Arrived in Denver

Well, I didn't think I would have opportunities to blog while in Denver. But we have DSL in our room.

The trip went well. However, the Denver airport is real different. It is set up to where the baggage claim is about a quarter mile walk, then a subway ride from the gate. It's also about 30 minutes from downtown. So it took us as long to get from the airport to the hotel as it did to fly from Dallas to Denver.

Are we still getting rain in DFW?

After last night's opening session(which was great), we turned around -- and there were Paul and Gladys Faulker. So we visited with them for about 30 minutes. And right behind them (this is in a conference room that sat nearly 2,000), there were Royce and Pam Money!

Well, off to classes!

Rocky Mountain High

Beverly and I will leave tomorrow for the "Smart Marriages" conference in Denver, CO. Beverly has made this an annual part of her continuing education for several years. I am grateful to our elders for allowing me to go with her this year, since we do couples' retreats. The timing is also good because I have been asked to preach some lessons on marriage this fall.

I would love to take in some of the sites, but I don't think we are even going to be leaving the hotel. The conference begins as soon as we arrive and goes from 8 AM to 10 PM each day. So the only sites we will see are the inside of the hotel.

I'll be back to blogger land next Tuesday.

I Think I Saw Noah

This morning on the way to work, I looked up and there were animals -- standing in line, two-by-two!

Seriously, yesterday afternoon I decided anything I was going to do outdoors -- I better do it. So I went and edged my in-laws yard. Then I went down to Doral Tesoro to play golf (by the Speedway). There was one really heavy thunderstorm, with lots of lightning, roll through. I waited a couple of squalls out, but managed to get in a round of golf.

As I was coming home, it was bumper-to-bumper on HWY 287. After several miles of creeping along, I finally discovered why. There was about 18 inches of water across the road! When I got home at about 7:15, I looked at my rain gauge. 5.5 inches of rain! In about three and a half hours! I can't remember a June like this one in my life. But I'm not complaining. It sure beats drought and 100 degree days -- especially when it comes to electricity and water bills.

Nothing There

I'm sitting here staring at my monitor trying to think of something to write today. Perhaps that's a sign that I shouldn't write anything. So have a wonderful Monday. And to my son Jonathan: Happy 24th!

Movie Critic

Last night I was waiting in anticipation for my oldest son and his wife AND OUR GRANDSON to get to our house. (You grandparents will be able to relate. if it had just been Josh and Kayci coming, we would have left the door open and told them we would see them in the morning.) They were supposed to arrive around 1 AM or so.

So about 11:30, I took a nap. Then I woke up around midnight and turned on TV to TMC -- which shows old movies (they call them classics, and some of them are). The movie I watched starred Fred MacMurry, and it was called "Too Many Husbands." It was made in 1940. I would have to rate it a "C".

Then I got to thinking: I kind of expect old movies to all be good. But I'm sure that 60 years from now, people won't be watching all our movies -- many of which are pretty bad. They will be watching the few that were really good. And I am sure that is the case with the "oldies."

Today I plan to finish up work by noon, go play golf with my son -- and then spend some "grandparenting time" with Malaya and Truitt. Does it get any better?

Baseball, Hotdogs and Steroids

Sammy Sosa did it last night against his ex-team, the Cubs. He now joins the 600 club. But should his record, or McGwire's or Bonds', be entered into the books? I know this is an argument that has been taking place now for a few years, but it still bothers me. I grew up watching Mantle and Maris and Mays. Guys who gutted it out and played with chronic pain. And with each steroid-user's padded record passing them, they slip further and further down the list. It just doesn't seem fair.

Perhaps the saddest thing of all is that Bonds would have gone down in history as one of the greatest -- if not the greatest -- ballplayer in history. He didn't need to pad his record.

All I know is that if their records are allowed to stand when they used performance-enhancing drugs, then let's allow Pete Rose to be elected into the Hall. His record speaks for itself. Let the civil authorities take care of the legal or illegal ramafications of his off-field actions. If he doesn't belong in the Hall, neither does Ty Cobb or any number of others.

Medical Care, Heaven and Rain

Yesterday I spent nearly the whole day with my father-in-law at the doctor. I never cease to be amazed at the medical complexes in our major cities. And each one of them seems to be filled with people waiting in line to see a doctor. Incredible!
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I have really been wanting to come to a better understanding of heaven, and so I bought several books on the subject. I know, you are thinking: Why don't you just read the Word? I have -- and I have rediscovered that the Word actually says a lot about heaven. Yet, at the same time -- it doesn't. Anyway, it has been interesting as I have begun reading these books. The writers certainly have some weird ideas. So far, I have been pretty disappointed in what they write. Just struggling with the issue is helping me to formulate a better understanding, however.
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If we were the children of Israel, I wonder how God would punish us for our grumbling. Having endured one of the longest droughts in recorded history, we have been so blessed with rain this year. Here it is the end of June, and all of the lakes are full and everything is green. Yet as I go from place to place and listen to people, I am now hearing a lot of grumbling about too much rain.

My heart does go out to the people who lost family members in the flood waters the other night, as well as to those who have been displaced. What a nightmare!

Happy Father's Day

I intended to post something on Friday about Father's Day, but just forgot. So let me wish all you dads a belated Happy Father's Day.

As I received calls from my kids yesterday and watched the US Open, I found myself thinking just how blessed I am. And I find it really incredible as I watch my sons now become fathers. No doubt, they are going to do better than I did (in fact, that is my desire). I love to watch them with their kids.

Jonathan has Jed's heart so clearly, and seems to know just the right things to do and say. Jed's face lights up whenever Jonathan enters the room.

Josh's son Truitt is still an infant, but just watching how comfortable Josh is with him is so cool. There is so much bonding between them.

And then, there is my son-in-law, David. Wow! His daughter absolutely adores him. He is obviously her hero. I am so proud of him.

Like I said: I am blessed.

Happy Father's Day -- plus one.

Friday Fragments

Well, the NBA finals are over (yawn). Once again, the Spurs take home the title -- their 4th. That's pretty impressive. I heard one sports commentator comparing them to Larry Holmes, the heavyweight boxer who had a great record but is not considered among the best ever because his competition was weak. I don't know. The Cavs were weak. But I wouldn't consider the Mavs and Suns weak.
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We have this new plant that is incredible! (Jacob, our youth minister, says it's a sure sign I'm getting old when I start talking about watching my plants). Anyway, Paula McDowell gave us this plant -- it's called a Missouri Primrose. Right now it is going through its blooming stage. Every night at dusk (in fact, it has been at 8:50 the last two nights), you can actually watch the blooms open up. It looks like time-lapse photography. It's really cool.
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My oldest grandson is here -- along with his mom and dad and Jennifer's mom. He is a hoot at this stage (just turned one) -- as cute as a bug and so funny. I have laughed so much since they got here last night -- watching him and Molly together. Neither one is sure about the other one, but they keep getting closer and closer to each other.

Grandparenting is definitely the bomb!

US Open

The US Open begins today. I love golf (in case you didn't know), and love watching the major events. Yet, while many people love the US Open because it makes the pros often look so much like us -- it may be my least favorite to watch. Give me the Masters on a Sunday afternoon where a possible eagle or birdie on the back nine will send cheers rumbling across the golf course. In the US Open, it's more about someone sinking a 6-footer to save bogie -- and the crowd going, "Awwww." Still, I will be watching.
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I mentioned a couple of months ago that I had switched from DISH to DirecTV because of a great "deal" I had gotten. Well, the great deal turned out to be not such a great deal (I should have read the fine print better). And further, I have had to have 4 service calls and have made about 12 phone calls to get things right. I"m keeping my fingers crossed -- hoping that things are now ironed out.

Lesson: The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence.

I do still love DVR, though!
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VBS is now over for another year. Thanks go out to all the volunteers -- and especially to Shelly Reeves. If these people punched a card, we would be paying out lots of money in overtime.

VBS

Last night was the 1st night of our VBS. The children are divided up in "tribes" (the 12 tribes of Israel). Beverly and I are tribe leaders, and our tribe is Gad. So, I am the "Gad daddy"; that's what the kids are calling me.

I love VBS! The joy in the faces of the kids, but also in the faces of the many volunteers. We had so many adults there last night -- filling countless and varied roles. Some manned craft booths. Others got the refreshments ready. Others were tribal leaders. Others were teachers in the different centers. Still others acted out drama skits. The talent that comes out during VBS week is nothing short of incredible! Thanks to all the volunteers who make VBS happen.

I would love to bottle it and the enthusiasm -- and spread it out over the entire year.
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I have begun teaching an on-line course this summer for Amberton University. It is "Life and Teachings of Jesus." I have 24 students from all over the US -- and some beyond that. We certainlly live in an incredible time in history. I am anxious to see how this on-line class unfolds.

Notes From Houston Trip

Beverly and I got back yesterday evening from Houston. We had several enjoyable days there. On Friday, we went to watch our boys skydive. It was really cool! In fact I'm thinking that when we are on vacation in August, I might do it.

Last Wednesday was Jed's (our oldest grandson) 1st birthday. He is at such a fun age right now. I love just watching his every move. Some friends of Jonathan and Jennifer gave a party at their house on Saturday. It was the 1st time all three of our grandchildren have been together with us. It was great!

I spoke at Bammal Road Church of Christ last Wednesday night. It was such a blessing to have Jonathan leading worship. I am really proud of him and his beautiful family. The church was so kind.

On Sunday I took part in a baby blessing service at Josh's church -- Southwest Central in Houston. I missed our first two grandkids' baby blessings, so it was wonderful to be able to have a part in Truitt's. He is beginning to take on a personality. I love holding an infant! And I am so proud of his mom and dad and the ministry they are involved in.

So once again: Count me blessed.
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Tonight begins Vacation Bible School. Beverly and I are going to be tribal leaders this year. I look forward to it.

The Adventures of Mollie

Something I feared happening ever since we got Mollie happened last night. We have a retaining wall along the back of our yard, and our neighbors built a fence below it. There is a gap big enough for Mollie to fall through. Our neighbors have an Australian Shepherd that Mollie would get nose to nose with through the fence.

Well, last night I was grilling burgers outside the garage when I heard Mollie yelping. I took off running and found her in our neighbors' back yard, with their dog on top of her. Their dog looked like she was tearing Mollie up. Fortunately, Australian Shepherds more nip than bite (it's inbred in them). I didn't think I was ever going to get Mollie out, but finally did.

She was a mess, but no bleeding. Her fur looked like she had stuck a paw in a light socket. But after a bath and a few brushings, she looked back to normal this morning.

As I held her in my lap last night sitting in the backyard, you would have thought she had won the battle. Every time she saw the other dog, she would growl.

Now the problem is she won't go outside unless one of us goes with her. Oh, well.

Check Out Snopes.com

Things have been going so well in my life that it was like a wake-up into reality to hear about the thwarted terrorist attack on JFK airport in New York. The cowardliness of terrorist activity is beyond my ability to comprehend. Perhaps they feel that this is the only way to take on a military power that is greater than themselves. But the killing of innocent people -- including children -- is beyond me.

I am grateful that our Homeland Security has been able to catch terrorists before they can commit such acts against us. And I pray for the day when such hideous acts will end. I don't think it will be through us beating them militarily. The only answer is to "Jesus" them to death. Unfortunately, they don't see much Jesus from us -- in our materialism and oil-grabbing greed. I better get off of my soap box, though.
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On another note, I get emails from different sources that present information as if it is directly from the Associated Press. I recently received one that "told the truth" about Barack Obama. It told about how he had grown up in the home of a Moslem terrorist, etc. So, I checked it out on snopes.com, and needless to say the story had been greatly sensationalized. So much information is being passed around these days, it's hard to know what is true and what is gossip and what is simply a smear campaign. I would recommend that you check out the legitimacy of information at www.snopes.com.

I Recommend a Massage

I have had nagging sciatica pain for about three years. I have been to doctors -- who have said there is nothing they can do short of surgery. I have been to chiropractors, but gotten no relief.

Last night, at the urging of Beverly, I went to a massage therapist. And at least for this morning, I can definitely tell there is improvement. For the 1st time in several years, I at least have hope that it will get better.