I finally got my internet connection fixed, after a week, and I am back online.  Class is going well and we are having our first test Wednesday.  I think I remember how to study!  My parents left Saturday after staying with us for a few days after the storm.  It was quite an ordeal getting them here.  If my Dad had his way he would have stayed in Nacogdoches, with no power in the heat.

We had another Worship Minister candidate try out Sunday.  My wife and I had dinner and Sunday lunch with he and his wife - along with a cast of thousands.  He has a very tender heart and that reminds me of Kenny.  So the question of the day is - Heart vs Technical Ability?  I am keeping an open mind.

Just finished audioreading "Waking the Dead" by John Eldredge. Great book! Take the time to read it and prepare to be challenged.  His premise is: Your heart is good, things are not what they seem and we are at war.  He goes on to say that there are 4 streams that must be a part of our walk/fellowship: Discipleship, Counseling, Healing and Warefare.  Good stuff take a look!

Tonight is the 2nd EMT class with my daughter - I am tired!  I'm one of the 2 old men in the class so I think everyone is watching.  It's tough getting old!

Just when you thought that I wouldn't ever post ever again - I did!  This week I am in Washington, DC at the National InfraGard Congress and Conference.  I am staying at the JW Marriott on Pennsylvania Avenue.  The view out of my window is fantastic!  I go to sleep staring at the Washingtion Monument.

This moring our keynote was Col. Danny McKnight, the ground commander at Black Hawk Down.  He had some fantastic things to say about leadership.  It was so good I took notes.  Here they are:

Army Values - LDRSHIP

1. Loyalty

2. Duty

3. Respect - he considers this the most important value.  There are 3 levels of respect (from the least important to the most important): A subordainates respect for a leader, the mutual respect among peers and (the most important) the Leaders respect subordinates.

4. Selfless (Service)

5. Honor (Integrity multiplied)

6. Integrity

7. Personal Courage

Great thoughts from a man who put it all on the line for a cause greater than himself.

Yesterday I went and saw my parents in Nacogdoches.  My dad is doing well physically but mentally he is not all there.  He used to be a fantastic lawnmower repair guy and knew a bunch about engines.  Yesterday, he couldn't remember how to start a weedeater.  He kept asking me over and over how I knew how to start that.  My mother says that she wants her old husband back.

Other that that, they are doing fine.  My mother can leave him alone for ladies bible class and he goes with her to walk in the mall.  They have been going to church and Bible School for about a month.  They are getting old but God has given them a good life.

Another beautiful day!  I had the opportunity to go to Galveston on business and the water was beautiful.  Both of the cruise ships were in port and it made me want to get on board and take a cruise. 

I had a good lunch with friends and business associates.  We are in the process of planning the National InfraGard Conference in Washington, DC this August.  More on the details soon.

On days like today I feel like I took a wrong turn and ended back in California.  The weather has been beautiful!  Cool in the evenings, warm during the day and low humidity.  Alas, it will soon end.

Today I took my dog, Snickers, out on my run.  She loves to get out but she doesn't like to run.  It was peaceful and very relaxing.  It helps me unwind and get away from computers.  Real beats virtual any day of the week!

I am still getting over the news that JH will be leaving our church staff.  We were lucky to have him and I'm afraid we didn't treat him very well.  He told me at lunch on Sunday, that the Christmas card my wife sent them was the only positive thing they received from the time they came through Christmas.  God forgive us!!  We owe them an apology.

Yes it is true, my daughter is 24.  Life goes by fast.  My parents used to tell me that and I thought it was dumb - but it is so very true.  She is a great person with a great family, I wish her all the best.

Now, my 2¢ worth is that we should eat something ... like ... STEAK!  No raw fishes!!

A Simple Sunday Morning Prayer.

First of all you have to realize that I do not like to run or stay fit.  If it were up to me, I would live on the couch and eat chips and drink "full strength" cola.  Alas, it is not up to me.  I am surrounded by females (my wife, my doctor, my daughter, etc.) that encourage - ORDER - me to stay fit and healthy.  Then there is my job ...

All of this brings me to this morning and my daily run.  This morning instead of looking at my feet as I run, (I have be told not to do this and I have suffered the consequences of my folly) I looked up and saw the great rebirth going on around me.  Spring has arrived and the trees and flowers are bursting out in new life.  The little critters and birds have birthed the next generating and the mocking birds are as aggressive as ever!  New life, new hope.

This is Sunday morning and that reminds me that God has done the same for us.  New life, new hope.  With so much sorrow and loss around us recently it is good to know that God gives us new life and new hope.  My prayer is that all who read this will experience this new life, new hope and when things have you looking at your feet, you will remember.

It's Easter - He is Risen!

What a beautiful day!  I hope that you and yours were able to attend worship service this Easter.  We had a wonderful 4 services at Spring Woodlands Church of Christ (www.swcc.net).  Our minister Mark Moran gave a wonderful thought provoking sermon with only one point - It's Friday but Sunday's Coming! 

The sermon went like this: They arrested Jesus - It's Friday but Sunday's Coming, They lead Jesus before Pilate - It's Friday but Sunday's Coming, etc.  You get the idea.  We as Christians focus so much on the death of Christ (and we should) but there is more to the story.  When Sunday came he rose from the dead, walked among those he knew and then went to be with God!

If you want to know why that is so all fired important, I encourage you to come to our Church and give us a listen.  It's a friendly place and you will find all sorts of people there - just like you.  And guess what - they have done all kinds of things, just like you.  The only differece is they have been forgiven and have given their lives to Christ.

As I prepare for the Easter weekend coming up I am brought back to the thought of how much God loves us.  At our Church (Spring Woodlands Church of Christ) we have been listening to the Bible of CD in preparation for this Sunday.  If you haven’t read the story of Jesus’ death, I encourage you to get out your Bible and read the account in Luke.  Start in Chapter 22 and go to the end.

I am always humbled by Peter’s actions when he denied Jesus.  Before Jesus’s death, he was behind him 100%,he would do anything.  When push came to shove, he got scared and denied Jesus’ to the point of even cursing!  That reminds me of myself, I can be gung ho when I’m around other Christians in a safe place but when in danger – I fold.  God forgive us when we fail!  And he does.

If you want to join us for Easter Service, we have an awesome sunrise service at North Shore Park in the Woodlands at 6:30 AM.  It is wonderful to greet the new day praising Jesus!

My wife is from California and we spent 2 ½ years there with my work.  There is a park in Ventura County high on a mountain looking over the Oxnard Valley with a Cross.  When we were there last year I took some pictures and included them here.  I always find the view inspiring!  I hope these pictures will inspire you on this Easter.