Currently No Line On The Horizon By U2 see related

My Bookshelf

I guess I'm generally a fairly private person.  It's probably fair to say it takes a while to get to know me.  It occurred to me that if someone wanted to fast-track the process a little bit, they could look at my bookshelf.

You'd find several photo albums documenting significant (and some not-so-significant) moments in my childhood as well as my courtship and marriage, and now my children.

You'd find a few versions of the Bible.  Several books on faith, the Bible and the Christian life.  A bunch of commentaries and textbooks point to my career as a Bible College student.

Several books about a certain popular Irish band might lead you to believe I'm a bit of a fan.

A library of books on art and music, faith and worship (and how they relate) tell you I've spent some time thinking about these subjects.

You'd see stacks and stacks of music scores, hinting at all the hours I've spent sitting at a piano.

You might notice that I'm interested in fitness and running, and that I want to run a marathon.

My pile of books on finances and investing points to a strong desire and constant struggle to be a good steward of my resources.  Perhaps to one day be in a position to help others do the same.

A few language dictionaries recollect distant travels.

And a bunch of novels...well, let's not read too much into this.

My Cars

I switch cars quite often.  In the last six years we have owned nine different vehicles:  a Civic, a Sunbird, a Pathfinder, an Olds Cutlass, a Sentra, a Caravan, a Cadillac STS, a Dodge Diplomat, and a Toyota Camry station wagon.

Before that it was a motorcycle, an old Chevy truck, a Volvo, a 4Runner, a Ford truck, and a big Chev van.  Don't get the wrong idea.  These were pretty raggedy vehicles for the most part.

We bought the Camry today.  When I asked for a 20% discount, the seller agreed, then sent us on our way with snacks and gas money.  I used to be a nice guy like that.

*     *     *

Lately whenever I buy a new (used) vehicle, I leave it on the same radio station that I found it on.  Just for a few weeks.  Sort of a tribute to the previous owner, I guess.  With the Diplomat I discovered CBC Radio 2 and the Camry plays CKUA.

Quote

Check out this BC company - I really like their planners.

Mine had a quote in it a few months ago that I haven't been able to get out of my head:

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." - Annie Dillard

It has given me a new sense of urgency to choose a new vocation.  A new way to spend my days.

In other news, I'm frequently vexed at my inability to identify melodies in my head to which I don't know the lyrics.

Currently Listening Grace Kelly By Mika see related

Murder

I woke up early the other morning.

I'm usually not prone to irrational thoughts.  But the other morning I was utterly convinced that the man who lives in the basement suite underneath us was waiting outside to kill me.  The thought stayed with me even though I could think of no motive.  As far as I know, murder would be out of character for this man.

As I dressed for work, I tried to be quiet and stealthy, leaving all the lights off.  I could see his shadow moving through the yard.  At the front door I wished I had more life insurance.  Something inside me told me that I had no choice but to leave the safety of the front entrance.  As I rounded the corner outside, I saw his shadowy figure.

"I locked my keys inside," he said, "Could you go down and unlock the door for me?"

I think it was too dark for him to see my relief.  I would live another day.  I'm not sure what caused this temporary bout of faltering sanity; maybe that's just what happens when you're 30.

*    *    *

The RCMP officer who was gunned down in Hay River last weekend was 30 too.  He had a wife and young daughter at home.  My heart goes out to that family.

Currently Listening Keith Green: The Ministry Years 1977-1979 By Keith Green see related

Servants

A good friend of mine is saying goodbye to Three Hills for good.  Tomorrow he flies with his family to Spain, where they will be missionaries.  It has already been a long road with many delays and nightmarish bureaucratic red tape.  But they have many stories of God's provision and guidance, and these stories confirm their calling.

Jerry is an encouragement to anyone he meets.  He loves to serve, and will do anything to help out.  He's a trained mechanic and a talented musician.  I say all this because it strikes me that even if all he did in Spain was care for people the way he did here, people will see Jesus.  I wish them well.