Smile!

Pete and Repeat are sitting on a boat. Pete fell out. Who’s left?

Don't spend too much time on it.

God Bless each of you, and have a wonderful weekend.

What Does Memorial Day Mean to You?

I asked myself this question on Monday and gave it some thought. According to Wikipedia, “Memorial Day is a United States Federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who perished while in military service to their country. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to include casualties of any war or military action.” Although, this particular entry in Wikipedia is prefaced with, “The factual accuracy of this article is disputed,” I think this quick definition accurately describes the day in question.

Memorial Day should be a day of reflection; reflecting upon the country that we live in and the freedoms that are granted to us. Specifically, we are called to remember the blood that was spilled on the battlefields which allows us to continue the freedom we currently enjoy. I think of the American Revolution which was fought to establish this country allowing men of great restraint and idea to form a union that would be free of despotism, aristocracies, unfair taxation, etc. This alone is worth remembering because without these actions, these men could have easily established a system in which they gained personally. Instead, our leaders restrained themselves, looked to the future, and established the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. These historic documents enumerated specific rights and prevented one or more groups of men the ability to “rule” the people of this new country through a system of checks and balances. What a remarkable idea.

Mr. Franklin and Mr. Lueders are just two veterans that I get to share time with and listen to many of their courageous stories. I am proud and glad they served our country in times of war and peace. Without their services, and without the services of the other many men and women, our country might look differently and we might not enjoy the many freedoms we have today.

Throughout the 231 years since the establishment of our nation, many men and women have gone to battle and either returned home or lost their lives. These men proudly served their country and I am thankful for these men, what they stood for and their sacrifices. God bless our soldiers, their families and other loved ones who generously shared and are sharing their sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, wives, husbands, fathers and mothers for the protection of our freedom in the United States of America.

Number One Fan - Becky Jo

All the numbers are in and it is official, my number one fan is a young lady from Rockdale, Becky Jo. It was brought to my attention that she was a reader of my blog about a month ago. I am excited to announce that she will be receiving the first annual prize that will be awarded to my number one fan each May.

Due to the resurgence of my blog, I am excited she started reading when she did because I am posting almost weekly now.* Although weekly might not be enough for Becky Jo. After recently running into her at a wedding, she said, “I look at it almost every day.” WOW, I sometimes don’t check it daily.

Becky Jo is a cowgirl from Rockdale who takes care of people daily and enjoys riding horses. Her and her husband have a beautiful country home and raise their horses on the farm. Kari and I have been to many “parties,” out on the farm at Becky Jo’s and enjoyed each visit. She participates in rodeos, to which I have had the pleasure of attending. I am excited, blessed, and to have Becky Jo and her wonderful husband, Matthew as family. Thanks for being my number one fan.

I do promote and share my blog freely to anyone who will listen or read. I hope that you will tell your friends so that you might have an opportunity to become my number one fan in 2009.

Again, thanks Becky Jo, for being my number one fan. Everyone, have a blessed Memorial Day Weekend. (sorry Mom, you were a few clicks short of being my number one fan, maybe next year)

*Sidenote: In an attempt to spice up my blog, I am weekly changing the custom title as seen above. These custom titles are pictures I have taken around the country, oh and some out of country (Mexico that is). I hope you enjoy them.

That's Gonna Hurt in the Morning

$1.09 Meal

Yesterday I had my mind set on eating a frozen Totino’s Pizza that was waiting for me in the freezer, but I remembered the advertisement I heard earlier that day. On the radio they said McDonald’s was giving away a free Southern-style Chicken Sandwich with the purchase of medium drink. I hesitated because it was 9:30ish before I arrived at the McDonalds and there was a huge sign that said “Free Southern Style Chicken Sandwich 2pm-7pm.” The hesitation didn’t last long, I walked in and asked, “Do you still have free chicken sandwiches?” The friendly and exhausted assistant manager replied, “Ya, I got a buncha chicken left!” So, I ordered one medium drink for $1.09 and got my free Southern-style Chicken Sandwich. I am surprised to say, that was a good deal and sandwich (although, I have been known to eat at McDonald’s often, I really love Chick-fila). I added Chipotle Barbeque Sauce to mine and would recommend this Chicken Sandwich to anyone.

Time to Unpack

When you move, you pack many belongings into boxes, laundry baskets and even trash bags (and sometimes you just throw it in your car). Some how all this “stuff” gets from one place to another and hopefully in one piece. Weather you use professional movers, friends or do it all yourself, in one or many of those boxes you are carrying around “stuff” you don’t need. Kari and I (with help) moved a lot of junk. As we unpack the multitude of boxes that contain our “stuff,” we are finding many, many things we don’t need. When you first move into your house, have you noticed, you unpack the super important things first. To start the unpacking, the first items in our new place were paper towels and toilet paper. I could go on about essentials that we immediately unpacked, but I think toilet paper about sums up the “essentials.”

This picture of carrying around junk can be applied to our lives. There are “essential” needs that must be filled in our lives and we fill our lives with junk.

Jesus said,

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal*.

Jesus speaks clearly in these words and yet many of us (especially me) have such a hard time following them. My wife and I are no where near having only “essentials” in our lives, but with a little unpacking and realization that Christ calls us to live simply, we find ourselves beginning to take baby steps to understanding standing this “foreign idea.” We live in a country that encourages and motivates us to have more stuff. “The American Dream,” or recent “Economic Stimulus Package,” are just a few of the ways we are inundated with having more stuff.

I don’t think Christ intended for us to have so much junk in our lives (physically and spiritually). As we begin these baby steps, we are trying to keep the mind set of how Christ calls us to live simply and do it one box at a time. Maybe its not boxes for you, maybe it’s pent up anger, alcohol abuse or pornography (it could be any sin issue that you allow to control your life). Many times we box these things up and let them weigh us down. Christ wants us to unpack our boxes, release our junk and live without chains and bonds. This means we have to make some life altering changes. Our reactions are almost comical when you think about them, “oh…we need this…what is it,” or “I got that when I was 14…its really important.” We find ourselves throwing this “junk” out physically, and hopefully we can apply this spiritually.

Instead of being bogged down with achieving the American Dream or spending your Economic Stimulus check, or having two closets full of junk we only look at once a year; maybe we should take to heart what Christ said and rid ourselves of things that might hinder “spreading of the Good News.”

May each of you have a blessed day, and be encouraged by the fact that Christ is all-loving, powerful and will deliver anyone from anything any time; you just have to call on Him. Have a great week.

*Matthew 6:19-20

Sweet Video!