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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Home, but still daydreaming…

Well, as my last post indicated, Amy and I went on a trip to Alaska a couple of weeks ago. We had a fantastic time, and the weather could not have been better! We are back (have been for a week now) and are getting caught up on the normal stuff of life. I, however, am still dreaming of Alaska...

Here is an album of our pictures. I have not titled them or put any comments down just yet, but hopefully they will be self-explanatory. I am saving a few to highlight later on (don't worry, none of the really good ones) for various purposes in this space, but most of the picutres worth seeing are included in the album. Enjoy!

Victory at last!

I am pleased to announce that logic has prevailed, and we will NOT be flying in a redundant circle in Alaska!

On a final note on this topic, I put this list together last night when again banging my head against the phone dealing with American and Alaska Airlines...

You know you have spent too much time on the phone with the airline when:
(see previous two entries for back story...)

• You call American Airlines and mention your record locator to the phone rep and they immediately know who you are.


• Each new rep that answers the phone takes 5 minutes to read the history of your case before being able to answer your questions.


• Every single person at American Airlines sides with you, but Alaska Airlines just keeps telling you there's no other way to get you to Seattle.


• You are gathering supplies to put together a sandwich board sign so that everyone in the airport will know just how ridiculous the situation is.


• The thought of your vacation in Alaska raises your blood pressure and pulse to dangerous levels.

The Death of Common Sense

For those who read my post yesterday about our trip to Alaska, here's an update: Alaska Airlines refuses to change our reservation, and insists on making us fly in a 4 hour circle from Sitka to Juneau to Sitka before making any progress towards home. And they call it "protection" against schedule changes...