"Gay-Phobic"

Oh my...

Christian Site's Ban on 'G' Word Sends Homosexual to Olympics

What's on Your ipod?

My friend Kevin told me a story today about a dedication of a new Dalit Education Center in India. It seems that the DJ hired to set up the sound system was playing some music through the system while he was setting up.

His first selection was Hindu temple worship music. He was asked to pick something more appropriate to the occasion (these are Christian based education centers)

His second selection was a movie soundtrack. I'm not sure what the movie was but I'm guessing it wasn't Chariots of Fire, as the DJ was promptly asked to pick something more appropriate.

After a while, Kevin found himself humming along to a familiar tune... and a familiar voice. It was yours truly!

How in the world this guy got a hold of my music is anyone's guess (I'm pretty sure he didn't buy the CD), but once I got over the weirdness of being in a playlist with Hindu Temple Worship and some inappropriate movie soundtrack, I actually thought it was cool that some random Indian DJ was playing and listening to music that proclaims Jesus as supreme.

Why I Fish

In his book "Long Wandering Prayer", David Hansen defines this kind of prayer as thinking outloud in the presence of God. I like that. It goes a long way to explaining what happens with me when I spend a day on the Deschutes river with my Creator.

I see Him in the high desert flora.
(anyone know this plant? the blossom is about 3" across)

I see Him in the wildlife.

I learn lessons about the importance of following closely.

And then, of course, there are the fish.

Maltbie Babcock had it right when he penned this hymn in 1901...

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.

I would just add that while some see His beauty and His promise in the rainbow when they look up, I see it when I pull a rainbow out of a river.

Street Sweep Truck Sucks up Dog

A street-sweeping truck has sucked a dog up through its bristles on a New York street, leaving its horrified owner holding nothing but the leash. Full story here...

Careful where you walk your dog!

Reverend Meredith

I was watching the NBC folk eulogizing Tim Russert this morning. It sounds like he was a pretty swell guy. Deep faith, family guy, full of joy and life.

Then Meredith Viera, who's child's first word was f*** (guess who he heard that from?), decided to get spiritual on us.

"The last time I spoke with him... he had this big smile and his eyes were full of tears. That's how I think of him. To quote The Lord's Prayer, or paraphrase it - Tim Russert's cup runneth over."

Umm, the Lord's Prayer??? Try the 23rd Psalm Meredith. Maybe you should go back to asking those really hard questions on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"

Equally disturbing were her co-hosts knowing nods, as if to say "wow, that was beautiful Meredith." I think I'll puke now.

My Three Sons

Yesterday I had one of the best Father's Days ever. After church, my 2 sons and 1 son-in-law and I loaded up the truck and went out to the Nehalem River for a little fly-fishing.


I had taken Andy out before - and struck out. Renjy had never been before. We went to a sure-fire hole where Ben had hooked his first cutthroat on a fly about a year ago. The favored spot did not disappoint. Both Andy and Renjy caught their first fish on a fly. I've dubbed the hole "First Fish Hole".

We had an awesome time talking, laughing, gasping (as Ben pulled a classic "River Runs Through It" free float, holding his rod overhead), and just enjoying the beauty of the river and each other.

I love to fish, and I love to spend time with the boys. Doing both at the same time made for a near perfect Father's Day. Add to that the awesome news that Katy's "with child", an amazing wife of 26 years who gave me those children, and all I can say is, I'm a blessed man!

The Next Generation

At the beginning of what I thought was a "normal" Mother's Day meal with Katy & Renjy, the announcement was made. I was speechless. Excited, proud, anxious... and speechless. I'm going to be a grandpa.

As you can see from the picture, there is a little person growing inside my little girl who in about 7 months time, will be welcomed into our world. You can follow the progress on the sidebar.

For those of you who care, please pray for a healthy pregnancy and that God would be preparing the parents for the task ahead.

Cool Tool

Stumbled upon this cool Bible study tool yesterday. Biblemap.org Combines Scripture with Google-maps. Just type in book/chapter you are reading and click on any of the cities mentioned in that verse. Also gives history and current info on that city.