In Memory of Jasmine 1992-2009

There in the mall we were browsing, that’s all.
But when you gave us that look - shoot, that’s all it took.

From a cute bundle of four paws and fluffy black fur
You grew into a beautiful black lab – quirky for sure.

Playmate and confidant you became all of these
But upon Tazer’s arrival you protested and peed.

One question I have: As a girl why did you hump?
Now tears mixed with laughter, in my throat there’s a lump!

As your seventeen-year frame has now withered to bone
We’re reminded we’re stewards, you were just out on loan.

Conflicted by love we now yield you in sorrow
Hoping if dogs go to heaven, we’ll see you tomorrow.

"Bloody Sunday" Anniversary

Coming up to January 30th, I wanted to again re-post to this blog a video I did in memory of the Bloody Sunday events of January 30, 1972 - when British troops opened fire on unarmed and peaceful civilians in Derry, Ireland during a civil rights march.

This music video is a tribute to the 14 killed and others wounded - combining video/music of U2, video from "Bloody Sunday" (2002 movie), and photographs from that terrible day. With over 4 million YouTube views and over 6,000 comments it is clear that the pain of 1972 is not forgotten and having visited Derry Ireland last March, there is a sense as you walk the Bogside that memories are still very fresh. Security is very tight. The memorials and murals are still visited regularly, decorated freshly with flowers. Below is an image Amber and I captured at the Derry memorial. The matters of 1972 are still under official inquiry - the results expected to be released later this year 2009.

Summer Sun & Fun Still On Schedule

I just stumbled across the latest news flash from NASA. Their newest deep space probe launched in 2006 has now given NASA its first glimpse on the back side of the sun. Here's the article with some cool pictures.

I guess I'm wondering, why haven't we seen the "back side" of the sun before? Is it just the "back side" is that side which isn't facing planet earth at a particular time of the year as planet earth goes around the sun. Wouldn't we see this "back side" during our summer-time...that is, in six months from now. Could someone enlighten me on this?

For now, I'm just relieved to know that the "back side" of the sun is still glowing red hot and I can't wait for six months from now till we get to that side of it to again warm up and enjoy some summer fun.

Old Gal Down To Skin & Bones

"We'll go to the mall Pet Store and look at puppies - but that's all we're going to do - just look at them" I said to Amber. About an hour later, we're walking out with a new puppie - and Jasmine, the black lab, has been with our family ever since. She's now very old and down to skin and bones. For the first time in a long time she let me hold her. She's really not as sociable as Taser or Gunner. But for a moment, she really seemed to enjoy being babied. As I held her, I could feel the tightness in her abdomin - likely some sort of cancer or something. For now she still has her eye sight, can still steal a piece of pizza out of my hand when I'm not paying attention and can still hold her bowels. She doesn't appear to be in any pain. Although she gets lots of Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwhiches, she still appears very emmaciated and is definately growing weaker each day. It is my prayer for Jasmine that when the time is right, God would just let her die in her sleep.

Pray For Baby "K-"

Yesterday I had the privilege of joining with a family in praying for a young mother and her baby to be born. The pregnancy was complicated by a tumor growing on the lung of the unborn baby. While still attached to the mom, the surgeons did their work to remove the tumor.

Young baby K- is now more than 24 hours old. While she is not "out of the woods", we are seeing the hand of God strengthen her with every breath and heartbeat. Please pray for this precious baby girl and her family. God knows her name. All we have to do is pray. Thanks!

VIRGINIA, HERE WE COME!

Amber and I are just hours from putting the key in the ignition to head off to meet up with friends in Virginia. Months ago, the crew of 8-Lives Spent came up with the idea of having a missions-awareness fundraiser at a major venue right in the heart of historic Winchester Virginia. The venue is the Virginia Brewing Company - which is a stones throw from major Revolutionary War and Civil War sites. For me, it is a unique setting and I am grateful that they have rolled out the welcome mat. As our Lord enthusiastically ventured to wherever He was welcomed, so do we.

Every dollar raised will go to purchase heaters to be distributed to the needy on the Pine Ridge Reservation. It is shocking to hear of people running out of heat, burning their furniture, waking up to three feet of snow in their homes, etc. on the reservation – all this while I wake up every morning without frost on my nose and able to walk barefoot if I choose through my own home. Here in Ohio, I shovel my driveway. On the Rez, some of them shovel their kitchens.

For Amber and I, this is our Christmas. While we gave gifts to our family last month, we made the decision to NOT spend money on ourselves but rather to make our travel expenses for this event our gift to each other and to the good people we’ve tried to serve on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

I am so very grateful to my Pastor Howard Elliott and my church who have permitted me this time to be away and who have understood and are supporting us in this great endeavor. I am so grateful to 8-Lives Spent, legendary guitarist Michael Fath, Brent Woodall and Natchez Trace who will be unselfishly giving of their gifts and time. I am especially grateful to Joe "Two Coat" Jones, Brian "B" Holt, Brandon "Cakes" James, and Rob "Nails" Saville and their families for their fellowship and friendship. Their new CD "Self-Inflicted Wounds" is now available. My favorite is track 12 "The Drought".

Finally, I am so very proud of my wife Amber. Although this unique opportunity was not of our own doing and simply laid in our laps, it was Amber – through her unconventional vision, unselfish courage, and tireless efforts over the years in building a caring network that laid the foundation for this huge event ahead of us and the warmth it will bring to those in desperate need.

Could Gas Drop To $1.09 in 2009?

I was blown away this morning when the WalMart station had gas at $1.38. Just seconds after I snapped a cell-phone picture, I drove up closer for a tighter shot. Within that bit of time, it had dropped down to $1.35. No kidding - look at the vehicle at the pump - same vehicle.

How low is regular unleaded in your area of the country?

Does anyone else care to bet that it might drop as low as $1.09 in 2009?