Brad yells...

Oklahoma!

2010-05-31T07:36:00.001-07:00

It's good to go back to the land of my nativity (meaning: place where I was born). This was Libby and I's first time to really have some free time around there. So I showed her places I thought of fondly from my childhood. So in honor of the double graduation of both our nephew and niece, we drove to Tulsa for a short vacation.

Congrats to Jeff and Arran on graduation from BA High. Congrats to Gene and Cindy on getting all three kids through high school. I'm not sure who is more excited that they are done, parents or children. Thanks to Over one thousand students graduated with them, which made it a really big deal even in the Mabee Center.

Following the ceremony, we drove up Riverside Drive, enjoying the scenery. We wandered around downtown, which is much less sketchy than it used to be. Spent the night at a HIEx, and the next morning we went to Expo Square for the horse show.

Not sure if you are aware of this, but the Golden Driller is HUGE! I somehow thought that like all other things, he would seem smaller now that I am an adult. Nope. Standing at his feet, he is monstrous. Even Libby was impressed. Especially since her experience with giant statuary consists of the 12 foot tall chicken in Springdale (pictures soon to follow).

Gene and Cindy then took us to lunch at one of his childhood favorites - Brownie's. The food combined with the stories of old have made Brownie's my new favorite burger place in Oklahoma. Not sure who was the old favorite burger place, so eclipsing is Brownie's. Libby and I plan to work their grilled onions into our burgers at home. But we won't be able to duplicate the fries.

I conclude with a couple Catoosa favorites taken on the way out of town from a previous trip. The pics from Natural Falls State Park will wait for another day (I didn't like most of them anyway).

It's Friday

2010-04-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

It’s Friday, Jesus is praying, Peter’s asleep, and Judas is betraying. But Sunday is coming.

It’s Friday, my Savior on trial is silent, the high priests of Israel are violent, my Jesus is a lamb before slaughter. But Sunday is coming.

It’s Friday, Pilate is struggling, the council is conspiring, the crowd is vilifying. They don’t even know that Sunday is coming.

It’s Friday, the disciples are running … like sheep without a shepherd. Mary is crying. Peter is denying. But they don’t know Sunday is coming.

It’s Friday, the Romans beat my Jesus, they robe Him in scarlet, the crown Him with thorns. But they don’t know that Sunday is coming.

It’s Friday, see Jesus walking to Calvary. His blood dripping, His body is stumbling, and His spirit is burdened. But you see it’s only Friday. Sunday is coming.

It’s Friday, the world’s winning, people are sinning, and evil is grinning.

It’s Friday, the soldiers nail my Savior’s hands to the cross. They nail my Savior’s feet to the cross. And they raise Him up next to criminals.

It’s Friday, but let me tell you something. Sunday is coming.

It’s Friday, the disciples are questioning. What has happened to their King? And the Pharisees are celebrating, that their scheming has been achieved. But they don’t know. It’s only Friday. Sunday is coming.

It’s Friday, He’s hanging on the cross, feeling forsaken by His Father, left alone and dying. Can nobody save Him? Oh! It’s Friday, but Sunday is coming.

It’s Friday, the earth trembles. The sky grows dark. My King yields His spirit.

It’s Friday, hope is lost. Death has won. Sin has conquered. Satan is just laughing.

It’s Friday, Jesus is buried. A soldier stands guard. And a rock is rolled into place.

But it’s Friday. It’s only Friday.

Sunday is coming.

Read ellisonsnapshot

2010-03-12T10:25:00.000-08:00

We are all grieving the loss of our nephew, Aaron. Duane said it first and probably best on his blog. So for now, link over to his blog to read his March 11 post about how we are feeling now.

Fred and Michelle, our prayers are with you and the kids.

Borrowed from next door

2009-04-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

Just to put something new here and let you know what I'm thinking about this week.
Originally posted on hedge2230.blogspot.com

Tuesday
The second song from the Book of Psalms (v1-9)
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
"Let us burst Their bonds apart and cast away Their cords from us."
He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.
Then He will speak to them in His wrath, and terrify them in His fury, saying,
"As for me, I have set My King on Zion, My holy hill."
I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to Me, "You are My Son; today I have begotten You.
Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your heritage, and the ends of the earth Your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

The Gospel according to Matthew (26:3-5, 14-16)
Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill Him.
But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people."
Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What will you give me if I deliver Him over to you?" And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.
And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray Him.

The Acts of the Apostles (4:24-28)
And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,
who through the mouth of our father David, Your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, "'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against His Anointed'--
for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,
to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.

The Letter to the Romans (10:9-10)
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Homily
A long collection of Scripture to show the rich tapestry in the Word of God regarding His plan using the rebellion of humanity for His greater glory. While the world, oft described as at enmity against God, plots to destroy His Anointed One (literally the Messiah), God uses their rebellious energies to forward His plan of redemption. They have no need for God nor desire His rule. Instead they will lift man to the place of God. Meanwhile, the proclamation of the people of God is their submission to His Messiah, Jesus, as their Lord and King. While the world claimed Caesar, we claim Christ.

Prayer ...

Postscript
The Revelation of Jesus Christ as given to John (19:15-16)
From His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.
On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Last to know . . .

2009-01-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

So, I admit it. In fact, I said as much in my last post six months ago. I have been keeping secrets from the web. The secret back then was that I was dating a wonderful young lady from the ministry here. As you guessed from the picture below, a lot has happened since June of '08. We're married!!

Her name is Libby, but I know that she is an answer to prayer as well as my best Christmas gift ever. We met a little over a year ago, but did not have opportunity to become friends until late last January. From there, we carefully considered each other's heart as we let God guide our relationship building. By September, I knew that I was ready to marry her. And on the Friday before Christmas, we made our wedding vows before a couple hundred of our family and friends.

We tried to keep the expenses low. We were married in our home church by our pastor (which was the best we could ask for). We also kept the wedding party small. As you can see, my little brother was my best man as he has been my best friend longer than any of my other friends have known me. The bride's maid (who is out of view in this shot) was the young lady who was responsible for Libby and I meeting and having opportunity to get to know one another.

So now we are back from our honeymoon in Eureka Springs and Branson, and we are happily getting settled into our tiny little apartment. Formerly, it was known as the bachelor pad or the loft, now it is the honeymoon suite. And yes, it has been a MAJOR undertaking, trying to rehabilitate that old house into something suitable for my thankfully-adventurous wife.

Thank you for the prayers and patience as I put this blog on hold until I was ready to spill my secret. Now that we are married, the rest of you can know that I am seeing someone really special . . . for the rest of my life.

June is gone . . .

2008-06-30T22:43:00.000-07:00

June is gone and I never got around to posting. I didn't realize a whole month had gotten away from me again. In the midst of living, I forgot to record any of it here. Not that I give you much for details anyways. Especially true these days when I have been notably silent about some of the most important things in my life. But that is my revenge against the web anyways. The web should be the last one to know some thoughts and happenings.

Thanks Duane for the great photo boondoggle. One of these days, I hope to pause and see what my pictures look like on the computer screen. But these will have to do from spring.

High Water

2008-05-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

I didn't think that I had been taking that many pictures, but apparently they can add up when it has been almost three months since the last time I blogged, much less added pictures. Thus I had some to choose from. I wanted to get somewhat caught up before Duane gets here. I am really excited about our little photography trip. It will be some familiar territory for me, but one that I have never photographed to any large degree. Which is why I need to make sure that we don't need permits to photo it either. Still working on that Duane.
Anyways, the heavy rains this spring have kept the creeks flowing high with white water. I have other waterfall pics, but these are the first ones. I will add more later. I like waterfalls. The bridge shot on top is for real. This is an actual highway bridge in Beaver, Arkansas that is underwater because the Corps cannot get water out of Table Rock Lake without flooding someone else. So the highway and bridge is under water indefinitely.

These two are obviously of the same waterfall, Eden Falls near the Buffalo River. But I didn't appreciate how big it was until I saw the second picture again. Wow, the people seem so small next to it. By the way, Lost Valley is a crazy beautiful place when the water is flowing good. I ought to go back again soon.

Family time

2008-03-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to make an entry while I am away from home. Instead I am with my family. My mom, my younger brother, my little sister (who is older than me), and brother-in-law, and their kids. Perhaps I am at home if I am with this much family, at their house. Alas, I must fly away today. But then my older brother will pick me up at the airport and I'll still be with family. Tomorrow I will need to go to Mom's house (home) to take care of some stuff. Then go be with my church family. Then finally finish up at my humble abode that I call home to me. I will be travelling all weekend and either be with family or a home to me all the way almost. But I will miss my family. Can't be everywhere I want to be.

Bridges

2008-02-14T18:34:00.000-08:00

Bridges ahead.

Bridges bring together both a physical practicality and a symbolic resonance with me. Bridges bring together places that otherwise would be nearly inaccessible to one another. And often in our lives, we need metaphoric bridges to span those impossible circumstances or difficult barriers hindering us from more desirable places in our life.

Often they are ancient means that challenge our trust, or they are elegant graces that inspire our dreams of a better reality. But they always signify moving, a landmark in life's journey that says that our circumstances are changing. And for me, that is a thrill.

Enjoy the bridges.

A Fearsome Freshness

2008-02-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

You will have to wait a little longer for my new year trip pictures (sorry). But I do have some fresh pictures from today! We got snow last night, just a few inches. But the snow was enough to beautify our little city with very little of it affecting the roads by morning. But even as I write this, the snow is a memory except for a few clinging in the darkest shadows.

But as I drove around in it last night with the newly icy roads and unblemished snow across the yards and fields, I could not help but wonder at the contrast. The dreadful fear that the winter precipitation brings when it is across our path, yet the beautiful purity it represents when we can pause to simply gaze at its freshness. Opportunity often presents similar anxiety for us. We love to stop and admire the untarnished hope and cleanness it brings for our future. Yet the thought of traversing into its unknown expanses fills us with dread for what hazards and stumbles it may hold for us. Yet if we fail to embrace it while it is there, we miss out on the thrill of unexpected life and exhilarating unknown that it offers to those not too old to venture out one more time.

A little to share

2008-01-03T20:24:00.000-08:00

My original intention was to make my next post about my little trip near the lake taking pictures. Then the holidays came (of which I took no pictures). Then I've made another trip, this time to some new territory for me (there is still some pretty scenery in our small state that I've yet to see). So I will have to limit my pictures to the first trip and a teaser for the New Year's trip. After all, I haven't even looked at the pictures I took this week.

My first trip just before Christmas was to the area around the War Eagle Mill in rural Benton County. A really pretty place with the reproduction grist mill and a nearly hundred year old bridge. I really like bridges. But more on that later. This narrow one-lane bridge is kindly accompanied by someone's loving labor to reproduce the even older mill that toiled in partnership with the War Eagle River. And the old style flours, mixes, and other foods they produce here are equal parts delicious and natural.
I then included one of the shots of a country church I've appreciated looking at for many years and a nice look at Beaver Lake from a high spot near Rocky Branch.

Then lastly, the tent picture is from our New Year's trip. It was at least this cold outside. That is frost on the outside of the tent vent. There was also frost on the inside of the tent. Perhaps not the coldest night I've spent outside, but close. And my sleeping bag performed great, I was rather cozy inside my bag asleep.

Home before the holidays

2007-12-22T18:34:00.000-08:00

I have to agree with my sister, if it is going to be cold - make it cold and snowy. But the last few days have been warm and pleasant. We've been busy helping take care of Mom post-surgery. It's a good excuse to dote on our Momma. But now that she is feeling better, she has been getting us busy with some of her bigger jobs, yesterday was spent cleaning the garage. The day before was my big project where Mom helped me. I needed to move a big farm tractor 50 miles across the hills. Once we got the tractor road worthy, I drove it 5 hours over the back highways and down the main street of two rural towns. Talking about fun! We actually drove it the last hour in the dark with no lights on the tractor, using a flashlight for a marking light and the 4Runner's headlights to drive by. It was emotional to get the tractor home, a good day!

But today a cold front has arrived here and it is snowing north of here towards Mom. I spent today delivering an air compressor and generator to a friend of mine. Then I enjoyed seeing some of the scenery around Beaver Lake and War Eagle. But those pictures will have to wait til next time. I wanted to show some pictures of family. Feeling warm and fuzzy.

Looking back

2007-11-14T11:06:00.000-08:00

Hearing the train moving through town and looking through some old pictures that Duane and I shot when they were here, I decided to post these pictures. I really enjoyed our photography trip, as well as hanging out that week. Next time I will try to get some more recent pictures on here.

After all, the leaves have changed and the maples were really pretty this year. We've been busy with campus activities that were fun and good. There has been many reasons to go to Mom's place a little more often than the usual once a month. And I worked my schedule so that taking Monday off with Sunday night is easier on me than a traditional Saturday trip home.

Tuesday night I taught at our campus ministry, using a powerpoint to show some scriptures. The backgrounds were pictures from my trip in July, prompting the whole nostalgic reminiscing through photos and wanting to revisit our photography trip around home. I should look and see if any of those made it here either. I do use this blog as a way to share my adventures and pictures with my family (if you hadn't guessed). Isn't that what it's for?

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Isn't there a month between Sept. and Nov.?

2007-10-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

Wow, I cannot believe how fast this month has went by me. Yes, it has been really busy with work. But I have also taken pains to take time away from work to be busy on my "weekends" which rarely coincide with Saturday or Sunday. Nothing really photo worthy, but I did go fishing once. Backpacking on another weekend. I got to go to the Tulsa State Fair with my family (woo-hoo!). I know my big brother loves me because he skipped watching the Sooners game on TV to hang out with me at the fair. I am honored. And I spent a little time with my mom and little brother this "weekend," Sunday night and Monday.

The pictures are from the road trip back from fishing in Marshall AR. It is a beautiful drive through a desolate part of the Ozarks. I will try to show some of the landmarks along the way in another blog. And in the spirit of today's date, it was just a few miles past these pictures where I saw a guy hitchhiking on the side of the road while holding a chainsaw. I really wanted a picture of that, but I decided it wouldn't be prudent.

Till next time,
Brad

"(God our Savior) desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

There was a tree in the midst of the garden

2007-09-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

So it's been a quiet month here in Fayetteville. As you can see by the pictures, some friends and I went to the Buffalo National River to do some hiking. This is looking from behind the waterfall down the "hollow"(at 200+ feet, the highest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians though not much more than a shower at the end of the dry season). We also saw a thirty foot waterfall significant only because it is entirely underground, in the back of a cave. If I haven't mentioned it before in this blog, the Buffalo River is one the most serenely beautiful places in the United States, earning Arkansas its moniker "The Natural State."

Otherwise, survived having the cold again. Unspectacularly busy with the ministry here on campus. My church youth group is hanging in there. This is the third Saturday this month with me working all day directing traffic, parking cars for the ballgame (the Hogs won today against the "Mean Green" but disappointing that OU lost a close one). Speaking of Oklahoma...

A little history was transacted this last month. A family heirloom was passed down to the next generation. Mom and Dad bought 1974 Ford Bronco back in the late 1970's. Dad put mud tires on it and it spent much of its life as a farm truck in the Ozarks. And in the process, it became the vehicle of choice for teaching many of us kids how to drive (stick shifts are no problem thanks to Dad and the Bronco). Plus many a wild story of Dad chasing errant bulls with all four wheels slinging mud and him stump-jumping in the snow while hauling firewood. But eventually time and neglect took its toll and the ol' Bronco laid down. But now Gene and his eldest son came to the farm to give the Bronco a ride back to Oklahoma to get a much needed overhaul. Father and son working together to restore a fun little truck to serve again as driver's ed teacher.

It is what it is

2007-08-23T22:35:00.001-07:00

Another month is nearly gone and I did not want it to pass without at least one blog. A lot to say, but no words for it. Lots of pictures, none which say the thousand words I cannot find anyways.

Anyways, it is what it is.

Still passing along...

2007-07-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

This is for novelty more than anything. I'm at someone else's house, doing a quick blog just because I can. Since the last entry, I've been to Saint Louis, twice; Seneca, twice; Southwest City,thrice; Fayetteville, for no more than a week; and in a vehicle, way too much. Currently, I am in Mishawaka IN, visiting a friend who is visiting his family. It's been great catching up, challenging to think about issues and concepts I have neglected in my mind, and refreshing. Plus last night, I savored spending the night with my aunt and uncle at their refuge. Refuge is valuable for nomadic characters like myself.

Some part of me never feels totally settled, wherever I am. Perhaps part of that wanderlust is that part of our soul that hungers for that "city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." He designed our heart to desire something more than what this world could deliver, since this world like this life is only temporary and only with God through Christ is there permanence and eternal security. But perhaps not all of humanity still feels that sojourner's drive that I feel. And perhaps not all of mine is that hunger for eternal life with God*. But then...

Anyways, plenty of time to think while driving alone through the interminable corn fields of Illinois and Indiana. No real breakthroughs in my thoughts but not without its simple pleasures. Cell phone calls, Adrian Rogers on CD, and chances to stand.

* - "And this is eternal life, that they know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. " (John 17:3).

Just passing thru...

2007-07-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I just got back from Haiti and y'all want to know how it was, see pictures, and be dazzled with stories. Well, I only got a few days, most of which were spent seeing Mom, little brother, and other neglected family members, before I leave in the morning for St. Louis with my teenagers from church. And I only have a few minutes here between appointments today. So I will be brief.

We flew from XNA to Miami to Port-au-Prince (capital of Haiti), wrangling our medical supplies for the free clinic we were going to run in the mountains. We had to spend a couple days in Port until we could fly via 6-passenger puddlejumper to the mountains of northern Haiti while our supplies took the 100 mile/8-10 hour trip by pickup truck. We did 5 days of clinic with the help of some friendly interpreters (see above). Most patients had illness associated with bad water, poor nutrition, and inconsistent medical attention. We tried to help with hygiene supplies and instruction, free food, and meager but professional medical care for a week. We were able to help out a few emergencies as well. I rode 3.5 hours in the back of an ambulance (pickup truck) with a mom and dad whose 4 year old boy needed emergency surgery for an entrapped and septic hernia to the closest hospital with an anesthesiologist (we couldn't bring one of our own on this trip). They did the surgery and the boy's life was saved. Plus we were allowed to introduce some people to spiritual life through Jesus Christ, giving them hope beyond ourselves. As far as the country itself, the weather was hot and humid, like most Caribbean countries are when you are not right on or in the ocean. The elevation was higher than Fayetteville but we could see the ocean from the mountain tops (where I was the commencement speaker for a kindergarten graduation). Overall, the trip was fun, rewarding, and challenging to both soul and body.

But the other stories will have to wait. I got to get to my lunch appointment. God bless y'all.

Not really here

2007-06-14T22:45:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it just so happens that I am in my apartment, but just for the moment. I have not been here much over the last couple weeks. As the aforementioned entry noted, my sister and her family were coming. They arrived and I spent as much time where they were as I could, which meant that when I was here in Arkansas, I had a lot to do to catch up. And I really still haven't gotten caught up. But alas, I am on my way out the door again, this time out of the country.

Thanks goes to Duane for posting a little of the fun we were having in their presence. It will have to suffice for my version of the story as well. I am so glad that you made the long trip across the country to see us for so long. And I am glad to Mom and Gene's for giving them a place to stay so the rest of us could see them too.

But now I am a day away from flying to Haiti for 10 days to do some volunteer work at a remote clinic/school/church/refuge in the northern part of the country. My work in the clinic will be offering help for spiritual needs as well as grunt labor for the staff. Plus we will be trying to improve a safe water supply. I have several friends who are going with me on this. I will try to take some pictures but no guarantees on what I will have posted for a while. July has some trips involved within less than a week of returning from Haiti. But thanks for the prayers while we are there for safety, effectiveness, and wisdom.

In other words, I'm not really here this summer.

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20)

Anticipation

2007-05-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

Anticipation means that on the one hand I am pretty excited. My little sister and family are coming all the way across the wild, wild west from barren California to the beautiful places her brothers and mom (hers and mine) and others here call home. I know I'm a dork for being excited to see family, but I am who I am. We have so much fun together, hanging out, goofing around, being silly, reminiscing, good old-fashioned family stuff for us. Plus, Duane and I are planning to do something like a photography trip. Plus, Mom has stated that she has some fireworks that need shot up and you know what that means. Duane and I will make scary combinations that could blow up in our face and Denise will feel compelled to light them for us scaredy cats. How exciting! That much anticipation makes me worry about things that could go wrong and try to derail such an awesome time. Arggh!

That is the flip side of anticipation that drives me crazy. Okay, maybe normal people call that worry. But worry is a sin, so I'm not gonna do it. At least try not to do it. But there is the element within me that sees the sky and reads the clouds. One thing I liked about living on the high plains was that I could see the sky for seemingly hundreds of miles (it is not called Big Sky country for nothing). And one could see this towering, black thunderhead or a wide, foreboding storm front steamrolling across the landscape. And I would want to guess, is it coming for here? What will it do? What will be left after it's gone? That kind of anticipation quickens the pulse, but it's the fight-or-flight instinct playing with me, not thrill of joy.

The good thing is that we are not helpless in these. Preparations can be made. Actions can be taken that may minimize or even do away with impending trouble. Anticipation is seeing what is ahead and preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. That way one can enjoy the sunny days without worry of the storm clouds beyond the horizon. Those storms may not even come. And if they do come, we'll be ready for what may come. Meanwhile, I will work so I can savor the exciting days to come.

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go ... not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8)

Not know why

2007-05-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

As you read at Ellison Snapshot, Dad finished his journey here in this life very abruptly Sunday, April 29th. We kids are dealing with our loss in our own different ways the best that we can. The platitudes and cliches have been heard and often found wanting, though we understand one's need to say those things for lack of knowing just what to say to express the feeling one feels when a friend or loved one is hurting. And that is why I appreciate those who tried to express their empathy in the best way they could think of doing. And then the week following I get to try to understand what life is like without someone who has always been there.

Understandably, we were both busy people who didn't call as often as we wished we could, much less saw each other as much as we desired. But thoughts and prayers for one another were constant. The life lessons Dad taught were ever present in my process of deciding how to live each part of my life. Thankfully those lessons will be remembered even without his reminders from life and word. And the desire to make him proud in what I do can still motivate me to do my best. It's funny how living a life for the glory of God often takes the very human face of pleasing Mom and Dad. Perhaps that will be the best and longest lasting tribute I can do for Dad.

Thought I would conclude with a couple thoughts gleaned from handwritten notes from friends who have experienced similar losses, if only because they at least encouraged me.

"It hurts to see family hurt, but our Father will not give His children more suffering than joy. And I look forward to rejoicing with you again."

"I understand not to try to understand, but we can rejoice that God is big enough so we don't need to understand."

"Jesus came not that we might not suffer, but that our suffering might be like His."

But one of the best encouragements was having my beloved siblings and family together. I treasure them.

See you later, Dad.

Natural dam

2007-04-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

So I decided that I must have already used my "other local shot" because I cannot remember what I was thinking of putting in this one. That, or I did not like the one I was saving (too many powerlines). Anyways, it's been a while. But it has finally warmed up. The creeks are flowing. It has been raining intensely this evening. I really want to go canoeing, I just need to arrange it. Maybe next Monday a buddy and I can sneak away from work to play. This creek picture is of Natural Dam, a little waterfall just north of Fort Smith.

My summer is getting really busy and it has not yet begun. Several friends are getting married this summer (I count five couples, four in five weeks). Plus, I don't know if I mentioned here but I am going to Haiti to help set up a temporary medical clinic in the mountains, that is in June. Plus, I'm wanting to do stuff with family. And friends and I want to do some stuff. And, Oh yeah! I'm supposed to work somewhere in the midst of that too. Now that I think about it, I will have lots to report and little time to do it.

The worst is that many of these commitments (especially leading trips to Haiti) require more money than I really have right now. Well let me clarify, I had tucked away a little egg for emergencies but that egg is in great danger from the snake of over-commitment.

But tonight we are having fun (sort of). They are playing Starcraft over our LAN (We were playing, but I got eliminated real early). But now this game is nearly over for my teammates. I can proudly say that I have neither had the time nor made the time to be good at these games, especially true of Starcraft (I like Age of Kings better, not that I am much better at it). So I guess I better wrap up or save the draft again. Okay, you may not notice but almost another hour passed and this time I survived long enough to be on the winning team.

Oh, by the way, the picture in the lower right is a funny story. Sunday afternoon I was needing to light a match to get rid of some stink (Yes, It's true, mine stinks too. But you know what? So does yours.). And for some silly reason, I struck the match towards me. Well, the match broke just as it lit. It immediately landed against my shirt and stuck! The burning match just sat there defying gravity as it burned against my shirt! So I knocked it off onto the floor, still burning, and blew it out. Why, can't matches burn that long when I need them to? Anyways, I thought that the burn mark was funny and worth remembering so here it is.

Still cold...

2007-04-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

So here is a classic hometown picture (I have another for next week). This is Old Main, the first building for the University of Arkansas. This is the trademark for our fair city. The other less-known landmark is the old courthouse, pictured below. The stairs are from the old part of town between the two landmarks, sort of. I just thought they were interesting, going up to nowhere. Then the night picture is a cabin where we stayed the night in Bee Branch.

The weather is still cold, but not so much so to snow. Rain is what we get now. Yesterday's snow and today's cold excused me to stay in town and work inside. I read some today, I worked a little on the computer, washed clothes, cleaned around the apartment a little, still had time to be sociable, and called my family in CA.

Pretty good day.

I fixed the last entry where somehow the pictures didn't get uploaded too.

Seriously, it's snowing.

2007-04-05T20:35:00.001-07:00

It's kinda funny how weather works. I was intending this week to tease Duane about how hot it was there in California (see his April 1 blog), and here in Arkansas our high temperature was probably what his air conditioner was set on (72 degrees). So this would normally be the point where you expect me to say how hot it suddenly got here and we were sweating profusely like he was out there.

Seriously, it's snowing. The temperature started dropping Tuesday night, even more yesterday, and today it went crazy, below freezing twice. My guys were at a track meet next door to my house when it started snowing! In Arkansas! In April! Now our temperature is nearly what his refrigerator is set on. It is supposed to be cold tomorrow (Good Friday) and gradually warm up through the weekend so that Monday it should be back to seasonable.

By the way, part of the issue for the blog has been moving to an apartment without consistent internet (it has faded out three times since I started writing this). I used to have both wired network as well as wireless in my bedroom. Now there is no wire and that same wireless router is across the yard a ways. We are working on buying another wireless router for a house closer to my apartment. We'll see.

God bless and have a good Resurrection Sunday.

By the way, you shouldn't be able to see the snow in the top track photo, just in case you were looking for it. You had to be there to feel the frozen drops from the sky.

What?

2007-03-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

So it has been a while between postings again. Glad I thought to check it tonight instead of waiting until this weekend (more than a month between postings, yech!). I have legitimately been busy days and nights, weeks and weekends. And I didn't really have any new pictures, or at least none that I have had time to admire (or dislike). And the highlights of the last couple weeks, really felt like a "you-had-to-be-there" even when telling about it to others in person. So it was easy to procrastinate. And tonight's posting, is as much of a token posting as some of the others. Sorry to do that to those who had been faithful readers. And I also wanted to see what the big deal was about the "new" blogger they forced me to accept. I don't know yet if I like it or not. From here, it looks much the same as the old version (I like not having to learn a new format or system).

Otherwise, I will close with this half-thought. No wait, make that a non-thought. I can't remember what I was going to say. I guess I will do some reading before heading for bed. Which reminds me of someone else's thought that I liked and thought I would like to post. It might be too long. But I did go see Grandma, Mom, Brian, and Mom's brother and sister-in-law this weekend. First weekend at "home" in over a month. Yep, it has been about that busy. Pretty bad when I can't get home for some of Mom's cooking.

Anyways, I am getting tired of waiting for it to download these pictures, so I may skip them. Nevermind. I missed the new "terms of service" check box on the pictures page and it rejected my download and started me back at scratch after all that waiting. I don't like the new Blogger now.
Brad

Shave and a haircut - two bits

2007-02-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

End of break

2007-01-31T15:19:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's been the end of Christmas break for a while, but we got busy back here in Fayetteville. And it is exciting to be having a real January. This is the third week in a row with us having white stuff. Mom and Brian were without electricity and running water for 10 days due to ice damage to trees and powerlines. We are getting snow right now (which is tons better than ice). In fact the snow has distracted me so bad that I don't remember what else it was I was going to do. No wait, now I remember - I was going to wash dishes from last night's mega bean fest.

The picture is from a nice hike around Devil's Den we did on one of the nice days last week. Nice change of pace from the frozen Third World country we have experienced around here.

Otherwise, the main goal for this post is just to get back in the practice and sneak one in before January is gone. Meanwhile, more news later when I am not stalling from more work. Till later.

Time for a break

2006-12-18T22:15:00.000-08:00

Just another quick note to say that I have not forgotten this post. Classes finished at the university and us locals are having more fun than getting productive work done. Squirrel hunting is a new recreation for me. I haven't successfully killed one yet, but I get to shoot the 12 gauge. I've run around to see friends here, but haven't done worth beans keeping in touch with friends and family that are away. So this week is dedicated to trying to do some of that (does this count as partial credit?).

I thought I would go through some of my pictures tonight while I had some time between fun and games. So I am including some pictures from Monument Valley, Arizona - Navajo Tribal Park. Exceptionally beautiful place at sunrise, and my campsite was perfect for watching just that. A good memory refreshed by pictures.

Duane, my "secret" is to go to amazing places and take mediocre pictures that look great because the subject is so much more awe-inspiring.

Anyways, I will head to Mom's for Christmas. Christmas Day, Brian and I will help Grandma do the cooking for her traditional Christmas feast. Breakfast with Mom and Brian, then cooking with Grandma makes the holiday special for me, the rest is just bonus.

God bless and keep you all these holidays.

"For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

In the fall

2006-12-02T14:28:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a while. But I had a great break just relaxing at Mom's place. Worked some cutting firewood, patching holes in the chimney, and fixing the pickup but that was fun (most of the time). I went over and hung out at Grandma's, but I narrowly missed seeing my big brother and his family as well as Dad and his bunch. Christmas break is coming, I will try to make it then. I did take some pictures while I was there, of which you can see a few.

___________________________________________________
The rainbow is from the Neosho State Park as is the bridge. We had a dusting of snow
a few days later, but not enough to really cover the ground good. Ranjit was really proud of his meager little snowman. Then the guys played against each other inside on the computers (Look at the screen and guess what it is, Duane).

___________________________________________________

Anyways, football on TV is the action for today. Not a big fan myself, but it is popular among the others at ABS. So we will hang out, eat, and call it a day. I might sneak out after eating. Especially if the Hogs start looking like meat for the Gators. But we can win this if our team gets it together.

Talk at ya later.

"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:24)

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-21T14:57:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to let my family know that I am thinking of you and missing you. I am headed up to Mom's for a few days of rest and work on the farm. It'll be nice to be out of Fayetteville. I hope that your Thanksgiving is fun, rewarding, and fills you with grattitude.

As for the verse below, I don't often understand how I can be thankful for all things all the time. But God has a better view of the world and my future than I do. Thank God too. Till later, God bless and keep you.

Love,
Brad

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

What's in a name?

2006-11-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

So the saga continues. First off, I did not mean to confuse my beloved sister into thinking that she misunderstood my middle name for the last 30 years. Admittedly she mainly heard it when I was in trouble with Mom (you know how it goes, once you hear first, middle, and last name ... you are in big trouble.) I was just being evasive with giving my actual middle name and test driving this relative's name for a new middle name.

But I finally got around to calling my mom (Call your mother, she wants to hear from you). Sure enough, she says she doesn't know what Dad is talking about. She doesn't remember naming me after this person, she got the name out of a baby book (so that's where I heard that part of the story). She sounded surprised that I was disappointed at not being named for Dearing (according to her side of the story), as though I would have preferred my name having been chosen from a name book. Of course not everyone has the skepticism that I have about those name books purportedly giving meaning to names ("according to who" is what I always ask). Having learned a little of a few foreign languages, I have learned that many names don't mean what people say they mean (ex. I am not naming any of my kids "Damon" no matter what the books say (my apologies to those already bearing that name, it's nothing personal against you. It's just that your name would be translated from Greek as "demon" or "devil". It meant something a little different before the Septuagint but too late for that)). For example, according to one of those books, Darin meant something like "marshy place" (I not like my middle name, I don't understand). I think if you took it apart and translated it, the first part would mean "realm" in Arabic, and "spring" in Hebrew (both Semitic languages), which may explain the swampy roots in that one name book. Other "sources" have had other meanings for it, mostly vague or lame. But having my much maligned middle name actually have some significance beyond an indicator of trouble (see first paragraph) was inspiring. There is something to be said for being a bearer of history, even family history, within one's name.

As for reconciling the two very divergent versions of the story behind my name, I will use my imagination. Dad heard the name or saw the name in the book and thought of his mother's cousin (consciously or subconsciously) and thus like the name. He recommended it to Mom without explanation or liked it when Mom suggested it to him (whatever the case may be), because of this connection. Either he never shared this thought with her or she forgot (she never knew this relative - he died before she was born). Thus, many years (and a divorce) later I hear about it from one parent but not the other. Apparently, I like the history behind the name and will gladly claim my part of the legacy. I have other legacies that I have adopted from family history, so I feel free to do it again here.

So what did I do this weekend? A little camping, backpacking, and caving around Coyote Bluff at Devil's Den. And I helped park 130+ cars for the Arkansas - Tennessee football game (Go Hogs Go!). One of the other guys helping park cars is in AFROTC, hence the shirt/jacket picture while he was grilling burgers. The bottom pair of pictures is of only the front yard (notice the red-leaved maple tree), the backyard is even larger, though without having cars blocked in. And lastly, Kramer enjoys a bone while our blowup Razorback (a gift, we're too cheap to buy one) shows some spirit in front of the sign to our student ministry.

"She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." ... "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel (which means, God with us)." (Matthew 1:21,23)

A revelation

2006-11-06T23:21:00.000-08:00

I found out yesterday (err, Sunday. Since I haven't slept yet, it is still Monday even though the calendar insists it is Tuesday. I digress) that I was named for somebody. I knew that I was almost named for my Granddad, but since he loathed his given names he refused to let my parents put that name on me. But Dad told me yesterday that my middle name is from a cousin of Grandma's who died in the Pacific theatre of World War II.

I am named for someone even though our names are not actually spelled alike. Dearing (pronounced "Daring" by Grandma) Pritchard had volunteered in the army even before Pearl Harbor and died in a POW camp after the fall of the Philippines. There is a page devoted to him in the family history book (he is a son of Harv if you are wanting to look him up).

The astounding part is that I didn't know this (or had completely forgotten). I just assumed that both of my given names were from the baby book or something. No idea that there was a family connection until Dad mentioned it while we were talking about something else, perhaps onhow my middle name was spelled (I don't remember how we got on the subject). Dad said that he had to guess about the spelling on Dearing's name, thus the difference between his and my name.

I now have new respect for my middle name. I had started a rumor more than once that my middle name was something else (something that sounded more believable coming from Arkansas. The trick of a good lie is how close to the truth it can be and still be believable. Not that I wanted to sound more like I was from Arkansas, just that I could not avoid that connection, having Arkansas license plates. Not that I make it a practice to lie. I just didn't want people to know my middle name who would then want to say it all the time, so I purposefully let them guess wrong and say it was correct, then when they proved my suspicion correct that they were going to use it all the time, I would tell them that it was not my true middle name, making them feel even more foolish and giving them no grounds to argue that I should tell them my actual middle name when they had already proved that they could not be trusted to stay quiet about it. One of them insisted on using my phony middle name anyways because she liked calling me by first and middle, and a wrong middle name was better than none at all). But now I have reason to be proud of my middle name, it means more to me now. Thanks Dad for sharing that history. Thanks Dearing for representing our country and family well.

God bless,

Bradley Dearing (don't look too bad, does it?)

Spring into autumn

2006-10-30T21:52:00.000-08:00

mystery flowers in ABS yard

So it goes in Fayetteville during October, frost one night then a few days later it is T-shirt and shorts weather. No wonder so many of us are coughing and feeling sick. But the scenery makes it all worthwhile to me.

Wild cherry tree at Mom's

The fall colors are about at their peak. There are probably a few more to come but the best have been this last week. I am glad that I was paying attention this year. My favorites have been the trees still in the midst of changing, sometimes the individual leaves caught in the act of draining away the green to reveal their reds and yellows, like this "poinsetta tree"

I have reveled in the beauty of it all, the pagentry of nature. If the trees clung to their life, these brilliant colors would never be revealed to our eyes. Yet as they lose their appearance of life, the splendor within shines forth, if only briefly. And in so doing, the tree preserves its life for new birth next spring. No wonder the ancients wondered so at the change of the seasons. I would be foolish to do no less.

Part of the reason for having the time to admire this autumn is my schedule change this last week. I was spending time outside walking a friend of mine's dog while he attended his father's funeral in Florida. Driving across town and strolling through Fayetteville's green-friendly zoning laws made for time to savor the feast for the eyes. Plus, while I was home this Saturday afternoon, Mom and I went out to take pictures of the colors and enjoy one of the last warm days we'll have this year. Ahh, life can be chaotic, but it is more palatable when I concentrate on these little things.

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." (John 12:24)

Something has to give

2006-10-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

Tonight is an evening off in town. I intended to do something I cannot remember doing for ... well a really long time. I was planning my evening around watching a TV show. My brother got me interested in watching Heroes, however, the neighbors had something else they wanted to watch (nuts). So I started trying to download previous episodes, the download site and my computer inexplicably won't speak to each other (nuts). So once my roommate gets it downloaded, I probably won't have time to watch it tonight (nuts). So instead, I am updating the ol' blog instead of updating the ABS website (nuts). Life is about choices.

Otherwise, nothing really worthy of calling news. I've taught more than a few times since Oct 1. I've not been home to Mom's until this last weekend (I had a relaxing time there though). I finally got to go see Grandma over the weekend (she's doing pretty good for 93). She made me my favorite supper (hash, homemade cornbread, and apple pie). Plus we kicked back and shot the breeze. Did the same with Mom and Brian (at separate times of course). I've had a cold for about a week. I went to part of the football game where the Razorbacks beat up on some Div. I-AA team (actually an accomplishment since we used to struggle with teams like that). I bought (finally) bought tires for my truck and got some steering part replaced which has me counting my pennies in hopes of paying that bill without breaking into my piggie bank. I did go camping twice (once with a married couple and another time solo during a meteor shower). I haven't really been taking any pictures. Ohh, that's about all of that non-news.

I guess some big news is that I've had two guys from my youth group decide to become followers of Christ ("get saved" or "born again" as we call it around here ). That is some pretty exciting decisions on their part.

So off to Walmart I go. Aufwiedersehn.

Brad

"For by grace you are saved by faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8,9)

Burning Cash

2006-10-01T22:24:00.000-07:00

"Fall Creek waterfall, last weekend"

The title is courtesy of my "metalhead" roommate who has suddenly discovered Johnny Cash's version of Hurt and When the Man Comes Around (he was referring to burning it onto CD). I am thankful for the unique pleasure of savoring the same songs that he does.

Otherwise, it was a pleasant weekend with family, then friends. I buzzed home to help my little brother celebrate big number 25 (halfway to fifty, quarter-century, etc.) I'm past it so I don't have to worry about retaliation for a while (hee,hee). He took it well, as expected. We got to talking among us three and twenty-five was a remarkable year for Mom and I both. She left a job, city, and more to go back home, then got married. I left Fayetteville and home to pursue my dream of being a ranger while I was twenty-five.

Our praise and worship band at ABS had a couple invites to perform, one at a local coffeeshop, the other was at my church in Bentonville. I helped with logistics only. But they did great and gave God the glory for what they do with humor and humility.

"same mysterious waterfall from Devil's Den as last post"

Personally, I've been hanging in there. I will probably sneak out again tomorrow evening, maybe I'll sleep out under the stars. We'll see how my schedule plays out. But unless it is raining, it will feel good to be outside. Reading, contemplation, and imagination are on the proposed agenda.

You can help me out. The left picture had a longer exposure than the one on the right. The lighting to my eye resembled the right more so, but I like the blur of the water in the left. Both are of the big waterfall at Dripping Springs. I'm not sure why the carnation got pasted in twice because one of these from this post was supposed to go there instead. Oh well.

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Philippians 4:19-20)

Horses and Harleys

2006-09-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

So it has been a few days since I last wrote here. Not much exciting by my standards to report, just continuous something next to do. I know that discontent is my worse enemy. Challenge and usefulness are not always enough to keep me engaged and enthused about life. I can't explain it well enough for even these statements to be accurate.

Nonetheless, I can't say that I am unhappy, just discontent. I want more or something else, I'm not sure if I can decide or say out loud. But for those of you who interact with me, it is not a surprise that there are a few things I am not sure how to change without making matters worse. So I keep plodding through the rut waiting for inspiration from above.

I have still been getting out once a week or so for hiking, though Saturday I took another traveler along with me. So I am past due for a solo trip some morning, maybe tomorrow to think and listen. Probably not, I will be tired and not eager for adventure before work in the morning.

BTW, Colcord Oklahoma is home of the interesting juxtaposition of the past and the present. The crawdad (mudbug, crayfish) was observed walking from one creek to another across a rocky point. And the waterfall is away from the trail at Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas. There was another waterfall at Dripping Springs but those pics are for next time. But I wonder what the story was behind the carnation in the stream.

I got my shoes . . .

2006-09-13T22:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you Denise, I got my shoes Monday afternoon. So Monday night I grabbed my favorite shoes and went hiking! I was really stressed and needing some time alone to think, pray, meditate, chill, and work out some frustrations. I took a bunch of pictures, but that was secondary to just being outside and away from people. My roommates were glad that I did get away, though Michael was a little worried about me while I was gone since I flew out of the house to escape (I was also trying to outrace sunset). Devil's Den is an awesome little state park just 30 minutes away from Fayetteville where one can get away to nature and relax or campout or have fun. Being so close it is sometimes busy (by our standards), but folks are nice overall. The pictures were so-so considering how pretty it was that night with the fog and all. But I'll post a few just to help express the relief.

Tuesday night went well as I taught our large group worship service. They were attentive for the most part, and I enjoyed my part. Then tonight's youth group was better than last week (I think last week's full moon had them all weird or something) with the girls' group going really well with Amber leading that half of the youth group.

My regret is that I had some musings I was thinking about putting in here, but I forgot them (or they are not as relevant as they seemed when I mused them). My time management is suffocating me. And my competing and contradictory desires for escape, organization, family, friends, and solitude are not making my life simpler. Such is life.

"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2)

Still here

2006-09-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that I am still alive. Been another busy weekend following a busy week (BWBW). We did have fun with the teens again for an overnight lock-in. No ridiculously silly pics this time though (I was too tired to operate the camera right I guess). And then today was spent preaching in Siloam Springs and visiting people. I did fix a flat for someone (future missionary, actually). And now I finished up work a little bit ago and ready to call it a day. Besides I cannot remember what happened last week. Except that our supporting churches voted to give me a raise and a title. I don't like the title, I prefer "intern". God the Son came to serve, Paul gladly called himself a slave for Jesus Christ, can't I call myself intern? Maybe tomorrow will make more sense.

Brad

"Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him." (John 13:16)

Labor done

2006-09-04T22:27:00.000-07:00

Labor Day came just in time. This morning I proved to myself that I was indeed tired. I took a long nap after breakfast! But then I felt like doing something and cut some firewood for Mom and drove the tractor and brushhog for a while. A sense of accomplishment. Sunday I had preached twice, hung out with Mom and Brian (he and I jabbered like crazy, literally, most of the afternoon). Then Sunday evening I stopped to check on Grandma. She hasn't been feeling good, but she was really pleased and perked up a little bit when I showed her my pictures of Gene, Denise, and their families. But almost 93 years of living takes a toll on the strongest of us I guess. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. I really admire her for her toughness and love for us kids.

It has been busy with work. Autumn means football season and that means for us at ABS parking cars for the games. This last Saturday was a big game between the Hogs and the USC Trojans. They whupped our team, but we parked around 120 cars in our yards. Long day but good for us. Our ministry here is heavily funded by people paying to park in our yard. So we have ulterior motives for hoping that our team does well the rest of the year.

Otherwise, just a couple humorous shots to go. One is my ninja brother wielding dual rakes against the apple tree, it surrendered less than 10 apples. The other is my ballcap after a tree branch fed my cap to the brushhog. Apparently, it only took one whack to make the big cut in the bill before ripping it right off the rest of the hat. Moral of the story, there are lots of dangers on the farm. More importantly, do not stick anything under the brushhog that you wouldn't want mangled.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Been a while

2006-08-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the absence. It has been a busy couple weeks with long days of work and my days off spent somewhere besides here. The picture shows that a buddy and I did some fly-fishin' on Clear Creek. The shale beds provided some unusually symmetrical scenery to mark where we turned around. Plus I made a trip to Mom's for part of a day.

But work has been the big story. The university began its fall semester and my life as college minister becomes more intensive as new students are met and helped, new programs are organized and run, and new friendships are tended. The teaching load would not have changed much except that I am doing some preaching on Sundays while pastors are out of town. The challenge is that I would twelve to fifteen hours and be farther from "caught up" because I would realize more needed done than I had thought at the beginning of the day. Plus, whatever I would concentrate on, I knew that something else important was not getting done and may not ever get done. But I draw the line when it comes to my sleep. I need at least a five or six hours to function the next day and eventually I will need more. It's sad, I'm much less willing to do all-nighters than I was just three years ago in grad school.

But the Lord is blessing our efforts. Our Tuesday night worship service is reaching all-time highs in attendance. The students who are coming are the big reason why. They are inviting friends and neighbors. Plus many, many of them are committed to wanting more from the Christian life and growing closer in their fellowship with Christ. They want Bible studies, one-on-one discipleship meetings, and involvement. This fervor is great to see and a joy to minister as it prompts me to dig deeper and work harder to match their hunger for more. Plus their willingness to give back to the ministry means that they are willing to help bear the load in work that needs done and projects needing their particular expertises. This is awesome to see.

Even my youth group at church continues to grow in amazing ways. We divided the class tonight, boys from girls, to start an ever-other-week rotation of my teaching the guys to be men of God, and Amber to teach the girls about being godly women. However, we have some growing pains as I now have ore kids wanting to ride the bus than I have seats in the van. For some deranged reason, they love riding the van with me. I hope their parents are patient with their teens getting home after 10pm.

So that's the news for now. I'll try to sneak in a post more frequently from now on. And I'll try to get some pics to post as well. God bless ya,

Brad

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)

Last Voyage of the War-Ox

2006-08-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, so maybe oxen are not your typical warrior animal, unless you live in some third-world country where oxen are more plentiful than cars (Arkansas may be a third-world country, but cars are more common than both oxen and horses combined). But this old pickup has had a lot more in common with beasts of burden than those swifter, sleeker steeds. And it is about as tough as those sturdy bovines as well. But the Mighty Blue Bantha is ready to go out to pasture for good.

Reason? We needed to do some tree-trimming work around the ministry here, so the only vehicle I knew that I could drop tree limbs on while standing on the cab was this old reliable beater. So I filled the fluids on it and drove it to Fayetteville from the farm. Not a good idea. The radiator leak meant that I had only water for coolant which was not enough for the heat we have been having. By the grace of God, it didn't melt down the block. However, the transmission fluid was lower than I thought, so it stopped shifting properly along the way. Again, by the grace of God it didn't lose top gear until I was in town. And while dropping tree limbs, I managed to not break any windows on it. Plus it performed admirably in hauling brush out of town.

Rather than push my luck, I decided to coax it back to the farm Wednesday night after church. Oh yeah, and haul a big load of firewood and on top of that a couch for the youth room at church. It once again taught the lesson that one can get by with less on vehicles if you trust God and check the vitals religiously. So after 15 years of service and unknown number of miles from Canada to Louisiana, the truck deserves to be kept on the farm hauling firewood and stuff. Who knows, if I get the coolant issue fixed, it might come out of retirement again. But she needs a rest. By the way, the 15 years I've owned it, all but six months of that time she has been a wreck (I flipped it in an ice storm). And the unknown number of miles is because for a couple years I drove it without speedometer or odometer while rangering. And I got fewer tickets then than with a speedometer. Hmm.

"Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

I understand, I know you're jealous that you don't have an old truck like I do. I would be too. But be content with the lightweight little vehicle God has given you. My Toyota, "The Yak", is a little jealous that it doesn't yet have the stories like my Chevy has.

I am honored to know you

2006-08-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

We at ABS had a guest for the last ten days from Cambodia. He is actually a Filipino Christian missionary who has introduced many people to Jesus Christ and taught them about their relationship with the Lord. But what set him apart for me was not his impressive resume, but Rainier's gentle spirit and tireless desire to help people. He was zealous for GOD without being obnoxious to others because of his meekness and love. He held himself to high personal standards but was not pushy with them. Instead he inspired us to do more, better, he inspired us to be more. He has been a breath of fresh air at the right time during a sultry wearying summer.

He had stayed in my old apartment (prompting the thorough cleaning it desperately needed) so he was close to us yet had his privacy too. Now he is in Georgia before making the long journey back home to Cambodia. We are getting back to work. Thus my lunch break is over and I need to do the same.

PS. You may have noticed that I have started closing my posts with a quote or thought from God's Word. It is a reminder to me to think, and to remember that encouragement is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, who authored God's Word.

"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9)

I wish I understood

2006-08-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

So I had a good weekend. Why? Because with some perseverence and good luck / divine intervention (to whichever you normally show gratitude), my second (now) expensive hobby finally showed some fruit for the first time this summer. My tractor runs!!!

I had spent about $500 getting some catastrophic engine failures repaired and was eager to get to Mom's and try it out. It wouldn't start (sad droopy face here). So Mom and I started tinkering around with the starter, something we are practiced at doing. We took it apart, cleaned it up a little, and put it back together none to hopefully (if you never get your hopes up then the letdown is a little easier that way). The silly thing started working! (Delusions of grandeur of being a mechanic are born during these moments of euphoria.) Quickly the tractor was running, sounding beautiful to the ears (rather than deafening as it had been before Raymond fixed the hole in the exhaust). Once I had a purring tractor, Mom and I scrambled to get the brushhog attached and I went to work, cleaning up the world (around her house), ridding it of villainous tree sprouts and sirecia lespedezea.
euphoria

However, trouble struck again. The tractor inexplicably died. We looked at the tractor, checked the oil and a few other useless gestures of mechanical bewilderment. So we tried starting it again. It ran for a while and then died again, this time with Mom driving the tractor (I wish I'd gotten a picture of that, but I was distracted wondering what was wrong with my beloved tractor). The second time it died I resigned myself to calling Raymond, the real mechanic. He said it had happened to him too, but he didn't realize the significance of it. So he offered a sugegstion of what part needed replaced and how to test to make sure. When it died the next time, I would be ready to test our hypothesis.

So I hopped on the tractor waiting for it to die. It didn't. It wouldn't. I brushhogged the rest of the afternoon getting everything around the house knocked down and somewhat of a firebreak from brushfires for the house.

Yes, more happened than just the tractor fun. I got to hang out with Mom and Brian for the day. Church was fun. But the tractor was what made this weekend unique from the blur of everything else that is always special. Hee,hee, I'm so happy that my tractor is back.

1950 Allis Chalmers
Model B
Bought used by my Granddad Graham in the 1960's.
Used on the farm since then.
We still have the owner's manual!

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:20-21)

It's late and I'm tired

2006-08-12T00:24:00.000-07:00

Been a crazy week with lots going on for myself and others with whom I carry burdens when their weeks are crazy. So in honor of going crazy, I'm going home to see my family. Actually I go there to regain my sanity. Whenever I lose my mind, I often find it there or in the woods sitting around a campfire.

Part of the busyness has been preparation for classes to begin at the university, the cue for our ministry to hustle to help students overwhelmed with the new world of college. Summers are not as slow as they used to be, so that adds to the blur now. But I am thankful for the young men I have the privilege of mentoring. And I am thankful for the students (high school, college, or working class) that we get to teach and encourage in their Christian walk. I'll get some action shots to help explain what I mean posted up here eventually.

But for lack of creativity right now and umphto to recount the week, I'll throw in a picture from Zion.

A cool verse that I found this morning while reading. Only God can get those stains out of me. Praise God He does.

"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

We'd rather be bored together than bored apart.

2006-08-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I got a laugh from my roommate. Not only did he find out that I am blogging now (which was very funny to him, not sure why) but that I quoted him (someone who doesn't talk much as is). So I decided to mention him twice while the opportunity exists (though nothing quotable this time).

Otherwise it was a good weekend considering how it was not what I planned. The teen lockin proved to be a misunderstanding between the host and I. So I wound up finishing the night with my teenagers solo at the church. Good bunch of kids that are easily entertained helps me immensily. We spent an exorbitant amount of time playing a variant on hide and seek - Sardines. One (or two) go hide and then everyone else breaks up and tries to find him or her. Once you do find this person, you join them in their hiding place. Simple enough. Turn the lights off at 1am in a church building and add almost a dozen 12-14yr olds and the fun begins. They spent a good part of the night being scared of the dark. But the boys and girls were well-behaved considering the reputation hormonal teenagers have. I am real proud of them.
{This is what happens when I let their kids do stupid stuff - I take pictures while they eat carpet.}

However, if I spend that long without sleeping more than 30 minutes, I get run down. Appparently so do they. They were still dragging today at church. Made me feel not so old. Saturday afternoon I was so tired that I actually "microsleeped" while the visiting missionary from Cambodia was telling me an exciting story. I'm going to bed soon.

Then I took some pictures of my friends from church tonight with help of my able assistant, Patrick. I'll throw one of those on here too. One of my favorite things about my church (besides my cool youth group who don't even read this blog anyways) is how we seem to enjoy spending time together. Church ended this evening and we spent another 30 minutes or more talking to each other, hanging out. Even more remarkable since we had an official fellowship the night before (that I missed in order to wash clothes and sleep). Good bunch of folks.

Anyways more news later when I don't need to go to bed. BTW, the title is a quote from my teenagers to convince me to let them stay at the church longer Saturday morning before taking them home. Next time I will try not to let them be so bored/boring.

That is egregious

2006-08-03T22:40:00.000-07:00

That is the words of my roommate when he looked around the corner into my bedroom to see the colossal pile of "stuff" at and around my closet. It was a bit much. But I am finally moved out of my old apartment (the "loft") and committed to the "penthouse" (aka top floor of the bi-level duplex (every place in the ABS compound has a nickname including the "compound" itself)) and living with roommates again. It is a relief to have that out of my schedule now, though sorting the mess out will remain in my list of things to do for the rest of the year if not the rest of my life!

Then the reason was worthwhile even beyond being nearly mandatory. We have a missionary-pastor arriving here from Cambodia in the morning Friday and he is staying in my old place (now being styled as a "prophet's chamber" of sorts from 2 Kings 4:8-11). Another friend of mine helped me do the last of the cleaning, vacuuming, and stocking while a friend from the "Oasis" (downstairs from the "loft") made up the bed for Bro. Rainier. It looks a lot better and cleaner than it ever did when I was living there. Jesus said something about, what we did for His servants, we did for Him. So we tried to do a pretty decent job. Maybe not nice enough for a king, but we've tried to use the best we have available.

Other exciting news, my youth group at church was abruptly larger last night. I teach the teenagers on Wednesday nights (We are memorizing the Ten Commandments (not as easy as you might think)). And our group of friends have again brought more of their friends to our merry meeting, including more girls (we had been blessed with a lot of guys but only now are we getting more gender balanced (it would be more so if I had some adult female help alongside me but alas not yet)). A good bunch of kids that I wouldn't trade for anyone else's kids (made official when I turned down an offer to teach someone else's teens). They want to be taught from the Bible, to learn some good stuff, and to have some simple entertainment afterward.

Good times. God bless ya,

Brad

addendum

2006-07-31T15:52:00.000-07:00

Here's one of the pics from this morning's failed attempt to push photos to Blogger. It's our family crest and stuff.

I love Oklahoma

2006-07-31T09:27:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma has been good to me. Not the least of which, it is home to my birthplace. Plus it is home for my big brother and his wonderful family. I got to spend much of the weekend with them. I am reminded that it is a funny privilege to be a Harris (literally, we make each other laugh without really trying, we just say what we think). On top of that, I got introduced to many of the nephews' friends with whom I was impressed. Including my niece, they seem to be really great kids. Mission accomplished, spent a good weekend just hanging out with family (which is becoming increasingly important to us). This would be the second privilege of family, getting closer through adversity.

Oklahoma was also good to me in a financial way. While driving through Kansas OK, I was pulled over by one of their local police officers. I had not been paying close attention to speed limit signs nor my speedometer, so he informed me that I was driving a little over the speed limit. He politely asked me to slow down and sent me on my way. Praise God, no ticket! Thank you to those police who are still more interested in protecting lives and ensuring safety than in collecting revenue for their employers. From now on I am going to do business in this little town as much as possible on my trips to Tulsa. Thanks.

Well, it's time to go to work. Thanks for reading these little updates. Sorry, no pics. Can't upload to Blogger again.

Addendum

2006-07-27T23:34:00.000-07:00

So first is the little thing from Tuesday, some of my favorite cereals. It makes me smile thinking about it.The other is a self-portrait by a friend of mine. Or at least, the first chance he got to play with my new camera, this is the picture I get from it. Thanks.
More worrisome, "they" say that you are known by the friends that you keep. And to think that I wouldn't want to trade these friends for anyone else's.

And the thought for the last couple days... I guess I have a long-term house guest now. He probably has no where else to go that would be good for him spiritually, so I am glad he's here. And he is trying to be a good guest. It's just not what I expected when I came home, but maybe just what we need to do as well. So I pray that it goes well for all of us and is a positive growing experience too. It's just that our heart sometimes is bigger than our brain, and then it has to catch up with circumstances and still stick to its commitments of love and grace. I'm excited about what I'm learning and living.

Grace,

Brad

It's the little things

2006-07-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

Possibly the first of many, "it's the little things that make me happy." Like a favorite kind of cereal. While in Tehachapi with Denise and the kids, I found a new kind of shredded wheat - one vaguely similar to cinnamon rolls (my favorite home-baked goodie in the whole world as of right now). So we bought it and fell in love with it. Alas, Devin loved the cereal more than I and I only got one bowl of it. And I glumly came home not expecting to find it yet here so far away from the land of good breakfast cereal (the land of fruits, nuts, and flakes). Surprise, surprise! Even in backward Nosepick, Arkansas, I found this new cereal on my store shelf. So I splurged and bought a box (okay, four boxes not all the same kind. I'm kind of a cerealaholic).

This weekend was good, though pictureless as I forgot my camera or I was told not to publish any of the pictures (some of my family is very secretive for reasons unknown to me). I did get to visit with my mom's family and eat their exceptionally good cooking, including smoked brisket. I preached at one church on Sunday morning (with divine intervention preventing a nasal disaster from my raging head cold). Then I was with my home church family for the evening, both for church service and hanging out by the pool of my friends' house. So overall a good weekend.

Monday was about catching up with people I hadn't seen in nearly a month or so. We caught up on news plus discussed doctrinal issues that we barely grasp well enough to know we need to know more before teaching them to others. I enjoy this coterie of friends who want to base not only our teaching, but our lifestyle by what the Bible teaches Christians to be. It often shakes us from what is comfortable and familiar, but forces us to anchor our answers to something more solid than tradition.

Now it is time to get to work again. Studying, cleaning, and calling.

Momentarily in...

2006-07-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

Whew. It was a busy week at church camp, but I was really encouraged by the teaching, my group of guys I took to camp from my church, and especially by the depth of Christian character in some of my friends and fellow workers for the LORD. They are especially attune to things spiritual for themselves and in others and nurture the growth in others. Plus it is plain exciting to me to see teenagers talking and thinking about the things of God. Perhaps more on that in a later post.

Now I am back in town for about a day before taking for the rest of the weekend (I really intended to be gone well before now, but I didn't get any personal stuff done yesterday afternoon so I am making myself do it today). Speaking of yesterday, I did kick back with friends yesterday evening and night, including going to the drive-in. Today I leave for Mom's to see her sister, Aunt Pat, and supper with more of Mom's family. Good stuff. Then tomorrow I need to preach for Warren who was filling in at Weddington Baptist Church to help them out.

For lack of pics from camp, I included some from Zion National Park (last stop before reaching Denise's earlier this month).

In passing,

2006-07-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

Well I overcame my faulty memory and finally recalled what my login was (I have a mind like a steel trap, whatever gets in it doesn't come out without getting severly mangled.). So now I am doing a quick update before taking off for a week at church camp.
Work was not too bad as I caught up with some office work and meeting people. Plus I had some teaching appointments that I managed to get covered.
Then Saturday was the funeral for my oldest cousin, Lonnie. His death was precipitated by a massive heartattack that proved more than his body could recover. He was enough older than I and rarely at family events that I attended that I did not know him well. But I was much relieved to know that he had been prepared. Lonnie had prepared some instructions regarding his affairs before his incapacitation and passing. But more importantly he was prepared regarding himself after death. When he was a young adult, he had asked Jesus Christ to forgive his sins and trusted Him as his Lord and Savior. While Lonnie was not a perfect man (otherwise the rest of us sinners would have been jealous), his sins were covered by Christ's blood through Lonnie's faith. That was reassuring news to hear that I would see him again on the other side of death. He taught us a good lesson in that regard. Thanks Lonnie.
The theme of last week continued through the weekend with me concentrating on spending time with family. I got to talk with Dad before he left for a weeklong trip to San Antonio. My big brother and his family was there Saturday as well. My nephews are insisting that I come spend a weekend with them befoe school starts (I'm working on it). I spent some time talking with Grandma who hasn't been feeling good but those times happen when you are in your 90's. Then I spent time with Mom and my younger brother. Mom wanted to hear all about my trip, see pictures of her grandkids (and their parents) in California, and general catching up.
So it has been a busy weekend (I actually left out some of the other important but unrelated activities with friends who are like family but in a different way). But I need sleep right now, that and relief from the heat.

Brad

Home Sweet Home?

2006-07-14T00:55:00.000-07:00

Is it Home Sweet Home or Hot Sweaty Humidity? Yech! The desert has six things I miss now (the first five start with "D"!), I also miss the dryness. But otherwise, it's a relief to be off the road and back at home. Still not unpacked, but moved out of my truck. I almost extended my trip another night in Broken Arrow tostay a little longer with my big brother, but I really did need to get some things done at work and home. But thanks to Gene and Cindy for always being glad to see me and feeding me another home-cooked meal. More than the adventures and relaxation, this trip has been about family. There is something intangible yet fulfilling about good relationships with family. You pick your friends (and you pick your nose (no wait, wrong quote!)). You choose your friends but family is decided for you. Some people see that as a detriment, but not me. The relationship with family members is what each one puts into the shared circumstance of being related by someone else's decision. With some, it is decidedly easier to be close or fond of. Other family members may be kept more relationally distant. Yet no matter what, we are still family. You don't have that with friends or acquaintances. I have known my siblings for as long as I remember, I don't have anywhere near that long of a history with my friends. Residences and interests change, but I still share parents, siblings, stories, and deep family history with these four people no matter what changes in me or them. There is something "real life" about that. So I am thankful to have friendship with many of my family members. I am thankful for that, even when I have been guilty of taking it for granted. Can you tell that I've spent some time thinking about that while driving the last couple days? There was nothing else to do.

However, I am back here for now. I have a few days here to reorganize before I'll be off again, next week is church camp. Friends missed me while I was gone, though there have been no arguments over who would get to sit next to me (as frustrating as it was for all of us, I was a little flattered that Devin and Desirae wanted to be with their often absent uncle). My friends from our Christian fellowship here at ABS are important to me (preceding monologue not withstanding) not in competition against family but as a distinct part of who I am. We have a closeness based on more than a shared interest, but a life made different in Christ. I think it is significant that God chose to describe our relationship as Christians with one another in terms of brothers and sisters. I understand that a little better now than before because of my family. Thanks.

Anyways I've been long-winded enough for 2am (which will explain why this post may not make that much sense either). But it made sense yesterday and today as I was thinking about it in my heart and head.

Going solo soon

2006-07-10T22:52:00.000-07:00

Alas, the time has come for me to leave my family and head for home. In the morning I begin the long journey back to the hills of the Ozarks. I have really enjoyed my time with the nieces and nephew, though I don't normally have a lot of contact with their age group. They are a lot of fun and seem a lot better than the other kids I notice elsewhere. No offense to the young'ans but even more so, I have really enjoyed my time with my "little" sister and Duane. It has been alot of fun, laughing and being silly in that way that only siblings (and her like-minded spouse) can do while everyone else would wonder what is so hilarious. Family time like this is something I will treasure long after both of our lives revert back to their "usual" routines. So... a big thank you for putting up with me disrupting your lives and hanging out with you.

Anyways, I better wrap up before I get too nostalgic and bleary-eyed. So I'll have more to say ona later day.

Thanks Duane and Denise and D-rest of you.

Brad

Getting started...

2006-07-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

Whew, this could be a lot harder if I didn't have Duane coaching me over my shoulder. But then the "official" line is that "this is easy". So "they" say.