START OF WORK MEETING:
If you’re like me, you’re probably a little overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done to get your life into the shape God intended for you. And, just like a car project, you list is just going to get longer as you make progress and get a better handle on your actual condition. But that’s ok, a growing to-do list is nothing compared to the joy you’ll feel as you experience God’s handiwork in your life.
Ready to roll into God’s Garage and begin your transformation? If so, it’s time for a quick Start of Work Meeting between you and God. Not really a new concept for most of you. We have them at work all of the time whenever it’s time to start a new project. It’s typically a short meeting where we identify who’s on the team, what each of our roles are and touch on the plan to get it done. For a project with God, these kinds of meetings pretty simple. Our role is simple: We’re the project. He’s the craftsman. We’re available. He’s capable. And, he’s the keeper of the tools and the timeline to bring us back to life.
Before you move on to the next chapter, take a couple of minutes and have a start of work meeting with God. Lay it all out — let Him know that you know, that He knows your true condition. Thank Him that He’s still “IN” and ready to take on the challenge. And, put him in the driver’s seat and give him the permission to do whatever it takes to transform your life. Don’t worry about the words. God likes it straight. It’s my prayer that you, maybe for the first time in a long time, will experience his presence in a way that’s reassuring and makes sense to you.
To help you keep track of your progress, take a second and record the day and time you had your Start of Work Meeting with God. It’s something that we’re going to do a lot as we advance through this book.
I had a Straight-Talking Start of Work Meeting with God on ________________.
Notes: (What do you want to remember from you’re meeting?)
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Sunday, May 18, 2008
Chapter 3B
ASSESSMENT
[I WILL COMPLETE THIS AS I WRITE THE BOOK. THE PURPOSE WILL BE TO IDENTIFY A STARTING PLACE, GIVE READERS A PLACE TO LOOK BACK AT TO GAGUE PROGRESS, AND TO INTRODUCE THE CONCEPTS DISCUSSED IN FUTURE CHAPTERS. STAY TUNED]
[I WILL COMPLETE THIS AS I WRITE THE BOOK. THE PURPOSE WILL BE TO IDENTIFY A STARTING PLACE, GIVE READERS A PLACE TO LOOK BACK AT TO GAGUE PROGRESS, AND TO INTRODUCE THE CONCEPTS DISCUSSED IN FUTURE CHAPTERS. STAY TUNED]
Chapter 3A
CHAPTER THREE: — TIME FOR TIRE KICKIN’:
Time for an important bench test. As an enthusiast, I’m sure you’ve done your share and have gotten good at kicking tires. You’ve become skilled at sniffing out body filler. You know when a vehicle’s “right” and when a seller’s trying to pass a modified standard off as a limited-run classic. And, you know how to pick out a project with high potential. These skills are going to help you in the life restoration project we’ll walk through in this book. Before we move on, take a minute and turn your tire-kicking skills inward and get a bead on where you stand as a project. But, before you get too critical of yourself, remember that God fully understands your condition problems
Take a couple of minutes and roll yourself up onto the lift and perform a careful assessment of your personal starting point — and just like a car project, we’re all starting in different places. In the end, where you start doesn’t matter nearly as much as where you end.
Below you’ll find a variety of condition statements. Read them through and identify where you currently score in each area. And be honest. It doesn’t matter how many times a seller says a vehicle is rust free if it’s rusty. Also, be sure to take the online assessment on cargospel.com. It’ll allow you to track your progress and help me better understand how to continuously improve this book and the resto-mod tools available online
Assessment Date: _____________________________________
Time for an important bench test. As an enthusiast, I’m sure you’ve done your share and have gotten good at kicking tires. You’ve become skilled at sniffing out body filler. You know when a vehicle’s “right” and when a seller’s trying to pass a modified standard off as a limited-run classic. And, you know how to pick out a project with high potential. These skills are going to help you in the life restoration project we’ll walk through in this book. Before we move on, take a minute and turn your tire-kicking skills inward and get a bead on where you stand as a project. But, before you get too critical of yourself, remember that God fully understands your condition problems
Take a couple of minutes and roll yourself up onto the lift and perform a careful assessment of your personal starting point — and just like a car project, we’re all starting in different places. In the end, where you start doesn’t matter nearly as much as where you end.
Below you’ll find a variety of condition statements. Read them through and identify where you currently score in each area. And be honest. It doesn’t matter how many times a seller says a vehicle is rust free if it’s rusty. Also, be sure to take the online assessment on cargospel.com. It’ll allow you to track your progress and help me better understand how to continuously improve this book and the resto-mod tools available online
Assessment Date: _____________________________________
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Chapter 2H
SHOP MANUAL PRINCIPLE #6.
GOD KNOWS AND GOD’S STILL “IN”
Still unconvinced? Maybe you still think or feel like the opposite is true. “Nah, God doesn’t want anything to do with me! Nope, I’m too far gone!” Let me shoot straight with you. Stop believing a lie! You’re wrong! Dude, Jesus told the story of the Prodigal Son to make it clear. Nobody’s too far gone! God’s waiting to catch each one of us out of the corner of his eye — coming home — so that we can experience the mind-blowing depth of his forgiveness, love and the miraculous restoration plan he has sketched out for the next leg of our lives. Want more proof? Chew on this for a while. The first chapter of the Book of Colossians, verses 21 and 22 say this:
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in our minds because of your evil behavior.”
Is that how you’re feeling? That your actions were so bad that God took a restraining order out on you. That you’re hopelessly far away and alienated from Him? Do you think that your behavior has made you His enemy? Well, check out the “Big Hammer” second part. If this doesn’t bust your wrong thinking loose, I don’t know what will…
“But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”
[INSERT SUMMARY / CONCLUSION]
GOD KNOWS AND GOD’S STILL “IN”
Still unconvinced? Maybe you still think or feel like the opposite is true. “Nah, God doesn’t want anything to do with me! Nope, I’m too far gone!” Let me shoot straight with you. Stop believing a lie! You’re wrong! Dude, Jesus told the story of the Prodigal Son to make it clear. Nobody’s too far gone! God’s waiting to catch each one of us out of the corner of his eye — coming home — so that we can experience the mind-blowing depth of his forgiveness, love and the miraculous restoration plan he has sketched out for the next leg of our lives. Want more proof? Chew on this for a while. The first chapter of the Book of Colossians, verses 21 and 22 say this:
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in our minds because of your evil behavior.”
Is that how you’re feeling? That your actions were so bad that God took a restraining order out on you. That you’re hopelessly far away and alienated from Him? Do you think that your behavior has made you His enemy? Well, check out the “Big Hammer” second part. If this doesn’t bust your wrong thinking loose, I don’t know what will…
“But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”
[INSERT SUMMARY / CONCLUSION]
Chapter 2G
The Machine Shop Owner’s Son
There once was a hardworking man who owned a small family-run machine shop. One day his youngest son came to him with a big idea.
“Dad, hey I know that you’ve invested your life in building this business, and you’ve been talking about handing it over to us kids when you retire. Well, if it’s cool with you, could you cut me a check for the amount you think my part of the shop will be worth when you retire — Today? (I don’t know about you, but that wouldn’t have gone over big with my dad)
After thinking it through, the dad went to the bank, emptied out his 401K and took out a small loan on the business. Then handed it over to his youngest son. (Nope, can’t relate to that part of the story either.)
The next day, everybody showed up for work as usual — except for the youngest son. Vegas was calling. And after three weeks of living large… every… penny… was… gone.
The son hit rock bottom. The instant friends he found when he was loaded disappeared. He was embarrassed, ashamed and ticked at himself. The small fortune that his father earned over a lifetime was gone.
What to do? Go home? Never! So, instead he takes a job cleaning rooms at a rent-by-the hour motel off the strip. This is not the man his father raised him to be — and the son knew it. (Yeah, I guess you’d call this rock bottom.)
As much as he hated to do it, he knew he had to go home — and face his dad. He thought of all of the guys in the shop who had rough pasts — addiction… violence… abuse… prison… His dad took those guys in, gave them a fresh start and helped them turn their lives around. Maybe his dad would do the same for him. So, he grifted tourists for enough dough to buy a bus ticket and headed home.
All the way home he rehearsed what he was going to say to his dad. “Dad, there aren’t words for how bad I feel. I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I don’t deserve to be called your son. I’m at the bottom. I need a job. I know you are a good boss with a big heart. I’ll do the jobs nobody else will do. I’ll work hard to pay you back.”
His buddy picked him up from the bus station and drove him to his family’s shop. Head down, he walked in the front doors, past the front desk unnoticed and slowly made his way back to the rear of the shop where his dad worked. As he passed the rows of lathes, presses, C&C machines, raw materials, parts bins… each man looked up to see him walk by — a shadow of the boss they use to report to. They knew what he did. Nobody knew what to say. So they let him keep walking.
While he was still 100 yards away, his dad caught him out of the corner of his eye. “He’s back,” he murmured under his breath. Without hesitation, he dropped the part he was machining and walked quickly in the direction of his son (Running isn’t allowed in the shop). His dad was a big guy, seeing him closing quickly was scarier than the son had imagined.
Finally, face-to-face, the son began the speech he rehearsed. “Dad, there aren’t words to — ”
“Stop!” his dad responded. He took a step back and looked beyond his skinny, greasy, yellow-skinned appearance, slept-in clothes and finished, “Welcome Home Son.”
“But dad, I totally” — the son groveled.
“Yeah, I know… I heard… I’m not happy about any of it… but you’re my son. I love you. And I can help you get back on your feet — If you want me to.”
That wasn’t the response the son expected. None of his rehearsed words seemed relevant anymore. He mouthed, “Yes” and humbly nodded his head
Smiling the dad grabbed his son by the shoulders he laughed and shouted in a gruff shop foreman’s voice, “Fellas! My son’s home! And do I have big plans for this boy!”
BOTTOM LINE… Just like in the story…
God is Waiting For YOU to Come Home — back to His Shop
God (our Father) has given each of us the freedom to follow his plan — or to make up our own. The Bible says that we ALL chose our own. In the 53rd Chapter, verse six of the Book of Isaiah, the Bible put it like this:
“We all, like sheep have gone a stray, each of us choosing to go our own way…”
I’m guessing every one of us can relate.
There once was a hardworking man who owned a small family-run machine shop. One day his youngest son came to him with a big idea.
“Dad, hey I know that you’ve invested your life in building this business, and you’ve been talking about handing it over to us kids when you retire. Well, if it’s cool with you, could you cut me a check for the amount you think my part of the shop will be worth when you retire — Today? (I don’t know about you, but that wouldn’t have gone over big with my dad)
After thinking it through, the dad went to the bank, emptied out his 401K and took out a small loan on the business. Then handed it over to his youngest son. (Nope, can’t relate to that part of the story either.)
The next day, everybody showed up for work as usual — except for the youngest son. Vegas was calling. And after three weeks of living large… every… penny… was… gone.
The son hit rock bottom. The instant friends he found when he was loaded disappeared. He was embarrassed, ashamed and ticked at himself. The small fortune that his father earned over a lifetime was gone.
What to do? Go home? Never! So, instead he takes a job cleaning rooms at a rent-by-the hour motel off the strip. This is not the man his father raised him to be — and the son knew it. (Yeah, I guess you’d call this rock bottom.)
As much as he hated to do it, he knew he had to go home — and face his dad. He thought of all of the guys in the shop who had rough pasts — addiction… violence… abuse… prison… His dad took those guys in, gave them a fresh start and helped them turn their lives around. Maybe his dad would do the same for him. So, he grifted tourists for enough dough to buy a bus ticket and headed home.
All the way home he rehearsed what he was going to say to his dad. “Dad, there aren’t words for how bad I feel. I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I don’t deserve to be called your son. I’m at the bottom. I need a job. I know you are a good boss with a big heart. I’ll do the jobs nobody else will do. I’ll work hard to pay you back.”
His buddy picked him up from the bus station and drove him to his family’s shop. Head down, he walked in the front doors, past the front desk unnoticed and slowly made his way back to the rear of the shop where his dad worked. As he passed the rows of lathes, presses, C&C machines, raw materials, parts bins… each man looked up to see him walk by — a shadow of the boss they use to report to. They knew what he did. Nobody knew what to say. So they let him keep walking.
While he was still 100 yards away, his dad caught him out of the corner of his eye. “He’s back,” he murmured under his breath. Without hesitation, he dropped the part he was machining and walked quickly in the direction of his son (Running isn’t allowed in the shop). His dad was a big guy, seeing him closing quickly was scarier than the son had imagined.
Finally, face-to-face, the son began the speech he rehearsed. “Dad, there aren’t words to — ”
“Stop!” his dad responded. He took a step back and looked beyond his skinny, greasy, yellow-skinned appearance, slept-in clothes and finished, “Welcome Home Son.”
“But dad, I totally” — the son groveled.
“Yeah, I know… I heard… I’m not happy about any of it… but you’re my son. I love you. And I can help you get back on your feet — If you want me to.”
That wasn’t the response the son expected. None of his rehearsed words seemed relevant anymore. He mouthed, “Yes” and humbly nodded his head
Smiling the dad grabbed his son by the shoulders he laughed and shouted in a gruff shop foreman’s voice, “Fellas! My son’s home! And do I have big plans for this boy!”
BOTTOM LINE… Just like in the story…
God is Waiting For YOU to Come Home — back to His Shop
God (our Father) has given each of us the freedom to follow his plan — or to make up our own. The Bible says that we ALL chose our own. In the 53rd Chapter, verse six of the Book of Isaiah, the Bible put it like this:
“We all, like sheep have gone a stray, each of us choosing to go our own way…”
I’m guessing every one of us can relate.
Chapter 2F
SHOP MANUAL PRINCIPLE #5.
GOD WANTS YOU BACK IN THE SHOP SO HE CAN RESTORE YOU TO HIS ORIGINAL DESIGN.
As a car guy there’s nothing worse than having your pride and joy broken into, or worse yet — stolen. It’s amazing what a criminal and chop shop can do to a beautiful automobile in a matter of minutes. On my way to the airport this week I passed a flatbed wrecker loaded up with a reclaimed Dodge Magnum. Wasn’t much left of any value — fenders, doors, airbags, electronics, wheels, hood, seats — all gone! If I was the owner, I don’t think I’d want it back. But God has a different take. He has compassion on our stripped out shells. He searches out or stolen parts, buys them back, and then restores them better than new.
But, don’t take my word for it. Jesus banged it home over and over again in His teachings. Probably my favorite story about it was the Prodigal Son. Even if you haven’t read the story, I’m sure you’ve heard the expression. Heck, maybe someone even called you a Prodigal Son. If you have a Bible take a couple of minutes and read it for yourself. You can find the story in the book of Matthew, chapter 5, verses XX thru XX. If you don’t have a Bible handy, you can pull the passage up easily on the web. One thing you should know about Jesus is he always tailored his stories to his audience. If he were to tell the story of the Prodigal Son to car guys I could imagine it going something like this…
GOD WANTS YOU BACK IN THE SHOP SO HE CAN RESTORE YOU TO HIS ORIGINAL DESIGN.
As a car guy there’s nothing worse than having your pride and joy broken into, or worse yet — stolen. It’s amazing what a criminal and chop shop can do to a beautiful automobile in a matter of minutes. On my way to the airport this week I passed a flatbed wrecker loaded up with a reclaimed Dodge Magnum. Wasn’t much left of any value — fenders, doors, airbags, electronics, wheels, hood, seats — all gone! If I was the owner, I don’t think I’d want it back. But God has a different take. He has compassion on our stripped out shells. He searches out or stolen parts, buys them back, and then restores them better than new.
But, don’t take my word for it. Jesus banged it home over and over again in His teachings. Probably my favorite story about it was the Prodigal Son. Even if you haven’t read the story, I’m sure you’ve heard the expression. Heck, maybe someone even called you a Prodigal Son. If you have a Bible take a couple of minutes and read it for yourself. You can find the story in the book of Matthew, chapter 5, verses XX thru XX. If you don’t have a Bible handy, you can pull the passage up easily on the web. One thing you should know about Jesus is he always tailored his stories to his audience. If he were to tell the story of the Prodigal Son to car guys I could imagine it going something like this…
Chapter 2E
SHOP MANUAL PRINCIPLE #4.
GOD DON’T NEED NO CARFAX REPORT
He watched as we sold ourselves to good and bad causes and ideas, drove recklessly chasing after anything and everything we thought would bring us happiness. He saw the accidents. He knows how often you changed the oil, rotated the tires… And that’s just the beginning. He knows which belts are going to break, the seals are going to leak… body panels are going to get wrinkled. Past, present and future — NOTHING’s hidden from his sight. Here’s what the manual says:
Psalm 139:1-10? — O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. You helm me in — behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me; such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
GOD DON’T NEED NO CARFAX REPORT
He watched as we sold ourselves to good and bad causes and ideas, drove recklessly chasing after anything and everything we thought would bring us happiness. He saw the accidents. He knows how often you changed the oil, rotated the tires… And that’s just the beginning. He knows which belts are going to break, the seals are going to leak… body panels are going to get wrinkled. Past, present and future — NOTHING’s hidden from his sight. Here’s what the manual says:
Psalm 139:1-10? — O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. You helm me in — behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me; such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
Chapter 2D
SURPRISE! THERE ARE NO SURPRISES
Occasionally, even the most scrutinizing car can be fooled. [INSERT SHORT STORY / ILLUSTRATION HERE] But not God. With Him there are no mysteries. Here are some facts from the factory:
SHOP MANUAL PRINCIPLE #3.
GOD SUPERVISED YOUR ASSEMBLY
Not only did he design you, he hand tightened every nut and bolt. Here’s how King David put it many years ago. And, if you dig around in his story (had an affair, had the woman’s husband killed, tried to cover it up...) you’ll see that he knows quite a bit about God’s power to restore a man after a car wreck.
Psalm 139:13-17 — For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast are the sum of them!
[COULD INSERT A SHORT SUMMATION HERE]
Occasionally, even the most scrutinizing car can be fooled. [INSERT SHORT STORY / ILLUSTRATION HERE] But not God. With Him there are no mysteries. Here are some facts from the factory:
SHOP MANUAL PRINCIPLE #3.
GOD SUPERVISED YOUR ASSEMBLY
Not only did he design you, he hand tightened every nut and bolt. Here’s how King David put it many years ago. And, if you dig around in his story (had an affair, had the woman’s husband killed, tried to cover it up...) you’ll see that he knows quite a bit about God’s power to restore a man after a car wreck.
Psalm 139:13-17 — For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast are the sum of them!
[COULD INSERT A SHORT SUMMATION HERE]
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Build Update 4/27/08
Welp, while probably won't be a part of the book, it feels like a good place to keep track of my Scrambler Build.
Thursday night Noah and I were driving the Scrambler in Royal Oak and it started refusing to shift into gear. The clutch has been noisy since day one, so I knew this day would come — I just was hoping it wouldn't come so soon. Anyhow, we limped it home, pulled it into the garage and started psyching ourselves up for dropping the transmission and transfer case and replacing the clutch.
Today was the day. After church Noah and I pulled out the shop manual and began disassembly. It went good, but slow — and painful. The transmission and transfer case fell off the jack and onto my chest while I was under the Jeep. It was fun watching Noah step up in crisis mode. At first it was total panic. Then quickly he pulled himself together and helped me get unpinned. Good times! We'll probably put it all back together next weekend. The parts are extremely dirty and will need to be cleaned. It's hard to keep it in the garage on sunny days.
Chapter 2C
I know… “Stop whining!”
Ok, yeah, I agree — enough complaining. It’s all fixable. The parts are relatively cheap and available. And most importantly, overcoming challenges and solving problems are always the most lasting and fulfilling memories from a build. So why include all of the drama in this book? Simple, the early stages of the restoration God has planned for our lives shares many of the same challenges. Top of the list — for most of us (alright, all of us) when you take a close enough look you’ll find that we’re all full of surprises. The big question is: how does God handle the surprises he finds in us? Will he walk away from the deal when he sees what’s really under the hood? Will he write a book complaining about all of the problems he was blindsided by that we didn’t disclose? Will he feel like he’s in so far over his head that he offers you up on ebay with one of those, “I bought this project with hopes of restoring it. Unfortunately I haven’t had the time or money to do it complete it” listings? Lets’ take a look at what the Shop Manual says:
Ok, yeah, I agree — enough complaining. It’s all fixable. The parts are relatively cheap and available. And most importantly, overcoming challenges and solving problems are always the most lasting and fulfilling memories from a build. So why include all of the drama in this book? Simple, the early stages of the restoration God has planned for our lives shares many of the same challenges. Top of the list — for most of us (alright, all of us) when you take a close enough look you’ll find that we’re all full of surprises. The big question is: how does God handle the surprises he finds in us? Will he walk away from the deal when he sees what’s really under the hood? Will he write a book complaining about all of the problems he was blindsided by that we didn’t disclose? Will he feel like he’s in so far over his head that he offers you up on ebay with one of those, “I bought this project with hopes of restoring it. Unfortunately I haven’t had the time or money to do it complete it” listings? Lets’ take a look at what the Shop Manual says:
Chapter 2B
Surprise, surprise, surprise!
Welp, after the normal drama and delays of cross-country car shipping, our Jeep finally arrived at the hauler’s yard 20 miles from my home. I convinced a friend from work to help me pick her up. I figured we could pretty easily retrieve it and get back to the office before our lunch hour was up. I mean, the previous owner, “Just drove it and it ran great.” Well, like I said earlier — there are ALWAYS surprises when you take delivery of a new project. And, it didn’t take long to tell that this one was no exception. Here’s the short list of previously unknown “Surprises” that came to the surface on the trek home:
Welp, after the normal drama and delays of cross-country car shipping, our Jeep finally arrived at the hauler’s yard 20 miles from my home. I convinced a friend from work to help me pick her up. I figured we could pretty easily retrieve it and get back to the office before our lunch hour was up. I mean, the previous owner, “Just drove it and it ran great.” Well, like I said earlier — there are ALWAYS surprises when you take delivery of a new project. And, it didn’t take long to tell that this one was no exception. Here’s the short list of previously unknown “Surprises” that came to the surface on the trek home:
- Dead Battery — When I exchanged the core for a new battery, the counter guy commented that there wasn’t even enough juice to power his tester.
- Stalling — whenever I took my foot off the accelerator. A dead battery and a car that stalls whenever you come to a stop — not a great combination of features for a successful drive home
- Sloppy Steering — There’s nothing more stimulating to the senses than battling with a worn out steering gear box to keep a vehicle between the lines
- Squealing Clutch — Every time I put my foot into it, the clutch shrieked in displeasure. Sounds like a throw-out bearing to me. You?
- No Lights — Headlights, brake lights, turn signals — all out. Gotta love using hand signals on a sub-zero Michigan winter afternoon
Chapter 2A
CHAPTER TWO — WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU…
January 11th, In two weeks our Jeep project is slated to make the 2,000-mile truck-top trek from Phoenix to Michigan. It’s an exciting time — then again, buying a vehicle based on phone conversations and a half-dozen low-res images leaves a lot of opportunity for surprises. And, it wouldn’t be the first time I was surprised.
The last vehicle I built — a ’73 Land Rover Series III 88 arrived with a bent front fender and a variety of “bleeders” that left indelible reminders on my garage floor that I’m still trying to get out. Then again, it was a British truck. Talk to anybody who’s ever restored one and they’ll be happy to share the trademark jokes about British Engineering. Toping the list is the fact that “British Engineering” is an oxymoron. You know, two words that seem to be in conflict with each other — like “jumbo shrimp.” My favorite though is: If you have a British car that doesn’t leak, you have a British car that’s out of oil.” Regardless of its quirks, it certainly was a fun and memorable vehicle to build and drive.
So, what’s your used car horror story? Whatever it is, I’m sure you’d agree, vehicles always sound better in the classifieds. They all look better — shinier and straighter — in those grainy 2x3-inch black and white car rag snapshots than they ever do when you show up to kick the tires. I’m sure my new Scrambler will be an exception to the rule — right? Think again.
January 11th, In two weeks our Jeep project is slated to make the 2,000-mile truck-top trek from Phoenix to Michigan. It’s an exciting time — then again, buying a vehicle based on phone conversations and a half-dozen low-res images leaves a lot of opportunity for surprises. And, it wouldn’t be the first time I was surprised.
The last vehicle I built — a ’73 Land Rover Series III 88 arrived with a bent front fender and a variety of “bleeders” that left indelible reminders on my garage floor that I’m still trying to get out. Then again, it was a British truck. Talk to anybody who’s ever restored one and they’ll be happy to share the trademark jokes about British Engineering. Toping the list is the fact that “British Engineering” is an oxymoron. You know, two words that seem to be in conflict with each other — like “jumbo shrimp.” My favorite though is: If you have a British car that doesn’t leak, you have a British car that’s out of oil.” Regardless of its quirks, it certainly was a fun and memorable vehicle to build and drive.
So, what’s your used car horror story? Whatever it is, I’m sure you’d agree, vehicles always sound better in the classifieds. They all look better — shinier and straighter — in those grainy 2x3-inch black and white car rag snapshots than they ever do when you show up to kick the tires. I’m sure my new Scrambler will be an exception to the rule — right? Think again.
Chapter 1I
BENCH TEST #1 — CORROSION CHECK
Are you a Southern Car or a Northern Car?
There are a couple magic words I look for when I shop for a new project — “Southern Car” or “California Car” lead the list. Yeah, one reason’s fairly obvious — the bodies will be significantly cleaner and more solid than Northern “Rust Belt” buckets. But, the second reason is that they are significantly easier to wrench on because more often than not the bolts aren’t frozen. There’s nothing more fun than busting loose seized nuts and bolts (yeah, I’m being sarcastic). There’s no pretty way to do it — penetrating oil, heat, hammer and a big old breaker bar. Here’s the question… So which are you? Are you going to allow God to turn your bolts easily during your overhaul? Or is God going to have to bust your nuts? It’s your call, just know this — you’ve never seen a breaker bar like God has.
Are you a Southern Car or a Northern Car?
There are a couple magic words I look for when I shop for a new project — “Southern Car” or “California Car” lead the list. Yeah, one reason’s fairly obvious — the bodies will be significantly cleaner and more solid than Northern “Rust Belt” buckets. But, the second reason is that they are significantly easier to wrench on because more often than not the bolts aren’t frozen. There’s nothing more fun than busting loose seized nuts and bolts (yeah, I’m being sarcastic). There’s no pretty way to do it — penetrating oil, heat, hammer and a big old breaker bar. Here’s the question… So which are you? Are you going to allow God to turn your bolts easily during your overhaul? Or is God going to have to bust your nuts? It’s your call, just know this — you’ve never seen a breaker bar like God has.
Chapter 1H
God’s Overhaul Project
Yep, I said “His Plan.” In the same way that we have elaborate plans for the vehicles we restore, tune, build… God’s got an overhaul plan for your life. Nope, I’m not making it up. Here’s how the Bible, our master shop manual, puts it…
SHOP MANUAL PRINCIPLE #1.
WE ARE GOD’S OVERHAUL PROJECT
AND HE HAS BIG PLANS
“We’re God’s workmanship,
Created in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:10a)
Yep, just like YOUR car project is YOUR workmanship, YOUR life is the project GOD’s busy restoring — whether you know it or not.
“To do good works which He prepared in advance for you to do.” (Ephesians 2:10b)
Yep. I’m sure you can relate to this too. What’s your ultimate vision for the vehicle you’re building — 12-second quarter mile time? Conquering Moab? Best in Show? Welp, in the same way, God has a jaw-dropping Chip Foose drawing of you that he would very much like to build you into.
Yep, I said “His Plan.” In the same way that we have elaborate plans for the vehicles we restore, tune, build… God’s got an overhaul plan for your life. Nope, I’m not making it up. Here’s how the Bible, our master shop manual, puts it…
SHOP MANUAL PRINCIPLE #1.
WE ARE GOD’S OVERHAUL PROJECT
AND HE HAS BIG PLANS
“We’re God’s workmanship,
Created in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:10a)
Yep, just like YOUR car project is YOUR workmanship, YOUR life is the project GOD’s busy restoring — whether you know it or not.
“To do good works which He prepared in advance for you to do.” (Ephesians 2:10b)
Yep. I’m sure you can relate to this too. What’s your ultimate vision for the vehicle you’re building — 12-second quarter mile time? Conquering Moab? Best in Show? Welp, in the same way, God has a jaw-dropping Chip Foose drawing of you that he would very much like to build you into.
Chapter 1G
Call in the Master Mechanic
When it comes to wrenching on cars, I have a long list of mentors — my brother Mark, Phil “the Honda Doctor”, my father-in-law Dave, my buddy John, and my friends on the Scrambler forum. Without them, I wouldn’t know the difference between a motor oil and gear lube. Where’d you get your car know-how from? Your dad? Guys in the old neighborhood? Auto Shop? A book?
In the same way, If you’re going to overhaul your life, you’re going to need serious mentoring — from someone who really knows their stuff. I’m talkin’ help from the Master Mechanic — God. Yep, in this guide we’re going to go to the source and see what He’s got to say about the matter. To be totally honest with you, we’re going to muck it up with some hardcore spiritual stuff. But, if it’s cool with you, we’re not going to get all churchy about it. Hope that’s ok. I don’t know about you, but sometimes church feels like a 14mm socket rounding out a 9/16 nut to me— and I’m the nut. So, instead of speaking in church code, we’ll stick to vocabulary we can all relate to, like: horsepower, torque, compression, axles, differentials, pistons, calipers, fuel, spark, chassis, suspension, axle ratios…
I know… God, Faith, Cars? I admit it, if you’ve never had a greasy chunk of rust fall into your eyeball while rolling under a car, some of the principles and stories in this book may be a little tough to relate to. For folks who haven’t spent much time under the hood, this book will be a bit of a Cars 101 course. It’ll help you decode the mechanic-speak you get when you drop your car off for service.
On the other hand, if you’re a car guy you’re in for a unique read. Consider it a Chilton’s book on Life and God. I don’t know about you but, Chilton’s, along with a pile of other greasy shop manuals, have helped me understand that no problem’s unconquerable. All you need is the know-how, time, money, tools and the courage to spread some knuckle butter in the process. Same goes with God and the role we play in His plan.
When it comes to wrenching on cars, I have a long list of mentors — my brother Mark, Phil “the Honda Doctor”, my father-in-law Dave, my buddy John, and my friends on the Scrambler forum. Without them, I wouldn’t know the difference between a motor oil and gear lube. Where’d you get your car know-how from? Your dad? Guys in the old neighborhood? Auto Shop? A book?
In the same way, If you’re going to overhaul your life, you’re going to need serious mentoring — from someone who really knows their stuff. I’m talkin’ help from the Master Mechanic — God. Yep, in this guide we’re going to go to the source and see what He’s got to say about the matter. To be totally honest with you, we’re going to muck it up with some hardcore spiritual stuff. But, if it’s cool with you, we’re not going to get all churchy about it. Hope that’s ok. I don’t know about you, but sometimes church feels like a 14mm socket rounding out a 9/16 nut to me— and I’m the nut. So, instead of speaking in church code, we’ll stick to vocabulary we can all relate to, like: horsepower, torque, compression, axles, differentials, pistons, calipers, fuel, spark, chassis, suspension, axle ratios…
I know… God, Faith, Cars? I admit it, if you’ve never had a greasy chunk of rust fall into your eyeball while rolling under a car, some of the principles and stories in this book may be a little tough to relate to. For folks who haven’t spent much time under the hood, this book will be a bit of a Cars 101 course. It’ll help you decode the mechanic-speak you get when you drop your car off for service.
On the other hand, if you’re a car guy you’re in for a unique read. Consider it a Chilton’s book on Life and God. I don’t know about you but, Chilton’s, along with a pile of other greasy shop manuals, have helped me understand that no problem’s unconquerable. All you need is the know-how, time, money, tools and the courage to spread some knuckle butter in the process. Same goes with God and the role we play in His plan.
Chapter 1F
Overhaulin’ Me.
As a car guy, I’m sure you’ve got a pretty good handle on how to squeeze more horsepower, handling, braking and general all-around capability out of a car. Here’s the question though… how are you at wrenching on your life? If you could perform in life as well as you do from behind the wheel of your rod, would you want to?
What if it was as easy as popping the hood of your life and applying your car knowledge to the challenges you face every day? And, what if the principles and tools weren’t that much different than what you use creeping around under your ride? Well guess what, both are true.
Did you know that the same principles utilized by a limited slip differential can get you out of the ruts in your life? What if I told you, the same ways you squeeze more horsepower and torque out of your engine can deliver identical results when you apply them to your life? And that’s just the beginning of the life lessons waiting under the hood of your car.
The question is. Are you willing to take on the project? Are you willing to put the same knuckle-busting commitment you invest into your car, into your own life?
As a car guy, I’m sure you’ve got a pretty good handle on how to squeeze more horsepower, handling, braking and general all-around capability out of a car. Here’s the question though… how are you at wrenching on your life? If you could perform in life as well as you do from behind the wheel of your rod, would you want to?
What if it was as easy as popping the hood of your life and applying your car knowledge to the challenges you face every day? And, what if the principles and tools weren’t that much different than what you use creeping around under your ride? Well guess what, both are true.
Did you know that the same principles utilized by a limited slip differential can get you out of the ruts in your life? What if I told you, the same ways you squeeze more horsepower and torque out of your engine can deliver identical results when you apply them to your life? And that’s just the beginning of the life lessons waiting under the hood of your car.
The question is. Are you willing to take on the project? Are you willing to put the same knuckle-busting commitment you invest into your car, into your own life?
Chapter 1E
How would you have responded?
I’m sure this won’t surprise you but the number one response I got was, “Symbolizes my personality.” Could it be true that we pick vehicles that are like us? Thinking back on my list, I certainly would like that to be true — especially the six CJs I’ve owned. On-road, off-road Jeeps have limitless capability. When the trail gets mucky, lock the axles, drop it in 4LO and pull through. They’re honest, fun, surprising, rugged, tough, torquey, reliable… Not bad qualities for a guy. And when I hop behind the wheel, I can experience all of these things through my Jeep. Truth told, I think that few of us choose vehicles that are really like us — rather, I think we choose vehicles that have the characteristics we want in ourselves — tire-smoking power, mud churning capability, head-turning good looks… Is it true for you? If it is true, the next logical question is… how do we close the gap and live as powerful and capably as the cars we admire?
I’m sure this won’t surprise you but the number one response I got was, “Symbolizes my personality.” Could it be true that we pick vehicles that are like us? Thinking back on my list, I certainly would like that to be true — especially the six CJs I’ve owned. On-road, off-road Jeeps have limitless capability. When the trail gets mucky, lock the axles, drop it in 4LO and pull through. They’re honest, fun, surprising, rugged, tough, torquey, reliable… Not bad qualities for a guy. And when I hop behind the wheel, I can experience all of these things through my Jeep. Truth told, I think that few of us choose vehicles that are really like us — rather, I think we choose vehicles that have the characteristics we want in ourselves — tire-smoking power, mud churning capability, head-turning good looks… Is it true for you? If it is true, the next logical question is… how do we close the gap and live as powerful and capably as the cars we admire?
Chapter 1D
What does your car say about you?
I posted a poll on a Jeep enthusiast website I frequent last week. I wanted to get a better feel for why other people selected the vehicles they rebuild. Here’s the question I posted:
“Like many of you, the list of vehicles I hope to own and restore is a long one. And, believe it or not, they're not all Scramblers. Here's my question... Think about the top five vehicles on your list... Of all of the vehicles you could have chosen, why did this small handful that made the cut, while others didn't?
A. Favorite vehicle from childhood (Always wanted one)
B. Symbolizes my personality
C. Exclusivity of ownership
D. Financial investment
E. Opportunity (Lucked into it)
F. Family tradition
G. Practical capability
H. Ability to turn heads
I. Other (please explain)”
I posted a poll on a Jeep enthusiast website I frequent last week. I wanted to get a better feel for why other people selected the vehicles they rebuild. Here’s the question I posted:
“Like many of you, the list of vehicles I hope to own and restore is a long one. And, believe it or not, they're not all Scramblers. Here's my question... Think about the top five vehicles on your list... Of all of the vehicles you could have chosen, why did this small handful that made the cut, while others didn't?
A. Favorite vehicle from childhood (Always wanted one)
B. Symbolizes my personality
C. Exclusivity of ownership
D. Financial investment
E. Opportunity (Lucked into it)
F. Family tradition
G. Practical capability
H. Ability to turn heads
I. Other (please explain)”
Chapter 1C
So, what’s your list?
Of the hundreds of models of vehicles built throughout the years, which handful did you choose to invest your time, money… busted knuckles into? Are you a Ford guy? Bow Tie? Mopar? Tuner? Take a minute and list you’re your top 5. Heck, if you want, go ahead and add in one or two of the dream rides still on your wish list.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Of the hundreds of models of vehicles built throughout the years, which handful did you choose to invest your time, money… busted knuckles into? Are you a Ford guy? Bow Tie? Mopar? Tuner? Take a minute and list you’re your top 5. Heck, if you want, go ahead and add in one or two of the dream rides still on your wish list.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Chapter 1B
The Nature of the Hunt
Like most, I haven’t always had the luxury of picking my own car. Growing up in Detroit, it was pretty clear that my passion for horsepower carried very little weight in variety of odd jalopies my parents selected for my driving enjoyment. Pretty challenging to cruise chicks in a XX Dodge Omni “woody” and the cream-colored ’76 Ford LTD.
Moving into college things got considerably better though — 2 Honda Interceptor cycles, an ’82 Jeep CJ-5, ’72 Cutlass Supreme, ’69 Mustang Fastback, ’55 Chevy 105… After college, I kept the fun rolling with a ’90 VW GTI — until I fully understood the limits of a Youth Minister’s salary. This, began a dark time of my driving life which I solemnly call “the Escort period.” Following that I enjoyed a short stint with a Big Block Suburban that I hole-shot kids home with after youth group meetings. Then came 14 years of vintage SUV rebuilds, including five Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler projects and a ’73 Land Rover Series III 88. And that’s just the beginning. I’ve earned quite a reputation around the neighborhood for buying and selling cars.
Like most, I haven’t always had the luxury of picking my own car. Growing up in Detroit, it was pretty clear that my passion for horsepower carried very little weight in variety of odd jalopies my parents selected for my driving enjoyment. Pretty challenging to cruise chicks in a XX Dodge Omni “woody” and the cream-colored ’76 Ford LTD.
Moving into college things got considerably better though — 2 Honda Interceptor cycles, an ’82 Jeep CJ-5, ’72 Cutlass Supreme, ’69 Mustang Fastback, ’55 Chevy 105… After college, I kept the fun rolling with a ’90 VW GTI — until I fully understood the limits of a Youth Minister’s salary. This, began a dark time of my driving life which I solemnly call “the Escort period.” Following that I enjoyed a short stint with a Big Block Suburban that I hole-shot kids home with after youth group meetings. Then came 14 years of vintage SUV rebuilds, including five Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler projects and a ’73 Land Rover Series III 88. And that’s just the beginning. I’ve earned quite a reputation around the neighborhood for buying and selling cars.
Chapter 1 A
Alright, I’ll admit it, ebay’s become a bit of an obsession with me. Not so much for buying and selling trinkets — though I’ve done my share of that too. Nope, my ebay vice takes me into dangerous places… places my wife would rather me never go… ebay motors — the world’s largest classic car auction.
Now, if you’re a car guy and haven’t already discovered it for yourself, beware. A couple of courageous key strokes and you may find yourself the proud owner of a ‘63 split window ‘Vette, a ’40 Ford Coupe street rod, a cherry ’69 Plymouth GTX, or even a vintage Willy’s Jeep. That’s the good news. The bad news… you may also find yourself sleeping in your new ride once your wife finds out what you spent on it. I’m guessing that at least a few of you can relate. Never the less, I’m shopping with an honorable purpose — this time. And, my wife Carrie’s fully bought in. I’m looking for a project for my 10 year-old son Noah and I to complete together.
It’s October 26, 2007 and I’m in the air somewhere between LA and Detroit. It’s a trip I make more and more for work these days. It’s a long flight — four hours — but it’s become an important time for me — to think mostly. Sometimes it’s about work, but in the last six months my most profound thoughts have been about Noah — and in a strange way, cars. If you’ve ever spent time away from your kids I’m sure you can tap into what I’m feeling fairly easily. I’m concerned that if I’m not careful, he’s going to grow up and I’m going to miss the opportunity to teach him about the important things of life — things like integrity, strength, honor, faith, girls… — and to do it in a way that sticks. That’s the reason behind building a car together. It’s amazing what you can learn while wrenching on a car. The big question right now is… which car?
Now, if you’re a car guy and haven’t already discovered it for yourself, beware. A couple of courageous key strokes and you may find yourself the proud owner of a ‘63 split window ‘Vette, a ’40 Ford Coupe street rod, a cherry ’69 Plymouth GTX, or even a vintage Willy’s Jeep. That’s the good news. The bad news… you may also find yourself sleeping in your new ride once your wife finds out what you spent on it. I’m guessing that at least a few of you can relate. Never the less, I’m shopping with an honorable purpose — this time. And, my wife Carrie’s fully bought in. I’m looking for a project for my 10 year-old son Noah and I to complete together.
It’s October 26, 2007 and I’m in the air somewhere between LA and Detroit. It’s a trip I make more and more for work these days. It’s a long flight — four hours — but it’s become an important time for me — to think mostly. Sometimes it’s about work, but in the last six months my most profound thoughts have been about Noah — and in a strange way, cars. If you’ve ever spent time away from your kids I’m sure you can tap into what I’m feeling fairly easily. I’m concerned that if I’m not careful, he’s going to grow up and I’m going to miss the opportunity to teach him about the important things of life — things like integrity, strength, honor, faith, girls… — and to do it in a way that sticks. That’s the reason behind building a car together. It’s amazing what you can learn while wrenching on a car. The big question right now is… which car?
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