tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39932524148481926802024-03-19T07:13:35.649-05:00Deep Thoughts in a Fast Food WorldBradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-82284276340125870252009-01-21T18:32:00.002-06:002009-01-21T18:48:11.713-06:00Inauguration Day 2009There is a little known fact about me that you may not know. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Now, you may be asking, "Bradley, why in the world do you have a degree in Political Science?" Great question. The answer is fairly simple - I love to study politics and government. Seriously, I absolutely love studying our political system, the protocol of government, the Constitution, and our nation's history. It's why my favorite television show is the West Wing (I have to watch it on my DVR these days). <br /><br />Most of the time, guys or gals who get a Poly Sci (insider term) Degree do so with the intentions of getting into law school, passing the bar, and becoming a lawyer. Although that prospect intrigued me, that wasn't the path I took. I tell you all of this so that you will understand why I will TiVo 12 hours of Inauguration Day coverage and watch every bit of it. To me, on this day in history, it really doesn't matter who is being sworn in but rather the pomp and circumstance (another insider term) and the whole protocol of the day's events that I enjoy. I love watching the little things like the seal of the President being on Bush's limo when he arrives at the Capital building, but off of the limo when he leaves. Or the fact that Marine One is no longer called Marine One when Presidnet Bush boards the craft. Or watching Obama reach his hand out to shake a military guards hand while the military gaurd is now saluting him as the Commander in Chief. Obama wasn't used to it, and it took him by surprise.<br /><br />Regardless of who you voted for, or what you believe, Inauguration Day should always be viewed by every American with patriotic pride. On top of all that, this particular day was monumental becuase of the historical significance of Obama's election. On this day, we can lay aside all differences and celebrate our nation. It only happens every four years, so be sure to set your DVR's (or whatever we will call them then) for Inauguration Day 2013. God bless America...Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-43890632874912757582009-01-08T12:51:00.003-06:002009-01-08T13:06:32.043-06:00Rock Chalk Jayhawk<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IG2Qf7wkD1LZ1xfMG9RMUIfhGdH6b975T0b-Ka53MnkHeFJX0QppnocdcN007Lwc1UftCBmy29rMaSHwklSZhdCCg78qxohy92Ycu5WCuaewnNpm093uiHtRdveRJ_6I157TJu-7-cs/s1600-h/Kansas+Trip+Jan.+2009+088.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IG2Qf7wkD1LZ1xfMG9RMUIfhGdH6b975T0b-Ka53MnkHeFJX0QppnocdcN007Lwc1UftCBmy29rMaSHwklSZhdCCg78qxohy92Ycu5WCuaewnNpm093uiHtRdveRJ_6I157TJu-7-cs/s200/Kansas+Trip+Jan.+2009+088.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289000532834695010" /></a><br />For the last week all I have heard ringing in my head is "Roooooooock, Chaaaaaaalk, Jaaaaaayhaaaaaak, Kayyyyyyyy, UUUUUUUUUUUUU!" (sing it in a mid range voice as if you were in a monestary) If you have never heard the chant of the University of Kansas fans, then you have missed out on one of the unique and colorful things in college sports. Recently, I traveled to Lawrence, Kansas, with some good freinds of mine to watch my beloved Tennessee Volunteers Men's Basketball team take on the defending national champion Kansas Jayhawks. <br /><br />If you don't know anything about the history of college basketball, then let me fill you in on the significance of Lawrence, Kansas. It is the birth place of basketball - no literally - Dr. James Naismith developed the game of basketabll while at the University of Kansas. He tutored and trained a young man named Phog Allen (why in the world would anyone name their kid PHOG?!). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBwqkBwKJJIKMNoSwd6C2qsqB_1mqdo1jZIQ_BY4EEbPfRQXd2HIaTOycxMzf36UbcFJ3YmYjMXO-lt0bh4H1H0xI3AvTEU6bdc9dLgNwzW7I63SPcOqTnahdbLrccGFOsUqUg1IqyyY/s1600-h/Kansas+Trip+Jan.+2009+058.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBwqkBwKJJIKMNoSwd6C2qsqB_1mqdo1jZIQ_BY4EEbPfRQXd2HIaTOycxMzf36UbcFJ3YmYjMXO-lt0bh4H1H0xI3AvTEU6bdc9dLgNwzW7I63SPcOqTnahdbLrccGFOsUqUg1IqyyY/s200/Kansas+Trip+Jan.+2009+058.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289001219216014674" /></a><br />Coach Allen became a legendary basketball coach at Kansas and one of his players was some guy named Dean Smith. Dean Smith just happens to be one of the all time winningest coaches in basketball while he coached at North Carolina. <br /><br />Ok, enough of the history lesson! The point is, that this old style basketball arena named after its legendary coach PHOG Allen is one of the most unique sports venues in the country. I truly enjoyed my time at PHOG Allen (I like to put his name in all caps because I think it is a funny name) while listening to the crazy but well mannered Kansas fans not only sing Rock Chalk Jayhawk but scream continously as their Jayhawks defeated my Volunteers 92-85. <br /><br />Allen Fieldhouse was on my bucket list (see the movie), so it was great to be able to mark that one off. Now, if any of you find it in your heart to take me to Fenway Park for a ball game, or to the Masters Golf Tournament in August, Georgia, or to the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, you won't hurt my feelings and you will be able to help me mark another one off my bucket list. <br /><br />Roooooock Chaaaaaalk Jaaaaaayhaaaaaakk, Kayyyyyyy.... UUUUUUUUU! Go Vols!Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-50978669917777707662007-10-12T12:58:00.000-05:002008-12-11T06:20:50.434-06:00What's up with my title?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5hMrGv5ZJak/Rw_YPRQxywI/AAAAAAAAABo/SNKL1PV0Mz0/s1600-h/fries.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5hMrGv5ZJak/Rw_YPRQxywI/AAAAAAAAABo/SNKL1PV0Mz0/s320/fries.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120549058186955522" border="0" /></a>By now, you must have heard this phrase: <strong>"We live in a fast food world".</strong> 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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br /><strong>Back to the main subject</strong>: 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 "<em>be still and know that I am God</em>". 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.Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-70878895607982805482007-10-18T14:10:00.000-05:002008-12-11T06:20:50.164-06:00At 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.<br /><br />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?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBzsNJ8j2tJu7Z__Zk_UJKC9AOhmAR95eC-tiA19Kxhpb917szePW503KoW5YBg7jRDdX7dqZK-pOg3w8x3eGF1PNXECdKhg91eONpKvrB3EFfSCjVTVEdN4ll92SiH-iptznIY3YXEg/s1600-h/Chicago+Pictures+2007+022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBzsNJ8j2tJu7Z__Zk_UJKC9AOhmAR95eC-tiA19Kxhpb917szePW503KoW5YBg7jRDdX7dqZK-pOg3w8x3eGF1PNXECdKhg91eONpKvrB3EFfSCjVTVEdN4ll92SiH-iptznIY3YXEg/s200/Chicago+Pictures+2007+022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122780099995356946" border="0" /></a>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!).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9zuJK9c3jO5R_uYsozr1qUua_biiNXJaCjyabDwS8YB4DSqBY3XSQMCYIVR4pjejIHpVobtKEhzJjWwnlM_9uyXPYlbp8gzDzVgZS7LfHAu9qlNeKa5fJT2T3Awld_qGbkHiK0zi4MY/s1600-h/Chicago+Pictures+2007+017.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9zuJK9c3jO5R_uYsozr1qUua_biiNXJaCjyabDwS8YB4DSqBY3XSQMCYIVR4pjejIHpVobtKEhzJjWwnlM_9uyXPYlbp8gzDzVgZS7LfHAu9qlNeKa5fJT2T3Awld_qGbkHiK0zi4MY/s200/Chicago+Pictures+2007+017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122787908245901122" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br />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?"Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-73390645489895937852007-11-05T10:13:00.000-06:002008-12-11T06:20:49.854-06:00Top 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...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ACeRiIZko73JIQUi76pi45JMcbfMO6tQpalt07tFP3qtgByeHXz7iYRTjaEXIbU5lsF-iJ_UcZgbWEbBr_qL6eF6Blo7HnZOot0VgutjOIE46eDsITa8DXbZNDersoG8hjij4dVmaaY/s1600-h/stewart_car_2003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ACeRiIZko73JIQUi76pi45JMcbfMO6tQpalt07tFP3qtgByeHXz7iYRTjaEXIbU5lsF-iJ_UcZgbWEbBr_qL6eF6Blo7HnZOot0VgutjOIE46eDsITa8DXbZNDersoG8hjij4dVmaaY/s200/stewart_car_2003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143586324946174610" /></a><br />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.<br /><br />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):<br /><br /><strong>10</strong>. 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.<br /><strong>9</strong>. 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!<br /><strong>8</strong>. 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.<br /><strong>7</strong>. Keeping on the Dukes theme: Daisy Dukes are considered normal attire - although not the best choice for the majority of people attending (including men).<br /><strong>6</strong>. 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.<br /><strong>5</strong>. 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.<br /><strong>4</strong>. 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.<br /><strong>3.</strong> 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.<br /><strong>2</strong>. Duct tape is a way of life....embrace it.<br />(Drum roll here.....) and the number one thing that will make you a true NASCAR fan....<br /><strong>1</strong>. 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.Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-42805416978600857092007-12-03T16:51:00.000-06:002008-12-11T06:20:49.580-06:00College Football and the BCSOkay, 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. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvWcG71_utqxvC1qYb9XjTFJXxTDX0teDen9PSHrSB0xJz6UKEK5B784ayt01kUezDM1IYN_WS9Ox4koFN0r2qp3PnIrVIo7dNq2pcstMxLjqR5Ck9B7A_ZPaKWwZSDSkTjhEP2lISuQ/s1600-h/Running+through+the+T.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvWcG71_utqxvC1qYb9XjTFJXxTDX0teDen9PSHrSB0xJz6UKEK5B784ayt01kUezDM1IYN_WS9Ox4koFN0r2qp3PnIrVIo7dNq2pcstMxLjqR5Ck9B7A_ZPaKWwZSDSkTjhEP2lISuQ/s320/Running+through+the+T.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143587780940087970" /></a><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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!Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-24811965934943235042007-12-13T14:43:00.000-06:002008-12-11T06:20:49.408-06:00Kids and Christmas - the True MeaningDuring 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.<br /><br />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. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgJtyUp_ejA0rZZf5qpRs8QbpLVH12bYmas7KNxkKRDxUmGhs-At8BO0SAMPQaKHctBY22VaHgnIwrw0hHWwitndD3AAi1ACnpovP8Z4T7p9F5F9jr292OcpIENbajj5net70O9Vp9mw/s1600-h/12-26-2006-007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgJtyUp_ejA0rZZf5qpRs8QbpLVH12bYmas7KNxkKRDxUmGhs-At8BO0SAMPQaKHctBY22VaHgnIwrw0hHWwitndD3AAi1ACnpovP8Z4T7p9F5F9jr292OcpIENbajj5net70O9Vp9mw/s200/12-26-2006-007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143565893786747522" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br />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 <strong>for all people</strong>; for today in the city of David there has been <strong>born for you</strong>, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!"Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-71803310593256265122008-01-07T15:40:00.000-06:002008-12-11T06:20:49.091-06:00American Gladiators<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzL6M1oPEtqUIOi7O0GMB6prf8WitSWouru4CSTp8_XY0TT7Wtpv2QK8Q1TthqmvR5HRBlDFUWLVw1IoXlbnVia4T3SqQ6rGscXMGAM-I2QWIFiUZn8DJyTXTM3gq6dvDt_ISPzUJkOU/s1600-h/american_gladiators_image__3_.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzL6M1oPEtqUIOi7O0GMB6prf8WitSWouru4CSTp8_XY0TT7Wtpv2QK8Q1TthqmvR5HRBlDFUWLVw1IoXlbnVia4T3SqQ6rGscXMGAM-I2QWIFiUZn8DJyTXTM3gq6dvDt_ISPzUJkOU/s200/american_gladiators_image__3_.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152860391714116850" /></a><br />Oh yes, you know what I am talking about. If you went to high school in the 80's or early 90's, you know all about American Gladiators. The Joust, the Eliminator, the Rings, and much more crammed into one exciting hour of breathtaking television entertainment! Well, it's BACK and bigger than ever. Plus, for us "teens of the 80's", they have added Hulk Hogan as a host - how awesome is that, BROTHER!? (If you are a Hulk Hogan fan, then you understand the "BROTHER" reference). Last night, I watched the premier of American Gladiators on NBC - and I have to admit, it was very good. They have kept most of the old events and added some pretty cool new events. What's wild is the fact that I am sitting in my living room watching this show with MY KIDS! And they love it! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMouynSrd3e9CMvh9XSLZseaor-8sySDjmOHbzFVrruc67iCBg3Io6jU0gwhLAYxHBsw00o3Py5w4Vu2BczR2PndecAU_GjuqKqLzSJJzY9b-2n0NeVpdRra1Zfxxs5dNkr24Yu62QA3s/s1600-h/hulk-hogan-interview-20050701022156353.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMouynSrd3e9CMvh9XSLZseaor-8sySDjmOHbzFVrruc67iCBg3Io6jU0gwhLAYxHBsw00o3Py5w4Vu2BczR2PndecAU_GjuqKqLzSJJzY9b-2n0NeVpdRra1Zfxxs5dNkr24Yu62QA3s/s200/hulk-hogan-interview-20050701022156353.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152860619347383554" /></a><br /><br />Now don't get me wrong, it is purely for entertainment purposes. There is no educational value (maybe healthy living - but that is a stretch, I know), or nothing that challenges your brain or makes you think. It is purely average American people (who happen to be in really great shape) getting a chance to put on head gear and beat the fool out of muscular models - with the chance to earn money doing it. In the words of boxing promoter Don King, "Only in America!" <br /><br />It is important to understand that the people who apply and are able to go on this show are in amazing condition. Last night, a Marine lady and kick boxing lady were on the show and they were literally dusting the gladiators. I started thinking, who do I know that could go on this show? Obviously not me! There is a guy in the Bible Fellowship that I used to teach in Tennessee named Jack - he is in the FBI. He is a small guy who stays in great shape - probably knows about 31 ways to kill a man with his hands type of guy - he would be good on this show with his quickness, small but strong size, and his anger management issues. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG45-HdNPC38GlybdWXVAjfMFOx1WG199dbU2fJh3rZbCN-YooMVTejYfOOMvb5yqW1UF9Xt3XNH4t4Sxr-3JGqqCTerxkrd1capbhEqkAUpAPU85-oELJ74BAg6teySQEgemHmpf67J8/s1600-h/staffjohnmeador.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG45-HdNPC38GlybdWXVAjfMFOx1WG199dbU2fJh3rZbCN-YooMVTejYfOOMvb5yqW1UF9Xt3XNH4t4Sxr-3JGqqCTerxkrd1capbhEqkAUpAPU85-oELJ74BAg6teySQEgemHmpf67J8/s200/staffjohnmeador.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152862247139988770" /></a><br />My current pastor could go on this show - he is 6'5" and about 260 solid (That is him on the left - Hulk Hogan is above - didn't want you to get them mixed up). He could hold his own - and how cool is that - to have a pastor who could go on American Gladiators? That would be classic! I could see it now: "Now that I have beaten Wolverine (Gladiator man's nickname on the show) in the Joust - can I have one conversation with you if I could only have one?" <br /><br />Ok, I am ranting, Happy New Year to everyone! I hope 2008 is the best yet. God bless...Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-82727942512244620342008-02-18T16:22:00.007-06:002008-12-11T06:20:48.327-06:00Valentine's on the 15thOkay, this year my wife and I did something we have often heard about but never actually done ourselves - celebrate Valentine's Day on the 15th instead of the 14th. Don't worry guys, we talked about this weeks in advance. This year it seemed to work out pretty good being that the 15th was on a Friday. I have to admit that when the 14th rolled around, it was very difficult not to pull out the flowers, balloons, candy, etc. On the night of the 14th, we actually baby sit for some friends of ours who went out to eat (they returned the favor on the 15th - saved some nice $ with that move!). <br /><br />After it was all said and done, we had an amazing Valentines (15th) Day! And, I must admit, that we learned some great benefits by waiting until the 15th. <br /><br />1. It is easier to get a reservation at a restaurant. (I started calling the second week of January!) We ate at the famous <a href="http://www.delfriscos.com/fortworth/">Del Frisco's in Fort Worth</a>. WOW! Amazing place - highly recommend it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbtvL2ozWgEBWQeuMXCyGBHNdRdL5h8UUhh28J8TkO5ZFi2f7cuwdTfZrtiA5lKHzvPCC8xSmFiC4IDWz2FrpRW1l79ZZe6AzL7K4f60QzIrSNR0Y2t0JW0mlaayMK0lINXNr30J7b1c/s1600-h/del+friscos.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbtvL2ozWgEBWQeuMXCyGBHNdRdL5h8UUhh28J8TkO5ZFi2f7cuwdTfZrtiA5lKHzvPCC8xSmFiC4IDWz2FrpRW1l79ZZe6AzL7K4f60QzIrSNR0Y2t0JW0mlaayMK0lINXNr30J7b1c/s200/del+friscos.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168454673971897698" /></a><br />2. It is easier to find a baby sitter. Although we did work out the free babysitting gig (see above notes).<br />3. You can get through the card aisle at the Hallmark store much easier than the day before - AND, you would be surprised how many cards are left over.<br />4. You never have to worry about flowers being delivered on time. The day after Valentine's may be the slowest day of the year for florists. <br /><br />They key to the whole thing is simple. It really is not about a particular day, but the fact that you take time to celebrate the one you love and to show them how much you care. My wife is my best friend, and I love spending time with her. Even after almost 12 years of marriage, we still never run out of things to talk about. So, start now to make your plans for the new Valentine's Day - February 15th!Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-38414593669480932372008-03-05T11:37:00.007-06:002008-12-11T06:20:48.041-06:00Years are flying<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DEFbC06r-i7Rwv7e49qpqzNZDOATb5K_V_eGG8lP2SJ6DRPOlhiDy4ZL4XOhqVD-1OEHfYUwPyDHyYs1iuaOSCBReCOJHUcXH5OIyGj4-BKO719DxoNjxx4b6tFXwfbF53JWXMafJ4k/s1600-h/101_0319.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DEFbC06r-i7Rwv7e49qpqzNZDOATb5K_V_eGG8lP2SJ6DRPOlhiDy4ZL4XOhqVD-1OEHfYUwPyDHyYs1iuaOSCBReCOJHUcXH5OIyGj4-BKO719DxoNjxx4b6tFXwfbF53JWXMafJ4k/s200/101_0319.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176230849992885746" /></a><br />Why is it that the older you get, time goes faster? I have pondered that thought quite a bit this week because my youngest child is turning 8 years old! It honestly just seems like yesterday that our son, Brody, was still sucking on his "passie" and jumping up and down in his crib. That is Brody in the picture. (BTW - my wife Lainie made that cake! She is amazing!) My daughter will be 10 in August, and I began to think - wow - I am going to be 35 this year! What is up with that? <br /><br />So, the real question is - why does time get faster? Is it because we are doing more things and are busier? I remember thinking when I was a kid - "man, I can't wait until _____ "(fill in the blank here). It was a summer vacation trip. Sometimes a birthday...always Christmas, my driver's license, flying an airplane, going to <a href="http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/">college</a>, etc., etc., etc. Of course, I also remember my dad telling me when I would spout off one these "I can't wait...." lines the famous saying all parents say to their kids: "You are going to wish your life away!". <br /><br />I actually said that line to my son the other day when he lamented that he could not wait until his birthday on Thursday. I watch him sit in the floor and play with his match box cars like I used to do, or play on his Nintendo DS (I had an <a href="http://www.atarifun.com/atari%202600%20console%20and%20controllers.jpg">Atari</a> baby!), or catch a baseball with me. As I watch him and my daughter grow it is a reminder of how precious time and moments are here on earth. Start living! Have fun with your kids! Go on trips! Spend that money! Time is flying by....Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-82254643344500203692008-03-20T09:22:00.005-05:002008-12-11T06:20:47.806-06:00Remember the Alamo!No doubt this is a familiar cry that you have heard before. It was the rallying cry of the Texans as they fought for their independence from Mexico. It served as a reminder of what the brave men did at the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio. This past week, my family went to San Antonio for Spring Break. Don't get me wrong, we did the fun stuff (I will talk about that in a moment), but we did take time to tour the <a href="http://www.thealamo.org/main.html">Alamo</a> and learn a little Texas history. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDwwdIIPR7gf1XEbM21HycXlgqFE-L1BHB4Z5YK_hBMM3sIlpNwYIn3F-50sq7esLeYRDXOdLb3tOzq_3k-TSux8QOcl9uIjMhNNueLGhMwdNxX87-VluzcyVLyd7Z4faNkTvfl9ow1Y/s1600-h/101_0398.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDwwdIIPR7gf1XEbM21HycXlgqFE-L1BHB4Z5YK_hBMM3sIlpNwYIn3F-50sq7esLeYRDXOdLb3tOzq_3k-TSux8QOcl9uIjMhNNueLGhMwdNxX87-VluzcyVLyd7Z4faNkTvfl9ow1Y/s200/101_0398.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179834436333559330" /></a><br />One of the things that the Thomas family is proud of - being from the GREAT state of Tennessee! After walking through the Alamo and learning a little more about one of our native sons, Davey Crockett, we are even prouder. I will admit, that the Alamo museum workers didn't like it when I gave a stirring rendition of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leT0DVyAosk&feature=related">Rocky Top </a>while overlooking Davey Crockett's shot gun. <br /><br />One of the things that my wife and I are enjoying at this stage in our lives is the age of our kids. Bailey is almost 10 and Brody just turned 8. They are at a great age to travel and do things they have never done before. With that said, this was our first true "Spring Break" trip as a family. Now I am no Clark W. Griswald, but I do try to turn into Super Dad. I must admit, for our first Spring Break trip, this was a great time! After our tour of the Alamo, we stayed overnight in downtown San Antonio and took a boat tour of the <a href="http://www.riverwalkguide.com/">Riverwalk</a> (a beautiful place!). We ate dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe, bought some souvenirs, and spent all day Monday at Sea World San Antonio. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.seaworld.com/sanantonio/">Sea World </a>was amazing! I think I went to Sea World when I was very little, but I don't remember it. Elaine had never been, so this really was a "first" for all of us. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxaJBpXe2oE9NPYwcEPFGv4Z4um9nU7kpNKO0tWrdwMywVQX8I0xE_ddwZLB3W96tXX-lBYDcrw_I4pKGVAOQsu-OFMCzXDufwDY9N6oX6CklsYf0B_tKZ7cMz66e4g2FY3aOV5YqjrI/s1600-h/101_0498.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxaJBpXe2oE9NPYwcEPFGv4Z4um9nU7kpNKO0tWrdwMywVQX8I0xE_ddwZLB3W96tXX-lBYDcrw_I4pKGVAOQsu-OFMCzXDufwDY9N6oX6CklsYf0B_tKZ7cMz66e4g2FY3aOV5YqjrI/s200/101_0498.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179837653264064050" /></a><br />From the STEEL EEL (big honkin roller coaster) to <a href="http://gocalifornia.about.com/library/graphics/Shamu_sdsw.jpg">Shamu</a> (killer whale) to petting the dolphins, we had a blast. I would highly recommend Sea World and San Antonio as a great vacation spot. <br /><br />Spring Break 2008 is in the books. It is time for March Madness and for my Tennessee Volunteers to make Davey and all of us proud by getting BACK to San Antonio to the Final Four! Of course, we would hope that the Tennessee Volunteers trip to San Antonio this time would turn out much better.Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-88672274382237789142008-04-03T11:33:00.003-05:002008-12-11T06:20:47.155-06:00March Madness and the BracketsI know it is officially April, but March Madness is one of my favorite "events" of the year. If you don't know what March Madness is, ask anyone how they are doing with their "brackets" and you will learn quickly. It's funny how big the brackets have become. People who never watch college basketball will join in an office pool, or friend pool, and fill out the brackets. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxxw_CE7ExSFzMWcGAHei_uU1qOhZKuKYOtpdztnmo7jSAXdzIIRVMTB9zcOWE2VT3eJpX4bKJv9tJ3dS69x2VwJO8X-Wm5KU8HVMWbz1_5QFvdlZZbUD5rVtcU0FICpj5AWw6uwAkpU/s1600-h/march-madness%5B1%5D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxxw_CE7ExSFzMWcGAHei_uU1qOhZKuKYOtpdztnmo7jSAXdzIIRVMTB9zcOWE2VT3eJpX4bKJv9tJ3dS69x2VwJO8X-Wm5KU8HVMWbz1_5QFvdlZZbUD5rVtcU0FICpj5AWw6uwAkpU/s200/march-madness%5B1%5D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185439016467521090" /></a>They may choose teams that wear their favorite color. They may choose teams based upon the mascots or if one mascot could beat another (for example: a Bruins would easily defeat a Duck in a battle of nature).<br /><br />I am a college basketball fan. I played college basketball (Don't get excited - it was Division III), and I enjoy the passion and purity of the college game. Each year, I listen to the experts on ESPN. I analyze the point gaurd play of each of the top 16 teams. I study season stats on rebouding and field goal percentage. Then, I fill out my brackets only to be annilaiated by the stay at home mom who thought North Carolina baby blue was prettier than Louisville red. <br /><br />So, in conclusion what have I learned? March Madness is called madness because it is so unpredictable. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8uQC547ghNBxrLi9SAnhj4pccUTuYe2LACMV63QNqd_rwB2EeV4AwjtQ96HzDM1TIWutloZ8SLX8OjD35C1rIVSUR2kcHRragr4tn7heHDjia-Tve6CXZR7SY2nSsCvuHtCViODbCRA/s1600-h/ncaalogo%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8uQC547ghNBxrLi9SAnhj4pccUTuYe2LACMV63QNqd_rwB2EeV4AwjtQ96HzDM1TIWutloZ8SLX8OjD35C1rIVSUR2kcHRragr4tn7heHDjia-Tve6CXZR7SY2nSsCvuHtCViODbCRA/s200/ncaalogo%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185439497503858258" /></a><br />It is a tremendous amount of fun, and next March I once again will be studying the stat sheets and listening to the "experts" on ESPN to predict who will make it to the FINAL FOUR only to eventually lose in the bracket pool. (BTW - I REALLY need UCLA to win it all for me to win my at home pool - so go BRUINS!)Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-611979191053403042008-04-16T16:56:00.005-05:002008-12-11T06:20:46.621-06:00My BrideMany of you know my wife, Elaine - oh excuse me - she likes to be called Lainie... It's not that I don't like the name Lainie - it truly fits her personality - but I fell in love with ELAINE. Those of you who know her realize quickly that I "out-punted my coverage!" That is a football term meaning that she is <strong>way out</strong> of my league. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmugMlyxUFkY8DCtJUZ3zU9nwKG28riigdVv9XGt1KkODQM4LneW_GwabSZxb_k70y7vL8DehLcZlQFLtNByZmjG4mLm7eKBc5oUT9oB2DcsVlF-C5NOUO6iaXcZhNjIfcmaGaELgoCCk/s1600-h/Mills+Christmas+Day+007.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmugMlyxUFkY8DCtJUZ3zU9nwKG28riigdVv9XGt1KkODQM4LneW_GwabSZxb_k70y7vL8DehLcZlQFLtNByZmjG4mLm7eKBc5oUT9oB2DcsVlF-C5NOUO6iaXcZhNjIfcmaGaELgoCCk/s200/Mills+Christmas+Day+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189968529911706370" /></a>My wife is a brilliant (seriously) and creative woman who loves God and loves to serve Him and others. She has a servant-heart. For those of you who do not know her, well, you are missing out on a blessing. She can brighten up any room that she walks into with her contagious smile and sparkling eyes. <br /><br />This Friday (18th) is her birthday. She will turn 37. I am sure that right now she is loving the fact that I am telling her age. April 18 is a great day in our home and a day we celebrate Lainie's life! Thank you Andy and Becky for having her in 1971. Thank you God for bringing her into my life, and thank you honey for 12 great years of marriage. You are a wonderful wife, mother, co-worker, and you are my best friend. Happy Birthday! For those of you who would like to email Lainie birthday wishes click <strong>ethomas@firsteuless.com </strong>Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-77883263839295941262008-04-22T12:59:00.005-05:002008-12-11T06:20:46.449-06:00I am no Bobby FlayI love to grill out. Let me re-phrase that: my family loves to grill out. On average, we probably grill out at least three times a week. We grill everything. Steak, hot dogs, chicken, sausage, vegetables, potatoes - you name it. My wife's love for grilling probably started with her dad, Andy. Andy is a world-class griller (is that a word?) - and I am not just saying that because he is my father-in-law or the fact that I want his famous grilled ribs for 4th of July. He really is very good at grilling. In fact, I refuse to eat ribs at any restaurant because I'll be disappointed and upset that I wasted my money. Trust me, if you're ever in Southaven, Mississippi (not sure why you would be...ha!), you need to stop by Andy Gore's (no relation to Al - praise God!) for some wet ribs! Tell him Bradley sent you! I am sure he wouldn't mind....<br /><br />This past Saturday we decided to go to a local store in Southlake, TX, called <a href="http://www.centralmarket.com/cm/cmLocation.jsp#southlake">Central Market</a>. While I would not shop there for my weekly groceries (my wife is laughing now because everyone knows that I don't shop for groceries), it is a GREAT place to go buy fresh steaks, fish, chicken, vegetables, etc. for the purposes of grilling out. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhFupLC3Z3nvgKm-Jyvk0EnxLmyQiA-TB3LIIrHEOikjQQqSSPLVHSJhb55ryo20aWMGla7tYquRJN4iAWV5_qaxfq8haA1XTnuDc3qr5f2XTH0wfcAMXXWA3FbHTNmn564btu-Mf9z0/s1600-h/101_0627.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhFupLC3Z3nvgKm-Jyvk0EnxLmyQiA-TB3LIIrHEOikjQQqSSPLVHSJhb55ryo20aWMGla7tYquRJN4iAWV5_qaxfq8haA1XTnuDc3qr5f2XTH0wfcAMXXWA3FbHTNmn564btu-Mf9z0/s200/101_0627.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192481682284850914" /></a><br />We had a great time just being home and eating some great food. Granted, we could have gone to a restaurant and had a nice meal. But every now and then, it is fun to just stay at home and make our "gourmet" meal ourselves. It's spring time, so fire up those grills (insert big loud Tim "the Tool Man" Taylor grunt here)!Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-26342125985761146662008-04-25T10:19:00.012-05:002008-12-11T06:20:46.215-06:00Get the Church a cup of CoffeeFor some reason two months ago, we started getting issues of the Rolling Stone magazine. Evidently, after further investigation, we are getting these issues complimentary for awhile due to our joining Rhapsody.com. After one issue, I realized that this magazine is a liberal, anti-Christian, awful rag. The first few issues that were delivered went directly from my mail box to the trash can. But recently, it hit me... this is our "pop culture". This is where our young people live. This magazine is a representation of what our college and high school students are listening, reading, watching, and discussing. Who am I kidding - this magazine is a representation of our 30's and 40's.<br /><br />One of the latest "hot topics" among Southern Baptist Churches is centered around the constant tug of war in regards to the "style" of church. It's often referred to as "traditional vs. contemporary" or "the worship wars". <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53hwgGcezKwoGrGy6tyFOFbVa49q3JQUecQNUmQfIatrHnRfvl9K9A7A87-0H9W_jtUaXiwMbPI2BT-y-cF1Uv5i8FMBC9zlDqJ7URbEHmboKQJnXPx8tcLXg5EEU68rZjTWqZHoxNk0/s1600-h/Worship%2520small%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53hwgGcezKwoGrGy6tyFOFbVa49q3JQUecQNUmQfIatrHnRfvl9K9A7A87-0H9W_jtUaXiwMbPI2BT-y-cF1Uv5i8FMBC9zlDqJ7URbEHmboKQJnXPx8tcLXg5EEU68rZjTWqZHoxNk0/s200/Worship%2520small%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194735255920029426" /></a>While it may be taking place in different forms, rest assured, every church is dealing with it in some degree. The whole issue centers around effective ministry. In other words, are we (the church of the 21st century) effective in how we are reaching lost people with the gospel. After all, is that not our main focus? The salvation of the lost? It should be. Jesus commanded it to be our main focus. Jesus didn't sit back in a building and wait for people to come to him. <br /><br />Our pastor, John Meador, is going to be preaching a series starting May 11 entitled <a href="http://www.firsteuless.com/">"Generation X, Y, Z'</a>. The series will be based out of Deuteronomy and will deal with how our past generations can effectively reach and teach our new generations Biblical principles of salvation, following Scripture, living for Christ, and how we can effectively (there's that word again) establish these important principles for future generations - my kids and grand kids. It will be a great series that will look at how Scripture is cross-generational and how we as parents and community leaders have the responsibility to take Biblical truth and teach it in a relevant style.<br /><br />One of the failures of Christians in the past 20 years is that we have not changed our practices with the changing culture. Now hear me loud and clear: I am not saying that we should have changed our principles and convictions. Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. He was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, was fully God and fully man, died on a cross for our sins, rose again three days afterwards, and ascended to heaven where he now sits at the right hand of God the father. I also believe that Scripture is "God-breathed", without error, and that every word is true. This is the foundational truths or our beliefs and they should NEVER waiver. <a href="http://www.marshillchurch.org/">Pastor Mark Driscoll </a>in Seattle calls them the "cornerstones of our faith".<br /><br />But, we (the church of Jesus Christ as a whole) have lost touch with society. Disagree with me? Look around... why are churches all over this country who ran thousands in the 70s and 80s now glorious empty cathedrals? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsSHjtJQVfo72io4mdfEC93WRtlkDDf4Ex7f8lFF_XUXccX778FJENGFGFGWDV6tvNjDoyBS4T6NZCQn2neLS3bLHv0OLDPK-Uk0WENutEjYMoEzruqnRXXbfBlF47G8I09Btg8odyJk/s1600-h/Assumption+Catholic+Church,%2Bin%2BO%27Fallon,%2BMissouri%2B-%2Bnave%2Bof%2Bold%2Bchurch%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsSHjtJQVfo72io4mdfEC93WRtlkDDf4Ex7f8lFF_XUXccX778FJENGFGFGWDV6tvNjDoyBS4T6NZCQn2neLS3bLHv0OLDPK-Uk0WENutEjYMoEzruqnRXXbfBlF47G8I09Btg8odyJk/s200/Assumption+Catholic+Church,%2Bin%2BO%27Fallon,%2BMissouri%2B-%2Bnave%2Bof%2Bold%2Bchurch%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194736604539760386" /></a><br />A recent article that I read in <a href="http://www.churchsolutionsmag.com/hotnews/baptist-baptism-decline-frank-page-lifeway.html">Church Solutions </a>magazine reports that baptisms are down for the 3rd consecutive year across the board among protestant religions. Read magazines like Rolling Stone and an article in their latest edition about a reporter who went undercover at a "mega-church" in San Antonio to learn more about Christianity. This poor guy got it all wrong in his article, and the majority of the reason is the ridiculous nature in which that church preached, worshiped, acted, and misrepresented Scripture. Now the reporter was wrong to lump in all Christians into this one category, but the point still remains - we are not "getting it". <br /><br />We have the greatest news in the world! You need hope? We have the answer. You need to break free from the bondage of addiction? We have the answer. You need help in your marriage? We have the answer. You need to find someone who will love you no matter what you have done? We have the answer. You need to find help in dealing and connecting with your kids? We have the answer. NO other religion can offer what Jesus Christ gives freely to those who seek it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4720fPhD7EuJxjTIWdd-Z7etGKGEJ-82p7oNPZdFSnLBvamOrU4QvtnhWrtahX8Lf5REJYadbeHBCgtQV6CG2CVv1K5ASdkfvrfrQUOzBEm5xawb5JZ5ZfbNdK17twsoVzIkkV7b_OY/s1600-h/Jesus%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4720fPhD7EuJxjTIWdd-Z7etGKGEJ-82p7oNPZdFSnLBvamOrU4QvtnhWrtahX8Lf5REJYadbeHBCgtQV6CG2CVv1K5ASdkfvrfrQUOzBEm5xawb5JZ5ZfbNdK17twsoVzIkkV7b_OY/s200/Jesus%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194742295371427618" /></a><br />So why is it that we as the body of Christ - the church - spend the majority of our time bickering like spoiled little children about the volume of the music in our worship service, whether we get to sit in our predetermined church pew, our self-assigned parking space, whether the pastor should wear a suit or jeans on Sunday, the music leader's hair style, or whether or not our Sunday School/Bible Fellowship/Small Group/Connection Class/Care Group/or whatever you want to call it has brown painted walls or red painted walls??? Do you think Jesus is pleased or really cares about that garbage? Do you think when He was dying on the cross He was worried about whether the decibel level was going to be too loud in the worship service? <br /><br />People all over the world are drinking in the false religions of Islam, Mormonism, and Oprah-ism and the one group of people that have the greatest news is too worried about their own petty and selfish desires rather than those outside the walls of the church who are literally dying without Christ. Congregations all over the country are spending too much time and effort crying about ridiculous things. They wonder why our churches are not growing in numbers and then blame the pastor and staff when the baptism waters are not stirring. Maybe the church should drink some Biblical coffee, wake up, and get back to being obedient to Christ's command to "GO make disciples"....<br /><br />The good news is that there are churches who have "gotten it". They understand that we need to stay focused on reaching the lost. They understand that bickering over small things that have no importance, is merely a way that allows Satan into the door of the church. These are great churches and typically are the fastest growing congregations. <br /><br />My high school coach was (and is) a pretty smart dude. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2Q6rvMrAgu1sIce9uEr2XSUIYyzWgoORkcWlnTYve-lld5hDJ8ExGl3TBxsrCL_qykpJUe0dQA_LvzGKQJqq9TU7pgn9F6viYCLz3Sq8s8FkgjwlAkopuoaEA9MXDQGZSDxmB9c_4iA/s1600-h/hot-coffee%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2Q6rvMrAgu1sIce9uEr2XSUIYyzWgoORkcWlnTYve-lld5hDJ8ExGl3TBxsrCL_qykpJUe0dQA_LvzGKQJqq9TU7pgn9F6viYCLz3Sq8s8FkgjwlAkopuoaEA9MXDQGZSDxmB9c_4iA/s200/hot-coffee%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194741109960453906" /></a><br />He once told me, "Bradley, if you want to be a good coach, then find the people who are winning and learn from them. Read about Dean Smith, Vince Lombardi, Joe Paterno, and John Wooden." That was good advice. I think it holds true in most circumstances. Maybe we should be listening to those places that are baptizing thousands instead of ridiculing them for their loud music, jean wearing, weird hair pastors and worship leaders. I don't know about you - but fire up that coffee pot and let's get to work!Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-12488704888256137032008-05-06T12:01:00.004-05:002008-12-11T06:20:45.561-06:00A World of TroubleRecently, I as watching the evening news. I don't do that much anymore because I can't stomach the liberal tint the media portrays on everything and the constant "Bush-bashing" that takes place. (Side bar: I don't think George W. Bush is perfect nor has he handled everything well, but he is still our PRESIDENT and we should respect him and the office). Stories came across the television that had me sitting and wondering - what is going on with our country? For example:<br /><br />1.) Take this article from <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2008-04-29-minister_n.htm">USA Today</a>: "Presbyterian Minister cleared in Gay Marriage Case." Well Praise the Lord! I am thankful for that (hint of sarcasm)... Click on the article above and read it. The main thing I can't understand is that the Presbyterian Church keeps talking about their "constitution" and how they should follow it - hey guys, how about following - oh, I don't know - the WORD OF GOD? It's amazing to see what all God has to say on this subject when you actually read his word.<br /><br />2.) Miley Cyrus - aka Hannah Montana. Well, unless you have been under a cave, you are aware of the "buzz" she has created with her Vanity Fair pictorial. Through it all, the funniest thing to me is the reaction of Disney - the company that owns her Hannah Montana character. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrq7YbU7u_qAZiaRLUSP2vnI3Mb2oCE1LqX-2HXJW8fR9wHhjk1Thhx-Y-_KetV2COtMYQkuxnJfrIEekLHdWq1p3K-2hsDq8-KVVj3vd8rJATaSc2OC0T6ZlUZo1pbilHx2tlHGohao/s1600-h/miley_cyrus%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrq7YbU7u_qAZiaRLUSP2vnI3Mb2oCE1LqX-2HXJW8fR9wHhjk1Thhx-Y-_KetV2COtMYQkuxnJfrIEekLHdWq1p3K-2hsDq8-KVVj3vd8rJATaSc2OC0T6ZlUZo1pbilHx2tlHGohao/s200/miley_cyrus%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197330257980403522" /></a><br />Disney is all upset over the "raciness" of the pictures (I don't like them either, by the way), but isn't that a little hypocritical on their part? I mean, they will have Gay pride day in their parks but get upset with Cyrus' pictures exposing her back? What it tells you is that they are concerned with one thing - the almighty dollar. They know that the majority of Cyrus' fan base is in the conservative south and they will be upset with this pictorial which could result in loss of sales of the Hannah Montana product. <br /><br />3.) Professional Athletes getting second and third chances. Do you think for one second that you and I could do half of what Pacman Jones has done and still get a chance to come back to work for MILLIONS of dollars? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxCXnsgTOnpMXcjzerY6WBhi_ZoZ_wbC0_fZFu7wxmyICk19kgCRm1_8GYDgJQC82CaT3t9cOTqQwRHXAu_xEtsZKDsQcSd2Vz0iKwswn009Hj2Sgm04QeN0KmKdj07z9H8U0hUzfW4Q/s1600-h/pacman-jones-photo%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxCXnsgTOnpMXcjzerY6WBhi_ZoZ_wbC0_fZFu7wxmyICk19kgCRm1_8GYDgJQC82CaT3t9cOTqQwRHXAu_xEtsZKDsQcSd2Vz0iKwswn009Hj2Sgm04QeN0KmKdj07z9H8U0hUzfW4Q/s200/pacman-jones-photo%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197329837073608498" /></a><br />Once again, it is about money. Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, knows he has a big huge stadium that will be completed in 2009. He needs to create a buzz among the fan base in order to sell very expensive tickets to this very expensive stadium. The best way to sell tickets, merchandise, and concessions, is to put a winning product on the field. Bring in Pacman Jones (a very good NFL cornerback) and it increases your chances of winning big. Who cares if he is an habitual criminal? Who cares if he shows no real remorse for his actions? He runs a 4.4 40 yard dash and leads the NFL in interceptions - sign him up! Pay him millions! <br /><br />In all of this, what do you think we are teaching the younger generations? It's simple. We are teaching them selfishness - and that my friends can lead to a world of trouble....Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-67321047846778509302008-05-19T17:00:00.011-05:002008-12-11T06:20:45.038-06:00Walk off Grand Slam Home Run!One of the most enjoyable experiences of my life just ended this past Friday night. The City of Euless 8 and under Coach Pitch Red Sox played their last game of the 2008 season. Me and my friend Robert Elkins (our worship pastor here at First Euless) decided to coach our sons this year in baseball. His son, Jack, and my son, Brody, are truly best friends. (that is Jack in the picture with Brody) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic89ZXgrTqiqU0j8srWZNlruMCnYIk1OX94AboXKfWcdc1N26L7QXG9JpeBMcfMtoZKDLc72zsmYmDmX310t1t6d2lJ8FfLkt5tQbHT72P_iy1-k-qVVotDkvv5TF4_EDgFb82Sh9fkW4/s1600-h/100_1210.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic89ZXgrTqiqU0j8srWZNlruMCnYIk1OX94AboXKfWcdc1N26L7QXG9JpeBMcfMtoZKDLc72zsmYmDmX310t1t6d2lJ8FfLkt5tQbHT72P_iy1-k-qVVotDkvv5TF4_EDgFb82Sh9fkW4/s200/100_1210.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202479744787966770" /></a><br />This is my first time coaching little league baseball. I have coached high school boys & girls, middle school boys & girls, and college in basketball, baseball, and softball. Each team has been an enjoyable experience over the years, but these little guys will always hold a special place in my heart. We were not the best team in the league, but we were not the worst. The thing I am most proud of these boys is how they improved. I was always taught that if you work hard, listen to your coaches, and do your best, you will improve. I got to see that first hand this spring.<br /><br />When our season began, we didn't know where to throw the ball let alone attempt to catch it. Just about all of our boys struggled hitting the ball at the plate (many come up from T-ball and have a hard time with the ball being thrown at them - even by a coach). We finished the season 3-7, but our last game was the most exciting. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-6vllsSL0dtlDm287dbnKVpQsKVIoDV2-UP5Aw6KpdKU9d_8aFKpf5hJKl6WHOYmOCF_6PyuYfgcH9QRFqQwQvCTyzUkNsRG56ilpk_MvH-IzvwA2Unm3AWwpsuaXuR7DtW8wBu3uPQ/s1600-h/100_1216.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-6vllsSL0dtlDm287dbnKVpQsKVIoDV2-UP5Aw6KpdKU9d_8aFKpf5hJKl6WHOYmOCF_6PyuYfgcH9QRFqQwQvCTyzUkNsRG56ilpk_MvH-IzvwA2Unm3AWwpsuaXuR7DtW8wBu3uPQ/s200/100_1216.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202478331743726338" /></a><br />We only had 8 players because one of our boys contracting mono (get well Ryan!), and two of our other boys had previous events with their families. That meant every time the 9th batter's position came up - it was an automatic out. Our boys played a great game. It all came down to the bottom half of the last inning. We were behind by one run, and we had the bases loaded. Our number 5 hitter (Chase Apple - great name!) hit a line-drive shot down the left field line that one-hopped to the fence (baseball-speak). The bases cleared and I sent the batter home (not where he lives but to the plate)for a close play. SAFE! - as he slid under the tag. Ballgame! - called the umpire. Jubilation erupted and our boys were jumping around like they all were just given brand new XBOX 360's.....<br /><br />The whole reason I decided to coach this team was to be with Brody. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESdkegVJObjAtICutma2FocopvPJw_vqj-cDBV6jvAoO6eQeBqJcRPX9GGT77N-Uey70O9a2tKb-vaKuW0KTCNSFn-IEStDL-QS4K1occcWzaSOUzEtS-crMSK0DSIJcs688x9YC0Nys/s1600-h/100_1227.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESdkegVJObjAtICutma2FocopvPJw_vqj-cDBV6jvAoO6eQeBqJcRPX9GGT77N-Uey70O9a2tKb-vaKuW0KTCNSFn-IEStDL-QS4K1occcWzaSOUzEtS-crMSK0DSIJcs688x9YC0Nys/s200/100_1227.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202478593736731410" /></a><br />That was a great joy for me to watch him play and be a major part of his experience. Not only am I extremely proud of him, but I feel in some small way as if I gained 10 other sons for about 2 months. Great job Red Sox! See you next Spring...Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-90335163515256065302008-06-16T16:57:00.013-05:002008-12-11T06:20:44.610-06:00Give Me My Space Bro!I enjoy watching Seinfeld. It was a creative show that made you laugh about the simple every day habits of 4 Americans living in New York. If you are familiar with the show, you know that Jerry (the main character) always found something wrong with his dates/girlfriends. One girl had "man hands". One girl was a "low talker". One girl kept using silly nicknames like "Shmoopy". <br /><br />Well, in one particular episode that I remember, Jerry met a friend <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuQk-h9bt-H5sHiWuhGbkeC49Ycw-6ieiMM5pEyodbojuh9LRsLCD6WhpilkWRH5IlBQBFSZC5UHe7eRtm9ftSOk5xCUaE2NQqO7LtfmR5xRwB22SFWET07TqiPi9pech7mp-rXfnFR0/s1600-h/close%2520talker-790525%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuQk-h9bt-H5sHiWuhGbkeC49Ycw-6ieiMM5pEyodbojuh9LRsLCD6WhpilkWRH5IlBQBFSZC5UHe7eRtm9ftSOk5xCUaE2NQqO7LtfmR5xRwB22SFWET07TqiPi9pech7mp-rXfnFR0/s200/close%2520talker-790525%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212977536996752450" /></a><br />that became known as the "close talker". You know what I mean - the individual that has absolutely no stinking clue how CLOSE they are when they are talking to you. You get very uncomfortable and back away, and they just move in. It is very uncomfortable when you encounter a "close talker" of the opposite gender, as was the case with me this past Sunday.<br /><br />The whole time this woman is talking to me, I literally am thinking, "Is she going to kiss me!? Holy COW! BACK OFF!!" But of course, I just smile and do the polite thing - end the conversation as quickly as possible. It seems I have been having trouble lately with the whole personal space issue. During the last Texas Rangers game that we attended, a very LARGE man sat down next to me. Now please hear me out. I have nothing against large people - I myself am not Matthew McConaughey (I know that will come as a shock!). However, this individual did not care that his shoulder, elbow, and forearm were all sitting in my rib cage while he was eating his 2 foot hot dog loaded with cheese, chili, relish, and onions. No "excuse me", or "pardon me" - Just giant elbow to the face! <br /><br />Of course I gave the customary "Hello" with a forced smile. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDLPUGWNe3UnS-OtAzMkYKPYHKsCwogrCWY7H7V0EimppXKYW_kck2kGMFpXWitah00NKRTkpHDsYXUBkjH2kaRqKigPUdo25raCgF_jLhEK2esDBbDyIDzzGXR9wtV-7QR49-RNUhgU/s1600-h/101_0803.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDLPUGWNe3UnS-OtAzMkYKPYHKsCwogrCWY7H7V0EimppXKYW_kck2kGMFpXWitah00NKRTkpHDsYXUBkjH2kaRqKigPUdo25raCgF_jLhEK2esDBbDyIDzzGXR9wtV-7QR49-RNUhgU/s200/101_0803.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212975829820160002" /></a><br /> Then, made a huge deal out of the fact that I literally was leaning over the other side of my chair (see picture to the right). That didn't work. Finally, I did what anyone would do in that sitaution... I made my nine year old daughter switch seats with me! (Had to buy her a $5.00 Lemon chill for that one!). <br /><br />What is it with certain people. Do they not know the rule about standing 5 feet behind you when you are at the ATM machine? Do they not understand that it is not nice to go to an amusement park without bathing, sweat like a mule, ride the water ride, then rub up against you while you are waiting to ride the swings? Why can't people realize they are almost touching your nose with their nose when they are talking to you in a noraml conversation? My thought: we change the culture. To me, there is only one man who can do it.....<br /><br />Barack Obama! Might as well, everyone else thinks he walks on water. Surely he can fix this problem too!Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-78602576901902272892008-12-04T23:03:00.002-06:002008-12-04T23:17:01.012-06:00Where Have I Been?!It's hard to believe that I have not written anything on here since October 16. You may say, "Wow, Bradley, your life must be boring - you have nothing to write about." Well, that is far from the reality of my life. The last couple of months have been hectic but good: Kids playing football and cheerleading. Seminary going strong. Traveling to Tennessee (The Holy Land - let us all pause and pay tribute!) to spend time with family. Working in a fast paced church environment. Facebook. Going to Houston for two days. St. Louis for two days. Missions Conference at church. Mowing my grass. Watching reruns of the West Wing on TiVo. Helping my daughter with her 5th grade math and realizing how dumb I am. Phillip Fulmer. Team Impact and Trunkfest event at our church. Writing several papers. Lane Kiffin. Clogging an artery by eating at a great new place here in DFW called Hard Eight Pit BBQ. Did I mention Pee Wee Football? <br /><br />Well, you get the idea. The good news is that my absolute favorite time of the year is now here - Christmas. For those of you who do not know... Christmas officially begins with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and ends at 12:01am January 2nd. Typically, I am somewhat depressed on January 2nd and 3rd, BUT... this year - not so! I will be smack dab in the middle of Rock Chalk Jayhawk country (Kansas Univeristy) watching my Tennesee Volunteer Men's Basketball Team whoop up on some Kansas Jayhawks! Oh yes - I will be wearing my Volunteer Orange and singing Rocky Top right in the middle of Fog Allen Fieldhouse on January 3rd.<br /><br />Thanks for checking in with me. Life is getting back to some normal behavior, so I will be writing on a regular basis again. Have a great weekend - and just think - only 19 more shopping days till Christmas!Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-16401495783893304772008-10-16T13:52:00.007-05:002008-10-16T14:37:39.704-05:00Texas Pee Wee FootballI am a native Tennessean. If you know me well, you know that I bleed Tennessee Orange for my Volunteers. Here lately, with the performance of our Football team, I have been bleeding A LOT!! But that is not the purpose of this blog. My son, Brody, is 8 years old. Wait, he would remind me that he is 8 and a HALF years old - a fact that he will no doubt eliminate when he gets in his 30's. <br /><br />Brody is currently playing pee wee tackle football in the local association called <a href="http://www.midcitiespeeweefootball.org/home.asp">Mid-Cities Pee Wee Football and Cheerleading Association</a>! (Say that 5 times fast...) The MCPWFCA (yes, they actually use this exact acranem) has an abundace of teams ranging from 4 year olds who play flag football <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbU1NHAKDVKGqWmmUgnhIp9-0JvFknTXWqwEWbY0jRgLvFtv8Yrtjs50sCyV-zQ4WjQPM2-vXVW5Z8Ilwl581FWDbmjW7Q-uYFxPQF4pgiqxjHyy8AVmxY3U9Zfz3j9IjeWxHvjNpGp8/s1600-h/DSC00738.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbU1NHAKDVKGqWmmUgnhIp9-0JvFknTXWqwEWbY0jRgLvFtv8Yrtjs50sCyV-zQ4WjQPM2-vXVW5Z8Ilwl581FWDbmjW7Q-uYFxPQF4pgiqxjHyy8AVmxY3U9Zfz3j9IjeWxHvjNpGp8/s200/DSC00738.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257832788230949330" /></a>(or should I say 4 year olds who run around in huge groups of 6 and 7 with one kid holding the ball) all the way to 6th grade boys in helmets and pads. Brody plays on the mighty Bengals who are currently 5-0 (That is Brody wearing number 30 in the picture). He loves it and we enjoy watching him play. I espeically enjoy watching him hit people - a fact of tackle football. My mom likes to remind me that I put her grandson in harms way. Thanks mom! <br /><br />Before we moved to Texas, I used to hear legendary stories about Texas high school and little league football. In fact, there have been movies made about both. I used to think, "Aw, that's just made up. We know that REAL high school and little league football is in Tennessee, grrrr (insert Tim the Toolman grunt here)." Well, I am here to testify with my hands raised in the air that I was <strong>WRONG</strong>. Holy cow was I ever wrong. I know this now because I have seen it first hand. It's official. When it comes to high school and little league football, Texas people are absolutely <em>NUTS</em>. Brody plays on a team that has a play book with over 25 plays. I watch their practice and see 8 year olds in pads get down in 3 point stance while the little quarterback yells, <strong>"34 BLAST RIGHT, 34 BLAST RIGHT, SET.... HUT...." </strong><br /><br />The most amazing thing is on game days. We play every Saturday, and people come out early and set up the large party tents and tailgate all day! Yes, you heard me - tailgate! It's pee wee football for crying out loud! The only shame is that Mack Brown can't win any more big games than he does with all of this talent in state. (Ha - take that Texas fans...)<br /><br />So, in closing, I completely understand why every college football coach in the coutnry comes to Texas to look for talent. No wonder, they put a helmet on them and a mouth piece in them the minute they come out of the womb. <br /><br />Let's go Bengals!Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-2160392657610247082008-10-03T13:47:00.004-05:002008-10-03T14:30:04.086-05:00Your Vote is Important!Okay, I have refrained from adding my political viewpoints on this blog site. For starters, it can be a "sticky" situation being that I am a full time minister. I am fully aware of the fact that not every Southern Baptist church member is a Republican or a Democrat. There are ample numbers of both. Furthermore, my political views are just that - my political views. I believe that everyone is entitled to develop their own political views. <br /><br />I would only have two suggestions - <strong>one</strong>, always vote. If you don't vote, then you either don't appreciate the fact that thousands of Americans have given their life for you to have the privilege to vote, or your just plain lazy. <strong>Two</strong> - vote according to your Christian principles. People who say, "Well, the Constitution says that church and government should be seperate!" don't understand why the founding fathers put that clause in the Constitution. (Okay - My undergrad degree was in Political Science - so get ready). The founding fathers came to the New World primarily because the King of England forced his religion on the people. The religious oppression was the "straw" that drove most of them to America. (I know - it wasn't the only thing, but it was a MAJOR thing)<br /><br />When the Constitution was written, the idea was to keep government out of the church, not the church out of government. They didn't want the government telling people how they should worship, who they should worship, and where they should worship. The idea that religious people should not bring their Biblical principles into politics is absolutely absurd. Anyone who checks the facts, would realize that the majority of the founding fathers were actively involved in their specific denominations - it was a way of life. Have you ever wandered why "In God We Trust" is stamped everywhere? (Sorry Bill Maher - if you don't like it - move to France)<br /><br />In closing, look at the political platforms of each major party. Cross examine those platforms with your own Biblical beliefs (notice I didn't say Baptist belief?) and see how it matches up. Then, go vote for the candidate who represents the political party and platform that you support. Please don't vote for Obama because he talks well and looks good on camera, or McCain because he says he's a maverick, or Palin because she is cool. Don't vote for someone because Oprah told you to or Dave Leterman likes them. If you are a Christ-follower, vote for the candidate that best exemplifies what the Bible teaches. So, do your homework, pray hard, and go to the polls on November 4th!Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-52235824119692705672008-09-12T16:50:00.002-05:002008-09-12T17:06:48.713-05:00First Impression is the First StepOne major aspect of the Assimilation ministry of any church is the first impression that people receive when they immediately drive into your church parking lot. At that moment, customer service is in high gear. Now some people would say, "This is church, this ain't Wal-Mart, they should want to be here." Well, grumpy old man, keep saying that and then wonder why your church doesn't attract new people. <br /><br />Why can't we be better than Wal-Mart, Best Buy, or any other "secular" place when it comes to customer care? We are doing something much greater than any of those businesses - kingdom work! We should do our absolute best for the cause of Christ. People are searching for answers, and when they actually get the nerve up to visit a place where they don't know anyone, we should make every effort to make them feel welcome, wanted, and perfectly at home within our walls. The isolationist "me-first" attitude of many church-goers needs to out the window when it comes to having open arms and open doors to the lost world. <br /><br />So, the very first thing that needs to be established when it comes to first impressions is the attitude of your people. Jesus came to heal the hurting and the sick, not the healthy and "got-it-all-together" crowd. We should have the same attitude. What should that attitude look like? Great question.... here are just a few answers:<br /><br />1. EVERYONE is welcome and treated equally. It doesn't matter what they look like, what they are wearing, how they smell, how well their hair is combed, what color of skin they have, what kind of clothes they wear, or even where they have been the night before. God made them, he died for them which means he loves them, and we should welcome them. <br />2. Treat everyone they way you would want to be treated. Be friendly. Say hello with a smile. Offer a warm handshake. <br />3. Your building should scream "you are welcome". If you don't have guest parking sections - make some. You should have people in the parking lot greeting guests and offering to help if needed. Your ushers should smile when they hand them the bulletin and your greeters should walk up and talk to your guests and look to learn more about the guest rather than talk about themselves. If your church is big enough, have a guest welcome desk with information about your church and various ministries. <br />4. Pastors - you should zero in on guests in your church. Not only should you have a "welcome time" in your service, you should have some type of reception at the end of your service to say hello. Most churches actually give a gift to all of their guests who visit their church. <br />5. Look for ways to help those who are guests - I tell our volunteers at First Euless all of the time to be on the lookout for those who have that "lost" look. The "deer in the headlights" look. The people who keep looking up at the ceiling for answers on where to go and what to do. I want our volunteers to engage them. Ask them how they can be helped and then walk them to where they need to go - do not point. Think about the last time you were at a department store and could not find something. Your experience was much more pleasant if a worker walked up to you and said, "How can I help you?" and then actually stayed with you until you were completely satisfied. We try to do the same thing.<br /><br />Those are just a few of the initial thoughts of proper attitude. Be looking for the next post on Assimilation very soon....Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-18741087351620675012008-08-21T23:45:00.003-05:002008-08-22T00:14:52.485-05:00You scored a 9.2575!Ok, I am not going to forget my promise on writing about Assimilation Ministry. I will tackle that when I get back from vacation. I am sticking to the age old rule that while on vacation, you can't think about work. Don't get me wrong, I love my work and what we do in ministry, but I need to "check out" every year and re-charge my batteries. <br /><br />I am sitting here in Destin, Florida, looking out on the absolutely beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. We have been blessed this week due to the fact that Hurricane Fay went to the Atlantic side. We have had nothing but clear sunny days. Thank you Lord for that blessing!<br /><br />This blog is about the absurdity of competition in the Olympics that utilize judges to determine a champion - i.e. gymnastics and diving. I watched with utter amazement as the USA gymnasts got "hosed" on their scores this past week. You know what I would do if we couldn't figure out a winner in gymnastics? Let them wrestle for it right in the middle of the floor exercise mat. Can you imagine it? Nastia Luikin body slamming that 13 (oh, excuse me - 16) year old Chinese gymnast! That would rock. I can hear Al Trautwig now on the NBC broadcast - "Luikin with the upper right hook! Xen Ho We is down! Luikin with the cross body elbow! That's it - Nastia wins the gold medal!" <br /><br />Or, let them go immediately outside, mark off 100 yards and race for it. Shawn Johnson would dust anyone in the 100 yard dash. This is exactly the reason why I like swimming, track & field, volleyball, basketball, etc. If you are the best - then score more than me, or beat me to the finish line. I don't have to worry about whether I took a semi-small step or a medium size step on my landing after spinning in the air 5 different ways in less than 2 seconds. Plus, I wouldn't have to listen to Bella Karoly scream about the scores to Bob Costas for 10 minutes! (By the way, can ANYONE tell me what that man says?? Holy cow he is harder to understand that Sly Stallone in Rocky 6!)<br /><br />I love the Olympics! I can't wait until the Winter Games in 2010 where we can see speed skating, down hill skiing, and oh yes, Figure Skating! Bring on Scott Hamilton and the "triple sow cow" with a 9.2575895 gold medalists score!Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-19559589190027361352008-08-17T17:54:00.002-05:002008-08-17T18:01:42.110-05:00Great trip to Venezuela!What an amazing experience we had in Carupano, Venezuela. 34 Americans from various churches partnered with an organization called E3 Missions for a five day ministry time. We worked with several churches in and around Carupano. By going door to door using a tool called the "evangicube", we saw a total of 1,339 professions of faith in Christ. The amazing thing about the week is the fact that it is one on one evangelism. I can also assure you that the follow up process is in place with the local churches and is conducted with each person who made a decision. E3 is an amazing organization. The trip was an overwhelming success and the staff of E3 did a terrific job with the logistics and planning of the entire trip. Thank you to all who prayed for us while we were gone - we definitely felt your prayers. Check out some highlight videos and pictures from the trip on my Facebook page. The link is below in the right hand column. I am now on a much awaited vacation trip to Destin, Florida, then back on the 25th ready to roll into the fall. God bless....Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3993252414848192680.post-1817821037020184142008-07-30T23:09:00.002-05:002008-07-30T23:13:06.380-05:00Leaving for VenezuelaTomorrow at 7:10pm I am flying to Caracas, Venezuela. On Friday morning, I fly from Caracas to a small town called Carupano. There will be about 35 of us on this trip as we set out to share the gospel door to door with the people of this city. Please pray for our team. We will be back home in DFW on Friday, August 8th. I hope to bring back a great report for you, so be sure to check back. In the meantime, no one better tell me who wins "So You Think You Can Dance" next Thursday. I will be upset if I am not allowed to watch it on TiVo.... Have a great week everyone! Blessings....Bradley Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291795707615683975noreply@blogger.com0