Happy New Year

First …

… while perusing through the news and the sports pages earlier this week, I came across a story on ESPN.com regarding University of Louisville men’s basketball coach Rick Pitino. As Pitino is one of my favorite basketball coaches, I was taken aback when I read the story that Pitino plans to step down as basketball coach after his current contract expires following the 2016-17 season. Not so much that he planned to step aside, mind you. Coaching is a stressful profession, and the fact that Coach Pitino would be planning an exit strategy is not that surprising given the pressures and demands that are placed on major college coaches in major revenue-generating sports. I simply figured that these pressures had grown too burdensome and that he was about ready to ease into a much less stressful occupation, one that would lend itself to a much healthier and less hectic lifestyle. No, what surprised me was the quote that Coach Pitino provided the media. He said, “"When you're 59, you're realistic that you don't have a whole lot of years left. My contract's going to run out in 2017. I'm not coaching anymore after that."

Those words floored me. Coach Pitino is 59! As in years old! That’s still shocking to me since I remember him leading Providence into the 1987 Final Four. I remember a young 44-year old Pitino winning the national title at Kentucky in 1996. And now, he is being quoted saying that at 59 you are realistic that you don’t have a lot of years left. That set me to thinking – in 1987, I was 21 years old; in ’96, I was 30. Where has the time gone? As we have just celebrated Christmas (personally, for the 45^th time), I realize that in the unlikely event I live to be at least 90, over half of my Christmases are now behind me. Life is such a short trip, and such a big part of it is wasted in youth, thinking that we have all the time left in the world. I suppose that is why we realize as we grow older that each day is truly a gift from God, a blessing to be cherished with those around us, with those whom we care for and adore so much. I am a blessed man; I have been able to share a wonderful life so far with a great family that has remained more or less unchanged for the past 30 years or so. The people that I love and care about most are all still with me, which is something that not everyone is able to say. In light of that, I want to resolve to make 2012 the best year ever, not only for me, but for those I care for so much. After all, my family, my friends, my brothers and sisters in Christ are what makes the journey such a special pleasure to be a part of. Here’s to 2012 – we know not what tomorrow may bring, but whatever it may hold, let’s make sure we understand that it is never a given, and that we are making each day count in the lives of those we love. Happy New Year to all …

... and 10 (ten good resolutions … or, at least, some thoughts that are worth pondering)

1.      Be kinder. Being nice doesn’t cost any more than being a grouch.

2.      Be more charitable. Too many times, we think of this in terms of cash. Lend your time; a visit once or twice a month to a nursing home will do you … and the residents … a world of good.

3.      Be friendlier. I’ve never known of anyone to say that they had too many friends.

4.      Be more supportive. Things are important to those around you; make it a point to know what those things are, and support them in all they do.

5.      Be more spiritual. Notice I did not say more religious. Or self-righteous. Be more spiritual – get in touch with God, really in touch. Then stay in touch.

6.      Be more available. People all around are in need of just a helping hand. It may be just babysitting for an hour. Or a ride to the doctor or to church. Or just a listening ear. Nobody is too occupied to be available for those who are in need.

7.      Be less busy. Relax. If you’re always on the go, set aside a day to just be on the stop. Reflection is great medicine.

8.      Be more compassionate. I’ve discovered that cynicism makes me feel much worse than being compassionate. So try being more compassionate to everyone you meet – you’ll feel much better for it.

9.      Be a better example. The world is in dire need of individuals who’ll do what’s right. Lead by example.

10.  Be a light. The world can be a dark place, and seems to be getting darker each day. Let your light shine, show your faith, and let the spirit of God shine in you.

Wishing everyone a very joyous and happy 2012 ...

My Grown-up Christmas List

First …

… I'm sure most of you have probably heard David Foster's "Grown-up Christmas List", which he recorded with Natalie Cole for a non-holiday album in 1990. Amy Grant probably made the song famous, with Kelly Clarkson taking it to even further heights in 2003. The song is about an adult visiting Santa Claus, and the adult presenting Santa with a list of non-material gifts that they'd like for Christmas - great gifts that would be very beneficial to much of humanity. Here's mine - my grown-up Christmas list, the first of which comes straight from Luke Chapter 2 –

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

I love the Christmas story, indeed, in my eyes, the greatest story ever told. Reading out of Luke to my family on Christmas Eve every year was, and is still, a highlight of my Christmas season. For the gift of Christ is the greatest gift anyone can ever receive, and it is my Christmas wish that, in addition to peace on earth, and goodwill towards men, that more will see the gift that Christ has provided us, and will accept that gift freely during this season of His birth.

… and 10 (some more wishes, with varying degrees of both silliness and seriousness)

1.      With the word out of North Korea this week that Kim Jong was no longer Il, and that he was now, in fact, Kim Jong Dead, I wish that the North Korean people could see him for the tyrant he was rather than holding him up as the “Benevolent Leader” he brainwashed them into thinking he was. His people, for better or worse, loved and revered the little guy even though the average income for North Koreans is less than $1900. A year! That’s annually! For whatever bad things we can say about Kim, and there are plenty, we must give him credit for being able to get his people to suffer happily while he spent lavish amounts of money chasing his own nuclear ambitions and indulging himself in every decadent manner possible. While his people starved, he spent billions to develop nuclear weapons, ride the most expensive jet skis he could buy, and sent his personal chef around the world for expensive and exotic foods and spirits for his own personal pleasure. Quit wailing, people, and rejoice with the rest of the world that yet another tyrant is gone.

2.      Now that the US military is out of Iraq, for the most part, I wish that not one more American life be lost within the borders of that country. Too many have made that sacrifice already, and we should make it a priority that not one more life will be lost there. Afghanistan, too, while we’re at it.

3.      I wish that I would never again have to hear about a tragedy or a death during the holidays. I’ve already heard of 5 within the past few days – 3 car accidents and 2 deaths of natural causes. All but one of the victims was under the age of 21. Sad to hear anytime, but the pain is exponentially worse during a holiday, and especially so at Christmas. Puts a damper on the holiday for years to come. Praying for the families of those whose loved ones were lost within the past week.

4.      Wishing, again, for a White Christmas. Just think it’d be cool.

5.      I wish for rain – an abundance of rain – for the Texas Hill Country. While our drought here in Northeast Texas has abated considerably in the past few weeks, Central Texas is still hurting, and hurting badly. Lake Buchanan is 23 feet below its December average and Lake Travis is 43 feet below its December average. Both lakes are at 37% of their capacity. They need rain – and lots of runoff.

6.      I wish that nobody would be hungry this Christmas season, or ever for that matter. As I look around and see the excesses that we indulge in, I am often reminded that there’ll be lots of folks around the world who would be grateful – extremely grateful – for our table scraps. Remember this, and give freely to the food banks, to local churches, and to grocery store food drives whenever you have the chance. A hot meal, something most of us take for granted, might be the only thing, truly the best thing, many folks receive this Christmas season.

7.      I wish that we’d all slow down, and enjoy the moment. I wish this not only for the Christmas season, but in the days and months to come as well. I really need to make an effort here; I am pretty good at enjoying the Christmas moment, not so good the rest of the year. Take in the moment, live in the moment, enjoy the moment … for the moment may never come again.

8.      I wish that gasoline would drop to below $2 per gallon (If you’d told me 10 years ago that would be a Christmas wish, I’d have probably thought you were crazy!)

9.      I wish that I had some kind of musical talent. I can’t sing, I can’t play an instrument. I can’t do much of anything when it comes to music. I’ve longed to play piano my entire life – I wish that I will someday be able to find the time to have someone teach me how.

10.  Finally, I wish everyone a very special holiday – it is a magical time of year, and not for the presents, not for the commercialization, not for the parties or the food. It’s magical for the giving – the giving of a Savior, the giving of a life, and the giving of grace – all of it for free. Wishing all of you – my family, my friends, indeed, everyone – Merry Christmas!

Politics? Really???

First ...

I’ll go ahead and admit that I am a Republican. Big surprise there, right? But before you go and beatify me for being a loyal and devoted follower of Saint Reagan, or vilify me for being the walking conservative version of Lucifer himself, understand that what I am about to say is not intended to be a pitch for party politics at all. Far from it. See, I’ve been known to vote for a Democrat before … and on more than one occasion. Ann Richards got my vote in 1990 when she was far and away the most viable choice since the clueless Republicans of the era had no better sense than to nominate Clayton Williams to run for governor. “Claytie”, as he was so affectionately and derisively referred to, blew in off the West Texas prairie like a sandstorm and promptly started opening his mouth and lending his considerable voice to such proclamations as “saving the state millions by turning the lights off in the governor’s mansion” and making extremely tasteless and crude jokes about the crime of rape, of all things. Much to the chagrin of his handlers, Claytie just couldn’t seem to shut up when it mattered, or for that matter, when it mattered not. Richards defeated Williams with just 49% of the vote while Claytie climbed back up on the mesa where, last we heard, he was still trying to explain to his wife Modesta how he had managed to spend so much of their personal fortune not only running for governor, but losing the race as well. Regardless, in the Claytie vs. the Lady matchup, Democrat Richards managed to erase a 20-point deficit and beat a well-financed Republican millionaire that the Texas Republican establishment hadn’t the good sense to send packing when it had the chance in the Republican primary. Jack Rains, then Texas Secretary of State, attorney Tom Luce, and Railroad Commissioner Kent Hance were all experienced political hands and the Republicans instead chose a loose-lipped, shoot-from-the-hip rancher and oilman to carry their banner in 1990. If all of this is sounding vaguely familiar, then you are witnessing the same breed of self-destructing Republicans on the national level today staring down the barrel of a strikingly similar predicament. About the only thing different in this set of circumstances today is the fact that the Republican Party in 2012 will not be sending up an inexperienced politician to face the well-oiled, Swiss-watch precision-timed machine that is the Barack Obama re-election committee. Experience within the Republican establishment abounds, and therein lies much of the problem. Experienced retreads who do nothing to answer questions about how they would solve America’s fiscal woes, about how they would go about dealing with Iran or North Korea, or about solutions to illegal immigration and border security are not what mainstream Republican Party voters are looking for. We are looking for the next Ronald Reagan, not the next Clayton Williams. Herman Cain has taken the 9-9-9 Adultery Train to Albuquerque. Mitt Romney? He’s flipped-flopped more than Mary Lou Retton, saying basically what voters want to hear when they want to hear it, not to mention the fact that he pushed through the original Socialist Health Care Plan while governor of Massachusetts. Ron Paul? Well, Ron makes sense about half the time, but the other half he’s basically Andy Rooney light. Rick Perry? Please. His current ad pandering to the Christian constituency in Iowa just makes my blood boil. Wasn’t it just a few months ago that the Houston Chronicle raked Perry over the coals for playing the religion card when it suited him, but being very stingy when it came to placing his tithes in the collection plate? There’s not a one in the bunch that is likely to be able to defeat President Obama next November. Want proof? Go to the website www.270towin.com. Based on polling, if the election were held today, President Obama would gather 359 electoral votes to 179 for the presumed Republican nominee. Let’s assume that a Mitt Romney could somehow swing Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Utah (because of his Mormon faith), and Massachusetts into his favor – and that’s a BIG assumption. President Obama would still have 281 electoral votes, while Romney would still trail with 257. And that’s assuming Romney could hold on to the states that are already shaded in red. It’s pretty much a given that none of the rest of the Republican dwarfs would fare even that well. When the choices that we have are so bland or unacceptable that the party loyalists see not a single candidate that they can unite behind to try and take back the White House, then it makes for a very dismal election year outlook for a party that seemingly had a stranglehold on power and politics just a few short years ago. Sadly, it appears that anything short of a major scandal that shakes the current administration will leave us with another 4 years of Democratic leadership. Surely, this is not the best that we can do ….

... and 10

1. Cake balls seem to be a fairly new confectionary delicacy ... wondering where these tasty morsels have been all my life?

2. Wish I could be the producer of the television program "Hoarders" for about a month. Two burly assistants to haul out the homeowner and 1 box of matches would pretty much take care of 99% of the hoarder issues.

3. Poinsettias are some of the most beautiful plants in God's living kingdom.

4. A trip to the Heritage Market/Mennonite Bakery in Kemp, Texas can cure most any case of the blues that I may have.

5. After the past several months, these nice rains the past couple weeks have sure been a blessing.

6. Beets and Brussells sprouts - two vile vegetables that will NOT enter into my digestive system. Under any circumstance.

7. Really aggravates me watching high school sports on television and hearing these suck-up announcers extol the virtue of the UIL. A more authoritarian and self-serving organization exists not, in my estimation.

8. "It's a Wonderful Life", "A Christmas Story", and "Miracle on 34th Street" are my 3 favorite Christmas movies of all time, with an Honorable Mention going to "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation".

9. Would it really bother anyone too much if the US Postal Service charged 50 cents for a stamp and stopped delivering mail on Saturdays? Somehow, I think we'd all survive if those two things happened.

10. Dogs > Cats. Always. No question.

TOUCHDOWN!

1st and 10, December 8, 2011

First ... 

...let me say that I am in no way being critical of those who are taking part in the defense of the nativity that is being displayed on the Henderson County Courthouse lawn. I have seen the Christmas decorations on the square and I think they are beautiful. I also think that the display is not inappropriate at all; it is a display of the birth of Christ, which is the reason we celebrate (or should be celebrating, anyway) the Christmas season to begin with. It just strikes me as odd how easy it is for Christian people to get all bent out of shape over some outside group "infringing" on their right to place a nativity on the courthouse lawn. Now don't get me wrong, I am a practicing Christian, I am not ashamed to call Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, and am perfectly at ease sharing my personal testimony of salvation with anyone. This is where I get kinda lost in the mire, for a lack of a better term. Outside of the pastoral alliance that has taken up the cause of keeping the nativity on the lawn, how many people who are so up in arms about this have taken the time to share Jesus with someone lately? How many of these people who are so intent on saying that "Jesus is the reason for the season" are going to become more Christ-like during this time of our Savior's birth, this time of peace on earth, and goodwill toward men? It seems to me that a whole bunch of the folks who are so intent on being appalled have some misplaced priorities, or, at least, some misguided notions. What would Christ be more appreciative of in the coming days, a worldly demonstration regarding a courthouse square decoration, or a genuine outreach of genuine Christian people working towards adding genuinely unsaved people to the Kingdom of God? I can think of no gift more pleasing to our Savior than that of winning lost souls to an eternity with Christ.

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." - Matthew 7:13-14

In my mind, it smacks of the very things that Christ has warned us against - we should not be concerned as to what the world is thinking; it is, after all, the world, and the world will not change this side of Glory. Just some random food for thought - you don't have to agree, or disagree. I just wish that we could see the type of enthusiasm for soul-winning and Kingdom work that we see from people who use things like this to "show the world" that they are Christian. It's way too easy to pass on an e-mail about "putting God back in schools" or "letting the liberals in Washington know that the words 'under God' belong in the Pledge of Allegiance" and then smugly and self-righteously believing we have "done our duty as a Christian". It's a lot easier to post a message on Facebook saying "I am not ashamed of my faith - if you are a believer then you'll paste this as your status, too" than it is to get out where the rubber meets the road and tell someone about Jesus. For what it's worth, I believe a won soul for Christ would be much more pleasing to God than a posted social network status or a meeting on the courthouse square in protest.

"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." - Matthew 6:5

... and 10

1. Got the new seed catalog in the mail today - something about the new seed catalog just brings a smile to my face. So far, all heirlooms varieties this year of okra, cabbage, peppers, tomatoes, and cantaloupe. I know I'll have to add more ...

2. I believe I could fix a lot of what's wrong with a bunch of young people today if I could have them for about a month in the summer with a set of post-hole diggers.

3. Fried potatoes, with or without onions, should be required as a side dish for at least one meal per week.

4. Cold is OK, windy is OK, and wet is OK. As long as they are by themselves. Any combination of the three ... not OK at all.

5. There's just something totally magical about high school football playoffs in Texas. Nothing else quite compares ...

6. Have you ever had a brand new pair of shoes that you just couldn't get to feel right? I mean, they are OK, but they just aren't quite there ---

7. Why do I never seem to have gloves or an umbrella when I need them most?

8. It's cat food, people. CAT FOOD! You don't serve it in crystal goblets. You serve it in a pet dish. Or on a paper plate. Or just pop the can and set it on the porch. I guarantee you, FiFi will eat it.

9. Hot buttered biscuits (real butter, by the way) with blackstrap molasses for breakfast on a cold Saturday morning = one of the best memories of my childhood.

10. Why is it so difficult to figure out the national debt? When you get into debt, you quit spending until you get out of debt. Pretty simple stuff - has always worked in my house anyway.

TOUCHDOWN!

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! Really don't know why I am doing this, other than to say that I enjoy reading other folks' blogs and am interested in hearing their various points of view. Oh yeah, that and the fact that I have just figured out how to do it. Had to create a blog for graduate courses, and since that was required I had to figure out how to do it or make bad grades. Bad grades are not acceptable for a respectable educator, neither are they acceptable for the parent of a college student!! One cannot very well harp on keeping grades up to a teenager while'st they are slacking themselves, now can they? Anyhow, it turns out that creating a blog is not so overwhelming an undertaking as long as you have detailed instructions on what exactly you are doing. I've found that much of my life mirrors the creation of this blog; as long as I have pretty clear instructions and the motivation and desire to accomplish something, the easier that particular thing is to accomplish! Hence, the blog's creation.

What, you might ask, could a guy like me possibly have to blog about? Good question. I really have no idea myself. Reflections, mostly. Rants, I am sure will also play a part, although I hope I can keep my rants to a minimum. Discussions. News of the day. Tidbits about things that I find humorous, or interesting, or even boring. I don't know, really - whatever suits my fancy, probably. Mainly, I think that deep down, no matter how much I have denied it over the past 25 years, I really enjoy writing. Working on my graduate classes have re-ignited the passion and enthusiasm that I once had for writing and for good, solid composition. The birth of weblogging provides a wonderful outlet for anyone who simply enjoys writing - it really matters not whether anyone even reads your work, let alone appreciates or agrees with the effort you put forth. It is often said in relation to the game of golf that golfers are playing mainly against themselves and the course; it is immaterial that they actually have a field of other golfers that they are also ultimately competing against. While this is not quite competition, and there are really no winners and losers, at the most basic level it comes down to the challenge that one can present to himself. Can I present a finished product that I can be pleased with, proud of, and that makes sense to me even if the rest of the world has not a clue about the subjects of which I speak? Sounds like a pretty cool challenge