Grandfather Paul's Adventure

2009-03-29T17:32:00.000-07:00

Today's story comes from the far Northeast corner of New Mexico just outside of Clayton. As I drove toward the rising sun the oddity of snow covered cactus struck me. So, it was picture time.

I pulled well off the road into the shallow snow and grabbed the camera. Walking back several hundred feet I saw the picture that you see here:

After snapping the picture I walked South on the road in the direction of town. As I walked a driver in a pickup pulled up beside me and asked, "Trouble?"

I realized he had stopped because he saw my car off the side of the road and that I was walking to town. I smiled and held up the camera and stated, "Just taking some pictures." He spoke to me in Spanish and I guessed he spoke little English so I pointed to the camera and said, "No problemo." Waving and smiling he went on driving.

I found a dead coyote in the snow. (Yes I took a picture, it is to gross for publication here.) It was partially eaten and there were wallows dished out in the snow where some animal family or pack had been eating. As soon as that picture was taken a small S-10 type pickup came to a stop on the road bed. Windows were rolled down and a couple spoke at the same time, "Car slide off the road? Need some help?" I thanked them for stopping and told the story of the unusual snow drifts and cacti combination. They replied, "Oh, we see that all the time. Good luck." I turned again to the pictures waiting to be captured.

Click, Click, Click. Then I discovered a truck at a distance was slowing. Being somewhat flippant I decided to get in the first word. So, as soon as the window started down, I turned and said, "High is there anything I can do to help you? Are you having a problem? Need directions?"

The man behind the wheel caught the smile in my voice and the twinkle in my eye and then he replied, "No, just carin' for my neighbor."

I looked to heaven a said out loud, "Lord, I got the message." We talked for a few minutes about the blizzard that went through the area the previous day and the number of stranded people and the fact that most people in this part of the world know what it is like to need a pull, push or a helping hand.

When I got back in my car, I heard, "Who is my neighbor?" Followed by, "No, just carin' for my neighbor" This went on for the next 50 miles and I rejoiced that the last driver was my neighbor. His words about the blizzard had made my flip manner seem small and reminded of the need I have for people to love and be loved by. I felt touched by kindness and blessed to know people do care for this stranger.

2009-03-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

So often in this trip the views, moments, and work have all been able to take place in country that lifts the spirit. See pictures:
This is the Mogillon Rim. The rim is the edge of the Colorado Plateau. The night I spent here in the middle of more Ponderosa Pine than I have ever seen, the low temp was 22 and the wind kept the tops of the trees whispering all night. The sound touched something in the back of my mind -- I could not understand what the sound was tapping.

The next day while walking the trail I found a flat rock. It was to inviting to pass so like a snake sunning itself I stretched out and let my spirit listen. The voice of the Holy Spirit provided me with peace and the key to the whispering pine trees. For, God the Holy Spirit brought my daughters face to mind and the sound was the sound of satin over crinoline in a young woman's white wedding dress as she danced with her father. His one and only dance in 40 years. Her name was Erika and it was a good dance.

Erika's smile took me to my family. There are two wonderful children born to my life and they have been blessed with extraordinary mates, friends to love and with whom to live this adventure. I am assured of love for Jessica and Joshua, my children by marriage. I am at peace to know all my children as friends. I am blessed. Daily I pray for each couple to grow old together and enjoy God's presence every day. Both couples are parents of a child that has captured the deep place of my heart. Amelia smiles and I could sit and watch her without pause. JP is simply a joy who lights the room with his laughter.

I want my children and generations beyond to live for God. Diane hoped for me to be a Godly influence on the generations she would not see. What better life can be had than to fulfill the promise I gave to Diane to live as Christ before the children. I know I will be imperfect, having so many human foibles and frailties but the work done today with God affirms that He will be in charge and all I need to do is Love God and then the children with my all. I will do that.

I am headed home. From the desert scapes to the wheat fields the miles will pass and just so will the miles affirm the path that is the desire of my heart. See you soon.

2009-03-26T22:17:00.000-07:00

On the far right side of this picture is the Salt River. Persistently the river has moved along carrying little bits of the mountains with it. Now the sight will cause a chatch in your breath. I wonder if there is a sermon illustration in there?

2009-03-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

Note the ball exploding out of Zach's hand. Three out of four innings tonight were vintage Zach. The fourth inning he seemed to be working only on off speed stuff with no fast balls. That inning he was hit several times and gave up 3 runs. In the season i feel he will have a better mix and he looks smooth.

Speaking of ball -- the blur flying into Gordon's ribs is the ball. Alex dropped the bat and took several deep breathes before walking to 1st. He stayed in the game and moved with no problems.

This is Jacob's at bat. He laced the ball to right center and looked good doing it. There was a head in the next picture I took when Mike contacted the ball so trust me -- it was squared up and driven.

As long as I am on a Alex Gordon kick, here he is running to the out field. It was a long run and he arrived at the ball by sliding face first. He was going full speed. The boy is playing hard and looks relaxed.

Now for the spiritual stuff, today's work was/is built around trust. As of this moment the thought is not finished and polished so it is hard to state clearly. See if you can help me. I am highly suggestible at this time.

I learned to repeat the verse, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding," as a child. There have been times during the last 9 months that Psalm 37 seemed filled with words I could not feel, understand or choose; and yet, the Comforter seemed to constantly call me to its words. Jesus was saying trust in Me when He stated, "I go to prepare a place for you... many mansions..." I have seen Diane in heaven with her mom and dad praising God in my prayers. I know her trust in God was complete. And yet trust carries more depth than mear acceptance of His signage.

As I work my way through aloneness I have come to a heart place. In this place only God and I sit together. God and I honestly listen and speak to each other. This is my garden walk with God in the cool of the day; after the burning tears have released my spirit to tender touch.

In this place is trust. And for me it is not good enough to accept God's will and plan for my future -- though, yes I do accept. Praying through, this is when I have loving desire only for God's will, is doorway to trust. Regardless of the direction or implications of God's desire for me, my motive are devoid of want for anything outside of God's sight. Accepting God's will is receiving; desiring God's will is seeking. I am actively seeking, knowing nothing else matters.

In the midst of all the answers God has already given I choose to seek more, even more.

2009-03-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

And now for some baseball! Recently, two wonderful people from work called and sang the national anthem, "Take me out to the ball game. Take..." It will not be long!

I watched several players in practice and game situations. And --- I ammmm ready for the season today. Let's go Royals!

Okay, so that's a little over the top, yet, there are some good things happening. David DeJesus is settling in to a comfort level at the 2-3 slot.

Mark Teahan is stroking the ball well and seems content to show the manager he is able to be one of the tallest second basemen, utility men, ever. So far, no glaring problems. A word of caution: I have yet to see a double play in game conditions for Mark. He has handled the routine plays acceptably. So, with his stick on fire he is saying to everyone, "Got'a play me."

Mark continues to run the bases well, even stealing bases. Good jumps are being taught in camp and I look for improvements.

I know, it is only spring. I know we have holes. I know the pitching has not rounded into form. I am afraid of the Ponson experiment.

For the #5 starter -- I can not see a contender at this point, pitching, pitching, pitching.

Right now I see a .500 team, I'll rejoice with that level of improvement.

On 3/23/09 my chart is:

C-Olivio, B. Pena -- John Buck is being showcased and with the lack of catching and game management. Buck's batting this spring may create enough interest to get some help in the bull pen.
1st: Jacobs, Gload -- Everyone else elsewhere.
2nd: Bloomquist, Callaspo
3rd: Gordon
SS: Aviles
Left: DeJesus
Center: Crisp, Maier
Right: Guillen

DH: Butler
Super Sub: Teahan, 500 bats at every position on the field except pitcher.
Bull Pen: Soria, Mahay, Farnsworth, Tejeda, Cruz
Starting 5:
1 Meche, 2 Greinke, 3 Davies, 4 Hochevar, 5:-)
Presently on the Roster -- I don't expect them to be on the team opening day:
John Buck, traded
Shealy, trade away, give away, or cut
Costa, AAAA player
One pitching spot is available for: Bale, Bannister, Peralta, Ramirez, and Waecher. None have earned the position at this time.

2009-03-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

These mountains are the last stop before Mexico and the Border Patrol had roadway stop points and lookouts posted often.

This is the fruit on a Teddy Bear cactus. Don't know if it is a munchy or no, but it is pretty.

Some thoughts are both pointed and fun. When taking a picture always check the background and ask yourself, "Do i really want that growing out of my head?" Sometimes YES.

A Day with Friends

2009-03-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

I enjoy being with people; understanding living that brings newness of life. Privileged to spend the day with friends, Jim and Marni Polly I was blessed physically and spiritually as Jim drove in the Sonora Desert while my car issues continued. What a blessing to see a young couple in love and caring for each other with grace.

Jim is a friend I had not yet met until this trip. A friend waiting to happen. A carpenter, construction leader, developing minister and christian. He has the gift of extending God's grace by presence and insight.

Marni, a childhood friend who is a sister. Singer and song writer Marni has matured into a strong woman of God that I think may have books unwritten in her soul.

To say I am blessed by my time with the Polly family would only show my ability to state the obvious -- yet in grace the smile on my lips reaches to spiritual peace -- I am blessed.

Thursday back Safely in Tucson

2009-03-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

Well good evening from Tucson, AZ. For those of you who wanted details I will endeavor to speak to two issues. First, the joys of being run over. Second, my dating life.

It was like this: I wasn't do'n' nutn. I had been out walking, watching the sunset and breath; then drove down the hill into Bisbee, AZ. (100 miles SE of Tucson) I pulled into a parking lot, turned off the engine and watched as the sun painted the sky pink. AhHHH! Serenity!

While watching, I noted a big pickup (Dodge Ram 3500 -- extended cab and lots of lights) enter the parking lot and swing around the row in which I was parked. The truck pulled into and through the space next to me and then proceeded to turn right and role the rear tire over my driver's side fender, headlights and front bumper. Yes the fluid on the ground is windshield washer fluid.

So the results: After some work on my car this AM I chose to drive back to Tucson for analysis of the suspension and situation at hand. Yes I agree that was risky, however, the locals I talk to stated flattly that Bisbee is not gifted with body men. They TO A PERSON stated they take their cars to Mexico for better sevice. Go figure.

The car will be in the shop tomorrow for evaluation and then I will know what changes to the schedule are in order. Here are a few more pictures to clarify the damages:

Then item two: I heard from a few people today about the blog that mentioned I went on a date and that I would give details later.

When I was young say about 12-14 there was a family in the church I grew-up around whose parents were Ken and Jean McClain. They had five children and I spent many Saturdays at their home. Mrs McClain played the piano. Her daughter Marni and I sang together. It took a lot of practice for me to figure out how many notes are to be sung at one time. Mrs. McClain always had lunch -- I specifically remember chili with peanut butter sandwiches -- I still love that combination. About 40 years ago Ken McClain died. Mrs McClain moved eventually to live with Marni.

When I talked to Marni Sunday evening I arranged to surprise Mrs McClain by taking her out for a meal. Marni assisted by keeping the details quiet. Mrs McClain was all gussied up. I appeared with corsage in hand and we went out.

Mom McClain is now 85 and she seemed to enjoy herself a great deal -- I had a blast!

2009-03-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

So I get to start out this bog with the words that no one wants to hear.

"First of all, I'm okay. I was not hurt and the other people are okay to."
That would be the front of my car on the ground.

There was this lady in a Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup who was looking to the left while she was driving and turning to the right. Her very big right rear tire rolled up over the fender and front bumper, clip, grill, and so forth. The lady stopped and was very sorry and the car will get fixed sometime in the future.

2009-03-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

I went on a date last night. More about that later. I am in Tucson, AZ. Today I went to Sabino Canyon, a place of great beauty. A place of peace and for me prayer. The work done today resulted in the knowledge that God's plan is different that nay I had previously imagined. So, I am thankful for the time of insight. Here are a few pictures of the canyon:
How did that rock get there? And, this is what happens when your tie is to tight.
Lumpy cactus.
Talk about living on the edge. Yes, this is life on a shear cliff face.
It looked was just standing there to long, trying to hold up the weight of the world and it got tired.
I love the rib patterns, the locals think it was caused by lighting blowing off the cactus top.
Pretty, yes?
Cholla -- bad stuff.

2009-03-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

baseball teaches:

That there is no success in giving up. Tony Pena, Jr. to the left had a great day. He has been working hard with the hitting coach and had a couple of hits and a walk. In the spring baseball teaches sometimes it is good to try easier.

If he can swing the sick, we have a better team.
If he can take some walks, we the defense gets stronger.
If Tony Jr. can.... then.... Ahh! Spring Training!

Luke looked very good. We are talking about the smoothest delivery I have ever seen him produce. The ball seem to suddenly accelerate and then dive. He seems well on his way to being the number three starter.

John Buck was right on several balls and then powered on over the wall. Baseball teaches that what a person has done in the past is the best indicator of what he will do in the future. Buck looks like a backup catch, historically.

Now is the time to enjoy a good swing. This is Mike Jacobs swinging easily and dropping the ball over the wall in center field. Look out below. Baseball teaches that we look into the details before we go to far. The homer was off Barry Zito -- a real disappointment for the Giants.

Mike Jacobs had a couple of good plays at first base. His reputation of having a brick for a glove did not show itself today. Note that baseball teaches us to play for more experience;what can not be seen in one play will show itself over the season.

So, if baseball teaches -- what have I learned?

Baseball teaches me to not force life. This is a difficult lesson for me. I have an innate drive to make life happen and yet I know that since Diane died I have forced life into directions that may not be best. I went back to work to soon. I cleaned out Dee's closet and gave away her clothes to early. I have created to much noise and to little reflection. I forced myself to visit patients when I had little to offer in hearing and objective care. Baseball has reminded me -- try easier, know my history and what success looked like, take coaching, and make the team better by working the plan.

Trust has never been my strong suit. Yet, I am certain I can trust my team and that if I do not force life I will be able to smile from the inside out. Thereby I will be a better team player. A hit looks the same in the box score whether it was a Texas blopper or a screaming line drive. Baseball teaches.

Days 8 & 9

2009-03-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

Did I say, I love my Garmin? Thanks Wes, Jess and Amelia for the birthday present.
The Royals will get several good tests later in camp; for now they look good. The pitching staff looks like there are 5 pitchers contending for 2-3 spots. Jamie is one of my favorites even though I know the chances for him to stick are limited. I just like the way he has been throwing strikes.

John Buck sends one:
long, deep out o' here!

Next Day: Nuts! The entire team looked bad in today's game. However, when i looked around there were people playing out of position all over the field. Ross Gload in Left gave up four outs David DeJesus gets. That saves 4 out of the 5 runs Bannister gave up.

This was first inn work and Bannister looked sharp. In the following days it will be educational to she how he overcomes the rest of the team failing.

Can you find me?

These are some minor league players I met and sat with during the game. The young man on the right in stripes is Juan Abreu who was able to improve the second half of last year enough that I expect him to get to Wilmington (High A) out of camp. If all goes well look for him in Arkansas by the end of the season.

2009-03-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

I love my Garmin Nuvi 255W, and the sweet voice that gently guides me to the next quiet place.

Sometimes life and traffic are just to funny.

At a stop light in Peoria, AZ, I am enjoying the breeze, sun and temp -- about 74 degrees and partly cloudy. Then, as a car pulled up beside me there was a woman streaming ;%#! "I told you you turned the wrong way. You could get someone killed. Why don't !*#%&@*(#&%!)+~$*)+!^(@#^*^^* Can't you listen?" What worried me is that she was facing me. As we both had our windows completely down her blast was less than 3 feet away when they came to a stop.

I looked over at the woman thinking I had been daydreaming and missed something. I wondered what terrible thing had happened due to my neglect -- for, no one would speak to me like that without some strong reason. Then I saw the driver.

He started to turn toward his steaming passenger and as I also turned to her our eyes met. When he saw that steam was seemingly spewing out the window at a total stranger, though he himself was the object of her ire, and that he could not move due to traffic; his head fell; and bounced off his chest; then fell again; and bounced again. The guy looked like he wanted to find an ant hill and invite them to lunch.

My first thought when I came to reality -- "Can I get my camera up fast enough to record this living movie?" The camera was next to me. It was in picture taking mode. A few quick buttons pushed would allow movie taking. I looked away to give the couple privacy and considered the reach for the camera. The traffic jerked to a go and they were off -- he may have guessed what I was considering.

At the next light was more of the same, when the man very slowly turned his head toward me and realized I was intentionally listening in on her blessing of everything but his soul. Sadness filled his eyes and he raised his eyebrows, corner of his mouth and hands all at the same time as though to say, "What can I do?" At that moment mercy filled my heart for him and I mentally put the camera down. I leaned forward so that he and I were in direct eye contact and said, "I have a Garmin Nuvi 255W; Love my Garmin."

I think I saw a tear in his eye as again the traffic moved forward, he signalled to get into my lane so I slowed and waved him over. As he turned right I was sure I heard the words, "Not this right --- THE OTHER RIGHT>?~!#%&(_+/;@$^*)~`........"

I love my Garmin. The sweet voice says, "Recalculating," if I change the course. AHHHHH!

NOW for Baseball:
This is the berm beyond left-center field. Great place to watch baseball. People just enjoying the game and watching 40 players being used by the two teams. Note the blue sky with clouds just full enough to give the occasional opportunity to put on more sun screen. Look for me on the berm.

The TV will show the center field flowers. Just to the left field side will be my home for the next several games. I promise not to take off my shirt. There were several guys who did this and I started to offer a bag of peanuts to one guy to put his back.

Kyle Davies continues to pitch well and may give the coaches tough choices. He may end up being the number 3 or 4 starter; if he falters he may be number 5 and garbage time.

Chris Lunbanski sends one deep.

2009-03-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

I know I promised baseball pictures today. They may yet happen, the game is at 1400 hours. However, the first priority is prayer and I found a great place.

This is a place of peace and it is very hard to hear a sound made by people. The wind gently lifted up the valley, whispered God's presence and refreshed my thoughts, feelings and experience of God and my place in His design.

I know what I enjoy -- helping people. I know God's call on my life -- to be sanctified holy, to live God's love, to hear God's needs and to enjoy God, forever. I know the work I do well -- bringing peace to strident moments and hurting hearts. I know what I love -- God Holy Spirit's voice of compassion. These all are within the scriptures.

There is no extra faithfulness or goodness based on geography. (that is the work done today) There is only hearing God and expressing the desire of my heart to a loving God. Before I left on this journey a good friend told me to follow my heart. If I know anything about me, my heart belongs to God -- follow I shall. When I pray my prayer is, "Father cleanse any heart desire that does not conform to your perfect will," I am on the trail to a desert stream that refreshes, renews and affirms.

God's perfect will -- that is all I want, that is where this journey will find a gentle spiritual breeze that whispers, peace be still, trust, commit, delight, and be at rest in My plan. This is my doctrine of assurance.

Today assurance balances my life, holding the love I have for adventure and newness with the gratefulness I have for a place of service that allows me to make a difference. What more could I ask, I am content today. Even today I was able to help a hurting person and to know this was a sacred and truly important moment.

The cheesy grin on my face is there because of heart joy. The road seems smooth and the view worthy of the walk.

2009-03-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well, what a great day. I met with God at every turn. He does good work!

This is just Southeast of Sedona, AZ. The rock formation on the left is Bell Rock. Just stop anyplace there is a picture.

I have seen some magnificent rock formations today. Yet, everyone of of these formations is a result of erosion. The desert is ever changing. Balanced rocks come unbalanced and fall. I am constantly reminded my Rock does not change.

Sedona, about 30 minutes after sunset and by the light of the full moon.

In case anyone is wondering -- baseball pictures start tomorrow. I saw the minor league players today for about 1.5 hours. The drills that are being worked on are so far beyond my abilities I could only laugh -- and I did lots of that. "A joyful heart..."

Here is one last picture, just because I can.

2009-03-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

From Flagstaff to Sedona is Alt-89A. This is the most beautiful road in the world. One day I will start at Mexico and meander my way
to Canada -- a picture around every corner.

This was my first sight of Oak Creek Canyon. No picture I take will ever do justice to the beauty. This is one place worth going to on purpose and getting out the walking stick.

With clouds hanging low the top of the mesa is hard to catch. Add to this the snow and freezing ice and you will understand why I laughed at myself. I had been overly optimistic, I had on walking shorts and sneakers. Had to dig into the duffel and find the sweats to keep from turning blue all over.

Here we are Surprise Stadium, BASEBALL, smell of hot dogs, children and parents together, more wrinkles than I knew existed (Its winter, AZ, and snow birds as far as the eye can see.) I arrived at about 1630 hours. (Temp 76.) The game in progress was in the ninth inning so I opted to walk around the grounds. Four baseball fields and lots of practice time. More to come.

The Royals play an away game on Tuesday so I'll be scoping out a different field tomorrow.

When Rain and Sun Teach in the Desert

2009-03-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

"I drove through a peekaboo rainbow today. As a rare desert rain storm approached I saw a rainbow start to form, suddenly it was gone." These are words from my personal journal written on Saturday as I left the panhandle of Oklahoma. I had just entered New Mexico on my way to Capulin Volcano.

I was disappointed for I did not have my camera out. Then I crested a ridge and was surprised by the sudden return of the rainbow. I pulled over and snapped several pictures.

The full rainbow appeared and disappeared at a blink. Parts of the rainbow vanished and then sparkled. Both legs of the rainbow blinked on and off leaving the hump only and then supporting it to the earth again.

Curious, I turned around to glance at Sol and discovered the cause. At about 0930 the sun is low in the sky. Small clouds covered its face and then moved away. Each movement changed what appeared as the rainbow.

I see this as a gift and lesson to me from God. I hear Him saying, "Have patience the small clouds will appear and be blown away. All the elements of the rainbow remain including the light. The light will always be there; for, 'I am the light of the world.' "

There have been times over the last year when there was no rainbow, no promise of God to short circuit the grief process seemed real. The struggle is normal in loss but I had placed expectations to overcome grief on myself. Foolish, sure I admit it. There is more to reflect on in this but I know the lesson was for me.

2009-03-08T07:20:00.001-07:00

Black Mesa from the porch at Black Mesa B&B The B&B is run by Vicki and Monty Joe Roberts.

Vicki is a hoot. Smiles, kindness and God's friend. I am sure people have said, "With Vicki what you see is what you get," one than once. What a smile.

Monty Joe is an artist with an exceptional eye for nature photography. Monty's family prayer at breakfast was comfortable and comforting.

Breakfast was great! I mentioned the Prickly Pear Jelly homemade by Vicki in another page. Worth asking for more.
The room clean, comfortable and in American West decor.

Cacti and Hearing

2009-03-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

Cactus, Cactus and more Cactus These pictures were taken at the Black Mesa State Park near Kenton, OK.

Prickly Pear cactus makes great jelly. For breakfast Vicki at the Black Mesa B&B served it with home made biscuits. Oh! So! Good!

I might have spent all day taking pictures of cacti if the light had not gone bad. Not for everyone -- but fun.

Dry, desolate? Yes. Tenacious, adapted, designed? Absolutely. There was enough contrast here in the park to allow me to sit hear, talk, listen, rest, and get a little sunburned.

The hearing and listening had much to do with God's perfect will. That is the joy of this trip -- a two way conversation with God providing the illustrations everywhere I looked.

Speaking of listening, there was a barbed wire fence about 40 feet way and the wind blew so hard the wires moaned. At first I thought an animal might be hurt. The three wires each had a different pitch and together they made a cord that had to be in a minor key for it evoked sadness. After listening for a while, I took a stone and held it against one of the wires. The pitched changed. I laughed thinking This could be a new music type -- fencing. (You could do better? Leave a comment.)

2009-03-07T20:07:00.000-08:00

This is Dorthy Gale's house in Liberal, KS. Dorothy is a little stuck-up but the fat guy in the background seems nice.

Sometimes these friends leave me flat and it would be hard to say much for the makeup job on Dorothy but at least the Tin-Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion look real.

2009-03-06T16:07:00.000-08:00

Things I saw today,

Yellow Brick Road
Dorothy Gale's House
Hooker Point
Santa Fe Trail Crossing the Cimaron River
Tumble weeds so numerous they seemed to attack the car
Open Spaces, three states at once
Roads with so much traffic that another car passed by every 20 minutes or so
Cactus, Yuka, and many other pointy plants
White Tail Deer
Black Mesa

Each day God seems to give me a new person to enjoy. I marvel at the amount of love there is available just for the enjoyment. To be sure more than one person has touched my life today. I went to see the Yellow Brick Road and Dorothy's house this morning. There is a gift shop close by and a woman named Joy who was most helpful in finding items for the grandchildren. While I was there Joy took the time to tell me of some of the places a local person might go. She mentioned Black Mesa, Oklahoma.

She explained that Black Mesa is near a little town, Kenton, she enjoyed going to because, "At the Mercantile they serve the best hamburgers." Now those of you who know me well know this was like setting a hook in a fish. Since I had planned to go to Clayton, NM this was just a short jog up the road to Kenton. More about Kenton later.

Joy gave me several suggestions and also informed me that the hotel at which I planned on staying was now a senior citizen meeting house. I went to Hooker, OK anyway and enjoyed looking the town over. Then on up the trail.

Out of Boise City, OK the road heads north then takes a left and for the next 60 miles it is arrow straight. After the town square there is a 90 degree turn to the north and with the wind at my back gas mileage was great.

My next stop was in Black Mesa State Park where I spent the afternoon walking the canyons. The ranger was kind enough to point me in the right direction and after a mile or so I was overlooking Lake Etling. Now I have seen lakes and I have seen mud holes. Lake Etling was closer to the latter rather than the former. And then I turned around. The wind was hollowing across the mesa ridge, blowing directly into my face. It was strong enough that when I tilted my head back a little and opened my mouth the wind forced its way into my lungs. In that moment the prayer of my heart was, "God be like this wind to me, fill me, fill me to more than I can hold. Puff into my spiritual lungs more life, more love and Your holy presence. I stood there enraptured for many minutes and knew God was answering.

4.4 miles down the road is Kenton, OK -- population 17. I stopped at the Mercantile of which Joy spoke. This was wonderful. I walked inside and was asked by a girl of 10 years old what I might need and could she help. I know she was 10 because in seconds a boy walked up and stated flatly, "I am Conner and I'm 5. My sister Bailey is 10." I explained to Bailey that I had not eaten and it is 1600 hours. She was trying to decide what that ment when her Nana came in. I ordered a hamberger and Bailey affirmed that is her favorite and I made a good choice.

I made a great choise! Bailey and Conner sat with me, at my invitation and Nana's approval. Bailey told me about life in Kenton vs. Denver where they had lived previously. After eating Bailey and Conner shared their lives and made me laugh. I got so tickled I was in pain. During this Bailey mentioned friends who have a Bed and Breakfast. So on the recommendation of a 10 year old I am snuggggggly warped up in a cozy family atmophere in Kenton, OK at the Black Mesa B&B.

As for love, before I left the Merc Bailey and Conner both ran, jumped into my arms and gave me a hug. I am blessed.

(No pictures today due to slow upload speed. I'll catch up tomorrow.)

2009-03-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

I met M. T. Liggett in Mullinville, KS today. A crusty old artist whose medium is political welding and painting.

Was driving along and noted some colorful stuff about a half mile off US 54. So, I headed that way. This is what I saw.

There were hundreds of metal images, windmills, political statements (some to racy for my taste) and comic relief. I parked of the road and commenced to picture taking.

It seems nothing is beyond his cutting edge. So much so that the people of the town have tried to get no parking signs. As I took pictures, Mr. Liggett drove by and pulled over. He commenced to tell me about life, religion, political resistance and life in the big world. I enjoyed talking with him about 45 minutes and promised to buy him a cup of coffee on my return trip. He made me laugh and I still have a cheesy grin on my face just thinking about this American Original.

Well worth the time to learn from: M. T. Liggett.

Disclaimer: However, keep your finger close to the bleep button.

Life is such an adventure

2009-03-05T17:51:00.000-08:00

Which is the better opening line, 1) Within minutes of getting on the road and in our very first conversation, God started to reveal his plan to me. 2) I left home for this adventure at 0900, I left home again at 0943.

I like to think of myself as willing to be flexible, changes in plans can reap a benefit – let me tell you about a good oops. We can talk about God's answer to prayer toward the end of the journey.

I left home at 0900, armed with the GPS given to me by Wessica, and quickly noted I needed petrol before leaving town. This prompted me to talk to myself. "Self," I said, "You may want – cash, it might be good to have some cash; coffee, it is not possible for me to get far without coffee. So off to the ATM with thee and then get thee to yon petrol station." While pumping the go juice I reviewed the fact that I had everything I needed for the trip. Car, camera, shorts, toothbrush and computer ---- wait, computer! So, back to the house and a quick run in and I'll be on my way. Besides this will give one more chance to tell Erika I love her and maybe get another hug.

When I got home, I retrieved the computer; wrote three checks I had forgotten about; finalized the roof shingle color; reloaded the car with more food items and hugged Erika, Josh, JP, and two kids Erika was babysitting. Of course I then left singing, “On the road again, again, again...”

The first 364 miles have gone well. I saw to many pictures to take them all. A few are included in this note. Unfortunately I spent so much time taking pictures I did not make it to my planned destination. It was dark by the time I got to Liberal, KS so pictures of me on the "Yellow Brick Road" will have to wait 'til morning and the hotel I planned on may be a stop at the end of the trip.

Leaving and leaving again taught me that plan changes are not the problem.

2009-03-03T20:29:00.000-08:00

In just a few days or even hours I will be headed to the desert. I look forward to silence and a night sky so clear the stars seem at finger tip. Fun and hearing; head and heart; stillness and growth are friends I now invite for a sit-down.

There is within me an assurance of God's presence on the journey. I like that. His still, small voice whispers trust, commit, delight and rest -- nothing more I want. The fun of heart-silence of being open to any will God expresses for life's next step responds to and affirms His compassion. I rejoice.

Add to this baseball and life could hardly be better.

Ten Days and Counting

2009-02-25T20:23:00.000-08:00

Greetings to one and all who will be going with me on this Great Baseball (and Prayer) Adventure,

Today my excitement is growing. For it is only one week or so until the trip begins.

I will soon publish a calendar. You are invited to follow along and to participate with comments. Especially those of you who have traveled throughout New Mexico and Arizona feel free to offer suggestions. I would like to hear about places you would go if you were to take a month away from reality.

My plan is to visit my entire responsibility list of patients before I go -- then, with packed bags, leave immediately. This should be no later than March 7th; if possible -- sooner.

Warnings: Due to the fact I am learning to blog. This will be rough reading until I get comfortable. It is being published for the fun of doing it. So, there is no expectation of changing the world only changing me. Some days will be filled with stuff about travel and looking about; other days will be about conversations with God.