Swine Flu and Arlen Specter

I have a sinus infection or something of that sort that is wearing me out today. I'm going home in a bit to try and get some sleep that I have missed the last 2 nights. I'm sure you are all happy to know that. :)
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I don't know what makes the swine flu worse than the regular flu. The deaths from this flu are tragic but I hear about deaths from the flu every year. I certainly don't want it and hope those who have it will recover.

I can't imagine the death of a 23 month old from swine flu. My heart goes out to that family.
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Arlen Specter has converted from Republican to Democrat. I don't understand how a sitting legislator can do that and it not require an immediate vote to see if the people of his state want to replace him. It should certainly apply both ways but I don't think it's fair to the country or the people he represents for him to change his party affiliation without laying out his reasoning and being subjected to a new election under the new party.
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I used to eat and breathe politics. Now I don't want to think about it much. At what point the voting is over, there's not much I can control. However, the change of Specter's affiliation and the pending Minnesota race can give the Democrats a super majority in the Senate (I think) and that does give me some concern.
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The Mavericks beat San Antonio and I didn't see a minute of it. I don't like the team, I don't care for the coach and the owner can easily turn me off. From what little I've seen, I would be a fan if the keep JJ Berea and Bass and ship the rest off and only bring in players I approve of.
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The Rangers are back to .500 and battling through some games for wins. Go Rangers!
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God is so good. As I learn to trust him more each day, I find life to be more and more peaceful. It doesn't mean things are perfect or I don't encounter problems but there is peace.

I hope you are finding the blessings, love, mercy, grace and hope that God affords everyone single one of us.

Beauty

I watched a beautiful thing last night as a young lady was baptized after study and making a decision to turn her life over to Christ, our Lord.

Over the years I have rode a wave of thoughts on baptism. Is it essential? Is it necessary? Is it an act of obedience? Growing up in a Church of Christ fellowship, the necessity of baptism gets hammered pretty hard. After reading scripture and thinking about what I believe God is saying, I have come to the conclusion that baptism is essential, not out of obedience or following rules, but as an act of submission. It is a decided act to step in the water and leave an old life behind to start a new life. It is a thought-out act of following in Christ's footsteps, albeit much simpler, to show our submission to a life with Him. There is beauty in submission.

I love the language of Romans 6. I see beauty in the language of the writer. Verse 4-5 says "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united (italics mine) with him like this in his death, we will certainly be united with him in his resurrection (bold mine)." I read this and wonder how someone would not RUN to the water after deciding to accept Christ and follow him because I see beauty in how God has allowed us to be united with Christ in death and in life.

Last night I saw glory and power and love and forgiveness and hope all wrapped up in a beautiful act of baptism.

Learning to Win

My son's baseball team had the best tournament of the year yesterday. His team was 1-12 coming in to the day and starting bracket play as the 9th (and last) seed. They played the 8th seed and got a 9-3 lead before letting the other team come back and almost win. Our guys prevailed 10-9 but it appeared they had the sense they would end up losing another one and played tentatively in the latter innings. The next game was against the #1 seed and we were off and running with a 5-0 lead before letting the other team tie it in the 5th inning and then watched as they scored the winning run in the 6th to beat us 6-5. Again, it looked like our boys got nervous and tight down the stretch afraid of blowing it instead of taking their play up another notch.

Sometimes, we get used to defeat and think that no matter how good things seem, it will all go away and we will be on the losing end. Or, we get so used to defeat that we learn to live in it thinking of victory as something the lucky people get.

My Christian walk has taken on that feel at times. I wanted to win, I wanted to live Christ-like but knew I had blown it before and would probably blow it again. I would get close and then let something move me back to my old ways. Praise God that I feel like I am moving away from that thinking and realizing that victories are there for the taking if I will trust in the Lord and live courageously for Him. I'm learning to walk in faith and turn away from my old thoughts of not being able to do the right thing, to win. I realize that the win isn't mine alone but a team victory. I win when I rely on God and allow Him to work through me using His perfect and wonderful Spirit and He gives me other people who want to help.

I want to continue to learn to win in God's plan for me. Victory is sweet and He has paved the way for me to enjoy it.

I Love My Church

I love my church. It is imperfect, filled with people who have all sorts of problems. It has the people who think instrumental music is wrong and those who don't take issue with it. It has people who have never had a drop of alcohol cross their lips and those who have battled addiction. It has people who think showing up every Sunday is what's most important and those who don't show up often but share the compassion of Christ with other people daily. It has people who's families are almost perfect and people who's families are in shambles. My church has people of all sizes and shapes, of various socio-economic backgrounds and, to some degree, different cultures and colors. My church is wonderful because in all it's greatness and problems, it is the church Christ created.

I read an article by Jud Wilhite tonight that reminded me why I love the church. Wilhite is the pastor of Central Christian Church in Las Vegas (yes, sin city) and he said something that really matches what I think about church.

"I believe with all my heart that the Church is the world's hope. Government can't change the heart. Education, as important as it is, can't change the heart. Healthcare and Social Security reform won't change the heart. Only God can do that. And He uses people - the Church - to reach out and impact others. Many people are cynical and skeptical about church. And who can deny all the scandals and hypocrisy that occur in the name of God? It is truly awful. Yet, for every scandal there are thousands and thousands of churches making a real difference and doing their best to help others."

I love my church and I hope God continues to give us opportunity to reach a lost and hurting world AND I hope we will meet the opportunity with the heart of Christ. I see it happening through different people in different ways and it excites me. The Church, the body of Christ, offers hope through the resurrected Savior.

Warriors

My image of a warrior is someone who is always ready for a fight, always prepared for battle, always looking for the enemy and ready to use all the weapons and tools they have to win the battle.

I wonder what happens when the battle is over. What does a warrior do? What goes through the mind of that person who is so ready for battle that they look forward to it because it has become their comfort zone? How easily can they adapt to peace? I wonder if it is scary to a warrior when the battle they are fighting comes to an end.

I have been reading and trying to better understand spiritual warfare and this is one of the questions I have been mulling. What happens to people who are in the midst of a spiritual battle and they see it coming to an end? Do they exhale and become thankful and relax or do they fear the end because they have equipped themselves to keep on fighting? Or what happens to them when they are between battles? They have been fighting then the fight subsides. How do they keep from getting lazy while enjoying the peace?

I know some of these questions are a little over the top and don't apply to every person and every situation. They are just thoughts I've had bouncing around in my head and in my heart. I have used them in looking at my life and how I have and will deal with spiritual battles. I don't think there is a one-size-fits-all answer to any of the questions but they are questions that make me stop, even haunt me a little.

I know this. God is good and will provide everything I need if I rely on him. It's when I rely on me that things fall apart. Maybe I'm coming up with those questions with a "me" mentality because none of them ask what God does in the heart of a warrior. I need to think about it some more.

May your hearts and lives be filled with His grace and peace.

30 More Hours of Sleep Would Be Good

I spent the weekend at Camp Deer Run with 100+ young people and some other adults. It was a spiritual retreat for our youth group and 4 other churches (2 from Arkansas, Bowie and Early) and a wonderful and wet time. I appreciate my time with our youth group because they always offer hope...hope for today and tomorrow, hope for more Christ-likeness, more openness about our Savior and hope that the kingdom of God will continue to become stronger and more in love with Him.

I saw some incredibly loving and caring youth ministers and their families and I was once again reminded how blessed we are to have Jacob and Heather Baker in our church family. I am repeatedly overwhelmed by their love for our kids and their desire to share Christ.
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I saw a report on the news today there is a case in front of the Supreme Court to decide whether schools can strip search children. It focuses around a girl who was 13 at the time, an honor student with no history of trouble. Another girl was caught with drugs and blamed it on the honor student. The honor student said she knew nothing about it so the Assistant Principal got the school nurse to strip search her. The girl recanted being down to just her undergarments and being told to take them off also. This was all done WITHOUT the parent's knowledge.

As I listened to the story, I thought about that happening to one of my kids. Now, if you know me well you know I have a bit of a temper. It doesn't go off often but when it does things tend to get broken. I can only imagine finding out that the school had strip searched one of my children without my knowledge and I'm pretty sure the temper alarm would go off and nothing good would happen after that.

I hope the Supreme Court uses some common sense and does not allow for strip searches without parental consent at a minimum. The 13 year old girl was horrified and ended up leaving that school because she was made fun of and worse.
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I'm really trying to work on my temper. As I have come to understand the spiritual battles for my heart better, I know that is one area that satan can use.
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Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.

Denying Self

Learning to deny myself is hard. I've always lived in a world where what I thought/felt/knew/understood/imagined was my guiding principle. Moving to a life where I call on God to fill me with His desire seems like a much better way to live but I still try to interject what I think God would be happy with.

I've told people that God wants them to act, not just sit around and wait on Him and that's still kind of true but I don't think I was ever really waiting on Him. I thought I knew what God would want and I did it...or I did what I felt like was right or fair to me.

I want to live differently. I am trying to follow a path where I wait to hear from God and then try to act according to what I am led to, not what I create. It tries my patience and sometimes, I go back to my old routine of doing what I think is best. It's a hard habit to break and one I know the evil forces around me don't want me to break.

I want to press on, even when it's difficult. There have been days where I felt alone, like God wasn't there to guide me and then something happens that I know is His reminder that He is at work, not in my time but His.

I want to live for Him. I want to walk away from my thought processes of the past and move to a paradigm that is centered around God. Something I was reading earlier made the comment that we sometimes have to leave what is familiar to truly find God. We have to break out of our routine and go to a place that is new, maybe uncomfortable, so that we will cling to God and grow in Him. I'm ready to make that trip. I don't do it thinking it will be all smiles and sunshine but knowing there will be things that stretch me and challenge me but I will have all I need to overcome them...and all I have to do is call on God and trust in His glory and goodness to carry me through.

Amorality and Baseball

Scientists at USC released a report stating that Facebook and Twitter create the danger of an amoral society. There thought is that all the computer interaction takes out emotion and psychological issues we notice in face-to-face contact.

Fewer people talk as we have entered a world of texting, tweeting, abbreviations and so on. I wonder if the USC folks aren't on to something?
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Last week I was imagining the Rangers going 162-0. Today, I'm hoping they win another game.
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Speaking of the Rangers, 8 games into their season they are already planning to reschedule a game because it conflicts with the opening of JerryWorld and the first Cowboys game. We sure wouldn't anything getting in the way of that now, would we?
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That's it for today. God loves you.

Life

The sermon I heard Sunday morning was about life. Christ's death was a sobering and important event but his resurrected life is what gives us a future. His death brought reconciliation but his resurrection brought us life. I want to live in that, rejoice in that, give praise in that. Reconciled through death to sin and self, alive through the power that created the world and shook the earth.

Charge!

An Angel won the Masters. Some guy from Argentina. My man Phil made a good run at it and Kenny Perry had it in the bag then blew it.
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The Rangers bullpen stinks!
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Obama pulled the trigger on rescuing the freighter captain. He allowed Navy snipers to take out the pirates. Now, the pirates are saying they will strike back. They must be nuts.
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I spent a good part of the weekend watching our youth kids compete at LTC. It's a fun experience every time I go - being with friends and watching our kids perform. It takes a lot of effort to pull it off and I'm thankful for all the people who work with the kids all year to prepare them.
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I saw the "hot dog man" yesterday at church in Fort Worth. Some of you may remember the hot dog vendor at Rangers games who had a very distinct way of announcing that he was selling hot dogs. I've mimicked his voice with my kids from time to time. He was a celebrity of sorts and I've often wondered what happened to him. I found out yesterday. He has laid down his celebrity status so he can spend more time serving God. He realized the celebrity was all about him and was taking him down a road he didn't want to keep traveling.

I miss the hot dog man at ballgames but I much rather hear his compelling story of a desire to serve God.
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Our Savior is risen. He is no longer in the tomb. He defeated death for me and for you. Rejoice!

EOW Miscellaneous Thoughts

I've tried to hold the line on Obama-alarmism but this bill floating through the house seems a bit scary. Mandatory voluntary service? Seems odd. Something else I read said that religious-based service will not count. Hmmmm. Check it out. I've got more research to do myself.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=92288
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Pirates have captured the captain of an American freighter. I want to avoid bloodshed and have tried to tone down my rhetoric over the past few years but I'm thinking a team or two of Navy Seals visiting the pirates (not a social call, mind you, but an all-out assault) might help slow down their desire to be involved in thievery and kidnapping.
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Tragic news about the Angels pitcher who just finished a great game and was killed after the game in a hit-and-run crash. 22 years old.
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I hope to watch the Passion of the Christ again this weekend. Each time I have watched it, it has become more personal to me and, while graphic, I appreciate the reminder of the pain Christ suffered for me. I talk about the sacrifice but it's easy to forget how much He suffered.
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I wonder how our faith would change if we knew we might be killed at any moment for being a Christian. Just a few days ago I was thinking it would be cool to have a bigger TV while at the same time, I bet someone was worried about being identified for professing Christ because they might be imprisoned or killed.
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God is love (1 John 4). Using that verse, I paraphrase 1 Corinthians 13 this way. God is patient, God is kind. God does not envy, God does not boast, God is not proud. God is not rude, God is not self-seeking, God is not easily angered, God keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind (Luke 10). Using that verse, I paraphrase 1 Corinthians 13 this way. I will be patient, I will be kind. I will not envy, I will not boast, I will not be proud. I will not be rude, I will not be self-seeking, I will not be easily angered, I will not keep record of wrongs. I will not delight in evil but will rejoice in the truth. I will always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere. Today, that is what I will strive to do if I want to live in the image of God.

In Christ alone, my hope is found. God is so good. He offers me peace in times of storms, He offers me hope in times of despair, He offers me joy in times of sadness. He will carry my burden, He will mourn for me. I love God today like I have never loved God before. I pray that love grows, it prospers and spreads through me and fills me up.

I hope your Easter weekend is filled with the peace, love and joy that only comes from our Creator and Savior, the Lord God.

Run the Race

1 Corinthians 9:23-25 (New International Version)

²³I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. ²⁴Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (New International Version)

¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ²Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

These passages came to mind tonight during Bible study. I thought about the race we must run and what kind of race it is. Is it a sprint? I think that is often what we want it to be; a race that takes effort but where the goal is reached quickly but the race usually isn't quick. Is it a marathon? While our race may be long, I don't think distance is the only issue. I have settled on the idea that the race is often more like a steeplechase; long and grueling on it's own mixed with many obstacles that will wear us down, cause us to fall and render pain.

I don't know that any of those analogies are right but I do know this. The race we are running started with a glorious event that we are about to celebrate - the resurrection of the Christ. I want to keep my eyes fixed on the prize because a high price was paid on my behalf to receive it. I want to keep my eyes fixed on the prize because I want to know the pure joy of being in the presence of God.

Sports Wrap-up

It was a great day at the ballpark yesterday. Cold and windy outside, warm and sunny inside AND the Rangers smoked the Indians. Some impressions:
1. An Army band was there playing some pre-game music and the national anthem. Last year, the same band was playing at a game via a live feed from Afghanistan. Pretty cool that they were there to play live.
2. It was the first time I experienced a pre-game timing problem at a Rangers game. Two B-1 bombers flew over at the exact time they were supposed to but we were only halfway through the national anthem. You cannot hear a band playing or the person next to you singing when two B-1 bombers fly over you.
3. George Bush got a HUGE reception of cheers when he came out to throw the first pitch. It was a strike.
4. The Rangers infield played as good a game as they could play I think. Young Elvis Andrus made some great plays at shortstop and Michael Young looks like he'd always played 3rd base.
5. Every time Josh Hamilton comes up to bat, people expect a home run.
6. Jerry Jones was at the game. I expected to hear more boos when he walked out but maybe people didn't notice...or didn't care.
7. The Jerrydome is HUGE.
8. A kid stole 3rd base. It's a promo deal where the kid has to run from the left field fence, grab 3rd base and run back in 40 seconds. I thought it was pretty cool and then it turns out the boy who did it was sitting behind us. He was pumped. Funny thing was, someone else was supposed to do it and they couldn't find him and the boy behind us was walking by the people looking at the right time.
9. I like the checkerboard baseball field.
10. The crowd doesn't respond much to the people throwing t-shirts in the crowd.
11. I liked the old-time scoreboard in left field but the new video board is kind of neat. People who couldn't see the big screen above home run porch can get all the info now.

It was a fun day and a great start to the Rangers season. 161 more to go.
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North Carolina ran away with the game last night. They were my pick to win it all but I was afraid Ty Lawson would be injured and went with Memphis. Ty Lawson wasn't hurt enough not to play, was the Player of the Game and dominated throughout the tournament. It wasn't a great game to watch but not surprising.
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A different note. There's a funeral for the police officer killed in Bridgeport today in Decatur. I read part of an interview with the police officer's mother the other day and one of her statements is still with me. She talked about praying for the family of the guy who killed her son and talked about their loss also. Amazing grace and mercy from a woman who is suffering and a beautiful story for all of us. I know they will be in pain today and many other days but it seems their family is focused on the greater reward.

3 More Sleeps...

until Opening Day at The Ballpark! I think I heard that the Rangers won a record number of spring training games this year. I don't know what that means for the regular season but I find with the Rangers, you celebrate what you can.
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Tragedy struck a Bridgeport family yesterday. I still don't know the whole story but a guy rammed a police car killing the officer and leaving a wife and 5 year old girl without their husband and dad coming home. I offered up a prayer for them last night but really didn't even know what to say other than leaving it in God's hands to hold them up and to let them see Him in this.

I was in one of our stores the other day helping the manager interview people. A question I often ask is "tell me a difficulty you have worked through and what you learned from it." Her difficulty was that her 19 year old son was shot and killed a few years ago and what she learned was to quit hating God and let Him into her heart so He could bring healing and peace. She admitted she still struggles but is getting closer to God everyday.

I don't understand what's going on at times but I know He is there and He wants to help me overcome what obstacles are thrown in my way.

I hope you find peace and joy that only comes from God.

How Long Can This Last?

That may be what some of you say when reading my ramblings. I looked back and realized I've been posting blogs for over 3 years. It doesn't seem like it's been very long at all but I also think I'm still 30 sometimes so the mind does play tricks on me.
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It's hard when the economic crisis hits close to home. The husband of one lady in my office just found out his company is laying people off and if the tide doesn't turn quickly may shut the doors. Another husband's company has discontinued offering insurance because of money troubles.

Obama has fired one CEO and I wonder if he will put pressure on others. I'm no fan of unions so I look at the UAW skeptically wondering what they will do to help. I saw today that some AT&T employees may go on strike. Really? Do they think that's a good idea right now? I bet there are A BUNCH of people who will gladly take their jobs.

I'm still thinking this country is going to reap what we have sown and it will not be pretty or easy. I don't know when and how but at some point, something has to give.
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I don't think I would have ever dreamed I would blog about Kris Kristofferson or a song he has sung. You just never know.
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A good friend of mine (HINT: he's Jamaican, a teacher at a Ft. Worth law school, missionary and preacher) turned me on to looking forward to things based on the number of "sleeps" before they happened. It started with a trip to Brazil when we counted down the number of sleeps until we were back in our own beds.

4 more sleeps to Rangers opening day game! I'm looking forward to seeing more of the Josh Hamilton story being written. Every interview I have seen with him has included his faith and reliance on God. I'm looking forward to: seeing how Michael Young makes the transition to 3rd, seeing Elvis Andrus make some incredible plays from shortstop, seeing if Ian Kinsler can get started on another MVP-like season, seeing how Chris Davis does in his sophomore year, seeing if Millwood delivers in his contract year, seeing where Saltalamacchia and Blalock end up and seeing if Teagarden is going to be the super-catcher people are talking about.

I have no expectations but only hope that the Rangers play competitive ball.
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Me and Bobby McGee

A friend of mine often uses quotes from Christian writers to help illustrate an idea on his blog. Me, I use Kris Kristofferson. I heard him singing "Me and Bobby McGee" the other day and a line from the song has stuck with me. Freedom's just another word for 'nothing left to lose'. Truth Kris, truth.

I'm not here to advocate giving up everything I have. I have wrestled the past few years with material possessions and what makes God happy. Where I went off the rails a bit was worrying that I had too much when the problem was really with where my heart is. Am I more concerned about helping those who need help or am I more concerned with protecting my assets? When my heart is attuned to God, when my desire is to serve Him first using whatever gifts I have to offer, the material isn't a problem. But when I'm more concerned about my assets and adding to my collection - my heart strays from God and His desire for me to serve in His kingdom.

Having nothing to lose isn't just about material possessions, it's about our heart. When I am living in the light, following God's desire for me, living in concert with Him so that when something does go wrong, when something is lost, I am free to let it go and know God has a plan for me. Freedom is letting go of everything I'm tempted to grab hold of and just letting God hold on to me, trusting that He will never drop me, never let me go.

Thanks for those great words Kris.

I hope you are also finding the freedom and peace that God offers.

Final Four

The Final Four is set. I'm pulling for North Carolina to win it all. I'm often a fan of the coach as much as the team - one reason I'm always pulling for Duke to win - and Roy Williams seems like a good guy. I could pull for Pitino but I haven' t seen his team play one time this year so I'm lost with them. Villanova and UConn are too far north for me to cheer for. Crazy, huh? Go Tar Heels.
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Do you think people still see things from God? Do they see ghosts or angels? Do they have dreams that tell them a story they need to hear? A few years ago, I would not even entertain the idea but through some experiences that have changed my heart, I'm not so sure. Now, let me be clear that I'm not saying it happens. I don't know but I've heard stories of people who see these things and I believe they believe it.

I watched another special on Josh Hamilton last night. At one point, he saw clouds that he believes were symbolizing the fight between good and evil. He also says he had a dream where he was at the Home Run Derby being interviewed by a female reporter...and then it happened.

I do believe that both God and satan can inject themselves in our thoughts (which is why we need the Holy Spirit-supernatural to help us fight with or fight against supernatural) so why can't those thoughts come in dreams or some other form.

I'm treading on dangerous ground, opening up ideas that I have no answers too and far too little understanding. It's something bouncing around in my head causing me to wonder how God can work in our lives.

I do know this. I become a bigger Josh Hamilton fan all the time. He and his wife have fought battles many of us can't understand and they have come through it together standing firm in God's mercy and grace. My hope is that he will continue to succeed and use his platform to spread the good news of a God who loves His children and wants them in a right, reconciled relationship with Him.

May you find the joy and peace today that only comes from God.

The Valley

A great poem from an email passed along to me and from me to you...

It’s In The Valleys I Grow

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It’s then I have to remember
That it’s in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God’s love
And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it’s in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan’s loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I’m feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it’s in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it’s in the valleys I grow!

by Jane Eggleston

Brazilian Shower

In Brazil, we go on a retreat in the country and the one thing that always makes a memory are the cold showers. The retreat facilities catch water in a cistern and there is nothing, other than the sun, that heats the water. I got a reminder of those days on Monday. Two members of the family had already had the joy of a cold shower before I got in. WOW!

Here's my plug for Total Plumbing Solutions. Joe got a hot water heater out and installed on Monday and we are back to showers with hot water. Hot water is good.
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I missed the President's speech last night but have heard some comments from supporters and haters. Too much of the same 'ol, same 'ol.
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I was reminded of the spiritual battle that rages around us last night. A guy I was talking to was telling me about a relative who has a 28 year old daughter that is battling a brain tumor and has only a few weeks to live. He was telling me about the testing of faith his relative has gone through. I can't imagine the challenge that would be before me knowing one of my children was terminally ill; the questions I would have for God but it was encouraging to hear how this family is approaching it so far. I know they will have tough days ahead and hope their faith will be strengthened through dark times.

God is good but His goodness isn't in what we have today but in what awaits us. Health and wealth are nice things to have but God has plans that are far, far greater than what we can comprehend today. I look forward to when I can share that glorious time with Him.

A Whole New Ballgame

I picked Michigan over Clemson and Western Kentucky over Illinois. I told myself to take Maryland over California but couldn't do it for some reason. Heyfelvdt or whatever his name is for Gonzaga is a player. I missed the UCLA-VCU game...sounds like a nailbiter to the wire.
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Have you ever had the experience where you thought you knew something then realized how much you didn't know but started learning and understanding and it opened your eyes to ideas and concepts you had never grasped before? When it happens, it's a whole new ballgame. You begin to see things you were somehow blind to before. You begin to grasp things that didn't make sense or didn't register with you before. It's as if doors are opened and you travel through time and space that you didn't know existed.

I am in one those periods and I hope it doesn't stop. Each week brings new revelations with plenty of stuff to chew on, to think about and process. It is exciting and a bit scary at times and I hope it doesn't stop. I want to know more, to understand better.

I hope your day is filled with the knowledge of the hope and peace and love afforded each of us by God.

Blame Game

For every email I get blaming the Democrats, I should be getting many more with many different faces. Where is the email blaming the people who fudged their loan applications to get a house that was too big or a car that was too expensive? Where is the email of the person who votes their incumbents in time after time because they wear the Republican label and then say we need to throw the bums out? Where is the email blaming people who have voted for a party without really knowing what that party was going to do with our trillions of dollars?

I worked in the home health care industry for a few years and I have seen how the government system works. It's horrible and easy to abuse. Guess what! There are a lot of people running businesses who make their money on easily abused government systems and...those people abuse the system. Is the government to blame or is the business person who abuses the loopholes to blame?

There are Republicans blaming Democrats for the AIG mess who seem to have forgotten that the former Republican administration was the first to give a handout to AIG.

I didn't vote for Obama and probably wouldn't vote for him if we were doing it all over again but it doesn't mean our politicians need to point fingers instead of accepting blame and fixing things.

I'm tired of all the blaming. Let's get over it and move on. Solutions, not blame, is what is needed today. Looking back is useless except as a learning exercise of what to avoid in the future. To bring it up over and over is not productive and not beneficial to a country mired in a mess.

Send me an email with good ideas and send me an email with politicians who are working to fix the problems. I'm tired of living in the past.

Madness

March Madness cranks up in a couple of days. I love it - my favorite postseason play of any sport. I'm not sure how Texas made it in with their play the past 2 months but I don't see them getting past Duke. I'm rooting for North Carolina to win it all but think either Louisville or Memphis may have a good shot. I can't wait for tip-off.
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I just deleted the majority of what I had written. Sometimes I go off and today...I was really going off. I need to think about it a little longer and decide if I really want to sound the way I think I sounded.

The crux of it was my weariness of getting emails about Obama killing the country. I'm no fan but all of our problems started long before Obama thought about running for President. It's easy to blame the government without looking at ourselves. Who put them there? Uh-oh...here I go again.
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A portion of Psalm 23 popped up on my blog this morning. It's my favorite scripture for personal reasons but also because I have come to own it. The Lord is my shepherd, He is all that I need. Not, the Lord is my shepherd and He is all that I need along with my house and car and job and...and...and.

If everything went away today, if I lost it all, would I still believe what the verse says? Would you? Would I be perfectly content and joyful if all I have is the Lord? Living on the streets, begging for food or money - would the Lord be enough for me? Working a minimum wage job and living in a 1 room apartment - would the Lord be enough for me? Making millions and living in a mini-mansion - would the Lord be enough for me?

It's tough to answer because I can't fully fathom those scenarios but it's the state I want to reach. It's something that I am grappling with, something I want to understand for what it means for me.

Shhhhh

Do you ever hear God talking to you? I use the word "hear" loosely because I'm not sure anyone can actually hear God (but I'm not sure they can't either) but there are times when I can't help but believe He is talking to me. The scriptures that have popped up on my blog site for the past week or two have all spoken to my heart. They have been things I have needed to read/hear at that moment, things that have helped me understand or through a struggle.

A friend told me about something called centered-prayer. I read a little bit about it, probably not enough to understand, but the essence of what I got from what I read was to be quiet, to simply listen for God. That's not easy. Try it sometime. Try sitting still for 5 minutes without thought entering your mind. Goodness, try it for 1 minute. Anyway, I have been trying to do just that and don't do very well, but the effort to simply be quiet, turn off the TV, radio, Internet and try to avoid thoughts; to be perfectly still and quiet...to wait to hear God...it's a peaceful and cleansing moment in time.

I hope to hear God but I can't do it with my mouth running, with my thoughts ruling my head, with my agenda before His. I have to get very close to God to hear Him. I have to rid myself of me and open my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength to only Him. What a beautiful challenge, what a glorious hope.

Where is North America?

I didn't think I would be spending any more space on TO but his press conference with Buffalo cracked me up. He hopes to make the Buffalo Bills "North America's team." Does he think Canada is going to cheer for Buffalo now that TO is in town? Surely it has to be humbling for him to go from the Cowboys and at least the talk about a Super Bowl to Buffalo, a 2nd tier team at this point.
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There is some great Christian music being made today and I have found certain songs that really resonate with me. One of my favorite groups is Third Day and a new song they have out is one of those songs. Revelation is about wanting to hear from God, wanting to know what He wants me to do, which path to take and the struggle that it is to wait at times. I get lost when I try to find my way on my own and I am learning to wait on God for direction and that is why I love this song.

Here are the lyrics to Third Day's "Revelation"

My life has led me down the
road that's so uncertain
Now I am left alone and I am broken
Trying to find my way
Trying to find the faith that's gone

This time I know that you are
holding all the answers
I'm tired of losing hope and taking chances
On roads that never seem
To be the ones that bring me home

(Chorus)
Give me a revelation
Show me what to do
'Cause I've been trying to find my way
I haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without you
I've got nothing without you

My life has led me down this
path that's ever winding
Through every twist and turn, I'm always finding
That I am lost again
Tell me when this road will ever end

I don't know where I can turn
Tell me, when will I learn
Won't you show me where I need to go
Let me follow your lead
I know that it's the only way
that I can get back home

(Chorus)

The Story I Woke Up With

Regardless of what I thought about writing today, how could it top the TO news? Yes, the Cowboys are cutting the talented, loud-mouthed receiver. I don't know Terrell Eldorado Owens other than from public appearance. I choose to believe that TO battles a number of problems internally and I believe his desire to win is incredibly high and the collision of the two created the spark that would set him off.

I had hoped the best for TO. He looks like an electric personality with a smile that can brighten up everything around him but he also had a mouth that seems to divide people from the locker room to the talk radio airwaves. I can't help but wonder what Dale Hansen will have to say about it tonight.

I don't know where TO will land but I hope it's a place with a strong-armed, thick-skinned QB. I can't imagine he will slide off into obscurity remembering how he was doing sit-ups in his driveway for reporters while his paid mouth (agent) rambled away before TO signed with the Cowboys. I expect a press conference with lots of fireworks but who knows?

Adios TO. I know Rick Ross will miss you...or maybe not, but good luck in the future. Maybe there is a place that won't have a running back and can throw passes on every play.

Ramblings

I wonder what happened on the boat with the 4 football players. How did 1 make it and the other 3 didn't? It's a tragic story with a lot of questions that will probably go unanswered.

The question of the day on Mike and Mike (ESPN Radio) is if you would buy a used car owned by a celebrity/athlete. Brett Favre put his truck for sale on eBay and offered to autograph the dashboard for the winner.

I've heard predictions the economic problems will begin to turn around sometime between July and late next year. TV weather forecasters have a better track record than that. Can you imagine them saying "it will rain sometime between July and late next year"?

There was a news item yesterday that Bill Gates has banned iPhones and iPods from his house for his wife and kids. I'm betting that drives them nuts. All their fortune comes from Windows and Apple products are the cool things to have.

There are a ton of new electronic gadgets on the market. Phones that do anything and everything, GPS units, electronic book readers. It's amazing and I wonder what the future will bring. I use an iPhone, iPod, laptop and GPS. I think the Kindle book reader looks like a cool gadget to have and can't imagine what is coming next. I remember thinking email would revolutionize communication and along comes MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and who knows what else that I can't keep up with.

Rumor has it warmer weather is coming. I like that in some ways, not so much in others. If it would stay in the 70's and 80's I would look forward to warm weather. As it is in Texas, warmer weather makes me start thinking about August.

Have a great day. God is so good.

Christ-likeness

WARNING: The following question is a trick question. Who is the most Christ-like person you know?

The problem with the question, in my mind, is that it leads me to compare myself with another human, another struggling, fallible soul. I've been guilty in the past of looking at someone I know and thinking I wanted to be more like them. The problem is if I look at someone else and begin to think I've got it more together than that person.

Christ is my comparison. I need to strive to follow his example.

I am imperfect. I wasn't made that way but have entered a world full of spiritual battles with forces that want to lead me to destructive decisions and, at times, I have fallen prey to those forces. On the other hand, I have God's Holy Spirit and, praise God, I have also relied on the power of the helper He sent me to win the battle against evil.

I will not lead a perfect life from this moment forward but I will make Christ the goal I want to strive for. I don't want to look at other humans who are waging the same fight that I am as my example nor my crutch to feel better about myself. I want to rejoice in the times I live like Christ and I will repent in the times I fall short of my example but I will remain focused on how He lived and how He wants me to live through the good and the bad.

Spiritual Journey

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.” (Job 23:10-11)

I love the words of Job. I have been and remain on a spiritual journey - one that will lead me to a destination of beauty or destruction depending on the road I choose to follow. As I look back on my trip, I see beautiful points I have visited and I also see some really bad places I was fortunate to make it through. Some of those places still leave images in my mind that I don't want to see again and I hope those images will help me better choose the path I take going forward.

I've been given a great GPS (God's Perfect System) and a navigator (Holy Spirit) that will help lead me to the mountain of God if I choose to listen. I want to take the better path, not that it will be easy but it will be the one where God is watching me, refining me and purifying me - turning me into gold. I want to be like Job, keeping to His way without turning aside.

God is so good.

Happy Birthday!

Today is my mom's 75th birthday. I know you aren't supposed to tell a woman's age but 75 is kind of special. I remember a few years ago when I thought 45 was "getting up there" but now that I'm almost up there, I have changed my point of view.

Mom, I love you and hope you have a great birthday!
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I was in Bridgeport yesterday afternoon for my daughter's first track meet. She was running the 800m and I was laughing with a friend about how the race was considered a sprint in some regards but to us, it just seemed like a heart attack waiting to happen. My girl did well and I'm really proud of her.
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I'm always a little surprised anyone is out there reading my babblings other than Rick (thanks for sticking with me Rick!) but I sincerely appreciate the comments some of you made about the blog while I take some time off. It's encouraging to know that some of the things I write are compelling enough that you come back. My hope is to keep going deeper in my relationship with God and hopefully encourage you to do the same. I realize we are all in different places at different times in our spiritual journey and I feel like my walk with God is so very new in so many ways. He is ripping away layers of self-reliance that I have tried to build around me and filling that space with His goodness. The process is not easy, even painful, but so rewarding.

I'll be back next week with my new word for the week - grappling. Thanks again for your comments and encouraging words.

God is so good.

Blogger Holiday

It's getting tough to get my thoughts on "paper" lately so I think I'm going to take a writing holiday. There are a few of you who stop by regularly so I wanted to let you know that my aim is to take the week off and see what happens. If something really big hits me, I might blog but I'm hoping to let some things sort themselves out in my head and then try again.

I'll leave you with this for now:

Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Different Day...Same Thoughts

I'm still thinking about being made in God's image. I think one of the struggles I have is that I think of image as an external function (how I appear to other people) but being made in God's image in an internal function - it's about where our heart is. Our decisions are often affected by external factors but our decision or response in how we act is an internal decision.

Maybe it would be a good thing if we could roll our eyes backwards and have them look inside of ourselves instead of only seeing outside. What if we could look at the condition of our heart in a spiritual sense on a regular basis and see what God sees? I suppose the danger would be that I would, once again, think I was in control and lack the submissiveness that I need to have.

I want to live in the image of God. It's a battle because there are forces that want to prevent that but it's my desire and prayer to let the Spirit guide me in the fight as I live closer to my Lord.

Image

Our youth class started a new study last night about different ways we build a relationship with Jesus and what we sometimes leave out because it doesn't suit us or fit our image. Sometimes we see Jesus as the Savior but nothing more, sometimes we see Jesus as the one who is supposed to bring good things to our lives but nothing more, we see Jesus as the grace-giving Jesus but nothing more.

As we talked last night, the thought kept rolling through my mind that we are told in Genesis 9 that we are made in God's image. Think about that for a minute. We are made in His image.

I have spent a lot of years trying to see God in my image. Well, He must not be a very loving God because He let this bad thing happen to me. Well, He will forgive me for doing something to someone who hurt me. Well, He won't mind if I do this because it doesn't hurt anyone else.

He made us in His image. Why, oh why, do we move so easily from being in His image to an image of what we think is good and best. How long do we spend picking out clothes, worrying out our hair (or lack thereof), the vehicles we drive, the houses we live in? For a big majority of us, we spend a good bit of time thinking about our image.

We are made in God's image. Why mess with that?

More A-Rod

A-Rod met the press yesterday to come clean on his steroid usage. Today the radio is filled with questions of whether he's still telling the truth or not. My question is, what difference does it make? He's already received all the punishment he's going to get so why does everyone want to keep poking at him? Is there more to be gained knowing he used for 7 months instead of 6 or if he knew exactly what his cousin was giving him or not?

I agree that A-Rod is doing a good thing by telling his story and, at some point, everyone will have to accept what he says and move on. If he's holding information back, it is something that will eat at him much longer than the rest of us. In general, we have become a society of people wanting to hear the dirt on someone so we can talk about them instead of working on ourselves? Don't believe me? What's People and National Enquirer and so many other grocery store fillers about? They tell us about other people's lives and what's going on with them. There are multiple TV shows and web sites that do the same thing - fill us in on the dirt so we have something to talk about.

I'm guilty. I called A-Rod "A-Fraud" on my blog just a few days ago. He makes LOTS of money and made a mistake that tarnishes a game I'm growing to enjoy and that gives me the right to call him names? No doubt baseball needs to decide what it will do about records set during the steroid period but using steroids are mistakes made by people who simply need to come clean with themselves first. They can't undo what has been done and we can't go on forever talking bad about Bonds, McGuire, A-Rod and the gang and we don't need to. Baseball isn't the be-all and end-all. It's a game. It's not life-and-death, heaven-or-hell and every minute we are focused on that gives us less time to focus on something that is everything.

You've heard this from me before and I feel certain you will hear it more; there are forces of evil all around us and their one and only goal is to take our focus away from God, Christ and the promise that awaits us and I believe with all my heart that satan will use any and every situation he can to do that. Is satan using this situation with baseball? I don't know for sure but I do know this - when it causes me to call someone names or talk bad about someone I don't even know, it's certainly not something that is helping me on my path to Heaven.

Watch out for what satan does to trip you up. He's had my number and isn't going to stop going after me anytime soon and I would imagine you might have experienced similar treatment.

God loves me and He loves you. Philipians 4:8.

Old Man Hoops

You know the good days have passed you by when one of your teammates comes on the court to replace you says "take a break old man." We played Victory Family Church last night and I wish we could play these guys every week. We pulled out a 50-49 win last night but every game with them is a good one. They play with great sportsmanship and with a fun attitude. As for the old man hoops, I think I'm the oldest player on the court and certainly can't run and jump with most of the guys I'm playing so it's up to my wily basketball skills to get position for rebounds and set lots of screens for my teammates. It's still fun for me to just be on the court and I went 2 for 4 last night.

Texas got beat by A&M. I'm not sure what's going on with the Longhorns this year but it's not good. Not good at all.

I'm betting on UConn and North Carolina to face off in the finals. I think North Carolina has more guns but the big guy for UConn is crazy to watch. He may be averaging 100 blocks a game.

I heard it's Michael Jordan's birthday. I remember making sure I was home in time to see Chicago Bulls games not long ago just to see Jordan do something magical on the court.
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I was reminded of a quote by St. Francis of Assisi yesterday. "Preach the gospel at all times and, when necessary, use words."

Amen.

Monday Ramblings

It's Monday and I really don't have much to say...or much I can put into intelligible thoughts.

The NBA All-Star weekend just passed and I saw none of it. I didn't even realize it was going on until last Thursday or Friday. The slam dunk contest is filled with a bunch of no-name guys unless you are a basketball junkie. Where's Kobe and LeBron? The dunk contest used to be Michael and Dominique - top flight guys in the NBA.

The good news is that we are in the midst of college conference games and March Madness is just a few weeks away. I haven't been able to watch as much college basketball as I'd like this year but the good games are heating up and I hope to see more in the coming weeks. I'm not sure who can stop North Carolina this year.

Is anyone following the stimulus bill? Has anyone explained how we are going to have to pay for it? Does anyone have any faith that it will actually help? It sounds to me like someone is just digging a deeper hole for us to fall into. Either that or the children of my children will be paying for it so we can put off the pain.

Have you ever noticed how people turn to God during tougher times? A country in crisis - fighting wars on foreign soil, in economic turmoil, slipping morality. I'm just thinking where so many people see fear, God is seeing opportunity.

Spring Training and God

It may not be the best title for a blog but as pitchers and catchers get ready to report to Spring Training, the excitement of baseball starts to build for me. Last year is done and over with, the good and the bad. Josh Hamilton's homeruns and RBI's, Kinsler's MVP start before surgery and a great finish were all things I enjoyed about last year. Up and down pitching, Kinsler's surgery and the start of the season are all things I am glad are in the past. In just over 24 hours as I'm writing this, pitchers and catchers go to Arizona to start working on this year, a new year, a new start.

I was thinking last night about all the Spring Trainings God has given me. An opportunity to start over, fresh, no mistakes, a new beginning. I am so thankful that while the good and bad are a part of my history, with God I can start a new chapter, write a new history and, best of all, He is only interested in my current story - not the story of my past.

I love Spring Training and hope to make a trip to Arizona one of these days to see the new beginning of a new season. I think that would be way cool, like some people want to play Pebble Beach or go to the Daytona 500. I hope I get that opportunity but I cherish the knowledge that I can begin anew with my God, my Creator and Savior, when I need to and I don't have to wait for Him to wash me in His mercy and grace. It's an incredible feeling to know I am that loved by the One who can do all things. Hallelujah and hallelujah.

A-Roid, A-Fraud

The big baseball news this weekend was all about A-Rod and the rumor that he tested positive for steroids in 2003 while a member of the Texas Rangers. All I can say is...sad. I'm not a big A-Rod fan but hoped he would be the guy to break Bonds record and restore some integrity to the record book but it appears that won't be the case. Steroids have obviously run rampant in baseball and the sad truth is some innocent, hard working players are going to be labeled unfairly because of the number and names of people using steroids.

While we point our fingers at the users, and they are the ones ultimately guilty, we need to point our fingers at the whole of baseball from the commissioner on down. There is no way the owners and trainers didn't know, there's no way that the players association didn't know and none of them wanted to do anything about it.

Another example of sowing what you reap. The baseball establishment wanted the excitement that was being generated and now they pay the price for it. Good or bad, about all the suffer is a little embarrassment and a lot of hot air debating what to do with the records of this era.

Another star down. Who's next?

What Does God Want?

Do you know what God wants from you? What your "calling" is? What He expects you to be doing today?

As I continue a fascinating journey with God, one filled at times with incredible insights into who He is and one filled at times with an absolute loss of what He sees for me, I have come to experience emotions towards God that I didn't know existed and probably even resisted at times. I have experienced peace and grace that was palpable; something I believe I could literally feel flowing over me. I have had moments of joy that are exhilarating, breathtaking, indescribable.

Through each step of the journey, I continue to ask where God wants me to be. Does He want me to be an accountant accounting for things that need to be accounted for? Does He want me to be a coach or a teacher? Does He want me to be a lawyer? Does He want me working the streets helping the homeless? Does He want all those things?

I don't know. At different times I feel pulled to do different things and I wonder, "is that what God is calling me to?" My biggest problem I face with God on a daily basis is not having an agenda, a roadmap of what His plans are for my life. I am learning to wait but, at times, the waiting exhausts me and causes my mind to wander off. It affects my prayers, the intensity and frequency. It affects my outlook towards how I deal with things in my life.

I know God is here. I know He works through all the things that I get frustrated with as well as the things that lift me up. I know He is here, He loves me and He will guide me where He wants me to go if I just have faith and wait to hear Him.

I'm waiting Lord. Use me.

More Change

Leon Panetta, President Obama's choice for CIA chief earned $700,000 for lobbying and "speaking" engagements to some of the same companies our government is bailing out. Obama is now setting salary for executives of companies we are bailing out. Oh yeah, he's changing things alright.

If the government is going to interfere with compensation (which is insane for many companies but stockholders have been going along with it so it's back to the reap-what-you-sow doctrine), I say bump the guys out who have put the company in a position to need a bailout. They are still rewarding the same people who have made the decisions letting them keep their jobs even if they only make $500,000 now.
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I don't always put the word "President" before Obama when I'm writing. I mean no disrespect to the man or the office, I'm just trying to save some keystrokes. I think Obama has the toughest job in the world and I hope the very best for him. I don't care if a Democrat or Republican can end wars, restore peace and lead us to financial calm. I'm all for anyone from any party accomplishing that. I strongly agree with some of his social positions and strongly disagree with others. I just leave out "President" so I can type less. I'm pretty sure I did the same thing when referring to Bush and Obama already has me typing one more letter.
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Kobe went off for 61 points a few nights ago. LeBron went off for 52 last night. I've watched highlights and it is AMAZING what those guys do with the bodies while shooting and fending off the defensive players. AMAZING.
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Texas had another strong recruiting class sign yesterday. Hook 'em Horns! I hope Texas gets to play USC soon. I'm not sure who will win but if they played each other 10 times during the year I think I would enjoy it. Better yet, I'd like to see a pool of USC, Ohio State, Florida, LSU, Alabama, Texas and 1 or 2 others play each other all year. It would be like a playoff system.
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Have a great day. God loves you.

Hope, Change and Taxes

I'm not trying to jump on the bandwagon but does anyone else think it sadly humorous that 3 of Obama's nominees have had tax problems? Can anyone say "politics as usual"? Daschle only had a $128,000 tax deficiency. WHAT? Most people in this country would like to make that much in a year so how much income did he have to owe that much?

To Obama's credit, he owned up to messing up but if it's change we can believe in, he's certainly off to a shaky start in changing anything and getting us to believe it.
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I still wonder how much money Michael Phelps lost for taking his bong hit?
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As you can see, I don't have much to blog about. I've actually written two blogs recently and ended up deleting them because they were got to be very long. I'm not keeping up with the Mavs but am aware that spring training is just around the corner. One of these days I hope I can go to Arizona for spring practice.
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Friday night is Pack the House night for the Decatur vs. Bridgeport basketball games at DHS. The girls cross country team is getting their state championship rings and there's a hamburger supper benefit for the Lunt family. Come on out, eat and cheer on the Eagles.

Super Bowl

A great game. That sums up the Super Bowl for me even though the team I was pulling for didn't win. I didn't see any of the 1st half, much of the halftime show or many commercials but I did see Larry Fitzgerald do his thing and Santonio Holmes make some great catches - especially the last one in the corner of the end zone.
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February is here meaning two things. March Madness and Spring Training are coming soon. Wahooooo!
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Obama was cheering for the Steelers. I've heard both criticism and praise for a President who acts like a fan. I don't think I have any concern about the President cheering for one team over another but it would have been interesting to see the Cardinals at the White House and hear what was said.
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Michael Phelps got caught smoking pot. The TV stories suggest that will cost him a lot of money from endorsements that get pulled. He made a mistake (join the crowd Michael) and I hope he will use it to make a positive statement about avoiding the pitfalls of evil. I saw Andy Pettite (pitcher for the Yankees) on TV last night speaking at a Baptist church in Dallas and using his experiences, good and bad, to encourage others in their walk with God.

We all face failures, some of us more than others, but we continue to get the opportunity to bounce back from them, learn from them and share what we have learned to help prevent someone from following the same path.

Friday Is Here

Did you hear about the bonuses the Wall Street/banking guys paid themselves with bailout money? Anyone still thinking the government is going to be able to pull us out of this collapse?
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Super Bowl Sunday. Arizona and Pittsburgh. Go team.

I wonder what Jerry sits around and thinks about during games like this?
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Skunks move in under our building during the winter. Mornings are rough on the nose.
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I wonder if God sees the potential collapse of our economy/country as an opportunity that will lead people back to Him? I have a lot of thoughts on that idea and actually started a blog discussing it but it was going on forever so I erased it. The idea is that when people have no more possessions to hang on to, they will seek something they can grasp and God is always there, always available, always waiting on us.

Downhill Run

I really don't have much on my mind today or maybe I have a lot on my mind and just can't get it out in coherent sentences.

I really enjoy a Chick-fil-a sandwich. I used to eat them 2-3 times a week in high school and then went for several years rarely eating them. I keep hoping they will put a store in Decatur but it might spoil the enjoyment I get out of eating them because I would be there so often.

We will get to start judging President Obama soon. For everyone who thinks he is a gift from above to those who think he is straight out of you-know-where below but with no real history of proof - the time is coming soon where we can look at his actions and begin to assess what he will be as President. I do have hope for good things but I don't have high expectations. His signing of an executive order to allow funding for international abortions was a bad decision in my eyes but I think it handled it more delicately than his predecessors.

Where is Osama bin-Laden? Someone knows and someone would tell. With all of our high-tech toys and gizmos, I can't understand how he can hide so well.
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Make it a good day!

A Bad Day For Red Trucks

With the ice comes replay after replay of the same accident that got caught on film. Yesterday it was a red truck and I saw it a couple of times on the evening news. My wife said it had been on all day. Nothing like a video of a red truck spinning around in circles to give the news folks something to talk about.

What confounds me is when there is ice, they show it all day. We know there is ice and we know the dangers and we know it's everywhere. When tornadoes are coming our way and we don't know exactly where they are, they pop on and tell us to duck and then go back to regular programming. I don't get it. I suppose it's easier to report on something that is tangible and easy to spot as opposed to a tornado that may or may not form but the thing that might pick my house up and set it down in a different town worries me more.

I bet I won't get hired to run a TV station anytime soon.
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On the bright side, Rangers pitchers and catchers report to spring training in just over 2 weeks. Play ball! The Rangers are working on signing Ben Sheets who was a hard throwing pitcher for Milwaukee until some elbow problems slowed him down. If he's healed and the Rangers can get a deal done it will make some games more entertaining. I think if they can run Sheets, Millwood and Padilla to the bump they will be more competitive this year. Millwood isn't a #1 and moving him back a spot could help his confidence. Padilla needs another year like last year and he'll get a fat contract somewhere next year.
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Stay warm and safe today.

Brrrrr

The TV stations will be filled up with ice-talk today. My short drive to work was easy. The ground is wet but not icy along my path although the drizzle was turning to ice on my windshield. One employee who comes from the north hit an icy patch and spun around but no serious damage. It sounds like it will just get worse today - be careful out there.
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Today's scripture that popped up on my blog is one I am finally beginning to understand. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (See Ephesians 6:12-13) In the past, when the battle came to me, I fought back against flesh and blood which is exactly what the evil forces wanted me to do - move my focus from the real enemy to someone or something that would pull me further in the direction I didn't need to go. I have talked about fighting demons but then tried to assign the fight to something/someone tangible. It's hard to fight the battle against an unseen force when I try to fight the battle myself.

The beauty of what I have finally learned and experienced is allowing the Holy Spirit to fight the battle through me. The glory of God shines when I allow Him to work through me instead of working for what I think would be best and serve His purpose. It has been a difficult transition for me, having to let go of what I thought was best and waiting to hear God's call for me, but it has been a wonderful transition because it has allowed me to see a power that is beyond imagination.

I thank God for allowing me to be His servant and pray that I will continue to open my heart to be molded by Him and I hope this for you too.

Emails

I don't know if the information in this email is correct or not but it's a good story and a good reminder of who God is.

Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

This verse puzzled a group in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of them offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'

He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Go Cardinals

There's an email going around about Kurt Warner's story. He's the QB for the Arizona Cardinals and I remember hearing about his struggle to make it to the NFL when he was with the Rams but I had forgotten some of the details. If you want a good read, go to www.snopes.com and type Kurt Warner in the search function. I'll be rooting for Warner and the Cardinals to do the unlikely and bring home a Super Bowl trophy.
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It was a tragic day in Decatur yesterday. A sophomore girl on her way to school had a wreck that killed her. I cannot begin to imagine what her parents are dealing with and pray that I won't have to but my heart goes out to them. Please offer up a prayer for the Lunt family today.
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I never have really figured out the "ask, seek, knock" scripture. I feel like I have asked and sought and knocked only to hear or see nothing. I wonder what's going on that I follow the steps and...nothing. Am I asking for the wrong thing? If that's the case, why ask if I'm not sure I'm asking for the right thing. Am I seeking the wrong thing? If that's the case, why look? Am I knocking at the wrong time? If that's the case, when is a better time?

I am OK with the idea that God will allow us to wait but there comes a time when waiting turns to frustration and frustration turns to apathy but I realize that those are my emotions, my feelings. We used to sing a song that said "Lord teach me to wait..."

I hope I will perfect my waiting skills and will spend my time preparing myself for what God wants me to have.

Barack's Day

Will today be a great day or just a historic day? It will be historic simply for the fact that a black man is taking over the top government job in our country. It's a day that will hopefully allow this country to move on past the obstacle of race. Surely no one will be surprised today that the word "black" will likely be spoken more than any other day and that there will be a large number of black people on TV, in the newspaper, on the radio, etc. And why not? It's a historic day for a lot of people based on how a group was treated in the past.

Will it be a great day? That remains to be seen. It's greatness will be built over time if Obama accomplishes what he has made people believe he can accomplish. Otherwise, it will just be another day a new President was elected that did some good things and failed at others - very similar to the last few Presidents.

I read where someone referred to Obama as the "anointed one" and, if you watch and listen, you can't help but see people who give that appearance - that Obama has come from a special place to do special things. I don't have high hopes for the Obama years so maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. My hope for his time in office is that he doesn't make things any worse and hopefully gets us thinking not so much about our status in the world but in our compassion and care for people - wherever they are. I hope he doesn't get so focused on the monetary issue of compassion that he is blinded to simply taking from the rich to give to the poor. Instead, I hope he pushes the message of hope and sacrifice and work. A hope that people will work together to try and improve everyone's place in life, the idea of sacrificing our time for others and working daily to grow in our compassion and labor for those who are hurting and those who are in need.

I didn't vote for Obama but on this day, he has my prayers that he will be a good leader and that the decisions he makes will help this country be a better country-not wealthier or superior to anyone else but better in our compassion and assistance to those who need it.

The Crazy World We Live In

For all those people that think Obama winning the Presidency is a historic moment...move over. The Arizona Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl. Now that's amazing!

I jest of course. Tomorrow may be the biggest TV watching day ever with Obama being sworn in. I read last night that this will be the most expensive inauguration ever (something like $150 million for this one compared with $40 million for Bush's last go-round) because of the increased security. It is a historic day in our country and while I don't have much invested in it (I'm a white guy who voted for McCain) I am somewhat fascinated by it simply for the fact that it tells a lot about a country that will elect someone with little experience and a minority to the most powerful office in the country, if not the world. Don't get me wrong, I don't say that as a negative but as a sign of how people are looking for hope, a hope for something better than what they have known or experienced. I don't think Obama is the best person for the job but I do believe he brought a message of hope, of something different and better and people buy into hope - they want to have hope and need something or someone to invest that hope in.

I see it as a double-edged sword because it all depends on where we look for hope and what we look at for hope. I am developing some ideas in my head about where Christianity in America is headed and it is a mixed bag. I am envisioning some scary ideas but also some real hope. I don't know if I'm right or wrong and won't know until years pass but I do know this; if people are looking for hope from Barack Obama, maybe, just maybe they will also look to Jesus for hope when they figure out there is more to hope for, more than what man can provide.

This is my hope, that mankind (or "people") will eventually grow to seek hope in the everlasting instead of the world.

Team Player

Michael Young finally agreed to move to 3rd base to make way for the arrival of Elvis (Andrus). He's asked for a trade and even in agreeing, is still grousing saying he might as well be moving to left field.

I really appreciated one writer's comment. He said "ask Young if he would prefer the Rangers void his contract and allow him to seek his best deal." Of course he wouldn't because it's not likely he will get that kind of money anywhere else.

Young has been exalted as a team player for agreeing to move from 2nd base to shortstop because the team needed it. Now that he is being asked again, it seems the team concept isn't quite as important. I wonder if that's because his first move was to the premier position in the infield and this move isn't.

I can appreciate all the obstacles. Learning to play a new infield position is just that...learning. What Young has worked to perfect over 5 years now has to start all over. The bonus, at least in the eyes of the Rangers, is that it gives the Rangers a little better shot at getting to the World Series. Maybe they will get the idea that good pitching helps ALOT but in the meantime, this is the next step. Are they right? Who knows but I do know what they've been doing hasn't worked so trying something new isn't the end of the world. Oh...and the fact the Rangers pay him millions of dollars a year to play seems like it would give them some input on where people can best help the team.

Anyway, it has happened and now we can say "Elvis is in the building!"

That's my Friday ranting. On a different note, DirecTV now has the MLB Network and I'm really liking it. How did people survive without ESPN and the MLB Network? Wow.

Have a great weekend and remember that God loves you wherever and in whatever condition you are in.

Brrrrr

It's really cold in Decatur, Texas today. It's in the 20's and the wind makes it feel a lot colder.

GMA had a brief clip of guys ice fishing. That's a crazy sport.

Today's Bible verse (January 15) on my blog Bible verse thingy is so true.

I was having a conversation the other day about people displaced from the hurricanes along the Gulf Coast region and some of the things they did. I heard one story about a grocery store having to close down because so many of the refugees (I'm not sure of what the right word should be) were trying to steal groceries from them. One of the people I was talking with had a list of suggestions on how to punish them. Another one suggested what they would do differently if they were in that position and it was at that point that I started wondering what I was thinking. Just a few years ago, I would have agreed with some punishment and had a lot of ideas about what was wrong with them but yesterday all I could think is "we don't have the slightest idea what is going on with those people and why they are doing what they are doing." Those of us talking grew up in nice homes and live in them today. Most of us had both parents at home with stable jobs and went to church fairly regulary at the least. All of us have pretty stable jobs now, nice homes and all the trappings. Our kids don't really suffer for much and we sit in million dollar church buildings wondering what is going on in the world.

Do I understand why the guy who has been living on welfare for 15 years is in the grocery store stealing? No and I certainly don't understand his life. Sure, it's easy to project my thought process on him when I've grown up surrounded by people who cared about me. I wonder if he did? Do I understand the 17 year old mother of two who is stealing food for her and her kids? No and I certainly don't understand her life. I was married and "mature" when my kids were born and I still can't figure out what I'm doing. It's easy to project my thought process on her when my kids have grown up surrounded by an extended family who loves them and cares about them and a church family they see every week.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying someone should get away with stealing but where was I before they got to that position in their life? Where were the people who cared about preventing it as much as punishing it?

I don't have the answers, I'm just wrestling out loud with the questions in my head. I do know that evil exists in our world, that Satan is alive and battling each one of us every day for our hearts and minds and some people are going to give in to Satan but there's some out there that will give in to God if they just see Him. And how will they see Him if I'm His servant who isn't serving those who are looking?

Nada

It's Monday and I have nothing today. Hopefully DirecTV is going to show up today and get my satellite working again. There have been positive points to not having TV reception but I do miss ESPN and CNN on getting weather on the news. Otherwise, it hasn't affected my life all that much.

We had a church basketball game yesterday and another one tonight. I'm not sure I'm capable of playing 2 days in a row. Someone from the other team ran into going for a ball yesterday and I hit the floor. They must make the floors harder these days because it hurt more than it used to.

There's not much going on in Decatur at 5:55 in the morning.

The New York Football Giants (that's what they say in NYC) lost to the Eagles. Super Bowl one year, not so great the next. And I thought Donovan McNabb was supposed to be washed up.

I got up with my daughter early this morning and spent the time waiting on her in prayer. It's something I wish I would do everyday but the discipline isn't there yet. Anyway, it's always good to see prayers answered and I did over the last few days. It's great because it encourages me to keep praying even when I'm not seeing answers to some prayers. I am so thankful God has given us the ability to pray directly to Him. The Lord is soooooo good.

Thursday Ramblings

I was up extra early today so my thoughts are a mish-mash of mush.

Do you ever go a few days without TV? I typically don't but it has been semi-forced on me because of an equipment malfunction. I've read more and wonder if I should have the problem fixed.

I'm reading the Josh Hamilton book and it's amazing to hear what he went through and see where he is. I have to agree with his assessment that God had a plan for Josh because it just doesn't seem humanly possible for him to have accomplished what he has after his level of drug use. He and his wife have incredibly powerful stories about God working in their lives. The book is called Beyond Belief.

I used a bit of the book in my lesson last night. Do you remember the story of Ezekiel 37? It's a powerful reminder of what our God can do. He can rebuild anything...anything. Regardless of the condition we are in, He can put us back together in the image He designed us for if we will let Him...if we will open ourselves to that relationship with Him.

Josh Hamilton has an Ezekiel 37 story. Other people I know and many I don't have an Ezekiel 37 story too. God is powerful and I just have to be open to let Him work in me.

Rules and Such

I didn't cover the Longhorns come-from-behind victory very well yesterday but it was a great game. A bad night for DirecTV to quit working in part of the house so I had to keep myself from yelling at the TV. When OSU scored late in the game, I thought "it's over" and almost went to bed but then thought I might as well see the end...and what an ending it was.

I know Texas was supposed to run away from them but I think one of the problems with bowl games is having a team like Texas that was so close to playing in a national championship game come in to play the #10 team. Not the #4 team but #10. What's the motivation? Pride? Give me a break. These kids played with pride all year and because of the ridiculous system used for college football playing a lesser team just isn't all that exciting. On top of that, take nothing away from Ohio State. They are a good team and had the opportunity to knock of a potential title-contender and the #2 vote getter for the Heisman (another mistake if you ask me).

Until there is a playoff the system will remain highly flawed. No doubt Zero U and Florida should have the opportunity to play for the trophy but they should go through an elimination system with several other schools.
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OK, my other thoughts for the day were going on and on so I'm going to give up because you probably don't want to read that much today. So, here's a shorter thought that is on my mind today - prayer.

I love being able to go to God with what is on my heart. I'm able to speak directly to God and let it out - whatever "it" is. I'm praying for missionaries who have made a profound impact on my understanding of what it means to serve God. I'm praying for friends I love who are hurting. I'm praying for people I dearly love who need physical healing. I'm praying that God will continue to work on me, to break me and build me back into what He wants me to be. I'm praying for many other things and the fact that THE LORD hears me is awesome. The One who created all listens to me. Words fail me.

I got an email yesterday that showed earth compared with other planets and stars and other galaxies with the idea of how insignificant earth is compared with all God created yet He knows the hair on our heads. I just can't comprehend it but I believe it. I hope you will too.

Brrrr

It was cold in Decatur, Texas yesterday. My truck still has ice melting off of it this morning so it's slowly warming up.

How about the Longhorns? Can they redo the Heisman award? They should.

Go Gators!

Sunday I mentioned that In Christ Alone has quickly become one of my favorite songs. I think Amazing Grace will always be my all-time favorite but it's a battle. Both songs have incredible messages that have begun to touch my heart in new and deeper ways and both express something that I am only now beginning to really understand...how deep God's love for me goes. I think I have said this before but I have long had a intellectual relationship with God - I understood and acknowledged who He is - but I had resisted a true heart relationship with Him because I still had the desire to solve my problems, to find my way, to take on the mantle of doing the right thing. I am learning that those are all ideas satan wanted me to have so I resisted the incredible mercy and grace God wants to pour out to me. I didn't have bad intentions when trying to solve my problems and, at times, even thought it was what God wanted from me. I took the approach that He was there but He would want me to be out front doing what I thought He wanted me to do - which led me to making decisions that were often not helping and too decisions that were wrong because satan kept popping up even though I didn't understand it at the time.

I have heard people talk about listening for God and didn't get it but I have begun to. I have waited and truly believe I have heard Him. It may be a feeling, it may be a door that opens that is too obvious to pass up, it may be an incredible feeling of peace that comes over me and, quite frankly, is unexplainable but very, very real.

I do know this today better than ever - in Christ alone, my hope if found. My hope to overcome the obstacles of evil today and tomorrow, but even more, my hope for eternity comes from Christ alone. I don't expect or need the promise of a happier today or tomorrow, only a day that draws me closer to my Savior. He came for me, He died for me, He rose again for me. In Christ alone, my hope is found.

2009

I've got to get used to writing 2009 now. It always takes me a few weeks to do it without any mistakes.

I'm always amazed by those people that go jump/dive in a lake while it is freezing and ice is all around them. I don't get it but it makes good video watching some of them get out.

I got to watch some of my favorite holiday basketball tournament earlier this week. It's amazing how fast the game is. Maybe it was that way when I was playing high school ball but it just seems like everyone is so much quicker. There are more and more 6'8" and taller kids every year. Two guys at 6'10" topped the charts this year.

I gave up making resolutions a few years ago but some things that I have been doing are things I hope to keep getting better at. The top two are: (drum roll here -- ha ha) 2. keep exercising and 1. keep growing closer to God through good and bad. Fortunately, neither of these are something I'm starting from scratch and both are important to my health albeit in different ways. I want to have a better life while I'm on earth but my greatest focus needs to be preparing for the best life after this earth.

Happy New Year!

The Last Day

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

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

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