No Shortcuts!

I can't tell you how much my computer users disappoint me at times. Just when I think we're making progress, BAM they do something stupid. I installed a new server and started moving data files from the old server over to the new one this week. I let my users know that the data had been moved and that they would need to recreate any 'shortcuts' that pointed to files on the old server. It was very depressing for me to find out that several of my users didn't know how to create a shortcut. I was saddened to see how many users copied files from the server to their machine thinking it was a shortcut. They had placed a copy of a the file from the server on their Desktop and were working on it thinking they were working on the server. Then after they were done they told others they had made changes to the file. Well when others went to look at it on the server the changes were no where to be found. That's because they hadn't been made on the server - only on their computer.

Due to a comedy of errors, it took me most of yesterday afternoon and this morning to figure out what they had done. I even woke up in the middle of the night last night thinking about it! Note to any future computer types: Never believe computer users - they lie. I thought something was 'wrong' with the server or sharing privileges I had set up. Come to find out, there was no 'real' problem. Well I guess there was a problem, some people forgot to pull their heads out of their butts and couldn't see what they were doing. But what was really funny was how upset these people were that the 'new server sucked' and 'wasn't working properly'. They even talked about it in the morning production meeting and how I needed to get the server fixed because we were unable to schedule boat production. A couple were even were calling for me to move the files back to the old server just so we could schedule boats. "Fix it over the weekend" they said - Yeah right. Needless to say they were quite embarrassed when I showed them what they had done wrong. They also didn't like having to explain what the real problem was. Sorry to rant just needed to vent - but it really got to me today. Guess I need to work on my patience (as always). Have a good evening and the weekend is almost here!

The Date

As they entered the restaurant all eyes were on them. He was a true southern gentleman, complete with a seersucker suit with a red bow tie. And she wore her best dress with a bright floral corsage. The opportunity to go out to on a date was no small affair, particularly at their age. He was well into his eighties but was still quite spry. She may have been a few years younger then him but needed the assistance of a cane to walk. Everyone quickly noticed how kind and generous he was towards her as they slowly made their way towards their table. Conversations stopped, nods were given to tablemates as if to say “Look at this” and meals that were being eaten were temporarily halted – everyone stopped to watch. He spoke no words but his actions spoke volumes. He ensured her path to the table was clear by moving anything in their way. He then gently put the palm of his hand in the small of her back to help guide her to their table. Once at the table he made sure her chair was pulled out and helped her into her chair. Then once she was seated, he made sure she was comfortable. Everything he did, he did with tenderness and grace. His actions let her know that this night was all about her. And it showed. She was beaming, happy to be there but mostly proud to be with him. She was proud to be his girl and he was proud that she was.

As she sat in her chair, he unfolded her napkin and gently placed it in her lap. She looked up at him and smiled and he smiled back. But before returning to his seat, he leaned over and tenderly kissed her on the forehead. After returning to his seat, he reached across the table and took her hand. He then told her how lovely she looked this evening – she blushed like a young school girl and said “Oh, stop you…” By this time the waiter had brought them their drinks. Anxiously, she raised her glass to toast with him. He picked up his glass of sweet tea and gently bumped his glass against her water glass. “To us” he quietly said. “To us” she repeated. At that point I realized that I was intruding and had no right to look on. I had to look away.

My wife and I looked at each other and all we could do was smile. What do you say when you’re in the presence of this kind of love? For me it was humbling to think that after all these years that you could still care for another person the way they did. Finally after a couple of minutes we were able to speak. My wife said “Now that’s love”. And of course in my infinite wisdom I could only respond by saying “Well, it’s definitely not about the sex…” Idiot. My wife humored me by laughing and saying “Definitely not about the sex”.

But then what was it about? How much had they been through over the years to get them to this point? How much heartache, tragedy, joy and happiness were behind their words? Raising Children, Lost Jobs, War, Death - the complete unfairness of life - how much of it had they seen together? How many good times and bad times where behind their smiles? What did they see when they looked at each other? They knew each other only the way you could after being with someone for decades. I wanted to know what they knew. And hopefully someday I will but it will take a lifetime. I realized that someday I want to be that old man. Someday I want to walk into a restaurant and help my wife to the table. Someday I want the whole restaurant to stop, watch and know she’s my girl and that after all these years I'm still proud to be with her. Someday I want to sit at that table and see our life spent together reflected in her eyes.

And someday...I too want some guy who’s been married for over 20 years to realize that he still has alot to learn.

Jesu Juva

A couple of weeks ago Katlin and I went to the Cornerstone Festival in Illinois. Cornerstone is this really cool, four day, Christian festival on a farm in the middle of the Illinois corn fields. Cornerstone really has a lot to offer – from camping to concerts and everything in between. Katlin enjoyed listening to some of his favorite bands, while I liked going and listening to the different seminars and speakers they had. One of the more interesting sessions they offered were Q&A times with Christian bands. Frankly, some of these guys were quite full of them selves and considered themselves to be full on rock stars. However, others were quite humble and were very interesting to listen to.

There was one kid in particular who really had some interesting things to say. His name was Jason and he was with an up and coming Canadian pop-punk band called “Hawk Nelson”. About 15 minutes into the Q&A someone in the audience asked him what he did to maintain the balance between the demands of being in a high profile band with being a Christian. Without missing a beat, he held up his right forearm, pointed at it with his left index finger and said “Bach” - as in Johann Sebastian Bach the composer.

Jason went on to say that on his right forearm he had a tattoo of the initials “JJ”. He explained that before Bach would begin writing any of his musical compositions he would write the initials “JJ” in the upper left hand corner of the first page. The initials “JJ” are the Latin abbreviation for “Jesu Juva” which means “Jesus, Help” or literally translated means “Help Me Jesus”. Jason explained that he found that life on the road was difficult and that it was very easy for him to lose focus and get caught up in the rock star lifestyle. He said that he knew that he couldn’t do things himself or live the way he was called without help. Hence the tattoo, a visual reminder that was always with him. Every time Jason wakes he sees the tattoo and is reminded that he needs Jesus' help to make it through the day. Every time he picks up his guitar to play on stage he sees the tattoo and is reminded to pray a simple prayer: Jesus Help Me. Every time he sees it, he’s reminded that help is never more than arm’s length away.

You may consider what Jason did to be a bit extreme. I know I do…but I have to tell you that I like where this kid’s head is at. Actually, it’s probably more accurate to say I like where his heart’s at. I too struggle with the same thing that Jason does as I often try to do things on my own. And when I do things on my own…well let’s just say the outcome is not pretty. I also found out that Bach put the initials “SDG” on the last page of each manuscript. SDG is also a Latin abbreviation for “Soli Deo Gloria” which means “To God Alone the Glory”. It’s said that he put this SDG abbreviation on before he began working on a composition. To me that’s significant. The thought that before he writes a single note, he gives all credit and glory to God for the masterpiece that is about to be created is incredible. Not knowing how his composition was going to sound or how it was going to be received by others didn’t matter to Bach. Bach knew that God was going to show His Glory through his music and that God deserved the credit. All this shows me that Bach had faith - faith in a faithful God. Bach also knew to give credit where credit was due. I can learn a lot from guys like Bach and Jason. It’s my goal to someday have a heart like theirs. That before I do a single thing in my day I’ll simply say “Help Me Jesus cause I can't do it without you”. And before I know what the day brings, come hell or highwater - good or bad - I’ll give Him all the credit.

One final thought: I also found that in between the “JJ” and “SDG” that often times (not always) Bach would put “INJ” on each individual sheet of music. INJ is Latin for “In Nomine Jesu” which means “In Jesus Name”. This means book ended between the “Help Me’s” and the “To God Be the Glory’s” are pages of “In Jesus Name”. Each page that Bach composed was dedicated to his King - "In Jesus Name". That’s how I want the days of my life to be, I want it to be like one of Bach's musical masterpieces. I want it to begin with me relying on Him and asking for His help (JJ). Then before I do a single thing, I want to give Him credit and honor for what He is going to do that day in my life (SDG). And then I want each day(page) in between to be dedicated in Jesus Name(INJ). Now that would be a masterpiece.

Maybe Jason wasn’t as extreme as I initially thought. I think I might go get a new tattoo.

New Pictures

I finally got around to uploading pictures of our recent trip to Iowa to our photo album. If you're interested in checking them out just click on the link to the right that say's "Photo Album".

Kiel called from Atlanta earlier this evening to let us know that he would be arriving later tonight. His flight is delayed and is now supposed to get in around 11:50PM (uggh). Gotta go, I think it's gonna be a late night. Later....

Home Again...This Time for sure!

I made it home from the boat show in Sarsota. What a long drive! Who knew Florida is so big? Anyhow, the boat show was great and went very well. I left very early this morning and got in around 12:30PM, just in time to sing the last song at church. Haven't had a chance to relax much since getting home, it's been a busy day. Katlin leaves in the morning for a youth trip to a theme park in Georgia, he'll get back some time Tuesday night. Kiel also get's back from the Czech Republic late Tuesday night. Looking forward to Kiel returning so we can hear all about his adventure.

This will be short and sweet since I'm very tired. I'll post more later, I still have a lot on my mind concerning some things that I experienced on vacation. But for now all I can think about is sleep.

Home Again....well at least for the night

We made it home without any problems. We left Chicago at 7:45AM and arrived at our front door at 1:30PM. Everything went well and we encountered no problems with any of our travel. We spent the afternoon working on the yard and putting every thing back in place from the hurricane. There was quite a bit to do so it took us a few hours but the place is back to looking normal again. It was just so stinking hot today, with the heat index it was well over a 100 degrees. Kathy rearranged all her appointments on the drive home from the airport. Her cell phone was glued to her ear the entire way home from Ft. Walton Beach. But I think she got it all worked out. She also put everything back on the screened in porch this afternoon. It needed alot of attention after the storm.

Kathy is booked solid for the remainder of the week at work. She'll have some pretty long days in front of her. I have to leave for Sarasota either tomorrow night or early Thursday. Getting back from vacation late has hosed my plans for leaving for the dealer meeting. I was supposed to leave tomorrow but I'm not ready. I had planned on prepping for my trip this past Monday and Tuesday but since I wasn't in town I couldn't. So I'll either prep tomorrow and leave in the evening or leave really early Thursday. Hopefully I can sneak out late (10PM) on Saturday night so I can be back for chuch and Surf & Grill(Church Beach Party) on Sunday. We also went picked up our new vehicle, acutally it's used, tonight. We bought a 2004 Ford Explorer right before we left but just picked it up tonight. It's very nice and I'm looking forward to driving it once I return.

Everyone has been asking if have heard from Kiel. We haven't heard from Kiel since he left for the Czech Republic last Monday (8 Days ago) but then...we finally got an email from him today. I'll let you read it for yourself - it's kind of cryptic in a Kiel kind of way - but I believe you'll get the point. Hope all is well and I'll write more later....

Yo pop a locks its kiel just wanted to let you know I made it here safely. Camp is going well its so crazy here with the language barrier and what not. Ive learned alot of Czech and its so hard to type on this crazy keyboard ... well not anymore Tom fixed it haha. Well I've done it... I had a beer... or 3 .... in different sittings since i've been here. Pilsner twice and velvet once. Nothing to serious though. I've almost lost my voice so it's very hard trying to lead worship and what not. I herd about the hurricane and hope all of you are safe if you don't evacuate. I know dad will most likely want to though and the most important thing is that you all are safe. Well I am going to go eat some snacks and then go to bed....3 other guys in like 4 beds pushed together but dont worry its nothing bad... hey I say if the Czechs can do it why cant we, right? If I dont write you again before I get home then be safe and I love you... hope the house was ok when you all got home... dang the keyboard is reset its crazy czech writing time...

c-ya

Kiel

As of now...

The way it stands right now we are flying home tomorrow (Tuesday, July12th) arriving at the Fort Walton Beach(FWB) airport around noon. The FWB airport is closed and will reopen at 2:ooPM today (July 11th). Once we get to FWB it may a bit tricky getting home since many of the roads we took are flooded. So we'll probably have to take the long way home. That is if Kathy's van is still okay. We are leaving for Chicago in a while and will spend the night there and catch an early flight in the morning.

We are a bit concerned about reports of flooding in our neighborhood. Both bridges we must cross to get to our house our flooded and not open. So we're not sure if our neighborhood is open or if we had any flooding damage to the house. My parents are going to try and check on the house if they can get to it. That's all for now will post more once we get home on Tuesday.

Change of Plans

We are having a great time on vacation - so far it has been great hanging out with family and playing on the river. However, there is a hurricane heading towards the panhandle/Panama City area. We were supposed to fly into the Ft. Walton Beach airport on Sunday afternoon. But that's during the time the hurricane is supposed to hit. I called the Ft. Walton airport and they told me that they will be closing down at 10:0oPM Saturday night and would reopen once all was clear. I called Delta and we rescheduled our flights to leave Tuesday morning out of Chicago. Hopefully all will be fine by then, if not we'll try again. We leave out of Chicago pretty early on Tuesday so we are going to head into Chicago on Monday and spend the night. Still need to get my rent a car extended as well.

My parents have went to our house and picked up everything in the yard that could possibly be blown around. So there's really not much for us to do or any reason to return. If we went home at this point we would simply have to turn around and evacuate. So we'll just extend our vacation out a couple of days. I'll update more later but for now that's what we know. Take care and we'll keep you updated....Ron

July 4th and Beyond

Yesterday was Independence Day - in more ways than one I believe. We spent the day at Kathy's parents on the river. They had a huge party - lot of friends, family and fireworks. Mike (Kathy's step-dad) smoked a couple of turkeys (wild & domestic) and everyone brought something to share. The food was awesome, the company was great - got to see lots of family on Kathy's side which was cool. Means we don't have to drive to see everyone. The only thing is that the weather didn't cooperate, it rained most of the morning and day so we didn't get to get out on the river and play like we had wanted. However, by late afternoon it had cleared up and it was beautiful. We didn't go to see fireworks - we shot off our own. Mike went to Missiouri earlier and bought a bunch that him and the kids shot off. They were actually quite impressive. All in all in was a great 4th of July.

Kiel left for the Czech Republic yesterday and as of yet we haven't heard from him. They caught an earlier flight so they would have more time in between connecting flights so they wouldn't feel rushed. I'm sure alls well and we'll get an email from him in the near future. Hope he had a good flight and didn't drive rest of the passengers batty with his restlessness.

Today (July 5th) was another river day. Dave (Kathy's brother) and his family came over and we were going to play on the river. The weather was absolutely perfect. Mike has an old 1956 wooden Century boat. It hasn't been in the water for nearly 7-8 years. They have put a lot of time, money and effort getting it seaworthy and it looked tremendous. They took it out on it's shake down cruise and all was well until the engine started smoking - we believe they blew a head gasket on the engine. So we took the boat out of the water and Mike took it to the repair shop. While he was gone, we got in the fiberglass open bow boat and decided to go the beach(sandbar). There were six of us in the boat and two people on the jet ski. We went to the beach and played. On the way home, the engine started making strange noises and seized up. Right in the middle of the channel of the Mississippi. We couldn't get it started so we had to have the jet ski tow us to a nearby town. We called Mike and told him that we had killed his other boat. He came got us and the boat. He just got back from taking that one to the shop too. We went through two boats in one day...that's pretty bad.

We're cooking at home tonight and will spend time together before everyone heads back to work tomorrow. We are heading for the Thomson/Savanna Illinois area tomorrow for a couple of days. We are going to play some golf, eat some pizza at Manny's and see some old friends. It should be fun and I'm looking forward to it.

That's about all I have from here, will fill you in with more later. Need to go see if I can help with dinner (i.e snag something to eat) Take care. Later.

Having Fun

I must say that I have been having a good time since I've been in Iowa. Kat and I have played a couple of rounds of golf - which has been fun. We also spent a couple of days at the Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, Illinois. Cornerstone was incredible, far better than I had imagned. I have alot on my mind concerning Cornerstone and will post more about it later - really enjoyed it. Until then I'll just say that the seminars/lectures/teachings were great as well as the music. Katlin really loved the concerts and bands. He was front row for all of his favorites and survived the mosh pits. Today we hung out at Kathy's parents and got ready for tomorrow's big July 4th Bash. Lot of people coming over. Mike (Kathy's step-father) made prime rib on the spit and it was incredible. The weather was great so we sat on the deck overlooking the river and ate dinner.

Tomorrow all the family is coming over in the morning so we can play on the river before the party starts. We plan on getting both boats out and skiing, tubing, jet skiing etc. Should be fun and if that's not enough we plan on playing the river again Tuesday. But now I'm wore out and ready for bed. Hope all is well and will update more later. Take care and enjoy your Independence Day!