Catching Up

I know I cannot get everything done in a day. Perhaps I won't complete every project in a week. But when a month passes and I haven't uploaded a story, a picture, or a post, you know I'm busy.

And so it is Saturday. I'm in my jammies, sipping my coffee, watching the new leaves blowing in the gusty spring breeze.

I'm adding stories to CurtAustin365.

I'm updating the photo album for Austin's Family Photos.

And I just added a new blog: My Life Bird List!

Feel free to stop back often. You never know what you might find.

Hard At Work

I know many of you have wondered if I'm no longer writing. In fact, I'm writing like a crazy man but the postings aren't on the front page. Most of my writing is happening on the side bar of Austin's Acre. You can visit the updated sites by clicking on the links to the right of this main page. These are pictures and stories about family and friends, travel and adventure and something new...Curt Austin 365.

Give it a try if you have some time.

Jesus' Family Tree (Reprint from 2/14/05)

You may not know this but John the Baptist is the cousin of Jesus. It is a little-talked-about Biblical truth.

Can you imagine the dynamics this created at family reunions? You know the relatives discussed this strange branch in the family tree at every opportunity. They whispered during 4th of July picnics. They glared at the boys over their Easter Ham. They rolled their eyes during Mother Mary’s 40th Birthday Party.

You know there had to be talk about the boys and their idiosyncrasies. Surely someone brought up John’s clothing. The family had to groan each time his Locust & Honey Casserole made an appearance at the buffet.

The same was true with Jesus and his water-to-wine. Alright, the wine was okay...but enough with the loaves and fish! All those leftovers! Oy, vey!

But what I’d really like to know is this: What did John and Jesus talk about when THEY were together. What was the topic of THEIR conversation? Was it about the weather? Their jobs? Their purpose in life?

“So, Johnny, how’s work?”
“Not bad, JC. I baptized several hundred sinners this past week, alone. My numbers just keep climbing. How’s it going with you?”
“Well, I’m still chipping away at those chairs but my carpal tunnel is acting up again. I’m going to have it looked at.”
“Too bad. Maybe you should take a break. Did you ever think about going into preaching?”
“Oh, I’ve thought about it. But all that travel could crucify a guy! Hey, pass the Locust casserole…”

But one day, John is doing his thing in the muddy waters of the Jordan River. Jesus walks up and John declares he is the Son of God! He’s going to take away the sins of the world! This is big stuff! They probably discussed it over birthday cake the week before…or did they?

Isn’t it possible that even John, raised with his cousin, suddenly sees Jesus in a new light? Isn’t it possible that John’s eyes are opened for the very first time? He no longer sees a Nazareth Hick Furniture Maker suffering from carpal tunnel. This is the Son of God! This is the Savior of the World.

Have you ever had a moment like this? Was there ever a time in your life when you experience the same realization? As a nation, we’ve gone to church all our lives. We’ve watched the tel-evangelists and flipped right past. We’ve heard gospel music. We're familiar with prayers at the table and weddings and funerals. God is mentioned in all these places. But we've tuned out the message. We've turned off the truth. It is just more of the same.

But one day…BAMM!! It hits us like never before. The truth that Jesus really is The Truth! And our lives are changed forever.

John looks up from the water and his eyes fall on his cousin. Behind him the light from the setting sun reflects off the muddy water. He blinks and looks again. His eyes focus on the face of one he's known his entire life. And then he sees clearly. John witnesses The Light of the World stepping down into the muddy water and he tells all who will listen, "This is the One."

In this surprise moment, John the Baptist discovers Jesus the Christ. His heart leaps in his chest. His eyes fill with tears. His hope is renewed. Jesus is not just a cousin. He is not just another good man. He is not just another teacher. This is Jesus the Christ, God's Son. John experiences a moment of epiphany. It is a moment of revelation and it changes John's life forever.

Oh, that our lives would be so changed.

Dear God,
Allow us to see you in a new way. Help us to step beyond our religious, historical trappings and experience your truth. May we see your light shining brightly in a dark world. And in this season of Lent, may we see and proclaim the truth to all who are near. "You are the Son of God."

copyright 2005 C. Curtis Austin a 2BlackDog Production

Sunday Sales and Social Norms

Paige Bowers wrote an article for Time.com's February 22, 2009 issue. In it, she outlines the current argument for and against selling alcohol on Sunday's. Several states are considering whether to repeal the restrictive legislation currently in place.

She writes, "Proponents of Sunday sales argue that state budgets are under plenty of pressure too and that by allowing people to buy beer, wine or liquor on Sunday at grocery or package stores, states could reap millions of dollars in tax revenue. Besides, as President Roosevelt learned in the 1930s when he successfully repealed Prohibition, drinks have a way of keeping hopes high when things look bleak."

I don't care one way or another. If I really want a bottle of wine on Sunday, I'll just steal it from my neighbor's home while they are at church. The religious fanatics trust me with the key to their house. Foolish Zealots.

But back to the story and there is an interesting point to this tale: MORALS ARE RELATIVE.

As the economic climate continues to grow more stormy, our societal values shift to convenience, allowing more leniency in the name of recovery and economic protection. As the article above outlines, several states are seeking the profits derived from the Sunday sale of alcohol. If the financial benefit is really the bottom line, why haven't made this decision before? What has been keeping Sunday Sales from occurring long before now? What is the reason for the prohibition on this one day of the week? Did we suddenly determine that Sunday Alcohol Sales is now a good thing? Or was it just our empty cash drawers that drive our decision-making? And where does this kind of reasoning stop? How broke do we have to be before we say enough is enough?

For instance, one news story spoke of California's budgetary concerns and the benefit to the coffers if marijuana was legalized. Another report extols the financial virtue of more casinos and horse tracks. On line gambling is on the table.

But what about prostitution? That would bring in a few dollars. What about child pornography? Instead of making it criminal, we can make it profitable.

Where does it end? What is the moral absolute that establishes our boundaries, determines our decision making, directs the course for society's path? Apparently, only the cash drawer truly knows.

Reaching the World

It isn't easy to write blogs that touch everyone. I know this. It is a burden I bear. I hear from people (no, not the voices in my head) and they comment on some of the posts. Actually, they criticize some of the posts. Okay, they criticize most of the posts.

But here is the cool thing: Despite my critics and through and advancement of technology and Google Analytics, I am now able to see how many people from around the globe are accessing my blogs, reading my work, looking at my pictures and sending all those nasty comments.

Here is the breakdown of visitors and their country of origin since December 15, 2008:

1480 Visits from the United States.
57 from France.

6 from Canada (probably because I watched a Blue Jay's game and filled out a survey).

4 from Spain.

Tied with 3 visits each - Indonesia, Italy, Turkey, United Kingdom, Brazil, Egypt & China (seriously).

Tied with 2 visits each - Malaysia, Chili, Singapore, India, Portugal and Belgium (I drink their beer).

Tied with 1 visit each - The Netherlands, Argentina, Iran, Ireland, Russia, New Zealand, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Poland, South Korea, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, Jamaica, Estonia, Austria, Germany and Japan.

As visitors to my site, some of these nations are obvious. I mean, Bangladesh and the United States? I expected that. But some of them are quite surprising. China? Russia? Iran? I swear, there are no hidden government secrets encrypted in my 0293072098930999 blogs.

But my real point is this: WHERE is a representation from North Korea? How about Kenya? Why isn't anyone visiting Austin's Acre from Norway? Why are these countries and so many more, missing the Austin's Acre Boat? AND why are the people of these oppressed countries being kept from visiting a site that the rest of the world enjoys?

I really don't know. But I have a solution. In the future, I intend to write stories and take pictures that will interest ALL people of the world. These blogs will inform and entertain everyone, not just a chosen few.

So, get ready Iceland. Your sun is about to rise. Prepare yourself, Cuba. This cigar is for you. Hang in there, Mexico. This next blog will warm the burritos of your heart.

And for the rest of you - Keep reading. You might just find something 003-11K-L93' interesting.

The Clock is Running

I have just a few days remaining at the lawfirm. And as I prepare to leave, I have several questions that remain unaswered. Perhaps someone can help me with these...



1. Is it okay to take all the pens in my desk drawer? Except the blue ones. I never used the blue ones.
2. Can I come back if I don't like where I'm going?
3. Does anyone want that projection unit or can I have it?
4. How long do I have to wait before I can write blogs about this place?
5. Can we establish a limit on the number of times you can call and ask for my help with something I use to do?
6. Do I get residual checks for any of the cases I helped set up?
7. Is it right for people to be checking out my office furniture before I leave?
8. Can I bring in some of my old clothes and store them in that space in the back closet?
9. My kids need a sitter on Thursdays. Can I drop them off on my way to my new job and pick them up on the way home?
10. Will you call me the next time you all order pizza? I already miss the large meat-lover's with extra cheese.

A New Page in My Book

You may not have heard the news.

It isn't like it is a well kept secret. It just hasn't made it to Katie Couric's desk yet.

I'm leaving my position at Montross Miller Muller Mendelson & Kennedy. After nearly 7 years at the firm, I've agreed to take a position as a Clinical Research Specialist. I was hired by Indiana Univeristy to help with a stroke study through the VA Hospital in Indy. It is all very confusing but they've said if I show up they'll let me work so I'm pretty sure it is a real job.

My last day at the office is February 20. I turn 45 years old on February 22nd, and then I start my new role on the 23rd. Nothing like a little mid-life change to keep you young.

Some people have asked if I'm nervous about the employment shift in these unsteady economic times. Unfortunately, the way my mind thinks, I'm more nervous about little things rather than the big things (like doing the job). For instance...

No one has explained where I will eat lunch.
I like sardines. Are these allowed?
No one has given me directions as to where I will park.
I do not know what time I am to be at work.
Do I have an office, a cubical, a closet?
Will I get an ID badge?
Will it have my picture?
Should I wear blue my first day to accentuate my eyes?
Should I take my own coffee cup?
Is coffee allowed in a government facility?
If I decide to take up smoking, is there a break area?
What is the policy on pets at work? I have a two dogs and a cat. Can they come along?

As you can see, there are so many unanswered questions. But don't worry. I'll keep you posted as the answer to these and many other concerns are addressed.

In the mean time, I really would appreciate your prayers. I want to do well and I will need strength greater than this fragile frame can bring in order to accomplish the task. Also, please pray for my family in the midst of the shift. This will result in some big changes for us all. And finally, I covet your prayers for my heart and mind. My prayer is that I will be humble, wise, and full of peace.

Thank you, friends.

Noblesville Jr. High Pep Band

The National Anthem, as played by the Noblesville Junior High Pep Band, has never sounded so good. These kids have so much energy and are all over the bleachers during the game, stopping only long enough to knock out a short rendition of "George of the Jungle". But when they stop, stand in place, and play this piece, I get goose bumps.