The Suitor Came Calling Part II

The Suitor Came Calling Part II

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 There was no shortage of attendees at the 50th wedding anniversary party for Thomas and Barbara Mason last Saturday. Their reception was held at the church across the street from the preacher’s home, where they exchanged vows on June 10th, 1960. We all visited with family members whom we have not seen for several years. That was especially gratifying. About midway into the reception I noticed my mother-in-law visiting with some Hispanic guests whom I did not know. She eagerly…

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The Suitor Came Calling: Part I

The Suitor Came Calling: Part I

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In January of 1960, Thomas Mason purchased a farm near Friona, in the Texas Panhandle. The old farmhouse most likely constructed in the 1920’s, and situated on the half section of land. He was almost like a young pioneer trying to get established in the farming business. How enjoyable could that be without a suitable partner? Living on the farm alone was about to change. He learned from his neighbors across the road that there was a single girl who…

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Friends Don’t Let Friends Eat Fast Food…

Friends Don’t Let Friends Eat Fast Food…

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 Professional golfer Phil Micklelson is a fan of Five Guys Burgers. In fact Lefty was quoted as saying: “That place is so good. I can’t stop going there.” I am quite sure that Five Guys is a great place to eat a burger, but it is obvious that Phil has never eaten at Grumps in Granbury or Stephenville. Grumps features the best burger in the state of Texas, as far as I am concerned. One of the signs on the…

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A Summer of Reunions-Part I

A Summer of Reunions-Part I

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 I can’t believe it has been over 25 years. In the spring of 1985, we packed up our meager belongings and moved to Abilene, TX. Neither one of us had jobs.  We had been married less than a year. We unloaded our rental truck over the weekend and went to turn it in first thing Monday morning at Anthony’s Fina and Wrecker Service. Little did we know that an important chapter in our married life was about to opened. The…

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A Blessed Burden…

A Blessed Burden…

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 My friend and colleague Dan Bouchelle will remain, in my estimation, a preacher’s preacher. I first became acquainted with Dan when both us began a doctoral program together ten years ago almost to the day. When I began the program, I was concerned that the cohort would be comprised of stuffy, humorless and whiny ministers. My fears were unjustified. Dan has a sense of humor that no one will ever replicate and our fellow students were as twisted as I…

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El Camino de La Muerte (The Road of Death…)

El Camino de La Muerte (The Road of Death…)

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 I really do prefer the path of least resistance. I never was the student naturally inclined to take advanced placement courses, or do any work that was not required. My 5th grade teacher forced me to take the so called optional challenge spelling test every week. I prefer to accomplish my feats the easiest way possible. This week I was introduced to the North Yungas Road in Bolivia. It is also commonly referred to as: El Camino de la Muerte,…

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There is a Redneck Among Us…

There is a Redneck Among Us…

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 My favorite Jeff Foxworthy redneck joke has always been the one about the man who is walking to school with his little boy because both of them are in the same grade. All three of my boys like Jeff Foxworthy, but none of them have ever seen the humor in that particular joke. I think deep down there was a deep seated fear that such a scenario might actually come true. Their concern may have been justified… Randall is taking…

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Memorial Day Reflections

Memorial Day Reflections

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How fitting.  L. G. Lacy’s funeral service was held in Ft. Worth last Friday. Mr. Lacy, a veteran of World War II, was buried with full military honors Friday afternoon following a very moving service honoring his life. I make no excuses. I am more than just a little partial to the veterans of World War II. Mr. Lacy’s military service mirrored the integrity and dedication that is so characteristic of members of the Greatest Generation. He served as Chief…

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In Memory of Alyssa Dix

In Memory of Alyssa Dix

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 My confidence in the basic decency of people was renewed at Granbury High School’s Commencement Friday night. I was of course the proud father of a son graduating. But my mind has been on another family for weeks now, as graduation and other senior year events have unfolded. My heart has been with the Dix family. Alyssa Dix would have graduated with the rest of the class of 2010 from Granbury High School Friday night. She was killed in a…

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Reflections on Graduation

Reflections on Graduation

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 I know they have it before, but I am going to say it again tomorrow morning. Young parents hear all of the time: Enjoy your children now, because they are going to grow up so fast! After you have heard it a few hundred times, you just don’t give it much thought. But it is true. Daniel was born very early in the morning on May 22nd, 1992. In fact he was born at shift change for the nursing staff….

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