Tulsa Snow & Sound Ministry

I've spent the past three days in Tulsa at the Workshop. It's been six years or so since I've had a chance to be here. The event is much smaller than it was even a few years ago. It was still quite effective, I believe, even though it was smaller in size. At least, it was for us. Moyers Sound had a booth at the event and we made some wonderful contacts. My in-laws were also exhibitors at the event. You can see them here at their booth for New Mexico Christian Children's Home.

We had a significant weather event as well. I've been to the Tulsa Workshop at least 15 times before and experienced all kinds of weather. This is the first time I've seen it snow like this. We had 7 inches in about as many hours. The picture below was at about the three inch level. Pulling a trailer was a lot of fun in this weather.

I am amazed at the things God can do when you make yourself available. We came to Tulsa to let people know that I was now involved with Moyers Sound and, hopefully, make some inroads into churches needing system upgrades or new installs. Some of that happened, but much more took place in another area entirely.

Wally, my cousin and the "Moyers" behind Moyers Sound, has always had a dream to do more with Moyers Sound than install AVL systems in churches. One of the common questions we hear after a new install is, "What do we do with the old stuff?" Often, the old system will be relegated to a closet or sold on eBay with shipping costing more than the price it was sold for.

Wally and LaTronda formed a non-profit organization called Wings Point. Wings Point has several purposes, one of which provides an solution to the problem of perfectly good sound systems going to waste.

A system that may be 20-30 years old and "outdated" may be perfectly suitable for an inner-city church that has nothing... or a church in a third world country with less than nothing (is that possible?). Over the past few days, God made it possible for us to connect with several ministries located all over the world... South America, East Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. Till now, our dream of distributing used systems to needy 3rd world churches has been hampered by two things: 1). a good system to identify deserving churches, and 2). a way to deliver them. God has provided an answer to both this week.

Lord willing, we will be delivering our first two sound systems to churches in Nicaragua this coming June. From there, who knows? At this point, the world is open to us. We just pray that God will bless this effort.

More to come...

The Simple Life

This past week was a both a breath of fresh air and an exhausting experience.

My mother's family is from central Missouri, the little hamlet of Middle Grove, about 30 miles north of Columbia. Her only sister, Margaret, is at home in hospice care after a long fight with cancer. We used the spring break from school as a chance for my family to reconnect with her and several other aging family members in Missouri.

The exhausting experience comes from the fact that the family no longer lives in Middle Grove. They've spread out in a 45 mile radius from Centralia to Mexico to Paris to Moberly. So instead of driving 2 miles to see the next relative, we drove about 50 miles a day after a 900 mile trip there. Then a 900 mile trip back. We are plum exhausted.

At the same time, what I experienced was refreshing as well. Certainly the family renewal was part of it, but we left Missouri with a new appreciation of the country lifestyle. The majority of my Missouri relatives are seemingly isolated from the changes of the world and the culture around them. They see the news and are aware of the issues, but they don't seem to be touched by it. Certainly not all of them fall into this category, and some of those who do have felt the effects at times (my uncle lost his farm because of the Nixon beef policy). But on the whole, they seem to be set apart from the entire thing.

We spent part of a day riding through Amish farm country. We shopped (and spent too much) in an Amish store. After leaving the Amish region and heading back into "normal society"... well, things didn't feel too different.

They still live in the same homes. The homes themselves haven't changed in 30 years. In some cases, it seems like the same dog is still in the barnyard. It's sort of an eerie experience, overall.

Don't take that as an insult. Remember, I said it was refreshing. They seem to have a better grasp on the biblical idea of taking one day at a time. Little worry and less rush. Get up, feed the cattle, work in the field, eat supper, sit around telling stories, go to bed. Sleep in the same bed your grandfather built. Next day repeat same.

There's a sense of peacefulness and continuity that we miss in our rush-toward-tomorrow society. Some of them may read this and laugh, wondering what old crazy Gary is talking about now. That's okay. I've always been a little off. I hope that's because I've got some Missouri roots in me. It sure felt like home to me.

Mutant Potato Two-Toed Tater

My son is in need of some extra cash and he's learned about capitalism. So he's asked me to sell this potato for him on Ebay. Here goes.

This truly unique potato is one of a kind. It's a special spud. A two-toed tater. You can't find a Murphy like this inside of Idaho or outside of Ireland. This one potato will feed at least one and a half people easily. This is one spud you don't want to miss. Bid now and bid high!

If that doesn't move you...

IT'S A MUTANT POTATO! Discovered in the south of New Mexico near White Sands, this potato grew from a small root into a two-headed terror. Nothing in Roswell can match it. The entire town of Lovington ran screaming into the night when this potato was unveiled. Buy it now and clear your block of any unsavory types. Simply set the potato on your porch and the let the hideous nature of this tater take it's course.

Or maybe...

For sale! Special lover's potato. This special spud was designed with two in mind. You may have missed Valentine's Day, but this V-shaped potato will bring it all back. Not only is it "V" in nature, but the rounded edges give it the unique properties of a heart. This potato beats for you. Buy it for your love now, or be forever sorry.

Or could it be....

If one were to stand on their head while looking at this picture, one would see that this potato looks very much like a Star Trek insignia. The new Star Trek movie is opening soon. Buy this potato and wear it on your chest with pride. This spud will help you live long and prosper.

My son just said, "I think that's enough, Dad." Please help him learn about the American Way. Buy my son's potato. Please.

If you have a heart and wish to bid on my son's potato and preserve his faith in justice, freedom and the free market system, follow this link to Ebay and bid high. My starving son thanks you. Well, actually he's not starving or he would eat the stupid thing. But he thanks you anyway. (Bidding available through Mar-20-09 17:57:29 PDT)

Moyers Family Riverdance

My daughter always wanted to be in Riverdance. I'm not sure how my son got there though... Happy St. Patrick's Day to ye.

P.S. Since I've posted this, two issues have been raised. 1) Sherri does so much work around here there seem to be 2 of her, thus 2 in the dance, and 2) yes, my son is secure in his manhood.

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Pitch Pipecast: Episode 14 - Acappella's Sneak Preview

I've just posted episode 14 of the Pitch Pipecast with Keith Lancaster. It's a sneak preview of Acappella's new album, Find Your Way. Keith joins us and gives the "behind the scenes" story of the album. Five songs are highlighted as Keith tells the background and reasoning behind the song... and then you get to hear it!

It's a chance to hear a part of the album before it releases. It's a sneak-peak treat you'll find only on the Pitch Pipecast.

You can hear it at PitchpipePro.com or download it directly from this link.

Before and After

A while back, I posted a couple of shots of my son getting a haircut, before vs. after. I thought I might do the same with my house. We had the trees trimmed today.

BEFORE:


AFTER:


WOW! There's a house in there after all.

Fake Phone Mesages

I was reading a blog by Kevin Rose and ran across a fun entry. I thought I'd try it for myself. AT&T Labs Research has a fun text-to-speech site. Enter your own phrase, choose your voice and go to town. I've been having a little too much fun.

Here are a few of the voice mail messages I created. Hope you enjoy...

This is the first one I tried.

Here's a fake iPhone message I borrowed from his site.

I love this voice. Speak loudly.

This is my oops message.

People are always interrupting conversation.

And last but certainly not least, a phrase or two borrowed from my previous life.

Give it a try. I may even bluetooth some of these into my phone and actually use them...