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