It's good to be home again and good to see all the water falling from the sky. I feel for the people south of us who are battling flooded homes but appreciate the rain we are receiving.
I had a good, fast trip the last couple of days. My experience at A&M was great and I really enjoyed visiting with some bright kids. I hope I have the opportunity again in the future.
One of the best parts of the trip was stopping at the Czech Stop both going and coming back for some of their great kolaches.
On my trip from College Station to Salado, I took some back roads and saw some beautiful country. Green pastures, tanks full of water. It was an awesome and enjoyable sight.
Now, it's back to the grindstone working for the man. Ha. It's good to be home but I am thankful for the experience I had.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
I Miss...
...the touch of my wife at bedtime.
...the joy of seeing my young daughter getting out of my truck in the morning looking more like a young lady.
...the joyous voice of my son.
...my bed.
...the routine of my life.
...watching a little TV with the kids.
...dinner at home - in whatever shifts we might be eating that night.
...the peace I feel when sleeping next to my wife.
I'm away from home and I don't enjoy it. I'm excited about my day tomorrow but would rather find a way to do it sleeping in my own bed and seeing my family in the morning.
The good news is that our well was fixed and there is water at the house. It made leaving a little easier.
I trust my wife and kids know I miss them, am thinking about them and saying a pray for them tonight.
...the joy of seeing my young daughter getting out of my truck in the morning looking more like a young lady.
...the joyous voice of my son.
...my bed.
...the routine of my life.
...watching a little TV with the kids.
...dinner at home - in whatever shifts we might be eating that night.
...the peace I feel when sleeping next to my wife.
I'm away from home and I don't enjoy it. I'm excited about my day tomorrow but would rather find a way to do it sleeping in my own bed and seeing my family in the morning.
The good news is that our well was fixed and there is water at the house. It made leaving a little easier.
I trust my wife and kids know I miss them, am thinking about them and saying a pray for them tonight.
Rain...With No Water
The rain was nice yesterday and I enjoyed seeing a lot of it yesterday. There was water standing in low spots on my way home, a welcome sight. How ironic though that we have no water at our house. I'm guessing at this point the pump has gone out. Our electrician (this might be where I should put an advertisement) came out and replaced everything he could and at 10:00pm there was still no water. It's a long night when you don't have water. I don't know that it's so bad not having it as it is knowing you don't have it.
This morning was a bit off-kilter but a big THANK YOU is due my wife's sister and family for letting us seek shower refuge at their house.
I hate leaving town when things aren't right. Hopefully we can get this resolved today and back to a normal routine.
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Speaking of off-kilter, coming back home from my shower I pulled down our street to see a truck sitting across one of my neighbor's driveway and partially in the culvert. It had demolished his mailbox and the brick ledge on both sides of his driveway. What a wake-up call.
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Having no water makes me start thinking about global warming and the other warnings I hear about dwindling water supplies. It makes me stop and think what kind of world we are leaving our children. It makes me stop and think what we need to do to be better stewards of what God has given us. I don't have a position on global warming and think it has been overly-politized but I do wonder...
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Since I'll be "guest-lecturing" tomorrow and the professor is picking me up at 6:15 in the morning (I usually don't drag myself out of bed until 6:30 at the earliest), there probably won't be a blog tomorrow. Until I write again, have a great day(s) and I hope your water is always running.
This morning was a bit off-kilter but a big THANK YOU is due my wife's sister and family for letting us seek shower refuge at their house.
I hate leaving town when things aren't right. Hopefully we can get this resolved today and back to a normal routine.
________________________________________________________
Speaking of off-kilter, coming back home from my shower I pulled down our street to see a truck sitting across one of my neighbor's driveway and partially in the culvert. It had demolished his mailbox and the brick ledge on both sides of his driveway. What a wake-up call.
________________________________________________________
Having no water makes me start thinking about global warming and the other warnings I hear about dwindling water supplies. It makes me stop and think what kind of world we are leaving our children. It makes me stop and think what we need to do to be better stewards of what God has given us. I don't have a position on global warming and think it has been overly-politized but I do wonder...
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Since I'll be "guest-lecturing" tomorrow and the professor is picking me up at 6:15 in the morning (I usually don't drag myself out of bed until 6:30 at the earliest), there probably won't be a blog tomorrow. Until I write again, have a great day(s) and I hope your water is always running.
Monday, March 26, 2007
The Final Four Is Set
Four are left. Florida, UCLA, Ohio State and Georgetown. The games over the past weekend have been really good with some close games coming down to the final minutes/seconds. I'm pulling for Florida and imagining a Florida-Ohio State matchup although I'm not sure OSU can get by Georgetown. It's good stuff. I'm just concerned that the championship game may interfere with 24. Egad.
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I heard a great sermon on prayer yesterday. Prayer is something that perplexes me at times because too often I'm afraid I am asking way too much for myself. Other times, I feel like I am not asking for enough. I am thankful because I believe God does listen to my heart more than my words which are inadequate and knows what I need and will give me what I need when I don't know how to say it.
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Some of you know I am heading to Texas A&M on Wednesday to speak to some of their Ag-Business classes (guest-lecturer is the official term they use). I'm excited for the opportunity and nervous also. I've put together a PowerPoint presentation (with lots of help) to use so I look a little more advanced. I think the most challenging part of the day will be to be ready at 6:15 A.M. when they want to pick me up at the hotel for breakfast. If you know me, you know me rolling out of bed by 6:30 is a feat of epic proportions so being ready at 6:15 strikes fear in me.
My son suggested a talk consisting of "boo Aggies, boo Aggies, boo Aggies, Hook'em Horns!" but I'm not sure that will go over well. He also thought I should wear one of my Longhorn t-shirts - most likely the national championship shirt. It's great to have his support.
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While I'm off to Aggieland, my daughter will be heading to San Antonio this week to compete at State in a UIL Science competition. She had to spend a couple of Saturdays testing to qualify and now is going for the gold (I'm not sure what they get actually). They leave Thursday morning and will spend the day traveling and then touring the Alamo and Riverwalk. On Friday, they get to go to Sea World and then the competition and drive home on Saturday.
I'm so proud of her and know she will do great representing her school and herself.
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I heard a great sermon on prayer yesterday. Prayer is something that perplexes me at times because too often I'm afraid I am asking way too much for myself. Other times, I feel like I am not asking for enough. I am thankful because I believe God does listen to my heart more than my words which are inadequate and knows what I need and will give me what I need when I don't know how to say it.
__________________________________________________________
Some of you know I am heading to Texas A&M on Wednesday to speak to some of their Ag-Business classes (guest-lecturer is the official term they use). I'm excited for the opportunity and nervous also. I've put together a PowerPoint presentation (with lots of help) to use so I look a little more advanced. I think the most challenging part of the day will be to be ready at 6:15 A.M. when they want to pick me up at the hotel for breakfast. If you know me, you know me rolling out of bed by 6:30 is a feat of epic proportions so being ready at 6:15 strikes fear in me.
My son suggested a talk consisting of "boo Aggies, boo Aggies, boo Aggies, Hook'em Horns!" but I'm not sure that will go over well. He also thought I should wear one of my Longhorn t-shirts - most likely the national championship shirt. It's great to have his support.
__________________________________________________________
While I'm off to Aggieland, my daughter will be heading to San Antonio this week to compete at State in a UIL Science competition. She had to spend a couple of Saturdays testing to qualify and now is going for the gold (I'm not sure what they get actually). They leave Thursday morning and will spend the day traveling and then touring the Alamo and Riverwalk. On Friday, they get to go to Sea World and then the competition and drive home on Saturday.
I'm so proud of her and know she will do great representing her school and herself.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Wahoo
Growing up, we played a game called Wahoo. It had something to do with moving marbles around on a board and I remember a picture of an indian on the game board. I'm sure it would be politically incorrect today but it was a fun game.
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It's Friday. Another Wahoo. It's been one of those weeks I'm glad is almost over.
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Wednesday night, one of the young men in the youth group spoke to the class about leadership. It was obvious he was a little nervous - up and talking in front of his peers about an important topic. He spoke about servant leadership, about Jesus coming to earth to serve and about our need to serve. I'm not sure I would have ever put that together when I was in high school and was impressed by him and his willingness to serve as a leader among his peers.
There are a number of kids in that group that exhibit the same leadership qualities in many ways. They all encourage me and remind me of what I need to do to serve them.
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It's Friday. Another Wahoo. It's been one of those weeks I'm glad is almost over.
___________________________________________________________
Wednesday night, one of the young men in the youth group spoke to the class about leadership. It was obvious he was a little nervous - up and talking in front of his peers about an important topic. He spoke about servant leadership, about Jesus coming to earth to serve and about our need to serve. I'm not sure I would have ever put that together when I was in high school and was impressed by him and his willingness to serve as a leader among his peers.
There are a number of kids in that group that exhibit the same leadership qualities in many ways. They all encourage me and remind me of what I need to do to serve them.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Absolutely Nothing
That's what I'm feeling the ability to write about today. A short night of sleep, a stressful day at work and humidity are all conspiring against me to be creative. Such is life at times.
I hope the rain will reach us but it isn't looking promising according to the weatherman I heard last night. I've seen a few sprinkles here and there but nothing worthwhile.
On Letterman last night, a recent graduate of Duke University was demonstrating his invention, the Beer Launcher. The premise is that you can stay on the couch, press a button on a remote and the a mechanical arm will retrieve a beer from the refrigerator and then launch it to you while you never move. It worked well but it makes you wonder about the kid and his college education. I guess the fact that he graduated from Duke with an engineering degree offers some promise that he will create something more beneficial for society eventually.
Have a great day.
I hope the rain will reach us but it isn't looking promising according to the weatherman I heard last night. I've seen a few sprinkles here and there but nothing worthwhile.
On Letterman last night, a recent graduate of Duke University was demonstrating his invention, the Beer Launcher. The premise is that you can stay on the couch, press a button on a remote and the a mechanical arm will retrieve a beer from the refrigerator and then launch it to you while you never move. It worked well but it makes you wonder about the kid and his college education. I guess the fact that he graduated from Duke with an engineering degree offers some promise that he will create something more beneficial for society eventually.
Have a great day.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Pick a Ticket
I'm meeting with some guys I share Rangers season tickets with today so we can start picking our games. It's an elaborate but fair process and I'm looking forward to watching baseball again. It's a sport I never had much interest in growing up but as you may know, my son loves it and because of that, so do I. While my passion for the sport has grown because of him, it has also grown because I have learned to enjoy different aspects of the game. One of the most interesting things to me is how it is both a team sport but also a very individual sport. To some degree, most sports are the same but I think baseball exemplifies the individual/team aspect more than others. The team relies on the individual to make plays but the individual has to make the play on his own. There's no one blocking for him when he hits, there is no one setting a screen when the ball is coming his way. It's up to the individual to perform to bolster what the team is wanting to accomplish. I'm getting excited for what I once thought of as a very boring game.
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I heard they found a 12 year old boy who had been missing in the woods or on a mountain somewhere in the last day or so. I obviously didn't catch the whole story but when I first heard about it, I thought about my own 12 year old and how she would survive in those circumstances. I know the parents must have been scared to death and I'm thankful the story ended on a good note. That young boy must be courageous and very relieved to be back home.
I like good endings.
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I heard they found a 12 year old boy who had been missing in the woods or on a mountain somewhere in the last day or so. I obviously didn't catch the whole story but when I first heard about it, I thought about my own 12 year old and how she would survive in those circumstances. I know the parents must have been scared to death and I'm thankful the story ended on a good note. That young boy must be courageous and very relieved to be back home.
I like good endings.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Let the Arrows Fly
I saw a clip on the news this morning about a video shown on YouTube bashing Hillary and supporting Obama. Obama claims to have nothing to do with the ad and I have no reason to doubt that. What really stands out to me is that the vicious attacks are beginning and may now even be coming from outside the campaigns, attacks created by individuals who have the technological tools to manipulate what we see on the internet - for free.
It strikes me that the political battle often becomes a battle to tear opposing candidates down rather than build their own candidates up. I hear so much about the bad things the other candidate has done or will do but I don't hear as much about what their candidate has done or will do.
Sometimes the Christian battle is too similar. I hear about what everyone else is doing wrong but not enough about what God has done right. I hear people tearing down others but failing to build up our Savior.
I hope my heart is in the right place. I hope people hear me building up the love and saving grace of Jesus, the only thing that will save them, instead of tearing down others. I realize Satan is the battle we face and that Satan throws so many obstacles in our way. I realize there is a spiritual battle going on around me all the time. What I believe I have to stop and ask myself at times is "where is my heart?" Am I putting my focus and energy in fighting Satan or am I putting my focus and energy in wrapping myself in the armor of God?
I don't know that I'm clear in what I am trying to say today but hope you will hear the message God wants you to hear. As for me, the battle is on and today I will lean on God to help me overcome whatever I might face and to show those who are lost that there is hope, there is a glorious future that awaits them if they will only take hold of His hand and follow His will.
It strikes me that the political battle often becomes a battle to tear opposing candidates down rather than build their own candidates up. I hear so much about the bad things the other candidate has done or will do but I don't hear as much about what their candidate has done or will do.
Sometimes the Christian battle is too similar. I hear about what everyone else is doing wrong but not enough about what God has done right. I hear people tearing down others but failing to build up our Savior.
I hope my heart is in the right place. I hope people hear me building up the love and saving grace of Jesus, the only thing that will save them, instead of tearing down others. I realize Satan is the battle we face and that Satan throws so many obstacles in our way. I realize there is a spiritual battle going on around me all the time. What I believe I have to stop and ask myself at times is "where is my heart?" Am I putting my focus and energy in fighting Satan or am I putting my focus and energy in wrapping myself in the armor of God?
I don't know that I'm clear in what I am trying to say today but hope you will hear the message God wants you to hear. As for me, the battle is on and today I will lean on God to help me overcome whatever I might face and to show those who are lost that there is hope, there is a glorious future that awaits them if they will only take hold of His hand and follow His will.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Back In The Saddle
It's back to work today. Whew, where did last week go. I have a list of things I wanted to do that I never got to but had plenty of good time spent with the family doing different things and that's what I wanted to do most.
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Our preacher gave a great impromptu message last night about righteousness. He discussed Hebrews 10 and the message that we are justified with God through our baptism, that we are made right with Him at that time. He went on to explain how our sanctification, becoming righteous, is a continous process, something accomplished over time. I could feel what he was saying last night because I know I am growing closer to God all the time. Looking back, I'm thankful the my baptism wasn't the closest I would ever be to God because I understand now so much more about God and His love for me than I did then. I have a long trip to make to be where I need to be with God but I know I will keep making it because the more I learn about Him, the more I want to keep moving closer to Him.
________________________________________________________
Our preacher gave a great impromptu message last night about righteousness. He discussed Hebrews 10 and the message that we are justified with God through our baptism, that we are made right with Him at that time. He went on to explain how our sanctification, becoming righteous, is a continous process, something accomplished over time. I could feel what he was saying last night because I know I am growing closer to God all the time. Looking back, I'm thankful the my baptism wasn't the closest I would ever be to God because I understand now so much more about God and His love for me than I did then. I have a long trip to make to be where I need to be with God but I know I will keep making it because the more I learn about Him, the more I want to keep moving closer to Him.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
A Vacation Ending Too Soon
Tomorrow is the last official day of my vacation and it has come much too soon. I have not accomplished many of the things I had planned to do but also have had the opportunity to do some things with my family that I didn't plan for either.
I did spend a portion of the day mowing for the first time this season and I got my first sunburn of the year as did my son. We both suffer from fair skin and bad judgment meaning we both get burned easily and both don't think to put on sunscreen until after we've been burned once or twice. I've got more mowing to do tomorrow and you can bet I'll be sporting a good lather of sunscreen before I turn into a lobster.
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The first night of March Madness is nearly over and it's been a fun day and night. There's been a few upsets that were fun to watch and some games closer than they should have been. I was listening to the radio tonight and heard a player from Virginia Commonwealth shortly after they beat Duke. He was so excited, so happy and full of joy as he talked about their victory. He never ran down Duke or said anything negative or arrogant only expressing his excitement to play one more day. It's what I love about this tournament.
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I got a call tonight that one of my very closest friends growing up and his family had been in a bad wreck. Fortunately, it appears they will all be OK but it was scary for a bit. They were out of town but someone knew another church member was in the area. He was called and went to check on them. Another church member was driving down to where they are to see about them. The church secretary called someone at a church nearby and several members who don't even know this family have come by or called to check on them.
I thank God for our Christian family, for the love shown between brothers and sisters in Christ. I thank God for a Savior who has been our example and our sacrifice.
I did spend a portion of the day mowing for the first time this season and I got my first sunburn of the year as did my son. We both suffer from fair skin and bad judgment meaning we both get burned easily and both don't think to put on sunscreen until after we've been burned once or twice. I've got more mowing to do tomorrow and you can bet I'll be sporting a good lather of sunscreen before I turn into a lobster.
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The first night of March Madness is nearly over and it's been a fun day and night. There's been a few upsets that were fun to watch and some games closer than they should have been. I was listening to the radio tonight and heard a player from Virginia Commonwealth shortly after they beat Duke. He was so excited, so happy and full of joy as he talked about their victory. He never ran down Duke or said anything negative or arrogant only expressing his excitement to play one more day. It's what I love about this tournament.
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I got a call tonight that one of my very closest friends growing up and his family had been in a bad wreck. Fortunately, it appears they will all be OK but it was scary for a bit. They were out of town but someone knew another church member was in the area. He was called and went to check on them. Another church member was driving down to where they are to see about them. The church secretary called someone at a church nearby and several members who don't even know this family have come by or called to check on them.
I thank God for our Christian family, for the love shown between brothers and sisters in Christ. I thank God for a Savior who has been our example and our sacrifice.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
My Favorite Vacation Hot Spot
We ended up at Hulen Mall today. Yippee. It really wasn't so bad except that there weren't a large normal of "interesting" people to look at. Tonight we are watching American Idol which I haven't ever done. I'm realizing why I likely won't be watching it again.
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I saw Wild Hogs with my wife the other night. I spent most of the movie laughing. I think it's because many of my college buddies are gathering for Subberville this year. If you have an idea what Subberville would be, don't ask. If you don't know what Subberville is, DON'T ASK.
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If you read my blog, there's a good chance you read Rick Ross' blog (www.rross.blogspot.com). If you don't, Rick's wife Beverly left today for a mission trip to Kenya. She is going with several other women to work with women in the mission field in Kenya, to pray, study, praise and counsel with them. Pray for Beverly and the women on this trip for their success in lifting up God and each other and for their safe passage and return. They will be gone for two weeks - not a long trip by missions standards but an eon for spouses who await their return.
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I'm off to vacate a bit more.
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I saw Wild Hogs with my wife the other night. I spent most of the movie laughing. I think it's because many of my college buddies are gathering for Subberville this year. If you have an idea what Subberville would be, don't ask. If you don't know what Subberville is, DON'T ASK.
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If you read my blog, there's a good chance you read Rick Ross' blog (www.rross.blogspot.com). If you don't, Rick's wife Beverly left today for a mission trip to Kenya. She is going with several other women to work with women in the mission field in Kenya, to pray, study, praise and counsel with them. Pray for Beverly and the women on this trip for their success in lifting up God and each other and for their safe passage and return. They will be gone for two weeks - not a long trip by missions standards but an eon for spouses who await their return.
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I'm off to vacate a bit more.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Wayoutwise on vacation
I'm taking a few days off to hang out with the family. Today I took the kids to a movie (Bridge to Terabithia) and tomorrow we will venture off to the big city (Fort Worth) for some shopping (woohoo) and other stuff. It's good to have some time off and be with the people I love.
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I have a friend named Dennis who says I never write about something he knows about. While that opens the door to all sorts of comments, I do wonder what it is he would like to address. So, for Dennis and anyone else out there, let me know if there is something you would like to see addressed on Way Out Wise. I don't make any promises but you never know...
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The Big Dance cranks up this weekend. I'm thinking Florida will repeat but you just never know when it comes down to the tournament games. Kansas has a shot, Ohio State has a shot, Texas and Texas A&M are both dark horses and North Carolina could make it all the way. There are probably 3 others who might show up knocking on the door too.
I do play in a pool. Much of the money paid to play goes to a charity and some is paid out to the top-3 places. I've played in this pool since 1988 and it's my big gambling event of the year - $10 used to test my college basketball prowess. In the early years, I won something back pretty regularly. Lately, it's just a donation but I love it. College basketball is my favorite sport to watch and this part of the year is the sports pinnacle for me.
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We start baseball tournament play this weekend. Our mighty band of 10 year olds begins a quest to qualify for the Summer Nationals held in Oklahoma in July. We play in Desoto this weekend and don't really have a good feel for the ability of our team. It would be great to qualify right off the bat but I just hope we play well and the kids have fun playing baseball.
Go Destroyers!
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I have a friend named Dennis who says I never write about something he knows about. While that opens the door to all sorts of comments, I do wonder what it is he would like to address. So, for Dennis and anyone else out there, let me know if there is something you would like to see addressed on Way Out Wise. I don't make any promises but you never know...
____________________________________________________
The Big Dance cranks up this weekend. I'm thinking Florida will repeat but you just never know when it comes down to the tournament games. Kansas has a shot, Ohio State has a shot, Texas and Texas A&M are both dark horses and North Carolina could make it all the way. There are probably 3 others who might show up knocking on the door too.
I do play in a pool. Much of the money paid to play goes to a charity and some is paid out to the top-3 places. I've played in this pool since 1988 and it's my big gambling event of the year - $10 used to test my college basketball prowess. In the early years, I won something back pretty regularly. Lately, it's just a donation but I love it. College basketball is my favorite sport to watch and this part of the year is the sports pinnacle for me.
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We start baseball tournament play this weekend. Our mighty band of 10 year olds begins a quest to qualify for the Summer Nationals held in Oklahoma in July. We play in Desoto this weekend and don't really have a good feel for the ability of our team. It would be great to qualify right off the bat but I just hope we play well and the kids have fun playing baseball.
Go Destroyers!
Friday, March 09, 2007
Training
Last night was batting practice (w/o my young prodigy who is sporting a fever) with our baseball team. It's amazing how many times you can tell a kid what hand position to use, how to use their feet and legs and then watch them do it their own way over and over.
It only becomes more frustrating as I relate their actions to my spiritual life. How many times can I hear God's word telling me what I should do yet I keep going back to my own bad habits over and over?
I hope our little kids will become more receptive to our coaching points so they can improve their performance.
I have a much greater hope that I will become more receptive to God's directives for me so that I will be a better example of Christ-likeness.
It only becomes more frustrating as I relate their actions to my spiritual life. How many times can I hear God's word telling me what I should do yet I keep going back to my own bad habits over and over?
I hope our little kids will become more receptive to our coaching points so they can improve their performance.
I have a much greater hope that I will become more receptive to God's directives for me so that I will be a better example of Christ-likeness.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Mo' Money
The big lottery drawing last night rendered two winners splitting a $355-370 million dollar jackpot. Wow. That is a lot of money to have handed to you, even if you have to share 1/2 of it. I hope those who won can use it for good. There was a report a year or so back about past lottery winners and the pain the money and change in lifestyle had brought on many of the people and their families. I hope this money can be used to help those families and help other people.
Good Morning America was listing what you could buy with that money and one of the things they mentioned was something in the neighborhood of 59 million Big Macs. Doesn't that just sound yummy?
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I don't seem to have much time to watch or read the news anymore but I heard something this morning about more problems with the stock market and the price of gas going up. Great.
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The Mavs won their 16th game in a row last night. Michael Young signed a long term deal with the Rangers. I'm not sure what's going on with the Cowboys and I don't understand hockey.
I'm looking forward to the start of baseball season and hope the Mavs make a long run to the championship game. Maybe it will help us forget about gas and the stock market.
Good Morning America was listing what you could buy with that money and one of the things they mentioned was something in the neighborhood of 59 million Big Macs. Doesn't that just sound yummy?
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I don't seem to have much time to watch or read the news anymore but I heard something this morning about more problems with the stock market and the price of gas going up. Great.
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The Mavs won their 16th game in a row last night. Michael Young signed a long term deal with the Rangers. I'm not sure what's going on with the Cowboys and I don't understand hockey.
I'm looking forward to the start of baseball season and hope the Mavs make a long run to the championship game. Maybe it will help us forget about gas and the stock market.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Deal or No Deal
Our family has become hooked on this show. I don't know the whole story of the lady who was on Monday night but from the few comments I heard, it was evident she was living on a low income while working 3 jobs (yes, 3 jobs). The $1,000,000 prize was lost fairly quickly and then she went on a streak of good guessing. When the offer for her to quit picking was $189,000 I was hoping she would take it. She didn't and kept risking losing everything. In the end, she ended up with $402,000. That's a lot of money for anyone but for someone working 3 jobs, it had to be wonderful. I was excited for her and hope she will do good things in the future.
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I was reading some material written by a preacher from a church in Arizona. It is a newsletter that kicks around all the changes in churches of Christ and beats up on anyone who doesn't agree with his point of view. I think he has a right to do that and there is probably some merit in some of what he writes. Here's what bothers me about those types of newsletters. All they do is talk about what we need to do in church. I'm no Bible scholar and need to reread the Gospels but I just don't recall Jesus spending much time talking about what we need to do in church. In fact, I don't recall any of the New Testament books spending as much time talking about what we do in church as these newsletters do. However, I do read quite a bit in the Bible about what we are supposed to do outside the building - to show love, to serve, to be peacemakers, to show mercy and compassion, to teach and lead the lost to Christ.
I've grown up in a time where it seems much has been made about what happens in our corporate worship to the point I have lost touch with my duty to seek and save the lost. May God help me when I lose sight of the cross, when I forget the greatest command, when I turn inward and focus on myself. I pray I seek my mission of being outward focused on those who need Christ and that the church becomes a place of safety instead of a battleground, that our Christian family will be unified in the glory of a Savior who died for us while we were still in our sin and that we only share in the peace and love that is ours to claim because of amazing grace.
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I was reading some material written by a preacher from a church in Arizona. It is a newsletter that kicks around all the changes in churches of Christ and beats up on anyone who doesn't agree with his point of view. I think he has a right to do that and there is probably some merit in some of what he writes. Here's what bothers me about those types of newsletters. All they do is talk about what we need to do in church. I'm no Bible scholar and need to reread the Gospels but I just don't recall Jesus spending much time talking about what we need to do in church. In fact, I don't recall any of the New Testament books spending as much time talking about what we do in church as these newsletters do. However, I do read quite a bit in the Bible about what we are supposed to do outside the building - to show love, to serve, to be peacemakers, to show mercy and compassion, to teach and lead the lost to Christ.
I've grown up in a time where it seems much has been made about what happens in our corporate worship to the point I have lost touch with my duty to seek and save the lost. May God help me when I lose sight of the cross, when I forget the greatest command, when I turn inward and focus on myself. I pray I seek my mission of being outward focused on those who need Christ and that the church becomes a place of safety instead of a battleground, that our Christian family will be unified in the glory of a Savior who died for us while we were still in our sin and that we only share in the peace and love that is ours to claim because of amazing grace.
Good Morning Monday
In interviews, I often ask candidates what their favorite day of the week is. Most answer Friday or Saturday because it's the end of the week/the week is over/rest (not great answers in the retail environment since this is when most of the sales occur). A few will say Wednesday or Thursday and 1 or 2 have said Sunday because of religious reasons. Friday, I talked to a new employee who said Monday. I was surprised. She said it was because it was an opportunity to start her work week fresh and do better than she did last week.
It was a surprising and refreshing answer.
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I have a friend who was sick yesterday. His wife said he was sick in the head (OK, maybe I'm paraphrasing the way I imagined hearing it). At any rate, I hope he got his Sonic coney with chili, onions and jalepenos and feels better today.
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Some of you know I head up the Missions committee at our church. A few years ago, I viewed missions work as one of those things we were supposed to do. Now, I enjoy it immensely and get excited about hearing what people want to do to carry the Gospel around the globe. We are the sponsoring church for a young man in Aracaju, Brazil doing incredible work. Last year, we began supporting a fascinating couple in Paris, France. I don't know I've met anyone with more energy than those two and they use it all for God's purpose. We are now considering support for people working in India, Africa and here in the states. I look forward to giving more information on all of these as it comes together. At any rate, I felt great after our meeting yesterday with what we are able to do and only wish we could do more. There are so many great opportunities and I pray that those who desire to be missionaries will get the support and help they need.
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Brazil is the furthest I've ever traveled. What's your most remote locale to visit (for any reason, business, pleasure, church, etc.)?
It was a surprising and refreshing answer.
_____________________________________________________
I have a friend who was sick yesterday. His wife said he was sick in the head (OK, maybe I'm paraphrasing the way I imagined hearing it). At any rate, I hope he got his Sonic coney with chili, onions and jalepenos and feels better today.
_____________________________________________________
Some of you know I head up the Missions committee at our church. A few years ago, I viewed missions work as one of those things we were supposed to do. Now, I enjoy it immensely and get excited about hearing what people want to do to carry the Gospel around the globe. We are the sponsoring church for a young man in Aracaju, Brazil doing incredible work. Last year, we began supporting a fascinating couple in Paris, France. I don't know I've met anyone with more energy than those two and they use it all for God's purpose. We are now considering support for people working in India, Africa and here in the states. I look forward to giving more information on all of these as it comes together. At any rate, I felt great after our meeting yesterday with what we are able to do and only wish we could do more. There are so many great opportunities and I pray that those who desire to be missionaries will get the support and help they need.
_____________________________________________________
Brazil is the furthest I've ever traveled. What's your most remote locale to visit (for any reason, business, pleasure, church, etc.)?
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Two Funerals
The mother of a good friend of ours passed away Tuesday as well as an Elder and a good friend in our church. I know both these people loved the Lord and are now sharing in their inheritance from God but the time of a death is still rough for me. I think it is because it brings up so many questions that I mull over.
Peggy is the mother of a good friend of ours. I didn't know Peggy that well but I know her daughter and that tells me a lot about Peggy I think. From what I see through her daughter, Peggy loved God. She loved people too. The times I was around Peggy, she seemed full of life, always happy. I've known her daughter for several years and I have always seen someone who is caring, encouraging and joyful. I am confident that she got much of that from her mother.
I was blessed to know Jim. Jim always wore a smile and was encourager to everyone. He became one of my heroes when I was heading up Adult Education at our church and looking for teachers. I asked Jim and he turned me down. I got a call later that night and it was Jim. "Jeff, I need to teach. I need to do it for me and for my kids. They need to see a good example from me." Such sweet words from a gentle man. He later became an Elder in our church and someone I gained strength from. We had several conversations when some things weren't going the way we all wanted them and Jim would state what he felt we needed to do and end by saying, "we've just got to do it, Jeff. We gotta." He was one of the best cheerleaders I've ever known.
Peggy and Jim have gone on to a better place but they have left their spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control with all of us.
Peggy is the mother of a good friend of ours. I didn't know Peggy that well but I know her daughter and that tells me a lot about Peggy I think. From what I see through her daughter, Peggy loved God. She loved people too. The times I was around Peggy, she seemed full of life, always happy. I've known her daughter for several years and I have always seen someone who is caring, encouraging and joyful. I am confident that she got much of that from her mother.
I was blessed to know Jim. Jim always wore a smile and was encourager to everyone. He became one of my heroes when I was heading up Adult Education at our church and looking for teachers. I asked Jim and he turned me down. I got a call later that night and it was Jim. "Jeff, I need to teach. I need to do it for me and for my kids. They need to see a good example from me." Such sweet words from a gentle man. He later became an Elder in our church and someone I gained strength from. We had several conversations when some things weren't going the way we all wanted them and Jim would state what he felt we needed to do and end by saying, "we've just got to do it, Jeff. We gotta." He was one of the best cheerleaders I've ever known.
Peggy and Jim have gone on to a better place but they have left their spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control with all of us.
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