The Essence of Life...Food and Sports

I had lunch at Sweetie Pie's Ribeyes yesterday. Eating at a place named Sweetie Pie's doesn't elicit a good picture in my mind but once I saw Sweetie Pie mounted to the wall, I figured it would be tasty. Chicken-fried steak and home cut potatoes with a salad topped with hot-bacon dressing and unsweet tea.

The renovations are great and the place looks really neat. There are a bunch of tables and they are all close together similar to Babe's in Roanoke. It was a soft opening so I didn't expect great service and didn't receive it. The salad with hot-bacon dressing was awesome. I've got a new favorite dressing now. They were out of sweet tea for those who had ordered it but when they came to fill up our glasses, we all got sweet tea even if we ordered unsweet. The meal took about 35 minutes from when we ordered to get to the table. The chicken-fried steak was a bit tougher than I would like but the potatoes were great. A friend had the ribeye and said it was good.

All in all, it was pretty good food and everyone at the table gave it a thumbs up. The kitchen and wait staff need a bit more polishing but I'm confident that will happen and this will be a good place to eat.
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I went to the Decatur HS baseball game last night after church. It's the regional semifinals and this was the first game in a best 2 out of 3 series with Snyder. Snyder had a good pitcher and two of their guys hit dingers with the wind blowing in. In the bottom of the 7th with Decatur down 2-0, one of the Staley boys made it to second after a throwing error by the Snyder pitcher and a sophmore came up to bat hitting a home run to tie the game. Two more hits and a walk later, the Decatur pitcher who had surrendered the two homers to Snyder was up to bat and hit a screaming grounder up the middle of the field into center scoring the winning run. What a great finish. Now I wish I had a quick way to get to Snyder for the next game on Saturday.
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Poor Mavs. I have several suggestions that they could have used last night. I'll wait for Avery's call!

Unbelievable

The Mavs won in overtime. I don't know how but they did. The refs rode them hard in the second half but I was exasperated that the Mavs didn't fight back. For most of the second half, they refused to drive hard to the lane and get fouled. Stackhouse drives me crazy with his desire to stay outside the 3 point line. Terry would drive and then pull up 7 feet away. Van Horn has only heard what it's like to shoot a layup. Dirk was the only one to push it and even he backed off some during the 3rd and early 4th quarter.

The oddest part of it all was watching my son yell at the TV screen. He yelled out fouls that the refs missed. He yelled at players for taking a bad shot or playing lousy defense. As if they could hear him, he kept yelling. I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. The reason is, I yell at the TV during sporting events. I remember early on when dating my wife, she invited me to her parents house during a NCAA championship game (UNLV and someone) and I told her I couldn't go because I wanted to watch the game and yelled at the TV. She finally convinced me to go (the power of a pretty woman) and I controlled my yelling for the most part. So, when I see my son doing the same thing, I can't help but laugh. He's just trying to help. :)

NASCAR at church

I read a column over the weekend of how a church in Florida paid $3,000 to have one of Dale Earnhart Sr.'s cars at it's Easter church service. Each person attending got a ticket to have their picture made with the car and then they could come back to service the next week to pick up the photo. (This one is for you Rick.)

I was near a church yesterday that has so many people attending they need traffic control on the road and in the parking lot to get everyone in and out. It was a church that gave out t-shirts to people who attended Easter services instead of a race car.

I don't have any issues with people using some marketing effort to get people in their buildings. It's a way to try and touch people, to spread the seed and hope that lands on good soil. Our church does the same thing at times. Just last Wednesday, we had a special service to celebrate the students of our Mother's Day Out program that brought their parents to our building to hear a brief message from our preacher, to hear some of our singing and to meet our members. Over the years, we have had a few people who met us through that outreach attend our church. It can work.

My thought on all of this is that there are many, many ways to get people to come to church but how many leave with only the photo, the t-shirt or the Me Book? How many leave without Jesus? How many leave without the life-altering experience that only comes from knowing the Son who died for us and who redeems us?

My hope is that everyone who comes in contact with me takes Jesus with them. My hope is that they see the change in my life that only comes through my relationship with a loving and merciful Savior. While I feel certain that not all do, I hope. I hope with the knowledge that the blood of the Lamb and the mercy of God is waiting for them to claim. I will hope.

The End

Sit down and stop cheering. It's not the end of my blogging.

The end of school is near. The kids are excited and the parents are wondering what they are going to do with them all summer. Planning for camps, vacation, Six Flags, the water park and a million other things makes the long hot days of summer seem pretty short.

The end of ballet is near. Recital is quickly approaching and the end of the year is near. With the extra practices and stress of being ready, it may also be the end of ballet for my daughter. It is something she has done for 7 years and done well. I want her to make the decision of what she wants to do but I, for one, will miss seeing her perform. Yet, I'm thankful for what it has taught her. As I watch her gliding through the house, I know it has been beneficial in ways that will endure.

The end of baseball is near. We are on the go many nights a week and weekends with baseball and it does get to be a grind at times yet I enjoy it so much. Last night, we had 22 minutes left and were losing but it seemed as if only a few minutes had passed since we started. I enjoy the evening and night games and I enjoy watching my son perform - even more so when he has a good game like he did last night.

The end of Boston Legal. It's a quirky show that seems to be one that people really like or don't care for at all. Not much in between. I'm one who enjoys the show and it's one of the two I want to watch each week. The other is West Wing that ended last Sunday for good. I still haven't seen the final episode but have enjoyed the frenetic pace that was exemplified in the show. I think I would enjoy working in the White House with the exception of the hours that seem to be called for.

The end of the end. While all of these things are ending, they will either start anew soon or something new will take their place. It's one thing I truly love about each day. Whatever went wrong yesterday, today can be fresh and new and totally different. I hope your new day is a beautiful day for you.

Mother's Day

Thanks mom. Thank you for loving me when I said I would never come back to Tyler. Thanks for loving me by giving me all of those attitude talks. Thank you for traveling to all the sporting events and usually bringing cookies or treats for me and the guys who didn't have parents to follow them around. While I know I made it easy most of the time (hahahahaha), thanks for loving me when I wasn't so loveable. Thanks for giving much, much more than you ever wanted in return. Your heart, your spirit and your love will always endure. I thank God for you and your devotion to Him.

Thanks to my mother-in-law. You have raised a special family and a precious daughter. I couldn't have expected a mother-in-law who would treat me so well and always make me comfortable as a part of your family. Finding a Christian wife was a dream of my parents for me. Having a Christian wife is a constant blessing to me. I thank God for you and your devotion to Him.

To my wife, I thank God for you every day. While we may disagree on issues, I know we are both walking together on a path to our final home. I know our most important goals are aligned with our focus on God. You are a good and loving mother and your children adore you. You provide, you sacrifice and, most importantly, you love unconditionally. You are a gift, a blessing to your children and to me. Thank you for being the person you are and to constantly becoming the person God wants you to be. I thank God for you and your devotion to Him.

I have been blessed to have incredible women in my life.

Halfway There

It's Wednesday and the work week is half-over. For some, it's a moment of terror as they realize how much must be accomplished in a short amount of time. For others, it's the relief of the weekend to come. I'm not sure where I fall in the mix. I look forward to the weekend but realize that I have much to do and I'll be right back at Wednesday in no time. It's been a hectic week. I did find a new employee to handle the computer issues at work which is great so I have spent most of each day with him. I have reports do in the next few days that I still need to gather a great deal of information on. Push and pull.

In the midst of all of this, we have school issues and extracurricular activities. I can't seem to juggle all the balls as well as I need to but I keep juggling all the same. I look at my wife and see her juggling also while the kids simply march through life bouncing easily from one thing to another. I miss the days of being a child. If they only knew what we know, huh?

I suppose I have made it all sound dreary but there is another view of all of this. We are healthy enough to be doing a lot of things, there are sources of income that allow us to do what we do and there is a desire, if not a passion, for much of what we do. We love each other, we hug and kiss at night and in the morning, we share good times with each other, we laugh together (and at each other), we have an incredible extended family. On top of all of this, we have a Father who is so, so good, we have a Savior who has done infinitely more than we can imagine and we have a church family that is an anchor and support for us.

Someone used to tell me that my life would be what my attitude allowed it to be. I find myself repeating the same message often. I can allow my life to be governed by the attitude that would get caught up in the troubles of the first two paragraphs of this blog or I can choose an attitude that focuses on the good things in life. I think I'll choose the latter and be on my way smiling.

How Close Is Close Enough?

As I listened to people talk last night in our class, a recurring theme continually resonated in my head. When will I ever be close enough to God?

As we talk about church growth and the methodologies to make it happen, I often realize my own experience has been "in doing church" instead of really knowing God. For too much of my life, I've ventured into an intellectual relationship with God knowing what I should do but not having the emotional and spiritual relationship that makes me want to do His will. I've grown in knowledge but not spiritually. I've been regular in attendance but not an emulator of Christ in all that I do. I look around and I'm afraid I see people like me, people comfortable going to church but uncomfortable living Christ-like. I find people unloveable when I should be loving all people, I see people as high-maintenance when I should be full of compassion, I see people who can fend for themselves when I should be driven to serve them.

Why do I worry about what church uses an instrument or what church uses women in different ways or what church does this or that when I'm not worried that the people I come in contact with everyday don't see Jesus living in me? I don't have a problem debating some of the things we do or see in churches today but is Christ better served in my debate or in my desire to show the lost of the majesty and glory of being a child of God?

I pray that my focus forevermore will remain on Christ, that I will strive to know His will and be His servant.

As a New Week Begins...

I begin this week without my staff IT person. I will get most, if not all, the problem calls along with my normal job. I'm dreading it and the mental stress is building.

One of my nephews was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes over the weekend. He is doing good and I know he will be a success story for others with this disease. I also know that one of the challenges he will face at times is remaining mentally positive in his daily routine that comes with diabetes. Please join me in prayer that he will stay positive in his approach to living with diabetes and also that a cure for diabetes will be found in his lifetime.

Our Wednesday night class has been discussing dreaming and what a church with dreams can do. It's been a great study and one that has been encouraging as we talk about how we battle "dream-killers" and how we persevere in attaining our dreams. I read two interesting quotes over the weekend related to this topic.
The first stated, "The richest place on the planet is not some diamond mine or an oil field. It's a cemetary because we bury the inventions that were never produced, the ideas and dreams that never became reality, the hopes and aspirations that were never acted upon." How sad that this happens but it can be overcome. I believe the church in Decatur is preparing to overcome them.
The second quote is from Dr. Benjamin Mays and he says, "The tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goals, the tragedy lies in not having any goals to reach. It isn't a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It is not a disaster to be unable to capture your ideals, but it is a disaster to have no ideals to capture." I look forward to hearing the dreams of others and seeing the process begin to bring them to life.
Dream boldly.

A Tough Loss...A Joyful Ending

Our little guys lost again last night after carrying a lead into the last inning of the game. We had our best pitcher on the mound and he just couldn't get it going. Those are tough nights because the kids get so down on themselves. I know he was giving his best effort but it just wasn't working for him last night. My son has had the opportunity to be a hero at the end of the last two games and hasn't been able to get the big hit. It seems the shortstop or 2nd baseman is standing in the way. As coaches, we just want to see the kids succeed, to enjoy the game and have fun. We coach them to try and do everything with perfection but in the end, we just want them to work hard so they can play their best and enjoy what they are doing. It's the joy of the laughter in the dugout or on the practice field that makes it special.

At the end of the game, we saw a great deal of joy from the other team. They had a boy who is developmentally disabled in some way. I don't know what it was but after the game, he gets a bat and goes to the plate. One of the players on the team tosses him a ball to hit and when he hits it, he runs for the bases. The players all "do their best" to catch the ball while kicking it, dropping it and making a comedy of errors while the other youngster rounded the bases finally crossing home plate just as the ball was getting there. There fans cheered, our fans cheered, our kids stood and watched with smiles on the faces as this youngster, not being able to get out and play competitively, had his moment to shine.

What an incredible joy. What a beautiful lesson. I hope I will remember to serve as those youngsters served that young boy. I hope I will help others see and know the joy that I have in being a child of God, a sinner saved by the mercy of Christ's sacrifice.

Don't Drop the Ball

It's tough to watch your kids play athletic events and mess up. Whether it is missing a bump or watching a ball go through the legs, it's hard to watch. I want my kids to do well and when they don't it hurts because a) they've been taught how to do it right and b) I know it will hurt them that they messed up. When the games over and done, all I can do is give them a hug and tell them to keep working and prepare not to make that mistake again.

I think God does much the same with me. He sees the ball goes through my legs and knows I should have caught it. He knows I know what I should have done but for whatever reason, I didn't do the right thing. I'm blessed because my Father will lift me up when I've fallen, He will encourage me with His grace, His mercy, His promise and He will send me back out to try again to live a better life. I'm thankful to have a loving Father.

Coming Home

As I write this, I'm sitting in an airport in Chicago surrounded by people with laptops and cellphones who are much like me - ready to get home. It's been a good week and I've enjoyed the cool weather, sights and sounds and the food in Chicago but I'm ready to be home. I'm looking forward to the first hug (and the second and third), I'm looking forward to being in my comfortable surroundings, I'm looking forward to wide open spaces and hearing the voices of the people I love. It's good to get away sometimes but it's always great to get home. I've missed my wife and kids and I can't wait to see them. I'm trying to avoid looking at my watch because the hands are not moving fast enough. A scheduling error on my part prevented me from catching an earlier flight that might have got home a little earlier so I sit here looking at all these people I will soon be herded and crammed up with knowing that it will be just a few hours until I get where I want to be.
I'm ready to be home.

Hot Here, Cool There

I'm headed to Chicago tomorrow with someone who has never flown. He isn't sure why his seat is across the aisle from my seat but he keeps mentioning his nervousness to several people. We are headed up for a seminar and hope to get in a little sight-seeing and good food while there. I love going to Chicago but there are things I'm already thinking I'm going to miss while gone. I'll miss my wife. I'll miss her being next to me and watching our favorite show during the week. I'll miss the kids and our morning routine. I'm going to miss being in class Wednesday night for a great discussion (and of course the Mexican food before church). It will be a good trip but I'm already knowing it will be nice to be home.
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LTC was great. I'm so thankful for the ladies who organize it and all the people who put so much work into it. One of the most incredible things about LTC is seeing how so many in our church family are at the different events supporting the kids from our church. It's an incredible feeling of family and love that strengthens me.
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I'll try to blog at some point while in Chicago but in the event this is it for the week, I hope you have a good week.

Baseball, Volleyball and Heaven

As a kid, I didn't care much for baseball. It's the only sport I didn't start in so after two years I walked away. Actually, the third year I went to every practice just because it was where my friends were and I pitched batting practice but didn't develop the desire to start playing again. I didn't watch many Major League games, if any. I went to just a handful of high school games when my friends were playing. I just didn't care much for it. Times have changed. I have a new respect for baseball. It started when I moved to Ft. Worth and started attending some Ranger games but it really kicked in when my son decided to start playing. Now, I watch players movements to see how they throw, how they swing, their footwork or whatever else I can take away.
I've never been a fan of volleyball although I've "played" recreationally at times. Times have changed. This year my daughter started playing and I found myself watching the girls and how they approached the ball and hit the ball, the footwork and their placements and areas of responsibility on the floor. I'll probably end up watching some professional or college volleyball on TV when I can find it to learn more about it.
It's amazing how parents can get absorbed by what their kids interest are.
This weekend, my kids are participating in Leadership Training for Christ. They will be singing in a chorus and leading singing. They will be challenged in Bible Bowl and participating in puppet skits. They have been classroom teachers and given brief radio messages. It's been amazing to watch what they have done. My hope, my prayer, is that each of us will become more absorbed in knowing Christ, in living His will, in striving to know Him. I want to know what Christ is teaching me and be able to help my children apply that.
Oh, I love baseball and I'm quickly becoming a volleyball fan. I want to help my kids succeed as long as they want to play. How much more do I want to help my kids succeed in knowing Christ, in knowing His power, His majesty, His love and His mercy. My heart pounds with the desire to help them see what has taken me years to see. I want to help them find the path to Heaven and do all I can to help them attain the glory that awaits them.

Ephesians 3:19

I can't seem to write what I want to say today. This is the one of the many attempts I've made today to try and express what is jumbled in my head and I can't get it out in an understandable format. Yes, I realize some of you think this is normal for me. Anyway, I've decided I'm going the simple, short route until I can get a better handle on what I want to say.

Last night, our class discussed dreams for the work of our church, dreams for what our service to God can be and the fruit of those dreams - the growth we might see. We discussed how we typically measure growth (numbers, money, size) and how God might measure growth. Ephesians 3:19 hasn't left my head since. It says, "and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Oh my. If I can know that love and be filled with the fullness of God, I will have grown in the way I want to and the way God wants me to. If I can know that love and be filled with the fullness of God, I can live out the dreams God would have us dream. If I can know that love and be filled with the fullness of God, I will be bold in reaching out, I will be bold in proclaiming the good news, I will be bold in glorifying my Savior. If I can know that love and be filled with the fullness of God, I will be a warrior fiercely battling evil, I will be a peacemaker helping those in conflict, I will gently touch those who have been scarred, I will securely grab hold of those who are falling. If I can know the love that surpasses knowledge and be filled with the fullness of God, I will be the person I have dreamed of being.
I don't know that I can fully know the love described in Ephesians but I do know I must strive to know more of it every day, every minute, every second. I must grow in my knowledge of that love so that I can exhibit and share that love. I don't know how to measure it but I have a good idea of what it will look like and when I see it, I will know I am growing in the manner that God wants to see growth.
God, help me know your love better, give me strength to find it and courage to share it.

The Devil is Sneaky

He is. He shows up at the oddest places yet always remains in hiding. He's in our churches urging us to bicker about subjects that don't need to be bickered about. He's in our homes urging us to get upset about things we don't need to be upset about. He follows our families, urging one to do something to provoke another. He's at work, follows us at recreation times, during our down time. Satan doesn't take time off. He's always watching us, planning his time to strike.

God, help me remember you are with me always. Lead me to your arms, hold me and protect me from evil. Give me wisdom and give me courage to know when Satan is attacking me in the simplest of ways and give me strength to turn him away. Forgive me when I do fall for Satan's traps. I want to live for you, God. I want to glorify you.

Automatic Transmissions

I remember the first time I had to drive a vehicle with a standard transmission. I worked for Coca-Cola and had to take a delivery van to a store to drop off product and face the shelves (make sure all the product looked pretty on the shelf basically). There were several rough, jerky starts as I learned to use the clutch and get the van rolling. It wasn't a pretty sight at first and I'm sure the Coca-Cola logo was making an indelible impression on the people around me as they watched teh van lurch and sputter but I finally got the hang of it and now I enjoy driving a standard from time to time. However, automatic transmissions make things so easy. It shifts for you and the ride is smooth. There's nothing to think about, nothing to do other than just press the accelerator.

I think we are equipped with standard transmissions. Life certainly isn't always a smooth ride. Often, we deal with problems or do things that make life seem rough and jerky, just like my initial attempts to get the van rolling. Hopefully, we can learn how to get past the rough spots and keep things moving smoothly. Yet if we aren't careful, we can still end up stalling out because we lose focus on what we need to do. That's the way I feel this morning. The day has started off a little rough but I'm reminding myself to focus on God and allow Him to help me and I know things will get smoother. Too often when faced with some difficulty of any degree, I start thinking about me and what I'm going to do instead of turning to God and asking Him what I should do. Today, I will spend some time praying and trusting that the ride will smooth out as I go along.

It's Friday Again

It's another Friday and I feel myself already mentally decompressing early in the day. That's not a good sign for productive work but I'm sure I'll battle through it. Do you have those days when you just want to sit still, maybe even sleep a little, and let the world spin while you do not? It seems we are on the go all the time. I think sometimes we have reached a point where we do so much, we can't sit still because we feel like we are robbing time from something we should be doing. Yet we do, do, do and then feel guilty when we are not doing something. Yet, peace and stillness and quiet are tools to regenerate, recharge, be introspective, contemplate and formulate. Taking these times can truly make us more efficient and happier, more productive and supportive. In business, we often say you have to quit working in your business so you can work on your business. I get caught up in all that I need to do without taking the time to think about what is truly important, what I really need to get done and making a plan to do that.

I need quiet time with God too. I get so busy that I spend too little time with God, too little time contemplating His desire for me, to recharge and be prepared for the opportunities He presents me. I need to spend more time thinking about how to live out His will instead of just doing the things I always do. He has great plans for us if we will seek Him and His wisdom.

I hope you get to spend some time in peace and quiet soon. Use it well.

The Words We Use

I read an article in the Wall Street Journal today regarding the use of profanity in the workplace. It seems that using profanity is now a badge of merit in some companies whereby it shows you aren't afraid to "mix it up" a little. Of course, swearing more than the boss can be bad for your career track. What? When I read something like this, I just wonder what in the world is going on in some people's heads. Even more, what is going on in their heart?
I'm thankful I work in an environment where faith and serving God can be put first.

The End of the Road

Tonight is my last Wednesday to spend time with someone I've truly grown to appreciate. We have been studying David in our Wednesday night class and it has been such a blessing in my life. I have learned so much about David, but even more, I've learned so much about my relationship with God. I see parts of my life played out similar to times in David's life and it has given me a fuller appreciation of the pain we endure when we do wrong and the glory of God we experience when we walk with Him. I pray that I will spend more time walking in the glory of God as the days go by.

I'll miss our study of David because it has brought me to a better understanding of God but I know the stories will always be with. Much more than that, I know that God will always be with me. Even though we are leaving the study of David, we are moving forward with his example of dreaming what big things we can do with and through God. I look forward to these nights of being with brothers and talking about what big things we can accomplish as we live as Christ's hands and feet on earth. I expect amazing, exciting times ahead and thank God that he has brought us together with a body of believers that has a desire and passion to serve.

The Agony of Change

I've suffered through another time change. For some reason, it seems like I have lost a lot more hours than I've gained. I don't like getting out of bed while it's dark outside. I don't like contemplating going to bed while it's still light outside. I don't like driving into the sun on our morning school run. I don't like it when it's 85 degrees at 9 p.m. because the sun has been up longer than it should. As you can see, there are many things I don't like. Fortunately for me, I have a fairly good ability to move ahead and find the things that make me happy. So in a day or two, I'll have forgotten the sleep I lost, get into the routine of later days and go watch some basebll. :)

It's Opening Day for the Rangers and everyone is either anticipating a great year or another mid to late season meltdown. Whatever happens, I enjoy going to the games, looking at the manicured field, seeing all the people eating hot dogs with mustard dripping down their mouths, hearing the crack of the bat hitting the ball and enjoying the pace of another evening at a baseball game.

My daughter's volleyball team won both their games over the weekend. I don't understand why the referees have to do all the hand signals instead of just yelling "out" or "in" but it's fun watching the girls play. My little angel had a good day on the court and that always makes it fun. My son's team split a double-header this weekend. He was 1 for 3 with an RBI so it was a good day for him too. It's fun watching kids play - not so much fun listening to the parents sometimes. And then we had an ump who didn't call it like I saw it. That aside, it was a good day for the boys and we all are seeing improvement.

Now, quit goofing off and get back to work! :)

Sticks and Stones...

CNN and Nancy Grace have focused on the story of the Tennesee preacher shot by his wife recently and through it all, the Church of Christ was portrayed in a negative light. One Baptist preacher called Churches of Christ a cult while Nancy hounded a Church of Christ minister about the views on women's roles in the church. It's upsetting to read or hear what is said about the church because we hold so dearly to what we believe. For some, the initial response might be to fight back while others prefer to ignore it. I feel that the answer resides somewhere in the middle.
The conversation has started and I feel I would be remiss not to join in, not that I desire to argue the points brought up but hopefully to answer with the spirit that Christ would answer these charges. When the Pharisees made accusations or tried to ask leading questions to put Him in a corner, He responded and in His response, they could find what they wanted. If they wanted to see someone who was fighting against them, they would. Yet, if they wanted to find the source of living water, the source of their ultimate salvation, they could.
I believe we have to respond just as Jesus responded and allow God to work through our response and in the lives of those that hear. We must defend our faith but not be defensive. We respond to evil with good. We respond to hatred with love. We respond to error with truth. In all our responses, we must remember to allow Christ to speak through us. We are His vessels.
As Christians, we can take on those who throw their sticks and stones with the love and meekness of one who knows what awaits us and we must respond with the love and the joy that we want to share the incredible gift.

Do You Know Jesus?

Last night in our Bible class, we talked about dreaming like David dreamed. It was a good discussion and one I think we will take further steps on with dreams for our own church. While discussing dreaming, I thought about how well David knew God and how that impacted his dreams. From there, I went on to think about my relationship with Jesus over the years. I firmly believe I have come to know Jesus in a much deeper, more intimate relationship in the last few years than I have in all the years previous.
As my mind works (which isn't all that well very often), I would say that for several years I knew of Jesus but didn't really KNOW Jesus. I had an intellectual understanding of who He is and what He has done for me but I don't think I was able to internalize that, to understand it emotionally and spiritually. While I have many miles to travel to know Jesus better, today I believe I have a much better perspective of who He is and what He has done for me and only now can I begin to dream what I can do for Him.
I have experienced many years of discussing how we should "do church" or "be a Christian" without truly worshipping and without truly living Christ-exemplified to those around me. I worshipped by singing and by praying and listening to the sermon but didn't allow my emotions to come through in my worship. I worshipped from the outside doing the things that are listed in the Bible but failing to worship from the heart. I worshipped with good intentions (just ask my daughter where good intentions will get you) but didn't truly worship with the emotion of what being a child of God, a sinner saved by true sacrifice experiences.
Much the same, I could tell people why they needed to be a Christian but didn't have compassion for their burdens. Today, I have a deeper understanding of how loving and how patient Jesus is with me. Today, I have a deeper understanding of what His mercy and grace mean because I can look back at things I have done that has hurt Him (and others), yet He has remained so good to me. How can I be anything different to those around me than what Christ is to me? How can I not exhibit mercy and grace? How can I not be in diligent prayer for those that stumble? Whether they have hurt me or themselves or someone else, how can I do anything but point them to Christ because only in Him will they find what they need to overcome their failings. Those who fall and seek redemption through Christ will not forget their falling, so why should I need to remember it? Instead I must be constant in prayer and be constant in helping them be the person Christ wants them to be.
I believe now that I can begin to dream the dreams Jesus wants me to dream because I have started to make a breakthrough in a closer, intimate relationship with Him. I believe now I can truly have hope to reach the lost because I realize how lost I was.
I have a great anticipation of dreaming the dreams that God hopes I will dream.

Don't Know Much About Freud

I don't know much about classical psychology although I toyed with the idea of pursuing it as a major in college. People's minds are fascinating and studying and understanding why people think what they think is a hobby for me now. Going to the mall or a ballgame and just watching the people leaves me wondering so much about what you can really tell about someone by watching them.

The ego is certainly a part of classical study and something we would all likely do well to understand better. Why does someone's ego make them do the things they do? Why do other's check their ego and make sure it is not putting them in a position of looking foolish...or worse? I have often observed that ego takes over when confidence is lost.

As a Christian, we can always have confidence because Christ has defeated the enemy for us. We have the spoils of war awaiting us. A Christian doesn't need a big ego because Christ has done what none of us can ever do for ourselves but we can walk confidently and boldly that we, through Him, can overcome any challenge that may face us.

What a Difference a Day Makes

It turned downright cold last night. We were at a baseball game and everyone was wanting to go home. Unfortunately, we lost in the last inning but I think everyone was really to cold to think about it at the time.

Terrell's a Cowboy. You've probably heard his rap song already but the best song I've heard was written to The Devil Went Down to Georgia with the Devil being TO and Georgia being the Cowboys while Jerry was the fiddler that made his bet with the Devil. It will be an interesting year but one more reason I will watch less pro football this year. These guys make too much money to make it fun to watch. Give me high school (for the love of the game and a few steroids) and college (not too much money and a few more steroids) over pro sports any day.

The mind is a bit of a blank slate today so I'll return to the grindstone.

Have a great day!

A Pat On The Back

Do you enjoy getting compliments? I don't know many people who don't like getting a pat on the back occasionally. Last night, my wife was reading her list of blogs and after reading mine, said "good blog." It was a simple statement but one that made me feel good.

She's the same person who stays up with her daughter to help on a homework assignment that was remembered at the last minute while I suggest stringing the daughter up by her toes. She's the same person who cleans the house, washes the clothes, fixes one of the best peach cobblers you've ever sunk your teeth into, delivers kids from one place to another, comforts us when we hurt, helps us when we are down and says "good blog" when we do something good. That's just a snippet of what she does for us, and, it doesn't include all the little (and big) things she does for others while still caring for her family.

A year or so ago, she had surgery and was unable to get up and about for a few weeks. She worried that we would fall apart I think, yet we made it through that time without much trouble. We had plenty of people who fixed meals for us and helped get kids from one place to another. Yet we also had something more, we had an example of what we needed to do and how to do it and we had a desire to return a little to someone who has given us so much.

To my wife, thank you doesn't do justice to the thanks you deserve but it's where I'll start. I speak for the kids and myself when I say you hold us together and push us forward. Thank you for the servant-example and the love you give us.

One of Those Days

Yesterday was one of those days where I didn't feel good but couldn't pinpoint what was wrong. I just felt bad all over so I stayed home. I missed being at church. I missed seeing people I look forward to seeing all week. I missed a time of study that makes me think all week. I missed a time of worship where I am encouaraged and can refocus. I miss that when I am not there.

My kids are preparing for LTC (Leadership Training for Christ). It's an exciting time because while they have plenty of activities to occupy their minds, the focus is still on God and His will. It's amazing to hear them answer questions about the book of Ruth, to hear them talk about the meaning behind a puppet story, to see them volunteering to do things that will equip them to one day carry the message of God to others. What a blessing this time is. I remember having a feeling of dread before they were old enough to participate because I had heard the stories about the crowded hotel, the crowds of people and on and on. Now that I've been able to go, to see thousands of youth and adults gathering to celebrate and share in the purpose of preparing our children, it is an awesome experience. Now, I look forward to being crammed into a stairwell with kids trying to get to their Chorus event, finding their Bible reading or song-leading room, filing in and out of the puppet room. I look forward to it because the purpose is for something that will be the most important thing they will experience in their lives...growing in knowledge of God's will and acting on Christ's request to go and teach. I will again thank God for the blessing of that weekend.

Rain Baby, Rain

Liquid moisture from the sky is predicted for this weekend and while I don't want to miss baseball games, I want to see rain. We need it desperately and it sounds as if we might see it for a few days. Prayers would be answered.

Yesterday was the start of March Madness, my favorite sporting event of the year. I've been known to take time off from work to watch games and yes, even wager a few dollars on an office pool. I love college basketball and I love watching both good teams play good basketball and little-known teams take down giants. Yesterday, while I remain a staunch Longhorn fan, it was great to see A&M win a tourney game. It brings credibility to Texas and Big 12 basketball.
HOOK 'EM HORNS!

What A Difference A Day Makes

Last Thursday, I couldn't see very well without glasses. I have worn glasses since I was 15 years old. Friday afternoon, no glasses and I can see everything sharp and clear. Days later, I continue to be amazed at what surgery has done. It is fascinating knowing I am seeing things with just my eyes that for years I haven't been able to see. It's funny each time I reach up to push my glasses up only to hit my nose because they are no longer there. It's just amazing.

We spent a few days in Austin, ate some good Mexican food, saw a great baseball game and did some shopping. It was nice to get away for even a short time and makes me look forward to our annual trip to Fun Valley where I can truly relax. Austin is always an interesting place and this trip was no exception. We went to the Bob Bullock Museum which is an incredible place though it does get hard to keep up your enthusiasm after the 2nd floor. And if you go, be sure to find an Amy's Ice Cream. The people working there are a little different but the ice cream is really good.

It's good to be away but it's also good to be home. Last night, after the unpacking, I got to spend some time sitting on the sofa watching a little TV with my wife and enjoyed the comfort and peace of being home.

20/20

After several years of waiting, I finally did it. Last Friday, I went and let them (or I should probably say paid a ransom) to have my eyes blasted with lasers. It was a very odd experience but following the doctor's directions, went home and slept for about 5 hours. When I woke up, it was a whole new world. I could see the little scroll at the bottom of the TV. I could see the letters on the water tower north of town. I could see the neighbor's horses clearly. It was amazing. I can't help but to keep from laughing as I look around and see things without glasses that I would never be able to focus on before. I also keep laughing as I try to adjust my glasses that are no longer there, or take them off before going to bed even though I don't have them on. Old habits.

I want to thank my wife for putting up with me for a few nervous hours before and after the surgery. I want to thank my parents for helping me get to the point of doing it also. I want to thank everyone who said a little prayer for me.

Changes can be so amazing. I see friends who have a new relationship with God and with their Christian family and I see comfort in those changes, happiness in those changes.

I thank God for the changes in my life. I hope they all push me to know Him better.

The Blogging Life

It's funny how you start one of these things just for kicks, not expecting it to last long or have anyone read it and then reach a point where someone asks "why haven't you blogged today/yesterday/lately?" OK, it's only funny to me so in my own introverted way want to say, thanks for the laughs.

Now that I've quit amusing myself, I'm reading a book called The Cell by Stephen King. I've never read his books before but wanted something different and something that would let my brain rest. I'll try not to give it away but the premise is based on cell phones being used to transmit an electronic wave that makes people do bad stuff. Science-fiction, right? I wonder, with all of our technological advances, how open we are for that technology to come back and bite us. We see it more and more from terrorists using it to send messages around the world to identity theft and on and on. It's amazing but also a little scary to think about what can be done with technology.

Now that I've brought you down and made you look at your computer like you were looking at a mass murderer, I'll change directions. In the midst of whatever problems we face in this world, I know I have a family around me that is confident that we face a better life in the future. We are walking towards a life of beauty, of peace, of joy. There will be no stress because Jesus has taken our burdens. There will be no debt because He has already paid on our account. There will be no hatred because love will rule. My family lifts me up. My family reminds me of what awaits me. My family shares my hope. There are good things happening in Decatur, Texas that are leading to great things that will happen in Heaven. I thank God for His blessings.

Have You Moved Your Cheese?

The title of a popular book about handling change relates to some mice and "little people" who have to change their way of thinking and acting to keep finding their cheese. I don't know many people who get excited about change and even when there is some level of excitement, there is some level of trepidation also. We can convince ourselves that the rut we live in is better than the smooth road we could be on because we have to go over some bumps to get there.

Yesterday was one of those days for me. I was preparing for some changes, excited by the prospects of what will come with it but also dealing with some level of concern, some level of fear even, about what I have to do to get to the point I'm excited about. There's some comfort in doing what I've always done.

Our lives are like that. Physically, mentally, spiritually...change can cause us to hesitate, to worry, to see the negative. Not all change is good and not all things should be changed. There is some level of study or maybe common sense that goes into a decision to make a change but when it is something that will be good for you, why the hesitation? We get comfortable with our life, with our relationships, with God. We get comfortable and we too often fail to see that something better is out there. We overlook what can be exciting in our life, we overlook the specialness of our relationships and we overlook how much closer we can be to God.

In all the changes I go through, I will pray that the Lord walks with me, that He will encourage me and that He will comfort me.

Trips to Tyler

I just figured out how to put a titile on a blog. There's always some obscure setting in the background and the title function was turned off on my blog. I may leave it off because I'm not sure coming up with a title is a productive use of my time (as if blogging were) but I'll give it a go.

I was in Tyler last week and attended church with my parents. So much has changed there since I grew up that it doesn't really seem like the congregation I knew as a youth. The building is different and most of the people are different. When I was in college, I would go back and see friends and people I knew. I was the person returning home to people I knew. Now, I am the visitor, the guy people see and introduce themselves to not knowing that I spent 18 formative years there. Still, there are things about it that remind me so much of my early years. The preacher is the same man that was there when I moved away. My parents friends and even a couple of my old friends are still there. Yet, there is always a memory of one person who is not there anymore but who is emblazoned in my mind and in my heart.

I used this story for a communion thought once and will probably use it again. Hillard was my youth minister, my basketball coach, my best friend's dad, a cut-up extraordinare and a friend. He baptized me, he helped raise me and train me. He convinced me to preach during a youth-led Sunday night service when I was in Junior High. Hillard was a lively, encouraging man who had a profoundly positive impact on many, many people.

Hillard passed away suddenly a few years ago. He was coaching one of his grandchildren's youth basketball games when he passed out. They rushed him to the hospital but there was nothing the doctor's could do. He had been to the hospital earlier in the week, not feeling well, but he was checked out and sent home. Just days later, he was gone.

I got the church bulletin about the same time as the funeral for Hillard. The bulletin, referring to his first hospital visit, stated that "Hillard is feeling better and has gone home." The statement was just as true the day I read it as the day it was written. Hillard was feeling better and had gone home.

While I miss seeing Hillard and know his family misses him greatly, Hillard knew what we all know - that Heaven awaits us and that we do look forward to the day we are feeling better and get to go home. Jesus' death and resurrection gives us that assurance. Jesus paid a horrible price for us just so we could one day feel better and go home.

It's Wednesday so that means Mexican food at my favorite local spot with the family along with a couple of friends of ours. It has become a routine that we follow each week and one that I look forward to. I enjoy the conversation and the laughs. I enjoy building the relationships and getting to know everyone there a little better. Afterwards, we will go to church and start over with a larger group but basically doing the same thing. We'll be spiritually filled instead of physically and we will build relationships. We will talk, we will study, we will laugh, we may cry and we will pray for and with each other. I love building these relationships. I love building the connections with my brothers and sisters and with God. Tonight will be a good night.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for me. Thank you for all the prayers that I know you have prayed for me. Thank you for nurturing me, teaching me, preparing me and challenging me. You have been a true blessing in my life and I love you.

Is it OK to gamble with play money? Last night, I attended a Casino Night event put on by one of our vendors. Luck was with me for awhile and then the tide turned and in a blink of an eye, $4,000 in play money was gone. Poof! Nada. Zilch. Goose-egg. Now, the devastating thing about it is that the big prize I wanted were two seats at the Final 4 this year in the vendor's suite. If I could have turned 4-grand in funny money into prime seats at the Final 4, I'd be walking on air today. I hope people who do have gambling addictions get help. It was amazing how fast that money can disappear.

I have been impressed with the messages our new preacher has delivered since coming to our church. One that has really stuck with me was the message to pray boldly to God; to ask boldly for what we want. People close to me have cancer, people I care about are having marriage problems, people I know are dealing with emotions that are hurting them, people close to me are dealing with problems. I am boldly asking God to heal those diseases, heal the hurt, heal the wounds. I have a running battle with Satan daily. It's not an easy battle so I pray boldly every morning that God will push Satan out of my way today, that He will crush the devil's spirit in trying to get to me and that He will give me the strength to crush Satan when Satan is in my path.

I know God hears me. I know He may not answer my bold prayers in the way I want but I trust He will answer them the way He knows is best. I hope that my boldness will never cease, that my heart will always be open to His will and that my ways will be His ways. Yet, I remain ever so thankful that I can boldly approach God, that I can ask for exactly what I want and that He will hear me. An incredible Master is one who will hear those subject to Him. An incredible Lord is one who will do what is best in my life because He knows me so well. An incredible Savior is one who will love me when I fall. I have all 3.

I'm having one of those days where it feels like it should be a couple of days later and I can't seem to finish a thought or idea. That does not bode well for blogging so I will just mention a few random thoughts from the morning so far.

1. Have you seen a video clip of the Nebraska meat packers that won $15.5 million each from the lottery. They were really funny. I hope they use the money well.
2. Is it just me or does anyone else find themselves wanting both rain and sunshine this week? The weather we are having is dreary.
3. I'm going to Tyler this weekend and will get to watch my dad coach a girls basketball team. I trust it will be fun and hope he doesn't disagree with a referee like he did in one of my games many years ago. Memories can make you laugh and cry. This particular one really makes me laugh.
4. Baseball season is fixing to start for my son and my daughter is going to give volleyball a whirl this year. I look forward to watching them but wish gas was $1.50 again (back when we thought it was expensive).
5. My basketball team finished 4-2. We should have been 6-0. Just goes to show what a couple of off days can do to you. Still, it was a great group of kids and a fun year. I'm already planning for next year.
6. I have been off-and-on with the Olympics. I keep hearing about the low ratings and just wonder why the lack of interest seems to be growing.
7. I keep hearing about the lady who is on trial for cutting off the arms of her baby and killing her. Her attorney is using the insanity defense but a lot of the testimony seems to hinge around her pastor and religious teaching. I can't imagine any sane person would do something like that but I worry, if the reports are true, about what this guy is out teaching to other people.
8. Last night at church was another study on the life of David. He did things that we look back on and think "how stupid" and then I look back on things I've done in my life and think, "hey, that was really stupid too." I read the Psalms and hear some of my pleas to God, only more eloquent. I see David return to God time and time again and know I can do the same. Whenever I make a mess of my life, God is there for me.
9. Kids are funny. Employees are mentally challenging. One good reason to be a coach.

I hope you have a great day! I'm going to try and get my brain engaged.

I wish I had a quarter for every time I heard while growing up, "just wait until you have kids and then you'll understand." If I had all that money, I'd be able to hire a nanny! Raising children is an awesome responsibility and an incredibly eye-opening job. I think of things much differently now that I have my own kids. All the while, I continue to realize my parents weren't as crazy as I thought they were at the time (although, watching them with grandkids, they have become people I never knew growing up).

I am blessed to be able to drive the kids to school almost every morning. It's a short ride but often entertaining and/or enlightening. Sometimes I can get a glimpse into their world, their thoughts, their worries, their joy. It's those brief moments that I love and I am thankful I have them.

Last night at a basketball game, I listened to some young men sitting behind us talking and it seemed they found it hard to go more than two or three words without adding a cussword. I wondered if that's the way they talk at work or around their parents. I wondered if they ever thought about what they were saying. I wondered how they would change or if they would as they grow and mature. I wondered what my kids will do when they are on their own, away from mom and dad.

No parents are perfect and I certainly make my fair share of mistakes with my kids but I know their mother and I are trying to train them for the world that awaits them. I know they will do some things they shouldn't but I hope we will do our part to give them all they need to make the better choice.

Children are precious jewels. If you are a parent, you understand. If not, "just wait until you have kids..."

There are mean people in the world. I read an article today on the Internet about a "Reverend" that goes around spewing hatred towards homosexuals (the pictures in the article and the interview I heard with him on the radio once pretty well confirm that hatred is accurate). My kids tell me about other kids at school who say mean things. We see meanness exhibited between people so often.

I wonder why. What makes people act that way? Why do they think being mean and showing hatred to others will make things right?

In a conversation I had with my daughter on the way to school, the song that goes "...this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine..." popped into my head. What happens when we are light to others? How do we feel when we are light to others? If you have ever had that feeling, would you ever want anything else? To be light, to help others see the path to God is a gift He gives us. Talk about your warm-fuzzies. Be light today. Help someone see the path to God today.

Many of you surprise me. I keep thinking I write this blog in relative obscurity, something to do just for the fun of writing, yet I receive comments from people who mention I haven't written in a couple of days or that they agreed with something I said recently (for those of you who disagree, thanks for not saying so!).

Last night, I had to teach a class on why God let's us experience pain. It's a tough class because the question is always out there. Why does God let a 10 year old have cancer? Why does God allow a tsunami wipe out thousands of people? Why does God let a 90+ year old hang on even when quality of life is gone?

Who said God let any of this happen? I find it odd that most people would not want God to control their lives yet they expect Him to control the things they don't like. Why is it that too often, the things we should be thankful for are the things we forget to thank God for but when something bad happens, people turn around and want to know where God is. Why did God let this happen? Why did God do this?

Pain can be good. Pain can provide healing. Pain often turns us to God yet we must be the one to make the choice to accuse Him or seek Him. God will not chase us down. He will not make us come to Him but He will always accept us, He will always open His arms to us, He will always hear us. When God asked Adam and Eve "Where are you?" after they had eaten from the tree they were not supposed to, He knew where they were but He wanted them to want to seek Him. When He asked "Why did you do this?" He didn't want their excuses that someone else made them do it. He wanted them to want to seek Him.

We have to seek God, in good times and bad. He doesn't cause our pain and hurts but He is always there to help us heal.

It's Friday and very cold in Decatur, Texas. I hope the chances of freezing rain stay away. Our last basketball game of the season is tomorrow and I don't want to be cancelled and have to reschedule. I do enjoy the cold weather though and look forward to a burst of artic air.

I've been watching some of the Olympics but it doesn't seem to be as big or important as it did when I was younger. I think it's too much figure skating but that's just me. I do enjoy some of the speed sports, especially the crazy new skiing and snowboarding events and the short track ice skating events. It must be incredible to be there competing and to win a medal would be awesome.

Have a great weekend - enjoy the change in weather - remember to be thankful.

As I was leaving the elementary school after dropping my son off today, it struck me that I will only be taking a child to that school for just a few more months. I've been driving to that school during the school year almost daily for 7 years and it will be over soon.

It just reminded me of how fast life goes by and how insignificant our lives can be. We really aren't around for a long time when you think about it. Just yesterday I was 15 and starting to drive and now I'm...older, with arthritis in my back. My children have changed so dramatically since it was just yesterday they were in diapers.

Our lives can be insignificant - if we allow them to be. Time swallows them up and if we do nothing, the time can be meaningless. Yet, I have had a vast number of people in my life who have been very significant. I would have to start with my mom and dad and go from there but the point is, there have been people throughout my life who have served me in so many ways. Some may not have known it, others were intentional in what they did.

God calls us to significance. Not an overinflated ego, not blown up pride but significance is service to others. I trust that I and my wife through our teaching, nurturing and love for our children will have a profound significance in how they live their lives. Their grandparents, uncles and aunts, teachers, older kids, friends and on and on will also have significance in their teaching, nurturing and love for my children.

Our service is what makes "our mark" on the world. We see the Trumps and Bushes and Rockefellers and think they will make history yet we all make history every day because of our love for God and, in turn, how we treat others. We make their history and I know there are many, many more quiet history makers than the prominent names we read about in the paper and in books.

As my children move on through their lives, I hope I will make a positive impact on them and pray that God will bring many people into their lives and help them grow and, in return, become significant in the lives of others to share the love that Christ shares with us.

I think the big news this week will be Dick Cheney shooting a hunting partner on a quail hunt in South Texas. I can only imagine the press having a field day with this. First, the guy he shot was a lawyer so let's cut him a little slack. (My apologies to any lawyers reading this, I was just kidding.) So far, I've only seen one station report that the guy was walking up behind Cheney from chasing down another bird and didn't let him know he was getting near Cheney. One of the main rules of hunting is to let other hunters know where you are. Maybe other stations will pick up on this or I just missed it but the story lends itself well to the liberal-bias of media and their ability to blow it way out of proportion. I'm sure we will also see plenty of cartoons with a gun-toting Cheney. Oh my.

I don't have much to say today. Little sleep and a bad back don't make the mind sharp. For those of you out there thinking my mind has never been all that sharp, put a sock in it. :)

Have a great day. Remember that God loves you and has given you love, mercy and salvation. Live for Him.

The last few years have brought me a deeper understanding of mercy and forgiveness and I feel like I have a grasp and appreciation of it that is changing my life. I know many people wrestle with forgiveness. Through Bible classes, conversations and my children, I have experienced how hard it can be to forgive and be forgiven. It struck me last night as one of my own was being reprimanded, then forgiven and said "I don't deserve to be forgiven." Oh, how I know that feeling. The pain we cause others is so often a pain that never goes away. It's intensity may lessen over time but I don't know that it ever goes away and there are times when we cause that pain, we do not feel like we can be forgiven, that we do not deserve forgiveness. Therein lies the beauty of forgiveness. We don't deserve it but it is a gift we are given and, that we give. It is a gift of the highest magnitude. It is a gift more valuable than all man's riches.

When I am wronged and when I do wrong, I can only grasp forgiveness by looking at God. My gracious Father, He forgives me and He wipes away my sin. Even after giving His son on the cross, he still forgives me. How can I not gladly give what He so lovingly give me time and time again? I have learned that I cannot forgive adequately without approaching forgiveness through God and then, and only then, can my heart open up to forgive or to receive forgiveness. What an amazing gift I have received. What an awesome gift to give.

A question I heard recently was "how do we forgive those who don't seek forgiveness?" For me, all I can do is look at God who sees us when we sin and I believe hopes to see us change, hopes to see us seek His forgiveness. I think I have to have that same hope for those who have wronged me but don't seek my forgiveness. God gives us the gift of hope, the gift of openness to return to Him if we will.

I certainly don't know all the answers. I'm no scholar who can point to one thing or another to make my case. Yet I am a sinner and a child of God. I fall for the traps of the devil but have come to know I can seek my God and his forgiveness and comfort. I know that even when I don't deserve forgiveness, He willingly, openly, lovingly gives it. He gave His son and He still gives me forgiveness. It's a gift I cannot fully grasp but one I will not turn loose of. His gift is beautiful and awesome and peaceful.

Driving down the road, do you look out ahead of you or do you look at the hood of your car? Seems like a crazy question, right? If you only look at the hood, you can't see what's happening and you are going to wind up crashing. It may be a small crash or you might run head-on into a train. That's why you have to look ahead, to see what is going to be happening seconds or even minutes before you are there in your car.

In life, do we look ahead or just to our eyelids? Do you look to see God, to see heaven? Satan doesn't want us looking that far. He wants us focused on the hood of the car - on something that isn't important - so that we will have a crash before we reach our destination. Oh, he knows that we will have some little fender benders but Satan wants us to keep our focus on the unimportant hoping we will have that big crash, the one that will destroy us and everything around us. God wants us to look to the future, to see the bigger picture, to see the road ahead so we can navigate around the problems. By looking to Him, we can see the obstacles that are in our way of reaching our destination. By looking to Him, our focus is on what is truly important. By looking to Him, the devil suffers loss.

Stay focused on what is true, what is real, what is good. The true blessing that awaits us is down the road, we just have to keep our eyes on it.

I'm amazed at the rioting going on around the world because of a cartoon depicting Mohammed. It really makes me wonder about the hearts and intentions of people who join the Islamic religion. Then I think of people who label themselves as Christian and go kill doctors who perform abortions. What is in their heart?

I don't know what God will say or do on judgment day. I can't imagine how horrible it would be to sit in front of God and try to explain horrible actions and justify it before Him.

I cannot be tolerant of someone who makes fun of my beliefs, who speaks negatively of God and Christianity, who would try to take away my right to share and exhibit my beliefs yet I must fight against those things with the heart of God, with firmness heaped full of love and compassion. I must remember that in the end, their argument isn't really with me but with someone much, much greater than me and with someone who wields much, much more punishment than me. I must stand up against them to try and win them to God, not condemn them for their actions. Condemnation from God illicits feelings that go beyond what I can comprehend.

They will know we are Christians by our love.

I'm having trouble writing today. I'm wrestling with the fact that companies view TV as being so powerful that they will pay $2.5 million for a 30 second spot. I know that the TV executives are convinced by buying habits that TV is strong in influencing people's beliefs and opinions. Take it one step further and I believe TV executives also believe and want to affect beliefs about sex, homosexuality and other issues that Christians find detrimental to living out God's will. These people can and do influence thousands, maybe millions, that homosexuality is OK because the characters on TV are fun and loveable, that sex between unmarried children/adults is just normal, that alcohol and "recreational" drug use doesn't really hurt people. TV often portrays Christians as being very fallible yet unconcerned about what their mistakes (sin) can do. TV shows religion as just another hobby, not much different than fishing or shopping.

I know I could just unplug the thing and throw it out the window but I'd rather put some effort into expressing my opinion to the people making the decisions, to maybe see this mass medium used for good and building people up than for dumbing us down. I think TV can be a useful tool when used the right way and hiding my face from it won't make it go away. I'm called to service and part of that service is speaking out against the issues that tear people down just as much as I am called to help the poor. I would encourage you to let the networks know when you are not happy with what is on TV. The power of your email can be stronger than you think.

Working on our church mission committee, I rely quite a bit on the church secretary to get information for me, help with banking issues and sometimes serve as a go-between for me, the missionary and the associate minister at our church. She never complains and always handles what is asked of her without the slightest complaint or "I want to pull your eyeballs out of your head" look on her face. I don't know, she may be feeling it inside but she does what is requested efficiently and with much grace. She serves quietly and does not seem to want attention or credit. I love her attitude and her spirit. I appreciate her quiet service.
I may not remember the story correctly but as I recall it, an uncle of mine gave money to a family in his community that had little yet he did it without the family knowing where it came from. I guess he directed it through the church or the minister there but he wanted to serve and to help. I don't think anyone in our family knew it until after my uncle died and the minister shared it with them. Even though I don't remember the all the circumstances, I certainly remember the example.
We are here to give, not to get. We are here to serve, not receive. I know that when I give, I certainly get blessings - both spiritual and physical - returned to me. I know that when I serve, I receive service from others. As long as I do what God wants from me, I will get more than I need returned.
I appreciate my uncle and our church secretary for their examples. There are so many others that surround me in my life and I thank God for blessing me with wonderful people who help me stay focused on Him and the joy I get from being His child.

I'm not a good business traveler. Yesterday, I spent a good part of the day in Dallas for a meeting and even though it was just a few hours, being in Dallas exhausts me. Today, my plan is to head to our store in Salado where I'll stay overnight to work on computers, meet new people and help them however I can. I never sleep well my first night away from home when I'm by myself. I come back even more exhausted than when I went. That stands in contrast to how I sleep when my wife is with me. As long as she is next to me, I can be asleep in minutes. I suppose it is a comfort factor, knowing she's close by. I appreciate and cherish that comfort.

I feel that way with my church family too and I feel it more today than I ever have before. I feel bonds growing, I feel comfort knowing there are people I can lean on and rely on. I feel God working in our church family, I see good things happening and I look forward to what is ahead. I am amazed by the love, the spirit and the talent of the people in our church and the desire to do some great things to the glory of God.

Our church marquee made the pages of a blog I read. It's a liberal blog with a large number of people who bash Christians, churches and anyone who doesn't support homosexuals among other things. The blog author posted a picture of our sign with the message that we are to be witnesses, not lawyers and judges. One of the respondents posted Church Sign=Savage Hipocracy. I another wrote that most churches of Christ are judges.

I'm confident neither of these people have entered a church building in some time, at least not with the right attitude and intention of worshipping God and edifying the body. I'm confident they do not tolerate anyone who is not tolerant of their views. I'm confident they have no intention of looking for the good Christians do but only in their failings.

I hope God will work on these people, that He will open their hearts to the beauty and joy that I see in our family. I hope He will give them the ability to listen and understand as we worship together, as we lift each other up, as we rejoice with one another and cry with one another. I hope they will be able to forgive those who have hurt them and seek God's forgiveness for turning from Him.

I know our little church isn't perfect. We are all sinners yet I can look at all the people there and instead of seeing the ugliness of sin, I see the beauty of Christ, I see His cleansing and know that we are all loved, we are all covered in mercy from our Savior. I hope others outside of Christ can come to know that peace. I hope God will open their hearts and their minds and use us to show them the power of an incredible Savior.

It's Friday afternoon and I feel myself mentally shutting down. It's not something I want to happen because I still have stacks of things to do (if you've ever visited my office, you understand). Yet, maybe because of some of the issues I've had to deal with today, I am mentally drained at 3:00 in the afternoon. Do you have those days?

I'm looking forward to some rain this weekend. We need it so badly but I still laugh when people are happier than normal because it is raining. Last Sunday, it rained for the first time in a long time and many people looked like it was Christmas again.

My friend's dad is doing better today. Hopefully, they will see some continued improvement but it is still a waiting game for them right now. Another good friend (Monte) called today to tell me he and his wife are expecting a baby in August. He's 41 so we had a few laughs about how old he would be when the baby goes to school/graduates, etc.

The question of the day...when you need an answer to a problem, do you typically get your answer through working out a formula or through trial-and-error? For instance, one of my children had a math problem last night and one parent figured it out through taking numbers, making assumptions, making changes and finding the right answer. The other parent worked through a mathematical equation to also find the right answer. Which one are you? I'm looking forward to all the responses.

I experienced some raw emotion this morning watching a friend and colleague take in the news that his father is seriously ill and may be near death. He is old-school in that you don't show your emotions, you show up for work no matter what, you don't let personal issues get in the way of your life. Now, he has a very personal issue that caused him to leave work immediately, he couldn't think or talk very well. His emotions were overtaking him.
I hope he will talk to God and rely on God. We've talked about God before but I don't know that he has a close relationship with God. He might, I just don't really know. Yet, I hope in this situation, he might come to know God better.
In our Bible study last night, a question was raised on whether we could think that God might be punishing us when we experience the loss of a child (I suppose we could feel that way with any loved one). I certainly don't know the answer but one person in attendance certainly does. He has been there and lives with that pain. His answer was touching and comforting in saying that we make a decision how we will feel about God, we make a choice whether to turn to Him or away from Him.
We struggle with death yet often our struggle in purely selfish. We don't want to see a loved one leave us even when we know they are heavenward-bound. I think it's because we are too focused on the here and now and not focused enough on life with God. I might be wrong but it's just the way I see it. Oh, I know that when I lose a loved one, I will cry and hurt but I also hope I know there will be joy as they go to their real home, their permanent home with God.

This past Saturday night, our family went to Bass Hall to hear Asleep at the Wheel and the Ft. Worth Symphony play. It was a good show and entertaining but what really has stuck with me was how the show opened. The symphony was on stage and launched into the Star Spangled Banner at which point everyone stood up...and started singing. It was really a neat, neat moment to hear all these people singing the national anthem.
It seems we play the anthem at many sporting events and other venues but seldom do I hear the people sing and I'm typically one of the crowd not singing. On Thursday or Friday I had read an article stating that a growing number of people do not know the words to the Star Spangled Banner yet here we were, in Ft. Worth, Texas, with an incredible symphony playing and a large number of people singing.
The remainder of the night, a muted light continuously shone on the American flag stationed on the side of the stage. What a neat tribute to our country and to those who have served our country, both past and present.
The show was good but the experience of patriotism is what will remain with me about that night. Thank God for those who serve us, who keep us free and pray that we will be the people He wants us to be.

My 3rd/4th grade basketball team won 31-0 this past Saturday. It might have been a few points higher but I quit looking at the score after awhile. I enjoyed seeing my guys do well - everyone had a good game - but it was hard to watch for the other team. They tried and I don't think they ever quit but nothing went their way. Shots never bounced in, they threw passes to our defense even when we weren't guarding them very closely and I don't think shot much better than we have before in practices or games.
We practice Thursday night and it will be interesting to get a read on the boys. Will the bask in the afterglow of a 31 point bashing or will they think of it as just another game and be ready to work hard this Saturday? I've got my eloquent speech prepared just in case but I don't really think I'll need it. We'll probably end up just working on our plays a little more, running a few drills and scrimmaging for fun. I think most of the kids will have forgotten what happened last week.
The best part of the game for we was watching the improvement from the week before. The guys set screens where they were supposed to. They jump-stopped on layups and took a controlled shot. They hustled for rebounds and loose balls. They were in position on defense. Naturally, there are areas we will work to improve because improvement is all I really want to see. Sure, I want to win but even more, I want to see improvement, see growth in their abilities. That's what makes coaching fun for me.

I read an email from my cousin today which was truly sad. There church recently hired two ministers, one of which was a young family with a 5 year old and 6 month old. The wife was suffering post-partum depression and hung herself last week from a tree in their backyard. The husband and two children came home and apparently the 5 year old saw her first.

I can't imagine the pain and suffering they are all dealing with now. Yet, as I sit from afar thinking about it, I can almost envision how that church will come together around that family, how they will love and care for them. I don't know how the family will respond to what has happened but I know God puts our church family around us to support us, care for us and love us.

Today, I witnessed a young man asking for the prayers and love of his church family and saw a large number of people respond. I know of a number of people who have gone to Dallas over the weekend to be with a member of our church that is sitting with her family as her father is dying.

God shows us love, compassion, forgiveness. Our purpose is to be the hands, the hugs, the food preparers - the physical instruments of God. We are here to wrap the physical arms around each other as God wraps His love and compassion around us.

I truly hope this young minister and his family will feel the love of God from the family that will stand with them. I hope the people in our church family who are hurting will feel the love of God as we wrap our arms around them. I hope all who are hurting will feel the love of God that is so abundant and so comforting.

Lowe's opened today. Chili's before that and Starbucks awhile back. More restaurants all the time and now, even Paradise is getting a bank. What's going on? I remember moving to Decatur 9 years ago thinking I was headed to the country. I suppose in many ways it is still small town but it's not the quaint small town I've dreamed of living in. There's enough people in Wal-Mart at any given time to make it a small town of it's own. When we came here, 3 or 4 cars at the 287/51 red light was a traffic jam. Now, there might be 8-12 in both lanes. Yikes.

I don't really have anywhere to go with this other than thinking about Lowe's in Decatur. It just doesn't seem real but supposedly the ribbon cutting (or board sawing as I hear it) happened this morning and another big box retailer is off and running in our fair town.

I hope everyone enjoys the new stores and restaurants coming to town. As for me, I'd just as soon Mattie's still be open on the square and everyone else would go away. I long for a slower, peaceful type of life but I don't suppose it's something I'll see anytime soon. Work, baseball, ballet, basketball, musicals...on and on it goes. There's always something to do and somewhere to be. I guess I should quit typing this rampage against everything new and get headed to where I need to be next.

Have a great weekend!

I want to say thanks to those of you who read this blog. Recently, I've had a few people send me notes or mention that they are reading it and enjoy it. It's something I do for fun and a way for me to express myself in an environment I'm comfortable with. I'm sure at times I will say things that make no sense and other times, something that provokes you to think a little.

When I first came to Decatur, I wrote a little newsletter I called Current Times that had snippets of information about things on TV, court rulings and the like that could have a negative impact on the morals of our society. I'm not sure what the morals of our society really are but I know in many people's minds, we are a nation built on faith in God; that our country's founders ascribed to a Christian lifestyle. Much of this can and has been debated but as I see it, what they thought and did has little impact today. The question I ask is what are we going to say and do? What impact will we have on the country or even in Decatur?

I quit writing Current Times because a) I didn't feel like it was helping anyone make decisions about what they did and b) it was time consuming to put it together. Yet the idea and the questions that started it still remain. What will we do to turn back the wave of immorality that is rolling over us? What will we do to have an impact on the people we can see and touch? In my mind, it is a two-pronged approach. First, we must be concerned about what we see going on in our country. We must be concerned about what is shown on TV, about the growing effort to push Christ out of public places and the legitimization of drugs, divorce, homosexuality and the other sins. Second, we must be public about who we are and what we are here to do. If we stay in our church buildings, we can't complain about what happens in public places. If we don't reach out to the drug abuse, the couple struggling to hold it together or the people who got divorced and don't know where to turn now, if we don't talk about the ravages of sexual sin, we cannot affect it. We have to speak up, to be bold and courageous in our message and in our actions.

I know it's not easy. It's easier for me to write about it here than to actually do what I suggest. Yet, it is what I am going to have to find a way to do to be the man God wants me to be.

I had a good time yesterday. It started with me spending much of the day with my daughter, shopping, talking and laughing. As someone who breaks out in sweat at the thought of going to the mall, it's fun to go with her because she is so happy being there - looking at clothes, talking about what would go with what and pointing out some of the strange things other people wear. Yesterday, we noticed a younger lady wearing an AC/DC t-shirt. A band from 20 years ago and people still want their t-shirts. It's amazing.

On the ride down to Ft. Worth, we got to spend some time talking about our relationship with God. I never know if anything I'm saying is really getting through and I'm always looking for some spark, some connection to know what I'm saying is making sense. I certainly think she understands what I'm trying to convey and maybe she thinks I'm a little crazy for worrying about her ever ending up in the wrong crowd. Yet it can happen so easily.

I hope some of the things I said yesterday will help her. I hope some of those things will make her want to draw closer to God. I hope she will cherish and fuel that relationship much more than I did in my early years. I'm astounded at what kids are allowed to do today. I listen to a good friend who has high school age children talk about the numbers of his kids friends who use birth control, who drink regularly, who do many things they should not be doing and they do it with their parents consent. I believe that is what scares me the most. It makes me think I need to be more concerned with the parents of my daughters classmates more than the kids themselves.

Pray for our kids. Pray that they will seek God and desire to know Him. Pray that parents will discern what is good and right and healthy for their children and that they will do the things to reinforce the good and abstain from what is bad. We need God-loving and God-fearing families who will raise their children to know what is right and what is good. We cannot allow Satan to make any of us think that tolerance of evil is good.

I'm thankful my kids have a family that is full of Christians who want to live the way God wants us to. I'm thankful my kids have a church family that is there to support them, to help them, to encourage them in the right paths. I pray both of these families will beat back the devil's attempts to get into their lives. I pray God will continue to strengthen both our spiritual and physical families as we raise our children to walk in the light.

Today was a good day.

My basketball team had their first game of the season against a team that could very well be the stiffest competition we will face. We've had just a few practices and in each practice we have worked on our offense and inbounds plays. In the last few we've discussed at length defensive positioning and rebounding. So guess what happened in the game today. Yep, seldom did we run any of the offensive play correctly. Yep, the guys were out of position more than in the proper position on defense. Not much different from our most recent practice. Guess what else? WE WON! That's right, we won and we even came from behind to do it. It took a few time outs and reminders of what needed to happen and the kids kept battling, kept hustling and kept playing. After being down 10-5 midway through the game, we ended up on top 21-17.

I really appreciate the spirit of these youngsters. Even though they didn't do everything right, they kept trying to do their best. They didn't hang their heads or get down on themselves. They kept trying and it worked out in the end.

I hope I can remember their lesson for me. I know what I need to do but sometimes I can't get it right. In the heat of battle, I forget what God has told me and mess up. The key for me is that I have to remember to keep trying, to be focused and to keep listening to the reminders from Him of what I should do. With time, my young team will get better at doing what they should do. With time, I surely hope I continue to draw closer to God and finally, in the end, celebrate victory in heaven.

I am coaching a 3rd and 4th grade boys basketball team and our first game is tomorrow. In every practice, we have drilled on an inbounds play and an offense. We have discussed where I want players taking shots from and where they should play on defense. At the end of practice last night, I let them play a brief 4 on 4 scrimmage and I was disappointed (but not surprised) by what happened. No one played defense where I told them to play, shots were flying from everywhere, layups weren't done like we have practiced over and over and over. I wanted to pull my hair out watching these guys do the opposite of everything we have practiced for 4 weeks.

As I look back on my frustration, I wonder what God feels when he sees me doing the opposite of what He told me I should do. I wonder if He gets frustrated with me and wants to reach down, grab me by the ear and yell at me to do what He has told me to do.

My kids will play Saturday and next Thursday in practice, we'll go back to working on the things we did wrong and work on getting it right. In the end, I know it's just a game and nothing is really at stake.

I'm so grateful that God will be patient with me, work with me to fix what I'm doing wrong and help me do it right because the only thing that is truly important is at stake.

A few days ago, Pat Robertson was saying how God was punishing Ariel Sharon through health problems. Last night watching the news, they showed a clip from the trial of Dewayne Goodrich, a former Dallas Cowboy who ran over some people while driving drunk. He killed two and severly injured a third who is now permanently disabled. Last night during the clip, the man forgave Goodrich and in a follow up interview said he did it because he wanted to reflect God to Goodrich. Robertson professes to be a Christian while this man (I cannot remember his name) said he is Jewish. Who better reflects the price that was paid for my sins and my hope - the famous TV Christian or the simple man who now has to walk with a cane?

I'm thankful for this man, for his gesture and only wish it would get the international exposure that Pat Robertson got. More so, I'm thankful for a Lord who teaches us to forgive and to live in love instead of bitterness, anger and hatred. I'm thankful for a God who would allow His son to die so that I might live. I wish Pat Robertson would say it but I can only control what I do and with God's help, I will do my best to reflect His glory by being forgiving, by being loving and by being compassionate.

That was fun! Last night as I paced through the living room and was constantly told to "sit down" I thought how funny it must be for someone looking in from the outside to see me moving around as if I was the coach. I talk to the TV, to the officials, to the coaches and to the announcers...and obviously it worked. Texas won! What an exciting moment for Mack and Vince and all the players. I stayed up long after the game watching ESPN and saw several of the players still celebrating on the field after most everyone had cleared out. It was fun to watch.

I got an email from a friend yesterday, someone who helped raise me in some respects, encouraging me and saying some nice things about me. It really made me feel good and reminded me how important, how uplifting a kind word can be. I started thinking about all the people I needed to share a kind word with more often and thought of how often the people closest to me are some of the last ones I encourage. My wife would be forefront on that list. We work together to raise kids, build a home and do all the things we need to do and I take for granted she is always there, always working. Like everyone else, we have our moments where we don't see eye to eye but we've been able to move past those times and stay focused on what is important. She is so important to my life and I need to lift her up more often. Much the same for my children. They make me laugh, they make me cry and they remind me that life is not about me but about helping others. My boss, my friends, Elders at the church, teachers...there are so many that would benefit from a "thank you" and a little encouragement.

I hope I don't forget yesterday's email as I try to do better thanking others (even if it's just buying them a Diet Coke in the morning!). Most of all, I don't want to forget to thank God for His gift and His mercy. He has the words to encourage me daily and I need to always be lifting Him up and glorifying Him.

Tonight is the night. The Longhorns will defeat USC for the national title and watch Vince Young run off to fame and fortune in the NFL. It should be a great game and I hope it will be like the other bowl games have been - close and exciting. USC is a great team with several good athletes. The fate of Texas pretty well rests on Vince Young's feet. I have faith though and the Tivo is set.

I watched Boyd take on Paradise last night in basketball. It was another close game that shouldn't have been and Boyd ended up losing after being up 16-2 in the 1st quarter. The two are big rivals and it was a physical game. Two of Boyd's best players fouled out late in the game but I think coaching decisions are what did them in.

The bleachers are the best place to coach from. No one yells at you, no parents wait for you after the game to complain about how little Junior was treated, you get to forget the losses and remember the victories. It's an awesome place to coach. I know other people like that and I see them in everyday life. They would run a business a lot better than the people doing it. They would run the schools much better than the people doing it. They would make the church a better church than the people involved. Yet they never engage. They never step up to take responsibility at work, in the schools or at church.

In the past, these people have caused me a great deal of frustration. Today, not so much because in the end, they will be accountable for what they did or didn't do just as I will and the one thing I don't want on my resume is that I spent too much time being frustrated over people who complain so that I became a complainer about complainers instead of a worker for God.

I suppose I will always coach basketball games from the bleachers. It's a fun hobby and I'm pretty sure my decisions would have left each time I bleacher-coached undefeated. Yet, I hope I never become a bleacher-coach with the Lord's work. I hope I am engaged, active and vibrant in trying to live my life doing His will. I don't want to be a spectator of heaven, I want to be fully involved.

The Rose Bowl is getting closer. I'm excited because I've always been a Texas Longhorn fan even though I didn't go there. My cousin attended and played football for a couple of years and it was awesome having good tickets to big games. My first date with my wife was to a Texas game. I'm sure it was the best time she's ever had. :)

So who's idea was it to have the Rose Bowl on a Wednesday? That led me to my next thought that Tivo must have been invented by a Christian who was missing too many Sunday afternoon football games.

I have no real purpose for writing today, no underlying theme to my story other than to wish you a great day and hope that you will be blessed and will bless others.

As I limp into my 41st year with hurting knees and an arthritic back (I hear melodrama can be good for a story), I wonder what the new year will bring. I know my kids will become a year older (which scares me to death), I know there will be ups and downs at work, I am planning on traveling to Brazil and I hope to grow stronger in the Lord. The older I get, the more I learn and the more at peace I become with faith. I used to have more doubts and more questions but today I believe God exists more than ever and certainly have a better understanding of His love and mercy on me.

I also know Satan is alive and working. At times, I feel like Satan is in my face all the time. I don't talk about Satan much because I rather ignore him or deny that he is real than face the truth that he wants in, he wants to take over my heart and my mind. Our study yesterday morning in 2 Corinthians reminded me that Satan is very real and very sneaky. He divides us when we should pull together, he makes us think of ourselves when we should think of others, he makes us feel hurt and pain when others around us know more hurt and pain but we ignore them while he tells us they are just selfish.

While I thought about Satan during worship, the song leader led The Joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord will be my strength. He will uphold me all of my days. I am surrounded by mercy and grace. The joy of the Lord is my strength. I want to live in the joy of the Lord. I want to live in thanks and praise to Him. I know Satan will try to pull me down and he will win sometimes but I know that my focus must be in the joy of the Lord, in knowing Him and with Him I will defeat Satan.

I hope the joy of the Lord will be your strength.