Hollywood to Fergus Falls

I would like to thank my brother in law Jeff for today's title after a hot night at the races in Fergus Falls,MN. We were sitting up in the stands watching the modified race when Jeff said its a little different here than Hollywood, I said just a little. Though it was a tough night for the 29 after a really good heat race, we still managed as always to have fun. The best part of the night is during the late model race when the two leaders tangled and the one car after being hit, went all the way through the grass in the infield and slid up right in front of the guy who spun him and collected him in a wreck knocking him out of the race. It should be on You Tube today if you search Late model feature I 94 speedway on June 29th. Funny stuff.

Why these nights are special is that it is a lot of your average Joe's out there competing their hearts out not for not a lot of money or a trophy just more to prove they can build a car and win. In Hollywood it is to put up an image like your winning or doing well so you look better than the next guy. Doesn't mean your happy but you have a lot of things. One thing you notice right away At the track is it is a family affair. Many of the racers bring wives, kids, grandma and grandpas to the track and hang out. There is a lot of things going on with the cars but also a lot interaction between the family members and not via text or phone,yes, people actually talking to eachother. The stands are also filled with families have a good somewhat inexpensive night out. There is good food and drink and lots of debate on who did what to who to wreck them out there it he bull ring.

For twenty years now I have been apart of this race thing. Last night it was Jeff, myself and my father in law Larry who took the car to the track. We were joined by most of the crew. Shane, Rogger, Blair Dog who do this week in and week out riding the roller coaster of success and failure based on the night. Last night we ended up in the valley of the roller coaster, but guess what the crew is back at it again this morning working on the car with brand new hopes of a great night here in Alexandria and another win for the 29 car. The work is tough but when you really love to do something it isn't really work is it? They dont see it that way, though it can be frustrating most times. I hope to apply this in my next job and always keep that perspective. I have been out of practice for awhile so I'm still finding my way around how they do things. One thing for sure is I can keep them fed, Chef Trucker is back it he house for some race track grilling!!!

It is great to be back in the fray just one piece of the great life I have returned to.

Day One in Alexandria

To steal a line from Dumb and Dummer....."Were there!" We have arrived in Alexandria safe and sound thank you Jesus for a safe quick trip. Body is all messed up, sometimes I feel like I'm moving at 80 in the car then I get tired trying to adjust to the time zone change. Can I say I don't know whether I'm coming or going right now.

A couple highlights to the day, one coffee on the front porch listening to all the birds singing was quite nice. I haven't heard that in a long time. Weather was perfect, sunny no wind and a nice temp. Hayley joined me out there and we just talked and hung out for awhile. The second thing I did was get the boat out of the warehouse. For being stored all winter she wasn't in bad shape. Hayley and I washed her up nice and clean. Then I did some light maintenance work on her, mainly just charging the battery and tightening a few screws and she is ready for the water. Probably won't get out on the lake until Saturday we have lots to do trying to get a little organized in our new place before all of our stuff comes. The thrid and clearly the most fun thing we did was Jodi, the girls and my Niece Jacey went to city park and played....yes I played too. I posted a pick on facebook of the girls in the water playing. They are going to have to learn that when it's summer in Minnesota you need to always have a swimsuit under there cloths to hit the lake at anytime. Abbey as we were walking to the park from the lake she said, "Dad, I love Minnesota."

In my quite time this morning god is really working on me to trust him fully and take one day at a time. It's hard when your life is unorganized, I look forward to create a new routine of spending time with him and blogging the great things he is doing in my life. Like I said earlier I just feel out of sorts, it all hasn't sunk in yet. I will get there though it is hard Jodi also but as a team will work through this. God always is ahead of me working everything out it is up to me how I live each day now to get to what he has done for me. No matter what he is right there protecting me and making sure everything is provided for. He is an awesome god!

Race day tomorrow, heading up with Jeff to Fergus Falls, MN and 1-94 Speedway to see him race. Can't wait it has been almost a year since I have seen him on the track.

One more great note, my mom went to all her doctors in Iowa and she is doing great. The recovery this time has been tough but it looks like the radiation treatments did what they were suppose to. What and incredible story she is, 6 times beating cancer, nothing I'm going through even comes close. I love you mom and dad thanks for never giving up and being by her side even when it sometimes wasn't looking very good you are a rock star.

Truckers Log

Day two of the journey home included a little jaunt between St. George, Utah and Billings, MT that covered 825 miles is about 13 hours. As I sit here is Billings we have about 700 miles left today back to Alex and two little girls excited to see there parents. We traveled 1125 miles on I-15 northbound to get to the turn eastbound towards Minnesota, gives a little perspective on how far north the northern states really are. When you look at the map of LA to Billings it really is impressive on the miles and distance we have covered.

Very pretty drive, some things of note. We covered Utah, Idaho and a 250 stretch in Montanna. Temps started out near 100 degrees in St. George to a low near Butte, MT of 53 degrees. On these 800 miles we traveled through the painted desert, skirted the Great Salt Lake and ended up high in the rockies last. You forget how light it stays the further north you go. At 10 pm last night the sun was finally going behind the horizon. Other thing that was obvious is the lack of people, when you leave a county of 9 million people you get use to close quarters. There were stretches in Idaho and Montanna where I didn't see a car or a truck for 20 minutes.

I have driven the entire way, Jodi has relaxed, which after the last 4-5 days is a true blessing. Our bodies are enjoying just sitting for a change though its amazing how tired we were by the time we reached Billings. Short and sweet today, Trucker needs to get back on the road talk to you from home, it has a nice ring to it!!!

LA to Utah....

Good Tuesday morning from St. George, Utah a six hour drive from LA last night. Day one in the books. Where do I start with the move. Movers showed up ok truck was empty things looked pretty good. They got started and the games began. We knew we had some more than originally planned so we agreed to some additional cost, signed the paper and packing the truck began. Here is where the movers scam kicks in. At the halfway point the driver called Jodi and I over and stated after talking to his dispatcher they were going to have to charge us even more. Convenient, right at the point of no return. Not only it was more it was more than double the original quote. Needless to say I was ticked. Also, at the same point in time the car movers for my car called and said they will pick up my car the day after we left. So at this point my personality is not very good for the situation and Jodi's kicks in.

Jodi skills she has developed in her businesses really began to show. She just told the car movers, "no you will pick up the car today", it had been booked since May 15. Then she turned her attention to the movers. She wasted no time. She told the guy in charge stop everything and she was going to make some calls. She started her way with the sales rep that we booked with and worked her way up to the District Manager. Fast forward and about an hour and a half and she had the whole situation worked out and the actual cost for the amount of stuff we are moving was considerably less than the original quote we had received. I have been on the other end of the Jodi "isn't so happy" moments and I can tell you when I saw her switch into that mode I knew we were in good hands. It even makes me more excited to expand her business back in Minnesota, she is good!! I am very proud of her on how she handled everything yesterday, it was falling apart fast and she grabbed the reigns.

Movers and car were complete about 3 pm yesterday, then we finished cleaning. Can I tell you I will never have a big house again. 3 hours we cleaned after I had been doing it for the 3 days prior. Every time I turned around there was something or some area that still needed to be done. At 6:30pm I finished mopping the kitchen finally and then we packed the Tahoe. We left Redondo Beach at 7:30 pm and started the trek.

At this point the car ride could have gone two ways, good or bad. It turned out great. Getting started late we missed traffic and we breezed to Las Vegas in 4 hours even after a short stint through some one lane construction. Jodi again stepped it up. XM radio is the greatest, she cranked up the music, mainly the 80's channel and rocked our way to St. George, Utah a pretty town right on the AZ, NV border. One quick observation I noticed quickly being out of LA. Night and how dark it is, you don't get that in the bright lights of 9 million people in LA county. I saw the stars.....wow it was spectacular. We will put down some miles today to get us with in striking distance to home Wednesday. We miss our girls I am so proud of them they have handled this well.

Trucker Wanner in full effect........

Top of the mountain....

After 3 days we have done it, the house is packed as of 10:30 pm Sunday night just 8 hours before the movers arrive. We made it to the top of this huge mountain only thing left to do is the bed were sleeping on and a quick clean and were on the road. Yes, Jodi and I still like eachother though tonight were a little punchy. Jodi said tonight this move thing seemed easier when we were 10 years younger. Both our backs are shot, we can barely bend down and there isnt a muscle that doesn't hurt. We need a three day car ride just to recover a bit. Now let's see if they can get it all on the truck their bringing we have never had much luck in the past it always seems they bring the wrong size to our house it would be nice if they get it in one shot. I can't believe it is June 25th tomorrow and were leaving California.

We have had some fun over the last couple of days mixed in with packing. Saturday night we had a great party at Susan's house with a lot of great friends. One more good bye for now. The food was excellent, Mexican, yummy!!! I also sampled one of Susan's famous margaritas, they will put some life in ya!!! It was tough leaving, Jodi had a real hard time there are some great stories and memories of awesome things we got to do out here.

Then today we met Jim and Sherri Heerwagen and their daughter Allie in Laguna Beach for lunch. Jim and Sherri were the second family Jodi nannied for in Texas. Their oldest son Austin wasn't there, Jodi and I met them when he was 6 months old. Jim and Sherri taught us how to bless people in many ways. At one point Jodi and I and our baby kitties lived with them for about 6 months after I finished college. Truly wonderful people and so glad we go to see them today. Laguna is amazing if you come to California it is where everyone should stay. Very different from LA and a amazing beach.

It is still all pretty surreal right now that we're leaving maybe it has been the craziness of packing that has kept our minds off it. The girls are having fun back in Minnesota. Nights are hard for them when thier tired they really miss us then. Thank you Aunt Mindy for taking them to the fair today they had a great time they told us all about it tonight. Abbey said you played cards tonight, watch out she cheats....just like her Uncle Brian or as we call him Uncle Toots!!! Just want to take a minute to thank everyone that has helped us out over the past three weeks as we have gone through this process, could have done it with all your support.

Hopefully if all goes well tomorrow, I will be blogging from somewhere in Utah as the "Trucker" takes to the road. "North bound and down, loaded up and trucking!!!

Are we having fun yet?

Well full on packing day 2. I have a great idea for a marriage boot camp. It requires trying to condense and pack a 5 bedroom house down to a 26 foot truck and at the end set up and have a garage sale. Oh wait this is my life. Jodi and I have been working two days straight and have about 85% done with all the major items complete just our room to do. We really took our time and did it right. And the best part of all we still like eachother. As I write this Jodi is setting up her garage sale, goal is to see how many tanks of gas we can fund with the last items we are getting rid of.

I can say we are now ready to leave. As we went to lunch today Jodi said to me, "I'm ready to leave now", that's big she had been struggling the last few days but it no longer feels like home with out the kids and the kitties, we now just feel like vistors again. Don't get us wrong we really enjoyed Califorina especially the weather and friends but hearing all the fun things the kids are doing with family makes me home sick. I want to say here thanks Nana Dee for taking care of the girls!!!!!

Tomorrow will be fun, after the garage sale we are going to get together with some great friends from work and enjoy a Fiesta party. It will be nice to be out of the house and being social. Well I'm dead tried time to hit the hay.......even as hard as these last two days have been physically I still know I am truly blessed by what is happening in my life. Thank you Jesus!!!!

3 days until Trucker is back on the road putting down another 2,000 miles in my log book!!!

Packing day....

Well Abbey and Hayley and our two kitties are in Minnesota. Safe smooth journey yesterday even the kitties were well behaved, except one minor incident when Jodi was petting Chevy on the plane and he almost escaped. I talked to the girls last night they were very happy, and of course they were goofing it up with their Uncle Jeffy. Jodi made her round trip back and forth, left at 1230 and was back at 930 last night she was tired but relieved that part of the move was over. Now its packing time......

Today we will pack the house. Best described as were standing at the foot of the mountain and the only way to climb it is one step at a time. And of course we have a organized plan to take it one room at a time. They don't call Jodi the organizater for nothing. It is strangely quite in the house, no cats meowing to drink out of the bath tub, no TV going with one of the girls watching or the sound of their little feet playing upstairs, for the first time this house doesn't feel like home anymore. Can't tell you I'm happy or sad at the moment just feeling weird I guess.

I have taken up some a new hobby with my free time, it's called getting back in shape. For the last 10 days or so I have been mirroring up my bike rides with some simple upper body work outs. My girls think its funny watching their 44 year old dad do push ups and sit ups. They say, daddy you have six pack abs...six pack of pudding cups...so its on, I'm going for old man washboard abs this summer!!! Have any of you tried this planking thing to get your core stronger...OMG!!! It will say it works if you can get through the pain and strain.

One more thing, I spent sometime at the airport yesterday seeing the girls off. I ran into a lot of great people and had some wonderfaul conversations, thanks to all of you for your help. Can I say though honestly, one, LAX airport is the worst airport in the country, too much in a small space and two, I will not miss the job and the craziness but certinly miss the fine folks who do the job everyday. It was a great decision to move on.

Ok time to go work.......

My road map for my new life

June 20th....the day my daughters move back to Minnesota. Abbey and Hayley fly today back home. We had a wonderful day yesterday, it had a lot of laughs and tears as we said until next time (I don't believe in good byes it is until next time) to Hayley's friend Amy and her family. The honey do list is big today after I drop them at the airport best thing is to just jump into it and knock it out!!

In my reading time this morning I was brought to Romans 12. Romans 12 is Gods plan for how to live your life and the road map Jodi and I are following as we venture off in the our journey. I have posted it below for you to read.

Romans 12:1-21 NIRV

"Brothers and sisters, God has shown you his mercy. So I am asking you to offer up your bodies to him while you are still alive. Your bodies are a holy sacrifice that is pleasing to God. When you offer your bodies to God, you are worshiping him.

Don't live any longer the way this world lives. Let your way of thinking be completely changed. Then you will be able to test what God wants for you.

And you will agree that what he wants is right. His plan is good and pleasing and perfect. God's grace has been given to me. So here is what I say to every one of you. Don't think of yourself more highly than you should. Be reasonable when you think about yourself. Keep in mind the amount of faith God has given you. Each of us has one body with many parts. And the parts do not all have the same purpose. So also we are many persons. But in Christ we are one body. And each part of the body belongs to all the other parts. We all have gifts. They differ in keeping with the grace that God has given each of us. Do you have the gift of prophecy? Then use it in keeping with the faith you have. Is it your gift to serve? Then serve. Is it teaching? Then teach. Is it telling others how they should live? Then tell them. Is it giving to those who are in need? Then give freely. Is it being a leader? Then work hard at it. Is it showing mercy? Then do it cheerfully. Love must be honest and true. Hate what is evil. Hold on to what is good. Love each other deeply. Honor others more than yourselves. Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord. When you hope, be joyful. When you suffer, be patient. When you pray, be faithful. Share with God's people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Bless those who hurt you. Bless them, and do not call down curses on them. Be joyful with those who are joyful. Be sad with those who are sad. Agree with each other. Don't be proud. Be willing to be a friend of people who aren't considered important. Don't think that you are better than others. Don't pay back evil with evil. Be careful to do what everyone thinks is right. If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can. My friends, don't try to get even. Leave room for God to show his anger. It is written, "I am the One who judges people. I will pay them back," (Deuteronomy 32:35) says the Lord. Do just the opposite. Scripture says, "If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads." (Proverbs 25:21,22) Don't let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good."

See it at YouVersion.com:
http://bible.us/Rom12.1.NIRV-ENG

A big part of what we are doing is living opposite of what the world says we should do. That sounds easy when you look at choosing good verse evil. But what if the world says you have to have more and that you should strive to succeed and have more. The first and most often asked question is Mike, where you going to work whats your next job? Folks, I don't know but God does. I do know I am suppose to be in Alexandria Minnesota and god has cleared that path big time to get there. Jodi said it best yesterday we are going to where God wants us to live and not where some company wants me. Doesn't that go against the worldly norm?

It really boils down to these simple rules in this scripture, offer up our bodies when were still alive, do opposite the world, be humble, love, use our gifts, honor others more than ourselves, be joyful with those who are joyful and be sad with those who our sad and let God do the judging and punishing of our enemies. Most of all trust God's plan in faith.

This is the map, I know will be constantly refering back to it to make sure were on the right roads as we head out into the unknown. Man God must just be smiling right now!!

When things get tough

Just celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary yesterday. Thanks for all the warm wishes we recieved. Our trek through marriage could be a series of blogs itself for sure all with a great ending because no matter the high and lows we have we have always been there for eachother and our love and friendship won out in the end of any crisis. I hate that society has made marriages disposable and that when you think your done with it you just throw it out. Really would any of you married couples want to hit the dating pool out there? (Sorry single folks its true). But to what I really want ot blog about.

We have hit the tough part of this journey. As I write today it is the last day for Abbey and Hayley here in Cali. For Abbey no big deal for Hayley it is the last day for her and her very dear friend Amy to spend together. You forget those little friendships are more than just the two of them. Amy has a great family and we really enjoy her Mom and Dad. I had taken Abbey to the ortho yesterday and then all the girls and thier friends to laser tag. I got back home and saw Jodi very sad. I thought what went wrong, something with our move plans? That's the guy in me. She said she had been in Target and she couldn't stop crying. She had talked to Amy's mom and the reality of the situation came on her full force. At this point it was pretty late in the day and I had the Wanner hungary on, that is when a Wanner boy doesn't eat and gets extremely cranky. I didn't react as well as I could of but said hey lets get dinner. We went out and enjoyed a great dinner at a place called Stacks where you do all the ordering off an I Pad. Fun time had a lot of laughs with the girls. We got home Jodi was tired and I could still see she was pretty sad as she was laying on our bed. I fought my urge to "Fix Her" and just went up and kissed her on the cheek and said it was alright to be sad and I love you. Understand we as guys always want ot fix things it is our nature. What I'm finding out everyday especially with girls is that it is more important to be a rock to lean on and a ear to listen in every situation good or bad. I believe I have all this worldly profound wisdom, but only our god can fix our hearts.

For me I guess it hasn't hit yet that I know of? My time out here was a constant battle with moments of enjoyment scatterered in. It is the place that almost destroyed my marriage and my family because of my focus and identity being in my job. It had became my god and I was worshiping false idols. My work is where I spent all my time physically and mentalitly and everything else fell way down the priority list. Yes, so I have a little different perspective on this place but I said yesterday I will never regret this decision to come hear the trials shaped and molded me in the fire for God's great plan. I will ask here who is your god, your job, your debt, your hobbies, what is it that takes your focus off him?

God has put it on my heart to be very honest and lay it out for all to see so it may help someone along the way. God's promise is real but don't get fooled that just because your following him that everything will be perfect. Faith is when you trust him always, though Jodi is very sad right now I still trust his plan and that what she is going through is normal human emotion. I do know that Jodi isn't sad about our choice to leave, or the dramatic change in our life situation, it is her huge heart hurting for Amy and her family knowing how much their daughter will miss Hayley and there great friendship, that makes her real and the wonderful person she is. The world wants to make everything look easy and everything has a story book ending. God's story never ends, for those who believe we have eternal life, think about it our life and spirit go on forever in a new body free from all the worldly pain and emotions. Just think you can now wonder what you'll be doing when you turn 1 billion years old that will be quite a party!

Ramping up...and a top ten list

7 days until the move, things have gone into high gear. Really enjoyed a great Fathers Day, got to have In and Out for lunch, Double, Double Animal style with Animal Style fries, that is going to require 20 miles on the bike today.

Jodi and the girls went through their clothes and toys one more time and really shed down a lot. Thank goodness were having another garage sale Saturday it is going to be much bigger than we thought. Jodi and I call this one the "Tahoe Gas Money" sale. Girls fly on Wednesday, Jodi is packing the suit cases so were on track there. We have a couple things planned over the next few days with their friends and then off to Minnesota. I am very proud of them, they have handled it very well. We have been open and honest along the way and we have allowed them to express their feelings and emotions about the situation to help them go through it. Abbey is most excited about just being there, she is a true Minnesota girl and I truly believe that she will probably stay forever. Hayley is very excited about being close to her cousins. She can't wait to be close to Jacey, Jackson and Brooklyn and play and be apart of thier lives as they grow up. There is so much we all are looking forward to but most of all as I have said many times, the draw of being close to family is huge and it is a gap no matter what you just can't fill.

Jodi thought I should do a top ten things I will miss about California, don't know if I will get ten but here we go.

1- Our church- Coast has been an awesome church, it is where I learned about the holy spirit which allowed me the foundation to do what I'm doing to trust god in faith to full-fill his plan for me. They are getting it right, no one is turned away because of who our where your at on the worldly spectrum. Everytime I walk into that place I know god is there, it looks differnt than most churches I have seen, but the precence of God is sitting their healing and preparing the next generation for revival in a land that greatly needs it.

2- The weather, ok I can't lie the weather is awesome. Consistently nice, the problem is the cost you have to pay to live here. I don't know how the 9 million people in LA County afford it? They call it the sun tax.

3- The beach- ok enough said on that one.

4- Our house- A great rental with great landlords, I have to say it probably will be the only time I can afford to live in close to a 2 million dollar home 4 blocks from the ocean.

5- Jodi and I's Starbucks walks- Sounds simple but this is where we really spent great times talking about everything and working through issues or plans with a cup of our favorite drinks and a seat over looking the Pacific. Will find some way to replace it but it will be tough.

6-Disneyland, I am a Disney guy. We enjoyed having season passes for two years I would say we went there well over 20 times. I loved our Friday nights going there to hang out and just chill, it was one of the few true escapes I had here.

7-In and Out Burger, all I cay say is yummy....need these in Minnesota!!

8-Hayley's 4th grade teacher Miss Teran. She took a decent student and made her exceptional!! She taught her first how to love school and then the learning became easy.She is a true blessing to all the kids she touches.

9-Everything with in walking distance and the weather to enjoy it. It was nice if you needed anythng to just walk out and get it.

10-Bike rides, riding up and down, Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan Beach was incredible. Miles of nice bike paths and incredible scenery. Though Minnesota has great bike paths, one just right outside of our door that takes us every where. This has allowed me a 44 years old to be in the best shape of my life and it feels good.

Ok, I got ten and all were pretty good. One thing missing in all of them was the family element, interesting? I will always remember these 2 1/2 years in Redondo Beach as a positive experience, no regrets we really enjoyed it!!!

New Look

Well changed up the look a little bit on the format of the blog hope you like it. It now has at the bottom where you can check a box to add a quick comment. It also seems easier to read with the color scheme. As of this morning I went over the 800 view mark on the blog in just 7 days, amazing how God uses all the tools out there.

 

Were now just 8 days from moving back to Minnesota, today will be packing the girls for their flight back on Wednesday. Time seems to be speeding up a bit but Jodi and I have a good plan were working off to keep everything in order. I really can't wait to post from our "Road Trip" back to Alexandria. Should be some interesting adventures along the way!!

 

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there but most of all to my Dad,who next to my Heavenly Father, is the best Dad in the world thanks for always believing in me no matter what!!!

My Minnesota top ten......

Ok I think I have the formatting thing fixed so it is easier to read. Today is my last offical day at Delta, tomorrow I am completly free from my airline career. So I thought I would have a little fun and see if I could come up with a top ten list of reasons why I look forward to moving back to Minnesota. These California people think were nuts so let's give it a whirl.

Top Ten Reasons for living in Minnesota:

1- Back close to family. We really miss everyone and Jodi and I were brought up being close to the family and doing things with them regularly, birthday's, holidays and just plain hanging out. Being closer to my Mom and Dad is very big too, epecially now as there late in life.

2- My friends- Through the years I have had a lot of good friends that I have met through different avenues. I look forward to hanging out and doing things with people who have the same interests as me.

3- My Boat- The boat is more than just an object it truly is a place for family and friends to hang out and relax. Party Cove here we come.......we have missed it!!!

4- Fishing- It is my one true hobby. I love it and there is nothing better than watching a sunset on Lake Carlos and hauling them in. I look forward to going out with Abbey who is a excellent fisher girl. I know Hayley will get there too. Also, look forward to trying out a fishing opener again with Jeff, Shane, Rogg and who ever else wants to brave trying to fish with us. (can't promise will catch anything but it will be fun). I want to teach Jackson my nephew and God Son also how to fish, if he wants to, I'm sure he will have racing in his blood.

5- Racing- Those darn Crouse's where 20 years ago at my first Saturday night race at Viking Speedway I watched "Mr. Highside" or "the Best Super Stock driver in the Midwest" win.....been hooked ever since. Now watching Jeff where he is now from when he first started will be a lot of fun!!! And can I forget the entertainment in the pits with the Crew, priceless.

6-Hockey- Some of my best memories of winter are all about hockey. I love going to the games. Watching hockey being played in the "State of Hockey", there is nothing better. With Jeff as the Head Coach of the New Tier 3 team our winter weekends will be filled up good entertainment. Jodi says I can't yell at the Refs though????

7- Spring- Nothing comapres to those first early days of warmer weather with the snow melting and the sun shinning. It is a right of passage, the air clean and clear and it is an anticipation of the summer fun that is ahead.

8- Fall- As the heat of the summer comes to a close you welcome the cool of fall. It is also another great round of fishing! You begin to get excited about the holidays ahead and the speculation of how bad the winter will be. (Weather is the #1 topic of Minnesotans)

9- Christmas- Sorry folks no better place to be for Christmas. It just feels right to be there where there is a good chance there will be snow and the fellowship of family and friends is awesome.

10- The People- I have been a lot of places in my life, and the quality of the people and family values is unmatched. Yes, it has its bad ones but the good far out weighs the bad. I think as the world continues to change it is the one place where people are fighting it and those base core values of God, family and country still remain.

Writing this makes me home sick.....but not for long, 10 days left here in California. For those of those who are from the Midwest understand this pretty well, sometimes we forget how good we have it right in the place were in. For those who are outside of the Tundra, hope it puts a little insight on why we are going there.

I would love to hear your comments on what makes it speical for you.......

Being Dad....

Many of you saw on my Facebook post last night that Abbey my 12 year old got asked on a date. Very simple deal, the boy just wanted a simple date to grab a bite to eat. Being the youngest of four boys this girl thing is all new to me. I have to admit when she told me I really didn't know what to say or handle it very well. My first answer to her is, well these are the things you need to talk with your mom about. Wrong answer, now is the time she needs her dad and father figure more than ever and if I fade into the background on these deals the distance will grow between us. God really worked on me last night about this. He woke me up at 1230 am with a clear message that like him you always have to walking by her side, sometimes to answer questions but most times to just be there. She told the boy no, she said I don't want to date yet, and she felt sad for him, theres a girl with a heart. Jodi and I started a long time ago speaking to her and praying for these exact situations. Though I didn't handle it right yesterday, Abbey and I had a great talk about it this morning and I let her know what god had said and that I was there for her not matter what. I appreciate her honesty and willingness to share her experiences, I missed that yesterday in my own selfishness and fear of a unknown situation. I am proud of her and she is on a solid foundation!!! It also has become very clear to me that this path I'm on is not just about me, it is about those moments that my family and friends need me and the time I will have to be there instead of being consumed by work and stress. As our time draws near to a close in California I know that we made a good choice to be here, not for the job but for what it has taught all of us. It's the girls last day of school today, its the end of another chapter, I am so pround of how well they adjusted to picking up and moving in the middle of the year in 2010 from a place that was their home and that they were extremely comfortable in, to watch them exceed and grow as students but most of all into fine young ladies. I am truly blessed!!!

Another step

Took another step in the journey to my new life. Got to go back and spend time at work at a reception with the frontline to say good bye (got two great gifts too, thanks!!). What a great day, I really enjoyed seeing everyone and hearing the comments on how in a small way I made a difference, most comments were not about by being their leader but what I brought as a person to them. I have to say it was a little strange going to the airport and going into the terminal and offices especially dressed in shorts and flip flops. For the first time I didn't feel attached to it and that I was just a vistor in a strange land especially when I turned in my badges . Interesting how the world keeps moving and doesn't skip a beat when your gone. Again,I will miss the tremendous people but I won't miss the stress and time trap that it had become. So many people asked me what I'm doing next? I got some interesting looks when I said I had nothing planned and that I was going to take some time off. I told Jodi I still feel like this is just a vacation, I think it will all hit when we actually leave here and there will be some range of emotions that I will go through. I won't lie I think there will be some rough patches and that my focus has to remain on him and the true plan for my life. I think as I get away from it my mind only wants to remember the good parts and I'm doing a brain dump of the negative junk, maybe it is just my positive nature in always looking at the postive of every situation? Anyway, we can close another chapter in the "book of my past" and turn the page to that blank sheet in the "book of Mike Wanner's life" and see what the good lord plans to write on it, now that's exciting!! Now back to my beach bum life....well it the darn sun would ever come out, June gloom in full effect in So Cal. A a side note I have go over the 500 mark in views to the blog in three days, God is amazing in how he reaches out to people. If you feel compelled share the link with others, have a blessed day!!!

Desires of the Heart

For those who don't know I got to go to Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals last night and see the Kings hoist the Cup!! Can I tell you God knows the desires of your heart!! If I were to write a script (this is Hollywood you know) on how I would want ot leave LA last night would have been it. I never thought I would be at the game, I have followed the Kings very close since we arrived, I pretty much saw all 110 games they played this year and was attached to a pretty good group of players who you could just see wanted to win for eachother. On Sunday afternoon we recieved a message asking us if we were interested in going....um, yeah!! Not only did we get to go to the game but we got to go to a pregame party and a after party to celebrate it. Oh yes did I mention we got to watch it from a suite? More than I could have ever dreamed. At the start of the thrid period I just sat quietly looking at the ice and soaking in the moment and praising god (yes at a hockey game, Jesus is everywhere), I was there and I was about to witness history. Our god wants us to have things, so many people think we as followers of Christ should be poor and suffering always leaning on him. That is far from the truth. I look at the things in my life and know that he knew a long time ago and made the path to make those dreams a reality. We are suppose to be happy, not poor and destitute. And it is not about happieness that money brings, yes that is a part of it but there are so many things that we are blessed with. I look at my wonderful wife and then turn to the two most wonderful girls in my daughters who bring me more everyday with a hug and I love you daddy that know amount of money can buy. Yes I am leaving my job behind, but I know the things that are ahead are much greater and the treasures I will recieve will far exceed what I have today. This is my story what is yours? What can you see in your life that god has provided that has been on your heart? Maybe for some it is the enlightenment that it is ok to want things if they are used to glorify the kingdom. Be happy in whatever you have, be a light in this dark world, we all started today with a gift, the sun came up on a new day, what will we do with it? I want to take this time to thank all of you who have commented to me on Facebook on how much your enjoying this blog and to keep going. I wish I could tell all of you all the stories already were God has used these words to touch lives, I won't stop I don't think the good lord will let me as he stirs my heart on what to write. I will leave today with my favorite scripture, it is Ephesian's 6, 10-17. It talks about preparing for the battle we are about to wage each day and how to prepare. Our god gives us the tools to fight the enemy, believe it and use them!!

You said what...???

How many of you can hear god speaking to you? I know this has always been hard for me but I can tell you it is becoming easier as I go deeper into him. The title for today's blog comes from him telling me on the way back from dropping Abbey off at school listening to worship music and all he said is, "you said what?" So what happens from here is his words not mine. (Can I tell you theis is way out of the box for me to be blogging). We so often look for answers to questions in situations especially when things are not going as planned. We put our worldly thoughts and solutions way ahead of gods plan. I do it all the time. When you make a decision to walk away from a high paying job with lots of perks the world thinks your nuts, trust me. But all that doesn't matter I have gotten more out of these three days of blogging than I ever recieved in my job. Quick story to how I go here today, in November of last year I had become very sick and know one could figure out why? I had all the signs of colon cancer and both Jodi and I were scared. I remember telling Jodi if this job kills me I'm going to be ticked!! Long story short after many tests and medications I got better but promised Jodi and the girls I was going to change a lot of things. That is when the seed was truly planted and god began to water it. Jodi and I started planning to walk away from my job and start this new life on our own. In April we actually had given notice on our rental house that we were leaving June 1, it felt right in the worldly moment I was in with my frustration and stress level at a all time high. We traveled back to Alexandria for spring break with the girls, things were not sitting right in my spirit. I was struggling with the decision and my spirit just didn't feel right about it. I had clearly put my timing on the situation as a reaction to the stress. I sat down and sought god timing and wisdom, on the bike path just outside Nana's house I got my answer, god and the holy spirit clearly spoke to my soul and said "be patient" those two words made everything very clear. Jodi met me on the path she was frustrated about a business deal she was working on, I call it a devil distraction, I looked at her and said call the owners were staying a little while longer, god is working on the timing. Can I tell you from that moment on everything just fell into place perfectly. That an act of simple obedience turned the tides of my life to where I am today and things I thought were mountains, with just a whisper from him, were blown out of my path. Is all this were doing easy? No, it is hard, you still have to do your part and the devil see's plenty areas to attack but standing firm on the word like in Matthew 6:33 god will provide everything if you trust in faith. He is speaking to you today in some form, remove the noise out of your life and find some quite time to read his word and open your soul to the holy spirits message, I can tell you it will be good, but will you do what he says?

Fear

Today I woke up and was lying in bed when fear began to creep into my mind. Fear is a powerful weapon of the enemy, he uses it to distract us from our faith. It is easy to have faith and hope when things are going well but as the enemy begins to mix in a little fear, our path begins to turn away from what Gods intended path is to a worldly one. My fear today came from the thoughts that I am approaching my 45th birthday, only 15 years from age 60 and what was I going to be doing 6 months from now and what about retirement? That simple seed planted in my mind began to quickly grow and fear and worry soon followed. I had begun projecting 6 months, all the way up to 20 years into the future and worrying? None of which I can control. My journey and all our journeys must happen one day at a time. Godly living and trust allows you the strength to live today, while our all powerful father handles everything that is yet to come in his perfect plan. What are you fearful of, losing your job, flying, people or situations that you cannot control, I bet you will find most are worldy fears. Would you be scared if God sat down with you and laid out his plan for you and your life were you knew all the answers to your questions and situations? Faith, is God's promise that he is sitting, walking, running right next to you no matter how crazy we believe our situation is and that if you seek and trust him you can stay on or near the right path. I know this is true, I am living this everyday now. I thought it is important to show my struggles I will have along the way, to many times we get near the "everything is great" people who are hiding the true struggle or pain that they are feeling. I am not one of those, God has asked me to lay this out for the good of the kingdom and I will obey, can I be honest and say that it is scarey to place my fears and struggles on the web for all to see. The verse God brought me to today to calm my fears was 1 Peter 1, verse 6 and 7, in there it says,"the proof of faith is more precious than gold." What does that mean to you?

A little history...

Good day to all- Well my blog was up less than four hours and got 128 hits on it.....amazing and I have yet to tell the story. First, just want to explain the Trucker Wanner nickname. One, I love to road trip, I have crossed the country at least once and I have logged many miles on vacations, relocating, trips to many hockey games to see Jeff my brother-in-laws teams through out the Midwest and finally a famous gaunt to the NASCAR race in Dallas with Jeff, Tracie (my wonderful sister-in-law) and Jodi. By the way Tracie, what did that Cherry Lime Aid taste like??? But the true orgin is when we made one of our 8 moves as we traveled back to Minneapolis from Seattle. I moved in 2002 with NWA, at the time it was just after 9/11 and the move packages didn't exist other than packing yourself and them paying for the U Haul. So I set out with my 26ft U Haul, 12ft trailer with all our stuff. I was joined by Larry (father-in-law) and Jeff driving our two cars. Have you ever tried to get a U Haul through the Casacades fully loaded....thats a story in itself. Anyway, we trucked across the Northern Plains and pulled into Minnesota in record time, hence, Trucker Wanner and the name just stuck. Most people just call me "Trucker" back in Alexandria. Oh yeah, I also forgot the Shaggin Wagon years when I owned a conversion van, that just added to the tale, there is a picture somewhere that explains it all. We have 17 days left in California, then one more road trip. Jodi and I will be traveling back together in the Tahoe, the good Lord has upgraded the vehicles over the years!! We are going to go the north route which should take us through some pretty spectacular parts of the country we look forward to enjoying the time together. There is a lot more history that got me to this place. I just want to say stop, slow down and time look back at your life, I know thats hard but its important. You will see many clear markers of Gods hand in your journey. For me I have to say it started in 1992 just prior to meeting Jodi and the life circumstances then that had me far from a godly path or as I call it my Navy days. He interceded and allowed his plan for me to meet Jodi happen. Understand, I was a boy from Illinois, she was from Minnesota and we met in Dallas, TX and the rest has been history. Neither of us wanted a relationship but God had other ideas. The famous story I tell is that I tricked her into coming to a pool party that she thought was going to include my Navy friends. It took her awhile, she is blonde, to figure out it was just her and I but I can tell you from that day we have been together ever since, 20 years in total just about to celebrate 18 years of marriage on June 18. That gives you some simple history of me and my life there is so much more, by the way I was 6'5 and 145 pounds when I met her, I had to trick her to get such a hot wife!!!! Finally today I want to give a suggestion on how you can start spending time with him to her his message for you. There is a great devotion called "Jesus Calling" written by Sarah Young. It is simple messages each day that is in the form of God speaking to you. For you Ipad folks you can upload it and have it right there in your apps. Also, there is a great electronic verion of the bible on-line, "You Version" is the name, it allows you many ways to read the bible, it also has many devotion plans and topics to help you through what ever is pressing in your life. Go check it out, here's the link http://youversion.com/download.

 Thanks to my friend Tracy I am now in the blogosphere........I want to use this to track a man who has taken a huge leap of faith and left corporate America and decided to be God's son, my wife's husband and my daughters father. I am going to blog this journey, I believe it is god's will to put this out on the net. If it only reaches one person it all will be worth it. God has a plan or each one of us, I am going to find his for me in this journey, come see where he takes us he has promised it will be amazing!!