VoxTrot Musings

Simon's Cat in 'Lunch Break'

2010-11-12T19:29:00.000-06:00

My 2009 Top 10

2010-01-16T18:00:00.002-06:00

Rang in the New Year with a bad case of influenza, and finally coming out the other side of it. So I wanted to make a list of my 2009 Top 10 New albums to start the year.

1. American Ride ~ Toby Keith (www.tobykeith.com) Any new album by Toby Keith will be in my top 10, but American Ride is classic Toby Keith, full of great country! LOVE IT! This album shows a wide range of style, and has guest appearances with jazz artists for the tribute to Toby's friend Wayman Tisdale. It's an amazing album, and destined to be a country music favorite for years to come.

2. Southern Voice ~ Tim McGraw (www.timmcgraw.com) I still find it hard to believe that his label sat on this album for over 2 years before releasing it, choosing instead to release "greatest hits" albums instead. The songs are powerful and it is a master album from one of country's greatest.

3. Revolution ~ Miranda Lambert (www.mirandalambert.com) Definitely her strongest album so far, Miranda is showing a depth to her music that continues to grow with each album she releases. "White Liar" will stick in your head from the first time you hear it.

4. American Saturday Night ~ Brad Paisley (http://bpaisley.blogspot.com/) Brad Paisley is a master, no question about it. Easily able to weave humor and insight seamlessly, every album from Brad is a treat.

5. Play On ~ Carrie Underwood (http://www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com) Carrie continues to grow as an artist with each successive album and Play On is no exception. She shows a wide range on this album from pop-style country to classic country ballads.

6. Keep on Loving You ~ Reba McEntire (http://www.reba.com) Even though this album has already released two very strong singles that I love, my absolute favorite track is the title track, I Keep On Lovin' You. It's the song of a long time true love, and brings a tear to my eye each time I listen to the album.

7. Never Going Back ~ Collin Raye (http://www.collinraye.com) Collin Raye has long been a favorite of mine, and his new release in 2009 is no exception. I love the entire album, and it was a welcome return of a special artist that holds a place in my heart.

8. Songs of Love and Heartache ~ Alan Jackson (http://alanjackson.com) Yeah, it's only available at Cracker Barrel. And yeah, it's a compilation album. But I love Alan Jackson, and guess where I was buying a copy after its release? You got it - Cracker Barrel!! And I have to add it to my 2009 list. :-)

9. Defying Gravity ~ Keith Urban (http://www.keithurban.net/) Keith Urban albums are always full of amazing guitar playing, and Defying Gravity is no exception. He is always full of energy, insightful lyrics and heartfelt emotion. Defying Gravity is another masterwork from an amazing guitar master.

10. Feel That Fire ~ Dierks Bentley (http://www.dierks.com/) Dierks has been a favorite of mine since I first heard "What Was I Thinkin?" From the first time I heard "Feel That Fire," I could not wait for the new album, and it lived up to all my expectations, and then some. "Sideways" has been become one of my regular favorites to play to "kick off" my weekends, and the album is full of tunes that will just grow on you and stick in your mind.

Diary of a Snow Shoveler

2010-01-02T22:02:00.000-06:00

The Diary of a Snow Shoveler

December 8
6:00 PM. It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses Print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!

December 9
We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the Whole World? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had. Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.

December 12
The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry, we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.

December 14
Snow lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life!

The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way.

December 15
20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer.

The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.

December 16
Ice storm this morning. Fell on my butt on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like heck. The wife laughed for one hour, which I think was very cruel.

December 17
Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere.

Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.

December 20
Electricity's back on, but had another 14" of the damn stuff last night. More shoveling. Took all day. Darn snowplow came by twice.

Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.

December 22
Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white crap fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to poop. By the time I got undressed, pooped and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter; but he says he's too busy. I think the jerk is lying.

December 23
Only 2" of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she nuts!!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.

December 24
6". Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the man who drives that snowplow I'll drag him through the snow by his nose and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been!

Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the snowplow.

December 25
Merry -bleeping- Christmas! 20 more inches of the slop tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.

December 26
Still snowed in. Why the heck did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.

December 27
Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze, plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he only charged me $1400 to replace all my pipes.

December 28
Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. THE WITCH is driving me crazy!!!

December 29
10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?

December 30
Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plow driver he is now suing me for a million dollars not only the beating I gave him but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up where the sun don't shine. The wife went home to her mother. 9" predicted.

December 31
I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.

January 8
Feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?

Do You Hear What I Hear?

2009-12-21T10:50:00.001-06:00

*giggle* Only from the mind of Tim Hawkins...

American Ride is now available!

2009-10-25T14:52:00.000-05:00

Make sure you have your copy - it's awesome!!!

Who doesn't love a party??? And October 6th is a great day for a party!

2009-09-29T18:14:00.002-05:00

Why is October 6th a great day for a party? Toby Keith's new album, American Ride, will be released that day. Known for his great songs and lyrical wit, almost all the songs on the new album are written by Toby Keith himself. "American Ride," the title track, is guaranteed to bring a laugh to you with each listen as Toby pokes fun at the culture of today. Like previous albums, this release is sure to have showcases of all the sides of Toby Keith's musicianship, from ballads to uptempo foot stompers.

Toby Keith can craft a hook like no one else in country music. From the first few chords of any of his songs, they are instantly recognizable. And the title track of "American Ride" is already proving that true each time it is on the radio, and more hits from this album are a sure thing.

This 15th studio album is guaranteed to be yet another hit from a master craftsman of country. Make sure to have your copy reserved. October 6th is right around the corner! Pre-orders are still being taken at www.tobykeith.com so don't miss out!!

Make sure to get your copy - Pre-order!!!

2009-09-25T19:02:00.000-05:00

Pre-Order the New Toby Keith "American Ride" album today!
http://www.tobykeith.com/

Want to win a trip to Norway??

2009-09-18T17:18:00.003-05:00

Or get an autographed copy of "American Ride"? Well then you need to Pre-Order the New Toby Keith "American Ride" album today!
http://www.tobykeith.com/

From the California wildfires....

2009-09-05T22:47:00.002-05:00

I got this e-mail from a friend, and it is so good, I just have to share it....

The Jesusita Fire in Santa Barbara, CA last week caused these two to take shelter together. The fawn is 3 days old and the bobcat about 3 weeks. The fawn came from somewhere in the fire and the bobcat from Carpentaria. They immediately bonded and snuggled together under a desk in the Santa Barbara County Dispatch Office for several hours.

Animal Planet is reporting the bobcat kitten was rescued near Arnold Schwarzenegger's ranch, where it was dehydrated and near death.
They rescued the fawn during last weeks wildfire. Although wild animals, especially of separate species, are never placed together due to regulations, in this emergency situation, they had no choice. During the mayhem of the fire, they were forced to put animals anywhere they could, since they had run out of crates large enough for the fawn. The kitten ran to the fawn, and it was instant bonding.

Psalm 13 (How Long O Lord) - Brian Doerksen

2009-09-03T23:21:00.001-05:00

Beautiful!!!! ♥♥♥♥

I've got my copy on pre-order!!

2009-08-31T18:13:00.002-05:00

Pre-Order the New Toby Keith "American Ride" album today!
http://www.tobykeith.com/

Buy from his site... there are 100 copies that will be autographed, so you might get an autographed copy! :-)

Tim Hawkins - The Government Can

2009-08-29T19:07:00.001-05:00

As only Tim Hawkins can do! This is hilarious...and true!

Love Story meets Love Story (Taylor Swift Remix) - piano cello - by Jon Schmidt

2009-08-28T22:30:00.001-05:00

WOW! Jon Schmidt does it again!!!!
He made this one after a mix-up in getting song rights on Viva la Vida for an upcoming album. It's amazing....and now I am in love with TWO versions he has done. :-)

American Ride album by Toby Keith now on pre-order!

2009-08-27T21:31:00.004-05:00

Pre-Order the New Toby Keith "American Ride" album today!
http://www.tobykeith.com/

GoD And DoG by WJ Francisco

2009-08-22T21:38:00.001-05:00

This was sent to me by a friend. It is so ♥wonderful♥, I have to share it! Enjoy!!! ♥♥♥♥

Having fun on the Toby Keith Street Team!

2009-08-20T21:54:00.002-05:00

Not only is it a great way to help get the word out about Toby Keith, it's a great way to meet other TK fans, too! Join us and join the fun!!!

American Ride by Toby Keith

2009-08-10T21:33:00.000-05:00

Now on Amazon.com!!!

Toby Keith Street Team

2009-08-07T17:21:00.002-05:00

I'm having a blast on the Toby Keith street team. Join the fun!!

I love this one!!!

2009-08-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Toby Keith Hellraiser SuperSaver!!

2009-07-30T17:26:00.003-05:00

Great new cookies!!!

2009-07-18T16:50:00.003-05:00

Kevin Skinner, 35 * Unemployed Farmer * America's Got Talent 2009 Ep3 [HD]

2009-07-15T22:21:00.001-05:00

Awesome performance!!!

Tim Hawkins in Short Songs

2009-07-03T18:15:00.001-05:00

Tim Hawkins does it again!!

Taylor Swift's Dream....

2009-06-20T20:48:00.001-05:00

....I loved this on the CMA's!!

LOVE STORY (Taylor Swift) meets VIVA LA VIDA (Coldplay) - Piano Cello - by Jon Schmidt

2009-06-11T19:42:00.001-05:00

AMAZING arrangement of two songs I love!!! :-)

Cat in the bottle

2009-06-07T17:05:00.001-05:00

Only a cat could figure out how to do this!!!

Susan Boyle - Final - Britains Got Talent 2009 (HQ)

2009-05-30T19:07:00.001-05:00

She does it again! :-)

Man Plays Dad to Day-old Ducklings

2009-05-23T01:23:00.001-05:00

Awesome story!! :-)

Susan Boyle - Singer - Britains Got Talent 2009 (With Lyrics)

2009-04-16T18:22:00.001-05:00

You may have seen pieces of it on the news. You have to see the whole thing to see how really great she is!

Free Coffee!!

2009-04-15T19:32:00.001-05:00

Daylight Savings Time...and I can't stand it!!!

2009-03-25T14:39:00.004-05:00

Well, anyone who knows me knows I can't stand the time change. I wish we would just pick one time or the other and leave well enough alone!! I'm actually still recovering from when we changed time earlier in the month, as the time change completely throws off my sleep cycle.

This little graphic is - to me - a perfect explanation of why we have the time change!!! Enjoy! :-)

Glorious Train

2009-03-08T22:50:00.002-05:00

I loved this season of Gone Country - it had tons of talent. This live performance was something great, especially to see John Rich getting up and dancing. Wow! And I really love the song, and came to get some real respect and admiration for Sheila in the show, too. Enjoy! :-)

Sheila E. More CMT Music More CMT Music Videos

Public Service Announcement

2009-03-05T22:15:00.002-06:00

Due to recent budget cuts and
the rising cost of electricity,
gas and oil, plus the condition
of the economy,
the Light At The End Of The Tunnel
has been turned off.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Louie Giglio - Laminin

2009-02-14T17:22:00.001-06:00

Cat Video

2009-02-09T22:29:00.001-06:00

Pastor Bob on Valentine's Day

2009-02-07T20:58:00.001-06:00

Wonderful wisdom from Pastor Bob on love...not just for Valentine's Day, but for every day. Enjoy! :-)

Release the hounds - funny dog antics

2009-02-01T20:14:00.001-06:00

Thanks go to Susan, who first sent me this!! :-)

Pastor Bob on Christian Athletes

2009-01-30T21:43:00.001-06:00

Really great perspective for this Superbowl weekend. :-)

Tim Hawkins - Cletus Take the Reel

2009-01-24T23:31:00.001-06:00

The One Thing ~ 23 January 2009

2009-01-24T10:59:00.000-06:00

Leadership

2009-01-22T21:27:00.001-06:00

I always learn so much from Pastor's Bob's teaching. This brief teaching is a real blessing to me on praying for those in authority over us.

Bella and Tara

2009-01-21T16:35:00.002-06:00

Watch CBS Videos Online

Chicago sunrise on Lake Michigan, on a morning that was -12F

2009-01-15T20:42:00.002-06:00

Tim Hawkins-Tech Support

2009-01-14T13:44:00.001-06:00

This is another great one - a song about dealing with computer tech support!

Tim Hawkins - Corporate Worship Songs

2009-01-14T12:31:00.001-06:00

This is hilarious! Just think what would happen if corporations took over churches and wrote new words to the praise songs... Enjoy!

Yes, Pecan! ~ Stoplight

2009-01-10T16:47:00.001-06:00

Walk with me - Caedmon's Call

2009-01-10T16:13:00.001-06:00

A wonderful presentation that goes with a great Caedmon's Call song. :-)

Amazing Testimony!

2009-01-04T21:57:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year 2009!

2008-12-31T22:31:00.005-06:00

It's Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-12T21:58:00.008-06:00

YOU CAN'T STEAL MY CHRISTMAS

I don't know who they are
Saying I can't greet the crowd
The way that I want to
Can't say CHRISTMAS out loud.

I walk into a business place
See things that I rather not see
But dare I not say CHRISTMAS
And ask for a 'holiday' tree.

What happened to freedom of speech
And living in the land of the free
How can they take my CHRISTMAS money
But can't say MERRY CHRISTMAS to me.

Men and women have given their lives
So we could still go free
I wonder how they would feel
At saying 'HOLIDAY' TREE.

Come on CANADA AND THE WORLD... let's wake up !!!
Don't let our freedom escape
If they get by with doing this
What else will they take.
This is starting to get out of hand,
And I've begun to keep track
Well I've just about had enough
I'M TAKING CHRISTMAS BACK.

So MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone
I hope this gets all over the 'net
If we all stand united and take freedom back
'Twill be our best CHRISTMAS yet!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!

The Colors of the Christmas Lights

2008-12-07T21:50:00.003-06:00

This is from an e-mail forwarded to me. Thanks to Mary Ellen. :-)
Enjoy! ~ Ruth Anne

I used to be really particular about Christmas lights like not liking the white ones because they were too plain, but when the Lord showed me this, my perspective changed. Now my lights shine for the Glory of The Lord.

When I see YELLOW lights, I remember the star which shown above the manger in Bethlehem when Christ was born.

When I see the RED lights, they remind me of the blood Jesus shed for my sins and yours.

When I see the BLUE lights, I am reminded of the bruises that Jesus bored for our iniquities.

When I see the GREEN lights, they remind me of the new green grass of spring which symbolizes the newness of life which Christ gives us.

When I see the brilliant WHITE lights, they remind me of the purity that we receive through the cleansing of the blood of Christ.

All mixed together they are the most beautiful site in the World because they Glorify The Lord Jesus Christ and Praise His Holy Name,

NO WONDER JESUS IS THE
REASON FOR THE SEASON

Great Picture!

2008-12-07T21:48:00.002-06:00

A music video done by a friend from church. :-)

2008-12-03T22:36:00.002-06:00

Chloe is one of the Moody students at the church where I serve. She made up the video for one of her classes, and I liked it so much, I wanted to share it with others. :-)

A Little Change ~ Bradley Walker

2008-11-30T18:47:00.001-06:00

This is an awesome song!! Enjoy!

Bradley Walker

More CMT Music

More CMT Music Videos

My parents drugged me.....

2008-11-05T12:50:00.004-06:00

Amen!

Packing for Canada???

2008-11-05T12:49:00.002-06:00

Video from the ministry of Clint and Penny Bragg

2008-10-27T21:24:00.001-05:00

Clint and Penny Bragg are very dear friends of mine, and so I post their mission announcement video today.

S.M. Lockeridge's "My King"

2008-10-27T06:38:00.001-05:00

Amen!

In God We Trust by Diamond Rio

2008-10-25T16:05:00.001-05:00

This is a wonderful slide show that goes along with this song! :-)

For the birds.....

2008-10-14T21:14:00.005-05:00

At work, we had a potluck dinner with fried chicken and Italian beef. Somehow, we ended up with WAY too many buns, and had over 4 bags full of French rolls left over. It was a LOT. Way too much.

Actually, it kinda reminded me of the loaves and fishes, because it really did seem like the buns multiplied, and I even kind of joked about it with one of my co-workers.

I think maybe they were like the loaves and fishes, and here’s why.

I have a neighbor at my new home, she lives in the condo directly below my condo, and every morning, she feeds the birds.

She has quite a flock that comes to us now each morning. Sparrows, robins, cardinals, sometimes bluebirds and bluejays. My cats (of course) love it, because they can watch birds flying all around, and it is great fun for them.

Well, because Alice feeds the birds, she buys a lot of bread and birdseed. A whole lot. She usually goes to the bakery outlet, and gets her loaves on a deal.

The birds really like the bread (of course they like the seed too).

So - back to work - we distributed the left over bread to those who wanted some, and I took a bag for Alice. It was really full, and actually kind of heavy.

But I figured she could use it with the birds.

What I didn’t know at the time, and didn’t discover until I got home and stopped by Alice's condo to give her the bread…

Alice was out of bread.

I didn’t know. But God did. And He made sure the birds had food tomorrow morning.

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:26 NKJV)

Great Quotes

2008-10-12T17:37:00.000-05:00

You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.
~ C.S. Lewis

It will be a rough year for Trick or Treat.....

2008-10-09T21:56:00.001-05:00

This is one of those sad but true political cartoons.... Guess that is what makes it funny.....

This is a real cake.....

2008-10-01T13:43:00.002-05:00

A friend forwarded me this cake picture.... And I have NOTHING against Wal-Mart....I love the store.....

Wal-Mart Cake

Keep in mind this actually really did happen. This is someone who was moving from an insurance claims office.

Okay so this is how I imagine this conversation went:

Walmart Employee: 'Hello 'dis be Walmarts, how can I help you?'

Customer: ' I would like to order a cake for a going away party this week.'

Walmart Employee: 'What you want on 'da cake?'

Customer: 'Best Wishes Suzanne' and underneath that 'We will miss you'.

STOP LAUGHING! You can't fix stupid....

They gotta be kidding, right???

2008-09-29T21:52:00.002-05:00

Urgent Warning to All Dog Owners (this is a joke!!)

2008-09-28T15:26:00.003-05:00

WARNING TO ALL DOG OWNERS

Warning to all dog owners: Watch your dog!

The State Highway Patrol in conjunction with the FBI has issued a warning advising all dog owners to keep their dogs indoors until further notice. Dogs are being picked off one at a time on an almost continual basis throughout the city. They are falling in great numbers. Police in the city advise all dog owners not to walk their dogs - KEEP THEM INDOORS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!

Fireproof opens September 26th!

2008-09-20T15:09:00.001-05:00

On Friday, September 26, FIREPROOF will open in more than 800 theaters nationwide. The new movie from the creators of Facing the Giants is an action-packed love story about a firefighter, his wife ... and a marriage worth rescuing!

While this faith-based film is flying under the Hollywood radar screen, real people in real communities across the country are rallying behind it. In fact, it will open in 95 more cities than originally planned thanks to local people buying 1,000 tickets to bring it there!

I don't know when I've been more excited about the opening of a movie. I hope you will see FIREPROOF on its opening weekend. Hollywood judges a movie based on how it does in its first three days, so it's important to go September 26-28.

If you want more information, go to FireprooftheMovie.com.

See you at the movies!

Dancing Squirrels!

2008-09-17T20:05:00.001-05:00

Laugh for the day!

Something to bring a smile or two...

2008-09-16T20:07:00.002-05:00

Two baby moose playing in a sprinkler with Momma Moose nearby. :-)

Great Quotes

2008-09-15T22:49:00.001-05:00

In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress.
~ John Adams

I wish people who have trouble communicating would just shut up.
~ Tom Lehrer

And my thoughts....

So we have many useless people in Washington DC (aka Congress) with trouble communicating. Let's see, how can we get them to shut up? ;-)

In Memory ~ 11 September

2008-09-11T20:32:00.007-05:00

Prayer for September 11th

A Prayer of Hope and Healing for Patriot Day

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today is a difficult day. The memories are painful and some of the wounds I fear may never heal. Yet I pray you will help me to go on living for truth, firm in my hope of your salvation. May I live for you, Lord, and by doing so, be an example to my friends and family. I pray, just like Jesus, I may learn obedience through these things that I have suffered. Help me not to question why, yet even if I do, give me courage to continue to trust you. Help me take the comfort and strength you've poured into my life and use it to comfort and strengthen others who need hope.

I pray I might become a better person and help make the world a better place because of this terrible event. Thank you for the heroes that gave so sacrificially on September 11. Help me to remember their courage and learn from them. I want my life to be worthy of you Lord, so make of it what you desire, and use me to fulfill your purposes. May the evil of that day cause me and my family to work harder to do good on this Earth and to bring your light into the dark places. Help me to never stop believing in you and living my life for you.

Lord, heal all those who were crushed and broken on that day. May they come to experience your presence and know your peace.

Amen.

Do It Again, Lord
Max Lucado
Sep 11, 2008

This beautiful prayer was shared by Max Lucado seven years ago after 9-11. It is just as pertinent today as it was seven years ago. I share it with you once again on this special day.

"DO IT AGAIN, LORD"
America Prays
September, 2001

Dear Lord,

We're still hoping we'll wake up. We're still hoping we'll open a sleepy eye and think, "What a horrible dream."

But we won't, will we, Father? What we saw was not a dream. Planes did gouge towers. Flames did consume our fortress. People did perish. It was no dream and, dear Father, we are sad.

There is a ballet dancer who will no longer dance and a doctor who will no longer heal. A church has lost her priest, a classroom is minus a teacher. Cora ran a food pantry. Paige was a counselor and Dana, dearest Father, Dana was only three years old. (Who held her in those final moments?)

We are sad, Father. For as the innocent are buried, our innocence is buried as well. We thought we were safe. Perhaps we should have known better. But we didn't.

And so we come to you. We don't ask you for help; we beg you for it. We don't request it; we implore it. We know what you can do. We've read the accounts. We've pondered the stories and now we plead, "Do it again, Lord. Do it again."

Remember Joseph? You rescued him from the pit. You can do the same for us. Do it again, Lord.

Remember the Hebrews in Egypt? You protected their children from the angel of death. We have children, too, Lord. Do it again.

And Sarah? Remember her prayers? You heard them. Joshua? Remember his fears? You inspired him. The women at the tomb? You resurrected their hope. The doubts of Thomas? You took them away. Do it again, Lord. Do it again.

You changed Daniel from a captive into a king's counselor. You took Peter the fisherman and made him Peter an apostle. Because of you, David went from leading sheep to leading armies. Do it again, Lord, for we need counselors today, Lord. We need apostles. We need leaders. Do it again, dear Lord.

Most of all, do again what you did at Calvary. What we saw here last Tuesday, you saw there that Friday. Innocence slaughtered. Goodness murdered. Mothers weeping. Evil dancing. Just as the smoke eclipsed our morning, so the darkness fell on your Son. Just as our towers were shattered, the very Tower of Eternity was pierced.

And by dusk, heaven's sweetest song was silent, buried behind a rock. But you did not waver, O Lord. You did not waver. After three days in a dark hole, you rolled the rock and rumbled the earth and turned the darkest Friday into the brightest Sunday. Do it again, Lord. Grant us a September Easter.

We thank you, dear Father, for these hours of unity. Christians are praying with Jews. Republicans are standing with Democrats. Skin colors have been covered by the ash of burning buildings. We thank you for these hours of unity.

And we thank you for these hours of prayer. The Enemy sought to bring us to our knees and succeeded. He had no idea, however, that we would kneel before you. And he has no idea what you can do.

Let your mercy be upon our President, Vice President, and their families. Grant to those who lead us wisdom beyond their years and experience. Have mercy upon the souls who have departed and the wounded who remain. Give us grace that we might forgive and faith that we might believe.

And look kindly upon your church. For two thousand years you've used her to heal a hurting world.

Do it again, Lord. Do it again.

Through Christ, Amen.
Max Lucado

www.maxlucado.com

Meet Me in the Stairwell

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I
held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the
peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it
is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed
breakfast to their children. I held her up as she
tried to understand his words and as she realized
he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been
knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.
'Of course I will show you the way home - only
believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He
heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer. I was with the crew as they
were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the
believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan .
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew
every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me
for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the
smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take
my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You
may not know why, but I do. However, if you were
there in that explosive moment in time, would you have
reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey
for you. But someday your journey will end. And I
will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may
be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are
'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

During the next 60 seconds, stop whatever you are
doing, and take this opportunity. (Literally it
is only 1 minute.) All you have to do is the
following:

Stop and think and appreciate God's power
in your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to
Him. If you are not ashamed to do this, follow the
instructions. Jesus said, 'If you are ashamed of Me, I will be
ashamed of you before My Father'

'Yes, I love my God. He is my
fountain of Life and My Savior. He Keeps me going day and
night. Without Him, I am no one. But with Him, I can do
everything. Christ is my strength.'

Only a physics professor's daughter....

2008-09-02T20:40:00.001-05:00

....would think this was cool enough to post in her blog. ;-)

The MP3 cat

2008-08-31T20:18:00.002-05:00

Plugged in and ready to rock! :-)

A story that needs to be told ~ Irena Sendler

2008-08-31T20:00:00.002-05:00

One of those e-mails that goes around....

Got this video from a friend. This is a woman whose story needs to be told, and it needs to be remembered.

Irena Sendler (windows media video)

My dear, sweet Gegan

2008-08-18T08:18:00.004-05:00

Her name meant "Poltergeist" in Gaelic. Gegan was a cat who lived life in perpetual motion. (Maybe she was running from the poltergeists!) I don't have many pictures of her, only because when I tried to take one of her, she would move, usually rather quickly! So my pictures of her were usually a big old blur. This really is the only one of two that I have of her standing still, and it is the only one that really nicely captures her little sweet face.

That sweet face is what I fell in love with, back in 2001, on the Siamese Rescue website. She was housed with a foster in Colorado. We adopted her - between the story of how she came to Siamese Rescue, as well her general personality traits. She seemed a wonderful fit for our family, and that she was. The guess at the time of her adoption was that she was somewhere around 11 - 12 years old.

Over the weekend, life got very difficult for her. She was tired, she was weak, and she didn't really want to eat. She'd been losing weight for a while, but due to her age, we didn't want to push tests and all of that on her.

On Sunday night, her actions began to make it clear that it may be the time. After she could not get up on the bed to join me in sleeping, needing my help, and then being able to hear her breathing in, very deeply on each breath, it was time.

At 1:02 a.m., at the emergency vet, Gegan crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge. I know she was greeted by Erich, and met Tabitha for the first time. And I'm sure by now, she and Smokey are back at the "mutual torture society" that they enjoyed playing on a daily basis.

Sleep well, my sweet Siamese Queen, who never wanted to be called a Meezer. Mommy loves you very much and will miss you sooooo much.

A Picture Worth A Thousand Words

2008-08-17T13:48:00.003-05:00

The church where I serve has a sign today that says it all. I'll let it speak for itself. :-)

From the Inside Out ~ Hillsong

2008-08-12T22:25:00.000-05:00

Enjoy! :-)

Hero Painting - Michael Israel

2008-08-09T22:17:00.001-05:00

A friend sent this to me, and it is amazing. Brought me to tears, so have your Kleenex handy.

Funny - but true - quote

2008-08-08T06:07:00.001-05:00

Cat lovers can readily be identified. Their clothes always look old and well used. Their sheets look like bath towels and their bath towels look like a collection of knitting mistakes.
~ Eric Gurney

Cool Church sign in Oak Lawn, IL

2008-08-07T18:29:00.001-05:00

How often we do that - turn God's period into a question mark, or an option for ourselves! :-)

By the way, the church behind the sign is not First United Methodist. The church you see is Calvin Christian Reformed Church. Where I was standing when I took the picture, First United Methodist was to my right. :-)

More great quotes

2008-08-03T23:08:00.004-05:00

When dealing with the insane, the best method is to pretend to be sane.
~ Hermann Hesse (1887-1962)

Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death.
~ James F. Byrnes (1879-1972)

Great quote

2008-08-02T18:48:00.001-05:00

If Christianity has never frightened us, we have not yet learnt what it is.
~ William Temple

Bruce Carroll at the Summer Hope Concert Series

2008-07-31T21:00:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite Christian artists is Bruce Carroll. When I got this video clip from YouTube from his site today, I knew I just had to share it.
Enjoy!

Awesome Quote!

2008-07-23T22:11:00.000-05:00

I defend the Bible the same way I defend a lion. I simply let it out of its cage.
~ Charles Spurgeon

Amazing Bird! :-)

2008-07-11T21:27:00.002-05:00

I also received this little movie from Animal Planet from Floyd as well. This parrot is absolutely amazing!

Parrot Movie

Tour of Babylon

2008-07-11T21:21:00.002-05:00

I received this PowerPoint presentation from an online friend, Floyd in Nebraska, who I know from the Mike Huckabee Prayer Team. This is a tour of ancient Babylon (in modern day Iraq) from one of our servicemen in Iraq. It's really amazing. Enjoy!

Tour Of Babylon

Happy 4th!

2008-07-04T21:29:00.003-05:00

Wishing everyone a happy
4th of July!

The Truth About Politics and Oil

2008-07-02T18:58:00.002-05:00

I haven't seen anything better than what Glenn Beck broadcast on July 1, 2008. Watch and decide for yourself.

Chicago Barbies

2008-06-27T20:23:00.001-05:00

For those who live in Chicago, you'll get a real kick out of this one. :)

Chicago Barbies.pdf

PBR Outreach Ministry ~ video from the June Billy Graham Special

2008-06-03T18:49:00.002-05:00

Todd Pierce on the June Billy Graham special

2008-06-03T18:45:00.000-05:00

Wiley Petersen Extra from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

2008-05-22T20:45:00.003-05:00

Enjoy! :-)

Birthday Party for a Whore

2008-05-18T19:19:00.003-05:00

This morning in church, my pastor closed his sermon with this story. I happened to find it on the internet, and so I am sharing it here as well. It is from Tony Campolo's book "Let Me Tell You A Story":

If you live on the East Coast and travel to Hawaii, you know that there is a time difference that makes three o’clock in the morning feel like nine. With that in mind, you will understand that whenever I go out to our fiftieth state I find myself wide awake long before dawn. Not only do I find myself up and ready to go while almost everybody else is still asleep, but I find that I want breakfast when almost everything on the island is still closed–which is why I was wandering up and down the streets of Honolulu at three-thirty in the morning, looking for a place to get something to eat.

Up a side street I found a little place that was still open. I went in, took a seat on one of the stools at the counter, and waited to be served. This was one of those sleazy places that deserves the name “greasy spoon.” I mean, I did not even touch the menu. I was afraid that if I opened the thing something gruesome would crawl out. But it was the only place I could find.

The fat guy behind the counter came over and asked me, “What d’ya want?’

I told him, “A cup of coffee and a donut.”

He poured a cup of coffee, wiped his grimy hand on his smudged apron, then grabbed a donut off the shelf behind him. I’m a realist. I know that in the back room of that restaurant, donuts are probably dropped on the floor and kicked around. But when everything is out front where I could see it, I really would have appreciated it if he had used a pair of tongs and placed the donut on some wax paper.

As I sat there munching on my donut and sipping my coffee at three-thirty in the morning the door of the diner suddenly swung open, and to my discomfort, in marched eight or nine provocative and boisterous prostitutes.

It was a small place and they sat on either side of me. Their talk was loud and crude. I felt completely out of place and was just about to make my getaway when I overheard the woman sitting beside me say, “Tomorrow’s my birthday. I’m going to be thirty-nine.”

Her “friend” responded in a nasty tone, “So what do you want from me? A birthday party? What do you want? Ya want me to get you a cake and sing ‘Happy Birthday’?”

“Come on!” said the woman next to me. “Why do you have to be so mean? I was just telling you, that’s all. Why do you have to put me down? I was just telling you it was my birthday. I don’t want anything from you or throw me a birthday party? I’ve never had a birthday party my whole life. Why should I have one now?”

When I heard that, I made a decision. I sat and waited until the women had left. Then I called over the fat guy behind the counter and I asked him, “Do they come in here every night?”

“Yeah!” he answered.

“The one right next to me, does she come here every night?”

“Yeah!” he said. “That’s Agnes. Yeah, she comes in here every night. Why d’ya wanna know?”

“Because I heard her say that tomorrow is her birthday,” I told him. “What do you think about us throwing a birthday party for her–right here–tomorrow night?”

A smile slowly crossed his chubby face and he answered with measured delight.

“That’s great! I like it! That’s a great idea!” Calling to his wife who did the cooking in the back room, he shouted, “Hey! Come out here! This guy’s got a great idea. Tomorrow’s Agnes’s birthday. This guy wants us to go in with him and throw a birthday party for her–right here–tomorrow night!”

His wife came out of the back room all bright and smiley. She said, “That’s wonderful! You know Agnes is one of those people who is really nice and kind, and nobody ever does anything nice and kind for her.”

“Look,” I told them, “if it’s okay with you, I’ll get back here tomorrow morning about two-thirty and decorate the place. I’ll even get a birthday cake.”

“No way,” said Harry (that was his name). “The birthday cake’s my thing. I’ll make the cake.”

At two-thirty the next morning I was back at the diner. I had picked up some crepe paper decorations at the store and had made a sign out of big pieces of cardboard that read, “Happy Birthday, Agnes!” I decorated the diner from one end to the other. I had that diner looking good.

The woman who did the cooking must have gotten the word out on the street, because by 3:15 every prostitute in Honolulu was in the place. It was wall-to-wall prostitutes. . .and me!

At 3:30 on the dot, the door of the diner swung open and in came Agnes and her friend. I had everybody ready (after all, I was kind of the MC of the affair) and when they came in we all screamed, “Happy Birthday!”

Never have I seen a person so flabbergasted. . .so stunned. . .so shaken. Her mouth fell open. Her legs seemed to buckle a bit. Her friend grabbed her arm to steady her. As she was led to one of the stools along the counter we all sang “Happy Birthday” to her.

As we came to the end of our singing, “Happy birthday, dear Agnes, Happy birthday to you,” her eyes moistened. Then, when the birthday cake with all the candles lit on it was carried out, she lost it and just openly cried.

Harry gruffly mumbled, “Blow out the candles, Agnes! Come on! Blow out the candles! If you don’t blow out the candles, I’m gonna hafta blow out the candles.” And, after an endless few seconds, he did. Then he handed her a knife and told her, “Cut the cake, Agnes. You, Agnes, we all want some cake.”

Agnes looked down at the cake. Then without taking her eyes off it, she slowly and softly said, “Look, Harry, is it all right with you if I. . .I mean is it okay if I kind of. . .what I want to ask you is. . .is it okay if I keep the cake a little while? I mean is it all right if we don’t eat it right away?”

Harry shrugged and answered, “Sure! It’s okay. If you want to keep the cake, keep the cake. Take it home if you want to.”

“Can I?” she asked. Then looking at me she said, “I live just down the street a couple of doors. I want to take the cake home and show it to my mother, okay? I’ll be right back. Honest!”

She got off the stool, picked up the cake, and carrying it like it was the Holy Grail, walked slowly toward the door. As we all stood there motionless, she left.

When the door closed there was a stunned silence in the place. Not knowing what else to do, I broke the silence by saying, “What do you say we pray?’

Looking back on it now it seems more than strange for a sociologist to be leading a prayer meeting with a bunch of prostitutes in a diner at Honolulu at three-thirty in the morning. But it just felt like the right thing to do. I prayed for Agnes. I prayed for her salvation. I prayed that her life would be changed and that God would be good to her.

When I finished, Harry leaned over the counter, and said, “Hey! You never told me you were a preacher. What kind of church do you belong to?”

In one of those moments when just the right words came, I answered, “I belong to a church that throws birthday parties for whores at three-thirty in the morning.”

Harry waited a moment, then he answered, “No you don’t. There’s no church like that. If there was, I’d join it. I’d join a church like that!”

Wouldn’t we all? Wouldn’t we all love to join a church that throws birthday parties for whores at three-thirty in the morning?

Well, that’s the kind of church Jesus came to create! I don’t know where we got the other one that’s so prim and proper. But anybody who reads the New Testament will discover a Jesus who loved to party with whores and with all kinds of left-out people. The publicans and “sinners” loved Him because He partied with them. The lepers of society found in Him someone who would eat and drink with them. And while the solemnly pious could not related to what He was about, those lonely people who usually didn’t get invited to parties took to Him with excitement…

Getting excitied....

2008-05-06T19:34:00.002-05:00

....about the next installment in the Chronicles of Narnia movie series, Prince Caspian.

Here's a link to an interview on Christianity Today with Andrew Adamson, the director.

The Weight of the Story

Can't wait until May 16th! :-)

How to Clean the Toilet (a joke)

2008-05-04T21:40:00.004-05:00

This is simply too much of a time saver not to share it with you.

1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.

2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.

3. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close the lid. You may need to stand on the lid.

4. The cat will self agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this.

5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a 'power-wash and rinse.'

6. Have someone open the front door of your home. Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.

7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift the lid.

8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, and run outside where he will dry himself off.

9. Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean.

Sincerely,
The Dog

Being "baptized" (a joke)

2008-05-03T21:39:00.003-05:00

Johnny's Mother looked out the window and noticed him "playing church" with their cat. He had the cat sitting quietly and he was preaching to it. She smiled and went about her work.

A while later she heard loud meowing and hissing and ran back to the open window to see Johnny baptizing the cat in a tub of water. She called out, "Johnny, stop that! The cat is afraid of water!"

Johnny looked up at her and said, "He should have thought about that before he joined my church."

A new spiritual mentor for Obama

2008-05-02T18:16:00.002-05:00

From the April 30th Values Voter Blog:

A New Spiritual Mentor for Obama

I sort of heard through the grapevine that Barack Obama might be in the market for a new spiritual mentor.

Maybe Obama would benefit a lot from giving Governor and former Pastor Mike Huckabee a call.

Mike doesn't have a church anymore, since he left the ministry long ago to become a state Governor for 10 1/2 years. But he's still very spiritual. And Barack might really benefit from a chat with him.

On the one hand, Huckabee seems to care more about Obama as a person today than his former Pastor, Jeremiah Wright, does. Obama's old mentor doesn't seem to like him very much. On the other hand, Huckabee has always been complimentary of Obama even though they have very different ideas on politics and policies.

Wright seems to be doing everything he can to nuke Obama's campaign and to introduce racism into a conversation where race previously hadn't been an issue. On the other hand, when Obama was at his lowest and most vulnerable point following the disclosure of the initial set of Wright's garbage rants, Huckabee took the high road and played peacemaker. While condemning the remarks themselves, the former Governor did not use the situation as an opportunity to pile on. And while not justifying Wright in any way, he encouraged people to try to understand the world from which he came, which is a world that Huckabee himself has some understanding of.

And it seems clear that Jeremiah Wright was spending so much time talking about conspiracy theories and America's wrongs that he might not have had time to talk about, you know, spiritual things. I'm betting Wright may not have spent that much time talking with Obama about the usual spiritual mentor topics ... God, the Bible, and things like that. Huckabee would make a much better mentor in this regard and can talk about both spiritual things and social issues at the same time. And Huck can do this without insulting anyone and without the need for prime-time coverage for himself.

And maybe while they're talking, Mike can share his perspective on Jeremiah 1:5 ("Before I formed you in the womb I knew you ...") or Psalm 139:13 ("you knit me together in my mother's womb"). Since Obama is so respectful of people who disagree with him on abortion, maybe this conversation will help him to rethink his "judgement" on the topic. After all, many more Americans have died as the result of abortion than in Iraq. And of all the things Wright has mentioned as being harmful to black people, abortion is hurting us more.

Huckabee can even give Obama some political advice on some practical matters, such as holding a multi-racial and cross-spectrum coalition together in places where it can be hard to form them. You see, Huckabee earned the support of 48% of African American voters in Arkansas - unheard of for a white republican in the very heart of Clinton country. Also, since Huckabee knows quite a bit about balancing budgets and about helping the people to be healthier and have better schools - all without taxing people to death - he might be willing to share his notes on this as well.

Obama needs change in the type of people who give him spiritual advice. He seems open to having a conversation that crosses the traditional political, racial and geographic boundaries. And since he has an opening for a new spiritual mentor, he could learn a lot from taking some advice from a man from Hope who has shown him a lot more kindness and courtesy than the other man from Hope (or others who are on "his side"). This guy is definitely conservative, but, unlike Wright, he isn't mad about it or about anything else. He's already been fully vetted. He has a lot of experience as a Pastor and has a lot of good advice to offer. The new guy doesn't act as if he thinks the whole world revolves around him. And he doesn't throw anyone under the bus.

More Chicago PBR.

2008-04-28T21:19:00.001-05:00

Just thought I'd share the highlights video from the rodeo this weekend. :-)

PBR on Saturday in Chicago!

2008-04-27T21:30:00.002-05:00

I went to the PBR rodeo on Saturday April 26th and had a great time. Results of the entire PBR rodeo can be found on the main Professional Bull Riders website.

There were only 12 qualifying rides on Saturday night. While my favorite rider, Wiley Petersen (more on him below) did not have a qualifying ride, he made just under 7 seconds, and it was great to see him ride in person. Here are a couple of good pictures.

First, I have a nice picture of one of the bulls being lassoed after the ride getting him back to the corral.

Next picture is a really nice mid-air bull ride shot. This is Brendon Clark riding on Hatrack.

And while the number one bull rider in the world, Guilherme Marchi only rode about 3 seconds, I did actually catch a picture of him on the bull in those 3 seconds!

And more on my favorite bull rider, Wiley Petersen. He's the 2007 World Finals winner, and is also a born again Christian with an incredible testimony. After each and every ride, he kneels down in the arena in prayer before stepping out. It was great to get the chance to see him ride. This is the picture I was able to take of him on the bull he rode, Buckwheat.

Update on May 6th:
I have also added these pictures to a picture album on my Facebook profile.

Blake Shelton - Austin

2008-04-24T21:38:00.001-05:00

This is among my favorite songs. Those who know me will also know why I'm posting it right now. :-)

So much fun - There's only one of me! :-)

2008-04-23T19:03:00.004-05:00

I had a friend send me the coolest little URL - How Many of Me? And I found out that there is only one Ruth Anne Wheeler in the U.S. Me. :-)

Check it out, and see how many of you there are.

HowManyOfMe.com

http://howmanyofme.com"

There is
1
person with my name
in the U.S.A.

http://howmanyofme.com
"How many have your name?