When I woke up this morning it was foggy wet and rainy. That put me in the mood to hear rain related songs today. Here is my play list so far. Please feel free to add your favorite rain songs too.

"I Wish it Would Rain" - Perfect Heart
"Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" - CCR
"Who'll Stop the Rain" - CCR
"When the Levee Breaks" - Led Zep
"Rain Song" - Led Zep
"Let it Rain" - Clapton
"Fool in the Rain" - Led Zep
"Showdown" - ELO
"Rainy Night in Georgia" - Brook Benton
"About to Rain" -Neil Young,
"All Night Rain" -ARS,
"Another Rainy Night" -Queensryche
"Why Does it Always Rain on Me?" -Travis
"Ashes, the Rain, and I" - The James Gang,
"Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain" - Willie Nelson
"Purple Rain" - Prince
"Crying in the Rain" -Whitesnake
"Fire & Rain" -The Isley Brothers
"Flood" -Jars of Clay
"The Sky is Crying" - Stevie Ray Vaughn
"Kentucky Rain" -Elvis
"Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" - B.J. Thomas
"Rainin' in Paradise" - Neil Young
"Raining in My Heart" - Buddy Holly
"Let It Rain” – Mark Chesnutt
"Rainmaker" -Kansas,
"Rainy Days and Mondays" - The Carpenters
"Acid Rain" - Liquid Tension Experement
"Red Rain" - Peter Gabriel
"Smoky Mountain Rain" - Ronnie Milsap
"I’m only happy when it rains" - Garbage
"Tears in Rain" -Joe Satriani
"Walkin' in the Rain" -Jay and the Americans,
"I Love the Rainy Nights!”" - Eddie Rabbitt
"It's Raining" - Rick Derringer
"Here comes the rain again" - Eurythmics
"I Can't Stand the Rain" - Ann Peebles

Dream Theater played Atlanta last night.

Here is the set list:

Dream Is Collapsing (Hans Zimmer ) ( played as the band entered the stage )
Bridges in the Sky
These Walls
Build Me Up, Break Me Down
Endless Sacrifice
Drum Solo
The Ytse Jam

Acoustic Set:
The Silent Man
Beneath the Surface

Outcry
On the Backs of Angels
Forsaken
Through My Words
Fatal Tragedy
Breaking All Illusions

Encore:
Under a Glass Moon

More to come

The first half of my week was not very productive. There have been too many of those lately. You see after a great relaxing weekend I thought I was ready for any challenge. I was wrong. Early in the week I was ‘spinning my wheels’. Facing the same problems and issues yet achieving little in the way of results. It had gotten so bad I've been seriously wondering if stuck has become the new normal in my world. I felt like I'd become a character in the movie “Groundhogs Day”. Facing the same situations, reacting to them by doing the same things, then acting surprised when I got and getting the same results. I had fallen into the trap. I was confined to the same old system producing the same old results week after week.

That doesn't just happen to people. It occurs in organizations too. Business, charities, clubs, groups and churches, YES especially churches can all fall victim to the trap of doing it the same way over and over, while achieving little progress.

Tony Morgan has a unique outlook and great style of communicating. In his coming book "Hanging Up the Leisure Suit: How to Get Unstuck” the 2nd in the Leisure suit series, Tony outlines steps for getting 'unstuck'. He shows ways of breaking free of the past and moving ahead. And he does it in a very readable manor that should work for anyone. From regular people to business leaders to senior staff and pastors.

We all get stuck. Sometimes we don't even know it. In his previous book Tony showed why this happens. He related how the same old thinking is rather like continuing to wear that Leisure Suit you had worn so proudly "back in the day". That look is outmoded in today’s world just as many ideas, styles and practices are outmoded by current standards. He teaches how foundations, systems and strategies need to be updated in order to meet the challenges of today. As I said, some people don't even know they are stuck. Because of this, Tony thoughtfully offers an assessment type quiz for you and your organization to take.

I totally needed this book this week in my personal life. Several of the thoughts and ideas I learned can put into practice right NOW. Then I’ll take those thoughts and apply them to my small group leadership. I’m looking forward to the results.

This book came at a perfect time for me. If you are a leader of a church, business or any group you should read this book and take the quiz. Maybe you are like me an individual condemned to simply taking the same old steps but moving nowhere. Feeling like you are knee deep in quicksand of non-progress. If so then by all means read this book, take the quiz and apply the ideas within it. It’s an easy fun read, yet could be one of the most effective tools you’ll find.

We need to "Mind the Gap" between vision and execution The gap between goals and action. Mind the gap lest you slip into it and fall under the train.

2nd Chance??

2nd Chance??

Our church gave away t-shirts a while back that said " People of the Second Chance" .

Really that is true. Do we really deserve it. After all we fail time and time again. But God is always there giving us that 2nd chance.

"But you don't understand what I've done" you say. God does ! And STILL he is ready to not only forgive, he is ready to forget. And he is ready to use you.

Paul's job was killing Christians. Now that is bad. But look at the 2nd chance God gave him

It really doesn't matter who you are, what you done or if this is actually your 87 millionth "2nd chance"

Want a 2nd chance? All you need is to ask Jesus to take control.

John 3:16

Aloha

Hi there webbies My name is Lulu from Honolulu... I just flew in to help wish a friend of a friend a happy B*day. I really hope he likes me. I fixed myself up real nice for this my first main land gig.

Lets see I gots my

• grass skirt
• flower in lovely hair ( denoting my dating status )
• several flower Leis
• my "special" flower covered flip flops
• and my snazzy shades ( that tropical sun is brutal )
• red lipstick for that special look

Seems like I am ready. I am looking forward to this. They tell me he is a manly sorta man, just like Lulu likes, sugar.

Well it's show time I will try to post more photos later when I get back and get my film developed sweetie.

Next time you are in the islands just ask for sweet Lulu. I'd just love showing you all the real sights.

hang loose!!

Last night at NewSpring

You don't really need a scientific study to tell you the percentage of the population that eats out. Especially on a Friday evening. One drive down the main drag of most towns show restaurant after restaurant, parking lots filled, crowd backed out the door waiting their turn. It has become a way of life for many. I know several families who never eat at home. In fact the number of "3- meal -out- a - day" diners has risen 23% in the past five years according to one study I saw.

I'd get tired of that very fast I think. Eating out for us is still something special. Or something we do on vacation or travels. I enjoy dining out, but really I am lucky in that I've never seen a restaurant that could beat what I get at my own table. Kristie and I enjoy cooking. It's an important part of our lives to cook and eat together.

Tonight I was "in charge" and with her assistance we made a great sweet red sauce served over egg noodle pasta with a serving of stir-fried ( slightly steamed ) veggies and Hillshire Farms Hardwood smoked chicken sausage. You need to try it sometime.

After dinner it was coming up a thunderstorm so we unplugged everything and set down together ready to ride it out. The storm didn't last long and as soon as it had past I was cuing-up some soft romantic music. There is nothing better than to be snuggling together for a nap on the couch while soft Randall Bramblett music plays in the background.

Next thing you know it is hours later. Now that is what I call real reality programing.

Last few books I read. A bakers dozen plus one ( in no particular order )

1. The Bible =basic instructions for everything - read a little every day
2. Clear the Decks - Daniel Gallery - Humorous novel about Navy Pilots - I laugh out loud every time I read it.
3. War in the Falklands - London Times Team = Very in depth history of the Falklands war.
4. Flying High - James Wynbrandt = Biography and history of David Neeleman and JetBlue
5. Blessed Life - Robert Morris = down to earth biblical principals that have challenged my heart.
6. the Source of My Strength - Charles Stanley = comfort for times of grief.
   
7. Anytime, Anywhere - Martin Caidin = Novel of A ragtag group of pilots
8. Thriving on Less - Leo Babauta = How to downsize your life
9. Sunshine Skies - David Henderson = A history of regional Airlines in the southeastern U.S.
10. the Case Files of Sherlock Holmes - Dr John Watson = a reproduction of Doctor Watson's actual notes of several great cases.
11. Sun Stand Still - Steven Furtick = What if we truly had audacious faith?
    
12. Amazing Encounters with God - Clayton King = stories that open your mind to God's power.
    
13. So You're Dead - Kevin Garrison = A tongue -in-cheek look at life and death by a fellow pilot
14. Plan B - Pete Wilson = What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would?
    

I came across this article on the web today about how the drug runners are becoming more creative and more high tech in their smuggling. It has become an ever changing battle just to keep up in the Drug Wars

It seem they have a new tool. A drug running submarine. Here it is after capture.

Colombian Marines seized a makeshift submarine capable of smuggling up to 12 tonnes of whatever. It was large enough to have space for four crew members.

I don't need it for smuggling anything, let alone drug running but wouldn't it be cool to own a sub?

At least one U.S. company are marketing one. The Phoenix 1000. And it's a big one. At over 2oo feet long ( 213 ) with more than 5000 sq feet of space on four levels. The web site doesn't list a price but you can imagine I am sure.

A little more realistic is the Triton 1000. Made by the same company the Triton is 3 meters long and seats two people.

Still no mention of the price but again I suspect it is well beyond my budget.

Maybe I should just build my own. Lets see here. I have a a couple 55 gallon drums and lot of garden hose and a hack saw. I'm thinking bike pedals for power and an old broken oar as a rudder.

Let me get back to you on this one after I draw up some plans.

About a year ago Kristie and I enjoyed a relaxing night of live music. Last night I traveled to Greenville to hear Randall Bramblett again. Unlike the 2010 show this was a full band show. Actually it was a hybrid show featuring the Australian Guitar guru Geoff Achison, his band featuring Randall.

I'd never heard Geoff Achison before other than a couple short clips on his web page. But I'll make every effort to be there any time his is back in this area. This guy was amazing on guitar. He wasn't using any effects, not even a volume pedal, but the sounds he produced defy logic. It is obvious that not only does he have coming from Australia in common with Tommy Emmanuel, but he shares many very similar techniques. His extremely fiery playing was perfect for Randall Branblett's soulful southern blues styles.

Like always I had to treat myself to a DVD and cd which are currently set on continuous repeat on my stereo.

It was a great night of music to cap an musical week.

The World Greatest Band played in Greenville last night at the BiLo Center.

Here is the set list:

Set One

The Spirit of Radio
Time Stand Still
Presto
Stick It Out
Workin' Them Angels
Leave That Thing Alone
Faithless
BU2B
Freewill
Marathon
Subdivisions

Set Two

Tom Sawyer
Red Barchetta
YYZ
Limelight
The Camera Eye
Witch Hunt
Vital Signs
Caravan
Drum Solo (Love 4 Sale)
Closer to the Heart
2112 Part I: Overture
2112 Part II: The Temples Of Syrinx
Far Cry

Encore:

La Villa Strangiato
Working Man

a full review to come

This afternoon I was talking to an older man, a farmer about a planned trip his family wanted to make to Disney World taking him, his wife and the two grand kids. He kept saying, "I just don't sponsor this idea." I guess meaning he did not want to go or that he wasn't to keen on going. I never heard anyone say that before. And it caused me to think of other unique ways of saying the same thing.

"I just don't cotton to that." " It don't light my fire." Can't switch on a bulb". Then there is the, "It don't float my boat." It doesn't blow my skirt up." "It don't make my skillet fry faster". One truly funny one I once heard was, "That idea or 'idee' jus' don't shine my shoes." And a final thought if you really don't like the plan you say, " that'll make a donkey cry."

Bye

Does it seem like you can't get as much done as you used to? Maybe this is the reason. Our days are shorter than last year. Seems the massive earthquake that struck northeast Japan back on March 11 shortened the length the day by a bit.

I was reading that scientists using new more accurate data of the 8.9 magnitude quake found it was so intense that it actually accelerated Earth's spin, shortening the length of the 24-hour day by 1.8 microseconds. If you are wondering a microsecond is a millionth of a second.

Maybe that doesn't seem like much to you since each day is about 24 hours, or 86,400 seconds, long. BTW the speed which the earth turns actually changes several times during a year. It can vary by one millisecond ( 1,000 microseconds) due to seasonal variations in the planet's mass distribution such as the seasonal shift of the jet stream.

I was also interested to read that Japan is no longer located in the same place. The same data also showed Japan moved about 8 feet. Wonder how that will effect GPS landings ?

And if that was enough our seasons will change too. The earthquake also shifted Earth's figure axis by about 6 1/2 inches.

But don't worry. This is the first time this kind of thing has happened. Last year the 8.8 magnitude quake in Chile sped up our days by 1.26 microseconds. And the 2004 9.1 quake in
Sumatra shortened the day by 6.8 microseconds.

Well I'll sleep better now.

the ABC's of this week

A - Air conditioner - Wife's car, "the 'lil Dragster " needs a/c service...again
B - Baseball Game - Attending the game on Anderson Night
C - coffee - enjoying a fresh bag of Kenyan AAA via my great friend Sue who just returned from a mission trip.
D - Dad is doing much better this week
E - Excited by H.G guys night. in the planning stage
F - Friends - I am blessed to know the best
G - picking up the Genset ( it's for sale btw )
H - the Handlebar - looking forward to seeing Randall Bramblett in concert there this week
I - the Invitation at church yesterday. A miracle occurred in many lives.
J - John 17:23
K - Katelyn graduates this week. Is that really possible than my "Sugar Cub " is 18 ?
L - LZU - thinking I'm gonna fly there to visit the "Flying Machine" for dinner this weekend.
M - Music - This week is truly filled with great LIVE music. 4 nights
N - NewSpring - love my church
O - Obvious answers to some of the little problems we face. Others not so clear, yet thankful for all.
P - Pastor Perry Noble - thank you Lord for placing such a man of God in my life.
Q - Quiet time - God has been teaching me to be silent and listen
R - Rush - Worlds greatest Band. In G'ville this week.
S - the "Shock" - girls softball playoffs - the Monk is starting game two on the mound
T - Temperature - saw 99 degrees at my house yesterday
U - U.K. & Ukraine - Our Partner Churches in Europe, as well as Kenya - praying daily
V - Visiting - the New Foundations Children's home
W - Wife - More than I ever dreamed - I love her so much
X - "X" marks the spot for every thing else I forgot to list
Y - Yard - be careful what you wish for. I don't like to mow, and now my lawn is turning brown in this heat.
Z - Zaxby's I got a free meal coupon.

I love music. All kinds of music, rock, jazz, blues, soul, gospel, quartet, CCM, even a little country. But I guess we tend to favor the tunes and groups we grew-up with most.

Back in high school my friends enjoyed classic rock group like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and others. Around that time I began to notice an English guitar player with long reddish straight hair bobbed over the eyes in bangs. Boy could this guy play. Some of his earliest work was compared to Hendrix, and though I guess I can hear some sonic similarities, I think he developed a blues-hard rock style of his own. Robin Trower shared a educational background much like the other highly successful English bands of that era, art and music. And he had success in previous groups which was quickly duplicated as a solo artist. Quiet a few of his records have gone Gold

As his career progressed the music changed some, but never too far afield. His songs reflect life and it's normal issues, there are even several Christian themed songs in his mix. Like most of the great groups from that time I've collected his work. I've been privileged to see and hear a lot of those classic masters of rock but for one reason or another I never got to see Robin Trower live in person.

That changed last night. I finally got to be at one of his shows. He played in Greenville about 30 miles from my home in a small venue that was prefect. A couple of friends and I headed over in time to have dinner before the show. Actually we ate at the venue. They have an excellent cafe on site.

The opening act was fine playing a solo unplugged set of lively songs to a respectful crowd. One of the nice things about attending these type shows now is that the crowd is a little older and are there because they are actually music fans They attend because they love the artist and know every note ever played on every song. It's not just an excuse for a party like some shows these days. Another thing I LOVE is that the bands which stood the test of time, can actually play their instruments and still make great music using their decades of experience.

I had a fantastic time Robin and his band played a solid set of old and newer songs that lasted more than an hour and forty-five minutes, solid music, no time was wasted between songs. They just rocked.

Here is the set list for you real Trower fan out there.

Confessin' Midnight
Lady Love
Somebodys Callin'
Distant Places Of The Heart
Twice Removed From Yesterday
Daydream
Life Of Clay
Day Of The Eagle
Bridge Of Sighs
Shame The Devil
The Turning
Too Rolling Stoned
Little Bit Of Sympathy

encores
Rise Up Like The Sun
Not Inside Outside


If you get a chance to see them this tour take it, be there you will enjoy yourself at a clean clear well performed concert.

Thanks Robin Trower and band and Robin thanks for taking the time to autograph your new cd for me

The Opposite of Progress ?




Congress

Maybe it's time to clean house and start over

Just before 3 am this morning my wife's Grandmother received her promotion to glory.

Ruth Chitwood was a wonderful lady, a saint on earth. She was kind and gentle and soft spoken. I never saw her angry nor did I ever hear her say anything against anyone. A humble child of God who lived every day as an example. Her love and concern spread to all she knew. The entire family were always assured that when "Maw Ma" prayed for you, God heard. She wasn't my true earthly Grandmother but ever since I've started dating Kristie I have claimed her as mine too. I guess you would say she was my Grandma-in-law. And it wasn't just me. All her in-laws, the spouses of her grandchildren and great grand children felt the same way. She was a lady everyone loved. My dad one time told me after I informed him we'd invited her along on a joint family trip to the mountains, " that's fine with me.. she's great to have around". The ultimate compliment.

Her last actions a couple days ago on her deathbed were for friends and family she felt still needed Jesus. She left us a list of souls to pray for.

Maw maw you left such a legacy You taught all of us so many things. You taught us to live a life of filled with God's love. A life filled with compassion, concern and dignity. And in the past two weeks you taught us how to die the same way. Maw Ma you showed us how to prepare to see Jesus.

We are going to miss you here but have peace in our hearts knowing to be absent from this world for you is to be present with God.

We love you

Rejoicing has started.