Driving to town to eat breakfast at 6:30 every Tuesday morning is a stretch for me. Tuesday is technically my “Monday”, so it is always a very full day. I joined the Optimist Club of Granbury almost 6 years ago, so most Tuesdays I try to get in gear a little earlier than usual. I was a Rotarian prior to moving to Granbury, but was drawn to The Optimist Club here because of the emphasis placed on serving children in…
Jordan Spieth is my hero of the week. The 16 year old Dallas high school student made professional golf headlines this week when he made the cut at the HP Byron Nelson Championship. Only last week he was playing in the state high school golf championship. Spieth came within a few strokes of the lead Sunday afternoon before finishing his final round at two over par for a #16 spot. He charmed the galleries and seasoned pro golfers alike over…
I was playing a round of golf by myself the other day when I caught up to a threesome playing just ahead of me. I noticed as I approached the hole that they were off in the trees searching for their balls. The course where I play is very tight. There is little room for forgiveness, when it comes to errant tee shots. The frustrated players motioned for me to go on and hit. I really don’t like to do…
Ready or not life moves on. Last night we went to the choir concert at Acton Middle School. Our youngest son sang a solo of the Beatle’s classic, “Let it Be.” I marveled at his obvious musical ability. He and his brothers are no doubt thankful that they inherited their mother’s musical abilities. Sometime during that concert it hit me. That event was the last middle school activity that I will attend. Mitchell moves on to high school status next…
Andrew is my new hero. While visiting a neighbor, five-year-old Andrew pulled out his kindergarten class picture and immediately began describing each classmate. “This is Robert; he hits everyone. This is Stephen. He never listens to the teacher. This is Mark. He chases us and is very noisy.” Pointing to his picture, Andrew commented, “And this is me. I’m just sitting here minding my own business.” I like this kid. He represents the all too human tendency we posses to…
Accidents do happen. And we have had two in a row here at the Knox Manor. Of course the drivers in my house were at fault. I can’t say anything, because I was one of the drivers this particular go around. Thankfully no one was injured in either mishap. I received a letter today from the underwriting department at my insurance company. It seems they are none too happy with me. I am a big boy and I take bad…
One of the more recent quotes floating around on facebook these days is: If you hurt my daughter, I will make your death look like an accident. I am fully aware of the fact that my humor is warped, but I love that quote! It reflects the degree of loyalty that we feel toward our children. We can’t help but love people who love our kids. That is an important principle of life! And the opposite is true as well….
As I prepare my thoughts for baccalaureate this week, I can’t help but think of my own senior year in high school. And that of course triggers thoughts of our upcoming reunion in July. Thirty years have gone under the bridge. It does not seem possible. I am going to sign up to attend the festivities, but not without reservation. Several images continue to flash across the screen of my conscious thoughts. I just know that I will be the…
My friend and ministry colleague Dan Bouchelle recently wrote an essay on his blogspot reflecting on his sentiments of being a minister who grew up in a preacher’s home. It was very enlightening to me, because not only did I not grow up as a preacher’s kid, but I can count on one hand the number of times we went to church during my childhood. His background has made his professional experience much different than mine. What has ministry…
Last week I received an invitation to be the speaker at the annual baccalaureate service that Granbury’s Ministerial Alliance hosts at the high school each year the Sunday prior to graduation. I was touched to be asked. It was a nice gesture for my colleagues to consider me, since I have a son graduating this year. Reality soon hit all too hard. It soon occurred to that I have about 10 days to come up with something that will resonate…