Too Close to the Bone.

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First of all, I’m saddened by the loss of Vince Flynn. Please say a prayer for his family today.

Of all the modern writers, I enjoyed his books the most. Philosophically, emotionally, and in terms of how I’d like to write, Vince Flynn was my favorite. I said it yesterday on Facebook – I’d be happy to be 1/4 of the writer Mr. Flynn was on any day.

Today’s topic is – well, watch the video below and then I’ll have some commentary.

Famous Dave’s new cookbook: Famous Dave’s Barbecue Party Cookbook

But first, If you are a subscriber to the blog you are eligible to win a copy of Famous Dave’s new cookbook: Famous Dave’s Barbecue Party Cookbook. So hit the subscription box on the right and say a prayer! The contest closes at 0800 on the 27th of June. Winners will by by random drawing.

Some Christians are obsessed with whether or not a blog/book/recording/movie/piece of art is “Christian” and thus acceptable. I’m not a huge supporter of that philosophy. I think there are all sorts of truly wonderful things out there that don’t have the “Christian” label on them but still glorify God. I’ve heard secular artists as diverse as U2 and Elvis Presley singing on Christian radio stations. Yup, even Elvis and Bono.

The point I’m trying to make is that you can enjoy things without looking for the equivalent of a Kosher seal on them. The video above does an excellent job of making the point for me.

I’m a big fan of Christian entertainment. But it won’t cause your eternal damnation to read the latest Reacher novel, or watch Longmire on A&E. You might even have a good time listening to Toby Keith! If you are living your life the right way, you can glean good things from almost anything you run across. Even evil.

Yes, knowing what the enemy is up to is important to us as Christians. We need to have the knowledge and power that comes from being aware of our surroundings. Without studying evil and its impact on those around us, how could we possibly guard against it in our own lives? This is not to say that Toby Keith is evil, but even a rowdy song from my favorite singer does me a bit of good from time to time. I try to live the Christian life, but if I hear him singing “Angry American” I’m not going to shrivel up and blow away.

Am I advocating sin, lust and greed? Nope. But as much as I’d like to say Christian entertainment does it all for me, it doesn’t. Some topics just don’t get covered in our genre. And since I like straight up history, biographies, and current events with some political commentary I do go outside the zone on a regular basis.

My message here, after a laborious and tortured trip, is that you need to occasionally take a deep breath, remember that doing right is the goal, and not lose your mind if something “in the world” catches your attention. The young men in the video figured that one out early on in their lives. Why does it take so long for some of the rest of us to figure that one out for ourselves?

As long as you’re still here, trot on over and subscribe to have a chance at winning Famous Dave’s new cookbook: Famous Dave’s Barbecue Party Cookbook. And, while you’re at it – Please follow me on Twitter, and “Like” the Facebook author page.

That Little Metal Box

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This morning I was watching some dreck on the DVR and realized my friend Stormy was giving me the look of a hunted animal. I left what I was doing and laid down next to her on the floor. It was time for a bit of snuggling. She’s still not at ease with me and I’m trying to deepen those bonds.

As I stretched out on the floor next to her it dawned on me that it was a unique perspective on the dining room. I spent some time rubbing her sides and getting dozy. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted an old metal box on the radiator.

The Box

I dismissed it at first, been in that box a million times. But something made me get up and open it again. I’m glad I did.

That box holds the first 5 years of my married life in it, and my entire navy career. I got it when I was a student at DLI and stuffed “things” into it as they came in to my life.

The inventory includes a bunch of snapshots of a 24 year old kid and his girlfriend. They were both skinny, tan, and good looking. I think of myself as Santa these days, but once upon a time I was a young sailor with about 5% body fat (right after basic training) and a pair of shades. They went with the smoke hanging out of my mouth. I’d forgotten what she looked like back then as well. No wonder I fell so crazy in love with that girl.

There were also belt buckles from a few of the submarines I rode. Good memories of those boats, the missions, and the people I served with on those runs.

I also found my original neckerchief. The one that draped around my neck when I was wearing my dress uniform. The one I got married in and stood my first inspections wearing it in defiance of uniform regulations. I never retied it once I got it right. I put twister seals on the back of it so it wouldn’t come undone and cherished it every time I pulled it out of the bag.

There was also a row or two of ribbons from my uniform. I thought I’d lost those. And my Expert Marksman medal.

And a pair of dolphins. I never earned them, never wore them, but Doc on my first boat gave them to me and made me promise that if I did earn them I’d wear this pair.

A few snapshots of my dog, my mom and my new wife hanging out in California, some old postcards, and a sense of history.

I remember some of the thoughts in my mind back then. And I marvel at what I looked like at 24.

And I’m so glad I’m not that kid anymore. Still have the beautiful wife, Mom is still with us, and I’m blessed to have been Saved.

Interview with “Famous Dave” Anderson – Subscribers Can Win His Book!

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This is an interview I did (in writing) with Famous Dave Anderson recently. I was asked to do some minor consulting for a venture of his and asked for an interview as my fee. I submitted the questions and he graciously sent back his answers in writing. I’ve edited them for space. And a warning – Dave has some tongue-in-cheek answers to the questions – He’s not talking theology, he’s talking barbecue! So take it easy and laugh along.

If you are a subscriber to the blog you are eligible to win a copy of Famous Dave’s new cookbook: Famous Dave’s Barbecue Party Cookbook. So hit the subscription box on the right and say a prayer!

Famous Dave’s new cookbook: Famous Dave’s Barbecue Party Cookbook

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Famous Dave’s Cookbook Giveaway Contest Starts Today!

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Famous Dave’s new cookbook

I’ve been harping for weeks about subscribing to this little electronic rag and it’s starting to pay off. Now I’m going to reward you for your loyal following.

I’ll be giving away an autographed copy of Famous Dave’s new cookbook in 10 days. The contest starts right this moment. Just subscribe to the blog (the box is on the right column near the top) to be eligible. Here’s the thing about subscription – I’m going to use it for two things: giving away free stuff and giving away more free stuff. I will not sell the list to anyone, I will not spam you, I will be a good boy. When you subscribe you have to respond to an email verifying that you want to subscribe. You will then get the blog via email when it’s updated (usually later in the day.)

All of the contests from now on will be for subscribers only. Again, I’m not selling that list to anyone. It’s just for goodies for you. And, of course, your updated blog post via email.

Tomorrow I’ll be publishing the interview with Famous Dave himself. I was asked to consult for his business (on a specialized topic – no taste testing involved) a while back and this is my “payment” for my time – a pretty good interview and some frank answers from a guy who’s been a lot of places in this life. He’s also pretty darned funny. I submitted the questions and he responded in writing. I thank Dave for his time and the fact that he’ll autograph a book to the specifications of the winner.

So, trot on over and subscribe. And, while you’re at it – Please follow me on Twitter, and “Like” the Facebook author page.

Sponsorship Sunday – Week Seven – Schneider

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Please follow me on Twitter, and “Like” the Facebook author page.

During my trip to Haiti in February of 2013 I had the pleasure of getting to know the people of Healing Haiti. Part of their mission there is an orphanage known as Grace Village. It is my pleasure to present one of the children from Grace Village each week to my readership in the hope that you will take them into your heart and sponsor their care and education.

This week’s child is: Schneider

Schneider

Schneider wants to be an engineer when he grows up so he works hard in school, particularly math class. When he’s not studying, Schneider likes to pull together a team to play soccer or basketball. Schneider learned how to ride a bike before coming to Grace Village and would like to have one of his own some day. Schneider’s prayer request is that he can continue to learn and finish school.

Schneider came to Healing Haiti in July, 2008. Schneider was abandoned by his mother and his father is unknown.

Birth Info
Birthdate: November 24, 1997
Place of Birth: Delmas, Haiti

It is my hope that one of you will find your heart touched by this child and take up a bit of Christ’s work by sponsoring them for an extended period. My wife and I are sponsoring a pair of sisters and I look at it this way – I only gave up a fast-food dinner each day to change the life of a child. Healing Haiti will do the right things for these children and I have full confidence in their work. I am not affiliated with them, they don’t endorse this blog, nothing like that at all. I just love kids (can’t be Santa and not love children) and know that Grace Village is the difference between life and death for many of these children. Please open your heart and prayerfully reflect on the opportunity God’s giving us to sponsor these children. Some of them have come out of slavery and have some of the toughest lives you could imagine prior to Grace Village.

Just click the link and it will take you directly to the page where you can sponsor this week’s child. And if God is particularly good and that child is sponsored when you get there, please grab another smiling face and change their life instead. My goal is to put Sponsorship Sunday out of business as quickly as possible and take that day off each week. Thank you. God bless you for your generosity.

Some of the finest people you’ll ever meet. The hands and feet of Christ.