Relationships “Bloom” At the Garden Show

Texas home and garden shows have been a part of Texas tradition for 30 years. This weekend, at the Arlington Convention Center was the All Texas Garden Show with Neil Sperry. Neil has been a pillar of the gardening community for as long as I can remember, and also a part of my and my family’s life!

Growing up, my dad, Bill, worked for KRLD radio, in fact, that’s how he and my mom met! Eventually, my dad, while at KRLD, worked exclusively for Neil Sperry’s weekly radio show and, therefore, my life was also intertwined in the Sperry family. The Sperry’s have a daughter, Erin, who is my age, so we spent a lot of time together and became very close while growing up. We used to run around the garden shows together, seeing how many goodies we could get from the vendors during the weekend. There were usually two shows a year in the Metroplex, and I also remember traveling out of town for shows too. It was a very memorable part of my childhood, and as I became older, I worked at the shows, instead of just mooching candy and free pencils from the vendors. Erin and my friendship didn’t remain as close as we got older, however our lives have paralleled in many ways, therefore we have kept a very tight bond with each other, and are always able to pick up where we left off when we do get to see each other. Today was no different! It was like no time had passed when we saw each other this afternoon, and our deep connection was still there!

The shows exhibits this year included waterfall and pond landscapes, water garden displays, flower and plant features, stone products, plants and paving systems, outdoor living, "green" gardening, All Texas Garden Store, a children's activity center, over 30 how-to demonstrations, seminars and lectures including someone I am glad to call a friend and mentor, Neil Sperry, Horticulturist extraordinaire! My kids, ages nine, four and two, seemed to have a good time. They too, like me as a child, wanted to see what fun things they could get at each booth. My two-year-old son was in awe of all the water gardens and pond landscapes. He tried to touch each one, and he did get wet! My four-year-old daughter sought out the free food and candy while my nine-year-old daughter wanted the more practical give-a-ways like the pencils and pens! It was fun watching them enjoy themselves, and it was special to me to get to share this with them, something that has been a part of my life since young childhood.

Most of the people at the show are there for one of two reasons, to work or to find something to help beautify their home landscape. I go for another reason, reconnection. My mother worked the show yesterday, my dad and sister worked today. I was able to visit with my dad and sister for a little while they worked at one of Neil’s booths giving out his Gardens and More magazine and selling fertilizer. I also got to see Lynn, Neil’s beautiful and caring wife, whom I haven’t seen since my wedding nine years ago, so she got to meet my two youngest children for the first time. But most importantly, I was able to rekindle the friendship with my longtime friend, someone I may even dare to call a second sister to me, Erin. It was a very sweet time for me, and I can’t wait for the next show…. the next reconnection!

For more information about Neil Sperry and the Texas Home and Garden Show, click here.

That Unfamiliar Taste

Dining is quite an enjoyable experience. There are few things in life better than a fantastic meal. While the purpose of consuming food is to create energy for our bodies, there is much to be said for the wide variety of delectable exotic and familiar foods and flavors. So when some one asks you to describe how something tastes, what adjectives do you use to describe your sensations?

We all know of bitterness, which is perceived by many to be very sharp or even unpleasant or disagreeable to our palate. Bitter foods can be unsweetened chocolate, bitter melon, citrus peel or even coffee to some.

Saltiness is another sensation that we are all familiar with. Saltiness is primarily produced by the presence of sodium ions. Salty foods can be, well, salty. Pretzels and Lucas Salts that children enjoy are examples of saltiness.

Sourness is the next taste. Sourness is the taste that detects acidity on the tongue. Many sour foods are in the citrus family such as oranges or lemons and limes. Some candies play on the combination of sourness and saltiness mixed with sweetness, our next familiar taste.

Sweetness is a favorite. It is usually regarded as a pleasurable sensation produced from sugars or even some proteins. Our taste buds have at least two different variants of the "sweetness receptors" that need to be activated for the brain to register sweetness as we eat. Rich desserts containing luscious creamy layers of your favorite pies, cakes or cheesecakes give you an idea here. Ah, sweetness is a small heavenly indulgence here on Earth.

Our last main taste that most aren’t familiar with is the sensation of umami. Umami comes from the Japanese word umai, which means yummy or keen. It is produced by compounds such as glutamate, and is often found in fermented or aged foods. Umami in English is described as "meatiness", "relish" or "savoriness". Examples are beef (that perfectly cooked steak), lamb, Parmesan and Roquefort cheese, and soy and Worcestershire sauces. Umami often goes without mention simply because it is not common knowledge.

Make sure and utilize all of your taste buds the next time that you eat. And when you do, don’t forget to include umami in your next conversation about the meal you ate or the recipe that you share with another.

The Great Adventure

In March of 2008, my family and I were heading back to the Dallas area from Amarillo to spend time with friends and family during the spring break holiday. I had asked my wife if it would be okay if I rode my bike to Dallas so that we could cruise our old neighborhoods while visiting. She said yes. More specifically, she said, “Well if that is what you really want to do I guess I can’t stop you.” I had the bike serviced earlier in the week. I bought a new helmet and gloves. And I was ready for the trip.

When the day arrived that we planned to leave, the temperature was forty degrees outside at ten o’clock that morning with out the wind chill factored in. That was not at all an issue to me at the time. I was in my full leather riding gear. I had my coat, chaps, and gloves on and was ready to ride. Once the sun came up by noon, it would have warmed up considerably. Not to mention that the Texas Panhandle is always much cooler than the Dallas Metroplex where our final destination lie. So as I rode farther south it would warm up. And the rest of the family would be following me in the station wagon on the trip down if I needed anything.

I had been riding my Suzuki Marauder for a year’s time. It is an open sportster styled cruiser with lots of chrome and loud pipes. A magnificent two-wheeled machine that is quick and powerful. It is amazing having a motorcycle and traveling on the open road. You feel connected with your surroundings. You get a much more beautiful view of the world from behind the handlebars. And any biker will tell you that there is an excitement and peace that is only experienced in the saddle while being out in the elements. It is a true joy.

I had never done a single day trip of 367.8 miles before this journey. And since I lived in the Panhandle, the cold winter temperatures had limited my riding time severely since the previous October. As I rode the first 10 or so miles I thought to myself, ‘Man, its incredibly cold, almost unbearable, but it will warm up…’ but it stayed frigid until I pulled into Dallas. I was an hour outside of Amarillo, and I began having a searing pain on my left leg. I pulled to the side of the interstate and realized that my chaps had unbuckled leaving the metal snaps to strike me at will repeatedly with the full force of the wind behind them. I corrected the issue only to have it happen three more painful times. It was a very windy day that day. 40 to 60 mph gusts until I got 200 miles behind me. I found comfort behind the eighteen-wheelers as they barreled down the highway. When you ride their bumpers they completely block the wind.

When we made our first scheduled stop my wife smiled and laughed at me. She laughed loudly and had trouble drawing her laughter to a close. I stood beside her car shivering with tears frozen to my face. She said, “Honey, you’re sure that this is what you really wanted to do.” I smiled and said with pride, “Yes. Yes it is.”

The remainder of the trip was filled with several stops to stretch, to refasten the snaps on my chaps and to drink hot beverages. I ran out of gas not having truly tested the full extent of the fuel efficiency via windy highway miles for the tank. Thank the Lord for the reserve tank. And thank the Lord that when I had to turn the reserve on there was a gas station within just a few miles. On our next to last stop my wife asked me why I kept standing up as I rode the bike. I explained to her that my legs kept cramping and the only way to relieve the discomfort of having my feet on the pegs for hours straight was to stand up or scoot back to the rear seat to stretch my legs.

When we finally were getting close to my parent’s home, the weather turned nice and I had a new burst of energy that dulled the pain in my rear and legs. As I pulled into the driveway with my wife and children behind me I was so thankful for the experience. I gave my wife a big hug and kiss and told her how much I appreciated her letting me have the adventure. I would not trade that first experience for anything in the world.

My wife and I ride the motorcycle together. It’s one of our favorite things to do. I love the excitement I get every time I fire my bike up and feel the rumble of the raw horses. Every time the sun is out on nice days I hear the call of the wild that all motorcycle enthusiasts share. Bikers have a culture that is all their own. I debate on occasion if my next bike will have a faring and highway pegs. I sure admire those limos like the Road Kings and GoldWings.

"Summon that enduring spirit of an America that does not quit."

“Though we are living through difficult and uncertain times, tonight I want every American to know this: We will rebuild, we will recover and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before,” is what President Obama declared in his first speech to Congress last night. Obama’s address of change and reform he delivered to the American people is already being hailed as surpassing the ambitions and vision of our 40th commander in chief, President Ronald Reagan.

President Obama is an eloquent and talented orator. As he speaks he comes across as having the voice of the American people. He captures the heartbeat of the crowd. The main focus was on the current economic crisis that Americans are facing. He suggested change. He suggested more stringent accountability for the financial giants guilty of worsening our fragile financial market. And he discussed issues of education and health care that the majority of Americans relate to and desire assistance with.

I can’t help but feel far removed at times from the inner workings of our government and it’s processes. Last night, I witnessed a sea of silver headed government officials dressed in expensive suites, who do not hurt for any monetary or physical assistance, tell us how vital change is. Realistically I wonder how they can grasp the severity of situations at hand objectively. And while I agree that yes, people need help during these trying times if they are diligently trying to better themselves and are just swallowed up by financial hopelessness, I am eager to see what actually happens that allows Americans to exhale a bit.

When an American meets someone they generally ask the other person what it is they do or what their profession is. That information is all that is needed to properly assess an individual. It shows what their suggested income is, what level of education they have more than likely received, and what type of car they can afford. It’s the magic opening line when meeting new people. America has been and is a leader in the global productivity race. We are one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Though the income is not distributed among the majority of Americans. Why is it then that we are defined by that question and our subsequent answer?

While I consider myself fortunate to do what I love and what I feel called to do, I’d much rather be asked about playing my saxophones, or riding my motorcycle with my wife, or watching a family movie with my children. I’d like to think, as much of the world does, that we are here to build relationships and to enjoy this life journey together. And our legacy is our character, perseverance, and our treatment of others. Not our bank statements.

I am excited to see what benefits might possibly come from our new government administration. But I do remember President Reagan’s words, “Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem."

The Sony PMW-EX1

One of Sony’s awesome new production tools is its PMW-EX1. This HD cam has been on the market for a short time and is already turning heads in the production industry. What doesn’t Sony turn heads with in the world of HD equipment these days though, right? This information is taken from Sony’s website.

XDCAM EX - New Generation HD Recording System

The PMW - EX1 is the first in a new range of professional HD pro ducts - called XDCAM EX - which record on to memory - based SxS ExpressCard media. Designed from the ground up to exploit the ultimate high performance of SxS PRO memory cards, the PMW - EX1 combines a state - of - the - art, non - linear XDCAM work flow with simply the best HD quality yet seen in a compact camcorder. It is also the first hand held camcorder to carry the legendary Cine Alta 24P brand with multiple frame rate recording capability such as 59.94i, 50i, and native 23.98P, as well as being 1080i/720P switchable.

There is also a choice of a 35Mb/s High Quality mode or a 25Mb/s, HDV 1080i compatible mode. To take advantage of this high performance recording capability, the PMW - EX1 uses a n all - new imaging system consisting of three 1/2 - inch type CMOS sensors, each with an effective pixel count of 1920x1080 to produce images in full HD resolution. In addition, there's a purpose - built Fujinon Professional HD 1/2 - inch 14x lens and a unique dual focus ring mechanism.

In fact, there are innovations in every detail of the PMW-EX1, from its IT-friendly MP4 file recording to advanced creative features, such as selectable gamma curves and 'Slow & Quick Motion' capability.

To maximise recording time, the PMW-EX1 has two memory card slots which means with a pair of 16 GB SxS PRO memory cards, it can record up to 140 minutes of HD footage.

For more information on Sony’s product, click here.

I have shot on professional Sony HD models for several years now and can tell you that they shoot a stunning picture. The colors are just so incredibly vivid that the overall quality really is surprising. The camera settings, such as the auto and manual iris control, focus, gain, and audio, allows you to set up shots and spend time getting crisp clean images and sound while having fun taking shots (when good mics are setup and being used of course) .

I saw this video of a West Texas sunset that a friend of mine, James Lane, shot with his Sony PMW-EX1. Keep in mind he did not spend much time tweaking settings. He was working and just set the camera up and let it run. Enjoy!


Another One Minute Sunset from James Lane on Vimeo.

First in the Hearts of His Countrymen?

It has been a slow sports week so I decided to share my other love with you - American History. We honor our presidents in February so here is a blog on our first commander-in-chief. A little Washington 101, if you will.

As a former secondary school History teacher, I was always amazed at how little my incoming students knew about our first president, the incomparable, George Washington. What they knew of him was that he was indeed our first commander-in-chief and that his face is on the piece of paper currency they are undoubtedly the most familiar with, the one dollar bill. There is so much more to this man, that many Americans don't know and I fear will never know. There seems to be a push from liberal crowds even in academic circles to nudge early American History out of the books or at the very least to minimize the role of early Americans. The reasons for this are many and that in and of itself is a topic for another blog some rainy day. But today, the day following Washington's birthday - I am asking you, my fellow Americans (did that sound presidential?) to make George Washington relevant again.

To many, he is the first American. Not just because he held the Continental Army together during the Revolutionary War and presided over our fledgling government but because he was an embodiment of the American spirit that would come to define a nation. He was larger than life - literally. In a time when adult males were traditionally short, Washington stood six feet, three inches tall. He was easily recognizable -the perfect face of a new nation. In addition, he was a master horseman, the closest thing to a superstar athlete in late eighteenth-century America. And of course, he was a warrior, an action hero.

During his younger days, when he was a member of the Virginia militia and still a loyal British subject, Washington fought the French during the Seven Years War. After a particular battle that featured a fierce fire fight, Washington emerged unscathed from fighting though many of his fellow soldiers lost their lives. Once back within the realm of safety, it was pointed out that Washington's garments had sustained a series of bullet holes - seven to be exact, but he, himself was unharmed. That was just one such tale of survival - there were others, like the time he and a guide survived on an iceberg while lost in the wilderness. These are the kind of stories that give you goose bumps to read about. It was as if he was being protected or saved for a greater purpose.

He was a man of character and one who realized great responsibility. As a president, every decision he made, he considered what kind of precedent he may have been setting for future presidents. He warned about becoming entangled in foreign affairs and worried about the divisive nature of emerging political parties. Issues that are still very relevant today. Washington made the comment that his conduct would have consequences for "generations upon generations of yet unborn Americans" and he was fine with that because he felt it held him accountable. Accountability is a quality that too many "leaders" today seem to be lacking in.

As time progressed, other great leaders were born and made their ways to the fore-fronts of the American subconscious: Lincoln, Teddy, Truman, Ike, and the Gipper. They all have their "Great Predecessor"to thank for paving their political ways. Of course it was once said that Washington was "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." I wonder if that is still true today. Sadly, I doubt it is. To many, George Washington is simply, "that guy on the quarter." Do something American today and google George Washington or any of our other great and courageous leaders and help me make Washington relevant again. Happy birthday, Mr. President.

Quotables

“If human love does not carry a man beyond himself, it is not love. If love if always discrete, always wise, always sensible and calculating, never carried beyond itself, it is not love at all. It may be affection, it may be warmth of feeling, but it has not the true nature of love in it.” - Oswald Chambers

“Go to the people. Learn from them. Live with them. Start with what they know. Build with what they have. The best of leaders when the job is done, when the task is accomplished, the people will say we have done it ourselves.” - Lao Tzu

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Success in life, in anything, depends upon the number of persons that one can make himself agreeable to.” - Thomas Carlyle

“Kind words are the music of the world.” - F. W. Faber

Leaving Denton

On Friday evening February 20, 2009, I had the opportunity to enjoy a Dallas area band, Leaving Denton, perform to a young crowd of high school students at a retreat in Cedar Hill. The band definitely has some rockin’ songs, but the overall tone of the group is a soft rock style, utilizing melodic tones and harmonies.

Leaving Denton has been around for years, playing at various venues, and the members of the group all take the art of musicianship very seriously. Andrew Shane Autry, founder of Leaving Denton, is a talented drummer and also plays guitar with the group. As well, he performs some vocals. Allison Autry is a strong vocalist for the group, by far a shining star and is very pleasant to listen to. She pays attention to pitch and has great control of her vocal dynamics. The band’s guitar player is Dave Seaton. This guy can play. Hard riffs, rockin’ rhythms, and an overall mastery of the guitar make listening to him a delight. Daniel Allen is the bass guitar player and also is a vocalist. He does a great job of adding to the rhythm and is an experienced player. His versatility makes him a valuable asset to the group.


It’s obvious, since these musicians have all been in countless other bands over the years, that they have a heart for performing. The meld of talent here is worth listening to. Leaving Denton humbly describes them selves as ‘something your mom and dad might listen to…and that your dad would turn down the volume on…’ Fireflies and Starlight, one of their original songs, is creative and reminds listeners of lyrics from the late sixties infused with the sounds of early Coldplay. Fireflies and Starlight is available to listen to and is posted online.

If you have the opportunity to enjoy them, please do take advantage. They will not disappoint. For more information visit the band online by clicking here.

Is Adapting To Technology Necessary?

How many of us rely on technology now days to accomplish many of our daily tasks? Most of us do. We use technology to send and receive emails, pay our bills online, to get our prescriptions refilled, to cook our food, to surf the web while we sit in a café, and even to adjust the thermostats in our homes. We are living in the days now, that the original Star Trek television series fantasized about decades ago. Computer technology, medical advancements, and communication devices are modern day versions of what you saw the crews of the USS Enterprise utilizing moment by moment. Granted we are not zipping around the galaxy in a cloaked starship yet, but technological advances are becoming more and more vital to our daily operations and survival. We are very dependent on technology.

A report from CNN today stated that part of the reason for John McCain’s loss to President Obama was a lack of understanding and acceptance for the use of technology by the GOP. Senator McCain’s daughter, Meghan, had much to say about this since she was involved with her father during his campaign.

"The Obama administration understands that my generation spends most of its day on a laptop or a BlackBerry, and that using the Web is an easy way to communicate their ideas to their constituents," she said. "Until the Republican Party joins the twenty-first century and learns how to use the Internet, its members will keep getting older and the youth of America will just keep logging on to the other side."

The point of showing a portion of this article was not to get into the debate of democratic and republican policies, but rather to show the importance of our adaptive abilities to change the way that we are communicating with others, if what we are doing is no longer effective. The best intentions in the world can be misconstrued and falter if no one is aware that they exist and if they are not relayed in ways that are understood by others.

Ask any marketing professional what importance they place on their clients to properly communicate to a target audience, who they are and what they stand for, and they will tell you it is absolutely critical. If a company does not let people know that they are there and ready to serve, they might as well lock their doors for good and find some other way to occupy their time. It is very important to strategically use the technology that is available to communicate with others. This is true for everyone that seeks to be in the business of developing relationships.

CNN went on to state, ‘Several Republicans appear to have gotten the message. According to TweetCongress.org, more Republicans are now on the popular social networking site Twitter than are Democrats. And the recent election for the Republican Party Chairman heavily revolved around who was best positioned to modernize the party's use of technology.’

It’s always necessary to be useful and relevant in what we are doing and how we communicate with others.

To read more of the featured article click here.

Spring Flinging 2009

Spring is upon us, and soon we will be seeing an ocean of color splashed across our region in the form of blooms. Flowers are used for many things from a simple arrangement in a jar on your kitchen table for a bit of color, to weddings celebrating the love between two embarking on their new life journey.

Every year brings new trends with it, and of course 2009 holds no exception. For those of us who believe minimal is more and take inspiration from nature, this is our year! This years’ floral theme is “Go Green”, following suit with the rest of the industries out there. But this doesn’t mean all arrangements have to be green per-se, it really means just not going over board, try not to put so many different things in each piece, and really just keep designs simple!

Everyone has an artistic side, and fresh-cut-flowers are an easy and fun way to start exploring it, especially with the trends of this season. One of the styles is going monochromatic, using subtle colors like shades of greens, tranquil creams, and shades of light blues with muted purples. You can also do bolder designs if that better suits your personality, with fuchsias, pinks, plums and oranges.

If you like a natural look, groupings of green Kermit poms with green spider mums and jade roses or green antherium is a great look. Adding mossy branches or curly willow for height stays in that natural realm. You could even go with birds nests, vines or mushrooms down low for added interest. Adding a combination of different kinds of greenery such as lemon leaf, tree fern or safari sunset adds texture. A wonderful way to build this arrangement is in your hand like a bouquet before placing it in a container. Hold the flowers, varying the heights and mixing the blooms, until it is pleasing to your eye, then cut the bottom of the stems even so that when it is placed in your holder it is already arranged. You don’t need a fancy vase for this. An old mason jar, pitcher, watering can, or even a terra cotta pot dotted with moss will look great and earthy!

If you like the minimal look, but your personality is a little bolder, I suggest going with the brighter flowers. Pairing together fuchsia gerbera daisies with orange tulips and mini calla lilies in light pink or plum is a dramatic statement. You wouldn’t even need to add any greenery to an arrangement like this because the flowers speak for themselves! You can place these in an old vase you have lying around the house and then drape it with a piece of bright sheer fabric or a colorful cloth napkin to jazz it up!

I hope these ideas help bring out your artistic side and sprinkle a bit of color into your life and home! It’s fun and everyone can be an artist. If you have any questions, comments, or would like to consult with me, feel free to leave me a comment with your contact information, and I will gladly be back in touch with you soon. Happy designing!

Customer Disservice

A new employee at a large local grocery chain was excited about his first week on the job. He was in high school and eager to serve others and make some money while doing it. The young man loved visiting with people. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and thoroughly enjoyed the time spent engaging with others in dialog. He was a people person.

While initially learning the ‘ins and outs’ of becoming a cashier, there is quite a lot of information to absorb. We’ve all had the opportunity to be in the check stand with the employee on his or her first experience checking. Needless to say, it does take a while. They fumble through the key codes, items scan at an incorrect price and the checker is not sure how to correct the problem, and if you are unfortunate enough to have a large amount of produce, every item code must be looked up in a book and the length of time spent checking out is more total time then you actually spent shopping. And just as you see light at the end of the tunnel the manager is paged. And paged. And paged again to deal with mistakes. By the time you finish and leave the store you are completely drained.

The only thing that keeps you from going insane is the fact that they are trying their best. We’ve all started new jobs and know it takes a bit to get the hang of everything. And when the checker has a great attitude, even when it’s obvious they are having difficulties, it helps to diffuse the feeling of total anger.

As the young man was checking out a customer he began small talk with her. “How are you doing today? Are you enjoying the weather?” These questions were asked as he slowly scanned the customer’s groceries. She then realized by his speed, or lack there of, that he was new at this. She did find his demeanor pleasant enough though so she chatted with him as he worked. An item that the checker enjoyed also came across the register. “Wow, I love these cookies! They are my favorite!” She laughed and replied that she liked them too.

“Where’s the baby? At home?” the checker asked. The woman was puzzled. She was elderly and had no children at home. “Is your baby with a sitter?” the cashier asked. The woman finally asked the cashier why he was asking about a baby and told him that her children were grown and no longer in the area. The cashier looked at her confused for a moment and asked, “If you don’t have babies, who are the diapers for?” The woman turned bright red and said nothing else for the remainder of the time. When the transaction was completed, she grabbed her bag of groceries and her Depends, left the store, and vowed never to shop there again.

That slip up was not intentional. The checker did not mean to upset the customer. There was an age barrier that separated the young checker and the elderly woman from one another. This age barrier is common. Perhaps if the checker had understood the needs of the elderly the question would not have been asked. The best way for the barriers to come down is to communicate with one another. Develop relationships and enlighten each other. And building that bond will undoubtedly open an exchange of sharing for a lifetime of experiences.

And Ma’am, if you read this, please know that I am sorry.

Preparing Yourself For Developing Relationships

As we look across our communities, we realize that we live inside a melting pot of various people groups, each with their own unique status, cultural customs and practices. There is a world of experience to gain in cultivating relationships with others. In order to do this we must be sensitive. We must actively observe the details of unfamiliar customs or cultures and be attentive to key similarities and differences. And as you spend time learning about one another your similarities will allow you to build a common bond and to progress from there.

A few items to keep in mind when developing relationships are our attitudes toward others, our treatment of other people, keeping our tongues guarded, and being genuinely true to who we are.

If you realize from the onset that not everyone is like you and that their rights as a human allow for differences, then you gain the possibility of experiencing relationships that will bring a fresh perspective to your life. It is easy to drive potential friends away by demanding they share your beliefs, behaviors and attitudes.

How we treat people is also key. Think about how you prefer to be treated by others and approach them with the same courteous respect that you feel you deserve.

Realize that THERE ARE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOU. If you criticize, then your actions are perceived as an attack. Constant griping and complaining, pointing out weaknesses or failures in them or in others, and gossiping destroys trust that is vital in all relationships and frankly turns people off to what you say. Guard your tongue. Be courteous with your words and focus on positive attributes rather than the negatives.

And lastly, be genuine. Be yourself. Be an authentic individual and stay away from portraying insincerity and showcasing a façade or false pretenses. There very well may be differences in standards of morality and behavior as there usually are between varying people and cultures. Keep an open mind. Be willing to share experiences and try new things. But remain true to your own beliefs. Don’t allow yourself to compromise for the sake of fitting in.

As we build relationships with others it can truly be a unique blessing. Look forward to meeting someone new and go out of your way to show kindness towards others.

David Ortiz For Commissioner

Last week we learned that the individual generally regarded as the best player in baseball has used steroids during his illustrious career. Ever since, we have been subjected to the fallout of this, yet another steroid scandal involving a major league baseball player. I could spend time ranting about how one more hero has fallen and further tarnished a once great game or how these individuals cannot achieve any further goals without a shadow of doubt being cast over every thing they accomplish.

However, all of that has already been said and blah-blah-blahed by people who are much better spoken than myself. I would rather focus on the responsibility aspect of the situation. There are professional athletes and media members who believe that simply admitting to a mistake can get someone off the hook. That there should be no discipline for those who confess to wrong-doing. Over the past few years, we have seen the likes of Mark McGuire, Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro, and Sammy Sosa among others deny that they have ever used steroids or any other performance-enhancing drugs. Even with those denials, baseball writers and sports journalists across the country have said that there is no room in the Baseball Hall of Fame for such individuals.

Last week, Alex Rodriguez, the mighty A-Rod, admitted to using performance enhancing drugs after his name appeared in a federal investigation and he was painted into a corner by a now immortal Sports Illustrated article (He had publicly denied the allegation in the past). I have been waiting for someone to say that there is no place in the Hall for A-Rod and I was hugely disappointed at the lack of such talk.

Then Monday rolled around. This is the week that most major league ball players will report to their respective spring training facilities. Some players have already reported - and they are sounding off. Jaime Moyer, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher and former A-Rod team mate, says he can't see how Rodriguez will get any Hall of Fame consideration and David Ortiz of the Red Sox says that he thinks any player who tests positive for steroids should have to miss an entire season. This is huge for athletes in a sport who belong to a players union that has traditionally supported their own - even when their own has been wrong. Maybe players are finally realizing how important public perception is to the survival of their sport - especially in a time of economic downturn. There are a lot of people who would rather save their hard-earned dollars than to go throw it at a bunch of millionaires who cheat and those teammates who defend them.

I know there is a difference between supporting and defending a teammate. To support a teammate through hard and difficult times is admirable. Who could ask for anything more as a teammate. But still I wonder if some athletes get it. I heard Mark Teixiera telling the national media how he and his teammates would be supportive of Rodriguez and I have no problem with that but then he followed it by saying "What matters is what's on that field?" Really? I thought it was that mentality that got us to this point in the first place.

Are You Willing To Partner?

Recently, a group of individuals from Northway Church in Dallas, TX, visited an elementary school located just a few blocks away from their front doors. The people at Northway felt compelled to be more active in their surrounding community. They contacted the school and asked them what immediate needs they had that the congregation could perhaps fill. On Friday prior to Valentine’s Day, the school had an early student dismissal with mandatory meetings following for teachers and school staff that went on well into the late afternoon. The employees would not have the opportunity to leave the school for lunch and the cafeteria was not serving lunches due to the early dismissal. That meant that the staff of the local school would not be able to eat unless each person prepared their own lunches for the day.

Aaahhh…An opportunity.

Northway took it upon them selves to make lunches for the entire school staff. They delivered the lunches on Friday morning and had the opportunity to meet with the administration while there. In that meeting members of Northway asked what they could do to help the school. The church does not have a large outreach budget by any means. But what they do have is a small congregation that desires to serve others and to give of themselves. Planting roots in the community and looking for ways to reach across cultural barriers is a calling that the Northway members feel passionately about.

The school was of course delighted by the efforts of a local church reaching out to them. Surprisingly, the school mentioned a great number of areas that the church family could be a part of. The needs that the school had were for PTA participation, Saturday school assistance, and for people to volunteer time for mentoring and tutoring. The greatest need that the principal stated could use help with was a reading program. Many schools across the nation are desperately in need of anyone, communities of faith, or individuals that are willing to spend time with young students helping them to develop their communication and reading skills. The principal stated that he had asked this of many groups throughout the year. And since the beginning of the school year that started at the onset of September, not one person or group has come forward to spend time with a child and listen to them read. Fifteen minutes is the total time needed to fulfill this request.

Something that is unique to this situation is that the Northway members are looking to spend time with a school that has a 95% Hispanic attendance. Northway, while being mostly Anglo, feels the need to make a difference here. The members, most of which do not speak any languages other than English, realize that their years of life experience as businessmen, teachers, doctors, lawyers, construction workers, secretaries, and homemakers, have a valuable gift to give…Their time.

“With the economy being the way it is today, all that these children at this school know is school…Wal-Mart…Fiesta…And home. They do not have the opportunity to experience anything else and they are hungry to” is what the principal told the group. If you can make a difference in young lives that are eager for the development of relationships, and in the process help the community by assisting the local school district, and the opportunity is open for you…Take it. Let others see your willingness to help and your heart to care. Check with your local school district for opportunities to serve.

Communities of Faith of Interest in the Dallas Area

Looking for somewhere to visit or become a part of today?

Fellowship Church

2809 Ross Avenue

Dallas, TX 75201 972 471 5700

Sunday Worship - 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM

Visit online by clicking here.

Northway Church

3877 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas, TX 75229 214 357 4391

Sunday Worship - 10:30 AM

Visit online by clicking here.

GracePoint Church

209 Rolston Road

Irving, TX 75060

Sunday Worship - 11:00 AM

Visit online by clicking here.

Please let us know what communities of faith you have recently enjoyed.

The Cultural Experience

In communities, people are practicing a common ownership of a particular area or location in the context of social values and responsibilities, religion, race, profession, and join together with common characteristics. Communities share culture. Culture is defined as the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively. Culture is a refined understanding or appreciation of the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group. Inside the walls of our individual communities we share experiences. Experience is practical contact with and observation of facts or events. And communities that are united with various cultures and have experiences with one another share together. A shared experience happens when a part or portion of a group of contributing people observe events together. When that happens, relationships are developed. And developing intimate relationships with individuals or groups allows us to collectively mature our knowledge of one another. We as neighbors, have the opportunity to learn from one another and support each other in ways that can positively reflect inside the community. Understanding uniqueness and similarities inside communities are vital. Let us journey together and share our life experiences with one another. Let’s introduce ourselves to the cultural differences that unite and separate us all.