ALPHA

ALPHA

Currently, I’m involved with a 3 month bible study group called Alpha. Alpha is a study of the tenets of Christianity. There are 14 studies with study numbers 8, 9 & 10 done at what is called the weekend away. One of the sessions is called “Who is Jesus.” Some of the other sessions are called Why Did Jesus Have to Die, How Can I Avoid Sin and Why and How Do I Pray. The course is presented by a man named Nicky Gumbel who is Vicker of the Holy Trinity Church in Brompton, England. The weekend away was spent at a church camp on Silver Lake just 15 or so miles west of Spokane. All the other meetings have been at Eastpoint Church in the Spokane Valley. At these meetings, we have dinner, sing some praise songs and watch a 30 or so minute video about that day’s lesson. Afterward, we have a discussion around the table of what that day’s lesson means to us. Alpha utilizes a great format where all questions are legitimate, and no one is the teacher. We have a table host who asks questions from a leader’s guided book, and 1 or 2 helpers who are there to help stimulate conversation. This is the 3rd time I’ve attended Alpha, with the last two times being used as a helper. Maybe next time I’ll be the host.
One of the unique things about this study group is the friendships you make along the way. Opening up and revealing some of your intimate feelings about Christianity has a way of making lasting friendships.

At the weekend away, the study is about the Holy Spirit. The lessons are Who Is The Holy Spirit, What Does The Holy Spirit Do, and How Can I Be Filled With The Spirit. It’s a very powerful weekend! If you have ever wondered what it’s like to have The Holy Spirit fill your life with His presence then this is a class you will not want to miss. Personally, I really enjoyed the weekend away and I look forward to the last few meetings.

Heather's Baby Shower

Linda went to Clarkston Wa. yesterday (Nov 8) to attend a well put together baby shower in honor of our soon to be here Great Grand Daughter. Heather and her husband Chris are expecting Porscia' Marie sometime in the first week of December. Linda had taken one of her hand made quilts as a gift for Porchia' and she had a great day getting to see some very good friends and of course family. The shower was hosted by Linda's daughter Kerry (Heather's mother) and Gloria her dad's girlfriend. It was a great time for Linda except for the trip home. It was pouring rain with a lot of standing water on the roadway. And, coming down the hill into Spokane the fog was so thick that she told me when she got home that the white line on the right side of the road was a good friend to have. I enjoy it when Linda has fun,and this was one of those times. We are both anxious to see the baby when she arrives.

A New Rod Build

First thing I had to do was to make sure the reel seat fit the rod. When I ordered it, I asked that it be specially bored to .438" so it would fit. Next thing was to fit the cork grip. It was too long so I had to shorten it by about 1" and sand it flush. Once I acquired the desired length, I bored it out with a rat tail file to a snug fit on the rod blank. Then I assembled the reel seat, cork grip and rod blank using a 50 minuted two part epoxy from Lowe's Hardware. Next thing was to fit the winding check in front of the cork grip. With all that in place it was time to attach the guides and tip top. I decided on chestnut colored nylon wrapping thread with black tipping. The spacing for the guides was determined by a chart made available by Al Campbell from Fly Anglers Online. A website dedicated to fly fishing. With all the guides and tip top in place,I applied a double coat of Gudebrod Rod Varnish to the wraps and let it dry in the rod turner. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Last but not least was a label made for me by Eppie Lew. (Handcrafted By Lotech Joe)She works at the same label shop where I work. I think it looks great.