End of the Song

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Journey continued

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Journey

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

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

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

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

The Price is Right

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

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

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

Indicted

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

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

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

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

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

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

Howard Stern

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

It Could Be Worse...

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

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

Do you think that would happen today?

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

Waiting

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

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

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

One Gone, One Coming

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

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

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

Daze of Confusion

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

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

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

What a Weekend

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

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

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

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

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

Texas - 0U

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

Have a great weekend and know that God loves you.

Thursday Nothings

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

Pacman is in trouble again.

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

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

Phillies and Dodgers start tonight. Yippee!

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

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

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

Debate

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

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

On the road again...

Down in Flames

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

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

Survival

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

Crisis, Palin and Buffett

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

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

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

Fancy Feet

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

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

Love and Football

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

Politics on the Blog

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

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

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

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

Politics in the Pulpit

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

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

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

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

The Kid You Might Want In Class

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Better Election Email

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

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

Joe Duty is Awesome

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

Shootout in Big D

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

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

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

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

Wordy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope your weekend is filled with peace from God.

In the Middle

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

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

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

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

Quiet Leaders

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

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

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

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

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

Isn't the rain wonderful?

Leadership

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

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

Kids Aplenty

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

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

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

Looking at the Rockies

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

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

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

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

Laboring Day

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

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

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

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

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

Primetime

I got a primetime speaking slot last night. Jacob is out of town and asked me to teach the youth class. It's the Wednesday after school starts so most everyone is back and we had somewhere over 40 in class last night. Way cool. I love these guys because I look at them and see hope. I hear prayer requests like "pray that our youth group will reach out to be at school" and I look around to see several visitors that our kids bring with them. I have high hopes for what these young people are doing today and will do in the future for the kingdom. They encourage me. They lift me up and push me forward in my walk. They challenge me in many ways. I am thankful for my time with them. I hope God is using me to help them but I know, I feel it, that he is using them to help me.
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Put Bill Clinton in front of a camera and he is just good. I heard most of his speech last night and the guy is talented. He was better than the VP-elect but I guess they couldn't let Bill upstage him. If I was inclined to vote for Obama, I think Bill would have sealed the deal last night. I didn't care for him as a President and I don't think he really engineered all he takes credit for but the guy can speak in front of a crowd.
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The news hit last night that McCain has picked his running mate. I've heard pro-life and pro-choice candidates, men and women, Republicans and Democrats. I wonder who it will be.

The thing that makes me feel bad for our country is that I don't think the running mates of either nominee make much of a difference and I don't think things will change much (other than tax rates) whichever candidate is elected. The world didn't come to an end with Clinton was President even though that's what we were told and all things considered, things haven't been so great with Bush in office.

I think there is room for a lot of social changes and tax changes and health care changes. Universal health care scares me but I'm also tired of paying 5-figures for health care and medicines every year. I'm highly interested in the election but in the end I don't think either candidate is going to have much impact on my life. Do you?

The End of Summer

We're in Day 2 of school which is hard to believe. College football kicks off this weekend and the Friday night lights for high school football cranks up in the next week or so. The Rangers have folded up again though they did finally win one against Kansas City last night. The Cowboys are the talk for most people around town. Yep, summer is about over and fall is on the way. Here's to hoping it brings cool days and crisp nights and plenty of wins for our teams.

I mention football only because it is the biggest sport of fall but our high school volleyball teams have already played a number of games and our cross country team kicks it off this weekend.
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Did anyone watch the Democratic convention last night? I caught Michelle Obama's speech and Barak's interaction with her afterward. I was struck by how many "holes" there seemed to be in their talking giving me the feeling they are much more nervous and not quite as cool as their handlers would hope for. Ms. Obama had several pauses in her speech in mid-sentence and when Barak appeared on the screen, he couldn't remember if he was in Kansas City or St. Louis.

I sure couldn't pull it off but I expected a little more seamlessness from him than what I saw last night. Don't get me wrong, I'm not hammering Obama or saying he's a bad guy - just not as polished as I was expecting to see.

I think the next 2 weeks are going to be media crazy. The Republicans have a "war room" set up near the Democratic convention so they can respond and attack at the drop of a hat. I'm not too sure "war room" is the best terminology for the Republicans to use in the midst of such dissension on the troops being in Iraq but what do I know?

Ouch

I took my baby girl to high school today. Neither she nor I am old enough for her to be going to high school. I remember walking her to her kindergarten class holding hands. That certainly wasn't an option today! My baby girl is growing up into a beautiful young woman and I am so proud of her. I wish I could hold back the years and stop the aging process but know it isn't possible. Instead, I will keep trying to learn to live today and help prepare her for tomorrow. She has been a gift from God and I am thankful she is in my life - even if it means she is going to grow up on me.
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I took my little boy to his first day of middle school. He's growing up too fast also. I remember when he was in kindergarten and I got to walk him to class the first few days of school. I pull up one day and he says "I got it Dad." He didn't need me to go with him anymore. Brutal.

I have been blessed with two incredible children. I thank God for them and hope they will spend their lives striving to know Him and being a light to the world.

Where's Your Sign?

One of the country comedians had a big hit a few years ago with a "where's your sign?" bit aimed at stupid questions and a lack of common sense. It was pretty funny and has hung around for awhile. I got to thinking a few years ago that church might be better served if we wore our signs in - our signs that listed our sins and our failings - not so that we would feel bad but that we would remember we are all sinners without the grace of God, not that we would call attention to ourselves but that the hurting that came in would know they were not alone.

My cousin (thanks Linda!) sent me an email with a link to Cardboard Testimonies on YouTube. (It appears this church read my mind!) For me, it's a powerful video because a lot of the signs could be mine. They remind me that I am worthless without God - that my life means nothing until I can hold up my sign showing my sin but be able to flip it over and show what a wonderful, powerful, loving God can do in my heart.

Old Friends

I got to see John Scott last night and while it was brief, it was fun to spend just a little time visiting with him. John preaches at Saturn Road Church of Christ in Garland but I met him 20 years ago in Fort Worth when I moved there for an accounting job. John was preaching at Southside where I attended on some sort of basis (not frequent enough at the time!). John always caught me at the back doors while I was trying to hurry out and made me feel comfortable and glad I came. Even when I missed a couple of weeks, he would make sure and catch me before I got out the doors. His love for me led me in a path I needed to be taking and over the years, he has become a very special person in my life. I started teaching a Bible class when he left for Garland and while I didn't want to do it at the time I see now that his move started me in a Bible study that I might have avoided otherwise. He is someone I was around for only a short time but who has made a big impact on my life. I am thankful that God led us to cross paths because I am better for it.
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I am getting more and more emails about politics and religion. You would think McCain is one of the original apostles and Obama is Satan himself. What I hear is that God will be pleased if McCain is elected while Obama will drag us to the gates of Hell.

Here's my trouble with all these emails and it's my opinion alone. Walk away thinking I'm a fruit loop if you want! The United States is not a Christian nation. (How's that for a bold statement?) God called each one of us to follow Him. He didn't call our country or our government or our politicians (in their role as a politician) to live in His will but he called you and me. Can I be in an uproar about government legislating prayer in schools if I don't pray with my kids on a regular basis, if I don't help the suffering around me, if I don't see people through Christ's eyes instead of my own?

I will not be defined by who is elected President of the United States. Instead, I will be defined by how my life measures up to that of my great example - Jesus, my Lord and my Savior. Oh, I certainly have a LONG way to go to be the person I need to be but my focus will be on me and what I need to do to be right with Christ instead of what Barack Obama has or hasn't done.

More Rain

It was pouring hydrogen and oxygen this morning. It's great other than I have Rangers tickets tonight. All in all, I wouldn't mind a rain out if it keeps the temperatures down awhile longer.

Rumor has it the Cowboys have played a couple of preseason games. I haven't seen a lick of it and haven't been watching the news lately due to the Rangers and Olympics. Does Romo and TO still play for the Cowboys? I'm truly oblivious and couldn't care less.

The Rangers are stinking it up. I'm trying to remember why I'm going tonight.
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I missed the debate with McCain and Obama at the church in California this past weekend but wish I would have seen it. I've read stories about how impressed people are with Obama's compassion for people. I can only assume it is genuine and hope that the idea of compassion comes through in the final results of the winner.

People get so mad about candidates changing their thoughts or positions on different things but I wonder who never changes a little. As I grow closer to God, as I think I come to understand Him more and what it takes for me to live Christ-like, my compassion for people is growing. I'm not just talking about people who are going through life's ups and downs but people who are truly in the grip of evil.

I think I've reached a point where I would question a candidate who hasn't changed their thoughts at all in the past 10 years - especially where it comes to social justice. Obama still isn't my candidate but I think the party I tend to vote for more often certainly needs to be more compassionate.

Rain, Rain, Rain

It's raining in Decatur, Texas and the temperature is in the 70's. I can't help but think it will go away soon and we will be living with highs in the 100's soon but I am enjoying today.

The Rangers have gone in the tank. Tom Hicks was quoted as saying that paying for free agent pitchers is the biggest gamble in baseball and he wants to cultivate the talent they have in the minors. Uh, Tom...isn't paying hundreds of millions of dollars for a professional sports team a gamble already? Wasn't paying A-Rod $250 million a gamble? Picking up Milton Bradley? It's all a gamble but buying free agent (proven) talent isn't the same gamble as being able to prepare your own pitchers (which the Rangers have never done). Let's see, we heard all about John Danks and Edison Volquez and where are they? Danks is doing well for the White Sox and Volquez actually made the All-Star game. Yep, the Rangers do a great job developing their own talent.

I'm going to go scream now.

Sick of Spam

I'm so tired of spam. At work, we utilize a special software to filter spam because our public domain name makes us an easy target. Lately I'm getting bombarded by CNN Special Alerts that want me to buy some penny stocks. Fortunately, they are all getting caught in my spam filter and a quick press of a mouse key makes them go away but I still have to check it periodically just to make sure email I do need isn't lost in the filter.

I see spam around me more and more often now. I'm constantly bombarded with messages I don't need or want. Whether it's provocative TV and billboard ads, people who are always negative, junk on TV, crazy drivers - whatever it is that is at work to draw my attention away from where it needs to be, it drives me crazy. As I turn my focus more and more to the spiritual battle that is going on around me, a battle that I cannot always see or define but that I know is actually being fought for my heart and my mind, I realize the spam in my life is the devil at work trying to draw my attention and focus away from God. Fortunately, God equipped me with a spam filter - the Holy Spirit - that I can use to trap the spam and remove it from my sight. All I have to do is use it.

What Makes Me Turn Off The Olympics

Coming home last night with my son, we're listening to the Rangers game as the score goes to 10-0 with Boston leading after the 1st inning. Yes, the 1st inning. Big Papi hit two 3-run homers in the 1st inning. Yes, the 1st inning. Game over, right?

We get home, settle in and flip on the Olympics and then decide to run get something to eat. We're back to the Rangers on the radio and hear that it is now a 2 run game. We get back home and watch the Rangers lose in a 19-17 slugfest. Incredible. I hate the Rangers are still lagging too far behind in the wild card race but compared with last year's team - this is still a little bit of fun.

Tell me if you've heard this one before. If we can just bring in some pitching...

CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets and A.J. Burnett are all free agents after this year. I don't know what it would cost but put those 3 guys with this offense and the Rangers would have the potential to rule the baseball world.
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The Shack is still in play. I talked to someone yesterday who just finished it and had a similar response to me. "Man, there's some stuff in there that's too far out but it has expanded my thinking and understanding of God in ways I didn't know possible." I think it is a book that will be debated on it's merits for awhile but I simply see it as a tool to reach different people in different places. If we are to come to God as we are, all the books and all the preachers and all the teachers and all the evangelists and missionaries and active Christians can't do everything the same way. People come in various forms and while there is only one God, He sees us as he created us, not as we see each other. I'm the only father my children have but I do not always respond to them in the same way because they are different children with different personalities. I want the same thing for both of them but getting them there may take different approaches.

The Shack will be a re-read for me, not to wrestle with the parts of the book I didn't like but to see if there is more there that God wants me to know about how I can approach Him and serve Him.

If you have read it, I would love to hear your thoughts on it sometime - either here or in person.

The Olympics

I am caught up in the Olympics. At any other time, I would flip the channel away from men's gymnastics as fast as I could but during the Olympics I sit and watch marveling at what they do. The same goes for women's gymnastics, swimming and many of the other Olympic sports. I think it's the fact/allusion that the Olympics remain an event primarily for amateur athletes who train diligently in relative obscurity in the hopes of standing on a platform, wearing a medal and hearing our national anthem play. Michael Phelps will make a lot of money in endorsements when this over but he appears no happier than the USA gymnastic guys I saw last night throwing their bodies around in incredible feats of strength and power with smiles from ear to ear when they completed near perfect routines. Oh yeah, how about synchronized diving? Let's gather up a few of us and go do that to perfection a few times. Wow.

The opening ceremonies with the drummers is one of the neatest visual experiences I've ever seen. The Chinese may have horrible views on human rights but they have some good drummers and brilliant imagination. How about the guy running through the sky carrying the torch. Really cool stuff.

I'll be torn tonight. Texas is playing Boston with (slim) hopes of hanging around for the playoffs. I may have to find my old portable radio to listen to the game and watch the Olympics.
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It's 72 degrees this morning and the ground is wet. I wish there was a way to bottle this morning and open it up every day from now through mid-September.
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What's your favorite summer Olympic sport? I suppose my favorite is still basketball but I will spend more time watching individual sports like swimming and gymnastics.

Whew...Glad That's Over

Yesterday I had the opportunity to make a presentation to our church about our trip to Brazil. Because I have gained so much from my trips to Aracaju, I was excited to do it but getting up in front of a crowd on Sunday morning still makes me pretty nervous. I thought I had it worked out to go about 25 minutes and no more but I have a problem with thinking of stuff I want to say as I go sometimes so I ended up going longer than planned. Fortunately, our song leader and planned for my rambling and cut the song service a bit shorter than normal. All that to say, there is so much more I wish I could have shared, so many experiences that have impacted so many lives, so many moments seeing people do things to help others, to make them laugh, to lift them up but that could take a lot of time.

Our church is a wonderful place. I feel hearts busting open to God's desire all the time and the effort and assistance that was given to help us get to Brazil and hold us up while we were there is a wonderful glimpse into the hearts of our church. My focus on yesterday was about the body of Christ that meets at the Decatur Church of Christ that is impacting lives in Wise County and around the world. It is a body that is working for God, a body that lives in the grace of God.

I'm glad my presentation is over but even happier, more joyful, that the work that will be done for the kingdom will keep going and keep growing from right here in little ol' Decatur, Texas.

Early Days

My little girl runs cross country. That means that every morning except Sunday, her mother or I (or both) are up at 5:30 A.M. to take her to practice. This makes for some very long days, especially when I may not get to sleep until 11:00 or later at night. I could moan and groan about it I suppose - and sometimes do - but the fact that my daughter is out running miles and miles is motivation to me. I know she doesn't always enjoy it because sleeping late is more her style but most days she comes in with a great attitude, she's incredibly fit and I love to watch her run when she kicks it in. She almost glides over the ground. The thing is, even though she rather be sleeping, she keeps pushing, keeps going forward, keeps working hard. For that, I thank her because she is an example to me. Thank you girlfriend!
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The Rangers split 4 games with the Yankees. David Murphy is hurt and I'm wondering how that will impact his Rookie of the Year chances. I hope it doesn't because he has played as well as anybody and better than anyone expected from him a year ago. I think everyone holds their breath when Josh Hamilton comes to the plate and the game on the line. It's like we all expect a home run everytime he swings. That's a lot of pressure on one guy but I suppose he may not feel it. I wonder what the Rangers will have to do to get 2 or 3 great pitchers in here. I think it will cost billions.

Have a great weekend. Seek God.

Talking to God

Have you ever struggled talking to God? I feel that at times, that my requests are all the same, that my words are not appropriate, that I've overextended my prayer minutes and God can't fit me in again (I'm picturing God looking at His called ID and groaning, "not him again"). Sometimes I have trouble and all I can ask is that God look into my heart and hear my plea. The Bible says the Holy Spirit groans for us so that God will hear our plea. I am thankful for the gift of the Holy Spirit that God gave to me.

I know God hears me. I know He doesn't check called ID but I still struggle at times. I wonder why that is? I'll give Satan some of the credit. As I come to truly believe there is a spiritual battle being fought in me and around me this very second, believe that anything that comes between me and God is an attack from Satan's demons on my heart wanting me to believe God isn't listening; that He doesn't have time for me.

The war has been won but the battles are still being fought. I will have struggles but know there is something awaiting me that is wonderful and I can take hold of it today if I keep my heart open to God's will and desire for me. I may struggle but He will pick me up if I just extend my hand. There is joy in knowing that.
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Favre to the NY Jets. Whoopee. I guess that will be the story of the football year. Jerry Jones must be fuming. :)

Comeback Kids

OK, I'll try to make this my last Rangers-centric post for awhile but last night's game was incredible. I was able to get some tickets to the game last night a little higher up than my normal vantage point but it didn't matter with the ending the Rangers gave us. I got home rather late but couldn't sleep so I got to see SportsCenter and the Rangers had the #1, #3 and #6 plays of the day. Not bad for a team that doesn't get much respect or time from ESPN.

Naturally, the Rangers were down early but hung in there and tied it up in the latter innings. The game went into the bottom of the 9th tied 5-5. The bases get loaded with 2 outs and I'm thinking extra innings and a very, very late night when Marlon Byrd blasts a walk-off grand slam to win the game.

I'm impressed with these guys. They aren't a great team but they do battle and I appreciate that. I never expect the Rangers to do alot but I do want to see some competitive baseball and they are making it fun this year. Go Rangers!
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Tonight should be fun. We are taking several young ladies to Ft. Worth to eat celebrating my little girl's impending birthday. I wonder if it will ever be quiet at the table? I hope not but that they have so much fun it is noisy the whole time. I'm looking forward to it.

It Was HOTTTTTTT

Saturday was a rather warm day but it was the day my son and I got to play catch in the outfield of the Rangers ballpark. It is amazing to stand out in centerfield and see how much real estate those outfielders have to cover and it's amazing to realize how far a baseball has to travel to make it 400 feet. While all that was fun, it was just the time throwing a ball with my son that was the best part of the whole day.
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If I only knew then what I know now. Ever made that comment? Experience is a great teacher but sometimes the experience gaining part of the lesson isn't so great. The closer I grow to God and the more I move my focus and desire from what I want to get done to what He wants me to do, I realize that I have learned a lifetime of lessons that would I have had my eyes and heart open to God, would have been much easier learned. I hope the next 43 years are approached with my relationship with God in check before I think about anything else.

Phooey

It was almost another comeback night. The Rangers lost but made it a bit exciting in the 9th.

Is Gagne still pitching? I don't hear his name anymore.

I really thought the Rangers would make a move before the trade deadline. I'm surprised it didn't happen but glad they didn't make a trade just to make one. I wonder how much influence Nolan Ryan has in who stays and who goes. I'm not sure what the President of a baseball team does.

Rumor has it Nolan and "W" are going to buy into the Rangers when Bush comes back from the White House. Not sure if Hicks stays or not and I heard it from a source who is on the way out fringes of the baseball world.
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I love the Bible verse today. "God is my refuge..." Daily I am realizing how far away from God I have been. I feel like I have danced with God at an intellectual level for some time but have not really known God. I hope that is changing daily and I think it is. I want a real relationship with Him that goes beyond anything I have known or can imagine even today.
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I hope you find peace in your day and joy in your heart.

Enough Already

I realize I've been on a Rangers kick of late but they are keeping me up watching late inning comebacks and it's kind of fun. I'm headed to the ballpark on Saturday and ended up scoring some tickets on Monday for the Yankees (upper deck seats that will probably be surrounded with Yankees fans - fight, fight!). Saturday will be a cool day. My son and I get to play catch in the outfield before the teams take the field for batting practice. We've done it once before and it's a neat experience. It's amazing how expansive the outfield is and how much ground they have to cover. Maybe I will get some pictures.
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I don't know how many of you saw the "Wife Swap" episode that included a family from Alvord (Wife Swap is a TV show where they take a mom from two families and swap them. The women and families are VERY different and the families live with their new moms with the regular rules for a few days and then live with the new moms rules for a few days. Alvord is just north of Decatur.) but one of the kids from the Alvord family was at church last night. The show portrayed them as out of control kids but the one I met was very nice and polite. I can only imagine the show eggs on a bit of drama for the ratings.
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We got rain yesterday. It was wonderful and I can only imagine some people will feel better today because of the rain yesterday. I think I do!

I'm praying for peace today - peace for the battles going on in the world and peace that only God can bring to our lives.

Comebacks

I almost gave up on the Rangers last night. I was ready to turn it off after CJ Wilson came out for another lackluster performance and Ramon Vasquez made his 3rd error of the night that cost 2 runs putting the Mariners ahead of the Rangers. I was tired and ready to sleep but couldn't push the button to turn the game off. What a finish. Vasquez had been booed after his 3rd error (something I hate the fans to do) but came up to bat with two men on base and ripped a shot to the right-center gap just out of reach of Ichiro scoring the two baserunners and giving Texas the win. Cool stuff.
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We got a (very) little rain overnight. It didn't register in the rain gauges apparently but it was good to see a little water on the ground. It just feels cooler outside.
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Here'a poem I got by email the other day. It was a good reminder for me.

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all
Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp,
The thieves, liars and sinners
The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from 7th grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice,
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Herb who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Sitting pretty on cloud nine
Looking incredible well.

I nudged Jesus and asked what's the deal?
I would love to hear your take,
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.

And why is everyone so quiet
So somber - give me a clue,
Hush child, He said, they're all in shock
They didn't think they'd be seeing you.

I'm captivated today by how God looks at sinners because that is what I am - no better and no worse than the next one. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.

2 Negatives

Last night, I took my son to a Best Buy store to find a game he wanted. They didn't have the game but what disappointed me was the poor service we got when asking about the game. The answer was basically "we don't have any and don't know when we'll get it." No offer to call another store, no offer to find out when it would come in. Nothing. We did have one employee tell us on the way out that a truck would be coming in the next few days but she didn't know what would be on it. I don't expect much service in stores anymore but last night fell below what I wanted.

We came home to watch the Rangers and that didn't go well either. They are playing lowly Seattle and couldn't win. The had 1 out with men on 2nd and 3rd and couldn't get them home. Vasquez got thrown out at 3rd and then Josh Hamilton struck out to end the inning. Hamilton has created an expectation of home runs and you could almost feel the air go out of the stadium through the TV when he struck out.

It's still hot outside. I walked last night around 9:00pm and it seemed like there was a bit of humidity in the air to add to the late night heat. I don't know much about global warming (actually, I think it is an issue somewhere between the "sky-is-falling liberals" and the "ignore it and maybe it will go away conservatives") but the part of the globe I was standing on last night was HOT.

Time to go to work. Have a good day.

All Those Zeros

Manny Ramirez and the Boston Red Sox are at odds again. It seems like this happened this time of year for the past 3 or 4 years. I'm not sure what Manny gets paid but did hear he has an option next year for $20 million. $20 million. That's a lot of zeros at the end of a number. I guess it just goes to show that money can't buy happiness.

The Cowboys are back on the practice field so now we'll get to hear about Tony and Jessica, TO and Pacman non-stop.

Some ESPN radio guys were debating whether the Josh Hamilton story was worthy of all the news it got. One guy said it's not a big story because Hamilton made the decision to use drugs and just did the right thing to stop using them. He compared it to a cancer victim who didn't elect to get cancer and has battled back and that being a true feel-good story. Having seen the Hamilton story play out in Texas and having read some stories about him a few years ago, I can't imagine someone saying his story isn't a great one. Should he be considered a hero? Maybe not in the classical sense but I think he is a hero to people who have had to battle the demons of drugs. I appreciate the fact that he is so open about his faith and God's place in his personal battle to overcome drug addiction and hope he continues to thrive and be a spokesman for good.

It's another HOT, busy week. Stay cool.

Going to War

I was up late last night wrestling with the idea of spiritual warfare, a battle I cannot see but know that I am actively involved in. I am beginning to see, ever so slightly, how Satan uses my weaknesses, my blindspots, my pride, my selfishness and worldly desires to wear me down and play a part in my sin. The responsibility for my actions are mine but I believe there is another force that is stronger than me pushing me towards those bad decisions. The sad thing is, there is a force even stronger than me or evil that I could call on - if only I would.

A man in our community was arrested yesterday for a hideous crime. I don't know whether it is valid or not but the fact is that the information is circulating that he did this. He's an acquaintance of mine and I have always thought of him as a good man. He has raised good children, he's always nice and I know many people he has helped. Yet, it would appear he made a grave mistake and it is something that will haunt him and hurt him for years to come. Evil forces were at work on him finding his weakness and exploiting it. Yet the battle of evil doesn't stop there. Satan will use this to take on others, people who will treat this man like Satan wants them to treat him, not how Christ would want him treated. The battle is on.

I am a weak, sinful creature. I do not understand why God continues to have mercy on me but I believe He does. I believe He loves me unconditionally and gives me strength that I cannot imagine if I will take hold of it. I am a wreck but He uses amazing grace to carry me forward. The only way I can overcome the forces of darkness, the only way I will win the battle here and today is to live in the knowledge that God loves me no matter how weak I am, no matter how sinful I am, no matter how wretched I am. He will give me the love I need and the strength that comes with it to win the battle if I will only reach out for Him.

There is a battle raging today. It's a battle for your heart and my heart. Two forces are at war for how we will treat each other, how we will see each other, how we will respond to each other. Far too often, I have sided with the wrong force, done the wrong thing, made the wrong decisions. Today, I pray for the strength to join forces with the one who has already won the decisive victory so that I can win the battle today.

Back Again

I've returned from Salado and the humidity generated by Hurricane Dolly. My son and I went to a Round Rock Express baseball game Tuesday night and 30 minutes or so before the game, a downpour rolled in. It looked like it was pouring down over the field and barely raining in the parking lot. Within 10 minutes, it was gone as fast as it came.

Nolan Ryan and his family own the baseball team and through a connection I have, we were setting in their family seats. Unfortunately, Nolan wasn't available to sit by me and carry on a long conversation but we did sit next to his son Reid for a little while. It wasn't a good game for the Express but we had fun watching a bunch of guys who are a pulled groin or sprained ankle away from moving up to the big leagues.

It's good to be home for a bit. Since June I have been on the go and kept my suitcase sitting out ready for the next trip. I was able to put it away for awhile yesterday and was glad to see it go for a bit. Now I'm just waiting on cooler weather. Whew.

49 Weeks

That's how many more weeks I have until I return to Colorado for vacation.

It's hot in Decatur. I never really enjoy starting my truck, looking at the temperature gauge and seeing anything starting with a 9, much less numbers in triple digits which is what I saw yesterday.

My baby girl is in Ft. Worth this week visiting Fortress. Fortress is located in a rougher area of Ft. Worth and is a mission field started by several churches in the North Texas area. It serves underprivileged children and our kids are down there this week working with these kids and showing them that there are people who care about them. Some of these kids don't know their parents, some of them have parents who are in prison or have been killed in violent crimes and some just live in poor conditions. I know it will be a great experience for my daughter and the kids that went from Decatur and I pray that it will be a time of planting seeds about God that will one day bear great fruit.

Yesterday, we heard from a missionary working in Ecuador. His family runs an orphanage and a school in a very poor area of the country and are doing some incredible things. What most struck me was his heart for what he is doing and the fact that he gives God the glory for everything that is working. It was an uplifting time. Justin Snyder is the missionary and they have a web site you can see at http://www.hohministries.com. Justin is in the states raising money for a new building to house their growing school and we were fortunate to have money to help with their cause.

I'll be on the road for the next couple of days visiting one of our stores so I'm not sure I'll get anything posted but you never know.

Have a great week.

Short Days

It seems like the 6 days since I came back from vacation have flown by. I've still got so much work to do and it seems like a lot has been done. I remember the 2 week vacations we used to take when I was a kid and can't imagine what it would be like to come back in the office after two full weeks - but I might still like to try!
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I wonder what the attendance figures will do at Ranger games after Josh Hamilton's show at the All-Star Weekend. I'm ready to get back out to the ballpark and hope they have installed air conditioning units in the seats. I talked to a guy who went to the game last Sunday, a day game, and he lasted about 6 innings before the heat drove him out. Yikes.
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The price of crude oil has been dropping. Yahoo! I wonder how long it will last and when it will show up at the pump? I noticed diesel in Decatur was 20 cents a gallon higher than in Saginaw yesterday. It almost seems like it's worth a 20 mile drive to buy diesel. Crazy.

Have a great weekend.

In The Groove

It's tough getting back in the groove after a vacation. I'm struggling to do that now but I witnessed quite a groove on TV Monday night. Did you see Josh Hamilton in the Home Run Derby? WOW! It was a show though the ending was anti-climatic with Hamilton seemingly worn out from his first round phenomena. Just goes to show it's not how you start but how you finish.
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My trip to Colorado was wonderful. We stayed at Fun Valley, our regular hang-out since 2003 and met up with the Medford family that has been in the cabin next to us for those years. We enjoyed camp fires at night (can you believe that if you are living in Texas?), good fishing during the day in 40-50 degree water, good food (not the best but the hamburgers are cooked on an old grill and come out juicy) and plenty of games of air hockey. We had a family tournament. I was the #1 seed going in to the bracket play and came out in 4th place. My son won barely beating my daughter for 1st place. Just 51 more weeks before I go back.
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How 'bout them Rangers? They probably won't contend for the World Series but I've been with them through seasons where I couldn't give away tickets in July and August but the guys are playing good ball through the first half of the season and making it fun to go to the ballpark. I'm looking forward to the August 2 game against the Blue Jays. If all things work out, I'll be there with my son playing catch in the outfield before the game. Fun stuff and great memories.

Almost Done

Today is my last day in Colorado and I am not happy about it. I love it here. The weather has been cool to warm and the fishing has been decent. I don't look forward to heading back to Texas but all good things must end and regular life will take over. I look forward to sharing some moments and maybe a few pictures when I get back.

Going...Going...Gone

EDIT NOTE: After writing my blog, I went to Melissa Taylor's and saw that she is posting pictures of our Brazil trip. Check them out at http://thetaylorfamilytree.blogspot.com.

The last day of work before a vacation is always hard. I feel like I have started to mentally check-out but still need to get some things done today while my mind is already headed up 287 on it's way to cooler climate, fish and camp fires. I'm looking forward to our annual retreat and what it always does for me mentally and emotionally. I can't wait.

One of the things I always appreciate the most about this time is seeing the majesty of God in His creation. The mountains and streams of Colorado are also my picture of heaven (my picture includes bigger fish and more stamina to get up and down the mountains) and when I am there, I can't help but take time to just look and see what He can do. It's a beautiful place and when I am there, I always feel pulled closer to God.

If the campground has any Internet access, I might blog about something going on but for now I plan to be taking the next several days off from blogging. I hope to have lots of good fishing stories when I get back.

What Did We Learn?

A thought that has been rolling around in my head since returning from Brazil is "what did we learn while we were there?" We saw several things while we visited a foreign country - from poverty to joy, from sensual influences to pure love. I guess my question isn't as much about what we learned as it is about how our lives will be affected, how they will be changed as Christians. I hope my life is changing everyday - more towards Christ and away from evil. It's hard at times though. I get desensitized to so much of what is around me, to the hurting, to the hungry, to the poor, to evil. I see it so much it becomes a blur in the speed of life. Too often it happens with those closest to me also. I don't slow down to see them and to hear them. I bounce from one thing to another lost in a sea of business - not hearing God. I hope our trip opened many eyes and is working on many hearts. I know it happens to me each time I visit and I thank God for the opportunity I had that let's Him into my heart more and more.
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From one trip to another. I am headed out of town again this week and hoping my destination still has little, if any, cell phone service or Internet access. It's nice to get away and decompress, to stop living in the things that occupy my day and see God's glory around me. I may get another posting or two up before I leave but if not, I hope you live in the peace of God and His forgiveness and mercy.