Northern California Trip - Pt 1

A couple of months ago, Dana and I were talking about where we might go on vacation this summer. Ryon, our oldest, was planning on taking a summer course at the community college and Alex, our youngest, wasn't interested in a vacation (I think we burned him out last year at the Grand Canyon). He was going to church camp for a week in July, so we decided we would go somewhere during the church camp week. Destination: Northern California's coast, specifically, Highway One. I have been to southern California several times, but neither of us had ever been to the northern part of the state. We had been reading that there were several lighthouses along the route--none of which are operating, but they still sounded neat--so we bought plane tickets to Sacramento on ExpressJet (they fly nonstop from Tulsa), booked a rental car, and began scouring the web for places to see and stay along the way.

Day One: Four o'clock in the morning is EARLY! We had to be at the airport for our 7:00 flight to Sacramento by 5:30 AM. A quick stop at McDonald's and we were on our way. We sailed through ExpressJet's check-in and then stood in line at Airport security for about 20 minutes, which really isn't bad for a Monday morning at Tulsa International. I think everyone else was flying American Airlines to Dallas.

We arrived in Sacramento about 20 minutes ahead of schedule, but ended up spending that time waiting for our luggage. After a short shuttle ride to the Car Rental area, we picked up our PT Cruiser, and hit the road. I bought a Garmin Nuvi 260W (GPS) several months ago and took the time before we left to enter several of our destinations which, in San Francisco, was a lifesaver!

It took us about an hour to drive from the Sacramento airport to our first stop: Fisherman's Wharf. What a tourist trap! If you can slap "San Francisco" on it, people will buy it. Put it in the shape of a cable car, and you've got yourself a sure-fire winner. Actually, once you get past all the T-shirt/souvenir stores, the wharf is a pretty neat area. We had heard about the seals (sea lions?) at Pier 39- they congregate there (for some reason) by the hundreds. But not today. A sign at the pier stated they had left on their "summer migration" or something like that.

We ate at Bubba Gump Shrimp; pretty good. We sat at the back of the restaurant looking out over the Bay and watched the tour boats, many of them headed to Alcatraz Island. There are quite a variety of birds that hang around the wharf; one particular group/flock/herd of pelicans continuously circled the area. They're huge!

After Bubba Gump's, we walked around the pier, looking for souvenirs- I may "complain" about it, but I felt like I needed to do my share to help the local economy. A couple of hours of Fisherman's Wharf was enough for us though, so we continued on toward the Golden Gate Bridge.

We stopped at Chrissy Park/Beach, just east of the bridge to take a few pictures, then we got back on I-80 and crossed the Golden Gate, stopping on the north side for more pictures and a stroll back across to the halfway point. It was EXTREMELY windy on the bridge. It probably seemed worse than it really was with the cars zipping by at 60+ MPH!

From SF, we headed north on Highway 1 (CA-1) toward Bodega Bay. One of the many vistas we stopped at on our trip was Muir Beach Overlook just outside of SF. It was really our first unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean, and it was/is breathtaking! CA-1 runs RIGHT ALONG THE EDGE of the ocean for the most part which makes it really difficult to keep your eyes on the road if you're driving.

We spent our first night at Bodega Harbour Inn (in Bodega Bay). Our room was quaint and clean (always a plus); the woman at the office (I didn't catch her name) was very friendly and eager to welcome us. The bay was across the highway, and had an obstructed view. Dana read somewhere that part of Hitchfork's The Birds was filmed in Bodega Bay. (You can read more about that here.)

The woman at the motel recommended Lucas' Wharf for dinner. The food and service was good, but a little pricey in my opinion. We were really tired after being up so early, then driving all afternoon, plus the time change, so we ended up going to bed early - 9:00 PM (11:00 PM Oklahoma time).

Checkin' In

I've been out of town the past week, driving Hwy One in Northern CA with my wife. I'll be posting pics soon.

Small Town - Part 4

Mrs. Wode died last week; she was 87 years old. I called her "Miz Wode" (pronounced Wood-ee). She and her husband, Bob, came to Collinsville in 1943 and opened Wodes Hardware on Main Street in 1962 where it remained until closing in 1990. In the photo above, Wodes is the white building--first one on the right.

Wodes was one of those small town hardware stores that carried EVERYTHING from tractor parts to nails and screws to seeds and tomato plants...and anything in between. We had another hardware store in town--Burnside and Heinrichs--just down the street from Wodes. If one store didn't have something, they'd send you down the street to the other store.

Mrs. Wode knew where everything was in that store. And it didn't matter what you needed, she knew what it was. I took a "thing-a-ma-jig" off my lawnmower in once, and as soon as I showed it to her, she said: "That's a fetzer valve off a 1978 Briggs and Statton 5HP lawnmower motor. We've got five of them in the back. How many do you need?" (The conversation may not have gone exactly like that, but it was close.)

That was before Lowes and Home Depot and back when the people that worked at the hardware store actually knew something about hardware.

Friday Photo and Evangelism

We've been studying through the book of Acts in our Sunday School class this quarter. The central theme/verse of Acts is : ...and you will be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Smaria and even to the remotest part of the earth (Acts 1:8b) Jesus spoke these words to the Twelve as a prophecy and a command. The words also apply to us today. As Christians, we are called to be witnesses, i.e. "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Cor 5:20), "salt and light" (Matt 5:13-16) and "the aroma of Christ" (2 Cor 1:15) in a lost and dying world. So how do we do that? Is there more than one way to accomplish our task? to obey Christ's command?

Mention the word evangelism, and many people panic. The image of going door-to-door, handing out gospel tracts immediately conjures up feelings of fear, anxiety, frustration, dread, etc. The idea of walking up to a total stranger and talking to them about their salvation (or lack of it) is usually not at the top of the list of "fun" things to do.

I know some people that LOVE doing door-to-door evangelism; they are very comfortable doing it...and they are good at it. That's great. BUT, that's not the only way we accomplish Jesus' command to "go into all the world (Matt 28:19-20) In fact, I'll just be honest here: I really don't enjoy this method of evangelism. I am one of those people that doesn't appreciate door-to-door salesmen or impromptu visits from strangers. In fact, if you happen to knock on my door and I don't know you, I'm just as likely NOT to answer my door. Sorry. I like my privacy.

I have no problem talking to people about Jesus/sharing the Gospel of His death, burial, and resurrection to pay the price for our sins. I've done the door-to-door thing, but I prefer a more "everyday" approach. As I interact with co-workers, people I meet at the store, etc. I try to show them Jesus Christ in the way I speak to them, treat them with respect or encourage them with a kind word. And, I look for ways to either include in the conversation, or steer it toward, something about my relationship with God. Nothing over-bearing like: "If you don't accept Jesus you're gonna fry like a sausage!" (I actually heard about a guy using this line). I try to let them know that Jesus Christ is real in my life and He can be real in their life, too. Some people respond positively; most don't. I don't press the issue, because I know that everyone isn't going to accept/believe what the Bible or I say. (Matt 7:14) Regardless, the "seed" gets planted. God will take care of the rest.

Friday Photo (a little late)

Who Does God Save?

We studied the conversion of the Apostle Paul (Saul) last week. Of all people, he is possibly the most unlikely candidate for salvation. Yet, God in His infinite wisdom/sovereignty, took the very man that gave approval to--possibly even orchestrated--Stephen's execution (Acts 7) and converted him into one of the most influential individuals Christianity has ever known. The man who was set on wiping out the movement referred to as "The Way," ended up authoring 13 of the 27 books in the New Testament.

So what does that say about the kinds of people God saves? He saves:

• people who hate Him and changes them into people that love Him by taking their "heart of stone" and giving them a "heart of flesh."
• blasphemers and turns them into people who boldly speak the "name that is above all names."
• violent aggressors and molds them into peacemakers.
• ignorant people and gives them wisdom/discernment.
• people that are merciless and shows them mercy.
• unbelievers and transforms them into believers.
• enemies of God and makes them His friends.
• those who are condemned and redeems them.
• the unworthy and justifies them in Christ.
• fornicators, idolators, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, drunkards, extortioners...(1 Cor 6:11)
• people like me and you!

Friday Photo...Finally

It's been a while since I've blogged, i.e. actually sat down and wrote something of my own.

We're getting ready to go on a trip to Northern California...if it doesn't burn to the ground by the time we get there! We're pretty pumped--we're going to drive Hwy 1 along the coast. We've got reservations one night at The Tides Inn of Shelter Cove; we're also planning on visiting Fisherman's Warf in San Francisco. I've been cleaning up the hard drive on my laptop and formatting all of my memory cards for the camera in preparation for the trip. There are several lighthouses along the route we hope to see, as well the Redwoods. Lots of pictures soon!

Friday Photo

I shot this picture on my way through the Denver airport this past Spring. I was on my way to the Shepherds' Conference.

The Founders Are Coming

The 2008 National Founders Conference is coming to Bethel Baptist Church in Owasso, OK. Beginning Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 PM, we will be live streaming the preaching sessions. To watch, go here.

Welcome Comrades!

Barack Obama is quoted saying: "...Globalization and technology and automation all weaken the position of workers," he said, and a strong government hand is needed to assure that wealth is distributed more equitably..." (emphasis mine) (Source: Wall Street Journal)

An Obama supporter I was talking with recently stated: "...the gulf between rich and poor is becoming wider every year, and much of this is due to policies implemented by the president and the Republican congress (pre-2007)"

It's pronounced marks iz m.

Subcommittee Vote (More Idiots)

From Glenn Beck:

So why IS gas so darn expensive? There are a lot of reasons, but somehow the biggest problem (as usual) points directly to Washington DC. Democrats yesterday in a subcommittee voted basically to kill going to the outer continental shelf to drill for oil because there are 'other things we can do'. Glenn would like to introduce you to the people who are preventing us from drilling here at home, because, as Glenn says, these people should be famous. When the pitchforks and torches start coming out---we'd like to help clarify who was for or against us.

Voted AGAINST:

• Chair: Norman D. Dicks (WA)
• James P. Moran (VA)
• Maurice D. Hinchey (NY)
• John W. Olver (MA)
• Alan B. Mollohan (WV)
• Tom Udall (NM)
• Ben Chandler (KY)
• Ed Pastor (AZ)
• Dave Obey (WI), Ex Officio

VOTED FOR:

• Minority Ranking Member - Todd Tiahrt (KS)
• John E. Peterson (PA)
• Jo Ann Emerson (MO)
• Virgil H. Goode, Jr. (VA)
• Ken Calvert (CA)
• Jerry Lewis (CA), Ex Officio

Related news here.

Hogs 'N' Hot Rods

Most Saturdays during the summer, my youngest son goes (actually I take him) to his grandparent's house and mows their lawn. They pay him, so he's happy about that. They still live in the same town (Collinsville, OK) where my wife and I grew up, so it's kinda fun sometimes to just drive through town and see how things have changed.

Main Street has changed quite a bit; where there used to be clothing and grocery stores, there are now "flea markets" and antique stores. Many of the "mom and pop" stores are long gone, victims of the Wal-Mart that was built right outside the city limits several years ago and due to a period where it seemed like everyone was moving away to other cities/areas. Butch Cribbett still has a hardware store on Main; it used to be a "Western Auto"--it's "True Value" now, I think. But, things are looking up. They have a young mayor (he grew up there as well) with lots of ideas for revitalization.

Several years ago--after we had moved to a nearby town, a bar/restaurant that catered to bikers came and set up shop on Main Street . I don't know much about the place or what made them think that Collinsville would be a good place to put in a business, but it's apparently worked for them. One of the things they did was start an annual event they call "Hogs 'N' Hot Rods." For the past few years, downtown (6 blocks) is blocked off and motorcycle and hot rod enthusiasts fill the streets. There are food and beer vendors and all kinds of booths with just about everything you can imagine, as well as "hog/hot rod" attire--related items. Both sides of the street are lined with hot rods and restored classic cars, as well as choppers and touring bikes. Some of the paint jobs on the choppers and cars is absolutely incredible.

I'm not a big bike or hot rod fan, but I couldn't resist taking a stroll through the festivities after dropping Alex off. I had thrown my camera in the truck just in case I stumbled onto something "photo worthy." I spent a couple of hours just walking up and down the street, admiring the cars and bikes and snapping pictures. Even bought myself a JUMBO corn dog. It was a nice, relaxing --and different-- way to spend the morning. Some of the pics are below. You can see more here.

Idiots

Obama and McCain are idiots! They think you and I are idiots, too.

At a town hall meeting last week in Philadelphia John McCain was asked for his position on drilling in ANWR and elsewhere. He said that he opposed drilling in ANWR for the same reason that he "would not drill in the Grand Canyon... I believe this area should be kept pristine." (Proposed oil and gas exploration in ANWR would only affect 2,000 of its 19 million acres, or 0.01 percent.) So how many people are we keeping this area "pristine" for!? According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge which lies in the northeast corner of Alaska) receives approximately 1000 to 1500 visitors per year...compared to approximately 5 MILLION visitors at the Grand Canyon!

Obama thinks the solution is found in biofuels. Has no one ever told that knucklehead about the oil shale in Colorado or the huge coal deposits in Montana or the "tar-sands" in Canada, all of which could supply the petroleum needs of America for YEARS if the oil companies were allowed (and they would love to) spend some of their profits drilling and refining in those areas?!

Newt.org
Drill Here. Drill Now. Pay Less.

Heeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrreee'sss...Foreclosure!

Ed McMahon can't afford his six-bedroom, five-bath house in a gated hilltop community. Cry me a flood.

Barack Obama is Black?

I may have asked this question before:

How is it that Barack Obama's mother is white, his father is African, but he is considered (condsiders himself) the first African-American/Black candidate for President? If you're running for president and you're half "black"...does the "white ethnic gene" all of a sudden become recessive?

Suicide

"Do you think people who commit suicide go to heaven?," my co-worker asked. The question wasn't just out of the blue; his niece had killed herself a couple of days before.

I don't go around beating people over the head with it, but people in our office/shop know that I am a Christian. This co-worker and I have had several discussions about religion/Christianity over the past 20 years we've known each other. In fact, he is a fairly new Christian, having come to faith in Christ just a couple of years ago. I didn't "lead" him to Christ, but I'd like to think that my prayers and witness played a role in his and his family's conversion.

"That's a tough one, " I replied. "Was your niece a Christian?" I asked. Believing that is the prerequisite to one's going to heaven--being a Christian--I figured I might as well start there. He understood why I had asked and wasn't offended by the question. The co-worker stated that the family didn't attend church, but they talked about Jesus alot. None of the children, including the girl that had committed suicide, had gone to church growing up--at least not regularly. The occasional VBS, funeral or wedding. Maybe on Easter or Christmas, but nothing regular. "But I have reason to believe that she surely made some sort of decision or confession of faith at some time in her life," he said. He wasn't real explicit where he got that notion.

For some people, "being a Christian" simply means going to church (every Sunday or at least somewhat of a regular interval). For others, it's having been sprinkled (that ain't baptism, which is an entirely different topic) as a baby, or maybe they went through a class or something. If they signed a card or can claim membership in a church, that's always a good one. Simply believing there is a God will do it for some, while others might take it a step further and say "I know I don't live like I should, but I believe Jesus died for my sins." Whatever they believe, it becomes something to hang their hat on when faced with the reality of death--their own or a loved one's.

It's interesting (and sad) that people don't think about God, or have much to do with Him...until the end.

Touch Not Mine Annointed

In light of a recent blog conversation, I've noticed a few things about defenders/followers of Rick Warren and his Purpose Driven Church (PDC) and Purpose Driven Life (PDL):

1. It is beyond their comprehension that anyone would not be familiar with Mr. Warren, his teachings or writings (hereafter referred to as "PDC/PDL").
2. If they happen to stumble upon someone as described above, it becomes their misssion to introduce and indoctrinate them into the "truth" ("truth" being defined as anything that procedes from the mouth or pen of Mr. Warren).
3. It is beyond their comprehension that once someone has been exposed to PDC/PDL they would not whole-heartedly embrace it or *gasp* might even speak out against it.
4. It is further beyond their comprehension that anyone could/would muster a Biblical defense against PDC/PDL. Any attempt to do so is immediately met with comments such as:
   - "your position is extreme...nonsensical."
   - overuse of acronym ROFL--Translation "your comments don't agree with my opinion and are therefore so stupid they make me laugh."
   - "[your opinion] obviously is unable to stand up to scrutiny." Translation "my scrutiny is superior to yours."
   
5. It absolutely infuriates them when they cannot convince, intimidate or berate someone to their way of thinking.

Look, I'll be the first one to admit that I can be hard-headed, but this (PDC/PDL) is not a topic I am unfamiliar with. I've read both books. I've listened to/read sermons by Mr. Warren. I've scrutinized PDC/PDL in light of my own understanding of Scripture and I just can't embrace it. And just in case you're contemplating the idea that just MAYBE I might be pursuaded otherwise...save yourself a lot of time; don't bother.

Psst...don't tell the PDC/PDL "fan club," but there is also a large segment of the population that doesn't like broccoli. God help us if Rick Warren comes out with "Purpose Driven Broccoli" and ANYONE speaks out against it.

"Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm." 1 Chronicles 16:22 (NIV)

Memorial Day

In celebration of Memorial Day, we drove to Ft. Gibson, OK this morning, specifically, to the Fort Gibson National Cemetery. The first burial at the cemetery occured in 1831; the cemetery was designated a national cemetery in 1868.

One of the most unusual persons buried at Fort Gibson is Vivia Thomas. From the Cemetery's website:

One of the most interesting stories associated with Fort Gibson National Cemetery is the tale of Vivia Thomas. Legend has it this high-spirited daughter of a wealthy Boston family met and fell in love with a handsome young lieutenant at a ball following the Civil War. After several months of courtship, they announced their engagement, but shortly before the wedding he left, leaving only a note that he desired to go West in search of adventure. Broken-hearted and bitter over the abandonment, Thomas went in search of her lover. After learning that he was stationed at Fort Gibson, she set off on a journey of revenge. She cut her hair, dressed in men’s clothing and joined the Army. The disguise worked, as the former fiancé did not recognize her. One night as he was returning from a visit with his Native American girlfriend, she ambushed and killed him. Despite an intense investigation, the murder went undiscovered. However, Thomas grew remorseful and began to visit his grave late at night. Eventually she contracted pneumonia from the continued exposure to the cold and collapsed near his grave, dying a few days later. Rather than condemning her actions, her army colleagues were so impressed with her courage in coming alone to the frontier and carrying out a successful disguise that they awarded her a place of honor for burial in the officer’s circle.

Thank you to all the veteran's and current service men and women who faithfully serve/served our country.

"Freedom isn't free." (Inscription on the Korean War Memorial, Washington DC)

 

High Price of Gas

No matter what the price of gasoline, there is a segment of society that will ALWAYS have money for cigarettes, beer, cell phones and lottery tickets.

Bank on it.

Friday Photo

The company I work for is hosting a "sales meeting" this week. We build refinery equipment, i.e. shell and tube heat exchangers and about twelve of our reps from across the US and Canada are in town for a weekend of golf, eating, and drinking (some more than others). Several of the non-golfers will be fishing on an area lake with guides on Saturday and I am one of the company "hosts" for that event. Should be fun. Since I'm not a drinker or golfer, there's really not much else for me to do. Anyway, the entire week has been spent getting ready for the event, and now the weekend will be taken up with the "fun" and a business meeting on Saturday morning. I did manage to get this shot of downtown Tulsa last night; we were having dinner at the Tulsa Country Club.

Quote of the Day

From ABC News: "Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn, an Obama supporter, compared Clinton to the Glenn Close character in "Fatal Attraction" -- a spurned woman turned stalker who was apparently drowned in a bathtub only to jump up one more time to be shot dead."

Disclaimer: I'm not an Obama support...but this is STINKIN' FUNNY!!!

If I Were President- Continued

Conintuing my thoughts "If I Were President..."

• Welfare is limited to two years (I actually think I'm being generous here). After that, get off your butt and get a job. Also, if you already have four kids and you're on welfare...and you get pregnant--WELFARE ENDS! Better find yourself a charity that doesn't mind the fact that you can't keep your pants on. That "charity" ain't me.
• "Deadbeat dads," when caught, will be beaten to within an inch of death--hence the NEW definition of the name. I prefer public caning.
• You can't get a driver's license until age 17. Don't even start telling me about how "Johnny" needs to drive to his job. He spends all his money on video games and junk food. He's fat and needs to lose about 50 lbs. You're his mother/father; drive him to the gym before he eats and sits his way into a heart attack before he turns 30.
• No help, i.e. government assistance, for you idiots that bought homes on a variable rate mortgage (based on 30 percent of our gross income) and then found out your payment doubled. You couldn't afford a 3000 square foot home then...and YOU AND I can't afford it now.
• If you can't afford a home (see above), you dang sure can't afford those cigarettes, beer and cell phone. Quit whining about how rough you've got it...you created your own problems.
• Tailgaters and people that don't stop at stop signs will be shot on sight. (This one may be a stretch.)