Common Sense

For those of you with a passion for American history and who enjoyed my previous post concerning the Great Awakening, here is another small but important piece in our country's historical timeline. With the many complex problems America faces today...war, energy, economic, healthcare, Social Security, and many others, one would tend to believe America is facing some of its biggest challenges ever. While there is certainly truth to that ideology, there is still a similarity in the complexity of the issues that our Founding Fathers faced after gaining independence from England. How to establish a government and constitution that gave equal representation to all was the ultimate goal, after all, the Revolutionary war was fought under this premise. This in itself proved to be quite an arduous task due to the difference in opinions of the people. How to control further land settlement in the Western territories that was owned by the different states, how to finance the national debt that was created by the war, slavery or no slavery, are just a few of the many obstacles political leaders faced in the late 17 and early 1800's. America has certainly had its fair share of trying times throughout the past few centuries, but one truth remains self-evident, America will prevail!

Common Sense, a 48 page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine, was a collection of his ideas on American independence from England. Originally published anonymously on January 10, 1776 due to its disloyalty to the crown, Paine’s work sold 120,000 copies in three months and 500,000 in the first year during the American Revolution. Paine started work on the piece in late 1775 under the title Plain Truth which was later changed from the suggestion of another Founding Father Benjamin Rush. Rush contributed to both the editing and publishing of Common Sense and the work went through 25 different editions in the first year. The pamphlet challenged the authority of England and spoke plainly to the common people of America concerning their independence from Great Britain. Paine’s dedication to his words and country were evident in the fact that he donated the royalties from his pamphlet to George Washington’s Continental Army. Common Sense consisted of four major sections. In the first section, Paine speaks of a balance between government and society and compares this with the English Constitution. He proposes that as people come together to form a society, problems arise due to population growth and laws are made by elected representatives within that society. In contrast with this balance, Paine explains how tyranny within the English constitution is so easily acquired and that nothing in this form of government contributes to the people it reigns. The second section consists of Paine’s disagreements with monarchy and aristocracy. He uses scripture to support his view that all men are created equal and that a man’s heritage doesn’t give him privileges over another. In the third section, Paine discusses the need for independence from England and gives an outline of elected representatives from each colony, and a proposed Constitution for America. Paine writes about America’s strong military and commercial potential in the fourth section. He mentions the unlimited lumber resources which can expediently build an American navy fleet to rival the English as well as encourage commerce and its protection. Common Sense gave literary clarification to most colonists’ perplexed thoughts about freedom. It was this popular essay that enticed the majority of the population into belief that independence from England could be attainable. It led to the Congressional debate where the choice of independence won the states’ vote and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776.

It is His Kingdom...not Mine

This Sunday is the “hard launch” of the Village Church Dallas Northway. This is the next step in a congregational story that started September 8, 1952 when Northway Baptist Church began. Started in what were then open fields on the outskirts of far north Dallas, the burgeoning population of Dallas soon brought rapid growth to the area where the church was planted. Its proximity to the heart of the city made it a desirable location for young families. Fifty years later the area has passed through significant transitions, especially to the south and west. Today, those compass points find poverty and diversity among those living near the church facilities. At the same time, to the east and north of the Northway campus are communities of affluence.

Through the years, Northway was involved in God’s mission, ministering locally while engaging members to the ends of the earth. As the church neared its 30th year, it gave many members to begin Prestonwood Baptist Church ensuring a vibrant evangelistic congregation in the rapidly developing “new” north Dallas. Within another 25 years, Northway although still carrying the name, could no longer be considered “north,” instead she became a metropolitan inner city church.

Following different eras of transition, it was my privilege to become the bi-vocational pastor for Northway Baptist Church in June 2007. By then, the congregation was predominantly comprised of elder saints many of whom had been part of the church since its earliest days. The congregation continued to do its best to care for its campus of large aging facilities, buildings that had once been filled with people of all ages. Northway had adapted its services to become more contemporary…and having made that transition was not going back.

It continued to serve those in its community with needed ministries while committing itself to new missional initiatives, giving itself away to the purposes of God’s Kingdom. I was and am so proud of the Northway family for their selfless commitment, giving themselves in God’s mission. While the congregation grew, it continued to be encumbered by facilities that had become much more than what could be adequately maintained and effectively utilized.

As pastor, I prayed that God would do whatever would be required to sustain His mission at Northway. At the same time the Village Church of Highland Village was also praying for a place to plant a new campus in the heart of Dallas. The church had more than 400 families who lived in Dallas and were driving to the Highland Village campus for worship, even though their lives were planted in Dallas. They had a heart for the city, but no location in which to give expression to that heart.

During the first five months of this year, God performed a miracle in bringing the two congregations together. On May 17, Northway Baptist Church voted unanimously to unite with the Village Church to become the Village Church Dallas Northway. I would become the last pastor ever to serve Northway Baptist Church. Some will likely not understand, thinking that I led the church to “give away the farm.” My position of leadership ended June 7, 2009 with a service in which we Celebrated our Legacy of Faith. It was not the end…it was a new beginning.

Summer months have been spent in a “soft launch,” a private time during which the two congregations “marinated” into one. This Sunday, September 13, 2009 is the “hard launch” of the church. Facility enhancements have been accomplished, and a common vision is shared. A facility previously characterized predominantly by elder saints, is now rich with young adults. Each group has found the other to be indispensable in what God is seeking to accomplish. The two have become one. It has not been, and will not be, without some pain. But God is present, hope is full, and the missional future is rich with possibility.

For more information on The Village Church please visit them at www.the villagechurch.net.

Do you suffer from neck pain or back pain?

As much as I talk about pain being a poor indicator of health and how your body's ability to function dictates how healthy you are, it is still a very big problem for thousands of people in this country. Every day, millions are reaching for a bottle of aspirin or Tylenol to relieve some type of pain. Most don't even know that they are poisoning their bodies at the same time and setting it up for failure further down the road.

Take aspirin for example, we are taught to take it for aches and pains. You should even take one a day as you get older to show your heart that you care about it. Right?!

Did you know that your aspirin is causing your stomach and intestines to bleed everytime you take it? They fail to leave that part out of the commercials. Or how about your liver and kidneys? They have to filter everything out of your body.

Being that ALL medication is processed as a poison (because that's what it is) in your body, it will cause damage to either one or both. As a matter of fact, Tylenol is now reported as the number 1 cause of liver disease. You cannot assume that something is not dangerous to your body because you buy it at the grocery store without a script.

Here's something else I bet you didn't know: you don't suffer from a deficiency of aspirin or Tylenol! I usually get a few chuckles when I make that statement so feel free to insert yours here. Your pain does not come from not having a high enough level of pain killers or antiinflammatories in your system. Pain is a perception of the brain or signal.

This means if an area of the body loses its ability to function then at a certain level your brain decides, "Hey, I guess I better tell him/her about it." It then throws out a signal to you, preferably where the problem is, so that you can correct the problem. Sometimes the brain gets the location right and sometimes it does not. This is because less than 10% of your nerves actually deal with pain, everything else is function.

Let me translate. By the time you are feeling pain, then something else has already lost its ability to function properly somewhere else. So how do I know that? (Glad you asked)

All nerves exit from the spine and every single cell, tissue, and organ in your body is hooked up to a nerve. Every nerve controls more than one thing. Part of the nerve goes to control a group of muscles and the other part goes to organs and tissues. If you have pain, then something is not functioning properly. The nerves exiting that part of the spine are now affected, which disrupts the messages being sent to whatever parts of the body it controls.

For example, lets say you have a job where you work at the computer a lot. Now you notice that your neck is starting to get tight on a daily basis and some pain actually starts to creep in from time to time. The nerves exiting that part of the spine also go to control areas of the brain, your eyes, your nose, your sinuses, your throat, etc. All those areas are not allowed to function as well as they normally would.

Now I am not saying that you will also have problems in all those areas. What I am saying is that now you are set up to have problems in those areas. Let's say with no stress on the neck your sinuses can function at 100%. Now let's throw a little stress in there and a couple of misalignments and now they can only function at 75%. Who do you think is more likely to get a sinus infection - sinuses functioning at 100% or 75%?

I get asked all the time what the deal is with chiropractic. Why shouldn't we just take Advil or whatever else? My response is that we look at the body differently than most MDs. We try to find an area of the body that is not functioning properly, which is causing problems (symptoms) there or somewhere else, and restore normal function. If you go to your RD (that's regular doctor), they will ask for your symptoms and prescribe medication to correct those.

So let me ask you this? What makes more sense, addressing the cause of the problems or the effects of the problems? In which scenario do you think a reoccurrence is least likely? This is why pretty much all the research you can find on the effectiveness of chiropractic says we are just as good or better than medication.

The more things you can improve or problems you can solve without drugs or surgery, the longer your body will last you, and the more you will be able to enjoy it later in life.

Kickoff

Sunday afternoons during football season meant watching the Cowboy game. Or rather waiting for my dad to fall asleep with the Cowboy game on. As soon as this happened, my sister and I would sneak into the living room to change the channel. In the early days, we had to actually turn the knob on the set. Later, we would ease the remote out from under Dad's arm. Yet, no matter how quietly we carried out our mission, he was instantly awake with the changing of the channel. Even with the sound off (he preferred to watch the game on television while listening to it on the radio), he had the uncanny ability to sense when his game was no longer on. In those days, the Cowboys weren't winning, and I didn't care. All I wanted was the remote.


Friday nights in high school meant going to Irving Stadium. Not because I really wanted to watch a high school football game. I was on the drill team, so Friday night was about performing. Before the game, we were the V in between the band's two columns. Together we marched onto the field to form the M from which we performed the national anthem and the Alma Mater. Just before kickoff, we formed two lines and shook our glittering pom poms on opposite sides of a large sign through which the football team ran onto the field. During the game, we performed stand routines to the music the band played. Then there was halftime. High kicks, jump splits, and other stunts which have left me with popping knee joints. Back then, I didn't care who caught the ball or what he did with it. I could kick my leg high enough to hit my hat.


Years passed, and I took no interest in the game of football. There was even a time I criticized the game as having nothing to do with the foot. It seemed the rest of the world had it right in referring to soccer as football. Indeed, I had many a conversation with my international friends about the seeming misnomer while I was living in Europe.


Today, I live in a state that has no professional football team. Yet, football fever is much more alive here than anywhere else I have lived. This is, after all, the Sooner State. After I began teaching at the community college, I learned that I needed to choose a color, crimson or orange. Being that I live closer to OU, it seemed logical that I would be a Sooner fan. At first, I would just placate my students by pretending to be interested. I still didn't know or care much about the game. Then, on a whim, I decided to watch the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. I couldn't take my eyes off the game. I had never seen football played like that. It was a nail-biter. The Sooners lost on a trick play in overtime, and I was upset about the loss. Of course, the next few days were abuzz with talk of the game. I was hooked.


Last season found me watching the ratings from week to week. I started watching ESPN and laughing at Lou Holtz and his absurd comments, particularly when it came to his die-hard support of Notre Dame. I watched Game Day when the show came to Norman. And when it went to Stillwater. I got excited about the Sooners 60+ point scoring streak. I got involved in the controversy surrounding the Big XII South title spot and the BCS ranking system. I rooted for Bradford for the Heisman. And then from my living room came quite an uproar during the National Title game after which my daughter told me not to yell at Tebow anymore.

So last season ended in disappointment, but I'm geared up for this one. Everywhere I see signs that I'm not the only one. The electronic billboards on I-40 have displayed the countdown until kickoff since there were more than 50. The jerseys have been on sale at my local WalMart for a couple of weeks now. The grocery stores have stocked up on game day fare. The radio stations are playing the school fight song and talking about tomorrow's matchup. We're ready.

I'm ready. I find it slightly ironic considering my history with the game that kickoff will be taking place at the new Cowboy Stadium. I suppose I've come full circle. It won't be the Cowboys, no, and it won't be Sunday afternoons, and I have more than one TV, so any little girl that might not take an interest in the game can watch a movie in the other room. But my big screen will most certainly be reserved for kickoff. And me, I'll be singing Boomer Sooner.

HP BYRON NELSON CHAMPIONSHIP RAISES $4.4 MILLION FOR CHARITY

Irving, TX – The Salesmanship Club Charitable Golf of Dallas, host organization of the HP Byron Nelson Championship, announced today that the 2009 Championship raised $4.4 million in net proceeds for local children and families.

“The incredible commitment of our title sponsor, HP, and the many companies and individuals who continue to support this great event are an inspiration to me,” said 2009 Tournament Chairman Charley Spradley. “I am proud of what we were able to accomplish in the face of the worst economy in two generations, and I’m deeply grateful to all of our sponsors and volunteers for their tremendous support and to the members of the Salesmanship Club for overcoming the challenges and doing it all for the kids.”

Since its inception, the Championship has raised more than $112 million for Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers (SCYFC), more than any other PGA TOUR event.

Funds generated from the sale of sponsorships, tickets, merchandise, concessions, parking and other amenities benefit SCYFC, a nonprofit organization that provides innovative education and mental health treatment services for troubled and at-risk children and their families in the Dallas area. Funds raised by the Salesmanship Club throughout the year combined with the proceeds from the HP Byron Nelson Championship provide the majority of SCYFC’s operating budget. More than 7,000 children and family members in the greater Dallas area were served in the last year as a result of funds raised at the Championship.

“The Salesmanship Club hosts this event solely to raise money for our charity,” said Mike Haggerty, Chairman of the Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers Board. “Our laboratory school achieved Exemplary status with a student passing rate of 90% or above for all TAKS areas. Further, two-thirds of our former students have enrolled in college or vocational schools. This is just an example of the incredible work that our sponsors and volunteers are making possible.”

The 2010 HP Byron Nelson Championship will be played May 17-23 at the Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. For details, visit hpbnc.org.

-HPBNC-

The Great Awakening

I have often contemplated the old adage, “The day you stop learning is the day you die”. From an Earthly perspective this seems to be absolute; for what can be more terminal for our minds than death itself? However, when viewed from the eternal perspective one can surely see that there is much more that is yet to be revealed and no one is exempt from this Biblical certainty. I undoubtedly being a Christian concur with the latter. While the eternal perspective is one that will far surpass anything we can wrap our minds around here on Earth and worthy of reflection, I would like to entertain the Earthly perspective. From birth to death, life seems to possess a constant state of learning. The learning process commences from the moment sensory functions are developed and extends throughout our entire lifetime. For years society has introduced the educational process early in life which in turn just equips us for the next phase of learning to not only survive, but succeed. In the last 9 years of my career, I can attest this notion of a daily flow of new data. Whether it is relative to my occupation, or my location, every day has produced something different or inexperienced. I have discovered through the years that with age, wisdom, and maturity, the more I am aware of the unknown. From this I deduce that learning is a journey; it has no destination. I don’t know of any better catalyst for the comprehension of this life-long process than examining the past. History itself paints the perfect picture of this long arduous process of learning how to survive. We as a culture have learned and can still gain from previous feats and failures in our country and world. I recently made the decision to go back to college and history, like many other adolescents, was furthest from my favorite subjects in school. It still didn’t really grasp my interest two weeks ago and as you probably guessed, I am taking the class now. Now this may be premature thinking being only into chapter four, but I am experiencing history in a whole different light. There is something inexplicable, maybe enlightening about seeing where you came from or how your countrymen came to existence that just doesn’t quite reach the forefront of your mind during the adolescent years. With that said, I have included a little segment of history that was an assignment given to me for summation. Hope you too experience your own Great Awakening! Pun is intended!


The Great Awakening, later given its name by minister and historian Joseph Tracy in 1842, first showed signs of birth in New England in the 1730s. It wasn’t until the 1750s that this outbreak of Protestant spiritual revivals proceeded to impact the lives of the early colonists. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia were among the most effected by the religious revivals. The older generation Congregational churches were more concerned with religious training and rational thinking than the salvation of souls. This coupled with a lack of ordained ministers in the South brought forth a new group of preachers. Among this group of “New Lights” were Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. These Calvinist preachers evangelized with emotional rhetoric and captured the minds and hearts of people from all Protestant denominations. Whitefield traveled from colonies in New Hampshire down to Georgia with his new style evangelism. Preaching that scripture teaches that all men were created equal and that a man’s value is in his moral beliefs rather than his class challenged previous conceptions of social order. This widespread revival created many positive changes to the colonial society which in turn even effects modern day. Baptist preachers were arrested in VA and were defended by a young lawyer named James Madison. This later would later spur the inclusion of religious freedom into the Constitution. The New Lights founded many schools of higher learning. Presbyterians established the College of New Jersey which is now modern day Princeton University. Dartmouth, Brown, and Rutgers are other examples that were established. African Americans were also a part of this evangelism and thousands were converted. With politics and religion so closely intertwined, this movement gave colonists a new outlook on life. The new idea that every man and woman no longer had to rely on ministers or authority for their own salvation, but rather, one stood alone before God instilled a sense of courage in people to stand up for themselves. Due to the widespread changes in religious thinking, a sense of unity was established beyond the local towns and throughout the colonies. People shared a common excitement about the future progression of America. Through the Great Awakening, one can begin to see the dawning of a democratic mindset and a unified nation under God which would only be obtainable by a Revolution.

Obama's Health Plan Won't Matter

Being that I am a health care provider, it seems like everyone wants to know what I think about the possible reformatting of our health care system. I have given it some thought and I have come up with an answer. But before I give it to you, I must first say this.

There absolutely needs to be some kind of change in the system we have or it will continue to spiral downward and get more and more out of control. However, change does not mean better it ONLY means different.

So now my answer to the question…..it doesn’t really matter. Before anyone gets upset, let me clarify.

When I say it doesn’t matter, I mean in relation to helping out the health crisis this nation finds itself in today. The World Health Organization has us listed around 35th (+ or – 2 spots) on the healthiest nations in the world. We are number 1 in emergency medicine (what medicine was to be used for) but way down on the list for chronic, preventable diseases.

Let me ask you some questions. How many people have health insurance? I think we can all agree that most people have some form of health insurance. When are you allowed to use your health insurance? If you are thinking “when you are sick,” then you are right. When do most people go to the doctor? When they are sick or have problems, and in the mean time, do nothing until they have another problem.

You see, we currently have a sick-care system and sick insurance – NOT health care with health insurance.

We have been brainwashed for several decades now that your health is all about how you feel. If I’m not in pain/sick, then everything is good. When pain/sickness is present, now there’s a problem. When it stops hurting, the problem is fixed and all is good once again.

This just simply is NOT how your body operates. We are not machines with nuts and bolts. We are dynamic, biological systems that are constantly assessing, compensating, and adapting to the environment we are in. Unless you can think of the exact moment you experienced trauma when your pain began, then it is something that has developed over time. Even then, the scar tissue left behind from an injury will cause that area to prematurely decay if not payed attention to.

Until we adopt a system that puts more emphasis on the prevention of health problems, we will always have a messed up system. You can’t wait until your car breaks down before you decide to take care of it and expect it to perform at a very high level. We all get that with our cars and our teeth, so why do we not get that about our health.

The health care crisis in this nation has little to do with the presence or absence of a health insurance policy. The crisis originates with the thought process currently used with respect to our individual health. The government is not going to get you or your children healthy. The insurance companies are not going to get you or your children healthy. We’ve been following there lead for several decades now with vaccination, drugs, and surgeries and look where it got us.

Obviously each individual case is different, and I would never say that we don’t need any of those things. In the right circumstances it is greatly needed. If I break my arm or my appendix ruptures, don’t come at me with some herbal paste to rub on my skin. Get me to a hospital first for some pain medication and possibly surgery. After things are stabilized then I’ll probably check out your herbal remedy.

The overhauling of our system needs to start with changing our out-dated ideals of health and use some of the research we’ve been spending billions of dollars on over the last 20 years and start applying it. Then we need to develop a system that encourages the individual to be more responsible for their own health. Until that happens, we will always end up right where we are at today.

United Airlines Breaks Guitars...

Taken from Almost the Speed of Sound posted by Jeffrey.

Recently United Airlines got a huge, viral slap in the face when they broke a musician’s guitar and failed to acknowledge his lose and to compensate him for it. As a response, the owner of the guitar, Dave Carroll, a Canadian musician responded by creating a music video about it. In true YouTube fashion, this video spread throughout the Internet proving that social media yet again can have a huge impact.

Anyway, posted below is a blog entry from TheAirlineBlog which explains the whole event very well. I’ve just reproduced it for you to read or you can click here to visit the blog itself:

“Last week, a music video was posted to YouTube that was every airline PR executive’s nightmare: a catchy country-music song, professionally edited with a humorous music video, that was quickly spreading across the Internet. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem, but the song was called “United Breaks Guitars,” by Canadian singer Dave Carroll and his band, Sons of Maxwell, and describes his fight with the airline to receive compensation after United baggage handlers in Chicago damaged his $3,500 Taylor guitar.

In the last week or so, the song/video (which only cost $150 to make) has reached almost three million views on YouTube, gained prime-time exposure on CNN’s Situation Room, and was the most popular song at the band’s concert last Friday. “Everybody was calling for that song the minute we hit the stage,” Carroll said to Rolling Stone. “It was unbelievable, 1,500 people raising their hands in the air to the ‘United breaks guitars’ tag line in the chorus.”

That’s got to be causing some serious pain over at United headquarters in Chicago. It’s bad enough when a YouTube video critical of your airline (no matter how light-heartedly) garners millions of views; it’s even worse when you see that the song has had such success that over a thousand people put their hands in the air to the words of “United Breaks Guitars.” How many of them are going to have that chorus line stuck in their heads at the first mention of United? And how many discussions of the song (”Did you see that video on YouTube?”) are going to evolve into discussions about a lack of customer service on United (”You know, I flew with them last April…”) ? And it’s not over, yet - there are still two more songs on the way.

Obviously, it’s hard to blame United for not seeing this particular incident arising. I don’t think a case where someone, slighted by an airline, has turned around and released a wildly popular country song about their experiences. But it does highlight some serious customer service policy deficiencies, ones that United is seeking to rectify. United Airlines’ PR department has been working hard to respond to comments on Twitter regarding the song, and has said that the video will be used for training, and that they’ve “apologized for, have fixed, and most importantly, learned from” the mistake, too. Airlines are starting to understand the power of social media - a $150 music video can be more effective than a multi-million dollar Madison Avenue ad campaign.

Perhaps airline reps everywhere now will be thinking in the back of their minds, “Could this turn into a smash YouTube hit?” After all, it worked for Carroll - national attention and a priceless amount of free publicity. Rolling Stone has said that Bob Taylor, of Taylor Guitars, personally phoned and offered Carroll two free guitars of his choice for the second video, while other airlines have reportedly offered him free tickets.” - Thanks to TheAirlineBlog

So, important lesson to all you pilots. Unless you want some YouTube video made about you (and don’t think it can’t happen) for your antics while either at the airport or flying, you are a representative and goodwill ambassador for aviation and your airline and the airline you represent and you should strive to uphold that image. You should be above reproach and your actions and professionalism are watched and commented on whether you think they are or not. You just don’t fly airplanes, you are customer service representative as well and the future of our industry partly rests on our shoulders.

To Your Flying Success…

Jeffrey

A Small Water Slide...

This is for those that secretly wish they were at a water park instead of enjoying the office today. Pretty amazing stuff. I hope that you enjoy it.

Playing for Change

"Watching new Playing for Change video made me happy. Go for it." - Ann Curry

Ann Curry posted this earlier and I couldn't resist. She is the greatest female journalist ever. You will probably recognize some of the artists. The way in which the collaboration was developed and produced was a uniquely enjoyable type of genius. Hope you enjoy the music.

Grounds of Hope: A Vision of First Baptist Church McKinney Texas

Followers of Jesus are called to be “salt” in the world. Among the implications of that role is the preserving effect that we can have. Unfortunately Christians are often considered to be people who are “against what is wrong” rather than “for what is right.”

Injustice is wrong. We should oppose that wrong. Rather than simply standing against wrong, our “salt” function would best be exercised by actively pursuing social justice. We do not just speak against injustice; we do what we can to raise justice.

We speak up for what is good. We join the Father whose favorite creation-account words were “this is good.” Salt preserves what is good in society and culture. When we do that, when we prove that God’s concern is for those who are oppressed, the world takes note.

That is what First Baptist Church of McKinney is seeking to do through Grounds of Hope. This coffee and arts venue will become a ‘third place’ for people in the city. There every cup of coffee that is consumed will benefit persons living in poverty. And those who picked the coffee beans will share equitably in the profits of the consumed beverage.

In the process, the church will be educating an affluent society that often has no knowledge that there are ways for all of us to treat the world’s population with dignity and respect. Ways for our expenditures to benefit the most marginalized populations in the world. Ways to pursue justice.

Some will doubtless say, “What does that have to do with the Gospel?” I encourage you to ask that question. Seek the answers from the right source. Try Micah 6:8, or 1 John 3:17 or just try the heart of Jesus, Luke 4:17-21. Good News means so much more than eternal security. Let’s be as concerned about people who are living without Christ as we are about those who are dying without him. He cares about their condition here and now!

You can visit the source from which Grounds of Hope coffees will come and learn more about the vision of First McKinney and Grounds of Hope by watching their videos below.

Grounds of Hope from Andrew Heath on Vimeo.

I hope to see you at Grounds of Hope this fall…with mug in hand.

Studies show millions of US kids are lacking in vitamin D

When I came into work this morning and pulled up my homepage on the internet, one of the top stories was entitled "Studies: Millions of U.S. Kids Lacking Vitamin D." I immediately clicked on the link to read the article. The first two paragraphs are as follows:

"Millions of U.S. children have disturbingly low Vitamin D levels, possibly increasing their risk for bone problems, heart disease, diabetes and other ailments, according to two new studies that provide the first national assessment of the crucial nutrient in young Americans.

About 9 percent of those ages 1 through 21 — about 7.6 million children, adolescents and young adults — have Vitamin D levels so low they could be considered deficient, while an additional 61 percent — 50.8 million — have higher levels, but still low enough to be insufficient, according to the analysis of federal data being released Monday."

This is a HUGE problem and kids are being set up for failure. Parents in general are taking a back seat to their children's health. It is assumed that they are getting all the vitamins and nutrients they need in their Poptarts, school lunches, and happy meals.

According to the article, about 70% of children have insufficient amounts of the super important vitamin in their bodies. You think we have health problems now?! Just wait and see what happens if nothing is done to correct this problem. Heart disease, cancer, viral infections, and so on will go through the roof.

I am not trying to point a finger at anyone and say you stink as a parent. I'm only trying to raise your awareness of a very serious problem that could easily go overlooked and have damaging effects to your child's health. I have 3 kids of my own and never really thought about this vitamin until Dr. Mercola started touting it's importance recently, so I'm preaching to myself at the same time.

I'm sure by now you're thinking to yourself, "So how do I make sure my child is getting enough of the good stuff?" I'm so glad you asked.

First, we need to turn off all the video games and cartoons and get kids outside playing. It's not the playing part for the vitamin D but the sun exposure. Your body will naturally make the vitamin when your skin sees the light of day. In fact, one theory behind why the flu is more prevalent in the winter is because of dips in the general populations vitamin D levels from keeping skin covered up.

Getting kids more active will have a lot of positive health benefits besides boosting their vitamin D levels. It will also help their bodies develop neurologically, promote a healthier immune system, and help prevent type 2 diabetes. Of course, regular exercise for kids does a lot more for their body then just those few things. I just wanted to hit some highlights.

Second, you need to find a high quality Vitamin D supplements for your kiddos. I say high quality because that is important in the world of supplements. In general, vitamins and herbs are still very loosely regulated. Brand X in the grocery store doesn't always make sure that what they have in their pills match what the label says on the outside and the vitamin in said pills aren't always of a good absorbable form of whatever you are taking. If you don't take the time to know who you are buying your supplements from then you are literally urinating or pooping your money away.

I would also like to point out that there is no 1 company that is the "best" with a secret formula to get you more vitamin D. There are several companies that produce quality vitamins. The company I recommend is web-based because I can't find any brands in the grocery stores that are reliable.

I hope that I have raised the awareness of at least 1 person. Have an excellent day!

Crazy Human Stunts

There's no real reason to post this other than the entertainment factor. Kind of weird to me but to each his own right?

Remembering Ed Thomas

Many of you have heard about Ed Thomas, the Iowa football coach who was recently shot to death by a mentally disturbed student. It is a shame we must be introduced to great people through such tragedies. Below is a story from espn.com. Perhaps others will come to know the Lord through this senseless act. People will definately have the opportunity to hear the gospel when Coach Thomas' great and meaningful life is mentioned.

PARKERSBURG, Iowa -- Thousands of mourners gathered Monday to remember a slain high school football coach as a man of faith who believed in leading by example.
Family, friends and former players packed into a church, community center and parking lot for the funeral for Ed Thomas, the 58-year-old longtime coach at Aplington-Parkersburg High School who was gunned down Wednesday in the school weight room.
Pastor Brad Zinnecker of First Congregational Church said the huge turnout was a testament to Thomas' faith.
"They recognized a man after God's own heart," Zinnecker said. "His personal life and public life were one and the same."
The number of mourners easily topped the roughly 1,800-person population of Parkersburg as people filled the church, watched a broadcast of the funeral in the community center and spilled into a parking lot to listen to the service.
Media coverage of the funeral was limited, with reporters banned from entering the buildings. However, a transcript of an audio recording of the service was released after the funeral.
In the transcript, Al Kerns, a longtime assistant coach, described the relationship Thomas had with members of the community.
"He only saw the best in all of us," he said. "He never said no when others asked of him, so other people could never say no to him."
Kerns, who has been named a co-coach for the team this fall, drew laughs when he described how Thomas would show his players how much he cared.
"If Ed loved you, he'd chew you out. More than once," Kerns said. "And he could make you feel this big, but there was love in every bit of it. And sometimes, we all needed that."
One of Thomas' sons, Aaron Thomas, told mourners his father would have wanted the community to "get going" after his death and to do something to improve the town. He recalled that in May 2008, after Parkersburg was struck by a tornado that wiped out about one-third of the town and killed six people, Ed Thomas was a key leader in pushing for the recovery of the community about 80 miles northeast of Des Moines.
Aaron Thomas urged mourners to wake up Tuesday with a renewed sense of purpose. He said they should get to work early and leave late, because even finding time for small tasks can make a difference.
Among those in attendance were members of football teams from across Iowa, dressed in their jerseys.
Thomas worked as a head coach for 37 seasons -- 34 of them at Aplington-Parkersburg. He was named the NFL's 2005 high school coach of the year and over his career amassed a 292-84 record and two state titles. He coached a number of players who went on to the NFL, including Green Bay Packers linebacker Aaron Kampman, Jacksonville Jaguars center Brad Meester, Detroit Lions defensive end Jared DeVries and Denver Broncos center Casey Wiegmann. All four served as pallbearers.
Authorities have charged Mark Becker, a 24-year-old former player at Aplington-Parkersburg, with first-degree murder. He remained in the Cerro Gordo County jail on a $1 million bond.
After the funeral, University of Northern Iowa football coach Mark Farley reflected on Thomas' impact on his players.
"Ed Thomas was a very strong individual, as you can see today," Farley said. "He used football as an avenue to change the lives of young men and women."
Jon Wiegmann, the other co-coach at Aplington-Parkersburg, said the upcoming season would be difficult without Thomas.
"We're going to have to become much better coaches," Wiegmann said. "We know we're dealing with young men going through severe pain. [This season] is not going to be about wins and losses. It's going to be about rebuilding a team."

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

U.S. troops pulling back; are Iraqis ready? - CNN News

The Ministry Of The Interior - Oswald Chambers

"But ye are . . . a royal priesthood." 1 Peter 2:9

By what right do we become "a royal priesthood"? By the right of the Atonement. Are we prepared to leave ourselves resolutely alone and to launch out into the priestly work of prayer? The continual grubbing on the inside to see whether we are what we ought to be generates a self-centred, morbid type of Christianity, not the robust, simple life of the child of God. Until we get into a right relationship to God, it is a case of hanging on by the skin of our teeth, and we say - What a wonderful victory I have got. There is nothing indicative of the miracle of Redemption in that. Launch out in reckless belief that the Redemption is complete, and then bother no more about yourself, but begin to do as Jesus Christ said - pray for the friend who comes to you at midnight, pray for the saints, pray for all men. Pray on the realization that you are only perfect in Christ Jesus, not on this plea - "O Lord, I have done my best, please hear me."

How long is it going to take God to free us from the morbid habit of thinking about ourselves? We must get sick unto death of ourselves, until there is no longer any surprise at anything God can tell us about ourselves. We cannot touch the depths of meanness in ourselves. There is only one place where we are right, and that is in Christ Jesus. When we are there, then we have to pour out for all we are worth in this ministry of the interior.

Have You Come To "When" Yet? - Oswald Chambers

"And the Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends." Job 42:10

The plaintive, self-centred, morbid kind of prayer, a dead-set that I want to be right, is never found in the New Testament. The fact that I am trying to be right with God is a sign that I am rebelling against the Atonement. "Lord, I will purify my heart if You will answer my prayer; I will walk rightly if You will help me." I cannot make myself right with God, I cannot make my life perfect; I can only be right with God if I accept the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ as an absolute gift. Am I humble enough to accept it? I have to resign every kind of claim and cease from every effort, and leave myself entirely alone in His hands, and then begin to pour out in the priestly work of intercession. There is much prayer that arises from real disbelief in the Atonement. Jesus is not beginning to save us, He has saved us, the thing is done, and it is an insult to ask Him to do it.

If you are not getting the hundredfold more, not getting insight into God's word, then start praying for your friends, enter into the ministry of the interior. "The Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends." The real business of your life as a saved soul is intercessory prayer. Wherever God puts you in circumstances, pray immediately, pray that His Atonement may be realized in other lives as it has been in yours. Pray for your friends now; pray for those with whom you come in contact now.

Toothpick Folk Art

So many people have so very many interpretations when it comes to art. This folk art is really neat. The man in this story has literally been building this piece throughout his entire life. Creativity never ceases to amaze us!

Leaving Denton - Upcoming Show

Another Crazy Tragedy

How does this stuff happen?

Buy or Sell? Let's Make a Deal.

It is the middle of June and the Major League Baseball trade deadline is just over a month away. It is generally at this point in the season that we as Ranger fans begin discussing what proven players need to be traded away in return for prospects from other teams. This is what has happened in too many previous seasons. There is a silver lining to falling out of contention by mid July - all of the young players that have come back to Texas via trades have given the Rangers the best minor league system in all of baseball. That is not my opinion - that is the opinion of industry experts and baseball insiders.

The Rangers are in a different position this season, they find themselves in first place, a spot they have now occupied for thirty-nine consecutive days. With a little help, I think the Rangers can finish up the season at the top of their division and then who knows? There are no run away teams in the American League this season. Everyone is beatable. Any team that gets into the playoffs has a legitimate chance of going to the World Series.

The window for winning a championship in the major leagues is very small. Any and all opportunities to be successful must be taken advantage of. The Rangers have stockpiled some fantastic young talent throughout every level of their system. It is time to send some of that talent away for some proven veteran players. There are those who will disagree and say that even now, the Rangers should trade Milwood and Blaylock or Padilla and Byrd to continue stockpiling young talent. This is crazy talk. The time to act is now. Since there is no salary cap in baseball, one never knows when the free-spending Angels will decide to increase their payroll in the off-season by signing the biggest names on the market to extravagant deals. If the Rangers are still in first at the trade deadline or if they are within three games of first, I hope some deals can be made - we shall see.

Get A Move On - Oswald Chambers

"Abide in Me." John 15:4

The Spirit of Jesus is put into me by the Atonement, then I have to construct with patience the way of thinking that is exactly in accordance with my Lord. God will not make me think like Jesus, I have to do it myself; I have to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. "Abide in Me" - in intellectual matters, in money matters, in every one of the matters that make human life what it is. It is not a bandbox life.

Am I preventing God from doing things in my circumstances because I say it will hinder my communion with Him? That is an impertinence. It does not matter what my circumstances are, I can be as sure of abiding in Jesus in them as in a prayer meeting. I have not to change and arrange my circumstances myself. With Our Lord the inner abiding was unsullied; He was at home with God wherever His body was placed. He never chose His own circumstances, but was meek towards His Father's dispensations for Him. Think of the amazing leisure of Our Lord's life! We keep God at excitement point, there is none of the serenity of the life hid with Christ in God about us.

Think of the things that take you out of abiding in Christ - Yes, Lord, just a minute, I have got this to do; Yes, I will abide when once this is finished; when this week is over, it will be all right, I will abide then. Get a move on; begin to abide now. In the initial stages it is a continual effort until it becomes so much the law of life that you abide in Him unconsciously. Determine to abide in Jesus wherever you are placed.

Daily Dose of Goodness

Every day I drink a steaming mug of hot tea. But not just any tea, I drink chai tea, which I used to make from scratch, but now I’ve made it easier by drinking Good Earth Organic Seven Spice Chai tea, which I have found is the best next to homemade. It is a delicious blend of black tea, cardamom, ginger root, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, star anise, licorice root, vanilla, and just a little spearmint. The perfect way to make this tea is to fill your mug half way with hot water, steep the tea bag for about two minutes, then add honey and milk. It is sweet, and smooth with just a touch of spice. I believe everyone should try this tea at least once, and I think you may just develop a habit!

Another reason to use the Good Earth brand is because each bag has a proverb or positive saying from famous people attached to its string. I have started compiling these little morsels of goodness in my journal and thought I would share with you some of my favorites. Maybe you will find one or two that touch you that you may want to keep close to your heart also. So away we go!

• Failure is not falling down, but refusing to get up…Chinese Proverb
• To know the road ahead, ask those coming back…Chinese Proverb
• I shut my eyes in order to see…Paul Gauguin
• Every artist was first an amateur…Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes…Carl Gustav Jung
• I make the most of all that comes, and the least of all that goes…Sara Teasdale
• As we grow old, the beauty steals inward…Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Enthusiasm is the great hill-climber…Elbert Hubbard
• When you can’t get a compliment any other way, pay yourself one…Mark Twain
• Grief shared is half grief; joy shared is double joy…Honduran Proverb
• A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song…Chinese Proverb

Happy day and week to come!

Getting There - Oswald Chambers

"Master, where dwellest Thou? . . Come and see." "Come with Me." John 1:39

"They abode with Him that day." That is about all some of us ever do, then we wake up to actualities, self-interest arises and the abiding is passed. There is no condition of life in which we cannot abide in Jesus.

"Thou art Simon, thou shalt be called Cephas." God writes the new name on those places only in our lives where He has erased the pride and self-sufficiency and self-interest. Some of us have the new name in spots only, like spiritual measles. In sections we look all right. When we have our best spiritual mood on, you would think we were very high-toned saints; but don't look at us when we are not in that mood. The disciple is one who has the new name written all over him; self-interest and pride and self-sufficiency have been completely erased.

Pride is the deification of self, and this to-day in some of us is not of the order of the Pharisee, but of the publican. To say "Oh, I'm no saint," is acceptable to human pride, but it is unconscious blasphemy against God. It literally means that you defy God to make you a saint, "I am much too weak and hopeless, I am outside the reach of the Atonement." Humility before men may be unconscious blasphemy before God. Why are you not a saint? It is either that you do not want to be a saint, or that you do not believe God can make you one. It would be all right, you say, if God saved you and took you straight to heaven. That is just what He will do! "We will come unto him, and make our abode with him." Make no conditions, let Jesus be everything, and He will take you home with Him not only for a day, but for ever.

Presidential Pardon

President Obama writes a young girl a pardon for missing her last day of school. Very nice. I wish those were a bit more accessible.

CNN News Story

I was curious if this method should be brought to the United States to fight our ailments also. Perhaps we could reduce West Nile related illnesses with such a deterrent.

Waive Bye-Bye? Evan Grant on Vicente Padilla

Here is the great Evan Grant's commentary on the Padilla fiasco with the Rangers last week. Maybe it served a purpose.
Evan Grant now writes for D Magazine.

BOSTON - The waiver period on Vicente Padilla came in with a bang Wednesday and went out with barely a whimper Friday afternoon.
For whatever reason - his salary, his stuff or his erratic behavior - nobody claimed him.
But that seemed to be a foregone conclusion from the moment we broke the story Wednesday afternoon.
So why do it in the first place?
It’s an impossible question to fully answer because the Rangers won’t talk about waivers - hey, they won’t even officially acknowledge that he was available or that he cleared. We can at least take some guesses, though:
• They wanted to send a message: The next question, however, is to who? To the rest of the team, which has cringed for three-plus seasons every time Padilla goes looking to harvest body parts using a baseball as his extractor? To Padilla?
The waivers move came less than 24 hours after Padilla hit Mark Teixeira twice, earning pay back against Elvis Andrus (hard slide) and Nelson Cruz (head-buzzing). Placing him on waivers would let the club know that “Hey, we’re at least trying to get rid of the guy,” and it would serve as notice to Padilla that his time in Texas could be short.
The only problem with this theory is the vehicle: Waivers are supposed to be double secret probation secret. So, if the Rangers were trying to send a message, they were relying on a media leak doing the work for them. That’s hardly the preferred message delivery system.
Still the message did get out and prompted a “very good” meeting between Padilla and Rangers officials, I’ve been told.
So, if sending a message internally was the reason behind the move, it would have to be considered a success. Well, at least until the Rangers see what kind of approach Padilla brings to the mound on Sunday and beyond.
• They were advertising: The Rangers believe they are contenders, but just like other contenders, they have holes. They could use another bat, particularly if Josh Hamilton is going to be out past the All-Star break. They could use an extra setup man in the bullpen. Every contender could use a front-line starter.
To help fill any hole, they are going to have to move some salary around. Padilla, still due about $8 million for this year, is the largest salary the club could consider moving.
By placing him on waivers, it acts as a classified ad to other clubs:
“Need Starting Pitcher? Contact Texas Rangers. Willing to discuss financial arrangements on this $8 million model.”
It’s broadcast to the whole league that way.
The problem with this is that it doesn’t really save you much work. Jon Daniels could have sent an email to the handful of clubs who might legitimately have interest in him without risking animosity that could arise from Padilla finding out he’d been placed on waivers.
This just seems like too much risk for too little reward, but it might get a conversation or two started that otherwise might not happen.
• They are in deep financial trouble: The Rangers are for sale. The sale price, depending on where you look seems to be dropping. A wise buyer might hold out for several more months to see if Tom Hicks’ financial situation further deteriorates.
Hicks said in an email this week that business operations for the Rangers will operate under this premise “it’s business as usual.”
Maybe Hicks is playing down the degree of the financial situation, but if the Rangers are in deep, deep financial trouble, I’d expected there to be more guys on the way out the door.
It’s possible the Rangers are financially motivated, but doubtful that is the sole reason behind the move.
From where I sit, it seems the most logical reasoning behind the move was to try and send some subtle message to the team and Padilla that his casual head-hunting will no longer be tolerated. But unless the Rangers are willing to go the Sidney Ponson route and release a pitcher having some success, it simply seems strange.

Don't Slack Off - Oswald Chambers

"Whatsoever ye shalt ask in My name, that will I do." John 14:13

Am I fulfilling this ministry of the interior? There is no snare or any danger of infatuation or pride in intercession, it is a hidden ministry that brings forth fruit whereby the Father is glorified. Am I allowing my spiritual life to be frittered away, or am I bringing it all to one centre - the Atonement of my Lord? Is Jesus Christ more and more dominating every interest in my life? If the one central point, the great exerting influence in my life is the Atonement of the Lord, then every phase of my life will bear fruit for Him.

I must take time to realize what is the central point of power. Do I give one minute out of sixty to concentrate upon it? "If ye abide in Me" - continue to act and think and work from that centre - "ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." Am I abiding? Am I taking time to abide? What is the greatest factor of power in my life? Is it work, service, sacrifice for others, or trying to work for God? The thing that ought to exert the greatest power in my life is the Atonement of the Lord. It is not the thing we spend the most time on that moulds us most; the greatest element is the thing that exerts most power. We must determine to be limited and concentrate our affinities.

"Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do." The disciple who abides in Jesus is the will of God, and his apparently free choices are God's fore-ordained decrees. Mysterious? Logically contradictory and absurd? Yes, but a glorious truth to a saint.

Soldier Surprises Daughter

Thought I'd share a recent CNN report about a soldier returning home after a year and surprising his daughter at school. This was a touching story. I just wanted to take a moment and express gratitude to all of our service men and women for their sacrifice. We would not have the freedom we have today without them. God bless them all.

Airline Safety Refresher

In case it's been a while since you've flown, Delta Airlines has produced this video focusing on passenger safety. It's nice to see a major company taking the time to have fun while producing a video that can be enjoyed by those watching it. Hope you enjoy it.

5 myths of vaccines

"Vaccines: Top 5 myths about childhood vaccines" was the title of an article on the front page of MSN Health. I just couldn't pass this up.

Now before I get started I'll throw out my disclaimer. This will only be for information purposes to try and get you to think outside of the box a little and make informed decisions when it comes to injecting your child or yourself with anything. I am not telling you whether or not to vaccinate your child - only you can make that choice. (and YES, it is a choice)

The reason I am writing on this because "they" call it the 5 myths. According to my trusty iPhone dictionary app., the definition of myth is "an imaginary or fictitious thing; an unproved or false collective belief that is used to justify a social institution." So let's take a look at these 5 "myths" (I think I've already used up my quota for quotation marks and I'm just getting started).

Myth #1: Vaccines aren't necessary

This myth is anything but a myth. In fact, it couldn't be any farther from a myth and closer to the truth. The only way vaccines would be completely necessary would be if our body could not code an antibody for whatever illness we are being vaccinated against. Your body is more than capable of killing off any infection you are told to vaccinate against. Your immune system has the ability to code for several trillions of antibodies for diseases we haven't even discovered yet. In fact, your immune system can code for more antibodies than your own DNA would allow for. In order for this statement to be true, then all children who do not get vaccinated would surely acquire the sickness and die because the body would not be able to defend itself from such a powerful infection like those "they" want you to vaccinate against.

Myth #2: Vaccine side effects are dangerous

This one is very puzzling to me. Why did "they" set up special government funds that pays millions and millions of dollars every year to parents whose children were permanently or fatally injured from a vaccine. But here lies the thought process of the system. Your little boy or girl is a necessary sacrifice to ensure "herd immunity" or higher public health. If their side effects are so minor, then why do "they" make it so hard for the public to get a true list of side effects.

Myth #3: Vaccines cause autism

I guess this one is a partial truth. It's not the vaccine causing autism but the mercury they use to preserve the mercury that does the damage. I personally know 2 families with children who were fine until receiving a round of vaccines containing mercury and soon developed autism. Mercury is one of the most dangerous neurotoxins known to man. I don't care how many methyl groups you add to it. IT'S TOXIC! Do not be fooled that they have removed mercury from the vaccines. They have only lowered the amount in them. All the stats show an exponential growth in autistic children right along with the increased use of mercury containing vaccines. Just because the vaccine makers haven't produced research to show a definite link, and why would they, doesn't mean there isn't a connection. It's like the OJ thing. No definite connection was ever made but most people know he was at least connected to it if not guilty of committing the act. All they have to do to silence the accusations is inject newborns and toddlers with mercury and observe for any side effects. They won't do that research because they know it's not safe.

Myth #4: Vaccines are given too early

This one cannot be called a myth because they are given too early. There is a much less lower risk of adverse reaction with delayed vaccination. We're talking about injecting newborns with mercury, aluminum, animal parts, formaldehyde and much more. You can't tell me that it's not dangerous to do that to a body with little or no immune system to defend itself. It's also safer to break up the shots into single shots and not all at once. MMR is the equivalent of taking 3 different vaccines. It's a lot easier for a young immune system to defend itself against 1 vaccine at a time than 3 to 6.

Myth #5: It's OK to skip certain vaccines if you have safety concerns

This one down right makes me mad. Here's the translation: You don't have a choice parents! Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong.........oh yeah.....and...WRONG! This multibillion dollar industry would love for you to believe that you don't have a choice on whether or not you want to all vaccines, a few vaccines, or no vaccines. You always have a choice. These are your kids, not theirs. 2 of my 3 kids have never been vaccinated against anything and my oldest stopped at age 2, and none since. Guess what?! They are all healthier than most of the kids we know. The two that have been adjusted since birth and no vaccines have never had ear infections. My oldest had ear infections all the time before we stopped vaccinating and adjusting him. I"m not saying vaccines cause ear infections. I'm saying when you give the support an immune system needs to be healthy and not drug it the first chance you get, the better it works.
Here are the 3 real myths about vaccines "they" want you to believe:

#1 All vaccines are totally effective

#2 All vaccines are safe

#3 Vaccines are mandatory, you have no choice

I have no problem when my patients tell me that they vaccinated their children. Far be it from me to tell anyone what's best for their kids. All I ask is for parents to make educated decisions.

iTunes Single of the Week - David Nail

For those of you that have not heard of iTunes, you should down load it immediately. The folks at Apple, the marketing geniuses that they are, have bridged the gap between PC and Mac users. The iTunes media software is a gold mine for anyone who enjoys podcasts, music, movies, television shows, audio books, games, applications and even old radio shows. Many items can be purchased at very reasonable prices, and there are also many subscriptions and downloads that are free for iTunes users. It is standard on all iPhones and Macintosh computers. As well, it is the interface for the ever-popular iPods. Virtually any windows computer purchased in the last five years can support the software that is a free download on the Apple website.

If you consider yourself a lover of music you should be aware that each week, a free single of the week, may be downloaded from the iTunes store. These singles cover a huge range in genres and are always used to help promote up and coming artists. This week David Nail, country artist, is featured. And each week new items appear for the public's pleasure. If you do have the opportunity to check out iTunes I would highly reccomend it. You won't regret it.

Faith and the Economy - CNN Video

In these desperate times of financial crisis, everyone is feeling the effects. Communities of faith struggle just as hard to keep their doors open as do other Americans.

"Yes - But...!" - Oswald Chambers

"Lord, I will follow Thee; but . . ." Luke 9:61

Supposing God tells you to do something which is an enormous test to your common sense, what are you going to do? Hang back? If you get into the habit of doing a thing in the physical domain, you will do it every time until you break the habit determinedly; and the same is true spiritually. Again and again you will get up to what Jesus Christ wants, and every time you will turn back when it comes to the point, until you abandon resolutely. "Yes, but - supposing I do obey God in this matter, what about . . . ?" "Yes, I will obey God if He will let me use my common sense, but don't ask me to take a step in the dark." Jesus Christ demands of the man who trusts Him the same reckless sporting spirit that the natural man exhibits. If a man is going to do anything worth while, there are times when he has to risk everything on his leap, and in the spiritual domain Jesus Christ demands that you risk everything you hold by common sense and leap into what He says, and immediately you do, you find that what He says fits on as solidly as common sense. At the bar of common sense Jesus Christ's statements may seem mad; but bring them to the bar of faith, and you begin to find with awestruck spirit that they are the words of God. Trust entirely in God, and when He brings you to the venture, see that you take it. We act like pagans in a crisis, only one out of a crowd is daring enough to bank his faith in the character of God.

Man is Reunited with Long Lost Treasure

Enjoy this inspirational tale of a young man who reunites a Veteran with a long lost treasure.

Microsoft's New Strategy: Pull Away From Windows and Let's Search the Web. What?

www.foxbusiness.com

Click Link to view video.

It sounds neat. Having a more intuitive search engine can allow us to be more productive searchers. Imagine that. New functionality and increased proficient results. The only thing that really raises concern is its practicality. I'm sure you'll either love it and adjust to it, or remain a faithful fan of the old faithful, Google. You have to give Microsoft credit though for thinking outside the box. It looks like the product could interest a younger generation, thus allowing the Apple commercials to grow more hilarious. And after all...That is the point of Microsoft right? To give the Apple guys a good laugh.

Slips of the Tongue

It is inevitable. On occasion you say something completely inappropriate instead of what you actually mean to say. And when that happens, if the embarrassment alone does not kill you, you generally react one of two ways. You either hope that no one heard your flub and you continue on, or you attempt to correct the fopaux restating the item correctly. Key word there again, being ‘attempt’. Sometimes you pull it off without notice, sometimes people realize the mistake and bring it to your attention, and then at times you restate the item incorrectly repeatedly and make matters worse bringing utter humiliation upon yourself.

When I was young and visiting New Mexico with family, I was fascinated at the time by the American Indian culture. I tried to take in as much heritage as possible while visiting this exciting new place. Using my creative childhood imagination I began the task one afternoon of building an authentic teepee. Much like those I had seen at reservations that were near us. Meaning in all honesty that I was assembling sticks in a triangular fashion and pretending that the masterpiece was in fact the genuine article.

After much work I had wrapped the project. My mom returned from running errands and I rushed to her, excitedly awaiting her inspiring approval of my creation. When she was insight I ran to her yelling, “Mommy mommy! I made a PEE PEE! Come see my PEE PEE!” My mother, completely shocked, asked, “What!” It did not help the situation that she was surrounded by many of her dear friends. I can still hear the laughter if I listen closely enough. Needless to say, after realizing what I had said and feeling the redness slip from my face, she loved the teepee.

Another occurrence, perhaps my all time favorite, was said by a dear pastor, my father, from the pulpit one Sunday morning when I young. Being a people person, it was customary each week to greet the congregation and to welcome visitors. Many denominations conducting weekly services have this type of ‘meet and greet’. It gives people the chance to say hello to each other and gives children the opportunity to release that last bit of energy prior to the sermon starting. As the musical interlude began, the pastor stepped forward and said, “We want to welcome you this morning and thank you so much for joining us. Members, if you see someone new, introduce yourself. We want you to ‘peel a fart’ of our family.” Every head swooned forward as he tried the ‘Correction Method’. “We want you to ‘peel a fart’…uh…‘Feel a fart’…Shoot.” Everyone there was laughing so hard they never heard him say ‘Feel a part of our family’ when he finally got it right.

Those slips of the tongue are dangerous things. And they can be quite entertaining. While embarrassment is a possibility when it happens to us, it undoubtedly brings joyous laughter to others.

Leaving Denton - Upcoming Show

Money Money Everywhere In Jim Wells County Texas

Jim Wells County Texas has a rather unique source of income that you might like to know about. I heard about this and scratched my head for a moment. This alone raises the question, “Does absolute power corrupt absolutely?” Those that are committing illegal crimes certainly deserve to be hit where it hurts…In their pocket books. But what about the temptation that is present even with innocent bystanders being involved in unfounded search and seizures? Just have a lawyer ready if you feel taken advantage of. God bless the Lone Star State.

The Test of Self Interest - Oswald Chambers

"If thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left." Genesis 13:9

As soon as you begin to live the life of faith in God, fascinating and luxurious prospects will open up before you, and these things are yours by right; but if you are living the life of faith you will exercise your right to waive your rights, and let God choose for you. God sometimes allows you to get into a place of testing where your own welfare would be the right and proper thing to consider if you were not living a life of faith; but if you are, you will joyfully waive your right and leave God to choose for you. This is the discipline by means of which the natural is transformed into the spiritual by obedience to the voice of God.

Whenever right is made the guidance in the life, it will blunt the spiritual insight. The great enemy of the life of faith in God is not sin, but the good which is not good enough. The good is always the enemy of the best. It would seem the wisest thing in the world for Abraham to choose, it was his right, and the people around would consider him a fool for not choosing. Many of us do not go on spiritually because we prefer to choose what is right instead of relying on God to choose for us. We have to learn to walk according to the standard which has its eye on God. "Walk before Me."

Final-Round Notes – Sunday, May 24, 2009

Despite a bogey at the final hole, Rory Sabbatini earned a two-stroke victory over Brian Davis at the HP Byron Nelson Championship. Sabbatini shot 68-64-65-64—261 (tournament record) for his first victory since the 2007 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, a stretch of 44 starts.

In 10 previous starts, Rory Sabbatini’s career-best finish at the HP Byron Nelson Championship was a T3 in 2007, the only time he had finished in the top 10.

Rory Sabbatini becomes the 14th player to win both the HP Byron Nelson Championship and the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial during their career. Others who have completed the “DFW Double” are Ben Crenshaw, Roberto De Vicenzo, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Bruce Devlin, Jack Nicklaus, Lanny Wadkins, Tom Watson, Bruce Lietzke, Nick Price, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia and Julius Boros.

Dating back to 2000, Rory Sabbatini is the sixth International winner of the HP Byron Nelson Championship.

Dating back to 1995, Rory Sabbatini is the 11th champion to post all four rounds in the 60s.

Rory Sabbatini becomes the 12th player in his 30s to win on the PGA TOUR this year, the 15th overall by those 12 players.

16 of 21 third-round leaders/co-leaders (76%) have gone on to win on the PGA TOUR this year. Last year the figure was 22 of 46 (48%).

Rory Sabbatini’s 6-under 64 was the lowest final-round score by a winner at the HP Byron Nelson Championship since Peter Thompson’s 63 in 1956.

Rory Sabbatini’s statistics for the week: T28 in Fairways Hit (34/56-60.7 %), T1 in Putts per Round (25.8) and T38 in Greens in Regulation (49/72-68.1 %).

Brian Davis equaled his career-best PGA TOUR result and has now posted runner-up finishes in each of the last three years.

• 2007 St. Jude Championship
• 2008 Legends Reno-Tahoe Open
• 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship

Brian Davis now has three consecutive top-5 finishes after a pair of T5 finishes at THE PLAYERS Championship and the Valero Texas Open.

Brian Davis has now posted eight consecutive rounds in the 60s.

Brian Davis has the longest active streak of 20 consecutive rounds of par or better on the PGA TOUR. During that stretch he has finished T19 at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, T38 at the Quail Hollow Championship, T5 at both THE PLAYERS Championship and Valero Texas Open, and 2nd at the HP Byron Nelson Championship.

Zach Johnson, who didn’t play this week, remains at the top of the FedExCup standings. Rory Sabbatini moved from No. 29 to No. 7 with his win. Brian Davis jumped from No. 51 to No. 21 with his second-place finish.

D.A. Points earned his career-best PGA TOUR finish with his third-place effort. Points’ previous best were back-to-back T9 finishes earlier this year at The Honda Classic and the Puerto Rico Open presented by Banco Popular.

Scott McCarron birdied three of the four par-3 holes in a nine-birdie, one-bogey, final-round 8-under 62, the low round of the tournament. McCarron’s career low round is 61 (1999 Air Canada Championship/Round 4).

Scott McCarron’s 8-under 62 tied the low final-round in tournament history with Steve Lowery (1995) and Ted Tryba (2001).

Scott McCarron ranked No. 1 in both fairways hit (76.8%) and greens in regulation (81.9%) for the week but was T46 in putts per round (29.2).

Dustin Johnson appears set to stay in the top 50 on the OWGR after beginning the week ranked No. 48. This means Brian Gay (12), Charley Hoffman (14) and Charles Howell III (15) will be exempt into the 2009 British Open as the leading three (inside the top-20) off the FedExCup standings.

John Mallinger earned his best finish at the HP Byron Nelson Championship with a sixth place showing in his third start here. After missing the cut in 2007, Mallinger finished T31 in 2008.

After making seven bogeys in his first 23 holes this week, John Senden, who finished seventh, posted just one bogey (No. 10/Round 4) over his last 49 holes.

1987 HP Byron Nelson Championship winner and 2009 President’s Cup U.S. team captain Fred Couples (69-66-67-67—269) earned his third top-10 finish (T8) this season. Couples will turn 50 and become eligible for the Champions Tour in early October, but continues to show he still belongs on the PGA TOUR. Now No. 61 (up from 76) on the FedExCup points list, Couples posted season-best T3 efforts at the Northern Trust Open and the Shell Houston Open.

Jeff Maggert, a Houston, TX resident, earned his second top-10 of the season (FBR Open) despite a double-bogey at the final hole. Maggert shot 71-66-65-67—269 to finish T8.

Despite a double-bogey at the final hole, where he three-putted from five feet, New Zealand’s Danny Lee (69-67-69-66—271) posted his career-best finish (T13) on the PGA TOUR. Lee’s previous best finish was T20 at the 2008 Wyndham Championship, as an amateur, where he also shot four rounds in the 60s.

This was Lee’s third start as a professional. He finished T38 at the Quail Hollow Championship after missing the cut in his first start as a professional at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

This was Danny Lee’s first event with Don Donatello as his caddie after Anthony Knight, Lee’s former caddie returned to New Zealand. Donatello previously caddied for Eric Axley and Kevin Na.

Twelve players recorded all four rounds in the 60s this week. Consider this - Alex Cejka, who led after three rounds at THE PLAYERS Championship, shot 69-69-67-68—273 and finished T23.

It looks like donations from the public topped out at $4,000 in the “Beem Fore Behm” charity initiative. Rich Beem donated $100 per birdie he made this week and also encouraged fellow players, and the public, to donate to the fund established to benefit Rich Behm, who was paralyzed from the waist down when the Cowboys practice facility was destroyed in a storm earlier this month. The figure will almost certainly be higher when players’ contributions are calculated next week. There will be a “Beem Fore Behm” donation tent near the main entrance at next week’s Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial.

Charley Hoffman (T23) didn’t manage to earn his fourth top-10 finish of the year but did extend his consecutive cuts-made streak to 22. He is now 13 for 13 this season. His last missed cut was in July at the 2008 John Deere Classic. It’s the second-longest current streak on TOUR, behind Tiger Woods (35).

Mark Calcavecchia shot 6-under 64, an improvement of 11 shots from his third-round 75, to equal his low round this season (64/Round 3/Northern Trust Open) and finish T52.
Dallas, TX native and resident Matt Weibring finished T52 after rounds of 67-69-71-70—277. His only previous start at the tournament was a missed cut in 2005 (73-71). Weibring’s Dad, D.A., spearheaded the $10 million redesign of the TPC Four Seasons prior to the 2008 tournament. The elder Weibring played in the tournament 22 times, with runner-up finishes in 1993 and 1995.
Matt Weibring was one of 10 2008 Nationwide Tour graduates to earn a check this week. Here’s a look at how they finished.

• 3. Jeff Klauk T45 -4
• 6. Colt Knost T52 -3
• 10. Greg Owen T35 -6
• 13. Kris Blanks T39 -5
• 14. David Mathis T39 -5
• 16. D.A. Points 3 -16
• 19. Marc Leishman T8 -11
• 23. Bryce Molder T23 -7
• 24. Matt Weibring T52 -3
• 25. Ricky Barnes T60 -2

Bogey-free rounds: Brian Davis (64), Marc Leishman (68), Greg Chalmers (66), Steve Flesch (66) and Jay Williamson (67).
Greg Chalmers drove the green at the 323-yard, par-4 11th hole and knocked in the remaining 21-foot putt for an eagle 2. It was the only eagle at the 11th hole all week.
Jimmy Walker shot 6-under 29 on the front nine after birdies at Nos. 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9. He added another birdie at the 10th hole before bogeys at 11 and 12. Walker finished with 65 and T23.
Here’s how the remaining past champions of the HP Byron Nelson Championship fared this week:

• 2005 winner Ted Purdy 74-65-66-68—273 T23
• 2003 winner Vijay Singh 70-67-69-66—272 T16
• 2000 winner Jesper Parnevik 67-68-69-75—279 T65
• 1987 winner Fred Couples 69-66-67-67—269 T8

Scoring Averages at the par-70 TPC Four Seasons Resort:

Front 9 Back 9 Total Cumulative
Thursday 35.381 35.858 70.858 ---
Friday 34.773 34.857 69.630 70.246
Saturday 34.068 34.081 68.149 69.841
Sunday 34.770 34.108 68.878 69.685

Mark Williams -HPBNC-

The Delight of Dispair - Oswald Chambers

"And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead." Revelation 1:17 It may be that like the apostle John you know Jesus Christ intimately, when suddenly He appears with no familiar characteristic at all, and the only thing you can do is to fall at His feet as dead. There are times when God cannot reveal Himself in any other way than in His majesty, and it is the awfulness of the vision which brings you to the delight of despair; if you are ever to be raised up, it must be by the hand of God. "He laid His right hand upon me." In the midst of the awfulness, a touch comes, and you know it is the right hand of Jesus Christ. The right hand not of restraint nor of correction nor of chastisement, but the right hand of the Everlasting Father. Whenever His hand is laid upon you, it is ineffable peace and comfort, the sense that "underneath are the everlasting arms," full of sustaining and comfort and strength. When once His touch comes, nothing at all can cast you into fear again. In the midst of all His ascended glory the Lord Jesus comes to speak to an insignificant disciple, and to say - "Fear not." His tenderness is ineffably sweet. Do I know Him like that? Watch some of the things that strike despair. There is despair in which there is no delight, no horizon, no hope of anything brighter; but the delight of despair comes when I know that "in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing." I delight to know that there is that in me which must fall prostrate before God when He manifests Himself, and if I am ever to be raised up it must be by the hand of God. God can do nothing for me until I get to the limit of the possible.

Golf Highlight: Meet the Leaders

With four people tied for first place at the start of Saturday, the 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship is still up for grabs. Dustin Johnson, Briny Baird, Rory Sabbatini and John Mallinger started the day tied for the lead, with the likes of Mike Weir and 26-year old Australian rookie James Nitties following close behind.

Rory Sabbatini, a Southlake, Texas resident and local favorite, was a strong contender in the first two rounds. Sabbatini began playing golf when he was four years old, and is currently No. 29 in the race for the FedExCup.

Dustin Johnson will be looking to snag his third PGA TOUR victory, with the most recent being the 2009 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. He is No. 12 in the race for the FedExCup.

James Nitties, who is vying for his first PGA TOUR win, had his best 2009 finish at the FBR Open where he was T4.

-HPBNC-

HP Byron Nelson Update

Golf Highlight

The PGA TOUR season can be long and grueling on a player's family, but for Rory Sabbatini, the HP Bryon Nelson Championship offers a respite. The Southlake, Texas resident is enjoying the creature comforts of home this week, and the results show after Friday's second round.

Sabbatini became the first player in this year's Nelson field to fire a 64. He shares the tournament lead with John Mallinger at 8-under entering Saturday's third round. Mallinger made two eagles Friday en route to a 65.

Both players will have little time to rest. With thunderstorms being forecast for tomorrow in the Dallas area, Saturday's tee times have been moved up. Players will go off in threesomes off split tees from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. tomorrow. Sabbatini and Mallinger will go off around 9:30 a.m.

2009 KidsZone

Thanks to HP, the world’s largest technology company, KidsZone got a full makeover in 2009. Highlighted by interactive elements related to the Pixar films Monsters Inc., Kung Fu Panda and Monsters vs. Aliens, parents can rest assured that opting for a staycation is a great idea this Memorial Day weekend. The HPBNC is a family friendly place to come and have fun, and kids 13 and under will be admitted for free with a ticketed adult.

In between two flat screens featuring video games, a movie will be playing at all times during regular KidsZone hours. HP has also provided free Kung Fu Panda t-shirts to give out to the young patrons.

Two HP cameras are set up to take photos of kids with cardboard cutouts of characters from Pixar movies, and can be printed instantly on an HP photo printer.

KidsZone also features several HP computers with interactive and educational computer games. For the kids with extra energy to burn, bounce houses and a miniature golf course will be available during regular hours.

HOURS OF FUN:
Saturday, May 23 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 24 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

America Supports Our Troops at HPBNC

The 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship officials are making an effort to remind everyone of the real importance of Memorial Day – to honor the young men and women who protect our country and those who have fallen.

With at least 200 tickets being distributed each day of the Championship, troops from the Coast Guard, Marines, Naval Air Station in Fort Worth, Military Entrance Processing Station and the four pilots who did the flyover in 2007 were invited to come out to the Championship and spend the weekend watching golf from private seats on the 18th green. They were also provided with a full hospitality suite in the TPC’s Golf School, with complimentary food and drinks. This is the third year that the HP Byron Nelson has provided hospitality in honor of our troops.

HPBNC Green Initiative: E-Waste Recycle Program with Best Buy and Staples

The 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship has partnered with DFW-area Best Buy and Staples stores to recycle electronic equipment. Now through Sunday, patrons that trade in qualifying items such as monitors, fax machines, printers and televisions will receive a voucher for two any day tickets to the HP Byron Nelson Championship.

The initiative builds on the traditionally green message of the HP Byron Nelson Championship. This is an effort to generate public awareness for the proper disposal of used electronic equipment with the goal of diverting waste from landfills.

-HPBNC-