Bub's Box

Just glad to be moving without crutches...

2009-04-03T10:52:00.003-05:00

OK, so seven weeks ago I completely ruptured my patellar tendon in my left knee. This tendon is responsible for extending your lower leg. When it tears, you cannot walk... much like the Achilles tendon. Well, being the over achiever I am, mine was pretty much destroyed playing backyard football.

So, I have had my leg locked in extension unable to move for quite some time. My Orthopedic Surgeon (OS) says that I need to take my time with this injury since it is rare and hard to recover from. So, it looks like I will be in this brace for at least another five weeks. I don't mind that so much as just not being able to bend my leg.

It has been a real challenge. Only being able to sit... watching so much TV that I actually contemplated ordering Gorilla Glue, Sham-WOW, Snuggie, etc. Walking only on crutches-no weight bearing. Waling on crutches-partial weight bearing. Walking with the walker. Walking with the cane, Using the cane in extreme circumstances. Only being able to sponge bathe. Yuck... I am sure I had an unpleasant aroma... note sarcasm.

At any rate, I want to thank my wonderful bride, Tracy, for taking care of me the last few weeks. I know I can be handful. This woman has the most patience, love, and understanding that a man can ask for in a wife. I really don't know what I would have done with out her. She just stepped right up and started getting things done... I guess that is why she is such a great Mother as well.

For now the plan is to go back to the OS next Friday. Hopefully, he will allow me to increase my range of motion (ROM) during my exercises to 60 and then 75 degrees. Then maybe I can start to walk with the brace unlocked some.

In all humbleness, I am just grateful to God to have a leg and that I can move without assistance for the most part. I have taken the stance that God is good and worthy to be worshipped and praised regardless of my situation. I just try to focus on the positive things and remember that life is more than the physical realm.

In the blink of an eye...

2009-02-26T10:35:00.003-06:00

Life can change quickly.In fact, it can indeed change in the blink of an eye. I had never really given that saying much thought until recently.

I injured my leg playing backyard football on Valentine's Day. I know, not much of a present to my wife, right? A trip to the Emergency Room and pain killers! At any rate, I was running the ball and a defender tried to tackle me, they fell down and grabbed my ankle while another defender tackled me from the front. My patella tendon literally split in half. It ruptured in two parts. I heard the "pop" and knew I was done with that game. I really thought I just dislocated my knee cap but the ER X-Rays proved otherwise.

I went from being an independent, athletic, young man to being basically an invalid. I haven't been able to bathe on my own for two weeks. Thank God I have a loving a caring wife! I have always taken care of myself and others around me. It has really taken a lot to get used to having someone take care of me.

My point in this post is that we all go through life in the moment and rarely do we realize how good we have it and how fast things can go bad. I can only imagine the kind of change getting blindsided by another car at an intersection can change things, or a quick heart attack, stroke, or aneurysm.

We should all take time to enjoy, reflect, and not take things for granted. It can all be gone in the blink of an eye.

Keep on keeping on.

2008-12-04T08:59:00.004-06:00

When I was about 12 years old I decided to play football. At the time, I was an extremely obese child. I kid of got talked into it by my older brother who had started playing the year before. So, I went out and tried. I did not understand the game of football nor what it took to play the game.

The first practices of football are not about the game of football at all. They are about conditioning. Our coach wanted to ensure that we were "in shape" enough to play. So, we started out by running. At the time, running was the bane of my existence. The farthest I had ran was to the remote. My only form of athleticism was wrestling my brother for GI Joe toys. We ran and did drills for about two hours each day those initial practices. It was torture. I vomited several times. I would get passed by everyone else. I was the slowest on the team. I got picked on and made fun of and tortured by the older kids. Eventually, those conditioning sessions got easier.

Then practicing the game of football began. Like I said before, I really didn't understand football. My coach told us that it was not a contact sport, but rather a collision sport. Did you know that the average hit in football is equivalent to being in a car wreck at 30 miles per hour? That first day I got hit so much that I literally could not move. My mother had to feed me the next morning. My body was black, blue, and green all over. I kept on going and kept on trying. We won all except one of our games that first year. I kept playing football all through high school and even some in an amateur Semi-pro league after college.

Looking back now on my athletic career I can honestly say that I was not a great football player. However, I had resolve and just wouldn't give up. It is amazing what a little bit of grit and determination will do.

In today's world we are all pressured. Pressured by the economy, by the demands of works, by family and friends needs, by obligations. Sometimes it is just good to remember that if we"keep on keeping on" we can have success and things will work out. Paul told the Philippians-forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. He pressed on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ, and he said in Romans 8:28 that "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those that are called according to his purpose."

We all need a little resolve and remember that no matter how bad things are right now, things are going to get better. We just might need to take a few hits, get some bumps and bruises, and vomit a few times!

Tempus Fugit

2008-10-16T14:24:00.003-05:00

Time really is a funny thing. I mean funny in the odd way, of course, not HAHA funny. When I was young time dribbled by. Christmas break never got here and then it would last forever. Summers were endless opportunities to play GI Joe and ride bikes.

Alas, now time is my most precious commodity. There just isn't enough of it.There is hardly enough time for the "big" things that are important in life, like family, much less time for the little things.

I started really thinking about time the last couple of weeks. My oldest son just turned four. My youngest is about to be one. It seems that once you have kids, time literally flies. They get big so quick and constantly amaze me. The saying is true, "babies don't keep."

I just hope to "make the best use of my time". Eph 5:16 I only have the amount that God has given me. I hate to waste any of it.

Speaking of wastes of time. Here is my list of top time wasters:

1. TV (really, come on, what did you think I was going to say?)

2. Being Angry or Upset

3. Disorganization

4. Chit Chat (Yes, the weather is nice. No I don't care about who did what on Grey's Anatomy.)

5. Gossip.

Humility

2008-08-27T13:15:00.004-05:00

Being humble is sometimes a very difficult thing, especially for us men whose ego is larger than life. We think so highly of ourselves at times. I can remember growing up and my mother saying, " If you don't blow your own horn, no one else will." So, needless to say, I grew up with a healthy dose of self confidence and worth.

I try not to think too highly of myself. In fact, I make it a point to never really just come right out and brag or be cocky. I try to live a life that is that of a servant. Recently, I have struggled with the fact that many people mistake being humble with being weak minded or weak willed. I just don't get it. Humble does not equal weak or passive.

In the same vein, I get really aggravated when someone assumes that because you are poor, you must be stupid or the assumption that because you are physically dirty you must be poor.

I hope that I can be as God would have me be and "look on the heart." 1 Sam 16:7

People are not always what they seem to be and all of us have more depth, character, and life than what is shared or displayed to the world.

Running

2008-08-13T09:36:00.003-05:00

OK, now several months ago no one in their right mind would have ever guessed that I would become a runner. I started running because it was the only way I knew to lose weight and manage my diabetes. I thought running a half marathon would be exciting, especially if I did it with my wife, Tracy. I didn't realize that running would get me hooked for life. I have now ran several 5k races since the 1/2 Marathon in April and plan on running a race at least every other month.

I usually run 3-5 miles every day. I'm not a fast runner by any means, most people would call me a plodder, only averaging 12 minute miles. At any rate, when I run I use the time to pray and meditate on things. It is so good to have a few minutes and really be able to think on things.

I would urge anyone reading, if they are physically possible, start running. It has made a world of difference for me. Not only in physical conditioning, but emotionaly and spiritually.

Being a Dad

2008-08-13T08:56:00.004-05:00

It is great to be a Dad. I love my sons. I love being a role model and being watched. I always enjoy doing projects around my home. My oldest son, Owen, constantly begs to be a part of whatever the project might be and will get his little play tools out and copy whatever I do.

The other day I was having a conversation with someone and it appeared that they were sheltering their child from the harsh reality of life. I'm not trying to be overly judgemental, just a perception and a personal opinion. One kid had pushed their child and the parent didn't want their child to be friends with the offending child or even ever be around them again. It was a one time thing and the kids rarely even see each other. It was an over reaction, if you ask me.

I think as a father, it is so important to expose children to the reality of the world. Naturally, no one wants to see their children hurt. I can totally agree with that. However, it is very important that kids see their parents actually deal with issues. Now, personally, I would have just asked the little kid who pushed my child to stop or even better, I would have told my child to ask him to stop pushing. Then, problem solved. Instead, what this child learned was that he would be protected by his parents and that he doesn't have to deal with people being aggressive.

What a shame! The reality is that people don't always get along. Someone always has a toy or something that someone else wants. The reality is that many people feel that might makes right and people, especially boys, will be aggressive. Somewhere along the line, the child is going to have to learn to deal with situations like this. What example did they see from their parent? Run away, don't confront the issue, and someone else (parents) will defend me.

As a Christian, I think of how Jesus went into the temple. He was angry and even went to the extent to overturn the tables of the money changers in Mark 11. He let the people know that the situation was not right. There can be confrontations in life. It is perfectly fine to let someone know that their actions bothered you. It is OK to be angry. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:26 to be angry and sin not. I can understand this parent's anger and urge to protect their child. But, I can't understand why the parent wouldn't deal with the situation.

My hope is that I always realize that little eyes and ears are always around and those eyes and ears are bound and determined to mimic everything I do, right and wrong. My hope is that my example is a good one. My hope is that they see me do more right than wrong and that my goal is to love the Lord. As Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:4, my hope is that I raise my children in the "discipline and instruction of the Lord."

Brothers

2008-07-02T08:33:00.003-05:00

Growing up as a child I was privileged to have a brother. It was always the two of us. My parents had several jobs each and we were "latchkey" kids for a long time. So, it was always the two of us after school and in the neighborhood. Dale is three years older than me, but we were able to only be two years apart in school. In school, I was always known before I stepped in a class and I had a reputation that most kids would have killed for because of him. Teachers thought I was smart and the other kids thought I was great. I was able to be "cool" without having to really put any effort in. I tagged along wherever he went and his friends were my friends. Looking back now, I know that he probably would rather have liked to have his own space and time, but as the little brother... I can definitely say that I reaped the benefits. Like all brothers, we have had some close times and some not so close times. I can always say that I always had a friend, a comrade, a bud. I always had someone to play with.

Watching my sons play makes me think about how lucky I have been to have a brother.Now that my brother and I have gotten older, we both have separate lives. We both have been blessed to have two wonderful sons. I realize the importance of having had someone there when I see my sons play. I hope and pray that my sons have the same, if not better, relationship than Dale and me.

As a man thinketh...

2008-06-04T08:04:00.003-05:00

In his heart so he is. So often, I think we fail to realize the power of thought. We stumble around in our mind and have thoughts of others and ourselves and situations that are negative and unfair. I can't tell you how many times I have found myself making assumptions about people or situations that are far from true. I even find myself being so judgemental at times that my perception warps the reality of the situation.

In that vein, I think that Paul summed it up best when he said in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to "take every thought captive to obey Christ." We have the power to control our thoughts. We should be thinking good thoughts, even in bad situations. That doesn't mean that we should be so naive as to say that we won't or shouldn't have bad feelings, but to make situations worse by thinking negatively only worsens the situation. When a negative thought comes around, we can do as Paul said in Philippians 4:8 to think about "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Run, Run, Run

2008-05-13T15:30:00.003-05:00

Well, Tracy and I finished the half marathon. We did it in 3:16. Not a bad time for a first time runner. Especially for one that is technically considered "severely obese"! Running that distance is an amazing thing. You forget about the pain, forget about the miles, and you only see the finish line. I was blessed to have such a supportive running partner and wife. This race was symbolic of our life together. I just wanted to finish the race as an official finisher.

The day started off terrible. We woke up at 3:30am to get to the race on time. By the time we got there it was a downpour. We sat under the Parthenon at Centennial Park until right at 6:30. We then migrated to the starting line where the rain where still sprinkling. We had to wait an hour and eight minutes just to get to go. So, finally around 8:08am we started. Now, the first few miles were painless. I had readied my body and my mind. Around mile eleven my knee began to give out. There was constant pounding and pain. We were using a combination of running and walking to run the race. By mile eleven, we had to start walking and then running. The best feeling was coming down the Woodland Street Bridge into the LP Field stadium. Then watching my beautiful bride zoom by me...

I could hardly contain my emotion. I was overcome. Most people in my life have been doubters. They see the outside of the man and make assumptions-he is too big, too slow, a too quiet. Not me- I, I am a believer. I believe that the heart and mind can will the body to do anything. What one man can do, so can another. Maybe not as well, but it can be done. I believe that God gave his only begotten Son for us. I believe that life is what we make it. I believe that quitting is not an option in life.

Two quick thoughts:

2008-03-20T14:42:00.002-05:00

Love springs from the fountain of forgiveness.

Happiness is only real when you can share it.

These were two thoughts from some recent media I have seen. The first is from a book by Wally Lamb entitled I Know This Much is True. It is a really good story about brothers, forgiveness, and the damage mental illness can cause in any family. It made me evaluate some thoughts I have had recently on family. I would recommend it highly.

The thing is, God is love and because he loves us the has given us a way to be forgiven. He has shown the most love towards by giving his only son to die on the cross for us. When we hold on to anger it just kills us. 1 Cor 13 says that love keeps no records of wrongs. I think that is a perfect statement of how we should behave in relationships with one another.

The second is from the movie, Into Thin Air. I have to say although it wasn't wordy or spectacular in any way it did fascinate me. In case you haven't seen the movie starring Emile Hirsch or the book by Jon Krakauer it is about a young man who decides to just walk away from "conventional" life after graduated college. He ends up hungry, angry, lonely, tired, and near dying when he realizes that he never forgave his parent for some things and that all of the things he had seen and done meant nothing because he had no one to share them with. I am so grateful for all of the family and friends that God has blessed me with. Times seem better when shared. We were made to have and give companionship. Loneliness by itself can kill a man.

Tough guy?

2008-03-06T14:16:00.002-06:00

I like to think of myself as a tough guy. I am still athletic. I love sports. I love the outdoors. I try not to cry at sappy movies. I was thinking about why I consider myself to be tough sometimes.

What makes someone tough? Is it a leather jacket and gold chains? Maybe it is big muscles and an imposing figure? Perhaps a grimace showing hatred and anger? Maybe it is a stoic personality that shows no emotion.

I know that there is a stereo type out there of what a tough guy is supposed to be. But, I think that stereo type is out of touch with what a real man is... a real man loves God and does what he asks. In Ephesians 4:32 Paul writes, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. "

Snow Day

2008-02-13T13:05:00.004-06:00

Today is just a bleary day. We actually had some snow in Middle Tennessee for the first time in a year. It was a pleasant site, however it was not too pleasant for the commute.

I can remember when I was a child in school and whenever there was even the most remote possibility of snow I would get excited. So excited that I would wake up early in the morning just to watch the school closings report. When we found out that we got to stay home we would actually celebrate. There wasn't much to do really. It just seemed like a big deal. We would make hot chocolate, wrap our shoes up in plastic bags and then go out and play. Making snow angels, playing "war" with snow balls, and writing our names in the snow behind the garage were always the highlights.

Today, unlike those days, is just a regular day. Full of work and responsibilites. Sometimes, though when it snows, my stomach gets tiny butterflies and I remember the anticipation of a whole day with no responsibilites or cares.

The rigamorole of the rat race...

2008-02-07T12:17:00.000-06:00

OK, sometimes I wake up in the morning and I think, "Who came up with the idea of working for someone else?" I mean aren't we really just wage slaves trapped in the peonage of indetured servitude? Someone, anyone... where are my forty acres and a mule?

Regardless of the job, task or duty I believe that once we make a commitment to a situation we must do our best wether or not we like it. We have come under an obligation to perform the service we are paid to do even if we don't like it. (Romans 13:1)

People often talk to me about not having a choice when it comes to work. I say, MULARKEY! There are hundreds to thousands of jobs available each day that pay a decent living wage. The problem is that it is not the job or choice one ususally wants to make. We are content to suffer and complain rather than to make the obvious, albeit diffcult, choice to leave a job that we aren't happy with. Did Abraham stay or go to Canaan? (Genesis 12)

To use an analogy, have you ever met someone and knew without a doubt that you really liked this person? Did you know that you could become close friends? On the other hand, how many times have you met someone and thought, "Yikes! This is not the person for me to be around?"

The point is that we consistently beleive that familiarity actually breeds comfort, respect, or enjoyment. Why we beleive that is unknown to me. In fact, I don't hesitate to say that the longer we know someone or are in a job the less respectful, congenial, and polite we are. Have you ever asked yourself why you treat strangers politely and your spouse not so considerately?

In a job, regardless if you have been there one year or one hundred, it is a good idea to remember that it is a job and it is a professional situation. If we treat everyone well, we are likely to get the same treatment back. Naturally, this makes for a better work situation.

Overall, the point of this post is to say, make the best of your work sitution. Remember that whatever we do in word or deed do it to the glory of God. (Colossians 3:17)

Innocence

2008-01-30T13:13:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I stare at my youngest son in amazement. There is something to be said for the peace and bliss that is demonstrated in a baby's slumber.

When I see him sleeping like this I think of how rested he looks and how happy he really is.

Then I think of how Jesus said in Matthew 18:3 "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

I think we all have to give up our worries in this temporal life and focus on the peace that only God can give us.

Satisfaction

2008-01-15T09:39:00.000-06:00

I can't get no, na na na... satisfaction... man, Mick Jagger really knew what he was talking about it didn't he?

In today's culture we are bombarded by messages everyday in print, Internet, phone, fax, TV, text messages, and movies that we have to HAVE something to be satisfied. We have buy something to be satisfied. The latest product whether that be a flat screen TV, a new DVR, an MP3 player, a new food product, the McRib, or the latest foul tasting soft drink. We are supposed to need it. When did needing food turn into needing KFC? When did needing shelter turn into needing a McMansion? Our minds are literally flooded with branding efforts.

In the movie Supersize Me, "During the film, the main character showed children a series of pictures of famous people like Jesus and George Washington and asked the kids to identify them. "These kids didn't know who any of these people were," Wilson said. "But Ronald McDonald … boom, every one of the kids knew exactly who it was."

It is a sad state of affairs when kids know Ronald McDonald but don't know Jesus.

An article appears in The Tennessean today stating that churches are beginning to use marketing and branding efforts to fight for people's attention in the flood of advertising. Some churches want to make themselves more attractiv to those seeking the Lord. In my humble opinion, there is no brand of Christianity. The Bible is the truth. John 17:17. No matter what anyone tries to do, there is only one truth and it can't be denied.

Let's be content with what God has provided for us. Let's not fight for people's attention like we are a big box retailer or a coke company. He's given us a pure pattern to follow and he expects us to follow that pattern in spirit and in truth. Let's worship God the way HE wants to be worshipped. Let's advertise the truth of Christianity in humbleness, servitude, and love. Not only in our efforts to evangelize, but also in our everyday actions and life.

Risk Results

2008-01-04T13:59:00.001-06:00

As 2008 begins I remiss to say that I have not won a game of Risk in the last four games. The standings are as follows:

Joshua Pappas-6

Robert Deocales-6

Aaron Price-6

Jason Pappas-2

Wes Kennedy-1

Sutton-0

Next game is scheduled for 1/19/08 2:00 at my house!

New Year

2008-01-04T13:30:00.000-06:00

2007 has come and gone. oh, what a year it was. With every new year comes new promises and resolutions. Sometimes I think the same old promises are just poor pitiful attempts to do the right thing like eat right, lose weight, and save more money. Well, this year those things will come to fruition. Or not. All we can do is try, right?

Resolutions for the new year are:

To be the man God would have me to be- a good Christian, a good husband, a good father, and a good friend.

To run the Country Music Half Marathon-yes, seriously. Tracy and I are signed up.

To spend my time wisely.

To be happy.

That is really about it. Simple right?

The greatest responsibility...

2007-12-14T10:49:00.000-06:00

Now having two kids, I am beginning to understand more about being a parent. That isn't to say that I am a great parent or anything like that, but it is to say that I am learning. Learning about not only how to raise kids, but also about myself.

You know, when growing up your world totally revolves around yourself... what you want, when you want it, how you want it... we are all basically self centered people. However, as soon as you have kids, that all changes. It becomes about what your kids want, how to get it for them, and how to do what is best for your children. Unfortunately, even at young ages, doing what is best for your kids isn't always easy. In fact, I garner to say that it is indeed harder.

It is far easier to let your kids have what they want than to give them what they need. Kids need structure, discipline, admonishment, and encouragement. So often, I hate to discipline the boys. But discipline is not a bad thing. Proverbs 3:11-12 states that God disciplines those he loves. Sometimes, we have to remember to do what is best for a child even if that doesn't agree with what we or the kid want to do.

Being a good parent involves an ongoing desire to be selfless. God has blessed us with so much. We really need to be aware of what it means to be a selfless servant. Jesus said in Matthew 23:11 that the greatest among you will be your servant. As a parent we have to serve our children by doing what is best for them and not what we want or what is easier to do.

Sometimes I think of Abraham poised over Isaac. Weeping. Ready to plunge the knife into Isaac. Then I think of Jesus. Praying in the garden asking his Father to let this cup pass from him. Suffering on the cross. Could you? Would you?

As a parent, I know that both Abraham and God did what was best for their kids, even though I am certain that neither wanted to do it. However, it what was best for their children and that is the greatest responsibility we have.

Do you remember?

2007-12-10T15:00:00.001-06:00

My friend and I were having dinner the other night and we were talking about things in the past. My friend, at times, can be really sensitive. I think he forgets that I am always his friend. So friend, I ask you, do you remember?

Showing up in toe socks?
Rusty's party when I was the only one cool?
The hot tub?
Buying your first real Christmas tree?
Gatlinburg?
Hiking the chimneys?
Dixie Stampede?
Halo weekend?
Basketball at the Y?
Being baptized?
Mac's birth?
A star for your Grandpa?
Your Dad's funeral?
Playing golf in Hilton Head?
That big alligator?
Climbing to the top of the lighthouse?
The patio at the beach?
Just chillin?
My 30th birthday?
Your 30th birthday?
That restaurant in Smyrna?
Mudding with a Christmas tree?
Walking a bike 5 miles in the mud with 2 flat tires?
Fishing on the river?
Christie going redneck on the girl in the mustang?
That big dump truck that used to be in my back yard?
Watching movies with the ladies?
Is this camera on? I think we better erase that!
Whoops, we forgot to erase that before letting Brian and Brooke see that...
Shopping for Christmas presents for the ladies?
Being late? No, really, you have gotten so much better.

Being friends is a lot about spending time together and creating memories. But, being friends is also about caring and letting people be. Not just be around them, but letting your friends be who they are. Thanks, man for always letting me be me. Moreover, thanks for being there for me.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T10:20:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday. Not really for any reason in particular, but just because I think everyone needs to take time to really understand what they have to be grateful for in life. So often we take things in life for granted and we ought to be thankful for what we have, not focused on what we don't possess. We all need to realize that we have been granted a measure of health and life that few in the world every actually see. Moreover, as long as we are in the light of God, what else can we ask for?

This year, I am exceptionally grateful for many things. I am grateful for Jesus and the opportunity to go to heaven. I am grateful that my second son was born and my wife had a successful delivery. I am grateful for every second I have with my family. I am grateful that I have wonderful friends. I am grateful because I have a wonderful job. I am grateful for sweet potato casserole at my Granny's house.

I can't wait!

Philippians 4:10-13

World Domination

2007-10-29T09:56:00.000-05:00

The game of Risk is a wonderful game. No other game allows a man to singularly conquer the world. My friends and I have been playing Risk every couple of months for the past year or two. I have come to the conclusion that Risk is a game of diplomacy and tact first and a game of aggression second.

Currently, the overall champion's title is split. Aaron Price is the reigning champion. Much ado about nothing, I suppose, as I am now currently tied with him in wins.

So, as a courtesy in victory I have decided to post the number of wins for all of the challengers.

Aaron Price-6

Robert Deocales-6

Joshua Pappas-4

Jason Pappas-1

Wes Kennedy-1

Let us not forget those who have been so good as to lose to us: Carl Syler, Joey Barkley, Noah Syler, Sutton, Derrick, and Jon Fouss.

May the game go on!

Why I love the fall...

2007-10-14T21:27:00.000-05:00

You know, the fall is really the best time of the year. I love the weather as the air starts to get crisp and the leaves start to change colors. This year has been a particularly hot year. I think we had 21 straight days of 100 degree weather. I was really looking forward to the change in season.

I think that is why I love fall so much. Everything changes and the fall is God's way of reminding us that everything does change. Sometimes in life we get stuck in ruts. Waking up becomes routine and going through the motions of life is dull and unchallenging. We get used to life and all that is around us.

When we look out upon the vistas of life, there isn't much more beautiful than looking at the hills of Tennessee when autumn comes. God wants to remind us that there are bigger and brighter things out there. The earth will continue to exist until God decides it won't. So, we should focus on what the future holds. Jer 29:11. We should be joyful and thankful that we have been blessed with so much.

Having kids

2007-10-08T06:59:00.000-05:00

My son, Owen, just turned three. You know, there really isn't anything like having kids. I think the correct terminology ought to be kids having you. I didn't ever think that I'd be as wrapped up in my child's life as I am. I always thought of having kids as kind of a novelty before I had one. I quickly learned that raising a child is the single most important thing a person can do outside of becoming a Christian.

When my brother had his first son, Dale III, I watched him change and I thought, "hey, that will never be me." Well, I was absolutely wrong. It is amazing to me how having kids totally changes your life. Your interests become Barney, the Wiggles, and Superman again. Your talk is spattered with "poopiedoo" and "oopsies". I have learned that with kids, if you don't have them, you don't understand and cannot until you do.

Today,my son and I are spending time going to Tot Time at the local museum. Aren't I a lucky man?

My beautiful wife, Tracy has about four weeks left until our second son is due. I wonder what is in store for me next?

Far too often...

2007-10-06T13:23:00.000-05:00

Far too often, I see men who are just kids. It is no wonder the American culture deems men the dunces and women the "fairer"sex. Men today are largely a joke. Our grandparents would laugh at us hysterically if they knew what we, as men, fret and worry about. Maybe I'm obsessed with the way things used to be, but I really believe that the world was a better place 50 or 60 years ago.

We leave the comfort and security of our parents' home to go off to college where we do absolutely nothing productive. Then we get married and we are "taken care of" by our wives. Our lives as adults consist of going to work and earning money. We bring the money home and the wives pay the bills and take care of everything-cooking, cleaning, rearing children. We weren't raised by men, generally speaking. Most of our fathers were too busy earning a living to do anything other than watch a ball game. We can't fix anything as we have no mechanical aptitude. Really, what do we have to offer?

Men are rarely responsible for anything around the home, maybe taking out the garbage if we have a particularly stern wife.

What happened to the days when the father was the head of the house and was respected? I say, in today's culture, why should women respect us? We haven't given them anything to respect us for. We spend our free time at home playing video games like a 15 year old twerp that is avoiding his parents, and essentially that is what we do. We have to do more.

I say it is time for men to be men. It is up to us to take the reigns of the home. It is time for men to realize that God made two parents for a reason. It is time to take part in raising children, cooking and cleaning, and teaching our children about God and how to be good people.

Until we do, every joke on the TV is about the stupid father, husband, boyfriend, insert other random masculine name here.

I am so thankful that I have had a great Dad. He has taught me so much. Not so much in words, but in action. You see, Dad worked 3 jobs for 5 years and 2 jobs for 17 years. He hustled. He worked with his hands and figured out how to fix anything. He could make a dollar stretch a mile. He was my strong as an ox and as wild as a bronco at times. He taught me respect. Not just for my elders, but for God and authority. He taught me to work hard. He showed me that being a father was more about taking time out to have enjoy life than to be overtly commanding.

"Be strong. Act like men." 1 Corinthians 16:13