Exploring Christ’s perspective

Science and Faith complement each other.
Faith tells us who created everything
Science tells us how it works
I write SciFi and commentary about where they meet

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Tue, 17 Dec 2024
a man juggling oranges and watermelons while standing on a lawn in front of trees

 
The writer’s life always involves juggling. When I toss the oranges high, I have to squint at their tiny black dots against the bright sky. The trick is, as they hurtle back down, to discern which of those dots are actually watermelons that snuck into the mix.
I recently shared that I’ve suspended working on book 2 of the Perelandra Paradox Series to work on an inspirational book, Color For the Blind Man – Following an Invisible God. I’m embarrassed to say how long ago I was prompted to start it. On the other hand, I’m relieved to say that I finally answered the call and am back on track.
But I’m chained to time’s one-way arrow, just like you. This book requires far more research than my previous work. So, to avoid oranges splatting on the ground and to intercept surprise watermelons, I have to make schedule changes. For the next few months, I’ll post on my blog only intermittently and send the newsletter just once per month.
While I’m ensconced in the labyrinth of my writer’s cave, I still look forward to hearing from you. Your support and encouragement mean a lot to me. Please feel free to contact me on the website contact form or social media. read more ...

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Thu, 11 Apr 2024
I write books like these stacked on a table

Okay, I confess. I write books. I knew I would since courting my wonderful wife. My qualifications? Fascination with the sky beckoned me. A multifaceted career as a professional pilot positioned me. Life as a husband and father gave me empathy. Living as a Christ follower gave me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to do whatever he asks.

But, much like flying, writing is an addiction for which there is no cure. The best you can hope for is remission. And, if by some misfortune, you see that chance approaching, hide, and the ridiculous notions of abandoning either pursuit will pass you by. read more ...

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Fri, 03 Sep 2021

One of my favorite things to do is spend an afternoon in a book store that also has a coffee shop. From thousands of titles, I pick a dozen candidates to consider. Then I order a cafe-americano accompanied by a scone and sit to choose one. Or two. Or maybe three. That simple small-table haven makes the whole book thing seem uncomplicated. Publishing books, however, is not.

publishing books—title page of book manuscriptRecently, I pitched my new SciFi novel, The Perelandra Paradox-Discovery (first of a three-part series) to a book publishing agent. First hope, then no joy. So, on to the next agent. Discouragement tempted me but a few days later, life reminded me that publishing books is a complex affair.

When I had a tree stump removed, the machine broke an irrigation pipe. The fix shouldn’t be too hard, I thought. Dig to expose the break. Cut out the bad ends, then glue in a new section. Thirty minutes tops. Simple. Not so much, actually.

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Fri, 01 Jun 2018

Smiling man loading cargo into a single engine airplane
Panchito loading a C-185, leaving just enough room for me to fly it safely.

Preparing for a month-long work trip out of the country inundated me with too many extras, too many surprises. No time left to work on my novel (The Perelandra Paradox), pitch the memoir (Sky Creature), reprint and re-market my previous book (Call For News), and, oh yeah, write this post. I was feeling overloaded and out of balance. Reminded me of flying.

Every manufacturer determines the maxim allowable takeoff weight for every aircraft they produce using four factors:

1. The engine’s power: The engine(s) must produce enough power to move the aircraft fast enough to make the wings work.
2. The wing’s lift: The wings, given airflow, must produce enough lift to raise the aircraft off the ground.
3. The airframe’s strength: The airframe must hold its own weight, plus the fuel, cargo, passengers and crew in their designated places during taxi, take off, climb, maneuvering, descent, and landing.
4. The performance margin: The gross weight of the aircraft must leave enough margin for the airplane to be controllable throughout all of its expected motions in both still and turbulent air. read more ...

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Fri, 11 May 2018

Finding new focus is like this Cessna C-185 flying over gray clouds into the sunlight

=&0=& and a half years ago I put this site up to promote my work as an “Aviation & Space Writer.” But, as you can see on this site, focus moves, changes, and grows. During the last few months, I’ve come to realize I’m more of a commentator than a reporter. The facts are important—especially crucial in aviation—but I’m more interested in what higher perspectives mean, what we see and learn from our real and virtual aerial views. So here’s a summary of my current projects:

  • Blog: This week I resume posting here every Friday. My blog will feature thoughts on current aviation and space news, projects, and discoveries. I’ll also include progress reports on my own projects.
  • Sky Creature: I’ve completed the manuscript. Depending upon the publishing gambit, this memoir of my flying in the Amazon Jungle and Andes Mountains should come out later this year.
  • The Perelandra Paradox: I’m well into my first novel—a near-future science fiction story about an airline pilot who makes an impossible discovery in his own garage. What will it do to life and vision on Earth? How will it affect his family? Can he survive the changes forced upon him? I anticipate availability early 2019.
  • Call For News: I have a nice problem. The last of the soft cover versions are gone. Now it’s time for another printing! However, I need to select a new publisher since the original publisher is no longer in business. Fortunately, the e-version is still available.
  • read more ...

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