The Last Day

It's hard to believe 2008 is just hours away from being gone and 2009 is closing in on me. Time continues to fly and I can do nothing to slow it down. Wow. So many things have happened during 2008 that have shaped me and formed me and pulled me closer to God. I am thankful for all the good and all the bad that have drawn me closer to my Lord. I feel like events in my life this past year have opened my eyes to God in ways I never imagined or understood and for that, I praise Him.

I hope anyone reading this will have a great 2009 and that the new year will bring you closer to God too. My wishes for peace, prosperity and all good things are directed completely towards relationships with God because that is where we will find true peace, true prosperity, true love, true healing.
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I celebrated the start of my 44th year last night with my family by eating at Joe T. Garcia's (my fave) and a night at Bass Hall. It was a good night to be with the people I love sharing good food and a fun time.
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My blog is digressing but I'm just hearing that Mike Shanahan was fired by the Denver Broncos. Let me get this straight, Wade Phillips who hasn't done much gets to keep his job and Shanahan who won Super Bowls loses his. What a topsy-turvy job market.
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My last blogged words of this year...

May you find all you need in our Creator and Savior's love in 2009 and forevermore.

The Fallacy of Self-Esteem

Have you seen the billboard ads for IAMSECOND.COM? I was attracted to it because Josh Hamilton is advertised so I went to check it out. It's a site that wants to get the message across that God must be first in all that we do, in who we are. I listened to stories from Hamilton, from Brian "Head" Welch and a few others and it's powerful to hear people talk about their journey from the edge of hell back to God.

It got me to thinking about the emphasis our society puts on self-esteem. Self-esteem puts a focus right where it advertises, on self, and I think that causes a problem for a lot of people. As a parent, my greatest fear of failure is not leading my children to understand that God must be first, that He made them perfectly in His image and that no matter what happens in life, they will always be loved unconditionally by their Creator.

Of course, the key is that they have to accept that. I have known God loves me all my life but haven't really understood it or accepted it. I have been worried about how I was perceived by others and that worry affected how I felt about myself-not putting God first. Thankfully, I have come to that place where I have begun to grasp God's love for me, His unconditional, constant love and in that, I am more and more focused on what He is seeing in me, not what others see.

As I begin another year of life, I am more thankful than ever for God's love for me. I am thankful He made me the way He wanted me, that He is always the same, always waiting for me, arms open. No matter how others see me, no matter my blunders and failings, no matter what I want to think of myself, there is One who will always lift me up and as long as my focus is on Him first, I know I will have little trouble worrying what others think because my Creator also gave me the Savior.

The Day After

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone. I think working in retail has blinded me to the Christmas spirit buildup and then it's over in a day (or so). I think we should all have at least 2 weeks off to celebrate Christmas. :)
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Josh's baseball coach sent this link to the players and asked them to read it. It's a great story.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3789373

If you didn't feel good already, this story should help. It's more than just good sportsmanship, it's people acting like Christians. Awesome. Kudos to Rick Reilly for putting it on a stage as big as ESPN.
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Did anyone catch the news that Mark Texiera (a former Ranger) signed with the Yankees for $180 million over 8 years. Here's to hoping the Yankees don't win a World Series for several more years. I like Texiera but it's obviously about money and I just don't like that.

Then again, if my kids ever get a shot at that kind of money, I might be inclined to suggest they take it.
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The Whataburger Basketball Tournament cranks up next Monday. It's always a fun day for me.

I hope I can get tickets to the Final Four when it comes to Jerry's Palace. I think that would be THE ultimate sporting event for me.
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I'm a big Josh Hamilton fan. He was awarded the Fort Worth Star Telegram Sportsman of the Year award. When contacted about winning the award and how great it was to be given the honor on Christmas Day, Hamilton acknowledged he was happy to win the award but Christmas was all about celebrating the birth of Jesus, the Savior and any personal awards didn't come close to celebrating the Christ. Hamilton is constantly using the baseball stage to thank God for pulling him out of the hell he was in.

Merry Christmas to All

I hope you and those you love have a wonderful Christmas and 2009 will be filled with the blessings of God for you.

Sunday, we were reading about Mary being told she would be the mother of the Messiah. Can you imagine? I can't. If I were a young (teenager) girl and was told I would give birth, as a virgin, to the Savior I can't begin to imagine the thoughts I would have. I can guess some of those thoughts would be to run, to hide. People would stare, say things, think things. The list can go on and on but what is important is what Mary did - praised God.

God gives us gifts and too often I have been more worried about what someone would think if I was using my gift than in praising God for the gift and carrying out His will. Mary had some worries but she chose to praise God, to do His will.

I give thanks for Mary and her choice, her example to us all. Even more, I give thanks to God for sending His son, the Savior and Redeemer, for me. The sin he bore on the cross was mine and there are times the thought of it will bring me to tears but exceedingly more wonderful is that the life He was resurrected to is mine also. Eternity with God awaits for me and for you because the Christ was born and lived out God's purpose for me and for you. It leaves me without words to express my joy and peace.

I Think I Understand

I have tried to let this go and not blog about it but it's bugging me. I was listening to Michael Irvin's radio show on ESPN radio earlier this week and understand why some people think so little of Christianity.

Irvin was interviewing a lady affiliated with the Humane Society in Georgia. The lady had filed protests at some stores that sold Michael Vick jerseys and the jerseys were pulled off the shelf. (Michael Vick, a pro football player, is in prison for running a dog-fighting operation.) I could understand a Humane Society supporter protesting Vick stuff but then the conversation went south. Irvin asked her why she continued to protest now that Vick had served his sentence and she begin to explain how he could never be forgiven and did not deserve the opportunity to continue his career in the NFL. She explained that in her mind, dog-fighting is on par with child molestation and Vick deserved nothing more than to be a janitor at a dog pound but never deserved complete forgiveness. Irvin then asked her if she was a Christian. She said yes and mentioned the denomination she attended and reiterated the heinousness of Vick's crime in her eyes and that he did not deserve forgiveness or any other opportunities or a public career.

It got worse when Irvin's co-host asked if Vick and a dog were in a burning building and she could only go in and get one, who would it be? She laughed and said that was an easy answer. The co-host asked if it would be the dog and she just laughed and said yes. The co-host could only respond "it gives the definition of "humane" a whole new meaning."

Is it any wonder the world has a low view of Christians? Speaking the truth is necessary and many people will reject the truth but one of the core truth's of Christianity is compassion and forgiveness. Jesus on the cross is forgiveness. Jesus resurrected is redemption. It's available to everyone who will take it...and share it. To claim the forgiveness provided us by Jesus but say Michael Vick never deserves it...it just doesn't make sense to me and I'm guessing it gives those who denounce Christianity an easy target for their skepticism, scorn and wrath.

I disagree with the woman's idea of forgiveness. I don't know that I'm right and she's not but I will err on the side of too much forgiveness (is there such a thing based on God's forgiveness of us?) than too little.
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I enjoy listening to Irvin on the radio. As a man with a checkered past, he has built his relationship with God and is one who will extend compassion and forgiveness. At times, you might tune in and think you hit a gospel channel because he can preach - and would make a pretty good one.

Asking Why

A fatal car accident. A wife losing her husband. Five children losing their father. Why God? Why?

Monday was one of those days where it seems impossible to not ask God why something so sad, so tragic, can happen. Why God?

As much as I want to say I put my full faith and hope in God, there are some things that happen and I can't help but ask why. I wish I had better answers. Someone asked me for a scripture they could use to help console people hurt by this tragedy. I suggested Romans 8:37-39 because it has certainly lifted me up at times but when someone loses their husband, their dad, I wonder if it helps.

I know God allows good and bad to happen to the good and bad. I have been reading Job and see how God allowed a blameless man to face obstacles. I know that in the darkest of times, we can be drawn closer to God than at any other time. I know that there are mysteries of God we may never know, never understand. I know all of that and I still can't help but ask why at times and then, in those times, I also find myself praying that those who have lost, those who are hurting will seek God and that He will give them what they need. It's in those times that I am full of belief that only God can heal, only God can bring peace.

I will probably continue to find times where I ask God why something is happening that I just don't understand, where I can't see what good can come from it. I'm sure I will but I hope that I will also use those times to go deeper with God, to seek His purpose in my life. I've learned that there are times I need to feel pain to seek healing, I need to be aware of hurt so I'm more fully aware of His mercy and grace, that I need to be engaged in a spiritual battle so I will use the armor God has given me.

I am praying that the family that lost their husband and father will seek God for the comfort only He can provide. I am praying that they will remain strong in their faith and that He will provide all they need, today and forever.

The Weekend

Colt McCoy should win the Heisman on Saturday. I'm betting he won't.

Politics in Illinois are certainly an interesting case study. It's a good thing Obama is squeaky clean. :)

I like it when Thanksgiving is earlier in November and we have another weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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Can you imagine what homeless people are going through right now. It's cold outside.

When I was in Denver a few weeks ago, I was struck by the homeless huddled together near the capitol in the mornings and walking the 16th Street Mall in the evening. I can't figure out why a homeless person would stay in Colorado during the winter but, I can't really comprehend their lives at all.

Having read Same Kind of Different As Me recently, I see the homeless much different than I have before. Honestly, I've been a little scared of "them". In Denver, I saw a man walking in circles and talking to himself and I wondered what has happened to him - but wouldn't take one step towards him to find out.

I'm struggling with my thoughts and feelings towards the homeless. I am much more compassionate to them today than I used to be but I haven't taken a step forward to figure out how I could help them - yet.

I ask you to help me by joining me in prayer for the homeless, for those who may feel cast out of society, for those who feel invisible to the rest of us. I'll be praying that God provides for them what they need and that He provides for me what I need to help them in some way.

No matter our status, our appearance, our bank accounts; we are all God's children, made in His image, loved by Him.

Job (the book in the Bible)

I've been reading Job again. In some ways, it's like the first time I've read it because I'm getting new thoughts and understanding. It's slow because I keep re-reading passages over and over until I think I really understand the lessons. One of the things I love about the Bible is that I continue to learn new lessons the more I read. Stories I've heard many times can still bring new understandings and insights to how I understand God and understand my relationship with Him. I think I'll have more to say about Job when I get through it. I still can't understand God's decision to allow Job to suffer. Saying that, I appreciate the lessons and the example but I feel sorry for Job. On the other hand, when I hear the question "why does God let bad things happen to good people?" I look at Job and the answer I hear is "so God can use the strong to teach the weak." I don't know if that's right or not but I gain strength through Job's story. I gained strength watching Jerry and Anna Nicholas. I have gained strength through other friends who have endured pains and battles I will never grasp. The strength I have gained is the strength that allows me to cling to God more tightly, to hold on to the hope He gives me. I still slip and fall but seeing the strong endure the traps satan throws in front of them builds me up, not in myself, but in my ever-increasing reliance on and in God.

I would be thrilled if no other bad things happened to good people but I feel pretty sure that God will continue to use the strong to teach the weak. I hope I continue to learn and continue to seek my strength from God and his perfect love.

Say It Ain't So CC

CC Sabathia is signing with the Yankees for $140 million or something. I hate to see it. CC proved what a good guy he was when he was traded to the Brewers and brought life to a team on the verge of flaming out and getting them to the playoffs. He pitched on 3 days rest, unheard of for most overpaid pitchers. Rumor was he wanted to play on the Left Coast and he would have looked great in a Dodger uniform playing for Joe Torre but instead, he takes the big dollars (I can't blame him), and goes to play for the Steinbrenner's and their overblown egos and wallets.

K-Rod is going to the Mets. That's good news for the Rangers.

The Rangers aren't doing much. They traded Gerald Laird for two prospects when all the talk was how they could trade one of their other catchers for a name pitcher. Maybe the rumors weren't valid but I was underwhelmed by the trade they did make. One of the prospects is a 17 year old out of the Dominican Republic. I'm betting he never throws a pitch in Arlington.

I'm not sure why I'm somewhat disgusted by other pro sports and the money they pay but less so with baseball. It must be my baseball crazy kid who infects me with interest in the sport. Barry Zito makes $20 million a year and was horrible this year.

Did you see Texas beat Villanova last night? It was a great game for a great cause. It was part of the Jimmy V Foundation week and they showed replays of Jim Valvano's speech at the '93 ESPYs as he was dying from cancer. I love that speech and enjoy seeing it every year.
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God is so good.

Monday Again

Another year is flying to a close and I'm still thinking it should be February.

The Cowboys lost...again. I'm surprised how many people at church were recording it to watch the ending. After watching a bit of news last night, I have to agree with people who say Wade Phillips isn't the answer. I think there are many other problems but the guy is a horrible interview, says nothing and looks completely lost.

I'm surprised Jerry isn't paying me millions for that expert analysis.

Texas is playing Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. I hope the Texas players are more excited about playing Ohio State than I am. I'd prefer Alabama or USC.

I'm surprised the NCAA isn't paying me millions to set up the bowl games.

Houston and Air Force play in the Armed Forces Bowl in Ft. Worth. I'm thinking that could be a high scoring affair if the weather cooperates.

I saw Texas play UCLA in basketball the other night. Texas was ranked #8 and UCLA was #9. Texas won. I'm impressed. If Texas lets Rick Barnes (the coach) ever get away, it will be a bad day.

Bridgeport lost in their football playoff game last weekend. They are the rivals but I hoped they could make it all the way.

I hope you find the peace that is beyond compare, the peace that comes from God.

Ballin'

Our church basketball league has started up and we played our first game Tuesday night. We lost. It's crazy to walk out to the court, the average age of our team being in the mid-to-high 30's and face of a team of high school kids with one 30 year old thrown in. I know this, kids can run longer and further than we can. We play again next week and will go out, do our best and hope to avoid a trip to the hospital again.
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Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg and got suspended from playing football. The NFL and his team have taken some heat for suspending him and I just laugh. Does a team really need a guy playing for it that, on the day he finds out he won't play the next week because of a minor injury, goes out to a club with a loaded gun and shoots himself?

This guy makes millions of dollars each year. Teachers make $30.000. If that dollar differential doesn't sum up what's wrong with our society, I don't know what does.
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The auto guys are driving to Washington D.C. for this go-round of begging. The Ford guy said he would work for a $1. I guess that's a start. I want to ask what he wants to give back for the years he's spent getting them in this position but I suppose we need to start with today and move forward. I'm still fundamentally opposed to the bailout/loan but would hate to see so many workers suffer because of the guys at the top. Then again, the unions for the workers are part of creating the problems too so I think those guys need to pay a price along with the top guys at the car companies. Maybe they should all work for a $1 until the loans are paid back.
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Having peace with God is the most incredible feeling I have ever known.

Hate Is A Strong Word

I try to reserve the use of the word hate. In my mind, it conjures up a very strong emotion, a very negative emotion. Hate is an active word, a state of mind or cause of action that can continue and last for any length of time.

I hate Satan. I know he is near me, I know he is attempting to manipulate me and others I come in contact with to follow his desires. I hate him and my hatred is active because I know he is alive and real and working to pull me down. I allow myself to hate him because I want to be active in trying to repel him, to stay away from him, to avoid or deal with his manipulations. I know he is as real as anyone or anything around me. Even though I can't see him, I see his work and, at times, it leads me to tears and sickness.

I love God. I know He is near me, I know He is attempting to protect me, to guide me, to love me, to comfort me and He is trying to do it for others I come in contact with. I love Him and my love is active and alive because I know He is real and gives all He has for me. I love Him because I want to be active in living glory to Him. I love Him because He gave me the ultimate sacrifice. I love Him because, even when I fall to the manipulations of Satan, even when I turn from the God who gave His son for me, He welcomes me back, He loves me, and still allows me to be bathed in His mercy and grace. He corrects me, He allows me to feel pain and suffer from my wrongs but I know He does it in love because He knows I am learning, more and more, to be strong against evil, to resist the temptations to act on my own and I am learning to rely on Him, to simply seek His will and live it in my life.

Hate is a strong word but love is even stronger, more powerful. If we lived in a world of love, the power of what we would create is infinity stronger than a world filled with hate. Hatred leads to nothingness. Love leads to action upon action upon action. Hatred stops people from doing things; love drives people to do more and more.

I love the Lord and am thankful beyond words that He loves me.

Struggling to Write

I'm struggling with thoughts that I can't get into words so today will be more babbling about some random observations.

Obama promised change. Biden, Clinton and several other Clintonistas and politicians that have been hanging around for a few years are serving on his cabinet and advisory positions. Not a lot of change there.

I thought they would have changed the Big 12 tiebreakers by now. A team that beat the 2 teams playing in the Big 12 championship game is sitting at home. Here's hoping Missouri pulls out the upset of the year and Florida wins the SEC just to make it more interesting.

I read an article in the Wall Street Journal yesterday promoting the idea of taking education away from local districts and putting it at the national level. The idea is that the national government can reduce the layers of management for local districts and reduce resources. The article was written by Louis Gerstner who turned around IBM. I'm not sure it's a very good idea but wonder if it doesn't have some merit.

I saw a spot on TV about one school paying kids cash for good grades. One one hand, I'm all for rewarding high achievers. On the other hand, and I fear far worse, it just amplifies our societies problem with wanting immediate results instead of reinforcing that our vision needs to be a little longer, our hope for reward not always right in front of us.

I'm sure I've heard a sermon with that theme before. It's my biggest struggle right now.

Thanksgiving Roundup

I ate good. 1st stop included great turkey and dressing. Different members of my family made green bean bundles (awesome), pecan pie (YUMMY) and pound cake (delectable). I had two servings of sweet potatoes too. I typically don't eat pecan pie or sweet potatoes but both were really good this year. The pecan pie vanished way too soon. 2nd stop included chicken, black-eyed peas and hot water corn bread finished off with lemon icebox pie. Good 'ol soul food. There was a lot of other good stuff too but I stuck to the basics.
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The BCS poll is a wonderful thing. I think we should use a similar system to select the President and hire the CEO's of the Fortune 1000 companies. (I'm not being serious.)

If this year doesn't light a fire for someone to put a playoff system in, I really want to know who is getting paid off. Why is it OK for D2 and D3 schools but not D1? Yes, I'm a Texas fan and think they got ripped off but if Texas would have held on to the spot, Zero U would have gotten ripped off and Tech loses all the way around. Let them play it out on the field. Madness.
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I heard a scripture read yesterday that has stuck with me. Jeremiah 10:23-24, "I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, Lord, but only with justice - not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing."

My joy in the Lord today is that He could reduce me to nothing, to mere vapors, but He loves me and His desire for me is joy in Him and eternal life with Him.

Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is a day we traditionally gather for lots of food, football and maybe even a little sleep. We celebrate all that we are thankful for and, at least for me, that has usually been just the good things in my life. To some degree, Thanksgiving has even been a day of excess at times but this Thanksgiving, I'm also going to think about the tough times that have strengthened me and pulled me closer to God and pray more for those who have nothing or have losses they are struggling with - a prayer that in what seems like the worst of times, they find a God who loves them and will give them all they really need. I remain thankful for family and friends who have blessed me in so many ways and I will be extremely mindful of my Savior and the gift He gave me but also want to be more mindful of those who will have trouble expressing thanks on the day our country sets aside for that idea.
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The following is worthy of it's own space but I think it fits well with the idea of thanksgiving. It's from a blog written by Josh Ross and something that is so appropriate for me to remember. I have grown up in a country of plenty but as I thought about these words, it reminds me that the financial crisis, the new President and any other thing I can come up with doesn't go my way is really not relevant to the greater power I serve. Maybe it will help you, spur you to deeper thinking or just lay thoughts on your heart that might bless you.

From Rob Bell's new book Jesus Wants to Save Christians:

Most of the Bible is a history told by people living in lands occupied by conquering superpowers. It's a book written from the underside of power. It's an oppression narrative. The majority of the Bible was written by a minority people living under the rule and reign of massive, mighty empires, from the Egyptian Empire to the Babylonian Empire to the Persian Empire to the Assyrian Empire to the Roman Empire.
This can make the Bible a very difficult book to understand if you are reading it as a citizen of the most powerful empire the world has ever seen. Without careful study and reflection, and humility, it may even be possible to miss central themes of the Scriptures.

Losses

eHarmony lost a court case last week because they did not provide online matchmaking service for homosexuals. Now they have to or get shut down. That's just crazy. It's a sad day when a business owner can't run his business they way he wants to. And we thought we were a capitalist society.
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Can you believe Tech got blown away like they did? Wow. It makes Zero U look really impressive and that's just sad.

Since I'm speaking about losses, I have to mention West Texas State getting beat by the fightin' Christians (ACU-my alma mater) 93-68. The fans didn't even have time to shout "defense" as fast as those two teams were scoring.
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Several of us lost a friend and example with the loss of Jerry Nicholas on Friday. Jerry and Anna have made an incredible impact on so many people in Decatur and Jerry will certainly be missed. His battle with cancer was fought with such dignity and grace, but most of all, peace. Jerry was a teacher and incredible example to me of being at peace because of what Jerry knew was waiting for him after he left this world.

My prayers are with Anna and their family. Anna has been another example of a loving wife and incredible companion. I heard Jerry refer to her more than once as his angel and she exhibited angelic qualities through good and bad.

I know God has blessed me with Jerry and Anna and I thank Him for their friendship and example of Christ-likeness.

State Champions

The Decatur girls cross-country team is the 2008 3A State Champion in overwhelming fashion. They scored 27 compared to the 2nd place team's score of 85 (I won't go in to the scoring system by 27 is awesome). It was cold and windy and after the medal ceremony the girls and coaches all took a dip in the lake. Crazy stuff but I don't think many of them felt anything but victorious.

The varsity team consisted of 1 senior, 1 junior, 1 sophomore and 4 freshmen. I think there will be a few more trips to Round Rock in the next few years.

Wisdom in Strange Places

I just finished reading Same Kind of Different As Me. It's worth the time to read it and may open your eyes to what God can do in your life. The story is about a well-to-do couple getting involved in a homeless mission in Ft. Worth and their relationship with one of the people they meet (I'm withholding much of the detail in case you read it). The homeless man exhibits plenty of wisdom from God and one passage won't leave my mind because it is something I'm learning to live out. Denver, the homeless man, states, "Our limitations is God's opportunity. When you get all the way to the end of your rope and there ain't nothin you can do, that's when God takes over."

The greatest peace I have ever experienced is when I finally realized that I am not in control. It's not the way I think but I'm learning that I can't fix everything; shoot, I can't fix much of anything really - but God can. Maybe if I let Him start leading me, maybe if I keep my mouth shut and let Him speak, maybe if I humble myself and let Him work, things will go better for me.

It's crazy in a way to think that while I wait on something, when I am still, I can have more peace than I have ever known, that I can accept whatever comes because I know God is at work. As crazy as that may be, it's even crazier to think that God would send His only son to die for my sin. It makes no sense. I put Christ on the cross. He had to suffer for me but God still loves me, still forgives me, still opens His arms wide and then embraces me when I come to Him.

I hope I will become quicker to realize my limitations and see where God is finding opportunity. I hope I will relish the peace that comes by letting God work in my life instead of me messing it up.

God is so good.

Veterans' Day

Google is so cool. They have great graphics on special occasions and this is the one for Veterans' Day.

I am so thankful for our veterans. As a country of individuals, I think we too easily forget the price that has been paid for what we have. We complain about rules and rulemakers while men and women are giving their lives for us and I am guilty of letting my thanksgiving for these people slide by.

Today, let's all be thankful for these people who are serving or have served us and our country.

A Monday

Too many things floating around in my head today to really write anything. Just some observations.

Bama is #1 and Tech is #2. Texas is perched at #3 just waiting for one of them to fall. Good stuff for Longhorn fans.

Decatur ended a brutal football season with so many injuries it looked like a re-run of MASH at times. A tough year for some good people. I'm wondering how the injuries affect basketball and/or baseball for the Eagles this year. Ouch.

The Decatur Eagles ladies cross country team won 1st place at regionals and are headed to Round Rock this weekend for state. The boys missed the trip to state by 3 points.

The Cowboys had another week just like the past 2 or 3 - they didn't show up to play. Hahaha. It was a bye week, thank goodness.

The thing I kept hearing on the news this weekend is how Obama is going to reverse a bunch of Bush's Executive Orders. I thought Obama was about changing the way things are done and offering hope, not simply salivating to reverse Bush's decisions. I realize that will happen but I'd much prefer to hear how he's going to turn the economy around and actually see a plan laid out instead of hearing that he is going to reverse decisions on abortion and domestic drilling. Where's the "change" in that? It's just typically politics and sounds like a little gloating to go along with it.

I hope for hope in our national politics and for the country. I just don't have high expectations.

I'm Probably Wrong but...

I think George Bush's greatest fault, the thing that has brought his approval rating tumbling down, the biggest factor in him being vilified by the press is...ready for this...his public speaking ability. Yep, I think his ability, or lack thereof, to effectively speak to the public is what has killed people's opinion of him. When he speaks, he seems unsure of himself too often, pausing to look at the teleprompter a moment too long. The 9/11 days were days where he spoke from his heart, often impromptu, and the true nature of the man came through but make him deliver a prepared political speech and he seems lost.

Many people think he may be the least intelligent President we have seen. I tend to think it's just his demeanor when speaking that leaves that impression. I honestly think he has dealt with some crisis that we do not and may never know. I think he has had to take the bullet on popular opinion because he was smart enough to keep some things out of the public media.

Maybe it's because I think Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have swept into office on their charisma, not policies. I remember listening to Bill Clinton in the early days thinking how good he was but it wasn't his policies that were good, it was his ability to make me believe he was just like me. I snapped out of it but he had me for a little while. We see it in our churches sometimes. The preacher may not be saying anything but he does it so well that we hang on the words. There are plenty of TV preachers that can preach a good sermon full of nothing and there are plenty of people who would be incredible preachers of truth but their presentation wouldn't capture our attention.

Yep, I think Bush's inability to effectively mesmerize the masses was and is his downfall. He has had to deal with issues, most of which were not his making, that many Presidents have not known. I think history, if it all comes out one day, will be kinder to George Bush than the current opinion of him. I'm probably wrong but...

Giving Thanks

Last night, we talked about giving thanks. There are so many things in our life that are easy to be thankful for. Our families, friends, health, baseball, Texas still being ranked #4 with a shot at the title game and on and on. The focus of our lesson turned to Paul and his desire to be thankful to God in any situation he was in. In prison, he gave thanks. Shipwrecked, he gave thanks. People threw stones at him and he gave thanks. For what? What in the world could he be thankful for enduring some of the most brutal moments of life?

An answer can be found in James where we are told to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds because the testing of our faith builds perseverance. I have to really such myself to see if I have the desire to give thanks during times of trials, if I will consider it pure joy to endure tests. It's not my nature but being thankful to God in times of struggle, times of pain, is what builds a deeper relationship with God, a relationship of overwhelming trust and peace when all I can do is rely on Him.

A New Day

History was made last night as Barack Obama was elected to be our new President. Now we sit back and wait to find out who he really is. There are those who believe he appeals to the left because that is who he is. Others wonder if he appealed to one group to get elected and will move more to the center to stay there for a second term. Who knows? All I know is the high school still had kids pulling in this morning, plenty of folks are still headed to work and the Starbucks line was backed up 7 cars deep. I am confident there will be a number of new laws that I am not going to be happy with in the coming years but I'm still mystified by what I hear from some people. It was an overwhelming victory and the people of America will get what the majority asked for. Now we find out what that is.
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I watched our two 7th grade teams whip up on Bridgeport last night. I figure we better get it where we can this year because the likelihood of it being anywhere near a win for Decatur on Friday is slim. My nephew QB'd one of the 7th grade teams and ran or threw for a bunch of the points scored. Pretty cool stuff for a 12 year old.
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Basketball tryouts start on Thursday for 7th graders. I have one that will be out there battling for a position on one of the teams. I think there are about 40 kids trying out for 20 spots so several will go home disappointed. I always hated tryout days.
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God is alive and well, powerful and majestic, and ready to work in our lives. That's THE good news for today.

Election Day in the U.S.A.

I've tried and tried and keep writing essays, not paragraphs so I'm going to try one more time to boil my thoughts on today down to a manageable length. Today is a day many look forward to and many dread. We will elect a President today that one group or the other thinks will lead us to the brink of the abyss if not take us over the edge. I just don't believe it. Will either candidate do the things I think they should all the time? NO. Will either candidate make decisions that will harm me all the time? NO. In my lifetime, we've survived Nixon, Carter, Clinton and the Bushes and we will survive either Obama or McCain. In fact, I've too often only seen the greatness of this nation when in a crisis. When times are good, I see excess. When times are tough, I see people being friendlier, working together. I have already voted for the candidate I believe will most closely act in favor of my interests but should the other candidate win, I will wake up tomorrow and head to work and go to church just like I do most Wednesdays. Tomorrow will begin a new series of illuminating days where we learn more about the agenda of the winner. Either way, there will be some scary ideas and actions but the greatness of the American people will survive, maybe even thrive as we endure the challenges of life in this country and the world.
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In the end, we aren't called to serve either candidate as authority over us for our greatest purpose. We are called to serve God, to be Christ-like to those around us. Our words and actions should reflect Christ and the more each of us can strive to that goal, the world will be as good as we make it.
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Tech's #2 and Texas is #4. There's still a decent shot the Horns can move back into contention for the national title. Surely they can whip up on Baylor this weekend and then it's the A&M game.
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I tried to watch the Mavericks last night. It reminded me that I just don't care for pro basketball. Catching the highlights on ESPN is good enough for me.
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Wasn't it just January a couple of weeks ago? How did it get to be November so quickly?

Not #1 No More

Yes, it's bad grammar. Yes, it was a horrible first half. Yes, Tech played a great game. It doesn't make the losing any more fun though. I won't guess what the two Texas players involved in the last two plays of the game were feeling. One let a game-ending interception slip out of his hands. The other got beat by the best receiver in college football for the game winning TD.

Texas still has a great team and if they will bounce back they may have a shot at the title before it's all done with. I hope Texas fans will realize it's more fun to have a team that can compete for a #1 ranking than to go 7-3 every year.
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How 'bout them Cowboys? Where have you gone Jimmy Johnson? What have you done to us Jerry? I didn't sit down to watch that game - thank goodness - and didn't stay up to hear Dale Hansen's commentary but I'm thinking the Cowboys are in a tough spot right now.
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The mighty Decatur Eagles got roughed up by Vernon this weekend. Bridgeport is next week. Uh-oh.

Philly

The Phillies won the World Series last night in an odd game lasting 3 innings and played in freezing conditions. I was hoping Tampa would pull one more win out of the hat just so I could watch a little more baseball. I normally don't like any team from Philadelphia but Hamels, Utley, Rollins and Howard are guys that are fun to watch play so I was glad they won. A little baseball redemption for Brad Lidge too.
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I wonder where the college football game of the week will be. Oh yeah, that would be in Lubbock, Texas. I was really close to going to Tech for college but changed my mind pretty late in the process and ended up attending Abilene Christian. Saturday night it will be the #1 Horns against the #7 Red Raiders. Good stuff. I'm wondering what the betting line is on the over/under. Hook 'em Horns.
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Where is Clint Longley when you need him? Brad Johnson is going to start again and Brooks who? might end up playing. Rumor has it the Mavs season is starting also.
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Today is the district meet for our cross country teams. The high school girls team has been ranked #1 in the state most of the season and the boys have been sitting at #6. The meets this year have been amazing. Over 2,200 runners were at one of the Decatur meets and I think it's probably been close to that at a couple of other meets we went to. Run Eagles!

End of the Song

Here's the final verses of Mountain of God by Third Day:

As I travel on the road
That You have led me down
You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me

I have need for nothing more
Oh, now that I have found
That You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me

I confess from time to time
I lose my way
But You are always there
To bring me back again

Sometimes I think of where it is I've come from
And the things I've left behind
But of all I've had, what I possessed
Nothing can quite compare
With what's in front of me
With what's in front of me

I get tired on the journey and I have taken wrong turns. It sounds so simple to say that when realizing the hurt and pain some of those turns have taken but what has happened, has happened. Learn from the past and live for what's in front of you. What I was and did, what you were and did yesterday can be so much difference from what you and I can be today and tomorrow and the next day. It's the beauty of the journey...the difficulty scaling the mountain while seeing and knowing the majesty of the summit. I want to see the summit, to stand atop the mountain of God.

I know our collective journey will be filled with inspiring peaks and dark valleys. It will be filled with the beauty God puts around us and with rocks to climb over and holes to climb out of that satan will try to put in our way. Our Savior hung on a cross, suffering, bleeding and dying. The valley of darkness he traveled is something most of us, maybe all of us will never know but our Savior also walked out of a tomb, alive, changed from death to life. The end of His journey was to live again but in a new way, a better way than I can even imagine. The beauty of my journey is that through the mercy and grace of my God, the end of my journey will be to live again. To live with Him. To share in His glory, to revel in His love.

The Journey continued

I was telling a friend the other day how my first trip to Brazil changed my heart in so many ways and put me on a new journey with God that has opened my eyes to things I really didn't see or understand before. I wish I had the words to describe what I have experienced the past 2+ years but I don't. I have experienced a closeness to God I've never known. I've experienced spiritual highs that are literally breathtaking. Along the way, I've also experienced spiritual lows that have crumpled me to my knees in tears.

While driving home last night, I listened to a song that I have heard many times but never really heard. I've listened to it many times, maybe even sung the words but last night I heard the words through my heart, not my head. Below is part of The Mountain of God by Third Day.

Thought that I was all alone
Broken and afraid
But You were there with me
You were there with me

And I didn't even know
That I had lost my way
But You were there with me
Yes, You were there with me

'Til You opened up my eyes
I never knew
That I couldn't ever make it
Without You

Even though the journey's long
And I know the road is hard
Well, the One who's gone before me
He will help me carry on
After all that I've been through
Now I realize the truth
That I must go through the valley
To stand upon the mountain of God.

Those of you who know me well know I think that Heaven on earth resides in South Fork, Colorado. It's the most beautiful, most peaceful place I know. To get there, I have to go through the San Luis Valley and drive up some steep mountain roads. It's taxing for cars to drive up it at times but the time it takes, the effort to get there brings me to the most wonderful place I know. It's all I have right now to compare with the valleys I will travel through to get to the mountain of God but I do know that as hard as they may be and the pain they may bring, the trip will be nothing compared to the beauty and peace and joy and glory of reaching the destination God has prepared for me.

The Journey

A faithful reader (I always wanted to say that) asked about the new picture on the blog. It was taken as our bus rolled through the countryside of Brazil on our journey to a retreat site on our trip this summer. After spending a few days in the city filled with high rise buildings and crowds of people, it was a beautiful view of peace and serenity.

I spent the weekend on a similar journey. I had the good fortune of going to Camp Deer Run with our youth group to study and talk about the theme for this year - The Journey. It was a great experience and one that I will probably have several posts about over the next few days and weeks.

No cell phones and no iPods and I think a lot of the kids really liked it that way. There were moments of peace and serenity, TAWG (time alone with God), group study and active games. The most incredible part though was hearing some of these young people really open up and be very honest in talking about their lives and what they need to change. It was both beautiful and challenging to hear someone so young be so real about who they are and where they have got off course in their walk with God.

Thanks to Jacob for letting me be a part of the journey. I am closer to God today for being a part of it.

The Price is Right

Anybody staying up with me and watching baseball? If so, you might have seen David Price throw a few innings for the Rays. Price was pitching for Vanderbilt last year, he's thrown in 5 big league games prior to the playoffs and he came in to close Game 7 against the Red Sox and closed the game last night to tie the World Series 1-1. This kid is lights out. A lefty throwing 95 and some wicked sliders and he's a cool operator on the mound. Overall #1 pick last year in the draft. Wow.
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The current economic situation and the "bailout" have really had me thinking about a lot of different things. Yesterday, I was thinking about all the folks who used to say AIDS was God's punishment for homosexuality. I wonder if they are getting ready to start screaming that the financial crisis is God's punishment to a country who lives in excess and is quickly drifting from His word. Now, I didn't agree with the idea that AIDS was God's punishment any more than I believe lung cancer is God's punishment to smokers and I don't believe that God flipped a switch on our economy either. Actions have consequences...that's it...and sometimes it brings some pain. I've been there and I bet you have too. The good thing about the pain is that it often drives us to get healed and that often sends people running back to God. I know it has in my life.

America is a nation of stuff. Many of us have lots and lots of stuff (physical, emotional and spiritual) and sometimes the stuff has to be stripped away to realize that all we need is a very, very, very close relationship with God.

I don't think God is driving this country's problems but I do see it as an opportunity for people to get rid of their stuff, maybe even experience a painful crisis for it to happen, and return to a much simpler existence with God as the most important thing they have. I don't know...just thinking.

Indicted

I got another Muslim-bashing email yesterday titled "Can Muslims Be Good Americans" and then it went on to list issues of why Muslims cannot be good Americans. Wow. The two things that got to me in the email was another reference to America as a "Christian nation" and shots at Obama for taking his Congressional oath using the Quron. On to my soapbox...again...

First, Keith Ellison from Minnesota was the first Muslim elected to Congress, not Obama. From a report I read, the official swearing-in process for Congress does not have anyone placing their hand on a Bible or anything else. Some people elect to have unofficial pictures made afterwards that show them with a Bible or some other book and Ellison did in fact have his picture made with a Quron in his hands. It is also reported that the Quron he had was first owned by Thomas Jefferson. Now we all know what a scoundrel Jefferson was don't we?

Second, America is NOT a Christian nation. It is a nation filled with a lot of Christian churches and a lot of people who profess to be Christians. Look at the movies we see, the TV shows, the clothes people wear, the ads in magazines and billboards proving that sex sells and tell me we are a Christian nation. If we were, I don't think those shows and ads would exist. I don't think drug and alcohol abuse would be a problem if we were a Christian nation. What we all have to quit doing is projecting the idea of Christian on our nation and start living it in each and everyone of our lives. God does not call us as a nation, he calls you and me as individuals to be Christ-like. Imagine if everyone lived like Christ.

Colin Powell talked about a soldier in the US Army who died recently from an explosion in Iraq. He was a Muslim and wanted to be in the Army since he was 10. He's buried in Arlington National Cemetary and his Muslim parents are proud of him and his service to this country. Muslims can't be good Americans? I know some Christians who aren't always good Americans.

I'm ranting because I've grown disillusioned with politics. I'm ranting because I've disappointed myself in the way I have thought and talked and treated people who had different views than me. I'm ranting because the bar for what is right and good and honorable and admirable continues to slip further and further down. I'm ranting because too often we are projecting our Christian duty onto our political leaders and church leaders instead of taking up the cross and following Christ. I'm guilty.

Here's to the hope that as our nation slips further and further into crises of many kinds, we will respond with Christ-likeness. It will not happen in my life as easily as I can write about it but I hope everyday you and I are one step closer to walking in Christ's footprints.

Howard Stern

No, I'm not a fan and don't listen to his show but over the weekend a dad from my son's baseball team told me about a segment Stern did where he sent a "reporter" to Harlem to ask people whether they would vote for Obama or McCain. The trick was, they attributed Republican ideas to Obama. For instance, they asked people if they were voting for Obama because he was pro-life or because he would keep the military in Iraq (different people were OK with both) or they asked if they like Sarah Palin as Obama's running mate (they did). I'm not quite sure if these people were voting for Obama because of race or media frenzy but either way it's a bad reason to vote someone to the office of President.
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I wonder if people who talk in sign language ever say something in a way that comes across as rude. I'm guilty of saying things in a way I wish I wouldn't and hear other people do it at times. I never feel good about it afterwards and wish I would have kept my mouth shut and I bet some of you may have felt that way. I would probably be better off if God had made me mute but I know that wasn't His will for me. Instead, I need to watch what I say so that I show Christ in my words and actions. I just wish I was better at it. I remember the song Angry Words that we used to sing in church and wish I did a better job of living it. Angry words, oh let them never, from the tongue unbridled slip. I pray today that the words from my mouth will come from the love God has shown me instead of my selfish emotions.

It Could Be Worse...

You could be a Detroit Lions fan. What's up with the Cowboys? Are the radio talking-heads paying them to provide fodder for the airwaves? Will Wade survive the week? the season? Does T.O. still play here? Why isn't he complaining? Is Romo not as tough as Favre? Has the Cowboys defense been kidnapped and replaced with high school players? Wow.
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The next time you smell moth balls, just remember it's better than smelling a skunk. We had one invade our garage last week and got the animal control officer to come get it. Instead of capturing it and risk the possibility of spraying in the garage, he made a path for the skunk to leave on his own and chased it out with moth balls. Our garage doesn't smell lemony-fresh but it doesn't have skunk scent and I'm thankful for that.

What amazed me was that the skunk never sprayed the animal control guy even though the officer was very close to the skunk moving stuff around him and making lots of noise. I asked why and the officer said "he's not scared enough to spray." I said, "I am."
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Who's #1. Oh yeah, that would be Texas. Another dominating effort Saturday although I would have liked to have seen a better 2nd half but Missouri is no slouch team. Okie State next weekend and I won't be able to watch it. Egads.
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Last night's lesson included a story about some bad folks wanting to run Elisha out of town. Part of their shouting included calling him baldy and Elisha called on God who sent two bears after the crowd injuring 42 of them (I'm not doing the story justice in my brief description) and it reminded my of 8th grade. We had a coach who was going bald on wasn't happy about it. A 9th grader kept calling him baldy and then threw a couple of small pebbles at the back of the coach's head trying to hit his bald spot. The coach was carrying a wiffle ball bat in his hand and proceeded to give the kid a beating. Kid shows up at school the next day with a black eye and bruises on his arm...and his dad. Dad marches child into coaches office then coaches, kid and dad come into the locker room. Kid has to apologize to coach in front of everyone. Later, we ask kid what happened when he got home and found out his dad told him that is what will happen to him when he picks on someone he shouldn't pick on.

Do you think that would happen today?

It's much safer to be nice to people than taunt them.
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Colin Powell is supporting Obama. Oh my.

Waiting

Do you like to wait? I don't. I'll drive out of the way to find a path to where I'm going so I don't have to sit still for a construction zone. I don't like to wait. When I'm in line at Wal-Mart or McDonald's, I keep watching the other lines hoping to see one that is moving faster that I can slip into. I don't like to wait. I use email rather than call people because I can ask what I want to ask and move on to the next task instead of sitting on the phone on hold or waiting for a call back to ask what I could easily ask by email. I don't like to wait. Waiting raises my blood pressure and temper. Waiting frustrates me and at times I let my frustration turn to anger.

It's silly and sad. The saddest part to me is I get this way with God sometimes. I get tired of waiting, frustrated and then angry. I'm trying to learn to change my ways, trying to remind myself that my time of waiting is a great time to pray. I'm wondering if God doesn't do that to me - allow me to wait so I can spend some time with Him.

I'm working on looking at waiting in a new way and working on processing time waiting differently than I've done it in the past. I want to make it an opportunity instead of a burden, especially I use it to spend time with God. Maybe it's the time He wants with me. Maybe, just maybe, I'll use it for good and not bad.

One Gone, One Coming

Pacman is gone but the other Roy Williams is coming. The Cowboys are falling apart but I'm glad to see the Roy from UT coming to play for the Cowboys.
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I got an email today about 800-GOOG411, Google's new information service. It's free too. Check it out when you need to dial information. There's a video on the Google site that tells you a bit more about it. It can send you a text with the info you need and a map if your phone has an Internet connection. Cool stuff.
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Here's an email I got the other day too that helped me.

When your hut's on fire
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?" Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

Daze of Confusion

What's up with the Cowboys? It looks like the season is going down the tubes on a fast train. Romo hurt his pinky. Pacman may be on the way out. Even the punter has a broken foot. Ouch. Should we start waving goodbye to Wade and getting used to saying Head Coach Garrett?
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So our government is going to prop up our financial institutions. I wonder if all the people who hate government sponsored medical care are going to hate government sponsored banks and businesses.

Can we have our cake and eat it to? It seems to me we either need to be prepared to live through the pain of a free market system or accept some role of government in more areas of our lives.

I'm beginning to think recent economic events are the big corner our country is turning to a very different future than what I've known growing up. I'm not saying it's good or bad - I just don't understand it well enough - but I think it will certainly be changing in big ways.
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Did everyone see that the Longhorns are ranked #1? I'll enjoy it this week while wondering how long it will last.
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Did you hear about the small-school Colorado college football player who broke his finger and would have to sit out the rest of the season so he opted to have his finger amputated so he could still play? Yow.
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Missions contribution update - now over $56,000. Incredible!

What a Weekend

Yesterday was an incredible day at church. It was Missions Sunday and among other things we did, we had a special offering for our missions work. We set a goal of $30,000 which was based on a number of needs our current missionaries had sent us. When we set the goal, we didn't anticipate the economic environment we have been exposed to the last few weeks. I still had hopes we would reach our goal but was also preparing myself for the fact that many people are probably more nervous than usual. I had worked on a speech in case we didn't reach the goal that would still be encouraging. When the money was counted, we had received over $54,000 from our church. WOW! I was blown away. As I reflected on the day, 3 thoughts kept running through my mind.

First, what an incredibly faithful group of Christians. The people gave everything from coins to big checks because of their faith and desire to send the gospel to the world. I'm blessed to worship with them.

Second, as a member of the missions committee, I'm humbled by the faith the church places in each of us to use the money in ways that will glorify God.

Third, when I doubt and prepare my speeches, I wonder if God is sitting in heaven shaking His head and chuckling at me while He prepares to remind me who is really in charge. Yesterday was another 2X4 moment for me (this is what I call God's pain-free method of hitting me in the head with a 2X4 showing me that I really don't know much).
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Who's #1 now? I really thought Texas would struggle against Zero U but it turned in to a great game. Based on what has happened with the other #1 teams this year, I'm not sure it's a good place to be right now but it's always good to beat the Sooners.

Now I'll starting fretting about Missouri.
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My girl survived the Assault on Eagle Summit. The coach set up a killer course and our Decatur teams did well against the big schools.
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God is in control. I hope to remember that better this week than I did last week.

Texas - 0U

Saturday is THE football game of the season - Texas and Zero University. Zero is ranked #1 and Texas comes in at #5. My son keeps asking if I have tickets like they will magically appear but I'll have to catch it on TV. I haven't seen Texas play this year but it sounds like 0U is rolling. I just hope the zeroes have a USC moment or maybe I should say I hope Texas has an Oregon State moment. Hook 'em Horns.
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I mentioned Chris Tomlin yesterday. I'm usually listening to something a little louder and harder-driving music from Audio Adrenaline, Seventh Day Slumber, Decypher Down and other Christian rock bands but the lyrics to Tomlin's songs are awesome.
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I'm glad it's Friday. It has been one of those weeks that's good to have wrapped up and over with. Not that anything bad has happened but just one where I'm ready for it to be Saturday for some reason.
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I've got to figure out PowerPoint before Sunday. I don't use it enough to remember how to do everything I want to so I have to call on people to help me. My daughter is usually first up and she'll be getting some questions tonight and tomorrow. Thank goodness for kids!

Have a great weekend and know that God loves you.

Thursday Nothings

I have nothing today or I have a lot but can't get it focused to write.

Pacman is in trouble again.

I'm interested in seeing the Ernie Davis story that comes out to theaters this Friday.

Chris Tomlin sings some powerful songs. I haven't been a big fan of his in the past because I like my music a bit more "hard-charging" (think Seventh Day Slumber, Decypher Down, Audio Adrenaline) but Tomlin's Amazing Grace and How Great is Our God can bring me to my knees.

Phillies and Dodgers start tonight. Yippee!

Baseball America comes out with their farm system rankings in the next few days. It's rumored that the Rangers will rank 1 or 2 - up from 28th out of 30 teams a year ago. It's been some good trading that has put a future in place for the Rangers but today that' all it is - a future. We'll see how they perform.

I can't make any worthwhile assessment of T.O. but the man does seem troubled. I really hope he will be OK.

I told you there was nothing. Here's to hoping you have a great day and feel the love of God surrounding you.

Debate

Tonight is another debate between the presidential candidates and I hope I get to see it. I've got a meeting out of town tonight and not sure I'll be done by the time it starts. I kind of like the town hall format better but I wish the moderator would not ask another question until the candidates (both of them) answer the question that was asked. It's the one thing that causes me not to put much stock in what any of them say - making up an answer they want to give instead of answering a direct question. Politics.
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Red Sox and Rays. Dodgers and Phillies. They all have some good stories going for them.
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I got to speak at the 7th/8th grade FCA breakfast this morning. It's sort of odd seeing all these kids that I've see grow up because it reminds me I'm not getting any younger. On the other hand, it's neat to see them growing into young men and women.

I had 10 minutes to speak and as is typical for me, had 30 minutes worth of ideas to talk about but kept it short. The 8th graders have to go practice as soon as the breakfast is wrapped up so the coaches don't won't long-talkers. :)

On the road again...

Down in Flames

I was really pulling for the Cubs and Brewers who were swept out of the playoffs. I'm still pulling for the NL but can't pick Philly or L.A. I'll just wait to see who wins. Besides, based on how my record is for the teams I'm pulling for, neither team would want me to cheer for them.
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Can you love Jesus and still drink a little? The link below will take you to a funny clip from the Ellen DeGeneres show where she is interviewing an 88 year old woman from Austin. I'm no fan of Ellen but this is pretty funny. It helped start my day with a laugh.

http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2007/ellen-gladys-hardy-p1.php?emf=1
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What's up with the Cowboys? Is the sky falling yet? And what did TO mean in his post-game comments? I think we can gear up for a wacky season.

Survival

I would say Palin survived the debate but didn't offer a knock-out to put McCain back in the driver's seat. She came across better than I feared she would, had some good, folksy language thrown in with some targeted comments but still had some stumbles that shows she is very new to this stage. Now, when Obama stumbles and stutters without a teleprompter, it's no big deal to the media. Sarah's another story so she has to overcome. I'm not having high hopes that the candidate I dislike the least will win.
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I've used this space before to give kudos to Rick Ross and Jacob Baker and want to take a second to do that again. Rick continually brings great messages from God to our church family every Sunday and Jacob blows me away in the way he works with our youth - the love he shows for them and the way he shares the Word of God with them. I thank God these two men and their families are in Decatur and using their talents and their desire to serve God among us.
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The Cubs are going for another 100 year curse I guess. I'm struggling because it looks like it will be the Phillies and Dodgers in the NL Finals. I don't care for Philadelphia because of the Eagles and their obnoxious fans and I'm not crazy about seeing Manny making it to the World Series just because he's Manny. He's an incredible hitter but so...Manny. I like Joe Torre though but I like to watch Chase Utley and Cole Hamels so the Phillies may be my NL team.

Crisis, Palin and Buffett

It never ceases to amaze me how people in crisis either go to war or come together. I've seen it again this past week or so with our current economic situation as the House decided to fight among themselves while the Senate came together. It's also evident when our country goes to war.

Even though a crisis can be very painful, it can also produce incredible results when people decide to work together. I wonder what the House will do next?
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I'm looking forward to the VP debate tonight. I think we'll know quickly whether Palin can carry her water or not. I hope her handlers will turn her loose and let her be herself instead of giving scripted answers to every question. I know that's not how politics works these days but I'm ready for some straight talk and heartfelt ideas.
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How about Warren Buffett pouring $8 billion or so into 2 companies over the past couple of weeks. Had I known I could take $8 billion and buy into GE and Goldman Sachs I'm sure I would have joined him. Ha-ha. Can you imagine having that much money available to you? He has certainly been good at picking his companies and making money - and to think he really likes eating at Dairy Queen. I wonder how many Hungr-Busters $8 billion will buy?
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Day 1 of playoffs:
Phillies beat Cubs (rats!)
Red Sox beat Angels (yea!)
Dodgers beat Brewers (Manny being Manny)

I would like to see Tampa Bay go all the way just because of the "feel good" year they have had but would like the White Sox to put it together so Griffey Jr. could get a ring. I'm betting (invisible money) on the Rays though.

Fancy Feet

I'm not admitting that I watched Dancing With The Stars but Warren Sapp is amazingly quick and light on his feet. If he can let his personality come through a little more I think another football player will win it.
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I went to another middle school FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) breakfast this morning and continue to be surprised how many kids show up. I'm guessing there were 60 or more kids there this morning. That's cool.
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What's up with the bailout package that may never come? The stock market took a bit hit yesterday which tells me the big investors are expecting Congress to act - not hide in fear. I'm not a fan of the bailout but the alternative will be pretty painful. One thing is for sure, if Congress doesn't make fundamental changes in how they do business, this will never end. They can put band-aids on it for awhile but not for long.
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I can't help but laugh to myself when I question God and then hear the answer. I have a problem being patient with God at times...OK, most of the time... and have been questioning whether He is hearing me. I got my answer over the weekend that He hears me and that I still need to wait on Him. I guess I laugh because the answer comes when I don't expect it and it's something I already know and just need to get set straight on.

I'm thankful He is faithful, that He knows my hurts and concerns and that He will answer in His good time. I'm thankful He loves me when I'm unlovable and pours His mercy on me when I fall. I'm thankful He is always there with arms open and I am thankful He has prepared a way for me to be with Him.

Love and Football

It's another day where the thoughts in my head come up with a lot of words and a long blog so I'm going to mash on them a bit more. I'm wrestling with the concept of unconditional love - what it is and what it means in the way I live and treat people. I'm coming to the conclusion that if I want to follow God's way, I need to change my concept of who and how I give love and trust and respect. I have treated those things as something somebody can earn but I'm coming to see that God freely gives love and trust and respect. I can never earn it from Him which begs the question of why I try to make people earn it from me.
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The Cowboys lost. I think I saw 2 plays of the game because I was sleeping right through it but can't wait to hear DFW talk radio today about how the team is falling apart. I did catch TO's comments last night about how he needs more touches and I heard the NFL analysts on last night's game explaining that 20% of the plays were directed towards him. You think that will generate some talk among fans?
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The Rangers lost the last game of the year. I'm ready for the playoffs and am pulling for the Cubs, Brewers, Red Sox and Dodgers in that order. The Brewers might go to #1 on my list simply because of the joy of CC Sabathia and the way he plays the game.
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It was a wacky college football weekend. Zero U. moved into the #1 spot and Texas is now #5. That makes October 11 look like a great day for a rivalry showdown in Big D. Missouri is #4 and Texas Tech is #7. That's pretty impressive when 4 of the top 10 are from the Big 12.

Politics on the Blog

Yesterday I derided politics from the pulpit but this being my blog...now that's different. I used to enjoy the political process but today I am simply cynical about people's motives and real ability to make any difference.

McCain is suspending his campaign and possibly skipping tonight's debate (what goofball plans a debate during Friday night football?) because of the economic crisis and negotiating. Obama and may others are blasting him for the decision. HEY MR. OBAMA, last time I checked you were still a Senator and have a job to do for your constituents. I think McCain should be thanked for being willing to do the job he has instead of focusing on the one he wants.

That said, HEY MCCAIN, say something. Make a stand and quit riding the fence. That goes for you too Obama. Say what you think and let the American people know what their future leaders think is the best option. Be a leader.
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I want to vote for Bono for President. He was on CNN this morning and his honesty is refreshing. Today, his stated agenda was to thank the American public for the work and aid they have given to end malaria by 2015. Bono is a social activist and is, again, very honest that his celebrity gives him access other people don't have. As he describes it, he works like a dog for better living conditions while he lives a very spoiled lifestyle at times. I appreciate him just saying that. Anyway, the interviewer tried to lead him down some roads of things that haven't worked and Bono just kept saying "today, I'm here to punch the air for joy because of the good things that have been accomplished. I'm a fan of America and want to thank Americans for their help. I'll talk to you another day about what hasn't worked and how we can fix it." I'm impressed by his manner and his honesty.

Oh, if you don't know Bono, he's the lead singer for U2. I've been listening to them since the very early 80's and still enjoy their music.
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I changed my header to use my "wordle". You can type in stuff or enter the name of your blog at wordle.net and it will give you one of these. It was fun but I doubt I'll use it very long.
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My children run again tomorrow (at different places naturally). I hope they have good runs, improve their times and help their teams. I have heard the Decatur girls team is ranked either 1st or 3rd in the state but don't know where to find that information. Cool stuff.

Politics in the Pulpit

I read a Wall Street Journal article yesterday regarding several pastors who are planning to endorse a particular Presidential candidate from the pulpit. Currently, it is an illegal practice as governed by the IRS whereby a church can lose it's non-taxable status if it or it's representatives actively engage in political discussion within the scope of their role with the church.

One line from the article gave me the impression of just how arrogant some pastors/preachers can be after they have spent too many days preaching. One of the pastors said (paraphrasing) "if I can tell them who they can and can't have sex with, I should be able to tell them who they need to vote for." Wow. Here I was thinking our instructions from holy living came from God, not the preacher/pastor. Does this guy tell his church what to eat, what movies to see, what cars to drive?

I am thankful the preacher at our church has respect for where instructions for our lives comes from and I'm thankful that members at our church can vote for the candidate of their choice and come together loving each other all the same. I hope these other churches will put an end to the person in the pulpit thinking they have the right to tell people how to vote. I find it hard if not impossible to endorse either candidate/party based on Christian teaching.

This is one case where I hope the government stands it's ground and upholds the law against churches becoming political.

The Kid You Might Want In Class

Here's a link to a YouTube video that is great. It's a kid who is in the DISD addressing the teachers. I don't know his name but it may one day start with "President".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrfqzUD1t_A

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I'm almost over the allergy hump. I'm still having trouble sleeping with the pressure in my head but I'm feeling better every day. For those of you who have always suffered from allergies - my apologies for ignoring your pain. I've only been affected over the past couple of years and this has been the worst.
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I'm ready for the baseball playoffs. I've shifted my allegiance for the end of the year from the Rangers to the Cubs. My son is pulling for the Mets.

The Cowboys put a whooping on the Packers. I'm tempted to offer a wager of a Diet Dr. Pepper that the Cowboys fold in the playoffs again but then I heard the sports radio guys talking about TO yesterday and it made me question my wager. I didn't see all the game but they said he only had 2 catches for 17 yards or something but the thing that stood out was TO chasing a guy down the field after a turnover. If TO is buying in to "team", I may have to also.

I struggle to be the person God wants me to be. I believe. I have faith. I trust that God is there and yet I struggle that He hears me at times. I struggle when I don't see my prayers being answered in my timing. I struggle because my faith is weak at times and because my desires try to trump God's desire for me. I don't know His plan yet I want to. I want to know the answers to my questions and I want to know them know. I'm impatient.

The following lyrics are the opening lines from Mercy In Me by Todd Agnew. The speak to me vibrantly because I always want a little more for myself thinking if I just had more, I would do more for God. What I need is to be rich in God, in His love and grace and mercy and be content with that. I'm praying that I will.

A poor man on the corner
I could give to you by buying him lunch,
But I rarely think about it
'Cause I got a little but it's not that much.
And I say? Lord won't you help me
Give me a little bit more for myself?
And you say? Child won't you let me
Take all that you got and give you a little real wealth?

I want God's real wealth but I have to continue fighting a spiritual battle for my heart to get it. The battle is tiring and at times, I simply lose. I give up even. Today the battle starts anew. Most Holy Lord, give me strength and courage and wisdom to defeat the demons that attack me today. Let me live in your wealth, Lord.

A Better Election Email

As you know, I get worn down by all the election email making Obama appear incompetent at best and the devil at worst. Based on the emails I get, I don't think I have any friends who are voting Democrat. Anyway, I got an email this weekend in reference to the upcoming election that I enjoyed reading. I've copied it below.

Subject: TOP 10 PREDICTIONS NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed teaching
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL?!!!!

Joe Duty is Awesome

Joe Duty, the photographer for the local paper, takes some incredible pictures. Below is just one example that I really like! Some of you have seen the picture below in the local paper. For a dad, this is a great moment and I'm thankful Joe Duty of the Wise County Messenger was there to catch it. I don't know if I'm giving proper credit but can't pass it up. I've got to get to the paper and see if I can buy a copy of the picture. My dear child was really tired and really sweaty after completing her second cross country meet of the season. She continues to encourage me with her dedication, as early as it has to be each morning, to doing her best. I love my girl.

Shootout in Big D

My plan was to be asleep before halftime was over but leg cramps kept me up into the early morning hours so I was thankful the big football game was an exciting one. The Dallas D wasn't too impressive until the final minutes when they really stepped it up. Romo looked like he had a case of the jessica voodoo in the first half but came back and played a pretty good second half. And while I can go days without much interest in the Cowboys, it's always good to beat Philly.
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The Rangers have finally worn me down. I haven't caught much of a game in the last week. It could be partially due to scheduling but when the season is out of reach, it's easier to flip over to something else. I'm pulling for the Cubs now. They came close to pitching 2 no-hitters in 2 nights. I'd like to see the White Sox make it too for Ken Griffey Jr.'s sake but I don't see anyone getting past the Angels. Go Cubs.
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I'm loving the weather right now. Crisp mornings and cool afternoons. I think I could live OK if this was the daily weather pattern.
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Faith

I get an email each week from a Christian leadership journal and this week's topic is faith. Faith is something I wrestle with constantly and quite frankly, I just get tired at times. It's not that I ever lose all faith; I don't because I firmly believe in God and His sovereignty but my faith wavers. I wonder if He hears my pleas and if He is working where I feel like I need so much help. It's also those times that I wonder if He has something completely different planned for me than what I'm thinking and that is where the wavering comes in. At times it is hard for me to accept that my desires and ideas (or as our preacher said it yesterday, "my instructions") are not what God wants for me.

My battle with faith comes down to my way or God's way and what I am willing to accept. Will I accept what He provides me with joy or will I cling to what I think is best? Will I continue to question whether He hears my pleas or trust that He is working in me in ways I do not understand? Will I continue to praise Him in the storms or just in the sunshine of life?

I waver at times but even in these times, I am working on increasing my faith, giving God more glory because He is sovereign. My hope is that my faith will increase and my wavering will die and that I will learn to lean on God and wait on God - to stop giving him my instructions and begin to listen for His voice.

Wordy

This is the second edit of my blog today. The first went on and on and I decided not to post it until I could be a little less wordy. So, until I can better think through it I'll just make some rambling comments for today.

Hurricane Ike. It doesn't sound like it's going to be a big deal here but I hope my parents have their umbrellas out.

Sarah Palin. Is she really the key to McCain winning the Presidency? I heard snippets of her first interview last night and it was a little rough. Maybe she is like us.

9/11. I remember David walking in and telling me a plane had flown into one of the towers. It didn't really hit me how serious it was going to be until I turned on the TV and saw the second plane fly into the other tower.

Decatur Eagles. My wonder-girl runs again tomorrow and my son has his first meet tomorrow. Go kiddos! Naturally, they run in different places so we are criss-crossing the Metroplex.

Cowboys vs. Eagles. It's the big-time Monday night game. TO and McNabb are babbling about each other so it should be a fun game. I'll be amazed if I make it through halftime though.

That's it for today. Oh, the Decatur Eagles football team has their first home game tonight. Go Eagles!

I hope your weekend is filled with peace from God.

In the Middle

Last night our class discussion was about why we are too often stuck in the middle - stuck between hot and cold finding ourselves just lukewarm. The middle of what you ask? In the middle between good and evil, Heaven and hell, God and satan. What would lead us to the middle, committing to neither but bouncing back and forth?

I've been there and I don't want to go there again. There are times I feel like I have glimpsed the edges of hell and I don't want to experience that again but I still find myself at times sliding to the middle - thinking things I shouldn't think, saying things I should say - stepping away from the love and grace and care of a God who loves me unconditionally. Why does He allow me to slip to the middle? Why doesn't he jerk me back to safety? Why doesn't He just eliminate the evil around me?

The beauty of our God is seen in his willingness to let us decide for ourselves what we want but to always have his arms extended and open; whether we seek Him first or whether we are returning from our turn in the pig sty.

I thank God for His love and His mercy, for His constant desire to be in my presence and allow me to be in His. I am the prodigal son, I have squandered so much of my time and riches He has given me but He welcomes me back, gives me a robe and sandals and a ring and prepares a feast for me. He is loving and compassionate, caring and giving. He is the Lord.

Quiet Leaders

Yesterday I wrote about a leader that is out front and in public. That's how we typically see leadership - people who are seen - yet so often leaders are working in the background exemplifying servant-likeness quietly.

We hosted our youth group over the weekend and my wife did a great job of preparing everything needed to have them at our house. Yesterday I saw it again in the people behind the scenes preparing for the young men and women at the FCA breakfast.

Servant leaders aren't always vocal, aren't always out front but they provide example and leadership in their service. Where would we be without them?
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Sarah Palin sure seems to have shaken up the political machinery and Obama seems to be spending a lot of time focusing on her. Isn't she the VP candidate? I don't know what all the VP does as long as the President is alive but they don't seem to have much impact on the direction of our country. I wonder if Obama's strategy of going after her will help him.

I am still getting crazy emails about Obama and other things politics. I love email and I hate email.

The Decatur Eagles 7th grade team won their first game yesterday. Props to my nephew. He was playing linebacker and spent some time at QB too. Another of our good friends played QB and blazed his way to a touchdown too. (Sorry for not giving glowing accolades but I typically don't use names of children on my blog - but you know who you are...I hope.)

Isn't the rain wonderful?

Leadership

This morning I went to the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) breakfast for 7th & 8th graders and heard Kyle Story, the DISD Athletic Director and football head coach, speak to the group of young men and women. Wow! Kyle spoke a message to these kids about hard work and doing their best - first in the relationship with God, second in their relationship with family and third was everything else. He used Paul as an example of someone who gave his best and encouraged the kids to learn about Paul and follow his example.

As a parent, it's exciting for me to know that my children are being led by men and women who live and teach these values to our kids and that work and live themselves with these values. I am so thankful for Kyle Story and his dedication to God, to his family and to the people he leads on a daily basis. Decatur is blessed to have Kyle and his family as part of our community and our school.

Kids Aplenty

We hosted our youth group after church last night. Some 40 or so kids showed up to have a devo, eat and fellowship. It's amazing to see our group of kids together and see them bringing friends to their activities. My wife did a great job putting on a feast for them. It was heart-lifting for me to be a part of last night.
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It's amazing how God takes care of us when we turn to Him. I have been calling on God to help me in a situation and wondering if He is hearing my pleas because I have not seen the result "I" wanted. While I was preparing for class over the weekend, part of the lesson plan included the scripture about having faith the size of a mustard seed and what God can do with that faith. It was a timely reminder that I just need to keep trusting God - that His timing may not be the same as mine but faith in Him will be rewarded.

I was teaching our middle school kids Sunday morning and surprised by their willingness to answer questions and some of the questions they asked. They asked some things that made me think about God's purpose for me and a reminder for me to trust in Him.

It's amazing how God uses so many people around us - of all ages, faiths and beliefs - to help us know Him better.

Looking at the Rockies

At the moment, I am sitting in the Denver airport waiting on my delayed flight and looking at the Rocky Mountains. They are beautiful and I appreciate the time I have to sit and just take in their magnificence. I'm caught with the thoughts of mountains and valleys and how there are times we are on top of those mountains and other times when we are at the lowest point, looking up and wondering how we will ever get back to the top.

In the past, I have experienced those highs and lows and when I was at my lowest, I spent a lot of time and energy figuring out what I would do to start crawling back to the top. As I worked my way up and slid back down again, I learned the futility of not ascending the mountain with a guide - someone who knew the way and knew how to get me to the top. Over the past few years, I have learned to turn my journey over to a guide, to be led towards the top of the mountain. It doesn't may the path hasn't been steep or rocky or hard to climb. At times, I've lost sight of the guide and found myself sliding back down the mountain as I tried to navigate my own path.

Today I am more focused than ever on relying on my guide, God, to lead me. I am convinced my way will only lead to a long and painful tumble down the mountain but that God will help direct me, even pull me at times, up the mountain. Even better, letting God guide me will get me to the top of the mountain with the most majestic view - not always the mountain I was climbing.

I know I am still going to encounter some rough patches getting up the mountain. There will be pain in the climbing but I am ready to endure what I need to endure to get to the place that God wants to show me.

Laboring Day

I'm laboring on Labor Day because retail never sleeps. I'll make sure and sneak out a little early today though - I hope.

Gustav is coming ashore. I feel so bad for the people who are affected by this weather. I'm praying today that God will take care of them with what they need.

I'm tired of all the Barack-bashing email. Folks, he's not my candidate but John McCain ain't Superman either. I disagree with most of Obama's stances but respect the fact that he has the guts to run for President. I get the feeling most Americans would rather complain than step up. The latest bashing email says Obama only has 143 days of experience but it's coming from people who plan to vote with absolutely NO experience. What qualifies them to vote? McCain has been in government for years and how has that improved my life? I enjoy politics for the psychology of it all but have no faith in our government to do much for us.

Speaking of the psychology of politics, how about McCain's VP pick? This will be really interesting (especially with all of her national experience!) to see how people respond to this choice.

My daughter ran her first high school cross country race on Saturday and set a PR (that's personal record in high-school speak) for herself. It was a warm, humid day running a pretty hilly course. I chased her around as much as I could and it is amazing to see the difference in her running and her will to compete since last year. I am so proud of her because she is accomplishing something that is hard and requires a lot out of her. It speaks volumes about the girl she is and the woman she will become. I love her and am thankful she encourages me.