Morning in Texas

This was taken by Bubba's cell phone at 6:50am CST yesterday morning.  The view is from the middle of our front yard, facing the iron pen, with the sun beginning to rise behind the trees of the Jack Gore Baygall Unit of the Big Thicket National Preserve.

     

The difference in the height of the trees in the foreground to those in the background is not due to their stature, but because of the fairly steep slope of the land.  Goes on that way for a fair piece, then more or less levels out as you really get into the baygall. 

I do hope you'll check out the link above.  It explains why this place is of value and beauty to us all.  It is unusually diverse in animal and plant life.  And a treasure to those who enjoy birding.

To us in particular, it's where the cows roamed.  Complete with dipping vat.  It's where children played and roamed.  It is where Easter cookouts and egg hunts were held in a clearing.  It contains locations my father-in-law "watched" for the oil companies.  Places my husband worked, fixed and maintained.  It is where my husband had his first hunting experiences.  It's a personal heritage to him, his family and his children.   

Tags: Texas, Jack Gore Baygall, Big Thicket National Preserve

Those Boys are at it Again!!

The 2006 Texas State Champions are at it again!  Technology Students Association champions in their classification that is. 

                  

For any who weren't around Caneyhead last year, that is Bubba and his friend Brandon I am talking about. 

They set out on a shoe string to design and equip a box with a stereo "system" to take on four wheelers.   They used left over wood and spare hinges from Bubba's uncles cabinet shop.  They robbed their own trucks for components.  Went in together and purchased one set of speakers.  Enlisted a friend to draw out a flame pattern for custom paint job.

                     

They endured through having one stereo stolen.  And various teenage misadventures.  Went to Regionals in Beaumont, TX and won there.  And went to State in Waco, TX and won there!  Came home and presented the winning box to his daddy as a present for his four wheeler. 

                      

He built a couple for other folks afterward.  Made a little cash.

This year, the Regionals will be in Silsbee, TX.  And State will once again be in Waco, TX.  But this year things are a little different for Bubba and Brandon.  Their friend, Logan, has joined the team.  And they are approaching things in a very professional manner.  After all, custom car audio is where Bubba wants to make his living.

Bubba drew out schematics for the new project.  Wrote up a materials list.  Worked up a full budget.  Called around to various businesses and people to see if he could make a presentation to them, asking for sponsorship.  Got an opportunity to make that pitch.  And got his full sponsorship!!

Sorry, can't tell you what they have in store for this year.  Could be spies around.  It's top secret and hush hush for now.   

Tags: Technology Students Association, car audio, stereo systems, four wheelers

I'm Saying it NOW!!

Okay, folks.  Here it goes.  I'm saying it NOW.  I'm saying it before my right to say it is taken away. 

There is only ONE path to Heaven.  And that is through faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross!

ALL have sinned!

Have you ever lied?  You sinned.

Committed adultery?  You sinned.

Had sex in ANY form outside of marriage to a spouse of the opposite sex?  You sinned.  That includes gay sex, lesbian sex, goat sex, sex with a prostitute, sex with the easy girl down the street, sex in a group.

Dishonored your mother or father?  You sinned.

Worshiped ANY god other than Jehovah God?  You sinned.

Used Sunday (the Lord's Day) as yours and yours alone to do whatever you want with?  You sinned.

Used God's name in vane....a disrespectful way or not truly addressing Him or speaking of Him in reverence?  You sinned.

Killed any body?  Young, old, useful or not, wanted or not, gay or straight?  You sinned.

Have you ever stolen?  From your employer, your neighbor, your family, a stranger, the store, the government?  A nickel or a million.  You sinned.

Ever been envious or jealous of anyone?  Thought it should have been yours?  Mumbled they didn't deserve it?  You sinned.

You sinned.  I sinned.  Your sainted mother sinned.  Your doctor sinned.  Your spouse sinned.  My children sin.  Our fathers sinned.

God says we have all sinned and fallen short. 

What brought this on?  I went over to Carolyn's to read her recent post:  Famine and earthquakes.  I followed the trail of links.  I read them all.  I followed all of those links and read them all.  I suggest you do the same.

And to our mutual problem?  Sin?  But don't despair!!  There is Hope!  And His name is Jesus.  God's son who gave his life freely on the cross to pay the price for my sin, your sin, our sin.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  John 3:16 KJV

 

Tags: blogplugs, freedom of speech, congress, H.R. 254, David Ray Hate Crimes Prevention Act

The chicken's story

The chicken's story : First you have got to go read this little story over at FazeDaze! And be sure to look at both pictures! Are you not totally blown away by it's simplicity, yet it's significance?!

First she's talking about it seeming like another life.  And there is a whole lot of pretending going on.  Our lives apart from Christ are a whole 'nuther life.  And pretending is always a part of them.  Pretending we don't need God, pretending we are good enough on our own, pretending there is no tomorrow.

Then by chance she sees something she really likes, the chicken.  But she knows the price is too high.  Perhaps you see people weathering the storms of life with hope and certainty.  Perhaps it's joy.  Perhaps it is Christ mirrored to you in someone.  You want to have what you see.  But the price is too high.   

Then she drops it and causes a chip!  The owner sees it.  So one day you come face to face with your need and the sin in your life.  You know God sees it.  You see it.  No denying. 

The owner walks over.  He's a gentleman.  She nervously inquires of the cost.  God comes to you.  The Holy Spirit.  He's a gentleman.  He doesn't offend.  He doesn't push.  Yet you tremble, afraid you cannot meet His demands.  The price will be too high and you can never make it right!

But he looks her square in the eye and tells her she can have it!  The chicken goes home to live with her.  And God tells you "It's paid for."  It's yours.  You may have salvation and eternal life!  You can take Christ home to live in your heart!  It's a gift.

And she was thankful.  And you would be thankful to God!  Thankful for a new, fresh start.  Thankful for His love and mercy.

Did you lookat the second picture????  What did you see on the bottom of the Chicken?

                                                              A cross.

 

Graphics by Emma.
Tags: chickens, antiques, yardsales, blogplugs

On Dating and Love

If love is a battlefield, dating has many casualties.  I have a 17 year old son, Bubba.  And I read a young woman's private journal and comment there.  Things from both have been spinning around in my head for some time.  For what it is worth, with Valentine's Day at hand, I'm going to share my thoughts on some of what I see and hear.

It seems that the teens in our local school district have adopted a policy that constricts their ability to get to know a variety of people and really explore what they like, enjoy and admire in another.  If you ask someone out, you are "going together".  One date and you are committed.  Only way to go out with or do something with someone else is to "break up".   I suppose this metamorphosis occurred to try to be safe in a world of rampant sexual diseases.  I don't know.  But it is sad. 

These young people are setting themselves up to hurt and betray one another.  They are missing out on one of the most thrilling parts of youth and being single.  To them, wherever they live, I recommend you abandon this nonsense and try another approach.
 
Go to the movies with Diane on Monday.  Take Sarah to the game on Friday.  Spend Sunday afternoon at the park with Chuck.  Boys, ask any girl who interests you in any way on a date.  Girls, accept all invitations from acceptable young men.  If one of these people really capture your interest and touch your heart after a dozen or so dates over time, then if you want to try some exclusivity, fine.  It's good practice for later relationships.
 
And the next part arises out of what I see and hear these young girls doing.  They repeatedly sell themselves short!  I realize there is a lot of competition out there, but if you win a guy by lowering your standards or cheapening your own value....what have you gained?  And if this is how you got the guy, how long do you really think you'll hold his interest?

Twenty-three years ago, I was in many ways where you are.  I know that now it seems the things you want will never come.  And I know it sounds crazy, but the best way to go is just to get on with living the life you have.  Find things you enjoy.  Do them.  Be yourself.  Pray for God to prepare the man He would put in your life.  Don't go looking for him, but don't withdraw into a cocoon either. When we actively look for a mate, we actually start to try to make everyone we spend a little time with into the love of our life.

Many of the old ways are still the best ways!!! Man's character has not changed, only the times.  A man needs to feel he has worked for you, won you. And that you were worth winning.

Don't call him in the beginning unless you have to, to be courteous and tell him plans have changed or something.

Don't invite him out unless it is something he cannot invite you to.....like a company party, etc.

Don't drive all over meeting him places or picking him up.  Make him come and get you and don't go out to a honking horn!  He should always come to your door.

Never, ever pay a guy or boyfriend's bills, pay for the date or buy him things for no occasion.  It attracts freeloaders, gigolos and bums.

After you have been in a long-term steady relationship you can begin to do some of these things.....but don't be extravagant.  Keep it simple.  Extravagance can come after you're engaged. 

We all crave connection and relationships of all various sorts.  That's how God designed us.  He gives us all family, and that fills the void to one point or another depending on the family we are given.  And as we go along we find friends and acquaintances and that fills another little piece.  But at some point in time, we crave, we need more!  That is so that we will search for God and come to Him for THAT relationship.  If we do, and we put our relationship with Him FIRST it will do much to heal, direct, and grow the relationships we already have with family and friends.  It will bring new relationships with other Christians in our lives.  All of this works to make us more whole and complete so that we can have that SPECIAL relationship with someone of the opposite sex. Now quite often we get all of this out of sync, out of order.  And it causes us pains, heartaches and disappointments.  But the wonderful thing is it is never too late to loosen the harness and put the horse in front of the cart, so to speak.

Tags: dating, young love

True Love

This entry is dedicated to Emily.  And to all the Emily's who have ever been hurt, betrayed, abused, used, or misled by one who claimed to love them.  As the world celebrates romantic love for Valentine's Day, stop and ponder what True Love is.

                

I Corinthians 13:4-8 The Bible's Definition of Love Today's text needs no explaination from me.....only the Holy Spirit to lead you and guide you into full understanding and application. Read these verses in as many translations as possible! This is true love. Agape love. No one will never be able to fully love you this way and you will never be able to fully love in this way, either. But as I Corinthians 14:1 states, "Let love be your greatest aim!" We must aspire to it, but we will never fully attain it until our sanctification is complete in Heaven. I am posting a Paraphase of these verses by me, that I drew from several sources. God Bless you with real and abiding love!

Love bears pains and trails calmly and without complaint. It is disposed to be helpful and agreeable. Love is never suspicious, distrustful or apprehensive. Love is never begrudging of what another has. Love does not call attention to oneself, exaggerate or brag. Love is not arrogant or over-bearing. It does not feel superior to others. Love is not blatantly proud. Love is never excessively or exclusively concerned with oneself without regard to others. Love is never offensive, discourteous, vulgar or abrupt. Love does not insist upon or require it's own way. Love is not quickly annoyed or angered. Love does not take offense on slight provocation. Love has no deep seated resentment, nor abides ill will. Love will hardly pay attention, nor comment, when it's rights are violated or it is treated unfairly. Love is never glad about another's rights being violated or them being treated unfairly. It is not glad when hurt is inflicted upon someone. But love rejoices when sincerity abounds and lives align with God's Will! If you love someone, you will be faithful and unswerving no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, accepting trustfully, convinced of his good and worth. You will always think the best of him, and look forward to the best for him. You will always stand you ground to protect and shield them, maintianing your belief in the face of argument or hostile criticism.

Love is not a feeling, but a choice that leads to action! Love is not a noun, but a verb! It is in the doing. Love is continous and ongoing!

Graphics by Dover.

Tags: Valentines Day, True Love, I Corinthians 13

Tags: BlogPlugs

God's Coffee

Forwarded to me by a dear lady and friend, Marylynn. 

God's Coffee

 

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

 

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

 

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones.  While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink.  What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

 

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live.

Sometimes, by concentrating only onthe cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."

 

God brews the coffee, not the cups.......... Enjoy your coffee!

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything."

 

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

 

Tags: coffee, java