Might be moving

Hey, for a little while at least you can find me at streubel.wordpress.com

A look within...

Every fall season (yes, I believe fall is here) I find myself trying to get organized for the year ahead, this year is no different. 2008-2009 however has a little different feel as this becomes year number 2 in the PhD program. The question posed by my wife, "can you see the light at the end of the tunnel" my response "what's light?", so… it is at these times in my life I dig deep into my character, thoughts, and passions to remember the why –

First I remember – “God loved the world so much (everyone in it – no questions asks) that he sent his only son to pay the bill no one could ever afford – John 3:16 (Jason’s Translation)

Second, I remember – Like everyone I was not an accident but designed for a purpose that is bigger then myself. I have a role to play – I must play it with my best.

Third, I remember – I was never expected to play my part on my own strength but with the backing and support of the ultimate designer – the same creator who paid my bill – seriously – if He is for me – who can be against me.

My hope does not come in who's president, the price of gas, the state of global relationships but my hope comes from my personal and living relationship with God and him working in me.

I’m not normal – I get it – I love God and play with poop but I know this, my purpose stays the same…

“I exist to restore hope to my generation, anyone I meet, anywhere I go, anyway I can; living dangerously and recklessly trusting God’s word because God’s love compels me to do no less”

I Corinthians 9:24-27 (Message) You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

So, I press on – following the example of Jesus the best I can – I will continue to screw up – say the wrong things – miss opportunities – miss deadlines – yell at the boys – kick the dog – have bad attitudes – but I will do my best follow Him and run the race.

Now I return to the books, the data, the manure and the upcoming dissertation looking through the lenses of the deep and the passion that remains the same…

Africa or Die

Lots of information -

So...this whole dyslexia thing is getting on my nerves as of late. I generally do not struggle in the reading portion but it expresses itself through numbers, speaking backwards, writing things backwards on paper and making it almost impossible to gather the thoughts in my head to place on paper it feels like trying to grab for dollar bills in a wind tunnel. I am working on a presentation for school/work and I know exactly what I want to say but it just doesn't come out...on the paper. Oh well, I have managed for this long I will keep on trucking. It could be worse -

Ran another marathon - got a plaque in the mail confirming I didn't do to bad - 2nd place for my age - the almost old

And another ones gone - Jeffery Clifford Montoya age 46, I did his funeral and graveside this weekend and Monday. It was a blessing he died in peace, he is better off now with Jesus but he will be missed. I fear Bomps will be next, he sounds weak - I can brush off most death with a run or two...but there has been to many as of late...if Bomps goes sooner than later it will probably hit the fan and I will have to actually deal with the cycle of grief.

Got to crash - 5am will come early

Steve Clark

It seems like just yesterday Steve Clark and I were in the Top Gun program at Northwest University learning want not to do on Summer Ministry Tour, after doing most of them the year before.  Then the biweekly meetings as RA's just trying to stay afloat with the fine line between friends and rules.  Steve was a gentle bear who loved Jesus and his friends.  He shined Christ everywhere he went even if he laughed at my hairy legs and bare chest.   He was just a great guy.  

Steve's now with his creator.  

I will miss you Steve - you left to early.    

Nothing Like The Snow

When I get a little overwhelmed with life, it goes so much smoother with a little run in the snow. The beauty of a snow run is the people who see you along the road...they look at you as if you are nuts between their overwhelming fear of hitting you with their car.

Yeah, that's me a little nuts...now I can start the week right...

"To give anything less than the best is to sacrifice the gift" PRE

Darn Good Wife

Ever had one of those days where you really just want to something other than what you are doing.  Today is one such day...not sure what that means...keep going anyway. 

I really have a great wife.  She is everything I need when I get in this kind of mood.  

Cory Johnson

There are a few friends you remember well from growing up. Friends you can meet after time apart and pick up right were you left off, Cory was one of those guys. When you grow up in a smaller town and start Kindergarten together it is hard not to get to know one another. Cory was one of the few who ever spent the night, we did Awana together, he wasn't just a guy in my class, he was Cory.

You always thought Cory was going to be a military man but in the end he was a hard working roofer. He loved his friends and common among peoples memories is he NEVER spoke ill of anyone, (except those he thought un-American and at that he cut them slack). He loved to laugh and just be himself. He would give you his shirt if you needed it.

Yesterday I was told he tripped in his apartment and hit his head. The funeral is Saturday. It is never easy when friends pass, this will make number 2 in the same amount of years. The emotions are interesting as I remember Cory. He was a good guy.

I will miss you friend.