Book Recommendation

I am currently reading Conrad Richter's three books on the settlement of Ohio. The books are entitled: The Trees, The Fields and The Town.


The Town won the pulitzer prize, and that's why I undertook reading them.

They move very quickly. They are moving and incitefull. They speak to your heart and make one examine their own moral fibre. I have finished The Trees, and I'm about half way through The Fields. These are probably the best stories I've read in five years or more. You'll cry. You'll laugh. You'll love. You'll hate. You'll become part of the story.

Read them and let me know what you think.

Standards

I was thinking today about how terrible it would be for me to have to try to live up to the standards I hold other people to.

My Beautiful Wife

Took this today by a window in our apartment. She is still sad over Bob's passing.

It's a Sad Day: Bob Miller - Rest In Peace

After several days of not being able to reach our friend, Bob, we were worried that something had happened. My wife contacted the land lord who opened the door to his apartment where she discovered that Bob had passed away. Bob was a fun guy, a thoughtful guy, and at times a trying guy (who among us is not).

This is a picture of Bob at Johan Guenter's house during a football party October 14, 2007.

Ben Graber, Basketball Star

I went to watch my brother, Ben Graber, play basketball. He plays on the JV team for his homeschool group in St. Joseph County, Michigan. It was a good game, but they lost handily.

Saugatuk


We stayed in Grand Rapids over the Thanksgiving Holiday, and we followed Lake Michigan south back toward Three Rivers. This is a picture of my wife at the pier in Saugatuk. It was frightfully cold and windy.

Crash closes U.S. 131
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Kalamazoo Gazette Staff Reports

WHITE PIGEON -- A stretch of U.S. 131 from the Indiana state line to White Pigeon was shut down for about two hours Friday night after a ``serious'' automobile accident, said Sgt. James Bennett of the Michigan State Police post in Paw Paw.
The highway's northbound and southbound lanes were closed shortly before 7 p.m. so that a medical helicopter could be brought in, Bennett said. The road was reopened by 9 p.m., but details on the accident, people involved and injuries were unavailable late Friday.

WMSH RADIO -- (WHITE PIGEON) – A three vehicle crash closed down U.S. 131 near the state line Friday night. Michigan State Police were called to U.S. 131 and Anderson Road just after 6:30 PM. Forty-six year old Donald Garton of Bristol Indiana was driving east and failed to stop at the intersection of U.S. 131. He pulled into the intersection and was hit by a southbound vehicle driven by 57 year old Sherry Opalka of Kalamazoo. Garton's vehicle continued east while Opalka's vehicle rotated to the east. One or both vehicles hit a northbound car driven by Russell Black of White Pigeon. Garton and Opalka were pinned in their vehicles and had to be removed by rescue personnel. They were both initially taken to Three Rivers Health and then both flown to Kalamazoo area hospitals. Black was not injured in the crash.

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I was a little freaked out last night, and I didn't sleep well. This accident happened right in front of me. The woman that was flown out was really messed up. When I called it in, I thought she was dead because she was unresponsive and I couldn't find a pulse. She awoke after a few minutes and pulled her head back as she took a huge weazing breath. Her eyes were bug-wide open and she had a terrified look in them. I was at her door window (which was smashed out), and her eyes met mind. There was a pitiful pleading wonder in her eyes. I told her to be still and that help was on the way. I told her we wouldn't leave her, and she was going to be OK. She seemed to calm down a little, but she was having serious trouble breathing...she was also trapped. I stayed until the firemen made us leave so they could cut her out of the car. I have seen the helpless pleading in her eyes over and over and over again...it is haunting.

UPDATE: I visited Sherry in the hospital that Sunday. She had 6 broken ribs a broken pelvis and leg. She was upbeat, and it really helped me. I have also since learned that according to the other driver's coworker he had no driver's license, insurance and blew way over the legal limit for alcohol.

What is Right About America

Disability awareness day at Fenway Park

I had tears in my eyes by the time this video finished!

Michigan Avenue Bridge

Messing around at Scidmore Park.

Under the Rail Bridge

I was under the rail bridge parallel to Main Street just south of Michigan, and I was playing with the aperture.

Am I A Man of My Word?

I sold my Jeep today. I am glad to get rid of it. We had 4 vehicles for a short time, and I really needed to get rid of one. The process of selling the Jeep was less than what I had hoped for. I assumed that the person who I sold it to was trustworthy, but I found out quickly that he was not a man of his word. It caused me to be introspective and reflect on how I come off to others if I don’t keep my word.

I had a buyer for the Jeep who was going to look at it one more time, and decide if he wanted to buy it. In the mean time a guy who works with my dad looked at it this morning. He called me and asked about buying it. He told me he’d looked at it this morning. After learning of the situation, he told me in no uncertain terms that he would buy it at $2,500 dollars if the other guy backed out and to contact him.

The other guy looked at it and decided to wait. I called the acquaintance of my dad’s, and he went right over to look at it. I was totally honest about the other guy not wanting to buy it right now. I decided then that I’d only accept $500 less than he’d committed to because that’s what I would have actually made on the other deal (a little finder’s fee I had worked out). This guy calls me and says that it really isn’t what he’d thought and wondered if I’d take less. He asked if I’d sell it to him for $2,000. I said, “yes.”

The thing is that the guy would have gotten the Jeep for $2,000 no matter what. It would have been one thing for me to tell him that I’d only take $2,000, but he chose to not be a man of his word. When he showed up the first thing I thought as I looked at him is that he’s a liar. I now have zero respect for him, and I would not believe anything he says.

I thought about this, and I thought about times when I haven’t kept my word. I hadn’t called a guy back yet that I told I’d call back on Friday. I called him at 8:30 PM tonight and apologized and accepted full responsibility for not getting back with him to tell him that I don’t yet have an answer. I felt guilty, because I’d lied to him…I promised him I’d call him back, but I didn’t…just like this other guy promised me he’d pay me $2,500 but in the end…didn’t.

It’s about integrity.

Picture: My wife in front of Tosis bakery in St. Joe. It's here because it makes me feel good.

Self Portrait

I was very proud of this. I got a wireless remote for my Nikon D-80, and I used it to take this picture of myself.

Lighthouse and Boat

I was very happy with this picture. I used my telephoto lens from about 4 miles away to get this picture. This is downtown St. Joe.

Fishing in St. Joe

Some guy fishing in St. Joe. I picked this guy off with my telephoto from about 3/4 mile away.

Jen and Her Cannon

Ummm... Not sure what to say except that this was also in St. Joe.

My Wife by the Tree

My wife was standing by a tree in St. Joe Michigan today when we went to see her Grandmother.

Puzzle

Let's see who can identify this picture of a landmark of sorts between Three Rivers and Centreville, MI. Oh! I gave it away!

Three Rivers, MI, Cemetary

My wife took this awesome picture of a Three Rivers cemetary a few days ago.

A beautiful Sight

A field of soybeans being harvested.

Ben Russell

One of our customers....

What was I thinking?

I let the Guenter kids do pretty much whatever they wanted to me...they fixed my hair, gave me ear rings, etc...

Katie

Elegant.

On the Dam

Two guys fishing on the down side of the dam in Three Rivers. The dam is on South River Road.

Katie

Took this picture of little Katie yesterday.

Foxy Lady

Who is the foxy lady?

Brothers

My nephews at Scidmore Park in Three Rivers, MI.

Don Bayn

I went to Battle Creek to see a friend of mine who has terminal cancer. It was very difficult for me to see Don, as he was physically wasting away and was barely responding to any stimulation.

I was thinking about Don on my way back, and I was thinking about what Don has taught me.

There are Christians in the world that are very particular about trying to do right in every situation. They try to be as absolutely Biblical as possible. They are righteous and good in everything they do. They make one feel worth less and small when we are around them. I would call these people Pharisees.

There are Christians in the world that are very particular about trying to do right in every situation. They try to be as absolutely Biblical as possible. They are righteous and good in everything they do. They make one feel loved, valuable and appreciated when we are around them. I would call these people Saints. Don Bayn was a Saint.

Make no mistake. Don Bayn was a better man than I, but Don would have never believed himself better than anyone. That’s why I will miss him.

Nephew and Little Girl

This is one of my nephews at Scidmore Park in Three Rivers. I love his look of suspicion toward the little girl.

Nephews

My nephews at Scidmore Park last night in Three Rivers. I remember playing at the lion water fountain when I was their age! By the way, I didn't tell them to pose at all. That is just what he did when we came up to the lion.

Al Capone

This is supposed to be a guard house just down a hill from Al Capone's mansion in Purgatory, MI. This is just south and west of Three Rivers and was half way between Chicago and Detroit when US 12 was the only route (before I-94).

Al Capone

This is a view from just West and above the guard house at Al Capone's house in Purgatory just south and west of Three Rivers, MI.

Rocky River in Downtown Three Rivers

Took this picture this morning as I went down to the library to get my Expedition which sat there overnight. A wire had come off the starter.

Johan Guenter Racing

Last Wednesday we, as an office, went to a go cart track and rented the whole thing. This was the same day that I got my new camera. This picture of Johan is one of the first I took with the camera.

NIKON D-80

I finally got my new camera. It's a Nikon D-80 with a Sigma 18-55mm lens and a Sigma 70-300mm lens. I've been happy with the camera so far...I have a lot to learn. It's 10.2 MP and has so many features, I can't even begin.

While I am happy with the camera, I'm extremely dissatisfied with Abe's of Maine where I bought it, and I've contacted them to no avail.

Anna and Laura

I don't know where to begin. I think the last time I saw these two was about 8 years ago, and since then, they have grown up and become women. I was a little embarrassed when I first met them because I kinda gushed that they've become beautiful women! They accepted the compliment with grace, but I was still shocked. I should note that others say that Laura looks like my wife when she was younger, and I that's why I reacted. LOL.

Anna and Laura are the daughters of Bret, a pastor friend of mine. Bret asked me to preach at his church last week while he was away, and I didn't expect to see any of the family there. I didn't recognize the girls right at first, but then I was shocked.

Anyway...it was nice to talk to them and I look forward to seeing Bret and his family more often.

Painting the Fire Hydrant

This nice lady from the Three Rivers Michigan Department of Public Works was painting a fire hydrant the other day out by Frankies. I stopped and asked to take her picture. I asked her name, but I forgot. Bad Joe!

My Wife

I haven't seen my wife for almost a week.... Ahhhh... I'm looking forward to her coming home today! This is by the bridge behind LA's Coffee Cafe'.

Jen Jumping In River

Jennifer at Scidmore Park. She's faking that she's jumping in...

Jen still by Bridge

My beautiful wife by the bridge.

Jen by the Bridge

This is a picture of my wife, Jennifer, sitting by a walking bridge just west of Main and North of Michigan. This is about a block from our home.

STRAY DOG BOOKSTORE AND COFFEE SHOP

This is my favorite bookstore in Three Rivers. It is just across Portage from where I live, and has a large selection of exceptionally good books. He hasn't collected a lot of crap like some bookstores...mostly great stuff. I think I'll visit over there today.

Michigan Avenue Train Crossing

This is looking south on the Michigan Avenue rail crossing in Three Rivers, MI. Just to the left of this picture (west) is LA's Coffee Cafe'.

HIDDEN DRIVE

This is my last Withers Road picture. There is a boat launch just on the north side of the bridge and the hidden drive sign refers to the two drives coming up just west of the bridge toward US 131. Also notice the cross. Someone evidently died here...makes the pic mean a little something more to me. Somber. Sobering.

Withers Road Bridge

I took these pictures today on Withers Road. The first is pointed south of the bridge, notice the swans and the boat in the background, and the second is pointed north. This is a couple of miles south of Three Rivers, MI. It is amazing how many places like this there are around here.

Paisano's

I was at Paisano's yesterday and Rhea Lynn (left) let me snap her picture so long as Debbie (right) stood in as well.

JT Guenter

Took this picture of little JT when the family stopped by work the other day. He thought he really looked pretty cool with that sweater...and he did!

Weenie Kings!

I took this picture of the the Weenie Kings vendor at the Three Rivers Public Library today. I thought he was a pretty cool guy. Unfortunately, I never did get his name, but I got a great "Chicago Style" dog. You really have to try one!

UPDATE: I was told that the Weenie King is Mike King!

This guy was at the Weenie Kings cart when I was there. I think he said his name was Mel Taylor, and we talked for a bit.

Centreville Cemetary

This is a photo I took several years ago in the cemetary where my grandmother was buried. I thought this marker to be quite unique.

At The Lake

The Guenter children at the lake! Thanks to the Zuidemas.

Superchristian

I am greatly distressed when I am confronted by Christians who think themselves more highly than they ought. It is easy to point fingers at other Christians and point out supposed flaws in their character.

Our moral fiber is never a perfectly developed photograph of Christ’s Likeness, but rather it is a diorama created by a first grader. Our moral fiber is disproportioned, unflattering and difficult to understand. The point of view is often skewed and the lack of depth belies our true nature.

We see very clearly our own areas of well developed godliness, but we hide our faults way in the back behind our strong points. We even fool ourselves into believing we are truly good, and we begin to think of differences even of personality as moral questions…asserting our superiority.

We can become arrogant and conceited in our perfection. Of course we would never say this…especially when confronted. We look past the telephone pole sticking out of our own eye and grow angry over the sliver in our neighbor’s eye.

The Invasion

So my pastor and I went to a movie the other night at 9:45 PM. We went to see the The Invasion, a movie about an alien germ like creature that takes over human beings. It was kinda weird, but there was a distinct and obvious philosophy put forward both overtly and covertly.

Human beings are inherently self interested, and to lose that quality of self interest, meaning to experience a harmony of interests or to achieve unity, would necessarily mean losing our humanity.

The movie achieves this unity through the destruction of humanity, but in the end humanity reigns supreme and self interest return to the throne. The movie ends with the statement that we need self interest in order to be human and in order to be good.

What is missing from this is a biblical idea of a harmony of interest as well as unity through Christ. When we are devoted to serving Christ and realize that we are not our own but that we are bought with a price, we can set aside our own selfish desires and ambitions in order to submit to Christ.

Do we lose our humanity when we are submitted to Christ? Paul wrote that he was dead nevertheless he lived…yet not him…but it was Christ living through him.

Open Door Policy

Just watch that first step.

This is behind Main Street in Three Rivers, MI.