Reading is Fundamental

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

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)

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!

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!

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

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.