Opportunity to write

It's been sometime since my last blog entry, due to the lack of anything relevant to say. You've had those times, when you have to sit and wait on God, inspiration, or the right subject to peel back the veil of uncertainty to get the keys pounding or the pencil/pen writing.

This time, it came as a result of being home from church with a nagging cold that won't go away. I read through the sports section of my local newspaper, and discovered the sports editor wanted someone from our community to be a regular contributor, either as part of the local recreational sports scene, or based on approval, in a sports area of interest you have knowledge.

As I sat there and read the article, it reminded me of my goal for my future: to have a career as a writer. So this morning, I sent an email and expressed my interest. The article even suggested that based on contribution, there might be some pay involved as well. And when you're wanting to get your writing career off the ground, some pay is better than no pay.

Now, all I can do is wait and see if my email stands out ahead of the pack. Thanks to all of you who read about my ramblings and comment on my entries.

Happy New Year!

We are now four days into a new decade. And in the last ten years, the world has changed in some ways, but has stayed the same in others. For one, the twin towers of the World Trade Center fell at the hands of terrorists; signaling a new war for America to fight. Another is the United States has fought this War on Terror in two foreign countries as well as on its home soil.

Still even further change, the political landscape of our country has changed-electing its first African-American as President, who worked towards rebuilding our prosperity by going into debt and bailing out US companies who would have climbed out of their slump eventually. This in light of attempting to provide universal healthcare coverage with no way of paying for it or a way for Americans to buy without being penalized for refusing to have it.

We've also seen changes in our sports arenas; gaudy and monstrous stadiums for every sport imaginable. Not to mention the quality of play for some of these sports genres to include the possibility of an NFL (National Football League) lockout. Even so, football at the colligate level has involved instant replay to ensure officials are calling the game properly.

High school football saw my alma-mater, Abilene High School in Abilene, TX, win its first state football championship in 53 years. Add to that, my daughter attended this game in San Antonio and will soon graduate this spring. All in all, this past decade has seen changes, and not doubt the changes will keep coming!

I Hate Old Injuries!

In September of 2002, I was hit by a truck, while walking. Yes, this is in a previous blog entry, but what is new today, is one of those forecasting, nagging conditions that popped up. My right thigh and lower back told me I was getting old. A day or two prior to a cold front coming into town, my lower back started yelling at me (and I thought it was just a simple muscle strain).

I guess it was much worse, because now where my right thigh was shattered, it is now joining the lower back discomfort in the pain chorus (I think the Lord knows some of us really hate getting old; and He knew I'd really hate it!). So all I can do is take pain meds, put 'Icy Hot' on the inflamed areas, and just try to relax...moving around a bit. At least this gives me time to write and reconnect with some friends I've neglected for some time.

Car Woes No More...For Now

When you discover it is a simple thing that keeps you from doing things you need to do, you tend to beat yourself up, look in the mirror, and call the person in the mirror an idiot. This happened to me; which I spent $24.00 over two weeks for something as simple as a loose radiator drain plug! And yes my friends, I do feel like an idiot!

But on one hand, I feel incredibly blessed. If I had not uttered my car woes as a prayer request at our Care group meeting, I'd never known one of my brothers in Christ has a great mechanical gift. And the fact I had a fallen tree limb he could use for camping firewood, helped us get to know one another better.

What do I take from this two week ordeal of being without a vehicle: the knowledge that God can use simple little concerns to bring two men of God together and cement them as brothers.

Wilma and her 35th HS Reunion

Wilma had a blast! There were folks there she hadn't seen since graduation. I was thrilled for her. At least one classmate she hasn't seen in 30 years came back. Brenda Anderson Keith came as a result of a leap of faith Wilma took in March of 2009. When Wilma saw her, it was like finding a long, lost sibling. I thought that hug would last until judgment day. We met her husband Bruce that evening at the dinner Saturday. He was very thankful that Wilma took the risk and wrote that life-changing letter. All in all, it was a weekend to remember.

Car Goes Poof!

Cars break down, they get fixed. But when a car's engine compartment catches on fire, usually there is nothing anyone can do except sit helplessly and watch it burn. I'm at the point now to where everything is an accident, a trial, or some other challenge that must be endured.

I know God works everything out for the good of those who love Him, and who are called according to His purpose. I also know what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger; but right now,I have too many dents in my armor, too many wounds to lick, too little patience to care. The only reason why I'm saying all of this is...I needed to vent.

Venting is freeing, venting lowers blood pressure, and venting keeps you from punching your fist into a wall, regardless if it hurts or not.

The Jesus in You

Q: How do you tell a Christian apart from the rest?
A: By their fruit.

Now here is the big question, how do you tell a Christian online versus someone who is just an amateur psychologist? Here is your answer; by their cyber-fruit. Let me explain: in the last three weeks, my friends online have asked for my advice or for prayer; even when I have other things to do.

But what I have learned is to temper the lots of this advice with God's word to emphasize the importance of the need for God's direction; regardless if they ask me, or the Lord. When I get asked about hypothetical situations, or when someone's spouse goes way out to left field in the relationship, it's extremely difficult to not bring Jesus or any of his Apostles into the discussion. And to further give counsel without tempering that counsel with God's word is foolish.

So if you ask to talk to me in IM; and you have a moral dilemma or you have one of those nagging relationship questions about your boyfriend/girlfriend or spouse-remember, God will be introduced to you in some fashion.