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?
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

It’s another day where the thoughts in my head come up with a lot of words and a long blog so I’m going to mash on them a bit more. I’m wrestling with the concept of unconditional love – what it is and what it means in the way I live and treat people. I’m coming to the conclusion that if I want to follow God’s way, I need to change my concept of who and how I give love and trust and respect. I have treated those things as something somebody can earn but I’m coming to see that God freely gives love and trust and respect. I can never earn it from Him which begs the question of why I try to make people earn it from me.
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The Cowboys lost. I think I saw 2 plays of the game because I was sleeping right through it but can’t wait to hear DFW talk radio today about how the team is falling apart. I did catch TO’s comments last night about how he needs more touches and I heard the NFL analysts on last night’s game explaining that 20% of the plays were directed towards him. You think that will generate some talk among fans?
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The Rangers lost the last game of the year. I’m ready for the playoffs and am pulling for the Cubs, Brewers, Red Sox and Dodgers in that order. The Brewers might go to #1 on my list simply because of the joy of CC Sabathia and the way he plays the game.
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It was a wacky college football weekend. Zero U. moved into the #1 spot and Texas is now #5. That makes October 11 look like a great day for a rivalry showdown in Big D. Missouri is #4 and Texas Tech is #7. That’s pretty impressive when 4 of the top 10 are from the Big 12.

Yesterday I derided politics from the pulpit but this being my blog…now that’s different. I used to enjoy the political process but today I am simply cynical about people’s motives and real ability to make any difference.

McCain is suspending his campaign and possibly skipping tonight’s debate (what goofball plans a debate during Friday night football?) because of the economic crisis and negotiating. Obama and may others are blasting him for the decision. HEY MR. OBAMA, last time I checked you were still a Senator and have a job to do for your constituents. I think McCain should be thanked for being willing to do the job he has instead of focusing on the one he wants.

That said, HEY MCCAIN, say something. Make a stand and quit riding the fence. That goes for you too Obama. Say what you think and let the American people know what their future leaders think is the best option. Be a leader.
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I want to vote for Bono for President. He was on CNN this morning and his honesty is refreshing. Today, his stated agenda was to thank the American public for the work and aid they have given to end malaria by 2015. Bono is a social activist and is, again, very honest that his celebrity gives him access other people don’t have. As he describes it, he works like a dog for better living conditions while he lives a very spoiled lifestyle at times. I appreciate him just saying that. Anyway, the interviewer tried to lead him down some roads of things that haven’t worked and Bono just kept saying “today, I’m here to punch the air for joy because of the good things that have been accomplished. I’m a fan of America and want to thank Americans for their help. I’ll talk to you another day about what hasn’t worked and how we can fix it.” I’m impressed by his manner and his honesty.

Oh, if you don’t know Bono, he’s the lead singer for U2. I’ve been listening to them since the very early 80’s and still enjoy their music.
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I changed my header to use my “wordle”. You can type in stuff or enter the name of your blog at wordle.net and it will give you one of these. It was fun but I doubt I’ll use it very long.
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My children run again tomorrow (at different places naturally). I hope they have good runs, improve their times and help their teams. I have heard the Decatur girls team is ranked either 1st or 3rd in the state but don’t know where to find that information. Cool stuff.

I read a Wall Street Journal article yesterday regarding several pastors who are planning to endorse a particular Presidential candidate from the pulpit. Currently, it is an illegal practice as governed by the IRS whereby a church can lose it’s non-taxable status if it or it’s representatives actively engage in political discussion within the scope of their role with the church.

One line from the article gave me the impression of just how arrogant some pastors/preachers can be after they have spent too many days preaching. One of the pastors said (paraphrasing) “if I can tell them who they can and can’t have sex with, I should be able to tell them who they need to vote for.” Wow. Here I was thinking our instructions from holy living came from God, not the preacher/pastor. Does this guy tell his church what to eat, what movies to see, what cars to drive?

I am thankful the preacher at our church has respect for where instructions for our lives comes from and I’m thankful that members at our church can vote for the candidate of their choice and come together loving each other all the same. I hope these other churches will put an end to the person in the pulpit thinking they have the right to tell people how to vote. I find it hard if not impossible to endorse either candidate/party based on Christian teaching.

This is one case where I hope the government stands it’s ground and upholds the law against churches becoming political.

Here’s a link to a YouTube video that is great. It’s a kid who is in the DISD addressing the teachers. I don’t know his name but it may one day start with “President”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrfqzUD1t_A

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I’m almost over the allergy hump. I’m still having trouble sleeping with the pressure in my head but I’m feeling better every day. For those of you who have always suffered from allergies – my apologies for ignoring your pain. I’ve only been affected over the past couple of years and this has been the worst.
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I’m ready for the baseball playoffs. I’ve shifted my allegiance for the end of the year from the Rangers to the Cubs. My son is pulling for the Mets.

The Cowboys put a whooping on the Packers. I’m tempted to offer a wager of a Diet Dr. Pepper that the Cowboys fold in the playoffs again but then I heard the sports radio guys talking about TO yesterday and it made me question my wager. I didn’t see all the game but they said he only had 2 catches for 17 yards or something but the thing that stood out was TO chasing a guy down the field after a turnover. If TO is buying in to “team”, I may have to also.

I struggle to be the person God wants me to be. I believe. I have faith. I trust that God is there and yet I struggle that He hears me at times. I struggle when I don’t see my prayers being answered in my timing. I struggle because my faith is weak at times and because my desires try to trump God’s desire for me. I don’t know His plan yet I want to. I want to know the answers to my questions and I want to know them know. I’m impatient.

The following lyrics are the opening lines from Mercy In Me by Todd Agnew. The speak to me vibrantly because I always want a little more for myself thinking if I just had more, I would do more for God. What I need is to be rich in God, in His love and grace and mercy and be content with that. I’m praying that I will.

A poor man on the corner
I could give to you by buying him lunch,
But I rarely think about it
‘Cause I got a little but it’s not that much.
And I say? Lord won’t you help me
Give me a little bit more for myself?
And you say? Child won’t you let me
Take all that you got and give you a little real wealth?

I want God’s real wealth but I have to continue fighting a spiritual battle for my heart to get it. The battle is tiring and at times, I simply lose. I give up even. Today the battle starts anew. Most Holy Lord, give me strength and courage and wisdom to defeat the demons that attack me today. Let me live in your wealth, Lord.

As you know, I get worn down by all the election email making Obama appear incompetent at best and the devil at worst. Based on the emails I get, I don’t think I have any friends who are voting Democrat. Anyway, I got an email this weekend in reference to the upcoming election that I enjoyed reading. I’ve copied it below.

Subject: TOP 10 PREDICTIONS NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed teaching
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
ISN’T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL?!!!!

Joe Duty, the photographer for the local paper, takes some incredible pictures. Below is just one example that I really like! Some of you have seen the picture below in the local paper. For a dad, this is a great moment and I’m thankful Joe Duty of the Wise County Messenger was there to catch it. I don’t know if I’m giving proper credit but can’t pass it up. I’ve got to get to the paper and see if I can buy a copy of the picture. My dear child was really tired and really sweaty after completing her second cross country meet of the season. She continues to encourage me with her dedication, as early as it has to be each morning, to doing her best. I love my girl.

My plan was to be asleep before halftime was over but leg cramps kept me up into the early morning hours so I was thankful the big football game was an exciting one. The Dallas D wasn’t too impressive until the final minutes when they really stepped it up. Romo looked like he had a case of the jessica voodoo in the first half but came back and played a pretty good second half. And while I can go days without much interest in the Cowboys, it’s always good to beat Philly.
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The Rangers have finally worn me down. I haven’t caught much of a game in the last week. It could be partially due to scheduling but when the season is out of reach, it’s easier to flip over to something else. I’m pulling for the Cubs now. They came close to pitching 2 no-hitters in 2 nights. I’d like to see the White Sox make it too for Ken Griffey Jr.’s sake but I don’t see anyone getting past the Angels. Go Cubs.
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I’m loving the weather right now. Crisp mornings and cool afternoons. I think I could live OK if this was the daily weather pattern.
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