SON OF A PREACHER

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-26T22:45:00.006-06:00

It was a great Thanksgiving day here in San Antonio. The weather was beautiful, the food was fantastic and the naps were just right. Preacher's Wife and I enjoyed having Marlie, Andrew and Logan with us this year. This was Logan's second Thanksgiving. He was only a week old last year. So you probably know he was a lot of fun to watch. Tomorrow we're all going to go our separate ways, me to London, the kids back to Fort Worth to get ready for the big TCU football game on Saturday. Preacher's wife will then have two weeks to rest, relax and recuperate. Thought you might enjoy the pictures.

London Bound...

2009-11-25T12:59:00.006-06:00

Big Ben and Parliament
We're looking forward to enjoying Thanksgiving tomorrow with Marlie, Andrew, and Logan. On Friday I leave for London for my last international trip of the year. Four million miles in the air and I still enjoy traveling. It can be a hassle at times getting through customs and security. Then there is flight delays, irritable people, and trouble with airplanes. But in the grand scope of life and travel these things are minor as well as few and far between. The benefits outweigh the hassle. The beautiful places and people we've been able to see and things we've experienced far exceed any trouble we have ever had.

I will be staying with my friends Ron and Gretel Hibbert in Watford which is outside of London. While there I will be ministering at Watford Community Church for the week and enjoying spending time with Pastor Tim and Helen Roberts. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

SLINGBOX SOLO

2009-11-17T03:37:00.010-06:00

Yes, I did it again. Most of you know I have a fetish [ |ˈfeti sh | noun • a course of action to which one has an excessive and irrational commitment. When it comes to technology I love all kinds of new gadgets. This week I was thinking about having to be overseas after Thanksgiving when some of the best college football would be aired at home. I began to wonder if there was any way to watch my favorite teams? So I went to Google and here is what I found: Slingmedia

This company has introduced the new Slingbox SOLO that connects to a standard definition or high definition cable box (example: DirectTV), enabling users to view home cable, satellite or digital video recorder (DVR) programming on PCs, laptops, Macs, and my iphone from anywhere in the world via an Internet connection.

I couldn't help myself. I bought it. It was so reasonable, especially when you consider I will take it out of Preacher's Wife's grocery money this month. I will get back with you on how that works out.

"WE'LL SEE!"

2009-11-12T15:29:00.004-06:00

I love sports! I love just about all sports with the exception of Cricket. I don't hate Cricket, it just never seemed right to play the same match for four days and still not have a winner. My sport of choice and enjoyment is football and basketball, and on the college level to be more specific. I pretty much will watch any game if the two teams are equally matched. I don't like run away games.

My team is TCU. You may ask, Why? Well, it's the school that almost financially did me in. It's the school our youngest daughter graduated from. Yes I know they are in the Mountain West and it's a weaker conference and so forth and so on. But this year I am convinced they could give any team from the big six conferences a run for their money on a good day and maybe any day.

I think this Saturday's game will further validate the Mountain West and TCU in particular in terms of being competitive with other conferences. Of course, as an old man once told me, "WE'LL SEE"

The Faithful Few are still Few and Faithful...

2009-11-11T14:27:00.004-06:00

I noticed again that I haven't posted in over a week. I also noticed the number of the faithful few who checked to see if I have had a thought or a reason to blog. I know I don't need to make excuses but I realize some need to hear some. So, I have been on the go for several weeks without stopping. The last two weeks I have been sick while on the go. Does everyone feel better now that I have told you I have been very busy and sick to boot. Tomorrow Preacher's Wife leaves me at home while she goes on the road for a few days. THEREFORE, I will blog sometime tomorrow. My love to all the faithful.

KINDLE UPDATE

2009-11-03T14:22:00.005-06:00

I thought this would be a good time to give an update or review on my new wireless Kindle reading device from Amazon. As most of you know I am an avid reader (usually anywhere from 2 to 4 books a week). Several months ago I took my 1000 book library to the used book store and got rid of 7 bookshelves in my office. Preacher's Wife was thrilled but I have to admit I had and am still having withdrawals. Just this morning I was thinking of a book that I wanted to re-read, so I headed upstairs to my office to get the book only to realize it wasn't there. Just thinking about it being gone disturbed me. I marched back downstairs and picked up my Kindle and began to read and before long a nice calm settled over me. So the answer having experienced all this today, is YES, I love my Kindle. I will not go back to paper books unless I am forced to. The Kindle and others like her makes for a clean, neat office and a nice wooded forest. That is is not to mention the peace and harmony I get from pleasing Preacher's Wife.

Beautiful Sunset

2009-10-26T07:43:00.003-05:00

Albuquerque is fast becoming one of my favorite cities. I guess like every city and every state it has it problems but since I only visit I just choose to see the beauty and the good all around. I love the people of New Mexico. They are as proud about their state almost as much as Texans. Ha! Anyway New Mexico has some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I was there this past weekend and had a wonderful time. You might consider following me at CFI Connection on Monday's because I try to post a picture of some beautiful place I have visited. Headed home today. Have a great week.

Baffin Bay Weekend...

2009-10-19T14:01:00.001-05:00

Anne and I spent this past weekend at Baffin Bay with our long time friends John and Janet Magee from Harlingen. Baffin Bay is about an hour south of Corpus Christi or 25 miles south of Kingsville, Texas. It’s on the Texas Gulf Coast. We camped at the Sea Wind RV Resort. It was a leisurely weekend. We visited and had our fill of wonderful seafood. While there we dined at Kings Inn as well as Baffin Bay Cafe. Both of these places have great seafood. This was one beautiful sunset.

Los Lunas Sunrise

2009-10-12T06:01:00.004-05:00

I was in Los Lunas, New Mexico this past weekend visiting one of the churches we give oversight to. Los Lunas is a small town south of Albuquerque on I-25. It was great being with Mark and Lisa. On Saturday we drove to Ruidoso to spend the day and to look at some property. While there I usually stay with them on their small horse ranch. Sunday morning while enjoying my coffee I was able to capture this beautiful sunrise. There is nothing quite like a New Mexico sunrise or sunset. I am heading back to Albuquerque in a couple of weeks to be with my friends Eddie and Mary Ann Howard. That place can be addicting.

Cool Little Man...

2009-10-02T08:23:00.003-05:00

First time parents seem to take a lot of pictures of their first born. Marlie and Andrew are no exception. The invention of the mobile phone with a built in camera and the internet have made it possible to pass along pictures effortlessly. I thought I would pass along a picture of "cool Logan" - sleeves turned up and all. Obviously this was his first 15 minutes at day care.

Go Frogs Go!!!!

2009-09-20T17:16:00.004-05:00

Preacher's Wife and I just got home from the Rio Grande Valley. We took a quick trip there this weekend to do a wedding and to preach at CFC McAllen. It was good to see our granddaughters Lauren and Lenzy even though it was a very short visit. A hug and a kiss was about it. When we got home we had some new pictures of Logan who attended his first TCU game. Marlie said he seemed to enjoy himself but at this time he's just a one quarter guy. I'm sure that will change with time.

It's gonna be a slow day...

2009-09-18T07:33:00.003-05:00

It's gonna be a slow day and I have nothing really to write or post about so I thought I would post some pictures of one of my hobbies which is decorating and working in my back yard. Preacher's Wife says I always have to be doing something new or different. I can't just leave well enough alone. She's right, but it's cheaper than therapy - it allows for more peace and quiet in her life as well as a happy marriage.

A great weekend...

2009-09-08T09:32:00.006-05:00

Preacher's WIfe and I spent the weekend in McAllen, Texas. I was there ministering at CFC where our son and his wife pastor. We got to spend a little time on Saturday with our granddaughters Lauren and Lenzy. It is always good when we are able to be with grandchildren. We are blessed to have six wonderful grandchildren. I thought you might enjoy seeing an updated picture of Lauren and Lenzy.

A fishing we did go.

2009-09-04T08:41:00.018-05:00

I have spent this week in the Rio Grande Valley. I've had a very enjoyable time. I arrived on Tuesday afternoon and had dinner with the elders of CFC Harlingen Tuesday night. On Wednesday evening I spoke to all the men of the church. Early Thursday morning I went fishing with some friends in the bay at Port Mansfield. It has been some time since I was able to get away and fish. It was a good day for fishing since we all caught our limit of trout and was home by noon.
On Thursday evening I went to Mexico and preached for my spiritual son Andy Esquivel. Today "Alumination" (my home on the road) and I will move over to McAllen where Anne and I will be with our son and family this weekend. We're looking forward to this as well as returning home to San Antonio for Labor day.

Almost finished...

2009-08-28T04:57:00.002-05:00

My son-in-law Michael flew in from Denver to spend a few days, so He helped me with the project. I like doing a few more things but we are 90% finished. It was super hot outside in the direct afternoon sun but the tile guys worked through it and did a great job. I've got to go for a few days now but will return soon to finish.

Always looking for something to do...

2009-08-24T09:03:00.007-05:00

Preacher's Wife would tell you I'm a nightmare to live with if you just want to leave things the way they are. She says when I am at home resting and relaxing I'm always looking for some kind of change or addition to make, usually to the house. We had last week off so after studying and organizing our fall schedule I sat down on the porch for a minute or two to rest, and another project was birthed. We started Friday having the porch tiled, and the outdoor furniture cleaned and painted. We did this thinking that in December it might be cool enough to sit outside and enjoy. It doesn't seem feasible that we will be sitting outside in the near future. It looks like another week in the 100's.

Musicians in the Making...

2009-08-22T08:38:00.004-05:00

I just got a link to YouTube of our granddaughter Lauren singing the Taylor Swift song 'Hey Stephen'. Her dad has been working with her and her sister Lenzy. I believe with his diligence and their disicipline and hard work he will have him two musicians before it is over.

9 months old

2009-08-20T16:35:00.007-05:00

I am amazed at how time flies. It seems like just a few days ago Preacher's Wife and I were in Fort Worth waiting for the birth of Marlie and Andrew's firstborn. Today he is 9 months old. Logan, I can hardly believe you are nine months old. You are one handsome dude. I will see you next weekend.
Love you, Poppy

Guilt Trip International

2009-08-19T15:49:00.003-05:00

Someone told me in jest that their mother was a booking agent for Guilt Trip International. Maybe it wasn't in jest. It seems like there are those who enjoy sending others on guilt trips while others seem to enjoy going on guilt trips. I heard someone recently on a soap box preaching about how life is precious and time is valuable and how we should feel guilty for wasting our time. I will agree with THE BOOK that life is short and it's like a vapor that appears for a short time then vanishes. I also agree that time is a valuable commodity. But I think many instead of using every moment to live and enjoy life (God, family, friends, work, and recreation) waste time by living with guilt, shame and condemnation. They sit around and beat themselves up for not being a better person and doing more. It's not enough that some feel bad about it but they want everybody else to feel bad as well. I heard all this as I was evaluating the time I spend blogging. I was looking back over the past four years, the 437 post, and the 41,205 visitors that have visited my site. I was thinking maybe I could have spent or invested my time in much better ways. After thinking about it for 10 seconds I decided for me this has not been a waste, nor has it necessairly been life-changing for anyone. It has been less time than I would have spent in therapy. It has been for me a way to journal, to let off steam and get rid of stress. I already feel better just posting this.

Gone Fishing

2009-08-11T06:42:00.012-05:00

Since Monday was our day of rest, Pastor Barry and I while in Guatemala decided that we would go deep sea fishing. We heard that the Pacific Coast of Guatemala is the "Sailfishing Capital of the World," and has the largest concentration of Sailfish anywhere on the planet . It is well known as a fisherman's paradise. Even though the season for the best Sailfishing was already past we still wanted the experience. It was a great and profitable trip. I caught my first Sailfish, Barry caught a Wahoo, and we each caught some nice Dolphin fish. We gave the fish to the orphanage but kept out a couple of filets for the chef at our hotel to prepare a nice fish dinner for us and our wives. What can I say other than it was a great day from beginning to end.

Antigua, Guatemala

2009-08-07T10:42:00.011-05:00

Preacher's Wife and I leave tomorrow for Guatemala City, Guatemala. The church we founded in Harlingen have been working with missionaries and supporting an orphanage in Antigua outside Guatemala City for several years now. I am long overdue for visiting the orphanage and seeing the good work that is being done there. We will be traveling with Barry and Susan Jackson who pastor Christian Fellowship Church in Harlingen. I am not sure we will be able to post pictures and give an update of our trip while we're there. You may want to check back the first of next week. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

AGE: Admit vs Act

2009-08-03T06:25:00.008-05:00

You would think at my age I would know better than to comment on Facebook about people (primarily women) refusing to give their birth year. I always thought age represented various and numerous rich life experiences as well as wisdom to share. I do know the media has been used to effect our culture, telling everyone they would look and feel better and be more accepted if they were young, attractive and thin. I do understand the need to be healthy and feel better, but I am not sure how refusing to give my age has anything to do with that. Look, I am all for looking nice, feeling better, and being healthier, but come on, age is only a number. It's a number to be proud of if we have matured. In fact acceptance is something one needs to believe and receive for themselves not based on looks, size or feelings. So let's put the birth year issue behind us. The good news is that you are accepted by God on the basis of his love and grace, and not your size and face. The older and more mature one gets, the more secure they should become in this fact. And this is wisdom.

Unimpressed...

2009-07-28T05:24:00.005-05:00

This past weekend our two daughters were home. Amy came from Denver with her daughter Chloe, and Marlie from Ft. Worth with Logan. They all rendezvoused here in San Antonio. Marlie and her husband went off camping with friends and Logan was entertained and waited on hand and foot by his aunt Amy, cousin Chloe and nonny. On Saturday evening they took Logan to church at Uncle Rick's place and thought he would enjoy a ride on the big beautiful carousel that sits in the foyer of the church. Logan was unimpressed. I have this feeling that he had rather be camping or hunting or anywhere outdoors. I guess time will tell.

Meet Miss Kindle

2009-07-22T07:46:00.005-05:00

Some hate her and others love her... But as for me, I feel a deep affection for her. Most everyone knows I love and will try any new technological gadget that comes along. Well, this week I broke down and bought the new Amazon Kindle 2. Before you criticize her you need to read about her and maybe find a friend who has one and try her out (mine is busy now). Especially if you are a big time reader.

Even though I love new gadgets I was not turned on by her at first. That was until I saw, and handled her. I will agree that her up front cost is steep. But since I read a couple of books a week and Preacher's Wife is always making me carry a box or two of books to the used book store she is going to work for me. In the long run I will save money, the forest, and Preacher's Wife will be happy with me. Trust me that is the most important thing. These days Miss Kindle serves me by carrying at least 3 or 4 books, plus my sermon notes and 3 translations of the Bible. She has the capacity to carry up to 1500 books, plus daily newspapers, periodicals and some background music. So you can see my briefcase is much lighter. Miss Kindle and I are going away to Houston this weekend while Preacher's Wife stays home and babysits grandchildren.

What A Great Weekend...

2009-07-20T04:21:00.011-05:00

This past weekend was very enjoyable. It was full of activity and travel but still a blast. It was Preacher's Wife's birthday but we were able to kill two birds with one stone so to speak. She had a girlfriends outing and I needed to be in McAllen on Sunday morning at the church our son and daugher-in-law pastor. Therefore, we went our separate ways for a few hours. We were able to rendezvous before the special day was over.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself on my brief trip to the Valley. I was able to see and have dinner with my two granddaughters Lauren and Lenzy, and their dad Saturday evening. Then on Sunday morning I was pleased to see that Lauren had been added to the worship team. She is a young upcoming musician like her dad was years ago. I am proud of all of my grandchildren and the different stages they are in, but was somewhat blown away by Lauren's maturity and musical talent. I know I shouldn't be surprised, but when you only see them four or five times a year they can really grow up fast. Lenzy, Lauren's little sister is the dancer, I hope I am there soon when she is performing. Lauren my hat is off to you today. I believe your future is bright and that God has some special plans for you.
Love both you girls,
Poppy