The Journey of Gus and Sam

Saturday morning, dressed for cold, looking for a round of 18 holes at the UAH disc golf course. To our surprise, the temperature jumped up to over 60 degrees and sunshine. I was trying to perfect my throw, still have a long ways to go. But the camaraderie and excercise is what I enjoy most. This time, back in Wisconsin, I'd be in full swing of volleyball - tip-top shape. Here at school... not so much. Sitting on my butt either working or studying. Excercise is good.

Afterwards, I headed over to the gas station to fill the tank... $1.95!!! Besides the fact that my truck is getting close to 30 miles per gallon, the limited travel I do keeps me from filling up more than once a month. It's a good day.

Last night, watched the movie "Christmas with the Kranks". It was a good movie to rent. But I found myself with wonderings of home. Everyone back for Thanksgiving, but I'm here. So sorry I missed out on the family Kanasty game!!! But that's alright with me. I know that I'll fill my share of family time in a few weeks and love on the neice and nephew then. I'm just so thankful to be here, no matter what the sacrifiice. Some choices in life make so sense to the brain, but all of the sense to the heart. I'm happy.

Tonight, church with Eastman Curtis... Love that guy!!!

It's Thanksgiving.

I'm here in Huntsville, Alabama (by myself, but not alone) considering all that is to be thankful for. Three months so far and I feel as if its been more than I could have ever hoped or imagined it to be. The number one thing on my list of "Thanks" (besides the obvious of God and all He's done) is the opportunity to reformat my mental hard drive into the identity Christ gave me. That may sound a bit over spiritual, but it's true. I'm thankful for Impact Internationsl School of Ministry.

My heart has been overwhelmed in the journey and discovery process. It's truly amazing how we think we know some things so well only to discover that we're only scraping the surface (I don't need to be right anymore). This school has been a safe and awesome environment to re-establish our foundation in new understandings, new belief systems and more importantly, a new perspective on life. The more we attain heart truths, the more transformation in our own self-worth, behaviors and thoughts have come about... effortlessly.

It's excited, igniting passion and makes you feel alive again. We really are a product of our own heart beliefs, good or bad. The more we develop our hearts, the easier life becomes. Circumstances may incur difficulties, but the consistency of our walk is un-affected. Dr. Richards, Ron, Clint, Christy and the rest... Thank you!!!

I'm thankful for a heart of patience, joy and selflessness. I'm thankful for understanding human behavior. I'm thankful for the opportunity to serve others. I'm thankful for courage and confidence. I'm thankful for the restoration of my heart and life. I'm thankful for Jesus. It's all been worth every sacrifice. An investment with uncomparable returns.

I want to cry just thinking of where I've come from to where I am. I'm so incredibly thankful!!!

Lastly, I'm thankful for ALL of the people in my life, especially those that helped and contributed. My family, my church and friends... those of you that were availabe during the darkest times. God truly turns our mourning into joy. Thank you all so much.

I'm even thankful for those that have treated me poorly... our criticts strengthen resolve and provide opportunity for character, forgiveness and unconditional love.

Most importantly... Dad and Mum, you are loved by an incredibly grateful son. I appreciate your support, blunt honesty and understanding throughout every step of the way. You two have been my best friends, my loyal encouragement and challenge to growth. Thank you for being the incredible examples of Christlikeness, patience and love. Mum, you're the best. Dad, you're my Pastor, partner and inspiration. I love you both so very much.

May all of you have an incredible and thankfilled Thanksgiving!!!

I can't wait to see everyone back in Wausau over Christmas!!!

If you've ever had children, babysat children or lived on a college dorm budget, you've probably experienced this story for yourself.

It seems that there is a strange sadistic relationship between that of ravioli and microwave. Much thought and planning must be strategically rehearsed before the marriage of the two. Reason being that ravioli sauce is prone to splatter when introduced to the waves of radiation induced during the heating process.

If you use a piece of tupperware, the lid and bowl will take on the oils and color of the ravioli sauce. This is, at best, a reason to use disposible tupperware during preparation. At worst, you have orange stained residue permanently scarred into your "re-sealable" container. In addition, should you make the mistake of actually sealing the container, it will, most likely, pop open to offer the splatterings of sauce through out your microwave oven.

Clean up then becomes an entirely laborious effort using grease dissolving cleanser to erradicate the leftover materials. Otherwise, you more or less shmear the grease throughout your oven's interior.

Another tactic might include the covering with a paper towel. This can be altogether madly frustrating should the towelette remove itself during the spinning to the carriage amidst the cooking process.

However, a folding paper napkin can be an alternative. Yet, it to has it's disadvantages. An unfolded napkin corners off four escape routes to the splattering. This is only somewhat effect as it allows slight room for penetration of a foregone, complete seal of quarantine.

It is unclear to me why a delectable and inexpensive treat should become such a complicated process.

There appears to be few conclusive approaches. Perhaps the edication of one lone "corningware" bowl with an orange stained top and pressure release valve. This bowl should be labeled not by letter, but simply by stain.

Otherwise, one should explore the microwavable Mac n' Cheese... not that this product isn't shy of its own share of challenges and limitations.

"Not forgiving is like drinking rat poison and waiting for the rat to die." - Anne Lamott

Wearing shorts and a t-shirt in November is a mighty night pleasantry. After church today, it was off to the laundrymat for some much needed attention. I read some catch up school reading to end this term most of the day. Then it was off to the phones for work until about 9pm. At that time, I wandered over the road to the UAH campus to meet up with friends at the Big Daddy Weave concert.

Starting today, term 3 - Counseling I, Hebrews, Leviticus and Small Groups Study are the classes. I'm pumped, seeing that Counseling I is one of the classes I've looked forward to most. The professor, Ron Marquardt, is an incredible teacher and counselor. I'll keep you posted.