Christmas 2005

It may have been one of the greatest I have celebrated. I don't think I have a scale, but it was a wonderful celebration with all my family, friends, and loved ones. Thanks to everyone who gave and I hope you were blessed as I was. More details to come, but I wanted to write that I am flying out Monday morning at 7:55am to NYC with Kari and her family. The trip outline looks wonderful and have even heard that there is snow. For those of you who maybe unfamiliar with the word snow, that is the white cold stuff that collects in the Northern regions of the country (not central Texas). Brrr! Talk to you soon with plenty of stories. Till than, good night or morning.

Reindeer Prancing on the Roof?

This is my first blog on a Christmas Eve. I pause in between words listening for the feet of the reindeer, but am let down by the lack of sound. As I get together all the gifts I bought for my family, I thought, "what a pain it is to do all the "pretty" work and to see it all torn apart." Than I remember, to be of good cheer, for the simple gift I sat and wrapped does not compare to that of which our Father in heaven provided. In Isaiah 7:14 it states, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." God desired for us to have a relationship with Him, but because of sin we were separated from God. His plan was to have His son bare our sins on the cross, and it is written, "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). Some thirty years later, Jesus' ministry began and eventually led to His death on the cross. Death would not be the end of the story because three days later He was resurrected and ascended into heaven. So, don't forget what the "happy holiday" is about, Jesus is the gift from God, Merry Christmas.

Merry Merry Christmas

That is what it is...a Merry Merry Christmas. It is not snowing, nor is it really cold, but it is a great season for celebrating the birth of our Lord. Lights are 'aglow all over town, Santa hats are in style, and families are gathering to celebrate. Yesterday I celebrated the Burnett Family Christmas. Kari joined me in attending the celebration, I think all had a great time and enjoyed the evening. The evening was complete after an eight person game of dominoes, also known as Train. The player builds a train of the eleven dominoes he draws from the pile, and if he cannot complete his train, has to put his train up. Anyway, you can help people or hurt people, and the evening was filled with fun games. I hope that each of you have a safe and wonderful Christmas. Talk to you later. Merry Christmas!

Quiet People

I ride the bus to and from the parking lot on campus. I see many different types people on the bus and what catches my attention most are the quiet people. This category of people I am referring to are the people who sit down on the bus next to you and don't say a word. Not only do they not speak, but they try not to look anyone in the eyes. By no means am I an expert, but I find this trend disturbing. I hate to see such an individualist style of life. I don't know if that is the correct terminology, but maybe it is extra individualism. Reading the bible and gleaning what I can from the scriptures, we should be talking and spreading joy to everyone. Not only spreading joy, but talking about the scriptures with one another. Also questioning things we just can't grasp, and asking the Lord to help where we lack understanding. I love to sit next to these people and start a conversation. At first they are hesitant, but most open up and share details of there life. I would encourage everyone to talk to everyone you see, sharing the joy and love that we find in our relationship with Christ. And for those of you quiet people, sorry, I just want to have a little conversation. As John writes in 2nd John he states,"I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete" (2 John 1:12). We can bring one another joy, with God's love through our conversations, so keep that in mind when you are talking, or just being quiet.

School is Out, Officially Now!

I got my paper turned in and headed to Kingsland with Stan. We worked on a PA that was recently installed and did a consultation. The Hill Country in Texas is beautiful. The trees were green, yellow, and orange throughout the wooded area we traveled yesterday. On the way home we saw at least twenty deer on the side of the road. Sometimes we forget what a beautiful place we have to live. Speaking of the road, I will be the road for a few days, I made a trip to Milano to see Kari today. I will be getting up early and going to Elgin to catch up with Brett, the sound guy. Than, we will leave Elgin heading to Temple for a Kevin Fowler setup. After the show and tear down our next stop is Austin for a setup at Applied Materials. Hopeful some where along the way, I will catch a few winks. Sadly, I will be missing the youth on Wednesday night, but currently the pocketbook is very thin. In other news, my Fantasy Football Team, the Jackalopes made the playoffs. Catch you in a few days.

Let me See, Let me Think

Usually most professors give you this paperwork at the beginning of the semester that outlines the class. Therein lies important dates, page numbers, etc. I think it is known as a syllabus. Yes, that is it. It would have been important if I took a look at mine and realized my final paper was not due till Monday. Well I guess I will have the weekend to proof it and make it super clean in order to pull a sweet A. Hope everyone is well. Don't forget to Christmas shop...cause it is right around the corner. Oh, and if you have a syllabus, remember to check it every now and again. Bye bye.

One Test Down and a Paper to Go

I am on the final lap. Entering the last inning. The 4th quarter has began. The 3rd period is about to begin...the fat lady is about to sing. Yes, school is almost over. I completed my test and even got to do an evaluation on the worst professor at Texas State. It made the class worth while by filling out that evaluation. Hopeful some of my considerations will be put into action (for those of you just now tuning in, I am talking about a profesor that I have blogged about, see previous blog). Well, that is all I have for today.

School is Almost Over

I love school, but I have done so much reading this sememster that I am ready for a little break. That is funny, I just wrote, "I love school," remembering that I do seem to be on the 10 year plan. I am currently reading Green Grass, Running Water by Thomas King. I am uncertain how describe it, but do find it an easy read and entertaining. I have to complete it tonight and be tested on it tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. pending weather. The University of Texas has moved the start of school back, but not Texas State so we'll see if I will be heading into San Marcos early tomorrow morning. That is all I have for now...stay warm.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

I enjoyed having the pleasure of being the host in the children's Christmas Musical entitled Christmas in Reverse. It was a wonderful time. I pulled the old black jacket out of the closet, dusted it off, and got all dressed up. I made some index cards of my lines, just in case, and headed up to the church for rehearsal. During rehearsal I completely messed up my lines and all the children made fun of me. The show went fine, I only messed up once, but recovered nicely with some lines that were similar to what I was supposed to say. Oh, and the kids sounded great! I the words of Jars of Clay,
"They say that love can heal the broken
They say that hope can make you see
They say that faith can find a Savior
If you would follow and believe
With Faith Like a Child."
Oh, Santa did make a visit to First Lockhart on Sunday night, he told the Christmas story and put Christ in the story, instead of taking him out.