Thoughts From ME!

Just as Smurfy (Annoying) as They Used to Be

2012-01-27T10:19:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I watched the movie, The Smurfs! Why? Why? Why? I never liked the Smurfs, when they were a television show. I can't believe I sat through the entire movie. The story had it's moments, but overall it was just as Smurfy (annoying) as the original television cartoon. I can't believe they are going to make a Smurfs 2 movie!

I really need to be exercising more, rather than waste my time watching television or movies so much. I can't wait to start substituting again or start a full-time job.

Failing to live by my own Mission Statement

2012-01-26T05:35:00.001-06:00

Shortly after posting my first blog! I came up with a Mission Statement to let people know what I stand for and to serve as a guide for my personal life. In the past year, I have been failing in several areas of my "mission" and I can see the results. Today I renew that same mission statement...Once again here it is (it is also listed underneath my photo at the top left of my blog)....

1. I will seek to continuously become a man after the heart of God.
2. I will serve my God and honor Him in all that I do; in failure as well as success.
3. I will continuously strive to grow as a husband and a father, so I can serve my family in the service of my God.
4. I will endeavor to serve others in love, using my Savior, Jesus, as an example.
5. I will listen to the words of truth as written in the Bible and to the Holy Spirit of God living in me, rather than the lies of Satan and the world. I will do this by spending intentional time in prayer, devotion, and memorization of scripture.
6. Realizing that I AM NOT IN CONTROL of the majority of circumstances that affect my life, I will look to God to learn from every situation, so that I may grow stronger in faith, and better serve God, my family and others.

Father God; Give me the strength of will, to fulfill the promises made above. Give me guidance to do what it right and just. Thank you for what blessings you have given me and help me not to forgot them. All that I have and ever will have is a gift from you! Bless my family and my future job! Your son, Mark

Super 8 was not so Super! Neither has my Job Search.

2012-01-25T15:42:00.002-06:00

Just finished watching the movie Super 8 today with the kids. The movie had great special effects; however, the best acting of the movie did not come from the adults, it came from the kids. The kids did an outstanding job, outshining their adult counterparts. The story about the ***** (don't want to spoil the movie), was a little disappointing; but the story surrounding the kids and their families was much better. I thought the movie would be better than what I expected it to be; still I give it a thumbs up, just not a "Super" thumbs up.

On a totally separate note: I have been busy looking for full/part-time work since mid December. I am on a list of people to call to fill in shifts at Starbucks, until a position opens up for me to work regular scheduled shifts again. I finished an in-service to become a sub for Mansfield ISD yesterday and should start substituting for them next week. There is a full-time Composite Social Studies teacher position open at one of their High Schools and I am on a list of teachers to be interviewed for that job. That particular school also is getting a new principal so the interviews will not start until the after the first of February. In the meantime I also interviewed for an Assistant Manager job at the local CineMark Theater. Will hear back from them later this week. So, my job searching hasn't been real "Super" either; however, it is looking up and maybe I will be busy working again soon.

An Updated Version of a Classic Disney Film

2012-01-23T07:52:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, my family and I went to see Disney's Beauty and the Beast at the theater. This time the movie was in 3D. I could tell little difference between the original format and the new format; still this movie is a classic movie that deserved it's nomination for Best Motion Picture when it first debuted.

Is it just me, or does the prince look better as a best than he does as a human?

Another Addicting Television Show

2012-01-21T07:40:00.001-06:00

A few months back, before we moved to Mansfield, my wife, Jamie, had to drive back and forth to Waxahachie to work at her new job. To help with the driving, she stayed with her aunt in Lewisville during the week. While there, Jamie started to watch a television series called The Closer. She thought it was so good, she suggested we start watching the entire series on Netflix.

Now I have another addicting television show to watch. It's a great show, despite it is another crime show.

Beatles Movies

2012-01-20T07:28:00.001-06:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my daughter, Rachel, loves the Beatles. I also mentioned in another post, I am trying to keep track of all the movies I have watched for the first time. These two things combined over the last couple of days. My daughter practically insisted I watch two of the movies the Beatles starred in.

First I watched A Hard Day's Night, (which was not to bad) and then I watched HELP! (a silly movie, but not so dumb it made my worst movies ever). That makes three new movies this year. I can't count Due Date because I never made it to the end of the movie before I stopped watching it.

I find it interesting that the Beatles can still captivate fans even after 50+ years since they debuted in America.

At Last, a Candidate I Can Vote For!

2012-01-19T07:26:00.003-06:00

The 2012 Presidential Election is fully underway and I'm already sick of it. The Republican hopefuls have already whittled down to five candidates.

Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Rick Perry, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum.

Oops, just read that Rick Perry is dropping out! That leaves 4 candidates left.

All I can tell you is...Unless they agree to work within a budget and at least start paying off debt, I don't like 'em.

Wake me up when it's over. Until then, vote for the cat!

Day 16 -- Happy 15th Birthday, Rachel

2012-01-16T08:57:00.001-06:00

15 years ago today, my wife, Jamie, gave birth to one of the greatest blessings God has given to me; my daughter Rachel. This little pink newborn, has grown into a wonderful young woman in which I am very proud. She is strongly rooted in her belief in God and has grown confident enough to stand up to me and correct me when I am treating her unfairly. She loves her family, especially the kitties, and her love of the Beatles and the Backstreet Boys fill our house with music. Although she shares many great character traits with her mother, she finds it annoying she shares some OCD character traits with me as well. I love my daughter and I can't wait to see what the next 15 years brings into her life and mine.

Happy Birthday Rachel! I love you!

Day 13 - Friday the 13th Brings Bad Movie

2012-01-13T20:35:00.000-06:00

Not much went on with me today. I did spend some time with the family and my wife and I did put a bird feeder in the back yard. (This way the cats can bird watch while sitting in the windows). Sadly, my day had to endure about 25 minutes of the movie Due Date. It was going to my second newly watched movie of the new year; however, the movie was so horrible, my family turned it off before we even finished the movie. It was bad.

Day 12 -- Time to Do The Work

2012-01-12T11:52:00.000-06:00

In an effort to make some changes in my life; I am about to start a program that should help me change my way of thinking about some things. Although undiagnosed, I probably suffer from OCD and other social anxiety disorders. This tends to play havoc with my personal and professional life. This program should help with both of those issues.

The program is called The Work of Byron Katie. According to her site this work is "a way to identify and question the thoughts that cause all the fear, violence, depression, frustration and suffering in the world. Experience the happiness of undoing those thoughts through The Work, and allow your mind to return to its true awakened, peaceful, creative nature."

I am going to get me good notepad and take some good notes and try to apply the lessons taught in the Work and hopefully I will be a better person for it. I have listened to a couple of her sessions before, but I was not really listening, so I'm trying again, with a new focus. Wish me the best.

Day 11 -- Opinion about Baseball Hall of Fame and Steroid Users

2012-01-11T09:24:00.014-06:00

With the results of the most recent voting on the baseball Hall of Fame, there has been a lot of discussion about what to do with next year's ballot. What do you do with suspected steroid users? Here is a short opinion on what I would do, IF I could vote for the players on the 2013 ballot.

If we voted on Hall of Fame players based on character alone, then Ty Cobb and many others would have never been elected to the Hall of Fame. Cobb, among others, was a racist and a bigot. Other current members of the Hall of Fame also have other "off field issues" that would make conservative Christians blush; yet, they are in the Hall of Fame. So election to the Hall of Fame should not be based on character or integrity alone. Besides, Cobb has already been excluded from playing on the Field of Dreams because, "Ty Cobb wanted to play, but none of us could stand the son-of-a-bitch when we were alive, so we told him to stick it!" At least according to "Shoeless" Joe Jackson.

If allowed to vote for 10 players next year...here is who I would vote for: Jack Morris, Tim Raines, Jeff Bagwell, Alan Trammell, Dale Murphy, Lee Smith and Fred McGriff would get my votes for those held over from the 2012 ballot. That leaves 3 votes left for the newcomers on the 2013 ballot. These votes would go to Craig Biggio, Mike Piazza and possibly Curt Shilling. Bagwell, Biggio and Piazza have never tested positive or have admitted to using steroids. They have outstanding credibility from former teammates and other players who will testify that these players never used steroids; at least according to their knowledge of these players.

As for Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGuire, Roger Clemens and Rafael Palmeiro; they have all tested positive for, admitted to, or appeared on either the BALCO list of those who purchased steroids or the Mitchell Report from Congress that, list players who have used steroids. In my opinion, if you used steroids to enhance your performance then you cheated; and if you cheated, then you will fail to get my vote as a Hall of Fame player. Plain and Simple!

I realize that Bonds and Clemens had Hall of Fame numbers before they started using steroids; however that argument doesn't hold water for me. "Shoeless" Joe Jackson had Hall of Fame numbers, before he and seven other teammates of his accepted money to throw the World Series. It didn't matter that Pete Rose had Hall of Fame numbers before he started betting on baseball. Both Jackson and Rose are banned from election to the Hall of Fame. They broke the rules and they are out.

Do the writers who vote for Hall of Famers have the right to pass judgment on players? Yes they do! It may not always be a fair judgment; however, it is within their rights to do so. In my opinion, if the writers fail to elect steroid users to the Hall of Fame, then, let the Hall of Fame’s, Expansion Era Committee decided their fate. This committee is made up of veteran players who are already members of the Hall of Fame, baseball executives and selected veteran media members. It is there job to decide if players (managers, umpires and executives), who played from 1973 to the present, who are no longer eligible to be on the BBWAA ballot, deserve enshrinement into the Hall. If the writers refuse to elect players who used steroids into the Hall of Fame then, let those who are already in the Hall of Fame decide if they want to share membership in the Hall of Fame with steroid users. It's only fair.

Day 10 - Need a Clue? We Got One, Two...Eight!

2012-01-10T07:20:00.007-06:00

One of the favorite board games for my family is the classic game of Clue. The thrill of trying to figure out if Col Mustard, committed murder with the revolver in the study, makes this game of strategy one of my favorite games ever. I myself like to collect the different editions of the game. As a result; we have several versions to choose from when ever we feel the need to play detective.

Of course we have the classic edition (pictured first); with the original characters of Miss Scarlet, Mrs. Peacock, Mrs. White, Col. Mustard, Prof. Plum and Mr. Green. For some reason I like to write the first solution to each edition inside the lid of the game box. For this version, it was Prof. Plum, Lead Pipe and Library. Other editions of the game we own are:

Clue: Master Detective - Which introduces new rooms, new weapons and four new suspects (Sgt. Gray, Miss Peach, MME. Rose and M. Brunette., Clue: the Great Museum Caper -- In this version the main characters attempt to apprehend an art thief., Clue: Secrets and Spies -- In this version the characters attempt to discover the identity of a mysterious Agent Black., Electronic Clue Talking FX -- This version is just an electronic version of the original clue, with new rooms, weapons and several new characters (Mrs. Meadow-Brook, Prince Azure, Rusty Naylor, Lady Lavender and Lord Gray), Clue Suspect -- A card game version, fit for travel or play without the board., Clue: Discover the Secrets; Chocolate Edition -- A delicious chocolate version of the game where the "cards" are wrapped pieces of chocolate. Sadly, the board is not chocolate. After playing this game and eating the chocolate, my daughter, Rachel, took the wrappers and taped them into usable pieces and turned them into a neat little travel edition of the game. Most recently we added Clue: The Office edition -- In this version, characters, locations and objects from the television show "The Office" are used as suspects, rooms and weapons, as they attempt to solve the "murder" of Toby Flanderson in order to win a vacation promised by Michael Scott. We played it for the first time last Sunday. (Toby was "killed" by Stanley Hudson with a rabid bat in the annex.)

At one time or another we have also owned and played; Clue: Murder at Boddy Mansion (PC Game), Clue: VCR Mystery Game and Clue DVD Game -- A DVD version of the game that has several "interactive games" to play. Once you solve the several "games", this version becomes obsolete.

We have even watched the movie version of Clue and some episodes of the kids television series Clue on the HUB television network. My daughter also told me she has a version of Clue she plays on her I-Pod.

I would love to add Clue: World of Harry Potter Edition, Scooby Doo Where Are You? Clue (apparently no longer sold, which explains the high price tag), and Clue: Discover the Secrets -- an updated version of the classic game with new rooms and weapons, to our collection. (Shortly after posting this, my daughter informed me we already have Clue: Discover the Secrets; so, I guess the title of this post should end in Nine.)

Needless to say Clue has become a large part of our family game nights and I hope I get to play Clue with my grand kids as well.

Day 9 - Ready for Some Baseball

2012-01-09T15:31:00.008-06:00

Today Major League Baseball announced that former Cincinnati Reds shortstop, Barry Larkin was elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame. Congratulations to a deserving player. I was sort of hoping that Jack Morris would make it this year. Jack Morris signed my baseball glove in between double-header games between the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers. It would be cool to have a Hall of Famer's autograph on my glove.

Adding to my good feelings towards Barry Larkin; I am also excited that the 2012 Baseball Season is drawing ever closer. I am especially excited to see if my Texas Rangers can "threepeat" as American League Champions and finally win that elusive World Series title. I am hoping, now that I live closer to Arlington, that I can maybe squeeze in a few games this year. Who knows, maybe I can even land a part-time job there during the season and get to "watch" part of the games while working.

Day 8 - The Barista is Back

2012-01-08T07:01:00.001-06:00

Today I am covering a shift for a fellow barista, at the Starbucks in Midlothian, TX. It has been about 6 months since I last worked at a Starbucks; however, I am excited to be a barista again. I worked as a barista for the Starbucks in Longview, TX for over a year and it was my favorite "part-time" job I have ever had. I hope I still have my skills.

Separate and apart from working at Starbucks; I have survived one week without any soft drinks, such as Dr. Pepper, Coca-Cola, IBC Cream Soda, etc... I was told by a doctor to avoid caffeinated drinks to try and help some acid re-flux problems I have been having. I can't give up my morning cup of coffee, but I can cut out the over sweetened colas and I don't have to drink a free cup of coffee every time I work a shift at Starbucks. I may even loose some weight doing this; if I can also control my eating. The longest I have ever gone without a soft drink was back in 2008, when I went from January 1 - February 26. I went out to eat on my birthday and I drank a Dr. Pepper. I think I can go longer this time!

Day 7 - HELP! There are BEATLES in my house!

2012-01-07T14:07:00.006-06:00

The Beatles are considered one the greatest rock bands ever; and I think I may have to agree. Not only were the Beatles one my parents' favorite bands in the 60's, I listened to a lot of their music during the 80's, and now my kids (especially Rachel) love listening to the Beatles as well. In fact my daughter loves them so much, she has them on her I-Pod and she looked up their movies to watch on Netflix and on YouTube. We have the Beatles album, ONE, in my car and I am forced to listen to it over and over again with my kids. I didn't realize how many of the Beatles songs I actually could sing by memory. (If I couldn't before I can now!) I also didn't realize that just under half the #1 songs on the album debuted after I was born. I was born in the middle of Beatlemania; Dang, I'm old. On a closing note, I think John Lennon sounds a little like Wakko Warner from the Animaniacs!

Day 6 - First Movie of the Year, It was an "elementary" choice.

2012-01-06T18:42:00.005-06:00

I have decided to keep up with all the movies I have seen for the first time (either on DVD/Blue-Ray, Television or at the Theaters) this year. Recently, my wife asked me, "What was your favorite movie you've seen all of last year? I started thinking, does this include movies at the theater only? If so then the answer would be a three way tie between Courageous, Captain America: The First Avenger, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II. Of all the movies I saw for the first time through Netflix or DVD/Blue-Ray purchase none compared to the three above; neither did any movie I saw for the first time on television. The question did get me to thinking; how many movies did I watch, for the first time, last year? I keep up with the books I read, but how many hours do I sit watching movies? So, I'm keeping track.

This afternoon I watched my first "new" movie of the year. It was Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Although a very good movie; it was not quite as good as the first Sherlock Holmes move. Still I enjoyed the show, as well as my two children. Some how I don't think this the end of the Sherlock Holmes movies.

Just to let you know I will probably not post every new movie I see this year!

Day 5 - Eating Frogs & Journal Writing

2012-01-05T12:20:00.005-06:00

This morning my wife told me about a way to help your day go a bit smoother. She told me to "eat my frog first, then the rest of the day will move along smoother." Eat a frog? Turns out that your "frog" is the one thing that you need to do that day that you really don't want to do. If you do that one horrible, hard, time consuming thing first, then your day should be easier to deal with because the hard part it already done. So "Eat your Frog" first!

In the spirit of "frog eating", I started to put together a set of chest of drawers for my son. I have had them in the garage since late September. I figured it was about time to get that out of the way. Shortly after getting started, I realized that an important piece was missing from the materials in the box. I called the company and they are shipping me a new part, which should arrive in a few days. So, I guess I will eat this frog in pieces.

I also decided today that I will resume my journal writing. Not only will it help me write down my goals and steps to meet them; but it will also help me evaluate certain feelings and actions that I have been struggling with recently. I also plan to resume my Bible reading/studies. I also need to re-connect with my Creator. Pray for me!

Day 4 - It's Officially Presidential Election Time (Dang it!)

2012-01-04T12:12:00.007-06:00

It's that time again where every 4th year we endure month after month of annoying advertisements from politicians with aspirations of becoming the next President of the United States. As an American I love the fact that we can freely choose who the next leaders of our nation will be, I just hate the "politics" we have to endure to do it. I also wish we had at least one more, or two less, political parties to choose from. Until then I will try to stay informed as possible about the current candidates who are running.

1st the Democratic Party -- Since the current President of the United States is a Democrat, there are no other Democrats challenging his re-election. In case you live in a hole in the ground, our current President, Barack Obama is seeking reelection.

Now, the Republican Party -- At first candidates were joining the race as fast as flies find road kill, (sorry for the sappy choice of words) now they are dropping one by one, until only one remains to challenge the President. With Rep. Michele Bachmann ending her candidacy today, there are currently there are seven well known candidates to choose from (although at least two of them really have no chance at all). In alphabetical order here they are:

1. Former Speaker of the House and U.S. Representative from Georgia -- Newt Gingrich.

2. Former U.S. Ambassador to China and Former Governor of Utah -- John Huntsman, Jr.

3. Current U.S. Representative from Texas - Ron Paul.

4. Current Governor of Texas -- Rick Perry.

5. Former Governor of Louisiana -- Buddy Roemer.

6. Former Governor of Massachusetts -- Mitt Romney.

7. Former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania -- Rick Santorum.

Stay informed and choose wisely!

2012 - Day 3 - It's a Smallville After All

2012-01-03T09:59:00.003-06:00

Day 3 of 2012 begins with me filling out a job application to become a sub and a Math tutor for Mansfield ISD. Once again, I am looking for a new job. Don't really wish to discuss how/why I need to do this, just back job hunting mode again. I am also going to be working at Starbucks again, hopefully for at least 20 + hours a week, so I can get insurance for me and the kids.

I have also started watching Smallville on DVD. My kids started watching it with their cousins over the holidays and now they want to get it through Netflix. So I borrow Season 1 from my sister-in-law and I am trying to catch up to the kids, so we can watch the rest of it together.

I am also trying to help my kiddos do a little catch up work with their home-schooling so they will be ready to re-enter public schools next year.

Sorry about the corny pun in the title! :)

2012 - Day 2 -- Please Approach the Elephant, Your Adventure is About to Begin

2012-01-02T15:37:00.004-06:00

Today my family and I took a trip to visit Jamie's aunt in Lewisville. (We actually went to seen her new cats). After a short visit, we went to the Grapevine Mills Mall, where Rachel used her Books-A-Million gift card and we ate lunch at The Rainforest Cafe. While waiting almost 40 minutes to be seated, I purchased a stuffed King Penguin at their Build-a-Bear Workshop. I named the penguin "Nero" mistakenly thinking I got an "emperor" penguin. The guacamole hamburger I got was so big I couldn't open my mouth wide enough to bite it. As a result, a lot of the fixins fell out of the back onto my plate; it was sort of like eating a burger and a salad.

Despite the delicious food, the cost of the experience was a little pricey, which is probably why we don't visit there very often. It was fun though. I think I want to spend the rest of the afternoon, just sleeping off the burger, before heading out to do a little grocery shopping for the rest of the week.

2012 - Day 1

2012-01-01T21:47:00.007-06:00

Happy New Year 2012!

It's another year and it's time to...time to...well...let's see...eat more healthy, try to exercise more, read more, and try to spend more quality time with the family. Seem's like I've heard or resolved all of this before. So, I try again!

Today, I started reading my first new book of the year. I am reading Inheritance by Christopher Paolini. I am also reading Bloom County Babylon: Five Years of Basic Naughtiness by Berke Breathed. I know Bloom County may not be considered literature by some people; however, it is classic reading.

My family and I tried a new place to eat today as well. We tried Babe's Chicken. We have been hearing for a while how great this place is; so, today we tried it. The food was good (I got Catfish, Jamie got Hickory Smoked Chicken, Caleb got a huge Chicken Fried Steak and Rachel got some Pork Ribs) and our waitress was fantastic. Overall the taste of the food couldn't outweigh the price of the food. Considering the price we paid, we would have expected our meal to be some of the best food we have ever eaten. Like I said, the food was good, but it was not great! It was a little disappointing.

So 2012 starts. I hope this year fairs better than 2011.

Books I've Read in 2011

2011-12-07T21:00:00.004-06:00

Due to a heavy work load with my job as a teacher, moving and looking for full time work, the number of books I read this year, decreased slightly. Maybe I can get the numbers back up for next year.

Books I’ve Read in 2011

1. God Attachment: Why You Believe, Act, and Feel the Way You Do About God - - Dr. Tim Clinton & Dr. Joshua Straub

2. Scarlet (King Raven Trilogy - Book 2) - Stephen R. Lawhead

3. 10 Great Dates to Energize Your Marriage -- David & Claudia Arp

4. The Evolution of a Creationist -- Jobe Martin, PHD

5. Tuck (King Raven Trilogy - Book 3) -- Stephen R. Lawhead

6. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service -- Ian Fleming

7. Bridge to Terabithia -- Katherine Peterson

8. Love and Respect For a Lifetime -- Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

9. Pirate Latitudes -- Michael Crichton

10. Crocodile Tears -- Anthony Horowitz

11. You Only Live Twice -- Ian Fleming

12. The Gospel According to Starbucks: Living Life With a Grande Passion --

Leonard Sweet

13. The Man With the Golden Gun -- Ian Fleming

14. Inkheart -- Cornelia Funke

15. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIHM -- Robert C. O’Brien

16. A Generous Orthodoxy: Why I Am a Missional, Evangelical, Post/Protestant, Liberal/Conservative, Mystical/Poetic, Biblical, Charismatic/Contemplative, Fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist, Catholic, Green, Incarnational, Depressed-Yet Hopeful, Emergent, Unfinished Christian -- Brian D. McLaren

17. Into the Wild -- Jon Krakauer

18. Alice in Wonderland -- Lewis Carroll

19. Onward: How Starbucks Fought For It’s Life Without Losing It’s Soul -- Howard Schultz

20. The Associate - John Grisham

21. Read, Think, Pray, Live: A Guide to Reading the Bible in a New Way - Tony Jones

22. A Treasure Deep - Alton Gansky

23. Beneath the Ice - Alton Gansky

24. Submerged - Alton Gansky

25. Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back -- Todd Burpo

26. Scorpia Rising -- Anthony Horowitz

27. A Stolen Life: A Memoir -- Jaycee Dugard

28. Bad Kitty Gets a Bath -- Nick Bruel

29. No More Cotton Candy: Energizing Your Spiritual Life with More of God’s Presence and Power -- Jim Hennesy

30. Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats -- T.S. Eliot

31. The Confession -- John Grisham

32. Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper, Case Closed -- Patricia Cornwell

33. Chasing Darkness -- Robert Crais

34. Contrary to Popular Belief - Joey Green

What I'm Thankful For - 2011

2011-11-25T08:58:00.003-06:00

I am thankful for my beautiful bride, Jamie, who told me just yesterday she would take care of me, "even if my mind was gone." Some times I think she's doing that now!

I am thankful for my son, Caleb. God has great things planned for him.

I am thankful for my daughter, Rachel. She is so full of love for everyone; especially the kitties.

I am thankful for my job. It's not easy being a teacher; however, the few times you witness the look in kid's eyes when they "finally get it," makes most of the bad times, go away.

I am thankful for our two kitties, Scout and Ramey. They are always there for me after a bad day.

I am thankful for my best friend Brent. If only we could retire and watch Ranger games all summer long.

I am thankful for our new home in Mansfield.

I am especially thankful for the LORD God Almighty, who loves me despite the fact I am such a idiot.

There is so much more to be thankful for; however, I need to go. Things to do you know!

Adjusting to a Life in Mansfield, TX

2011-10-22T20:55:00.003-05:00

It has been one month since my family and I moved to Mansfield, TX. I finally have a new full-time job teaching 7th/8th Grade Math at Red Oak Jr. High School. So far I am enjoying it. My wife, Jamie and I are trying to car-pool to work on Mondays and Wednesdays to spend more time with each other. (She works in Waxahachie, TX at the Ellis County Children's Advocacy Center.)

We found us a great rent home in Mansfield and as of today (Oct. 22) our home in Longview, TX is under contract to close on Nov. 2nd. This will eliminate our mortgage payment, allowing us to use my salary to make larger payments toward our remaining debts. Dave Ramsey would be happy.

The kids are still enjoying home school, although they do miss getting out to mingle with other kids. We are looking into getting Caleb a car, so they can get out during the day while Jamie and I are at work. We are also looking for a new church home. We have visited a couple of great local churches and plan on visiting a couple of more before we narrow down our choices and try to settle in somewhere. We are hoping the kids get involved with the youth group and Jamie and I can get plugged into some good classes or small groups to make some new friends.

The only bad thing that has happened since we have moved here is my blood pressure has gone back up and I am back on blood pressure medication. I guess the stress of the move, the stress of teaching/disciplining kids at school and me not eating healthy, have triggered the rise in BP.

We are slowly unpacking and turning this rent house into our new home. We have an option to buy and the neighborhood is great. Maybe once we get most of our remaining debt paid off, we will see about buying this home.

Good luck to the Texas Rangers on going to the World Series for the 2nd year straight!

Homeschooling the Kids

2011-08-22T19:32:00.002-05:00

The 2011-12 school year has started and Jamie and I have decided to home school the kids.

Rachel, who is entering grade 9, has been signed up with Connections Academy, a free on-line public school.

Caleb, who is entering 11th Grade has been signed up with Alpha Omega Academy, an on-line private school.

We have been considering this for sometime and the pending move to the Waxahachie area just made the decision easier.

Both curricula are highly rated and are accredited with the state. The kids can learn at their own pace and could graduate earlier than they could in public schools.

In other news: Continue to pray our house sells quickly so our family can be reunited soon.

2012 Presidential Candidates Update!

2011-08-14T07:04:00.004-05:00

Apologies to those who could care less about politics, but for some reason the subject fascinates me. I am not an official member of any political party and I still believe that the problems we have as a nation cannot be blamed on any one political party, but squarely on "WE THE PEOPLE" who let our own elected officials do the things they do without holding them accountable. That said, here is a current update on who is officially running for President of the United States for 2012. (The two major parties only at this time.)

Democrats (1) -- President Barack Obama. No other Democrat has chosen to run against our sitting President to this point.

Republicans (10) -- Michele Bachmann (Current U.S. Rep. from Minnesota), Herman Cain (Former Federal Reserve Banker and Businessman from Georgia), Newt Gingrich (Former Speaker of the House and former Rep. from Georgia), Jon Huntsman, Jr. (Former Gov. of Utah and former U.S. Ambassador to Singapore and China), Gary Johnson (Former Gov. of New Mexico), Ron Paul (Current U.S. Rep. from Texas), Rick Perry (Current Governor of Texas), Buddy Roemer (Former Gov. of Louisiana), Mitt Romney (Former Gov. of Massachusetts) and Rick Santorum (Former Governor of Pennsylvania).

Please choose your candidates carefully!

NOTE: Shortly after this post was posted, Former Governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty announced he was withdrawing from his campaign for President.

Happy Birthday Jamie!

2011-08-13T19:34:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my beloved bride, Jamie!

Always yours, Mark

My August So Far!

2011-08-12T07:46:00.004-05:00

Good News -- We have an official offer on our home. Bad News -- They are in the negotiation phase and we may not be able to move before the start of the new school year. This means kids may start school here in Pine Tree and then transfer about a week into the school year. This also means I will have to wait to fill out applications to substitute until we move, so it will delay getting sub pay for a little while longer. Come on people, settle on an offer and let my family move.

Almost all of the packing is done for the house, with the exception of items we are currently using. I need to get a few more boxes lined up to throw things in the day before we move.

In case you haven't heard, we are in the middle of a heat wave here in Texas. Longview has set a new record for number of days over 100 degrees. Whew! I'm sweating just thinking about it.

Caleb (my 16 year old son) has officially obtained his driver's license. Just in time, as he may have to drive one of our cars to our new residence.

I am behind on writing more on my book...Maybe I can squeeze out another chapter before we move. I just have other things (like moving) on my mind.

I'm Tired of Getting Booted Out of My Own Home

2011-07-29T06:30:00.004-05:00

My family and I are getting routinely booted out of our own home. Darn those people who want to look at house to see if they want to buy it. (Ha!)

Even though we are supposed to have 24 hour notice before someone looks at our home (it is for sell by the way), we are getting calls with less than 4 hours notice. At least we get notice.

It is frustrating when you are in the middle of trying to cook, or clean, or just take a nap, then you have to get up and get out of the house for an hour. What can you do in an hour?

Well here is what the kids and I do in an hour...

1. We read at Books-A-Million for a while.

2. We just walk around Wal-Mart and they try to keep me from impulse buying something.

3. We go to a local pet store called, Wet Pets and Critters, and pet the kitties, bunnies and puppies. Mainly the kitties.

4. We get a snow cone or maybe a frozen yogurt.

5. We go for a walk around the park or just sit in a neighbor's yard.

It is actually a good thing that we get kicked out for a while, because it means people are interested in looking at our house. It has been on sale for about a month. We, the family are ready to be reunited and start our new life in a new place.

How About Those Texas Rangers!

2011-07-18T07:00:00.003-05:00

How About Those Texas Rangers?

My favorite baseball team, The Texas Rangers, have now won 11 games in a row. They now have a 4 game lead in their division and I am hoping they are on their way to another trip to the World Series.

I have been a Ranger fan since they first came to Arlington in 1972. I remember going to games with my dad, sneaking into a game to keep my ticket (just autographed by Rickey Henderson) from being torn in half, skipping college classes to watch Nolan Ryan pitch and going to games with my family.

Keep it going Rangers!

Starbucks Coffee Updates

2011-07-09T08:02:00.002-05:00

Earlier this year I posted how Jamie and I have started working our way through the blends of Starbucks Coffees. Here is an update on what we have already tried...

Red

Organic Blue Java

Organic Shade Grown Mexico

100% Kona

Komodo Dragon

Cafe Estima.

2010 Starbucks Anniversary Blend.

and Sumatra

We are currently drinking Guatemala Casi Cielo

Next in line is Aged Sulawesi Kalosi

I have added a Coffee of the Day gadget to my page, so you can keep up with what we are currently drinking. My favorite so far is Organic Shade Grown Mexico. Jamie's Favorite has been the Organic Blue Java.

Jamie and I enjoy drinking our coffee together in the mornings.

Fresh Memories and a Cold Breakfast (Tears of the Singer, Chapter 2, Part 2)

2011-07-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

Enthusiastic laughing caused Josh to look away from his hot breakfast. Two young men, teenagers judging from the slightly bagging pants they wore. They were rapidly talking and laughing about the double dates they were going to have that evening. One of the young men caught Josh's attention. His messed brown hair reminded him of someone. He looked closer, trying not to stare. "Eric," he whispered to himself. His mind immediately drifted back in time.

Eric Chambers had been Josh's best friend since Kindergarten. He was impressed with Eric because he ate paper and could run really fast. They did almost everything together. They even took guitar lessons from Josh's grandfather together; at least until Eric learned percussion in the Jr. High band. It was with Eric that Josh first discovered his unique ability. His "gift" as his father called it. His "curse" according to Josh. One evening after watching Caddyshack, Josh and Eric came busting through the door of Eric's home, just like the two young men who just entered Lexi's Breakfast and Beds. They were still laughing about the Baby Ruth "doodie" in the pool, when they noticed Eric's mother standing in the entryway to the living room with tears in her eyes. Laughter turned to tears as Eric's mother struggled to tell Eric that his father had been killed in a car accident on his way home from work. Eric was devastated. Eric had been very close to his father, even closer than he was with Josh; now he was gone. Eric's relationship with his mother had been strained the past few years, as Eric had taken a lackadaisical view of God and religion. His mother was very big on Jesus and it hurt her to see Eric laboring with his own relationship with God. They had many arguments about it and they had grown distant.

Two days later, Josh and Eric were sitting on the edge a creek behind Josh's house. Josh had been trying to teach himself the latest hit song from the radio, when Eric arrived. "Have you talked to her yet?" Josh gently asked his closest friend, as Eric sat beside him.

"I don't know what to say to her," Eric said without emotion, "She doesn't understand me at all." "You need to say something to her," Josh pushed.

"Don't you think I know that!" Eric yelled.

Sensing his friend's anger, Josh backed off. He decided he would play a song that his grandfather had taught him. As Josh began to play he closed his eyes and prayed that God would heal his friend's heart. The soft tunes of the song filled the air. It sounded like a cross between a country-western song and a folk song from the sixties. His grandfather had taught him the song as soon as he mastered all the cords. The song had no words, but Josh had been experimenting with a few verses. After a few seconds, Josh began to sing softly; however, the words he had written were not the words that were coming from his mouth. He sang words he couldn't understand. To Josh it sounded like he was mumbling. He tried to stop, but he couldn't, the words kept coming and the guitar kept playing his grandfather's song. He suddenly felt the urge to cry, he tried to fight it; he had to stay strong for Eric. Despite clinching his eyes tighter, tears began to flow from his eyes. What would Eric think? Was he possessed?

Finally he stopped singing and the music stopped. He opened his eyes to see Eric staring at him with an astonished look on his face. "I'm sorry, Eric, I didn't mean...," Josh started to say.

"What is that?" Eric interrupted, pointing to the ground to Eric's left.

"What is what?" Eric asked, puzzled.

"That...that right there." Eric stammered and continued to point.

Josh looked down. Next to his left leg, was a small glowing object. He reached down and picked it up. It was pulsating blue and it was in the shape of a tear. "Where did this come from?" he asked. "You," Eric said.

"What do mean me?" Josh asked.

"You," Eric said again, "You started playing your guitar and then you started singing about my dad, my mom and me and then.."

"I did what?" Josh was confused, "I wasn't singing about that, I was singing...well, I was singing...well, I don't know what I was singing, but I wasn't singing about your family."

"Yes, you were," Eric said firmly, "and when you started singing about us, I looked over at you and you were crying. I mean you were really crying. Then suddenly that...that tear thing came out of your eyes and fell on the ground." Eric was speaking quickly.

"This came out of me? You've got to be kidding?" Josh couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"I swear man, it came right out of your eyes." Eric was staring at the glowing tear. He couldn't take his eyes off it. "Can I see it?" Eric asked.

"I guess so," Josh answered and handed Eric the tear.

As soon as Eric touched the tear, Eric felt like he was full of static electricity. He felt like every hair on his body was standing on end and his arms and legs felt like that do when they go numb from lack of circulation. He started to see pictures in his head. He could see his mom at home. She was sitting on the couch looking at a picture of Eric and his dad. She was praying and crying. He could hear her plainly saying, "Oh, God please help me. I am scared. I don't know what to do. I love Eric, but he hates me, or at least I think he does."
"I don't hate you mom," Eric wanted to scream. "I can't replace his father, Lord, what do I do? What can I say to him? We need each other and we need you. Please Jesus, help us both."

At that moment, Eric could hear, see and feel his mother's grief and fear. He suddenly knew exactly what to say to her. He had to let her know that he loved her and that everything would be all right.

Eric's vision was interrupted by Josh shaking him. "ERIC...ERIC!" Josh was yelling. "Eric answer me!" Eric's numbness wore off.

"I'm fine." he mumbled. "Wow, what happened?"

"You went into shock or something," Josh was now speaking quickly himself, "You went all rigid and this funny grin came over your face. I thought you were having a seizure or something."

"It wasn't like that at all," Eric said, reassuring Josh. "Look, I hate to leave you right now, but I really need to go speak to my mom."

"Are you sure you are OK?" Josh asked concerned.

"I've never been better." Eric answered quickly, "I gotta go," and he got up quickly and left.

Josh was left sitting alone with his guitar and a lot of questions in his mind. What had just happened? Stunned, he slowly got up and walked back towards his house. He promised himself he wouldn't say a word to his parents until he figured out what was going on. He was a little afraid.

The next day Eric told Josh, how as soon as he got home, he hugged his mother and told her how sorry he was for arguing with her. He told her that he loved her and that they were going to be OK. He told Josh how he and his mother and talked all night long and how they had expressed to each other the fears they had and how they had prayed together. Eric said that tear had saved his family. Josh later learned that, even thought the tear had long lost its glow, Eric still kept it in a box under his bed.

"Honey, are you all right? You haven't touched your food." Jamie was standing over him with a look of concern, her smile was gone.

"I'm fine, Jamie, thanks!" Josh wondered how long he had been sitting there. "The waffles are fine." he said.

"Okey..dokey," Jamie said, "Just let me know if you need anything." her smile had returned.

Josh's stomach growled. He cut off a slice of waffle and put it in his mouth. Josh's mind was full of fresh memories, but his breakfast was cold.

Tears of the Singer is a book that I am writing. I am posting new segments from time to time and when I am finished I will publish it as a whole for the public to buy. For those who follow my blog...you can read it for free, or you can follow it on Goodreads, even if it is one little piece at a time.

Click here to read the Prologue.

Click here to read (Chapter One, Part 1)

Click here to read (Chapter One, Part 2)

Click here to read (Chapter Two, Part 1)

Morning at Lexi's (Tears of the Singer, Chapter 2, Part 1)

2011-06-30T09:24:00.009-05:00

"So how do you do it?" Thomas inquired again.

"Could you drop me off at Lexi's?" Josh asked, ignoring the question for the second time, "I'm really tired."

Catching the hint, Thomas sighed, "Sure." They rode the rest of the way in silence. A few minutes later, Josh stepped out of Thomas's truck, took his guitar and backpack and mumbled a quick, "Thanks", to his early morning benefactor. "God Bless!", Thomas said loudly and then he drove away. His faded blue pickup made a left at the next blinking yellow light and was gone.

Lexi's was the name of a small hotel-diner in Hubbard. It's official name was Lexi's Breakfast and Beds. An unusual name for sure, but it's owner Lexi was an unusual person. Lexi, short for Alexis, was a woman about 4o years old. She had a tremendously bubbly personality, except in the mornings; at least until she had her coffee. She had reddish brown hair and wore colored scarfs or handkerchiefs in it to match her colorful choices of clothing. If her coffee didn't wake you up in the morning, her loud friendly voice and her bright clothing would. She refused to call her place a motel because it sounded trashy. She refused to call it a hotel because, in her opinion, it wasn't big enough. Bed and Breakfast sounded cliche, so Breakfast and Beds it was.

Josh opened the door to the "Beds" section of the building and trugged wearily up to the front desk. Tonight's clerk was named Ashley. As Josh opened his mouth to ask for room, Ashley spoke first, "You staying for just the rest of the night, or tomorrow night too?" She was gruff in her tone, but not rude. "If you wanting breakfast, the diner opens at 6:00 sharp." Josh, needing to catch up on some laundry, decided to pay for the night, plus one. "You look familiar, have you stayed here before?" Ashley asked, as she handed Josh the key to his room. "It's been a while back." Josh replied with a slight yawn. Josh took his key and headed upstairs to where the only 10 rooms in the place were located. He unlocked the door to room 4, stumbled inside, fell onto the bed and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning Josh awoke to sunlight streaming through the window. He looked at the clock. It read 8:28. Reluctantly he slid out of bed and trudged over the bathroom. He took a long shower and saved. He put on his least wrinkled clothes and went downstairs for a late breakfast. Lexi's was busy as usual. A sign at the entrance read, "World famous waffles served here. Please wait to be seated." He laughed to himself at the sign and wondered, in which world.

The dining area had a full kitchen separated from the rest of the restaurant by a bar from which some customers sat on bar stools. There were several booths along the walls and near the windows, with seven to eight tables in the center. The wait staff was made up of young ladies all wearing aprons of various neon colors. It was a seat yourself style diner. Josh scanned the crowd. Lexi, was busy behind the counter serving coffee to the local postman. She was wearing a neon pink apron. In her hair a bright pink scarf. Their were three other waitresses on duty this morning, they all looked as if they were in their early twenties. The first was a thin brunette who wore neon green. Her name tag read Meg. She was busily scurrying back and forth between the bar and the tables and booths closest to the far wall. Meg seemed to enjoy her work and was constantly engaged in conversation with her customers. The second was a shorter girl, also brunette, who wore neon blue. Her name tag was smudged, but he heard one of the customers call her Elisha. She covered the center part of the diner. She too served her customers with a cheerful attitude. The third was a average sized young lady with blond hair. Her apron was neon purple. She served the booths along the windows and the area closest to the entrance. Josh chose a booth with a window seat.

Josh had barely sat down, when the purple clad waitress approached with a glass of water. Her name tag read, Jamie. She had blue eyes and a smile that was a bright as her apron. "Morning!" she chirped and handed him a menu, "Would you like to try our world famous waffles?" "Does it come with eggs?" Josh inquired. "It comes with whatever you want, sweetie," Jamie said with a smile. "We can do eggs, bacon, sausage, you name it, we can make it." "Then the waffles it is," decided Josh, "and I want my eggs scrambled please." "Bacon?" Jamie asked. "Sure," Josh replied, "and some coffee." "Sure thing, honey, I'll have it right out." Jamie took the menu and with a quick bounce she was off. All of the waitresses had huge smiles on their faces as if they didn't have any problems at all. Even the two cooks in the kitchen looked as if they were smiling as they worked over the hot stoves. There were not many places where the employees enjoyed their work so much. Lexi's was one of them.

Josh looked around the restaurant. In Meg's area sat three gentlemen who were probably farmers. Two of them wore overalls. All three of them wore caps, one of which had the typical John Deere logo and colors. From what Josh could hear, they were talking about the lack of rain and the concerns they had about selling their corn. At a table in Meg's area sat a man in a business suit. He was reading the business section of the Wall-Street Journal. Josh surmised he must be a local banker, because who else in the small town of Hubbard would even subscribe to such a paper. One of the table's in Elisha's area had a mother with a small child. The mother looked worn down from lack of sleep. Her infant slept peacefully in a portable car seat/carrier next to her. The baby would stir from time to time in response to a couple who was talking loudly at the table next to them. The mother would give irritated glances over at the couple when she thought they may wake her child. The couple looked to be in their early sixties and they were reading the local paper, The Hubbard Herald, or at least the woman was reading the paper. Her husband looked as if her were just listening to her read it to him. They were arguing about how one of the local elected officials was misusing funds to give Christmas bonuses to his attractive office assistants. Josh's observations were temporarily halted as Jamie suddenly appeared with a cup of hot coffee. "Here you go dear," she said, still smiling, "cream and sugar are on the table. Your waffles should be ready in a few." She was off as quickly as she appeared.

In one of the booths near him, sat a young couple who were engaged in a conversation about a recent trip to the nearby city. The young man was looking deeply into his partner's eyes as if every word she said was a much needed breath of fresh air. There were rings on their fingers. "Newlyweds," Josh thought. No other man would pay such attention to his wife's conversations that way. They were in love. Josh was jealous. He remembered times when he thought he was "in love;" but it was all a lie. No one really loved him. They just pretended. They lied to get close to him, not because they loved him; they lied to get one of his tears. How he hated his "gift." "Sometimes I wish I could go away!"

"Go where?" Josh was startled. Jamie had once again suddenly appeared next to him, this time carrying a plate of hot waffles and eggs. He realized he must have been thinking out loud. Jamie sat his breakfast down on the table. "Wishing, you were somewhere else?" Jamie asked. "Just remember, no matter where you go, there you are," she said, still smiling. "You need some more coffee, extra syrup?" "No!," Josh replied sharply, a little irritated at himself and Jamie, "thanks." Jamie never lost her smile, it was as if his rudeness didn't phase her at all. "You just hollar if you need something, ok?" and off she went to help a new customer. Josh picked up a fork and started to poke at his waffles.

Click here to read the Prologue.

Click here to read (Chapter One, Part 1)

Click here to read (Chapter One, Part 2)

Courageous, Star Trek, and This & That for the Week!

2011-06-28T18:14:00.007-05:00

I can't wait for this movie to come out! It is Courageous, from the makers of Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof. Opening Day is September 30!

The next chapter of my book should be posted soon for you to read; I have been busy watching the newly re-mastered versions of Star Trek: The Original Series on DVD. I bought all three seasons on Monday and I have been watching them, when I should be writing. I promise to have Chapter 2 (at least Part 1 of Chapter 2), ready to read by the time I go to work on Saturday.

Our house is now officially for sale. I am hoping that it sells quickly so we can move to the Dallas area. It's tough when the entire family is only together for the weekends. We need to be together again! Keep praying that a full-time job for me comes through in that area as well.

A Reluctant Ride (Tears of the Singer, cont...Chapter 1, Part 2)

2011-06-23T05:00:00.004-05:00

The Singer entered into Ramey-Jem's nearly empty parking lot and paused to shift his backpack over his shoulder. A few minutes after that evening's show, one of the wait staff, named Rosemary, had told him that C.J.'s son, Justin, may have cancer. C.J. was waiting to hear from Justin about the results of test that had been run earlier that day. He knew C.J. would never ask for one of his magical tears for himself; especially after he had already received a tear 2 years earlier, when they had first met. C.J.'s mother, Althea, was still heavily grieving the death of her daughter 39 years after Jem's death. Althea would go into periods of depression that would keep her locked in her room for months. It was a heavy burden on the family. When C.J.'s father died, he and his wife, took on the task alone. The stress of having a depressed mother living with the family became such burden that C.J.'s wife had left him and his only son. C.J. was on the verge of suicide when the Singer appeared at his club looking for a gig. That night C.J. received one of the Singer's miracle tears. C.J.'s life changed forever. This was the Singer's third visit to Ramey-Jems and it would be his last. He would miss C.J.

The Singer walked towards the unpaved road that led to the main road into the nearby town of Hubbard. The only vehicle left in the parking lot was an old faded blue pick-up truck with a rusty white top. The hood was up and the owner was tinkering with the engine. The Singer was glad he walked everywhere he went. He didn't have to worry about car trouble or the price of gasoline. Unless he was sick or injured in some way, he could always leave or stay where ever he wanted. He was in control of his own destiny, at least when it came to transportation.

The Singer had just gone far enough down the road, to escape the flickering fluorescent lights of the parking lot when he heard the truck's engine crank. The truck pulled out of the lot and started down the road towards him, the headlights cast his shadow in front of him. As the truck neared, the driver slowed down and moved along side him. The passenger side window rolled down, "Need a lift?" the driver asked. The driver was wearing a San Francisco Giants baseball cap over thick dark hair. The Singer tried to ignore the man and kept walking. "It's a good 5 miles into town you know," the driver persisted. The Singer knew how far it was into Hubbard, he had walked it before with no trouble at all. "It's not a problem you know," the driver insisted, "I'm heading through town anyway." The Singer stopped. Normally he would just keep walking. He enjoyed his time alone, but tonight...tonight he was just tired. The truck stopped beside him. "So, you gettin' in?" the driver asked.

The Singer opened the passenger door and slid inside the cab. He placed his backpack between him and the driver, creating a barrier between them, and positioned his guitar between his legs. "Thanks," he said softly.

"My name's Thomas by the way," the driver said with huge grin on his face, "Thomas Morrill." He then extended his hand out towards the Singer. When the Singer did not respond, the grin faded and the hand pulled back. Thomas put the truck into gear and started forward. "You do have a name don't you?" Thomas tried to make conversation. The Singer just sat silently and turned his head slightly to the right away from the driver. "That is mighty fine thing you do you know, with the tears and all that." The Singer shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "How do you do that?"

Not wanting to discuss his so called gift, The Singer replied, "Josh." It was almost a whisper.

"Pardon?" Thomas wasn't sure he had heard the Singer at all. "My name is Josh." the Singer said a little louder. "Nice to meet you Josh," Thomas smiled and extended his hand again. This time Josh, The Singer, shook it.

Tears of the Singer is a book that I am writing. I am posting new segments from time to time and when I am finished I will publish it as a whole for the public to buy. For those who follow my blog...you can read it for free, even if it is one little piece at a time. Click here to read the Prologue and here to read Chapter 1, Part 1.

And the GOP Candidates Are....? (So Far)

2011-06-22T07:00:00.004-05:00

The Republican list of Candidates who hope to oust President Obama, is growing. The number is now up to 10.

Here is the List of Republicans who have officially declared their candidacy so far... (By the way, no Democrat has filed to run for President against current President Barack Obama!)

Michele Bachmann -- U.S. Congresswoman from Minnesota

Herman Cain ... Former Federal Reserve Banker and Businessman from Georgia.

Newt Gingrich ... Former Speaker of the House from Georgia

Jon Huntsman, Jr. -- Former Governor of Utah and U.S. Ambassador to China and Singapore.

Gary Johnson ... Former Governor of New Mexico

Ron Paul ... U.S. Congressman from Texas

Tim Pawlenty ... Former Governor of Minnesota

Buddy Roemer ... Former Governor of Louisiana

Mitt Romney ... Former Governor of Massachusetts

Rick Santorum .. Former Governor of Pennsylvania

I am sure there will be at least two/three more before it's over; however, these are your Republican choices for the moment.

By the way I am neither Republican or Democrat, I am just very interested in politics.

It's 3:00 a.m. and All's Well! (Tears of the Singer cont...Chapter 1, Part 1)

2011-06-21T03:03:00.012-05:00

"It's 3:00 a.m.! " shouted C.J. as he locked the doors of Ramey-Jem's. The four remaining employees responded with a tired, yet enthusiastic, "And all's well!" C.J. Allen has been the proud owner of Ramey-Jem's for over 35 years now and the customary yell and response has been repeated every night since he closed the doors for the first time. Even his managers continued the tradition when C.J. was on a rare trip out of town. The parking lot, which moments earlier was full of cars, mostly pickup trucks, was starting to empty. Hours earlier the cars occupants had filled the club to capacity. They arrived angry, hurt, anxious and troubled. All of them had left at peace, profoundly changed by the magical tears of the mysterious stranger and his "song." It had been a full house tonight; "the Singer" was in town.

C.J.'s light brown skin was finally starting to show the wrinkles of age. His hair finally showing a touch of gray. His father, Charles Sr., had owned the place for 20 years before passing away in his sleep. Charles Sr., had purchased the club at auction, when the previous owner went bankrupt. It was rare at the time that a black man could own a club in the South, but C.J.'s father added some improvements, changed the name to Ramey's and he had made it work and now C.J. proudly carried on the family business. He had inherited Ramey's from his father and had added Jem to the name in honor of his sister. Jem Allen passed away when the family home caught fire the day after Christmas, when C.J. was 15. Jem was only 12 years old. His family grieved for years. It was " the Singer" who had finally brought relief to C.J. and his mother. It was a miracle. Ramey, by the way, was the name of his father's pet cat.

As the remaining staff, continued their closing duties, C.J. looked over to the corner of the stage. The Singer was packing his guitar into his case. This was the third time the Singer had visited Ramey-Jem's. He always took cash as his payment, never a check. C.J. was not even sure what his real name was. He might have mentioned his name the first time they met, but that was a couple of years ago. He was a young man, but he rarely smiled. He had the look of someone who always had a lot on his mind. The Singer wore a worn down pair of boots, which looked like they used to be a nice pair of alligator skins, a pair of blue jeans, a wrinkled white shirt and a faded brown leather jacket. "Where you heading next?" C.J. called out to him. "Not sure," the Singer mumbled, as he snapped the case shut. The Singer had never been much for words.

Ramey-Jem had seen it's share of famous folks. Clint Black, Don Williams, Alan Jackson and even Merle Haggard had performed on the small stage. All of them bringing fans and followers with them; but none of them packed the house like the Singer did. After all, they didn't have what the Singer had to offer. While the others provided entertainment, the Singer provided more. He offered something special; hope. Hope in the form of something so small.

The Singer moved towards the main exit. C.J. unlocked the door for his guest. "You sure you don't want to stay the night at my place tonight? Ruth (C.J.'s wife) will fix you up a mighty fine breakfast." "Thanks," the Singer replied wearily, "I'd better get going!" The Singer started out the door and then stopped. He turned around and put out his hand. C.J. took the Singer's hand and shook it. As they shook, the Singer pass a small "gift" to his host. "Had a feeling you might need this tonight," the Singer said. C.J. looked down. In his hand was a small blue crystal in the shape of a tear, it was glowing faintly. "How did you know?" C.J. replied, as tears started to well in his eyes; but the Singer had already stepped out into the darkness.

Tears of the Singer is a book that I am writing. It has been a while since I have written. Thanks to the encouragement of a co-worker at Starbucks, I am restarting my project. I will post new segments from time to time and when I am finished I will publish it as a whole for the public to buy. For those who follow my blog...you can read it for free, even if it is one little piece at a time. To read the Prologue, click here.

Together Again (at least for the weekend)

2011-06-17T06:07:00.001-05:00

Last Monday my wife, Jamie, started her new job in Waxahachie. My daughter also started her week at ACU Summer Camps. The week before My son Caleb was at ACU Summer Camps and my daughter was spending a week with her cousin. That meant two weeks with at least two different family members gone. Last night we were all together. The kids are finished with camp and Jamie is home for the weekend. We are together again; until Sunday afternoon, when Jamie returns to her Aunt's house to start her 2nd full week at her new job.

The only news about selling our home I can update you on is, that our roof is about to get fixed. After 7 years of arguing with insurance companies about the horrible state of our roof, they have finally agreed to have it fixed. Insurance will pay to have the roof fixed; however, there is damage to the support beams that hold the roof up and insurance will not pay for that. To fix the "decking" alone will cost nearly $3000. That is money we do not have. We are hoping to pay for the decking repair out of the profit we make from selling the house or from the escrow taxes we will get returned to us from the Mortgage Company.

Meanwhile packing is still ongoing, (the wedding china is next on the list), with boxes and other items being moved into my dad's storage building or a rented storage space. We are having a garage sale next Saturday to sell furniture and other items we wish to get rid of. Keep praying that our house sells soon and that a school calls me to work for them full-time. I want our family to be Together Again soon.

If I Were a Candidate For President

2011-06-15T18:02:00.003-05:00

As early as my Junior year in High School, I have had a desire to run for some kind of public office. At first it was to become President of the United States someday. Then I decided that the intrusion of the press into my public life would just be to annoying to deal with. What I do in my personal life is no body's business! That said, I still wouldn't mind making a run for U.S. Senate or for Governor of Texas. (if Rick Perry can do it, anyone can!) I would have to convince my bride, Jamie, to support me though. She is convinced that being an elected official would change me fundamentally. She is probably right.

Still I can't help wondering what would be the major issues I would push for. Here are a few.

1) My number one campaign issue would be the national debt. The government of the U.S. needs to show fiscal responsibility. We cannot continue to live as a debtor nation for much longer. We have to stop borrowing money and learn to live off a budget free of needless pork projects. We need to have a plan to pay off the national debt even if it means making cuts that will hurt. We must make paying off the national debt our number one priority over all other issues. I would veto all budgets passed by the Congress unless they have a substantial amount of money set aside to pay off the national debt, which now stands (as of typing this post) at .

2) My second campaign issue would be to repair the infrastructure of the country. The roads, highways, overpasses, bridges, and canals that are essential for transportation in the United States are in much need of repair. It is estimated that the majority of the bridges/overpasses in the United States are on the verge of collapse, yet we continue patch them up as best we can and pray they don't fall apart and people die. We also need to repair the majority of the dams, levies, gas lines, oil lines, aqueducts and water/sewage lines. We have already seen the damage caused by failed levies in New Orleans and along the Mississippi River. Many of the major water lines that feed fresh water to our major cities have leaks that flooding communities and wasting 30-40% of the water that is supposed to be reaching the cities.

3) My third campaign issue would be to repeal most the major treaties that we have with other nations in regards to the use of the United States military. The United States may have the best military in the world, but we cannot and should not protect every other nation in the world at the risk of putting our own citizens in danger. We cannot afford to keep fighting long-term wars that other nations of the world could be handling on their own. We must protect our own borders and secure our own national security first.

4) My fourth campaign issue would be to beef up border security and to revamp our immigration laws. I am all for allowing citizens from other nations moving to the United States in order to live a better life; however, we must be responsible for who we allow to come into our nation and in what numbers. We must find a responsible way for those seeking citizenship to file the necessary paperwork and to become citizens within a reasonable time frame. We must also not be afraid to deport those who have entered the United States illegally. I realize that may result in sending back a huge chunk of our work force, but is an essential step in securing national security and for the proper utilization of taxes and for fair representation in Congress. If you want to live in the United States you must apply for citizenship in a legal manner.

5) One thing I would also suggest, and it is probably the most controversial; is that citizens would no longer have to pay an income tax, until the government learns to live off a balanced budget. If the government cannot spend our tax dollars responsibly, then we should not give them any more money to spend. I realize that this may make it harder to pay off the debt or fix our crumbling highways; but if a person has the right to withdraw their money from a failing bank, then they also should have the right to have the option to pay taxes to our government until the government can properly account for where that money is going and for what purpose.

Of course there are many other issues I could comment on, but these are my Big 5 issues. If you want to know how I stand on other issues, then feel free to leave a comment and I will answer.

A Week Alone With the Boy

2011-06-14T06:48:00.004-05:00

This week I am spending a week alone with my son Caleb. (Jamie is in Waxahachie with her new job and Rachel is in Abilene at MPULSE with ACU Summer Camps.) Yesterday we went grocery shopping for the week; knowing we currently do not have a huge budget for groceries; he suggested we buy lots of soups, Ramen noodles, sandwich fixings and one frozen pizza. It reminded me of living life in college, when you tried to eat cheap and save your money for when you had a date.

Caleb has picked up the Dave Ramsey philosophy that Debt is Stupid. He so wants to avoid getting student loans and avoid debt that he strongly wants to attend College of the Ozarks, where you can work off your tuition and fees rather than have to borrow money.

This weeks I plan to have Caleb help me mow the yard and continue our "pack and store" momentum, as we prepare to sell the house and move. I also hope to continue to get to know him better. Caleb is a fantastic young man, who is developing his own faith in God/Jesus/The Spirit. He makes me laugh with his deep sense of humor.

Caleb really wants to find a job, but the potential move is hindering that, as he doesn't want to get a job and then have to quit to move with short notice. (Maybe he can get a job at Brookshires sacking groceries for a couple of weeks, they hire summer help all the time.) He also wants to get his driver's license, but we are putting it off until we move so we don't have to pay the fee it takes to change the address on his license. Plus we can't afford the raise in insurance rates until we know exactly what our new financial situation will be once we move.

Tears of the Singer (Prologue)

2011-06-09T12:26:00.008-05:00

The following is the Prologue from a book I am writing called Tears of the Singer.
The book is based on a song by the same name that I wrote while in college. (This was one of my original first 5 posts. I am re-posting it now, just because!.)

Prologue

The air was thick from cigarette smoke drifting up from the area around the stage. The soft strains of music filled the backwoods bar. There was a larger than normal crowd this night. “The Singer” was in town. Other singers had visited before, some famous, some not, but no one drew an audience like “the Singer.”

People came from towns and farms miles away just to listen to the Singer. Not just ordinary people, but people with problems they just couldn’t seem to take anymore. People with worries and concerns that kept them awake at night. Worries about how to pay bills that pile higher every day. Worries about family members or life-long friends stricken with illnesses like cancer. People with questions that needed an answer. “Why can't my wife quit drinking so much?” “What does my husband see in his secretary that he doesn't see in me?” “Why can’t I keep a job?” There were people with fears of abandonment and death. People so overwhelmed with depression that it seemed to smother them. All of them were here tonight. All of them, looking for the miracle.

The crowd sat silent, mesmerized by the appearance of this singer. They wondered could he help them where it seemed God had failed them. They prayed the prayers of the desperate and asked the questions of the lost. “How can someone so young and disheveled help so many,” they would ask themselves. “Can he help me?” “When will he sing the song?”

Suddenly the sounds they were waiting for flowed from the stage. This was it. The Singer was singing the song. There was nothing outwardly special about the song. It was just a simple melody, sung from the heart. But it beckoned them forward. At first there was a little pushing and shoving, but it calmed down quickly for they knew the Singer had enough for everyone. They stood there speechless. Some cried gently as it came their turn to receive the gift. The gift that would make all their worries, fears and sadness fade away like the mist rising from a lake.

They were waiting for the Tears of the Singer.

ACU Summer Camps & Other Stuff.

2011-06-06T14:27:00.005-05:00

Over the next couple of weeks, the kids will be attending ACU Summer Camps at Abilene Christian University. Sunday we dropped off Caleb at Kadesh, the camp for High School ages. Next Sunday we drop of Rachel at MPulse, the camp for Jr. High ages. It's makes for 3 long drives (drop off, pickup/drop off and pick up) but we feel the camps are worth every penny we spend to send them there.

Jamie and I will continue packing for our eventual move. Boxes are stacking up and we are getting ready to move some of them to my parent's house for storage until time to move. The kitties think we are building a castle just for them. We still need to pack up Jamie's "office area", scrapbooks, several items in both kids rooms and several books and misc. stuff in our room. We are waiting to pack, the two main televisions, the DVD's, the bathroom and the kitchen last.

For those of you who read this blog...keep praying that God reveals my full-time job to me soon and that our house sells quickly, so our family will not be separated for very long.

Packing, Packing, Packing

2011-06-02T10:43:00.002-05:00

The packing is underway! The Realtor has been consulted! We are going to move!

The kids start ACU Summer Camps on Sunday, Jamie starts her new job in Waxahachie, TX on June 13th and we are going to have a garage sale to get rid of excess furniture and stuff we don't won't to move with us. Things are getting busy.

In the meantime, we will use what time we have together as a family packing things up. I will keep working at Starbucks until the house sells or I get another job in the Dallas area.

The cats seem to think the packed boxes are castles for them to climb, play and sleep on.

My son is a little concerned that we have to pack up his X-Box and other game systems. We have to do that to show our home to potential buyers. The only things we plan on leaving until the last minute are the beds, clothes, essential toiletries and kitchen utensils, one television, one DVD player and the DVDs, and the Nintendo Wii (so the kids can play some games until the last minute). Of course the washer and dryer and our freezer full of meat will have to wait as well.

The dining room table (and chairs), the computer area and a few chairs will stay behind to help "show" the house. Everything else must go!

I am already tired!

Go Roughriders!

2011-05-29T06:50:00.003-05:00

Today the family and I went to see the Frisco Roughriders (The Texas Rangers' Double A Team). As part of Friends and Family Deal we got four tickets, four Roughrider baseball caps, and four $5 dollar food vouchers, all for under $50. The manager of the Roughriders is Steve Buechele. He is a former third base man for the Texas Rangers. I remember watching him play when I was in college.

We let my son Caleb drive part of the way to Frisco and back to get him some experience in driving in "Dallas" traffic. He has his learner's permit and he hopes to take his actual driving test for his license later in June.

The Roughriders defeated the Tulsa Drillers 9-3; however, we did not get to stay for the entire game. My daughter, Rachel, got sick during the game and we had to leave during the 5th inning. We still had a good time being together as a family though.

I really hate Oliver!

2011-05-27T10:21:00.003-05:00

Oliver is the nickname that I have given my OCD, or recently I have expanded it to be the name I have given my personal demon. Just like the ravens who devoured the seeds planted by the sower in Jesus' parable, Oliver is trying to steal away the good words of comfort that God gave me yesterday.

I rebuke you Oliver, Satan and any other demons that try to steal God's word from me! God has a plan for me and this transitional time in my life and you will not distract me from His words of truth!

In the meantime, I am substituting for the last time this school year. I am watching a teacher's Biology class while kids take their final exams. YAWN! I am having a hard time staying awake. At least I'm earning $70 for my efforts.

HE Already Has in Mind What HE is Going to Do!

2011-05-26T13:25:00.005-05:00

For the first time in a long while, I sat down and read the Bible. I am trying to practice Lectio Devina. (click here for more info) I started reading, out loud from the Book of John Chapter 6. The chapter starts with Jesus about to feed the 5000. As directed by Lectio Devina I read the first few verses out loud several times trying to let God give me a word or phrase to meditate and pray over. Here is what stood out to me;

Chapter 6, verse 5 -- "When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, 'Where shall we buy bread for those people to eat?' He asked this only to test him, for HE ALREADY HAD IN MIND WHAT HE WAS GOING TO DO."

Wow!

With Jamie, my bride, accepting a new job in Waxahachie and all the effects of this (moving, selling the house, me finding a job (still) and the kids starting a new school), I have a lot of questions. I am sure Philip (and the other disciples) had lots of questions for Jesus as well, when 5000 people needed to be fed. Despite the questions I have, I do not need to worry; MY JESUS ALREADY HAS IN MIND WHAT HE IS GOING TO DO!

If Jesus were right here next to me at this moment, I could see/hear him asking me, "Mark, how do plan on finding a job and a place to live in Waxahachie, when you still have a house to sell in Longview?" All the while he is smiling on the inside, knowing that already knows what he plans to do with me and my family.

Sadly, like Philip, I sometimes forget who my Jesus really is and I respond in a similar way; "Eight months wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite." -- Philip or "Eight months wages would not even come close to getting what we need to fix up our house to get it ready to sell." -- Mark English.

My Jesus has a plan. He knows what he is going to do. I need to pray to him that I have faith and despite my negative attitude, he will do what is good for me and my family.

Changes are a Comin'

2011-05-25T14:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday (Tuesday), my wife, Jamie, accepted an offer to work for a Children's Advocacy Center in Waxahachie, Texas. It is the perfect job for her qualifications and it has benefits. Now, I need a job in the Dallas area. I have applied for several school districts in that area and I am hoping that one of them calls for an interview soon and that a new teaching job will soon follow.

Our most immediate concern in the meantime is the selling of our house. We will have to contact a good Realtor in the area and put our house up for sell. I hope it sells fairly quickly. Having a full-time job offer for me will give us a great starting spot to look for a new apartment or duplex to rent.

If God chooses not to have me work full-time before the end of the summer, we will just have to find an apartment close to Jamie's new job and I will sign up to substitute teach at the local school districts and see if I can transfer my Starbucks job to a Starbucks location in the Waxahachie area.

Pray that this new transition in our life goes smoothly, that our home sells quickly, and a school offers me a full-time teaching post soon!

Hobo Dinners

2011-05-24T17:58:00.005-05:00

One of the favorite meals of our family is what we call a "Hobo Dinner". Preheat oven to 400 degrees. You will need about 1/2 pound of hamburger meat (for each dinner), some sliced potatoes, onions and baby carrots. Add the meat and veggies together, along with any spices you may wish to add, and wrap it together in aluminum foil. Place the dinners in a cake pan or cookie sheet with an edge (to avoid spilling juices) and cook for about an hour.

It is a healthy treat your whole family will enjoy.

Squirrels

2011-05-24T08:37:00.004-05:00

I love watching the squirrels play in our yard. Something about them makes me feel peaceful. I like watching them chase each other up and down the trees. I like the sound they make when the run across our roof. I even break for the squirrels as they make their suicide runs across the streets.

Not, sure why I am blogging about squirrels. Maybe I just love the way God designed them.

This morning I watched some squirrels as they jumped from one tree to another. The "leap of faith" they take as they leap from one small swaying branch to another, takes "total faith" on their part, that the branches will hold their weight and keep them from falling. Maybe God reminds us all that sometimes we need to take a "leap of faith" and trust that He will provide a steady branch for us to land upon.

(Also check out my new gadget, added to the left. It is called Interesting Quote of the Week.)

Prayers for Tornado Victims

2011-05-23T07:51:00.004-05:00

I woke up this morning to see that another city has been devastated by a tornado. This time it was Joplin, Missouri. Early reports say that over 35% of the town was destroyed with a death toll around 89.

Earlier this year towns in Mississippi and Alabama were devastated by tornadoes.

It's hard to understand why things like this happen and my prayers go out to those who are affected.

My hopes is that through the efforts of professional meteorologist and groups like Twistex, Vortex2, and the Storm Chasers can help local meteorologist and the National Weather Service to increase the warning times for towns in the paths of tornadoes.

On a side note: recently an outbreak of severe weather in my part of East Texas brought part of the Storm Chasers cast, in the TIV2, through the Tyler/Longview area.

Books I've Read So Far in 2011

2011-05-21T06:45:00.009-05:00

I have always been an avid reader. In 2009 I read 49 books and that prompted me to try to read 50 in 2010. I read 59. So once again I am trying to read at least 50 books in 2011. Here is what I've read so far.

Books I’ve Read in 2011

1. God Attachment: Why You Believe, Act, and Feel the Way You Do About God - - Dr. Tim Clinton & Dr. Joshua Straub
2. Scarlet (King Raven Trilogy - Book 2) - Stephen R. Lawhead
3. 10 Great Dates to Energize Your Marriage -- David & Claudia Arp
4. The Evolution of a Creationist: A Layman's Guide to Conflict Between the Bible and Evolutionary Theory -- Jobe Martin, PHD
5. Tuck (King Raven Trilogy - Book 3) -- Stephen R. Lawhead
6. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service -- Ian Fleming
7. Bridge to Terabithia -- Katherine Peterson
8. Love and Respect For a Lifetime -- Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
9. Pirate Latitudes -- Michael Crichton
10. Crocodile Tears -- Anthony Horowitz
11. You Only Live Twice -- Ian Fleming
12. The Gospel According to Starbucks: Living Life With a Grande Passion -- Leonard Sweet
13. The Man With the Golden Gun -- Ian Fleming
14. Inkheart -- Cornelia Funke
15. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIHM -- Robert C. O’Brien
16. A Generous Orthodoxy: Why I Am a Missional, Evangelical, Post/Protestant,Liberal/Conservative, Mystical/Poetic, Biblical, Charismatic/Contemplative,Fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist, Catholic, Green, Incarnational, Depressed-Yet Hopeful, Emergent, Unfinished Christian -- Brian D. McLaren
17. Into the Wild -- Jon Krakauer
18. Alice in Wonderland -- Lewis Carroll
19. Onward: How Starbucks Fought For It’s Life Without Losing It’s Soul -- Howard Schultz
20. The Associate - John Grisham
21. Read, Think, Pray, Live - Tony Jones (currently reading)
22. A Treasure Deep - Alton Gansky
23. Beneath the Ice - Alton Gansky
24. Submerged - Alton Gansky -- (finished 5-23-11)
25. Scorpia Rising -- Anthony Horowitz (currently reading)

It's the End of the World as We Know It?

2011-05-19T09:41:00.009-05:00

I am sure by now you have heard of the religious group that claims that Judgment Day is coming on May 21, 2011. I am also fairly certain that you have also heard that the world as we know it will come to an end on December 21, 2012, according to ancient Mayan Prophecy. One thing I do know for certain is that the world as we know it will someday come to an end. When this will happen I do not know.

The Bible tells us that one day Jesus will return to claim those who believe and at that time the Earth as we know it will be destroyed and replaced with a New Earth. (Isaiah 65:17, Matthew 24:35, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1). When will this happen? God has kept that a mystery. When Jesus was in human form on Earth, even he said, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:36) If Jesus, who is God, was not allowed to know when God's Judgement Day will happen, what makes man think that they know when the end of the world will come?

Many people and religions have wrongly "predicted" when the end of the world would occur; Heaven's Gate, Jehovah's Witnesses, and many others have done do. Because of these predictions many people have reacted with fear and have done some very irrational things; including mass suicide. I believe that if you have a true relationship with the Lord God and his son Jesus, then you have nothing to fear from "Judgement Day." In fact you should celebrate it's coming.

As for me I have faith that God really will return one day to claim his own and he will destroy Earth and create a New Earth. God could come within the next 5 minutes for all I care, I am ready to meet God face to face. I wish many others could feel the same way.

The only thing about these groups and their "predictions" is that it just adds one more log onto the fire to be used by those who wish to persecute God's people, to prove that we are crazy and we have no clue what we are talking about. Christians have a hard enough time following the only two rules Jesus has ever asked us to follow; Love the Lord your God, and Love your Neighbors as Yourself. We don't need groups like Family Radio making things worse for those looking for the truth.

Update: 5-24-11, The Family Radio preacher, Harold Camping, has since changed his prediction to October 11, of 2001 as the day of Judgement. Obviously his second prediction of May 21, came and went with no Rapture in sight. He originally predicted the Rapture in 1994. Maybe the third time is a charm?

Lectio Divina

2011-05-18T11:35:00.005-05:00

As part of my efforts to better read, understand and live God's will, I have started to read a book called Read, Think, Pray, Live by Tony Jones. In this book Jones teaches how to use a technique called lecto divina. Lectio divina takes scripture and uses four steps to bring the Word of God to life.

Step 1 is called Lectio; in which you select and read a passage.

Step 2 is Meditatio; in which you meditate or think over.

Step 3 is Oratio; in which you speak or pray.

Step 4 is Contemplatio; in which you contemplate.

I have just started reading the book, so I can't give you details (yet) over how each step works. I have heard good things about this technique and I can't wait to try it. Anything that improves my relationship with God and helps me hear His Words more clearly is a good thing. I will let you know more as I read on.

Home Improvements 2011: Part 1

2011-05-16T08:07:00.004-05:00

This summer I am committing myself to making a few home improvements. Our home needs several things "fixed" in order to help us love our home more and prepare it for possible sale, if my future new job requires a move.

The first thing I plan to do is remove some bushes that are in the front of our house. My dad is coming over this week and we are going to pull up several bushes and fill in the holes with some good soil so I can plant some flowers in their place.

Later this summer I plan to paint the trim of the house, the garage and the shutters. I also plan to replace some faucets in the bathrooms and kitchen.

Sometime this week I plan to have a contractor or two over to give us estimates on some home repairs that need to be done. I will take these estimates to the local Property Tax Assessor and see if they can lower the value of the home to help ease the ever rising taxes. Our home is not worth the value that is placed on it by the Tax Assessor. We need a new roof, the outdoor door trims need replacing, the floors and carpets need replacing and we need some electrical work done as well. Once I have a complete list of estimates, Jamie and I may look into getting a home improvement loan to fix our house.

Here's to a busy summer!

Angry Birds

2011-05-15T14:02:00.004-05:00

A new Internet sensation has captured my attention. It is a new online game called Angry Birds. It is very similar to another game I like to play called Crush the Castle 2. In Crush the Castle 2 you use a catapult to hurl logs, stones, etc...at "castles" in order to kill the people on the inside. In Angry Birds you use a sling shot to hurl birds at "pigs?" who are hiding behind barriers. I like the way the birds go "poof" once they have been launched at their pig foes. Both games are fun ways to use strategic thinking. Have fun!

Problems with Blogger!

2011-05-14T18:46:00.002-05:00

I've been having some problems with Blogger.com the past few days. It seems Internet Explorer is having trouble connecting to my dashboard so I can create post and edit my pages. I had to use Google Chrome in order to connect. I may have to make Google Chrome my main browser and transfer all my favorite links to that browser!

Upcoming Movies I Wish to See in 2011

2011-05-14T08:18:00.006-05:00

2011 promises to be yet another good year for going to the movies... Now that Thor is out, the summer movie season is upon us. So far this year, a tight budget has limited my movie going; however, I have seen a few. The best movie I have seen so far this year is Rio. It is a great family film full of music. I am still waiting to see Thor. Here is a list of some other movies that are coming in 2011 that I wish to see, along with their projected release dates. (Saw Thor on May 19)

1. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides -- May 20 (Saw on May 28)

2. Kung Fu Panda 2 - May 26

3. X-Men: First Class - June 3

4. Green Lantern - June 17 (Saw on June 28)

5. Cars 2 - June 24

6. Transformers: Dark of the Moon - July 1 (Saw on July 11)

7. Winnie the Pooh - July 15

8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 - July 15 (Saw on July 15)

9. Captain America: The First Avenger - July 22

10. Cowboys & Aliens - July 29

11. Courageous - September 30

12. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - December 16

If for some reason I can't catch these movies at the theater...I can always watch them on Netflix.

Updated on July 7, 2011

Us V. Them!

2011-05-12T06:00:00.005-05:00

This Spring/Summer is once again turning into a prime season for fleas. Even though our cats are indoors, somehow they have contracted fleas again. Bummer! So, the battle is on!

We have already treat the cats with Frontline Plus monthly, as directed. We also comb them regularly with a flea comb. We have given them a bath and bug bombed the house. Still we have fleas...(we know they have eggs...)

Two weeks later and now we are ready for Round 2...First we give the cats Capstar Oral Flea Killer and wait about 30-45 min. Then we will do another extensive vacuuming, sweeping mopping campaign followed by a second round of bug bombs. We will also follow this by using a homemade Flea Trap (a light bulb suspended over soapy water) for a few days after to catch the little devils. We will also, once again, wash all our sheets and blankets.

Hopefully this will put us on the winning side. Why did God make fleas anyway?

King and Queen of the House

2011-05-11T17:20:00.000-05:00

As you can see we have cats! They are the King and Queen of the House.

The original kitty is named Scout (aka: Fuzzball). Despite the addition of a new kitty, he is still Ruler of the House. We think he believes we got HIM a new cat when the new kitty came along.
He gets his way often because he captured the heart of my wife.

The newest member of our household is Ramey-Jem (aka: Girl Kitty). She joined us almost one year ago. She gets her way a lot because she purrs really loud when she's happy (we like that) and she meow's loudly when she wants something. She's even trained my daughter to turn on the faucet in the bathroom so she, the cat, can have a drink of water

We love our kitties very much and most of all they love us!

Bed & Breakfast

2011-05-11T08:30:00.005-05:00

My wife, Jamie, and I love to go to Bed & Breakfast whenever the budget allows! So far we have visited eight of them. Our most recent visit was to The Jones House Bed & Breakfast in Nacogdoches, TX. It was a fantastic place to stay. That evening we dined at the local Fuddruckers and we spent the rest of the evening talking together. We don't get chances to talk as often as we like, with busy schedules and all, so this was a treat.

The next morning we used our "breakfast vouchers" to go eat at the Hotel Fredonia. The breakfast omelets were delicious.

We hope to stay at another Bed & Breakfast soon!

Other B&B's we have stayed at include; The Woldert-Spence Manor in Tyler, TX, Roseland Plantation in Ben Wheeler, TX (near Tyler), Oaklea Mansion and Manor House in Winnsboro, TX, White Oak Manor in Jefferson, TX, Wisteria Gardens Bed & Breakfast in Marshall, TX, Dowell House in McKinney, TX (Really liked the hot tub here!), and the Durning House in Van Alstyne, TX.

Paperback Swap

2011-05-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

Just a quick post about a web-site my wife and I have been using to aquire books we wish to read and pass along books that we no longer have room for. It is called Paperback Swap.com.

We have already used this FREE site to find several books we have been looking for and to pass on several books we just didn't need anymore. The only cost to you is the postage required to mail a book you have posted to give away. All books you request are mailed to you, postage paid by the sender. How cool is that!

For every book you send out you get one credit to use to order a book you want. You also get one free credit for joining and posting the required number of books needed to get started. There is no monthly fee or any other charges.

Have fun and good reading!

Starbucks

2011-05-10T11:53:00.016-05:00

Since June of last year I have been working for Starbucks Coffee Co. I am a certified Barista and I love this job! This is the only job that I have ever had that, when I "don't feel like going to work today" and I go to work anyway, I have a great time and am glad I went to work. My fellow Partners (Manager, Asst. Manager, Shift Supervisors and fellow Baristas) make working fun, even when it is crazy busy. They even know my wife, Jamie's, drink...(a Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte) before she even orders it. :)

As a result of working at Starbucks, My wife and I have decided to taste all of the different coffee blends that Starbucks offers. That way, if a customer ask what a particular blend taste like, I can give them my own personal opinion. We purchased a coffee grinder and a French Press and we have started working our way through the blends. We have already tried...

Red

Organic Blue Java

Organic Shade Grown Mexico

100% Kona

Komodo Dragon

and Cafe Estima.

We are currently drinking the 2010 Starbucks Anniversary Blend.

I have even added a Coffee of the Day gadget to my page, so you can keep up with what we are currently drinking. My favorite so far is Organic Shade Grown Mexico. Jamie's Favorite has been the Organic Blue Java.

We are also working our way through the different flavors of Tazo Teas. My favorite flavor is Vanilla Rooibos.

I will be sad to leave Starbucks, if my new full-time job (coming soon) does not give me the chance to continue working enough hours.

It's Been A While!

2011-05-10T09:49:00.003-05:00

It has been a long time since I have posted a new blog! I offer my apologies to the few folks who still attempt to follow what thoughts I choose to post. I will endeavor to keep you updated about what I am thinking. If you wish, you can become my "friend" on Facebook. (I would put a link here, but the school computer I am using blocks Facebook.)

I will try to update my favorite and dumbest movie lists over the next few days (I have moved these two lists to the bottom of my blog), as well as add "Currently Reading" & "Coffee of the Day" section.

So...what shall I make my first post of 2011 about?

Should it be about how colleges are now teaming up with the credit card companies to give students "debit cards" that uses funds directly out of their student loans and grants? Money that is supposed to go towards paying tuition, books and other educational expenses so the student can avoid debt, is now being spent on other things, leaving the students with more debt to pay once they finish college.

Should it be about how the United States finally caught up with and killed Osama Bin Laden (or Usama as Fox News likes to spell it.)?

Should it be about how my Texas Rangers finally went to World Series, but now are struggling to start the new season? (Yes, it has been that long since I have blogged!)

Should it be about how I am still only working part time and am still looking for full time work?(It has been over two years now.)

Should it be how my son, Caleb, is now 16 and is about to take his driving test to get his license?

Should it be how we now have two cats in the family? (We got a new kitty, Ramey-Jem, aka: Girl Kitty) Photos of both pets soon! OR how our dog, Schnitzel, has passed away.

There is so much, yet so little to say that I may just leave this post as it is and just start with brand new "thoughts" tomorrow.

Now, to keep Oliver (my nickname for my OCD) happy, I will update my movie, book and other lists first.

TTFN!

50 Books I've Read in 2010

2010-11-05T15:47:00.004-05:00

At the end of last year I found out I was one book shy of reading 50 books of 100 pages or more. This year I set a goal of reading at least 50! So far I have gone above and beyond. (Sadly it helps when you are only working part-time)

Books I’ve Read in 2010

1. Elyon (The Lost Books # 6) - Ted Dekker & Kaci Hill

2. Strange But True: Cats, 444 Weird Facts and Photos - Sweetwater Press

3. Green - Ted Dekker

4. Grand Theft Childhood: the Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games and What Parents Can Do -- Lawrence Kutner + Cheryl K. Olson

5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain

6. Self-Coaching: the Powerful Program to Beat Anxiety and Depression - Joseph J. Luciani

7. Snakehead - Anthony Horowitz

8. A Ship Possessed - Alton Gansky

9. Leading With a Limp - Dan B. Allender

10. Seeking Spirits: the Lost Cases of the Atlantic Paranormal Society - Jason Hawes, Grant Wilson & Michael Jan Friedman

11. The Prisoner in the Third Cell - Gene Edwards

12. The Best Halloween Ever - Barbara Robinson

13. The Princess Bride - William Goldman

14. 90 Minutes in Heaven - Don Piper, w/ Cecil Murphy

15. Vanished - Alton Gansky

16. The Best School Year Ever - Barbara Robinson

17. Out of Time - Alton Gansky

18. The Tales of Beadle the Bard - J.K. Rowling

19. The Cat Whisperer: the Secret of How to Talk to Your Cat - Claire Bessant

20. Bone Man’s Daughters - Ted Dekker

21. 3 Seconds: The Power of Thinking Twice - Les Parrott

22. The Control Freak: Coping With Those Around You, Taming the One Within You - Dr. Les Parrott III

23. Dark Moon - Alton Gansky

24. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - Mark Twain

25. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lighting Thief - Rick Riordan

26. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters - Rick Riordan

27. The Baseball Codes: Beanballs, Sign Stealing and Bench-Clearing Brawls; The Unwritten Rules of America’s Pastime - Jason Turbow, w/Michael Duca

28. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH -- Robert C. O’Brien

29. The Good Earth - Pearl S. Buck

30. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Titan’s Curse -- Rick Riordan

31. The Love List: Eight Little Things That Make a Big Difference in Your Marriage -- Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott

32. Bleachers - John Grisham

33. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: the Battle of the Labyrinth - Rick Riordan

34. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian - Rick Riordan

35. The Mormon Mirage: a Former Member Looks at the Mormon Church Today -- Latayne C. Scott

36. I Never Had It Made: The Autobiography of Jackie Robinson -- Jackie Robinson

37. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules -- Jeff Kinney

38. Casino Royale -- Ian Fleming

39. The entire Junie B. Jones series (books 1-27) -- Barbara Park

40. The Hound of the Baskervilles -- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

41. Live and Let Die -- Ian Fleming

42. Why You Do The Things You Do: The Secret to Healthy Relationships -- Dr. Tim Clinton & Dr. Gary Sibcy

43. A Year Down Yonder -- Richard Peck

44. Moonraker -- Ian Fleming

45. Compelled to Control: Recovering Intimacy in Broken Relationships -- J. Keith Miller

46. Diamonds Are Forever -- Ian Fleming

47. Praying Dangerously: Daring Prayers For Meaningful Faith -- Gary Holloway

48. Lost in Tibet: The Untold Story of Five American Airmen, a Doomed Plane, and the Will to Survive -- Richard Starks & Miriam Murcutt

49. Dr. No -- Ian Fleming

50. The Cases That Haunt Us -- Mark Olshaker & John Douglas

51. Hood (King Raven Trilogy: Book 1) -- Stephen R. Lawhead

52. The Godfather -- Mario Puzo

53. The Book of Useless Information: Thousands of Things You Didn’t Think You Needed to Know…And Probably Don’t -- Noel Botham

54. Bigfoot Casebook updated: Sightings And Encounters from 1818 to 2004 -- Janet & Colin Bord

55. Goldfinger -- Ian Fleming

56. For Your Eyes Only -- Ian Fleming

57. My Life -- Bill Clinton

Can't Wait!

2010-07-27T13:52:00.001-05:00

Now What?

2010-05-07T12:55:00.003-05:00

I finished my long-term teaching assignment (teaching Math) last week. Now what? I have drawn considerable interest from a couple of principals who want to hire me for next school year; so things are looking up for me starting in August (actually Sept., that's when the paychecks start for a full-time teaching gig). My concern now is for the summer months. I am trying to find some full-time summer work to keep an income flow until I start drawing a new full-time salary next school year.

Any suggestions?

Teaching Math

2010-03-08T09:52:00.002-06:00

25 + years ago; I was staying up late most school nights crying, because I couldn't understand the Algebra homework I had assigned to me. I would go in during tutorials and beg for help, but I could not "get it." My Algebra I & II teacher, Mrs. Stewart would get so frustrated with me because I couldn't "get it." I was so worried I would fail for the year; after all I had already failed at least 2 Six Weeks. Somehow I made it through High School Algebra and even squeaked through a year of College Algebra. I graduated High School and a College Degree. I even became a teacher; just not a Math teacher.

About 2 years ago I was hired to teach GED Math at Kilgore College to students who were trying to obtain a GED Certificate. One of the subjects I had to teach was Math (Pre-Algebra-basic Trigonometry). I informed my new employer that Math was not my best subject. I was told, "You will learn it and you will be good a teaching it within 3 weeks." Skeptical, I embarked on trying to teach Math. Much to may amazement, about 3 weeks later, something clicked in my head. Suddenly, all of this math that had been driving me to tears for years started to make sense. It was literally like a light bulb went off in my head and it all made sense. My students told me that I was one of the best Math teachers they had ever had; that I was helping them understand math for the first time. I became so confident in teaching Math that I took the teacher certification test to teach it. I passed!

Today, I start a six week teaching assignment, teaching 8th Grade Pre-Algebra. So far I am loving it.

I wonder if Mrs. Stewart (my HS Algebra teacher) is proud of me, or rolling over in her grave in amazement?

50 Books in a Year (Update)

2010-02-21T18:32:00.004-06:00

In my goal to read 50 books in one year hear is how I'm doing so far...

In January I read...
1. Elyon: The Lost Books #6 by Ted Dekker
2. Strange But True: Cats. 444 Weird Facts and Photos by Sweetwater Press
3. Green by Ted Dekker
4. Grand Theft Childhood: The Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games and What Parents Can Do by Lawrence Kutner & Cheryl K. Olson
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
6. Self-Coaching: The Powerful Program to Beat Anxiety and Depression by Joseph J. Luciani
7. Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz
8. A Ship Possessed by Alton Gansky
9. Leading With a Limp by Dan B. Allender
10. The Prisoner in the Third Cell by Gene Edwards
11. Seeking Spirits: The Lost Cases of the Atlantic Paranormal Society by Jason Hawes, Grant Wilson & Jan Friedman
12. The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson
13. The Princess Bride by William Goldman
14. 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper, w/ Cecil Murphy

So Far in February I have read...

15. Vanished by Alton Gansky
16. The Best School Year Ever by Barbara Robinson
17. Out of Time by Alton Gansky
18. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling
19. The Cat Whisperer: The Secret of How to Talk to Your Cat by Claire Bessant
20. BoneMan's Daughters by Ted Dekker

Currently Reading...

21. 3 Seconds: The Power of Thinking Twice by Dr. Les Parrott

My bride, Jamie, and I just went to see Dr. Les Parrott this past weekend. We bought several of his books at a discount; so expect to see several of his, and his wife's, books on the list soon. I also have a copy of Fireproof by Eric Wilson coming my way.

The Love Dare

2010-02-17T11:39:00.002-06:00

In an effort to reconnect with my bride, Jamie, I have started The Love Dare. I am praying that it changes our relationship for the better. With God's Help I know it will.

On a totally different note; Pitchers and Catchers reported to their Spring Training Camps today. Baseball is back!

Fully Qualified and Incompetent

2010-02-10T10:04:00.004-06:00

When I was an officer in the Army, I could give orders and make decisions that effected the lives of others. I could look at a problem and make a decision in a matter of moments. Granted I was blessed to never have the opportunity to do this in the middle of combat; however, my decisions had lasting impacts non the less.

When I was in the classroom as a teacher, I could create lesson plans for over 100 students a year. Plans that challenged my students and still adapted to state mandated modifications for the few that needed them. Plans that helped shape the academic future of 11 years worth of our future generations.

Yet, as a husband I feel incompetent as I would be if I were in charge of building a skyscraper. I have taken classes on communication, problem solving, budgeting, building healthy spiritual and prayer lives, and even read up on some sexual topics. I even taught classes on how to strengthen marriages, yet, I feel I am failing as a husband.

Some of you know that I am currently semi-unemployed. I am a substitute teacher needing a full-time teaching job. I am very hopeful that I will be under contract with a school district shortly after the end of this school year. In the meantime my lack of income is forcing my dear bride to work a full-time job and a couple of other "part-time" jobs to barely make ends meet for us financially. The stress, lack of time for family and for herself is taking a heavy toll on her. I mentioned in my previous blog, that this is also taking a toll on me as well. I feel very much like I am not being the man I need to be. It should be me working more and supporting my family. We have a budget, but due to our recent financial woes it has been modified to what we call, "the crappy budget." Even so we are having trouble making ends meet. I know it will change, but knowing it will change and waiting on it, are two different things. She tells me all the time how she feels like we are not connected like we should be. She feels distant and alone.

My wife and I have a prayer corner in our room. It has two folding chairs sitting on a rug. We have a lamp to give us some light. The chairs are facing each other so we can sit close, hold hands and lean on each other if we need to. Currently these chairs are filled with clothes that need to be put away or some old blankets. Papers, shoes and other items clutter the space on the rug. We haven't prayed together in some time. By the time she gets in from her jobs in the evening, she is so exhausted that she doesn't feel like praying. I haven't even been responsible enough to try and keep the corner clean and ready just in case we get a spare moment to pray. The lack of spiritual discipline at home has caused her to feel distant from God as well.

You would think a professional teacher, marriage educator and former Army officer would have some sort of a plan to address these problems. You would think I would be totally aware of what to do to rescue a struggling marriage; but, here I sit praying to God to give me wisdom to do what I need to do to be a man worthy of my wife's respect and for his guidance to do what I can to ensure that I am truly doing what I can to help support my family.

How is it that I am so blind to the attacks of the enemy (Satan)? Why can't I see what God is doing for us? Am I doing something wrong that God needs to "break me" into fully relying on Him? I try not to be selfish, I truly want to do HIS will not mine. Is there something I still need to learn about myself and my relationship with God before things will get better?

Despite all my qualifications it seems that I am failing as a husband. My wife deserves better.

Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, Lord God Almighty;
Please open my eyes so that I can see myself. Help me to pour out my soul and my will before your throne. Give me the wisdom, the strength and the courage to be a man of God to my wife, my children, my church family and to my employers. Take away my fears and my insecurities. Open my heart and my eyes to the needs of my wife. I do not want to disappoint her. I do not want to be any part of causing her to doubt You and Your love. I want to be a man worthy of her respect. I want to work full-time, O Lord. I am tired of struggling financially. I am tired of seeing my wife work herself "crazy" trying to make up for my failures (even if some of those were out of my control). I am not asking for wealth, I just want a job that helps us get out of debt and to have enough money to save for emergencies and retirement. I am tired not feeling connected with my wife. Please show me LORD what I need to do! I cast myself before your mercy and grace, because it is only through you we are surviving at all. I do not want my marriage to crumble because of this. Tell me what to do! Restore us.
Your Son, Mark

As I Sit Here

2010-02-01T13:39:00.003-06:00

As I sit here and type this post, many things are running through my head. I wonder if I am a real man. My wife works 4 different jobs, while I am just substitute teaching. I know I will get a job teaching full-time next school year, but what do I do in the meantime? I will take over for a teacher who will go on maternity leave in March. I will teach her classes until the end of May. What about the summer? I don't feel I am supporting my family at all. My wife is working so much that she barely has one weekend a month to spend with her family. I try to keep busy around the house when I am not subbing (cleaning, laundry, some yard work), but that is not enough. It seems the more we try to get ahead, by paying off debts or get some things fixed around the house, the more we are getting behind. Right now I wonder if the family would be better off without me. It seems I am the one causing most of our family problems right now. I didn't ask to be laid off from my last full-time job. I didn't cut the budget that cost me my job. Yet, I feel responsible. I didn't have to leave my full-time teaching job two years ago. I could have hung on longer. God I know you are with us; however, I am human and I would just like to know what is going on with us. When will I get a job teaching again. How long must we suffer; scrapping by check by check? I hate it that my wife is working so hard to be the main bread winner for our family, that's my job. God I should be working full-time. Please protect us from financial ruin until things get better. Help my children feel safe and secure. Take my wife's burdens away or give her extra boost of Your Spirit to help her through it. Keep our sanity intact. Don't let me or my wife get so depressed we do stupid things. Help us to feel your love and your protection. Now as I get up to sweep the floors, put a smile on my face and help to realize that things could be much worse.

Happy New Year = Happy Reading

2010-01-30T09:04:00.002-06:00

So far I have read 11 books this year (my goal is to reach 50+). I am currently reading two others that I may finish before the end of the month. Here are the books I have read so far...

1. Elyon: The Lost Books #6 by Ted Dekker
2. Strange But True: Cats. 444 Weird Facts and Photos by Sweetwater Press
3. Green by Ted Dekker
4. Grand Theft Childhood: The Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games and What Parents Can Do by Lawrence Kutner & Cheryl K. Olson
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
6. Self-Coaching: The Powerful Program to Beat Anxiety and Depression by Joseph J. Luciani
7. Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz
8. A Ship Possessed by Alton Gansky
9. Leading With a Limp by Dan B. Allender
10. The Prisoner in the Third Cell by Gene Edwards
11. Seeking Spirits: The Lost Cases of the Atlantic Paranormal Society by Jason Hawes, Grant Wilson & Jan Friedman

I am currently reading

12. The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson
13. The Princess Bride by William Goldman

I love reading!

Reading is Fundamental

2009-12-16T08:10:00.005-06:00

I was talking with some of the students at school today and the topic of reading came up. Some of the students were talking about what kind of books they read, while others were saying they haven't read a entire book in over 2 years. Wow! You mean there are people who don't read books; not even little ones. When I asked about "not reading an entire book", they said that other than a couple of children's books, they actually haven't read a book over 50 pages in over 2 years. I was stunned. I thought even those who claim to not read, at least read 1 book a year. I guess I was wrong.

It is interesting to note that the few students who admitted to not reading a book in over 2 years, had the lowest averages (not necessarily failing) of their classes.

As a reading addict, I am closing in on 50 books (at least 100 pages or more) in 2009 alone. (This is not counting children's books) I am reading one now and have one more I plan to read before the end of the year, (If time allows). It just shocked me about the number of students who hate to read.

Here is a list of books I have read in 2009 (in no particular order)

1. The English Standard Version of the Bible
2. Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Frances Chan
3. Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear by Max Lucado
4. Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado
5. The Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot by Max Lucado
6. Dracula by Bram Stoker
7. Chosen (The Lost Books # 1) by Ted Dekker
8. Infidel (The Lost Books # 2) by Ted Dekker
9. Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
10. Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz
11. Sinner by Ted Dekker
12. Skeleton Key by Anthony Horowitz
13. Eagle Strike by Anothony Horowitz
14. Scorpia by Anthony Horowitz
15. Ark Angel by Anthony Horowitz
16. The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Timothy Keller
17. The Pawn (The Patrick Bowers Files: Book 1) by Steven James
18. The Rook (The Patrick Bowers Files: Book 2) by Steven James
19. The Knight (The Patrick Bowers Files: Book 3) by Steven James
20. Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
21. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
22. The Appeal by John Grisham
23. Brisinger by Christopher Paolini
24. Deadfall (The McAllister Files) by Patricia H. Rushford and Harrison James
25. Twilight by Stephanie Myer (Started in 2008)
26. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
27. Anchor Man: How a Father Can Anchor His Family in Christ for the Next 100 Years by Steve Farrar
28. Eat Mor Chikin', Inspire More People by S. Truitt Cathey
29. John 3:16, The Numbers of Hope by Max Lucado
30. Kiss by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy
31. The Chronicles of Narnia: the Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis
32. The Chronicles of Narnia: the Final Battle by C.S. Lewis
33. Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back by Josh Hamilton
34. 23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Weis
35. The Apocalypse Code: Find Out What the Bible Really Says About the End Times...and Why it Matters Today
36. The Case for the Real Jesus: A Journalist Investigates Current Attacks on the Identity of Christ by Lee Strobel
37. Comes a Horseman by Robert Liparulo
38. Enjoy the Silence: A 30 Day Experiment in Listening to God by Maggie Robbins
39. A Family Guide to Narnia: Biblical Truths in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia by Christin Ditchfield
40. Germ by Robert Liparulo
41. Get Out of That Pit: Straight Talk About God's Deliverance by Beth Moore
42. The Great Taos Bank Robbery and Other True Stories of the Southwest by Tony Hillerman
43. Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections between Sexuality and Spirituality by Rob Bell
44. Deadfall (A John Hutchinson Novel) by Robert Liparulo
45. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
46. Renegade (The Lost Books # 3) by Ted Dekker (Currently Reading - should be finshed by end of the week)
47. Becoming One: Emotionally, Spiritually, Sexually by Joe Beam (Currently Reading -- May not finish until early 2010)
48. Chaos (The Lost Books # 4) by Ted Dekker (Next on my list -- should finish by end of the year)

So close to 50!

The Reason For the Season

2009-12-15T14:48:00.001-06:00

A phrase I am growing to dislike more and more is the phrase, "Jesus is the reason for the Season." Now, I realize that if it wasn't for the birth of my LORD and Saviour, Jesus, that we would not have this wonderful holiday called Christmas; however, isn't Jesus the reason for ALL Seasons? Did he not create the universe and all that is in it? What about Easter? Isn't he the reason for that season as well?

I know good minded Christian folk are just trying to remind people to remember the origins of Christmas and how it was created to focus the world's attention on Jesus and his teachings, instead of the greed promoted by retailers around the world; yet I can't help but think that if Christians really wanted to remind people about the love of Jesus we wouldn't be putting trash bags full of wrapping paper and empty boxes from all our new "luxuries" out by the curb the day after Christmas. Instead shouldn't we be give up giving gifts to each other and giving to those who are really in need. After all isn't Christmas the season of giving, not getting? Since Jesus is the reason for ALL seasons, shouldn't we be giving to those in need throughout the year, not just for Christmas?

So as we put out our trash the day after Christmas, remember that Jesus really is THE reason for this season and remember those who have would be grateful to have what we just replaced with more stuff we probably really didn't need in the first place.

What's More Important Golf or Marriage (Oh Wait, It's Money)

2009-12-15T06:09:00.004-06:00

I'm sure if you have even sniffed at the news recently or read the tabloid headlines in the grocery lines, you know all about Tiger Woods, his admission of adultery and his decision to take a break from golf to focus on rebuilding his marriage. You would think from all the news agencies that Tiger's decision to take a break from golf would end the sport forever.

First of all I applaud Tiger's decision to focus on rebuilding his marriage. Second, I applaud his wife for forgiving him and choosing to rebuild her marriage. Adultery is, of course, a very damaging sin that takes down many a marriage; however, it is only a symptom of things that were already going wrong in the marriage. Both of them have to take some of the blame for those failures.

Golf will live on with or without Tiger Woods. Yes, it may take a dip in the ratings, but I think a small shrinkage of income for professional golfers and their sponsors is worth saving a marriage. Tiger and his family deserve to have their privacy and the chance to save their marriage. After all isn't marriage sacred to God? Oh wait, I forgot, it is the power of money that controls what others think. No wonder they would rather focus on how Tiger's "problems" will impact golf and his mega-sponsors than on how Tiger and his wife are taking a noble step to rebuild and strengthen what is most important.

Just in case Tiger or his wife ever read this blog... I will be praying for you and your family (not golf). May God be with you!

Thoughts From ME!

2009-12-11T14:16:00.002-06:00

Since "Thoughts From ME" is the name of my blog, I thought I would actually share what thoughts are actually going through my head...at least for the next few minutes anyway.

Even though I am currently running a fever (100 last time I had it checked) I am still trying to finish out the day as a substitute teacher for a history class. Sadly all I can think about is how I need to get the Christmas lights up when I get home.

I am moved by the generosity of my church, who left a message on my cell phone telling me they have a $300 check to help my family make it through the Christmas holidays. They know I am still looking for full-time work and they figured we could use a little boost to help since I can't sub at school while they are out on break.

I am wondering if the Texas Rangers will signed or trade for a better catcher to play for them next season. It seems they are at least working on improving the pitching, but will it be enough for my Rangers to win the division next year?

I am sad that several of the students I sub for have expressed that "Christianity (and other religions) are for people who are afraid of death and want something to believe in to give them hope." As for me I am a Christian and I do not fear death; anxious about it maybe, but I am not afraid. I wish they could know Jesus like I do, or even better.

I am sad that the television show Monk will no longer be with us. It was one my favorite shows. It did become a little predictable in the end; but, it was fun while it lasted.

I wish my wife was going to be home tonight. She is in Dallas at a training/conference and won't be home until tomorrow. I need someone to pamper me while I am sick and the kids shouldn't have to do that. Maybe the cat will?

I have been told the Principal at the Jr. High School at Pine Tree wants to interview at the end of the school year to replace a teacher who is going to retire. I think it is for a Texas History spot, but he can't say "officially" until the job is posted. Yeahh!

I wonder if anything good is coming on TV tonight?

Gotta go, my next class is about to start. I hope I feel better tomorrow.

I'm Still Here Somewhere!

2009-12-11T07:42:00.002-06:00

Hello to the few folks who do read my blog. I have been lost for a while in the shuffle of trying to stay busy working and other family related activities. Here is a short recap of what is going on with me.

I am working as a substitute teacher for Pine Tree ISD in Longview. I am currently filling in for a teacher who has had some neck surgery and will not be back until after the Christmas break. That's good for me ($) but bad for the teacher. I am also still working part time at Mardel Christian books and Education. It seems I am mainly working weekends at this point, but maybe I will get some more hours in during the last minute Christmas shopping sprees. Other than that I have been staying busy around the house, putting up Christmas lights (gonna do that this afternoon), going to the kid's Christmas concerts or just keeping the cat out of the Christmas tree.

I may be on and off again until the end of the year, but I promise I will be back full-time after Christmas with new, interesting, fun and informational blogs. Until then "Have A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."

Spaghetti-Tacos and Other News

2009-08-10T12:32:00.005-05:00

Thanks to the Nickelodeon television show iCarly, my family tried a dish called Spaghetti-Tacos last night for dinner. They were actually pretty good. You just make spaghetti, like normal, then put in some taco shells. Yummy and crunchy.

It seems my Texas Rangers are working hard to make the playoffs. Thanks to some great pitching and (cough, couch...gag....) the New York Yankees, the Rangers are tied for the wild-card spot. They are even making a race out of the Western Division by being just 3.5 games out of first place. If we could just keep beating those dang Angels.

My son Caleb, just got back from High School band camp last week. I can't believe he is a Freshman in High School this year. Just to drive the point home, he picked up his schedule for his Freshman year, along with his textbooks and school ID.

My search for a full-time job has yet to bear much fruit. All of the local schools filled their staff positions for the upcoming school year; and I have yet to get an interview with any other place I have applied for. I sent in an resume today to work with the Texas Department for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse today. Keep praying that something comes up soon.

Also I have two books to recommend for reading. The first is called Crazy Love by Frances Chan, the second is called Prodigal God by Timothy Keller. Both books will challenge your thoughts about how you view Christianity in today's world.

More Commercials That Are Getting on My Nerves

2009-07-27T19:46:00.003-05:00

In my last blog I listed 6 commercials that are getting on my nerves a lot lately. I ended at 6 because the Rangers were coming on. So here are 4 more to round my list off at a nice even 10.

7. All of the male enhancement commercials. Not only are they an embarrassment to most men, they are not appropriate to show when any kids are in the room.

8. The Kids Bop Commercials. What number are they on now, number 524? Actually I think it is 12, LOLOLOL (you know what I mean if you have seen the commercial.)

9. The Fruit by the Foot commercial with the two karate dudes yelling and very, very, very slowly moving towards the face of the kid eating the fruit snack.

1o. The Dannon Yogurt commercial where the pretty young lady, suddenly becomes very not pretty by sucking the yogurt container dry (without using hands, which is sort of impressive) and yet not getting a single drop of the yogurt on her face anywhere. How does she do that?

Some Commercials That Really Get on My Nerves

2009-07-26T13:01:00.004-05:00

Currently there are a few commercials that really are getting on my nerves recently. If I could link them I would but I bet you can figure out which ones I am talking about.

1. The commercials for Scientology...I don't like these for two reasons. a) Scientology is a load of lies and leads some people away from Jesus. b) It runs every break between innings of the Ranger game of Fox Sports Southwest. Ahhh, I'm so sick of it.

2. Any commercial for Burger King with the creepy "Burger King." I didn't like him when he first appeared in their commercials and I still don't like him, especially since he has been doing some mean things to people lately. I did like the commercials where the women in the van were trying to run over the King though.

3. The Sketchers shoe commercial where the kid runs like a pack of rhinos when he playing football. Like some pair of shoes is going to make other kids, with obviously more talent than you, run away in fear of you.

4. The McDonald's commercial where Ronald McDonald "creates" stars and galaxies in the sky for the kids to see. Like he is God! Some day that clown will go to a place that is not so funny!

5. Commercials for the Best D... Sports Show Period. They shouldn't be allowed to say that word, and many other words, on television, much less name a television show that. Sadly it also shows every break between innings of the Ranger games.

6. The Chucky Cheese commercials that mislead kids into thinking if they have just one quarter, they can have a heap of fun of the house of the rat. All the games may be quarter each, but if you want to eat some pizza, you better bring much more than a quarter.

I would name a few others, but the Rangers are about to play the Royals. Time to brace myself for some Scientology and some Best D... Sports Show commercials.

Apologies to God

2009-07-25T07:07:00.002-05:00

Most Awesome GOD, Creator of all things and LORD of my life;

I come to you begging for your forgiveness. I have been a selfish and evil man. I have been praying for my will to be done and not Yours. I have lied to myself and to you about what I want for myself. I have stolen from You, by taking the time and income You have provided for me, and using them for personal gain or selfish desires. I have put other things before You and that is idolatry. For these things I offer no excuse except my apologies.

I want to be in love with YOU, O' MY LORD. I want to obsessed with YOU. I want to do YOUR will not mine. I want YOU to be first always. I want to give YOU my best, not what is left over at the end of the day. I want to trust in YOU more than I do my income or my own personal security. Help me to be the person YOU want me to be, not what I want myself to be.

Thank you Father for the blessings you have provided for me and my family. Thank you for my bride Jamie and my two wonderful kids, Caleb and Rachel. Thank you for the job you provided for me at Mardel. Thank you for Jamie's jobs at Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services, Children's Connections and now for the teaching opportunity at Stephen F. Austin. Thank you for the opportunity to help marriages grow stronger by allowing Jamie and I to lead a Dynamic Marriage class. Thank you for my home. You have blessed my family abundantly and I Love You.

Your adopted son,

Mark

Feeling Puny and It's not Fun

2009-07-21T17:48:00.002-05:00

I'm not feeling to well today. I am feeling nauseous and dizzy when I'm either sitting up or walking around, and I get a really bad headache when I lay down to rest. I hope I feel better tomorrow.

On a more hopeful note...I had a job interview with Marshall ISD yesterday and I have a pending interview with Gilmer ISD later this week. (I hope I feel better).

Being out of full-time work is not fun either. I keep getting these e-mails regarding working from home by doing work on-line. I have gotten e-mails regarding selling weight-loss products, processing rebates and advertising on Google or Facebook. It is really tempting to invest the $50-$150 initial investments and try to do those jobs. I have tried a couple in the past and it did not work out so well. The ads can be very deceiving and you must all of the ad, including the extremely small print. I would ask if any of you have tried these types of at-home jobs to let me know if they really work, but since I do not know you personally, it would be hard to believe what you said anyway.

Last random note...I hate the commercial where Ronald McDonald "creates" stars and galaxies for the kids, visiting his home in the Golden Arches, to see. Who does McDonald's think that clown is, God? I don't think so.

Prayer Request for Jamie and the Family

2009-07-17T10:54:00.003-05:00

I am requesting prayer request for my wife, Jamie. She just got word from her doctor that she is going to need surgery to remove some fibrositic type cells from one of her breast. It is not cancer, it is just a mass of cells that if left untreated could turn into pre-cancer cells. We are pretty sure insurance will cover most or all of the cost, but we would like prayers for all of this just in case.

Also, I filled out two more applications for local schools who have positions I am qualified for. I am waiting to hear back from them. I need another full-time job soon especially since I may be getting a small cut in hours from my part-time job at Mardel.

We also want prayers for our upcoming Dynamic Marriage class starting in Sept.

I know God is Sovereign; however, I am starting to get frustrated (especially since I am causing the rest of my family stress, because of my lack of a full-time job. Come on God, isn't enough, enough.

To Arkansas and Back Again

2009-07-16T20:17:00.005-05:00

Yesterday my family and I returned from our last summer vacation at Hot Springs, Arkansas. (The childhood home of former President Bill Clinton.) We had a wonderful time and we can't wait to return again sometime.

We started our Hot Springs vacation by taking a Hot Springs National Park Duck Tour . This tour gave us an entertaining tour of the Historic Downtown Hot Springs area as well as a short cruise around St. John's Island on Lake Hamilton. Our "Captain/Guide" was nicknamed "Bubba" and he was very interesting and funny as he gave us an education about the history of Hot Springs.

As part of a package deal with the Duck Tours, we also purchased tickets to The Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. The wax figures of many famous Americans and world figures are on display here. Although the tour of the museum was very interesting, many of the figures look like they have been slowly melting over the years without any upkeep. The figure of former President Jimmy Carter was especially scary looking. The best two figures in the museum were Jack Sparrow, from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and President Barack Obama. They are the two newest figures on display. I'm not saying, not to tour the Wax Museum, but just be prepared for what you see. (see the above link)

After visiting the wax museum we visited the last part of the package deal we purchased with the Duck Tours. We did wine tasting at The Winery at Hot Springs. Their locally blended wines can be shipped to any address in the U.S. that has a state that allows alcohol to be shipped by mail. We tasted 8 local wines and almost purchased a bottle or two, but alas we were limited on our vacation budget. I had never tasted wines before and it was a treat for me to so. I will have to do it again sometime.

We then went back to the hotel (Howard Johnson) to swim a while before heading up for me to watch Major League Baseball's Home Run Derby. Although I fell asleep watching it, I found out the next morning that the Rangers own Nelson Cruz finished 2nd. Way to go Cruz!

The next morning, I went to one of the only two active Hot Springs bath houses to take in one of the famous baths Hot Springs is famous for; The Buckstaff. I got the Whirlpool Mineral Bath package and enjoyed it very much. While I was soaking in the relaxing and healing hot mineral waters, that God and I had a talk about my current job hunt and some other life issues in general. I think I left a lot of worries in that water. I have been very relaxed since then. I hope it lasts. (Jamie, my lovely bride, took her bath the next morning.)

After the hot bath and spa; we visited Magic Springs/Crystal Falls. All of the large roller coaster rides at Magic Springs were out of order during our visit. They were waiting on parts to come in so they could finish the maintenance they needed to operate properly. Oh well, the kids came to swim anyway. We spent most of the afternoon at Crystal Falls enjoying their wave pool, lazy river and a few of their water slides. (Their wave pool had nothing on the waves at some of our more local water parks in Texas.) Surprisingly no one was sunburned despite record temperatures in the low 100's.

We returned from Magic Springs/Crystal Falls and decided to eat some local Arkansas Bar-B-Que. Sadly we overpaid to eat at a place that made almost all of us a little sick to our stomach. I would mention the place by name, but maybe it was just a bad batch of Bar-B-Que and I hate to bash a place over one bad visit.

That evening, we went to see a local magician called Stonehenge. He provided us with a great show filled with amazement. All of his magic was up close and personal and his show was very family friendly. He (or at least his sound guy) was a Christian and Christian music played before and after the show. He called several members of the audience up to the stage. Caleb, my son, was called to help with a pretty nifty card trick. The two hour show was worth every dollar spent and we will definitely go see him again next time we visit Hot Springs. I'm still not sure how he cut his nice assistant in half! He and his assistants provided autographs and photo opportunities after the show and seemed very interested in learning about the audience and where they were from, etc.... Sadly I missed MLB's All-Star Game during the magic show, but it was worth it to see a magician who did not have all the cult references many magicians have today. I recommend Stonehenge as a must see if you go to Hot Springs any time soon.

Wednesday morning, we went to visit a local rock dealer who sold a wide variety of locally earthed volcanic rocks and crystals. We got a free "Arkansas Diamond" (a polished crystal) just for stopping by. After the rock dealer we went to tour Garvan Woodland Gardens. This would have been so much better if it were not for the intense heat and our still slightly upset stomachs from the previously mentioned Bar-B-Que from the previous day. Still, the gardens offered many beautiful examples of waterfalls, local plants and wildlife and we enjoyed our shortened visit, before heading back home to Longview, TX.

We did drive by the boyhood home of former President Bill Clinton and did see the High School he graduated from; however, I think we enjoyed swimming the hotel pool more than we cared to stop and visit these historic sights.

I am glad to be home, although I could use another hot mineral bath.

Hot Springs Here We Come!

2009-07-11T11:40:00.004-05:00

My family and I are about to embark on our last vacation activity of the summer. We are going to Hot Springs, Arkansas. I actually look forward to finding a place where we can relax in the healing waters of the natural springs. We plan to visit Magic Springs/Crystal Falls, Amusement/Water Park, a Botanical Garden and maybe do a few other things together as a family.

I hope I get a chance to watch MLB's All-Star Game at the hotel Thursday evening. I might just set it to record at home and watch it when I get back. Go Texas Rangers; they still hold a slim 1st Place lead in the Western Division. Maybe, just maybe, we will make the playoffs again this year.

Sad News From the Job Hunting Front

2009-07-10T17:02:00.000-05:00

It seems that Pine Tree ISD has decided to go with a different someone instead of hiring me to teach 9th Grade Algebra. I got the call this morning around 10:00 a.m. letting me know the news.

It is very hard not to loose a little faith during this time of non-full-time work. I thought for sure I had the job, but I guess God has a different plan for me. I wish he would let me know what exactly that plan is!

On a little bit of good note, after returning to work from my lunch break, the manager informed me that he had accidently overstaffed the workers for tonight, and asked if I wanted to take the rest of the day off. So here I am at home starting to prepare for my family's last mini-vacation to Hot Springs, Arkansas next week.

I will fill out a couple of new job applications tonight to mail before we take off. The Job Hunt continues. Pray I keep my chin up and my focus on God. It's getting tough.

Waiting with the Fleas

2009-07-08T21:05:00.005-05:00

It has been six days since my interview with Pine Tree ISD about teaching 9th Grade Algebra. Last time I spoke to the Principal, she was still trying to reach a few more of my references. It seems even references like to take vacations. She assured everything was still looking good though.

Sigh....

I wish I knew if I had the job for sure before my family goes on our last vacation of the summer next week. We are going to Hot Springs, Arkansas. We plan to soak in some the hot springs, visit Magic Springs/Crystal Falls and go to some kind of Botanical Gardens (I'll get back with you the name later). I'm saying this now because I might forget to blog again before we leave on Monday.)

Meanwhile we are trying to get rid of some fleas in our home. Our dog, Schnitzel, has found some fleas. We have sprayed the yard with chemicals, given the dog baths with anti-flea shampoo, we have vacuumed the furniture and carpets (and got rid of the bags), and sprayed the inside of the house. Still they persist. We could bomb the house, but we have to find something to do with the cat. We will prevail!

That Darn Cat and Other Stuff

2009-07-06T06:59:00.002-05:00

Our wonderful pet cat, Scout, (aka: Fuzzball) was a bad kitty last night. For some reason last night he was into everything. He kept waking the wife and I up about every two hours starting around midnight. He would play with his "jingle mouse", jump on our end table and knock stuff around, or just jump on the bed and want some petting. I am so tired. I don't go to work today until 10:00 so I can maybe try to rest a little bit before heading off.

In other news: The World needs to move on from the death of Michael Jackson. He was just a man people get over it. Are we going to have to endure crazy fans who will celebrate his birth and mourn his death, just like the crazy Elvis fans? He is/was not God you know.

In my attempt to read the Bible in a Year (for the 2nd time), I have just finished Ezekiel and am starting Daniel. I am behind and hope to get back on course soon. I just finished the last book in my pile of books to read, so I will read the Bible in place of my other reading.

I am hoping to hear from the principal at Pine Tree High School today regarding my possible job as a 9th Grade Algebra teacher. I guess reaching my references was tough over the Independence Day weekend. Keep Praying For Me!

I'm Back For Good - I Hope!

2009-07-03T18:48:00.003-05:00

Once again it's been awhile since I have been blogging.

My search for a new full-time job may be almost over. I had an interview with Pine Tree ISD to be their new 9th Grade Algebra teacher. Considering I barely pulled off C averages in Algebra in High School, I have come a long way. I thought the interview went well & I was told not to take another job until the Principal calls me back, so I'm taking that as a good sign.

I took the test to become certified to teach 4-8th Grade Math a week ago Saturday. I am waiting on my score to come back. I plan on taking the test to get certified to teach 8-12th Grade Math before the end of the year (August at the earliest!). It is my lack of knowledge in the fields of upper-level Trigonometry and Calculus that I'm worried about on the 8th-12th Math test. I am going to have to study hard and take some teacher help classes at the local Education Service Center to get ready for that bad boy.

My Texas Rangers fell out of first place since I last blogged. Maybe it's the stress about their owner, Tom Hicks, who is trying to sell his majority interest in the club. I am still routing for my team and hope they can pull it back together soon and pull off a playoff spot.

In the meantime, I am still working part-time at Mardel and trying not to get to addicted to Facebook's Mafia Wars.

I am glad to be back...I missed my few blogger friends I follow and who occasionally follow me as well.

June Update

2009-06-18T05:56:00.005-05:00

It has been a busy time around the English household recently.

Still looking for full time-work. I am taking a test to get certified to teach 4-8th Grade Math on the 27th of this month. Wish me luck.

In the mean time, my family and I went to see the Texas Rangers take on the Los Angeles Dodgers last Saturday (the 13th). We were watching a great pitching duel until a bank of lights failed to turn on and the game was delayed for an hour and a half. We left the game and went back to the hotel and watched the rest of the game on television. The Rangers lost 3-1.

The next day, Jamie and I took the kids to Abilene for ACU Summer Camps, specifically - MPULSE. We are going back to Abilene tonight so we can watch the closing activities Friday, then we are bringing them home (sort of). Actually, we are dropping them off at my sister-in-law's house so they can spend a week with their cousins. We will actually bring them home sometime late next week.

In the meantime, Jamie and I are spending some quality time together. After dropping the kids off at ACU camps, we spent the night at a motel in Dallas and then went to visit the Dallas Holocaust Museum. It very informative, yet a little depressing. It is hard to believe that humans can treat other humans in such terrible ways. This visit was part of my early Father's Day present. We have also been trying, (I have been trying, Jamie is doing a great job), to eat more healthy. We visited a couple of Whole Foods Markets to try and buy some healthy alternative snacks and foods for the family to eat. It is a great store; to bad there is not one in our area.

Not much else going on and when I do find time to blog, I end up spending it either reading or playing Mafia Wars on Facebook. One day things will go back to some sort of normal and I can blog some deeper thoughts. In the meantime, I have not disappeared, I have just been busy.

I've Been So Busy I Haven't Been Able to Blog

2009-05-22T17:23:00.003-05:00

It's been a crazy month of May for my family and me.

I am still looking for full-time work after budget cuts cost me my former full-time job, back in April. I am working near full-time at Mardel Christian Stores; however, at just over minimum wage, it is just under half of what I was making per month at my last job.

I have signed up to take an additional Teaching Certification in Math. I took a practice test today and only got 3 out of 30 correct. Oh yea, forgot to tell you I signed up to take a Math 8-12 Grade test. I didn't even understand the question on the questions concerning upper level Trigonometry and Calculus. Because of my poor showing I changed the test I am taking from Math 8-12 to Math 4-8. This only covers levels up to Algebra and Geometry with a hint of basic Trigonometry. I take the test in late June. Wish me luck.

I have filled out applications for three school districts; Kilgore College, and at least 4 other places that are not education institutions. So far no takers except I do need to write an official letter of interest for the Kilgore Collge job and mail it to them. I will do that as soon as I finish this blog.

My kids start their last week of the school year next week. They only go three days (not counting Monday -- Memorial Day) then it's Summer fun. Next year Caleb will be a Freshman in High School (is he really that old?) and Rachel will be a 7th Grader. We have already been given the speech about how we should join the Band Booster Club and support our Band students. The fun is just starting.

I have also been feeling sick and puny a lot recently. I missed Monday because of an upset stomach and general aches and pains. Today, I went to work only to throw up in the customer bathroom. I hope it is not the Swine Flu. Today's illness I am going to blame on some bad food. I hope I am feeling better and back to work on Monday. I have tomorrow off anyway.

I also need to make some major life-style changes. I have been watching my beautiful bride, Jamie, do a total nutritional/diet change over the past few weeks. She is healthier, and loosing some excess pounds she has been wanting to get rid of. I too need to take charge of my food addiction and change my life-style. Getting older is not easier and I need to take care of myself before my blood-pressure and cholesterol take care of me for good.

Out of my recently posted list of movies I want to watch, I did watch Star Trek. It was good. I am interested to see what they do with the new time-line they established. Oops, did I ruin the plot?

There Goes My Social Security & Medicaid

2009-05-12T15:38:00.002-05:00

Hmmmm! It seems that Social Security and Medicaid will run out of money during my lifetime. This is hardly a surprise. I wonder where all the money has gone? Can you spell government bail-out and other misuse of our tax money over the years? When you spend our hard earned tax dollars on crappy programs and give it away to failing companies or individuals who don't deserve it, what do you think is going to happen. I wish I could tell the government not to take Social Security or Medicaid taxes out of my pay checks. If they are not going to spend my tax dollars correctly then they don't deserve to have it.

Happy Mother's Day - 2009

2009-05-10T07:44:00.004-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful and beautiful bride, Jamie!

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD." - ESV

Thank you for being a great mother to our two terrific kids! I love you, Always!

May Day Update

2009-05-03T12:25:00.004-05:00

As most of you know I have been working part-time at Mardel Christian & Education Stores for about two weeks now.

We were supposed to open this coming Monday, but due to God's blessings

and hard work, we actually opened on Friday at 4 p.m. In the 4 hours we were open

we made over $3,000. Wow!

I am still looking for full-time work and am hoping to get back into the public

schools if possible.

I am still waiting to see if my former student, and Dallas Cowboy draft pick,

Manuel Johnson, was injured or not in the recent collapse of the Cowboys

training facility.

Around the house, not much else is going on with English family. If I had a

little more time, I might actually write something of profound thought and

meaning; alas, time escapes me.

Congratulations Manuel Johnson

2009-04-27T06:46:00.006-05:00

With the 229th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, The Dallas Cowboys selected Wide Receiver, Manuel Johnson from the University of Oklahoma!

Why would I care about the 229th pick of the NFL Draft? Manuel Johnson is a former student of mine. I was his 8th Grade U.S. History teacher at Bruce Jr. High School in Gilmer, TX. Manuel is a bright student and a superb athlete. As with almost all of my former students, I sort of think of Manuel as being an extension of my own family. I watched the NFL Draft in its entirety for the first time ever, just looking for his name. Finally he was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys.

Manuel has grown into an excellent young man. I pray that he continues to work hard and that he doesn't forget his small town roots. I am proud of him.

Maybe he can get me some tickets to watch him play at the new Cowboys Stadium. Tickets there are very expensive.

In the Mafia & Job Update

2009-04-25T15:49:00.004-05:00

As a member of Facebook, I am often asked to join many of the application games that Facebook & Friends has to offer. I have turned down many of them, but one I joined recently is Mafia Wars. It is yet another very addictive game, much like Mouse Hunt. Currently I am at level 13 and trying to fend off various mob attacks from rival mobs. I have 14 members in my family, counting me.

I am still working part-time at Mardel Christian Stores in Longview and I have put out several applications at local school districts. I am hoping to take the Math certification test in June so I can teach Math. If I pass that test, I will almost certainly be able to choose which school I wish to work for, as all the local districts are looking for good Math teachers.

I am so Sore

2009-04-21T05:40:00.002-05:00

I started my new, part-time, job yesterday. I now work for Mardel Christian Stores. We are in the process of opening a new store in Longview. We hope to open the doors on May 4th. We are currently putting together and setting up all the display shelves and unloading large heavy pallets from the supply trucks. It is a lot of heavy lifting. My poor muscles haven't worked that hard in a long time and they are sore. It is a good kind of sore though; after all I am working for the Lord in all that I do.

I still hope to get a job in the school district my kids go to, but until then I am working hard for Mardel.

10 Upcoming Movies I Would Like to See

2009-04-15T06:44:00.005-05:00

The blockbuster movie season is upon us and there are just a few I would like to see before the end of the season. Here is my list of the Top 10 (so far)!

1. X-Men Origins: Wolverine -- I have always like the character Wolverine; plus the special effects of the three previous films were great.

2. Star Trek -- Yep, I'm a Trekkie or Trekker, depending on which one does not wear Star Trek costumes to the film opening in the theaters.

3. Up! -- The 10th Pixar film. I love these guys, they make great movies.

4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince -- This movie was on my list last year but the release date was postponed due the successful release of Twilight.

5. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen -- I loved them as a cartoon and I loved the first film. I hope this one is as good as the first one.

6. Terminator Salvation -- I've watched all the other Terminator films, I might as well watch this one; plus it's does good to see humans beat up on machines.

7. Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian -- The first film was a great family movie, I am hoping this one is just as fun and great as the first one.

8. Land of the Lost -- I loved this television show when I was a kid. I am sure that Will Farrell will do it some justice anyway.

9. Earth by Disney -- I love these documentary films about our great planet God has created. I just wish they would give God a little more credit in the movies.

10. Where the Wild Things Are -- Such a cool kids book, now (I hope) a cool kids movie. Go Max!

Which movies do you want to see this summer season?

Moving On

2009-04-13T10:01:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, the family and I returned from visiting Jamie's family and the LTC competitions in Dallas. The kids did very well.

Today, I have my first job interview after leaving my previous job. Wish me luck.

It seems while I was away the Rangers lost badly to the Detroit Tigers. The bullpen needs to support the great outings of the starting pitchers if they want to reach the playoffs. I will have to watch them take on the Orioles tonight.

I Am Now Currently Unemployed.

2009-04-09T11:46:00.003-05:00

I went to work this morning expecting to do what I always do, make as many contacts as possible to try and fill marriage education classes with couples waiting to get married or couples who seek to improve their marriages. I came to work despite the fact that on Monday I found out that I would no longer be a full-time employee for Twogether in Texas, or the Longview Wellness Center (soon to be called Wellness Pointe), at the end of the month.

At 8:50 a.m. I was called into my Program Director's office and told that I am being let go NOW. Why? The reason I got was that I had just shown signs of "losing heart and the desire to finish out my job in a proper fashion." What the .....? What do you mean I have lost heart. I just added three more couples to a class yesterday. I even spoke to another potential provider.

They said because I had started organizing my files and e-mailing them to my Project Director, with more than a week left before I was supposed to be let go, it showed that I was already showing signs of trying to let other people do my job for me. I thought I was just being courteous and trying to give people a "heads up" to things they may want to be aware of after I left. I was still keeping those files updated and correct and I would have until the last day I was working there. Apparently that day was today.

They were also upset that I had already taken some steps to start trying to help myself find another job. They found out that I had signed up to take a test to try and get certified to teach Math and that it played a part in me not accepting a part-time paid consultant job they offered me in lieu of not being able to keep me full-time. You were letting me go right? I do have the right to try and make myself as marketable as possible to help me find another job, right?

So, I turned in my computer, cell-phone, and my last pay-check will be mailed to me next week. They at least told me they would not contest me filing for unemployment and they would write letters of recommendation for me. I am waiting to fill out the exit-interview form before I write something very ugly on it.

I still think very highly of marriage education and what the mission statement is for Twogether in Texas. I, at least at the moment, do not think very highly of how the past few days have transpired. I never lost my desire to do my job to the fullest, I think they just couldn't stand to see me there taking any more money than I had to when they could use it somewhere else.

Now I am sitting at home, looking over job openings in the Longview area and beyond. I plan to make job hunting my new career after I return from the Easter weekend visit to my in-laws and LTC in Dallas. Wish me luck!