Fuel For Thought

It's ONE am!

2011-05-10T00:18:00.008-05:00

It's 1am, I can't sleep...

Clapton is on, the theatre system is cranked!...

I just made a batch of Pound Cake Muffins, Hope there's some left for breakfast...

and...

IT'S 2AM...

Carrie Underwood w/ Vince Gill How Great thou Art - Standing Ovation!

2011-04-26T12:20:00.000-05:00

2011-03-01T16:12:00.001-05:00

"Awe, ..damn it man, the Doobie Brothers broke up."

2011-02-27T14:55:00.001-05:00

Having a smoking section in a restaurant is like having a peeing section in a pool.

Attila the Hun

2011-02-04T14:02:00.010-05:00

The other night we had to run to Fort Wayne, my bride received a gift card from Fashion Bug, it was burning a hole in her purse!

Having no desire to spend several hours answering that famous question "Does this make me look fat" I opted to peruse the isles of Barnes and Nobel. As I entered I noticed the huge "CLEARANCE" signs hanging through out the store.

Finding a "clearance" table I began my quest for that golden gem that I knew lay hidden amongst that massive mess! But to my dismay was not to be found... until...

Laying on the bottom, hidden beneath a pile of last years gaudy Christmas cards, cover wrinkled, spine broken, and a large round red sticker, symbolizing a bargain price of $2.00!

"The Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun", off with their heads, drag my staff around the church with my horse (truck), burn them with a red hot iron, etc... my thoughts ran wild, this might be my kind of leadership! I'll get them to follow or go to jail trying!

OK, that's not really what I thought, but the leadership of Attila the Hun does begin to make you wonder, doesn't it? But hey, for two bucks, it's worth a try, if nothing else, I could use it to start a fire in the fire place.

Part too... 2-marrow.

2010-12-29T05:51:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we went to see True Grit. Kinda figured that it wouldn't be crowded at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, which proved true. The theatre was about half full, mostly old codgers and their ladies. Now you know they were old I refer to them as old! I wonder if this is true of most of the True Grit viewers? My guess was that it's the ones who remember the 1969 version with John Wayne, and were checking out the Cohen Brothers 2010 version. Just before the movie started a quite hush fell upon the crowd gathered, and there emitted an unusual sound, my wife leaned over and said that this crowd was a noisy group of pop-corn eaters, I responded that it was the sound of many artificial joints moving at the same time.
Oh yeah the movie, Not an over the top type of movie but a excellent and well done film. Haillee Steinfeld is brilliant as Mattie Ross, no doubt an Oscar winning performance, and Jeff Bridgers does a superb job as Rooster Cogburn, equaling John Wayne’s Oscar winning performance. True Grit, well worth the .35 cent admission, oops it's not 1969 anymore, well at least we got the senior discount!

Nose Bleed

2010-11-22T08:15:00.002-05:00

Guess which end is up my nose?

Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream

2010-11-20T12:59:00.002-05:00

God's Strange Way of Punishing Me???

OK, so I just got out of the hospital on Tuesday for heart issues. Everything was in line with where they were supposed to be. So they send me home, relax, don't over do it this week, start exercising and loose weight. Simple enough, right?

So, like last night we need to get groceries, so we decide to grab a bite to eat on the way. I thought I did pretty good, turkey sub, Sprite, (no caffeine) and the wifie and I split a small fry. It was Penn Station, those are healthy, right?

Then to grocery shopping, doing good, no chips, no snacks, Jumbo Bag of Salad! Shredded Wheat cereal! I'm Proud of myself!

Then it happened...

We're on the way down the isle to check out and some strange force pulled me right down the ice cream isle. The wifie asked "What are you doing" to which I roboticly replayed, "I want Ice Cream" to which she tried to stop by saying, "Go ahead, get what ever you want"

It only took one look, CHOCOLATE BROWNIE!

When we got home from the ER, the only thing I could eat, CHOCOLATE BROWNIE ICE CREAM, two bowls full!!!

I'm sorry God, really I am!

Nuff said, time for a snack!!!

The Beatles and Thank You

2010-11-20T07:49:00.003-05:00

Thank You
I’m not sure why but for the last few weeks the Beatles song “Thank You Girl” has been rolling around in my head. Maybe it’s because we’re fast approaching Thanksgiving, or maybe I need to do something nice for my wife, either or, I began to ponder the words that Lennon and McCartney wrote nearly fifty years ago, and how they remind me that we really need to just simply thank God, and then sit back and see what He does.
Oh, oh,
You've been good to me,
Thank God for His goodness and how good He is to you, honest, He really is. And He doesn’t quit, He just keeps pouring it on!
Give thanks to GOD—he is good and his love never quits. 1 Chronicles 16:34 Message
You made me glad
When I was blue,
God can and does, if we let Him, take our frowns and turn them upside down. I know this sounds kinda trite, but if you’re a Christ follower, He’ll Rock your world, if you give Him a chance.
You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance;
You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers.
I'm about to burst with song; I can't keep quiet about you.
GOD, my God, I can't thank you enough. Psalm 30:11 (The Message)
And eternally I'll always be
In love with you,
Thank God, because He loves you, yesterday, today and forever! As much as I love my wife, and that’s a lot, it pales in comparison to God’s love.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:2 NIV

And all I gotta do
Is thank you god, thank you god.
Make this Thanksgiving one that you’ll remember, begin to praise God. It’s really not something that you “gotta do” it’s something you “get to do”!
It doesn’t matter wither it’s at church, at home, at work or a hymn, or even a song from your favorite band. Praise Him, thank Him and this Thanksgiving will change your life, go ahead try it, I dare you!
I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30 NIV
Happy Thanksgiving!
Pastor Rick

Eagle Quest Church
1120 N SR 109
Columbia City, IN

2010-11-16T07:55:00.002-05:00

Getting Out of Solitary Confinement Today!

All tests were negative, my ejection fraction was 35% which ain't good, but my cardiologist says the Cardiac Cath. tends shows it low. My normal, with heart damage, is somewhere between 40 and 45%, with 50% acceptable. So he thinks I'm good to go! - Lose weight and Get in Shape!

2010-11-15T21:24:00.002-05:00

For those who’ve been praying, I can’t thank you enough, honestly it means a lot!

I’ll try my best to let you know how this all began…

• Saturday – Having minor chest pains on the left side of my chest all day long.
• Saturday Evening, around 7:30/8:00pm decided to have it checked out, so we headed to Pakview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
• No evidence of a heart attack, Dr. ordered a CT Chest scan. Was admitted to the Heart Institute. As the Cardiologist said, with two previous heart attacks, “we need to find out what’s going on in there”, so the beginning of a basket load of tests and procedures, to determine the cause.
• Sunday morning the cardiologist said that he had ordered a Cardiac catheterization for Monday, and just rest on Sunday.
• Surprise! At least four different blood draws, a heart ultra sound, another EKG, ultra sound of my gallbladder, which showed a large gallstone, and a couple of different meds to take.
• Monday, sit, lay, pace, and wait for the Cardiac catheterization, finally around 10am the cath team shows up to take me to the cath lab. Dang cold in that room, especially since you’re buck naked, except for a couple of thin blankets.
• Results of Catheterization – all four of my by-passes were in great shape. But, always love that “BUT” My heart has become mushy, and lost shom more strength.
• Ejection Fraction, is what it’s called, my heart is not strong enough to pump out the blood. Haven’t talked to the Dr. yet, in the morning, from what I’ve been told they believe it can be taken care of with medicine.

At the Hospital

2010-11-15T08:03:00.004-05:00

Parkview ER

Arrived around 7:30pm Saturday night, chest pains on and off all day.

Blood tests and a CT scan.

Admitted to hospital.

Parting Shots

2010-10-19T04:30:00.009-05:00

WELCOME

The Only Bears Rox Saw...

Breakfast finished, Fog Gone.

Prayer Chapel

Hi, Dwayne!

A Ceiling

From whence an acorn beaned me!

Scenic view from office...

The Office

Thinkin' of putting one of these in the back yard.

Marv's Fleet

I BITE!

Dinning Hall

When's Thanksgiving?

Buffalo, Big Buffalo!

The Livery, where our room was.

The Shack

2010-10-14T23:55:00.006-05:00

FOG ON THE LAKE THIS THURSDAY MORNING
ON OUR BUILDING "THE LIVERY"
PADDLE BOATING

THE DINING HALL

SUNDAY NIGHT

ARTIC CAT SNOW-MOBIL

OUR NEW TRUCK

ON ONE THE PRAYER DECKS

SITTING ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY

PARKING OF LIVEREY LOOKING AT THE MAIN BUILDING

JUST TRUCKIN'

Devotions

2010-10-14T06:50:00.002-05:00

Time for Breakfast and Morning Devotions.

Book of Jerimiah
Praise Habit, by David Crowder
Journal

Cabin Fever!

2010-10-14T06:40:00.003-05:00

Cabin Fever Hit!

Drove into town, had to go to 3 stores before we found what we were looking for...

What's Wrong With These People Up Here?

Banana Splits

2010-10-14T06:30:00.003-05:00

Ladies and Gentelmen, Mom's and Dad's Write this down, call the tribune!

Last night neither of us could finish our Banana split!

The Shack Pics

2010-10-14T06:04:00.006-05:00

More Shack Pics

2010-10-13T09:28:00.005-05:00

Tuesday Pics

2010-10-13T07:50:00.026-05:00

The Shack Random pics...

2010-10-12T06:20:00.006-05:00

2010-10-12T05:50:00.003-05:00

We're suffering for Jesus!

Most retreats that you go on the food is always lacking, but here, oh my! We're fed three meals a day and they're fantastic.

Here you see two thirds of last nights banana split. each night there are free banana splits in the main building. We have about 20 flavors to choose from and each one is superbly Delicious.

Last night mine was; butter pecan, black cherry and chocolate and Rox had; cherry cheese cake, Mackinaw island fudge and strawberry.

Our diet has be postponed for another week!!!

Pastors Retreat

2010-10-11T04:58:00.004-05:00

The Welcome committee at the Shack!

This is in the building where our room is. Every time time I come around the corner these two freak me out.

We made good timer getting here yesterday with only one stop. We made a leg stretching stop in Schoolcraft MI. at a place called B&G Discount? it's kinda like Dollar Tree, Harbor Freight and ????? rolled into one. Mega HUGE!!!

Made it in time for soup and salad, checked in the room and took a walk, the "meat" of the retreat starts Monday at 11am when we get our footlocker full of books, tapes, DVD's etc...

“Get Back” and “Help!” animation

2010-10-11T04:45:00.000-05:00

“Get Back” and “Help!” animation

Ten Lessons from the Coolest Company Anywhere

2010-09-24T06:54:00.001-05:00

In the latest edition of Fast Company, Farhad Manjoo writes about how everyone wants to be like Steve Jobs and his powerhouse company. Apple is now the largest company in the tech universe. And let’s face it – the coolest. Everyone wants to become the “Apple of (insert industry here)”, but few know how.

Drawing on former employees, current partners, and others who have watched Apple for many years, he offers his assessment of Apple’s distinctive traits. Henrik Werdelin joined in with a blog on the things Google can learn from Apple. I’ve synthesized the two articles and produced the top ten lessons (with modest suggestions) on how they might apply to the church.

1. Go Into Your Cave. Apple is famous for its “behind closed doors” meetings. In truth, this is less about privacy and more about its desire to set its own agenda and tune out all the tech wags – competitors, industry observers, analysts, bloggers, and journalists - who constantly spew torrents of advice in their direction. Behind its door, Apple can ignore them all. If they listened to Silicon Valley, they would get bogged down in specs and speeds instead of dreaming up iphones and ipads.

Application: It’s easy to get caught up in “church junkie” world, meaning a preoccupation with what other churches are doing, or the latest trends and techniques featured in conferences and blogs. Being in a cave doesn’t mean cocooning, but it does mean creatively dreaming on your own to determine how best to connect with those you are trying to reach. After all, that’s how the churches you now emulate came up with their creative ideas!

2. It’s Okay to Be King. It’s hip to be “bottom-up” in today’s tech world. Not at Apple. It’s a top-down leadership model. How did the iDVD come into existence? Steve Jobs walked into a meeting, picked up a marker and went over to the whiteboard. He drew a rectangle. “Here’s the new application,” he said. “It’s got one window. You drag your video into the window. Then you click the button that says BURN. That’s it. That’s what we’re going to make.” And they did. And rather than stifling innovation, it ignited it.

Application: Don’t be afraid to let leaders lead, and if you are one of those leaders, don’t apologize for taking that lead. This isn’t about being autocratic or dictatorial, but it is about blazing the trail, casting the vision, and setting the target on the wall.

3. Just Say No. It may surprise people to discover that Jobs’ primary role at Apple is to turn things down. “This is not the Apple philosophy” is one of his most important and frequent leadership declarations. As a result, Apple releases fewer product s, but at greater levels of success.

Application: There are countless things people clamor for a church to do; good things, helpful things. But not all are mission-centric, and not all reflect your philosophy of ministry. Don’t be afraid to say no – in fact, it may be your most important job.

4. Serve Your Customer. No, Really. Apple’s competitors have adopted strategies that amount to customer avoidance rather than service (ever been sent to an outsourced call center?). When Apple devised its retail strategy a decade ago, the company had a single overriding goal: to launch stores that were unlike anything that customers had previously associated with the computer industry. Further, they researched how people did want to be served. Their research landed on a model based on a hotel concierge desk, re-creating the same friendliness you’d find in a Four Seasons Hotel lobby. This led to the Genius Bar, which is the heart and soul of every Apple Store.

Application: There is nothing more intimidating than for an unchurched person to attend a church. Ever thought about researching what an unchurched person would most want a church experience to be like? No, not in terms of theology; in terms of treatment. Try thinking through how to best serve them. No, really.

5. Kill the Past. No other company re-imagines the fundamental parts of its business so frequently, and with so much gusto, as Apple does. Apple has adopted new operating systems and underlying chip architectures several times – decisions that have rendered its installed base instantly obsolete. For example, an Apple customer recently emailed Jobs to ask whether Apple would continue to support the first iPhone, which launched in 2007. Jobs’ response - “Sorry, no.” This willingness to “kill the past” has allowed Apple to continually innovate.

Application: We all know the seven last words of the church: “We’ve never done it that way before.” Apple would suggest seven more: “We’ve always done it that way before.” Don’t get tied down to sacred cows. Go ahead and bury what is dead before it starts to stink, and kill a few “live” things as well in order to pave the way for what is even better.

6. Turn Feedback Into Inspiration. One of Jobs’ favorite quotes is from Henry Ford who turned out the Model T automobile: “If I’d have asked customers what they wanted, they would have told me, ‘A faster horse!’” Apple seldom listens to even its most passionate customers about what they should develop next. It’s not that they ignore them; they simply choose to let customer ideas inspire rather than dictate. For example, the netbook has been out for several years, and people have clamored for Apple to produce one. Instead of jumping on the netbook bandwagon, they let themselves get inspired. In January of 2010, they unveiled the iPad – which isn’t a netbook. It’s both more, and less – but anything but a faster horse.

Application: In ministry, it’s tempting to attempt to please as many people as you can, and to give them what they want in terms of services and ministries, classes and experiences. But it’s often better to use their ideas as inspiration, not direction; as a means, not an end. People often can’t envision what they really want – but you can. We want a singles ministry! Okay, get inspired – go after the real need and see what you can come up with that is more than an immediate mixer.

7. Don’t Invent, Reinvent. Jobs touts each Apple creation as unique and original. Detractors insist that they all borrow freely from preexisting technologies. They’re both right. To use a musical analogy, Apple’s specialty is the remix. It takes the best ideas bubbling up around the tech world and makes them its own. It’s also a great fixer, improving on everything that’s wrong with other similar products on the shelves. Was the iPad truly a “new” device? Does it even matter? Apple sold 2 million of them in the first 60 days.

Application: As much as you need to go into your cave (see above), there is no need to reinvent the wheel in order to lay claim to some kind of special creativity. Use your time, money and energy in synthesizing and improving what is already at hand.

8. Know the Difference Between Usability and Experience. Many tech companies thrive on making websites easy to use. Apple goes beyond usability and offers experience. Think about a traffic light; it has good usability, but is low on experience. People want both, and Apple knows it. Apple builds experience into everything – packaging, design, sales, product launches - and makes sure that it’s a compelling one.

Application: Many church leaders read Pine and Gilmore’s 1999 book The Experience Economy. It’s more relevant today than ever. Werdelin goes so far as to suggest that the 90’s were about technical innovation, the 00’s about social innovation, and the 10’s will be focused on innovation in the field of “Experience.” It’s certainly true from my vantage point. People are wanting to experience God, often before they decide whether to believe in Him. They make a decision to attend based on the “experience” of a website, or the drive-by of a campus. If Apple has brought together usability and experience, perhaps the church could consider bringing together content and experience.

9. A Tool Doesn’t Have to Be Boring. Let’s return to the traffic light; in Denmark, they have installed traffic lights with nicer iconography, better use of the nuances of lights, informative countdowns to when the light will change, and more. It was always a great utility, but now it’s a great experience. Every time someone interacts with something, an emotion is evoked. Apple has never made a boring tool.

Application: Just because something works, or is functional, does not mean it is engaging. Think through how this might apply to apologetics (how a seeker finds answers), or discipleship (the tools and means for spiritual growth), or even the check-in process for your children’s ministry. Why simply target function, when you can have function and experience?

10. No One Needs a Screwdriver. People don’t need tools; they need what tools do. They don’t want a screwdriver; they want the picture hung over their couch. Apple packages their products around the user’s needs, not around the features of the tool itself. Need to open that can of soda? No problem, the screwdriver can do that.

Application: Too many times we try and sell a tool to people for their spiritual lives, instead of the felt needs of their life. “Here’s a class on evangelism” as opposed to “Want to know how to answer your friend’s questions? We have a class for that.”

This isn’t about trying to wed the corporate world to the church world in ways that are crass and unbiblical. It is trying to learn from one of the more amazing organizations on the planet that is connecting with culture – and even creating culture – in ways that are staggering.

Culture

2010-09-24T06:38:00.001-05:00

"How does something that was previously denounced become the new normal in culture"

The Tolerance Rant

2010-09-12T12:16:00.000-05:00

Ale 8 one

2010-09-06T06:19:00.006-05:00

Probably one the my favorite reasons to drive through Kentucky, Ale8one.

One of the best ginger ale's around!

Now if I can just find "Sky", haven't seen that for quite a few years now.

Now, if the ladies would get their fannies up and out of bed, we could be rollin' through to SC.

Gary Coleman

2010-09-04T04:52:00.002-05:00

You Might Be a Redneck If...

2010-08-31T07:18:00.003-05:00

GONNA BE A BETTER DAY!

Just How I'm Feelin"

2010-08-30T22:56:00.003-05:00

NUFF SAID!

MY NEW P.M.A.

MY FLIPPIN' DAY!

2010-08-30T20:24:00.004-05:00

Alrighty then...

Let me set the tone for today's adventure!

Somewhere in the wee hours of the morning on Sunday, My wife's car was broken into at her place of employment. The creeps stole my wallet and checkbook, OK My bad, shouldn't have left them in her car. She called me around 4AM and gave me the good news. I immediately began calls emailing
credit card companies, the bank etc... Good Luck if you ever have to do this on a Sunday Morning!!!

After a sleepless night, I was at it again early Monday morning...

4am the dogs were acting up, so I got up to face the bad guys... (they also got an extra car key hidden in the wallet)

5am went back to bed and got up at 6:45, may 4hrs sleep.

7:30 Made a few phone calls to CC companies and the bank, success!

8am went to the church got a few in order for the day

9am went to the bank, closed our accounts and opened new ones, signed my name a couple dozen times.

10:30 Finlay got outta the bank and now we needed to pay some bills, with those "new member bank checks" that no one will take.

11:00 picked up meds at wally world tried to pay a bill had to go back to bank to get cash!

11:30 stopped at the bell for a quick lunch

12noon payed a bill, headed home to put the wife to bed, she worked Sunday night.

12:30 home, checked emails, checked Social Security, Called CCPD, WCSD gave some additional information about theft.

12:45pm stopped at body shop the get estimate to repair damage, waited for the boss to look at car, so some kid looked at it, said I need to come back and see the boss.

1pm headed to FW, pick up security lights, they have a key! check the trash at the place they tried to use my debit card, check with Allen Co sheriffs office, and go to Social Security office, and pick up massive sub sandwich for leadership meeting at 6pm.

2:30pm blue & red lights in my mirror, NO ID, any way shape or form, just flippin great!

thought my car was stolen!
after 1 hour I'm on the road again @3:30pm

4pm at social security office, long line but seems to be moving ok, right!

tx and calls, cancel sub, cancel meeting.
try to schedule staff mt
try to schedule PIT meeting
gave up till I got home...

5:15 left SS with no progress, they said get online, I tried that's why I came to office!

5:30 stop grab something to drink, non-alcohlic, honest!

5:32 leaving in turn lane to get on 69, here we go again a cop makes a quick lane switch to get behind me, red/blue lights again.

5:40 I'm getting out of Dodge! he called the shift sarg.

6pm thank God Almighty, in Whitley co.

6:20 home, try to put up security light, and switch on truck to disconnect battery.

7:oo run to Menard's to get stuff to make bracket for light.

7:40 notified of a missing/stolen tent at church...

8pm back home

8:15 truck unloaded, grabbed some cold pizza and off to church to investigate the "stolen" tent caper.

8:40 arrive at church, noticed sign wasn't lit.

8:45 turn lights on in sanctuary, inspect timer for sign, make adjustments, plugged it back in! we have light!

8:50 move to the upper level, begin investigation of the disappearing tent.

8:55 find tent tied up in storage closet.

9:00 take pictures of crime scene.

9:05 forward pictures to procurement officer.

9:08 head south toward my castle!

9:30 arrive at castle, cross moat, kiss wife good bye as shes leaving for work.

9:35 start this stupid post!

10:35 finish this stupid post!

Good Night Mrs. Calabash, Wherever you are!

John Wayne "America - Why I Love Her"

2010-08-28T06:39:00.000-05:00

2010-07-06T18:22:00.001-05:00

Learn to respond to negative talk with positive talk...especially in your mind.

2010-07-03T19:08:00.001-05:00

Word Q: ? See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to _?_ and defile many. Heb. 12.15

Texting and Driving

2010-06-30T07:25:00.001-05:00

Nuff Said!

Transforming Church in Rural America

2010-06-30T06:19:00.007-05:00

Chapter Four

After reading chapter 4, I've now concluded that this book has the wrong title. Just take out the word Rural, because this stuff is applicable across the board.

Chapter Four, VISION, some of the best explanations I've ever heard about vision...

Chapter Four starts off explaining O'Dells churches value statement, which blew me out of the water.

V -Vision

A-Attitude

L-Leadership

U-Understanding

E-Enduring Excellence

When was the last time you read a churches Values and found the word ATTITUDE?

Vision:

Is the Desired

Is Defining

Is Dynamic

Is Deity

Divine vision is not borrowed from someone else and is not imposed by someone else.

This chapter focused on vision and the last half of it simply put, "Blew Me Away"

Transforming a church starts with Prayer, and then O'Dell asks God to Make Us Believe.

MAKE ME BELIEVE!

After pondering this for awhile I couldn't agree more... MAKE ME BELIEVE! How many times have we ever asked God to Make Us do something? I mean most of my prayers and probably the prays of all of us use words like, guide me, help us, show me, direct us, you get the picture.

I wanna say if you read only one chapter read chapter four, but that'd be silly when this book is packed full of gold.

Ear & Nose Hair

2010-06-30T05:32:00.003-05:00

I been thinkin'...

How is it that you can trim you ears, and the next day you find a 3 inch long hair in your ear, what gives? And sometimes it's not just one, a whole crop seems to grow over night!

Well first thought, is that ear wax is a miracle fertilizer.

The hair fairy visited me over night, if so, why can't she visit my head, that's where I need the hair!

A bird is getting in the bedroom and making a nest in my ears. If so, that's one small bird, maybe that's where the phrase"Bird Brain" comes from...

Just Thinkin'

Change

2010-06-26T06:39:00.003-05:00

When I saw this pic, I began to laugh, just imagine for a moment her expression as...

Her manual typewriter is replaced with an IBM Selectric...

a Commodore 64, IBM 5150, and the list goes on and on and on.

Change is constant, keep the smile, keep a PMA, and look forward to the next change, it's coming!

Tornados

2010-06-24T06:51:00.002-05:00

Alrighty then...

It's about 10pm last night, and the tornado sirens are blaring, and the wife and I are in the drive through at DQ and there's line!

Gotta get that Ice Cream!

ipana Toothpaste

2010-06-24T06:26:00.005-05:00

Totally amazing what goes through your mind early in the morning.

I have a tremendous urge to brush my teeth, and hug a beaver.

Hey, Mom, if I use ipana, will my teeth look like Bucky's?

And we thought Apple was the first to use a lower case i...

Blogging

2010-06-24T04:50:00.002-05:00

I Miss Bloggin'

As I sit here this morning, I reached for the book I'm trying to review, and discover I've left it at church and I haven't read since Tuesday. So I decided to catch up on some bloggs I used to read on a regular basis, I'm further behind than I thought. But not alone...

Now to many, it's nothing new, we don't blog like we used to, even some of the most diligent bloggers have fallen into the trap of the "tweet" or they're into "fb".

Hey, I enjoy a good "tweet" now and then and even spend a little time on "fb" but I ain't no farmer! Which leads to whole new rant, not goin' there, not goin' there. I've even tried to blog more, but...

Transforming Church in Rural America

2010-06-15T06:12:00.004-05:00

Chapter 2

In chapter O'Dell begins to share his reluctance to follow God's call to the middle of nowhere. Arkansas no less.

I'm sure it wasn't easy to go from easy street, a large church with a large staff and a large salary, to a small church, with a small staff (you) and an even smaller salary. As O'Dell states; "In America, to go from a thriving metro fellowship to a struggling rural church is considered probably the most stupid professional move you cam make."

No matter how hard Shannon tried to dissuade the people of South Side Baptist Church, they kept after him to become their new pastor. God had set the wheels in motion and no amount of effort by O'Dell could derail God plan.

Having been in somewhat the same situation, I'm can empathise with O'Dell as he fought to stay away from the sticks.

All in all Chapter sets up the rest of the book

Transforming Church in Rural America

2010-06-14T04:27:00.005-05:00

After receiving Shannon O'Dells new book, "transforming church in RURAL AMERICA" it took it's place on the dining room table , as most all new books at the Pride house do. As it lay there, day after day, the same question keep rolling through my head, Why did I get this one, it has no relevance to me know, I've spend my time in hell, my interpretation of pastoring in the rurals.

I've moved up, like I'm only semi-rural now, only twenty miles away from Big Town, nestled in a small bedroom community for Big Town. But alas, it's time to start reading. So each day I'll be posting some tid-bits and info about transforming the church, with a little help, ok, a lot of help from Shannon. So they say in Big Town... Now on with the show!

Chapter 1
The "Unwritten" Rural Rules:

Successful churches grow in thriving urban or sprawling suburban America.
Sparsely populated rural communities are behind the times and not worth our time.
Cities are strategic; the country is inconsequential.
The best, most visionary pastors are hired by growing visionary congregations.
Rural churches can only afford the leftovers from the leadership pool.
If you want to be a "successful" pastor, go to the cities.
If you want to drive a mini van with 200,000 miles on it, go to the sticks.

Those are the rules, I believed, even though I knew better. My thinking was, I'll get some more experience, and move on to the big city. O'Dell has not only brought out the fact that these rules are wrong, but their "Dead Wrong"!

On page 17, I found O'Dells statement to be oh so true, "These struggling churches won't survive the next decade if they cannot grow, and rural churches have challenges unique to ministry, especially if they are passionate about their families church heritage (but are not passionate about the mission of Christ) or have great desire or little faith, there vision limited by what they can see, Not by Who is unseen. One of the leaders in the rural church I pastored made the following statement to me which reiterates what O'Dell stated above, he said to me; "They know where we're at, they know what we teach, and doors aren't locked" After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I realized their focus was no longer on Christ as it had been in the "Glory" days, they were more worried about the past than they were the future.

In closing chapter one O'Dell shares BNC's (Brand New Church, the rural church he pastors) branding; "Vision, Attitude, Leadership, Understanding, and Enduring Excellence. When this level of "V.A.L.U.E." became our reality, our story as a church jumped into light speed.

I think I'm gonna like this book, It's time to break all the rurals.

2010-06-12T18:20:00.001-05:00

Hey Questers, Steven Furtick will bringing it tomorrow! "Unstoppable Power" bring a friend, Boycott Hell!

Dana Key Memorial Video

2010-06-11T05:03:00.000-05:00

Dana Key Memorial Video Tribute from Daniel Zapata on Vimeo.

Fridays @ the quest

2010-06-04T11:07:00.003-05:00

Friday's @ the quest! are a BLAST...

I mean where else would find a 7o plus year old who brings his lap-top, his MP3 player, and sometimes his guitar. Drinks MD, bursts into spontainious song, and comes over whenever you need something.

Acts like he's 20 something and Loves the Lord!

Today we sat around did the quest gazette and listened to everything from A to Z...

Animals, Beatles, Lead Belly, Chet Adkins, and a whole bunch of acoustic guitar pickin'

Every church needs a dozen like LeRoy!

THANKS YOUNGIN'!!!

2010-06-01T10:59:00.001-05:00

OOPS! Starts @ 6:30, sorry!

2010-06-01T10:54:00.001-05:00

REMINDER: Oops, starts @ 6:30, sorry.

2010-06-01T10:34:00.001-05:00

REMINDER: Crazy Love Experience starts TONITE @ 6pm a 10 wk study of God from the book Crazy Love. Don't miss it's gonna be AWESOME!

2010-05-14T16:43:00.001-05:00

My Doctor told me today it's healthy to laugh, it'll help release my stress. So remember, if you think I'm laughing at you, I am. Doctors Orders....

2010-05-14T11:09:00.001-05:00

Man Fridays at the church are the most fun and its my day off! Me thinks me changin' me day off! As the Beach Boys said FUN FUN FUN!!!

2010-05-12T05:43:00.001-05:00

Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.
Henri F. Amiel

2010-05-08T10:40:00.001-05:00

Like everyone else who makes the mistake of getting older, I begin each day with coffee and obituaries.

2010-05-08T10:36:00.001-05:00

A word to the wise ain't necessary. Its the stupid ones who need the advise. Bill Cosby

2010-05-08T10:29:00.001-05:00

Honesty pays, but it doesn't seem to pay enough to suit some people.

2010-05-07T07:09:00.001-05:00

"What people say, what people do, and what they say they do are entirely different things.
Margaret Meade

2010-05-06T14:33:00.001-05:00

The whole world is a stage, and I'm sick of the actors!

2010-04-17T06:57:00.001-05:00

Where in the world is Rick doing a wedding to day?

2010-04-04T12:54:00.001-05:00

Easter @ the quest was awesome! When God shows up, it's, beyond words!

2010-04-04T08:45:00.001-05:00

It"s all because of Jesus!

2010-04-04T06:40:00.001-05:00

Jesus didn't die so we could wear pastels but rather be FILLED with the passion to declare the greatest message ever--HE IS RISEN!

2010-04-02T08:59:00.001-05:00

Reminder: Good Friday Service 1:30 at Laud Christian Church and 7PM @ the quest!

The Backbeats

2010-03-07T15:05:00.003-05:00

Date Nite Report...

Last night we had tickets to see the Beatles Tribute Band the "Backbeats". We started the evening with a one course meal at Arby's, we each had a Chicken Cordon Blue and small drink, the bill came to $5.20, cheap date!

Then off to the Wagon Wheel Playhouse for the show. The Lads did a wonderful job of portraying the Fab Four. I don't think they knocked it out of the park but I'd pay to see them again.

My only disappointment was they played 95% early stuff, from the Help back, and the newer songs were all in the encore, and there were no costume changes, but all in all a fun and entertaining evening.

If you ever get a chance go see um, "The Backbeats" they're FAB!

Yellow for The RaBeats

2010-03-04T11:45:00.001-05:00

Yellow for The RaBeats

Posted using ShareThis

Can You Blame Him?

2010-03-04T11:34:00.003-05:00

Found this interesting post over at Random Pokes, Thanks Steve!

Greg Boyd quotes this recent letter to the editor from his local newspaper on his blog.

When I read letters sent in by Bible thumping Christians telling us how sinful we are and how right they are, how God is on their side, not ours, how God hates gays, liberals and other evil people, I close my eyes for a moment and say a quiet prayer. "I thank thee oh Lord that I am not and never will be a Christian."

Boyd then makes a fascinating point. He noted that Jesus attracted prostitutes and tax collectors, the sinners most despised in his day. He asks, "Where are the prostitutes and tax collectors of our day?" We generally despise gays and abortion providers. Are they attracted to Christians, as they would undoubtedly have been drawn to Jesus?

Think about that: gays and abortion providers would be drawn to Jesus.

Once again, I am thumped broadside with the radical nature of Jesus...and how little we understand what He was really like.

Mountain Dew

2010-03-04T11:09:00.003-05:00

Nuff Said!

The only Legal Christian Drug!!!

DO THE DEW!

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

2010-02-06T12:27:00.001-05:00

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Geneology - Family album

Between Wyomings...

2010-02-01T18:45:00.008-05:00

A few thoughts on life...

Been reading Ken Mansfield's Book "Between Wyoming's My God and an iPod on the Open Road"

I can't put my finger on it but this past couple of months I've been in a major funk... no desire to do a dang thing.

Enter Mansfield and chapter titled "Leaving the Laurels" pg 91. And smack, right in the face, I'm not alone...

I know my lasso doesn't always twirl in a perfect circle, but as John Lennon said on reference to being a dreamer: "But I'm not the only one."

I believe in God as much as I can imagine any man doing. It is such a deep part of my heart, my being, and my searching soul I know that it can never be separated from me. I breath in precious life itself in God's sweet air. I bask in His creation where I am warmed by the radiance of the sun and smoothed by the mercy of the Son. I paid dearly for my years of resistance to His salvation, and things of such high cost have great value. I believe every word He says is true, and I believe with all my heart I will spend eternity gazing into His glorious countenance.

So what's my problem? Why am I traveling up these rugged roads, like a gangster returning to the scenes of his crimes? What are these doubts that plague me, and where are they coming from? If I believe so deeply, why am I even remotely troubled? I have an angel on my shoulder and the devil on my back. I have my gaze fixed clearly on the prize according to His perfect promises, while at the same time I seem to have satan's "hot" hits blaring from an old boom box pressed against my ears.

And my life goes on... Better knowing, "I'm not the only one!"

Thanks Ken, I needed that!

RE: WISDOM for DUMMIES

2010-01-23T07:05:00.002-05:00

I've decided to stick to one time posts, no more me trying to do a series...

I suck at it! Can I get an AMEN!!!

Lane Kiffin

2010-01-23T06:44:00.001-05:00

To Good to pass up!

The Book of Eli

2010-01-16T06:17:00.006-05:00

Went to see The Book of Eli Yesterday, disappointed...

I remember when I was in radio, and used to get upset when a critic would give a terrible review to an album I though was far better than they though. One the the other announcers told me something that has stuck with me through the years, "The only qualifications to be a critic is to want to be one". So I'm always very open as to anything thing watch, listen to or read. As with "The Book of Eli", some good, some bad thoughts. Wow I'm a crtic!

The movie drug from the very beginning and never picked up, the story line was good, acting and actors were excellent, but... it lacked emtion and drive.

There were some interesting insights, and a few (very few) surprises, one in particular I didn't catch until the end and still sure if I'm right.

All in all, wait till you can see this one for free, and shame on the Christian businesses and organizations for throwing their support behind this movie, I doubt they even previewed it!

I'd have loved to produce and direct this flick, it would have really moved. Got some great ideas about how to fix it, maybe I'll...

Wisdom for Dummies

2010-01-13T07:52:00.006-05:00

Wisdom For Dummies

Exodus 18

The first 12 versus basically deal with Jethro's arrival Moses' camp.

Now I guess the reason I identify with Mose so much here is the fact that I can see myself doing exactly as he had done. Take control, totally! Moses was a control freak!

I don't want to spend a lot of time on the first 12 versus, so make sure you read them again.

Let's take a quick look at what's taking place, all the folks with problems, issues, disagreements start to show up at Moses' place, so many that this becomes far more than a 9 to 5 job. Jethro asks two questions, "What are you doing?" and "Why do you do it alone?" to which Moses replies "Because". Don't you just love it! Moses has resorted to a classic childhood answer, "because", my belief here is if your first thought out of your mouth is, because, you're trying to justify your reason, your belief, your desire instead of what God has given you to do. It's not about you!

You see, Moses believed that every request, every problem, every issue that the people brought to him, was his responsibility to deal with and solve. He was a control freak, "Hi my names Moses and I'm a control freak" Stop for a minute and ask yourself, "Am I a control freak" and be honest.

I know, I know your trying to justify your answer, I'm caring, I'm compassionate, I have the knowledge, therefore I'm the best person to deal with the peoples problems. No doubt Moses was caring and compassionate, just read all of Exodus, but you and me, just like Moses are going to be run ragged trying to solve it all by ourselves.

Stop it! I remember when I first entered the pastorate full time I asked my pastor for advise, one of the things he told me was "there was no big red S on your chest." I wasn't Superman and neither are you. We can't do it all, and remain healthy.

Till tomorrow, Peace!

Stressed...

2010-01-12T06:56:00.006-05:00

Stressed, Meltdown, Pissed, Having a Bad Day....

Call it what you will we all have them, some worse than others, the severity of them I believe is not how bad they can be, but how we react to them.

So I've done a little diggin' and found this guy, Moses, you know him he's the guy that Easter is about, at least according the TV networks.

After spending some time yesterday reading about his adventures, I've come to the conclusion, I like the dude!

I mean he's a lot like me, has bad days, over reacts, gets pissed, throws stuff and has to have some one come and set him straight, my kinda guy.

Now the best thing to do right now is to find a Bible, you know that book that sits on the shelf with lots of dust on it. Side Note: if it's one of those foreign versions like that one that King dude had made, you know the King Jimmy Version, leave it on the shelf and find one that's readable, like the NIV, NLT,... cause nobody speaks like King Jimmy anymore, except Richard Harris when he does Shakes-Beer... Now open it up to the second book, Exodus and find the 18th chapter, read it, NOW, if you have time read it again, or go back to the second chapter of Exodus and begin reading about Moses, then come back tomorrow and we'll see what we've learned, K?

Bottom note: Now all you KJVO folks don't get yer undies all up in a knot, lol. I've discovered that the majority of people today have a difficult time reading as it is, so lets relent and allow them to read a version that's readable, K?

iT'S bAd...

2010-01-11T22:56:00.002-05:00

STRESSED

2010-01-11T13:16:00.006-05:00

Somehow I thought things would get easier, better, less stressful... after the first of the year, NOT!

Me thinks I'd be better off just disappearing for a while, Time for a extended sabbatical, from life!

Time for major stress release, before I go postal, (more than I already have) not a pretty sight.

Stress causes...

OVER REACTION

HIGH ANXIETY

POOR JUDGEMENT

BAD LANGUAGE

BAD DECISIONS

IRRATIONAL THOUGHT

OH SCREW IT!

SACK MAN

2010-01-08T20:08:00.003-05:00

Richard Dent nominated again to Hall of Fame... Maybe this year!

Dent is among 17 finalists for the class of 2010.

The Hall of Fame selection committee will meet Feb. 6th to select 4-7 inductees.

Why So Serious?

2010-01-08T19:11:00.004-05:00

Gosh, I like have all this stuff pent up inside me wanting to come out, this is gonna be fun.

Sitting On a Cornflake

2010-01-08T18:59:00.003-05:00

SITTING ON A CORNFLAKE...

So go ahead call me anti-social, I'm with the rest of the flakes! Waiting for the van to come...

Now isn't this more fun?

Back in the U.S.S.R

2010-01-08T18:42:00.004-05:00

Well, after spending way to much unproductive time on facebook/gamebook, I'm returning to Blogging, as regualr as I can make it... And cackling can be heard from the penut gallery...

I'll still visit fb on ocassion, but bloggings where I'll be hanging out, with my laptop, at least until I get another smart phone.

WWJD

2010-01-08T18:23:00.002-05:00

WWJD

What Would Jesus Do?

A new thought on an old thought, or vice versa…

Remember those colorful cloth "WWJD" bracelets that became quite popular about 15 years ago. You had one didn't you? You wore it proudly, as a statement of your allegiance to Jesus. It was your resolution to behave, to act, to talk and possibly do things just like Jesus would have. It let others know you were a Christian; you didn't have to do anything, just wear it! It worked didn't it, at least till the novelty wore off or till someone commented on that thing on your wrist, and then you changed your mind about your new found fashion accessory. And like so many other things, that colorful strip of cloth, that reminder of how you should do things, ended up in the junk drawer, cast into the land of junk and gadget infinity.

Recently I was looking for something else that I thought I needed years ago, the first place to look, that junk drawer, inside I began to push and shove the gadgets the gizmos and junk around. On my search for that gadget or gizmo that I thought I so desperately needed again, my eyes gazed upon a purple strip of cloth pushed into a corner of the drawer, held hostage there by a miniature version of Buzz Lightyear and secured by a dried up piece of bubble gum, my WWJD bracelet, What Would Jesus Do? Instantly my mind began to ponder, did that really have any effect on me, on others, did it take me to "Infinity and Beyond" or was it just a fashionable accessory that I wore to make me look more Christian?

Now some 15 or so years later we've entered a new decade, a new beginning, at least a new year and for the most part, some if not all of us, in some way or another, made a "New Year's Resolution". We decided that we needed to change something, do something different, something that would take us to "Infinity and Beyond" in 2010. So you did it, you promised yourself you were going to do it, this time! Now if you only had something to remind you about the promise you made something you'd see all the time. You begin to think of ways to help you remember your "resolution", hey, stick one of those sticky notes everywhere you go, or place a reminder on your cell phone, on your computer, or maybe, tie a string around your finger or better yet wear a bracelet to remind you of your resolution.

Today there is a multitude of stuff, available to remind and help us tell others we're Christians. Coffee cups, pens, paper weights, tee-shirts, bumper stickers, posters, caps, bags, pins, not to mention an array of Christian self help books that will guide us to "Infinity and Beyond" a path to Christian wholeness. I'm thinking that if the Apostle Paul had all this stuff at his disposal, just think of the impact he'd have had on the world! Every new believer would get a shiny new plastic key tag that would say "Jesus Loves You" in Greek! They wouldn't have to do anything just hang that key tag up so people would know they were Christians. Unbelievable, unimaginable no doubt about it!

Now I'm wondering how Jesus reacts to all our folly, to all the shenanigans we dream up to try and make us better Christians. I'm thinkin' a new bracelet would help, WWJT, "What Would Jesus Think".

But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT

Pastor Rick

Rick Pride, Lead Pastor

Eagle Quest Church

1120 N SR 109

Columbia City, IN 46725

260.248.4488

pastor_rick@eaglequestchurch.com

Blessing

2009-09-10T15:52:00.002-05:00

A blessing from out of the blue, or at least a very sunny place.

We've been blessed in more than one way, so thanks for your prayers!

1. The first blessing is the fact that most likely more people were praying for our church family that at the same time, for maybe a long time. I'm sure that if we as a church prayed for our church like we prayed Tuesday night, I kinda feel that God would bless us more.

2. Now the second blessing is a little more difficult to share, for a couple of reasons...

a. I tried to text it after I found out, that we in fact were the recipients of such a blessing, but it didn't go out. So I struggled as to how to let everyone know. And am still struggling. Actually how much of this should even be shared via the www? Or electronically...

b. It's not so much the size of the blessing, rather it's the way it came about. And if I shared that, you'd have an excuse to stay home on Sunday as my message changed Wednesday to the fact that we've been blessed and that God does and allows things to happen for a reason. So if I gave all the details I'd loose the effect of the message Sunday, Sorry... So to get the whole scoop, you need to be at eq Sunday.

I'm sure some of you are thinking he's being rather coy about this, and maybe so, and honestly I do feel bad about not sharing. Cause, when I found out I wanted to email, text and call the entire church. But when the tx got lost, I thought God was saying wait. But to not leave you totally in the dark, here's the blessing in a tiny nut shell...

1. It was financial

2. No it's not a million!

3. No it doesn't solve all our problems financially.

Like I said before, it's not the size but the how.

When I got the call Wednesday, I was reading

1 Kings 17, and was blown away as to how perfectly it fit, which is what I'll be using as my text Sunday, so read it and be repaired.

Good is Good...

White Album

2009-09-08T20:20:00.003-05:00

This is my 5th copy of the White Album, 3 vinyl, the 1st CD and now the Re-Mastered CD. AWESOME!

2009-09-08T19:34:00.008-05:00

Sitting in the dinning room listening to the remastered White Album...

CLEAN, CLEAR, CRISP!

AND I NEVER HEARD THAT BEFORE! WOW!

2009-08-11T21:38:00.001-05:00

Fighting to keep our eyes open to check out the meteor shower tonite after midnight.

3's

2009-07-25T02:19:00.006-05:00

Kinda feel like Sesame Street, "Today's Blog Post is Brought to You By, the Number 3."

We're all are aware of the mystery of people dying in three's, even recently there have a number of 3's in the obit's. Sometimes it's even kinda scary, the first one goes, then the second and we begin to wonder as to who'll be next, I'm sure there's even betting on this in Vegas.

Take a moment and think of all things the are associated with 3...

Father, Son, Holy Spirit...
I have 3 daughters...
Jesus' Main Peeps, Peter, James and John...
Jonah, 3 Days in the belly of a fish...
Lazarus, 3 days dead in the tomb...
Jesus, 3 days in the tomb...

OK, you get the picture, there's something about the number 3...

In this number we have quite a new set of phenomena. We come to the first geometrical figure. Two straight lines cannot possibly enclose any space, or form a plane figure; neither can two plan surfaces form a solid. Three lines are necessary to form a plan figure; and three dimensions of length, breadth, and height, are necessary to form a solid. Hence three is the symbol of the cube--the simplest form of solid figure. As two is the symbol of the square, or plane contents (x2), so three is the symbol of the cube, or solid contents (x3).

Three, therefore, stands for that which is solid, real, substantial, complete, and entire.
All things that are specially complete are stamped with this number three.

God's attributes are three: omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence.

There are three great divisions completing time--past, present, and future.

Three persons, in grammar, express and include all the relationships of mankind.

Thought, word, and deed, complete the sum of human capability.

Three degrees of comparison complete our knowledge of qualities.

The simplest proposition requires three things to complete it; viz., the subject, the predicate, and the copula.

Three propositions are necessary to complete the simplest form of argument--the major premise, the minor, and the conclusion.

Three kingdoms embrace our ideas of matter--mineral, vegetable, and animal.

When we turn to the Scriptures, this completion becomes Divine, and marks Divine completeness or perfection.

Three is the first of four perfect numbers .

Three denotes divine perfection;

Seven denotes spiritual perfection;

Ten denotes ordinal perfection; and

Twelve denotes governmental perfection.

Hence the number three points us to what is real, essential, perfect, substantial, complete, and Divine. There is nothing real in man or of man. Everything "under the sun" and apart from God is "vanity." "Every man at his best estate is altogether vanity" (Psalm 139:5,11, 62:9, 144:4; Eccl 1:2,4, 2:11,17,26, 3:19, 4:4, 11:8, 12:8; Romans 8:20).
Three is the number associated with the Godhead, for there are "three persons in one God." Three times the Seraphim cry, "Holy, Holy, Holy"--one for each of the three persons in the Trinity (Isaiah 6:3). The living creatures also in Revelation 4:8.

This post has been brought to you by, the number 3!

(For more information on the number 3 go to bible.org)

Surprise!

2009-07-23T10:25:00.003-05:00

"...you may be sure that your sin will find you out."

Just when you least expect it...

Just when you think you got away with it...

God is watching...

New Web Site

2009-07-21T06:37:00.002-05:00

Well, no sooner than I decide to commite some time to blogging, I'm saddled with the project of setting up and creating a new web site for church. Which I enjoy doing, but, time, time, time...

We dumped our old web host because of cost, and its going to be extreamly hard to build a site of the quality and pazazz that accompanied our last one.

So I reckon I'll be doing a little posting on the issues of building a web site, stay tuned!

2009-07-19T20:43:00.001-05:00

I'll be posting a "Thought for The Day" most everyday, with a few interesting tidbits along the way. See you soon...

2009-07-12T15:43:00.001-05:00

Just finished a golf outting in South Bend. Played lousey but I think I got longest drive! I crushed it!

2009-06-27T16:16:00.001-05:00

Just Gear Fest at Sweetwater Sound and I didn't spend a dime. But I sure wanted to!

2009-06-25T10:41:00.001-05:00

Doing a funeral for a lady in Huntington. Don't know her, but i know her son. Station and funeral sam_ day. Should be interest...

2009-06-20T07:44:00.001-05:00

Just saw the ultimate oximoron bumper sticker: "BLOND THINKING" Nuff said!

2009-06-20T06:01:00.001-05:00

Up early, busy Saturday. brochures at farmers market, p/u a Bible, take it to to hospital. Grad party, church, Mishawaka, back to CC.

Cool Guitar

2009-06-20T04:06:00.018-05:00

The other day I was talking with a friend about music and discovered the fact that we were both retired hippies and both former radio people, back when radio was radio!

She informed me that her brother was trying to sell his vinyl albums, and wondered if I'd be interested. Oh yeah, get the Beatles stuff.

Rummaging through his dungeon, I spied a beat-up old guitar case behind a bunch of junk, and I wondered what might it hold?

The guy said it was pretty rough, and that was an understatement! Most folks would have pitched it buy now.

Broken neck, rusted out fixtures, mouse crap, the body was loaded with the mouses stash, and I think the A string was still in tune, not! But wreck was the poster guitar for loosening your strings before storage, like 30 years!

The price, very reasonable!

I got the guy to throw it in with the 15 Beatle albums, an agreeable transaction!

NOW IT STARTS...

I've never undertaken a guitar rebuilding project before, but what the heck, let's give it a try.

At first look I'm thinkin' 3 to 4 months, and it'll either play or be a wall hanging!

Cut the strings first, guess what held the neck on, you got it, the strings...

It was amazing as how easy it came apart...

Check out the pics below....

Clamp-it Jed! Nano-nano, Shazbot!

24 Hours Later....

Less the pick guard, and a few minor adjustments, to be done

IT PLAYS!

2009-06-18T13:24:00.001-05:00

Fast Food? Does it even exist anymore? Trying to make everybody happy w/ mega verity takes fast out of the equasion.

2009-06-13T14:24:00.001-05:00

Having a blast at Julia's graduation party. Her whole family is here from Germany.

2009-06-10T20:55:00.001-05:00

We kicked off Wed. Nite iGnite tonight, Oh yeah! The kids loved it, i even did the youth. Had a blast! Look out world here we come.

2009-06-07T22:01:00.001-05:00

Picked up the Chickenfoot Album at Amazon.com tonight. OK, but not earth shatering.

2009-06-07T21:48:00.001-05:00