FLY FISHING FLIES

My nephew and I love to make fishing flies. We've gotten pretty good at it. Of course we can't do the really elaborate flies....but they work. What we try to do is mimic a cricket, spider, grasshopper, dragonfly or a moth.

There are all kinds of materials that you can use to make flies. I categorize flies two ways: those that sink and those that float. I prefer to make the ones that float. Sinking flies are for a different kind of fish...mainly river trout and salmon. Floating flies work well with the sunfish that we have around here: mainly crappie, bluegill, bream. They even work on catfish and bass. I've discovered that the color doesn't matter so much as reflection. Fish like shiny flies. They also prefer those with legs. A guy once told me that fish recognize shapes and shadows.

Now when I fish I'll go between store bought flies and those that I've made. It feels good when fish love a fly that we made. Right now it's too cold to fish......I'll pick it back up in March. -JGR

SHARP SHOOTERS

John Wesley Hardin

James Butler Hickok a.k.a. Wild Bill Hickok

Annie Oakley (Phoebe Ann Mozee)

Buffalo Bill Cody

Today I watched a really cool show on 19th century sharp shooters. The show focused on their feats. Featuring modern day exhibitionist shooters who attempted to recreate their exploits. They were able to. My favorite act involved throwing half dollars up into the air and shooting them. One guy was able to throw up aspirins and hit them with a .22 That was amazing! If you get a chance to see the show....do it. I believe it comes on again this Friday (23rd) and Sunday (25) on the History Channel.

A PRESIDENT'S FAREWELL

As a child I remember seeing bits and pieces of the then President Reagan. My concern was more aligned with action heroes saving the universe and cartoons filled with adventure. Growing up in the 80's...I don't remember much of politics. The 90's were no different. I remember a sense of fear of War. I had a fear of being drafted. I admit I was totally unpatriotic as a teenager. President Bush spoke of war and a 'Desert Storm'. Of course it didn't help having a world history teacher who also was a Pentecostal preacher. I guess back then teachers could speak openly of God and Christianity in the confines of a classroom. The thought of a great end time battle scared me. That wasn't President Bush's (41) fault....he was just doing his job. Then came President Clinton. I don't think that I had matured much in the way of politics, but I knew that I didn't much care for him. The criteria for my dislike was more superficial than along party lines.

Then came President Bush (43). It was just after 9/11 that I think that I 'came of age'. By that I mean that I started to care. I'm not the center of the universe.....God is. That was a great revelation. I realized that what happened to this country had an affect on me and those around me. I started caring about abortion and the definition of marriage. Not to forget national security. It became apparent that people in this world wanted to harm us and destroy this country's freedom. I honestly believe that 9/11 was a wake up call for me. I developed a great appreciation for President Bush. He, in my opinion, was the right man for that particular time. He said recently.....

"I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe. ... And with strong allies at our side, we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them. There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil."

I really appreciate that!

Thursday night Denise and I heard his farewell address. We were deeply sad to see him go. He was a good president. I know that many people don't like him because of his party. Many who don't like him because he supports traditional marriage or pro-life. Many don't like him because of the war. That's fine for me. I like the man. I know his job was tough. But a guy like him isn't afraid of hard work. I know that much of the world thought of him as a 'COWBOY'. But you know what.....that's not bad in my book. He's in good company. I wish that more of the world had a 'cowboy' mentality.

John Wayne as Sergeant John M. Stryker (Sands of Iwo Jima):"A lot of guys make mistakes, I guess, but every one we make, a whole stack of chips goes with it. We make a mistake, and some guy don't walk away - forevermore, he don't walk away."

This video is from Noccalula Falls...BUT from across the street. The backside in the residential area. Denise and I really love water.....the ocean, rivers, waterfalls, lakes....ect. This is a treat.

The water is going down.
Low lying fields still look mushy.

Rivers are still murky with mud.

Things are getting back to normal.

For a while there it seemed that it wasn't going to stop raining. It's nice now. The pond at my father-in-laws house is full of water. The pasture is pretty soggy right now. The animals are enjoying the sunshine and the freedom to graze. Did you know that goats dislike the rain? Horses don't mind. The ducks love it!

We're both glad it's the weekend. Fridays bring the excitement of a weekend to come. Saturdays are days to be free. Sundays bring rest. Weekends are nice. I wouldn't mind if it didn't rain for a few days......the winter nights are so clear and the air is brisk. It's nice. Enjoy your day! -JGR

THE FALLS

It's been raining.

So every time that it rains Denise and I wonder what Noccalula Falls is like. After this particular rain the falls was AWESOME! Check out these video.........(I hope you don't have dial-up).

Notice how the water was up to the bridge......of course the City of Gadsden had the walk way blocked off....so this was as close as I could get.

I love watching waterfalls. The power and sound of the water is amazing. A truly powerful force. As beautiful as this is.....lots of other places around town were flooded. I don't think that any one's house got flooded out...but fields, pastures and low lying lands are under water. It's still beautiful......on a small scale as this. -JGR

A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

I don't know if I would call it a resolution.......a better word may be a desire. Already a few days into the new year and I have several things on my heart. This year I would like to grow. Grow stronger in my faith and grow small in my weight. To play. Play with Denise and Carolina more. To pick up my guitar and see where it takes me. I want to enjoy life more than I have in the past. I want to be free from worry and fear. I want to love others and myself more. I want to build new things this year. Repair old things that are broken. I'd love to ride Rosie this year. I think 'desire' is a better word. Maybe 'prayer' would be better. -JGR

TWO THINGS

I've been thinking about 2 things lately.
Working out at the gym.
Training Rosie.

Denise and I have been spending some time lately at the gym. Our workouts have gotten better and better. I am learning something. I don't mind working hard and applying myself. Most things in life don't come easy. You know that.....we all know that. It has been an experience on a different level for me to workout. I'm seeing progress. Rather...I'm feeling progress. I feel so much better. I have more energy and enthusiasm about returning the next day to work out more. I've gotten more comfortable with the gym. I've always been a little shy about trying new things. Plus I had another thing working against me.....time. Denise and I have had the membership for a while now......but I just didn't make the time to go. I spent a lot of my time working. Working out is really a joy. I guess my point is that I've always wanted to be a physically fit person.....but maybe never wanted to invest the time or energy into the dream. It's nice to have started. Thanks to my wife..........

Yesterday I started working on Rosie. It wasn't what I expected. Well I did expect her to fight against me.....to not like the process. Who likes being 'broken'? I don't. As much as I love watching her run and play in the field......I have a desire to become closer with her. I love the wild part of her nature.....but I also want her to be tame. I want to be able to ride her and enjoy a deeper relationship with her. But she's going to have to be 'broken'. So yesterday I began the process. There's a 6 X 6 post at the foot of my father-in-laws garden. About 6 feet above ground and 4 feet in the ground. She broke it off ground level. Talk about horse power! But what I didn't expect was her reaction. She hung her head low and looked at me with her big beautiful eyes....lips quivering.......hurt me deep. Apparently it did her too. As difficult as that was.....for us both.....I'm not going to stop the process. My desire, like I said before, is a deeper relationship. I've been with her since the day she was born. May 2009 she'll be 2 years old. I'll keep you posted. -JGR

CHRISTMAS...COME AND GONE...

It has come and gone.



We had a good day. The weather was nice. When I was a child I always wanted it to snow on Christmas......but not so much anymore. It was nice being able to enjoy the outdoors and the fresh air. I find more and more pleasure in the outdoors. I was glad to see my family...always nice.



There are just a few more days in this year. It's about to be 2009. I can't believe it.



This year has been a good year for us. We're both really thankful for our family and our friends.

A REAL ROCK SHOW!

Today we saw the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in B'ham. What a show! From the start.....they came out rockin'. What makes this such a good concert?

Lasers....

Fireworks....

Explosions....

Colorful lights....

Snow....

Yes...I said snow....

Fog....

Flames.....

All kinds of flames....

Red flames....

Orange flames....

Green flames....

Yellow flames....

Blue flames....

Plus.....awesome guitar players.....if you've ever heard them before you know what I mean. It was a top notch concert! We all enjoyed it. It was the little girls first concert.....it took her a few minutes to adjust to the high volume and the pyrotechnics. Where we sat......we were so close to the stage. Every time a flame went off or sparks flew......we felt it. I even checked a time or two to see if I still had eyebrows. TSO really puts on a great concert. We had fun! -JGR

NEWS FROM THE SHIRE.....

As you can tell I'm referring to The Lord of the Rings (or could be The Hobbit). I've been reading the Fellowship of the Ring. I'm almost done. They're traveling down the river just past Lorien.......contemplating which direction to go. It's been a nice read. I'm enjoying my second time through the adventure. Thanks to my friend David Finlayson for turning me on to the books. He gave me a set several years ago when the first movie came out. It didn't take me long to go through them. He also gave me a calender of prints from The Brothers Hildebrandt. Very nice. Really helped to bring the images to life. My wife has read them a gazillion times.

Right now I'm finishing a project in the making for 4 months or so. It's a remodel. I'll take some pictures as soon as I can and post them. Basically what I did was take 1/3 of the house and turn it into a separate apartment. Of course...I had lots of input from the owner and lots of help from Amos (my helper), Smitty's Plumbing and an electrician. I think the place turned out nice. Like I said....I'll take some photos and post them.

Here's our 2008 tree. -JGR

Excerpt from The Torch and The Sword by Rick Joyner

The Torch and The Sword is an account of a Spiritual encounter had by the author. It is a short book, but I learn from it every time I read it. The following is a brief excerpt. The Thomas referred to is Thomas 'a Kempis.

"Thomas was watching me closely and soberly. He then added: 'As you abide in Him and do His will, you begin to flow with His life-force, which is in all of the living. In this way, as we help others to come alive, the life grows in us too. Do not fall to worshiping this life-force; you will only stay on the path of life if you seek the Source of life.' "

"I knew this was another important warning-a trap which many cults and new age movements had fallen into. Even so, I wanted to remember the feeling. I knew that anyone who ever tasted of this life-force would be forever addicted to it, perpetually seeking it like a junky seeks his next fix."

"Thomas, also obviously reading my thoughts, continued. 'There is no intoxication like life itself, but remember that it is still intoxication. Many fall upon even the slightest touch of His Spirit and can become drunk in the Spirit by just a taste of this. However, the priests had to learn to stand and minister even in the presence of His glory. If you yield your body to this life, you will be drunken. If you yield your spirit you will be quickened, strengthened, and see even more clearly. You must train the coming ones not to seek to feel good and not to become intoxicated by this power, but rather to be sobered, able to see clearly and function in their duty. You will have forever to feel good after you have accomplished your purpose.' "

kdr

Nissi's Notes

We just got back from Lowe's with a tree to decorate for Christmas. Until last year, we were getting a frasier fir. But last year, after we had already picked out a beautifully fragrant tree, and Jose' was already standing in line with it, I decided I really wanted a douglas fir. The reason? It smelled a little more Christmasy to me. So now I have an annual inward battle over which to buy. The frasier is a little prettier and lots easier to decorate and still has a great aroma. But I once again chose the douglas. That slight difference in smell is enough for me. Even if my arms do get scratched while I string lights. Last year, though, was quite comical, looking back. Jose' going back and forth with that tree, until fragrance won over beauty and convenience. He's smart, though. This year as I went side to side sniffing trees, Jose' went directly to the douglas side and picked one out.

I recently read on mb's blog about beginning the Christmas season too soon. My family is the exact same way. You put up the tree the day after Thanksgiving, never before. I used to agree. But, each year, that time between Thanksgiving and Christmas seems shorter and shorter. I need more time to sit and reflect on the magical wonder of the love of God for mankind, enhanced by the lights and fragrance of the tree and the smell of hot chocolate or cinnamony cider. And Christmas doesn't take away from Thanksgiving to me; it makes me even more thankful. If I could talk myself into getting an artificial tree and the fragrance in a can, I would put it up on Halloween. So, having a live tree actually keeps me from breaking with tradition and putting it up too early. In fact, because I like to leave mine up until after the new year, I get mine a little later than tradition allows. I'm planning to decorate it on friday evening. I have to concentrate on football saturday.

Love to All...

a poem

My heart has been wounded and weak
but my God does not sleep
He moves in mysterious ways to establish my days in Him.

My heart has been wounded and weak
but my God does not sleep
He moves in mysterious ways to establish His praise in me.

Nissi's Notes

About the title; when I was much younger, much of my family called me Nissi, pronounced neecee. A few still do and I like it. So on with the post...

Dill Pickles. I really like dill pickles. I eat them on grilled cheese sandwiches and hamburgers. I eat them with potato chips and popcorn and even by themselves. We usually buy the Wal-mart brand or sometimes Vlasic's Ovals. I decided to read the labels a few days ago because I wanted to see if the ingredients were basically the same. I found out that both brands contain high fructose corn syrup! Now I like sweets but if I'm eating high fructose corn syrup I want it to be in my candy corn or Snickers or hot fudge cake. I don't need it hiding in my dill pickles! Wal-mart had one more brand there, Mount Olive, that didn't contain the corn syrup, so I bought those even though they were a few cents more.

Cold Weather. I am so cold right now, well, at least my hands are cold. I'm not good at being cold. Actually, that's inacccurate. I AM good at being cold, I'm cold when most people aren't. What I mean is, I don't take being cold well at first. It takes me awhile to adjust. Maybe it's because my thyroid is defective. Even though I take medication, which helps tremendously, I'm still more susceptible to cold, bone density loss and difficulty in losing weight. There is something in the hormone from the thyroid that medicine can't imitate. They used to give people extract from pig thyroids. I know that sounds gross, but I would take it if I had it.

Well, that's it for now...

Love, Nissi

Birthday...an exciting time for me; still becoming who I am
wondering next year who I'll be...
Endless Possibility.

Something stirring deep inside
Anticipation of the bride
"Won't you come with me, little girl, on a Magic Carpet Ride?"

My birthday was November 16 so I just go ahead and celebrate til Thanksgiving which takes me on into Christmas and the New Year. This time of reflection and celebration helps compensate for the cold, biting winds and diminished amount of sunshine. This time of year the sunlight seems brighter than in summer but it's warmth has been severely compromised by the chill of winter. I used to sink into a deep depression during this time, I think I had that lack of light syndrome. But the Light within has grown and I can see so much to be thankful for and so much life to be celebrated.

Overall, October was a hard month for me. The ocean is always rough these days and those waves will beat you up. But when you learn to surf those waves it can be joyful and exciting. Sure, you'll still get wiped out by one every once in awhile, but if you catch the next one just right, it might just lift you up and take you all the way to the shore.

Love to All. kdr

Inner Calm by Fenelon

"I hear you are having problems sleeping. You must wait for sleep in peace. If you let your imagination run away with you when you are trying to sleep, you may never get to sleep. I will not think that you are growing spiritually until I see that you have become calm enough to sleep peacefully without restlessness.

Ask God for calmness and inner rest. I know what you are thinking-that controlling your imagination does not depend on yourself. Excuse me, please, but it depends very much on yourself! When you cut off all the restless and unprofitable thoughts that you can control, you will greatly reduce all those thoughts which are involuntary. God will guard your imagination if you do your part in not encouraging your wayward thoughts.

Live in peace. your imagination is too active; it will eat you up! Your inward life will die of starvation. All that buzzing in your mind is like bees in a beehive. If you excite your thoughts, they will grow angry and sting you! How can you expect God to speak in His gentle and inward voice when you make so much noise? Be quiet and you will hear God speak. Live in the peace of Jesus." copied by kdr

Spiritual Inheritance

It' been a very long time since I was twelve years old and first read "Gone With the Wind." But for the last few months a passage from it kept coming to mind. It takes place after Scarlett makes her way back to Tara from Atlanta. She arrives to find Tara intact, but her beloved mother dead and her father's mind unhinged. She finds that if she, and what is left of her family are going to survive, it will be primarily up to her. To help lessen the shock she is in, she drinks a dipper full of hard spirits. She thinks of all the stories she heard from childhood of her ancestors on both sides, many who overcame great obstacles and "crushing misfortunes."

"All of those shadowy folks whose blood flowed in her veins seemed to move quietly in the moonlit room. And Scarlett was not surprised to see them, these kinsman who had taken the worst that fate could send and hammered it into the best. Tara was her fate, her fight, and she must conquer it.
She turned drowsily on her side, a slow creeping blackness enveloping her mind. Were they really there, whispering wordless encouragement to her, or was this a part of her dream?
'Whether you are there or not,' she murmered sleepily, 'good night-and thank you.' "

It was on my mind to the point that I actually pulled out the dusty book, found the passage and read it to my husband. I know, he really is a treasure!

Also coming to mind was a scene from the movie "Hildago"; actually two scenes. Frank, the main character seems somewhat ashamed of his "half-breed" status. His mother was Native-American. But during a long, hard race across a desert in the middle east, an Arabian opponent says something to the effect that he comes from a long line of a noble people who have raised fine horses, at which point Frank yells out "So do I!" In the other scene, Frank and his horse are down and have given up to the point of death. Then Frank has a vision of his mother which encourages him and helps him to not give up.

Then about a week ago, I read an excerpt from Bob Jones' Shepherd Rod-2009:

"We all have ancestors who for different reasons never completed their calling in Christ. Their gifts are still available because of bloodline blessings. It's time to ask God for our spiritual inheritance; that which our ancestors left incomplete. We need to ask God to grant us the wisdom, mercy and grace to walk out that which we were called to."

I was also reminded of the "great cloud of witnesses" referred to in Hebrews 12:1.

KDR

I recently read an article by Steve Shultz in Elijah Rain entitled "Immanuel-'God with Us.' " He pointed out that "Immanuel" can also mean "God in us." He also refers to John 14:18-20, part of which says "...On that day you will realize that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you." Steve writes "We are coming to a day and an hour this year, when God is more emphatically revealing that He is in us! Yes, we knew that before, but a greater revelation of this truth is now coming..." The next day I was beginning to read in Matthew, as I read at least a chapter a day in the new and a chapter in the old, just as a way to kick off my quiet times. This chapter mentions a quote from Isaiah which the angel repeats to Mary as a prophetic reference to Mary and Jesus and refers to Jesus as Immanuel. Then I turned to my previously marked place in the old testament and I am reading Isaiah 7, which contains the verse about Immanuel quoted in Matthew 1.



That was really exciting to me because it was like a confirmation of what I had read in Steve's article. I so need a greater revelation of this truth in my life! It stirred up my longing and renewed my hope for this. How wonderful to remember that, no matter the circumstances, God is with us; God is in us. I want God to grow in me to the point that He comes out in my words and actions and fills every moment; every thought.

I'm going to vote tomorrow. Does anyone else have a hard time interpreting those amendments? The Christian Coalition used to send out info on each candidate about their stance on key issues. They explained in plain language what any amendment meant; it was a big help to me. Jose' found that they don't do it anymore because a judge in AL ruled against allowing them to do it. I don't know which judge.

rick and beckie, thanks for your comments and input. It's always good to hear from you. I was excited to hear about your car. Hope to see you soon.

KDR

WHAT I'VE BEEN DOING....

The last 5 weeks I've been spending my time working on Rainbow Landing. What a wonderful opportunity this was for me to grow as a contractor. This experience has been great.Basically the work that we were doing is simple. Replace all the hand rails and decking boards with new wood. A part of the job description detailed exactly what we were to use.....even the name brand of wood. Simple. You can tell from the above photo the difference between the old and new wood.
This is a pier/boat dock that we completed a few weeks ago. In just two weeks the sun had already darkened the wood. We've gotten many comments about how nice the landing looks. I'm excited about the work that we've done.

This is a shot of the runner supports under the decking. You can see the old wood that we removed. Below you can see the load that we usually left with every day.

Overall we averaged about 100 to 150 boards removed and replaced per day. One of the hardest aspects of the job was finding suitable lumber. We used YellaWood brand treated lumber. Nice wood....but tended to have a lot of crack and curves in the length of the boards. Usually I would pull out 30% of the lumber and not use it. Everything was put down with screws.....no nails. This was a problem.....until I bought a Quick Drive screw gun. Basically it allows the user to stand up and drive the screws in a relaxed posture. Also...the screws were in strip form and automatically fed themselves. Nice. A real time saver. Well worth the price. In the picture below you can see Aaron (my father-in-law) holding the screw gun. The guy to his right is Amos. The guy in the water off to the left is J.D. Not shown is Mike. I would not have been able to do the work that was done without the skill and labor of these guys. Like I said before......I've learned a lot on this job. It was a great learning experience and confidence booster as a contractor. Also, I've really developed an appreciation for Rainbow Landing and it's availability to the public. I've even been fishing a couple of times with my nephew Aaron. I'm not done with the job yet.....but the finish line is only a few steps away.

GEORGE

Greetings. This is George. His story is this: I was with Aaron (father-in-law) one day at Whisenant's feed store in Steele Alabama. Denise and I had just gotten Cleo (our little pygmy goat) and wanted to get her a companion. So while at the feed store a gentleman walks up to us and asks if we would like a free pygmy goat. He sparked my curiosity. He said that the goat was grown....a male.....and needed a home. George was purchased as a baby for this guys grandchildren. He said that they had played with him until one day they lost interest in him and now he (George) needed some other goats to be around. George had been neutered as well. Sounded good to me.......

So Aaron and I got George and brought him home with us. I found out one thing really quickly.......see if you can figure it out........
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Yep! You guessed it.

He is very unassuming. He did put up a good fight when we were loading him up to bring him home. But I would have never thought he'd be this mean. George is very cunning. He waits until you feel secure and busy with the task at hand.......and WAMMO! That's George. You know......Vicki (Denise's sister) made an astute observation. She said that no wonder the grandchildren didn't want to play with him anymore.......he probably beat them up all the time. Beware of free goats!

On a better note...........

We've been enjoying the birds this fall. Denise keeps them in food and water and they keep us entertained. Denise has tried to photo them....but out camera isn't the greatest at zoom shots. But you get the idea.

Our ducks are doing well. We did lose one. The smallest of the 3. The other two are growing day by day. They've really taken to life down the barn.

I've been working on a place for out pygmy goats to live. Aaron told us that we could use a portion of the pasture that's fenced in with a little shack (in the background) to raise them. I decided to put up a new fence along the front (not shown) and build a nice entrance for us to walk in. I may have gone a bit overboard but I think it's worth it. I built a nice iron gate decorated with horse shoes.

This was my first attempt at welding a large piece. It took me all day to put it together. I then painted it black and hung it on the posts. It excites me to be able to create functional pieces like this. I'm looking forward to making more! -JGR

Astounded by God once again...October 7, 2008

Today is an important anniversary between God and me. I didn't even think of it when I first got up. Sometimes "waking" is a process with me. I had just been lamenting the fact that I wasn't writing poetry anymore, after reading some poetry sites, when a poem began to come to me concerning this anniversary. I thought it was really cool how the poem was my gift to God and His gift to me. His faithfulness and love, His multifacetedness, His very being: All continue to astound, delight and mystify me. I am so thankful! KDR

News Update

Hey Everybody!

This is basically just a news update. We don't like to wait so long before updating the blog. We've just been busy and tired. Jose' has been working long hours to meet a deadline on a job. I have been trying to plan my parents 50th anniversary party. My sister and her family helped. My sister-in-law and brother helped. But since I'm unemployed right now and they are busy and/or live out-of-town, I was responsible for a lot of the details. I'm not good at stuff like that. I was so glad to see my sister and her family drive up as I was attempting to decorate. They just started setting out vases and spreading tablecloths and made it seem so easy! It was this past Sunday even though today is their actual anniversary. They seemed to enjoy it and I'm very thankful for all the family and friends who came.

Recently I've noticed that a lot of friends and family members are experiencing change of some sort. It's like we're being stretched. But while changes like these are usually for the best, they can still be painful to some degree. Fenelon says"...God wants you to grow a little at a time and not burst into instant maturity. You must endure the painful process of change. There is much more at work here than your instant maturity. God wants to build a relationship with you that is based on faith and trust and not on glamorous miracles..." Jesus says "...take up your cross daily..." I'm so glad that God is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in each of us.

KDR

OUR YARD

Greetings! Today was such a nice day. I can tell that Fall is coming. The nice thing is....days are a bit cooler and the landscape is still nice and green.

It seems as though we have a regular visitor to our bird feeders and bird bath. One day Denise and I were leaving to go somewhere and she noticed the squirrel on the tree. He didn't move. Maybe he thought that we couldn't see him. So I went in and got the camera. For a while there he would come up on our porch.....that's where we keep the bird food. Then Denise put out food for him on the porch. Now she puts out food at the base of the tree (you see in the picture) for the squirrel and some doves that also frequent the feeders. For some reason the doves like to eat off the ground. As of now we have 1 bird house, 2 feeders and a bird bath. It's nice having the visitors.

I don't know if you remember the sunflowers we grew this year. I put some pics on a previous post. Anyways.......once they got so big and started to buckle over....I cut the heads off and the seeds became food. That was nice to be able to do that. We'll probably grow them now for that purpose.

Here are our Cuban Oregano and Garlic plants we got earlier this year when we went to Daytona Florida. As you can see they never made it into the ground or a planter. They are tough plants to thrive where they have. I tried to move them one day and discovered that roots had passed from the pot into the ground. We just left them there. Hope they make it through the winter.

We found a pretty rose bush at Marvin's several months ago. I thought it was the coolest color. It's been slow this year. But when it puts out a bloom.....it's beautiful. This (above photo) is my version of an artistic shot.

Here's another photo of the rose in the bird bath. As you can see we have another vine at the base that has never made it into the ground. It's a sweet potato vine. Nice green and purple colors.
Of course.....our Alabama bird feeder. We love to see the little Nuthatches sitting amid the food.
That's our little yard in a nutshell.

AN UPDATE

Cleo is doing well. She's adjusting to life with the other animals. I have noticed a difference in her than the other goats. She's been a loner. Unlike the other goats.....she spends most of her time grazing by herself. I have seen her a time or two with the horses. We hope to get a couple more pygmy goats. I'd like to find a male and another female.

I really enjoy Cleo. She finds me when I walk down to the barn. While I feed the other animals she'll help herself to the horse feed or corn (that I drop on purpose). We hope to have her a place fenced in really soon. I've already prepared a small building for her to use as a shelter. All that is left is to put up a new fence and an entrance gate. Hopefully that will happen soon.

The other day Aaron (Denise's dad) and I went to Steele Alabama to set some head stones (grave markers) on some of his relatives graves. On our way back we stopped at the feed store and someone gave me a goat. They said he was a pygmy goat. George (the goat) does look like a pygmy, but he's much bigger (atleast 3 times bigger than Cleo). By the way....the name George was given by the family I got him from. He's pretty feisty and likable. I've noticed that he's a loner as well. The only bad thing about George is that he's been cut (neutered). Why? I don't know. The previous owner chose to do so. We'll see how George works out.

I know it's a bit overwhelming for Cleo and George. I don't know where Cleo came from but I do George. He was an only goat amidst 2 horses. A childhood pet for 2 grandchildren who had no interest in him anymore. He's smart enough to know who feeds him. He'll come up to me as well. Of course I'll have to keep an eye on him........I've averted many attempt to 'butt' me by George. I'll get a photo of him soon. -JGR

I Tim. 3:1-7

I Tim. 3:1-7 "But mark this; There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God- having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof. Have nothing to do with them. They are the kind who worm their ways into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. ...so also these men oppose the truth..."

It is easy to read these verses and think how awful people like this are or even that we know of someone like this. But the revealing thing for me was how easy it would be to become someone like this. I've had hard truths revealed to me through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. And by hard words from a friend. I wrestled with them at times but, finally, the grace of God working in me allowed me to acknowledge these hard truths and repent. But if we don't acknowledge the truth, or if we do but continue in a sin, then I think we would be in danger of becoming just like the people described. I believe that one way we have a form of godliness but deny the power is by claiming to be a Christian and doing all the outward things a Christian should do, but also cling to a pet sin. We have the form but we're denying God's power to deliver us when we confess and repent. Or if God tells us to do something and we don't. We're denying God's power to take care of us. I say "we" but at some point in my life, I've had the form but denied the power in both these ways.

Oh, and about hard words from others, maybe these ones aren't speaking in love when they really should be; but maybe sometimes we require a harsh word to penetrate a hard head or hard heart. John the Baptist called the religious leaders a brood of vipers, maybe it took that for some of them to acknowledge the truth and believe in Jesus. Because some of them did. I think I required a hard word when I received one and I'm very thankful for it and for the people who had the guts or the tough love to deliver it. But even when the Holy Spirit gently reveals something to me it is still just as painful as a hard word from a person. It is my hope and prayer that "through the pain will our spirits gain."

KDR

Isaiah 49:24-25

"Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the Lord, 'Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contends with you, and I will save your children.' "

I chose this version of these verses because of the term "lawful captive", which my other version did not include. "Prey taken from the mighty" , brings to mind those who did not choose their circumstances, like young children sold into brothels; while "the lawful captive delivered" brings to mind those who chose to sin and so brought themselves into captivity, such as addicts. Either way deliverance is possible! What an encouraging word from the Lord! I am so thankful.

KDR

"The Undefeated"

Jose' and I have been watching John Wayne movies lately. Don't ask me why. I think it began when we caught "Rio Bravo" on a movie channel one evening. Though I have to admit that the highlight of the movie for me is Dean Martin's singing. Rick Nelson joins him and sings one verse while Dean whistles in the background. Rick has a good voice, but still, Dean can even whistle better than Rick sings. I stole that comment from Jose'.

Anyway, we recently watched "The Undefeated" starring John Wayne and Rock Hudson. Until then I wasn't a Rock Hudson fan. I liked it because both men were strong-willed, yet very gracious. (I'm rereading this, does it sound as hokey as I fear it does?) I really don't want an answer to that.

But the best scene by far is the opening scene. John Wayne is Col. Thomas fighting with the Union. They are bombarding a small band of Confederates with cannon balls. The Col. rides onto the battleground to survey the damage. A courier rides up with the news that the war's been over for three days.

Col. Thomas rides up to the surviving Confederates under a flag of truce and asks who's in charge. An unknown major responds. The conversation goes something like this:

Col.: "The war is over."
Maj. "yes, sir."
Col.: "You mean you knew?"
Maj.: "Yes sir, we got news two days ago."
Col.: "You mean you knew and you're still gonna fight?"
Maj.: "Haven't we just proven it?"
Col.: "But why?"
Maj.: "Because it's our land, and you're on it."
Col.: "But we're all Americans!"
Maj.: "Yes sir, thats always been the saddest part..."

The guy acting as the major says his lines with such humility and such resolve. We think he should've won an award. Maybe he did.

On a lighter note, Jose' thinks Rock Hudson's looks and mannerisms in this movie resemble Bruce Campbell's. When he said this to me, I was appalled! I only know Bruce Campbell from the "Army of Darkness". I thought he was comparing the character of the two roles. He explained that He's seen Bruce in other things and was simply comparing looks and mannerisms. He thinks theirs are similar. Well, that's better, I guess...I'm definitely NOT a Bruce Campbell fan. And he is definitely NOT gracious in "Army of Darkness" ...I think he's a jerk!

KDR

The Cul-de-Sac

For some time it seemed that my life was in a negative cycle. I mean, certain negative things would happen that I had no control over.

Some dear friends of mine referred to this cycle as a cul-de-sac. Theirs was an accurate analogy. I would go down a road, thinking I was making progress, only to find that I was once again going around that same circle.

I determined to seek God diligently. I wanted out of this cycle! And at first, I was alarmed as one such event happened again. But, because of my time spent seeking God, I found myself responding differently! How wonderful to know that I don't have to be a slave to circumstances.

"...and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."

KDR

Everyone born on Earth has sinned
Our hearts have harbored pride
Everyone would be doomed to hell
But Jesus suffered on the cross and died
For all sin He was crucified.

He felt the horror of the whip
He tasted the bitterness pressed to His lips
But He didn't beg for mercy or cry out to them for help
He listened to the crowds' cruel cries
With a gentle look of love in His eyes.
He didn't say "I hate all of you"
But..."Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."

...then the depth of His pain while on that tree...
"Why have You forsaken me?"

He could have called on angels to take him away
But to please His Father, He chose to stay.
He is truly God's own obedient Son
"Not my will but Yours be done."

We are under a curse because of the Fall
This second Adam can redeem us all
His death set us free from the penalty
His love fulfilled the Law.

His resurrection, Death's defeat
Our redemption, now complete.

TRADE DAY

WHAT A DAY!

I've been wanting to go to Trade Day for a while now. Denise has been wanting to get a couple of ducks to accompany the duck that we have at the barn (at Denise's dad's house). Today seemed like a good day to go.


So this morning we get up and head out to Collinsville Alabama. It was a nice drive...the weather was so wonderful......an excellent morning. To make a long story short.....we left Trade Day with no less than 3 baby ducks, a kitten for Carolina, a saddle for Rosie, an owl call, a Bama bird feeder for Denise and a Pygmy goat. Her name is Cleopatra.....Cleo for short.

She is so small. We fell in love with her when we first saw her. Denise saw her first.

Collinsville is so cool. You can buy just about any kind of livestock there. Llamas, horses, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, quail, rabbits, geese, pigeons and the list goes on. It's a regular flea market......with so much more.

Cleo is pretty close to being full grown. We thought she was small, but it wasn't until we got her down to the barn that she looked so tiny in comparison to the other goats. She's smaller than the baby goats currently down at the barn. The guy who sold her to us said that she might even be pregnant......we hope so!

We decided to get 3 ducks hoping that one of them would be a male and would provide some companionship for Dixie, our duck of 2 years at the barn. Originally we bought 2 ducks. Carolina named them Winn Dixie and Opal (you'd have to watch the movie Because of Winn Dixie to understand). It just so happened that Denise picked out a boy and a girl. The girl stayed around.....the boy left. So now Dixie is down at the barn......among the chickens, goats and horses. Denise felt strongly that she needed more of her kind. It works for me.



Carolina ended up with a kitten. At first we weren't going to get her one because her Memaw said that she couldn't have one. Denise had called to check. As they were walking around Carolina came across a couple giving away kittens.......and they had one left. This time Carolina called herself and well........she now has a kitten. Plus the couple gave her $2 dollars to boot! The $2 bucks were for cat food. Now that's smart! I'll have to remember that.



I bought Denise the bird feeder and the owl call because we love all the birds that come in and out of our yard. We love owls too. Right now we only have one bird feeder and a bird bath in the front yard.......and they get action! At one point.....we'd fill up the bird feeder and within a few hours it would be empty. Finally we caught a squirrel who was basically hogging the bird feeder all to himself. That cool with us.....we like squirrels. Anyways......I thought it would be nice to have another bird feeder in the yard. The owl call is cool. It's carved out of wood in the shape of an owl.......and it sounds awesome!

Denise and I both agreed not to go to Trade Day again at least until next summer. We couldn't believe that stuff that we bought. I got a good deal on the saddle. I've been wanting one for a while to start training Rosie with. It's a small saddle (13 inches) mainly for children and small teenagers.

So this was our exciting morning at Trade Day. The rest of the day was spent with Cleo. It took her a while to calm down and get comfortable being around us. I guess it was a bit traumatic being hauled up to the flea market and being around all those people. Then being carried to a truck and transported 30 minutes away and tied up in the front yard only to have a neighborhood dog scare you.......running loose in the neighbor's yard and having Denise and myself chase her down. It was quite a day. Cleo got better once we got her down the barn and fed.
This photo is in our front yard.....after the altercation with the dog. Cleo is resting.......enjoying the safety of my beautiful wife. Today was a good day.

A LONG WEEKEND

Coming off of several days of rest and relaxation.......I'm now looking at a busy work day ahead of me. But I know I'm not the only one.

Carolina starts back to school today. All summer long she wasn't looking forward to going back to school......then all of the sudden.......last week......she's all about school. Some new clothes.....a new back pack.....new lunch box......she's excited. She's looking forward to seeing her friends again. A new teacher and a new class of kids to be with. She's really a 'social-bug'. She's going into the 2nd grade.

Today my works basically consists of finishing up an estimate for a remodel and doing some work on a rental property. I don't expect to finish the rental property work. One thing about rental properties....the work never ends. As long as people keep moving in and out......things are going to be broke and in need of repair. It's a good thing I enjoy this work......

I've finished up the latest book that I've been reading, PAGAN CHRISTIANITY, by Frank Viola and George Barna. It was an interesting read. Denise read the book as well. There's so much to talk about. Mostly right now I'm just 'chewing' on some stuff. Denise and I talked about the title of the book....we think it's more of a shock factor than anything. We are not church bashers or do we condone any of that. The book is about where the traditions of the average church service come from. The origin of what most people have grown accustomed to seeing every Sunday. The book talks about a biblical view of the Church and what it's supposed to look like. Of course....there are a few topics that I am not so sure of. But overall the book is a good book.

Right now I'm starting on a book called, THINK LIKE JESUS, by George Barna. I'm just in the beginning. I'll post about the book once I finish reading it.

HOME SWEET HOME.....

What pops into my mind initially is the adage 'Home is where the heart is'. And you know....I believe that. For me (and I preface my comments often) home is where life happens. I go out and work (some days longer than others) and most of it is a blur. I vaguely remember the specifics of any given work day, which is why I try to keep a work journal. When I get home, it's like I'm apart of something bigger than myself. And I am.



Denise and I have been reading two books for a while now. One of them is 100 DAYS IN THE SECRET PLACE, a compilation of writings arranged by GENE EDWARDS. I was really slow to start on this book. Denise had been telling me how great it was and how God had been using it to change her. Gene Edwards compiled the writings of seventeenth century writers Molinos, Fenelon and Guyon. It's amazing how relevant it is to me (today!). It's not hard to read at all. The book could be treated as a daily devotional. One thing that I've gotten out of this book is we (as Jesus followers) all experience the same feeling and emotions. I can relate to all 3 writers in this book. Their situations and discussions have really helped me 'walk' out my life. We all know that God is eternal....and I guess that's why the book is so relevant to me today.....these guys have been there and done that. Glad that they wrote it down!



The other book that has really helped Denise and I is called DECISIONS BY THE BOOK, written my JOHN DEAL. I met John Deal several months
ago at a conference that Bobby Sparks invited me to. He was a speaker. I was really taken by what he had to say.......hard truth....but truth none the less! You can treat this book like a daily devotional as well. It's packed full of wisdom (practical and spiritual). Everything from being a Christian businessman to treating your wife right. Good stuff.



Denise and I have been reading both books together. There is some kind of synergy between 100 DAYS and the DECISIONS book. Both books encourage the reader to seek God deeper and deeper.......focus on what's truly important and to love like Christ loved. I can really only scratch the surface here.....and I know that I'm no wizard when it comes to writing......but the synergy that was created between the study of these two book with my bible reading has been life changing. It's almost as if God flipped the light switch on in my head and my heart. It's not a method or a formula.......it's a life change! -JGR

First Friday

Every first Friday of the month, the city of Gadsden blocks off parts of Broad Street downtown. They call it "First Friday". I think it begins at 6:oo pm, but maybe earlier. Jose' and I went last night around 7:30. The weather had cooled from lava hot to sauna hot and the sun was no longer blazing so it was really nice. We enjoyed walking, looking at older model cars, listening to various musicians and just relaxing together. And the smell of food! We both forgot to bring the camera. Jose' bought me a few cheap books at the bookstore. They were fictional but historically accurate books. One is "Sitting Bull" and one is "Jedediah Smith." I don't remember the name of the other, but it's about the real-life guy who was called "Uncle Remus".

It doesn't appear that I will be teaching at Donehoo this year. I was grieved about it for awhile, but now I am joyfully anticipating God's next step for me. I always wanted adventure. Finally, it occurred to me that true adventure is not just celebrations and fun, but also includes pain and hardships. My life is an adventure right now! I am so thankful that God is good. " I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:13-14. KDR

Should I have put a period after "14"? Did I spell "occurred" correctly? Why is the "h" in "he" sometimes capitalized in the Bible and sometimes not? (when referring to God) Because of different writers? Does it matter? (these are just things going thru my mind as I blog, I usually don't include them and probably won't again.)

"...the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." That just sounds good. Isn't it part of a Waterdeep song?

Love to all...KDR


"...the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."

Thank you, Lord.

I Corinthians 5:9-11

In the past few years, I have encountered 3 similar situations involving married couples. The information given to me was unsolicited. The cases differ in detail but are basically alike. The cases all involved women who were separated from their husbands and /or divorcing due to sexual immorality of their husbands. One woman continues to go but is somewhat uncomfortable, one woman was kicked off the praise team, then asked to leave the church. The third left the church of her own volition. All 3 men continue in their immorality and in the church and seem to think it's okay. I call it the Solomon complex, gifted and wise to a degree, but blinded in their lust. I read this:

"I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people- not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat," I Cor. 5:9-11.

It is my understanding that this is done to help the immoral one and that such a one should be restored in love upon genuine repentance. Maybe I have this out of context. Has it gone the way of women covering their heads and not speaking in church? I am glad those things were for that particular time and place.

To avoid confusion, I will end my entries with KDR.(Karen Denise Rodriguez)

JOURNEY TO THE MOVIES

Today we went to the movies.


Journey to the Center of the Earth was a good movie. I didn't see it coming. I was totally surprised. One thing I really liked about the movie was that it got right to the story......did use any fillers. The action was good........there were a lot of those 'edge of your seat' moments. GO SEE IT!

JY-NORMOUS SUNFLOWERS

A few months ago Denise and I planted some sunflowers in our yard. They were supposed to grow to 12 to 15 feet tall. Well....didn't quite happen. In their defense I did plant them in a place where very few things have grown (other than weeds and yucca). I watered them pretty often hoping for a towering cluster of seeds.....
A little over five feet ain't too bad. I'm still looking forward to the clusters.....but they'll be eye level. I hope they survive our bird population. We have a bird feeder in our front yard.....they've been known to wipe that feeder out in a matter of hours. We do have a lot of pretty birds in our neighborhood. We enjoy watching them.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

This evening I attended a seminar hosted by the ADOR (Alabama Dept of Revenue). I'll leave it at that. It was an information overload. They said it would be. And it was. I did learn that I can't do my Contractor taxes like I do my Auto Sales taxes. Oki-dokey!

Anyways.......the past few weeks have been good. I've enjoyed spending time with my wife. I have not enjoyed the recent heat wave. Luckily I've not have to do much work outside. Right now I'm working on a few estimates and trying to find someone to do a decent paint job on a classic car. That's work in a nutshell.

This past weekend Denise's family had a family reunion. It was fun. I did enjoy making a DVD slide show of old and new photos for the reunion. That's always fun.

I'm realizing that I need to get more organized. I've got my business information in folders, boxes and even a cigar box or two. Not good. I guess I'll end up getting a filing cabinet. I've never liked the way they look. Too 'office' for me.....I mean to have in my home. Although they do make cabinets out of wood.

That's pretty much it for now........till next time.

Fenelon: A Holy Mind

Recently, a friend had written about how she and her group of friends enjoy making one another laugh and how key phrases develop as they spend time together. Things that would not have meaning or be understood by others without explanation. There is nothing wrong with that kind of fellowship. But it reminded me of times when I was a part of a close-knit group like that and we were also good at fencing with words and matching wits with each other. We were so incedibly clever! But God has me in a different place right now, not much fellowship, but lots of seeking and meditating on Him. I had to repent of envying my friend and her group and of contemplating forming my own or becoming a part of someone else's. I am enjoying where God has me, but for an evening that longing for belonging and memories of past times became so intense...

The following morning I picked up my devotional book of Fenelon's writings. I was on chapter eight. This is part of what I read: "There is a great difference between a clever mind, a great mind and a holy mind. The clever mind is pleasing because of its charm. The great mind excites our admiration because of its depth. But only a right spirit can save and make us happy through its constancy and uprightness..."

Another Tolkien Quote

Gandalf to Denethor, Steward of Gondor:

" '...Unless the king should come again?' said Gandalf. 'Well, my lord Steward, it is your task to keep some kingdom still against that event, which few now look to see. In that task you shall have all the aid that you are pleased to ask for. But I will say this: the rule of no realm is mine, neither of Gondor nor any other, great or small. But all worthy things that are in peril as the world now stands, those are my care. And for my part, I shall not wholly fail of my task, though Gondor should perish, if anything passes through this night that can still grow fair or bear fruit and flower again in days to come. For I also am a steward. Did you not know?' "

Sometimes it seems that few today still look to the event of the coming of our King. But we, as Christians, are a part of His kingdom. We are called to be salt and light and love in a sometimes grim and loveless world. For we also are stewards. "Did you not know?"

A favorite quote from Tolkien

Elrond to Council:

"It is perilous to study the arts of the enemy too deeply, for good or for ill."

2 Cor.3:18 "But we all with unveiled faces beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of theLord."

Phil. 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things.(fix your mind on them)."

hey! This is Karen Denise, not Jose'. I'll be writing some on here now that my life is not consumed by my job. I know an elderly lady who was diagnosed as needing a heart transplant due to a genetic disorder. while pondering about her, I got these verses...

"I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people and I will be their God." Ezekiel 11:19-20

"Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!" Ezekiel 18:31-32

Now that's a heart transplant! And isn't it great that our God takes no pleasure in death? So much so that "...He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting LIFE..."

I know that death is real and painful but, yea!, it's TEMPORARY, as opposed to EVERLASTING and ETERNAL!

I could go on and on and on, but I won't. God is trying to teach me, a confirmed babbler, to be concise.

GETTIN' A NEW SKIN

Well....today I started the transformation of my Gibson Les Paul. I stripped off all of the hardware and electronics.......and some of the paint. My plans are to take it back to its original color ( white ) with a blue/silver pearl mix. I'll mix up the pearl myself ( so I'll have to see how it turns out ). I am excited about it . I've been researching humbuckers for a long time now and finally decided on some Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro pickups. They're a matched set.....like those used by Slash. I've always enjoyed his signature sounds.......and I know it takes more than a set of pickups to get a sound.....it's a beginning. Anyways......I'm looking forward to the process. Right now the guitar is pretty ugly. I'm also going to be adding a Jimmy Page Les Paul wiring set up. If you're not familiar with it....his Les Paul is set up with a push/pull knob that switches the humbucker to a single coil. Gets lots of cool sounds out of it.



I know it's looking pretty rough right now....but it's been a long time coming. I was never really happy with the sound of the factory pickups. They're standard Gibson issue humbuckers. The wiring will be an upgrade as well. It'll look nice back white. I'll put some pics up in a few weeks after it is done.