Four!!!

"Four" is the expression used when golfers tee off, or maybe it's "fore," I'm not sure. At least that's what I remember from when I was younger. At any rate, I recently went to the driving range with my good friend at Colbert Hills. You can read all about our experience on his blog (http://praveenramanan.blogspot.com//). Praveen and I, the inexperienced guys, met up with Ben and Tom, the golf pros (perhaps I should just include Tom in that category). Our trip took me back to the one time in my life that I've attempted to golf an entire 18 holes, maybe it was just nine, I don't remember. Frustration overtook me by the final few holes. I found myself trying to smash the ball into the nearby apartment complex. For 45 minutes I was out for the demolition of an entire building. Needless to say, I never connected with the ball in those 45 minutes. (We all know you can't golf mad.) What a snapshot of an angry, immature person. If I hadn't grown up (at least a bit) I wouldn't share that experience with you. Perhaps now I am in a place where I can humble myself and enjoy a trip to the local golf course and play a round of golf (at least 3 holes). The County Club is next on our list. If you'd like to join us let me know...

spider

This guy is about 5 in. in diameter. I met him at Troy's house. With a little photograph manipulation he looks pretty cool. I know it's crazy but I am intrigued by the intricacy of these creatures. God put so much care and attention to detail in this guy. How much more did he craft us in an amazing way. Later...

Ivan Speaks about Grandpa

My Grandpa passed away July 30th, 2006. Here are some remarks about his life from his younger brother, Ivan.

My Grandpa feared not death for he knew the love of his Creator. As we gathered around his hospital bed in his last hours of life, singing hymns, tears came to my eyes as I thought of my friends who don't know their Creator. My life is about helping people know their Creator.

My Grandpa died peacefully, excited to be at rest in Jesus. He finished well. That's how I want to finish...but not until my work on this earth is finished. Lord, have mercy.

Daiki fights Rob

This is Daiki's last evening in the U.S. He got to spend it fighting an Ultimate Fighter, Rob Kimmons (a.k.a. the Rosedale Reaper). Rob is actually a good friend of mine from high school. He recently rededicated his life to Jesus Christ and is trying to share the love of Christ in the Ultimate Fighting circles. Currently he's ranked 13th in the world in his weight class. I hope you enjoy this little fight...

Maris' Masterpiece

My wife painted these. She is very creative. Of course she wanted me to put them up with the lines going vertically and I misunderstood and made the lines horizontal. She likes it for now but I assure you, they will be vertical before you know it.

men holding hands

Don't worry, this is just my good friend, Bob, holding hands with a friend (apparently a very good friend) in Ethiopia. It's just part of their culture. It's interesting to think about physical affirmation and the place it has in our different cultures. In America it's ok to give the token "good game" (a.k.a. pat on the butt) during sporting events. It's alright to give a man hug as well (usually with a corresponding three pats on the back, signify "I'm not gay."). However, in Japan they don't give hugs at all (at least from my observation). At any rate, this picture just made me think about the whole physicality of cultures thing. Personally, I think physical affirmation is important to caring for others and being cared for. Let me hear your thoughts. In the meantime I'll be holding hands with my lovely wife...

17 inches of catfish

Daiki caught this one.

Pot. #2

Yesterday, July 24th, 2006, I caught my first fish that was big enough to eat. It was a 13-inch bass. Of course moments later Daiki caught a 17-inch catfish but I was happy nonetheless (I'll post some nasty pictures for you shortly). At any rate, it got us to thinking about how Jesus said to Simon and Andrew in Matthew 4:19, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." To be a fisher of fish and a fisher of men takes great patience I've discovered. Sometimes all they want is a nibble of what I have. Sometimes they're not at all interested in my stink bait. But every once in awhile one bites hard and I've caught him. That is when we celebrate. I can fish all day long and catch nothing one day and then the next day I'm pulling them in like no other. I guess the important thing is that I'm always fishing. I think we're going to head back out to the lake tomorrow morning if you want to join us (Pottawatamie Lake #2).

Daiki Learns English

Learning a foreign language is difficult. Check out my wife's blog if you want to see me struggle through some Japanese. Don't worry, Daiki told me I could post this one. Please enjoy!

our green pepper

 All we have is one so far friends. I'm trying to nurture this one so I can get it in my belly.