Abilene, Abilene -- Prettiest Town I've Ever Seen

Today Beverly and I will travel to Abilene. Last year ACU moved their lectureship from February to September. Wise move! It seems like there was always an ice storm or snow during lectureship week. That will be doubtful in September. So we are going out for today and tomorrow -- and be back tomorrow night in time to teach classes.

We are going to hear Josh (our oldest son) speak tomorrow morning. While we are there, we will take in a few other lectures as well.

I used to go to ACU's lectureship years ago. I stopped because it seemed that our universities' lectureships got stale (other than Pepperdine, which I have never been able to go to, but they always seem to have a great program.) But under the leadership of Mark Love, they have had a really good program the last couple of years. I am going to make this a regular on my calendar again next year.

I love Abilene (and ACU). It's where I got my education. It's where I met my wife. And even though I grew up in church, I feel that it is where I came to know Jesus. It's where Beverly and I began our marriage. And it's where two of our wonderful kids were born. I have so many fond memories, and so many people who are dear to me.

So, I look forward to our 24 hours there.

Sports Monday

Yesterday Tiger Woods won the Tournament Players' Championship and the 1st FedEx Cup. Is anyone surprised? He won by 8 strokes, and looked like it was nothing more than a Sunday afternoon stroll through the park.

Being a golf fan, I told Beverly Saturday that I am glad to be living in the time I am. I was a kid when Jack Nicklaus dominated golf -- often by beating my childhood hero, Arnold Palmer. Up to this point, I would say Nicklaus was the greatest the game has ever seen. But no one has dominated the game like Tiger Woods. I am getting to watch history in the making. Right now, the man has no weakness in his game. Barring injury, he will shatter ALL records.
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The Cowboys played yesterday and won. I didn't watch it, either. I was so caught up in the golf I pretty much forgot. This would shock anyone who knew me 30 years ago. I could tell you about every play in every game.
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I followed with some interest the game between Southlake Carroll and the team from Florida. Carroll was ranked #1 prep school team in the nation, and the Florida school was ranked #2. Carroll lost.

I feel a little bit guilty, because I was pulling for the Florida team. Carroll has won for so long. Like Highland Park, there is something about money being able to buy success that doesn't sit well with me. My guilt springs from finding out that the new coach at Carroll is a member of the Keller Church of Christ.

WalMart

Walmart. It's a store I have a love-hate relationship wtih. I love it for its convenience. I hate it because it's so busy. (That seems somewhat paradoxical, doesn't it?) I love it for the way everything you need is under one roof. I hate it for the way it has run out so many specialized businesses (another paradox).

This morning on Good Morning America, they were talking about the many things WalMart knows about America. Do you know what their #1 selling item is? Bananas. The average woman shopper wears a size 14 and her shoe size is 8-1/2.

I found this one interesting: The state that buys the most tea? Pennsylvania. Five times more than any other state! I thought for sure it would be a southern state.

So, how do you feel about WalMart?

All Other Ground is Sinking Sand

It's funny how a tune can get in your head and just stay there. A few weeks ago, I had the MASH theme song in my head for several days. Oh, no. Just writing this has put it there again.

This morning I have found myself hearing the words to an old hymn. The words that keep going through my head are "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." The more I think about it, the more I realize -- that sums it up! We get caught up in arguing this point of doctrine or that. But it all boils down to this: If my HOPE is placed in anything other than the atoning blood of Jesus and His righteousness that has been credited to me -- then, as the song says, all other ground is sinking sand.

Any songs you find constantly replaying in your head?

The Lessons of 9-11

The images are still so clearly burned into my mind. People jumping from windows. The buildings collapsing. The plane actually hitting the second of the Twin Towers. People running down the streets as a huge cloud of dust and debris chased them.

Three thousand people! That's half the people in Decatur. Each one a person who was loved and who loved. Their absence has interrupted the flow of a family.

So what are we learning from the events of five years ago today? I know my 1st reaction was RETALIATE. Hit them harder than they hit us. I remember hearing one woman say (and I'm sure it was the feeling of millions of others), 'Let's just nuke all those Arabs." Looking back, I don't think my reaction was the most Christlike I could have had. But we were left feeling so helpless.

This morning, I found myself praying for Osama Bin Laden. He and his cohorts desperately need Jesus. How sad it must be to believe in a god who would delight in terrorism and murder. If that were the only option on the table, I would choose to be an atheist. But it's not. And even though Christians through the ages have done some pretty ungodly things, too -- it's not because we have been reflecting the nature of our Father or our Savior.

My prayer this morning (and many mornings) has also been that Islam will just implode upon itself. That it will just cease to be. Not because we have out-killed them or out-weaponed them. But because it is seen for what it is. And because Jesus is seen for Who He is.

So five years removed from that day, that is what I have learned. I never want to be desensitized to 9-11. May we never forget it. But may we learn to be Christ to the world in the way we Christians respond.

Give 60!

Yesterday's time together with the Body was incredible! Jacob and I issued a challenge for every member to give 60 minutes -- one hour a week -- in service to the Lord outside of church. Jacob offered several suggestions of ways to serve.

I loved hearing the "buzz" after church. I walked by a group of boys, and one of them said, "I already know what I'm going to do. We have some neighbors -- and the man is on oxygen. I'm going to mow his yard." I had to wipe away a tear.

But it wasn't just the young people. I heard adults discussing ideas for ways they could serve. It was really cool.

Remember: It doesn't have to be something that is "organized." Nor does it have to be anything elaborate. Make some cookies for your neighbors and deliver them. Visit a nursing home.

I would love to introduce "World Bible School" to our church. It is a work overseen by the Westover Hills Church of Christ in Austin. Ads are placed in papers all over the world for bible correspondence courses. The students mail the courses back to be graded, etc. It is very easy to do. You grade their paper, send them the next course and perhaps write them a note of encouragement. Anyone of any age could do it. No telling how many souls have been brought to Jesus through this effort.
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I don't know if it's just me, but did that Cowboy game last night excite anybody about their coming season? We had no problem scoring -- but it was the Giants, after all. But what's with the touted Wade Phillip's defense? Maybe he needs more time. I'm not bashing Wade. I like him so much more than Parcells.
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Tiger continues to amaze me. Yesterday his ballstriking was close to flawless as he cruised to his 6th victory of the season. I am hoping he can win next week and take the FedEx Cup. I'm concerned about his retirement. He needs the $10 million deferred prize money.

Ready for the Weekend

It's Friday. I have been looking forward to the weekend. And it's all around eating (isn't that weird?)

Tonight some friends are taking us to Del Frisco's. Dude! That place is good. We've only been there once -- when Beverly was given a gift certificate for speaking at a church. I can't wait!

Then tomorrow, we will go to Sam's for our quarterly "stock up on the necessities" trip. While in Southlake, we will go to Anamea's Mexican Restaurant -- on another gift certificate given to us by some other friends (Life is tough).

So I look forward to the good food. But I am also reminded today what special friends we have.
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I might even try to catch some college football tomorrow. However, the chase for the Fedex Cup has gotten my interest, too.
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Then on Sunday, Jacob and I will issue a challenge to our church. Our theme: "Give 60!" I am excited about the possibilities and look forward to the way the Lord might stimulate us to serve our community.

Gearing Up for Fall

Can you feel it? I asked CAN YOU FEEL IT?

Fall is near. Next week, we are going to have lows perhaps in the upper 50s. Yeah, buddy!

You know by now that Fall is my favorite season. Fall is also when the Ross household gets REALLY busy. This is the beginning of womens' retreat season. So, Beverly will be gone for several weekends over the coming months.

I have mixed feelings about that. Obviously I miss her and just hanging out and doing things with her. But she is SO gifted at what she does. And she brings women closer to the heartbeat of God. For that, I am so proud.

So my advice is: Go get 'em, girl.

Bury This Blog

Yesterday Jacob (my ministry partner) and I went to a funeral over in the old part of Dallas. It is a pretty cemetery that sits among beautiful live oaks.

As we were leaving, I asked him what he thought about cremation. I don't mean to get morbid on you, but I have thought some about it. For one reason (and those of you who know me will understand this): It's cheaper than a burial.

Obviously if the Lord doesn't return for a while, all of us are going to end up being ashes anyway. So why do we have a hangup with cremation? I'm not sure, but for some reason I do. From a theological standpoint, I don't think there is anything wrong with it. My guess is that I am just so culturally conditioned a certain way -- it just doesn't sit well with me.

So, any thoughts?

Home Improvement

I was enjoying the Tiger-Phil showdown yesterday. And then a storm came. My satellite scrambled. So I had to check ESPN later to see how it ended. Oh, well. Congrats to Phil. He seems like a good guy.
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We have had a spot appear on our kitchen ceiling. It gets worse whenever we have company stay upstairs. So, I had a plumber come out, and he cut a hole in the sheetrock in our attic and began his search. He couldn't find it. I told him it seemed to only happen when company had taken a bath. We found some missing grout in a corner, and he got to where he could see inside the wall. I splashed water over into that corner -- and sure enough, that was the culprit. So I regrouted the bad spots yesterday afternoon.

Now comes the hard part: Patching the sheetrock and matching it to the rest of the kitchen ceiling. I have done some sheetrock work in the past, but I don't trust my ability to be able to blend the textures. So, I guess I will have someone come out to do that.

I'm sure there is a great spiritual application waiting. You know, how just a little bitty leak can ruin a ceiling.

What a Wonderful Night!

Beverly's fundraiser last night was awesome! The testimonials given by those who have been her clients brought tears to my eyes as I considered the power of God working through the counselor-counselee relationship. I was SO proud of my wife!

Then to watch the volunteers practice such sweet servanthood. They were there from before we began to the very end. It was a sight to behold.

It is so humbling to witness how God has placed His blessing upon the counseling center. A year ago, we wouldn't have dreamed that this would be where it is. So Beverly and I are in high-praise mode today.

Thank you to any of you readers who have volunteered for or supported this ministry. Tye Lovell put it so well last night when he said that you are not just helping the client. You are affecting generations yet to be born as habits and practices that might have been passed down are reshaped by the Master. As Tye said, it will be so cool to have someone walk up to us in heaven and say, "Thanks for what you did for my granddad. It impacted my dad and me and the generations that came after me."

God is good!

No Time for Sleep

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Oh, sorry, I was just wak -i -n-g ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

I know and confess: I am a wimp when it comes to sleep. And not getting to bed until between 1:30 and 2 AM registers on my wimp meter.

But it was great to be in Crockett for a few hours last night. Beverly and I got there early and drove around -- being reminded of good memories there. Plus, we ate an early supper at Sam's Cafe in Fairfield. If you ever want good homestyle cooking -- off an all you can eat buffet -- it's the place to go. It's on the east side of I-45 in Fairfield (not to be confused with Sammy's, which is on the west side at the same exit).
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Today is one of the most important days in Beverly's and my life. Tonight is her annual fundraiser for her nonprofit Wise County Christian Counseling. Before, she has always been connected with another agency, but now she is on her own. She has received generous support from a number of people, but there is still a significant shortfall that she needs to cover tonight.

I have no doubt that the Lord will provide what is needed. For one, the people of Wise County have been so extremely generous and encouraging about the Counseling Center. For another, I think that the Lord has shown His endorsement of the ministry through the way so many families have come for help. Beverly's schedule is overflowing.

I love the way my wife is so passionate about the things she does. When she was a school teacher, she was the best -- winning her school districts awards for excellence. And now she is at the top of her field in counseling. She brings the Lord into all that she does (her greatest passion). Needless to say, life with her is an exciting adventure.

Please pray for tonight's fundraiser.

Heading to East Texas

This afternoon, Beverly and I are traveling to Crockett where I will speak tonight. We will return home late this evening.

Crockett was my 1st full-time work. We moved our family from Texas City to begin working with the church in Crockett in June of 1988. At that time, it was a church of about 80-90. And they were kind enough to give me the opportunity to enter into ministry. We quickly grew, and experienced some wonderful times in our five years there. The people were so encouraging and supportive. They endured many lessons from a green preacher -- lessons that I can't believe I ever preached. But they loved me in spite of that.

It's really special when we get to go back. There is a feeling of home in Crockett. Lifelong friends. Good memories of raising our kids there.

So while it will only be for a couple of hours, Beverly and I will make the most of it tonight.

True Confessions

OK, it's confession time. I know I take the risk of your rejection when I share some of the dark things in my life. But it is a risk I am willing to take.

Here goes: I could easily become a video game addict. Yes, there it is. And worse: The ones I could become most addicted to are the war games. So, I have never bought one. I know my limitations. I would probably become pale and thin from never leaving the computer.

Actually, I am kidding (a little). There is one game Beverly gets me every year. It came out this morning, and I already have it in my possession. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2008. Yes, it's mine -- ALL MINE!

While some people spend their evenings watching TV, I enjoy playing a couple of games of "Tiger." So, tonight I will load it up and see how it works. This new edition allows you to put a picture of yourself in it, and it will generate a player who looks just like you! (Jeff, I know even as I write that I am setting you up for a comment). So, do I go with a bearded picture? or pre-beard? Oh, the heavy decisions that I have to make.

If you haven't heard from me in a couple of days, you might want to notify Beverly -- or the authorities.

A Special Day

For many people, today begins a new school year. It has been a while since Beverly has been in the classroom -- or since I have had to drop off kids for school. Yet, I still think that the beginning of the school year is more like New Year's than January 1st. It is truly a time of new beginnings -- holding new possibilities.

It is also an emotional time for many. Parents taking their children to school for the very 1st time. My daughter was telling us at lunch the other day that she doesn't understand parents saying they can't wait for school to start so they can get the kids out of the house. She said she has enjoyed her daughter (my granddaughter) so much this summer that she was not anxious for today at all. I still can't believe that my granddaughter is in 2nd grade!

I'm praying today for students, teachers and parents. My prayer is that they will have a special year this year. But my prayer is also that those who are Christians will wear the name well. What great opportunities to be the hands and feet and voice of Jesus in this world!
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Today is also my father-in-law's birthday. Today he turns 80! I have learned so much from Mr. Jones. His devotion to God. His love for his family. His almost obsession with being a man of integrity. If he says he will do something, you don't need a contract. He will keep his word -- even if it hurts. And I have also learned a lot about forgiveness by watching the way he interacts with people who have done him wrong.

He would not have a clue how to find a blog, so he will never read this. But I still want to say Happy Birthday!

A Word on Michael Vick

Last night Beverly hosted a party for a group of women with whom she has been studying each week. So I came straggling in about 8 PM -- trying not to disturb them. The food was still out, and so I begin to graze. It was SO good!

She came up with a drink recipe that is delicious. I don't know if you have ever had an "Arnold Palmer," but it is half tea and half lemonade. She adds some other stuff. And it is really good.

What is your favorite summertime thirst quincher?
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I listened to a few minutes of sports talk on ESPN yesterday. They were talking about how vilified Michael Vick has been. Michael Wilbon attributed it to racism. He said if Troy Aikman or Brett Favre had done the same thing, we would not have had such a negative reaction.

I wasn't sure I agreed until he brought up this example: John Daly. He said that here is a man who stands on a green having DTs, comes to a golf tournament with marks on his face, has gambling problems and drinking problems -- and is considered a cult hero. He said a black athlete would never receive such treatment. And I had to agree. However, I -- unlike many I guess -- do not find John Daly to be cool, cute or just a "good-ole boy." I think he is deserving of punishment or banning from the PGA. So I guess I would be equally opposed to both Vick and Daly.

Both these men should be punished for their misdeeds just like any blue collar worker would be if he or she engaged in similar misdeeds. The ability to run with a football or hit a golf ball should not bring with it immunity from decency, morality or obedience to the law.

News, Sports and Weather

Wow! The Rangers scored 30 runs last night! That's the most by a major league team in 110 years. I used to be a huge Houston Astros fan (back in the 80s and early 90s). That would have been a good two weeks worth of runs for them. I remember one year, Nolan Ryan had an ERA of 1.69 at the all-star break -- but his record was like 6-12 because he had no run support.
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When we get to this time of year (the dog days of August), I am reminded that my favorite season is just around the corner. In fact, within the next month we will be getting some cool fronts. In Texas, that means nights down into the 60s and daytime highs in the low 80s. But after the heat of summer, it always feels so good on the skin.
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My youngest grandson will be arriving here tonight at about 10 with his parents. I can't wait to hold the little booger. He's nearly 4 months old! I imagine that he is already asking his parents when he will get to Grampy's house. They are coming in for Beverly's dad's birthday celebration. He turns 80 on Monday.
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Every Thursday morning, I go out to Governor's Ridge (a retirement home) and have a bible study with about 12 of the women and one man. It is such a delight. They are some of the most gracious and grateful people I have ever known. They encourage me so much. I have come to view them as my 2nd church, and I love them dearly.

She

She has a way of smiling with her eyes that melts my heart (no, that is not a mistake the way I wrote it).

She is the most Christlike person I have ever known (and I live with her, and know what she is like when no one is watching).

She knows just the word I need -- whether a word of encouragement or a gentle prod.

She knows how to have fun, and how to make those around her have a great time, too.

She raised three beautiful children, and continues to be the ideal mother and mother-in-law.

She has taken to grandparenting like she was made for it.

There is no one on this planet I would rather be with -- whether it's to go out to eat or travel with or sit around the house.

Her love and enthusiasm for the Lord is absolutely contageous.

Every morning I wake up thanking God that I get to spend my one life with her.

If I had one wish, it would be for more lifetimes together.

We married too young. Statistics said we wouldn't make it. If the marriage had depended on me, we wouldn't have. But she sacrificed her own desires and needs to make it work. She has made me a better man, not by nagging, etc. -- but be showing unconditional love. The Lord obviously knew what I needed.

Today marks out 31st wedding anniversary. And the love I feel today for my woman makes our wedding day in 1976 -- as beautiful as it was -- pale in comparison.

Thank you, God, for giving me this incredible woman to journey with toward eternity.

People are Funny

While I was on vacation, I decided to grow a beard. Beverly has always liked me with a beard. In fact, when we first started dating I had one. A few months later, I had to shave it off for Sing Song, and I thought she might break up with me.

I grew one again a few years ago. One morning, I went to trim it and forgot to put the height selector on the razor. I cut a highway right down the middle of my beard. So, I shaved it off. Beverly told me she thought I would never have one again.

But I do. And I like it. And she likes it (that's really most important).

Here's what I find humorous. A few people have come up to me and said, "I don't like your beard." Or they tell Beverly. It does not bother us, because as I said, I want to make my woman happy. But I just got to thinking: I can't imagine going up to someone and saying, "I don't like your hair." Or, "That dress sure looks bad on you." Or "I don't like the way you wear your make-up."

People are funny. I'm just glad that I have my act totally together:)

Friday Fumblings

I am sorry for the torrential rains that are hitting Texas south of us. But for us to the north, the cooler weather is an emotional lift. Now the Texas coast is bracing for the possibility of a big hurricane.
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This time of year, I sometimes think back to when I was a kid heading back to school. I can still smell it. Paste. Crayons. The cafeteria. As I got older, it also brought the excitement of football.
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Speaking of football, my younger son, Jonathan, is coaching. The church he ministers to has a large private school. They have asked him to coach receivers and defensive backs. They went through two-a-days while we were on vacation.
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It seems that the "in" thing today is to rip on the church. Many are predicting (and I guess it's even happening to some degree) that the traditional model of the church is going to give way to cell churches -- or no institutional church at all. I guess time will tell.

However, I found the following quote worth repeating. It is from Shane Claiborne in the book THE IRRESISTIBLE REVOLUTION. He said, "I once heard a pastor say, 'The church is like Noah's ark. It stinks, but if you get out of it, you'll drown.'"

Jesus and Legion

I loved our visiting preacher's lesson last night. He preached from the story of Jesus and Legion (the man with many demons). A couple of things that stood out to me: When the Creator speaks, His creation MUST act. Even the demons, when told by Jesus to leave the man, had no choice. Their only option was to negotiate where they would go. Yet, God loves us so much that when He speaks, He leaves us with a choice.

Also, I wonder how many Legions I have walked around and avoided in my life. Jesus did not avoid him. He had compassion for him. If I had been living in that vicinity in that day and time, I doubt the crazy, naked guy who lived among the tombs would have been at the top of my "prospects" list. Yet, Jesus empowered that "crazy man" to become a missionary of the gospel. Incredible. I want the Jesus perspective!

Life is Fragile

I meet with a small group of guys every Wednesday morning. As we met today, I was reminded at just how fragile life is. Our health can change at the drop of a hat. Our whole life can be affected by a single action taken at a single moment in time -- often in a moment of emotion when the consequences are not thought through. Llfe is certainly fragile.

But you know what? Even though we live in a fallen world in a culture that seems to have everything upside down from the way God designed it -- life is also good. There are still so many good things that happen around us every day. Good people. Good music. Good food. Good books. Good times of fellowship with family and friends.

So while life is certainly fragile, it is also certainly good. And spending it walking with God is a real treat.

Nothing Comes Easy

Now that summer has set in, my inlaws have discovered that the afternoon heat beats the back of their house for hours -- making it impossible to keep their den cool. So yesterday, Jacob (my ministry buddy) and I took on the job of putting a roof on their patio arbor. I thought it would take a few hours. However, once we got into the job, we hit a couple of snags. I think that is a law of nature: Any time you take on a project, there must be at least two snags.

Anyway, we worked until after 6 last night. By the way, it was the hottest day of the year (are you crying yet?) But now we are on a roll. We think we can finish in an hour or so this morning.

Vacation Ramblings

The Lord truly blessed my family with a wonderful week of rest and rejuvination. Beverly and I really needed it! I began the vacation with a stomach virus (24-hour variety). But I was long over it by the time all the family got together. Then Josh and all of his family passed it around. Thankfully, it was fairly shortlived for all of us.

I played a lot of golf and went tubing (it was a blast!) And I read a Grisham novel, The Partner. I think it was the only book of his I had not read. I usually really like his stuff -- and I enjoyed reading this one too. But the ending left me very unsettled. I would like to rewrite it.

As much as I enjoyed vacation, it is still good to be back home. Time together with the church yesterday reminded me of just how blessed I am to be where I am.
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Well, Tiger Woods won yet another major yesterday. He very easily could have won three this year. He now has 13 in his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 -- a record that once seemed untouchable. Tiger is several years ahead of Nicklaus' pace. He is already approaching Arnold Palmer's total wins count, which would place him 3rd on the all-time list behind Nicklaus and Sam Snead. And he is only 31!
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And Barry Bonds is now the home run king. I know I have discussed this before, but I sure wish he didn't have the steroid thing hanging over his head, because he would have gone down as perhaps the greatest ballplayer in history if he had continued on his pre-steroid pace.
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Summer has finally arrived! Today is projected to be 105. And it is supposed to be over 100 all week. At least it's mid-August, and we only have about a month of this left. But the lakes are full!

I did hear that the weather service is projecting a hurricane to hit the Gulf next week some time. Go fill your gas tank today, because the oil companies will raise their prices just thinking about the possibility of that excuse.

Good Start to August

Well, it is the morning of August 2nd, and we have already had more than the average rainfall for the month. 3-1/2 inches yesterday! That would be a good summer in some years.
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Our home computer crashed yesterday. So, I guess I'll have to order another one today. I don't have a whole lot that I want it to do -- other than handle Beverly's picture program and play my Tiger Woods' Golf Game.

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Tomorrow we will leave for vacation. I don't know if I will blog while I am gone or not.

Us and Them

I loved these thoughts from Edward Fudge:

US AND THEM

Bible readers know the phrase "Jews and Gentiles," but not everyone remembers that "Gentiles" are literally "the nations," meaning all those who are not Jews. The Greeks of the Hellenistic period divided the world into "Greeks and Barbarians," with "Barbarians" being those who did not speak Greek and who therefore sounded (to Greek ears) as if they said "bar-bar-bar."

I have read, but cannot prove, that the names of Native American tribes all mean "the people" in the languages of each respective tribe. Each tribe viewed the world as inhabited by "the people" (themselves) and everyone else. The Chinese speak of their "Middle Kingdom," supposing that they occupy the very center of the earth. The Japanese call their country "the Land of the Rising Sun," as though each new day begins in Japan. North Americans make world maps and globes which show the United States as the focal point of our planet. We all are self-centered, truth be told.

The English word "pagan" comes from the Latin word for a "villager." Christianity thrived in the cities of the Roman Empire, while the rural village-people remained unconverted. The English word "heathen" has the same kind of etymology -- the cities were well churched but country people who lived in the "heath" were not. Our word "outlandish" mirrors the fact that what is foreign (from out-land) to us, we often regard as odd or strange. Farmers laugh at "city slickers" who come among them, while urbanites make jokes about "country bumpkins."

In this world of "us" and "them," of people who are like ourselves and those who are different, the gospel is the great leveller. Christ takes humans of all sorts, kinds, origins, races, economics, cultures and colors, and creates a new humankind. For those in union with Christ, such differences are no longer to matter. To the extent we come short of this goal, we need to repent -- and, with God's help, to seek again to make it a daily reality.

It's Easy to Miss the Point

As I have been grading my students' work on the E-Course I am teaching this summer (Life and Teachings of Jesus), I am struck in particular by two questions on their current assignment. One has to do with the foundation of Jesus' church. Almost all the students put that the church is built upon Peter. So I have had to explain the different terms for "rock" and that "upon this rock I will build my church" actually refers to the bedrock statement of faith made by Peter, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

But another question troubles me as much or more. After the story of Jesus and the adulterous woman (John 8), I asked the students to sum up the meaning of the story. All of them put things like "we are all sinners, so we shouldn't judge," etc. And while that is true, I want them to see a greater story than that. I want them to see the BEAUTIFUL story of God's grace -- as Jesus reaches out to a woman rejected by "society," and invites her to bask in the warmth of the mercy of God. "Neither do I condemn you, but go your way and sin no more."

What a Savior!

Vacation is in View

My mind is already thinking ahead to vacation that begins on Friday. So, this morning's thoughts from Tozer beat anything I have to offer:

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Some misguided Christian leaders feel that they must preserve harmony at any cost, so they do everything possible to reduce friction. They should remember that there is no friction in a machine that has been shut down for the night. Turn off the power, and you will have no problem with moving parts. Also remember that there is a human society where there are no problems--the cemetery. The dead have no differences of opinion. They generate no heat, because they have no energy and no motion. But their penalty is sterility and complete lack of achievement.

What then is the conclusion of the matter? That problems are the price of progress, that friction is the concomitant of motion, that a live and expanding church will have a certain quota of difficulties as a result of its life and activity. A Spirit-filled church will invite the anger of the enemy. This World: Playground or Battleground?, 112-113.

Scattershooting

This has to be the strangest summer I ever remember. More rain in the forecast for the next few days. I think it all stems back to me putting in an automatic sprinkler system at the end of last summer:). But here it is the end of July -- and we are looking at highs in the upper 80s and lows in the upper 60s. Last night at about 6:30 or 7, I was outside -- and it actually had a feel of Fall in the air. It has been really nice.
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I wrote about smoking the other day. Maybe you heard that Disney is not going to have any scenes with smoking in them from now on. I don't know what they will do with their old animated movies, because the report I was watching showed clips of smoking from "101 Dalmatians," "Pinnochio," and "Peter Pan" -- as well as others.

I don't know: Are kids really tempted to smoke because they see Cruella DeVille (sp?) puffing on a cigarette in a holder that is 18 inches long? Could this be an overreaction on the part of Disney?
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Here's hoping that the stock market got over its little temper fit yesterday.

From The Home of Catfish O'Harley's

Last night, Beverly and I traveled to Garland where we spoke on marriage to a group at the Saturn Road Church of Christ. We left in time to eat with her sister and her family -- in celebration of her sister's birthday. We ate at a Chinese buffet. Everything was going fine until her sister kept waving her napkin at Beverly's chair (she was trying to be non-chalant about it). There was a roach that was getting its exercise going up and down the back of Beverly's chair.

Needless to say, Beverly didn't get her fill of the buffet. That about did it for her.

At Saturn Road, it was good to see people who have meant a lot to us in our past. One couple had come over from Mesquite to hear us, and that was really special.
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On a related note, I find it interesting when I tell people I am from Decatur, often their response goes something like this: "Decatur? We drive through there quite often as we're heading to ____________. We always stop at Catfish O'Harleys."

So I guess that's our claim to fame. It could be worse I suppose. Waco is known for a tornado and the Branch Davidians. Hunstville is known for its prison. Springtown was made famous in a song by The Steve Miller Band.

I'll take catfish. Although I would be willing to trade with Brenham -- known for Blue Bell Ice Cream.

Non-Smoking, Please.

I read yesterday that the Federal government is considering adding an additional tax on cigarettes -- nearly a dollar a pack. Currently, the cost for a pack of cigarettes is about half taxes (over $2 a pack).

To their credit, I haven't heard many smokers complaining. I think the extra taxes ought to go toward health care, since smokers add a hefty amount to the cost of national health services.

But it got me to thinking how much things have changed in my lifetime. When I was a kid, the majority of adults smoked. I watch the old "I Love Lucy" show, and the four of them all light up as they sit in the living room. Growing up in the home of a smoker, I can only imagine what that room must have been like -- with four people puffing away. But our clothes always smelled like smoke, as well as our bedding and curtains, etc. And I would not have thought a thing about being in a restaurant with a heavy haze of smoke.

Having been away from that for years has changed my perspective. The other day when we were in Houston, we went to an outdoor cafe. About 20 feet away there was a man smoking -- and the smoke drifted my way. And I noticed! Now, it is like someone is invading my space if they smoke around me.

Quite a difference of perspective.

Big-Time Traveler

We had a busy weekend, but it was really nice. Getting to see old friends was very rewarding. The marriage I performed was for a young man whom I had helped coach in T-Ball. His parents and Beverly and I were close friends -- enjoying movies, bowling and Cowboy games together back in the 80s. Good memories.

Yesterday a buddy of mine and I went to Possum Kingdom to play golf at The Cliffs. Wow! It was great. What a beautiful place! On the 4th tee, we had to wait as a deer crossed the tee box in front of us. As we traveled back, we had to slow down while a wild turkey made its way across the highway. I loved it!

Happy Retirement, Troy!

Beverly and I have watched WFAA-channel 8 news since we 1st came to the Metroplex 14 years ago. For all those years (and many before that), Troy Dungan has been the lead weather guy. Not a meteorologist -- and he never tried to make anyone think he was. He left the title for the other people he worked with.

Always in his trademark bowtie. One thing that sticks in my mind vividly was when Christine Kahonek was one of the weather people at WFAA -- she had a miscarriage. Troy volunteered to give her his prime 5-6 PM spot and he took her spot until she could get through that difficult time. A class guy.

Also Troy is a man of faith -- and not of the closet variety either. I find it refreshing when celebrities live confident lives of faith. They don't have to be "in-your-face" about it. But consistently -- day in and day out.

Well, after over 30 years at channel 8, Troy retired last night. I'm going to miss him.

Is This What Is Meant By The Dog Days of Summer?

I am tired. I don't know if the peculiar weather this year hasn't allowed my system to adjust to the sudden summer heat or if it's the higher humidity or if I'm just getting older. It may be all three. But I mowed our yard on Sunday afternoon. Then I played golf Monday afternoon. And yesterday I worked in my in-laws' yard. I got home last night and I was pooped.

Sometimes I wish I had more of my wife's energy. Notice I said "sometimes." Actually, she tires me out just watching her. But it seems like in years past, summers have been more laid back and slower paced. Not this summer! It has been really hectic.

Tomorrow Beverly and I will head back to Houston (I think our car could get there by itself). I am doing a wedding on Saturday evening in Texas City. Then we will leave the reception to get home -- probably around 1 or 2 AM. Then up early Sunday. Whew! I'm getting tired just thinking about it.

And when am I going to watch any of the British Open?

I need a vacation. Thankfully, in two weeks we will be going on one.

Global Warming and the Environment

I know I repeat themes from one blog to another, and I can't remember what I wrote about a couple of months ago. So this may be a repeated idea.

I can remember when I thought environmentalists were all extremists, and that 'global warming" was a fairy tale. I still am not sure that it is as drastic as some would have us believe. I know that air pollution and water pollution are not nearly as bad as they were when I was a teenager. However, I do think that global warming is affecting our weather to some degree.

But the attitude of the other extreme nauseates me. I'm talking about Rush Limbaugh and his ilk who make jokes about cutting down the rain forests and act as if human excess is a virtue. Their creed seems to be, "I will live for me. Who cares about the future?"

Surely the sane position is between the two extremes -- and probably leaning toward the environmentalists. God placed us here on this planet to take care of it. And there are things we can do to protect it -- and make it better. Will it mean doing without some excesses? Probably. Will it cost some money? Yes.

But I want my grandkids and their kids to be able to enjoy the beauty of the earth. And I don't want to risk shaking up the environment because of sheer selfish living on my part. There are so many fairly painless ways that we could make this earth a cleaner place. And I for one am willing to do my part.

Any thoughts?

Nothing is coming to mind this morning (no smart-aleck comments here, please.) So here's something to chew on from Tozer. Don't miss the last couple of lines:

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. --1 Timothy 6:17

We in the churches seem unable to rise above the fiscal philosophy which rules the business world; so we introduce into our church finances the psychology of the great secular institutions so familiar to us all and judge a church by its financial report much as we judge a bank or a department store.

A look into history will quickly convince any interested person that the church has almost always suffered more from prosperity than from poverty. Her times of greatest spiritual power have usually coincided with her periods of indigence and rejection; with wealth came weakness and backsliding. If this cannot be explained, neither apparently can it be escaped. . . .

The point I am trying to make here is that while money has a proper place in the total life of the church, the tendency is to attach to it an importance that is far greater than is biblically sound or morally right. The average church has so established itself organizationally and financially that God is simply not necessary to it. So entrenched is its authority and so stable are the religious habits of its members that God could withdraw Himself completely from it and it could run on for years on its own momentum. The Warfare of the Spirit, 9-11.

The War in Iraq

What a great time it is to be with grandkids. We didn't get to see Truitt for long, but he has really changed. He is SO strong! It was nice to be with Josh and Kayci and to speak at their church. Tomorrow, Jennifer and Jed will be coming to spend nearly a week! I'm sure we will get to see Malaya some during that time as well. Things don't get any better than that.
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The stock market went crazy yesterday. Kind of surprising -- with the price of gasoline going up. That is usually a rally-killer for stocks.
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What would you do about Iraq if you were in George Bush's place right now? He did not make the decision to go into Iraq alone. Congress was supportive of it, too. But you wouldn't know it now -- the way they have all distanced themselves from the decision. Cowardly, if you ask me.

Yes, in hindsight maybe we shouldn't have gone into Iraq. But to abandon that mission now is going to embolden the terrorists. They will consider it a victory.

Regardless of how you feel about the issue, don't you sympathize with those who have to make the decision?

Quick Trip to Houston

In just a little while, Beverly and I will head down to Houston town. I will speak at my son Josh's church tonight and we will spend the night and come back tomorrow. We'll get to see "the T man" (Truitt, my youngest grandchild) for a while. There is also a Marble Slab close to their house. I hope we get to go there! Sweet cream and Heath Bar, Baby!

The Fate of Darwinism

I am currently reading a book by Lee Strobel entitled THE CASE FOR GOD. In it, he describes how he was once an atheist -- due to a large degree by what he had been taught in high school about evolution. He went on to become an investigative reporter for one of Chicago's daily papers.

In this book, Strobel goes to leading scientists and interviews them about Darwinism and evolution. Admittedly, most of them question the theories that many have blindly accepted. But he also quotes a number of staunch evolutionists. His case is compelling -- as he chips away at each of the "proofs" offered by Darwinists.

I am convinced that within a couple of generations, Darwinism will be considered as laughable as the "flat-earth" theory of the Middle Ages.

If you find yourself struggling with belief issues, I would recommend Strobel. I have read THE CASE FOR CHRIST, so this is my 2nd read. He also has a book entitled THE CASE FOR FAITH.

Quietness

...and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, and after the fire a still small voice. --1 Kings 19:12

"The accent in the Church today," says Leonard Ravenhill, the English evangelist, "is not on devotion, but on commotion." Religious extroversion has been carried to such an extreme in evangelical circles that hardly anyone has the desire, to say nothing of the courage, to question the soundness of it. Externalism has taken over. God now speaks by the wind and the earthquake only; the still small voice can be heard no more. The whole religious machine has become a noisemaker. The adolescent taste which loves the loud horn and the thundering exhaust has gotten into the activities of modern Christians. The old question, "What is the chief end of man?" is now answered, "To dash about the world and add to the din thereof."
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I have been guilty of adding to such a mindset in the church. Busy, busy busy! As Chuck Swindoll once observed, "We more resemble a stampeding herd of cattle than sheep by still waters."

It is taking a long time, but the Lord is teaching me -- in small doses -- the value of quietness. This is definitely a discipline that I want to make a part of my spiritual practice. I've tasted enough to know I want more.

Fighting Terrorism

"Of course, not all Muslims are terrorists. But . . . virtually all suicide terrorists today are Muslims. . . . Muslims have got to understand that a death cult has taken root in the bosom of their religion; feeding off it like a cancerous tumor. . . . If Muslim leaders don't remove this cancer -- and only they can -- it will spread, tainting innocent Muslims and poisoning their relations with each other and with the world." -- Thomas L. Friedman, "Terrorist groups are easy to finish, but hard to find" (Houston Chronicle, 7/5/07).

Friedman has hit on something that I have been saying for some time. If Islam is a religion of peace and not a terroristic religion, then they must police -- and work to put an end to -- the terrorists among them. However, it seems to me that they have been far too silent at best . . . and indirectly supportive at worst.

The World As It Is

The following is from Edward Fudge's email:

"Imagine that the approximately 6.5 billion men, women and children in the world today were shrunk into a village containing 100 people with all present human ratios remaining as they are now. Forty-six people in this prototype human village would enjoy political freedom, 17 would be partially free and 37 would be denied most basic human rights.
Geographically, this village of 100 people would include 57 Asians, 21 Europeans, 14 people from the Americas (North, Central and South) and 8 Africans. Seventy of the 100 villagers would be non-white. Religiously, 66 people would be non-Christian (22 Muslims, 15 Hindus, 14 non-religious, 6 Buddhists, 9 other) and 34 would profess Christianity (18 Roman Catholics, 7 Protestants, 4 Orthodox and 5 other).

In terms of formal education, only one person in this village would have a college education. In the cycle of life, one villager would be near birth and one would be near death. From an economic standpoint, six villagers would possess half the wealth of the total village, all six of them from the United States. Meanwhile, 80 villagers would live in substandard housing, 70 would not be able to read and 50 would suffer from malnutrition."

While information like this makes me very grateful to live in America, it also reminds me that because we are so blessed we have a greater responsibility to bring about change in our world.

Denver Conference

Beverly and I had a great trip to Denver -- arriving home last night at about 12: 30 AM. The conference was more than I had expected. I learned so much about how men and women think.

It's interesting: Remember how back in the 70s and 80s, the pop psychology was that men and women are alike, and any differences are due to culture or environment. Well, now everyone is on board with the fact that our brains operate very differently. In fact, the leading experts in the field were showing how vastly different our brains respond to situations. MRIs have allowed science to watch the way our brains respond to different emotions, situations and stimuli. It was fascinating to this layperson.

It's good to be home. Happy 4th!

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.

Taking Things Too Far

A couple of years ago I first heard Tim McGraw's song, "Live Like You Were Dyin'". It's the story of a man who finds out he is dying, so he decides to really live. The chorus: "I went skydivin', I went Rocky Mountain climbin', I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu. And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter and I watched the eagle as it was flying."

I made the mistake of telling my family that I wanted to live more like that. And I really do.

So, on vacation two years ago, I did the bungie-seat thing -- where you are rocketed up into the stratosphere and turn loops, etc. That was a big step for me -- because I'm not crazy about heights.

Well yesterday, my son issued another dare. Beverly and I will be in Houston next week where I will be speaking at both my boys' churches (one on Wednesday night and one on Sunday). Jonathan informed me that he and Josh are going skydiving on Friday. He tried to shame me into joining them. Sorry, I just can't do that.

I did offer to take care of their wives and children after Friday.

Reporting the News

After her tirade last week on The View, Rosie O'Donnell has said she probably will never talk to Elisabeth Hasselbeck again. Poor, poor Elisabeth. I bet she has lost a lot of sleep over that one.
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In a recent CareerBuilder.com survey, hiring managers and human resource professionals across the nation shared the most unusual resume blunders they've come across in their careers. Top slip-ups from the survey included:

Applicant attached a letter from her mother.

Applicant specified that his availability was limited because Friday, Saturday and Sunday was "drinking time."

Applicant explained an arrest by stating, "We stole a pig, but it was a really small pig."

Applicant drew a picture of a car on the outside of the envelope and said it was the hiring manager's gift.

Applicant explained a gap in employment by saying it was because he was getting over the death of his cat for three months.

A Belated Memorial Day Tribute

I believe the drought -- one of the longest in recorded history for this part of Texas -- can now be declared over. As a result, we are going into the summer in good condition. Most of the lakes are full -- if not overflowing. Lake Bridgeport (the lake closest to us), which was down 22 feet less than two months ago, is now down about 5 feet (maybe less with the rain over the weekend). God has certainly been good to us this spring.
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Imagine 3 or 4 Rose Bowl stadiums filled with people. That's about how many service men and women have given their lives in service to our country in our relatively short 200+ years. I didn't do this yesterday, but I think it would be good for every American to watch "Saving Private Ryan" every Memorial Day. We humans tend to forget things fairly quickly. So, it is good to have reminders to cause us to reflect again on the sacrifices made that I can enjoy the freedoms I do.
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This Sunday I will begin preaching both Sunday morning and night. I am excited about some of my future preaching plans. On Sunday nights this summer, I am going to preach through the 1st 10 chapters of Genesis. Then in the fall, I am going to preach through 1 Corinthians. On Sunday mornings, I will complete Acts this summer. I have been asked to do a series on marriage in the fall. After that, I am going to do a series on heaven.

Heaven

I find my thoughts drifting more and more toward heaven these days. I know what some of you are thinking. It's an age thing. And you may be right.

When I was younger, heaven was hardly something I longed for. In my mind (partly because of the theology of my childhood), heaven was simply the better alternative. I KNEW I didn't want to go to hell. But heaven? Singing -- FOR ALL ETERNITY? Well, I would rather sing than burn. But it was like choosing between a spanking or being grounded.

How false such an understanding of heaven is! It is about being fully aware of one's presence in the Kingdom of God. It's about being with Him -- seeing His face.

I'm already committed to a sermon series for the fall. I have been asked to preach on marriage. But I think I am going to follow that up with a study of heaven.

Going Deep

So the Metroplex is getting a Super Bowl! I bet Laura Miller is kicking herself right now for fighting so hard against building a new stadium for the Cowboys in Dallas. Arlington will definitely reap the benefits. And Jerry Jones is smiling ear to ear.
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I am at a point spiritually that I don't want to be. I feel like I have just plateaued. And I don't want to stay here. I want to go DEEP with the Lord. I want to live so intimately with Him that He is the overflow of my heart. I want every thought taken captive. I want every word from my tongue to go through the Jesus filter. I want to walk so close with Him that my life will be like Enoch's. I love what it says about him in Genesis 5: 24: "Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away." That's how I want to be.

Would you pray this for me?

Recapping Last Night

Last night, my mother-in-law and father-in-law asked me over for supper. Pork roast and gravy, potatoes, corn bread, cream corn and cake and ice cream. And the doctor is wanting me to come in for a follow-up blood pressure and cholesterol check. I think I better wait a while.
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When I got home, I went to change the sheets on the bed (Beverly, your favorite sheets are waiting for when you get home). I turned on "Deal Or No Deal" while I changed them (I am probably the slowest sheet-changer in the world). The man who has been dubbed "the Subway Hero" was on as a contestant (Remember him? He was the one who saw a guy fall onto the tracks and jumped down and covered him while the subway went over them). He got up to where the offer was pretty substantial -- but he only had one large amount (1 million) on the board and kept going anyway. Then he lost that. I don't know what he ended up with, but it couldn't have been much. I was hoping for a different ending.
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"24" ended as less of a cliffhanger than in the past. However, it did leave several story lines open. Who thinks Jack's dad is really dead? I have a feeling that he and that computer card are both still alive.

Monday Ramblings

It was wonderful being able to spend some time with my precious grandson Truitt over the weekend. Oh, and his mom and dad, too. He is such a bundle of joy! So active! Beverly is going to be there until Wednesday -- soaking up the love. I envy her.
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In my years of ministry, elders' meetings have not been at the top of my list of "fun" activities. But let me tell you: Every time I am with my current elders, it is a treat. I am so proud of them! And I am blessed to serve with them.
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Tonight is a big night. Two episodes of "24." Here's predicting that the season finale will leave Jack hanging in suspense (I'm just taking a wild guess.) I wonder if he's going to have to bump off his dad?

Jerry Falwell and Teletubbies

I have had several people tell me that they have tried to post to my blog, but have been unable to. The blog account I use changed a while back, and it is now a Google account. However, I believe it will prompt you as to how to open a Google account so that you can post. The account is free. Please don't give up! Part of the fun of blogging is reading the responses.
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Tomorrow Beverly and I are going to Houston to stay with Truitt (also Josh and Kayci). Beverly will stay there until next Wednesday. I will fly back Saturday afternoon. So I may not be in blogger land for a couple of days.
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Jerry Falwell passed away yesterday. Back in the 80s, his Moral Majority helped to change the political landscape in America. For some of that, I applaud him. However, as often happens with things of this nature, his scope became too narrow -- fixating on a handful of issues that he and others felt defined Christianity. While I probably would agree with them on those issues, I'm not sure that Jesus ever said a word about them. I realize that in itself does not make something right or wrong. (For instance, I have heard homosexuals say that their lifestyle is OK because Jesus never said anything against it.) However, it does seem that Jesus' agenda was more geared toward justice and concern for the poor and disenfranchised.

On a closing note: The Teletubbies incident really made Christians look foolish.

My Annual Oil Rant

Gas prices have now reached record highs nationally. So it's time for my annual rant. How do gas stations so beautifully choreograph their price changes? It's like they do it in unison. It's really quite a talent.

Here's something I don't understand: Oil companies know that May begins the summer peak season. So why do they choose this time of year to shut down units at their refineries? The reason they cite for higher prices is higher demand and limited capacity because of refinery "turnarounds" (repairs). Again, don't buy their excuses! It is price-fixing. And we -- the consumers -- are hostages.

I especially feel for the person who is just hanging on -- trying to figure out how to squeeze another $15-20 a week out of their budget. What will such a person have to do without so that the greedy oil companies can have record profits?

In my opinion, big oil companies are the least patriotic of all American businesses, because they affect our entire economy. And they take advantage of any international incident to boost prices again. I may be overstating my case here -- but I think it sometimes borders on treason.

I am ready for our politicians to get serious about alternative fuels. We MUST rid ourselves of dependence on foreign oil. This would also allow us to wash our hands of Middle East politics. We as consumers need to have choices when it comes to energy, and alternative fuels might be the answer. (Of course, the oil companies will probably own the alternative fuels, as well). Unfortunately, most of our politicians are in cahoots with big oil.

Be watching to see what Exxon-Mobil's profits look like for the next quarter.

OK, that's my rant. I just wish I felt better.

Orator? or Prophet?

Last week I mentioned my lawn needing baled. Well, what normally takes me about 2-1/2 hours (edging, trimming and mowing) took me 6 hours spread out over Friday night and Saturday morning. Then, while planting some shrubs on Saturday afternoon, I hit the water line to one of my sprinkler heads. So I got to repair that yesterday afternoon.

I think I will mow again tomorrow evening because Beverly and I are going to Houston on Thursday and I will return Saturday night. I sure don't want to face mowing a hay meadow again.
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Tozer really had a way of holding us preachers feet to the fire. Here is today's devotional thought:

And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, that I may plant the heavens, lay the foundations of the earth, and say to Zion, "You are My people." --Isaiah 51:16

The Christian minister, as someone has pointed out, is a descendant not of the Greek orator but of the Hebrew prophet.

The differences between the orator and the prophet are many and radical, the chief being that the orator speaks for himself while the prophet speaks for God. The orator originates his message and is responsible to himself for its content. The prophet originates nothing but delivers the message he has received from God who alone is responsible for it, the prophet being responsible to God for its delivery only. The prophet must hear the message clearly and deliver it faithfully, and that is indeed a grave responsibility; but it is to God alone, not to men. God Tells the Man Who Cares, 85.

The late seminary chaplain Richard Seume once said, "When your people sit in front of you on Sunday morning, they're not interested in hearing another man tell them how to live their lives; they've come to hear a word from God."

May that be my prophetic perspective this week.

Mother's Day

Wow! My yard looks like a jungle today. I was going to mow it last Saturday, but there were other things that came up -- like having a grandson. But the rain and warmer nights have made the grass take off. I may need a hay bailer when I mow this evening.
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It's hard to believe that my oldest son Josh and his precious wife Kayci are celebrating their 5th anniversary today. This has been a special week for them. They became parents last Saturday. Anniversary today. And on Sunday, Kayci will get to celebrate her 1st Mother's Day as a mom.
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Here's wishing a Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there. Let's remember, however, that Mother's Day is not a happy day for everyone. There are many women who would love to be mothers -- but are unable to. And there are countless people who -- when they hear the word "mother" do not have good memories. So, let's celebrate the beauty of motherhood -- but with sensitivity.

The Innocent Man

As you know, I am a John Grisham fan. However, I had not read his newest work, which is non-fiction, because I had heard it was not very good. Well, while I was in Houston, I noticed it on my son Josh's bookshelf. So I started reading it. I borrowed it from him so I could finish it.

It is entitled "The Innocent Man." Actually it tells the story of 4 men from Ada, Oklahoma -- all framed for two separate murders, and all sent to death row. Over the last few years, I have begun to reconsider my position on the death penalty, but this book really solidifies it for me.

I have lived pretty naively. I want to assume that our law enforcement people and our prosecutors are always honest. But this book graphically portrays anything but that. It shows men who were so eager to make a name for themselves in solving crimes that they pushed for indictments with no evidence, ignored evidence to the contrary, and played to the sympathies of a town scared by these unsolved murders.

While I would hope that such "law enforcement" is the rare exception and not the rule, it has made me realize that things like this do happen. I mean, four men in one fairly small town! And this is a true story! To think of people who are robbed of life while the guilty are still free makes me want to scream out for justice. And yet, we have heard so many criminals claim they are innocent that we have become calloused to such a cry.

What would you do if you were innocent and had been found guilty? What recourse would you have? I don't think I will ever be as hard-hearted toward such a claim as I have in the past. And while I have not changed my opinion about the death penalty necessarily from any theological standpoint, I just don't see that it serves as a deterrent to crime. Frankly, it seems somewhat barbaric. I'm not getting on a soapbox about it -- and can totally accept the arguments from both sides. I am just speaking for where I am today in my own skin.

Truitt is Here!

Early Saturday morning we got a call from my son Josh telling us that Kayci was experiencing contractions. A little later, he called from the hospital to tell us that she had been admitted. We immediately went into panic mode. I called to get people to cover for me on Sunday. I had a funeral scheduled for 2 PM. After making a few calls to see if anyone could cover, it became apparent that we would have to wait to leave for Houston after the funeral. Just before I walked in to begin the service, I got a text message: Hard labor had begun.

We got off about 3 PM. We had been on the road about a half hour when we got another text message from Josh. Truitt was here! He was healthy and Kayci was doing well.

After dealing with the disappointment of not being able to actually be there, Beverly and I drove in great anticipation of being able to see and hold our new gift. We arrived at the hospital about 8 PM. When we got there Truitt was under a heat lamp, so we had to wait until his body temperature got to a certain point before we could hold him. Of course, Beverly got the first turn. But, oh, how sweet it was to hold him.

We will go back in about 10 days. I can't wait!

You can see pictures at Truitt's blog site: www.truittross.blogspot.com.

Calling for Truitt Ross

Unless our precious daughter-in-law Kayci goes into labor before Monday, Beverly and I will leave after church Sunday afternoon to head for Houston. By Monday night, we should be grandparents for the third time. Our daughter gave us our first grandchild -- a girl. Our sons are blessing us with sons.

I can't wait to see Joshua Truitt Ross! And while we're there, I'll also get to see Jed. If Jenny and Malaya come down, it will be a sweet treat -- getting to see all three.

God is blessing Truitt from the very start. Josh and Kayci are going to be such good parents. I am really proud of my kids. Jenny took to mothering like a duck to water. Of course, she had plenty of practice with our boys. Jonathan jumped right in as a daddy -- making me wish I could have a do-over to be like him. Josh? He was born to be a dad. He has a way with kids that is incredible. This is going to be fun! But the icing on the cake is that they married such wonderful people.

I count myself so blessed!

Feeding the Sheep

There are times when I wish Tozer would just "tend to his own knittin'" as my mother used to say. Today's words are very convicting to me.

Preaching: Starving at the Father's Table

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." --John 21:15

There is today no lack of Bible teachers to set forth correctly the principles of the doctrines of Christ, but too many of these seem satisfied to teach the fundamentals of the faith year after year, strangely unaware that there is in their ministry no manifest Presence, nor anything unusual in their personal lives. They minister constantly to believers who feel within their breasts a longing which their teaching simply does not satisfy.

I trust I speak in charity, but the lack in our pulpits is real. Milton's terrible sentence applies to our day as accurately as it did to his: "The hungry sheep look up, and are not fed." It is a solemn thing, and no small scandal in the Kingdom, to see God's children starving while actually seated at the Father's table. The Pursuit of God, 8.
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Oh, may I NEVER be guilty of such preaching.

Something to Chew On

Here's a couple of quotes I wrote down from last weekend:

"If you are over-extended, you are under-committed."

"Drivenness is not a gift of God. God calls us to peace."

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Will the Mavs pull this series out? If last night was their statement game, I think not.

Closing the Deal, part 2

More thoughts from yesterday's blog theme:

You know how much I admired Byron Nelson. Certainly he was one of the greatest sports figures in history. His 11 straight PGA tour wins is about as untouchable as Joe Dimaggio's 56-game hitting streak.

But as I listened to people talk about Mr. Nelson over the past week (when his tournament was played), I was struck by the fact that nobody mentioned him who did not comment upon his faith. They would mention his achievements, his kindness, his commitment to children through his charity, etc. But they would all say something about his deep faith in God.

Mr. Nelson was a seed-planter. At his funeral, I saw celebrities who may never enter church buildings. But I guarantee you: That day, they heard the gospel. Did Mr. Nelson close the deal? I know he did on occasion. In fact, he baptized his wife, Peggy. Was Mr. Nelson evangelistic? Absolutely. How? Because he was light and salt. Because he was the aroma of Christ.

Closing the Deal

As I was listening to Randy Harris speak Saturday afternoon, something he said struck me. He said we in Churches of Christ feel like any time we are sharing Jesus, we have to "close the deal" (lead them to baptism). However, we have so many opportunities each day to share Jesus that if we only do so when we can close the deal, we are then failing to be seed-planters.

Our thinking that we have to close the deal actually works against us being evangelistic. After all, if you can't make the sell, why even try? So unless we can sit down and have a Bible study with someone (which few of us do), then why mention Jesus? Just blend in with the rest of the crowd. Treat people like a pagan would treat them, because without closing the deal, it really doesn't matter. We wouldn't actually be guilty of such callous thinking, but I think subliminally this is what happens.

Let's realize that we may be God's instrument to plant a seed. With every person we meet! You know, companies spend millions of dollars to advertise their products -- knowing that ads don't close the sale. But they present the product so that someone else might have the opportunity to close the sale at a later time. Well, we are walking advertisements for Jesus.

As Paul said (1 Corinthians 3: 6): "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow."

I have known this for a long time, but it just struck me in a powerful way when listening to Randy. It is going to change the way I deal with people. Would you join me?

The Nelson

Tomorrow Beverly and I are going on a ministers' retreat. Actually, we are meeting Jacob and Heather at the Byron Nelson Golf Tournament to spend the day together.

I find it sad that the Nelson has fallen so quickly. It used to be an elite event -- drawing a great field. Much of that was due to Mr. Nelson's influence. As recently as just a couple of years ago, they would get 7 or 8 of the top ten players. This year, they have 2: Phil Michelson and ViJay Singh. My respect for them has gone up as a result. In fact, Phil was also at Mr. Nelson's funeral in September.

I really would have expected more golfers to come this year out of tribute to Mr. Nelson. I am especially disappointed in Tiger Wood's failure to appear. He has often said how much Mr. Nelson meant to him in his early years -- encouraging him and guilding him to make right decisions about his career path.

Regardless of who is there, I plan on having a good time tomorrow (even with Jacob present).
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Tomorrow night, we will pick up our granddaughter and head to Houston. Beverly will be on the program for Elderlink. I will spend time with my sons and their families. My grandson, Jed, is now walking and is so cute and so much fun!

I'll return to blog land next week!

Toyota is Now Number One

I read this morning that Toyota has passed GM into the #1 spot in world auto sales. I can remember a day when I said I would never buy a Japanese car. I have now had one Toyota and four Hondas.

Back in the late 60s when Toyota first came to America, their cars were cheap -- in price and quality. But they really changed their reputation. Hyundai is doing a similar thing now. They first came with cheap, poor quality cars. But now, their cars seem to be much better.

I wish the American auto makers would make a similar change in image. However, I find it ironic that my Hondas are more American made now than most GMs.
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I found the following comments on Tozer's daily devo to be interesting, especially since I am such a George Mueller fan:

..Yet you do not have because you do not ask. --James 4:2

It was a saying of George Mueller that faith grows with use. If we would have great faith we must begin to use the little faith we already have. Put it to work by reverent and faithful praying, and it will grow and become stronger day by day. Dare today to trust God for something small and ordinary and next week or next year you may be able to trust Him for answers bordering on the miraculous. Everyone has some faith, said Mueller; the difference among us is one of degree only, and the man of small
faith may be simply the one who has not dared to exercise the little faith he has.

Miscellaneous Monday

After watching the Mavs last night, I am thinking about trying out for the NBA. I am probably one of the worst shooters in the history of the world. I can miss layups as well as they did. And I would offer to play for much less. That was a sorry performance and the fans deserved better.
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Does anyone out there know how to get rid of mushrooms. We have a flowerbed that, every time it rains, the mushrooms come up in clumps by the hundreds. I have tried poisoning them, and have succeeded only in killing a couple of shrubs. But they just keep on coming back. I am going to call the county extention agent and see if there is something I can do.

Adam, I'm coming to find you as soon as I get to heaven.

A Review of "Idol"

FINALLY! Justice has been served. Sanjaya is gone! Now Idol can get down to determining who the best is.

I didn't watch Tuesday night. In fact, Beverly and I have not been big Idol-ers this year. We fast-forward through Wednesday night's shows to see who gets booted.

I was surprised to hear Simon apologizing for his facial expressions the night before when one of the contestants said something about the shootings at Virginia Tech. When they replayed it, I can only imagine what viewers from Tuesday night must have thought about Simon for the next 24 hours. But when Simon's dialogue with Paula was turned up, it was obvious that he was not even listening to the contestant -- and his facial expressions were in response to something Paula had said.

It reminds me just how easy it is to be misunderstood. A facial expression. Tone of voice. Poor choice of words. Unintentional oversight of someone. All can be considered slights and cause strain in relationships.

Wow! Relationships with people would be so easy -- if it wasn't for people being involved. (You might want to write that one down. If you quote it, please give me credit.)

Sports Talk

The rain last night was sure nice. This month will go a long way to curbing the draught. If we could have another few wet weeks, we should go into summer in pretty good shape. Thank you, Lord!
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Are the Stars going to do a repeat of last year and disappear in the 1st round of the playoffs? They keep crowing about how they are the better team in this series. Yet they find themselves down 3 games to 1. Not good.

And the Mavs. I know some of you who read this blog are sports fanatics, and I confess I am really not. I would love to see the Mavs win the championship this year. They have certainly had a great season. But what is the deal with them against Golden State? I know last night was a meaningless game in which they held out all their starters. However, they haven't been able to beat them this year. And it looks like they will be their 1st-round opponents in the playoffs.
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Part of the joy I find in walking with the Lord is that no matter how much history we have -- He never ceases to amaze me. He is just so incredible! LIfe with Him is definitely "da bomb"!

Prayers for Virginia Tech

What a tragedy yesterday with the massacre at Virginia Tech. I wish I could say I was shocked -- and to some degree I was. But after Columbine, Paducah, Wedgewood Baptist, the MacDonald's in California, the Luby's in Killeen . . .

We know the guy who killed so many in Austin back in the 60s had a brain tumor. With these others, I find myself wondering what would cause someone to do such a terrible thing? I've heard all kinds of reasons offered -- but I just can't relate to it at all. Beverly often tells me rational people cannot relate to the thinking of irrational people. I do worry sometimes when I hear the "experts" on TV explaining what is going on in these murderers' minds. I think they need to be careful not to make victims out of them. Whatever has happened in these people's lives does not excuse the cowardliness of their actions.

This morning I am praying that the Lord will be really big in the lives of the victims' families and friends.

No Time

Beverly had an interesting weekend. She went to Panama City, Florida for a Ladies' retreat. She was supposed to be home Saturday evening around 9. Well, the storm that came through here on Friday night hit Atlanta on Saturday night. So she was delayed several hours. She got home about 1:30 Sunday morning. Then immediately after church yesterday, she was off for Sunnyvale for a "coffee" honoring our nephew, who is graduating from high school. I think she might have caught up a little on her sleep last night. I know I did.

This time of year the pace of life is unbelievable! I don't do nearly as well with it as Beverly does. We have baby showers, weddings, graduations and birthdays every weekend until June. This weekend we go to Houston. Then next weekend we go back for Elderlink, where Beverly will be speaking. So, there will be lots of late Saturday nights coming up.

And somewhere in there -- we are going to have a grandson (another trip to Houston -- but one I can't wait to see Truit!)

Whew! I get tired just thinking about it!

When do you reach the time in life where you piddle in the yard on weekends? Or drive to some little town and look around? Or watch a movie? (Some friends lent us a movie 6 weeks ago, and we have yet to find time to watch it!) I thought that might come with empty nest, but I think we are busier now than when we had kids at home.

When you boil it all down, I guess we do what we want to do.

Crabs and More

Decatur made the national news! For those of you who do not live in this area, you might have missed it. The Decatur courthouse was reported to have "crabs" in the public restroom. Something resembling a lice had been found, and someone asked, "Could it be crabs?" The next thing you know, the media had picked up on it and was reporting that as a fact.

It turns out that the "lice" was a bird parasite brought by the pigeons that nest around the courthouse. Oh, well. So much for our moment of fame.
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I hear an incredible story this morning on "Good Morning, America" about 9-1-1 operators. There was an incident in which a woman was choking on a piece of meat. Her husband called, and the 9-1-1 operator asked if he could do the Heimlick on her. The husband said he did not know how -- and the operator nor the supervisor could tell him how! By the time EMS arrived, the woman was dead! Can you imagine that?

Then to top it off, the operator was reported to have said, "Well, another one bites the dust. I guess she bit off more than she could chew."

Could we bring back public floggings?

Daily Blogging?

I have been blogging now for nearly three years. I must confess: There are days when I have no idea what to say. There are often times when I wonder if this is really a good way to spend my time. I could be spending this time in prayer or reading from the Word. I like the discipline most of the time. I had really hoped that by now, this would be a place for the exchange of ideas, dialogue, etc. It is OK that it hasn't developed into that, but I am just considering its priority. I am trying to decide if it might be good for me to give it up for a while. Or maybe go to once or twice a week. I think I'll sleep on it.
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My friends Jody Adams and Kyle Reeves are leaving today for Mexico. Kyle has made this trip three previous years, and Jody has gone twice. They open up a clinic and do dental work. Kyle works on my teeth, so I know how good a job he will do. Jody? I think I might rather have Jack Bauer approaching my mouth:) This year, they are taking an orthodontist along with them. Let's cover them with prayer as they make this trip.

My Granddaughter Is Seven!

Seven years ago today, I was in Abilene -- wondering what it would be like to be a grandfather. What I learned is that no words can descibe it.

Today my first grandchild turns 7. She has truly been one of the handful of greatest blessings in my life. She is fun, smart and truly has a love for God that carries over into a love for people. And she actually thinks I am smart. Her mother says that when a discussion of history or current events comes up and they are not sure of the answer, Malaya will say, "Grampy will know."

I also love the way she can turn on her voice when she wants something: "Gray-im-pee." She can have whatever she wants.

I am proud to be her "Grampy" -- even though when she spends the night, I end up on the couch.

Tonight we will celebrate her birthday at Chili's in Keller.

It's hard to believe, but in about a month, I will have THREE grandchildren. Two boys and a girl. Life is sweet -- and I am blessed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my sweet Malaya!