Out of Order

I hope everyone has a fun New Year's weekend. I'm off today and headed to more basketball games in just a bit. It's a cold and rainy day in Decatur so perfect for staying inside and watching some good ball. We watched a team from Kentucky last night that had a couple of man-children playing. I'm easily entertained.

I'm done blogging until next year. I hope 2007 is a great year for you!

Hellllooooooooooo

With Rick out of town, I'm not sure anyone is out there. If you are, blink twice.

I'm finally coming to the realization that I'm getting older. I played basketball with some of my 5th grade team the other night and felt little pains I'm not used to feeling. I went to the eye doctor and she mentioned that I'm getting closer to needing reading glasses. A few brave folks mention that there is a spot with less hair than there used to be.

I've got a birthday coming up soon and I still am one not to put much stock in birthdays. In my world, they are just another day and I'm only a day older than I was the day before. I prefer to downplay parties and enjoy the few cards I get but don't wish for any more than I have. I'm also not one who dreads the next birthday. 30 came and went, 40 came and went...no big deal because it's just another day for me. It's only when the body begins to be less cooperative that I'm impacted by a birthday and that is starting to happen from time to time. I guess I'll start searching for that fountain of youth.

The good part is now I have some excuses on why I can't do things I used to do like move big boxes, paint, mow and on and on. :)

I'll celebrate my birthday this year like I have the last several spending a few days watching good high school basketball and listening to one of my favorite performers at Bass Hall. Thank you to the people in my life that tolerate my only acknowledgement of the day with these two events.

Was It A Bad Choice?

This morning I asked my son how much he spent on a video game for his new PSP. His response was $40 (of which he had Christmas money to help pay for it) and then asked "do you think I made a bad choice Dad?"

I've given him a bad example in my "betting" with my wife. When we disagree on something minor or inconsequential and I am confident I am right, I'll always say "wanna bet?" and suggest we bet anything from a Diet Coke that's already in the refrigerator to a mythical $100, $1,000 or $1,000,000 when I know she's not going to bet me. My son has bought in and is willing to bet money on things he doesn't know for sure so he got a lecture the other day on the foolishness of it and his lack of respect for the money he is given or sometimes earns. That led to his question this morning of whether I thought he made a bad choice.

I was just curious today. I knew he wanted the game and had the money for the game and he used what he had to get what he wanted. Yet for an instant, he wondered if he had done the right thing. I hope that means he is learning to think about his decisions. Over time he will need to make sure he has answered that question before he spends the money but at least he's asking the question.

Too often I've had to ask myself that question. Was it a bad choice? The sermon we heard this past Sunday was on Paul's question of why he didn't do the things he wanted to and why he did things he didn't want to. It's a question I am too often faced with in my life and one that I hope I can change over time. The Spirit will lead us to the right choice if we focus on God and His will for us. I am usually focused on Jeff and what Jeff thinks is best. That's the bad choice. I need to focus on God and what God thinks is best. If I do, if I live that way, I'll never have to ask if my decision was a bad choice.

Here and Gone

Today is the 26th and Christmas is over. At least that's the way it is at our house. I've always held that all the decorations should stay around until the end of the year. My wife is ready for it to come down today. Since she does it all, I certainly don't belabor the point. How does it work at your house?

This is a busy week for me. We are bringing in a new Store Manager to one of our stores, are short handed in the office and it's the week I love to be gone for a bit and watch some high school basketball. Add to that basketball practices and teaching Wednesday night on Ezra and Nehemiah (I'm not an Ezra/Nehemiah scholar) and it will be busy, busy, busy.

I hope you have a good week and the New Year gets off to a great start for you.

Merry Christmas To All...

Someone asked me recently why the Church of Christ doesn't celebrate Christmas (that's what they had been told anyway). It was a funny question seeing Santa comes to the Mother's Day Out program, the women all wear Christmas sweaters and earrings and everyone is talking about their Christmas plans and flat panel TV's (which may cure more than a coney ever will).

I joked with someone the other night that "we don't celebrate Jesus' birth at Christmas" and I guess there is some validity to the comment but I know that this weekend, more people will think about Jesus' birth, more people will hear songs about Jesus' birth and more people will go to a church service than maybe any other time during the year. When it comes down to it, whatever day Jesus' was born, there are a lot of people celebrating the fact that He was born, that He did come to earth now more than ever. At our congregation, we celebrate Jesus' life, ministry, sacrifice and resurrection year 'round.

I'm thankful that we do have a time where everyone has some focus on our Savior and pray that it doesn't end after Monday but will be a relationship that begins and lasts all year, every day of every year until they have the chance to be with God. Maybe then we can ask what day Jesus was born but I rather doubt that will be an issue in Heaven.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas and I hope you experience the joy of knowing the gift that God sent us this day and every day.

On Christmas Day...

It will snow 4 inches.
Santa will put a swimming pool in my backyard.
The troops in Iraq will all pack up and come home.
T.O. will catch 3 touchdowns and have 200 yards receiving.

I hope #1 and #3 happen but I'm not betting on any of it.

This is more likely...
The gift opening will be over in minutes in a whirlwind of noise and paper.
Batteries for something will be missing.
Thousands, maybe millions, will call loved ones to say Merry Christmas.
Thousands, maybe millions, wll talk about the diet and exercise program they are starting in a few days.
Thousands, maybe millions, will talk about diet and exercise while eating their 3rd piece of pie/cake/dessert.
Someone will be sad they didn't get what they wanted.
Lots of people will be in a rush to get the flat panel HDTV hooked up before the basketball and football games start.
People will start their shopping plans for returns/sales the next morning.
Dads will want to play with their childrens new toys.
More people will smile and more people will appreciate their life than normal.

I look forward to Christmas Day. It's the culmination of a busy, busy time of year and a time where I can almost always slow down, look around me and see the blessings I have. It's a day where people really do think of others and make a pledge to try and do it more often for the next 364 days. It's a day of hope, a day of peace (albeit a loud peace at times), a day to remember the gifts and THE GIFT.

Merry Christmas!

P.S. There will be no blog on Thursday. I have an eye doctor appointment and then a special appointment with a beautiful young lady to spend the day shopping for fun. It's a special time I have with my daughter and I am elated it will be here soon.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town...

Santa Claus will be here in just a few days to bring gifts and happiness to kids big and little. It's a magical time when you see the excitement in a child's eyes and feel the excitement they have over receiving a gift. While I hear parents complain about what their children expect from Santa with regards to pricing (it seems they could exercise some control over what Santa brings), I think the kids are just excited about getting to open a gift, to receive something with no strings attached and to know they were remembered. Whether I'm right or wrong, that is what I want to believe. I see the excitement in my children's eyes and see pure joy. I want to find the ways to give them that feeling every day with how I treat them, how I raise them and how I teach them to give of themselves to others.

_______________________________________________

It seems all the news the past few days has either been about lost mountain climbers or T.O. I feel for the families of the climbers yet am still amazed at the amount of press coverage it generates. In the end, I realize the story is a story of hope until they are all found, a story that maybe something good will come out of something bad. It's a window into our society, that people still hope to find something good amidst all the bad. As long as there is hope, there is a chance that a seed we plant today will grow tomorrow.

Christmas Carols Are In My Head

I'm hearing the Christmas songs so much that they are always in my head now.

I appreciate the gift giving thoughts from the 3 wise guys. The fly rod would definitely top the list.

It seems people would get tired of fighting. I was reading an article yesterday about the fighting and killing in the middle east and the bad blood between the Fatahs and Hammas. One group killed the children of the leader of the other group within the last few days. I cannot fathom someone giving the order to go kill children or the ability to pull the trigger in that situation. It blows my mind that they can kill and kill and kill and never see the insanity of it all.

The other story that won't quit (and shouldn't) is when our troops will come home. One of my son's teachers from last year as endured her husband being in Iraq for many, many months. I'm not sure how long he was there but he came back home recently and the plan and hope is that he will not be redeployed but will begin a training position here for the immediate future. I cannot imagine having a loved one in that area of the world right now. I do hope our leaders will find a way to get those troops back home and back home quickly.

Join me in praying that God will be able to intervene in these world events and that our children can know peace on earth and goodwill to men.

What Do You Want For Christmas?

OK, I've got some folks who keep asking me what I want for Christmas and I don't know what to tell them. There are only a couple of things I want (but certainly don't need) but they are priced out of the normal range for gift giving. So I need help and I need all my faithful bloggers to give me some ideas of gifts to tell someone (no foot long coneys or "My Favorite Sermons" on CD). I'm looking forward to your response.

I'm Blogged Down

I've hit the blogging wall again. No cognizant thoughts are streaming this morning so I'll resort to an email I received yesterday for text.

Egg nog or hot chocolate? I'd have to go with hot chocolate. I'm not sure I've ever had egg nog.

Does Santa wrap presents or leave them unwrapped? Unwrapped. The joy in a youngster's eyes when seeing what Santa left is too good to keep under wraps.

Colored lights on white lights on the house? If it was me choosing it would be colored.

Do you hang mistletoe? No. (I've thought of many comments to add but better leave it alone.)

When do you put up the decorations? It's starts on Thanksgiving around our place. If it was up to me, maybe by the 24th. Thank heavens for my wife.

What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? It has to be the shrimp - a long standing tradition in my family.

What are your favorite holiday memories from childhood? There are too many to write about. My dad's family was always at our house which was always fun. One of the Higginbotham's driving me around while Santa "visited." The hope for snow.

Do you open a present on Christmas Eve? Why wait until Christmas Eve? My family always opened presents on Christmas Eve. Now, we are with my family on Christmas Eve and my wife's family on Christmas Day so we're opening presents on both.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Again, thank heavens for my wife. I would have a 2 footer sitting on an end table. She gets out the big tree and she and the kids put on more decorations than I can imagine will fit. I have a few select decorations I always put up along with the star on top. I truly enjoy watching the kids put up the decorations. It's fun to watch them get excited about an ornament and then put all of them on the same branch.

Snow. Love it or dread it? Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Can you ice skate? Haha...very funny.

What's your favorite holiday dessert? Lemon ice box pie always tops the chart. Other than that, why limit one to be a favorite?

What's the most important thing about the holiday for you? I have always enjoyed how it brings people together. In spite of the commercialism, the small gifts, the smiles, the Merry Christmas wishes we give and receive - it's glimpes of how we should treat each other at all times.

Sadness in Football Land

Boyd lost to Littlefield Saturday night and the Waterboy's career may be over. It was a tough game and Littlefield did have a potent running game that couldn't be stopped that night. It was tough to watch some of the seniors on the team who were emotional afterwards knowing how close they were to a championship game and that it was their last hurrah. They had a good season going further than many thought they would but it still is tough to get that close to the big game and not make it. Better to be close than watching all the playoff games though.

My son was excited about the opportunity to work the sidelines in a state championship game. Unfortunately that won't happen but it was a fun year for him and something I know he will remember for a long, long time.

Our attention turns to basketball now which is my favorite time of the year. Tonight we will catch some 7th and 8th grade girls basketball my daughter wants to see. Tuesday and Thursday is our 5th grade practice. After practice Tuesday we will go watch some varsity action at the new high school and maybe again on Friday. Basketball has always been my favorite sport and I can enjoy watching game after game at the high school and college level.

Is it nap time yet?

Can You Hear Me Now?

Last night our class discussed listening and the need to truly listen to people. Since I am one who prefers to say little, I think listening is a trait I have developed over the years but still struggle with at times. It's so easy to listen through our own filters of experience at times. Too often, I hear what people are saying but not listening for their experience, their feelings, their emotions. I hear it while thinking of my experience, my feelings and my emotions.

Steven Covey in his 7 Habits book says one of the habits of highly effective people is to first understand and then be understood. If we can't understand the other person and only try to make them understand us communication will never be effective. Covey does a great job of teaching about listening, listening deeply and intently to what others are telling you so you can understand where they are. In the end, if you don't know where someone else is how can you truly help them if they are seeking help or compromise with them if they are seeking compromise or advocate your position if looking at alternatives to an issue? You can't help the lost if you don't know where they are and you can't battle the enemy of you don't know where they are and you can't find love and peace and mercy and grace and salvation if you don't know where it is.

I need to listen to my wife, my family and friends and associates at work better. Even more, I need to listen to God better. I need to hear what He is telling me without subjecting His thoughts to my desires. I need to hear Him clearly and to understand Him because He already understands me.

Confusion and Wandering

I taught my 5th grade team our base offense last night at practice. I made them walk through it slowly to make sure they saw the options and knew where their teammates would be. We spent time talking about it, discussing options and problems that might present themselves during a game. Then we scrimmaged another team that was practicing on the other half of the court. There guards put pressure on our guards and all of the sudden, my players couldn't remember anything we were supposed to do. It was confusion and chaos driven by pressure applied by an outside force. I got so frustrated but I understand because I too often lead my life the same way. I know what I need to do but outside forces put pressure on me and I lose focus and things quickly become chaotic.

The easiest way for my basketball team to overcome the confusion and chaos is to have someone they can focus on that will help them do what they are supposed to do. On my team, the point guard needs to help them get in the right position, to get them focused on where they should be and what they should do. Of course, he can't make them do it right because the game doesn't stop. I don't intend this to be a "God is your point guard" analogy but the ideas are parallel. God will help us get in the proper place mentally, emotionally and physically if we will let Him help, if we will focus on Him and listen to His words.

I have as much trouble doing that as my 5th graders do getting setup in a formation but I know it's something I can work on and pray that my focus and my the actions of my life will improve with time.

Giving

Yesterday was a day to contemplate giving for me. The sermon at church was about Annanias and Sapphira (I'm trying to spell from memory) and last night I spoke about our mission efforts at church. As one "friend" told me, I'm no Rick Ross when it comes to speaking but our messages had some parallels, namely that we need to have a desire to give and a heart to share all that we have. I've been guilty in the past of thinking that if I gave 10% that I should be content. I now think of giving differently because I've seen what having nothing and still being joyful really is. I now examine my heart and wonder if I could really give all that I have and remain joyful. I examine my heart and look to see how much selfishness still exists, how much pride still exists, how much of ME and how little of God exists. I examine myself and think of what would happen if I was in Annanias' shoes and know they probably would have been carrying me out to bury me also.

I want to change my life and my motivations and my heart. I want to be able to examine my heart and only see God, to know that all I have I would part with for a deeper relationship with Him, that my desires come from His desires. That is my prayer today.
___________________________________________________

Weekend Update: Boyd won another fun game and will be playing Littlefield in Abilene this weekend. Fortunately, our basketball team has a bye so we don't have an issue this weekend for the waterboy. His basketball team won 30-7 which was awesome to hear about. It sounds like they hustled their way to a victory.

Decisons,..Decisions

Tomorrow is our first basketball game for the 5th grade group. There's also a Boyd Yellowjackets playoff game scheduled. My son who has been a waterboy for Boyd (and was listed as a manager on the playoff t-shirts) had to make a decision; play basketball or deliver the water. He has to do "his job" and be at the Boyd game on Saturday.

It's been interesting to see his thought process grow regarding responsibility this year. He considers being a waterboy a "job", something he needs to do. He has come to think of this job as something that people are depending on him to do. He feels like he is part of the team too. It's been fun to watch him grow this year and find something that he feels is important. We've even gone from getting to the game on time to needing to be there at least 30 minutes up to an hour early.

I'm glad he has had this opportunity because I am confident it has begun a building process of things he will learn over the years and this job has been a positive experience. I appreciate Coach Ritchey for giving him the opportunity and I appreciate Ian and Braden making him feel welcome and wanted over the past couple of years. It's building memories that will last a lifetime and, maybe more, it's building a foundation that will last a lifetime.

Brrrrr....

It's cold in Wise County today. The kids were a bit surprised that they had to get ready for school this morning. They were up at 4:20 turning on the TV to see if school had been cancelled but sound asleep when I came through to get them up. Needless to say, I was a bit surprised to see one on the sofa asleep and the other curled up in my chair asleep. Kids are funny in a very precious way.

_____________________________________________________

We had a small gathering at church last night due to the weather (it was pouring buckets of rain on us) so we had a devo instead of our regular classes. One of our brothers who is a school teacher spoke briefly about the harsh words that children speak to each other as we all considered what and how we say things. It would have been good if we were built with a feature similar to my voicemail at work where I can say something and then listen to it before I put it out for others to hear. I've said so many mean things to people in my life and it hurts to think about it. I know it hurt them and I wish there was a way to take it back. Unfortunately, I can't rewind yesterday but I pray I can learn from my mistakes and be more controlled with what comes out of my mouth today and in the future.

______________________________________________________

Enjoy the winter weather and be careful if you are out and about.

Rain, Sleet, Snow

The forecast we are getting for the next few days drives me batty. No one knows if it sleet or ice will come but they can sure worry about it. If it doesn't, life goes on as normal. If it does, you make do the best you can. Yet there are those who check the forecast every hour to see what it has to say about the ice. It's one of the things people do that drives me crazy.
______________________________________________________

It's funny to think we are preparing for COLD weather and I just left a place that is preparing for the hottest days of the year. I never used to think about such things until I was able to travel to Brazil. It has opened my eyes to a broader world view of simple things along with the bigger issues of daily life.
______________________________________________________

Now that the phrase "Romosexuals" has been coined (for those who are in love with Tony Romo) I'm hearing the radio speculators saying Dallas is going from playoff contender to playoff favorite. We'll see. The Giants may be down but I'd be a little worried about playing a team that just got embarrased like the Giants did last week. Strahan and company may have some plans for Mr. Romo and I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of them.
______________________________________________________

It's Casa Torres night. There's nothing like a week out of the country (or state or city) to make me look forward to Mexican food at the local restaurant. Add cold weather and it will taste even better.

Christmas Decorating

With no football and no races, yesterday afternoon was Christmas decoration Sunday. The lights were up outside and the tree was set up so yesterday it was time to put the ornaments on the tree and start putting out some of the other smaller decorations for the holidays. My wife does such a good job making the house look like Christmas every year and gives it a warmth and glow that makes the season a happy time. The kids help with the tree trimming and it's always funny to see how many ornaments might get hung on the same limb. There are just a few more things to put up and we will be set for the holidays - except for all the shopping. Thankfully, she does most of that too!

Who decorates at your house?

Black Friday

This is the day retailers live for. 10 months of getting by comes down to the next few weeks and the whirlwind it is. I was at Wal-Mart this morning at 6 to check out the crowds. Our store doesn't open until 7 so I was wanting to see what the effect on our cash registers might be. Wally World seemed slow but I ran into a couple of people saying the store had already sold out of what they wanted. At 7, our doors opened and people came pouring through. It was certainly a busy morning and a lot of merchandise went through the doors. I'm hoping for a good shopping season while dreading going shopping. Ironic I suppose.
____________________________________________________

I realize my blogs over the past week had a hint of me wanting to be at home, which I did, but it was also a wonderful time and I feel blessed to have been able to go. I'm so appreciative of our church and their support for mission work. I'm in awe of a young man who left everything he knew to go to a place where he knew little to sow the seeds of hope and salvation. I've grown to love people who love the Lord and want to share His joy. I'm thankful to the Elders at my church for making sure this trip and all the work we did would happen.
____________________________________________________

I hope everyone had all the good food I did yesterday. It was a great meal and a great day to be with family.
____________________________________________________

As I write this, things aren't looking so good for my favorite college team. If they lose this one, I may need to find a friendly therapist. Just kidding but I do hope they start putting some points on the board. Hook 'em Horns!

Happy Thanksgiving

It's good to be home. Our flights and travel went off without a hitch and I am extremely thankful for that. My wife and children picked me up at the airport at 6:30 this morning and we went back home for a brief nap and a good shower. Being back in familiar surroundings is nice but nothing as near as good as being with my family. It was wonderful to see their smiling faces even though they had to get up early to come get me.

Our trip to Aracaju was successful and I am confident the effort, money and time will help to yield more fruit in the work of the church there. Plans are being made to help teach the Brazilians to be more evangelistic as individuals and to help them eventually become self-supporting. I am hopeful and confident that the day is coming that we will be able to take our money and begin supporting a new work because the people of Aracaju can do all they need to in their effort to reach lost souls on their own and with little, if any, support from the U.S.

One of the sisters wrote us the sweetest letter before we left that truly shows the loving spirit the people there have for God and for the church.

I look forward to going back one day but will enjoy my time back home in the arms of my family.

One More Sleep

We have been counting down our return by the number of "sleeps" we have in Aracaju. We have only one more tonight and then we begin our trip. We had a good day of meetings yesterday and great fellowship with some of the leaders in the church last night. I'm still struck by the friendliness of the people here and only wish we could communicate better. We finished our meetings today and will spend tomorrow getting ready to leave and visiting the market. I'm ready to go so pray that our flights work out and we make it back OK.

The pictures attached are: lunch after church on Sunday with several church leaders and missionaries and Randy next to cashew fruit.

One More Sleep

We have been counting down our return by the number of "sleeps" we have in Aracaju. We have only one more tonight and then we begin our trip. We had a good day of meetings yesterday and great fellowship with some of the leaders in the church last night. I'm still struck by the friendliness of the people here and only wish we could communicate better. We finished our meetings today and will spend tomorrow getting ready to leave and visiting the market. I'm ready to go so pray that our flights work out and we make it back OK.

The pictures attached are: lunch after church on Sunday with several church leaders and missionaries, Randy next to cashew fruit, Everett preaching on Sunday and me teaching on Sunday.

Sunday (Part 2)

What an invigorating and exhausting day. It started very early (4:15 Texas time) and lasted several hours. Church in Aracaju was uplifting. The brethren love to sing and have such joy. It was great to see their smiles and receive their hugs and good wishes. After church there was a graduation ceremony for 7 students who completed the School of the Bible course. Then we had lucnh with several members of the church at a nearby restaurant with more fellowship and joy in getting to know some of our brothers and sisters better. Many of them seem surprised that I remembered them from our previous trip and I hope to explain to them before we leave that they had a profound impact on me.

After lunch Randy, Angela, Everett, Idalicio and I loaded up in Randy's little Fiat and headed to Malahdor to meet with the church there. Today, 9 members were present and we met in a school room they use. Everyone there was related to each other so we joked about it being a real church "family." Afterwards, we were invited to Senor Antonio's house and farm. He grows a root that they make flour from and use in many foods. The root is poisonous unless processed properly so I was able to see their setup. It is not very mechanized and during their harvest, they work from 5am to 7pm 5 days a week. I was also able to see a kaju (cashew) tree. I had forgotten that cashews were also poisonous until processed. I ate jocku fruit (not so great) and watermelon (not very sweet) and saw many beautiful plants and other fruit trees. They insisted we stay for dinner and were so hospitable.

Driving to Malahdor and back, I saw more poverty. Small, small homes with dirt floors and drapes for doors. It is sad to see the conditions so many live in yet the Brazilians seem to be fairly enterprising people and ever friendly.

We are finishing the night with Everett and an exploding shower door. As he was getting out of the shower, the door shattered and glass is everywhere including in his hands and arms. It is quite a mess and we are waiting for someone to come up - hopefully someone we can communicate with.

I am worn out after today but have been edified. I thank God for this time. It is hard for me and my family at home but it is a tremendous time that strengthens my faith and my desire to serve the Almighty.

Sunday (Part 1)

We are preparing to head out for church in just a little while. Yesterday was spent with Randy in meetings discussing the past experience and future plans for the church. It was a good day but we have so much more to do. Today is packed with church (I'm teaching class and Everett is preaching), a graduation ceremony for students from the School of the Bible, a lunch with small group leaders at the church and then we head off to Malyador (about an hour away) for church service and time visiting with the people at that church. Malyador is a church that grew from the work at the School of the Bible and has even hosted a School of the Bible class in their church.

None of these buildings have a/c so I am praying that I will make through without too much trouble. I saw another Santa at the Jardins mall last night. The material for his outfit was odd looking but I think something to help keep him cooler.

I hated to hear the Eagles lost Friday in such a heartbreaker. I wanted the team to win but especially hoped good things for my friend Kyle. He's a great guy with an incredible heart and I hurt for him. Boyd won so we will be following one team a bit deeper into the playoffs. It must be good luck from the waterboy!

I'll try to write more tonight when we get back.

Christmas in Brazil

We arrived yesterday very tired and weary. About 20 members of the church were awaiting us at the airport when we arrived. It was great to see their smiling faces and receive their welcoming hugs. The ever-present language barrier is overcome through the looks on their faces and the warm feeling you receive from them.

We got to the hotel, unloaded our things and grabbed some lunch at the mall. I didn't expect to see Santa wandering around but there he was. The mall is ringed with icicle lights on the outside which is a little humorous considering the weather here now (hot and humid). We finally got some sleep which was a wonderful thing.

Today we begin meeting with Randy spending time evaluating what has happened over the past 4 years and where we go from here. It will be long days of discussion, thought and prayer. We will also meet with the Ledbetters and some of the church members during the week. Tomorrow we will meet for church and also go to Malyador to meet with another small congregation that has been started through the efforts in Aracaju.

Keep us in your prayers.

We Ride at Sun-up

I've always enjoyed westerns and always like hearing the lines like I used in the title. If you know me though, you know I avoid riding at sun up whenever possible. Fortunately, we fly out around 3:00 tomorrow afternoon which gives me a little time to pack in the morning (because I just can't seem to get it all together yet) and have lunch with my wife before getting to the airport.

Today is 40-something and rainy. I'm going to 90 and humid. It's two different worlds, two different languages and cultures but we are there to be focused on one thing. I am looking forward to being with Randy and so many others in Aracaju who made a profound impact on me. At the same time, I am sad to be leaving my family behind even for a week.

I will do my best to blog a little while I'm there. We will mainly spend our time in meetings so it won't be too exciting but I'll try to keep you posted.

Keep praying!

The Mind is A Terrible Thing To Waste

I had a good idea for a blog last night and really, really wish I could remember what it is today. It's just gone. I had crafted the blog in my mind and today, "poof", there is nothing there blog worthy.
______________________________________________

Basketball starts tonight. I'm coaching several 5th graders and the intensity level goes up a few notches. The rules are almost like real basketball with full court presses, steals anywhere on the court and all the fun stuff. We are behind some of our counterparts on practice time so it will be interesting to see how we progress. It's also the first year that we don't have to play all players equal amounts. I'm wrestling with that as I want to let everyone play and grow but I also want to be competitive and win a few.
______________________________________________

Just a couple of days until flying off to Brazil. Keep Everett and me in your prayers please.
______________________________________________

Chili dog man, consider that while my arms may seem shorter than yours, my shoulders are also 4 inches or so above yours. I realize I need 5 foot long arms to appease you but it's just not practical.

Love and War

Yesterday's Bible study was the parable of the good Samaritan, a story we've all heard. As I heard it again, I thought of it as story that I know and love but easily forget as I approach the world. Do I really stop to help my neighbor? Sure, I'd stop and help my Christian brother...if I don't have anything else planned. Sure, I'll help the guy across the street...if it wasn't raining. Sure, I'll help the individual who would do me harm...if I didn't hope some bad things would happen to him.

The story starts with the greatest command, to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. The second is like it, love your neighbor as yourself.

I am constantly reminded, because of my own failings, that if I were to show the love that I receive from God to those around me, the world would be an infinitely better place. What if everyone showed each other the love God shows us? What if everyone showed the patience and forgiveness that God shows us? Would we harbor ill feelings against people who have wrong us? Would we be more thoughtful of those who need us? Would our hearts feel more peace and our actions show more joy?

God, give me the strength to love like you love, to be patient as you are patient and to forgive like you forgive. Give me the courage to be more like Christ every moment.

The Journey

For some reason I haven't been able to log on for two days. Technology can be very frustrating.
_______________________________________________

My trip to Brazil is rapidly approaching as I keep thinking of and forgetting things I need to do before leaving. Please keep me in your prayers that I will navigate the next few days with some level of sanity, that the trip will be safe and most of all, that God will be glorified in Brazil with the work we do.
_______________________________________________

I've been reflecting of late about another journey I am making. I grew up "in church" and have always known God and what I should do yet looking back, I feel like I only knew those things at an intellectual level and did not experience it at an emotional and spiritual level. Over the past few years, I think I have truly come to know God much more intimately. It has been a journey that has led me to more peace, more hope and more understanding for how loving God is if we allow Him to live in us and through us. I now know and feel God's mercy and grace for a sinner like me and I feel it at the core of my being.

I know my journey has miles and miles to go yet they are miles I look forward to traveling with great anticipation.

The Two

Thanks to Rick and Dennis for your comments. I appreciate your thoughts.
_______________________________________________

Today is election day (unless you voted last week like I did) and tonight I'm sitting in front of the TV waiting for the results. I've been very interested in politics over the last few years and even had a buried interest at one time of being a participant in the process. Over the last two or three years, I have become jaded to the process and have lost a great deal of trust in people who are in the political arena. I've seen good people who I feel gave in to pressure from bigger interests and I've seen others who have left the arena before giving in. Until there is a major change in how the campaign process works, I don't think there will ever be an improvement in the political landscape.
_______________________________________________

I get to come home tomorrow. Two nights away is about all I can take. I'm thankful for my wife and her ability to keep everything going when I'm away. I hope my children behave extra good when I'm gone and am thankful when they do. I miss being home and look forward to being there sometime tomorrow.

Big Times in Bell County

Tonight at dinner I was sitting next to two ladies who were excited about an event they were going to later in the evening. I couldn't figure out who they were going to see but heard them eagerly discuss where their seats were, how many people would be there and so on.

On the way back to my motel (I'm in lovely Salado tonight), I passed the Bell County Expo and saw that Joel Osteen was speaking tonight. He was the object of their excitement and anticipation for a great evening. They were prepared to hear the good news and were obviously excited about the opportunity but as I drove by, I wondered what good news they would here. Would they hear the good news that there sins have been covered by the blood of the Savior, that life is not about us but about serving God and others or would they hear the good news that if they believe in Christ good things will happen in their lives?

Too often I hear people try to put the "pretty" spin on their love for Jesus...that they love Him, He loves them and everything will be good. More often I wish I heard the real story...that our churches are full of people who have battled drugs and alcohol, service to self, sexual sins, pride and hatred and all the other tools the devil uses against us. What would it be like if we all had to wear our signs of struggle at church instead of putting on our pretty clothes and looking right? Would we be more broken, more humble, more open to the beauty of grace and mercy?

These TV evangelists scare me because I wonder what their message is really doing to people. At the same time, the facade we maintain around those we know, those we worship with and those we love scares me too. Would it help someone if they knew they faced the same struggles I face or that someone else faces? Would it help if they knew the pretty church building was really a place that could deal with the ugly face of sin?

I hope those two ladies will really know Christ and the love He has for them. I hope they will know that people struggle just like they struggle and knowing the love of Christ doesn't mean their problems will all go away. I hope they know that whatever trouble the face today will mean nothing if they will let the blood of Christ cover them and receive the promise of an eternity unlike anything imaginable. I hope they will know the true Good News.

Community

I spent part of last night at the multi-purpose building listening to a music program done by the 5th grade. As I sat and looked around the room, I was struck by how many people I know because of my children. Being sociable does not come natural to me. Most of the time, I rather be left alone to enjoy peace and solitude. Thankfully, there are drivers that get me up and in front of people from time to time and I have found over the last several years that my kids and their activities are often the biggest instigator of putting me in front of people. I wasn't suprised by the number of people I knew last night as much as I was floored by the amount of people I have the opportunity to make an impact on and began to wonder what kind of impact I make. I also realized how many people I had a "Hi, how are you? Great and you?" relationship with, a surface level relationship where the only thing we may have in common is that our kids are at the same place at the same time.

I pray God will help me be an influencer for Him in peoples lives. I pray that they will see through my faults and failings and know that behind all the facades I put up, they will see that God's will is my purpose and that they will be drawn to Him. I pray also that each day I will live more like God wants me to live. I pray that for you too.

Lovely Day

I enjoy the cold weather. Today isn't all that cold but it's better than it has been. I look forward to winter every year and while the fall and spring are nice, I'd like just a bit more winter than what we get around here.
___________________________________________________

Two weeks from today I'll be leaving for Brazil. I'm excited but not completely ready either. It's a busy time of the year and a hard time to be gone. I'm looking forward to my time there though and ask for your prayers that it will be profitable time spent building up the kingdom and that we will have safe travels.

I come home Thanksgiving morning and know that I have, and will have, much to be thankful for.

Dancing With Emmitt

We've been watching Dancing With The Stars and are cheering for Emmitt Smith to win the prized trophy. While some of the dances and costumes are a bit provocative, I get caught up in the effort and time these people are putting into this contest. It's obviously no easy feat to perform one of these dance routines yet several of the contestants do so well week after week while still carrying on a somewhat norml routine for their lives.

I'm often impressed by people who display great dedication to something they are passionate about. Professional athletes are the easy example of people who have to spend time and effort perfecting themselves and their trade. One example works with some of the youngsters on our baseball team each week. He is up at 5:00 for his first workout of the day and has a second one mid-afternoon. He lifts weights, runs, does yoga and is careful about what he eats. It's a 7 day-a-week process for him.

I hope, as a Christian, I can have the same focus and dedication.

Boo!

Happy Halloween to all of you witches and goblins out there. Watching the news last night, they were interviewing a lady who was upset that her child was part of a Halloween program and felt it offended her religious beliefs. I'm not here to debate whether she is right or wrong but it got me to thinking about Halloween and my memories of it over the years.

1. Dad dressed up in football pads and helmet with a mask on sitting on our front porch scaring people.
2. Halloween at the Lott's. The Lott's had a farm outside of town. Some of our dear parents dressed up as witches and boiled body parts or babies. I never got too close to figure it out. Dad was in his costume hiding in the creek bottom chasing us just when we thought it was over. Another parent appearing to be hanging from a tree limb. The preachers wife falling into an open grave. Someone coming down a zip line at an old cemetary and one of our kids getting so scared he ran off down the road with parents chasing after him. Cooking hot dogs and roasting marshmallows around the fire when it was over.
3. Dressing up in costumes when I was little and trick-or-treating with Suzanne Kirby. I don't remember the costumes but I'm sure they were cool.
4. Wondering how sick my kids would get trying to eat all the candy they collected and hearing "let me unwrap it first to make sure it's OK" ringing in my head.

Halloween was always scary fun. It still is in many ways. Tonight we will stay home most of the night and give out candy to the little ghouls, warlocks, pirates and angels that come by. Maybe we'll hide in the bushes and scare a few of them too. :)

I'll Take One of Those, Three of Those...

We had a great class last night at church discussing the desire for "things", for material goods and the danger that it leads to - pulling us away from our relationship with God. Keeping up with the Jones' (easy enough for me) seems so prevalent in our society. After spending time in a foreign country, I could see how we looked in their eyes. It's saddening in many ways and I hope I can stay focused on God and want less and less in the days to come.
______________________________________________

Along those lines, this was in a church bulletin I receive. I thought it was great.

Cell Phones vs The Bible
I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around on our belts or in our purses?
What if we turned back if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't afford to live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as a gift?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?

I like the analogy. I am one of the few who thinks the world was a better place before cell phones and leave mine somewhere else as often as I can. Yet, the analogy it makes with the Bible is a good one in the sense that the Bible should be a focus point for living our lives.

People in Need

We've recently added an employee benefit that will help people get help they need through Wise County Christian Counseling. I am aware of several couples and families going through difficult times in the last few years and I hope this will be an opportunity for them to get help.
An employee approached me yesterday and asked if relatives would qualify. She told me about her sister-in-law who is in remission from cancer but depressed and battling bulimia. She has a young son who wants attention from him mom but can't get it because of the mental struggle she is in. The son is suffering also and is now acting out in different ways for attention. Our employee's concern is that the sister-in-law won't get help, that she will feel like those trying to encourage her are intruding, meddling.
There are so many people we are around each day that need help and we don't even know it. I'm praying this morning that those people will seek and find the help they need. I know people are hurting and feel all alone. I hope they can find the hand of God and will follow Him, that they will find love and support among us to help them through the struggles and that they will know a loving and saving Christ who has given us all we will ever need. I hope that even in times of distress, they will find peace in the shadow of the cross. This is my prayer.

I Say "Tony", You Say "Romo"

The Cowboy game had it's bright spots last night but not many.
1. We sat four rows up from where Chris Berman, Steve Young, Michael Irvin and Tom Jackson were doing the pre-game and halftime shows on ESPN. Stuart Scott and Chris Mortenson were also there for Sports Center. ESPN was a great idea.
2. The QB switch at halftime had the crowd buzzing. It didn't turn out so well but it's all Cowboy fans can expect I suppose.
3. Red parking isn't all bad. It's just all the turns you have to make to finally get on the highway you want to be on.
4. The announcer noted that "football is a team sport" and "in that spirit, the Cowboys take the field as a team." They did and all the hoopla was cool. Loud music, flames, fireworks. I was ready to go play until I saw Michael Strahan hit Drew Bledsoe. OUCH.
5. Once the team was on the field, all the cheers were for TO and Romo.
6. It's amazing how many people will sit in the stands and cuss at players and coaches mistakes. I can't imagine spending $80 or so a seat to let your anger out at people you don't know. (I should have had a local counselor's cards with me to hand out.)
7. Michael Irvin still gets the love. People were continually yelling his name hoping he would look up and wave at them. (Sidenote: People can be incredibly forgiving of athletes but harsh to people close to them. As Christians, we should be the very example of that. Sadly, it isn't always the case.)
8. There were a lot of people drinking beer but surprisingly not as many as I would have expected.
9. The guy in front of me brought radio headphones and a little TV. Why come to the game?
10. We stood for almost the whole game. It was loud. I remember when people on TV talked about Texas Stadium as being quiet. It's loud now.
11. Hank Williams Jr. was there to start things off in a really cool looking Ford truck.
12. Rayfield Wright and Troy Aikman were there to receive their Hall of Fame rings. Things have gone downhill since their playing days.
13. It's just a little humorous to hear thunderous cheers for the backup QB coming in and then, on his first play, he throws an interception. He did good but made a number of mistakes along the way.
14. Two kids in front of us painted their upper bodies blue. One had a T, the other an O on their chest. I think they had dreams of TV that didn't pan out for them. They were peeling it off by mid 4th quarter.
15. I wondered how many people stayed in the parking lot during the game at their own little party area.

It's a sports fan heaven right now. The World Series, football and the start of basketball and hockey. I'm pulling for the Cardinals but won't mind seeing the Tigers win (with stuff on their hands or not). I'm pulling for my fantasy football players instead of teams. The Chargers defensive problems are really bumming me out. I haven't figured out hockey so I don't watch it but enjoy the games live. Pro basketball doesn't do much for me so I don't watch until the playoffs come along. Lest I forget, the Chase for the Cup is winding down and the Byron Nelson and Colonial are only half a year away.

Missionaries and Football

It's been a good weekend for me. I've been able to spend time with Randy who is a missionary we support in Brazil. We have been able to pray and talk about the future. I was able to be with him in Lewisville last night as he spoke to the church there and saw the encouragement they give him.

Randy is a humble man when it comes to his needs yet a bold man when it comes to sharing the Good News. He is a servant and often overlooks his own well-being for the sake of others. As we discussed his budget needs for the coming years, he was ever hesitant to talk about his own salary, what he might need and want. I am hoping through our church and his other supporters, we can raise his salary 50% next year. To many of us, that seems like a big jump but that isn't the case with Randy' situation. After currency conversions, he actually receives less money in Brazil than he did when he started there 4 years ago. I hope to get him in a situation where a 50% raise equates to about a 10% increase in Brazilian funds over his 2002 salary.

If you know of a church that might add Randy to their missions support, please let me know. Also, I ask for your prayers that the Decatur church and his other supporters can rise up and meet the needs of an expanding Brazilian work that is gaining souls to the Kingdom. 77 baptisms in 3 years, 500+ people coming through the School of The Bible - the field is ripe for us to play our part in reaching the lost around the world.

________________________________________________________

I'm headed to the Cowboy game tonight. I'll be the one with my shirt off and these words painted on my chest, "TO, Rick's pulling for you!"

There's a group of us from church who play fantasy football each year. Typically, I have always finished high enough that I won back the money I paid to play. Things aren't looking so good for me this year and I will be 3-4 after the weekend. Adding insult to injury, I lost this weekend to a previously winless team. Hopefully, tonight the Cowboys will win and our parking spot will be close and I can forget about the slackers on my fantasy team who let me down.

Chili

I'm so glad we are getting cold weather finally. Those who know me know I am not a hot-weather guy. I like it under 80 degrees and enjoy these bursts of cold weather. I started thinking about chili today on the way to work and am wishing I had a big bowl right now. What do you like to eat when it gets cold? (Sonic coneys don't count since they are more for medicinal purposes.)

Last night at church was good for me. Our missionary from Brazil spoke and showed pictures from our trip there. I was reminded of some of the wonderful people I met and came to love. We saw one picture, a family of 10, and I noticed most of them were not wearing shoes. I saw a picture of Idasio and remembered he was always smiling, always laughing or you would find him playing his recorder or guitar and singing to us. So many great memories, so many wonderful blessings that we all experienced. I thank God for the way that trip has drawn me closer to Him.

Have a great (colder) day!

Anyone Up Early?

I've got to be at the airport at 6am in the morning and am looking for someone to take my place. Our missionary in Brazil is coming in for a few days and as much as I look forward to spending time with him, that's awful early. I prefer to only have one 6:00 in my day and that would be close to supper.

As much as I dread the early rise, it will be a good day. He will speak to our church Wednesday night regarding the mission trip that 30 of us took to Aracaju and what that trip meant to their church. He will be making a presentation at the Lewisville church Sunday night in their effort to raise $50,000 in a special missions contribution.

There are not many people I hold in truly high regard. I know everyone has their faults (I only have to look in the mirror to know that so well) but he is someone who exudes Christ-likeness to me. He wants nothing but to share the Gospel. For someone living in Brazil, he makes a good salary and would be considered upper middle class at the least. Yet he lives in a very modest home, drives a very modest car, eats as native Brazilians eat and gives so much of what he has. He is extremely humble, extremely compassionate and loving. He cares about people, more importantly he cares about their souls. I am glad to know him and thankful to God that I have crossed paths with him, shared successes with him as well as fears. He encourages me to walk in Christ's path and challenges me to know God better.

I will look forward to seeing him...even early in the morning.

Homecoming

We went to Abilene for the ACU Homecoming this past weekend. The campus has changed so much since I was a student in the late-80's. Seeing the changes almost makes me wish I was a student now. I think back to my days and wonder what I didn't appreciate having that people who had attended in the years before me would have thought was so wonderful. We drove by some of the places we lived, saw some old friends and watched ACU win a football game (another thing that didn't happen much when I was in school).

On Friday, we had stopped in Eastland to watch Boyd play football. It was a funny little stadium and Boyd won easily. I spent much of the night watching my son avoid getting in another collision. He was quick to be on the move if a play started coming his way. I don't think he wants another memory like that.

My next trip to Brazil is rapidly approaching. I'm looking forward to being back in Aracaju to help and learn with my brothers and sisters and work on planning for the coming years with our missionary and the team there. The things I experienced and learned on my previous trip still resonate loudly within me and I still remain thankful that I have had this opportunity. Please pray that this coming trip will be safe and profitable in expanding the Kingdom.

Safety in Numbers

About this time last week, I was listening to someone I know talk about severe stress and strain their family went through battling a crisis in their marriage. I was awestruck by the willingness to share such a heart-wrenching, emotional struggle. It struck me how a family of faith can and should be willing to share their deepest thoughts and emotions and know they will be supported and loved. I saw that last week and I am thankful I have a church family that holds others up.

I'm still not comfortable sharing my hurts, my fears, my failings. I still exist in a world where my problems are mine, mine to deal with and live with. It's hard to make that move to a more open, more transparent life. I hope one day I will but between now and then, I will cherish the opportunities to see people loved unconditionally, to see people edify others, to see people empathize and pray for others. I'm thankful to be where I am right now. I look forward to what God has in store.

Lotto Texas

The question came up in our Bible study yesterday about how many people had bought a lotto ticket (more replied in the affirmative than I thought they would, me included) and what they would do with the money if they won. That was a hard question, especially in church, because I think everyone who buys one thinks of many things they would do but would it be the right thing to do? What is the right thing? It got me to thinking again about priorities, how we decide what our priority is or how it just creeps up on us. I am convinced the use of our money says a quite a bit about us. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those who thinks being wealthy and being a Christian or mutually exclusive but where I put my resources is an indication of where I place my Christianity on my priority heirarchy.

I appreciate the question yesterday and the reminder for what needs to be first for me.

So what would you do with all the money? Since it's my blog, I guess I have to go first with what I would want to do.

I would set up a missions endowment through our church. I have come to love missions work and want to help more people willing to make the sacrifices needed to travel around the globe sharing the Good News.
I would set up a building endowment through our church. I would like to see us create more recreation areas for our youth, more space for our Mother's Day Out and let the 5th Sunday contribution go to spreading the Gospel.
I would pay off debt.
Invest.
Past that, I'm not sure what I would do. Do some things to the house, help establish college funds for family members, go to baseball games at every stadium, put a pool in. I'm sure there would be no lack of ideas for how to spend all the money.

My prayer today is that I remember what and who is most important.

The Excitement of World Travel

I spoke with the shoppers/travelers who have gone to the big antique flea market (I wonder what an antique flea looks like) and it would appear they are having the time of their life. Heat and hotels from...well, you know where...are making it a trip to remember.

I would guess the couple with the holes in their sheets must have had the Presidential Suite. Another couple had a room with an unbolted toilet (I won't venture a guess as to what they were doing to move the toilet so much to know it was unbolted). The final pair (of which my spouse was one) has apparently created a Lysol cloud over South Texas. I can't imagine why a blood stain on the bed or a toenail clipping would bother some people but apparently it does.

I can only imagine there are many people in the world who would deal with such travesty but when the Devatur 6 comes to town, a little higher level of expectations come with them.

Dennis, I think you know why I passed on this trip now!

Joy vs. Happiness

For whatever reason, it seems I've heard several discussions recently on the difference in joy and happiness. I won't compare and contrast them for you here but it has been on my mind since Tuesday night. I was having a discussion about my trip to Brazil and all that I saw and learned and felt. I was flooded with vivid memories and pictures in my mind of the people, of their love and their joy. Yes, they were happy too but I think joy was even more evident because they were constantly celebrating their relationships built around God.

As I get caught up in my day-to-day whirlwind, I forget about the joy I can and should have because of Christ. I'm thankful for that conversation that drew me back to the picture God had painted for me thousands of miles away - a picture where I could see and experience both joy and happiness and a reminder that joy thrills the soul, that joy celebrates my relationship with my Savior. Having that joy - that makes me happy.

I hope I bring happiness to people but even more I hope I can share with them my joy.

Mr. Mom

I think I'm going to rent this show for the weekend. I've only seen it once but remember it being pretty funny. I've been thinking about the movie the last few days because my wife is taking a brief trip for a couple of days and the kids and I will be taking care of ourselves. It's not too hard since most every need but actually bathing and eating is taken care of for us before she leaves. I'm glad she is getting away for a few days of fun (??? it's a shopping trip, how fun can it be) and frolicking (I think it's still 180 degrees outside). It's a good time for us too because we get a very visible reminder of all the things she does for us that far too often get taken for granted.

To my wife, thank you for all you do for us. We can make it for a few days but wouldn't want you gone any longer. Have fun and feel free to spend up to $20 on anything you like! :)

P.S. Be wary of some of your traveling companions. They look like they can get a little wild when they are out of town.

Taking the Hit

My son has been enjoying many 10 year old's dream of being a waterboy for a local high school team. It's been a good experience and we've been able to discuss the servant mentality and desire that someone in his position needs to have. It's a great opportunity for him to build memories and learn a little something along the way.

One of the hazards of being a waterboy is that he doesn't wear pads. I've wondered if he would ever get caught in a situation where he might get hit. I wonder no more. Friday night, he was ready with his water carrier. A play quickly came to the sidelines and he got caught in a position where he couldn't get away from the two players coming his way. He took a hard hit and depending on who's version of the story you hear went flying and did a flip.

I was on the far side of the field from the collision and didn't see him get hit. In fact, until I saw a friend of ours run across the track did I realize it was my son. By the time I got down to the field, the team trainer was checking him out and he was recovering. An Advil and some kind words from players helped him along and he was back on the job after a brief rest.

I was worried about him but also proud to see him back up and working. He's learning a lot of lessons about taking life's hits and getting back up, about serving even when it isn't easy and about taking responsibility for one's duties. He probably doesn't realize the lessons he got that night but one day he will. In the meantime, I think he'll wear the bruises as a badge of honor and use the aches to get a little sympathy. Smart kid.

It's Friday. Time to Relax

This is my 3rd attempt for the day. The other two times I started, I kept getting into some philosophical point that was taking too much space and creating too much chaos in my head. It's Friday, right? Time to kick up the feet and relax for the weekend. All the while, the chaos in my head hasn't quieted but I will move on with the Friday theme.

Tonight is Decatur's homecoming. My wife and daughter will be there to support the blue and white (and controversial black) and battle the crowds of people who do come home. I'm not a fan of homecoming and I would like to meet the person who created the whole mum frenzy. It's bizarre.

My son and I will travel to Argyle to see the Yellowjackets of Boyd take on Argyle (the Eagles, I believe). It should be a really good game with a good 2A team going up against a growing 3A program (Arglye was in the 2A state championship game last year).

No baseball this weekend so I get to mow! Woohoo. Have a great weekend and if you want to test out a zero turn radius mower, just drop by around 8:30 Saturday morning.

Run to the Finish Line

Yesterday, I had the joy of watching my daughter run in a cross country meet. These meets are usually run over a 2 mile (or slightly longer) course. I could tell funnies about the course and some of the people there but the attention was all on the girls. A girl from Lindsey came in first way, way, way ahead of everyone else. A girl from Alvord couldn't finish the course and I could see what I thought to be confusion and agony in her eyes as she was going to her knees. We later heard she might have been suffering from hypoglycemia. After that long of a run in the lovely 93 degree blazing heat, all the girls looked tired as they came close to the end. I saw an older man standing near the next to last turn cheering every girl from every school on for the final stretch. Neat stuff.

It was good to see several young ladies I knew run and compete well but there was one who had my eye. A tall, pretty girl who really dislikes getting up in the morning for early morning practices and has never seemed to be a big fan of sweating ran a great race. It wasn't her best time and she didn't finish at the head of the pack but what she did was compete, try hard, overcome heat and dust and put out the effort to finish the race. It was her kick at the end, not wanting to let an opponent get by her, that really let her spirit show through. Coming through the last turns, she looked like she had already given all she would give but in those last few yards, she dug down to find a bit more. That will serve her well through life and I am so proud of what she has accomplished. She has improved a great deal in the past several weeks with her times dropping dramatically. I know she has grown physically stronger. Even more, she has grown mentally stronger - taking on a challenge and accomplishing personal victory. She ran and she finished and all the while is winning personal victories. I am very proud of her.

You go girl!

Fall Is In The Air

It feels good today. It was somewhere around 58 degrees when I ran the school route this morning. I love it when the cool air comes to town. Rumor has it that we'll see 90 again this week so I'll enjoy today all I can.

Last Friday was our 16th wedding anniversary. We celebrated at a favorite restaurant where we had the wedding rehearsal and enjoyed sitting out on the patio among the trees and close to a large fountain. It was a great evening. Even more, it's been a great 16 years. I've already said all my gushy stuff in private so here I'll just say "thank you" and "I love you" to my beautiful wife. I trust the years will continue to bring us more happy and joyful moments.

You may have noticed my postings have become less frequent. It's not that I have less to say, only that I have less time to say it lately. I hope to get back to a more routine posting and may try giving it a go in the evening. Thanks to those of you who have said something about it. I know I have a generally quiet audience (save the "golf is the one true sport" and the "Sonic coney" guys) so I want to say that I appreciate you taking the time to drop by.

Life in LA

I'm back in Los Angeles and saw what will probably be the baseball game of the year last night. I was at the Dodgers and Padres game and it was a fantastic finish. The LA fans boo their team at the drop of a hat and cheer wildly when they do something great. It was an interesting night and one I enjoyed.

This trip I have a great view of the marina across the street from our hotel and all the boats (big boats) that are parked there. There's quite a few I would like to hop aboard and take a ride on but the police might not look at it the same way.

I walked down Venice Beach yesterday. I saw Muscle Beach and the basketball courts that have been seen in a number of movies and lots of wierd people. The guy walking on broken glass barefooted had to be the craziest. There were several homeless looking folks but they didn't beg like they do in other cities. Skimpy bikinis (I closed my eyes) and one guy in a leopard print thong and roller blades (I wish I would have had my eyes closed). I'm sure it was more subdued on a Monday than it would be on the weekend and I'm pretty sure I'm thankful for that.

I miss my wife and kids. I called home tonight and my son answered the phone and I could hear the happy voice that I wish I was with. I got to talk to my angel and remembered how sweet and loving she is to me. I'll visit with my lovely bride later and look forward to Thursday when I'm home and with them all. I miss you.

The Rosie Way

Much is being made of Rosie O'Donnell's recent comments on The View that radical Christianity is as dangerous as radical Islam. I'm not Rosie fan (nor a fan of Barbara Walters or any other TV mouthpiece) but her comments are being discussed by many in liberal and conservative camps with very little support for what she said.

Comments like these are the danger of TV, radio and even blogging land. Something you say can easily be taken out of context or said without thought to a wider interpretation of what you mean. It's dangerous to open your mouth sometimes.

Rosie's comment received applause on the clip of the show I was able to see and I'm sure she has supporters but most of what I've seen and heard as been negative. Then again, I don't run in the most liberal circles in the land so maybe I'm just missing alot.

In my mind, the key to her comment was "radical Christians". I'm not completely sure what she meant by that but would agree there are some in our country who kill and hurt in the name of Christianity. I am saddened when I hear of someone blowing up an abortion clinic in the name of Christianity. I don't think that is what Christ would have us do. At the same time, I believe we must speak up, we must teach and not to those who are right in front of us but also to the masses. I'm all for a campaign to ABC wanting a retraction of that statement and even to have someone like Rosie pulled from the show but I also worry about the language or tone some would use in doing that.

I hope we will see Christ using people to combat ludicrous comments made by people who are just like us, sinners in need of redemption. I hope they will speak in a way that will show the love and compassion of a Savior and I hope that people will see Christians as radical only because we believe in something that we cannot see and cannot touch but know in our hearts that exists...a loving God and a beautiful future in eternity.

The Trouble with Work

The trouble with work is that there is so much of it. Some of you have asked why I haven't blogged as much of late. I used to do it first thing in the morning before starting my work day but lately the work is starting earlier and earlier and I haven't been able to write. I've tried writing in the evenings on occasion but after working with a computer most of the day, I really don't want to touch one at home. Calgon, take me away.

I had a great lunch yesterday. My UPS rep is also a preacher for a church in Rockwall. He has been encouraging the eldership there to look at joining in support of a foreign mission work. I had told him awhile back about my trip to Brazil and so yesterday we met to discuss the work Randy is doing in more detail. He's going back to the Elders to ask them to consider joining in. I ask for your prayers that they will be able to help in this incredible effort.

Today I'm having lunch with one of our Elders to discuss a new mission work we want to begin supporting. I'm excited about it and hope we can add this to our missions program.

I was telling my UPS/Preacher friend yesterday about how I used to agree that missions was one of the things we needed to be able to check off on our church to-do list but the last few years have opened my eyes. Getting to know Randy and getting to spend time in Brazil has given me a deeper love for missions and a greater appreciation for God's calling to go and teach. I'm thankful the Decatur church supports our missionary so strongly and look forward to building a stronger presence in the mission fields.

Sacrifice

During the 9/11 memorials and shows much was said about so many sacrifices that have and will be made to protect us and our interests. We often have to sacrifice to get what we want and when we truly want it, the sacrifice never seems too great.

I heard the President talk about a woman whose husband was a New York City fireman who lost his life on 9/11. Her sons have since joined the Army and the FDNY. They were taught that sacrifice was good for them and good for those whom they would serve. The mother willingly accepts that her children may also give as much as her husband did to defend and protect us. The boys have willingly accepted that service to others is noble. What an incredible family and incredible example.

As I thought about this, it wasn't a far jump to think about the sacrifice that was made for me on a cross. I have such respect and admiration for those in public service to others who make my life easier and more enjoyable. That said, how much more I am thankful a Savior who gave his life for me, not that I would have an easier life but that I would have an eternal life.

I am glad people are willing to sacrifice for me but it doesn't compare with the sacrifice that was made to take away my sins, to cleanse and purify me and to send me home to be with my Father.

New Leadership

I was listening to one of the yapping morning shows when an interview with Hillary Clinton came on. Fortunately, the sound went out during most of it but I did hear one comment she made that I agreed with. "We need new leadership" Ms. Clinton claimed. How true, how true.

I wonder what challenges our children will face. We hear the term 'public service' thrown around when people are running for office but it doesn't seem they are always trying to serve the public. On the other hand, even good political leaders get slapped around by their opponents, typically groups on the extremes of normal society.

One of my favorite movies is Dave, a story about a decent guy who is an identical match for the President who suffered a stroke. The President is a sorry guy listening to some sorrier advisors and when he is hit with the stroke, these sorry advisors find Dave to people a talking puppet for them because they don't like/trust the VP. Dave turns out to be a leader, fights off the advisors and becomes a leader of the people. It's a feel good story but one I can almost imagine. Just imagine if we had a bunch of political leaders who spoke to and for the common people of this country, not the noisy extremists.

I never imagined myself agreeing with Hillary but today I do. We need new leadership.

Rangers and Longhorns

I had so hoped to be watching playoff games this year at The Ballpark (I still refuse to call it by it's new name). We are sharing tickets with a group of people and have enjoyed going to the games and at one point not long ago, the prospects of the Rangers making the playoffs looked pretty good. Even though they beat Oakland last night, it seems they are just playing out the season. It will be an interesting off-season. Michael Young needs to be locked up with a new contract because they have him for little money right now - that won't be the case very long. Is Gary Matthews Jr. the real deal or a one year wonder? Can Carlos Lee make this a better team?

The Longhorns played a meaningful game against North Texas last weekend (not) in preparation for the Ohio State Buckeyes this Saturday. So how do the 'Horns celebrate such an illustrious win (not) over the Mean Green? Well, a starting cornerback thought smoking pot was a good idea apparently. Since he was arrested for marijuana AND gun possession, he may not be thinking it was such a good idea now. Yes, yes, there may have been a mistake and we don't know all the facts yet but it doesn't look good for the young man.

Go Rangers! Go Longhorns! For one team, it is playing the rest of the season to get by. For the other, it is playing the rest of the season without anyone else getting high.

Labor Day

I'm laboring on Labor Day - the joys of retail being all that it is. It's a nice, rainy day when there isn't much else I could do but lay on the sofa looking out at the rain, relaxing, maybe reading a book and resting. Yes, I am glad to be at work!

I am thankful for the rain and cool weather. The summer has been brutal and most of you reading this know all the ill-effects we have suffered. We continue to have problems with our well and it scares me to think the water issues that may be slowly creeping up on us. I've heard it said that we could easily face a water shortage in our children's lifetime. I'm no scientist and don't know the facts but the thought of it after waking up several mornings with no water in the tank is a scary proposition.

But today it is raining, it is cool and I will enjoy today. Many have prayed for rain and today we will feel blessed to have it.

Beautiful Rain

It's a rainy day and people are happy. That isn't the typical response to a rainy day but under current conditions in Wise County, rain is a good reason to smile, cheer up, jump for joy and dance (Dennis, don't start dancing until you are in your house). It's a beautiful sight after the paper's front page showed dried and badly cracking ground where livestock used to drink. Let it pour!


I appreciate school administrators and teachers. They have jobs that I describe as tough (being that I couldn't be in a room with that many kids for 30 minutes, much less all day) and the majority that I have met do it because they love the kids. We dealt with one such administrator today who kindly listened to us, talked to us and helped us find the best solution to an issue we had. With all the problems that public schools get beat up for, there are a lot of good people and a lot of good things that happen through the school system. I am thankful for them.


Tonight is the fantasy football draft for some guys from our church who have played for a few years. It's always a fun time and makes for an interesting football season. I truly think I could care less about professional football if it wasn't for this goofy league we have. The players are spoiled and pampered far too much for my taste but the camaraderie and trash talking among my friends makes it a fun experience.

Working for the Weekend

If you are from my generation, the title might invoke the memory of a song that used to play on the radio. I don't know why it popped into my head this morning but it did and now it won't go away.

Tomorrow will be a fun day for my son and me. We're going to the Rangers picnic where he will be able to get autographs from some of the current and past Rangers, tour the dugout and pressbox and do some other cool stuff. I'm hoping it will be as fun as it sounds. Any chance of a cold front blowing through?

My daughter has been working to run a mile in a set amount of time for her athletics class at school. She tested earlier this week and while she didn't make the time mark she wanted, she did shave off nearly 4 minutes in a week's worth of practicing. How incredible is that? I'm so proud of her effort and hope it will remain a memory with her that if she sets her goals high, she can achieve some great things. You go girl!

Have a great day!

The (Longer Than Should Have Been) Journey Home

We left our meeting yesterday hurrying to reach the airport to try and catch the 4:45 flight out of LA instead of the 7:45 flight. The first flight would get us home around 9:30, the second around midnight. We get to the gate and are told we will be on standby but a good chance of making the flight AND whether we make that flight or the later one, our luggage will go out on the first flight.

Sure enough, we get on the first flight and are quite happy knowing we will get home at a semi-reasonable hour. As we taxi to the runway, we stop and see a couple of flight attendants talking to someone in the front our of section. We wait...and wait and then the pilot comes on to notify us that someone doesn't want to be on this plane and we have to turn around. You can imagine the conversations that started all around us. We get back to the gate, they get the guy off (he looked like he might have been a gangbanger at one time) and come on to tell us that everything's OK, that his luggage was screened and they are sure it's OK to fly with us. This raises the panic level for many people who now want to get off the plane also and about 10-12 do so. We sit and sit while the police are interviewing the guy and members of the airport staff are checking they guy's seating area and overhead area for who knows what. Finally they tell us they will remove his bag from the plane so half of the people who got off now get back on.

As the story goes, he was leaving his wife but had second thoughts (maybe it was the idea of coming to 100+ degree weather). I don't know why he couldn't have had that revelation an hour earlier before we were ready to take off but we were finally off.

Remember me saying the guy at the ticket desk said our luggage would make the first plane no matter what? HA! My luggage was leaving this morning while the luggage of the guy with me had already left and was coming this way. We had to fill out baggage claims which was an unduly slow process and then they told the other guy he would have to come back and pick his up since it was already in the air. That took another 20 minutes of calling supervisors and arguing. Finally they agreed to deliver his luggage to Decatur.

I hate stressful travel. I couldn't sleep when I got home and I feel like I've been run over by a truck this morning...but I'm home. I got to see my wife for a few minutes (she had an early day) and hug my children and that makes it all OK.

Living California Style

I walked over to Venice Beach last night. There were people enjoying the sun and sand, fishing from the pier and surfing. There were several tourist types also. I don't know if the non-tourists types were tourists/vacationers or if they lived there but they all seemed to have one thing in a common - a desire to slow the pace of life down, to soak up the sun and enjoy the moment. If I could bottle it and bring it back with me, I would. I saw the same thing while in Brazil. The desire to enjoy the moment and not worry about all the things I too often let pressure me.

We worry so much and create so much stress for ourselves, it's no wonder we find ourselves weary, beaten down and ill. We create a world where there is so much to be done, we never find the time to do it all. (I realize this is a generalization and doesn't apply to everyone.) I applaud those who find ways to minimize the clutter and maximize peace in their lives. I even envy them a bit because I think of myself as one to shun creating that cluttered, busy, stress-filled environment but then find myself with something to do or somewhere to be each night of the week.

I hope I can learn the lesson that life is too short to fill it with worry about tomorrow, about tasks, about things I cannot control and that I fill it with the joy and peace God wishes for me. I hope you find it too.

Fly Away

A wild week is upon us. Tomorrow, I fly off to Los Angeles (Marina del Rey) for a 3 day work project. The highs are supposed to be in the low-80's. I haven't been looking forward to the trip but the weather will make it more bearable.

Tuesday is the start of school. It's going to be a wild week. My baby girl starts junior high athletics and has to be ready to be running at 7a.m. Things will be a bit hectic. We might have to start our own prayer walk!

My son and I are caught up in the Rangers pennant chase. They've been playing good ball but Oakland doesn't seem to be falling apart but there is always hope. We're going to the Ranger picnic Saturday and get to meet some players and tour the ballpark facility. It will be fun...and hot.

I hope you all do well while I'm soaking up the California coast. Be good!

Brighter Days

The rain over the weekend was nice. I'm really wishing we could get more of it and soon. I'm looking forward to fall and, hopefully, cooler weather and football.

School is just around the corner. I'll have to get started a little earlier and adhere to a better schedule than I have this summer. I better sleep in a few days this week.

I leave for LA next Monday and can't decide how many bottles of liquids to take on board with me just to see if they are paying attention.

The Rangers need pitching help. The fans need to quit booing the opposing players so much, especially a guy like Vladamir Guerrero. He appears to be a good guy but knocks the ball all over and out of the park when playing the Rangers. I hope the Rangers resign Carlos Lee.

One of my Store Managers is home today with an upset stomach. I recommened the Sonic coney but think he ran to the bathroom after I mentioned it.

Powerful Prayer

Last weekend, I participated in one of the best things I've ever done. Our Youth Minister set up a 24 hour Prayer Walk to pray for children going back to school. We signed up for 30 minute sessions and went to a room in our church building where 10 stations were set up. Each station had a specific thought to pray for, a scripture or piece of information to consider and a list of names of our youth to pray for specifically. When I got there, I didn't know if I could pray for 30 minutes, not knowing how it would work at the time. Once I got there and started, it was hard to finish in 30 minutes. I went once with my wife and enjoyed it so much that I signed up for the midnight shift. I took my son with me and he thought it was great. We took turns reading scriptures and praying at each station. What a blessing to share that time with him. He liked it so well that we ended up signing up again for the 7:30am shift to close out the 24 hours. Each time, I ran over a little and found myself tearing up thinking about the love being shown for these kids. So many of our church participated, both young and old, because of love.

I was blessed to spend the time in prayer and I trust our kids will be blessed because so many joined in to pray for them.

Twelve Years

Time rushes by. Twelve years ago and held a small baby in my hands and was amazed at what God creates. Twelve years ago I had a baby curl her small fingers around mine and she's had me in her grip ever since. Twelve years have gone by and that baby who could almost fit in one hand is nearly as tall as her mother, has braces with school colors and brings sunshine into my life each day. Twelve years has taught me a lot about life but a great deal about God. Through the blessing of my children, I feel I have come to know God better and how he feels towards me.

My daughter is a blessing in so many ways. She brings joy in how she handles herself with smaller children and she brings humor with her ways on the telephone. She is in the stage of going from child to young adult with all the humor and pain that comes with it. She is still a child and yet she is quickly becoming a mature, beautiful young lady.

Today, I thank God for sending me an angel. She is a gift, a blessing and a joy.

The Mental Shut Down

I've tried to write today but the mind is imploding at the end of the week. Between a TWC hearing, a workers comp audit, a response to an IRS notice and the normal day-to-day beatings, my brain is mush.

I was by the square today where a bunch of people are filming scenes for a TV show called Prison Break. I'm not familiar with it but couldn't help but wonder if the person who chose the location realized it would be 100+ degrees in Decatur today.

I'm at a bit of a loss for words today. The mind is slowing rapidly. All I need is for someone to stand in front of me repeating "you're getting very sleepy, very sleepy" and I'll be out in a second.

Have a great weekend.

Update

My little girl came through her surgery great. It was her first experience with this type of thing so the IV needle caused some big eyes but she made it through great.

Thank you for your prayers and concern for her and our family. We are all truly blessed.

Prayer Request

I ask for your prayers for my daughter this morning. She's having oral surgery and is a bit nervous. Please pray that she remains calm and that she will endure whatever pain there might be and that all goes well and as expected. Next week, she gets braces on the day before her birthday. After that, she might not open her mouth for a month.

Tonight, two children of a missionary family from Brazil are going to meet with us before church. It will be fun to see them and hear more about their future plans. I can't imagine uprooting during my final high school years and moving to a foreign country which is what they did. Now, they have graduated and are back to begin plans for some mission work of their own before entering college. I thank God for hearts that desire to take His message around the globe and in our own backyards.

I keep trying to think of something funny to put on here but it's elusive. Maybe writing in the morning is detrimental to humor of any kind for me. While I struggle to make you laugh, I hope you find something today that brings a smile, if not a loud laugh, to your face.

Funny Story

I heard a story about a grandmother who goes to Wal-Mart to buy birthday presents for the grandkids. One loves his PlayStation2 so she decides to buy him a game or two. She heads back to the electronics area and asks the clerk, "Where are the Playboy Station 2 games?"
________________________________________________________________

We're baseballing again. We will be in the lovely metropolis of Henrietta tonight and tomorrow frying and watching games. I love the game but think the Astros are on to something with that covered, air-conditioned field.
________________________________________________________________

I was forced to go to Brazil. Well, not forced, but my wife strongly encouraged me to make the trip knowing I would be back in November. She knew it was important for me to see what was going on before going back. I appreciate her for pushing me that direction and find myself still sharing stories with what I experienced every chance I get. It seems like it has come up at least once every day this week.
________________________________________________________________

I learned a life lesson the other night. I heard a story about someone using bleach on their child's arm to remove the sting after a wasp (or something) had gotten him. Apparently you are supposed to dilute the bleach but it didn't happen in this instance. The burning skin made the wasp sting no big thing though.

Welcome Back

I keep hearing that in my office lately. Gone for 2 weeks to Brazil, here a week, gone for 8 days to Colorado, here a week and then out for two days to start this week. I normally like to stay in my rut but lately it seems a suitcase has been my companion and I haven't been home much. I'm ready to settle back into my routine for awhile.

I liked seeing Denny Hamlin win Sunday. FedEx delivered! (yuk-yuk)

We're back to baseball this weekend. Somehow, I'm thinking a weekend in Henrietta in late July isn't going to be the most pleasant tournament I've ever been to. A friend tells me eating a foot long coney from Sonic will cure any ailments - I wonder if it will help with the heat too?

It's So Quiet

We are married folk without kids for a few days. We took them to East Texas for a few days with the grandparents and pick them up in a couple of days (at which point we will have to start retraining). I love this time because it's more peaceful, it's quieter and I can have a conversation with my wife without someone needing something or getting directions to do something for the 2nd, 5th, 8th time. We went out to eat and had a nice, peaceful meal and will do so again. We're looking forward to a peaceful night at home one night. It's nice to get a brief break, a chance to relax. All the while, we both miss them terribly. I got to speak with both my children today and it was wonderful to hear their voices and in a few days I'll be back in the routine of noise, needs and directions and I will know all is normal.

Our children have been such a blessing to us. They are different but both have such wonderful characteristics and both bring immense joy to us. One of the things I love is to see them serve others. My daughter is so wonderful with younger children. I love to watch her play with them, teach them and negotiate with them. I think she has a solid babysitting career ahead of her because she demonstrates her care for them. My son is so comfortable with older people. He will speak, listen and, at times, perform and bring smiles to their faces.

I could go on and on as most any parent could but I'll refrain and leave it with a thought of thankfulness for the blessings God has given me. I'm convinced he sent angels to earth.

Smoking Hot

This weather doesn't make me a happy camper. Even while I'm thinking how miserable this is, I look back at my experiences in Brazil, I hear what's happening in the middle east, I read about the fires out west and know a bit of heat isn't as hard on my life as conditions for many others.

I have so much to be thankful for and considered, for a moment, listing what I could think of but know I would leave something (or worse, someone) off my list. So, I will be brief and just say that God is so good to me. I could and should spend a great deal of time thinking about how wonderfully blessed I am. I am often reminded by what I see that my life is so good. That thought propels me to a thoughts of a greater blessing. It really isn't this life that should concern me so much but it's the next life, a life in Heaven that I should focus on. I spent time on my vacation discussing with my son what Heaven might be like. It was started with a conversation about how cool the mini-golf course in Heaven must be (if you'd seen him on vacation, you would understand) and whether he would see relatives and friends and it went from there. I told him I thought part of Heaven had to be just like Colorado with beautiful rivers and plenty of trout. We finished up agreeing that neither of us can probably truly imagine how wonderful Heaven will be but we both want to be there.

I'm thankful for my life but ever mindful that I'm more thankful for a life that was given for my eternal salvation.