Drew's Blog

July 6, 2010

2010-07-06T08:45:00.002-05:00

Summer is about half over. I have enjoyed it greatly this far. We have traveled to "The Pond", Houston/Galveston, and have trips planned to San Antonio and back to "The Pond". Traveling is something I have always done but seldom enjoyed. I learned from my dad that packing is an art and that driving is not for pleasure but a means to an end. I have been trying to relax about the driving. Jana and I have enjoyed the times we have stopped (unscheduled) to see or do things while traveling. We plan to do more of the traveling/driving for enjoyment. There are many places of interest in Texas and we would like to see some of them. That is our goal. Can't wait.

Quick Hits:

I love Jana Simmons!
I have 5 more days of summer school.
This is my second post of the summer.
Baseball is sort of a beating but the kids like it.
I want to play golf!
June weather sucked but July's has been great.
I love the Pond!
I want to go fishing!
I have enjoyed spending time with family this summer.
My wife is so beautiful.
I love my kids but they can be a beating too!
Bryson is funny.
Jackson is goofy.
Addison is crazy.
Jana is .......so perfect.

I Am Here

2010-06-14T09:58:00.003-05:00

Still here, still not blogging very much. Time has become a scarcity. I do have a few minutes now so I will throw some things out there.

I am "teaching" "summer school" this summer. Besides waking up early, it is not too bad. The kids are much better this year so it is almost too good.
My beloved is going out of town next week on vacation with out me. I will miss her terribly. In 13 years, we have not spent too many nights apart.
Sunday School was interesting yesterday, Paul was chastising those darn Corinthians again. I found myself talking a lot about church leadership and experiences as a PK. I think I will email our church leaders in a bit.
I am trying to help Bryson with his selfish streak. I'm not sure if it comes from a birth order phenomenon, but it is so frustrating at times. He is such a great kid but sometimes he just does not get that there are others living on his planet. We will keep at it.
Bryson and Jackson are playing baseball this summer. It is keeping us hopping. I am against activities running our lives so we try to keep our schedule simple during the year. I think the boys are enjoying themselves. So far, Jackson has lost his hat and the boys left my glove at the park to be stolen...good times.
Addison is Addison. She is a Diva...constantly talking, singing, and talking. She loves her boys. Wow.

Well, I am spent. I will try to get back into the habit but no promises.

I Feel so Dirty and Violated

2009-11-02T11:51:00.003-06:00

I got to work today and found that a window in my portable building had been broken out and raised. Upon closer inspection, my desktop computer, mouse, keyboard, and printer were conspicuously absent. Next, I found my rolling cart (previously used to house my Samsung MP3 player, laptop, and digital projector) across the room. The only thing remaining was my 1989 pioneer tuner/amp (100w per channel) and my pair of twin 9 inch sub-woofer tower speakers (also pioneer) that were banned by Jana when we were wed. Even in my "ghetto" school, thieves must have standards.

I'm not dead!

2009-09-21T13:23:00.003-05:00

It has been sometime since I last posted. My family and I are trying to adjust to school this year. It has been crazy so far. I have some things to post but it will be another day or two.

Jackman the "Fishin' Buddy"

2009-07-13T09:07:00.008-05:00

Jana and Bryson were in OK for several days last week. That left Jackson, Addie and me at home alone. Jackson is used to playing with (doing Bryson's bidding) Bryson. Jack wanted to go fishing so we all went. On the way, Jack asked, "Dad, am I your fishin' buddy?" I said, "Yes!" These are some of the fruits of our labor. Surprisingly, Addie wanted nothing to do with the "pish."

Saturday, I was cleaning and doing the laundry. When I went to Jack's room to put away his clothes, I noticed he had no socks in his drawer. Most of you would not know the sock issues that afflicts Jack. It is just this side of OCD. Anyway, I asked him, "Jack, where are your socks?" He said, "I packed them." Jack is ready to go to the "Pond" aka OK. He brought his backpack to me. When I looked inside, he had packed all of his socks...dress socks...socks without matches...everything sock related. In addition, he had rat-holed 15 or 20 Star Wars "guys" in the bottom of his pack. He said, "I packed for 'Okahoma'." Funny! Grandmother and Granddad, get ready for a mostly naked yet fully socked Jackman carrying Han Solo, Luke, or some other character.

Mackerel Monday

2009-07-06T17:29:00.002-05:00

Jack's big catch at our neighborhood pond.

How do I love thee....

2009-07-06T10:05:00.005-05:00

I want to tell everyone a little about my wife. Her name is Jana Renee McKay Simmons. She is the most incredible person to walk the Earth in a couple thousand years. I love her very much and appreciate her to death. We have so much fun when we are together. I love to work with Jana. We have completed so many projects together over the years. She works very hard and does a wonderful job at everything. This weekend, we (by we I mean she) painted our bedroom. It looks awesome (http://janasimmons.blogspot.com/). Since the spring, she has painted every room except Bryson's room and the guest bathroom, which are next on the list.

On the 4th, we got to go to Springtown to spend time with our Sunday school class (thanks to Brent, LeAnn and Parker County). I really enjoy spending time with our friends. Jana and I got to play horseshoes together for the first time. We won of course. Besides her beauty, Jana is quite accomplished as an athlete. What a physique! What great form! I love the way she works and plays. After dark, the fire works began bursting in air. It became apparent after the first explosion that Addison was not into POW POWS. Jana took her inside and let me fulfill my innate need to blow things up. The boys were able to nurture the pyro in us all. Thanks sweetie!

Jana is also a great mommy. I am more serious as a parent. I find that I am a lot like my dad. Not Jana, she loves to get down and play or read with our kids. I am trying to let some things go and be more fun but sometimes it is difficult for me. I love to watch Jana with the kids...so awesome to see. This weekend was a great reminder of how God hooked me up with the perfect woman. Thank you God for your gift that keeps on giving!

Wild Weekend Monday

2009-06-29T11:01:00.002-05:00

That was one crazy weekend. Friday, I began rearranging some things. I used to rearrange my room when I was a kid and still like the change. As a teacher, a mix things up pretty often. After the first six weeks, my students don't even complain anymore. Jana and I spent time together preparing for Addie's big day.

Saturday, we had a big party for Addie's 2nd birthday. I love to have people at our house. I think it has rubbed off on Bryson. He gets upset when we are not having company. "We have not had anyone over in two weeks." We have had many gatherings but this one may have been the largest (37 party animals). Unfortunately, we had 8 people that could not make it. That would have definitely been the largest group ever. I know that we had a blast and enjoyed the time with family and friends. Thanks to everybody!

Sunday, was our Anniversary. Jana and I have been married for 12 years. I feel like I have always known her. It has been well documented how we met (Read Simply Simmons). I knew the minute I saw her that she was the one. We are perfect for each other in so many ways. We celebrated by straightening up a bit. I decided a while back to separate the boys into 2 rooms. They have always shared. I spent several hours moving and shifting clothes and furniture. Afters hours of sweating and lifting, the boys slept together in Bryson's new room. I love the irony.

I do not have anything scriptural today. I know you are all disappointed but check back in a few days.

Thirty Word Story Thursday

2009-06-25T11:05:00.008-05:00

Want to go swimming?

No babing suit!

Wook...it's a bird...too loud, it's a plane...

not x-ray vision, but pretty close.

It was a beautiful end to our day.

Family Jewels and other Junk (puns intended to amplify comedic value)

2009-06-23T09:25:00.003-05:00

I would like to issue an apology in advance to my mother (whom I call blessed), the easily offended, and to ladies without brothers or sons. My intention is to relate my life to scripture I am reading. Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy are not exactly easy reading but I try.

Lately our house has been invaded by testicular humor. I have 2 boys and 2 brothers that think that region is just funny. It has always seemed a plentiful source of humor. Testicles, as my mother would have preferred us to call them, have so many interesting and colorful euphemisms. The old standards are still quite good but modern times have brought us some funny alternatives like tenders, nuggets, batteries, and franks and beans. My boys, thanks to Hollywood, prefer tenders and batteries. I get a sense of pride that my boys too find the privates a source of light-hearted humor. Jana has informed me that I will be receiving all calls from school officials if ball humor rears it ugly head (no pun intended) during school hours. I will, with great humility, accept the phone call and listen intently while trying to stifle the laughter that will undoubtedly be trying to force it's way from the bowels (another limitless abyss of funnies) of my sub-cockles (you're giggling, admit it). My mom thought us crude for using terms like nuts, but she could never comprehend the catastrophic ostracizing that would accompany the utterance of the scientific term "testicles" around friends or foes.

If you have been reading my blog entries, you know that I am reading through the bible. Today I was reading in Deuteronomy. Pretty standard stuff...do this...do that...don't do this...don't do that. If this...then that. More times than not, the that was death. Anyway, my brakes locked up completely when I arrived at Deuteronomy 25:11-12. It's funny how things in the Bible can mirror things relevant in my life. Exhibit A:

NIV
11 If two men are fighting and the wife of one of them comes to rescue her husband from his assailant, and she reaches out and seizes him by his private parts, 12 you shall cut off her hand. Show her no pity.

THE MESSAGE
11-12 When two men are in a fight and the wife of the one man, trying to rescue her husband, grabs the genitals of the man hitting him, you are to cut off her hand. Show no pity.

KING JAMES
11When men strive together one with another, and the wife of the one draweth near for to deliver her husband out of the hand of him that smiteth him, and putteth forth her hand, and taketh him by the secrets:
12Then thou shalt cut off her hand, thine eye shall not pity her.

NEW CENTURY VERSION
11 If two men are fighting and one man's wife comes to save her husband from his attacker, grabbing the attacker by his sex organs,12 you must cut off her hand. Show her no mercy.

You can just imagine the smoke boiling behind me as my mental steel-belted radials were screeching and swerving all over the intellectual highway. Even bible scholars and learned men cannot reach a consensus on this most sensitive region. These all-stars of academia must have racked (once again, no pun intended) their brains and contorted their bodies trying to tiptoe across the testicle tightrope. I giggle picturing men in robes with the duty of translating the most important and influential document every written trying to decide on the right wording. I guess it is fortunate that the charge of interpretation fell to someone else. I would not have the stones (pun intended)!

Waiting at Dr.'s office, water to boil, paint to dry...

2009-06-17T11:12:00.002-05:00

What do these activities have in common? They are all things more exciting that Leviticus and Numbers. I'm in summer school and decided to read a bit. I read Leviticus and 18 chapters in Numbers. I will be glad to get past the hard headed Tribes of Abraham. They have a lot in common with my summer school kids. They whine, complain and give up easily. I'll give it to the tribes, they will repent and change for a while. Of course, if I could stone or burn one or more of my slackers, it would encourage the others to modify their behavior as well.

Bryson had his lip surgery yesterday and is doing okay. There is some swelling but it looks better. He had some questions about why God made him that way. I really did not have an answer except that God has a reason. I told him that bad things come into our lives for a reason, we just do not always know the reasons right now. I don't think it helped but that was all I had. I still have many of those kinds of questions myself. Still waiting to see...

2009-06-15T09:52:00.001-05:00

Just checking mobile posts again.

Summer School

2009-06-10T09:59:00.002-05:00

Since I've posted, school has ended, vacation was taken, and school has begun again. I am teaching Summer School this summer. The money is nice but the kids are a whippin'. I have 24 or so kids and all of their motivation and determination would not fill the bladder of a gnat. I would love to see how these kids were raised. I'm almost positive that they have endured all manner of parenting atrocities. I remember being somewhat apathetic as a kid about some things but these kids really don't care about anything except self gratification.

I think I feel some lectures brewing on the Simmons Lecture Circuit. I know it may be like standing on a Galveston Jetty peeing into Hurricane Don't Give a Crap but it is what I do.

I have not made good progress reading through the bible lately. I have begun Leviticus. I am surely happy that we do not have to burn our offerings to God. Most would be too squeamish.

6) He is to skin the burnt offering and cut it into pieces.
13) He is to wash the inner parts and the legs with water, and the priest is to bring all of it and burn it on the altar.
15) The priest shall bring it to the altar, wring off the head and burn it on the altar; its blood shall be drained out on the side of the altar.
17 He shall tear it open by the wings, not severing it completely,

I thank God that he sent his son to be our sacrifice. He is good...all the time.

2009-04-29T11:05:00.001-05:00

Awesome. I love new toys. Jana, you have to get up on some of this.

2009-04-29T11:03:00.001-05:00

I am bored to death. I set up mobile posing and wanted to try it out.

Rules to live by...

2009-04-28T08:57:00.002-05:00

God has it covered. After reading through chapter 24 of Exodus, I realized God had rules for everything. I was uncomfortable about the rules for slavery but intrigued by the others. I'll chalk it up to different time, different place, and different culture that I do not completely understand.

I think Dave Ramsey may not appreciate God's apparent green light for lending and borrowing money.

Chapter 22, verse 25 "If you lend money to my people, to any of the down-and-out among you, don't come down hard on them and gouge them with interest."

I was a bit uncomfortable with Sunday's Dave Ramsey lesson. I get the principle (and it is sound), but I do not feel comfortable picking single verses, out of context, from the Bible to make a point. Context is everything. My dad once told be to be wary of such constructed lessons. He said, partially in jest, that he could use single verses out of context to make them say whatever he wanted. That has always stuck with me. I think I could sense Brian's (scroll down after clicking link, Brian Hatcher) hesitancy while presenting the lesson. Maybe it was just gas but I thought he seemed somewhat unsettled.

Anyway, track has officially ended and spring football has taken hold. It is a Monday through Thursday till 5:00-ish commitment for 4 weeks. I thank God for Jana every day. Her support is comforting and encouraging to me. I love her with all my heart! Thanks baby! Sorry if that got too mushy.

Every morning I hug and kiss on Jana in front of the kids and they gag. I did too (gag), but I knew my dad and mom loved each other without question. I want to pass that legacy on to my children. Thanks mom! And no, I do not need or want to hear about you and Richard! Too much of a good thing.............................

Mass Exodus

2009-04-21T10:16:00.002-05:00

This is the most hectic time of year for those in the teaching profession. Things are especially so at our house. We are all locking forward to a slower more relaxing pace at the Simmons' house. I am personally anticipating spending time with Jana and the kids. They are my world.

On my biblical journey, I have entered Exodus. Moses and Aaron have just led the Israelites out of Egypt. What was the deal with Pharoh? I thought I might be hard-headed but I think he may be the most stubborn individual in the history of the Jack-Ass. I hope to be more sensitive to God's direction. I would not like the plague of boils, gnats, or worse.

I've got to teach Sunday School for a Week!

2009-04-10T10:51:00.002-05:00

Genesis continues to leave me in shock and awe. The level of deception I have discovered is quite interesting. Not to be out done by Lot's daughters, I offer exhibits A and B. Exhibit A...a man is killed by God for "spilling his seed on the ground (ch. 38)." Exhibit B...Jacob's wife fakes her period to hide idols she stole from her father (ch. 31). Correct me if I am wrong, but I do not think Lifeway has yet to create a Sunday School lesson for these incidents. There are off-Broadway musicals, maybe I can pen some off-Lifeway lessons. Genesis...Keep it coming! I'm up to Joseph's rise to power in Egypt...around chapter 42.

Genesis

2009-03-26T12:33:00.003-05:00

I am slowly reading through the first book of the bible for the first time. I am discovering some new things and I'm shocked by others as I remember and read the stories. For instance, I just realized that the Earth was flooded by rain alone. The bible says the springs burst forth as well. I always thought it would take more that 40 days to flood the Earth and its tallest mountains.

I had heard the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Sunday School as a kid and never really paid attention to the details other than someone turning into a pillar of salt. I always thought that that would be cool to see. While reading yesterday, I was surprised by the Shawshank moment at Lot's house in Sodom. I was even more dismayed by Lot offering his virgin daughters to the mob of homos surrounding his house. Then of course there was the scene where these same daughters got their dad drunk and seduced him becoming pregnant.

Is the world really worse now than then? I'm thinking probably not. People are people...wicked is wicked...sick is sick.

How does God Talk?

2009-03-13T12:32:00.003-05:00

This morning my boys (4 and 8) were talking about our upcoming trip. They are both extremely excited. My older boy told the younger to ask God to help him not to be so excited. The younger asked, "How does God talk to us?" Big brother answered, "He talks to us when we read the bible." As I was basking in the depth of his understanding, little brother replies, "But I cant read!"

Well I can read, and I am going to try to read through the Bible this year for the first time in my life. I am not committing to read every day but to be diligent to read more regularly. Last night, I read (with my oldest) Genesis 1-5. People sure lived a long time back in the day. I was also surprised that Cain and Abel had a brother named Seth. That probably makes me a biblical idiot but hey, I am. Bible names are so random. With names like Seth, why use Enoch or Mahalalel. I am also going to try to read another book this year, Pillars of the Earth. Here's hoping. Anyway, I hope to get back to posting more often... no promises but I will try.

The Sky is Falling...nope, just Poop.

2009-02-13T13:48:00.004-06:00

Lovely, thanks for watching.

Falling from the Sky

2009-02-13T13:48:00.000-06:00

Lovely, thanks for watching.

Impacting Lives??

2009-01-27T09:27:00.003-06:00

On good days, I feel like I make my students' days more tolerable. I try to make an impact on their lives but the reality is that only some will remember me or what I tried to impart to them. Recently, due to Facebook, I was reconnected to a few former students now in their 20s. They were all doing well. It is good to see kids grow up and become successful adults although it makes me feel really old. I feel that I had a small role in their success. Ironically, I do not feel like I have a role in the utter failure of my young hoopsters (Huh, love the irony).

Mercifully, the season is nearly over and I will have more time to help Jana with morning duties. My wife is amazing! Thanks to all of those who had a part in making her the woman, mother, friend, and companion she is today. God has blessed me!

New Look

2009-01-22T13:11:00.002-06:00

Well as you can see, I got tired of the old look. I felt like the blog was trapped in some boy's room stuck to the border that wrapped around the room. This feels more like me.

Since the last post, we have a new President. I hear that he had to be sworn in again yesterday due to the first botched attempt. Does that mean today would be his real first day? Who was President while he was not official? Bidden? Is Barak really the 45th President? I do wish Barak the best and hope he can fulfill half of the expectations many have for his presidency. Good luck to President Bush as he acclimates himself to life behind iron gates, oh wait, he's been there for 8 years, different address now. I bet he can get his Secret Service Agents to pull his trash out to the curb.

The Church vs My Church

2009-01-13T10:45:00.002-06:00

In our SS class this week, our most excellent teacher posed some questions about the "Church." It got me thinking about the differences between "The Church" (Followers of Christ) and my church. I guess I realized for the first time that I am a Baptist as well as a member of a non/multiple/denominational church. I love analogies so one might compare it to government. Governments operate on a local, city, county, state, and Federal levels. I'm not intending this to be blasphemous, just a comparison to help me grasp a slippery concept. I used to ask my dad why the Baptists were right and everyone else was wrong. I think I am just beginning to see the answer for the first time.
Circular thoughts:
My church is just one small part of "The Church" but not all members of my church are followers of Christ therfore not members of "The Church." I guess they are prospects???

Happy New Year?

2009-01-09T09:43:00.002-06:00

Well greetings to all of my blog followers. I have not abandoned you. I have received the tens of comments about my lack of bloggingfulnessability. You have been heard and here I go. I will attempt to summarize my "goings on" over the past few weeks. I have not missed Hoops! I am now entering the gauntlet of tournaments for the next 5 weekends. I was on break from school as well as the treadmill. I have resumed my daily regime of jogging. Semester tests are upon me so I am facing a ton of grading and mass confusion. I will have more time in another week or so.

4 days and counting...

2008-12-16T09:19:00.004-06:00

I can't wait for this week to be done. Basketball continues to take a toll on my already dwindling life force. Last week we actually beat a school that has historically whipped our butts, but last night, we were shut out. Our 7th graders try hard but they are not ready for serious competition.

I had my formal appraisal/observation yesterday. I think if was fine. I never like to trick things up for one day. I try to do what I do each day. It annoys me when people stress and put on some sort of artificial display for their yearly visit. Get over it already!

I just wanted to tell my wife how much I appreciate her. She is so wonderful. I love how she looks and smells in the morning. She would disagree, but she is most beautiful then. She is such a great mom. So much is required of her each day and she always comes through. Thanks sweetie for all you do for us. ILU!

We are heading to my favorite place on Earth next Monday. Yes, that's right, over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go. Thank you Grandmother and Granddad! Can't wait to see you again. I will try to post again before we leave but all bets are off.

Shout out to my BFF Big Daddy. You are the man. Thanks for your unselfishness. I appreciate you!

Merry Christmas to all...God Bless you and your loved ones!

Bring on Christmas Break...

2008-12-04T09:33:00.003-06:00

I know it has been two weeks but things are crazy. Between basketball, teaching, holidays, and other stuff, blogging seems to get the shaft. Every time I read my wife's blog, I see the link to mine. It says, "Last post 2 weeks ago." Nothing like a blog to make you feel guilty (accountability). By tonight, I will have stubbed my toe 8 times already, with 8 more stubbings coming before Christmas. We have one team that has talent and will be competitive. The other 3 lack talent and athleticism but have plenty of ability to bounce back quickly. That is one thing I miss about youth. Our players can get on the bus after a 64-4 butt kicking and play around as if nothing happened. It usually takes me a few minutes longer to blot it out of my memory. As I think about the kids perseverance, I think about how I am called to do the same. I used the Internet for good and found this verse.

Psalm 37:24,28
24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
28 For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever,

God has promised me that when I am down and discouraged that he will protect me and hold me up. Some days I need his protection, while other days I fight and scratch to get out from under his hand. What a paradox?

Working out has been easier as of late. it has become routine now and some days I look forward to it. The other days, I make myself. I feel stronger and hope to continue through the holidays.

Another year older...

2008-11-18T09:15:00.002-06:00

It has been a while since I have blogged. I have gotten older by a year. I now have to up the age when I get on the tread mill. At least it doesn't say 40 yet. Football season has come to a merciful end. In addition, our feeder high school lost in the first round of the play-offs saving me a trip out west near Lubbock. The only dark cloud in my holiday season sky is basketball. We have our first game Thursday with 8th grade. If you have ever kicked a large piece of furniture in the middle of the night with your pinkie toe, you have experienced the joy of a basketball game at my school. Imagine kicking the same piece of furniture with the same pinkie toe 4 times a week for 2 months and 8-10 times for 6 weeks of tournaments in January and February. That is basketball season for me. There are a few funny moments along the way but you know that settee (I love ours!) or armoire is coming quickly. My wife is so wonderful for putting up with it (coaching not the settee). I love you so much!

My workouts have been a lot more consistent than my scripture reading. However, there was a funny moment last night while reading. The passage was proverbs 17:25.

25 A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him.

To fully appreciate the verse, you must read my wife's blog referenced on my page. We laughed and I believe God was trying to say it will be alright, it's just a toilet. The punishment will remain but it is OK, boys and toilets are made for each other. Thanks for Dave in California (and $100) for the new lid. I hope to blog more often this week. I do enjoy it, but it is on the back burner on my commercial kitchen 12 burner stove top of life.

Bad Week... How's yours?

2008-10-29T09:37:00.003-05:00

Just a quick hit, a friend of mine at work is having an interesting week. Monday in class, he was the recipient of the "Two fisted flip-off" and this morning at practice he was issued the proclamation, "not everyone wants to be in cross-country so shut up!" Being the supportive friends and colleagues we are, we gently offered our support and reassurance. Be strong Dawg!Teaching is great! One day a kid tells you how much they like your class and the next you get F-Bombed. I love my job! Things are never dull.

Tuesday's Musings

2008-10-28T12:10:00.003-05:00

Tuesdays seem to be my only days too blog. After today, there are only two more football games. In class, we are reading The Diary of Anne Frank. It is interesting to see how the students respond to what is read. Today, we have begun to watch some Holocaust survivor documentaries. I cannot begin to conceive the atrocities portrayed in the video. It is very heavy but the kids need to see the evil unleashed by darkness and depravity. I am a little depressed by it all. We are taking the kids next week to the Holocaust Museum in Dallas. I pray the kids are respectful and reverent.

I was saying prayers with my boys last night and I was surprised how well they are doing. My 4 year old spouted off 5 or 6 sentences without stopping. At that point he said ,"What else dad?" My oldest (8) even prayed to be drug free, thanks Red Ribbon Week. I love to hear my boys pray. You never know what is going to come out.

Been a while...

2008-10-22T09:22:00.003-05:00

Things are as hectic as ever. Good news is that we have only one more Tuesday night game. We had a fairly severe injury last night. Our starting QB dislocated his index finger and one end of the bone came through the skin. It reminded me of my arm and shoulder some 20 years ago. Our brave team leader texted me at 12:45 am to tell me was OK. He is a great kid.

Proverbs 10:13
(13) Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.

This verse was one of the verses that spoke to me today. I can remember my dad telling me I have the gift of discernment. At the time, I took that to mean knowing the difference between right and wrong. Now I see that it is easy to see the right and the wrong but maneuvering in the gray is the challenge. As I get older, there seems to be more gray areas. I pray for the ability to discern the right path for my family and me. The second half of the verse is fairly straight forward. I remember the rod as a child but fear it more as an adult. God is good to discipline his children when necessary. I try to do the same with my own children. Does God say,"This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you?" Oh the irony of it all!

I am on sort of a streak working out as of late. I began last Tuesday running. I have added squats on the squat rack. It is not much weight, but dang the pain. My own quote haunts me, "If it aint hurtin', it aint workin'!" I could hardly get up and down or is it down and up from the comode (under used word). I worked out T, W, TH, F, M, assembly yesterday, and plan to get back today.
Shout out to my awesome wife. She inspires me each day. Not only is she the most beautiful woman I know, she has the best work ethic I have seen. She is relentless at the gym and most other areas of her life. I love you baby! You are scorching hot!!

Questions for fun

2008-10-16T19:05:00.002-05:00

1. Do you like blue cheese? yes
2. Have you ever smoked? cigars
3. Do you own a gun? yes
4. What flavor Kool Aid was your favorite? fruit punch
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? no
6. What do you think of hot dogs? thumbs up!
7. What is your favorite Christmas Movie? Christmas Vacation
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? milk with ice
9. Can you do push ups? no, due to injury many, many moons ago. Ask me to show you my scars!
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? watch
11. Favorite hobby? golf
12. Do you have A.D.D.? nope
13. What's one trait you dislike about yourself? control freak
14. Middle name? Earl
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment... hot wife, my elbow hurts, tomorrow is Friday
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? tea, Kool-Aid, water
17. Current worry? stock market woes
18. Current hate right now? basketball tournaments (thinking ahead)
19. Favorite place to be? the Pond
20. How did you bring in the New Year? asleep
21. Where would you like to go? New England
22. Name three people who will complete these questions? Jana, Grandmother, blog stalker
23. Do you own slippers? Do Crocs count?
24. What color shirt are you wearing right now? burnt orange
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? yes
26. Can you whistle? yes
27. Favorite color? yellow
28. Would you be a pirate? no, too close to butt pirate
29. DO YOU SING in the shower? no
30. Favorite Girl's Name? Jana
31. Favorite boy's name? Drew
32. What's in your pocket right now? you mean I should be wearing pants?
33. Last thing that made you laugh? my wife's questions
34. Best bed sheets as a child? striped ones
35. Worst injury you've ever had? arm ripped off my body, seriously. Ask me and I will show you my scars!
36. Do you love where you live? yes
37. How many TVs do you have in your house? 4
38. Who is your loudest friend? Kelly
39. How many dogs do you have? two, Jessie and Belle
40. Does someone have a crush on you? my wife
41. What is your favorite book? Lord of the Rings
42. What is your favorite candy? Reece's Peanut Butter Cups
43. Favorite Sports Team? Cowboys
44. What song do you want played at your funeral? I Can Only Imagine, It Is Well

How 'bout this Weather!

2008-10-16T13:22:00.002-05:00

I love Fall. I am in a better mood just because of the temperature. Last night I read Proverbs 8. Pretty standard stuff until these verses.

20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.

Following this logic, I assume the opposite is true as well. What must I be bestowing on others if I walk the paths of unrighteousness? I know people who drain my Treasury and I do not want to be that person. It is interesting that if you care to look, the scripture can confirm what you have been praying about. I have read the bible, but I not for content. I want my student to analyze literature and reflect personally about it. I guess I should take my own advice. I am enjoying my few minutes of bible time.

By the way, I did run on Tuesday. I also ran yesterday and plan to run today. There's the bell, got to run!

Monday Game Day

2008-10-13T13:00:00.000-05:00

Only a few more games left. It is bitter-sweet because basketball will begin after football. Basketball will not be too bad until after Christmas break. This weekend was lonely but I had fun yesterday. Saturday my wife went on a road trip with our boys. I stayed with the baby. yesterday was spent at church and at home with my family. Cowboys sucked.

Last night's Proverbs reading emphasized avoiding adultery. I can honestly say that that is one area that is not a struggle (too many thats, but hey, it's a blog). I have many others areas but my wife is my life. My dad demonstrated how to love and honor a wife. I know there were challenges in their marriage but he always showed honor and respect to my mom. I thank him for that legacy.

I am going to run a mile today if it kills me. Football season takes all of my time but I will take the 15-20 minutes today. I won't be able to look my blog in the face if I don't get it done.

Bible Speaks

2008-10-10T09:50:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 3
25) Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26) for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.

These are three verses that stuck out for me while reading today. Verse 25-26 reminds me to chill out about the stock market's free fall, I have been silently freaking about the economy but I have no control there anyway. Verse 27 just reinforces that God wants me to be more encouraging and positive to others in all situations. BTW...I love my wife! I forgot my bag today and she brought it to me. She's the best:00:

Mid Week Ponderings

2008-10-08T12:27:00.000-05:00

My wife (totally hot) follows lots of blogs. She reads the very tragic stories and will sit and cry with the blogger. I am glad she is so sensitive and compassionate. I guess I do not like the uncomfortable feeling of grief and helplessness. The latest story involved a sweet family whose baby did not live long after the birth. It made me thank God for my healthy kids and for the first time in a very long while, I had some real empathetic feelings for someone I did not know. I can only imagine the heart ache and frustration that couple must be enduring. I don't know them but I will be praying for them in the coming days.

Hmm...

2008-10-07T09:50:00.000-05:00

I am a coach, I am a coach of some less than talented players, I am the coach of some less than talented players at a school that drains you dry. Despite that, we won last night against a greater foe from across the tracks, up the hill, through the gates and on the left. I am proud of our kids and other coaches. Victories are rare around here, so we tend to cherish them. I ramble through all of that to make a personal observation about myself. I am definitely a less than talented player in God's athletic program. At times, I feel like I have been kicked around whichever sporting venue is in season. What is sad is that I have been pretty much satisfied bitching about the other sucky players and ignoring my own suckitude. (I like new words and sports analogies) Just an observation as we were beating a team that usually kicks our butts.

I have begun to read the bible. No, not anything too deep, just Proverbs. I can remember my dad reading them to me when I was a kid. I remember thinking how repetitive it was and thought the book could have been 2 chapters long. I am only 2 chapters in and it is repetitive, but I am looking to take some things to heart and dare to apply them. After two days, I have read and prayed and things are going OK. I hope to start a new habit. My wife (devastatingly beautiful), has even read my blog and likes it. I will try to leave out names to protect the innocent. I won't be able to exercise today due to a game and getting in late but Wednesday through Sunday will be my exercise days. I am looking forward to getting back at it.

Something has to Change

2008-10-05T13:50:00.000-05:00

This is my inaugural posting. I am a virgin to blogging so this is a different thing for me. My wife has been blogging for a couple of months but I have not been interested in doing it myself. In Sunday School today, I made a comment about talking to someone at work that I usually avoid. I realized that if you are not on my radar, I would never go out of my way to talk to or get to know you. I made a decision in class to try to start changing that. By choice at first and now by habit, I limit my circle of people I know. I am a social person but like to control the situation and surroundings. I am a retentive and controlling individual. It has gotten worse in my graying days. I feel it is time to begin to work on it. On the way home today, my wife said some things that were right on. One of them was about my comfort zone. I have a very small, cozy, safe zone. I've had it for a long time and it has begun to get very stifling. This blog is way out of my zone. I share things with my wife but never with others. No one may read this but at least it is out there to be seen by somebody.

I plan do work through 4 things in this blog.

things I pray for
things from the bible I read
attitudes about God, religion, and being a Christian
physical fitness (or lack of)

I usually pray each day but it is never scheduled or disciplined. I plan to use this blog as accountability for my bible and prayer time. As the son of a preacher man, I have always been in church but not always in the proper spirit. Over time I have become crusty and sceptical and slightly critical. I am asking God to change that about me and help me to be more accepting,and compassionate. In addition, I will throw in my exercise for the day. I was exercising a lot before school began but have stopped. I feel like that this is enough blogging for my first time. I would not want to strain something. Thanks for listening...stay tuned!