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.
____________________

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.
_______________

The stock market went crazy yesterday. Kind of surprising -- with the price of gasoline going up. That is usually a rally-killer for stocks.
_______________

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."
_______________

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!
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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!
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

"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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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."

____________________

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).
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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!
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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.
____________________

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!

Thoughts on the Master and The Masters

Last week my thoughts were on the original resurrection week a lot. Each day I found myself asking, "What was Jesus doing right now?" "What were Jesus' apostles thinking right now?"

Well, it still hasn't stopped. This morning one of my 1st thoughts was, "What was it like for the apostles the day after resurrection day?" After seeing Jesus in the Upper Room on Sunday night, what was it like for them as they awoke Monday morning? Were they excited? Confused? Did they wonder if they they were just waking up from a dream?
____________________

I enjoyed watching The Masters this year. However, I think they have made the course too difficult. Part of the thrill of watching it is hearing those roars go up when someone sinks a birdie or eagle. There was a little of that yesterday, but it was absent Saturday. The Masters played like a U. S. Open. But I don't think that's what most people want from Augusta. It will be interesting to see if they correct that.

And the winner? Zach Johnson. A 31-year old fresh face. It was really neat to see the way he handled himself in the victory. Very gracious. Obviously a man of deep conviction and faith.

"Good Friday"

At this very moment 1,973 years ago today -- Jesus was approaching Golgotha.

I'm saying that with some poetic license. Of course, He was in a different time zone. And there are good arguments made that "Good Friday" should be "Good Thursday" -- that Jesus was actually crucified on Thursday -- and spent three FULL days in the tomb. Could be. But I'm just offering the daily reminders as points of reflection.

So, having said that -- the transaction which paid for my sin was only hours away.
____________________

Here's some thoughts from Tozer:

But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him. --Habakkuk 2:20

I think we are the busiest bunch of eager beavers ever seen in the religious world. The idea seems to be that if we are not running in a circle, breathing down the back of our own neck, we are not pleasing God!

When Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15 KJV), Peter probably leaped to his feet and, no doubt, scooped up his hat on the way out. He was going to go right then!

But the Lord said, "Peter, come back, and 'stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high' (Luke 24:49)."

Sometimes I think the Church would be better off if we would call a moratorium on activity for about six weeks and just wait on God to see what He is waiting to do for us. That's what they did before Pentecost. The Counselor, 95.
____________________

Looks like we might get a freeze tonight or tomorrow night! Wow. I hope our marigolds make it. We'll be at LTC.

In Another Place and Time

Winter has refused to retreat. The last two days have been really cool, and it is supposed to get cooler. Not a freeze -- but temperatures in the 30s this weekend. I had just put up all of my winter clothes last Saturday.
____________________

I have now entered the 21st century. Yes, I have TiVo -- and just in time! My first TiVo-ed show? The Masters. Yes, Beverly works late tonight. So, after I mow my in-laws yard this afternoon, I will settle in with TiVo and Augusta. Life gets better only in heaven:).
____________________

What a wonderful surprise to hear that Iran had released the British soldiers they were holding captive. I can't figure out what would have motivated them to do that -- but I am glad. Maybe that lunatic leader of theirs is trying to make some points globally.
____________________

Again, assuming the crucifixion year of 30 AD, 1,977 years ago tonight -- Jesus washed the feet of His apostles in the upper room. He instituted the Lord's Supper. He prayed in anguish in the Garden.

I wonder what He was doing at this time in the morning on that fateful day?

W.A.R.M.

I am working on my Wednesday night class and Sunday morning class from the house this morning. We are making the switch from DISH to DirectTV. This was prompted by my kids telling me that I am still living in the stone age since I don't have Tivo (sp?). DirectTV is scheduled to be here at 10. I am hopeful that I have made the right decision. I have been with Dish for 6-1/2 years, but they just were not willing to give me any kind of deal. To get from them what I am getting from DirectTV would cost about $30 a month more.
____________________

I have written about W.A.R.M. (Wise Area Relief Mission) before. Since I have just left my prayer group where we talked for a long time about W.A.R.M., it is still on my heart. We are in need of a new facility. We operate on a tight budget, and the current building (used to be the Church of Christ building) is ours to use for free. But it is falling down around us. It is in need of a lot of repairs, and has a mold issue as well. Please pray that the Lord will provide for this need.

Also, we could use some volunteers. This would be perfect for someone who is retired. One could volunteer for a couple of hours a week or a month. But we really need help! It is gratifying work. Mostly just stocking groceries and things of that sort. But to see how the poor are being helped gives you a good feeling.

TV Commercials

Congratulatons to the Florida Gators. They are the only NCAA team in history to hold both the national football and basketball championship at the same time.
____________________

I know I am probably overreacting, but am I seeing an Achille's heel in the Mavs? Was Dwyane Wade right in saying that Dirk is not a leader? In the two head-to-head matches with the Suns in the last month, Dirk has been mediocre at best -- while Nash looks like Superman. This does not bode well for getting to the finals. I know that championships are not won in April, but is anyone else concerned?
____________________

Geico appears to have hit on an advertising stroke of genius. I got pretty tired of the gecko thing. But their caveman ads are interesting. And now there is talk of making this into a prime time television show.

Speaking of commercials, have you seen the one with the guy who is standing outside the company conference room dressed in loud golf clothes with a golf glove on his hand. He asks his boss if he can leave work to take care of his daughter. It's cute.

I also like the one for a hotel chain ( I can't remember for sure who). The boss tells an employee that he wants him to go to represent them at a conference because everyone likes him. He acts surprised. So the boss says, "OK, watch." He picks up a potted cactus and throws it at a fellow employee who is sitting at his computer. The guy jumps up angrily and yells, "Who did that?" Seeing that it is this "likeable" guy, he just says, "Oh, it's just ________. He's so funny." He then goes back to his computer -- with the cactus stuck to his back. It cracks me up.

Any favorites?

What a Week!

This is a busy week. First of all, it is Master's week. I ate lunch with a guy yesterday who got to spend 2 days there a couple of years ago. He said it is one of those places that you go to with high expectations -- and it still exceeds your expectations. And he's not really a golfer!

2nd, this is LTC weekend. Our kids from church have been studying the book of Acts since September in preparation for events this weekend. Many have also been involved in crafts, radio and any number of activities. Beverly and I will spend Friday night at the Hyatt-Airport, which is where LTC is bein held. We will be watching and encouraging our kids in their individual competitions. We will stay until after lunch on Saturday.

3rd, and greatest of all: Sunday is Easter. We will commemorate THE day of the greatest event in history -- the empty tomb. Let the skeptics continue with their chatter. They only make themselves look silly.

I was thinking yesterday about something. If I live to be 73, I will celebrate the 2,000th Easter (assuming the dating is accurate). It was once believed that Jesus was crucified in 33 AD. Then the dating was changed to 30 AD. Some are now saying it may have been 28 AD. In my calculations, I am going with 30 AD.

JESUS IS RISEN!

My Obsession with Rain

The rains this week have been so nice! Two inches Monday. Nearly an inch last night. More on the way.

Some of you who read my blog might wonder why rain is so important to me. Well, in the part of Texas in which we live -- we have been in a drought that is entering its third year. The lake from which we get our drinking water is 20 feet low. That's right -- 20 feet! The stock tanks (normally full this time of year as we head into summer) are near empty. And summer is not even here yet!

So, while flash floods are in the forecast (and I'm surely not hoping for anyone to be flooded out), I'm praying, "Lord, bring us a gulley-washer -- especially up in the watershed region for Lake Bridgeport."
____________________

Two years ago this week, I accepted the position of preaching minister for the Decatur church. I feel like I'm still on my honeymoon. I love you, Decatur church!

Messiah

I love when I am studying and come across those "wow" moments. Verses I have read before, but maybe I was at a different time in my life when they didn't impact me quite the same.

So yesterday I was studying for my Sunday morning Bible class. We are studying some of the names of Jesus -- and this week is "Messiah." I was reading from the prophet Daniel. I must confess: I am fairly skeptical as I read men's interpretations of prophecy, because it seems that the majority are biased toward premillinialism.

Anyway, Daniel has a couple of prophecies that are so clear. The first is his interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream about a statue. Daniel explains that the different parts of the statue represent coming kingdoms -- historically accurate. During the last kingdom, the feet of iron and clay, Daniel says (2: 44) "In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed." This points to the time of the Roman Empire.

Later, in chapter 9, Daniel prophesies that from the issuing of the decree to rebuild Jerusalem until "the Anointed One" will be "seventy sevens" (that's 490 years). The decree to rebuild Jerusalem was given by King Artexerxes in 444 BC. No wonder the Jewish people were so anxious for the coming of Messiah in the 1st century! They knew what the prophet had said. Even the Magi had figured it out. The High Priest under Herod the Great had proclaimed the imminent arrival of Messiah -- so Herod had him put to death. Herod killed his three sons -- in fear that one of them might be Messiah.

Yes, Jesus came right on schedule -- fulfilling the prophecy of Daniel made over 500 years earlier. The Jews were anticipating His coming. They asked John the Baptist, "Are you the Messiah?" Yet, when God's Chosen One walked among them -- they missed Him. They wanted to hold out for what they thought would be better.

Isn't God incredible!

Thoughts on Prayer

This morning in my prayer group, we were talking (of all things) about prayer. Isn't it incredible that we have so often dwelt upon the "right way" to pray? Would two friends discuss the "right way" to have a conversation?

I have, in the past, gotten hung up and felt guilty because I don't pray as long as some people. I read these studies where it says that the average preacher prays for 30 minutes, or some such thing. Well, I don't regularly pray in 30 minute blocks. But I don't talk on the phone for long periods of time, either. It's just not my personality.

And here's another thing. Now, hang with me on this one. I am not in any way opposed to getting a lot of people praying for a specific thing. But what is our motive? Do we think that we will sway God's decision about something because we overwhelm Him? Couldn't one person's prayer accomplish as much as a thousand?

I know I am just throwing out a lot of stuff here, but I have been thinking (maybe rethinking) a lot about my own theology of prayer. I am coming to see it more as an ongoing conversation with my Father. Not as a wish-list for Him to sit and listen to. But as a way in which I can grow into oneness with Him. I see prayer as a tool for changing me, not God.

I Want My Baby Back, Baby Back, Baby Back

As I write this Beverly is hopefully over the Atlantic. She left from the east coast of Kenya at about 4:30 our time yesterday morning. They flew to Niarobi, where they had a 7 hour layover. So about 1:30 our time yesterday afternoon, they left Niarobi -- headed for London. They should have arrived in London about 12:30 our time this morning (6:30 AM London time). They were to have another 7 hour layover. Hopefully they took a bus tour of London or something similar to that. They should arrive in Chicago around 4:30 this afternoon before the final leg -- arriving at DFW around 8:15. So, it's down to less than 12 hours!

This has been difficult being apart so long. I can only imagine how our service men and women feel being apart for months at a time. But my Sunshine will reenter my life tonight after dark.
____________________

I watched some of the PGA tournament yesterday, and was once again amazed by Tiger. He didn't play very well, yet still won by three. His next stop is the Masters. I can't wait! Boy, would I love to go there some day. Did you know that it is the hardest ticket to get in all of sports?
____________________

Can the Mavs win 70 games? It would be a great accomplishment, and it is within the realm of possible since they have gone 5-5 on their current 6 game road trip. But none of that means anything if they don't win the championship this year.

Weeds

I have a spot in my flower bed along the walk from the front door to the street that keeps growing mushrooms. Not two or three. Hundreds! I have tried Roundup. I have dug the dirt out and replaced it. I have dug the dirt out, put undeluted weed poison in the hole and replaced the dirt. It half-killed the shrub that sits right next to this spot. I thought maybe it had worked.

This morning as I went out to get the paper, guess what I saw? Yep. The mushrooms are peeking through the dirt again.

How is it that weeds and unwanted stuff is so much easier to grow than what you really want? After all, St. Augustine is actually a type of weed. Did you know that? But because it is a weed that I want, it is harder to grow than the weeds I don't want.

I like having a nice yard, and since I tend to be obsessive about certain interests -- THIS DRIVES ME NUTS!

I am looking forward to heaven. I can't wait to see Jesus. I can't wait to see people I love who have gone before me. I want to sit down with Paul and ask him about a few things he wrote that I don't totally understand.

But one of the 1st things on my agenda is to find Adam. And when I do, I'm going to punch him in the nose. For sins? No, through Jesus I have been forgiven of my sin. No, he's going to get a knuckle sandwich because of WEEDS!

It's a Sad, Sad Story

WARNING: This post is going to be very sad, so you might want to grab a Kleenex.

I am missing my Baby (This is where you are probably tearing up). Nine nights down. Four to go (This is where you begin to sob). Actually, she is doing really well. We have talked on a couple of occasions, and she emails me nearly every day. I can't wait to see pictures and hear more about her trip.

She did tell me that the missionary ladies are carrying a lot of raw emotional pain. I would ask that you be praying for these ladies, and for Beverly as she ministers to them.

Meanwhile, my in-laws got moved in to their Decatur house yesterday. We are glad that they will be close by where we can take care of them.

Lordship

In Sunday morning Bible class this quarter, we are studying some of the many names of Jesus. This week we will be examining the word "Lord."

Jesus being Lord is a concept that we who call on Him often take far too flippantly. The whole implication of "Lord" means the right to rule. Yet we have a hard time rectifying the discrepancy between our words and our actions, our name and our lifestyles.

I came across some exerpts from a book by Robert Boyd Munger entitled My Heart -- Christ's Home. In it, he describes letting Jesus move into the home of our hearts, and what would happen as He enters each room AS LORD. How would that affect our Study, our Den, our Bedroom, our Gameroom, our Closet?

Munger concludes:
Dropping to my knees, I said, "Lord, You have been a guest and I have been the host. From now on I am going to be the servant. You are going to be the owner and Master."
Running as fast as I could to the strongbox, I took out the title deed to the house describing its assets and liabilities, location and situation. I eagerly signed the house over to Him alone for time and eternity. "Here," I said, "here it is, all that I am and have, forever. Now You run the house. I'll just remain with You as a servant and friend."
Things are different since Jesus Christ has settled down and has made His home in my heart. This is the difference made when one truly yields his or her life to Jesus as Lord and Master.

Parenting

My son Josh sent me an interesting article. It's funny how we get certain ideas in our head, and reality is actually quite different. The article is entitled "Despite 'mommy guilt,' time with kids rising."

The article say "In 1965, mothers spent 10.2 hours a week tending primarily to their children -- feeding them, reading with them or playing games, for example -- according to the study's analysis of detailed time diaries kept by thousands of Americans. That number dipped in the 1970s and 1980s, rose in the 1990s and now is higher than ever, at nearly 14.1 hours a week.

This is especially striking because it is at odds with how today's mothers view their own lives: Roughly half of those interviewed said they did not have enough time with their children.

"This is part of the burden of this generation of parents: enormously high expectations for how children develop, how they feel about themselves, how they achieve and how successful they are in the world," said William Doherty, a family studies professor at the University of Minnesota. (I had to throw this quote in because Doherty is one of Beverly's favorites).

For married mothers, hours with children rose from 47 a week in 1975 to 51 a week in 2000. For married fathers, the increase was greater: from 21 to 33 hours a week. Time spent by single mothers slipped from 50 hours a week to 44.

What the researchers could not capture was what they think of as "accessibility": when a parent might be uninvolved but is around to be called on -- inside the house, for example, when the children are in the back yard.

This may help explain why some mothers still feel their time with children is not enough, Doherty said. "You may get home from work at 4:30 and spend hours interacting with your child, but you may feel bad that you weren't around all day."

Sociologist Kathleen Gerson of New York University points out that parents of the 1960s worried about mothers smothering their children with attention.

Now, she said, "the concern is: Are children getting as much face time as they need, as much quality time?"
____________________

If you want to read this in its entirety, go to www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17696109. I must say that I am impressed by what I am seeing from the current generation of 20s and 30s when it comes to parenting. They seem to have a better priority toward family than the Boomers did.

Wacky Weather -- Global Warming?

I am praying that the weatherpeople are right this week. They are calling for rain beginning Tuesday all the way through Saturday. And last night they said the rain would be heaviest WEST of I-35! I can't remember the last time I heard that.

We need to be praying for rain every day. This morning it was announced that Dallas is already putting watering restrictions into effect. No watering between 10AM and 6 PM. And it's March!

We have two couples who are stranded in Europe today because they cannot fly back to New York. Right now reports are that it may be Tuesday before they can make it back. I guess being in Paris or London for two days wouldn't be all bad. I just hope this is all over with before next weekend! I sure don't want Beverly getting stranded over there!

I am beginning to wonder if the environmentalists are not more right than I have previously thought. This global warming thing could be a serious issue to reckon with.

Are You Smarter Than A Fifth-Grader

I have watched with amusement the new show on Fox, "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth-Grader." I realize that there must be tremendous stress being on camera answering questions before millions of people. But I am also amazed at simple questions that people with college degrees cannot answer.

Last night, for instance.
"What country borders the United States to the north?" The lady didn't know the answer!
And there was a man on there who was in real estate. His question: "What is half the area of a 12 X 12 square?" He dropped out rather than answer the question. When the host, Jeff Foxworthy, asked him what he would have said, he answered, "24." Yessir, that's the guy I want listing my house on the market.

And to think that these people will be voting in the next election! (Please realize that this is written half-tongue-in-cheek).
____________________

I finally got to go play golf again late yesterday afternoon. What a gorgeous day it was! I played pretty well. And I found about 2 dozen golf balls (seven Titleist Pro-V1s). My favorite golfball is the Pro-V1. They are very expensive -- about $45 a dozen. But I have never bought one. I have received two dozen as gifts. I love hunting golf balls, and love giving them away to others. But I do keep all the Pro-V1s.

So thanks to all you golfers out there who buy Pro-V1s and then lose them. I am especially grateful to those of you who lose them when they are fresh out of the sleeve:-).

Evangelism

I think Randy's comment on my blog yesterday may be the answer to why I don't keep up with sports as much as I used to. I am not saying this is true for anyone else, OK. But it just feels to me like a waste of time. I watched the Mavs last night. They have a safe lead with about a minute left, and then just hand the game to the Suns. So, I have spent several hours watching this game for what? And even if they win the championship, studies show that a person experiences about 30 minutes of satisfaction. Again, this is not to indict anyone else. Just me. I'm sure I do things (like play golf) that others would consider a waste of time as well.
____________________

I have been thinking lately about the "lack of evangelistic zeal" in the church. For my whole life, I have gotten (and probably contributed to) regular doses of guilt over not being evangelistic enough. In the church it is almost like we have come to expect a periodic guilt-laden sermon about how we need to be sharing wtih others, yet I have seen no visible effect from all of that. What is the deal?

Here are my personal observations:
1st, I think that guilt is probably the poorest motivator there is. There has to be another way.
2nd, perhaps the fields where we are are not ripe to harvest right now. There are times and places in history when that is the case. There are many placed in the world that are ripe today. But there are many that are not. In Scripture we have examples of both. Was Noah a failure at evangelism? Not one convert in 100 years. Was Jonah the greatest evangelist ever? A whole town (Nineveh) repented. But I would take Noah over Jonah any day of the week. Perhaps America has been evangelized as much as it is willing. That doesn't mean we don't keep sharing Jesus. But it could explain the lack of conversions. And don't think the growth of the megachurches is a sign of people coming to Jesus. Their growth is coming by stealing members from
other churches.
3rd, we have been conditioned to think that evangelism is a "program" that has to follow a certain procedure (asking people if they want to "study", etc.) It is not that clinical. It can be messy and time-consuming. It means getting involved in the lives of hurting people who have made messes of their lives.
4th, maybe we are just lazy and apathetic. Maybe we are so caught up in our own lives that we forget the eternal consequences awaiting the unsaved.
5th, what is our motivation? This has been heavy on my mind lately. Is our motivation so we can have large numbers on Sunday? Or is our motivation to bring salvation, healing, hope and transformation?

Any thoughts?

Is It a Sign of Aging?

I used to be a huge sports fan. I could tell you the lineups of many major league baseball teams and who was leading in what. I knew many of the NFL team's rosters, as well as the NBA's. Today, I feel like I am so disconnected. So many people are involved in fantasy leagues, and it sounds like a lot of fun. But I would be at a total loss.

Currently everyone's attention is focused on March Madness, and I really feel clueless. The news said that something like 45% of the American public has filled out a bracket (I might have mis-stated that statistic). Count me among those who have not. I wish I had more of an interest -- but I just don't.

The same has happened to me with music. I once could tell you who was singing just about everything that came on the radio -- pop, rock or country. Today? Unless it is an oldie, I probably haven't even heard of the artist. I guess it may just be a generational thing.

But all is not lost. The Masters is coming up next month.

Beverly's Trip

In just a few minutes I will be taking Beverly to the airport. Her flight leaves DFW at 1 PM. She will fly to Chicago for a connecting flight to London. She arrives in London at 6:30 AM on Wednesday (midnight here). From London she will fly to Nairobi -- arriving at 9:30 PM on Wednesday (11:30 AM here).

For those who read my blog and don't already know, she is going with a group of ladies to minister to missionary women from all over Africa. They are brought together in one place in Kenya for a week of intense prayer, Bible study, downloading and being encouraged. Beverly gets about 4 hours sleep a night, as she ends up counseling long after the planned activities are done.

She is leaving two days early -- at my insistance -- to go on a safari with some others in her group. It is a two day, one night trip. They stay in tents. Can you picture that? Beverly in a tent? If you saw pictures of these tents, you could imagine it. They look like 4-star motels! "Tent" almost seems like false advertising. I am so excited for her!

So please join me in prayer for the next couple of weeks for Beverly and these ladies -- as well as the missionary women they will be ministering to.

Let It Rain!

I was so hoping that we would get some of the rain the weatherpeople had promised. We might have gotten enough to wet the sidewalk. It is interesting the way the weather pattern has been in recent months. The Metroplex has gotten a considerable amount of rain. In fact, I think all the lakes east of I-35 are full. Yet, we are in a drought. Pray for about an eight-inch gully-washer!

Well, there is still a chance for more rain today and tomorrow.
____________________

Yesterday afternoon, after working in the yard, I came in to look over my sermon for last night. There must have been a mockingbird sitting on our chimney. It began to sing, and the sound was amplified through the chimney right into the den. I could have listened to that for hours. It was so pretty.
____________________

I loved watching the Mavs play in LA last night. They are looking incredible right now! They beat the despised Lakers (boo, hiss) 108-72! Excuse my fulfilling of my fleshly nature, but watching Kobe pout made my day.
____________________

I am down to about 24 hours before Beverly leaves for Africa. She is spending some time today with Jenny and Malaya. So, we will make the most of an evening together tonight. How better to spend it than watching Jack Bauer blow away a few bad guys (Oops. There's the fleshly nature again).

Places to Go

I was reading a friend's blog this morning, and today I have blogger-block. So, I will borrow his idea for my blog today.

Beverly and I love to travel. I can't say we are world-travelers, but we have seen a number of places together. However, there are still many I would like to see. Here is my list (not necessarily in order of priority):

Domestic:
San Francisco and drive HWY 1
Alaska
Yosemite National Park
New York City (again)
Yellowstone National Park (again)
Niagara Falls

International:
England and Scotland
France
Paul's missionary tour (Greece and Rome mainly)
Palestine
African safari
Australia (again, but for sightseeing)
New Zealand

That about covers it for me. My favorite domestic places I have been are: Yellowstone and New York City. Internationally would be Cabo San Lucas and Australia.

Someone Turns the Big 5-0 Today

Today is a really special day for me. My precious wife celebrates her 50th today! She is such an incredible woman -- the most Christlike person I have ever known. Yet somehow, she keeps getting better.

Happy Birthday, my Precious.
____________________

Speaking of Beverly, next Tuesday she leaves for Kenya. She will be gone for two weeks! In our 30 years of marriage, we have never been apart for that long. To make matters worse, she gives me these updates every day about al quida activity in Kenya.
Please keep her in your prayers as she goes to minister to missionary women from all over Africa.
____________________

Tomorrow afternoon, I will be taking Beverly away for a couple of days to celebrate. She doesn't know where (at least I haven't told her). I am really looking forward to some time away with her. To show you how much I am looking forward to it, I even skipped golf this week (there were a couple of gorgeous days for it) so I could get all my work done for the week.
____________________

Many, many people from our church will be leaving for different places this weekend -- being that it is spring break. A large number of our people are heading to Colorado for a ski trip. I pray God's blessings on each of you as you travel.

Visit Beverly's Website

I would invite you to visit Beverly's new website for her counseling service. It is www.wiseccc.org. I think it looks great (especially the picture of the woman). It has been incredible watching how God has blessed this ministry. Funding will be an ongoing issue, but clients won't. She is filled to the gills!
____________________

So there is a guy in South Texas who claims to be Messiah. He says he is Jesus returned to earth. And he has a pretty good gathering of people who believe him. Of course, ABC is going to do a special on him tonight. What else will Satan come up with? Boy, he is on the attack against the faith right now. It must mean that he is feeling threatened.

Confession Time

There are certain issues that I confess my faith is weak in. I am so engrained with the American ideal of "I have to be in charge and do it all on my own."

I got a late start in my retirement planning -- after raising three kids, putting them all in braces, paying car insurance, then college and weddings, etc. So now, I am doing what I can to prepare for that. I sometimes think I am on target to retire at age 70, perhaps. Then, something like last week strikes. The stock market is taking a nose dive, which is expected to continue today. I'm thinking of how much I have lost. Beverly reminds me that I didn't lose it, because it was never really mine. But I saw the amount on my daily report, and it sure seemed like mine:).

In my moments when I am being led by the Lord, I realize that there are some things I cannot control. I am doing what I can, and just like millions of others -- am subject to things outside of my control. The Lord is wanting me to surrender that to Him anyway. He has always proven to be faithful to me. Why should I doubt Him now?

But it is an ongoing battle between my fleshly nature and my Spirit nature. May the best man win. And He will!

TV Westerns

This Mavs team is incredible! They have had three win streaks of 12 games or more this season. Starting 0-4, they now stand at 49-9! They seem to have great team chemistry. However, I think the most credit belongs to Avery Johnson. He just seems to know exactly what to say and do to motivate his team.
____________________

As I work out each day, I have been watching old westerns on TV. Yes, the story lines are pretty hokie by today's standards. But you know what? There is usually a good feeling by the time you get to the end. It takes me back to some of the good memories from my childhood. Every night was westerns. The Rifleman. Have Gun Will Travel. Rawhide. Bonanza. Gunsmoke. Wagon Train. Maverick. The Big Valley.

My favorite? Gunsmoke. Matt Dillon was the Jack Bauer of his day. And Festus. Ken Curtis, who played Festus, was one of the best actors on TV -- a delightful character (I would vote for him and Don Knotts as all-time best). Then there's Doc -- another character who you couldn't help but love. Now Kitty? I don't know. Her relationship with Matt always seemed to be inconsistent with the moral level of the show. A US Marshall "dating" a saloon owner who hired "escort women." Oh, well. You just have to overlook that part.

But consider this: The show ran for nearly 20 years!

Bonanza ran a fairly close 2nd for me. Loved Hoss! And I always liked The Rifleman, too -- although Lucas could be a little self-righteous at times. I don't remember Rawhide much from my childhood, but have liked it when I see it in reruns. Clint Eastwood as Rowdy Yates was another great TV character.

Tozier Moment

Heres'a great thought from Tozer:

To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. --Ephesians 3:19

Pentecost means that the Deity came to mankind to give Himself to man, that man might breathe Him in as he breathes in the air, that He might fill men. Dr. A. B. Simpson used an illustration which was about as good as any I ever heard. He said, "Being filled with the fullness of God is like a bottle in the ocean. You take the cork out of the bottle and sink it in the ocean, and you have the bottle completely full of ocean. The bottle is in the ocean, and the ocean is in the bottle. The ocean contains the bottle, but the bottle contains only a little bit of the ocean. So it is with the Christian."

We are filled unto the fullness of God, but, of course, we cannot contain all of God because God contains us; but we can have all of God that we can contain. If we only knew it, we could enlarge our vessel. The vessel gets bigger as we go on with God. The Counselor, 68.