Slowly clearing out my Stuff

Good thing the weather is so cold, because I am burning piles & piles of my old bank, credit card, utility, and other bills in the wood stove. They don't burn that well though, so I have to keep shuffling the ashes around until they finally burn up completely.

Also disposed of the 10 years worth of old Coins magazines that have been sitting gathering dust and ash. When I think back to all the money I wasted on perishable items that will not be of any eternal value, I am upset & sad with myself. If I had resisted the siren song of American culture, which advertises that we all need new & wonderful items to keep us happy, make life fulfilling, and ultimately supplant our relationship with YHWH, how much less I would be having to mess with right now. I could be in Kerrville with my beloved wife instead of sorting thru & then trashing so much stuff.

I have to keep resisting the temptation to look at the tools on Craftsman.com & purchase some nice shiney tools that I already have several of. [Hey ended that sentence with a nice preposition! Grammar!!!!] Anyway, it is hard to discipline myself with tools, I need to go back to doing what Larry Burkett always recommended; Put the tools you wanted on your list, & wait 30 days to purchase. If they were still needed, then you could purchase it. Oh, & he said to only keep one item on your list at a time! Hard to do for me.

Time is also in short supply, must get off the internet & back to sorting, packing & throwing away. Please pray for me.

In Christ, Rick
a Follower of the Way

After Election Day

Well, it looks like a vast majority of Americans have spoken, and they want what they want.

I read a blog by Les Rile that he wrote 2 years ago after the Democrats took over Congress. Well, they have increased their lead a bunch, & the Republican party is a mess.

But now is the time to change America from the bottom up, starting with our families, our fellow Christians, & then our neighbors.

There is an extreme lack of Holiness in Christianity, beginning with our personal lives, and all the indulgences that we think we deserve. I myself am guilty of it. Should not have bought that candy on clearance. It was not necessary at all.

The church is losing it's children because we make it cultural, & not integral to our lives. We are not honest, open & authentic with ourselves, God, and our children, which causes this disconnect.

We as Christians need compassion for others, even the pagans, the homosexuals, the homeless. They are going to make their decisions, we can feed them, clothe them, & build the relationships necessary to prove we really care about them, Just as Christ did.

Now that Christians are the distinct minority, how will we act? Will we stand firm even when it means losing our homes, our jobs, our freedom.

I don't know, it is hard even for me.



a Follower of the Way

The economy can't be 'Fixed' by governments

I read on CNN?Money.com about the headlines of world governments trying to set new rules for the economy. They are so foolish to think they can chage inalterable laws of economics. The piper has top be paid sometime, and without a real increase in goods or services, there must be a contraction.

Why they can't figure this out is beyond me, but then they are too desperate for power, and control, & unwilling to let go of the failed paradigm of life.

How sad it is.

Just wish I had sold my property in NM, so that I could buy a small farm in the hill country here in texas, and grow crops from the soil. Get away from selling the junk that is imported from overseas, that is simply indulgent waste for a few fleeting moments of holoow pleasure.


a Follower of the Way

Bread & Circuses

Well, the US financial markets are in deep trouble, but the majority of Americans are blindly allowing themselves to be anesthetized by entertainment. Why save money for the lack of work to come, when you can mindlessly entertain yourself, spending money you really don't have, on hollywood.

This country is rapidly going downhill, and will soon be taken over by some other country soon.

The cycle continues.

a Follower of the Way

The worst is yet to come

Finances are looking bad on Wall street. But how does that effect the small American? We are looking at a period of inflation, sooner or later, and the collapse of the US as we know it.

The only way to even hope to make it thru is to be completely debt free, and just live frugally.

Investing in lead might be a good idea too. [along with powder]


a Follower of the Way

Hurrican Ike Hits Houston

Well, Galveston Island is getting hit pretty hard. Turns out that thousands of residents did not obey the mandatory evacuation order t leave, and now that the storm surge is swallowing up everything, many are calling for help. But it is too late. The authorities are not getting anyone.

I can understand the reluctance to leave, especially aftyer the fiasco of the Rita evacuation 3 years ago. But I can also say I don't have much sympathy for them when it gets too difficult. In some stories, all those interviewed were getting their cases of beer, and getting drunk. What foolishness people!

Sad thing is that these people are not smart, let alone wise, they are ill prepared to do anything, and have no tools or equipment to get out or do anything.

Too late What were the thousands who ignored orders to flee from Ike's near-certain destruction thinking? It should have had the end title changed to .... what were they DRINKING! That is the foolishness of alcohol in our self centered society.



a Follower of the Way

Back In Datil

Drove up to Datil on Wednesday, all 760+ miles in less than 11 hours. It is sure nice being able to go 80MPH on I -10for about half of the way

So nice to be back in the cool dry air of the mountains. I do miss this time of the year in New Mexico. Just a tinge o fsadness about leaving this place, but it is what the Lord has led me to do, go back to TX.

There has been a lot of rain this summer, and the grass is tall and green, very beautiful. The pinon pines are full of fat sappy pine cones. There should be a bumper crop of pine nuts this fall!.

Alas, The house is still full of stuff, no one has taken it away so that I could claim my insurance and not have to take the time to sell it, Ha.



a Follower of the Way

Dog days of summer in Texas

It is hot, humid, and quite uncomfortable. I sure would be enjoying the summer monsoons in New Mexico right now. Looking at the weather shows the highs are in the 70's, & lows getting down to the upper 40's.

Meanwhile,, here in Kerrville, the clouds are actually keeping it bearable, with temp in the mid 80's.

The kids are in England, have not heard from them, & hope they are enjoying their time with Grandad Burt. He is a WWII vet, who was a tank commander from D-Day plus 2 or 3 I think.



a Follower of the Way

The problems with public Schools again

In the article mentioned above in the Dallas Morning News, the story is told of bullying that was Waay more than sadistic tormenting, it begins to sound like the city of Sodom in the Old testsment.

I hope the boys are whipped by their parents. The parents of the attacker boys need to have counseling themselves.

This makes me mad!

'Nuff said

a Follower of the Way

Lean Sigma Six

I was perusing the Texags Job Board & happened across this info on CContinuous Improvement Program method. It Fascinates me, and ties in very well with my personality type.

I am very excited about this, and see it as being used in every organization including the Church. Why we need to incorporate this into our lives is to improve our ability to be holy in all aspects of living.

Now, if I can begin to apply it in my own life, especially in regards to selling online, and making the most of my time, not frittering it away.

An example that especially pertains to me follows:

5S’s Method

Key Concept Benefits of the 5 Ss Method Improve safety and communication Reduce space requirements Increase compliance with processes and procedures Boost morale by creating a pleasant workplace Reduce time wasted looking for tools and equipment

5 S’s method/visual is the process of creating workplace cleanliness and organization including visual signals. The 5-S process includes five steps:

• Sort: Organize and separate needed from unneeded
• Straighten: Arrange and identify for ease of use
• Shine: Clean and look for ways to keep it clean
• Standardize: Maintain and monitor the first 3 S’s
• Sustain: Discipline, stick to the rules and maintain motivation

By eliminating the unnecessary, establishing a place for what remains, and cleaning up remaining equipment, tools, and storage devices, clutter is reduced and needed items are readily found. Visual management involves the use of visual cues (e.g. road traffic signs and signals) to assure things happen and improve documentation.

Hopefully more later.

a Follower of the Way

The Lord provides even the small things

When I left Datil last Friday morning [13th June], I had loaded my chest of drawers and bike on the cargo carrier. Alas, as I went down the driveway, it did not handle to load well at all, and tilted way to one side. It was a bit irritating, and I had to back up the drive with it dragging & getting bent out of shape.

Well, I went on my way, wishing I had the chest of drawers, because all my clothes were in plastic bags & such, with no place to store them

On Sunday morning, I went out to the dumpsters to toss some trash, and there, sitting on the ground to the side of it, was a knockdown dresser that had been broken. It was one of those inexpensive, [resd cheap] particle board items you can buy .

So as I look at it, all of the pieces are there, and I can see that it would only need a few pieces of wood strips to reinforce the top and sides to put it back together. So I did, and after about an hours work, I had screwed, drilled, and glued it back together in good shape to where it works fine, and holds a lot of clothes, all that I needed it to.

What a great thing!



a Follower of the Way

Friends I'v lost track of and would like to find again

I had some good Christian friends that I have lost touch with over the years, and would like to get back in touch with them.

Karl & Kris Buss, Nikola and Nyle Austin Buss 9 Dec 1988.
Anthony & Carla Padgett His full name is Anthony King Padgett.

May they find their names on here, and contact me by leaving a comment.

a Follower of the Way

April 28th and 20° outside this morning!!!!!

I sure do wish spring would finally get here. I was watering yesterday, and now all the hoses are frozen. Glad that the fruit trees were not in bloom yet, that would have been really frustrating to have happen.

Will really be striving to work hard on the house this morning, so much to pack up and take care of.



a Follower of the Way

Edward Jefferson [EJ] Bentley family reunion canceled

For the first time in probably over 50 years, the EJ Bentley descendants are not having a family reunion.

EJ Bentley had 8 children, and they would get together every summer in Texas, swap stories, eat good food, and play 42 with dominoes.

Now, we are scattered around a lot, the families are getting older, and we just don't seem to have the time together any longer.

What a shame in a way, but it is not really that surprising any more.

Hopefully we will be in TX ourselves next year, and can get together with the rest of the cousins & their kids. It might not be at the heart of Texas Baptist Encampment, but surely somewhere.

It really is the beginning of the end of an era in our familie history & geneology.

a Follower of the Way

April Snow in the mountains

Well we had a nice snowstorm blow through yesterday afternoon into the wee morning hours, which has left about 2" of fresh snow on the ground. Gotta love springtime in the high country.

This is good though, because I burned all the high weeds and grass off the front yard yesterday morning, and it will green up nicely with the brand new moisture. And if I had waited to burn, it is now too wet to do anything for another week or so.




a Follower of the Way

Flying on a smaller Jet aircraft ExpressJet

Flying ExpressJet from San Antonio to Abq flight 500 this morning. They have really nice service, and lots of snacks. As far as SanAntonio to/from ABQ, they are a really nice way to go. I wil recommend them to others, and asy that their planes & service are really good. I am glad I found it when perusing the Expedia.com website several months ago. They are going to give Southwest a run for their money, at least for the short term. Who knows how long they will last in the crazy airline world, but we will see.
It is a small to midsized jet, capacity of about 50passengers, and there are only 3 seats wide across the body. I wonder if they are looking to buy some of the jets being made in ABQ, by whats their name and expand their fleet. It sure beats the small turboprop planes that I flew in going to Kay & wiltons back when they lived in Mount Pleasant. That was a long time ago.
Rows 1 & 2 are across from the galley, and consist of one seat only. I was in seat 3B, and had the bulkhead in front of me, so no seats reclining all the way down inmy knee space.

a Follower of the Way

More work on Ceiling

Finished another section of the ceiling above the LR, it is now 3/5 done, an looks really nice. I will have some pix shortly. [well, to be honest, longly is more likely to happen]

Judith wa sreally impressed with how it looks, which was very encouraging to hear.

I have been saving stuff for 16 plus years, and I am now using a lot of it in the house.

I bought rolls of fiberglass insulation probably 13-14 years ago, and I am placing it above the paneling to add even more R factor. Total is ~ R-30/32

When the logs for the house came, there were thin wood spacers, which I have been using as supports behind the panels, and have stapled the panels to, to keep them straight and not move around as much. The cordless CCraftsman stapler is really handy for this work.

And of course, the panels cut from the huge Ponderosa that I killed [by burning] about 10-12 years ago. Nice wood though.



a Follower of the Way

Have a moving truck Big Yellow

A week ago I arrived in Albuquerque with my big yellow truck, A former Penske rental truck. It was in Cleveland OH. Do you know how far it is from Datil to Cleveland OH??? 2030 miles!

Lots of money on gas, let me tell you.

It is a 24' box truck, and I have about 3 trucks worth in the house, so I have a lot to get rid of.


Golden City Muse,
a Follower of the Way

Fixing up the House - Part 1 Scaffolding

I have spent 3 days building scaffolding inside my living room so that I can reach the very top of the ceiling, which is 22' about the floor. It has been exhausting to me, and now I have all these other items to get done.

• Vacuum
• caulk
• seal with canned expanding foam
• Put up plastic
• Cover everything with plastic
• Use the 2 part quick expanding foam from Tiger Foam
• Put up roughcut ponderosa pine paneling from the tree that died [I killoed actually] in ceiling.

Doesn't that make you tired out too.

I Might have some pictures later on.

Interesting Blog I found

Amazing where you can end up while doing a google search. I was wanting to find a copy of the music for the song Charity by Kenn Gulickaman. There was ome obscure refernce to him on this particular blog, and I found it so very interesting, that I have spent way too much time on it.

I should be working more diligently on the scaffolding in the LR, because I want to get the ceiling insulated and finished up so that I can continue working ionn the rest of the house.

Maybe I will insert some pix in a bit.

Welcome to the new year 2008

Wow, 2008. Hard to believe that time is moving on so quickly for us all. No, I did not make any New Year resolutions, the Lord has continually shown me what I need to do in my life, which is part of the reason I have started this Blog to keep up with my changes.

It was several years ago that I was convicted to simplify my life, and while I was making a few slow changes, my procrastination was keeping me from making substantial progress like I needed to. Thus, the decision to move to a lower elevation for the health of Apryl, and the resulting move rfmo Datil.

Boy, I have a lot of stuff. even listing it is taking a lot of time, and I have trouble focusing on it like I need to. Talking to my wife on the phone last night was good for me, as I asked for more prayers for finishing up some of my house projects that need doing.

Here is s list of what I need to do, and maybe I will come back to it during the year to let you know how I am doing.

1. Pack away all items in den
2. Pack up items in living room
3. finish emptying file cabinets and drawers in LR and DR [dining Room]
4. Install front door in LR.
5. Scaffolding in LR to insulate roof
6. Insulate LR ceiling with expanding foam
7. Finish off ceiling with rough sawn paneling.
8. Pack, sell, throw away. Repeat 5 times, rinse and do again.

That is probably enough for me now, and then there are the smaller steps in each of the numbered items in the list above.

OK, time to get off the computer and get rolling.