The Cultural Experience

Common Sense

2009-09-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-09-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-08-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-08-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

"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

2009-08-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-30T23:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-29T22:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

The Ministry Of The Interior - Oswald Chambers

2009-06-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

"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

2009-06-20T20:25:00.001-07:00

"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

2009-06-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

Another Crazy Tragedy

2009-06-16T20:45:00.000-07:00

How does this stuff happen?

Buy or Sell? Let's Make a Deal.

2009-06-15T21:14:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

"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

2009-06-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-12T16:59:00.000-07:00

"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

2009-06-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-09T22:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-08T21:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-07T06:26:00.001-07:00

"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

2009-06-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-04T19:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

"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

2009-06-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

"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

2009-05-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-05-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

Money Money Everywhere In Jim Wells County Texas

2009-05-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

"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

2009-05-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

"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

2009-05-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

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-

Things I Could Live Without

2009-05-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

I was watching Oprah yesterday, and she did a show on living without what we consider basic parts of our everyday life, for seven days. She challenged families to go without their televisions, video games, computers and cell phones for seven days and see how they faired. I started to think how impossible it would be to live without my phone and laptop for one day, let alone seven days. How could anyone be expected to go without these necessities for a whole week?! I use my cell phone as my only source of communication outside of home and am on the computer several times a day. And then my thought process went farther. I thought deeper about things I couldn’t live without, or better yet, things I could live without.

I could live without wondering where the money is going to come from for my basic bills, where I’m going to get the funds to pay for groceries, gas, and clothes for my ever growing children. While the price of everything rises, my check stays the same. I could live without type I diabetes, which both my husband and little sister have, and the several insulin injections they have to take daily until there is a cure. As a matter of fact, I could deal without anybody suffering from any disease at all. I could live without war and violence amongst brothering tribes and countries and the “war” we have daily in our own country amongst our neighbors. The racism, sexism and just pure hatred of our fellow man. I could live without the water and food shortages all over the world including right here in our own communities. I could live without the human slave trade where not only adults, but children are being sold as sex slaves. There are a lot of things I could live without, but it basically boils down to this: I could live without famine, war, disease, depression, loneliness and heartache for not only me, but human kind all over the world. If giving up my cell phone or computer for just one week, or even for the rest of my life, would end all of these things, I would do it. But I know it won’t, so the only solution I have to start this process is to pray. Pray unceasingly, every day for God to intervene and bless our world. From there, each of us has to make a decision as to what we are willing to give up to help ourselves and each other, because that is all we have.

Common Threads

2009-05-20T19:13:00.001-07:00

Do you ever look at the 6.77 billion people on the Earth, take a moment to think about someone on the far side of the globe opposite you, and wonder what common threads might bind you? With the various customs and cultures that differ from our own, how are we united? As we hopefully are aware of the many differences, people in general surprise us because of their unique individuality. Each person, having their own independent thoughts, desires, likes and dislikes, aspirations, and life goals, are similar and yet so very distinctive. While someone in the same restaurant takes a bite at the exact moment as you, what is the chance that a person dining 4,000 miles away is doing the same? These endless questions are truly fascinating and can no doubt consume the curious full-time.

People are certainly exceptional individuals. When striking up a conversation with a complete stranger, what details immediately come to mind? For me, I prefer to ask someone about his interests. Once you know they are speaking about a subject that they enjoy, it gives the opportunity to see a glimpse into their affections and passions. While in dialog, I am enthralled by accents of people, which give a clue as to their background. When you discover what location that person is from, it becomes easy to find out where they grew up. What was their neighborhood like? What about their home life? An individual’s history is amazing! I am captivated by their vocabulary and the way that phrases are presented. Pleasant conversation is a priceless gem when it is had. It’s a joy to leave someone and find yourself pondering thoughts discussed. Decoding the mystery of someone unknown and developing a friendship can be an exciting adventure.

Of course there are times when you start talking with people and get completely lost. That too can be an interesting occurrence. My wife reminded me of these awkward instances, one of which she recently endured. She was visiting with a colleague at her workplace and started discussing artistic views of paintings, drawings, and sculptures. These topics always seem simple enough. You mention some of your favorites and then capture items of theirs and move to another topic. In theory, this interesting small talk paves the way for the possible building blocks of friendship. You learn small likes and then more interesting subject matter is given birth. And then it happened. This gentleman began a trek into discussing the space-time continuum, gravity, anti-matter and then properties related to quantum physics. She was flustered immediately. And as the man began speaking more intently, she momentarily thought he might be joking. Quickly she returned to reality when he began to draw diagrams to accompany his lecture.

When this happens, there becomes a point when you are actually committed to the discussion regardless of time and intricate depth. At the onset of the speech, if you work quickly, you can easily mention that the specific topic is not appealing to you or that you don’t understand it. You can get out of it with relative ease and move onto something more verbally appetizing. But once their initial introduction is presented and they’ve progressed passed their thesis on into expanding on their topics, you have no choice but to listen. And perhaps to pray for a miracle, non-threatening emergency.

This one sided exchange went on for what seemed like many hours. She involuntarily began yawning. Then she began the “Yes nod,” shaking her head up in down in agreement, though in all actuality there was not much grasping of the subject. And shortly following that, the “Wha wha whaaa whaa. Blah blah blah” happened. His mouth was moving but all comprehension stopped. By the time the gentleman finished talking, her mind was numb. Incredibly numb. She thanked him for his time and then walked away wondering aimlessly for a moment. Baring her return to college and growing a fast and deep rooted interest in the above subjects, she will perhaps shy away from walking up to him in anything but a group setting.

But people are people. People have varying interests and love things sometimes that others don’t understand. That of itself is one of the positive aspects of humanity. It is such a blessing to learn from one another similarities and differences. Be encouraged to strike up conversations with those who surround you in your community. Just make sure and have your cell phone ready to answer that anonymous emergency call if it is needed.

2009 BYRON NELSON PRIZE AWARDED TO ARNOLD PALMER

2009-05-19T18:11:00.000-07:00

IRVING, TX – The Salesmanship Club awarded golf legend Arnold Palmer with the third annual Byron Nelson Prize at the HP Byron Nelson Championship Opening Ceremony on Tuesday.

The Byron Nelson Prize, sponsored by the T. Boone Pickens Foundation, is awarded to a person or organization in the golf world who exemplifies the ideals of “giving back” that Byron Nelson personified.

Mr. Palmer attended the Opening Ceremony to receive the Prize and spoke about the special honor that this award represented for him.

“Those things that Byron did over his life were pretty fantastic, and when he won 11 tournaments in a row, I was sitting on the edge of my seat watching and just waiting for it to happen again,” Palmer said. “Byron Nelson was a man that continued to contribute to not just the game of golf, but to life and to other people. He was a person that I had the highest respect for.”

The Salesmanship Club of Dallas awarded $100,000 to the charity of Palmer’s choice. Palmer directed this charitable contribution to the Arnold D. and Winifred W. Palmer Charitable Foundation.

“It is our great honor to award Mr. Palmer with the Byron Nelson Prize,” Salesmanship Club of Dallas President Frank Swingle said. “Mr. Palmer exemplifies the values of our namesake. He perpetuates Mr. Nelson’s legacy of integrity, competitive fire, and ‘giving back’ to the game he loved and to his community.”

The 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship will be played May 18-24 at the TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. For details, visit hpbnc.org.

-HPBNC-

And So What if the Man Doesn't Want to Meet the President

2009-05-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers is making headlines today because he doesn't care to travel with the rest of his Super Bowl Champion team to the White house to meet President Barack Obama. It is customary for the president to invite the title-earners of our nation's major sports leagues and even NCAA championship teams to the White house for a ceremony to celebrate the team's accomplishments.

Harrison insists that the reason he will not go has nothing to do with political affiliations. Instead, he simply feels that the invitation to Washington isn't very personal since it would be the Cardinals traveling to meet the president had the Steelers not come back to win the game at the end of the Superbowl. In Mr. Harrison's opinion, if the President really wanted to meet the Steelers, he would have invited them at a different time before now.

The last time the Steelers won the Super Bowl, George W. Bush was President of the United States. Guess who didn't travel to Washington to meet President Bush with the rest of his team? You got it - James Harrison. I don't recall hearing any outrage in the media when Mr. Harrison declined the invitation of our last president. This story was leading the news on Sports Center today. I heard it mentioned on national radio. I think members of the mainstream media are just shocked that there is even one person on God's green earth who is not clamoring to meet President Obama. I guess the thinking was that when Harrison snubbed President Bush - that was to be expected. It was no surprise to the media-types that someone would decline an invitation to meet with the incompetent Bush. However, to decline an invitation from President Obama - well, that's just downright un-American isn't it? If James Harrison wants to stay home instead of going to the White house that is his prerogative. Personally, I find it ridiculous that he doesn't want to go but surely no more ridiculous now than it was the last time the Steelers were world champs.

For the record, I would love to meet the President of the United States. The History teacher in me will not let me feel otherwise no matter how much of a Republican I may be. To be in the same room with the most powerful person in the world would be an awe-inspiring experience whether one agrees with his policies or not. It would be something to see anyway. Besides, I'm sure the little smokies, rotel dip, and other snacks will be first-rate.

His Ascension And Our Union

2009-05-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven." Luke 24:51

We have no corresponding experience to the events in Our Lord's life after the Transfiguration. From then onwards Our Lord's life' was altogether vicarious. Up to the time of the Transfiguration He had exhibited the normal perfect life of a man; from the Transfiguration onwards - Gethsemane, the Cross, the Resurrection - everything is unfamiliar to us. His Cross is the door by which every member of the human race can enter into the life of God; by His Resurrection He has the right to give eternal life to any man, and by His Ascension Our Lord enters heaven and keeps the door open for humanity.

On the Mount of Ascension the Transfiguration is completed. If Jesus had gone to heaven from the Mount of Transfiguration, He would have gone alone; He would have been nothing more to us than a glorious Figure. But He turned His back on the glory, and came down from the Mount to identify Himself with fallen humanity.

The Ascension is the consummation of the Transfiguration. Our Lord does now go back into His primal glory; but He does not go back simply as Son of God; He goes back to God as Son of Man as well as Son of God. There is now freedom of access for anyone straight to the very throne of God by the Ascension of the Son of Man. As Son of Man Jesus Christ deliberately limited omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience in Himself. Now they are His in absolute full power. As Son of Man Jesus Christ has all power at the throne of God. He is King of kings and Lord of lords from the day of His Ascension until now.

HP Byron Nelson Championship Update

2009-05-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

The HP Byron Nelson Championship will be next week, May 18-24. The final field list of players has been published.

SALESMANSHIP CLUB OF DALLAS ANNOUNCES THE 2009 RECIPIENTS OF THE BYRON NELSON INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR GOLF AWARDS

Irving, TX – Four outstanding young golfers from Argentina and the United States will be honored next week at the HP Byron Nelson Championship. The Salesmanship Club of Dallas announced today that Evan Beck of Virginia, Emiliano Grillo of Argentina, Brinson Paolini of Virginia and Cameron Peck of Washington will be recognized.

The recipients were selected not only because of their accomplishments in junior tournament play, but also in recognition of their achievement in academics, participation in community service and demonstrated excellence in character, integrity and sportsmanship.

“We are proud to honor these four young men, because each one of them strives to embody the work ethic and strong moral standard that Byron Nelson lived by,” said Brooks Cullum, chairman of Salesmanship Club Charitable Golf of Dallas. “By recognizing these individuals, we also hope to inspire new determination in other young golfers around the world.”

Last year, the Salesmanship Club bestowed the inaugural Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Awards to five golfers from Texas, South Africa, Mexico and Denmark. The Awards were created to honor Byron Nelson and his well-known support of young golfers.

All four 2009 award recipients will attend the HP Byron Nelson Championship. They will be recognized at the Championship’s Opening Ceremony at noon on Tuesday, May 19, and will participate in the Youth Golf Clinic later that day at 5 p.m. on the TPC Four Seasons Practice Range. The formal awards ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. the same evening at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Las Colinas. The award recipients will also walk inside the ropes with PGA TOUR players during the practice round on Tuesday.

DAVIS LOVE III COMMITS TO PLAY IN THE HP BYRON NELSON CHAMPIONSHIP

Irving, TX – Davis Love III has officially committed to play in the 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship. Love is No. 30 in the race for the FedExCup and No. 34 in PGA TOUR Money Leaders.

Davis has a total of 20 PGA TOUR wins, including the 1997 PGA Championship. His best 2009 finish was T2 at the Mercedes Benz Championship. This will be his ninth appearance at the Byron Nelson, with the first being in 1986.
The 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship will be played May 18-24 at the TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. For details, visit hpbnc.org.

Coldplay - Leftright FREE Album For Download

2009-05-15T18:41:00.000-07:00

Coldplay has posted on their website a free, that's right...I said FREE download of a fan appreciation album entitled "Leftright". Visit Coldplay.com to get it. It is a live album and has a few favorites from various newer albums as well as tracks only avaliable on the Viva la Vida (Prospekt's March Edition) album.

Tracks included are:

I Glass of Water
II 42
III Clocks
IV Strawberry Swing
V Hardest Part/Postcards From Far Away
VI Viva La Vida
VII Death Will Never Conquer
VIII Fix You
IX Death And All His Friends

Great album to check out and enjoy if you get the chance.

FRED COUPLES COMMITS TO PLAY IN THE HP BYRON NELSON CHAMPIONSHIP

2009-05-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

Irving, TX – Fred Couples has officially committed to play in the 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship. Couples is No. 18 in PGA TOUR career earnings and No. 10 in birdie average.

Couples, who won the 1992 Masters, has claimed fifteen PGA TOUR victories. His most recent win was the 2003 Shell Houston Open and his best 2009 finish was T3 at the Northern Trust Open and Shell Houston Open. Couples won the Byron Nelson Championship in 1987, and this will be his 16th Championship appearance.
The 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship will be played May 18-24 at the TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. For details, visit hpbnc.org.

-HPBNC-

I See

2009-05-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Last week MOMA put up this short, that deals with how we relate to art, and how we view the world around us, in an artistic way. I love this concept, because it gives everyone a relationship with the art world, beyond just having a favorite song that comes on the radio. Art is an expression of what we see, hear, touch, and smell, in the everyday world, and it usually deals with subject maters that are close to us all.

I see art everywhere, from the beauty nature, to the way a folding chair is designed. This video calls us back to the places where art is in its natural state and then sends us out away from the museums with a new outlook on the way the world becomes art before our own eyes.

My question to Dr. MD and Mr. Pharmaceutical

2009-05-12T10:04:00.001-07:00

I was searching for ingredients on a supplement I heard someone started taking and realized that the company does not advertise the ingredients on their website. HUGE RED FLAG!!!!! You better know who you are buying your stuff from because no vitamin company has to put in their pills what they say are in the pills! That is my public service announcement for the day...

Anyways, that's not why I'm writing.

As I was scrolling down websites, I clicked on a blog that supposedly had the ingredients listed somewhere. Going down the page to find it, I came across a post that was about why vaccinations are good and why we should continue to "stick to the schedule" to preserve public health. I'm sure you can all hear me rolling my eyes even as I type that.

I couldn't help but think, "What public health?" I don't know what country they live in, but the one I live in is not getting healthier and healthier! We, collectively, are getting sicker and sicker. My question to them is very simple:

Why should we continue to follow down their path if it is not making us healthier?

The medical model we live, and die (ironically), by has been in place for about the last 50 years. The AMA and pharmaceutical companies have brainwashed the public and instilled unnecessary fears in our minds to the point that if we sneeze, we need to take something; if our child's temperature goes up a degree or so, we need to run them to the doctor's office.

A major foundation in our medical model for public health is our vaccinations. A majority of us and our kids have been vaccinated routinely for the past 40+ years. So if they are a key component of us being healthy, then why have we not gotten healthier over the last 40+ years? We are the highest medicated society in the world, so why are we not the healthiest? We have the best doctors and surgeons here, so why do our preventable, chronic, degenerative disorders keep increasing as time goes by?

Does health come externally (medicine, vaccines, etc.) or does it come from within (immune system, proper nutrition, etc.)?

I know that I don't have all the answers to the United States health problems. But looking at the track record of how things are going following their model, I want more for me and, most importantly, my family.

The table is now open for discussion...

Don't Believe the Hype - Games are Rarely Decided by Single Plays

2009-05-11T21:42:00.000-07:00

Please don't get me wrong. No one was more upset about the outcome of the Dallas-Denver playoff game last Saturday than I was. The way the game ended was a travesty but not for the reasons you may expect me to list. I thought the non-call of the now infamous phantom foul was malarkey. Those officials knew the situation - they knew Dallas would be using their last foul.

The NBA is usually quick to give out fines and suspensions for fouls they deem to be too hard which makes it even more confusing why no foul was called. Next time a team is in the same situation, they'll make sure they get their money's worth with their foul no matter what the league may decide to do as punishment. HOWEVER, there are some things that must not be forgotten when examining this game.

The Mavs lost by one point - they missed seven free throws in the game. Some may say, "So what, all teams miss free throws." The Mavericks are one of the best free throw shooting team in the league. Their performance Saturday from the charity strip was uncharacteristically choke-worthy. If they had made half of their misses they would have won the game.

One reason the Mavericks played so much better in game three than in the previous two games was because the Mavs posted up Nowitzki and Kidd in one-on-one situations. This strategy worked well all night. Then for whatever reason, in the last three minutes and thirty seconds, Dallas started jacking up the jumpers and at one point missed seven shots in a row from the field. It's hard to win any game missing shots in that manner much less a playoff game.

That brings us to the play everyone has been mulling over on talk radio for the past two days - the attempted foul. When the foul was "committed" it appeared as though the Mavericks and even some of the Nuggets stopped playing. The problem, of course, was that no whistle blew to stop the game. That is a central lesson we teach to young basketball players all over the country - play until you hear a whistle. Apparently, the Mavericks need a refresher course in this area. Fans could blame the officials but coaches and players aren't. They know better than to make such statements. If the Mavericks are the kind of team we hope they are, they are claiming responsibilty for that loss and making up their mind that they will do whatever it takes to never again trust the outcome of the game to anyone other than themselves.

The good news is the Mavericks won tonight and what a gutsy performance by Nowitzky. The bad news - the series is now 3-1 in the Nuggets favor going back to Denver rather than tied at two as it should be. Anything is possible, of course, but I'm afraid by winning, the Mavs have simply delayed the inevitable.

Mother’s Day 2009

2009-05-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Growing up as a young child I remember facing many trials and tribulations. Getting my shirt to match my pants, tying my tennis shoes, finding my misplaced Transformers and G.I. Joes, and figuring out how to get the top half of the sandwich to match the bottom part. And no matter what was going on, my Mother was always there to help me make sense of my life.

I grew up as an adventurous boy. Many cuts, scrapes and bruises highlighted my childhood. I watched westerns religiously. On Saturdays and Sundays, beginning at noon, the cowboy shows would start their line up. I would grab my cap gun and excitedly play as The Lone Ranger, one of my favorites, always started the weekend off saving the west with his sidekick Tonto. He rode Silver, the magnificent white stallion. And everyone knew the power of the man that wore the black mask and carried his customized silver bullets in his gun belt. To this day, I still almost believe that the world would be a much safer place if all of our heroes wore these magic bullets next to their six shooters. The Rifleman was on after that followed by Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and wrapping up the dynamite schedule was Alias Smith & Jones, the greatest pair of gun-slinging mischief's ever found on horseback. These were great role models for a young child to look up to.

My parents are to this day the kindest and most sacrificial people I've ever known. They act and live with honor. They do what they say they will. If they make a commitment it is always followed through. My Mom is one that sets an example that I can only hope to compare to. She is a rock. Her faith and love for family is unyielding and something to be admired. As a father I understand the unwavering love for my children that she always seemed to show when I was young. I try to follow her example.There really is something special about mothers. And even though fathers have a special bond also with their children, moms always are the lifeblood of the family. When a child is hurt the mother is desired. Moms have a nesting ability that men are unable to comprehend and will never be able to duplicate. They are soft and gentle. They are the first sign of love that a newborn experiences. They are comfort and light. And my Mom is everything mentioned above and so very much more.

Before my brother and sister and I left the house and began our own lives with our own families, we had to know three things. These three things are the legacy passed from my Mom. First, we had to know how to cook. And not just cook, but cook immaculately well. To this day I rarely require a recipe when cooking even the most difficult of dishes. If I weren't so into electronics I could easily fulfill my life's ambitions by becoming a chef and loving it. The second thing that we had to know was how to do our own laundry. That meant separating out colors, being able to determine correct water temperatures, and after drying them applying the correct amount of starch to iron clothes equal to the quality of the local dry cleaners. And the third thing that we had to know was how to keep our heads cool in chaotic situations. God is in control. Panic has no place in this life. You can't make educated, rational decisions during an emergency if you are consumed with fear. My mother's teachings are vital and are being passed to my children as well as to my brother and sister's children.

A mother is gift and a blessing. I was reminded of that two years ago when my son was being born. After fighting a difficult delivery his heart rate started dropping rapidly. My wife and I grew a bit fearful at one point as his condition greatly worsened. The doctor decided to perform a caesarian to speed the process along. My wife was in a great amount of pain and beginning to slip out of consciousness as we were transferred into surgery from the normal delivery room. I was holding her hand and looking in her beautiful eyes when they started the incision. She repeatedly kept saying to the doctor and the hospital staff, "Save my son. I don't care what happens to me but please, save my son." Tears filled my eyes for the next few minutes, as I knew beyond doubt that she would pass from this world without another thought as long as her son survived. What a love.

I cannot adequately express in words the depth of admiration I hold for these wonderful examples in my life. I hope this day brings blessings and joy to you. Mother's world wide, we honor you. Thank you for loving us so much that you place your families above all else. Happy Mother's Day.

Grasp Wothout Reach

2009-05-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

"Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint." Proverbs 29:18 (R.V.)

There is a difference between an ideal and a vision. An ideal has no moral inspiration; a vision has. The people who give themselves over to ideals rarely do anything. A man's conception of Deity may be used to justify his deliberate neglect of his duty. Jonah argued that because God was a God of justice and of mercy, therefore everything would be all right. I may have a right conception of God, and that may be the very reason why I do not do my duty. But wherever there is vision, there is also a life of rectitude because the vision imparts moral incentive.

Ideals may lull to ruin. Take stock of yourself spiritually and see whether you have ideals only or if you have vision.

"Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp,
Or what's a heaven for?"

"Where there is no vision. . . ." When once we lose sight of God, we begin to be reckless, we cast off certain restraints, we cast off praying, we cast off the vision of God in little things, and begin to act on our own initiative. If we are eating what we have out of our own hand, doing things on our own initiative without expecting God to come in, we are on the downward path, we have lost the vision. Is our attitude to-day an attitude that springs from our vision of God? Are we expecting God to do greater things than He has ever done? Is there a freshness and vigour in our spiritual out look?

HP BYRON NELSON CHAMPIONSHIP TO HOST SECOND ANNUAL CELEBRITY-AM

2009-05-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

Irving, TX – The HP Byron Nelson Championship will host an exciting Celebrity-Am event Monday, May 18 at the Vaquero Club in Westlake, Texas. This exclusive event will feature a number of celebrity players, including country music star Pat Green, hockey great Brett Hull and football legend Roger Staubach.

A limited number of playing spots are still available. Celebrity players will be drawn at random on the day of the event.

The $7,500 Celebrity-Am package includes a playing spot with a celebrity and VIP treatment at the HP Byron Nelson Championship. Sponsors will receive two Gold credentials, which allow admission to the tournament grounds and daily access to the Verandah, a private, air-conditioned area for sponsors which offers a lunch buffet and full bar Wednesday-Sunday of Championship week. Celebrity-Am sponsors will also receive one courseside valet parking pass for the week and 56 daily tickets or 28 weekly badges. A limited number of playing spots in this exclusive pro-am are available by calling 972.717.1200.

The complete list of celebrity players scheduled to play includes Donny Anderson, Miles Austin, Tim Brown, Tony Casillas, Matt Doherty, Billy Joe Dupree, Rudy Gatlin, Burton Gilliam, Terry Glenn, Pat Green, Marques Haynes, Stephen Howard, Oliver Hudson, Brett Hull, June Jones, Ed Jones, L.P. Ladouceur, Mickey Loomis, Matt McBriar, Mike Modano, Terrance Newman, Brad Richards, Roger Staubach, Jason Sehorn, Jim Sundberg, John Telchick, Winfred Tubbs, Marty Turco, Ed Werder and Jason Witten.

The Celebrity-Am is not a spectator event. Only those who have purchased a playing spot will have access to the Vaquero Club during the event.

The 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship will be played May 18-24 at the TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. For details, visit hpbnc.org.

-HPBNC-

Jack Ingram To Perform At 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship

2009-05-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

Irving, TX – HP Byron Nelson Championship officials announced today that country music star Jack Ingram will perform at the Championship. Ingram is set to kick off Memorial Day weekend in the Pavilion After Dark, Friday, May 22 at 8:30 p.m. The show will be free to all patrons with a Championship ticket or badge. Tickets will be sold at the Championship’s main entrance and on Ticketmaster.com throughout Championship week.

Ingram, a Texas native and former Southern Methodist University student, won the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Male Vocalist award in 2008. He also won Wide Open Country Video of the Year award at the 2007 CMT Music Awards. His 2007 album This Is It rose to No. 4 on U.S. Charts, including the singles “Measure of a Man” and “Maybe She'll Get Lonely.”

Pavilion After Dark, a post-play entertainment venue, will be open to all Championship patrons Thursday through Saturday. Scheduled performers include:

Emerald City Thursday, May 21 – 7:30 p.m.
Jokersdeck Friday, May 22 – 7:00 p.m.
Jack Ingram Friday, May 22 – 8:30 p.m.
Professor D Saturday, May 23 – 5:30 p.m.

The 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship will be played May 18-24 at the TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. For details, visit hpbnc.org.

-HPBNC-

"Thank You" to Servants

2009-05-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

Pastors and deacons, with their spouses, are often overlooked when appreciation is being expressed. Perhaps it is assumed that in serving, they are only doing what is expected of their office. I am convinced that we should avail ourselves of every opportunity to express gratitude for the faithful ministry of these congregational servants.

Ernie McCoulsky, Director of Kauf-Van Baptist Association, east of Dallas knows the stress under which church leaders often serve. The association in which he ministers hosts an annual banquet to honor pastors, deacons and their spouses. I was privileged to speak as more than 300 of these servants gathered Monday night in Terrell, Texas.

Their geographical area is special to me. My father and mother were born and raised in the East Texas area now served by Kauf-Van Association. Although much of the area is experiencing transition due to the urban sprawl of the DFW metroplex, I remember the unique cultural experience of growing up in rural east Texas. So while I reminded pastors, deacons and their spouses that they are special people with a special purpose (using references from the epistle of Peter) I also shared remembrances from my formative years.

It was humorous to reflect on unique things like telephone party lines, television service limited to one channel that operated only part of the day, pulling in to a service station an asking for a “dollar’s worth of regular” (which while being pumped allowed enough time for the attendant to check the oil and clean the windshield), listening to the “swap-shop” on the radio (where people obtained things they wanted or needed from others who were looking to rid themselves of the same items). It was a time when the world was dramatically different.

While the world has changed, the caring ministry of pastors, deacons and their spouses remains the same. It is still about lives investing in the lives of others to the glory of God. It is being part of a caring community doing life together in the Spirit of the greatest Servant. That is not an easy role, but it is a blessed one.

For more information on Missional Church Center click here.

What Happens When You Try to Save Money by Coloring Your Own Hair

2009-05-06T16:17:00.000-07:00

Last week I decided it was time once again to practice one of my favorite hobbies, dying my hair! I love to color my hair, almost to the point of obsession. Every couple of months, the urge hits me to do something fun and drastic to alter my appearance through my hair. So, I went to the store, walked down the aisle, and stared at the colorful boxes of dye until my eyes glazed over in excitement. Reds, blondes, browns, black, pink, blue, all the colors of the rainbow danced before my eyes saying, “pick me, pick me!” I was drawn to the red hues this time and triumphantly picked out a beautiful shade of auburn, purchased it, and proudly took it home.

That night, after putting my three kids to bed, I proceeded to work on my hair. I carefully mixed the product, applied it to my head, and waited the twenty-five minutes. I could hardly wait to see my new hair color! I washed the dye out and conditioned my shoulder length locks. After blow-drying my hair, I stepped out of the bathroom to present the new shade to my husband. He immediately stated, “it looks purple!” (Although I must say, it was only purple in some parts of my hair, and a beautiful shade of red in others!) I was crushed, this was not the reaction I was expecting. We discussed what we should do to make me presentable again, and decided to add highlights to help break it up and lessen the severity of the color, or should I say COLORS.

After waiting a few days to let my hair rest, I purchased a highlighting kit with a pull through cap. I believed this would provide for the most even highlights possible. So, on Sunday afternoon, during the Mavericks game, I was able to convince my husband to do the labor-intensive job of pulling my hair through all the tiny holes in the plastic cap I now donned on my head. We devised a plan where my husband put a pillow in his lap and I lied on one side while he enjoyably tortured me by pulling pieces of my hair through the holes with a crochet-type hook, and then I would flip to my other side like a piece of meat being cooked, and the process would start over again. Pop, poke, pull, pop, poke, pull. Over and over he did this, until about two and a half hours later he had finished the tedious work. I went to the bathroom to examine his work and mix the solution. As I looked at what he had done, a thought flashed through my mind that it looked like an awful lot of hair had been pulled through the holes, but I quickly pushed this thought out of head and went back to mixing.

My husband applied the thick, goopy mess to my head, then placed the plastic cap around my crown as instructed by the box. We waited the allotted time, around an hour for full effect, and then I jumped up hurriedly to wash the paste out so I could see my new, beautiful self. I got out of the shower and took a good look. Nice streaks on the part, a pretty golden color with some pieces a little more blonde. I was thinking we may have just pulled this off! The last step was to blow-dry and fix my hair so we could see the final outcome. As my hair started to dry, I grew more and more nervous. I was having a hard time pulling the brush through my hair and I was seeing pieces of what appeared to be yellow straw falling to my bathroom sink. When the final piece of hair was dry, I stared in horror at my reflection. I had a pile of blonde and orange hay on top of my head! I shuddered and asked my husband, “now what?!” He calmly suggested that I go to work the next day claiming that I thought it was Halloween as I looked like a pumpkin left on the front porch for too long. The only rational thing left to do was have my shoulder length hair, which I had been working so hard to grow out, cut to my chin to get the fried hair removed. I went after work the next day and had my hair cut into a layered bob. My new favorite stylist did mention that, overall, my husband did a surprisingly good job of highlighting my hair, though he may just need to use a little less zeal in his efforts next time. After all was said and done, I have gotten many compliments on my new, fun do. However, I may have to find a new hobby that doesn’t have the potential to create such drastic consequences!

Thoughts from the Third Trimester

2009-05-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

When I first found out I was pregnant, I was in the midst of rehearsals for a play in my neighborhood. It was a late-night-series-of-monologues type of play... and doing that while pregnant would be a whole other blog post! Anyway, my husband, Jeff, and I didn't want to tell anyone yet, but I figured I should tell my director (also a good friend of ours) since I was feeling so nauseated and so that, just in case I had to leave the stage to throw up, she and my stage manager would know why. Just trying to be professional, really.

Anyway, when I told her, she just looked at me. I don't think she knew exactly how to react. In her defense, I'm not sure I did either, but once it sank in that I wasn't joking and that Jeff and I had planned it and weren't depressed about it, she just hugged me and said, "Don't you feel so sacred right now?"

Sacred. Well, honestly, at the moment, I absolutely did not feel sacred - I felt nauseated! But as trimesters have passed by, I've learned things about my body that I never knew, and "sacred" is really the best word for it. I feel sacred to have the task of carrying life and bringing it into the world... sacred because God created my body to adjust itself and produce hormones that move my insides around to make room for our little one while keeping me safe... sacred because I'm a woman.

Unfortunately, I have never looked forward to this experience. When I saw "The Miracle of Life" video in honors biology when I was 14, I didn't think there was anything about that video that looked miraculous! It looked TERRIBLE. I even told myself I would never, ever have kids just because that looked so terrible... but then again, I also said I would never get married, live in a foreign country or work at a church. Ha.

I think more seriously, though, that I never looked forward to this experience because I've always thought of childbirth as a punishment because of the Genesis account of the fall of humankind. I realize that it's the increased PAIN of childbirth that is presented as the punishment, but I'm not sure I ever differentiated between the two. And then there's that verse in I Timothy 2 about women being "saved through childbearing..." which didn't really sit very well with me as a budding feminist in my youth. I remember thinking, What does that mean? That all women are just supposed to be baby factories? What about women who can't have children? What happens to them? I mean, I know that other cultures only value women who CAN have children, but that surely can't be God's design, right?

I was just amazed by all this obsession with women and childbearing, and I desperately wanted another "purpose." I decided that, rather than marry and bear children, I would be a powerful career woman who wore business suits and carried a briefcase. I would have a big office and tell people what to do. I would live in New York City and read the newspaper on the subway on the way to my big office. Now, granted, I didn't know what kind of work I wanted to do, but that was the life I wanted. I would be "important." I guess I thought that because I was just soooo smart that, not only could I do all those things, but that I should.

Then I met Jeff. Looking back on it now, I realize that through our relationship, particularly since we were in India learning how other cultures develop and maintain relationships, God taught me to stop dreaming and start truly existing. Existing in the present as who I AM, not who I think I should be. There are lots of ways to be "important," and I realized that as I started thinking about how I could make someone else's life better. My life is not about ME. It actually never has been... I just didn't know that before. I still maintain that it probably wouldn't be a tragedy if I never chose to be a mom, but it absolutely WOULD be a tragedy if Jeff never got the opportunity to be a dad. Investing in other people's lives, I've learned, is an incredible way to honor God and to thank Him for the gifts that He gives to us.

And NOW, it's not even about just me and Jeff. It's about our daughter who will be here in about a month. I mean, don't get me wrong - pregnancy hasn't been just day after day of glorious awakenings to truths from the Almighty. Pregnancy in its full physical sense is pretty cruddy. I don't sleep very well, my skin is stretched, my own daughter kicks me in the ribs all the time (I know she doesn't mean to, but still...). I even told a co-worker the other day that I never thought I would get to the point in my life when labor sounded like a good idea, but it SO does.

But even in the midst of all of that, I still feel sacred. I think I get what that 1 Timothy verse means. Carrying this child saves me from my selfishness... saves me from thinking that I have nothing to offer if I'm not "important" in the world's eyes... and it reminds me how amazing women are. Some of the strongest women I've ever known are mothers - my own mother, my mother-in-law, my sister-in-law, my friend Allison, and my Indian friends' moms. It's truly an honor to join this incredible section of the population of our world.

Just a few more weeks. Just a few more weeks.

A Little Bit of Bad Could be Really Good

2009-05-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

The Mavericks have been adiosed in the first round of the playoffs for the past two years. If one were to look at the previous two season's stats, players, and performances along with the same information from this season's team, one would find it unlikely that this season's team would be the one to make it to the second round while the others did not, yet here we are. Maybe that is what going out and hiring a playoff-tested coach will get for a team.

However, the stay in the second round will be short-lived if this team doesn't figure out how to, well, grow a pair. Yesterday's start of the second-round series between Dallas and Denver began with Dirk picking himself up from the floor after a forearm from Kenyon Martin in the opening seconds of the game. The Nuggets or Thuggets as they have come to be called this season wasted no time in setting the tone for the series. It was a cheap shot, of course; and Martin did receive a technical foul but the Nuggets did not care. They were testing the Mavericks by seeing how Dallas would respond to the foul and they failed that test miserably.

No one answered for the foul on Dallas' best player. Jason Terry came to defend Dirk by mouthing something but someone on this Dallas team has got to decide that they will be the heavy. When another team puts a dirty player out on the floor - the Mavs have to counter with someone. It is probably too late for that to happen this season but it is something that should be addressed this off-season.

Denver had their way physically with the Mavericks all afternoon. The Mavericks had chances to answer. Late in the first half, Jason Kidd committed a foul on Anthony Carter as AC was streaking uncontested to the basket. Such fouls, should be hard and memorable. This one was tantamount to a tickle at a teenage-girl's pillow fight.

Watching the game, I was reminded of the 1988 NBA finals which featured the finesse of the LA Lakers' Showtime versus the grind it out style of the Detroit Piston's "Bad Boys." In that series, finesse won out but the Mavericks don't have the star power that Lakers squad did and Kenyon Martin and this current Nuggets team may be meaner than that Bill Laimbeer Piston unit. Those facts do not bode well for Mavericks and their fans.

This Mavericks team appeared to be peaking at just the right time. Can they rise above Sunday's disappointing loss or will they get bullied right out of the playoffs? We'll know soon enough.

Vital Intercession - Oswald Chambers

2009-05-03T16:41:00.000-07:00

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit." Ephesians 6:18

As we go on in intercession we may find that our obedience to God is going to cost other people more than we thought. The danger then is to begin to intercede in sympathy with those whom God was gradually lifting to a totally different sphere in answer to our prayers. Whenever we step back from identification with God's interest in others into sympathy with them, the vital connection with God has gone, we have put our sympathy, our consideration for them in the way, and this is a deliberate rebuke to God.

It is impossible to intercede vitally unless we are perfectly sure of God, and the greatest dissipator of our relationship to God is personal sympathy and personal prejudice. Identification is the key to intercession, and whenever we stop being identified with God, it is by sympathy, not by sin. It is not likely that sin will interfere with our relationship to God, but sympathy will, sympathy with ourselves or with others which makes us say - "I will not allow that thing to happen." Instantly we are out of vital connection with God.

Intercession leaves you neither time nor inclination to pray for your own "sad sweet self." The thought of yourself is not kept out, because it is not there to keep out; you are completely and entirely identified with God's interests in other lives.

Discernment is God's call to intercession, never to fault finding.

Dyeing To Tie!

2009-05-02T14:03:00.000-07:00

Everywhere you turn lately you can see brilliant color! From back yard parties to the runway, Target to Nordstrom, it’s making a huge comeback. I’m talking about tie- dye. Those brightly colored rainbow garments that bring a smile to your face and fun to the day! The patterns range from the classic swirl to stripes, spider-web designs to a multitude of pictures. Tie-dye is popping up on all types of clothing also! It can be seen on tee shirts, shorts, socks and dresses on all kinds of material ranging from cotton to silk. It can also be seen on bedroom sets and different home furnishings. There is no stop to where you can see this ever-popular trend! Nobody has an excuse to not join in the fun of this hippy style coming back on the scene. Even men can buy ties, or if they are so inclined, make their own.

Not only can you buy any trendy tie-dye item you want, it’s a cinch to make it yourself at home, and you no longer have to use the old school dye that has to be boiled or squirt your dye from a bottle. You can buy fabric paint at any craft store in a can and spray it directly on your canvas like spray paint! There are millions of how-to sights when you google “tie-dye” and thousands of videos on sights like ‘YouTube’. So join in the fun!! Everybody should have at least one tie dyed piece of clothing in their wardrobe, whether it’s bought, or self-made, step out in this retro style with pride!

Danny Lee Accepts Exemption To Play In HP Byron Nelson Championship

2009-05-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

Irving, TX – Danny Lee has officially accepted an exemption to play in the 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship.

Lee, who announced he was turning pro after playing in the 2009 Masters, was the youngest winner of the U.S. Amateur last August at only 18 years old. His victory earned him the No. 1 spot in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

His best finish in 2009 was No. 1 at the Johnnie Walker Classic, which positioned him as the youngest winner ever on the European Tour. Lee claimed victory over a field including the likes of Anthony Kim and Camillo Villegas. This will be Lee’s first appearance at the Championship.

The 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship will be played May 18-24 at the TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. For details, visit www.hpbnc.org.

-HPBNC-

HP Byron Nelson Championship Announces Facebook And Twitter Promotion

2009-04-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Irving, TX – HP Byron Nelson Championship officials announced today that the first 100 new people to add the Championship as a friend on Facebook and the first 100 new people to follow the Championship’s Twitter will receive a $25 Championship merchandise gift card.

To friend the HP Byron Nelson Facebook, please go to http://www.facebook.com/people/Byron-Nelson-Championship/1456189821. To follow the HP Byron Nelson Twitter, please go to http://twitter.com/hpbyronnelson. Direct links are also available on http://www.hpbnc.org/socialmedia/.

HP Byron Nelson Championship officials will also announce daily contests through Facebook and Twitter starting May 4. Prizes will include tournament tickets, Championship hats and t-shirts, Four Seasons spa treatments, brunch for two at the Four Seasons, lunch for two at the Four Seasons, tournament badges and other great prizes.

The 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship will be played May 18-24 at the TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. For details, visit hpbnc.org.

-HPBNC-

Get Those Creative Juices Flowing

2009-04-29T21:43:00.000-07:00

Writer’s block most often occurs when your routine becomes stagnant. And why we are not all ‘writers’ per say, the condition affects us all equally. When you are in the middle of a project or your daily activities, and your focus remains repeatedly on the same items or tasks, it becomes increasingly easy to become mentally numb to situations. And when you become numb to what is going on around you it is time to renew your enthusiasm. You need to reinitiate the flow of your creativity.

Your creative juices allow you to thoroughly enjoy yourself when doing whatever it is that you do. You might be crunching numbers or engineering a masterpiece. Cooking for the family or orchestrating a project that will change the world. And no matter what your calling or occupation, you feel the most productive when you constantly are bringing fresh cultivating ideals to your workplace or home. The importance of consistent inspiration and creativity is immeasurable and many times overlooked. It affects your attitude in such a positive manor. You gain confidence. Your spirit is lifted just knowing that you are feeling your mental oats. So what then do you do to accommodate sluggish synapses?

First off, take a break. With the extreme stress of swine flu, economic hardships on top of everyday life issues, letting stress and worry consume you is counterproductive. That is easier said than done of course, but stress causes physical ailments as well as mental distractions that translate poorly to your productive capabilities. Tension, muscle spasm, back pain, stomachaches, and severe headaches such as migraines can occur as stress is internalized and not properly dealt with. And when you aren’t feeling your best, it is difficult to give your best performance. Take time to relax a bit to help renew your focus. Do something for yourself and recharge your batteries. When you feel good physically, you’ll be ready to tackle a challenge head on mentally as well.

What else helps to get your mind back on track when you are stuck in a mental rut? I very highly recommend exploring the arts to shine light on this dreary psychological state. Stunning visual imagery really gets your mind stirred. Try visiting a museum that has exhibits with heavy emphasis on vivid colors and varying textures. Visit an arboretum. Walk through it taking in the beauty of the dynamic colors of nature. Pay attention to all of the details that you can. If you enjoy photography or video, walk your neighborhood or travel downtown and try capturing random images. You might be surprised later if you just let the camera snap shots or let the film run without having a true target in mind. Later analysis of your experience could reveal some true humor and perhaps a masterful image that you would not have previously thought about shooting. Make sure your memory card is empty and your battery is full though before letting your adventurous spirit take control.

Try listening to music such as Classical or Jazz, both great choices for getting the brain functioning optimally. Spend time traveling. Whether it is around the block or a road trip, take the opportunity to see new things. There may be a part of your city that you’ve not visited before. Go see it. Take in the surrounding culture and try a new restaurant perhaps. Visit your local library and flip through the picture books. Study images that simply jump off the page at you. Expose yourself to the unfamiliar. If you are unable to get away, surf the web for a moment. Look at some of your favorite styles of art, hobbies, or other items that bring you joy. Take a moment to Facebook, Myspace, blog, or Twitter. Those too can help you relax a bit before getting back to your task.

Take in all that you can while breaking from the daily grind. Once you seize a moment to step away from a project, many times you return rejuvenated and able to reassess and rethink through problems. You find yourself refreshed with new ideas and you anticipate completing that next step. Resetting your immediate or long-term project goals helps you to visualize seeing it through. And that can bring much relief when you know that you have passed the point of dormant frustration, to return as a productive individual. Just stay flexible and do what you can when you can, to further encourage the creative process.

Austin City Limits Music Festival Announces the Line Up for 2009

2009-04-28T20:14:00.001-07:00

The most anticipated event of 2009 has just announced its line up for the upcoming festival. Austin City Limits Music Festival always has many talented artists flocked by thousands of music enthusiasts. It is one of the greatest shows around in the music industry today. From up and coming bands to famous headliners, this line up promises to deliver a fantastic show! For more information visit ACLMF by clicking here.

Favorite Baseball Flicks

2009-04-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Recently on Facebook, I listed my twenty favorite films. There were a few sports films in the mix and one baseball film specifically. See if you can guess what I feel is the best baseball film of all time as I count down my ten favorite baseball flicks.

10. Angels in the Outfield - (1994) An underrated and entertaining movie. Far-fetched for sure but fun for the kids.

9. The Naked Gun - (1988) Not a movie about baseball but the movie reaches its climax at the Big A in Anaheim as Reggie Jackson tries to assassinate the Queen Mum. Leslie Nielson as an umpire was hilarious.

8. Eight Men Out - (1988) An underrated film for sure - the true story of the 1913 Chicago "Black Sox." One of America's most notorious scandals.

7. Major League - (1989) This was the movie to see when I was in eighth grade. In the late eighties the Indians really were as bad as the movie depicted. Famous line from Bob Eucker: "Juuussst a bit outside."

6. Field of Dreams - (1988) A great tale of redemption and following your dreams with a little lesson in faith mixed in.

5. Bull Durham - (1988) Considered by some to be the best baseball movie ever. Good flick about life in the minors.

4. Sandlot - (1993) Baseball through the eyes of kids. I lived this movie as a child. Nineties pop-culture quote: "You're killin' me Smalls."

3. The Pride of the Yankees - (1942) There have been few movies in the history of American film in which the actor, in this case Gary Cooper, does a more seamless job of portraying his subject, the great Lou Gehrig. Though the movie is a classic, it's also a real downer.

2. *61 - (2001) This made for HBO movie is without doubt the best baseball movie you have never seen. It is exceptional. Barry Pepper and Thomas Jane are dead on in their portrayals of Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle respectively. The film gives great insight to the struggles Roger Maris faced while chasing Babe Ruth's single-season home-run record.

1. The Natural - (1984) One of the best movies ever - baseball or not. There are two scenes in the Natural that give me goose-bumps every time I see them. The scenes where Roy Hobbs crushes the clock at Wrigley and the one where Hobbs smashes the bank of stadium lights creating a pseudo fire-work display with sparks falling all around him while he is circling the bases to score the winning run in the game against the Pirates are classic scenes from American cinema.

If I missed anything, feel free to put me in my place. I know I left some good ones off the list. Let me hear what you think.

The Supreme Climb - Oswald Chambers

2009-04-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

"Take now thy son . . and offer him there for a burnt-offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of." Genesis 22:2

Character determines how a man interprets God's will (cf. Psalm 18:25-26). Abraham interpreted God's command to mean that he had to kill his son, and he could only leave this tradition behind by the pain of a tremendous ordeal. God could purify his faith in no other way. If we obey what God says according to our sincere belief, God will break us from those traditions that misrepresent Him. There are many such beliefs to be got rid of, e.g., that God removes a child because the mother loves him too much - a devil's lie! and a travesty of the true nature of God. If the devil can hinder us from taking the supreme climb and getting rid of wrong traditions about God, he will do so; but if we keep true to God, God will take us through an ordeal which will bring us out into a better knowledge of Himself.

The great point of Abraham's faith in God was that he was prepared to do anything for God. He was there to obey God, no matter to what belief he went contrary. Abraham was not a devotee of his convictions, or he would have slain Isaac and said that the voice of the angel was the voice of the devil. That is the attitude of a fanatic. If you will remain true to God, God will lead you straight through every barrier into the inner chamber of the knowledge of Himself; but there is always this point of giving up convictions and traditional beliefs. Don't ask God to test you. Never declare as Peter did - "I will do anything, I will go to death with Thee." Abraham did not make any such declaration, he remained true to God, and God purified his faith.

Anthony Kim And Vijay Singh Commit To Play The 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship

2009-04-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

Irving, TX – Anthony Kim and Vijay Singh have officially committed to play in the 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship. Kim is No. 14 in the Official World Golf Ranking, No. 40 in the race for the FedExCup and No. 36 in PGA TOUR Money Leaders. Singh is No. 8 in the Official World Golf Ranking, No. 121 in the FedExCup standings and No. 105 in PGA TOUR Money Leaders.

Kim, a 23-year old University of Oklahoma graduate, has won two PGA TOUR events. His best finish this season was T2 in the Mercedes Benz Championship. Most recently, Kim claimed a Masters record in 2009 with 11 birdies in a round of 65. This will be Kim’s third appearance at the Championship.

Singh ranks No. 2 in PGA TOUR Career Earnings. He is the reigning FedExCup champion and has a total of 34 PGA TOUR victories, claiming three in 2008 alone. His best 2009 finish was T17 at World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship. This will be Singh’s 10th Championship appearance, including a victory in 2003.
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The 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship will be played May 18-24 at the TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. For details, visit hpbnc.org.

-HPBNC-

HP Byron Nelson Championship Goes Green

2009-04-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

Irving, TX – In keeping with the spirit of Earth Day, the HP Byron Nelson Championship announces a number of initiatives to reduce the Championship’s carbon footprint. An official celebration will not take place on April 22, but rather will be practiced and carried out tournament week, May 18-24.

“Environmental sustainability is extremely important to us,” said Charley Spradley, 2009 tournament chairman. “We want to make sure that everything we put into place today helps future generations. You can feel good when you attend the HP Byron Nelson Championship. What our tournament is contributing goes a long way. In 2008 over 80% of all waste was recycled, including food, aluminum, plastic and paper.”

The 2009 Championship plans to implement the following “green” initiatives.

Paper usage in 2009 has been greatly reduced by moving many items that were once printed to an online version.
Media Guides will not be printed but will be placed on reusable HP jump drives.
Recycled waste bags for all trash receptacles will be utilized.
Continuing to recycle aluminum, plastic, paper, and food waste through waste management vendor, Allied Waste.
Bio-diesel fuel will power generator’s on-site.
Recycled mulch will be used in decorative areas.

“Earth Day is an annual celebration to honor our planet and to raise environmental awareness,” said Gary Elliott, vice president of corporate marketing for HP. “It is a day for individuals to stop and think about how their actions impact our environment and what they can do to help protect it.”

The Salesmanship Club of Dallas is excited to play a role in upholding Byron Nelson’s legacy, giving back to the community and playing a vital role in sustaining our environment.

The 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship will be played May 18-24 at the TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. For details, visit hpbnc.org.

-HPBNC-

Eco-Friendly Fashion

2009-04-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

We are all aware of the need to go green and be more eco-friendly in our everyday living. We need to do this to save our planet for our children, our children’s children and so on. One way to do this is through fashion, something that is one of our favorite things! Sometimes it seems that this can be a little more costly, but there are so many deals out there and budget friendly options. Today I bought a one hundred percent organic cotton t-shirt emblazoned with a peace sign for only three dollars at Wal-Mart, and it was endorsed by Beyonce to boot! This shirt was cute, earth friendly and affordable all in one! Another company jumping on the green train is Payless Shoes. They have an adorable line of shoes by Zoe&Zac. These shoes are made from bona-fide eco-friendly materials including organic cotton, hemp, linen, jute, recycled rubber, and water based glues. And to top it all off, nothing costs over thirty dollars…awesome! I found another great website called www.whiteapricot.com which advertises clothes, shoes, makeup, and accessories, all with links to tons of other eco-friendly sites with great prices!

I hope these suggestions help you to make a positive footprint on our earth through your “green” fashion!

Earth Day 2009

2009-04-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

On this wonderful day of giving thoughts and good feelings towards our planet Earth, I just want to go on record as saying that I did my part to make our home a little greener today. And while it was nothing big, it still was something.

The truth is, most all of us want our planet to stay around as long as possible. Many times though I wonder if what little we do actually makes any difference. It’s not like I’m a radical environmentalist. I take part in our weekly recycling program. That means that throughout the week I separate plastic water bottles, coke cans, glass and paper items from the normal dirty diapers and leftovers, and place the recyclable items in those massive blue bags to leave outside on the curb for the city to pick up on Friday mornings. I do sincerely hope that does help our environment though realistically I’m aware it isn’t all that much.

When I was in management for a large local grocery chain, we too had large recycle bins for the plastic bags that our customers brought back to us. Several times during the day we’d have to empty those containers by the entrance and take the bags to the back room of the store. When I first learned that the store just threw them away with the rest of the garbage I was a little upset. I asked the store director why we went through the trouble of acting like we were making a difference, when in all actuality we were deceiving the customer and making more work for ourselves. He said simply, “It makes the customer feel good so we do it.” And we all know that sales are related strategically to how well the store develops relationships with its customers.

The GCISD, Grapevine Colleyville Independent School District, gave my oldest daughter a redbud sapling to plant in honor of the upcoming Earth Day and Arbor Day awareness. We went outside, read the planting instructions, and buried the little tree. It was a neat experience to have with the kiddos. I recall doing the same thing with an oak when I was young with my Mom and Dad, brother and sister. Today, twenty-three years later, that oak is the most beautiful tree in that particular neighborhood. My family no longer lives there but it is neat to drive by the house on occasion and see where I grew up and how much larger the tree has grown.

I of course turn out the lights when I leave the room and that helps cut electric costs. I try to turn off the water to not waste it as I brush my teeth. I shower with as little water pressure as I can until the final rinse. And most importantly I ride a motorcycle when the weather is nice to save gas and to contribute to a cleaner air quality by polluting less. I’ll admit that the last of those practices is by far my favorite. I recommend motorcycles to all that are responsible and skilled enough to drive them.

Taking care of the Earth is important. I feel that we can all do our part, even if it is a small one, contributing to a healthy world. I am truly amazed at how much fun it was today to see the comments posted on Facebook and Twitter about Earth Day 2009. They ranged from serious, people doing projects with friends and family to the hilarious. Some folks, obvious kidders, went on and on about how they left their vehicles running longer today. How they took the long way home from work and upon getting home had trash-burning parties in their yards. My favorite quote today I’ll share directly from my friend Anna. “I'm gonna pull over and blow into a wind mill. That'll be my contribution.” Happy Earth Day 2009, ladies and gentlemen.

At 1-1, Dallas Mavericks-Spurs series still a mystery - Tim Cowlishaw

2009-04-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

So the Dallas Mavericks lose game two in San Antonio on Monday night. The series is now tied as the Spurs head to Dallas on Thursday April 23rd with tip-off at 7:30 pm at the American Airlines Center. Hopefully Dallas can come away with a win in game three to let Dallas breath a bit. The Spurs will be tough to beat, but perhaps the Mavericks can surprise us. The following report is taken from The Dallas Morning news.

Sometimes after one game you already know. That's not the case in the first-round series between Dallas and San Antonio.

After 96 minutes of basketball, we don't know a thing.

Do the Mavericks have the better bench than the Spurs? Sure, we saw that in Game 1.

Didn't mean a thing in Game 2.

Can the Mavericks control point guard Tony Parker, who has given them fits in the past?

Sure, we saw that in Game 1.

No, they didn't even come close in Game 2.

In Game 1, the best player was Josh Howard for most of the game and, surprisingly, J.J. Barea for part of the game.

In Game 2, it wasn't even close. Parker scored a crazy 38 points in 32 minutes.

The two players with MVP trophies at home haven't been the dominant player in either game.

The Spurs' Tim Duncan was very good in Game 1, hitting big shots despite being guarded closely by Erick Dampier. In Game 2, Duncan didn't do all that much, but he never had to. Parker controlled the game from the opening minutes, and the Mavs never had a chance.

As for Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks should feel good that they managed a split in San Antonio to steal home-court advantage (at least for now) despite only 33 points from their best player.

The Spurs have used a variety of players to guard him, and they clearly have been well-schooled both by coach Gregg Popovich and veteran deluxe defender Bruce Bowen. They get right up underneath Dirk, daring him to drive by them knowing they will have help defenders running at him.

Nowitzki is 10-for-29 from the field. That's an abominable figure.

And at 16.5 points per game, he's still the Mavericks' leading scorer.

The Spurs have held Dallas' scoring trifecta of Nowitzki, Jason Terry and Josh Howard to 46.5 points per game. That's 17 below their regular-season average.

Even though they have won a game, if that trend continues, the Mavericks won't be advancing to the second round because they don't have enough scorers behind these three to get the job done.

Entering the playoffs with their 6-2 record in April and home-court wins over New Orleans and Houston that got them out of the No. 8 seed, the Mavericks were just beginning to look like a team you could trust.

That wasn't the case during most of a 50-32 season in which they lost seven games by 20 or more points, four of those were to nonplayoff teams.

Just when the Mavericks were starting to get some local love after that Game 1 win on San Antonio's home floor, here comes another 20-points plus defeat.

That's why we don't know what to think.

Are the Spurs an older team that may struggle to get through this series?

Absolutely. Popovich already doesn't like the fact that Saturday's game at 3 p.m. means less than 48 hours rest for Duncan and his veterans.

Does that make Dallas the absolute favorite to play the Hornets-Nuggets winner in Round 2?

As we saw Monday night, the answer to that question is a resounding no.

The Mavericks have to continue to play Duncan one-on-one, let him get his points if he's capable and then do a better job of running a second defender at Parker. In Game 2, it didn't really matter because Parker was so quick, he just ran around them.

Dampier has said that his first foul Thursday night will put Parker on the floor.

That's OK to talk toughness. It would be better for Mavericks' fans if the team just showed it.

Click here to view the Dallas Morning News article.

There is but One

2009-04-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Well, we all know how the old saying goes - where there's smoke there's fire. There has been a lot of smoke coming from Rangers and Stars owner Tom Hicks lately. He has talked openly of defaulting on his loans for his professional sports franchises and he is openly seeking someone to buy a minority share of his teams.

Before I go any further let me say that I am blogging this as a Rangers fan. To be totally honest, I really couldn't care what happens to the Stars. I know they were the Metroplex's last championship team but I am just not in to them and I don't like the idea of sharing Rangers' baseball money with them - don't even get me started on Mr. Hicks' soccer exploits.

Since he has owned the Rangers, Mr. Hicks has envisioned his team as a knock-off New York Yankees franchise but he has always tried to run them on a Pittsburgh Pirate Budget. The Rangers are a top-five market team, meaning there are more potential fans here than most other teams have access to. The problem is the team is budgeted like a bottom-five market team. There are many problems with the Rangers but the biggest one is that they have an owner who is not willing to spend the big bucks where he needs to.

A few years ago, the Rangers money whipped Alex Rodriguez to get him to come to Texas but then wouldn't pay to put a team around him. The Rangers operate in a league without a salary cap. Operating in a non-salary cap system with an owner unable to spend some money is a recipe for failure. Last year, the Tampa Bay Rays were hugely successful with home-grown talented young players and a low budget. However, mark my words, when the contacts of these young players expire, these players will walk to the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers of the big leagues.

The Rangers have a great nucleus of young players with the best minor-league system in baseball. Imagine what kind of team Texas would have if they could continue to develop talent as they have been able to as of late while supplanting their roster with some key off-season free-agent signings. This will never happen with the current ownership in place. We must begin looking for a new owner, an owner chosen by the people. He must be a baseball fan and must have a vested interest in the metroplex.

There is but one individual for this job - the incomparable Mark Cuban. I think Mark Cuban is a bit of a nut job. His antics wear me out but he is a good owner to his team. He spends money where he should and has made a team relevant that had previously been a running joke in the NBA for a decade. He can do this for the Rangers as well. The Rangers and the Nationals (formerly the Expos) are the only major league teams to have never made it to their respective League Championship Series. Cuban could change this. We know he would like to own a baseball team because of his flirtation with the Chicago Cubs. Please join me in humbly asking Mr. Cuban to save us from penny-pinching and mediocrity. Mark, if you're out there reading this, go find Tom the next time you are both around the AAC and make the man an offer he can't refuse. Who knows, he may even pay you to take the Stars.

Is It Not In The Least Likely? - Oswald Chambers

2009-04-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

"For Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom." 1 Kings 2:28

Joab stood the big test, he remained absolutely loyal and true to David and did not turn after the fascinating and ambitious Absalom, but yet towards the end of his life he turned after the craven Adonijah. Always remain alert to the fact that where one man has gone back is exactly where any one may go back (see 1 Cor. 10:13). You have gone through the big crisis, now be alert over the least things; take into calculation the "retired sphere of the leasts."

We are apt to say - "It is not in the least likely that having been through the supreme crisis, I shall turn now to the things of the world." Do not forecast where the temptation will come, it is the least likely thing that is the peril. In the aftermath of a great spiritual transaction the "retired sphere of the leasts" begins to tell; it is not dominant, but remember it is there, and if you are not warned, it will trip you up. You have remained true to God under great and intense trials, now beware of the undercurrent. Do not be morbidly introspective, looking forward with dread, but keep alert; keep your memory bright before God. Unguarded strength is double weakness because that is where the "retired sphere of the leasts" saps. The Bible characters fell on their strong points, never on their weak ones.

"Kept by the power of God" - that is the only safety.

Mavs Win First Game Against Spurs

2009-04-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO -- Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks walked off the court, savoring their first road playoff victory in three years. A pack of fans stuck around and hollered "Let's go Mavs!" in one of the most hostile places to wear green and blue.

No one bothered them or shouted back. The stands had emptied quickly, and the San Antonio Spurs were already back in the locker room knowing they've got a lot of work to do.

In a giant Game 1 road victory for the Mavericks, who hadn't won a road playoff game or postseason series since going to the NBA finals in 2006, Josh Howard scored 25 points and Dallas stole the home-court edge in 105-97 victory Saturday night.

"To get a win? Yeah, it's good to get a win here," Howard said. "I wouldn't say steal."

He's right. The Mavericks earned this one.

The sixth-seeded Mavericks, who had lost nine consecutive playoff road games, outscored the Spurs 31-23 after the teams entered the fourth quarter tied. Until then, the rematch of the Texas rivals had every bit the look of the their thrilling 2006 West semifinals meeting that remains one of the best seven-game series in recent playoff history.

Click here to read more.

The Rhythm of Life

2009-04-17T19:58:00.000-07:00

An electrical engineer, John Hopps, was trained at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. In 1941 he joined the National Research Council where he conducted studies on hypothermia. John used radio frequency heating to restore body temperature. During a research experiment he made an unexpected and profound discovery. He learned that if a heart stopped beating due to cooling, it could be started again by artificial stimulation using mechanical or electric means. He continued his research that would later lead to the invention of the world’s first cardiac pacemaker in 1950. Our hearts, the muscle that sustains life, depends on rhythm for survival. If the rhythm stops, we cease to exist.

Rhythm is defined as a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound, the measured flow of words and phrases in verse or prose as determined by the relation of long and short or stressed and unstressed syllables. Rhythm is created from sounds and silences. It is a current. A pulse.

Have you ever been driving downtown, or walking around the mall, or anywhere that people congregate and noticed their movements? How they swing their arms when they walk. Whether they have a long graceful stride or a short quick pace; those traveling in an obvious hurry and others at a slow relaxed tempo. When you drive past with your music playing, do you recall how funny it is when people step in synch to the song playing from your dash? They either bounce or glide to the upbeat or downbeat of the song. It is almost like you are playing the soundtrack to the world around you. It is a sight to see. And for those that have paid enough attention to this game, the true DJ’s are able to select songs that even fit the personalities of the crowds.

No matter what task is at hand, a rhythm is required for its completion. Whether it is a slow and steady measure or rapidness that is required, you work your best and become the most productive when your rhythm is established. So how vital is it that we pay attention to the rhythms of our lives and those that surround us and fill the earth in harmonious song? What type of rhythm fills you?

As I take an introspective look at myself and assess what music most accurately describes me, I repeatedly reach one singular conclusion. The resounding improvisation and syncopation leads me to believe that the building blocks of rhythm inside me are that of jazz. Jazz means any instrument and any tempo, with soft, placid and smooth styles at times or the pounding blaze giving way to the excitement of unpredictable scatting. Life at its finest, being played with unlimited possibilities. To me that is a tremendous metaphor for life. You never know what will occur next and no matter how desperately you try to 'figure it all out', there is still so much to enjoy and be surprised by. While classical also has many dramatic movements to choose from, powerful and sensitive, there is no room for an on the spot composition based on feeling and emotion. And perhaps many disagree and prefer techno, or oldies, country, hip-hop, or R&B. My wife would say her rhythm is that of classic rock. And my mother-in-law would undoubtedly be a rhythmic disco queen. My household, growing up, was filled with inspirational anthems of faith and spirituality while never failing to echo greats like the Eagles or Chicago. I feel that the creativity and business laced with slow powerful moments of Jazz, resembles most truly the rhythm of life.

Rhythm is felt in the wind, in traffic, in the solemn quietness of peace and in the business of the crowd. Tones and the lack of them are constantly producing choruses that will never again be duplicated. So the rhythm of life is variable, ever changing and distinctly unique interpreted differently by all. The rhythm of life is a constant blessing.

The below videos do a neat job of expressing opinions of life’s surrounding rhythm.

Listen

Truly Inspirational

2009-04-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

As I sit here in my office today answering emails, I came across a forward from my favorite mother in the world. Yes, I know she is my only mother, but she is still my favorite. As long as she tells me I'm her favorite (and only) son, then I can tell her she's my favorite mom.

I was glad to see that it was not a long storybook forward that I have already received a thousand times before. The message was simple "Do not judge a book by its cover," and a link. I noticed it was a YouTube link, so I had no idea what to expect. Once I clicked on the link, I immediately realized that it was an excerpt from the show Britain's Got Talent. Mainly because of the huge billboard that could be seen.

Earlier this morning on the way to work, I caught the tail end of a conversation from good ole' Kidd Kraddick about some lady on a talent show that shocked everyone when she sang. Allegedly, she has only sung for her cats in her house until that moment.

She came out on stage in a very plain outfit and definitely did not have the body that would turn many heads upon entering the room. During the brief interview when she revealed she wanted to become a professional singer, you could actually hear the crowd laughing at such a ludicrous dream for her. Surely, this 47 year-old woman was out of her prime and out of her league. Obviously, this was just another cruel attempt for some producer to have a new butt for their jokes.

From the first note sung, the crowd screamed with applause and the look on the judge's faces were of total shock. I, myself, even thought that this had to be fake somehow. This angelic voice could in no way, shape, or form belong to the woman who stood there on TV. As I sat here listening to the clip, the room must have become very dusty or full of allergens because my eyes began to water. How wrong was I to make preconceived judgements about someone and whether or not they could do something? This 7 minute clip should be a prime example as to why we don't judge people before we know them because sometimes, just sometimes, we might be wrong and miss out on something beautiful.

Please take 7 minutes out of your day to watch this clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Ian Poulter Commits to Play 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship

2009-04-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

Irving, TX – Ian Poulter has committed to play in the 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship. Poulter’s Official World Golf Ranking is No. 40 and he is No. 99 in the race for the FedExCup. He is No. 87 in Money Leaders on the PGA TOUR.

Poulter’s season highlight in 2008 was finishing second at the British Open. He also posted the best individual Ryder Cup record in Europe’s loss at Valhalla, finishing 4-1-0. His best 2009 finish was at the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship where he was T9. This will be Poulter’s third appearance at the Championship. His best finish is T3 in 2007.

The 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship will be played May 18-24 at the TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. For details, visit hpbnc.org.

About the HP Byron Nelson Championship
The HP Byron Nelson Championship has been a premier event on the PGA TOUR since 1968. Dallas’ biggest sports attraction and most anticipated social event of the spring is also the most financially successful charity event on the PGA TOUR, raising over $107 million for children and families served by Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers. The great time moves to Memorial Day weekend in 2009 – May 18-24. A Great Time. A Greater Cause. Learn more at hpbnc.org.

About Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers, Inc.
The Salesmanship Club has a rich history of serving children in our community. Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers, a proud partner of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, currently operates innovative programs for children and their families, including the J. Erik Jonsson Community School in Oak Cliff, and child and family therapy centers in Oak Cliff and the Stemmons corridor. From educational services for at-risk kids to therapy services for troubled kids, the charity beneficiary of the HP Byron Nelson Championship has continued to serve Dallas kids and families since 1920. Learn more at salesmanshipclub.org.

-HPBNC-

Do You Really Want to Know?

2009-04-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

In our Young Adult Life Group at Northway we have several college students from Korea that attend our class and it is so interesting and fun to learn differences between our two cultures. After all, cultures vary and that makes us unique. One of the most intriguing things I have found is the difference in greetings between our countries. Every morning when I came into class, one of the students would ask me what I had for breakfast. I found this a little odd, but just put it off as one of those things that are different between our types of salutations. I would chuckle and let them know that I hadn’t had time for breakfast, but I would pull out my tasty granola bar showing off my scrumptious morsel. They always seemed so disturbed that I hadn’t eaten a proper meal to jump-start my day. I was confused as to why this meant so much to them, so one Sunday I asked Chris why he used this greeting every morning. He proceeded to let me know that this is how they greet each other in Korea, like here in America we ask, “How are you?” as a common greeting. The difference between these two greetings is that one is actually out of care, while the other is out of convenience. I started thinking about our greeting here in America, and how superficial it really is. What if the lady behind the register at Target asked “How are you today,” and I did not respond with the traditional “Fine.” If I told her instead my pet squirrel had escaped and gotten run over and I was very upset about it…What would she do? Would she know how to respond? Which brings me to this question. Do we really care about the people around us and how they are feeling? Do you think we should take more time to find out about those souls who pass in and out of our daily lives? I think it’s something worth thinking about and deciding if we want to take steps to make this world a better place by actually caring about our neighbors. If you ask how someone is doing, be prepared to really listen to that person.

What a Weekend

2009-04-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

You gotta love weekends like this past weekend. The local athletes gave us plenty to talk about at the water cooler this morning; the Rangers once again snatched defeat from the jaws of victory thanks to a shaky bullpen, the Mavs lost what could be considered a must-win game as they angle for prime playoff positioning and the "grandaddy" of all golf-tournaments was played at a little course in Augusta, Georgia and man, was it a dandy.

I really think that Sunday's Masters action will be talked about for a long time as one of the great collective rounds of golf. What happened in Augusta yesterday will undoubtedly restore some of the luster and panache that this tournament has lost over the recent years. The Woods/Mickelson pairing for the final round was a match made in golf heaven - Phil, Tiger, and Augusta. For golf fans, it just doesn't get any better. Mickelson's performance on the front nine on Sunday further solidified his position as one of the best golfers of all time and the play of Tiger Woods has helped him re-establish himself (after his surgery and time away) as on of the best clutch athletes of all-time (in any sport.)

While the world was routing for Mickelson or Woods to sneak up on Kenny Perry and over-take him for the lead, two underdogs were lurking about. Angel Cabrera and Chad Campbell each mounted late charges to force a play-off which Cabrera walked away from victoriously. It might not have been the ending golf fans were hoping for since Woods and Mickelson exited without the green jacket but by the time the duo had left for the clubhouse, no one could turn the channel, we were legitimately interested in the outcome of the tournament.

The 2009 version of the Masters might have single-handedly restored the tournament to its rightful place in the pantheon of American Sporting events. After all, when people are talking about golf around the water cooler in East Texas when baseball and basketball are also going on - it's got to be a big deal.

The Real Story of Easter

2009-04-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

Ham, turkey, chicken and dressing. Cheese and macaroni, green bean casserole, and rolls. New dresses, shoes, slacks and shirts. Plastic eggs filled with Reese’s peanut butter cups, chocolate bunnies; pink, yellow and blue Peeps. Family gatherings, or spring-time outings. All of these are contemporary accoutrements of Easter.

Last week I walked through a mall and found that a life-sized bunny had taken Santa Clause’s place. Children were placed on his lap while a photographer tried to coax smiles that would find there ways to primary places on countless family photo walls. But it seemed most children actually cried when approaching the furry friend.

It seems that every year I hear conversations about commercialization of Christmas. Seldom do I hear the same voiced about Easter. This central event in the story of Christianity merits more than bunnies, baskets, and big meals.

No time in the year provides better opportunity for followers of Christ to communicate the essence of faith than Easter. The death, burial and resurrection of Christ, and especially the resurrection, separate Christianity from any other faith. The superiority of Christ’s death and resurrection reveals the wisdom of God, who remained just but also graciously became the justifier of all who believe in Him. Sin’s debt was paid by one who never sinned. Justice was served and justification given as a gift of grace.

Equally, the Easter celebration reminds all believers that the One who suffered also became the mighty conqueror. Death could not hold Him. In resurrection glory, He not only made Himself alive again, but He also delivered all of us who were held in death’s grip. He led a host of captives to freedom…reminding forever that His Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom.

Easter is a harbinger of the hope that is still to come. Jesus is alive. Because He lives…so shall all followers of King Jesus. Death has lost its sting because Jesus has overcome!

That is the real story of Easter. And it is so much more than fake grass and plastic eggs. It is life.

CreativeCOW.net

2009-04-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd take a moment a share a bit about a site that has been around for a while and is a resource like no other. Creative Cow is the peer-to-peer support community for media production professionals that can be found online at www.CreativeCOW.net. If you have questions related to the media industry, they have answers.

If you are looking for product information or reviews, if you are researching hot new items, if you need support for issues that you can't easily find answers to, the information contained on this website is priceless. There are tips, creative ideas, tutorials, and much much more. The focus of Creative Cow covers design, video, web, audio, and DVD authoring but is by no means limited to just those topics. Creative Cow has a huge online community. They have helpful blogs featuring industry professionals. They have a magazine that may be accessed via online PDF with valuable information and stories of people from all walks of life sharing their production experiences. There is a newsletter to subscribe to and links to find anything that you need help with. They have an archive of topics that is unbelievable.

I am a huge fan of this network. They offer tools and helps for software, products, and literally anything that you can possibly think of. Take a look at the site and see if you don't come a way thinking of new ideas to try and new equipment to enhance your current set up.

Emma’s Soup

2009-04-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

A couple of summers ago, as is tradition with my family, my Father and Mother rented a lake house for us to vacation at together in Oklahoma. When we were younger, we would vacation during the summers sharing a time of fun and finding new adventures that would build memories to last a lifetime. These trips always fill our conversations once summer begins to roll around and we reminisce of the years past. My sister and I recall how my younger brother screamed in terror, “RANTULA, RANTULA!!!” as he mistook a daddy long-leg spider for a fierce predatory tarantula at the age of three. We traveled to Arkansas, and had a blast riding the ‘Duck Boats’, big mobile boats that traveled through the city on massive wheels and magically immersed itself in the water to drive across endless lakes at the driver’s command. We also climbed Mt. Baldy together at the Glorietta Pass in Glorietta, New Mexico one summer. As a family, we always delighted in these trips and times spent together.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a popular Walt Disney film, was a favorite of my youngest daughter at the time of our Oklahoma trip. She would watch that movie over and over again, singing and dancing all day, every day for a while when she was two. Many times I would hear the music in my sleep as I dreamt because it was on daily at the house. She sure loved that movie. And still does today.

As a family we are an inventive bunch. We created an extreme water sport at the lake house tossing wet balls at one another over rooftops and from varying stories of the home, avoiding swimming pool hazards. We broke many records with my Father on the porch of the upper deck, throwing the ball blindly to my unseen brother-in-law on the far side of the house, and he in turn lobbed the ball over the corner of the house to me, who then fired the ball to my brother standing poolside across the porch and then threw upstairs to Dad who started it all over. The fun came when a switch was called and the lower athletes had to change positions while the ball was still in flight. Slips, falls, bruises, and big splashes accompanied the game. More fun was never had.

As the boys enjoyed the action packed game, my Mother would prepare a special time with the grandchildren. She brought out tea and cookies on age appropriate china for a time of sharing and fun with five of her favorite grand kiddos. We played board games in the evenings, ate pies together, listened to music, feasted on fantastic meals, and spent time relaxing at the warranted slower pace. At the conclusion of the week, it was time to draw the vacation to a close. We had a wonderful time and began to head our separate ways back home across Texas.

After leaving the lake house on our way out of town, we went to eat with Mom and Dad at a Mexican restaurant. We looked at the unfamiliar menu and decided on items to try that sounded good. My wife and I certainly decided on fajitas or enchiladas and asked our children what they desired. Our oldest daughter wanted chicken-strips. Imagine that, we come to a unique place we’ve never been before and instead of ordering a new dish she orders chicken-strips. You’ve got to love children for their unpredictability.

Our three-month old son had his bottle. Nana, my Mom with her new title, asked our middle daughter what she wanted to eat. She replied, “Soup. I want Chitty Chitty Bang Bang soup.” We laughed for a moment and tried explaining to her that this new restaurant did not have that on the menu. But she insisted. Trying to dissuade a two year old from something in a public place when her mind is made up, makes for a possible emotional melt down. We then looked at the soups to reexamine the flavors. Nana asked her again, still trying to decide what she was actually hungry for, “Emma, what kind of soup? What do you want? Can you tell me what it tastes like sweetie?” Emma had gotten a bit frustrated and said, “Nana, it just tastes CHITTY!” After we finally stopped laughing aloud we ordered her food and enjoyed the remainder of the meal and time spent in fellowship. Another great memory of our time together as a family.

"So we got together - the community - and we got it done." - CNN

2009-04-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

Give some thought to the following story. A community sees a need, reacts, and betters itself because it does what is needed. A proactive community working together becomes powerfully united. The responsibility to handle the need was that of the state, but individuals in the community felt called to join together and make a change that would positively effect all. State bureaucrats were not able to react to the need because they, in a sense, were removed from the issue. The need was felt by the immediate community and resolved by them. This is their story.

(CNN) -- Their livelihood was being threatened, and they were tired of waiting for government help, so business owners and residents on Hawaii's Kauai island pulled together and completed a $4 million repair job to a state park -- for free.

Polihale State Park has been closed since severe flooding destroyed an access road to the park and damaged facilities in December.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources had estimated that the damage would cost $4 million to fix, money the agency doesn't have, according to a news release from department Chairwoman Laura Thielen.

"It would not have been open this summer, and it probably wouldn't be open next summer," said Bruce Pleas, a local surfer who helped organize the volunteers. "They said it would probably take two years. And with the way they are cutting funds, we felt like they'd never get the money to fix it."

And if the repairs weren't made, some business owners faced the possibility of having to shut down.

Ivan Slack, co-owner of Napali Kayak, said his company relies solely on revenue from kayak tours and needs the state park to be open to operate. The company jumped in and donated resources because it knew that without the repairs, Napali Kayak would be in financial trouble.

"If the park is not open, it would be extreme for us, to say the least," he said. "Bankruptcy would be imminent. How many years can you be expected to continue operating, owning 15-passenger vans, $2 million in insurance and a staff? For us, it was crucial, and our survival was dependent on it. That park is the key to the sheer survival of the business."

So Slack, other business owners and residents made the decision not to sit on their hands and wait for state money that many expected would never come. Instead, they pulled together machinery and manpower and hit the ground running March 23.

And after only eight days, all of the repairs were done, Pleas said. It was a shockingly quick fix to a problem that may have taken much longer if they waited for state money to funnel in.

"We can wait around for the state or federal government to make this move, or we can go out and do our part," Slack said. "Just like everyone's sitting around waiting for a stimulus check, we were waiting for this but decided we couldn't wait anymore."

Thielen has been waiting, too. She wants the legislature to approve her Recreation Renaissance project, a $240 million booster shot to help fix parks across the state. Without it, at least five state parks may be forced to close, and there would be no emergency repair money to fix Polihale State Park.

"We shouldn't have to do this, but when it gets to a state level, it just gets so bureaucratic, something that took us eight days would have taken them years," said Troy Martin of Martin Steel, who donated machinery and steel for the repairs. "So we got together -- the community -- and we got it done.

The park is a fixture on the west side of the island and a favorite spot for many in the area, but it's also a hub for tourists.

"Tourism is our lifeblood. It's what pays all of our bills," Slack said. "The money that pours in comes from tourism is really an important factor for everyone here in Hawaii, and it's such an important time to encourage tourism."

And it's an important time to keep jobs, which were threatened if the park had to remain closed. In February, Kauai's unemployment rate was at 9.1 percent, up from 2.8 percent during the same time in 2008, according to Hawaii's Department of Labor.

"I think it's crucial to say the doors are open, everyone is ready," Slack said. "So when one of the most important parks in Hawaii is closed, it really changes things."

Now, because of their hard work, volunteers hope they'll be ready to send that positive message -- right in time for the tourist season.

Slack said he likes to have business up and running by April 15, and the season gets busy around May 1.

The business owners and residents are hopeful that their generous contributions in time and resources mean the park should officially open soon. Pleas says they have only to get the new bridge certified and do minor cleanup.

"A lot of people are quietly sitting by, waiting for it to open," Slack said. "This really this is one of the nicest parks in the state and in all of Hawaii, in the entire state parks department. Now, hopefully, those people get their wish."

ACL Tickets On Sale Now

2009-04-08T18:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday tickets went on sale to the Austin City Limits Music Festival. I have been attending the festival, in Austin, for three years. I never know what to expect when I go to ACL. I have gone to the festival, knowing many of the bands on the lineup, looking forward to their shows. Last year I wasn't real thrilled with the lineup but I have to admit, each year, at the end of the festival, I have been happy with the performances. One of the great things about ACL is, whether you know all the artists or you are just a fan of a few bands, you are going to be surrounded by great music all three days. I promise you will walk away, a fan, of a band, you didn't even go to see.

According to austin360.com some of the artists rumored to be in the massive lineup are Pearl Jam, Beastie Boys, Dave Matthews Band, Kings of Leon and Ghostland Observatory. Keep in mind, all kinds of rumors fly around until the official lineup announcement. Some of these rumors are good guesses and some of them are wishful thinking by fans hoping for a comeback tour. It seems to be part of the ACL fun trying to figure out who will be in the lineup.

Check out ACL Fest on twitter™ to be the first to get the official lineup

Official link to ACL Festival

How healthy is health care?

2009-04-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

I was listening to educational stuff this morning when a couple of big questions popped in my head that I thought I should start a dialogue with. For you English nuts, I believe I just ended a sentence with a preposition and I should not. OK.....

What is health care and, for that matter, health insurance?

If I ask that to an audience, someone almost always answers, "It's for when you're sick."

If health care and health insurance is only to be used when you are sick, then where does the health come in? Should it be renamed to sick care and sick insurance?

If most MDs are only trained in sickness, then why do we rely on them to manage our health?

What are you doing to prevent your body from breaking down physically, mentally, or nutritionally?

If we waited for our cars' engines to make funny noises before changing the oil, then how "healthy" would our cars be?

If we waited for a toothache to go to the dentist, then how healthy would our teeth be?

Should I wait until my body breaks down before I choose to seek help? If so, would it cost more money to fix a broken down body or maintain a healthy one?

I really look forward to any comments on this one....

Opening Day 2009

2009-04-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

As we drove into Arlington today there was a buzz. It's the kind of excitement shared by all fans of all sports teams when the season opener finally arrives. Before the opening pitch is ever thrown, hopes and dreams of a lifelong pursuit for Texas' first World Series Championship is being imagined by players, owners, coaches, and fans alike. Opening Day 2009 was a spectacular event for the Texas Rangers.

Our 43rd Commander in Chief, President George W. Bush, threw out the first pitch at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. A strike right down the pike at that. And what is humbling is that President Bush is a true fan just like the rest of us. "Laura and I are excited to once again cheer on our home team at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, and I'm honored Tom Hicks and Nolan Ryan invited me to throw out the first pitch," Bush said in a statement. "There's no better place to spend Opening Day than back home among fellow fans of the Texas Rangers." And fellow fans there were. Masses of them.

Everywhere you looked, Texas Rangers red, white and blue colors were proudly worn. People enjoying the cool start that seemed to warm as the game progressed, cheered emphatically as the Rangers beat the Indians 9 to 1. Texas did a superb job of everything today. Pitching was consistent, the defense was great and the blazing bats finished the game in victory bringing the opening day losing streak of five years to a close. And if we can come to expect this level of play as a norm this year, we will see this team accomplish great things.

Governor Rick Perry joined President Bush at the Ballpark today along with Nolan Ryan and other sports greats. Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys owner, was even on hand to witness at least one of Texas' franchise teams win a season opener. It was a proud day to be a Texas Rangers fan. Midway through the fourth inning "Deep in the Heart of Texas" began to play. I looked around and noticed others joining in singing the song. All I could think of was how this was just a neat moment. We Texans have good reason to be proud.

I spent the day with family enjoying one of America's greatest past times. My son, nearly two, sat through his first game. I was proud as I watched him clap when the crowd did and I laughed as he danced wildly anytime a song would blast over the stadium sound system. My daughter, four, enjoyed the game, cotton candy, holding daddy's hand and a hotdog. My Mother and Father watched their favorite MLB team win on opening day. It reminded me of how full circle my life has come. I recall going to the games with them and my brother and sister when we were younger, and now I'm passing that tradition on to my kids. I was thrilled at being on hand for such a fantastic day. As we made our way back to the car amongst the tens of thousands of Rangers fans, I realized that perhaps only fifteen percent of the total Texas workforce committed to a full day of work in the office today. And I was happy to join the game goers.

I hope as I do every year that the Rangers surprise us all and win the final series to bring home the championship. I'm encouraged by such a promising start. The only thing I hope that I forget about today is the unbelievably bad traffic. And boy was it bad. But being stuck in a crowd of slow to no moving happy Texas Rangers fans celebrating a win, isn't really all that bad. It's just part of the experience. Peanuts, popcorn, the crack of the bat, and the car horns.

His Agony and Our Fellowship - Oswald Chambers

2009-04-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

"Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, tarry ye here, and watch with Me." Matthew 26:36, 38

We can never fathom the agony in Gethsemane, but at least we need not misunderstand it. It is the agony of God and Man in one, face to face with sin. We know nothing about Gethsemane in personal experience. Gethsemane and Calvary stand for something unique; they are the gateway into Life for us.

It was not the death on the cross that Jesus feared in Gethsemane; He stated most emphatically that He came on purpose to die. In Gethsemane He feared lest He might not get through as Son of Man. He would get through as Son of God - Satan could not touch Him there; but Satan's onslaught was that He would get through as an isolated Figure only; and that would mean that He could be no Saviour. Read the record of the agony in the light of the temptation: "Then the devil leaveth Him for a season." In Gethsemane Satan came back and was again overthrown. Satan's final onslaught against our Lord as Son of Man is in Gethsemane.

The agony in Gethsemane is the agony of the Son of God in fulfilling His destiny as the Saviour of the world. The veil is drawn aside to reveal all it cost Him to make it possible for us to become sons of God. His agony is the basis of the simplicity of our salvation. The Cross of Christ is a triumph for the Son of Man. It was not only a sign that Our Lord had triumphed, but that He had triumphed to save the human race. Every human being can get through into the presence of God now because of what the Son of Man went through.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Are You Going?

2009-04-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

I recall visiting the Scarborough Renaissance Festival when I was in high school with friends. At the time, I enjoyed it. I was surprised to see a teacher at my high school dressed in his time appropriate garb on staff at the event. I still laugh at the thought. He instructed me not to call him by his real name but instead to refer to him in a rather spectacular sir-name that I don't recall. It was a bit of a learning experience witnessing the event. High school history does not prepare you sufficiently for being thrown into a small city of theater buffs who act as if the modern day is the 1600's.

Being older, more mature and of course wiser, I realize the importance of just getting away from life on occasion. Thinking along those lines leads me to believe that you might just enjoy visiting the faire. While I am in no way comfortable dressing for any time period but the present, you do see people there that are not staff, that truly go all out taking their experience to a level I fear I will never know. And it is interesting to say the least.

There are some neat crafts and shows at this event that your family might possibly enjoy. You can see soap making, blacksmiths firing tools, glassblowing, leather working, jewelery creations and many other crafts designed along with the joust and dramas. There is quite a variety of events to view. And while viewing, don't forget the food. They have some dishes that are really good. I recall eating my first and only 'Steak on a Stake' like it were yesterday.

The Scarborough Renaissance Festival runs April 4th - May 25th and is located thirty minutes south of the Dallas/Ft Worth metroplex in Waxahachie. So, if you are interested in taking the family out and seeing some unusual sights, don't hesitate to consider the Scarborough Renaissance Festival. It has been around for nearly thirty years. And that can only leave room for this question, "Are you going to Scarborough Faire?" For more information click here to visit their website.

Random Acts of Kindness

2009-04-03T20:37:00.000-07:00

CNN posted a story about two women who for thirty-one days have gone out of their way to anonymously show kindness to others. The message is sweet. They desire to brighten someone's day. And at the same time, they hope that their kindness catches on.

Songs are still composed about showing kindness to strangers. And many organizations are dedicated to helping the less fortunate on a daily basis. What are you as an individual doing to make a difference? How have actions that you've taken positively effected the surrounding community? Just a thought to ponder. In these current times many are struggling with various issues. Perhaps you can show kindness to others and be blessed in return.

Facebook, YouTube at work make better employees: study

2009-04-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

Well, who would have thought? The following article was published and taken from Yahoo today. Apparently a study has been done on workers using online communities for personal reasons during the work day and how it effects their productivity at the workplace. And the results might surprise you!

MELBOURNE (Reuters Life!) – Caught Twittering or on Facebook at work? It'll make you a better employee, according to an Australian study that shows surfing the Internet for fun during office hours increases productivity.

The University of Melbourne study showed that people who use the Internet for personal reasons at work are about 9 percent more productive that those who do not.

Study author Brent Coker, from the department of management and marketing, said "workplace Internet leisure browsing," or WILB, helped to sharpened workers' concentration.

"People need to zone out for a bit to get back their concentration," Coker said on the university's website (www.unimelb.edu.au/)

"Short and unobtrusive breaks, such as a quick surf of the Internet, enables the mind to rest itself, leading to a higher total net concentration for a days' work, and as a result, increased productivity," he said.

According to the study of 300 workers, 70 percent of people who use the Internet at work engage in WILB.

Among the most popular WILB activities are searching for information about products, reading online news sites, playing online games and watching videos on YouTube.

"Firms spend millions on software to block their employees from watching videos, using social networking sites or shopping online under the pretence that it costs millions in lost productivity," said Coker. "That's not always the case."

However, Coker said the study looked at people who browsed in moderation, or were on the Internet for less than 20 percent of their total time in the office.

"Those who behave with Internet addiction tendencies will have a lower productivity than those without," he said.

(Writing by Miral Fahmy; Editing by Valerie Lee)

Click here to visit yahoo's page.

House Passes Bill to Limit Executive Compensation - As Seen on CNN.com

2009-04-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to give the Treasury Department the power to ban future "unreasonable and excessive" compensation at companies receiving federal bailout money.

The Pay for Performance Act of 2009, which passed by a vote of 247-171, would empower Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to define what constitutes reasonable compensation, as well as to ban bonuses not based on performance standards. Geithner's guidelines would apply to companies receiving assistance from the government's Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP.

Democrats provided heavy support for the bill, with only eight from that party voting against the measure. Republicans, who are in the minority in the House, were mostly opposed, with only 10 crossing party lines to support it.

Visit CNN at www.cnn.com.

Take Your Time

2009-03-31T13:00:00.000-07:00

On March 22 the Olafur Eliasson's exhibition "Take Your Time" closed at the Dallas Museum of Art. This exhibit was a fascinating collection of work by the artist. I personally had a chance to experience this exhibit a few months ago at the DMA. I felt as if I was in a giant science experiment. Each installation had something in it that engaged a different sense or feel. The brilliance in Eliasson's art is, that it is incomplete without the viewer.

This exhibit was truly a once in a lifetime experience for me. Hopefully you had a chance to see "Take Your Time" but if you did not I put some links below that will give you a good idea of what this exhibit was all about. Enjoy!

Exhibition Overview

Media links

Interactive Learning

Vertual Exhibition from the MOMA New York

Radio Days

2009-03-30T22:56:00.000-07:00

Driving back from Austin this weekend, I frantically searched for the Louisville-Michigan State game on my radio dial. As you may know, yours truly had picked the Cardinals of Louisville to win the entire shootin’ match, as they say. As you may further know, Louisville went on to lose that game and my interest in the Final Four has, as a result, waned. Anyway, I never found the game on any radio station AM or FM. However, in Belton, I managed to pick up the Rangers-Angels spring training game on the all-powerful KRLD. It came in loud and clear, I could have possibly picked it up even further south had I been surfing the radio dial earlier.

Every year when I hear my first broadcast of the season, I am flooded with so many reminders of youth. For as long as I can remember, we have listened to Ranger’s baseball. It is a part of who I am. I can remember as a very young child, laying in bed and hearing my dad’s radio barely audible over the window unit. Mark Holtz and Eric Nadel there with me until I would fall asleep. I can remember leaving a game early because my Uncle Mike wanted to beat traffic and Texas was losing badly so we listened to the end of the game on the way home. The Rangers batted around and Odibe McDowell won the game for the Rangers in the home half of the ninth by belting a grand slam. I also recall listening to Nolan Ryan getting Ricky Henderson looking for his 5,000th career strikeout – we were on our way home from Six Flags at the time.

I would lay in bed at night (while I was supposed to be asleep – I usually had to be in bed by the 7th inning stretch) with my earphones on listening in as Bo Jackson feasted on Rangers pitching; and I recall the hope and enthusiasm of an organization conveyed through its broadcasters when they would mention young Ranger prospects and how they were faring in the minors – Rodriguez, Gonzalez, and Sosa. It was a sad day when Mark Holtz left the radio booth for the TV gig. We were still able to hear “Hello Win Column!” but it just wasn’t the same for some reason. Now Holtz is gone, of course. No one has ever sounded as good next to Eric Nadel. I don’t know what I’ll do the day he leaves the broadcast booth for the last time. That to me will symbolize the final great passing of my youth. Listening to him call baseball games serves as somewhat of a soundtrack for my summers and a backdrop for the re-living of sweet memories from days gone by. It’s a shame the Rangers have never made it to the World Series – I would like to know how the boys of summer sound in autumn.

Coldplay - "Life in Technicolor II"

2009-03-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

Imagine if you will, arriving at a small party and witnessing the unexpected half-time entertainment that turned out to be Coldplay, the greatest band ever, taking center stage. Apply the most imaginative marionette show possible to a harmonious rock display that leaves you truly speechless and there you have it. Pure brilliance. This video will be an artistic favorite for many, many years to come. Conceptually speaking, this level of creativity has not been seen in this manor previously. Coldplay needs no introduction. However, some of you may not be familiar with this latest song, "Life in Technicolor II" that is Coldplay's fantastic new single from the Prospekt's March EP. "Life in Technicolor" was released on their Viva la Vida LP that many are familiar with. Their music is legendary to say the least. It's been a part of our lives for many years. And this most recent video is going to be a hit for many more years to come. They have a 'making of' video that is viewable on their Youtube site. Click Here to view it.

If you haven't yet had the opportunity to enjoy the fluid dream-like lyrics of the group, and their melodic rock compositions, take the time to check them out.

Our Lord's Surprise Visits - Oswald Chambers

2009-03-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

"Be ye therefore ready also." Luke 12:40

The great need for the Christian worker is to be ready to face Jesus Christ at any and every turn. This is not easy, no matter what our experience is. The battle is not against sin or difficulties or circumstances, but against being so absorbed in work that we are not ready to face Jesus Christ at every turn. That is the one great need, not the facing our belief, or our creed, the question whether we are of any use, but to face Him.

Jesus rarely comes where we expect Him; He appears where we least expect Him, and always in the most illogical connections. The only way a worker can keep true to God is by being ready for the Lord's surprise visits. It is not service that matters, but intense spiritual reality, expecting Jesus Christ at every turn. This will give our life the attitude of child-wonder which He wants it to have. If we are going to be ready for Jesus Christ, we have to stop being religious (that is, using religion as a higher kind of culture) and be spiritually real.

If you are "looking off unto Jesus," avoiding the call of the religious age you live in, and setting your heart on what He wants, on thinking on His line - you will be called unpractical and dreamy; but when He appears in the burden and the heat of the day, you will be the only one who is ready. Trust no one, not even the finest saint who ever walked this earth, ignore him, if he hinders your sight of Jesus Christ.