As you can see in my previous post, I truly love Christmas. Now, comes the hard part - getting myself back in the habit of actually being productive. I get used to sleeping in, taking it easy, going to see holiday movies, eating out, eating at home, playing the X-box with my son, and just hanging out. Don't get me wrong, everyone needs "down time" and I enjoy taking mine every year. The difficult thing is getting out of the "down time". I have heard people say if they won a million dollars they wouldn't change a thing - that they would keep on working like they do today. Really? Welllll, not me.... I wouldn't mind trying it out for awhile.
The one thing that gets me back in gear and going again is the fact that I am blessed. I remind myself that many people this past week worked every day. Some people don't have a choice. They have to get up at early hours, work late into the day, and work very difficult jobs. To some, Christmas is just another day in the week. Those people didn't get "down time" or the opportunity to see a holiday movie. I think about that and how much I actually enjoy my job (to the point that it doesn't seem like a job), and I don't have any trouble getting back to the reality of my life. God has blessed me and my family. I remind myself of this truth and allow it to help me shake the doldrums and get back to work!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Kids and Christmas - the True Meaning
During this time of year, I become like a big kid. I enjoy everything about Christmas - cookies, presents, shopping, lights, cold weather, cookies, Christmas pageants, the Charlie Brown Christmas special, Santa, cookies, time with family, and Christmas music. Did I mention cookies? My mom for years has made these great cookies (just for me by the way!) with chocolate icing on top - oh my word! I could eat two dozen - and probably do every year. Christmas means different things to different people. For some, it is a joyous occasion while for others it can be a sad time without beloved family or friends who have passed on. It also seems that our culture has become afraid to say this time of year is the "Christmas season". We know call it the "Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, holiday, festival time of year" (I would like to see you create a song with that title!) But in reality, this time of year should mean one thing for everyone - a time to be thankful and reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ.
As a Christian, I am aware of the importance of Christ's birth, but I far too often don't appreciate and value it the way that I should. As we approach December 25th, I am challenging myself to remember the true reason for this holiday. While I enjoy all that comes with Christmas, I am able to do so because of the birth of Jesus.
Our family will take the time this year to teach our children this important lesson. My wife and I have worked to develop certain traditions in our home that emphasize the importance of Christmas. Each year, we all go see a Christmas production that tells the story of Christ birth and then talk about it on the way home. We read the true Christmas story from Luke chapter 2 on Christmas Eve before going to bed. We also take the kids to a Wal-Mart or shopping mall and let them pick out an angel tree gift to buy and give away - because not every child will have presents this year.
I love celebrating this season, especially with my kids. We do it all - as you can tell in the picture above! But the most important thing we do is consistently remind them of that important event that happened about 2,000 years ago in a very small town called Bethlehem. So as you snuggle around the fire with your family on Christmas Eve, take a moment to look out the window at the starry cool evening and remember what Luke told the shepherds on that similar night: "I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!"
As a Christian, I am aware of the importance of Christ's birth, but I far too often don't appreciate and value it the way that I should. As we approach December 25th, I am challenging myself to remember the true reason for this holiday. While I enjoy all that comes with Christmas, I am able to do so because of the birth of Jesus.
Our family will take the time this year to teach our children this important lesson. My wife and I have worked to develop certain traditions in our home that emphasize the importance of Christmas. Each year, we all go see a Christmas production that tells the story of Christ birth and then talk about it on the way home. We read the true Christmas story from Luke chapter 2 on Christmas Eve before going to bed. We also take the kids to a Wal-Mart or shopping mall and let them pick out an angel tree gift to buy and give away - because not every child will have presents this year.I love celebrating this season, especially with my kids. We do it all - as you can tell in the picture above! But the most important thing we do is consistently remind them of that important event that happened about 2,000 years ago in a very small town called Bethlehem. So as you snuggle around the fire with your family on Christmas Eve, take a moment to look out the window at the starry cool evening and remember what Luke told the shepherds on that similar night: "I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!"
Monday, December 3, 2007
College Football and the BCS
Okay, this may not be a post that would interest all of you, nor will it be one of my more spiritual post. With that said, occasionally, I think it is good to get things off your chest - I call it venting. This vent is in regards to the college football ranking system and championship formula known as the BCS. Now let's get one thing straight - I am a die hard Tennessee Volunteer. 
So, I don't have a dog in this fight (as my old high school basketball coach used to say - for an explanation look up a redneck dictionary). Back to my venting. For the life of me, I don't understand why we cannot have a college football playoff. It does not have to be like March Madness College Basketball with 64 teams. Rather, something very easy that could be implemented tomorrow. Here is my plan (I am sure that I am not the original author of this plan, but I will take credit for it). First, make all 6 major conferences have a championship game like the SEC and ACC do currently. To have this conference championship game, you would need at least 12 teams in the conference so that you could split teams up into 2 divisions.
To accomplish this task, move Notre (we are the most over hyped overrated team in the history of college football) Dame and move them to the weakest conference in America - the Big Ten. That would give the Big Ten twelve teams - thus a championship game. The Big East already has enough teams, so they can have a championship game. For the Pac-10, put Hawaii and Boise State in that league to give them 12 teams. Now, all 6 conferences (SEC, ACC, BIG TEN, BIG 12, PAC-10, BIG EAST) have a championship game.
The winners of those games make it into the BCS championship tournament, and the final 2 spots are determined by the BCS ranking of the highest team that did not win their conference championship game. Let the BCS poll seed the teams, and play them beginning January 2 as not to detract from the New Year's Day Bowl games. Let the playoffs be played in the stadiums that house the Sugar, Orange, etc. so that they will not lose their money, and the other 34 teams left out of the BCS tournament can play in the bowl games named after corporate sponsors. There.... I feel better. It will never be done, but I feel better. For now, we have to put up with this craziness of the BCS and hope that it changes soon. In reality - in the grand scheme of this world - it really is no big deal. Enjoy your college football and GO VOLS!
So, I don't have a dog in this fight (as my old high school basketball coach used to say - for an explanation look up a redneck dictionary). Back to my venting. For the life of me, I don't understand why we cannot have a college football playoff. It does not have to be like March Madness College Basketball with 64 teams. Rather, something very easy that could be implemented tomorrow. Here is my plan (I am sure that I am not the original author of this plan, but I will take credit for it). First, make all 6 major conferences have a championship game like the SEC and ACC do currently. To have this conference championship game, you would need at least 12 teams in the conference so that you could split teams up into 2 divisions.
To accomplish this task, move Notre (we are the most over hyped overrated team in the history of college football) Dame and move them to the weakest conference in America - the Big Ten. That would give the Big Ten twelve teams - thus a championship game. The Big East already has enough teams, so they can have a championship game. For the Pac-10, put Hawaii and Boise State in that league to give them 12 teams. Now, all 6 conferences (SEC, ACC, BIG TEN, BIG 12, PAC-10, BIG EAST) have a championship game.
The winners of those games make it into the BCS championship tournament, and the final 2 spots are determined by the BCS ranking of the highest team that did not win their conference championship game. Let the BCS poll seed the teams, and play them beginning January 2 as not to detract from the New Year's Day Bowl games. Let the playoffs be played in the stadiums that house the Sugar, Orange, etc. so that they will not lose their money, and the other 34 teams left out of the BCS tournament can play in the bowl games named after corporate sponsors. There.... I feel better. It will never be done, but I feel better. For now, we have to put up with this craziness of the BCS and hope that it changes soon. In reality - in the grand scheme of this world - it really is no big deal. Enjoy your college football and GO VOLS!
Monday, November 26, 2007
It's the most wonderful time of the year...
I love the Christmas season! For me, it officially begins when the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place on Thanksgiving morning and ends on the morning of January 2nd. Of course, Christmas decorations and Christmas music can begin on November 1st. Some people would argue with me that November 1st is too early! I say those people are wrong (in a kind and humble way). I am also glad that a little cold weather has hit the Dallas-Fort Worth area. About a week ago me and my family were riding in our car with the windows down in shorts and t-shirts due to the 84 degree temperature - there is just something wrong with that in the middle of November. On the car radio, the Christmas song "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" was playing. We laughed as it looked like May outside. Today, it is a brisk 50 degrees with a cool wind blowing - love it! Our family built our first fire of the season last night as temps dipped to the mid-30's. This is truly my favorite time of the year. Enjoy it! Spend time with your family. But, most importantly, be thankful that the whole reason for this great season is that our Lord and Savior came to earth as a baby to die for our sins. Our family will enjoy the holiday. We will eat some great food. We will exchange gifts. But we will also pause to celebrate our Savior - Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas and be blessed!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Top 10 things to make you a true NASCAR fan...
This past weekend, my family and I went to the NASCAR Busch race at Texas Motor Speedway. I had been to a race before, but this was a first for my son, daughter, and wife. We had a great time primarily because we were together as a family. My 7 year old son had a blast and has now proclaimed that he wants to be a race car driver (by the way, my kids informed me that race car spelled backwards spells race car!). If my mother is reading this, don't worry mom, next week he will want to be a baseball player...
I will tell you that if you have never been to a NASCAR race before, go at least one time. Regardless of whether you like the sport or not, it is a sight to see, at least once. I will admit that I was reminded of what comedian Jeff Foxworthy said about going to the state fair: "If you ever want to feel better about yourself, just go to the state fair and look around - you will begin to feel a lot better!". I will tell you, that goes for a NASCAR race as well.
Without further delay (and in salute to David Letterman), here are my top 10 things to make you a true NASCAR fan (according to my observations this past weekend):
10. You must purchase the appropriate car flag of your favorite driver and fly it from your car at all times while traveling to and from the race. Large banners flying from the trunk are also encouraged.
9. Corn dogs are good for you. Don't think about your heart stopping when you eat the 5 pound hot dog smothered in batter that is big enough to be used as a baseball bat!
8. Take your vehicle to a dealership and request that they change your car horn from its normal sound to the ability to play the "rebel yell" from the Dukes of Hazzard. Then, as you drive around the race track, honk your horn repeatedly and do your best Bo Duke "ya hoooo" impersonation.
7. Keeping on the Dukes theme: Daisy Dukes are considered normal attire - although not the best choice for the majority of people attending (including men).
6. Be sure to have your high tech radio headsets to wear during the race - true fans will have the head phones with the microphone pieces in the front and the wireless scanner to listen to the pit crews. Talking into the microphone of your headset will not guarantee that the pit crew chief will actually hear you - but go ahead and pretend.
5. It is appropriate to cheer when an accident occurs on the track. We don't encourage this outside the race track so please refrain from honking your horn and shouting "yeah!" on the interstate when you see a fender bender.
4. You should only put down your cigarette long enough to dip a good piece of your SKOAL tobacco chew. However, please be extra cautious that you do not drop your cigarette.
3. It is also appropriate to salute your favorite driver as they whiz by you at 180 mph with your desired beverage of choice. No need to shout or say anything at this point - the salute speaks for itself.
2. Duct tape is a way of life....embrace it.
(Drum roll here.....) and the number one thing that will make you a true NASCAR fan....
1. Put 14 leather recliners in a long flat bed trailer behind a Chevy Truck and use it as a trolley to drive people to their cars. Be sure to tie the safety rope on the back for people to hold on to as they ride.
I will tell you that if you have never been to a NASCAR race before, go at least one time. Regardless of whether you like the sport or not, it is a sight to see, at least once. I will admit that I was reminded of what comedian Jeff Foxworthy said about going to the state fair: "If you ever want to feel better about yourself, just go to the state fair and look around - you will begin to feel a lot better!". I will tell you, that goes for a NASCAR race as well.
Without further delay (and in salute to David Letterman), here are my top 10 things to make you a true NASCAR fan (according to my observations this past weekend):
10. You must purchase the appropriate car flag of your favorite driver and fly it from your car at all times while traveling to and from the race. Large banners flying from the trunk are also encouraged.
9. Corn dogs are good for you. Don't think about your heart stopping when you eat the 5 pound hot dog smothered in batter that is big enough to be used as a baseball bat!
8. Take your vehicle to a dealership and request that they change your car horn from its normal sound to the ability to play the "rebel yell" from the Dukes of Hazzard. Then, as you drive around the race track, honk your horn repeatedly and do your best Bo Duke "ya hoooo" impersonation.
7. Keeping on the Dukes theme: Daisy Dukes are considered normal attire - although not the best choice for the majority of people attending (including men).
6. Be sure to have your high tech radio headsets to wear during the race - true fans will have the head phones with the microphone pieces in the front and the wireless scanner to listen to the pit crews. Talking into the microphone of your headset will not guarantee that the pit crew chief will actually hear you - but go ahead and pretend.
5. It is appropriate to cheer when an accident occurs on the track. We don't encourage this outside the race track so please refrain from honking your horn and shouting "yeah!" on the interstate when you see a fender bender.
4. You should only put down your cigarette long enough to dip a good piece of your SKOAL tobacco chew. However, please be extra cautious that you do not drop your cigarette.
3. It is also appropriate to salute your favorite driver as they whiz by you at 180 mph with your desired beverage of choice. No need to shout or say anything at this point - the salute speaks for itself.
2. Duct tape is a way of life....embrace it.
(Drum roll here.....) and the number one thing that will make you a true NASCAR fan....
1. Put 14 leather recliners in a long flat bed trailer behind a Chevy Truck and use it as a trolley to drive people to their cars. Be sure to tie the safety rope on the back for people to hold on to as they ride.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Missions - It's Why We're Here!
I used to live in Knoxville, Tennessee. To me, East Tennessee is the true Holy Land. I know when I cross the border every time I go home, I can hear the audible voice tell me to take off my shoes because I am on holy ground. It is especially moving when I can hear the angelic choir sing "Rocky Top". Anyway, that is not the reason for the post. When we lived in Knoxville, we attended a great church on the west side of town called First Baptist Church Concord (Concord was the small community where the church was located). If you are ever in that area, visit that church - it will be worth your time.
One thing that is etched into the DNA of that church is its missions work. The missions pastor at Concord (who happens to be a relative of mine) created the phrase: "Missions: It's Why We're Here!". I guess mission work is on my mind because I am preparing to leave on Thursday morning (25th) to go to Venezuela. Please pray for me and 2 other staff members from First Euless. We will be traveling down to Venezuela to help instruct in a Leadership Development Conference for native pastors. I am looking forward to working with these men.
Jesus gave us the Great Commission of Matthew 28. In it, he tell us to GO. It is an imperative statement. It is not a request, or a plea for us to think about it (or as we Christians like to say "pray about it"). It is a commandment. We are all to go. Now, that may mean go to Denver, or Chicago, or Garland, or Venezuela, or Africa. Discovering that question requires much prayer. But our prayer should only be "where Lord?" and not "do you think I should GO?" I believe that's where many of us fail in fulfilling the Great Commission. What would happen to the world if all who profess to be a Christ-follower were to truly grasp the importance of Matthew 28? What would happen if everyone really believed that true "missions" - telling others about the saving power of Jesus Christ - is "why we're here"? If 12 simple ordinary guys could turn the world upside down because they were just obedient to what Jesus told them to do, what could millions accomplish with the same gumption (East TN greek word)? Who knows. It would be fun to find out.
One thing that is etched into the DNA of that church is its missions work. The missions pastor at Concord (who happens to be a relative of mine) created the phrase: "Missions: It's Why We're Here!". I guess mission work is on my mind because I am preparing to leave on Thursday morning (25th) to go to Venezuela. Please pray for me and 2 other staff members from First Euless. We will be traveling down to Venezuela to help instruct in a Leadership Development Conference for native pastors. I am looking forward to working with these men.
Jesus gave us the Great Commission of Matthew 28. In it, he tell us to GO. It is an imperative statement. It is not a request, or a plea for us to think about it (or as we Christians like to say "pray about it"). It is a commandment. We are all to go. Now, that may mean go to Denver, or Chicago, or Garland, or Venezuela, or Africa. Discovering that question requires much prayer. But our prayer should only be "where Lord?" and not "do you think I should GO?" I believe that's where many of us fail in fulfilling the Great Commission. What would happen to the world if all who profess to be a Christ-follower were to truly grasp the importance of Matthew 28? What would happen if everyone really believed that true "missions" - telling others about the saving power of Jesus Christ - is "why we're here"? If 12 simple ordinary guys could turn the world upside down because they were just obedient to what Jesus told them to do, what could millions accomplish with the same gumption (East TN greek word)? Who knows. It would be fun to find out.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
At the ol' ball game!
Just a couple of weeks ago, I was able to attend a church conference in South Bend, Indiana. I went with several other staff members from our church. We flew into Chicago, Illinois, on a Tuesday morning, spent the day driving around Chicago looking at the sites before driving the 90 miles to South Bend late Tuesday evening. By the way, Chicago is an absolute beautiful city! If you have never been... go. It's worth it. Make sure you visit the Navy Pier and walk down Michigan Avenue - amazing.
One of the things I had to do while in Chicago (I had never been before) was visit Wrigley Field. Now, for those of you who care nothing about sports, let alone baseball...let me briefly explain the significance of Wrigley Field. It isn't just the baseball home of the Chicago Cubs, it is one of the oldest sports stadiums in our country. It is a piece of "Americana". It is the "Mona Lisa" of ball parks. It is the "Romeo and Juliet" of sports history. It is a landmark - a classic - a place you tell your grandkids that you went...okay, catch my drift?
Obviously, I wanted to see Wrigley Field for the nostalgia...but my real reasons for visiting this place was a little more personal. You see, I root for the Cubs but I am not a Cub fanatic (that loyalty goes to the Red Sox - I know, right now the Indians are laying it to them). My Cubs memories go back to when I was a kid. Every summer, I would spend a lot of my days with my grandparents who lived in a little town in East Tennessee called Lenoir City (hee haw salute here!). I was the baby of 8 grandkids, so I got spoiled quite a bit. My grandfather, Billy McNabb, was retired and spent his days whittling under the large tree in the back yard, working on his beans and tomatoes in the garden, hanging out with his ol' buddies down at the laundry mat, and watching one of his favorite teams play every day - yep - you guessed it...the Chicago Cubs. I spent many days as a kid watching Cubs games with my Papaw. At that time, I really couldn't tell you the difference in a double play and a squeeze play....but I remember vividly watching my Papaw chew on his cigar (didn't smoke 'em, he chewed 'em), wear his baseball cap pulled down just over the top of his eyes, watch every play of the game, and make comments about every play (good and bad - some of which I cannot repeat here that would make my Granny yell at him for saying it in front of me...ha...that was funny to watch!).
On that day a few weeks ago when I figured out a way to sneak into Wrigley Field to take a few pictures - I thought about my Papaw. I thought about how much fun I had watching him watch the Cubs. I thought about how he'd cut that familiar grin at me and say "Think they're going to win it?" I thought about how he wouldn't believe that my feet were standing on the right field grass. For me, it wasn't just a trip to an old baseball field, but a journey through my memories. I was all by myself standing in the outfield of this great ball park with a smile on my face and a few tears in my eyes.
It was a quick moment, but one that I will never forget. As I turned around and began to leave the park, the workers were there re-sodding the grass. The security guard who let me sneak inside was standing by the door as I left. The Cubs were about to win the division and make it to the playoffs that week. As I walked out, I stopped...looked at the guard and asked with a grin, "Think they're going to win it?"
One of the things I had to do while in Chicago (I had never been before) was visit Wrigley Field. Now, for those of you who care nothing about sports, let alone baseball...let me briefly explain the significance of Wrigley Field. It isn't just the baseball home of the Chicago Cubs, it is one of the oldest sports stadiums in our country. It is a piece of "Americana". It is the "Mona Lisa" of ball parks. It is the "Romeo and Juliet" of sports history. It is a landmark - a classic - a place you tell your grandkids that you went...okay, catch my drift?
Obviously, I wanted to see Wrigley Field for the nostalgia...but my real reasons for visiting this place was a little more personal. You see, I root for the Cubs but I am not a Cub fanatic (that loyalty goes to the Red Sox - I know, right now the Indians are laying it to them). My Cubs memories go back to when I was a kid. Every summer, I would spend a lot of my days with my grandparents who lived in a little town in East Tennessee called Lenoir City (hee haw salute here!). I was the baby of 8 grandkids, so I got spoiled quite a bit. My grandfather, Billy McNabb, was retired and spent his days whittling under the large tree in the back yard, working on his beans and tomatoes in the garden, hanging out with his ol' buddies down at the laundry mat, and watching one of his favorite teams play every day - yep - you guessed it...the Chicago Cubs. I spent many days as a kid watching Cubs games with my Papaw. At that time, I really couldn't tell you the difference in a double play and a squeeze play....but I remember vividly watching my Papaw chew on his cigar (didn't smoke 'em, he chewed 'em), wear his baseball cap pulled down just over the top of his eyes, watch every play of the game, and make comments about every play (good and bad - some of which I cannot repeat here that would make my Granny yell at him for saying it in front of me...ha...that was funny to watch!).
On that day a few weeks ago when I figured out a way to sneak into Wrigley Field to take a few pictures - I thought about my Papaw. I thought about how much fun I had watching him watch the Cubs. I thought about how he'd cut that familiar grin at me and say "Think they're going to win it?" I thought about how he wouldn't believe that my feet were standing on the right field grass. For me, it wasn't just a trip to an old baseball field, but a journey through my memories. I was all by myself standing in the outfield of this great ball park with a smile on my face and a few tears in my eyes.It was a quick moment, but one that I will never forget. As I turned around and began to leave the park, the workers were there re-sodding the grass. The security guard who let me sneak inside was standing by the door as I left. The Cubs were about to win the division and make it to the playoffs that week. As I walked out, I stopped...looked at the guard and asked with a grin, "Think they're going to win it?"
Friday, October 12, 2007
What's up with my title?
By now, you must have heard this phrase: "We live in a fast food world". If you haven't, well....you just did. Anyway, I am continually reminded how high-speed, high-tech, fast-paced our society is becoming. Now, when I go through the line at McDonald's (to get my kids happy meals), I see.... not one.... but TWO order speakers! The idea: move more people through the line in a faster time. Just today, I visited my bank to make a deposit. My bank has one "port" to take my deposit and then I am aksed to drive forward to the second "port" to collect my receipt. I am only 34 years old, but I can remember when going to the bank was like going to the barber shop. You knew the tellers, they knew your name, gave the kids a sucker, and everything was at a slower pace.I am not opposed to technology or doing things faster (Lord knows I have absolutely no patience). But, there is a part of me that misses the personal touch. The opportunity to slow down sometimes and enjoy life. Our interstates have 25 lanes (good grief, I live in a city where an intersection is called the high 5 because it has 5 bridges of interstate stacked on top of each other!), I can download over a zillion songs in seconds with my rhapsody account, I have high speed high def internet connection at my house (remember that awful screeching sound of AOL connecting?), I get mad when my computer doesn't do what I want it to do in a millisecond, and the people in my office walk around with cell phones that can do everything from answer their email to cook their breakfast. Speaking of email, does anyone remember how we got anything done before it? Thank God Al Gore invented the internet!
Back to the main subject: Sometimes, I wonder if God is impressed with all of this? With all of our fast paced, fast food, fast technology stuff. God's mind and wisdom in comparison makes our technology look like the model-t Ford. His knowledge is infinite and vast beyond our minds. Yet, I read in His word, to "be still and know that I am God". Or, I read where he showed up with Elijah in just a simple breeze of the wind. I am challenged to stop the craziness of life, get off the information super highway, and just relax and spend some quiet time with myself and with my Heavenly Father. So, in essence, that's what this blog is about. It may appear at times just to be the ramblings of some guy with a wonderful wife (I "out-punted" my coverage!) and 2 beautiful kids living in some city called Euless. But, hopefully, you will see and take part in a guy trying to slow down long enough to think and have deep thoughts.
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