DLmail 2/25/2011 perfect waste of time

How fast of a reader you are will determine how much time you will waste today. I am referring specifically to this DLmail. Not much here. Take the following for an example.

This week I gave up my long hair quest and went from this...

...to this in about 10 minutes.

While I have your attention, let me mention that this coming weekend is a celebration weekend in Discoveryland. No small groups. Last week we had small groups and they seemed to go quite well with our full compliment of leaders (thanks Kevin, Em, Amy & Joe). Although I was a treat to look at with my stunning long hair last Saturday, I was battling a cold and had a persisent cough that was sure to put off my small group of girls. Thankfully Amy was on and all was well.

Um, uh, what else is there to touch on? Anyone else getting nostalgic for strongarm dictators? They are dropping like flies. First Hosni, now Moammar, who is next to bail? Fidel? Kim? These guys have been around for my entire life basically. The world news just won't be the same without them.

I really am the shallow end of the brain pool. So sorry. See you Saturday. (Be sure to read Jeannine's and Jake's emails to be inspired, read mine as a last resort).

Let me end this on a really, really low note.

30 seconds of sunrise

It has been one of those weeks. I have been really busy with several things, thus I barely found time to connect with you all via DLmail. This week I have been concentrating on growing my hair out. At some point in the life of every famous hunk, the hair must be grown long (facial hair as well, but I don't have the energy for more than just the top of my head right now). I will update you periodically on my progress. Let's just hope I can come close to the awesomeness of these dude's hairs. I also received several text messages this week. Took more than a little concentration to respond to those as well. You get my gist...BUSY!

Last weekend we averted tragedy when Amy stopped by the room and volunteered to sit in with a group. You see those poor kids nearly had myself and Em as the only leaders (due to viruses and family commitments for Joe and Kevin). I hope Amy was blessed a little as she joined us as the first witnesses to our newest teacher, Steve Snyder. There is an old saying that goes like this... "Those who can't, coach." (I am using coaching as an example because I am a coach, but you could easily substitute the word "teach" there.) Well, Steve CAN. He is a professor of acting in the theater department at Bradley U. He showed us that he CAN by teaching with content and drama. Not always easy to nail both. I look forward to seeing him on stage again. For this weekend I expect Joe, Em and Kevin. Click here for the small group info if you don't already have it. Click here if you need to catch up on any of the main stage preaching. Come prepared. Pray for and with these kids. It means so much. Keep this question in mind as you prepare...What would you do if you were king for a day?

Blizzardpolousa 11 hit on Tuesday and changed all of our weeks. My week became a blur of hair growing and texting. For others it was snow removal. Still others had kids home from school unexpectedly and had to assist them in avoiding boredom. Some missed work, then I am sure had to make up for work missed. For me, today was a return to normalcy. The dog and I made it out for our walk/quiet time. Due to some scheduling necessities we went out an hour or so earlier than usual which meant we would be out during sunrise. I love the sunrise. We stopped and waited for it when we knew it was imminent. Take 30 seconds with me and enjoy some of God's creation (with a little BNSF horn blowing heard faintly in the distance) with me. You have 30 seconds don't you?

The beautiful lighting of the early morning is a gift from God. Enjoy the beauty today.

DLmail 1/10/2011 not just another FAST dog

My morning routine rarely varies. Part of my routine includes 45-60 minutes of exercising our dog Shafer. We have 300 acres of fields and woods very close to home where he hunts and runs off leash each day. I walk a 2-3 mile trail along fence lines and wooded areas while he doubles or triples my mileage going in and out, back and forth. We see wildlife regularly. It is a great place and time for both me and him. I almost took the camera today, thinking I will get some bald eagle pics (got pretty close to one on Friday), but I didn't.

The first 20 minutes today were absolutely ordinary. I think as I walk. It is my quiet time (and I can't fall asleep while walking in 20 degree temps and low wind chills). Today my thoughts were dominated by the start of the 21 day fast that Northwoods and many other churches are encouraging. Pam and I have decided to participate (this will be my third year of it...I have never made it the entire 21 days for a variety of reasons). I was really battling the thoughts of doing the fast this year as I walked. I was walking up a hill, nearing the crest, thinking, thinking, thinking while Shafer was pointing at his favorite "game" tree, the one with the squirrel and mouse nest, about 50 feet in front of me. Then my thoughts suddenly changed as I looked past Shafer and saw a coyote, 40 yards away, and coming toward us. Shafer is bold and social. The coyote, in his eyes, was certain to represent just another dog to meet. But this wasn't just another dog. Shafers natural aggressive style of charging full speed to meet a new friend was certain to be viewed as a threat and there was going to be a fight (which means a lot of blood & a vet bill), or a flight (which means a fast and high endurance coyote running from a fast and high endurance dog, being chased by a formerly fast and high endurance white guy...which equals lost dog). I yelled to Shafer to come, and without turning his head north, he did so. With my yell, the coyote stopped and sat down. And stared at us. Coyotes are not large. Except when they are staring at you. Their 40 lb. frames seemingly triple in size as they glare at you, sizing you up. The stare down lasted maybe a minute. Much of that time I was regretting not having my camera. So I got out my phone and tried to take a pic without much success (the coyote really blends in with the winter grass...dang cell phone camera!). Finally the standoff ended, with Shafer dragging me toward the coyote and the coyote slinking off about 30 yards west through the trees before turning south again to avoid us. He stopped and turned around to look at us as many times as I did the same to him. It was an uneasy encounter.

It was not that different from staring this fast in the face again. It isn't just another fast. I have fasted several times through my adult life, but they were always "just another dog." A meal to pray through here and there. A few times I fasted for a day. But this 21 day fast isn't just another dog. It's the coyote that looks as big as a wolf. It's tougher. I am not sure I am up for the run in with it again. There were a few moments this morning when I wanted to let Shafer go and see what happened. He had to be twice the size of the coyote. His heritage includes hunting coyotes (of course the hunter behind him is supposed to be carrying a gun). But I didn't do it. Too much risk. Same with this fast. There is risk. I have been through it before. It isn't easy. It isn't comfy.

But here I am nearly 13 hours in, engaging the fast, thinking & praying. Day one is always the same. Pretty good. But I know if I continue beyond this first day of encounter, there will be a fight. I am so human.

Hey, this is a DLmail, and not a RickLmail, so... thanks for serving last Saturday Joe, Em & Kevin. We had a pretty good night. Kevin and I talked about it a bit and he couldn't remember when the group of boys as a whole participated so well. January is usually a good month at church. People return to church to start the new year off, determined to make it their family routine again. Hopefully the numbers we are seeing will continue, allowing these kids to really connect with other kids, us leaders and the teachers, growing them in their faith. Something to pray about. Click here for the small group leader info if you need it. Click here if you want to watch or just listen to Cal's sermon from this past weekend.

boots, sorry just one (really cool) pair

Who needs a pair of men's size 10 Merrell waterproof snow boots? Just like last year (remember last December's boot extravaganza?), Josh got just one season out of these. Worn for maybe 10 hours (most of those hours were documented here) these boots could possible help you to have as much fun as this guy (this will make sense assuming Merrell doesn't change the photo soon). I wear Merrell all the time and look how cool I am and how much fun I seem to be having constantly. So, be like me and buy these boots for yourself, your man, or your kid with the man sized feet. Make me an offer. You might be surprised how low these will go for.

Lingenfelter Christmas Greetings 2010

Rick, Pam, Josh & Erin hope you and your family have a most wonderful Christmas!

2010 brought a few changes. We added a member to our household in March. Shafer just celebrated his 1st birthday and he has brought much joy to our home. Josh & Erin are no longer the only kids they know who do not have a dog.

Josh, now in the 8th grade, has spent the past year growing. Looking up to his mom a year ago has changed to looking down at her. Next year we expect him to do the same to his dad.

Erin is also growing much these days. She is in the 5th grade and loving it. This year she acquired a roommate when Shafer arrived. He sleeps on the foot of her bed, and is always by her side.

Pam & Rick...well...do you really want a report on grown ups???? Didn't think so. (CLICK HERE to see pics from the making of this newsletter)

...God's gift has restored our relationship with Him

and given us back our lives.

And there is more life to come-

an eternity of life!

You can count on this.

Titus 3

Lingenfelter Christmas 2010 (making of)

click on any pic to make it bigger

DLmail 12/3/2010 dumb not stupid

I don't blog much for Discoveryland anymore. You see, while I may be dumb, I am not stupid. Jeannine and Jake send you all the info you need as leaders each week. Most of what I would send would be redundant. I have been kicking back and taking full advantage of that lately (that's why I look like I am 24 months prego). But then I realized I have something they don't. Some sweet pics. So, be encouraged good and faithful servants. You serve well. And you look fantastic doing it. Big thanks to Amy, Joe, Tim, Em, Kevin & Josh. Thanks for being there for the kids.