In the past several weeks I’ve experienced multiple events that have given cause to face the inevitable conclusion that every part of life requires upkeep. Nothing remains static and left to its own default always resolves down to an ever increasing state of decline and disarray.

One such occasion was attending my high school 50th reunion. My, where has that time gone!? The class has some members who are no longer with us, and those of us who were there have definitely experienced a lot of life with its myriad of experiences, and of course the changes in our own persons. Time ticks away from as all, and if we just let it “happen to us” we will not have the same outcome as being intentional with the choices we make. Many of those decisions involve valuing and improving on those things that are in our control (at least to a limited extent). Case in point are the two buildings pictured here. The beautiful spire building, which is the centerpiece and administration building of my alma mater (Nebraska Christian Schools), was built in 1885. It precedes the founding of the school by many years, but there it is still standing and in beautiful condition. However, we were more fully informed in our campus visit about what all went into preserving it. It was under threat of the wrecking ball due to upkeep needs and bringing it up to current codes for continued use as a school structure. However, many people didn’t want to see it meet its demise, and so with the generosity of a good amount of resources and countless volunteer and professional hours its first two levels and now restored to a condition not even the school knew it could be brought to. Part of that reconstruction discovered that under tons of wall plaster was very beautiful stone and brick work that had long ago been hidden. It’s now a stunning and once again useful asset for Christian education.

In contrast is this second building. It also was once a structure of education – a one room country schoolhouse. It’s ceased long ago being inhabited by school children under the instruction of a single teacher. It served the same function but time has taken over, both in its use and then its very structure. The building didn’t suffer a major storm or calamity, it just wasn’t given any ongoing attention. The roof started to leak (just a little at first) and then much more over time, which in turn caused the rafters to decay and then other internal structures eventually succumbed to the ongoing march of daily exposure. It has now largely collapsed in on itself – just a relic of what was and what was intended.

So in application I’ve reflected on the elements of our lives – health, marriage, other relationships, businesses, organizations, communities, states and nations (an endless list) all require intentional attention, focus and reworking or they will naturally wind down to less than their potential or desired outcome. Which brings up another case in point; how does all this align with the ongoing theory of evolution which purports that our universe supposedly began all on its own and through an ever-evolving process gave cause to a better and improved status? The last time I looked in the mirror and outside at my lawn I highly question that anything left to its own devices improves with time. It all requires external input and maintenance.

Although a bit of double meaning for “Audible”, the book written by Grant Garwood is now officially available on Amazon Audible. The final content was posted last month, has completed the approval process and can be found here.

The writing is a Christian apologetic – meaning it’s an explanation of proof for the Bible’s validity. I wrote in July more about the book’s content. As Grant explains, he didn’t intend to even remotely make a complete exposition of the topic, but to summarize a few of the key points and provide a concise read and listen. The print version makes a handy compact tool to share with others, and I’ve handed out multiples to date. Thank you Grant for your patience with the production process. I think the end result well favors the good work you put into writing and reading it.

The Far Bank is officially launched. A group of people were invited recently to share in thank yous, behind-the-scenes stories and a great meal fit for an “outdoor” book. Held at a shoreline home in central Nebraska, the day was also the culmination of an all day fishing contest that individuals competed in by submitting photos and documentation of their catch during the day. Rewards included copies of The Far Bank and other prizes. I was honored to attend and met a number of individuals who have contributed to Zeke’s life personally, professionally, spiritually, and had also given birth to some of the fishing stories included in the book. It was good to put a face with some of the people I heard about as I recorded and processed the audiobook version.

The audio and printed book is published by David C. Cook Publishing where you can find links to obtain your copy. If you’re an angler, it’s a great book to have with you to share with other like-minded fishing enthusiasts and help fulfill what Jesus called his disciples to when he said, “I will make you fishers of men”.