Time seems to fly by, yet stand still...

It's Friday again. Unlike last Friday, where at this point in the day, I had no real plans for the weekend, this one seems to be full already. Yes, already. I don't seem to plan very far ahead these days.

My BMW is in the Nampa Christian auction this weekend. And Larry Gebert has been at the school this morning, doing his weather updates, featuring the car. Great exposure! It should sell this weekend. And, hopefully get a little extra coin in the NCS account.

In our spare time this weekend, we'll move a few more things over to the new cottage. We did most of the large, heavy items one evening last week, so it should be easy. Then the organizing begins. And maybe even sleeping there soon! It's been a very long process and it still seems surreal.

Today was the day to show my banker that I have enough money for closing, a week from today. This is where time has been standing still. This week has crawled by and next week probably will too. I guess I should be taking advantage of that and doing some positive, productive things. Had a couple minor set backs, but it's resolved. It's amazing to me that, even though it seemed impossible, that funds came in from unexpected places to the exact dollar amount I needed. Even right down to my tax refund. It just all came together, perfectly.

I took Launa skiing this week. We had a great time! It was fun spending time together in a different setting than usual. She's doing very good. She starts her new job at Lowes today. There all day today and tomorrow for training, then will probably get a schedule to start her cashier job next week. She's very excited about it. I'm proud of her. I told her on the chairlift the other night that she should look at this as a stepping stone for a career, rather than just a "get by" job. If she proves herself as a valuable employee as a checker, she can work her way up within the company and could possibly, eventually become a design assistant, a department manager, or even a buyer for them. I'm praying for her!

No Greater Love is coming together nicely. I'm excited about being involved this year. Ticket sales start Monday, the set starts going up Monday. Practices are increasing in length and frequency. It's an amazing event, and just to be one small part is inspiring.

I seem to be rambling, and promised myself I wouldn't. I strive for this muse to be inspiring. To have some sort of message. To challenge and motivate. But this one may not do any of those things. So, such as it is, maybe there's a small take away for you. Please let me know either way.

Rewarding weekend

I went into this weekend with no big expectations. Friday was just another Friday until I got an invitation to go skiing. That was great. The company was great. The weather was great. The snow conditions weren't so great, but that wasn't the main motivation for going. It was for the company. The fresh air. The brisk, refreshing setting. Saturday was a day of just chilling. Laying low. No motivation to get anything accomplished. I started out with great plans. I set out to put speakers in the ceiling of the new cottage. I knew "about" where the wires were, although now hidden by sheetrock, texture and paint. After all, I pulled the wire and thought I knew where they were. I got one speaker installed, and started cutting the round hole in the sheetrock for the second one and lost my ambition to continue. No particular reason. Just needed to veg.

Today was a great day. Church was unbelievable! I walked in a few minutes late to some amazing worship music. Looked across the stage, not recognizing anyone until I saw who was leading... then I remembered talking with Mike Ax a couple times about Robin's band and it all clicked. They were worshiping God, uninhibited. And it just all came together. It was truly wonderful!

After worship, Pastor got up to begin his message and he started by inviting Munroe up to the front to talk about his past week in New Orleans. He was there, during Mardi Gras, not partying, but witnessing! Sharing God with those there only for the wildest, craziest party they could find. Munroe, in his boldness, and with some fear, was outside his comfort zone, but obediently sharing God's goodness with the most unsuspecting people. Well into his description of the past week in New Orleans, he stopped and asked those of us in Early Church the same question he asked those at Mardi Gras.... "if you were to die this minute, would you go to heaven?" Many raised their hands. Some didn't and he acknowledged those. He then asked who wouldn't go to Heaven and one raised his hand. Munroe didn't move on. He didn't ignore that hand or pass it off. He pushed on! He left the mic and walked back to the man. He led the man in the Prayer! He was saved right there, in church! Of all places! Way to go, Munroe! What a loud and clear message I got. This morning was truly Early Church!

The day continued on with a little skiing. On the way to Bogus, I was telling Susan and Micah about the service this morning and couldn't get through it without tearing up.

I had no great expectations for great skiing, but found some 6" uncut powder on the back side and we wore ourselves out. We ended the afternoon with the traditional face run, and then a nice long soak in the hot tub back in the valley.

Tomorrow is a new day. The beginning of another week. It will be a good one. I'll head into it with a positive attitude.

It's Friday! (so what does that really mean?)

It's the last work day of the week. A normal two day weekend is before us. That doesn't really excite me much. No big plans, nothing out of the ordinary... except church on Sunday. That's a good thing. I really enjoy the worship and our pastor. Kent is a normal, down to earth guy. He's truly seeking God's will. He is humble. He doesn't need to impress anybody. I like that. I want to be more like him. I try. Most of the time, I just prefer to blend into the woodwork. Or so it seems. I'm not an out front kind of guy. Or at least I don't think I am. Maybe I'm fooling myself. Thoughts?

I do seem to like nice things, but I keep telling myself I don't have to own them. I think I just resigned myself a few years ago to believe I never will own nice things, so why bother thinking about them.

Life is so fragile. You know, we need to be right with God, at all times. (that came out of a text I just got)

So, the BMW and the boat are for sale. I think I finally came to the point of deciding I just don't need them. Or God is telling me I don't need them. I think hanging out on the boat and wakeboarding are two of my all time favorite things to do. But, for some reason, I may have to let it go. I don't understand all the ramifications, but I do understand that I'm not the only one in financial trouble these days. I have to keep reminding myself of that. Honestly, I think simplifying is a good thing. I'm even considering not having cable TV.

I'm realizing that the things I enjoy most are being outside, in a dramatic, beautiful setting. Maybe a kayak on a high mountain lake or even a class III run is just as fun as a wakeboard boat on a busy, crowded, choppy lake.... hmmm.... and backpacking in the wilderness is, by far, more fun than walking thru a mall or even the greenbelt. Is it age? I don't know. I don't think so, because I seem to be the oldest one out there. Well... besides Susan. She's 4 months older than me! :)

So, here we are, headed into another weekend. Not sure what this one holds. But I will do my best to make the most of it. Hope you, whoever you are, will do the same!

A new day...

Yes, indeed! It's a new day, but same ole story. I actually listed the BMW on craigslist last night. And two hits already. Not serious yet, but it's out there. It was fun to have while it lasted, but it's not really me, you know. I test drove a 1963 Ford Falcon Future yesterday! Very cool car! Probably won't get it though. What, with this crazy real estate market, I'm in the same boat as everyone else. Just trying to sit tight and be patient.

There's a first time for everything, under heaven...

I've joined the masses! I've succumbed to the world of free press. I've jumped on board of a fading technology and begun to blog. I don't know how long it will last, or how much I will find to talk about, but here goes!

I'm pondering much these days. There's a lot going on and decisions to make. Big ones. Life altering. Not sure what the future holds, or even tomorrow, but with God's help, this too shall pass.

I have thought, on and off over the last few years, that I could live a simple life. Free of material possessions. Free of the stresses of TV, news, technology, and stuff. I'm now being put to the test. I can get along just fine without cable. Even internet at the house. But I'm being forced to decide if I should sell the BMW. Sell the boat. Is it possible? Really? My first reaction is, yes! Of course! But then reality hits and I wonder.

Tune in tomorrow or the next day. Check back to see what rash decision I've made. Or if I'm still pondering. I will keep you posted!