Running Ahead: A Tribute to Helen Kimbro What it would it be like to be in the 5th grade again? There actually are events that occurred during my 5th grade year at Wind Point Elementary School that still stand out to me, but they are becoming fewer and fewer as the years go by. Earlier this week I had a conversation with a gentleman who is a few years my senior regarding events that took place when he was in…
George and Louise Jefferson along with their son Lionel moved in across the street from my family on 81st in Lubbock when I was in high school. Do you remember George and Louise? They were introduced to us on national television, when they moved in next door to the ultimate bigot, Archie Bunker. Actor Carroll O’Connor was masterful in his portrayal of Archie. It was just poetic justice that Archie have someone of a different race living right next door!…
I realized this afternoon after the first day of school was completed that I am not going to be voted dad of the year. As a parent, you never quite know what that fateful date on the annual calendar will bring to your children. This year I have one son beginning his final year as undergraduate student. And then I have another son who is starting his freshman year in college. My youngest is beginning his freshman year in high…
Last Sunday I preached a sermon based on the beatitude in Scripture: Blessed are the Merciful, for they will be shown mercy. In response to the thoughts I shared, one of my dear ladies at church, who works on one of the campuses in the school system here, shared this story. I found it inspiring and felt it needed to be passed on! Mercy in a School Cafeteria A young lady came into my office at the high school, as…
God works in mysterious ways that are well beyond human comprehension. Eight years ago I auditioned for a role in a stage production of The Secret Garden. Daniel was 10 years old at the time. Somehow I talked him into reading for a part as well. That was in June of 2002. Not along after both of us read for roles there were events that took place in our extended family that were unpleasant and disruptive. I would love to…
I live at the _________Home for Children. They put me there, because my mom is not supposed to know where I am…. Friday afternoon I drove a van load of boys back from Royal Family Kids Camp here in Granbury. Most of the 78 volunteers who direct, counsel, coordinate crafts, and otherwise pull off RFKC here in this area worship at the church, where I serve as preaching minister. Royal Family Kids Camps are the nation’s leading network of camps…
In 1987, country singer Steve Wariner recorded a song entitled “Small Town Girl” Here is the portion of the lyrics that won’t embarrass my sweet little bride. (The rest of the lyrics are awesome too by the way.) Hot coffee and the sound of her sweet voice callinCountry station on the kitchen radio That’s how I know there’s still a little magic in this crazy world.. There ain’t nothin like the love of a small town girl He is right….
My wife, Jan, is my guest blogger today. The funeral service for her granddad, Tom OBrian, was in Friona this past Tuesday. Her thoughts today serve as a tribute to his life. Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. My granddad died this past weekend at the age of 95. As I listened to my family’s memories of him, I was reminded of this reading from Proverbs. Papo, as we fondly…
A few weeks ago I attended an 80th birthday party with Jan honoring a gentleman at church. He recently moved into a very upscale independent living retirement facility. The same complex also includes assisted living services in another building. The company should rename it: “Retiring in Style.” It is a first rate place to be during that time in life. I jokingly told Jan that our boys would eagerly place her in a facility just like that in her golden…
It must be the week to make friends in random cafes. Tuesday morning I chatted with total strangers in Garland’s Waffle House on Interstate 30 just east of downtown Dallas. I spoke early this morning at a law enforcement conference in Brenham, not too far from Houston. On the way home, we stopped to eat at a little mom and pop eatery in the middle of nowhere. The name of the place is the Hiway 77 Café. It is a…