. If we reject their Spirit-given insights because they are non-Christians we, as Calvin says, "insult the Giver."

C. S. Lewis was a voracious reader. From reading Surprised by Joy, one has the impression that he read pretty much everything by the time he was fifteen. But this was the secret to his success. The reason he could communicate truth so clearly was because he lived many lives through reading. He considered subjects from a diverse perspective through reading widely. I can think of none better to give us a final exhortation to make use of God's great gift of reading:

Those of us who have been true readers all our life seldom fully realize the enormous extension of our being which we owe to authors. We realise it best when we talk with an unliterary friend. He may be full of goodness and good sense but he inhabits a tiny world. In it, we should be suffocated. The man who is contented to be only himself, and therefore less a self, is in prison. My own eyes are not enough for me, I will see through those of others. Reality, even seen through the eyes of many, is not enough. I will see what others have invented….

Been awhile

Well, the job search has been slow. The competition here is STIFF. Had to come up with a postcard campaign to get the ball rolling.

*

In the meantime, I got bitten by the golf bug.

I love it. Sports to me has always been a metaphor of life. There are goals, there are trials, there is glory, there is defeat and ultimately victory. Hitting that white ball doesn't seem hard at all, but the degree of body control is precise. I mean if hitting a golf ball was as easy as YOU THINK, we all be TIGER WOODS wouldn't we?

My father in law was surprised how quickly I caught on, but I'm a stickler for proper mechanics. Also I've been taking care of my body most of my life so it serves to transition perhaps easier than others.

WHAT I'VE LEARNED:

1) Imagine a horizontal line from the left to the right of the ball. Keep your swing along that plane.

2) Keep your eyes on the ball.

3) Keep the arms straight, hook the fingers on the grip, on the balls of your feet, and then bring your arms up, then let your hips turn, as you bring your swing down...keep it controlled and smooth. Effortless. Let the hips do the torque.

4) Follow through.

PRACTICE TWO HUNDRED MORE DRIVES.

Good thing golf is cheap here for practices.

Dedicated to my wife

The Unemployed Poem

There is none like my Michele,
Dancing last night with you my love was a dream,
Seeing your eyes - our worries gone,
Your smile was beautiful as a light from heaven.

I know last night was about another bride,
But seeing you in your black dress clinging to your body,
I was taken back and for this husband of yours,
Last night was about you once again:

The woman God gave from heaven above,
A woman of such heart to love this man and cling to him,
You are special in my eyes in every way and I say again,
There is none like my Michele.

She is lovely, she is bright, and she is mine!
I boast above the dancing crowd, cheerful and loud!
I love her, I am proud of her, and I adore her so!

Holding her she takes me to places of bliss -
the commitment of our vows, the passions of our kisses, and the sweet stares of a beauty beyond my wildest dreams.

In my lack of strength - you love me back,
In my fears of failure, you guide me with your embrace,
and for that you are to me, I will be for you and more.

There is none like my Michele whom I so adore.

Much love, your husband Gordon

Joseph like unto Jesus

• Joseph was sold for 30 pieces of silver, Jesus was also sold for the same amount.
• Joseph was in the pit and got out, so did Jesus.
• Joseph had 12 brothers with him, one stood with him Rueben, Jesus had 12 disciples one stood with him - John.
• Joseph was stripped of his coat, Jesus was stripped of everything too.
• Joseph was with two people in trial, Jesus was with two thieves.
• Joseph asked the baker to remember, the baker forgot. Jesus was asked by the thief to remember, Jesus remembered.

The baker, like men might forget us, but Jesus doesn't forget about us.

CS LEWIS

All that is not eternal is eternally useless.
CS LEWIS

One of the sources of discouragement of not having a job is setting your hopes too much on immediate gratification that you will get one soon. Not having a job is not end of the world (people in Japan leap to their death sometimes when they lose their jobs). Life is certainly more than work. Life is more than what is found in the here and now.

I want to be a productive member of society as much as the next person, but this 'break' gives great time for reflection.

For some that reflection comes quickly. Life stopped for the couple on vacationing who lost their daughter to kidnappers. Life stopped for families of five cheerleaders who were killed coming back from a camp.

What we hold so dear to us suddenly gets reset when life stops.

The recent news of a terrorist plot averted by God's grace in London reminded me life is very fleeting. Truly, I want to live for things that echoes into eternity. Things like, "He loved his wife, family and friends." "He loved God."

Feeling like a King

Nothing bruises, or scares a decent man more than not having a job after being laid off.

I've never been one to adopt a life-plan of having a sugar 'mama', but Michele's the breadwinner at this point. Yet through it all, her demeanor and support as been nothing short of beautiful in every way. Every kiss, hug, and look is always a look that makes paupers feel like kings.

For that support sweetie: I wished I could have married you earlier - so I could love you more years.


***

Also, I can feel the prayers of people across the country. No worries, just a calm.

God never ceases to amaze me.

Reception or Not?

Well.

Choices.

They always have some ramifications...whether you like it or not.

I was faced with canceling my California reception when I found out I got laid off.

Michele and I decided to not cancel the reception, besides the fact that we already sent out the invitations before I got laid off.

It's going to cost, but this might be the only time I see San Luis Obispo again for a long time. I'm no longer employed there - but my friends are there...and I do miss them greatly - maybe a last reunion of sorts because it's hard to gather so many people for something like that. Funerals are a good gathering events, but it's not one anyone wants to go to. So, a MORE JOYOUS OCCASION is certainly one to take advantage of.

Memories cannot be duplicated, only created.

Uh a new journey?

Laid off.

...those are two words that are never good, and filled with more trepidation when you're married and starting off.

Worked for the same company close to eight years, and have always been steadfast loyal to it. It was a good company and it's BUSINESS. Nothing personal.

I am not angry, bitter or dismayed. A bit spooked by the whole event, but at the same time excited about the new changes that might await. At the same time, I've learned to pull whatever you can to scrape by for the time being - unfortunately my networking net is not too large here.

There's a mantra, "It's WHO you know not WHAT you know."

It's nice to know God is in the picture, because it would alot more difficult. However, it's not as strange as my friend Chris, the day he came back from his honeymoon (got married the same day as me) he found his company closed down for business! He couldn't access his email, or get voice mail, until this reply, "Sorry I didn't leave a voice mail, but didn't want to bum you out. You WERE coming back from your honeymoon."

So Chris and I talked, prayed and encouraged each other. Same boat, but at least I'm not paying $900.00 for a one bedroom apartment. Things are bit cheaper here, but the challenge of everything is nonetheless the same.

Women in my life

I had some great women in my life.
Women who were great friends and sisters-in-Christ that is.

None of them would exceed my woman, my wife - though!

"T" is one, and she still reminds me of Julia Roberts. Down to earth, and I declare: she is still the same when I met her. The mother of a bunch of kids and wife to an imposing writer both in stature and intelligence. She talked and wrote me a letter that was probably the sweetest, most sincere letter I received. The letter was some great advice about life and marriage and for that I thank her so much. She has always prayed for me, and to this day we still keep in touch time to time.

So here's a toast to 'T'.

A Dream to Destiny

Two things.

First one is housekeeping around here - there's a blog for the California reception: gmcareception.blogspot.com (ignore the bold - just for visual readability).

Second: Alot of us have a dream, but many of stay in that dream and not fulfill our destiny. What do I mean? Read Genesis the story of Joseph - he got a dream at 17 and fulfill his destiny at 30 ruling over Egypt.

Makes you ask yourself, "Do you have dreams?" Dreams of changing the world? Getting married? Doing something you are passionate about?

Did you know God has BIGGER, BETTER dreams for you? Where do you think our aspirations and desires come from ultimately? From God. However, most people are just dreaming most of the time, and never fulfill their calling, their destiny.

But in order to fulfill your destiny, you MUST pass some tests. The first is the PRIDE TEST. Joseph ebbed pride immediately:

37:5 Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him even more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had:There we were, binding sheaves of grain in the middle of the field. Suddenly my sheaf rose up and stood upright and your sheaves surrounded my sheaf and bowed down to it!” Then his brothers asked him, “Do you really think you will rule over us or have dominion over us?” They hated him even more because of his dream and because of what he said."

We must learn to be humble or we'll end up making everyone around us mad!

Few points in this study.

•One, you must deal with your pride before you can fulfill your destiny. Moses was regarded as the most humble man on earth by God - and he was leader of a 2 million+ tribe. Joseph eventually was into slavery, and thrown into prison and went through alot of heartaches. BUT during that time, he learned about God.

• Our pride shows our inadequacy. We tell people we are destined for greatness because we doubt ourselves. That's why we need to KNOW God. If you were a beggar and you know of a king in a hill nearby - and found out he became a beggar to spend time with you and live with you just to KNOW you - would you not be touched? What if you were asked by the king to live in the castle? What if the King would give us life for you? After all that, would you need to tell everyone you ARE LOVED BY THE KING through bragging? When we forget about God, we need to build a shield, a wall between us and others because we worry about intimacy. We don't want people to know that we are needy, broken people who need a life change in God.

• You don't have to tell people who you are to BE WHO YOU WERE MEANT TO BE. If you can't get this, you will only be living a dream. Don't brag. Does the president walk around telling people, "I'm the president." To the secretary of state? To the press corp or the secret service,"Ya'll know I'm the president riiiight?". Nope. It can be revealing when a person HAS TO TELL EVERYONE about what they do, what their title is BECAUSE in reality they doubt themselves, they don't know if they fulfilled their destiny, or quite possibly - they AREN'T who they say they are, just a charade. Our boast is in Jesus!

California Dreamin'

Well, a few more weeks and once again, I will be gracing the land of California.

I miss it for the weather, but I miss it more for the friends, and families that are there. Michele and I will be doing our second wedding reception there. It will be alot more casual and relaxed. No tux, no formalities, just good company and fun.

A few of my friends mentioned they wished M and I were back in California. Well, so do I at times. I miss them, but for now this is where God has me. Who knows what adventures lies next?

Passing of Ruth Bell Graham

Billy Graham's wife passed away quietly.

But her faith spoke loud and bright.

I never met her, but the legacy she left of a life lived for God got me talking with Michele this morning. With God's help, we will live a legacy like the Graham's. With purpose, faith, and love.

I never met Mrs. Graham, but I could tell her love for God inspired me.

Random ramblings

What transpired?

What's on my mind?

I guess the first one: Michele and I are finding biking to be an enjoyable and productive means of bonding. We went biking for about 10 miles and then did a bit of off roading. Enough off roading to kick up some mud and it reminded me how much fun biking is WHEN YOU GET TO BIKE WITH SOMEONE. I did my share of biking in California, but never got a buddy to go exploring with me.

Two, Corey called and we had a good talk. Always good and fun talking to him - even after shopping at Traders Joe!

Three, Lebron amazed me with his playoff performance.

Four, great message at church. It's your turn now. What is life REALLY if you don't have a PURPOSE? I mean just the mere idea of us as a carbon beings contributing to the CO2 cycle and utilizing resources on this earth sounds very depressing. We each are wonderfully made, but more importantly - we have a purpose. Michele and I've added a weekly bible study: the 40 days of purpose has been modified to 40 weeks of purpose. Each week we remind each other of the week's verse, and thought. We're focusing on a few goals to reach out to our neighbors...and praying for them.

9. Steve Jobs said: “We’re here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise why else even be here?”

People who know their purpose don't waste time.

Tearing it up - as a couple

M and I did it.

We are NOW mountain biking partners.

We spent Memorial Day shopping for a good bike that will be ours for this life.

Up in Madison, Wisconsin we've encountered a biking mecca. Everyone bikes in Madison and it's one of the most 'bike friendly' cities I've encountered. People of all ages are encouraged to bike and the city did a wonderful job securing areas for bike routes. You can go from UofW to the the city loop and back faster than a car.

So at Madison we secured two Gary Fisher hybrid bikes with 'saved the family jewels-gel seats'. It's amazing where biking has come to. The options and the variety of bikes is truly overwhelming. It took us severals hours of testing and interviews before we settled on two bikes. Afterwards, we tested it riding along the lake in Madison for about eight miles.

Biking really is a great joy:
1) Great time to spend with each other
2) A free gym membership
3) Great cardio workout without the pounding impact of running
4) Learn more about the area you are
5) Go on tourism on the cheap - you'd be amazed to discover the little unknown shops and rivers

No sendentary activities with us!

A love note to my wife

To My Michele,

...you are truly the most wonderful woman for me, and I’m so happy I married you.

I’m so proud, so happy, so content to call you my wife. All that I am, my joy, affection, devotion and love is for you alone.

I’m constantly humbled that God made such a wonderful woman for a sinner like me. I am so blessed to have the greatest of all earthly treasures - a wonderful wife.

Love your husband, always faithfully yours.....


Gordon

A Victim of Crime

Bound to happen, but didn't think AFTER my honeymoon.

My wife and I discovered my car stereo was stolen when we were going out to dinner.

The driver's side window was smashed and the job was certainly one of amateurs. The dash was brutally ripped apart, and the thieves tried to break into the back door, but apparently got fustrated and decided to break the window with a sharp instrument (too much CSI watching).

When I discovered it - I was not phased. It happens. No one got hurt and that was the best thing.

BUT it did get me charged and worked up to start my very own 'neighborhood' watch program. I personally talked to the tenants in the complex, and found out there were six additional break-ins. iPods, car stereos and misc car valuables were stolen.

The thing about this whole thing? It didn't make me feel bad - it made me wanted to fight back.

You can't be a victim in life. You have to work up your fighter in you and do something. Bad things happen - we live in a Fallen world. Doesn't mean you have to sit still and do nothing about it. So I wrote a crime report and encouraged each tenant to look out for each other and ask the landlord to install more lights around the complex.

Now as a husband - it made me spring into action even more.

Part of me wished I booby-trapped my car, but in the end the beauty of my wife caused me to pray for these individuals and pray God would intervene in their lives.

In this lesson: fight evil with good. Allow the yearn for justice to spur thyself to action that is beneficial for the community, and most importantly embrace the opportunity to be a protector.

Honeymoon 2007

***

First of all, I have to thank Gail and Noelle - two very caring women in my life who insisted that Michele and I take a week long honeymoon! It was needed! Two days?? No, we needed a week to spend with each other.

The week was very special for Michele and myself. We had a wonderful time together and looking back to the wedding to have family, friends, and co-workers come out - it was surreal and precious.

My friends from California made it very fun, as they left 'messages' in our honeymoon suite. Michele and I laughed when we saw the messages.

We stayed two days in the hotel to sleep in as lazy souls, and then we packed our bags for one full week in the most beautiful cabins we've encountered. The cabins were voted 15 of the most romantic B&B inns in the country, and we highly recommend them - for the price and what you get - it's a true bargain.

We had a great time at a private lake with our own private cabin. The cabin was as romantic as they come! Your own king sized bed, a private patio, a giant hot tub, free flowers, daily chocolate handmade truffles, breakfast in bed, chocolate-strawberries dipped fresh every day, and a secluded spot in the Wisconsin woods!

The cabin near a large lake at Lake Geneva, a millionaire's water club - names like Wrigley, and Montgomery Ward are dropped there. Not to mention this one particular millionaire who drops money for parties like small cities does for celebrations.

Michele and I are simple people - we just walked around the lake, spent time biking, and exploring with walks and hikes. We wanted to keep it simple and relaxing - with elegance and simplicity. The days were warm, and lovely at Lake Geneva.

Again, THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CAME TO THE WEDDING. We can't wait to see the California friends and family come July!


Love, G and M

Most Blessed Man

It's a few days before the wedding.

It's almost surreal. Can this really be happening?

I think heaven, the return of Jesus will be like that!

Most of all, I am writing as Michele amazes me. She is working, and just getting life ready for the both of us. The whirlwind of prepping the guest beds to finalizing the wedding. She truly is the most hardworking girl I've met. The woman actually gets energized by cleaning and organizing! And the beauty of her soul, and eyes at times serves me to stop and pause.

In all this, I have to say: it's a gift from God.

That's the take you get from a undeserving Christian. Inspite of all my faults, failing and weaknesses, God has blessed me with incredible gift from heaven. When she looks at me, I cannot help but be humbled. Michele came, just like every woman, to a point where she trusts, and gave her heart into my hands.

I'm to be the captain of her life, stirring this beauty of a ship towards the great seas for high adventure.

I cannot be a little boy, playing in a tub carelessly. She is in every sense, magnificent.

When you see the gifts from God, you have to be humbled - there's nothing in this earth you 'deserve'. Sure hardwork has merits and rewards, but ultimately we are not in controlled, but when you understand that, you take life with careful steps and with care.

I'm amazed by Michele. I'm amazed with God of this great gift.

A Christian Perspective - we didn't have to be like this

The war in Iraq got me thinking.

One of my old church's members has a blog, and in the blog it featured a YOUTUBE video of images of Middle Eastern kids crying. I don't know if the images are the result of the conflict by American troops, or even Israeli. The images are disturbing, and heart breaking.

Which raises the question of war. Is it ethical?

I believe war is ethical when it comes to self defense. I wish war wasn't a part of the human experience but it is. There's always an enemy out there, but I also don't believe we are a war-mongering country either. As the result of war, there will be innocent casualties...and do I grieve over that? Yes I do.

Most people like to give an ethical basis of war, or conflict, but not many of us would like to be in the position of making such huge decisions. For all the critics of Bush, what would you feel like if YOU WERE PRESIDENT after 9/11? Would you have ordered the attack knowing that the attack demanded a response? Would you order a 9/11 response if you knew kids, husbands, brothers, and fathers would die? Not too many people think that Bush doesn't carry the burden that he ordered alot of people to fight and die and he will carry that the rest of his life.

The president faces daily decisions that he must decide certain actions to PROTECT this country and it's people. If there was a threat, and if he waffles on it, American lives are at stake. THAT IS A POSITION I don't envy and glad I don't have. Being a president is the most thankless job sometimes be you Democratic or Republican.

It didn't have to be like this: God intended Himself to be our King. But it all started in Samuel, when the nation of Israel wanted a leader just like the rest of the world. So they got a king, and a king with flaws. Any leader today other than Jesus will make mistakes. BUT the sad thing is: doesn't matter who is leader, people will judge you even IF YOU ARE GOD.

Israel rejected God, and there's not solution to world peace until Jesus comes back.

For the idealistic, (imagine this world without war)...it'll happen after Jesus comes back to war with the devil.

War, the soldier in us - is part of the human experience. No one sits on the sidelines and just rolls over like a wimp. You battle the bottle. You battle your sin. You battle self-pity. You battle the odds. There's a child/warriro in each of us.

New Blog Banner

You might have noticed a new blogging banner with dog tags and the idea of REMEMBER OUR TROOPS.

I was sadden to recognize the truth of a Marine's comment that the students and VTECH seem to get more national recognition than our troops. Yes, the lives of the students were indeed valuable, but US troops die many times, and Americans just go about their day as if nothing happened. I sometimes do, and I've been active in supporting our troops with fundraising events.

I hope we didn't lose the sadness of our troops dying. Yes, it's war and that's part of the situation, but our support for the young men and women who defend this country should be held with sacred remembrance.

May God watch over them, and bring them back safely. May America also support their mission even when politically differences come into play. The troops don't make policies, but we need to give them the support, money, and backing they RIGHTFULLY deserve.

Face to Face

Michele gave me one of those looks that just cannot be described as anything, but a glimpse into something etheral or sublime.

It was the look of absolute love. It affected me on a level where I was momentarily awestruck.

Intense, lovely, unforgettable and like GLORY of a person's soul breathing into my own.

***

I cannot help but think of the glory of God's face. Moses was so enchanted, so curious, so wanting to know God he wanted to see him FACE TO FACE. The request was denied but later when Jesus came, we saw God face to face.

• Saw him staring at us, when we are at our lowest state - and seeing those eyes of compassion

• Face to face with God, when the weakness of our faith hold us only to be broken with wide-eyed saucer eyes: this is no ordinary man!

• Face to face with God looking at us with sweet love as John stared into the eyes of the Savior while his head is in the bosom of the Lord of Lord

• The staredown of all time - Christ and Satan.....for those who didn't remember: Satan blinked.

I need those 'face to face' encounters with Michele, I also need those encounters with the person of God.

It restores the thirst to know Him. It restores our desire to chase after him in the wildnerness.

It inspires us to follow him and to make such bold requests: I need to see you FACE TO FACE.

Many times we toy with the pleasures of this world because we don't desire God enough. It's ironic it's that DESIRE FOR GOD is the thing we seek: FACE TO FACE WITH GOD and His Presence.

Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry my heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

V-Tech

It's like 9/11.

You will always remember what your life was about, or what you were doing when you found out about the massacre at V Tech University. Insane, senseless, tragic, and maddening are words that might come across your mind.

The greatest question that will always come is "Why?".

The greatest robbery of this is the loss of a family member, the loss of a dream, the loss of an academic mind and ultimately the loss of life.

I find great comfort that God will reveal the answers to our questions, and I duly know without a doubt the grief we share is inkling of the grief that God has in his heart: you were always meant for so much more than this. It wasn't every suppose to be like this.

The mystery of free will is the ability to choose. The beauty of it is for hearts to come back to God and say like Christ, "Not my will but thine."

Makes me wonder what the day might have turned if the killer didn't act upon his own anger, and bitterness, if he surrender his free will to respecting life instead of taking it.

SOURCES TO COMFORT
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/2001/1516_How_Shall_We_Minister_to_People_After_the_World_Trade_Tower_Terrorism_of_September_11_2001/

God is awesome

Michele and I have "experiemented" a bit with prayer.

It's been nothing short of remarkable.

We've seen miracle after miracle.

• People with mental illness turned around
• Holes in organs mysteriously healed
• People who were depressed finding victory and ending up at the White House
• Health being restored
• People pulled out the the brink and back

Michele and I know without a doubt, beginning our day in prayer is without a doubt the most important way to start off our marriage.

If you read this - you've been prayed for.

Another Movie List

It was bound to happen - top 10 movie list and why.

No particular order, it's hard to order things sometimes.

I wouldn't recommend this list for kids under 17, but I appreciate the theme and movie content for it's depth.

Ten Favorite Movies

1. BraveHeart - It's noble, masculine and inspiring. If you have an inkling of a man's heart you almost could don a skirt and pick up a broadsword after seeing this movie. You might even weep as a man...warrior poet.

2. Passion of Christ - Gritty realism. This movie moved me to my soul and heart. It's the story redemption and God's sacrificial love for us.

3. Lord of the Rings - Mythical on a grand scale. There's so many noble qualities in this movie and touches the human emotion at ever level.

4. Remember the Titans - Against all odds, and what brotherhood means.

5. Nacho Libre - I could watch this over, and over. It really tickles me as a fresh movie with some hilarious moments.

6. Empire Strikes Back - Any male with a bit of boyness must love SOME STAR WARS movie. This was is the best for me in light of storyline and just good popcorn fun.

7. Last of the Mohicans - Daring vision of the wilderness and man's place in it. It's beautifully rich in the characters, love and sacrifice. Great theme of good and evil.

8. Gladiator - Behind every man's strength is what's important to him - service, honor, family and his love. Don't take it away from any man, but respect him. One of the few rated R movies that actually made me cry because I so identify with Maximus' pain.

9. Monsters Inc - Beautiful animation, sweet and lovely. I don't know why I choked up with that "Boo?" scene....sheesh. I think it's the 'daddy's heart' in me.

10. Schindler's List - words fail me. Spielberg's best film, in my opinion.

Wedding reflections

With the wedding approaching, there are alot of people to thank, but the early person that made such a difference on me was my dad. I didn't get to know my dad much - he was a private man, but the things he told me marked me as the man I am today.

My dad's greatest contribution to me was he embraced the idealism and opportunity of America. He came over at the age of 16 alone and eventually bought a house, got three kids into college and raised three solid citizens.

My dad taught me:

* We will cherish, value and honored the principles of the United States.
The freedoms that we have in this country inspired patriotism in me. My dad told me how he ran from the Communists and Japanese during WWII. He knew what it meant to live without freedom and under persecution. I love this country because of my father. Lessons short, simple and unforgettable.

* We will speak English in this country.
For immigrants who come to this country and fail to embrace the language of this land it's a robbery to themselves and this country. I can speak from experience the most admired people I've met are immigrants who embraced this language and the opportunities that exist in this country. My most memorable inspiration: a Mexican father who immigrated from Mexico who was a roofer who worked sixty to seventy hours a week. Put his daughter through Princeton University, and his son will be an engineer. His English was superb because he was a student in life.

* Old fashioned values with American principles
I bleed more American pie than some of my blonde haired friends, but I am certainly different in the Old World principles. I have an older soul in cherishing history's lessons and embracing the beacon of hope that constantly shine in this country.

Thank you dad.

FAVORITE STUFF

Michele and I have been going over our bridal registry, and it got me thinking.

What do I really MUST HAVE or think every man needs? Here's a few of my favorite things and why.

1. A Bible - Deluxe Tyndale Cowhide - butter soft cover
Why: Life is not without sadness, questions, or troubles. I cannot exist without this amazing book. Everything about life - children, afterlife, hope, love, and all the amazing things God has in store is in this book (helps with a great leather cover)

2. Good friends
Why: Without some of my friends in my life, I don't know where I can be. You don't need alot of them, but you need good ones.

3. Boots - Ariat black ropers
Why: Looks great with jeans, or with a suit. It's simple, versatile and incredible comfortable. I bought mine three years ago, and never had to buy a dress shoe and no dress shoe is more comfy than boots. Never goes out of fashion.

4. A MacBook Pro 15"
Why: It's a technology world and if you want to email or go surf on the net, you will not find a better laptop to take with you. No spyware, or virus problems. Durable, and beautifully designed.

5. A good pen.
Why: It's a very simple and inexpensive pleasure. My pen is the Pilot 500 extra fine. Yes, I do have a fetish for pens.

6. A good PDA phone - Palm Treo.
Why: Isn't it nice to not carry a phone, address book, notepad with you everywhere? Get smart and organized. Save time and spend time on things you love.

7. A good pair of jeans and slacks. Levi 550s.
Why: You want to feel comfortable and looks good. Levis fits well.

8. TIVO - DVR
Why? You shouldn't be slave to your tv schedule. Watch TV WHEN and WHAT you want.

9. A multi-functioning knife.
Why? A man needs to act. Be it opening a package, or opening a ticking nuke bomb...every man needs a good knife at sometime in his life.

10. A good beverage - Starbucks coffee with a shot of soy milk, peppermint Teranzo syrup and two teaspoon of sugar.
Cheap, simple and pleasureable to start your day.

Miracle!

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Michele's cousin. Her husband was essentially preparing to die. There was a hole in his colon, and the options for curing this problem were risky. Hope was hanging by a glass edge.

Then a miracle happened.

Doctors did a MRI. They confirmed it with numerous tests.

The hole has been sealed up. The doctors don't know how it worked. The doctors can't explain it.

Michele and I have been praying and enlisted the prayer support of some heavy hitters out there. In addition Michele's grandmother made a miraculous recovery too.

Another time of reflection to see the hand of God. Even if you didn't believe in God, how can you explain doctors who are right in the thick of it shrug their shoulders?

I have firmly believe there is always hope. A favorite line was from Lord of the Rings with Aragorn, facing incredible odds assured a young soldier. With resolute determination in his eyes, Aragorn gripped the soldier's shoulder, "There IS ALWAYS hope."

Michele and I have firmly planted a foundation that we start our day in prayer. For our families, our country, our world, our soldiers.

Amen.

Thank you Father.

Worship to Check Out

FEED ME!

MIchele and I have been looking for a new church.

Long story short: concerned about leadership structure and integrity issues. I've experienced this before, and don't want to see that happen again. Lord knows it's difficult. BUT I'm smart enough to know without preaching and fellowship I'd be wasting away.

So Michele and I set aside couple listening times to supplement our "spiritual feed' with podcasts, audio via iTunes. We both need the strength, refreshment, encouragement from God.

LEARN TO BE A HEATHEN! - A Christian heathen - passionately preached by John Piper.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DGSermonAudio

THROW IN GEORGE CARLIN AND GOOD SOUND PREACHING - Mark Driscoll - it's fun listening to him and you will be challenged
http://rss.marshillchurch.org/mhcsermonaudio

OLDIE BUT GOODIE - Dr. James Dobson, you might not agree with everything he says, but he is sincerely helping families and marriages. I have found a wealth of information for personal and family relationship.
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=135529202

My Life - being productive

http://www.michaelhyatt.com/fromwhereisit/


**

People ask me how do you stay organize? It freaked Michele out when she found out I look at six month and one year planning. I'm a long-range planner. Lately, with the wedding I've slacked off a bit, but I'm getting my grip back on the track again.

A motivational speaker told me, "The most powerful thing in someone's life is the ability to make a choice and see things happen."

In order for that to happen, I can't live without my Palm Treo to write down my calendar, and now, I am going back also with my Franklin Planner. The need to review, and plan saves money and time. It's crazy to do things several times over.

Each day, I'm finding the need to re-charge, re-focus, and re-sharpen.

One of the best websites for personal sharpening is the BLOG of Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing.
Check him out.

Culture and what we are thinking...

Last weekend, Michele and I went to visit her niece's 1st birthday.

Ella is pretty cute, and sweet. Her brother is smart, a ball of energy and laser precision.

Just with our upcoming marriage on our mind and being at Ella's birthday, it dawn on me: society really don't value kids.
You can find this in culture itself.

Songs - just scan the songs on the billboard charts. It's all about the things that a man, or woman is concerned with: Love. Sex. Me.

Movies - a billion dollar industry that appeals more to adults than kids, but G-rated movies gross more money and are less of a gamble than rated-R adult movies.

Nanny 911 - Michele and I couldn't help chuckle at this show seeing parents who haven't a clue to lead a household. You find out parents who are burned-out, wasted, and almost ready to give up. In all the shows we found many times the mother and father just flat-out quit on the ideal of parenting. Marriage does reveal something in us: our selfishness. If you want to do what you want - stay single and don't get involved. Get involved you'll reach a place where you must be more sacrificial. That's why there are vows.

(Sidenote: every family has problems when the dad fails as a leader in taking a pro-active approach and checked out as a dad).

I told Michele already, I want one year of selfishness before our litttle ones come. :O)