Art Festival - Oklahoma City

What in the world was I doing at an art festival in Oklahoma City? As referenced in an earlier post, you could probably imagine, knowing me, there had to be a good reason. And you would be right. There was. And it's not that I'm artsy or even work with the artsy (which I enjoy, by the way.)

Below is a picture of one of the many rows of the art festival that was in that district in Oklahoma City Saturday, part of the Memorial Day weekend. It was really interesting and I had a great time. It was a little hot but nonetheless enjoyable.


I bought a piece of equipment online and it required that I pick it up in Oklahoma City. I also have an uncle (John) that lives there and so I got to see him while I was there. John needed to find a birthday present for one of his friends and so we went to the festival together to find something for them. We walked and talked and had a great time. There were a hundred or so boothes, the local art shops were open, food & drink vendors, stage music and below is a photo of one of the street musicians. She looked like Peter Pan playing a viola. She had classical sheet music down on the ground in front of her and it sounded great.


John was able to find some small art for a friend or two. I hadn't seen him in what we calculated to be around 5 to 6 years and we live only 4 hours away. It was the first relative I've seen since his brother, my uncle, Rob passed away a few months ago. I needed that family embrace. We also had great conversation and prayed with each other before I returned home. He also helped me load my purchase into the bed of my little pickup truck and secure it well for the drive home. It was really good to see him. There is actually an opportunity for us to see each other again in 3 weeks. I hope it works out.

- Wade Baker

Bad Day

You think you're having a bad day? Maybe you are, but look at the picture below. It could be worse. Poor guy.

This was taken on my way to Oklahoma City this past Saturday. He had totes in the back of his truck and apparently one or two of them rolled out as he was going down the interstate. Traffic slowed to a crawl to give this guy a chance to salvage his clothing.

- Wade Baker

First Fruits

I know this is a little sad, but, I was so proud of my little lunch salad today I took a picture of it and created a new post just to share it with you.

Now, if you know me, you know there's got to be a reason. And there is a reason, of course. Can you guess what it is? Some of you, maybe. Here it comes.

The bulk of my salad (lettuce and edible-pod peas) are from my very own new-this-season backyard raised- bed vegetable garden! Can you tell I'm excited? I'm also growing strawberries. My carrots didn't do too well so this one is from the fridge. The radish and the carrot are from Angel Food.

Almost my entire lunch today was picked fresh from the backyard. That really excites me! And it's only just begun. [Imagine that tune playing in the background.] This is just my first crop. The greens are leaf lettuce so I only removed the outer leaves that often go bad anyway. I did get one strawberry off the plant today. And I harvested a whole handful of the snow peas. I don't think I've ever used them in a salad before. They were great. I didn't even need salad dressing. I just used the sliced strawberries for a little wet flavor.

I have to admit. I did add a small avocado from my fridge after I took the picture. It's from Angel Food too. I guess, depending on how you think about it, one way or another, it's all angel food. I realize the scripture probably meant it a different way but I still think of "the Lord of the harvest". It doesn't have to be November to give thanksgiving for the harvest.

Thank you, God, for your rain and your sun (and your Son).

And thank you for helping me see those 2 fat and happy caterpillars hiding in my lettuce and giving me shoes so I could squash them.

- Wade Baker

Emergency Preparedness – Clothing

I’ve quoted the following scripture in a previous post but it’s worth repeating.

"She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear." - Proverbs 31:21 (The Message)

I hope you’re not offended that it’s a paraphrase. It just seems to do this particular verse so much justice; transcending cultural understanding of thousands of years.

It may take me a few posts to adequately cover the topic of clothing in the context of emergency preparedness. You can trust that I have made a significant study in this area the last 10 years. Ask Gina. I even spoke to a college class about it once. I won’t bore you with all my research but watch out if you bring it up some cool evening around a campfire. You have been warned.

The first point I want to make, and to grab your attention, “Cotton kills.” This is an expression known by many an experienced outdoors person. The overall point of this is: the average wardrobe would not support effective clothing in an extended outdoor situation. If you agree with that, you may ask “Why does that matter?” That is a fair question.

Consider this: they call it an emergency for a reason. In other words, we rarely have enough foresight to prepare specifically for any given perilous environment. So what if we dressed always prepared? You might be imaging a GI Joe sniffing fruit at the grocery store. That’s not what I’m talking about.

Consider this: in the title photo of this blog, you should see a picture of Gina & I. We are both dressed in clothes that would help protect us if we had been left in those woods that night with nothing else. OK, we probably could have done a better job protecting our feet but there’s utility in those sandals as well. I can’t tell for sure exactly which pair of pants I’m wearing but I’m fairly certain I’ve spent a night out in those woods in particular wearing those exact pants having had no tent or sleeping bag. I slept on the cold ground and with a little ingenuity did quite well.

OK, so we’ve established I’m at least a little crazy. I’m OK with that label. You can call me crazy all night long as you shiver in your wet jeans and I’m snoring getting a full night’s sleep because I chose nylon or polyester over cotton.

Ok, so what’s up with cotton? …if I haven’t lost you yet. Here’s the main deal: 3 seasons out of the year, when cotton gets wet it is known to lose nearly all of its insulative properties. It is a weakness that is not widely yet realized. Cotton has so many advantages that this weakness is usually overlooked. So, besides summer (for the most part), if you are stranded (from shelter) for an extended period of time (could be as short as 3 hours) and you are wearing cotton and it gets wet you will shiver (lose body heat) until at least the clothing dries out. And that’s the second issue. Cotton does not dry out quickly, at least quickly enough to preserve your life. These two weaknesses in cotton clothing has been deadly enough to kill countless people. There are other disadvantages to wet cotton clothing including chaffing, heaviness, restrictive movement. Even dry cotton clothing can become thread bare quickly with much activity. Often times cotton clothing doesn’t get wet from precipitation as it does from perspiration. Either way, when it gets wet, it will probably stay wet until you return to your nearest laundry appliance or a sunny all-day clothesline.

Is there room for cotton outdoors? Absolutely. But if you want to be prepared you must think and realize its applications can be somewhat narrow. About the only time I would plan on wearing cotton would be in an arid and hot environment like a dessert. Even then I can think of some great applications for synthetic materials. And that’s really what I’m saying: it’s a battle between natural and synthetic. What cotton is weak in the synthetics (mostly nylon & polyester) is strong in. Most synthetic fiber retains a reasonable degree of their ability to insulate when wet and they are generally much quicker to dry. Another advantage is they wick moisture away from the body. This can also help regulate body temperature.

OK, so that’s a lot of theory. First of all, check this out. Do your own independent research. But second, check it out for yourself. This means you may need to stand up, go to the door, step outside and shut the door behind you for an extended period of time. Find something you like. You like walking? Go for a hike. You like camping? Go backpacking? You get the point.
Try backpacking in the summer with a cotton t-shirt. What do you do with it that evening? Hang it up? It will feel great that next morning when you put it back on. Oh, you brought a backup? Great, so you get to carry a heavy sweaty shirt around the next day.

Try the same thing with a polyester shirt. It most likely won’t ever get to complete saturation during the day and whatever is wet when you get to camp will be dry by the time you finish dinner. Don’t want to sleep in that stinky shirt? Hang it up, let it air out a bit. Wear that comfy night shirt you brought (also poly). Then the next day put your clean shirt back and put that stinky shirt back on. It’s going to be stinky anyway. Keep that other shirt for only if you absolutely need it. (It’s probably long sleeve anyway.)

Trust me, these two scenarios are two completely different experiences. You want to try one of these poly shirts? Head down toy your local major retailer and walk the racks. Hover in the sports clothing area. Check tags. It will most likely say 100% polyester and cost less than $10. If you have more money, and want to appear stylish, head to your local outdoor store. They will be more than happy to put you in a $20-$50 t-shirt. It will also probably be more comfortable and last longer. Don’t get me wrong. There is a difference in these outdoor shirts just make sure you get what you pay for.

Now pants are all about the same thing (and the other garments). These can be a little more difficult to track down. I will confess, most of my outdoor pants come from the outdoors stores or I’ve ordered them online. As shirts generally use the softer polyester, pants usually se the more durable nylon. One of the quickest ways to find nylon pants in an outdoors store is in the zip-off’s section. These pants have really revolutionized the outdoor lower garment industry, to be dramatic.

I have had a hit and miss experience when it comes to finding good synthetic pants even in the best outdoors stores. If you are entering this realm for the first time I would point you in the good ol’ reliable direction of Campmor. I have fond memories of receiving their catalog as a kid. By the way, it still looks the same with a few different products. I have found, on regular occasion, synthetic pants on sale for less than $20. If you have less patience you could expect to pay $20-$30. If you are girl, add about another $10. I know. It’s not fair. Believe me. I know. These pants are often quite generous on sizes; very forgiving on cut and fit. I’ve had pretty good success nailing it the first time. Just make sure you do your home work.

That just leaves the “other” garments. I have more research on this than you are ever likely to want to know. Let me just say this, consider poly briefs. Ask me about them offiline. Otherwise don’t tempt me.

Moving on, get yourself some wool socks. Then get yourself a second pair. Now before you get crazy, I’m not talking about that hippy-looking rag wool. I’m talking about premium wool, often called Merino. Do a little research. And wool blend socks aren’t too bad either. I have found them at my local major retailer but I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s back to the outdoors store or Internet.

I might as well touch on footwear but that sounds like another post. This entry is already longer than I like. I would encourage you to consider exploring the realm of outdoor footwear by starting at your local major retailer again. Notice, I’m not saying “their” name. You can figure it out. I have a pair of boots I bought “there” years ago that have seen some pretty extreme things and I was just wearing them yesterday and will probably wear them again today. I think I paid not much more than $30, maybe less. I liked them so much I have a 2nd pair now that I’m just starting to break in. There are also so great expensive boots out there. I have both and I use both. It will depend on your application.

Well, that’s certainly enough for now. If any of you readers would like to pursue this more fully and live in the area and would like additional guidance you probably could twist my arm in going shopping with you.

Remember, the point is, be ready. Do things today so that when disaster comes tomorrow you are in a better position to help others and not just be another victim.

- Wade Baker

Confessions of a Caver

I ran into someone I know at lunch today that primarily knows me from my old caving days. What he may not quite realize yet is - that person he knew is what I now refer to as "the old Wade".

I'm sure I'll have additional opportunities to explain but here's a shorter attempt.

I'm 34 years old and for 33 of those years I lived mostly for myself. It was fun. It was great. It was wrong. I pursued myself, found myself and then realized I didn't like myself.



Then in an apartment complex in Kansas City June 27, 2008 I got on my knees with 2 friends and asked Jesus, who had been my Savior most of my life, to be Lord over ALL my life for the first time IN my life.

It was during this same time that I understood that the Lord was calling me to sell the pile of possessions I had amassed to glorify the altar in my life called caving. I had set this interest in my life so high that it was casting a shadow over everything else.

So piece by piece, auction by auction, buyer by buyer I moved almost every piece of equipment I had. So far I still have helmets & lights for Gina & I and a few other personal pieces. I didn't sense that He was asking me to give it up entirely at this time, though, as my witness, He knows I'm willing.

When, not much longer than a year ago, I was out of town caving almost every weekend I think I have been only a couple of times since. I have plans to go sometime before the end of this month and maybe once more before the summer's over but that's it. It's like he took that overwhelming desire away. Or maybe a better way to describe it is He's given me a greater fascination with His Son. And for that I am grateful.

- Wade Baker

Backyard Garden

Gina & I talked for years, ever since we bought the house, about growing a garden. The work on the house itself had kept us so busy that it wasn't until about 6 months ago that we started putting together a plan.

I marked off an area in the backyard that was roughly 10 feet by 10 feet. Last fall, after the grass stopped growing for the season, we cut the sod out and relocated it to other places in the yard that needed it.

This spring I bought some landscaping stones and built the empty bed up about a foot high. I called the local nursery and had them deliver 3-4 cubic yards of soil. We planted it with red potatoes, a couple of varieties of peas, several varieties of broccoli and cabbage.

And then I realized I left no room for my tomatoes. So I built another bed just for them. And then someone gave us some lettuce starter plants. So I built another bed for them. Then I realized I had no room for my corn or squash. So I built another bed for them. Then I realized I needed an enclosed bed for my strawberries so I built a bed for them. I still have seed I bought that I haven't planted yet because once again I am out of room.

I have plans for 3 more beds and hope to complete them before it's too late to plant. I'll include for you a rough diagram of the backyard, current & planned.





- Wade Baker

"Raise The Dead"

I had a great conversation lately with a couple of coworkers. We were discussing what the Bible says about a believer's ability to be used by God to raise the dead. We started off not really knowing what the Bible says about it. I conducted a quick study and put some scripture together that we all found insightful. I'm going to paste it here below. I imagine you may come to some of the same conclusions.

The following scripture is in the same order as presented in the Bible.

“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” – Matthew 10:8 KJV

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” – John 14:12 KJV

“In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.” – Acts 9:36-42 NIV

“Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!" Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.” – Acts 20:9-12 NIV

“Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?” – Acts 26:8 KJV

Word of Knowledge at Golden Corral

There's something about Sunday lunch that puts me in a mood. What's the point in going to church if you don't leave somehow affected?

Gina & I have a tradition of going to lunch with her parents every Sunday after church. We've been doing this for the 10 plus years we've been married. Yesterday, being Mother's Day, Gina's mom, Zula, picked the Golden Corral in Springdale. It was even busier than usual and we waited a little while to be seated.

About midway through our meal I noticed a young African American lady sitting at a table all by herself. I assumed she was holding down the fort for some others like we do when we're at a buffet but enough time finally passed I could see she'd come alone. You don't see that too often at a place like that so it caught my attention, even further. I wondered what her circumstances were and before I knew it I was filled with compassion for her.

This next part happened rather quickly and all at once. Somehow I "knew" that she was praying for her husband and that even though breakthrough was coming slowly that the Lord would be faithful in answering her prayers for him. Where did that come from? Well, I knew the answer to that question but still asked it instinctively to myself. What do I do with that? I knew that answer too.

I made a vague announcement to our table that I'd be excusing myself. They are starting to get used to this. I took the few shorts steps to the lady's table. I asked her if I could sit down, that I had something I wanted to share with her. Looking somewhat surprised, she said yes and I took the chair across from her. I asked her something I'd never thought before. "Do you believe God could use a stranger to deliver a message?" or something like that. I don't recall the exact words. She said yes without blinking an eye. I was surprised and encouraged.

I asked her if she was married and she said no. I then went on to explain that I thought the Lord had a message for her regarding her husband. She said she was engaged. I then said that it must be regarding her promised husband and there seemed to be confirmation on that. I asked her if she was praying for him and she told me that she was and that he was in jail. Now this was starting to make some sense to me even though I hadn't expected it to be this serious.

I encouraged her to continue praying. I also told her that the small amount of fruit that she has seen in him recently is God's way of encouraging her to continue praying. I told her not to be discouraged and that what God had started in him will be brought to completion and for her to remain patient and faithful. I encouraged her to give God thanks along the way for the little things and He would make them greater.

I probably concluded with something like, "I just felt led to share that with you." I was about to get up when I saw that she beat me to it. I quickly rose as she did wondering what was going on. She took a step toward me, put her arms out and gave me a beautiful hug right there in the middle of the dining room. I was once again surprised but made sure she knew I was hugging her back and said, "Bless you, sister".

I stepped away from her table and took some time as I grabbed some carrot cake from the buffet. This gave me time to pause and reflect before rejoining the family at our table. I came back and saw the young lady had left. I sat down at our table and told the family about the experience between bites of food. She later returned briefly before leaving the restaurant for that day.

The family talked about this and things related to this on our way back to Siloam Springs. I thought about it much of the rest of that day even as I was getting ready for bed. I think this was another example of "I don't know who was blessed more." Maybe we were blessed the same since we had the same experience, a touch from the same loving God.

- Wade Baker

The 5th Garden Bed

The birds are killing my strawberries. Don't mess with my strawberries.

I needed to build an enclosure to protect them. By the time I went to the trouble I might as well build a new bed. So a little after 3PM today I made a trip to Lowe's. I picked up a roll of plastic mesh, 7 cheap studs, a box of deck screws, 20 blocks and 4 bags of sand.

I cut one stud in half and using two others still at full length I made a 4 by 8 frame.


The remaining 4 studs I cut to 5 feet each to be the legs. I screwed them into the corners building the enclosure upside down.

The roll of plastic mesh is 48 inches wide so I stapled one end of it to the frame and rolled it on out stapling it along the way. This will be the top.


The I ran the roll around the sides like a skirt and stapled it only along the top. I then cut slits down the 4 corners so the sides can be lifted for harvesting and weeding. Screws half-way in on the corners allow me to "button" the mesh down and keep it secure from hungry birds and digging pets.


I mocked it all up in my driveway first to make sure it would all work. I will build the raised bed with the block. The stud legs fit down in the corner holes and then those holes get packed with sand. There are a number of reasons for this final detail. It helps lock the corners together, the sand drains well so the wood will last longer and the sand can be just raked in later if I decide to take it apart.

PVC frames can be made also but you need to make sure and use a pipe that will bend. It costs a little bit more but lasts longer. I needed something quick and cheap so I may work on a PVC version in the off season.

- Wade Baker

Worshipping Dream

I had an interesting dream last night. It was short, kind of like a brief movie clip.

I dreamt I was standing in a hallway with a couple of folks waiting on something. I was tapping my foot and lightly bopping to an internal beat, maybe even patting my hand lightly on my side, hardly making any real noise. I was singing an upbeat and familiar praise song in my head.

Out of the blue this somewhat obnoxious young man turns the corner with someone else and says over his shoulder while turning in front of me and then walking off, "Don't start singing now." I instinctively and clearly replied with a genuine smile, "I'm not singing, I'm worshipping." (A friend of mine shared a message about this a few months ago.)

I could tell in that instant that I had demonstrated a fresh boldness because I could sense in my dream that this person didn't seem to usually have the time of day for things like worship or understood its value.

And that was the end of the dream. I actually woke up still singing that same song in my heart about 5AM this morning. I was definitely awake then so a few minutes later I got up for the day feeling quite refreshing.

[Pause...]

My eyes are welling up with tears right now as I recall the last thing I prayed last night before going to bed. (Thank God for Thursday morning revelation.) I prayed last night at the IHOP-SS Unity Set that the Lord would send angels to minister to us in our sleep and that he would give us dreams and visions. I'd say that He answered that prayer.

I should also faithfully report that a severe infection, fever & cold I had yesterday (was at the doctor's twice) is noticeably improved today. I feel like a renewed man today and I am compelled by my knowledge, understanding and faith to give God all the glory.

- Wade Baker

Breakfast Blog

What's a blogger's favorite cereal brand?

Post

Couldn't help myself.

Hey, am I the only person out there that prefers breakfast cereal in a cup?

- Wade Baker

Ladybug - The Wonder Dog

February 15, 2008 a little puppy was born in rural Oklahoma. 5 to 6 weeks later she would be delivered to us. Gina and I don't have kids yet so we thought we'd practice with a puppy. We brought the little ball of fur home and have watched her grow.

We named her Ladybug because she's part Boston Terrier and part Pug, a Bug, at least so we were told. She's also female so that's how we came up with Ladybug. Although she's female I'm not too sure about the lady part either.

We quickly found our natural roles with her upbringing. I found myself the trainer, the "corrections officer" and the rough-houser. Gina has taken care of the feeding, the bathing and walks and cuddles.

She knows lots of tricks and loves to put on her little dog show when people come over. She also likes playing with other dogs as long as they aren't twice her size. She barks when someone's at the door but only sniffs and licks (kisses) them when she realizes they are our friends.

Her "grandma" (Gina's mom) six doors down spoils her, like she should. Oh, and Ladybug doesn't care much for cats. Go figure. When I make the "kitty kittty kitty" call she rushes to the window on the lookout. She'll chase off anything in the yard we set her loose on, except for that one cat that always holds its ground.

If you haven't met Ladybug yet you'll have to stop by sometime.

- Wade Baker

Wade & Gina's Blog Title Photo

(This post refers to a photo, now seen to the left, that was originally used as the main blog title image. I have since replaced it and so I'm posting the old one here.)

Well, I thought I'd better explain what Gina & I are doing standing in water in the dark.

Let me just say, this was Gina's idea. Just kidding. I think Gina & I did this together on my birthday last year so it would have been June 2008.

I have enjoyed much recreation in the outdoors especially since moving to the Ozarks in 1998. One of the things I have found most exciting is the exploration of the thousands of wild caves in the area. The photo above was taken in Arkansas' longest cave - Fitton Cave. Last time I checked it had 17.5 miles of mapped passage and was still being surveyed. I have led between 20 and 30 trips through this particular cave over the years and about once a year I lead a trip through one of my favorite parts, The Water Passage.

Gina's not naturally into caving but she's been a good sport over the years. She said she actually liked this trip more than many. It certainly was beautiful and we got to see miles of cave. We went with a small group and someone was kind to take this photo. Better look at it good because I'm pretty sure I won't get Gina back there again any time soon.

- Wade Baker

Talk About the Weather

The title to this post has at least 3 levels of meaning for me. If I was a radio talk show host (don't tempt me) I would probably initiate a call-in like contest and see if you could guess what they are. But since I'm not, I'll just stick with the topic.

Somehow, seriously, somehow... I've gotten to be known as the weather guy. (Erik, it's OK, u can still txt me.)

I think I have been with people, outside, and they've turned to me and asked, "What's the weather supposed to be like today?" "Look up?" I've thought, too polite to actually say out loud.

No, really, I don't mind all that much. I'm not sure when it all started. I'm sitting here wondering if it came as part of package Airforce brat deal. I'm not too sure.

I can tell you I can remember weather as far back as I can recall.I remember living in "the green house" (an early childhood home that was painted green on its outside) and hunkering down in the middle of it while a tornado ripped down the street just one block away. It killed a young boy in a dugout at the ball field. Maybe that's why I was never interested in playing sports.Growing up in Myrtle Beach, SC I got used to riding out big hurricanes.

"Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep... The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for the following counties: Georgetown, Horry, ..."

I can still hear it to this day, probably because I heard it so many times. The storms would almost always make the same tracks. My mom would get those paper grid maps and we'd plot the storm by the coordinates on the radio, maybe a TV. These were the days before we knew cable or The Weather Channel. The Internet was still a fanciful idea in some little-known future politician's mind.

I have the NWS site up now, at work and at home. I almost always do. Gina's last car had it factory built-in with the radio. My most recent handheld GPS also had it. I'm still amazed to find people that think it was invented yesterday. Ok, now no forecast is perfect. But these guys are pretty good. One other thing I have to say about their site: no ads or pop-ups. I think our culture has been so inundated and accustomed to them they don't even notice them on the weather sites. I can't stand them! What clutter! And what's up with this new one with the girl showing off her little pink patch? You know, it's dangerous really. What if I'm tracking to track a tornado and get distracted? Down right deadly.

What really prompted me to start this rambling is, I have found a new tool [heavenly music crescendos in background]. I turned my wife, Gina Baker, onto it this morning. Yeah, she's already hooked. I can tell. I saw the corners of her smile and her eyes widen in the glow of the laptop screen.OK, but I'm not going to give it away for free. This is for REAL weather enthusiasts only.

Have you... hiked in a hailstorm or during a flashflood warning? Have you been on the water and seen multiple funnel clouds? Have you lived through multiple hurricanes and even surfed the waves of one? Do you get excited when you hear a tornado siren but in a good way? Do you stand at the front door when transformers are blowing out like popcorn? Have you seen the green? Have you stepped out into it? Have you... had $2,000 of damage to your vehicle due to wind alone? Have you ever opened all the doors, put in neutral and let it sail the wind? Have you sailed a boat in a thunderstorm or had to bail a canoe while laughing in a downpour? Have you woken in the middle of the night to see your camp floating away? Have you kayaked in the face of blowing sleet? Have you camped out without a tent to zero F? Have you gotten in your car and chased a storm with a camera, a GPS and a cell phone? With your spouse?

Have you ever traded a Fall Break to run a chainsaw for a week in Florida? Have you ever given up a Labor Day to cook for the suddenly homeless in Mississippi? Have you ever climbed onto a roof with a chainsaw around power lines or gotten under a dangerous limb for a neighbor, or two or more? Have you ever run out in a rain storm around power lines to make sure that the 100-year old tree didn't crush the widow's house or block her doors? Have you ever helped a stranded hiker across a flooded river? Have you ever driven 3 hours to give a tornado victim a bottle of water?

My point is, don't think of these tools as toys or entertainment. Use these tools to increase your awareness and that of those around you. Use the information to offer peace and safety. Don't make fun of the weather man. Don't take praying about the weather lightly, "I wish" this and "I wish" that.

Use it for information. "I can get to my car now without getting soaked." "Is my home storm ready?" "It's OK, honey. It's just heavy rain." "Better not plan on working in the garden this weekend."OK, you've paid the price, to get this far. I'll let you have it. And if you scanned or skipped all the way down to here then shame on you. (OK, not really.)

It's Weather Underground. Now wait, don't say you already know. Hold on. Here's the link.

http://www.wunderground.com/

And yes, I know there are ads. It's OK. This one may be worth it.Now keep in mind. This is for almost-live highly detailed radar, for storm tracking. It won't cook supper for you. You've got to understand how to use it. It's not just some pretty kaleidoscope.

Like usual, enter your zip code, city, whatever or cheat and go ahead and click on the icon center left that says WunderMap or View WunderMap. (Don't you like all these compound uppercase words?) Yes, I know. Ooh, pretty. Snap out of it.

Scroll down a little and select Storm Tracks. Now you should hear that celestial singing I referred to earlier (if you're a believer). Now , if you're doing this and there's no severe weather around you're not going to get much. Maybe you should practice on TN. They seem to always have a storm going on. Mine often comes up, by default, with stations. I don't use them so much. I usually unclick them (lower left). If you're not impressed then leave. If you like what you see, start digging around and learn the stuff. "It's so awesome!" [Think hamster voice from the movie Bolt.]

That's all I've got to say. Maybe next time we'll come back to the other 2 meanings behind this post's title. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you must have skipped to the bottom.

This is where I usually say,

- Wade Baker

Swine Flu

A new friend of mine recently alerted me of an article I just finished reading. It's about the Swine Flu. It's one of the best pieces I've read so far that really helped keep all the concern in check, grounded a little more is reason.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/29/Swine-Flu.aspx

Also, we as believers have nothing to fear. We are immune. I'm not talking about our physical bodies necessarily but we have been vaccinated against fear and this vaccine has only good side effects.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." - 2 Tim 1:7

And, as mentioned in a previous post, God has also taught us the wisdom of preparation. I know that even for faithful believers that walking this line (between preparation and fear) can be difficult. Pray for the grace to do so with excellence. Pray for discernment and discretion.

Let me encourage you, for various reasons, to consider building your pantry food stores to at least a 30-day supply. Try not to let the common arguments get in the way of this wise practice (if you agree it's wise). If it makes you fearful to consider it then pray against the fear and then in faith move forward.

There is much Christian literature on this, on the web and even local seminars. Find out when the next one is and block out that time. I'm suggesting you not spend an extra penny on anything you aren't going to use anyway.

And before I get too far along this rabbit trail (sounds like a good topic for another post) let me just mention one last thing. Ok, maybe two.

If you feel you do not have enough cabinet space to store 30 days of nonperishables, think outside the box, seriously. Think garage, basement, closets, etc. Of course make sure they are heated & cooled to living temperatures. You can sort the food by expiration date and store it in clear totes. There are no lack of techniques. At the same time there is also no lack of natural objections (complaints of inconvenience, unconventional use of space, perceptions, etc). But you've got to think beyond the veil of these things, but not in fear. If you feel yourself getting worked up, STOP! Pray, and return when you have peace. Please, as my brothers and sisters, please give this serious consideration.

And I haven't forgotten that second thing (surprisingly). And this is way down the trail but worth it. If you are talking with a brother or sister in the Lord and they trust you (whether they should or not) with information about their preparedness (they are likely not bragging but trying to encourage you) please, do not say something careless and foolish like, "Well, if it does get bad, we're going to come knock on your door and live with you." This is so "wrong" on so many different levels. I don't mean wrong necessarily from a moral sense but more like that's probably not the best thing to say, to put it lightly.

First of all, it's just plain insensitive. How do you think it makes the other person feel, whether you think it's funny joking or not? I can assure you your prepared brothers and sisters have already considered that possibility. And I would dare say, they probably do have extra for that reason. But I will also say that many of them own weapons (firearms) are on the lookout for more, have a healthy inventory of ammunition and they aren't doing so without purpose. They aren't buying firecrackers to scare kids off. Often these comments I'm referring to are for saving face. It's almost like the unprepared person's thinking, "Well, I'm completely unprepared so I'm going to make fun of this person." Kind of like a teacher's pet mentality. If you feel or sense this seed of thought rising up inside you, please, for everyone's sake, resist it. Genuinely try something like, "Well, it sounds like you have really thought this thing out. Maybe we could get together some time and you could tell me more about where someone could start." If that gives you the shivers just to think about it, please pray and ask the Lord to lead your heart righteously and in wisdom.

I think that's enough heart-to-heart soap boxing for now. I hope you can hear my sincere tone and I hope it comes across as humble as the Lord wants me to be.

I'm sure there will be more on pantry building so stay tuned.

- Wade Baker

Emergency Preparedness

I think in this case The Message translation says it best, "She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear." - Proverbs 31:21

In a previous post I spoke a little about disaster response. Before the response comes preparedness.

My wife brought the following website to my attention today. It looks like they have some good stuff. Here comes the link.

http://www.christianemergencynetwork.org/

Also, since the swine flu's a hot topic right now you might also check out the following link as to how Christians can prepare.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=509758

- Wade Baker

Gina Flying A Plane

I went to sleep last night watching a documentary that had a lot to do with a particular small single-engine airplane. I guess it's no wonder that I would have a dream about one except my wife, Gina Baker, was flying it and the small single-engine plane was made out of old reclaimed building materials like rusty tin roofing and such. Even though parts of the corrugated iron were flapping a bit (like some old nails had come loose) it seemed to be flying OK and it looked like Gina was doing a pretty good job. I could see her taking off and flying low like in the movie I had been watching.

I'm quite certain Gina's never flown a plane but I have on a few occasions. Maybe I shouldn't eat so close to bedtime. We had also been discussing a local family would recently taken a short flight just to go somewhere different for dinner. I've had a long time interest in flying, growing up my earlier years as an Air Force brat. My dad was in aircraft maintenance and I have a brother who has followed in his steps, not to mention an uncle who was also a pilot. And Now I'm recalling my grandfather flew with a plane in WWII. Huh, didn't realize it went that far back, no wonder.

I have to admit, one of my favorite things about travelling is flying. I try to hide it so I don't embarrass myself. Sitting in my usual window seat I often find myself feeling like a 10-year old kid hoping to get a set of those cheap plastic wings to pin on my chest.

Don't be surprised if I jot down a dream or two. Many of them have turned out later to had quite a bit to do with events in Siloam Springs.

I can hear the sound of that plane's engine now as it approaches and then flies overhead.

mmmvvveeeEEEOOOooowww...

This is your captain speaking.

- Wade Baker