Sit and Think

KIVA

2007-09-11T16:25:00.000-04:00

want to encourage anyone who reads this to check out www.kiva.org. these people are doing some great work all over the world. you should read up on the site about it - as my retelling will simply not be sufficient. your $25 can go along way when paired up with several others to make a real impact on people's lives. so, take a second and visit. let me know what you think.

Cleaning Up

2007-09-05T13:21:00.000-04:00

Serve God, Save the Planet - title of the book being studied and read by our VC house church in Norwood. So far Maurie and I have stepped up our recycling, screwed in a couple more compact flourescents, considered a composting program and otherwise attempted to stop wasting and start cleaning up our time, lives and immediate surroundings. We are working on an energy audit - how many kWh of electricity do we use in a given summer month - while trying to figure out how to use our dryer less. Some of the changes come easy - lightbulbs for example - while others are a bit more challenging - giving up on the idea of the brand new truck I think I need. At the start of the process we are motivated and excited. I'll update you later to see if things have changed in the months to come.
Getting to know the good folks at Vineyard Central has been a blessing. Simple house church is something we look forward to each Tuesday. We shall see where it carries us - we are trying to stay wideopen to hearing God speak into our lives. So far it's been a bit quiet - but I am not convinced I know how to listen. In October we will begin Praying the Hours in the hopes of disciplining ourselves more. We are also engaged in some cohort mentoring with couples in the area. In general, we are cleaning up - both our internal lives and our external world.

IAFF Local 48

2007-08-23T08:18:00.000-04:00

Early June our contract expired with the City if Cincinnati. Therefore, I have been working without one for a few months now. However, we have a contract on the table and the last day of voting is today. I am heading down with my drill school mate Justin Campbell to vote 'yes'. The changes to my career would be significant - as a junior firefighter with only two years experience on the fire companies I can be 'made regular'. This is something I would have had to wait another two years for under our current contract. No more traveling for me! Along with a cost of living raise and some other benefits - it seems like a good deal.
The bigger reality is that I have to go back to work on Sunday. I have been off for over a month and have the beard to prove it. But it will all come off and I will don my fatigues and doubtless head for an ambulance.
A post about our vacation to Michigan coming soon.

an interview with Riley Jo

2007-08-12T19:12:00.001-04:00

quick week-two update. neither one of us is working - gotta fill the time somehow. enjoy

an interview with riley jo

a nap

2007-08-01T19:54:00.000-04:00

they say, 'if she is a sleeper then she is a keeper.' well our riley jo is here to stay either way - but she is a sleeper as well. maurie and i have been resting like we haven't rested in quite some time. going to bed early and rising late - with minimal interruptions from our newest hanauer. i am off work for the next several weeks and maurie will not return to the council until october. friends and family have been instrumental in our recovery - bringing blessings of food and conversation. we have ventured out for coffee and haircuts, but not much else. today we did have an appointment with riley's doc - great guy who brought even more good news. she is eating well and gaining back weight quicker than expected. so, all is well here in cheviot, ohio. if you call and we don't answer - we are probably taking a nap.

for her uncle ben

2007-07-29T18:58:00.000-04:00

YouTube - riley jo

"I have intended more."

2007-07-15T21:37:00.000-04:00

Spent the weekend listening to Neil Cole speak on the Organic Church movement in mid-Ohio. Allen Coffman was up from Tennessee for a workshop on raising up organic leaders in Columbus on Saturday. Sunday was in Dayton with Allen, the James family, Maurie and myself. The focus was on five-fold ministry from Eph. 4.11. Our time was well spent and I thought and learned quite and bit.
Since I last wrote, much has occurred in my life. Riley Jo is but days away and we cannot wait to meet her. Maurie and I decided to leave our church home in order to join and/or plant some home churches. We had mom and dad out for coffee to give them the news and then met with the elders to tell them as well. As you can imagine, it made for difficult conversation and some more of those conversations are yet to come. However, we trust that God will provide all that we need to live the life that He has called us to. The workshops this weekend were a large blessing to us and came just in time. We are in a wilderness of sorts and hearing God's voice is becoming vital to our lives - more vital than ever before. Along those lines, I am actively seeking out a mentor and someone I can be a mentor to. I hope this search will not last long and that I can get to work on myself and my relationship with God.
Work is flowing right along and there is nothing new to report. EMS runs to make and fires to put out. Simply trying to listen as never before.

Remember "Life Goes On"?

2007-04-24T19:38:00.000-04:00

It's finally Spring here in Cincinnati. The warmth of the sun and the longer days make everything easier. Maurie and I are doing very well. We are still having our little girl in July - Riley Jo Hanauer. Meanwhile, we are heading for vacation next week, Maurie's brother Ben is back from Bolivia for a bit and life is marching on. The Church is a struggle and I wish I could move on most days. Jason and I are cutting lawns again this year and I might go back to work for Cheviot FD when Riley comes. Kurt Vonnegut died earlier in the month - so it goes. James D. Craig died 8 years ago yesterday - now I only remember on that day and whenever something major is going on in my life - graduation, marriage, buying a house, having a kid - so it goes.

I didn't want this to be melancholy. Life is well.

120 BPM

2007-01-19T10:19:00.000-05:00

I've been on vacation for two weeks now and it has been a wonderful winter treat. Got to visit with Adam and Emily and their beautiful children in Louisville, been hunting almost everyday with Jason and yesterday listened to my little one's heartbeat for the first time. Let me say as someone who has no idea what he is in for - it was one of the best moments in my life. There is my wife with our baby growing inside her - cool.

Also (and not nearly as important) I've picked up a new hobby - home brewing. I have 10 gallons of liquid slowing becoming beer in my home right now. I check on them as one might a sleeping infant - they are always quiet and content to release the CO2 and ferment away. Soon I'll post how they taste and if the hobby will continue.

Back to work on Monday - I'm thinking ambulance - it's been almost six weeks. And that's it right now.

hello daddy

2006-12-31T18:29:00.000-05:00

So, in the hopes that all who read this post will enjoy a year filled with God's love and grace, I write that I soon will be a papa. Maurie and I find ourselves with child and have been for some time. We will hear the little one's heart beating in just a few short weeks and the we discover the gender with the help of modern science. Time for advice - something besides, "your life is going to change." I got that one down.

It Only Takes A Spark

2006-12-01T17:33:00.000-05:00

Nice Lee, real nice. Head to the Tennessean's website to check out the rebuttal to this article - written by Lee himself.

Christianity talk sparks wave of religious debate
Lipscomb speaker's views on peace capture attention

By ANITA WADHWANI
Staff Writer

Comments made during a Lipscomb University interfaith gathering to examine religious conflict drew a firestorm of interest Wednesday.

More than 250 comments were posted on The Tennessean's Web site, with some readers saying they learned of the story through morning talk radio show hosts and online bloggers who took exception to comments made by Lipscomb University theologian Lee Camp.

Among Camp's comments at a Tuesday interfaith forum of pastors and laity was that Christians need to lay aside the notion of a worldwide Christian kingdom if they hope to get along with Jews and Muslims.

One Nashville man said he was intrigued by Camp's views and interested in joining any dialogues about religious conflict at Lipscomb University.

"We all love God, as Muslims, Jews and Christians," said Jim Hurley, 57. Hurley said he has long been wrestling with how to reconcile his Christian belief in the Lordship of Jesus Christ with the existence of the Muslim and Jewish faiths.

"I'm just trying to understand how to reconcile my faith with others. I'm not a scholar. I'm just a student. And we've got a problem in Iraq. I think we need to begin talking about how Christ is going to help me understand Muslims and Jews."

In an online discussion, some people rallied to Camp's support, but others were critical of his comments. •

Do You Know What I Mean?

2006-11-21T18:54:00.000-05:00

I just had a shouting match with Maurie about my ideas on church. Trust me, I know how terrible that sounds and how awful that is - but I am having some trouble getting my point across. Here is where I am right now.

The church should not be meeting in a building. It is quite simply a colossal waste of resources and effort and worry. It is a sea anchor. The church should not be paying people to do what all of us should be doing. I have read the verses that people use to justify payment and even used them myself once - I don't believe they apply anymore. We should not have a preacher, paid to entertain and teach once a week. We should not have divisions in our worship by age. Jesus would not have sent the children away for "Bible Hour" for the Sermon on the Mount (I ripped that example off something I read recently - sorry no reference). No one should be paid to visit the sick and dying. There is more but that's enough about money issues.

The church is a priesthood of believers - not a collection of folks along for the ride while one drives and another navigates. Indeed, we are all called to be priests. Some were not called to be complainers and some to be winers and some to be lazy consumers and some to be - you get the idea. We are the hope of the world - the ones in the pews - not the man behind the lectern.

Then there are the 'ifs' that I must deal with.

If I was sure this was right and...
If my family would not be offended and...
If those I love would join with me,

I would plant a church in my house tomorrow and I think it would prosper and do what the church should be doing. I am not sure what the concept of Institutional church is - I know it sounds bad, but I am not sure of my definition. I don't want to stop being a Christian or stop being associated with a body of believers. I just want to stop trying to convince my neighbors that they should come with me to a building, sit in a pew and watch worship. Instead, I want them to explore their gifts - man or woman - and then put those gifts into service for the Kingdom.

Do you know what I mean?

The Forum Apartments

2006-11-21T10:04:00.000-05:00

Mohawk Engine Co. 12 is always a wonderful detail for me. I like the guys, the house is nice and aside from the fact that they always make taco salad when I'm there (I don't love taco salad) it's a great crew.
The tour I write of was no exception. We were busy reading the paper and watching the news as the bells went off. The Tower was reporting an alarm sounding at the Forum on MLK W. Alarm drops are very common in the CFD and so we were not really rushing to get there. In the engine we talked assignments. I was to attempt to silence the panel while others notified the buildings management of the false alarm.
As we pulled in front of the building, I was not dressed for a fire. Bunker pants at my knees, I saw the other roughneck beginning to scramble. He had just heard a resident of the building describe smoke filling the hallway on 5. It was chaos. I pulled up my pants and threw my coat on. My SCBA came next and then I was clamoring out of the engine awaiting instructions - this would be my first high rise fire. Around the other side, Rick was pulling out the high rise pack - clearly designed by someone behind a desk - and we were making for the door. With 150 feet of hose and assorted tools we climbed the stairs.
Once on 5 I started to hook up the hose to the standpipe and Rick made for the hallway in an attempt to locate the apartment on fire. He came back as I was finishing up stating that the fire was just around the corner in the first apartment on the right. Masking up to enable us to breath in the smoke, we made our advance and quickly extinguished the kitchen cabinets. The fire had not advanced too far and come under control with minimal water use. After a search revealed no occupants we headed for the exit, fresh air and a bit of rest. Other companies arrived soon after it became a one-alarm and went to work getting the smoke removed with fans and searching other apartments on the floor.
We found and rescued two dogs - but several of the owner's animals had taken too much smoke and were already dead. Some residence offered their thanks and we were back in time to enjoy that taco salad everyone loves.

2006-11-13T10:11:00.000-05:00

It has become about more than just frustration with my tradition; this urging to (I don't want to say escape) embrace more of what should be Kindom living. It is fueled by links to websites where folks have written things like:

Now I'm going to say something harsh: In order to BE the Church, we need to leave the church. In other words, in order to truly become God's people as he intended, we must abandon our cultural version of organizational church. The application of this statement might vary, but it must happen.

Last night we had LifeGroups at my house. I participated in the 5K race in the morning and Maurie and I missed worship with the church. However, I'm not sure I "missed" it at all.

a Church

2006-11-12T15:44:00.000-05:00

Where is the easiest place, say, for a man to be spiritual? Maybe, is it hiding behind a big pulpit, dressed up in holy robes, preaching holy words to a faceless crowd and then disappearing into an office? And what is the most difficult, and therefore most meaningful, place for a man to be spiritual? At home, in the presence of his wife and children, where everything he does and says is automatically put through a spiritual litmus test against reality, where hypocrisy can be effectively weeded out and authenticity can grow. Much of Christianity has fled the family, often as a place of its own spiritual defeat, and then has organized artificial performances in sacred buildings far from the atmosphere of real life. As God is in the business of recapturing the homes, the church turns back to its roots, back to where it came from. It literally comes home, completing the circle of Church history at the end of world history.

Typically I won't borrow someone's words to express my own thoughts. But I like what Simson has to say above. As I struggle with "doing church" I have begun my journey to discover church again. I'll try to share with you where this road takes me.

N Edgewood Fire

2006-11-06T14:40:00.000-05:00

While detailed to Truck 19 in Corryville, we made a fire on N Edgewood in what we call the Patch. On dispatch there were reports of two women trapped and we hustled to the truck with a bit more purpose. While enroute we were made aware that multiple calls were coming in (a sure sign of a working fire) and that a woman could seen at the window on the second floor. We were first due and as we pulled on to Spring Grove Ave - still a few blocks aways - I could smell the smoke. We talked assingments and I finished getting my gear ready for the search. Lt would have the camera, I carried an axe and a halligan bar.
The fire was bigger than I anticipated and the woman was now on the roof of the porch getting ready to jump. We tried to convince her to wait a bit while we threw a ladder, but she bailed as we made our way to her. Her body landed on the concrete steps of her home, breaking her femur and dislocating her shoulder. She was burned and screaming about her mother still being upstairs. We ensured a Rescue Unit would collect her and moved on.
We forced the locked front door and were confronted with a lot of heat and thick smoke. The camera was a big help with orientation and we made straight for the stairs which had already begun to burn out. Meanwhile, I heard the radio traffic from District 3 as he assumed North Edgewood command and knocked off the second alarm. The jumper was already on the way to UC. The Lt and I were making good progress and we climbed the stairs and started searching rooms. We wasted some time in the hallway bathroom - not knowing exactly where we were. But in a few mintues time, we had the second floor complete, but no victim.
The call came for us to be relieved and Truck 20, Truck 32 and Truck 2 began to search over our ground as we sat in the front yard aiding with hose streams and ladders. My only hope was that we didn't miss her in our search, knowing she was dead if she were still inside.
Some rumors flew through the fireground that she was out and safe. I was relieved and then called back inside to overhaul the fire. We pulled ceilings and walls for a good while and then found her body at the top of the stairs. The plaster had fallen on her and 4 truck companies crawed right over top. It was a mess and my stomach turns as I think about laying the sheet over what remained.
When I went back outside to get some water and take a second, I saw this woman's family accross the street getting the news from D-3 and from the Homicide detectives. I tried to stay focused on the job, but lost it for just a moment. The fire came in about midnight and we were relieved on the scene by U-3 at 0700.
At home that morning, Maurie asked me how my night went, I am not sure what I said.

Out of the Loop

2006-10-13T17:31:00.000-04:00

Adam thinks that the blogging community should revoke my ability to blog. It is true, I have been out of the loop for a bit, with reasons I perhaps can share one day.

Much of my life has not changed in the months since I last wrote; same job, house, wife, truck, church, friends - with few exceptions. Not that I could possibly complain, yet I find time for that somedays. Jason and I are cutting lawns for the rich in order to make ourselves more comfortable and share with those around us (in that order). I have taken on much responsibility at the church and now wish I could leave with a good clean break. Work has changed - no more Truck 32. Now, it's Engine 51 in College Hill. Maurie and I are doing well and she is doing extremely well at work. Her organization does a wonderful job showing how much they appreciate her.

I have some low back pain and several different opinions on that. Also on the radar screen in grad school at the University of Cincinnati. I'll keep you updated.

So, welcome back baby. Nothing much to talk about this time - just the rambling you are used to. Be well.

Life Cut Short

2006-08-09T21:27:00.000-04:00

Our culture is a bit morbid for my taste. We like to slow down at car wrecks to see the devastation and that stories that will carry the most air time tonight at 11 will be those about death, destruction and loss. We think of Poe as being dark and a bit insane - but he is an excellent reflection of modern day American - at least some days.

Maurie and I are back from a visitation. This is not a word I use each day and I am unsure of its meaning. However, I can guess from context, that it means to stand in a long line, with people you don't know, to talk to the family of someone who has just died. After this most awkward of conversations, you typically view the now lifeless body of a person you knew as a living, laughing, eating, drinking and otherwise spirited human.

Mrs. Kappa's body was not there tonight - at least not where we could see it, and I was as delighted as I could be by this fact. Too many times I have had to look at what I hoped we be the person I knew, only to find that it was not what I remembered. I had not seen Mrs. Kappa for many years - since highschool, and I was content to recall her smile and her walk from my days in her Art classes.

Mike looked good, but Maurie thought he was playing it tough. How is one to act is such a situation? Lots of guys were there from the Department - Mike is a retired District Chief and not consults. And I recognized several from Oak Hills - though I talked with no one. We were quick to be seen and quicker to leave. Maurie was not holding up well and I was not terribly comfortable. For the ride home we talked about our funerals and what we want said and done. Not many decisions were made.

Some of her paintings we displayed at the funeral home. It was a nice touch. She was young - just 54 and talented. She was my teacher and though I hated High School, Art class was a retreat. Mrs. Kappa was a wonderful teacher and those who never got to sit in her class missed out.

I pray she has access to paint brushes.

Our Sister Sodom

2006-06-27T15:55:00.000-04:00

Sitting here for a bit trying to think of exactly how to phrase what I have been thinking about, my mind will not ease. Truthfully, it has been a real problem lately. I have too much to think about - I am busier than I care to be and then I hear a convicting lesson on my own lifestyle choices and I find that enough is enough.

When I recall the story of Sodom and Gomorrah I remember that their sin was something very terrible to God. I usually recall the homosexual aspects of the story and am happy to not have a share in that struggle. However, a good man shared a unique perspective on the history of those cities that is as old as the cities themselves. Read on and see if you can pin point the spot where my stomach began to ache and my mind began to race.

44 " 'Everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this proverb about you: "Like mother, like daughter." 45 You are a true daughter of your mother, who despised her husband and her children; and you are a true sister of your sisters, who despised their husbands and their children. Your mother was a Hittite and your father an Amorite. 46 Your older sister was Samaria, who lived to the north of you with her daughters; and your younger sister, who lived to the south of you with her daughters, was Sodom. 47 You not only walked in their ways and copied their detestable practices, but in all your ways you soon became more depraved than they. 48 As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, your sister Sodom and her daughters never did what you and your daughters have done.

49 " 'Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.

Here at the end of the story there is no mention of gays going to eternal hell. Oh, how is wish it could be! Instead I am faced with this harsh reality: God's concern with the poor far outweighs my need to feel safe, my future kids educations, my status in my church, my work and amoung my peers. I prefer the condemnation of those who sins are not my own and I live and die by God's grace and mercy when I realize that I am indeed - arrogant, overfed and unconcerned.

There are no truely worthy poor and God helps us all.

Getting Lost

2006-06-04T16:00:00.000-04:00

My family has been attending church for most of my lifetime and sometimes (in fact, most times) I do very little learning on a Sunday morning. But I love to learn and so when I think of something new, or someone presents to me an idea in a way I have never thought of before - I am usually struck and spend some time thinking about said idea.

This morning Dr. Stephen D. Boyd was speaking to the church as he has for decades. He was discoursing about Jesus being lost in the Temple early in the Gospel of Luke. The story is worth reading if you don't know it and probably worth it even if you do. So, we're talking about the story when the idea hits. Steve tells about 120 listening folks that Jesus was not lost when his parents couldn't find him, but that they were lost. He makes reference to Jesus being in the house of God - not terribly original. But then, he draws the story to the end of Jesus' life, where he was dying in Jerusalem and the disciples are feeling a bit sorry for themselves for they have lost Jesus to the cross. When, in fact, they are ones who are lost and Jesus is, again, doing the work of the one who sent him.

Perhaps I am making too much of the simple connection, but I found it rather enlightening.

God is not far from each of us - though we often think that is so.

Back to Work

2006-05-23T13:55:00.000-04:00

avondale2
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

After some time off - I won't say much needed - I was back to work last week. I had been in Nashville for my great friend, Barrett Reed's wedding. It ranked topped in my list of weddings I have attended and the week will also go down high on my list of good times had with friends.

At work we didn't make a run all day - nothing, nadda, zip, zilch... and then a 3 Alarm first thing in the morning. If you look close at the picture shown you will see that is Truck 32 working the fire and if you were able to look REALLY close you would see that is me working the pipe on the tip of our ladder. It was the best seat in the house in what turned out to be a vacant building. The zoo actually pushed the rest over later that day and if you buy a zoo pass you can park on it next year - another job well done.

300 Maple

2006-05-07T17:56:00.000-04:00

3 Alarm
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

Last night I was participating in a wedding across town from where my crew was working this 3 alarm fire about 2 blocks from our firehouse. My buddy called to say thanks for the trade and the guys called to say I missed another big one. See, this has happened before. I have traded tours for various reasons and missed multi-alarm fires in the past. This one was intense in that there was a smoke explosion inside the building which sent one from my crew to University Hospital.

The wedding was nice enough and I got some compliments on what I said, but it would have been great to go to work on a beautiful Saturday afternoon yesterday. So it goes, there will be others.

Marriage as a Decision - not a Feeling

2006-04-28T11:47:00.000-04:00

This summer Maurie and I will attend, participate and otherwise support nine friends as they get married. We have already had some - and showers and parties are fast approaching. We will drive through several states and fly to Europe before it is all over. With all the joining of lives going on around me, I have been very thoughtful of marriage and its meaning in my life. I have been asked to define marriage in one ceremony. Here are my thoughts for that couple.

Definition of Marriage

Everyday of our lives we make decisions. We set our alarms, keep our appointments, juggle our schedules. But there are decisions that are not like the rest. These are the decisions that change our lives forever, these are moments, that years from now, we look back on and know that we were changed. You are I are blessed as we get to witness and participate in a decision made here today by proper noun and proper noun.

There is a war being waged as to the definition of marriage. I suggest to you that, at its most basic level, marriage is a decision - it is a promise. I am a man who believes in God and who thinks that God created marriage for us to enjoy. I also believe that marriage is the foundation of the family. But I also know about making good and bad decisions and the power of keeping and of breaking promises.

When you were little did you ever pinky swear? Have you ever spoken words of anger inorder to convince someone that were indeed telling the truth? Tonight's ceremony will not involve pinkies or swearing of anykind, but it will involve promises - promises easily made, but not so easily kept.

Today you will promise to trust each other in all things. And you will promise to be trustworthy as well. You will decide tonight, that no matter how you feel, you will support one another - you will choose to love one another. As children, we think of love only as a feeling. As we age, we had better look at love as a decision made and a promise kept. There may come a day when your feelings would have you leave and your own selfish desire would chose to walk away. But here today your decision has been made and you have chosen to bind yourself to the other. Long after this ceremony is over, you will have to contine to make that decision. Marriage is often described as the hardest relationship you will ever have - with work, it is also the most fulfilling.

Missing Church

2006-03-24T08:32:00.000-05:00

Have you even seen "Office Space"? Funny movie. At one point, while being interviewed about what he does for Inatech - our main character is told that he has been "missing a lot of work lately". He replies, "I wouldn't say I've been missing it Bob." They share a laugh and move on.

A friend from Drill School called two days ago. We are actually neighbors - he bought a house two streets down from mine. Anyway, he asked if I was working my off day, because he is bored out of his mind. Then, as if he were confessing to me, he told me he had been trying some local churches out. Mind you, this guys is not exactly what you think of when you think of a single guy going to church, but I think it was a moment for him to reach out. I told him what time we started worship at Central and he said he would be there - not this week with work, but next.

Breakfast and Bolivia

2006-03-07T08:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was in Columbus climbing on OSU's campus for the first time in a long time. It was a humbling experience and Maurie tried to convince me that this was a good thing. Once-upon-a-time I was a good climber. 3 out of 4 weekends were spent at local walls and weekdays spent at a gym working out the details. However, time and any number of other factors have taken their toll and I am no more what I once was. It is one of my first glaces at change for the worse in my life, and I don't like it one bit. I have decided to fight back.

This morning I had breakfast with a good friend. We talked work and school and church and family. We both thought we should do it again and I think we actually will.

Maurie's brother is going to Bolivia in May to spend 24 months in the Peace Corps. Selfishly, I look forward to a trip to visit. We will work out the details later. Kelly week this week and much to be done around the house. Red River Gorge in less than 3 weeks and I will be expected to lead all the routes - not sure I could do it as I stand today - much work to be done.

Be Mine

2006-02-14T17:44:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I learned to snowboard with some friends from work. We headed out to our little ski spot, took a $5 lesson and spent the next 4 hours struggling to do the most basic of things - stand up. Learning something new intrigues me a great deal. I wrap myself in the experience - watching from a distance as I pick up small pieces and slowly form the puzzle. Today I have a huge, multi-color bruise on my backside and a bit of a headache. But on one of my final runs, I reached the bottom without a fall - ah, success!

Saturday was a busy day on Ambulance Nine and Sunday was class and worship with the church. The class was nice enough - wisdom from Proverbs 2. I can't say I was challenged in anyway - or even that I learned anything, but it was fine. Worship then was a flurry of activity. Songs sung, prayers prayed and then I had the little kiddies downstairs in Bible Hour. These guys are smart and I hope I was able to share something with them that might last a moment or two.

Today I went downtown to work out with the new recruit class. The guys I went snowboarding with, they came as well. We walked around our old drill yard and laughed remembering good times and bad. We ran the stairs with the recruits and ran the streets as well. Afterwards, I headed home to a nice nap and some time working on my house.

I am still trying to get comfortable with the fact that my life will not be what I once thought it might be. I am not even sure I could explain that last sentence - but it is full of truth. For now, I am leaving that alone.

Maurie and I are working our way through the Bible together - aloud. Numbers 9 here we come! "Spell Check Complete - No Errors Found" Nice.

Our Wonderfully Normal Life

2006-01-31T14:56:00.000-05:00

snowshoe
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

Maurie and I are fresh back from Snowshoe, WV after having celebrated four years of marriage. We decided we would return - it is a beautiful place.

Yesterday was work and 24 hours spent on Ambulance 9. We had cars wrecks, tummies that hurt, multiple gunshot wounds and swollen feet - just to name a few. Usually after a tour on a "box" I need a day to recover; here I find myself.

Work has begun on the upstairs bedroom. I am tearing out carpet and getting things ready to paint. Work has also been restarted on the spiritual life of my family. We are tearing out the old ways and getting this ready for God to take control again. My feelings on church have reached an all time low. I am hanging in there - but finding it tougher than ever to sit in the pew and watch.

Reading some Hauerwas and loving it. Adam was good to me this Christmas. Learning some David Gray songs on the guitar and thinking about the concert - Maurie was good to me for my birthday. Jason and I sold Leona - finally. We will be happy to start anew.

Praying for Vitaly, my LifeGroup, mom and when to start having little Hanauers. Thanks for listening in.

the Bermuda Triangle

2005-12-30T10:19:00.000-05:00

What is going on off the eastern seaboard of these United States? We used to hear about it all the time and now the news seems to have faded into the background of the War on Terror, Iran's nuclear pursuits and the latest version of C.S.I. - I think the next one is coming to Cheviot. "C.S.I. Cheviot - these are their stories."
Why do events and places come and go so quickly in our lives? Do we forget that easily? Are we that gullible? After all, the Bermuda Triangle has claimed many a ship and many a plane and yet I do not see any recent, top-notched investigative reporting being done. Where are these vessels and the souls that piloted them? Should I be content to sit in my middle-class home while some have lost loved ones to the sea in an hereforto unexplained plot of ocean that seems to eat large pieces of metal?
I am preaching on 8 January and am trying to clear my head - sorry I shared what was inside.

Difficult to Type

2005-12-14T10:47:00.000-05:00

staple_gun
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

Hello World, This morning at about 10 a.m. I shot a staple into my left hand using the PowerShot stapler you see here. Notice the arrow in the lower left hand corner - you guessed it, that is where the staples eject out at about 9,000 mph! I thought this gun was like every other staple gun in the world and I was wrong. After noticing my mistake - the pain was hard to miss. I had to remove the staple that was buried in my hand. I could not grab it, so I had to force a flathead screwdriver underneath of it to get some purchase. So, that's my morning. With my hand wrapped in gause and the smile far from my face - I am staple gun saftey man. No joke!

Legacy

2005-11-28T22:45:00.000-05:00

We buried my grandmother this morning. Dad's mom lived to 83 and died after suffering a heart attack almost three weeks ago. It has been, over the years and in the last days, a time of mixed emotions. Perhaps it has always been hardest on dad. In an attempt to protect himself and his family he had to release any relationship he could have had with his own mother - I can't even imagine.

I am not too aware of the details of his childhood - not even sure he ever had one. He has shared memories of Michigan and I've seen pictures, but I don't know much of his life before he met mom and had three boys. I have always suspected that he had to grow up before his time. However, I know this - my father has started a new Legacy with the life he is leading, the kids he raised and the woman he has stood by. My parent's love and support have far outweighed any shortcomings that anyone may point out in their parenting.

Now the grandchildren of Ethel Hanauer are all grown and have careers to be proud of, beautiful wives to take care of and children of their own to watch after. We will continue the young legacy that begins with our dad. We will share wonderful childhood memories and watch our kids make their own with their grandparents - mom and dad. The Hanauers are a formidable family - not one to be messed with. We will carry on a tradition of love and faith and unity far beyond my years. We will do this, because that is what a legacy is all about.

And you get a lion's share of the credit - dad. I love you.

32

2005-11-14T10:51:00.000-05:00

32
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

This was the scene on the two-alarm fire I made this morning with Truck 32. We were already out at 0625 when the call came in for a fire with victims trapped on the second floor. Leaving the salvage run we were on, we blasted down MLK Dr to find the picture above. Truckers had already pulled a woman from the roof and were heading inside to find her son. Mark and I prepped to shoot the roof and cut a hole which would vent the heat and smoke. With chain saw in hand, I was ordered off the turntable and to the District Car to run accountability. I dropped the saw and got no closer to the fire than what you see on the screen.

I was told later, after Unit 3 relieved us on the scene that this is part of the job. Sometimes you are pulling victims out just in time, other times you are watching. I am going to try and not let it ruin an otherwise beautiful day here in Cincinnati.

The son will be fine, he was taken by Rescue 14 to The University Hospital and is listed as stable. He mother was treated for smoke inhalation and met up with her son with the help of the Salvation Army. No firefighters were hurt.

Norman and Family

2005-11-11T15:45:00.000-05:00

normanandfamily
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

Just a quick post to show Norman to friends and family who may not have seen him yet. Each day he reveals a bit more of a playful personality and really is a wonderful new addition to our home. Things are well in Cheviot.

Back to "Normal"

2005-10-24T16:53:00.000-04:00

arsenalna
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

Arsenalna is one of Kyiv's metro stops. It was once used as a bomb shelter during the Cold War when it was feared that American Imperialists might bomb the city at a moment's notice. This photo is of one of the escalators - there is another of equal length. The ride takes just over six minutes.

Maurie and I are back from Ukraine and I am ready to do some teaching. You know when you go to Wal Mart you come out feeling like you've shed a couple IQ points. Well, when I leave Kyiv I feel as though I am more intelligent than ever.

My class will be titled "Slaves, Women and Homosexuals" after a book by the same name. In an attempt to push the envelope of cultural hermeneutics, we will explore the reasoning behind our conclusions as to what is cultural in scriptural and what is transcultural. I am truly excited about teaching for the first time in a long time. Many of you know, my first real attempt with the church and teaching did not go so well.

As for Kyiv - a wonderful place. Our friends are the best we could ask for and we will be back in the summer for a wedding. Sasha Kuzmenko asked if I would perform the ceremony - I said I would be honored.

Work has been good since returning. And we get Norman on Friday. Much to look forward to and we are blessed.

Kyiv

2005-09-28T09:03:00.000-04:00

Kyiv
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

Our flight for Ukraine leaves in just over 10 days and I am ready for some time away. Friends are preparing for our arrival and most of the logistics have been worked out. We will stay at the Ukrainian Education Center - a place that has undergone some change since we last saw it. Days will be filled with visits and at night we will see those we could not be with during the day. I know several are taking vacation days to be with us. We have been asked to participate in the church's retreat and I will be preaching on Sunday morning - always an honor.

In most ways I am thinking of how wonderful it will be to return. In some ways, though, I am hesitant about how much time has passed and where we will fit in.

My time in Kyiv was like nothing else. God has blessed Maurie and I with the opportunity to return and I plan on soaking it up.

Grace is Here

2005-09-20T19:56:00.000-04:00

grace
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

Quick picture of Grace Lee Hanauer. She was 7 lbs and 8 oz. Everyone is healthy and happy.

Baby Grace

2005-09-20T10:42:00.000-04:00

It must be strange to know precisely when your life is going to change so drastically. At 1 p.m. today is just such a moment for my brother Jason, his wife Mandy and their son Hunter. Grace is coming! I will be an uncle three times over and have two nieces. My parents will have three grandchildren. With video cameras rolling, 35 mm film snapping and smiles all around we will celebrate today. Grace is coming!

45 MPH

2005-09-18T16:16:00.000-04:00

greyhound_dog
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

You guessed it! Maurie and I are talking Greyhound - and not the bus. We looked today and retired racing greyhounds and fell in love. After we make a return trip to Kyiv - coming soon, we will adopt our very own. I will keep you posted.

Regent Fire

2005-09-10T14:09:00.000-04:00

Regent Fire
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

The picture is of a house in Bond Hill that was on fire at 8.24 on Thursday morning. Truck 32 responded with Truck 2, Engine 9, Engine 32, District 3, District 2 and Rat 19.

The Fire was in the kitchen but had spread to the living area on the first floor. I went to work with my officer on the roof (shown in the photo). We cut a hole to vent the fire and the smoke and then pushed the ceiling through. Flames rushed out and we were ordered off the roof by District 3 - Regent Command. I was then ordered to pop windows and start pulling exterior structure off to see if the fire was "running". The fire was knocked down in about 15 minutes and we were back in service for lunch.

Engine 32 beat the 9s to the fire - though it was in the 9s' area and got first water to the seat of the fire.

As fires go, this one was textbook. No one hurt, fire out and a great day for the Avondale Raiders.

The Role of Government

2005-09-07T18:03:00.000-04:00

The question is a fair one: What is the role of government in an event like Katrina?

Though I am sure that the motives are pure behind the question, I am curious as to its asking. Do we seek to know the role of government in our lives and in the lives of others so that we may find our role? Is knowing what government will do critical to what we do? I will tell you that I am ignorant when it comes to government. Reading the NY Times and listening to NPR certainly does not give me the right to expound very long on America's governmental responsibilities. But, everyone has an opinion and so do I.

Government will do in a crisis more of what government was intended to do when government was first created. It will not find you a job, help you seek shelter or give you a drink of cold water. It will not clothe you, bath you and watch after your family pet. It will never wipe you tears, give you a bear hug and brainstorm ideas with you as to the future. What the government will do - though admittedly, not in all the above examples, is provide an environment suitable for those things to occur. Perhaps make it so it is more likely that those things occur.

The United States Government is the people of these States and this - as the thinking can sometimes go, makes it great. But what if the government takes the place of common sense and replaces it with a bureaucracy that cannot love and will not be caring. The people of New Orleans and Biloxi will rebuild their cities and find hope again. And government will take a traditional role of organization and command. It sends money - billions of dollars to be used in relief efforts dreamed up by people. In these times the government is said to be there for people - or absent as some have suggested.

Then, government gets narrowed further to Bush. The leader of the free world has a burden to carry that I dare not mock. And though "President Bush does not like black people" and other thoughtful statement get spoken when speaking about how government handled the current crisis. We must further evaluate how much government is enough. We control our day to day and do not like Big Brother peeking in on us. But, in times of great need Big Brother and his Billions perhaps aren't quite as evil as we thought. We like to see men with camo and guns when chaos reigns. We welcome the military-industrial machine into our living rooms when they are six feet under water. We demand to be housing, food and water just as the surf once did from the king. Government cannot give us hope or even a levy system that works.

But we would do well to remember that the government is not the Spirit of God working in the hearts of men to bring about his will. We would do well to seek that will inorder to find what we should do and let government worry over itself. But I don't vote and so I do not complain.

What think ye?

The System

2005-08-28T21:03:00.000-04:00

Heard this on NPR's show All Things Considered and wanted to share.

A black maid executed in Georgia in 1945 is being granted a pardon by the state for killing a white man she said enslaved her. Lena Baker said she acted in self-defense, but a jury of white men convicted her after a one-day trial. Baker is the only woman to have been executed in the state's electric chair. On Aug. 30, Georgia authorities will present a proclamation to her descendants, including her grandnephew Roosevelt Curry, who led the drive to clear her name.

I would recommend going to NPR.org and searching the story to listen to it in its entirety - worth it. It is heartbreaking. And yet I cannot help but think that America's not-to-distant past is filled with Lena Baker's and faces and stories that demand justice.

In a world filled with postmodern thought - this one thing has redeemed our age: The stories of the oppressed and of the poor and helpless are being and will be heard. They will be valued as other history has been valued and we will question until we get answers.

While the church is still wrestling with what to do with this seemingly liberal thought process, the intelligentsia of our cities are grasping the freedom and telling that which could not be told before. And I believe they are making room for the gospel in a world that thinks it has already heard the gospel. We don't need to repackage and dress-up the Truth. We need only the faith to speak it anew and claim the promises of God for ourselves.

A dead woman needs no pardon, but her story needs telling. My shirt is green and Jesus rose from the dead, rather you believe or not.

"God don't make us jump though hoops, he ain't countin' every oops. He loves us, relax"

Women

2005-08-25T15:05:00.000-04:00

This is mainly for Adam - but others can read on.

Maurie and I listened to the sermon on our way home for Louisville and I feel like I need to listen again. It is clear that he has done good research and his points were powerful - to say the least. His use of Leviticus 19 was near inspired and he questioning was faithful to scripture. As you can see, I enjoyed it - but I am not sure he addressed fully the issues raised by Paul in Timothy.

Example - Why does Paul reference the Fall when making his case?

With this specifically in mind, Cope reads from Genesis contradicting Paul and saying that that is a fallen view of women; never addressing the plain fact that God made it so. However, I am not sure about the effectiveness of that argument. To me, I was still wanting more about how he reaches his conclusions. I thought his use of Paul's "become all things" may have been bit out of place - but perhaps I was just uncomfortable with it.

So, I will listen again and perhaps launch my own study of this age-old question.

Keep thinking.

Missing Tragedy

2005-08-13T18:19:00.000-04:00

In my work - that of professional firefighting - the thing that brings us work brings tragedy to those we seek to serve. And though it is not my fault that homes burn and people die, I am often there with my colleagues to witness such events. What's worse, when I miss a tragedy - like the two-alarm fire I missed on my Kelly Day - I get upset and talk about how great it could have been.

Yesterday I watched a woman die in her living room. She called us for help because she felt like she could not catch her breath. We arrived in minutes, fresh from an afternoon nap, and were there to provide the assistance we have been trained with. But thirty seconds after we walked in the door with a tackle box of drugs, the heart monitor and an airway kit, she was gone.

She told us her name and talked briefly about when her trouble started. Then, as I tried to get a blood pressure, she looked up and died. We rushed her to the rescue unit and did all we could - not enough in this case.

It has been almost three months since I arrived on the companies of our nation's first professional fire department and I am still so confused about the job. We celebrate fire - the loss of someone's home and possessions. Then, when we see death, we go back to the house and finish our movie or resume our nap.

I work the best and the strangest job in the world.

Unfinished

2005-08-11T16:32:00.000-04:00

It seems that several people I know have had reason to celebrate recently and, though I will not go into all the situations, I do want to mention one man in the crowd.

Chuck Jones is a guy I used to know. We worshipped at the same small church in Nashville and went to the same university for three semesters. He is a singer, songwriter from Texas and has never given up the dream. Chuck would play coffee shops on Vanderbilt's campus and Shamblen Theatre on occasion. He writes about the raw side of life sometimes and other times you can't quit laughing at the words and tone.

I am not good at finishing things - this I come to realize the hard way. But Chuck has made it - at least by some standard. When all the guys from the Aggregate left him for families and jobs, Chuck hung in there. So, download iTunes from Apple and sample his stuff. Search Southpaw Jones and I think you'll like what you hear.

Finish something today - for me.

Quakers

2005-08-09T14:41:00.000-04:00

The doctrine of non-resistance to evil by force has been professed by a minority of men from the very foundation of Christianity.

-Tolstoy

Some observations that I have made as a man living in Cincinnati, Ohio. If you want to save the life of an unborn child you are a conservative stepping on the rights of others. However, if you want to kill all your enemies and believe that the only problem with dropping the Atomic Bomb on Japan was that we didn't have ten to drop - you are that same conservative. I admit, perhaps too radical an example - but I think you could see the truth in it.

The call of Jesus is to surrender and, in my estimation, abandon formal and communal politics as they are being offered to us today. There are simply no Christian choices and I am not sure we have a system that would allow for them. We must return to the power of the Spirit working in our churches and serve like never before. We must become creative in our resistance to the thought that the above example makes any sort of sense when set up next to the Christian worldview.

I will begin by visiting a Quaker meeting - I am not even sure you can do that. However, the Quakers are known for the stuff that I think the Gospel would have us be known for. Reports to come.

Doing Good Missions

2005-07-23T18:12:00.000-04:00

This morning did not start well - I was tossing the cookies in a San Diego Airport bathroom. It never got much better - I was chunking on the plane and nearly pooped my pants twice. However, after some salad and a sandwich, I am feeling much better.

Maurie and I are back from Mexico and we are still nailing down our exact thoughts on the week past. I will write some now, but save the bulk for later, when I have put some separation in and perhaps added some insights.

Here are some facts on the trip: Something like 85 of us went to Baja when 40 would have been too many. I went to build a house and spent very little time on the site and the home never was finished. Baja Missions is an organization with too much money and not enough to do. Everywhere we went we drove. Everywhere we stayed was the best in town. Everytime we did anything, we needed pictures of the moment and "gold stars" to praise those involved.

Perhaps that is why I am so sick.

I will write tomorrow. I am happy to be home and looking forward to worship with the church tomorrow.

Update

2005-07-12T15:06:00.000-04:00

As promised, I am updated you as to my progress with the violin. I have completed two lessons with Rachel and have my third scheduled for Thursday. To date I can play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star in four variations. Some sound better than others, but I believe I am making headway.

Maurie and I leave for Mexico on Saturday. We will be gone for a week of work in Baja. I look forward to the journey and will write after I return.

More Than

2005-07-08T19:22:00.000-04:00

Red Eye
Originally uploaded by uujenna.

Isn't this a cute kid? I have no idea who she is, where the picture was taken or any of the necessary details that come with showing someone a photo. It is just a picture.

But to a precious few the girl represented on your screen is a daughter, a sister, a new best friend. Either way, she is more than just a kid with a Crayon.

Adam writes that God has placed me exactly where I ought be. What are the chances of that happening? Should I start playing the Ohio lotto - am I that lucky? And if I am where I should be, are you where you should be?

Adam also writes that I am more than a firefighter and this is the crucial point I better not miss out on. True, I am where I am and it could be right where God wants me. But, if I were somewhere else, God would need me there too. The will of God for my life is not like the double bulls in a game of darts. Nope, the will of God in my life is much more like a canvas with lots of paint and lots of space.

Allow God to use you today as you teach, while you drive, and amongst your free time. Be God's hands while you paint the masterpiece of a lifetime.

Adjustment

2005-07-05T12:31:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's tour was a lesson in dying. First run out the door I found myself doing CPR for 10 minutes while the Medics pushed drugs and checked the monitor. There was no dignity, it was not clean and simple. Instead it was awkward and a bit scary. I felt inadequate, and at times - useless. Death was not gracious - perhaps she never is.

You must understand, as I thought I did, that I will face death many times over in my 25 year career. However, I was not sure how it would be that first time. Now I know. It was one thing to see the dead, quite another to "work" the dead.

The remainder of the shift was no better. Multiple gunshot victims, dumpster fires, and domestic violence calls rounded out the day. I think I'm tough, I think I can handle it - but yesterday sucked and I'm not sure I'm ready for another day like it - just yet.

The older guys at my house say there is an adjustment period. You must get used to death before you feel normal after a day like yesterday. Do I want to get used to it? Do I have to get used to it? What else about me might change because of this job?

Camp Nurse

2005-07-02T10:27:00.000-04:00

camp road
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

The only issue with being a camp nurse for a week in upstate New York is that people assume - incorrectly in this case - that you are actually a nurse.

My week at Shiloh was very rewarding and I am happy to report that I never had to use my pseudo-nursing skills.

True, I do have a bit of a cold and my cabin was the toilet for the entire camp for a bit - but overall a great time.

I return to work on Monday after having not been for quite a while. It will also be the 4th which promises some interesting runs.

For now, just trying to catch up on some sleep and enjoy being home with my wife and my cat.

The 'Burbs

2005-06-24T20:20:00.000-04:00

The 'Burbs
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

Took in a movie tonight - a 1989 classic - The 'Burbs with Tom Hanks in his younger years. I know that reviews are mixed, but Maurie and I love this stupid movie.

Tomorrow I travel to Engine 35 in the heart of Westwood, not far from home. After the tour, my flight leaves for NYC on Sunday morning. The details are still hazy as to my responsibilities, but I am fairly confident a good time is to be had.

I will miss home and my wife, but reunions are always to be wonderfully anticipated. Intentionally not taking a camera to Shiloh, just want to enjoy the time with both my eyes for once - remind you of a song?

Looks like we are in for another movie - About a Boy - a bit more our time, still a classic.

Thinking

2005-06-20T16:03:00.000-04:00

the thinker
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

Recently it was suggested by a new friend that I write more about the foundation of this small window into my world. While explaining to my new friend that I enjoy sitting and thinking, he inquired as to when I began the practice and where I like to think best. Finally, he wanted me to write about the expansive topic and here we find ourselves.

The sculpture is surely fitting. This is Rodin��'s The Thinker Statue, a piece he used to call The Poet �� representing Dante. Perhaps you don��t know of Auguste or Dante, but most know The Thinker.

What other action evokes so much curiosity? For in the action itself is contained as much variety as stars in an infinite universe. If I tell you that I am thinking �� you ask, ��What about?�� And here lies the source of contention. It is so, because everyone is thinking. It is the subject that separates us into our groupings.

In the days to come I will explore this thought with my own mind. For now I must practice my violin and prepare for Maurie to be home. Today has been very enjoyable.

home away

2005-06-14T08:12:00.000-04:00

e51
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

Good morning. I am home from a day with Engine 51 in College Hill. It is a small neighborhood with a small firehouse that is not very busy. We did have a fire - it was in a dumpster, 30 feet away from an apartment building - but a fire just the same.

I have recently decided to spend the last week of June at Shiloh in upstate New York. More details as they arrive. I will serve as the camp EMT for one week and then return to prepare for Mexico.

It seems I am busier than I thought I would be, but very happy with my situation in life.

More thoughtful writing in the days to come.

Violin

2005-06-09T17:54:00.000-04:00

images
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

Over the short years of my life I have discovered many pursuits which bring me happiness. Save doing a backflip off a diving board, I will try most anything. In fact, I usually throw myself into activities with both feet and my wallet too.

The violin will not be the exception. Instead, it will be an anthropological study on learning and patience. Perhaps the research will never be read in the university classroom, but it will be ground breaking. For I have only limited experience with anthropology and I have never studied the violin.

It all begins friday in a small town in Indiana. I will be sure to write frequent updates to tell stories of progress.

side note:

Tomorrow I work 24 hours on Ambulance 9 - that means I will get no sleep.

On Learning

2005-06-08T16:31:00.000-04:00

Sitting this morning with Angela I was made to wonder how many around me have stopped learning. Angela is my would-be violin teacher but I am not so sure that I will be her student. Today we had something of an interview and she did not do very well. They say you can tell if you will hire someone right off - without a word. So it was with Angela.

I will hire someone to teach me. But I will work after our session is done and they will do the things I would do if I were not learning. They will read Whitman and take walks and nap in the afternoon. They will do this because they have learned and, better still, learned to teach.

Some have stopped learning and they think it better. The work is not as appealing as the knowing. For example, I want to play the violin. So, I must weigh the work of learning to play against the fruit of being able to play.

It is the same with any subject you choose. Should the work ever become too much for the joy, it is always abandoned; to continue is one definition of madness.

Praise God that Jesus came and taught simple men the eternal truths of existence. Perhaps more importantly, I thank God those individuals were not finished learning.

When did it become okay to quit learning?

Not Ohio

2005-06-07T08:59:00.000-04:00

Dunluce's castel bay
Originally uploaded by eowin.

Have you ever traveled?

I mean - left the language that you speak best so far behind that the people you are with don't even want to know how to speak it - traveling.

I mean - nothing looks even close to familiar and you think it's the greatest place on earth - traveling.

Don't be afraid to leave, because it is the leaving that causes our ignorance and our fears to die.

Travel to grow, to change and to experience. Have you ever traveled? And not just in your truck or on a train, but in your mind. Sit and Think about a place you imagine. Not Iraq or Canada - but a castle prepared for you.

Jesus said he was going away and that he would prepare a place for us. What does that mean? How does God prepare? Does he build; speak it into existence like the earth we know and travel on? What we will be has not yet been revealed, but in the resurrection lies hope entire.

Have you ever traveled?

Vain Attempt

2005-06-07T08:31:00.000-04:00

I am still learning how to use this thing - my mind, I mean - not the computer.

Kelly Week

2005-06-06T21:24:00.000-04:00

I recently began work as a professional firefighter with the City of Cincinnati. As such, I work a fairly strange schedule. Every three weeks the schedule gets extremely weird and I am finding it particularly wonderful. Saturday (of last week) was a workday, but I will not return to work until Friday (of this week). It is a full five days off with no vacation, no holiday, no sick time. Just the gift we firemen like to call a Kelly Week. So a hearty thank you to all who went on before me. See you at the bank, Home Depot, and everywhere we go without lines, without traffic and without hassle. As my comrades on Truck 32 always say, “Eat ‘till you’re tired, sleep ‘till you’re hungry.” But, when the tones drop I run like mad to the Truck, praying that God will keep me safe.