Merry-Go-Round

It's been two months since I've even thought about this blog, but I do have a new picture that is blogworthy. This Christmas the number of grandchildren in our family doubled. I now have the above picture in a frame in my office. And I love the frame. It says...

"You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents everytime around, and why his parents will always wave back."

Well, I'm waving to you as well, and hoping you all have a wonderful, joyful, and blessed year!

The Grand Canyon

In early November I had the opportunity to live out a life long dream. To hike down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon... and back out! Thanks for putting it together Art. Nice to know that at age 50+ we can still get around.

The smile on my face is actually relief. The Colorado River finally came into sight and with it the hope that I'd actually make it. We did and it was awesome.

PS Thanks also to Ruth for being so understanding about being here instead of with her on our wedding anniversary. I'll make it up to you in a big way.

Fishers of Men

The men in our church just got back from our annual retreat. We go to Possum Kingdom lake, stay at some nice cabins, do a few bible studies, play some dominoes, have a big barbecue, and in between we venture out for a little fishing. Considering the size of my catch, it’s a good thing I heard the call to be fishers of men. I’m not much of a threat with a rod and reel.

Remembering 9-11

Today is the sixth anniversary of 9-11. I get reminded of how that day changed the world everytime I come to our church. This marker was placed near the front entrance of our church. It rests near another marker that describes our mission and the dedication of our sanctuary which took place 5 days later.

Tonight we will sing through a prayer called "The Litany of the Nations". It enables us to pray for every single country in the world by name and reminds me of the hope that is shared by many of us, that God might continue to work through his church and through this country to be a light to the world. May that same light bless and guide each of us today and every day.

Bluegrass on the Square

This is the friendly crowd we joined for a free Bluegrass concert on the town square in Murfreesboro. The courthouse was open, they gave out fans and bottles of water instead of charging for them and members from the local Missouri Synod Lutheran Church assured us that we would certainly be welcomed at communion if we decided to join them for worship on Sunday. Small town life definitely has it's benefits.

A Very Historic Porch

Just outside of Franklin, Tennessee you can tour this beautiful plantation home. The battle of Franklin was so fierce that the bodies of five Confederate generals who were killed that first day were laid side by side on this porch. Some of them had connections to Texas, including Generals Cleaburne and Granbury. The family offered the use of their home as a field hospital and later donated a part of their land for what is now the largest privately owned mililary cemetary in the country. The person who looks like the family caretaker is actually a fifth grade history teacher from Arlington, Texas.

The Mother Church of Country Music

We celebrated this year's Fourth of July in Nashville. One highlight was walking around the Ryman Auditorium. Although the Grand Ol' Opry was moved in the 70's to a new and larger facility, for many years this was the stage where many of the singers we grew up listening to played. I still can't believe we were asked to step up to this historic stage and audition by a couple of record producers, of course they haven't contacted us.... yet.

My Kind of Church

This little wooden structure known as the Shiloh church is in a quiet corner of the National Park. It has a wooden floor inside, wood pews and a small pulpit. Once surrounded by cannons, two armies and an awful battle, it is now one of the most peaceful places we have had the opportunity to visit.

Southern Women

After touring through the grounds of Shiloh Ruth finds a place to rest for a bit. Somehow she found just the right spot.

The other Martin Luther (King)

This wreath marks where Martin Luther King was assasinated outside his motel room in Memphis. You can now go through the National Civil Rights museum which was built all around it. It is a powerful and moving experience that helps you to appreciate the incredible number of sacrifices that so many people have made in the name of justice and equality.

A Blue Cadillac

It may sound like the perfect summertime drink, but when you’re in Memphis what you get is a photo op with one of the cars that belonged to Elvis.

The Battle before Tennessee

When we left for Tennessee following church it was pouring rain, but ignoring the latest of our many thunderstorms we spent a good part of our first day getting ready for our upcoming visit to Graceland by listening to Elvis and eating fried chicken. The only setback during this first part of our trip was a bloody two hour battle between Ruth and a swarm of relentless mosquitoes that had managed to slip inside our VW during a brief stop. Ruth was wounded repeatedly but in the end her major league swing and rolled up map proved too much. Yes, she not only prevailed but made it to Graceland.

I Went to a Garden Party

"They all knew my name." Remember that song by Ricky Nelson? If so you're getting old. Me too! Actually it wasn't a garden party, but it was the dedication of our church's new prayer garden. This is just one small glimpse. In the other direction you can see the cross from our original sanctuary, a fountain, and many other beautiful flowers. If you're ever in the area, stop by for a quiet moment in the garden and have a chat with you know who. And rest assured, He already knows your name.

The Rock

The final piece of our newly expanded and improved Prayer Garden was delivered this week. It’s approximately 20 inches high, and weighs just over 2 tons. We couldn’t be more proud!

The total cost for this baby, including delivery, was just under $500. As it settled into it’s new home I told Art, you know, there is a very good chance that this thing is still going to be sitting right here long after you and I are dead and gone.

It’s always an interesting and humbling thought to get those occasional reminders that we have been called to help create and support the kind of church that will continue to change and bless lives long after our time.

The only person I know who can inspire that kind of generosity and devotion is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Someone should write a hymn about that. Something like…

“On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand”

I'm Dreaming of a White Easter?!

We just finished up with our 2007 Easter Egg Hunt. The temperature was in the 30’s and as we gathered at church to hear the Easter story, sing songs, and hunt for eggs, snowflakes were swirling all around us.

After having the air conditioning on for over a month, a lot of us have our heaters back on. But even with mittens you can still find eggs. And even though tomorrow morning’s outdoor Sunrise Service is going to be cold, cold, cold, the announcement will be just as wonderful… He is risen indeed!

Lean On Me

Last Saturday we had approximately 20 people from Shepherd of Life working on a home for Habitat for Humanity in South Dallas. It was early in the project so we got to help with framing. That was a first for me and it was a lot of fun. As we began lifting the walls in place I found myself across from Art, our youth and family ministries director. Guess which one of us not only looks the part, but actually has some skills.

Bond... James Bond

Bible Studies at Shepherd of Life are always interesting. Our love for the scriptures and desire to share and learn from them are at the heart of why all of us do them, but there are people here who have a gift for making them fun as well.

This month we did a 007 Bible Study. The idea was to begin '07 by looking at 07 ways that we can become better, stronger and more effective agents on behalf of our Lord. Ace and Carolyn made the supper which featured foods that have been included in James Bond movies. There were roses on the table, a chocolate fountain and a champagne toast at the end of the evening that was offered by a man who looks just a bit like Sean Connery.

Being a traditional Lutheran church we still like him best. So, if you ever visit us be sure to ask for Brian, as a former president of the congregation and our very own James Bond look a like, he will undoubtedly welcome you in style, but be prepared, for he may also look you straight in the eyes and ask you what risks and sacrifices you've made lately while serving our Lord.

Leaving on a jet plane

This is a picture that my daughter took at DFW on the evening of New Year's Day. Ray Davidson was giving us an incredible tour around and in between the runways at DFW.
For some crazy, irrational reason I've always felt uncomfortable flying and yet I'll be doing just that this coming week. Oh well, it gives me a lot of opportunities to say the Lord's Prayer!

The Ice Man Cometh

It’s been an interesting weekend here. All of our local meteorologists were practically hysterical about the possibility of ice in our region. Consequently, a number of churches canceled their services Sunday morning.

We continued as usual and around 100 people made it to worship. Many of them grew up or have lived in the Midwest. Weather is a funny thing, but this picture is even funnier. It was sent to me by a member named Wilmer.

I loved my four years in Iowa and Minnesota, but the winters here are definitely easier. Good luck, God’s blessings and be careful to all those who have to face the real deal.

Merry Christmas Mom

Dear Mom,
I've been thinking about you all day long and I kept debating about why finding a Christmas picture of you and writing a note makes any sense at all. I just wanted you to know that you would be so proud of your grandkids. David just graduated from college this past Saturday and Steffanie is now in law school. I'm glad they were able to be here for Christmas this year and they just arrived tonight... The anniversary of your death and the beginning of a life that I can't even imagine.

This I do know, you loved Christmas so much and always made it special. I wish you could be here with us. It's still hard to believe that it's been ten years today. I think of you often and before this day ended just wanted you to know how thankful I am that I was your son.