Take Me Back

…What A Privilege. This past summer I had the experience of a lifetime. My wife, my son, and myself flew to Finland, my wife’s parent’s homeland, and Ireland, my birthplace. Finland wasn’t at all what I had expected. Beautiful landscapes, rolling wheat fields, the people looking so healthy. While in Finland we felt a little like we were in a relay race, that we were the baton in this race, as we were passed off to different relatives. There was a prize at the end of this relay that we were unaware of. Knowing what the prize is now, and the importance for us to finish this relay, has made me wonder what relay race are you in. Our prize keeps coming to my mind every time I think of Finland. My wife who had been corresponding to her Aunt finally got to meet her. She was a petite lady who had just celebrated her 90th birthday. So-o-o sweet. As we had tea and birthday cake she reminisced to my wife about her mom as together they look at old back and white pictures. This reunion was so incredible, as I stood of to the side and watched two family members who have never met come together. I was told later that Aunt had been praying for years, hoping that one day she could meet her sister’s daughter before she died. This small woman who had raised 10 children of her own, her prayers were answered. I was so blessed to see this happen, to be able to watch as they hugged for the first time all I could do was wipe the small tear from my eye. God can do far more that we can imagine. The race you are running is important, you may not know the out come at the starting line, or the importance of finishing .So much of what we are doing in life we unknowingly are doing on faith. You don’t have to be a Christian to be doing things on faith, I believe that we all have a hope inside us that thing are going to workout. Who would have thought that a little 90 year old lady would be my prize at the end of my relay race in Finland.

Ireland … We all have roots, some good some bad. Roots nonetheless I was just a little nervous going to Ireland it had been 43 years that I had walked there. Someone once said that when you go back that far you can be disappointed in what you find. That place where we played as a child, no longer exists or we wouldn’t feel welcomed in a country that is no longer home but still holds deep feelings inside. I will be forever grateful to my cousin who showed us Ireland and some of her landmarks. But more that that showed me and thought me the importance of family. That each part is needed. This Blog was given to me as a gift for fathers day its taken some unexpected turns its helped me to realize how important each one of us is .In a funny kind of way it’s given me a voice I never thought I had and I’ve come to realize that I can never be complete as I try with Gods help to build this house. Not many people have the opportunity to travel to their birthplace with their wife and son. We’ve rediscovered family, history and culture. Every were we went we were welcomed and hugged often. There is a move of God maybe a renewing that I never new as a small boy .We were privileged to tour one new church with over 700 hundred members and growing as people are curious to know what is going on in side this new building. There is defiantly a hunger for more in Ireland.

1 Corinthians 13 (New Living Translation)
9 Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little! 10 But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear. 11 It's like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now. 13 There are three things that will endure -- faith, hope, and love -- and the greatest of these is love.

‘You can take the boy out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the man.” Author unknown.

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When I Grow Up I Wanna Be Just LIke You

Do you ever have that thought that just stays with you? Some newscasts are full of stories where relatives are arrested, two brothers, a father and son.
Or stories where an elderly person is taken away in handcuffs. And the thought comes to mind, what the children see the adults do, the child will do it more. We can only do the best with what has been given us, and if we don’t, someone else suffers.

When my wife and I give gifts to our children, we love to watch the facial expressions light up, when they open their gift. For the giver of the gift, it’s really what it’s all about. Sometimes we ask them to close their eyes really tight. Now open them. Usually a picture is taken to capture the moment.
This body we are in, is only temporary, and when we die our spirit will go up to heaven, where we will be given new bodies. I would like to think that my death is going to be like a big party celebration, where I am told not to peek, keep your eyes closed real tight, and wait till everyone is in position. O.K. now you can open them. Can you picture the expression on your face as you look around heaven at all your loved ones, the ones that went on before you. The Bible clearly tells us that heaven is a place that angels are real, that the battles we fight are in the spiritual realm, that things are going to get worse as the end gets closer.
Some have tried to predict when the end will happen, but NO man knows that for sure. It’s all there in black and white. You can read for yourself. It’s like having to do your homework for yourself, and not getting your girlfriend or wife to do it for you. Remember when you were in school and you were given an assignment that you were interested in? You put an effort into learning the assignment, you studied, you had the answers, you were confident, and when class started you were excited. There was a kind of peace that was inside you.
And when the teacher asked a question, you were ready with the answer. Jesus is our teacher. We will be held accountable for what we have done with the time we have been given. We Christians, myself included, get so caught up trying to figure out what we have to offer, what our so called gifts are, that we give confusion in us time to steal moments. When all we are called to do is be the best husband, best wife, best person, and not get so caught up in that other stuff.
Do you remember a show called, ‘Welcome Back Kotter?’ The show was set in a classroom. There was this one student, his name was Arnold Horshack, and whenever Mr Kotter, the teacher, would ask a question, Horshack in excitement would raise his hand straight up, popping out of his seat, and would yell “ooh ooh oooh!” As to say “Mr Kotter, please ask me, I have the answer.” When I am asked the question, how I did as a Dad, I want to be able to raise my hand straight up, as I pop out of my seat in excitement yelling, “ooh oooh ooooh! I have the answer.” I want to be able to say I did the very best with what you gave me.

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If You Search For Me

….. There’s this old Gospel song that comes to mind, “We Call On Him,” and I wonder why for some people they only cry out for comfort, and pray as a last resort. My Mom once said, I raised you and someone else gets to have you. There are lessons all around us. Spiritual lessons, I like to call them. Lessons the Holy Spirit gives us, just because. Sometimes I just shake my head and cry. Let me try to explain. At church I usually sit in the same area, usually in the middle section close to the back. That way when my son walks in with his young family, I get to look at them, and get a hug. This past Sunday when they came to church they just walked by, and I missed the hug, and the smile, and the strong embrace. I hadn’t changed seats, or moved to a different location. Maybe he didn’t see me, or he needed to take care of his young family. It wasn’t long till he was standing right beside me, all 6ft.2in. of him, with his smile and strong embrace. And I marveled at this life, as parents, we raised. People seem to have no need for God in the so called good times, and they just walk right past him, but when trouble comes they cry out, “Lord Help!” God doesn’t change seats. He is always there waiting for us to come to Him. He is the same yesterday, today and forever, and he is waiting for us to move close to Him. He is a God of love, and will not force his way into your life, if you don’t invite Him in. Many years ago, I was 18 at the time, someone who cared for me very much, my girlfriend at the time, now my wife, gave me a Bible to read. I had grown up in a Christian home. We celebrated all the holidays- Christmas, Easter, went to mass on Sunday. Even though I did all the required things, it wasn’t till I started to read the Bible and experience how timeless and true are it’s words. I am so thankful that my parents tried to teach me about the holiness of God. Each one of us can hear God speak, there is a move in our spirit that wants to shift to the things that please God. As a young man of 18, I read this verse in Romans. It was about the inner struggles of man, the inner struggle of one’s spirit, and as I was reading the words I couldn’t believe that someone else in a different time was battling with their own inner feelings. It was almost like I had written the very words I was reading. Here it’s almost 40 years later, and now, these feelings have turned into emotions, as I watch my dear mom battling old age, and dementia, a disease that robs a person of their spirit, memory and will to live. I don’t know if it’s that way for other people with this disease, but it is for my mom.
I have gone through some of the things that life brings, marriage, births, loss of love ones, loss of jobs, little ones growing up around me, now raising their own family.
Once again, I find myself reading from Romans. As I struggle with the emotion and pain, as my dear Mom loses her memory of me, I somehow feel that I have been given a way out, and oddly enough, my prayer is a prayer of thanks. I have to hang onto the hope that was planted in me at an early age, that even death can’t separate us from the love of God. There is something so strong fighting inside us telling us lies, trying to confuse us, trying to make us believe that we are beyond God’s love. When all we need to do is be still and know that God is God, and one day I will see my Mom in her new body in Heaven. Some days my Mom doesn’t even remember my name, but she usually finishes our visits by saying, “God Bless,” because in her spirit, there is still some fight left in this Spirited Irish Lady.


Romans 8:38-39 (New Living Translation)

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. 39 Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

LOG-ON P.S. we love you Mom

Conflict of Interest

....I haven’t given much thought to log house construction lately. My thoughts are if my dreams can’t come true maybe I can help someone else’s dream happen. As I am learning to let go of some of my dreams, and reflect back, I’m also thankful that I am not where I used to be and with that said, I’m not where I want to be. I only know one thing, the privilege of where I am, is a gift –a gift of grace and a gift of hope. Sometimes we can allow negative thinking to do it’s thing. It’s almost as if we allow our armor to be penetrated. If you have been reading your Bible, you will remember that we are cautioned about evil, and the need to wear all the armor that is at our disposal. Evil is like that sin or weed waiting to germinate, wanting to take root in your life and kill all the good that is growing in you.

Philippians 4:8 (New Living Translation. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

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Completion Date

…This seems odd to be talking about the building permit so late in the construction stage. This month I will be celebrating another year that I have been under construction. Yes it’s my birthday, but sometimes we don’t know the true value of something till we meditate on it. Oddly enough that’s what I have been doing, as I have been constructing and learning to go deeper, examining my heart. Every new building needs to submit a blueprint to city hall for approval, before construction can start. I am so thankful when I answered that altar call many years ago. It was as if I was submitting my blueprints, that every inch of my life was exposed. Every room, every closet, was open for examination. What the evil one brings to harm, the Holy Spirit turns it around for our good. As a little boy growing up going to church, I was taught that the evil in me sits on my shoulder whispering in my ear, prompting me that its o.k., you can get away with it, no one is going to know. That’s a lie because I know. So if I know shouldn’t I also know that God knows? As my dad would say, sometimes we are our own worst enemy. If you are still reading I know that there has been a good work started in you. Don’t quit, don’t give up hope.

Ephesians 4:25-32 (New Living Translation)
25 So put away all falsehood and "tell your neighbor the truth" because we belong to each other. 26 And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil. 28 If you are a thief, stop stealing. Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.


Most log homes fall into the category of one of a kind, custom made, and for this reason need a special seal that is obtained from a structural engineer. I believe there is a special seal on each one of us. Years ago when we built our first house, we were able to move in before final occupancy was granted. This allowed us the time we needed to complete some of the unfinished details, and the privilege to live in the house before final occupancy was granted. In God’s word, our Bible, we are taught that we will never be complete till we are in our true home Heaven, that this earth is a temporary thing, and this will all pass. I have been asked many times will I ever build that log house for real? We all have things we would like to do, big dreams we would love to see come to reality. I have seen glimpses of the possibility of this happening, and my hope is that I will. I know that’s not an exact answer, but it’s the best I can say. I do believe we need to keep moving forward toward our dreams in the hope that one day the impossible becomes the possible. I also believe if you grieve the Holy Spirit you aren’t doing you self any favors. Our manual (the Bible) was written to teach, not to condemn and that God does care about whatever we are going through.


Ephesians 1:13
13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation -having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,


Titus 3:5 NLT
He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.

As I am struggling with my thoughts, with the words I want to write, there is this cry inside of me to be able to express as clearly as I can that God is an awesome God. No one going to make you follow after the things that please Him, your spirit is going to have to want it. God’s Holy Spirit will not force any wrong on you. It’s not possible. In the Bible Jesus says, “Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest.” Are you one of the all? I know I am. My prayer is that you think about your actions and remember what love is.—LOG - ON

What Kind of House Are You Building ?

…I’m one of those morning type people,
usually when I wake up I have a thought that I feel I need to build on. My thoughts these last few mornings have been on Sin and how it relates to this house. We all like to have nice furniture, things that will make our home comfortable and if you could listen to the decor it would tell you about the people who live there. There comes a time when you have
to decide what kind of home you want, what it will be furnished with even down to the smallest detail, like the pictures on the wall. What we take in through our eyes (what we look at ) to what we take in through our mouth, brain and yes heart. There that word again I’ve tried to run from. Some doorways are so banged up because the owner tries to bring in the wrong size furniture and in the process cause damage to the entranceway. Sometimes the owner picks up pieces that don’t add to the overall style or character that they are trying to create. When I picture a log home I visualize a great room, massive logs and a roaring fire sitting in a hearth surrounded by river rock. You could almost sense the unity to the home as you walk through each room. Sometimes in our life we can pick up things, wrong thoughts doubt, resentment, unforgiveness, failour, almost a woo is me mentality and in bringing these things in, we damage the doorframe. These things can build up to a point were we have a battle on our hands till we have to force these thing out. We are told to hide His word in our heart for a reason, for when we feel beat up you could have something to hold on to. Up to this point building the log house and examining myself has for the most part been fun so I am feeling as I share my thoughts just a little exposed. Sin can you feel the power this little word carries? Love a word with only one more letter covers all, relay what more can you add to that.
Deuteronomy 7:9
Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and constantly loves those who love him and obey his commands. 


Ephesians 6:8-18 A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. 12 For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. 13 Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere. My sincere prayer is that you don’t go weary and get a cold heart and give up. Log-On

Custom Plan One Of A Kind

…My thought here is not to give the wrong impression. I grew up in a loving home with two parents, and two sisters that I love dearly. I have many, many, fond memories of a great childhood. Most of my Christian life I have felt that, I'm not too sure of the correct word to use here, so I'm going to use a quote from Paul’s letters in Romans...Romans 7: 24-25. 24 I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? 25 The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different. (The Message)
We are called as Christians, as believers to put off those things that hold us back. That each one of us is important, that we have something to contribute. So many people get caught up looking for their gift, that I think they don’t realize that they are the gift. I don’t mean that in a puffed up kind of way. We are made unique, one of a kind. If you really want to get down to it we are made in God's image. Intimacy with God to me is such a strange concept, but this is becoming more and more real to me as I am still learning to hear His voice for myself. I know in my heart someone will read this, let me assure you God loves you, He cares for you. There is a will in your spirit, it's a battle, it's you telling you lies. Lies that you messed up again. Lies that you are not a very nice person. Lies to bring you down, to draw you away from the goodness of God's Holy Spirit that is in each one of us. You are not alone. Everyone who walks this earth will have battles, but you can have victory. Are you at the end of your rope, do you feel that you have reached bottom? My heart is sad because of your pain, but I think you know what you have to do.
As I stand back and look at the log house, a tear comes to my eye. I shake my head, I think that I have come so far. Things are starting to take shape. I’ve had to go back and redo some stuff. Some of my choices I’ve had to rethink, I’ve had to ask for help at different stages of construction, and advice when I wasn’t sure of a product. But I am happy with the overall look.
Romans 16: 16-18. Hardly. You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and it's your last free act. But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you've let sin tell you what to do. 17 But thank God you've started listening to a new master, 18 one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom! (The Message)
Are you happy with the house you are building? Log-On