Lookout!

If you use Outlook for mail, and have a large body of saved or archived messages, you probably know the pain of having to search them using Outlook's search problem, er, feature. I certainly do, and I have found what seems to be the greatest thing since the ability to synchronize Outlook with my PDA!

You ask "What is it?" Lookout!

No, that's not a lead-in, that's the answer! Lookout!

I downloaded this yesterday (thanks to Joel's entry on the subject) and already I love it! A search through years of old email takes less time than it takes me to blink and realize it's done. For those who regularly search Outlook, you'll know this is orders of magnitude better than the built-in search capabilities of Outlook. Not surprisingly, Microsoft purchased Lookout recently, but you can still download the software. I try not to be too pessimistic about Microsoft's business practices, but I would recommend downloading it soon, before it disappears or ceases to be a free download...

Not your average intercessor

This morning I was reading Ephesians and was struck by something in a new way. I'm sure others have said it more eloquently, but when I read the following, it made an impact.

and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
       Ephesians 1:19-23

What struck me was realizing that Christ is our intercessor and mediator with the Father. If you had someone who went on ahead to plead your case, you would not feel very confident if that person had just barely made it to the destination, and was on the outside of things there. How could he or she plead for you if they were, for example, reluctantly admitted out of generosity, or admitted only to the outer circles. How could they be effective in their stiving to see you admitted and brought in safely?

This made me realize how blessed we are that this is not the case with Christ! Not only did he pay the penalty for our sins, but the Father, in his might, raised Christ from the dead, seated him at the right hand of the Father in a position of ultimate honor, and put all things under his authority! Now that is someone I want pleading for me! How can there be any doubt that his intercession will be effectual?

Where are they today?

Have you ever wondered where your friends from high school are today? I suppose some people keep up with such friends and don't have to ask that question, but I seem to have a few friends who scattered to the winds. While I knew the approximate whereabouts of each, I have not heard from either in a while, and thought I would try "Googling" for them. Here's what I found:

Sean Slaughter - a friend who went to the Air Force Academy and is currently (to the best of my knowledge) based in Anchorage, Alaska. Here's a news story I turned up on him, even though it is two years old.

Neal Frazier - a friend who went to law school in Austin and then moved to Missouri, though I have not seen or talked to him in over 4 years. I found out that he's been busy, though.

Robert Meyer - a friend who went to Oklahoma as a graduate student to study physics. While I could not find an actual news article, I found hints that indicate he is working on his Ph.D. in physics.

Glad to know they're still out there rocking the world!

Reflections on Alaska

I previously posted an album of our pictures from Alaska. However, I did not have time to describe them or go into detail about our trip, so I'll take the opportunity to do so now. Our rough itinerary included flying to Seattle Friday night, spending Saturday and Sunday in Seattle, and flying to Sitka, Alaska on Monday morning where we spent the rest of the week. Amy attended a conference on Family Practice medicine that Thursday through Saturday, and we flew home Sunday.

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