"Update your stinkin' blog, already!"

With those intimidating words from my friend Denes, I finally go back to my blog to update the world on my life. Instead of writing lengthy bits about everything, I'll create a list of the headlines. Then, I'll elaborate slightly on the more important factoids -

1. I'm currently preparing to do a Wild at Heart one-day seminar at Coxsackie prison Saturday, 10/7. Our elder, Joe Prisk, who is also Chaplain at the prison, invited me to do it. I'm covering the three eternal truths (from Eldredge's Waking the Dead), then the question, the wound, the poser, and healing the wound and the new name. I've lived this stuff the last two and a half years, including the classic Boot Camp...more on that later. Pray if you are prompted for open hearts and the anointing only God can pour out..

2. Our men are also holding a men's retreat the weekend following at Camp Pinnacle, in the mountains outside Albany, NY. I don't care what anyone says, I'm going on a hike during free time. I am NOT playing paintball. I value my life and would rather not get blasted by some of the lunatics that attend our church. Love 'em, but they is CRAY-ZEE!

3. Mets lose eight out of ten. Had better get on the ball. Pray for a Mets/Twins World Series. My friend Troy (lives in Minnesota) and I will have to put up a wager. Plus, the Yankees will have lost. Someone say, Amen?

4. Did you catch where the state government is going to issue all home owners a rebate check for their overpaid property taxes? Wow, benevolence...what a concept from our government. Oh, but they "forgot to mention" that the checks will be counted as income on our taxes! Which means the tax rebate money will be... you guessed it - TAXED!! They're going to get 1/3 of it back ANYWAY!!! GRRRRR!!! Did I mention we live in one of the most corrupt states in the union?

5. I had my hand in setting up the outline of the Christmas play at our church. Delray, the Creative Arts director, asked me for a little "plot advice". I've heard a rumor I'm to be singing "White Christmas" a la Bing Crosby. I'm dreamin'.....

6. National Novel Writing Month is about one month away. I don't think I'm going to do it this year. Last year was great. It proved to me I could write 50,000 words. Not that I wouldn't enjoy the challenge. But there is so much going on. I don't think I could do it with any hope of actually finishing. If you'd like to try, or get more info, go to www.nanowrimo.org. Cool site, lots of interesting people from around the world on the forums.

7. Did you notice the 6 in the last segment is italicized, but nothing else is. Sweet!

8. Taking a major dive after three weeks in my football pool. I'm closing in on the bottom three, a place of dishonor, just like on American Idol or Dancing with the "Supposed" Stars. I think a seven year old girl is winning. That is no joke!

9. Trying to remain confident, but my work is WAY down in sales, more than 50%. That has effected my cashflow in a big way. We're trying to brave this lengthy storm, trying to stay focused, reminding ourselves always that the just shall live by faith. I've got to have a pretty substantial pile of mustard seeds right now.

10. I mentioned the Wild at Heart Boot Camp. John is hosting more in 2007, including one the weekend of May 3-6, which, with God's help, I'll be attending. Last year, it changed my life. This time around, who knows? If you're interested in finding out what it's all about, go to www.ransomedheart.com and click on "EVENTS". Browse through the Boot Camp material. Check out my log from the last Boot Camp under archives in April '05, to the right of the page.

11. My neighbors already have their Halloween decorations up. They have for a week. Well, I guess if Santa can show up in the mall the week before Thanksgiving...

Well, that's all from Barkman land. God is good, all the time. Aslan is on the move here. No doubt. I pray He is where you are as well. More to come later...

OK, Denes..was THAT good enough? Yeesh...