Goldfield or Foolsgold?

Last week I had the chance to travel with a few guys to Nevada for some R & R. Part of the trip was an ardous drive to the town of Goldfield - where my friend Art is...wait for it...contemplating the purchase of a historic hotel - the Goldfield Hotel!!!
I must say it was an absolutely cool old place -with lots of history. FDR gave a speech there, and the palce just smells like history (in a good sense). And lets be honest - the thought of purchasing a historic building and turning it into a hotel and casino is just kind of cool dream.
The "Brain Trust"- Art, Fred, and Buzz. They are observing a longstanding but obscure Nevada law that compels all men to place right hand in their right pockets when crossing the street.

The discussion on the ride back was a perfect primer on my sermon for the week "speaking the truth in love". We had a good debate on the relative merits vs. risks of the project. For some reason Art just reminds me of another man who saw great potential in a two bit town in the middle of nowhere - Bugsy Seigel when he opened up the first real casino in Las Vegas.

Birthday Girl and Composure

The more I coach the more I discover life-metaphors that sports teach us. My daughter took the mound this week on her birthday. She was excited all day that she got to play ball on the day of her birth. Then...things did not begin well. She could not find the plate. She could not pitch a strike for her life! I was dying inside. She walked the bases loaded. She got an out. She walked in a run. She walked in another run. She got another out. She walked in another run....

As Team manager -I called time out - and walked to the mound. In seasons past when Michaela struggles at pitching- she kind of gets tear-eyed and fearful. Usually when she struggles she wants the HECK OFF the mound. But on the day of her birthday - feeling all 11 years of her age - she looked back at me in confidence and said "DAD, I'M FINE".

I went back to the duugout and she proceeded to strike out the next batter. And I realized my daughter has developed a sense of "composure under pressure" that only comes from being a seasoned 11 years old veteran.

Wisconsin weekend

Steph and I just returned from a weekend in Northern Wisconsin. We were with some of our friends fro Cottage Grove, Minn. at a retreat. We had a great time - and as these pics show- it is beautiful up there - and not nearly as cold as you think...as long as you wear 8 layers of clothing...and stay insde by the fir.

SWING THE @#)(*#@$* BAT!

Most of our weekends our spent either coaching or watching our kids play sports. I prefer to coach because i make a HORRIBLE spectator. Steph and I are very proud of the dedication and growth both Jake and Michaela have made. However - sometimes it is SO FRUSTRATING! Recetnly Michaela has gotten into the bad habot of being tentative at the plate. She swore that the ump was calling strikes when they were really balls. I keep begging her to be more agressive at the plate. Who is right? Look at this pic (incorrectly date stamped) and tell me!

Labor Day Part 3 - A Festival of God's Grace!

One Sunday afternoon just south of Ensenada...

A Pastor that we have recently become friends with partnered with a group of churches from Tulare, California to throw a special event for the migrant workers south of Ensenda. Food, fun, music and most importantly the Gospel of Jesus Christ was all part of this day. I will let the pictures do the talking...

I met John and Rochelle Brogan from Tulare. Both have a real heart for the people of Mexico. They are involved with Young Life - and have brought many groups down and done some incredible work in coordination with the local Pastor and his church.

Pastor checks on stage...He worked all day, yet never broke a sweat...

Labor Day Part 2

Went to church on Sunday. On the way to festival - dropped off some stuff. "Hillarious Givers" Judd and Pete. Carmen, Jake, Mom, and Michaela deliver items from Journey church to family. We will be building them a house in December!

Labor Day Road Trip Part 1 - Estero Beach

Just got back from a quick jaunt downt to Ensenada. Along with our family we had Carlos "The Cuban" and his wife Carmen, Pete and Irma, Dallas Cowboy "Chris" from LA - and his betrothed Joan - from the mean streets of Brentwood. Judd Wheeler served in the role of scout.