Pacman is gone but the other Roy Williams is coming. The Cowboys are falling apart but I’m glad to see the Roy from UT coming to play for the Cowboys.
________________________________________________________________________________

I got an email today about 800-GOOG411, Google’s new information service. It’s free too. Check it out when you need to dial information. There’s a video on the Google site that tells you a bit more about it. It can send you a text with the info you need and a map if your phone has an Internet connection. Cool stuff.
________________________________________________________________________________

Here’s an email I got the other day too that helped me.

When your hut’s on fire
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, “God! How could you do this to me?” Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! “How did you know I was here?” asked the weary man of his rescuers. “We saw your smoke signal,” they replied.

The Moral of This Story: It’s easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn’t lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

What’s up with the Cowboys? It looks like the season is going down the tubes on a fast train. Romo hurt his pinky. Pacman may be on the way out. Even the punter has a broken foot. Ouch. Should we start waving goodbye to Wade and getting used to saying Head Coach Garrett?
_______________________________________________________________________________

So our government is going to prop up our financial institutions. I wonder if all the people who hate government sponsored medical care are going to hate government sponsored banks and businesses.

Can we have our cake and eat it to? It seems to me we either need to be prepared to live through the pain of a free market system or accept some role of government in more areas of our lives.

I’m beginning to think recent economic events are the big corner our country is turning to a very different future than what I’ve known growing up. I’m not saying it’s good or bad – I just don’t understand it well enough – but I think it will certainly be changing in big ways.
________________________________________________________________________________

Did everyone see that the Longhorns are ranked #1? I’ll enjoy it this week while wondering how long it will last.
________________________________________________________________________________

Did you hear about the small-school Colorado college football player who broke his finger and would have to sit out the rest of the season so he opted to have his finger amputated so he could still play? Yow.
________________________________________________________________________________

Missions contribution update – now over $56,000. Incredible!

Yesterday was an incredible day at church. It was Missions Sunday and among other things we did, we had a special offering for our missions work. We set a goal of $30,000 which was based on a number of needs our current missionaries had sent us. When we set the goal, we didn’t anticipate the economic environment we have been exposed to the last few weeks. I still had hopes we would reach our goal but was also preparing myself for the fact that many people are probably more nervous than usual. I had worked on a speech in case we didn’t reach the goal that would still be encouraging. When the money was counted, we had received over $54,000 from our church. WOW! I was blown away. As I reflected on the day, 3 thoughts kept running through my mind.

First, what an incredibly faithful group of Christians. The people gave everything from coins to big checks because of their faith and desire to send the gospel to the world. I’m blessed to worship with them.

Second, as a member of the missions committee, I’m humbled by the faith the church places in each of us to use the money in ways that will glorify God.

Third, when I doubt and prepare my speeches, I wonder if God is sitting in heaven shaking His head and chuckling at me while He prepares to remind me who is really in charge. Yesterday was another 2X4 moment for me (this is what I call God’s pain-free method of hitting me in the head with a 2X4 showing me that I really don’t know much).
______________________________________________________________________________

Who’s #1 now? I really thought Texas would struggle against Zero U but it turned in to a great game. Based on what has happened with the other #1 teams this year, I’m not sure it’s a good place to be right now but it’s always good to beat the Sooners.

Now I’ll starting fretting about Missouri.
______________________________________________________________________________

My girl survived the Assault on Eagle Summit. The coach set up a killer course and our Decatur teams did well against the big schools.
______________________________________________________________________________

God is in control. I hope to remember that better this week than I did last week.

Saturday is THE football game of the season – Texas and Zero University. Zero is ranked #1 and Texas comes in at #5. My son keeps asking if I have tickets like they will magically appear but I’ll have to catch it on TV. I haven’t seen Texas play this year but it sounds like 0U is rolling. I just hope the zeroes have a USC moment or maybe I should say I hope Texas has an Oregon State moment. Hook ’em Horns.
___________________________________________________________________________________

I mentioned Chris Tomlin yesterday. I’m usually listening to something a little louder and harder-driving music from Audio Adrenaline, Seventh Day Slumber, Decypher Down and other Christian rock bands but the lyrics to Tomlin’s songs are awesome.
___________________________________________________________________________________

I’m glad it’s Friday. It has been one of those weeks that’s good to have wrapped up and over with. Not that anything bad has happened but just one where I’m ready for it to be Saturday for some reason.
___________________________________________________________________________________

I’ve got to figure out PowerPoint before Sunday. I don’t use it enough to remember how to do everything I want to so I have to call on people to help me. My daughter is usually first up and she’ll be getting some questions tonight and tomorrow. Thank goodness for kids!

Have a great weekend and know that God loves you.

I have nothing today or I have a lot but can’t get it focused to write.

Pacman is in trouble again.

I’m interested in seeing the Ernie Davis story that comes out to theaters this Friday.

Chris Tomlin sings some powerful songs. I haven’t been a big fan of his in the past because I like my music a bit more “hard-charging” (think Seventh Day Slumber, Decypher Down, Audio Adrenaline) but Tomlin’s Amazing Grace and How Great is Our God can bring me to my knees.

Phillies and Dodgers start tonight. Yippee!

Baseball America comes out with their farm system rankings in the next few days. It’s rumored that the Rangers will rank 1 or 2 – up from 28th out of 30 teams a year ago. It’s been some good trading that has put a future in place for the Rangers but today that’ all it is – a future. We’ll see how they perform.

I can’t make any worthwhile assessment of T.O. but the man does seem troubled. I really hope he will be OK.

I told you there was nothing. Here’s to hoping you have a great day and feel the love of God surrounding you.

Tonight is another debate between the presidential candidates and I hope I get to see it. I’ve got a meeting out of town tonight and not sure I’ll be done by the time it starts. I kind of like the town hall format better but I wish the moderator would not ask another question until the candidates (both of them) answer the question that was asked. It’s the one thing that causes me not to put much stock in what any of them say – making up an answer they want to give instead of answering a direct question. Politics.
___________________________________________________________________________________

Red Sox and Rays. Dodgers and Phillies. They all have some good stories going for them.
___________________________________________________________________________________

I got to speak at the 7th/8th grade FCA breakfast this morning. It’s sort of odd seeing all these kids that I’ve see grow up because it reminds me I’m not getting any younger. On the other hand, it’s neat to see them growing into young men and women.

I had 10 minutes to speak and as is typical for me, had 30 minutes worth of ideas to talk about but kept it short. The 8th graders have to go practice as soon as the breakfast is wrapped up so the coaches don’t won’t long-talkers. 🙂

On the road again…

I was really pulling for the Cubs and Brewers who were swept out of the playoffs. I’m still pulling for the NL but can’t pick Philly or L.A. I’ll just wait to see who wins. Besides, based on how my record is for the teams I’m pulling for, neither team would want me to cheer for them.
__________________________________________________________________________________

Can you love Jesus and still drink a little? The link below will take you to a funny clip from the Ellen DeGeneres show where she is interviewing an 88 year old woman from Austin. I’m no fan of Ellen but this is pretty funny. It helped start my day with a laugh.

http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2007/ellen-gladys-hardy-p1.php?emf=1
__________________________________________________________________________________

What’s up with the Cowboys? Is the sky falling yet? And what did TO mean in his post-game comments? I think we can gear up for a wacky season.

I would say Palin survived the debate but didn’t offer a knock-out to put McCain back in the driver’s seat. She came across better than I feared she would, had some good, folksy language thrown in with some targeted comments but still had some stumbles that shows she is very new to this stage. Now, when Obama stumbles and stutters without a teleprompter, it’s no big deal to the media. Sarah’s another story so she has to overcome. I’m not having high hopes that the candidate I dislike the least will win.
_________________________________________________________________________________

I’ve used this space before to give kudos to Rick Ross and Jacob Baker and want to take a second to do that again. Rick continually brings great messages from God to our church family every Sunday and Jacob blows me away in the way he works with our youth – the love he shows for them and the way he shares the Word of God with them. I thank God these two men and their families are in Decatur and using their talents and their desire to serve God among us.
_________________________________________________________________________________

The Cubs are going for another 100 year curse I guess. I’m struggling because it looks like it will be the Phillies and Dodgers in the NL Finals. I don’t care for Philadelphia because of the Eagles and their obnoxious fans and I’m not crazy about seeing Manny making it to the World Series just because he’s Manny. He’s an incredible hitter but so…Manny. I like Joe Torre though but I like to watch Chase Utley and Cole Hamels so the Phillies may be my NL team.

It never ceases to amaze me how people in crisis either go to war or come together. I’ve seen it again this past week or so with our current economic situation as the House decided to fight among themselves while the Senate came together. It’s also evident when our country goes to war.

Even though a crisis can be very painful, it can also produce incredible results when people decide to work together. I wonder what the House will do next?
_______________________________________________________________________________

I’m looking forward to the VP debate tonight. I think we’ll know quickly whether Palin can carry her water or not. I hope her handlers will turn her loose and let her be herself instead of giving scripted answers to every question. I know that’s not how politics works these days but I’m ready for some straight talk and heartfelt ideas.
_______________________________________________________________________________

How about Warren Buffett pouring $8 billion or so into 2 companies over the past couple of weeks. Had I known I could take $8 billion and buy into GE and Goldman Sachs I’m sure I would have joined him. Ha-ha. Can you imagine having that much money available to you? He has certainly been good at picking his companies and making money – and to think he really likes eating at Dairy Queen. I wonder how many Hungr-Busters $8 billion will buy?
_______________________________________________________________________________

Day 1 of playoffs:
Phillies beat Cubs (rats!)
Red Sox beat Angels (yea!)
Dodgers beat Brewers (Manny being Manny)

I would like to see Tampa Bay go all the way just because of the “feel good” year they have had but would like the White Sox to put it together so Griffey Jr. could get a ring. I’m betting (invisible money) on the Rays though.

I’m not admitting that I watched Dancing With The Stars but Warren Sapp is amazingly quick and light on his feet. If he can let his personality come through a little more I think another football player will win it.
_________________________________________________________________________________

I went to another middle school FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) breakfast this morning and continue to be surprised how many kids show up. I’m guessing there were 60 or more kids there this morning. That’s cool.
_________________________________________________________________________________

What’s up with the bailout package that may never come? The stock market took a bit hit yesterday which tells me the big investors are expecting Congress to act – not hide in fear. I’m not a fan of the bailout but the alternative will be pretty painful. One thing is for sure, if Congress doesn’t make fundamental changes in how they do business, this will never end. They can put band-aids on it for awhile but not for long.
_________________________________________________________________________________

I can’t help but laugh to myself when I question God and then hear the answer. I have a problem being patient with God at times…OK, most of the time… and have been questioning whether He is hearing me. I got my answer over the weekend that He hears me and that I still need to wait on Him. I guess I laugh because the answer comes when I don’t expect it and it’s something I already know and just need to get set straight on.

I’m thankful He is faithful, that He knows my hurts and concerns and that He will answer in His good time. I’m thankful He loves me when I’m unlovable and pours His mercy on me when I fall. I’m thankful He is always there with arms open and I am thankful He has prepared a way for me to be with Him.