The theme for the class I taught Sunday morning was one that was a little difficult because it is something that I fail to do. The theme of "I Can't Wait..." caused a few ideas to pop into my head before I read through the lesson to find that the idea was "I can't wait until Jesus returns." As a Christian, that is an idea I am intellectually aware of but don't really think about very often. I'm so caught up in what needs to be done at work, mowing, vacation, school and so on that I never stop to think about Jesus' return.
While mowing on Saturday and pondering the lesson for Sunday, a recurring thought was "Be still and know that I am God." I think if I found more time to be still with God, Jesus' return would be a more central, focused thought for me. I need to find the time, I need to make the time to be still with God.
When I was going to Colorado, it was all I could think about yet I really, really want to get to heaven but I think about so many other things.
"Be still and know that I am God."
I hear you Lord.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Home Sweet Home
It's good to be home. After too many days away from my wife and my children we all came back together Saturday night (the kids were with grandparents and my wife was in lovely Abilene). It was a wonderful evening that caused me to think about how much I appreciate the 3 of them and how important they are in my life.
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The funny comment of the day Saturday came from my daughter. The kids had been at my parents and we met between here and there at a restaurant for lunch. The kids were sitting next to each other when my youngest spouted off something to his sister and her comment was, "Shhhh, we're with dad now."
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I remember my mom always saying how good it felt when she got a compliment on her child. I always assumed it was because they came so seldom, they overwhelmed her. Anyway, she was passing along compliments about our children from some of her friends and I was so proud of my kids. I suppose parents always wonder what in the world there children will do when they are off and about. My kids make me proud.
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It's good to be home.
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The funny comment of the day Saturday came from my daughter. The kids had been at my parents and we met between here and there at a restaurant for lunch. The kids were sitting next to each other when my youngest spouted off something to his sister and her comment was, "Shhhh, we're with dad now."
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I remember my mom always saying how good it felt when she got a compliment on her child. I always assumed it was because they came so seldom, they overwhelmed her. Anyway, she was passing along compliments about our children from some of her friends and I was so proud of my kids. I suppose parents always wonder what in the world there children will do when they are off and about. My kids make me proud.
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It's good to be home.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
I'll Fly Away
I made it to Las Vegas without too many problems. Our plane was a hour late leaving and I was starting to think I was in for another long, long day. Fortunately, we got going and made it here to find...rain.
After getting settled in, we (3 of my co-workers) headed to Hoover Dam and took a tour. It's fascinating to think about the sacrifices that were made and the hard, hard work it took to build the dam. The highest paid worker was making $1.25 an hour - most were around 50 cents an hour.
Now, they are building a suspension bridge that will go over the Colorado River below the dam. It's incredibly high above the river and I cannot imagine the people who are working on it now. I certainly wouldn't want to be at the top and I wondered how comfortable I would be driving over it when completed.
We begin our training seminar tomorrow - 3 intense days. I'm taking all of my savings to the casino tomorrow night and try to build a college fund for the kids. Not really. I hope to catch a show Thursday night, either the Blue Man Group or Cirque du Soleil. If anyone has recommendations, I'm all eyes.
After getting settled in, we (3 of my co-workers) headed to Hoover Dam and took a tour. It's fascinating to think about the sacrifices that were made and the hard, hard work it took to build the dam. The highest paid worker was making $1.25 an hour - most were around 50 cents an hour.
Now, they are building a suspension bridge that will go over the Colorado River below the dam. It's incredibly high above the river and I cannot imagine the people who are working on it now. I certainly wouldn't want to be at the top and I wondered how comfortable I would be driving over it when completed.
We begin our training seminar tomorrow - 3 intense days. I'm taking all of my savings to the casino tomorrow night and try to build a college fund for the kids. Not really. I hope to catch a show Thursday night, either the Blue Man Group or Cirque du Soleil. If anyone has recommendations, I'm all eyes.
Monday, July 23, 2007
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...
I didn't sleep well last week and I'm feeling the effects of it today. The brain isn't churning much out (yes, I know some of you think that is the norm but it's worse than usual).
I watched the playoff of the golf tournament yesterday. It came down to the last hole of a 4 hole playoff and to the last putt. I'm not a fan of watching golf on TV but it was a good ending. Plus, there wasn't a football game, baseball game or race on.
This week will generate the talk about Barry Bonds breaking Hank Aaron's home run record. I don't know how people in baseball will handle it but based on what the talk has been so far, it won't be handled well. Will the commissioner be there? Will they finally use an asterisk in the record book? I wonder what would be happening if Barry was more media and fan friendly. Would the uproar be half as loud? For me, I think it's all about the image he has projected. He may not have hit that many home runs without steroids but others were taking them and not hitting that many so he definitely has some skill. Steroids have put a black eye on the game but the game let it happen.
Go Rangers! Will they trade Tex, Sosa, Gagne, Otsuka, Lofton? Cowboys camp starts tomorrow. Those stories should be enough to drown out the home run chase a little bit. I hope.
I watched the playoff of the golf tournament yesterday. It came down to the last hole of a 4 hole playoff and to the last putt. I'm not a fan of watching golf on TV but it was a good ending. Plus, there wasn't a football game, baseball game or race on.
This week will generate the talk about Barry Bonds breaking Hank Aaron's home run record. I don't know how people in baseball will handle it but based on what the talk has been so far, it won't be handled well. Will the commissioner be there? Will they finally use an asterisk in the record book? I wonder what would be happening if Barry was more media and fan friendly. Would the uproar be half as loud? For me, I think it's all about the image he has projected. He may not have hit that many home runs without steroids but others were taking them and not hitting that many so he definitely has some skill. Steroids have put a black eye on the game but the game let it happen.
Go Rangers! Will they trade Tex, Sosa, Gagne, Otsuka, Lofton? Cowboys camp starts tomorrow. Those stories should be enough to drown out the home run chase a little bit. I hope.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Here Today...Gone Tomorrow
A friend had their car broken into and some of the contents stolen yesterday. Theft is so frustrating because it comes into our secured space and takes something from us. When I lived in Ft. Worth, my truck window was smashed and contents stolen two or three times and it happened in my driveway while I was sleeping not too far away. I've known others who had their house broken into, even a deeper penetration of what we consider a safe place.
As we talked about the break in last night, I was reminded again that our stuff isn't really ours. It is, but it isn't. We have been entrusted with things but it can be taken from us in a instant. I take the dollars I work to earn and send them off to someone else for my house, my car, clothes, food, etc. Yet, a tornado could wipe away my house, a wreck could total my car, a thief could run off with all my clothes (he would need some big friends) and on and on. As much as I think my stuff is mine, it's only temporary.
Of course, I'm leading to the idea that we all have different abilities and the capability for different responsibilities and all of our efforts need to focus on the Creator and Giver of life itself. The only thing, the one, single thing we have is a gift in the form of His son, a Savior who has presented us with the only thing we really need. The cars and money and houses and stereos and everything else will be lost from us at some point but there is one thing we have been given that lasts. Yes, we can lose the gift Jesus gave us by ignoring it and turning away from it but if we will grasp it, hold it, cherish it, use it...it is ours to keep.
As we talked about the break in last night, I was reminded again that our stuff isn't really ours. It is, but it isn't. We have been entrusted with things but it can be taken from us in a instant. I take the dollars I work to earn and send them off to someone else for my house, my car, clothes, food, etc. Yet, a tornado could wipe away my house, a wreck could total my car, a thief could run off with all my clothes (he would need some big friends) and on and on. As much as I think my stuff is mine, it's only temporary.
Of course, I'm leading to the idea that we all have different abilities and the capability for different responsibilities and all of our efforts need to focus on the Creator and Giver of life itself. The only thing, the one, single thing we have is a gift in the form of His son, a Savior who has presented us with the only thing we really need. The cars and money and houses and stereos and everything else will be lost from us at some point but there is one thing we have been given that lasts. Yes, we can lose the gift Jesus gave us by ignoring it and turning away from it but if we will grasp it, hold it, cherish it, use it...it is ours to keep.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Amazing Grace
It's my favorite song. Many years ago I just loved to sing it. I remember it being one of the main songs I used when rocking my babies to sleep. As I have come to know grace, to feel it and understand it, the song remains my favorite. Before leaving for vacation, I went on iTunes and did a search for Amazing Grace. There were hundreds of versions by various signers and I started downloading. I think I have 11 or so different singers and versions of it. Ruben Studdard (one of the American Idol contestants) does a great version. Chris Tomlin and Jars of Clay both encapsulate the song with different arrangements that are beautiful. Willie Nelson lends his country touch and Bob Seeger and Arlo Guthrie really get folksy with the tune. The Dropkick Murphys put a rocking rendition together that is like nothing I've heard before.
My favorite by far are the Royal Scottish Dragoons. I'm not sure what Dragoons are but they play a mean bagpipe. I've told my wife when I have a funeral that I don't want much but I do hope she can find someone to play Amazing Grace with bagpipes.
It is such a blessing when we can recognize grace. I don't think I did for many years but I feel it in waves today. I've heard people say that those who have sunk the deepest may understand grace the most. I don't know if it's true or not but believe there have been times I've sunk deeper than I ever want to go again and I am confident that grace rescued me.
I'm so thankful for the grace of God. I pray I will never take it for granted, that I will rejoice in the healing power of it and that I will give it freely, as freely as God shares it with me.
My favorite by far are the Royal Scottish Dragoons. I'm not sure what Dragoons are but they play a mean bagpipe. I've told my wife when I have a funeral that I don't want much but I do hope she can find someone to play Amazing Grace with bagpipes.
It is such a blessing when we can recognize grace. I don't think I did for many years but I feel it in waves today. I've heard people say that those who have sunk the deepest may understand grace the most. I don't know if it's true or not but believe there have been times I've sunk deeper than I ever want to go again and I am confident that grace rescued me.
I'm so thankful for the grace of God. I pray I will never take it for granted, that I will rejoice in the healing power of it and that I will give it freely, as freely as God shares it with me.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
The Week After
The week after a vacation always seems brutal to me. It seems I can be gone for a week but there is 4 weeks of work needing to be done. Yikes.
Next week, I head out for Sin City with 4 other employees to a seminar. It's one place I do not look forward to visiting. The crowds, the noise, the endless lights. Fortunately, we are actually going to be in another town nearby away from the Strip. I do plan to make another trip to Hoover Dam. I've been once and it is an incredible site. The lake is beautiful and the drive is scenic.
Last night I took in the new Harry Potter movie with my family. I certainly didn't understand all of it and the kids were a bit disappointed because of changes from the book (I haven't read the stories). Even still, it was an entertaining movie with special effects at every turn. I'm sure the costume and makeup folks have a blast during these movies.
Pain and suffering are on my mind this morning. I read a poem a father wrote about the son he lost this morning and it makes me hurt for him. I wonder about His relationship with God. I read the questions he has but can't imagine the pain and feeling that lie with those questions. I know so many others are feeling the same suffering and wondering where God is, what He is thinking. I think of the song "Blessed Be Your Name" and know I haven't walked through the depths of suffering so many others have. I pray that those who suffer will continue to seek God and in time, their suffering will be lessened. I don't know if it's possible because I haven't experienced the excruciating pain they feel, but I do hope for them. I do hope.
Next week, I head out for Sin City with 4 other employees to a seminar. It's one place I do not look forward to visiting. The crowds, the noise, the endless lights. Fortunately, we are actually going to be in another town nearby away from the Strip. I do plan to make another trip to Hoover Dam. I've been once and it is an incredible site. The lake is beautiful and the drive is scenic.
Last night I took in the new Harry Potter movie with my family. I certainly didn't understand all of it and the kids were a bit disappointed because of changes from the book (I haven't read the stories). Even still, it was an entertaining movie with special effects at every turn. I'm sure the costume and makeup folks have a blast during these movies.
Pain and suffering are on my mind this morning. I read a poem a father wrote about the son he lost this morning and it makes me hurt for him. I wonder about His relationship with God. I read the questions he has but can't imagine the pain and feeling that lie with those questions. I know so many others are feeling the same suffering and wondering where God is, what He is thinking. I think of the song "Blessed Be Your Name" and know I haven't walked through the depths of suffering so many others have. I pray that those who suffer will continue to seek God and in time, their suffering will be lessened. I don't know if it's possible because I haven't experienced the excruciating pain they feel, but I do hope for them. I do hope.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
I Saw God
I love my vacation time in Colorado. It is a special time that gives me so many blessings.
I saw God in the peace of the river and the majesty of the mountains. I saw God in the power of a hail storm and the beauty of the sun setting over the mountains. I saw God in the quiet moments while listening to the sound of nature as well as in the noise of children playing and having fun. I saw God in the worship service on Sunday and in time spent in prayer.
I may be guilty of talking too much about the joy that abounds in the fishing and weather of my vacation and never really mentioning that one of the great joys is seeing the handiwork of my Creator. I love my vacation for so many reasons, one of the primary ones being that I slow down and see God.
I pray today that I will slow down and see God in Decatur as clearly as I did in South Fork. I pray that I will slow down so that others might see God through my actions. That's one of the wonderful things about vacation, time to reflect and contemplate how to be a better Christian today than I was yesterday and how to glorify God more tomorrow than today.
Last week, I saw God, saw His power and His majesty and reflected on His amazing grace. I saw God and I know I will be stronger in the days ahead because of my time with Him.
I saw God in the peace of the river and the majesty of the mountains. I saw God in the power of a hail storm and the beauty of the sun setting over the mountains. I saw God in the quiet moments while listening to the sound of nature as well as in the noise of children playing and having fun. I saw God in the worship service on Sunday and in time spent in prayer.
I may be guilty of talking too much about the joy that abounds in the fishing and weather of my vacation and never really mentioning that one of the great joys is seeing the handiwork of my Creator. I love my vacation for so many reasons, one of the primary ones being that I slow down and see God.
I pray today that I will slow down and see God in Decatur as clearly as I did in South Fork. I pray that I will slow down so that others might see God through my actions. That's one of the wonderful things about vacation, time to reflect and contemplate how to be a better Christian today than I was yesterday and how to glorify God more tomorrow than today.
Last week, I saw God, saw His power and His majesty and reflected on His amazing grace. I saw God and I know I will be stronger in the days ahead because of my time with Him.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Freedom
I watched Braveheart last week where Mel Gibson's character, William Wallace, leads a group of Scotsmen in their quest for freedom from England.
I spent the weekend hearing my son say how cool it would have been to be a part of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and talk about his desire to visit Boston and Philadelphia to see historical sites and learn more about our freedom.
I taught a class Sunday morning on freedom - the freedom we have through Christ - the freedom from sin and Satan that we have been given.
Each of these freedoms came with a price, namely the loss of life. Braveheart gave me a good feeling for a few minutes after seeing it. Our country's independence is a wonderful gift that will last a lifetime. My freedom from sin is a treasure greater than anything, a sacrifice, a gift that will last through eternity.
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Today's the day. My lovely wife and little angel should be leaving Searcy, Arkansas soon and this afternoon we will head north/northwest. I am E-X-C-I-T-E-D, excited. It's been nice to have some time with my son at home while the girls are gone but I sure miss my girls and I am ready to see them. I've been ready to leave for Colorado but much, much more ready to see two beautiful women. It's a great day.
I spent the weekend hearing my son say how cool it would have been to be a part of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and talk about his desire to visit Boston and Philadelphia to see historical sites and learn more about our freedom.
I taught a class Sunday morning on freedom - the freedom we have through Christ - the freedom from sin and Satan that we have been given.
Each of these freedoms came with a price, namely the loss of life. Braveheart gave me a good feeling for a few minutes after seeing it. Our country's independence is a wonderful gift that will last a lifetime. My freedom from sin is a treasure greater than anything, a sacrifice, a gift that will last through eternity.
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Today's the day. My lovely wife and little angel should be leaving Searcy, Arkansas soon and this afternoon we will head north/northwest. I am E-X-C-I-T-E-D, excited. It's been nice to have some time with my son at home while the girls are gone but I sure miss my girls and I am ready to see them. I've been ready to leave for Colorado but much, much more ready to see two beautiful women. It's a great day.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Bang. Bang-bang-bang.
July 4th always means fireworks but this year, July 1st, 2nd and 3rd have meant fireworks around our house. I think I'm going deaf.
My son and I are headed to the Fort Worth Cats game tonight with some friends. The Cats have always done a BIG fireworks show, one that I think rivals or surpasses the Rangers show. It will be fun if the rain holds off. Plus, I get a Kinkaid's burger at the game. That's living.
I'm mentally somewhere in New Mexico now. I'm trying to remember the things I need to do today so I can write them down but I'm struggling to get it on paper so I will remember it. I can't wait. Fun Valley has to be one of my top 2 or 3 favorite places. I relax there. I focus there. I fish there. I take in God's majesty and power there.
In case you can't tell, I'm ready to be there.
My son and I are headed to the Fort Worth Cats game tonight with some friends. The Cats have always done a BIG fireworks show, one that I think rivals or surpasses the Rangers show. It will be fun if the rain holds off. Plus, I get a Kinkaid's burger at the game. That's living.
I'm mentally somewhere in New Mexico now. I'm trying to remember the things I need to do today so I can write them down but I'm struggling to get it on paper so I will remember it. I can't wait. Fun Valley has to be one of my top 2 or 3 favorite places. I relax there. I focus there. I fish there. I take in God's majesty and power there.
In case you can't tell, I'm ready to be there.
Monday, July 02, 2007
The Pre-Vacation Crunch
Why do so many things come up the week I'm trying to leave for vacation? I hope for a somewhat peaceful week (you'd think I would learn) and then - WHAMMO - a thousand little things come up. The good part is that I'm going on vacation. I'm leaving in 4 days. 4 days! Mentally, I'm halfway to Colorado which doesn't help me get things done at the office.
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All of our "regular" preachers were out of town yesterday so one of our Elders spoke to us in the worship service. He did a really good job and it was good to hear from one of our leaders. I certainly appreciate those men.
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What's up with the Rangers? They are playing some pretty good baseball right now. Kam Loe is smoking and Marlon Byrd has come out of nowhere to make some great plays and provide a lot of offense for the team. It seems a bit late for a run and I certainly don't believe it will last at this point but it's fun to see. All this while Blalock and Tex are on the DL. Hmmmm.
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Did I mention it was only 4 days until I leave for vacation. :)
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All of our "regular" preachers were out of town yesterday so one of our Elders spoke to us in the worship service. He did a really good job and it was good to hear from one of our leaders. I certainly appreciate those men.
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What's up with the Rangers? They are playing some pretty good baseball right now. Kam Loe is smoking and Marlon Byrd has come out of nowhere to make some great plays and provide a lot of offense for the team. It seems a bit late for a run and I certainly don't believe it will last at this point but it's fun to see. All this while Blalock and Tex are on the DL. Hmmmm.
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Did I mention it was only 4 days until I leave for vacation. :)
Friday, June 29, 2007
Hang 'em High
Hopefully this is my last meeting as a Grand Juror. One last day of listening to stories of the dregs of Wise County.
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I saw the oddest sight yesterday. A bright orb in the sky shining light on me. I was puzzled but someone told me it was called "the sun." It was fascinating.
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7 DAYS. 1 WEEK LEFT. Next Thursday I'm headed to lovely Colorado, to what might be my favorite place on earth. 7 days of relative peace, fishing, mini-golf, total relaxation. I will enjoy each day.
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I saw the oddest sight yesterday. A bright orb in the sky shining light on me. I was puzzled but someone told me it was called "the sun." It was fascinating.
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7 DAYS. 1 WEEK LEFT. Next Thursday I'm headed to lovely Colorado, to what might be my favorite place on earth. 7 days of relative peace, fishing, mini-golf, total relaxation. I will enjoy each day.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The Speed of Life
I've got so many things to do and it doesn't seem there is time to hold it all. One might ask why I would stop to write this if I'm running short on time and I would have to agree it's a good question. It's also a good time for me to take inventory and try to turn what seems to be a mess into a manageable workload.
I struggle to get off the wheel, to quit trying to run faster and to start running smarter. I need to take time to build more relationships and strengthen the relationships I have. I need to hear people better and find out what is going on in others' lives.
I can't control life but I can control my response to what happens. I will work on that today and see how tomorrow goes.
I struggle to get off the wheel, to quit trying to run faster and to start running smarter. I need to take time to build more relationships and strengthen the relationships I have. I need to hear people better and find out what is going on in others' lives.
I can't control life but I can control my response to what happens. I will work on that today and see how tomorrow goes.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Looks Like...Rain
Did we really pack up a town and move it somewhere close to Seattle? I heard about houses flooding in Granbury overnight and wonder when it will let up. I hope no one else is hurt or killed because of the high water.
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A single digit is really helping me think about something other than the rain. The digit is 9 today and it is the number of days left before I leave for Colorado. I am so ready to breathe mountain air, take a walk with my wife surrounded by mountains, play mini-golf with the kids and feel the first trout on the end of my line. I'm ready for a burger and a malt at the cook shack and pizza in Creede. I'm ready to see some of God's most wonderful (in my estimation) creation. 9 days.
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9 days. I think I'm already getting "short-timer's syndrome." It's going to be hard to think about much more than vacation for the next few days.
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A single digit is really helping me think about something other than the rain. The digit is 9 today and it is the number of days left before I leave for Colorado. I am so ready to breathe mountain air, take a walk with my wife surrounded by mountains, play mini-golf with the kids and feel the first trout on the end of my line. I'm ready for a burger and a malt at the cook shack and pizza in Creede. I'm ready to see some of God's most wonderful (in my estimation) creation. 9 days.
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9 days. I think I'm already getting "short-timer's syndrome." It's going to be hard to think about much more than vacation for the next few days.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
And The Rain Came Down...
In case you didn't notice, it rained a wee bit yesterday. I got home yesterday afternoon and thought I had bought lakefront property. Water was almost everywhere, rushing down the creek, coming over the road, dropping from the sky. It was about a foot from our front door as we helplessly watched. After several prayers, the rain let up and the water drained off pretty well.
There is more rain in the forecast today and tomorrow. I'm not sure how much more we can take. So many people have had to endure flooding recently and while I appreciate the rain we've had, we really need a break. I will be in prayer all day that what rain we get is manageable rain and that no one has to endure more trouble because of the water.
I'm praying for protection for everyone today. I'm praying that even though our possessions are really nothing, meaningless in the picture of eternity, that God will still protect us from damage and harm.
There is more rain in the forecast today and tomorrow. I'm not sure how much more we can take. So many people have had to endure flooding recently and while I appreciate the rain we've had, we really need a break. I will be in prayer all day that what rain we get is manageable rain and that no one has to endure more trouble because of the water.
I'm praying for protection for everyone today. I'm praying that even though our possessions are really nothing, meaningless in the picture of eternity, that God will still protect us from damage and harm.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Finished. Done. Kaput.
Yes, baseball season for my young Roger Clemens/Albert Pujols is over. We wrapped up with a tournament in Lancaster this past weekend where we came out on the losing end overall but played some of our best ball of the year. The best part for me was seeing my son have a really, really good tournament defensively (playing 2nd and pitching) and offensively. It's fun to watch him and see the improvement game after game, year after year. It's what he enjoys and he makes baseball fun.
My daughter is thrilled baseball season is over. She, on the other hand, gets up at 6:00 three days a week to work out with the cross country team. Other than getting up early, I think she really enjoys it and I really enjoy watching her run. I go with her on the 3 days and walk the track while she and the other girls stretch, jog and get ready for their run. I appreciate their dedication to being as good as they can be and I am proud of my angel for working as hard as she does.
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In the past, I have been a current events fanatic - always watching the news shows, reading papers and current event magazines, interested in politics and world events. I'm not that way anymore. I don't watch the news every night, I don't go get a paper everyday, I don't peruse the Internet to keep up with what's happening. I think two things have come together to change my focus. One, we seem busier as a family. Two, I spend more time thinking about things more eternal in nature. I spend more time finding myself in thought about God and in prayer. Now, I don't spend near as much time doing those things as I should but I hope to keep getting better.
There's really nothing to that comment other than a personal observation and, after thinking about what I wrote, I'm certainly not patting myself on the back. I only say it because I was thinking this morning that as each day passes, I want to be closer to God. I look back at my life lived so far and see how off-course I have been so often. I want to be on-course from this day forward. I know their will be struggles but I want to hunger and thirst for God. I ask that you will pray for me that I may stay on that journey and be focused on my Creator and Savior.
My daughter is thrilled baseball season is over. She, on the other hand, gets up at 6:00 three days a week to work out with the cross country team. Other than getting up early, I think she really enjoys it and I really enjoy watching her run. I go with her on the 3 days and walk the track while she and the other girls stretch, jog and get ready for their run. I appreciate their dedication to being as good as they can be and I am proud of my angel for working as hard as she does.
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In the past, I have been a current events fanatic - always watching the news shows, reading papers and current event magazines, interested in politics and world events. I'm not that way anymore. I don't watch the news every night, I don't go get a paper everyday, I don't peruse the Internet to keep up with what's happening. I think two things have come together to change my focus. One, we seem busier as a family. Two, I spend more time thinking about things more eternal in nature. I spend more time finding myself in thought about God and in prayer. Now, I don't spend near as much time doing those things as I should but I hope to keep getting better.
There's really nothing to that comment other than a personal observation and, after thinking about what I wrote, I'm certainly not patting myself on the back. I only say it because I was thinking this morning that as each day passes, I want to be closer to God. I look back at my life lived so far and see how off-course I have been so often. I want to be on-course from this day forward. I know their will be struggles but I want to hunger and thirst for God. I ask that you will pray for me that I may stay on that journey and be focused on my Creator and Savior.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Sun or Rain?
Will it be sunny? Is it going to rain? Last night, the weatherman said the computer models were all in agreement for a big rain event next week. That makes me think it will either snow 8 inches or it will be 122 degrees.
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It's Family Fun Night at church tonight for families involved in the youth group. I don't know what to expect (other than fun, of course) but I'm looking forward to going.
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My son got Guitar Hero for his birthday. He seems to love it and I think he's spending a great deal of time playing right now. I hope I haven't created a monster and walk in one day to find him with hair down his back, tattoos covering one arm and part of the other and earrings coming out of his eyelids.
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Kobe Bryant is wearing me out with his trade demands. What team wants a self-indulgent, over-inflated ego, all about me player on their team? Unfortunately, because he can put the ball in the hoop, there will be plenty of suitors.
While the Spurs are boring, I appreciate their work ethic and the fact that we don't see their mug shots or hear their whining.
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Enjoy your weekend. We'll be having family fun tonight and baseball tomorrow.
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It's Family Fun Night at church tonight for families involved in the youth group. I don't know what to expect (other than fun, of course) but I'm looking forward to going.
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My son got Guitar Hero for his birthday. He seems to love it and I think he's spending a great deal of time playing right now. I hope I haven't created a monster and walk in one day to find him with hair down his back, tattoos covering one arm and part of the other and earrings coming out of his eyelids.
_____________________________________________________________
Kobe Bryant is wearing me out with his trade demands. What team wants a self-indulgent, over-inflated ego, all about me player on their team? Unfortunately, because he can put the ball in the hoop, there will be plenty of suitors.
While the Spurs are boring, I appreciate their work ethic and the fact that we don't see their mug shots or hear their whining.
______________________________________________________________
Enjoy your weekend. We'll be having family fun tonight and baseball tomorrow.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Walking in the Valley
I've been keeping up with the Tod Brown family by a blog they have set up. Tod describes some of his struggles in understanding why his son lost his life in a car wreck a few weeks ago and his words, his emotions that come through, make me think, wonder, what that family is going through. I appreciate his willingness to share their moments of happiness and times of questioning because I don't understand either. Why would God let a 13 year old who seemed to bring so much to so many die? I cannot comprehend it but also understand I never will...at least in this life.
I do know this. I will go home today and hug my wife and my children and be thankful for the time I have with them. I cherish each day with them...I just need to keep doing a better job letting them know that I cherish them.
I do know this. I will go home today and hug my wife and my children and be thankful for the time I have with them. I cherish each day with them...I just need to keep doing a better job letting them know that I cherish them.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
A Swing And A Miss
I took my son and a friend to the Ranger game last night for their birthdays where they got their names up on the Coca-Cola board in center field. I'm ever amazed at children. I paid for pretty nice seats behind the Cubs dugout but the boys were happier when we went to sit on the top row of the stadium. I must say I did enjoy the breeze.
Sammy Sosa is swinging away for home run number 600. It seemed apparent last night that he was wanting to hit it against his old team. He was swinging away and struck out his first 3 times at bat. On his final at-bat of the night, he hit a fly ball to centerfield. There was a moment of collective gasp as people hoped it was going out but we saw no history unfolding as the outfielder caught it.
My son and friend went down before the game to try and get autographs. There was a young lady standing next to them wanting autographs also. The boys came back up after awhile because the young lady and a friend nearby used a lot of profanity and the boys got tired of that. I am proud of both of them for their desire to be somewhere out of earshot of that type of talk. My son also informed me, as we left the stadium, that the girl was offering to take off her shirt to get it signed and that "he sure didn't want to see that." He cracks me up.
Sammy Sosa is swinging away for home run number 600. It seemed apparent last night that he was wanting to hit it against his old team. He was swinging away and struck out his first 3 times at bat. On his final at-bat of the night, he hit a fly ball to centerfield. There was a moment of collective gasp as people hoped it was going out but we saw no history unfolding as the outfielder caught it.
My son and friend went down before the game to try and get autographs. There was a young lady standing next to them wanting autographs also. The boys came back up after awhile because the young lady and a friend nearby used a lot of profanity and the boys got tired of that. I am proud of both of them for their desire to be somewhere out of earshot of that type of talk. My son also informed me, as we left the stadium, that the girl was offering to take off her shirt to get it signed and that "he sure didn't want to see that." He cracks me up.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
A Little Less Muggy Please
I could use a little less humidity. I'm thankful for the rain but the humidity combined with any temperature over 70 makes me "perspire."
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It was a party-party weekend for us. My wife's birthday was last Friday, Father's Day over the weekend and my son's birthday is Wednesday. Add in a nephew and brother-in-law birthday and we rolled it into one big event last Friday night. Woohoo! Great food, great family and friends, a great time.
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I'm headed to the Cubs-Rangers game today. It will be fun seeing the Cubs play live (which would only be topped by seeing them at Wrigley) and waiting to see if Pinella blows a gasket of if Sammy hits number 600.
Have a great day.
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It was a party-party weekend for us. My wife's birthday was last Friday, Father's Day over the weekend and my son's birthday is Wednesday. Add in a nephew and brother-in-law birthday and we rolled it into one big event last Friday night. Woohoo! Great food, great family and friends, a great time.
_____________________________________________________________
I'm headed to the Cubs-Rangers game today. It will be fun seeing the Cubs play live (which would only be topped by seeing them at Wrigley) and waiting to see if Pinella blows a gasket of if Sammy hits number 600.
Have a great day.
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