vacation

Tomorow, Lena and I head for Mexico. We will be accompanied by our friends Randy and Kerry Russell, my Mom and Dad, and aunt Susie and Kylee. I can hardly wait. I have been roofing all week and it has been snowing at night. I am ready for this trip in a big way. I'm outta here.

Promises we make ourselves

I remember waking up one morning on a dirt road somewhere in the middle of Wyoming. I was sleeping in the cab of my pickup with my feet sticking out the passenger window. My eyes hurt from the dry dust caked in the corners. I couldn't remember much of the night before, nor the week. I sat up and slowly looked around, trying to recognize where I was. No Idea. I forenzically went through the events I could remember and peiced together some notion that I had been in Colorado for a couple days and was headed back to Montana. I took a look at myself in the rear view mirror, I felt like it was the first time I had looked at myself in a long time. I had been lost, not just geographically, but spiritually. The land around me was painted a sandy pink hue from the pre-dawn light. The Sun would be coming up soon, and there was nothing around me but miles of sage and old fences. I truly felt alone in the beautiful sunrise. I noticed a little breeze start to move through the window. I looked at myself once again and spoke out loud, "I'm done with this." I grabbed my boots off of the floorboard and pulled them on one by one. I started the truck and left that peice of myself right there in the desert. I never looked back.

Awesome

I got a recipe from a friend that I put to good use last night. I took one of the tenderloins from the elk I got this year and cut it into thin strips lenght wise, (you want them wide and thin). Then I seasoned them with Garlic and some Van's Grilling Baste. Any kind of rub or marinade you prefer will work. Then I spread a good layer of cream cheese over the tops of the fillets. Next take some pickled jalepenos and chop them into medium sized chunks and spread them over the cream cheese. Roll the fillets up with the cream cheese and jalepenos in the middle, and wrap the outside with a peice of bacon. Use tooth picks to hold it all together. Throw them on the bbq and get ready for a party. Remember that we are at the top of the food chain for a reason, so enjoy it!

Hard to do

I have a lot of anger in my heart right now. There are some people who are intentionally causing pain and anguish to people I care about. There are also those who are doing it unintentionally but probably know better. I have been told to pray for these people, the ones that are hardest for us to love. I am not Jesus, not even close. I am trying very hard to forgive these people, but it makes me so angry. I know this is the challenge of loving your neighbor. I know, with time and effort, I can forgive them. However, I don't think I could ever come close to loving them, no matter how hard I tried.
Right now I know that there is someone out there that I hurt. Probably more than just one someone. I hope that they can forgive me.

Deep Water

I think about Peter in Mathew 14 when Jesus walks across the water toward the boat on the rough seas. Sometimes we need a savior only when we begin to sink. Many people have begun to sink, but are grasping out for the wrong savior. A politician, a frivolous law suit, government aid, the list goes on. Grasping straws that will not reach from the depths. I think for many it is time to be humble. I truly believe you can only help those who wish to be helped, and not just enabled.

Reflections from Nationals

I had a great time in Omaha with my friends watching the NCAA wrestling tournament. I got to spend a week with some of my old teammates, some of whom I haven't seen in a long time. I also relived some old memories, along with about 20 thousand others. I love the national tournament. It is three days of excellent wrestling, partying, and reunions. There is also a lot of excitement, elation, and sadness. It is hard to watch a young man fall short of his goals, disappointed to the point of tears. It is also great to watch the exhilaration that comes to those who achieve theirs.

St. Paddy's day

It's a big deal here in Montana. My wife is on a party bus headed for Butte with her family. I have a green shirt on, but it doesn't show when I wear a jacket. I might punch someone if they pinch me.