John 3:13-17
No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven – the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
So, we must ask, “What is eternal life?”
John 17:1-3
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Now, we must ask, ”Who is God?”
He is the infinite
The almighty
The everlasting
Omniscient
Omnipotent
Omnipresent
Father of light
Creator
Sustainer
Righteous One
Beginning
End
How can we of finite mind fathom the unfathomable? How can we truly know God? We describe the infinite yet cannot grasp what we define. How can we know the unknowable?
He revealed himself to us in his Son. He reveals himself to us in his word. He makes himself known to us through his actions. He works in our lives by his love. Yet, like the wind, we only see the result of his passing. We see through a glass darkly. Faith must do the rest.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Shopping iTunes....
For Christmas I received $30 worth of gift cards to iTunes. I thought -- no big deal. I'll just load 'em up and buy some tunes. I'm still shopping on that $30.
I don't know if it is because I'm too picky or what -- I have spent hours browsing songs and playing the brief snippets available to help you decide if it's what you want -- and I've only used about 1/2 of it up after all this time. Holy Cow! What does that say about my personality?
I like all kinds of music but there is only a small percentage of it that I would consider to be of enduring quality -- something that I want to listen to over and over again. I don't want to just get best sellers, I want some eclectic stuff -- the ones that didn't make the Top 40 but, are still good. I want some of the off-the-wall artists like the ones my daughter comes up with.
Then, after I've worked at it for a couple of hours and only chosen five songs, I wonder what makes it so difficult! Oh, well, at least it generated a blog post.
I don't know if it is because I'm too picky or what -- I have spent hours browsing songs and playing the brief snippets available to help you decide if it's what you want -- and I've only used about 1/2 of it up after all this time. Holy Cow! What does that say about my personality?
I like all kinds of music but there is only a small percentage of it that I would consider to be of enduring quality -- something that I want to listen to over and over again. I don't want to just get best sellers, I want some eclectic stuff -- the ones that didn't make the Top 40 but, are still good. I want some of the off-the-wall artists like the ones my daughter comes up with.
Then, after I've worked at it for a couple of hours and only chosen five songs, I wonder what makes it so difficult! Oh, well, at least it generated a blog post.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Searching --- Relatively Speaking
Have you noticed the commercial on television about the person who is suffering from search engine overload? About how they talk in snippets of information but their conversations are not cogent? I understand the feeling.
There is an amazing wealth of information available to us on the Internet. Weeding out the trash and finding the gems for which one is searching is a monumental task at times. Just when I think that I've figured it out, I hit one of those frustrating times when I search and search and can't find something that should be readily available.
What, you might ask, prompted such statements? I was searching for the date on which Einstein first introduced his Theory of Special Relativity. The only sources that I am able to find are not especially credible.
Now, the next logical question is, why would I be looking for the date on which Enstein first introduced his Theory of Special Relativity. Well, that was one of those search leads to question leads to search leads to question chain of events that sent me off on a tangent. I guess it really doesn't matter anyway. Perhaps I AM suffering from search engine overload!
There is an amazing wealth of information available to us on the Internet. Weeding out the trash and finding the gems for which one is searching is a monumental task at times. Just when I think that I've figured it out, I hit one of those frustrating times when I search and search and can't find something that should be readily available.
What, you might ask, prompted such statements? I was searching for the date on which Einstein first introduced his Theory of Special Relativity. The only sources that I am able to find are not especially credible.
Now, the next logical question is, why would I be looking for the date on which Enstein first introduced his Theory of Special Relativity. Well, that was one of those search leads to question leads to search leads to question chain of events that sent me off on a tangent. I guess it really doesn't matter anyway. Perhaps I AM suffering from search engine overload!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Rough Transition
Spring sprung,
But winter hasn't given up yet.
Blossoms bloomed;
The freeze tonight will turn them brown.
Dust rises
As southern winds bring warmth.
Tumbleweeds roll
As northern winds bring cold.
Seasons change
But none transition smoothly.
People age
Few can do so gracefully.
But winter hasn't given up yet.
Blossoms bloomed;
The freeze tonight will turn them brown.
Dust rises
As southern winds bring warmth.
Tumbleweeds roll
As northern winds bring cold.
Seasons change
But none transition smoothly.
People age
Few can do so gracefully.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Vegetating
Best of intentions
Don't get it done
Whatever IT happens to be.
I put it off
And make excuses
If it's not important to me.
Like those minor repairs
That seem to pop up
Every week or so
Or those projects I think
Would be really worthwhile
That I just seem to let go.
It makes me wonder
Why Saturday morn
Motivation seems to evaporate
While I just sit back
And accomplish nothing
Except perhaps, vegetate.
Don't get it done
Whatever IT happens to be.
I put it off
And make excuses
If it's not important to me.
Like those minor repairs
That seem to pop up
Every week or so
Or those projects I think
Would be really worthwhile
That I just seem to let go.
It makes me wonder
Why Saturday morn
Motivation seems to evaporate
While I just sit back
And accomplish nothing
Except perhaps, vegetate.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Travel, Travel and Travel!
Home from Fort Worth. It was a whirlwind week.
Monday, I worked from the office in Hereford and then we drove to Mansfield for the night. Tuesday we drove to my daughter's house and got to see our granddaughter. Wednesday we drove to the in-laws and spent the night with them. Thursday we went to Fort Worth for the Texas and Southwestern Cattlemen's Convention. Today we drove home. A lot of miles in a short/long week.
There are only remnants of the snowstorm that blew through yesterday. Today is sunny and spring-like. I hope the good weather continues. I'm getting Spring Fever.
It looks like I will be back in East Texas this week.
This blog wasn't intended to be a travel journal, but that's what it looks like today! I will see if I can come up with something more creative later in the week.
Monday, I worked from the office in Hereford and then we drove to Mansfield for the night. Tuesday we drove to my daughter's house and got to see our granddaughter. Wednesday we drove to the in-laws and spent the night with them. Thursday we went to Fort Worth for the Texas and Southwestern Cattlemen's Convention. Today we drove home. A lot of miles in a short/long week.
There are only remnants of the snowstorm that blew through yesterday. Today is sunny and spring-like. I hope the good weather continues. I'm getting Spring Fever.
It looks like I will be back in East Texas this week.
This blog wasn't intended to be a travel journal, but that's what it looks like today! I will see if I can come up with something more creative later in the week.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Optimist or Pessimist
There is an old saying
That you can tell the difference
Between an optimist
And a pessimist
By how they view the cup.
One sees only what is gone
And thinks that he is doomed
Because his share --
That which remains --
Cannot possibly be enough.
The other has a different view
And sees what lies therein
With the thought that he is blessed
To have something
In his cup from which to drink.
Me, I'm more of a realist
When I view the cup half-full;
I see what coffee there remains
And wonder,
Should I drink it cold or put it in the microwave?
That you can tell the difference
Between an optimist
And a pessimist
By how they view the cup.
One sees only what is gone
And thinks that he is doomed
Because his share --
That which remains --
Cannot possibly be enough.
The other has a different view
And sees what lies therein
With the thought that he is blessed
To have something
In his cup from which to drink.
Me, I'm more of a realist
When I view the cup half-full;
I see what coffee there remains
And wonder,
Should I drink it cold or put it in the microwave?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Spotted Cattle, Vodka, and Boat Rides
Dairy genetics is one of the more esoteric fields of modern animal husbandry. The selection process in the U.S. is finely tuned to the productivity of the animal and their ability to provide a steady stream of profit to the ailing industry.
The art has reached such a pinnacle of success upon this continent that prize specimens of the species are in great demand throughout the world. Therefore, it was no surprise when Ivan (whose country of origin you might guess) came calling on an organization known for developing such prime specimens to the point that their genetic potential was ready to burst forth with amazing productivity. The problem being that a large body of water as well as a couple of extensive land masses lay between the developer and the ultimate recipient of said genetic wonder.
So, Ivan, through the good offices of a broker for such phenomenon, came calling.
The ordeal of extensive time within the confines of the large silver bus with wings was quickly overcome by the selective offerings of various libations carried on large carts pushed by comely servants who soon found that Ivan was depleting their stocks quite rapidly. But, never worry, the duration of the flight would eventually end and the charge would be handed to one whose skill at communication was limited to two languages -- that of Ivan and that of his intended victim -- er, I mean business acquaintance.
Ivan came with an entourage: A Veterinarian whose years alone must have been the prime qualifying factor for his services, a government official whose youth indicated acquaintance with the most modern practices of animal husbandry, and a business partner whose nervous character was probably due to the lack of body guards which likely accompanied him in his native country.
Their visit brought the clash of cultures into sharp focus when they finally arrived in Southwest Kansas and immediately began to deplete the local supply of vodka. Every brand. Every bar. Every liquor store. It created something of a celebrity stir when they found that Crowne was but a poor substitute for their preferred libation.
Finally, however, they faced the task at hand -- selecting by careful inspection, the candidates for the long boat ride back to Ivan's homeland.
The process took several days as well as the timely review of each specimen and then the requisite battery of tests which proved no disease of consequence could possibly be contained within their ample frames. Each patterned heifer, bulging with their growing progeny, passed through the confining strictures which allowed the Veterinarian and the budding government official to pass judgement on their individual merits.
It soon became apparent that merit was in the eye of the beholder for many exceptional specimens were passed off as unacceptable due to minor blemishes in favor of more questionable individuals that exhibited perfect eye-color, or perhaps a special pattern of markings which appealed to the judges. Of course, the requisite fuel for judging consisted of barley, hops and the results of a fermentation process that had previously been confined to brown glass bottles. That was before lunch. After lunch, a higher octane was required to maintain an equilibrium that must only have developed in the womb and been carried to perfection through proper medication in liberal amounts.
Nevertheless, after hours of evaluation, the perfect specimens had been selected for the cruise. They were loaded on trucks and shipped to port to await their pampered journey which by-the-way was delayed for ten days while appropriate paperwork was completed, stamped, sealed, signed and delivered. For you see, stamps and seals are the sign of authority -- in spite of the fact that the local Staples can deliver -- custom-made, to-your-door -- the stamp or seal of your design and choosing within the same ten days.
Deal completed, selectees delivered, the entourage and Ivan departed. The local bars celebrated their record sales and the U.S. export balance was momentarily moved in a positive direction. Or, at least that was the thought until recently discovered that all was funded by the American taxpayer through the good offices of our current Administration in Washington. For you see, it was our own USDA funding the enterprise. It is now time for Paul Harvey to speak his famous line -- "And now you know......"
The art has reached such a pinnacle of success upon this continent that prize specimens of the species are in great demand throughout the world. Therefore, it was no surprise when Ivan (whose country of origin you might guess) came calling on an organization known for developing such prime specimens to the point that their genetic potential was ready to burst forth with amazing productivity. The problem being that a large body of water as well as a couple of extensive land masses lay between the developer and the ultimate recipient of said genetic wonder.
So, Ivan, through the good offices of a broker for such phenomenon, came calling.
The ordeal of extensive time within the confines of the large silver bus with wings was quickly overcome by the selective offerings of various libations carried on large carts pushed by comely servants who soon found that Ivan was depleting their stocks quite rapidly. But, never worry, the duration of the flight would eventually end and the charge would be handed to one whose skill at communication was limited to two languages -- that of Ivan and that of his intended victim -- er, I mean business acquaintance.
Ivan came with an entourage: A Veterinarian whose years alone must have been the prime qualifying factor for his services, a government official whose youth indicated acquaintance with the most modern practices of animal husbandry, and a business partner whose nervous character was probably due to the lack of body guards which likely accompanied him in his native country.
Their visit brought the clash of cultures into sharp focus when they finally arrived in Southwest Kansas and immediately began to deplete the local supply of vodka. Every brand. Every bar. Every liquor store. It created something of a celebrity stir when they found that Crowne was but a poor substitute for their preferred libation.
Finally, however, they faced the task at hand -- selecting by careful inspection, the candidates for the long boat ride back to Ivan's homeland.
The process took several days as well as the timely review of each specimen and then the requisite battery of tests which proved no disease of consequence could possibly be contained within their ample frames. Each patterned heifer, bulging with their growing progeny, passed through the confining strictures which allowed the Veterinarian and the budding government official to pass judgement on their individual merits.
It soon became apparent that merit was in the eye of the beholder for many exceptional specimens were passed off as unacceptable due to minor blemishes in favor of more questionable individuals that exhibited perfect eye-color, or perhaps a special pattern of markings which appealed to the judges. Of course, the requisite fuel for judging consisted of barley, hops and the results of a fermentation process that had previously been confined to brown glass bottles. That was before lunch. After lunch, a higher octane was required to maintain an equilibrium that must only have developed in the womb and been carried to perfection through proper medication in liberal amounts.
Nevertheless, after hours of evaluation, the perfect specimens had been selected for the cruise. They were loaded on trucks and shipped to port to await their pampered journey which by-the-way was delayed for ten days while appropriate paperwork was completed, stamped, sealed, signed and delivered. For you see, stamps and seals are the sign of authority -- in spite of the fact that the local Staples can deliver -- custom-made, to-your-door -- the stamp or seal of your design and choosing within the same ten days.
Deal completed, selectees delivered, the entourage and Ivan departed. The local bars celebrated their record sales and the U.S. export balance was momentarily moved in a positive direction. Or, at least that was the thought until recently discovered that all was funded by the American taxpayer through the good offices of our current Administration in Washington. For you see, it was our own USDA funding the enterprise. It is now time for Paul Harvey to speak his famous line -- "And now you know......"
Looking Out
Why do we love to look out of windows?
What is it that causes us
To sometimes stop and stare
At nothing in particular?
We sit and gaze out the window.
Do you think perhaps
It is some deep-seated behavior
Wired into our very being
That is a residual of that time long ago
When we feared what might be out there?
Or, could it be a longing
To be out-of-doors
Where we feel less trapped –
Less surrounded --
Less fettered?
Maybe it is dissatisfaction
With what we are doing
And with what we are accomplishing
As we busily battle
Seemingly endless daily assignments.
Is it guilt bearing down upon us
When indeed we long for light?
Or, is it a shadow of our true self,
Trapped within an earthly vessel
Yet longing for freedom?
I choose freedom……
What is it that causes us
To sometimes stop and stare
At nothing in particular?
We sit and gaze out the window.
Do you think perhaps
It is some deep-seated behavior
Wired into our very being
That is a residual of that time long ago
When we feared what might be out there?
Or, could it be a longing
To be out-of-doors
Where we feel less trapped –
Less surrounded --
Less fettered?
Maybe it is dissatisfaction
With what we are doing
And with what we are accomplishing
As we busily battle
Seemingly endless daily assignments.
Is it guilt bearing down upon us
When indeed we long for light?
Or, is it a shadow of our true self,
Trapped within an earthly vessel
Yet longing for freedom?
I choose freedom……
Monday, March 8, 2010
Lessons for Old Hands
Good lesson today. Even us old guys can still learn.
I went out to visit a good customer -- one that has been a long-time customer. I learned that there were some problems brewing that needed to be addressed -- and NOW. There were no signs. There were no clues. There had been no red flags. It was a situation where some issues were percolating on the back burner that needed attention but no one was noticing.
I had an hour and a half with 3 of the top 4 individuals in the organization. A very open and frank discussion. Within an hour of the conclusion of the meeting I was able to respond to the concerns.
The lesson is this: Never take a customer for granted. Take time to touch base on a regular basis. Ask probing questions. If there are concerns, address them. Don't ever think their concerns are immaterial. Deal with them.
We are now back on track. I will be back at their operation tomorrow to observe and train. The lines of communication are open and there is an even stronger sense that we are all on the same team -- trying to make things better.
Life is good.
John 14:6
I went out to visit a good customer -- one that has been a long-time customer. I learned that there were some problems brewing that needed to be addressed -- and NOW. There were no signs. There were no clues. There had been no red flags. It was a situation where some issues were percolating on the back burner that needed attention but no one was noticing.
I had an hour and a half with 3 of the top 4 individuals in the organization. A very open and frank discussion. Within an hour of the conclusion of the meeting I was able to respond to the concerns.
The lesson is this: Never take a customer for granted. Take time to touch base on a regular basis. Ask probing questions. If there are concerns, address them. Don't ever think their concerns are immaterial. Deal with them.
We are now back on track. I will be back at their operation tomorrow to observe and train. The lines of communication are open and there is an even stronger sense that we are all on the same team -- trying to make things better.
Life is good.
John 14:6
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Batteries and Wires
Are you a battery, or a copper wire?
A battery is designed to accept a charge and store it until needed. It then allows the power to flow out of it until it is empty. It then must be re-charged to be useful again.
A copper wire doesn't hold a charge but it is a wonderful conduit of power. It must be hooked into a power source in order to be useful. However, as long as it is "plugged in" the power will flow through it.
I think Christians can fall into either category. There are many who spend a large part of their time "soaking up" the power through attending church, praying, being with other Christians. They often just store it up inside and only rarely, or possibly never, allow the power to flow out of themselves. If they do, they are quickly emptied and need re-charging. Often, if they don't find a useful task, the power seems to slowly seep out of them until they become useless -- sometimes not even able to hold a charge anymore.
There are others who seem to be constantly "plugged in" to the source of power. They are a constant supplier of energy to those around them. They are obviously connected because "things" happen around them that are unquestionably from God.
I don't know about you, but I would prefer to be the copper wire rather than the battery. I want to be continually plugged into God's power. I want Him to use me to work His will.
Jesus demonstrated that prayer is the way to stay plugged into God's power. That is my prayer. That I will be a conduit and not a battery.
Life is good.
John 14:6
A battery is designed to accept a charge and store it until needed. It then allows the power to flow out of it until it is empty. It then must be re-charged to be useful again.
A copper wire doesn't hold a charge but it is a wonderful conduit of power. It must be hooked into a power source in order to be useful. However, as long as it is "plugged in" the power will flow through it.
I think Christians can fall into either category. There are many who spend a large part of their time "soaking up" the power through attending church, praying, being with other Christians. They often just store it up inside and only rarely, or possibly never, allow the power to flow out of themselves. If they do, they are quickly emptied and need re-charging. Often, if they don't find a useful task, the power seems to slowly seep out of them until they become useless -- sometimes not even able to hold a charge anymore.
There are others who seem to be constantly "plugged in" to the source of power. They are a constant supplier of energy to those around them. They are obviously connected because "things" happen around them that are unquestionably from God.
I don't know about you, but I would prefer to be the copper wire rather than the battery. I want to be continually plugged into God's power. I want Him to use me to work His will.
Jesus demonstrated that prayer is the way to stay plugged into God's power. That is my prayer. That I will be a conduit and not a battery.
Life is good.
John 14:6
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Gardening Lessons for Budding Entrepreneurs
Spring seems to be knocking on the door here in the Texas Panhandle. The high temps all week have been in the 60's. I'm getting in the gardening mood! That's not a good thing though because I expect to be traveling much of the time through the Spring and Summer and won't be here to tend a garden if I planted one.
I tend to be fairly traditional in my gardening -- when I do plant one. My gardens in the past have been fairly simple. I like to plant tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, green beans, black-eyed peas, squash and okra. Rarely do I add anything else to the mix -- UNLESS one of the kids wanted to plant something else. In the past we have added pumpkins for a roadside pumpkin stand that was going to make tons of money but yielded only experience. We also planted ornamental corn one year. Similar source of experience.
If they were young and still at home and wanted to do something similar, we would plant some more "experiential" crops for them to tend. It is the seeds of entrepreneurship that were the most important part of that experience. Teaching them how to risk their capital, provide their labor, and approach the marketplace in the hopes of profit was the real benefit of planting those pumpkins and ornamental corn.
As a society, we have for the most part failed future generations in the area of teaching them about free enterprise. It is obvious in the trends we see in our government today. They believe that a great and benevolent government is the source of their livlihood. They don't understand that it is not the government that creates the wealth, it is private business. It is individuals who wake up every morning and risk their capital, their labor, their time, their future -- in the hopes of turning that small seed into a bountiful harvest. It is time that we return to teaching our children those concepts.
I see hope in some areas. There are many in the Millenial Generation who see the failure of our government. They are looking for a better way. I pray that the pendelum will swing back to a time of personal initiative and self-reliance rather than a collective dependence on Big Brother.
Life is good.
I tend to be fairly traditional in my gardening -- when I do plant one. My gardens in the past have been fairly simple. I like to plant tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, green beans, black-eyed peas, squash and okra. Rarely do I add anything else to the mix -- UNLESS one of the kids wanted to plant something else. In the past we have added pumpkins for a roadside pumpkin stand that was going to make tons of money but yielded only experience. We also planted ornamental corn one year. Similar source of experience.
If they were young and still at home and wanted to do something similar, we would plant some more "experiential" crops for them to tend. It is the seeds of entrepreneurship that were the most important part of that experience. Teaching them how to risk their capital, provide their labor, and approach the marketplace in the hopes of profit was the real benefit of planting those pumpkins and ornamental corn.
As a society, we have for the most part failed future generations in the area of teaching them about free enterprise. It is obvious in the trends we see in our government today. They believe that a great and benevolent government is the source of their livlihood. They don't understand that it is not the government that creates the wealth, it is private business. It is individuals who wake up every morning and risk their capital, their labor, their time, their future -- in the hopes of turning that small seed into a bountiful harvest. It is time that we return to teaching our children those concepts.
I see hope in some areas. There are many in the Millenial Generation who see the failure of our government. They are looking for a better way. I pray that the pendelum will swing back to a time of personal initiative and self-reliance rather than a collective dependence on Big Brother.
Life is good.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Not For This World
Have you ever felt as though you were sitting still yet moving at the speed of light? It is as though everything around you is in constant motion -- including yourself -- and yet there is a peace and stillness that you sense that you are calmly sitting in. If you do not believe that God holds your life in His hands, you probably have not experienced that peace.
Sometimes I get a glimpse of utter serenity. Maybe it is just my simple mind letting things flow by me. I don't think so. I think it is because I know deep down that God is in control and that everything is filled with purpose. I know that in all that happens, God is working for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going." -- John 14:1-4
This world is only temporary. Live for eternity -- not for the things of this world.
Life is good.
Sometimes I get a glimpse of utter serenity. Maybe it is just my simple mind letting things flow by me. I don't think so. I think it is because I know deep down that God is in control and that everything is filled with purpose. I know that in all that happens, God is working for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going." -- John 14:1-4
This world is only temporary. Live for eternity -- not for the things of this world.
Life is good.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
A Political Note
Tuesday -- election day -- will soon be upon Texas voters and we will find out who the Republican nominee for Governor will be. I just now saw a Perry commercial on t.v. He was wearing a Carhart jacket and sitting in front of the Texas flag. Some of the Hutchinson commercials try to pull off the "good-ol'-country-gal" look but somehow it doesn't quite work. She just has a hard time fitting that image.
The article linked below might be of interest to those of you following the race:
http://www.texasmonthly.com/preview/2010-02-01/feature
So, what do you think? Is Perry positioning himself for a national race? Perhaps. I hope he can handle the attacks from the left if that is his plan.
What about Hutchinson? She might come back as an Independent and face Perry again in the General election if the primary is close. I don't think it will be. The real question is her Senate seat. Will she really retire? If so, I think Michael Williams is our best candidate for the seat. It may be an interesting year.
The article linked below might be of interest to those of you following the race:
http://www.texasmonthly.com/preview/2010-02-01/feature
So, what do you think? Is Perry positioning himself for a national race? Perhaps. I hope he can handle the attacks from the left if that is his plan.
What about Hutchinson? She might come back as an Independent and face Perry again in the General election if the primary is close. I don't think it will be. The real question is her Senate seat. Will she really retire? If so, I think Michael Williams is our best candidate for the seat. It may be an interesting year.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Productive Week in TN and KY
It has been a productive week in Tennessee and Kentucky. The Mid South Stocker Conference was excellent and we had several producers commit to doing business with us. The setting for the Conference was beautiful (Montgomery Bell State Park).
Last night we headed for Bowling Green, Kentucky, and spent the morning visiting with customers and recording testimonials and then met with a prospective customer who is now a customer. We finished the evening back in Nashville with dinner at J. Alexander's in Brentwood, Tennessee, with a good customer and his wife. WOW! The food was out-of-this-world good! I highly recommend it. It is actually located near the Cold Springs Galleria just north of Franklin. Check out the link.
Yep, life is good.
Last night we headed for Bowling Green, Kentucky, and spent the morning visiting with customers and recording testimonials and then met with a prospective customer who is now a customer. We finished the evening back in Nashville with dinner at J. Alexander's in Brentwood, Tennessee, with a good customer and his wife. WOW! The food was out-of-this-world good! I highly recommend it. It is actually located near the Cold Springs Galleria just north of Franklin. Check out the link.
Yep, life is good.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Tennessee Traveler
Nashville, Tennessee, for the night. I barely made it out of Amarillo before the snow moved in. They had to de-ice the plane before we could depart.
I read about 150 pages in the book "Same Kind of Different as Me" on the way out here. It is written by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. It is a MUST read for anyone and everyone. The best way that I know to give you a clue as to what the book is about is to quote from the back cover:
Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together
Tomorrow, the Mid-South Stocker Conference near Burns, Tennessee.
Life is good.
I read about 150 pages in the book "Same Kind of Different as Me" on the way out here. It is written by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. It is a MUST read for anyone and everyone. The best way that I know to give you a clue as to what the book is about is to quote from the back cover:
"A dangerous, homeless drifter who grew up picking
cotton in virtual slavery.
An upscale art dealer accustomed to the world
of Armani and Chanel.
A gutsy woman with a stubborn dream.
A story so incredible no novelist would dare dream it."
It is the story of a friendship between a wealthy, white art dealer and a black man who grew up in rural Louisiana as the orphaned son of a sharecropper. It is an amazing story.
Tomorrow, the Mid-South Stocker Conference near Burns, Tennessee.
Life is good.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Refreshed But Not Rested
Sundays are often very busy days for us. Today was no exception. In fact, it was probably fairly representative. Here's how it went....
7:55 -- Stop at Ministry Center and turn on the coffeepot so it will be ready to make coffee later.
Early Service (Traditional): Sing in the choir. Be there at about 8:00.
Leave Early Service at halftime: Go over to Ministry Center and make coffee and get refreshments ready for Sunday School.
9:45 -- Sunday School starts. Some Sundays I do the music for "The Celebration" which is an alternative Sunday School/Church Service/Small Group function for those who prefer something other than the traditional services.
10:30 -- leave Sunday School because we have to warm up for our Adult Ensemble, B.A.S.I.C. (Brothers and Sisters in Christ), which is singing in the 11:00 service.
11:00 -- Contemporary service -- we usually attend this one.
12:30 -- Lunch
3:00 -- Personnel Committee Meeting -- seems like this happens all too frequently -- lasted 2 hours
5:00 -- B.A.S.I.C. rehearsal
6:00 -- Church
7:30 -- Dinner celebrating the completion of our Truth Project small group (see note below)
9:30 -- home
The Truth Project has been great. It is produced by Focus on the Family and is a DVD series that focuses on the question: "How do you know that what you know is really real?" It seeks to dive into the thinking behind many of the current popularly held beliefs that permeate our culture and how those beliefs compare to what the Bible says. I highly recommend it. Follow the link.
So, am I rested? I must admit that I missed my nap. My "day-of-rest" was full, but I do feel refreshed and ready for the week.
Life is good.
7:55 -- Stop at Ministry Center and turn on the coffeepot so it will be ready to make coffee later.
Early Service (Traditional): Sing in the choir. Be there at about 8:00.
Leave Early Service at halftime: Go over to Ministry Center and make coffee and get refreshments ready for Sunday School.
9:45 -- Sunday School starts. Some Sundays I do the music for "The Celebration" which is an alternative Sunday School/Church Service/Small Group function for those who prefer something other than the traditional services.
10:30 -- leave Sunday School because we have to warm up for our Adult Ensemble, B.A.S.I.C. (Brothers and Sisters in Christ), which is singing in the 11:00 service.
11:00 -- Contemporary service -- we usually attend this one.
12:30 -- Lunch
3:00 -- Personnel Committee Meeting -- seems like this happens all too frequently -- lasted 2 hours
5:00 -- B.A.S.I.C. rehearsal
6:00 -- Church
7:30 -- Dinner celebrating the completion of our Truth Project small group (see note below)
9:30 -- home
The Truth Project has been great. It is produced by Focus on the Family and is a DVD series that focuses on the question: "How do you know that what you know is really real?" It seeks to dive into the thinking behind many of the current popularly held beliefs that permeate our culture and how those beliefs compare to what the Bible says. I highly recommend it. Follow the link.
So, am I rested? I must admit that I missed my nap. My "day-of-rest" was full, but I do feel refreshed and ready for the week.
Life is good.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Not Where Expected
I was supposed to be in Kearney, Nebraska, all day today, but I decided to head home instead. It was snowy and cold with slushy roads for about half of the drive and then it was just cold, misty/foggy for most of the rest of the way. Somewhere between Pampa and Amarillo I drove out of the cloud cover to clear blue skies. That all changed though -- now it is foggy, misting and occasionally thundering.
It's a good thing that I decided to come on home though, it is supposed to snow anywhere from 4 to 6 inches tonight over most of the area that I passed through. I might not have made it home tomorrow if I had waited.
Shortly after arriving at home and surprising my wife by coming in early, we decided to go to the show with some friends. We went to see "The Book of Eli." It was interesting. It was unnecessarily profane. It had some good messages in it. It also had some really "messed up" messages mixed into it. I will leave it at that. If you can stand the violence and profanity, go see it. It was then off to Jorge's for Mexican food. Nothing better than good Tex-Mex to end the week.
Life is good.
It's a good thing that I decided to come on home though, it is supposed to snow anywhere from 4 to 6 inches tonight over most of the area that I passed through. I might not have made it home tomorrow if I had waited.
Shortly after arriving at home and surprising my wife by coming in early, we decided to go to the show with some friends. We went to see "The Book of Eli." It was interesting. It was unnecessarily profane. It had some good messages in it. It also had some really "messed up" messages mixed into it. I will leave it at that. If you can stand the violence and profanity, go see it. It was then off to Jorge's for Mexican food. Nothing better than good Tex-Mex to end the week.
Life is good.
Friday, February 19, 2010
A Coup in Niger
Things became interesting in the country of Niger today. I touched base with a friend of mine who lives in Niamey and he indicated that everything is OK. Below is what he had to say about the coup:
"I'm doing well.The situation is under control.The President lost all his power.The population appreicated the COUP and they are ready to help the military to fullfil the goals of that coup.
The days to come we will go on election to determine who will be the President elect.Tandja is safe and sound.The military is making sure he will not loose his life.That's all I know about the COUP."
It really changes your perspective on things when you've been there. In fact, the governmental crisis which led to today's coup was of real concern while I was in Niger this past summer. I pray that a truly free election and good governance will be the result. That is unlikely in a country where the literacy rate is extremely low and poverty is the norm.
"I'm doing well.The situation is under control.The President lost all his power.The population appreicated the COUP and they are ready to help the military to fullfil the goals of that coup.
The days to come we will go on election to determine who will be the President elect.Tandja is safe and sound.The military is making sure he will not loose his life.That's all I know about the COUP."
It really changes your perspective on things when you've been there. In fact, the governmental crisis which led to today's coup was of real concern while I was in Niger this past summer. I pray that a truly free election and good governance will be the result. That is unlikely in a country where the literacy rate is extremely low and poverty is the norm.
The above photo was taken in a small village about 30 minutes from the capital city of Niamey, Niger, in July, 2009. It illustrates the poverty of the people. The scene is from the village market. (Ignore the Anasari -- white people -- in the picture)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Twice
The challenge of a blog is that you sometimes fall into the rut of just typing nonsensical things -- whatever comes into your head -- just to maintain some consistency in posting. Obviously that is how I am starting out tonight. Until last night it had been far too long since my last post. Now, I'm attempting to change that pattern -- the trouble is, I don't want to be disciplined about writing; I just want to "let it flow" and yet somehow turn out creative or profound.
I spent the afternoon training a couple of individuals for one of our laboratories. Both were very good students and seemed to catch on quickly. That isn't really surprising considering that one is a Veterinarian and the other a Vet Technician. Hopefully they felt as good about the training as I did. Time is the only true test of how well it went.
Being in Nebraska presents one particular challenge for me -- The Omaha World Herald. The newspaper out of Omaha must be one of the most liberal in the country. Sometimes I think there is more common sense among the writers of the New York Times than I see in some of the articles in the Omaha paper. If I was a good journalist I would post specific examples (see yesterday's post) and carefully refute the obviously slanted positions taken by the writers of the articles, but I'm in a lazy mood tonight and don't want to put in the effort, so, I will do like they do and just state an opinion as though it was fact, not research the item carefully but take quotes out of context and "facts" from dubious sources and present them in a way that supports my undisputably correct opinion and then package it in lots of lengthy, run-on sentences that are an attempt to make me sound especially erudite through the use of judiciously sprinkled words that require the "average Joe" to wish he knew what those words meant but is too lazy to seek a Dictionary and look them up and thus remains blissfully ignorant and incorrectly informed into an erroneous opionion based on the lazy journalism of a writer with a leftist agenda that was embedded into their undisciplined brain while attending journalism school in some East-coast, Ivy League, overpriced university.
Did I tell you that it is supposed to snow tonight? Oh, I forgot. Well....it is supposed to snow tonight and possibly continue snowing here through Sunday. I hope I can get home. If I can just make it to Kansas it should be a cinch -- but I probably ought to swing by Cabela's before I leave town and see if they have any ruby-red hiking boots just in case. Clicking the heels on my Ariats probably won't do the job.
Life is good.
I spent the afternoon training a couple of individuals for one of our laboratories. Both were very good students and seemed to catch on quickly. That isn't really surprising considering that one is a Veterinarian and the other a Vet Technician. Hopefully they felt as good about the training as I did. Time is the only true test of how well it went.
Being in Nebraska presents one particular challenge for me -- The Omaha World Herald. The newspaper out of Omaha must be one of the most liberal in the country. Sometimes I think there is more common sense among the writers of the New York Times than I see in some of the articles in the Omaha paper. If I was a good journalist I would post specific examples (see yesterday's post) and carefully refute the obviously slanted positions taken by the writers of the articles, but I'm in a lazy mood tonight and don't want to put in the effort, so, I will do like they do and just state an opinion as though it was fact, not research the item carefully but take quotes out of context and "facts" from dubious sources and present them in a way that supports my undisputably correct opinion and then package it in lots of lengthy, run-on sentences that are an attempt to make me sound especially erudite through the use of judiciously sprinkled words that require the "average Joe" to wish he knew what those words meant but is too lazy to seek a Dictionary and look them up and thus remains blissfully ignorant and incorrectly informed into an erroneous opionion based on the lazy journalism of a writer with a leftist agenda that was embedded into their undisciplined brain while attending journalism school in some East-coast, Ivy League, overpriced university.
Did I tell you that it is supposed to snow tonight? Oh, I forgot. Well....it is supposed to snow tonight and possibly continue snowing here through Sunday. I hope I can get home. If I can just make it to Kansas it should be a cinch -- but I probably ought to swing by Cabela's before I leave town and see if they have any ruby-red hiking boots just in case. Clicking the heels on my Ariats probably won't do the job.
Life is good.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)