Family Time

HOWDY & Merry Christmas!

I am so far behind on the blogging, partly because I cannot find my camera cord to download the pictures and I know you don't want to only read but see as well. So here you see me and my brother and sister at my dad's retirement celebration in November. It was a good time and honoring to my dad who has given 39 years of his life to Baylor, 23 to the US Navy, and 47 to my mom.


My brother(Rick) is married (Heather) and has two sweet daughters (McKenna & Mia) and lives here at Scottwood. My sister (Kelly) is married(John) and lives down on the Gulf. It is hard for all of us to get together but of course none of us would miss this amazing event.
So here's the 2006 family picture.

Bosque Riverwalk

Some of you who know me or have been to the Ponderosa (at Scottwood) have heard me say that I am going to "walk to the river." About a mile behind the cabin you come to the bluff which overlooks the North Bosque River. It is a beautiful place for down time no matter if it is cool or warm outside. Our property goes all the way back to the bank of the river and we have an old gravel and dirt road that leads back there. We have cleared out an area and put in a fire pit for campfires. You can see my Golden Retriever - Brady - here at the firepit on the bluff. You can also see a shot of the river. Last Sunday, on the way back, I couldn't believe what I saw...the seedlings of bluebonnets in the field adjacent to my house. These usually don't show up until February...but until last week it has been in the 80's. I am included a picture of bluebonnets that bloom in the last spring for those of you who do not live in Texas. Tonight it will get down into the mid-20's so I think winter has finally arrived in Central Texas.

The Gift

Last night I had the opportunity to go to a Jim Brickman concert. If you are not familiar with Jim Brickman, he is a pianist - mostly the 'adult contemporary' style. He was at the historical Waco Hippodrome downtown. He played many of his old familiar songs and added some friends, one on the violin and two on vocals to give the show some variety. He has several Christmas cd's out and one if his most famous songs is called "The Gift."
Lyrics: "All I want is to hold you forever. All I need is you more every day. You saved my heart from being broken apart; you gave your love away, I'm thankful every day for THE GIFT." If you click above you can scroll down to the bottom and find a clip of the song. The things I like about Jim's music are that the instrumentals are very inspiring and calming and the songs that have words can all be used for that one on earth that you love and they can double as songs from/to the Lord. There is no doubt who inspires his music.

Hokey Pokey

Wow! What a week. We have had 5 basketball games in 6 days. Where should I start? Baylor Basketball... both the men and the women are doing well/gearing up for one of the toughest basketball conferences in the nation. I have worked part-time with Athletics since I graduated from Baylor; but this year, I became the "Official Scorer" for the Lady Bears. The pressure is on to document points scored, fouls & timeouts called, change of possession, and the time on the game clock that all of those occurred. I also am required to "wear the stripes" at the desk. Attractive huh? Anyway, the most exciting time was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the then ranked #16 Lady Bears beat the #9 ranked LSU Lady Tigers. It was a grudge match of sorts when our student held up the sign that read: "YOU GOT HOKEY POKEY AND WE GOT A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!"

Let's see, what's next...the Jim Brickman concert.....stay tuned....

Fall means change

So, who says there are no seasons in Texas? Here you can see some of the amazing colors of the leaves - on the trees and as they begin to fall. I will confess that what you can't tell that it is 80 degrees outside when I took these. But tomorrow the low is supposed to be 24 and the high 40...that is what living in Texas is all about...change.

I have also included some pictures of the new entrance to our land. My grandfather bought it before I was born...they used to live on Lake Waco but in 1960 they raised the level of the lake and told my grandfather to buy land elsewhere. All the men in my family fly planes so they named the land "Scottwood Strip." Over time, several houses have been added to the place. Presently, my brother and his family live in my grandparent's old house, my parents built out here when my dad transitioned to the Navy reserve started teaching at Baylor in 1968. My aunt and uncle retired here from 20 years in the Air Force in 1976. I built my log cabin out here in 2002 and my cousin and his wife built a house out of the stone underground and moved in in 2003. There are three driveways so my parents decided to shorten the name of theirs to SCOTTWOOD. Thus, the new sign. My brother still hangs the original sign that my dad carved out of cedar which reads SCOTTWOOD STRIP.

HOMECOMING - better late than never

I have been overwhelmed with how far behind I am on the meaningful thoughts and experiences that I would want to write about...ironic isn't it...that my last blog was about writing! It has been just over a month since Baylor's Homecoming weekend and our last win on the gridiron. The weekend was filled with the normal activities from the late night Pep Rally and Bonfire on Friday night to the nation's longest collegiate Parade on Saturday morning to the Football Game on Saturday afternoon. All of these activities are very familiar to me. I have been to them for at least 30 years. But, I guess it never really hit me since I have always lived close and now work at Baylor; but this was the year that I truly learned the meaning of the word HOMECOMING. Technically it means "the arrival of someone who has been away." Generally it is a gathering of alums at a designated time to come back to campus to revisit the nostalgia of years gone by.

As most of you know, my friend and the first-ever Spirit Coordinator for Baylor University, Elizabeth Williams moved with her husband to Alabama. Her last week with us was spent just as the first four years were...with students from the spirit program. At her going away party they gave her a plane ticket to return "home" for Homecoming. I picked her up from the airport and the weekend that was literally a whirlwind of activity. However we did share some special times throughout the weekend. I won't go into the "B--U" cheers at the Bonfire or the Chamber Police at the Parade or the tears of joy on the football field. I will tell you that Elizabeth and I grilled out on Saturday night at the cabin with two of our favorite students: Bailey (in picture above) and Erin. It was so fun to catch up and to share from the heart about where each of our lives had gone in the last six months. I am thankful that the bond we have cannot be severed because it is in the Lord who "is the same yesterday, today and forever." Friendships that weather the test of time and distance are also those that are forged in the mountains and valleys of life experiences. The four of us have been together all over the United States...New York to Seattle to Arizona to Indiana. We have witnessed the "thrill of victory and the agony of defeat." We have also prayed together and laughed together, cried together and we still do not agree that an apple has caffeine! Life together was certainly sweet while it lasted. Life changes but we will share these memories forever. This Thanksgiving weekend, I am truly grateful for the gift of friendship - with these iron sisters and now I truly know the depth of the meaning of HOMECOMING. Thank you Elizabeth for making the sacrifice to come and hang with us. On this earth, the only thing more precious than the air you breathe is the hand you hold...I am grateful for the chance to hold hands with Women of God like these. I am blessed.

WRITE ON!!

I have just started a book about "waking up your soul." I am going to have to withhold the title until after Christmas because some of you will be seeing it soon. :) Anyway, the second chapter is about journaling. For those of us who like to question and write - this is a familiar setting. For those of you who find it hard to write honestly, this is a challenge. I wanted to share two quotes to encourage you today: "We write to taste our life twice, in the moment and in retrospect." Anais Nin

Then in discussing this thought the writer says, "Your journal can remind you that your must make a life worth recording."

So, I say, WRITE ON sisters!

Rachael Ray & Dolly Parton at the Ponderosa

Well, it is the simple things in life that make the heart sing. On Sunday afternoons, Mia comes over to play while her mom and dad go to home group and sister, McKenna, goes to Bible Drill at church. Last Sunday, she decided to come over looking like Dolly Parton...just walking down the country road over to Aunt Kim's. She made me laugh out loud.

Then, today you see the Sunday afternoon Rachael Ray cooking lessons with my niece Mia. I asked her if she wanted to make pizza or brownies (for dinner) and she picked pizza. So we kneaded the crust, spread the sauce, browned the meat, sprinkled the cheese, and watched the clock and whola! It'sssssssssssssss Pizza Time!

I definitely think I like her without the wig. Yes, truly it is the simple things in life that make the heart sing...speaking of singing, we rode the "phonics bus" on the letter "S" tonight as well. It is truly amazing what toys teach today. I had a hard time matching her word for word.

So, today I learned that life is one big lesson and it is much more fun shared with those you love. Soon I will share some of the life lessons I have learned about faith and friendship. Thanks for walking part of this journey we call life with me.

Battle of the Brazos

Tomorrow is "D" day for the Baylor Bears who take on the Aggies from Texas A & M. Both schools are on the Brazos River which runs through the Heart of Texas, thus the name "Battle of the Brazos" for the annual rivalry dating back 103 years! The last two meetings have been decided in overtime! This is the first time since Baylor joined the Big XII Conference (formerly of the Southwest Conference) that we will sell out Floyd Casey Stadium. The largest crowd ever was in 1995 against TAMU with 51, 218. They have even opened up the south endzone (which is where I grew up watching Baylor Football) for an extra 3000 General Admission seats. ESPN ran an article on the game and it is all over...I bet Fox Sports and other networks are kicking themselves for not picking this game up. But you can catch the action on the Baylor Athletic Website for a live webcast HERE. Then click on the Gametracker in the box on the right.

S I C ' E M B E A R S ! ! !
G G G r r r r

Bells & Belles

What a F-U-N weekend I had...that was truly a Fall Break. I flew over to Huntsville, Alabama to visit my dear friends Elizabeth and Forrest Williams. We started with a home football game cheering for the Colts of Clements High School where Forrest is the Head Coach and Athletic Director. (check out EJ's blog) We sat in the stands and cheered for the team...among the parents. I enjoy high school football - of course I do, I grew up in Texas!! Then we trekked over to Starkville, MS for the Mississippi State Homecoming game at Scott Field. This was the first SouthEastern Conference game I have attended. I was raised on SouthWest Conference football and now BU is in the Big 12 Conference.

What did I learn?(A) Cowbells are for southern belles and they are LOUD! and...(B)"once a spirit leader - always a spirit leader." My friend Elizabeth enhanced the BU traditions for four years...she left a legacy here. Now she is doing the same in Alabama and it all started in Mississippi. What a saw (and heard) at the MSU game was amazing...the ringing of cowbells. Little did I know that Elizabeth started that little tradition in 6 short weeks of cheering for the Clements Colts. I also watched Miss Elizabeth, my favorite southern BELLE, live out a life of grace and love, being truly led by the Spirit within her.

Kickn' Buff

This is a picture of my dear friend Hope West and Mr. "I'm One" Jed West (thanks to Keith for taking the picture). I met these long time Kanakuk friends in Denver before Baylor's triple overtime win over the University of Colorado on Saturday afternoon. The last time we beat them here at Folsom Field (on mile high) it was 1991. They had won the national championship in 1990 and the Bears came up to the mountains and "We Kicked Buff." This was the shirt from way back when. Now maybe the front of the shirt will prove to be true this next week when we head down to Austin to take on the "shorthorns" of texas university! My Aggie friends Hope and Jed know exactly what that takes....a 12th Man. Just remember, Sic 'em or Gig 'em just never EVER hook 'em!

Daniel the LION hearted

Well, I am still studying the book of Daniel. It is hard to believe that so much happened in a book with only 12 chapters...two dreams, a firey furnace, an 80 year old Daniel in the Lion's Den and all that is just in the first 6 chapters. Daniel has served faithfully in Babylon through three kings. He was accused and singled out for his faith. He immediately went to his room to kneel and pray. When they found him he was "giving thanks before his God." King Darius gave the order to throw Daniel in the lion's den and said, "Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you." Then they rolled a stone over the entrance (sound familiar?) "so that nothing might be changed in regard to Daniel." Little did he realize that this would change everything. After King Darius realized that "no injury whatsoever was found on him because he trusted in his God," he wrote to all the peoples, nations, and men of evey language who were living in the land..."the God of Daniel...is the living God and enduring forever, and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, and his dominion will be forever. he delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders in heaven and on earth who had also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions." (Daniel 6:26-27). This is not a sweet little kids Bible story. Those lions were hungry and ferocious and fierce. I am leaving you with a picture of the lions I saw up close and personal on safari in Kenya last year. We caught them napping. We were all inside the small open-air vans but I still trembled at the proximity of these wild animals. We saw several carcasses they had preyed upon and were fiesting on earlier that day. It was savage to say the least. My question is...if the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour...is my sword drawn? Am I on the offense or defense? Do I run or stand and fight? Daniel the LION hearted stood and fought - even in the face of death, he knelt and gave thanks. Am I thankful for those things or people that sharpen me?

Facing the Giants

Last night I went to see the movie "Facing the Giants." It was a low-budget movie because it was backed by a church in Georgia; however the message was rich in faith. I don't know how long it will be out but if you can get to see it, it is inspiring and moving. It depicts a Christian high school football coach uses his undying faith to battle the giants of fear and failure. After learning that he and his wife Brooke (Shannen Fields) face infertility, Grant Taylor, (Alex Kendrick) searches for hope and a stronger purpose for his football team. Filled with South Georgia football and clean humor, Facing the Giants is family movie inspiring viewers to live with faith and love! Don't miss this chance to vote for a Christian movie with a good message using the power of your choice at the movies. If you want to read about it or check to see if it is in a theater near you go to www.facingthegiants.com.

Flyin' High

Some of you may know that I live out on family land. Way back in the 1960 my grandfather moved out here. After my dad got out of the Navy, he came back to teach at Baylor. My aunt and uncle retired from the air force and also built out here. They guys in my family have always flown planes...small 2 or 4 seater planes. I even took ground school from my uncle but never logged enough hours to fly solo. We have two grass air strips and two hangers. This is a picture taken yesterday from my front porch when my cousin was flying my uncle's Stearman Bi-plane. You might know it better as Snoopy's "Red Baron" Plane. It has a 400 hp engine and two open cockpits. The sound of planes taxi-ing, taking off and landing is a normal one around here. As many times as I have been in an airplane (commercial or private) the idea of flight never ceases to amaze me...defying gravity with a machine and aerodynamics. I makes me further understand the Great God we serve...because it is "through Him and by Him and in Him that all things are held together."

Bubble Babes

Well, here you go...a great reason to get excited about being an aunt....my nieces in my jacuzzi tub taking a bath after a walk and night of homework and some craftiness (a picture card for my grand mother - their great grandmother who lives in California). I put some bubble bath in the jacuzzi tub, turned on the jets and there you go....bubbles for my babes.

FIRE Power

This week as I went to Bible Study I found myself so incredibly encouraged by the truths found in the story of Daniel's three friends in Daniel 3:13-27. The three, you know them as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, young men are brought into King Neb. without their leader. He fires up the furnace seven times hotter than normal. He gives them one more chance to denounce their God. They refuse and say, "We do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazig fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if he does not, let it be known to you, on king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship your golden image." You know the story...they are thrown in the fire and no longer are their three - but FOUR...then King Neb calls them out and it says "there was not even the smell of fire upon them." So, there were four...just as there are in the midst of our fires...if you know the Lord then you are in the fire with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Beth Moore identifies three scenarios for deliverance from the fires in our lives:

1. Delivered FROM the fire - this builds our faith - God intervenes and shows his power to keep us from the fire (trials and tests).
2. Delivered THROUGH the fire - this refines our faith - God walks with us through our fires (trials ands tests).
3. Delivered BY the fire - into His hands for all eternity - this purifies our faith - very seldom will any of us be called to die for the glory of God; however, many of us know those who have died in their fire (accidents, disease, etc).

So, today as you encounter your own form of fire, be encouraged...Your Great God is able and will deliver you From, Through, or By your fire.

"BIG" trip. Different people - SAME God. Got Attitude?

The annual "big" trip. Last year the Spirit Squads went to NYC and then cheered in Westpoint when BU played Army. What a trip that was...canceled flight, all night layover in Dallas, lost luggage, delayed subways, delayed Staton Island Ferry, getting lost at 2:00 am on the backroads of NY, still no luggage 6 hours before gametime, cadet attack on Judge...but we got to see Ground Zero, shop Manhattan, Serendipity, and The Phantom of the Opera...now that is why we call it Higher Education! The picture of the "Fab Four" shows us in NYC after 12 hours on the streets and about 30 hours in our spirit shirts. This year we played Washington State in Seattle. This trip had so few glitches we were looking for something to fix. We went to Pike's Place Market, the original Starbucks, and at fresh seafood at Ivars Salmon House. We stayed downtown and played/cheered in the Seattle Seahawks' Qwest Field. We stayed at the Renaissance downtown with the Arizona Cardinals. The annual "big" trip.

But this year, as you can see by the photos, was different. Each year on a college campus is different. Students come and go...there are a few that come and stay. This year we transitioned from Elizabeth Williams being Spirit Coordinator to Jennifer Baker. Rachael Johnson in the first picture is a yell leader...and this year she is a coach. Bailey McKissack is in her final year of college. Things change. Seasons come and go. People move. But our God is a steadfast, everlasting, ever-loving God. He does not change. "He is the same yesterday, today and forever." (Heb. 13:8)

So the saying goes "Attitude is everything, so pick a good one!" The Bible says, "Have this attitude in yourselves which is also in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 2:5). So, what attitude is that? The one that does not take others for granted. The one that expresses love NMW. The one that values others and accepts them for who they are. The one that extends grace and demonstrates a grateful heart.

I will close this blog with a quote one of my students shared with me. It is from Mother Teresa.

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway. If you are successful you will win some false friends and true enemies; succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you’ve got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

Rejoicing in Hope

The old hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness has several phrases that ever ring true..."strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow...morning by morning new mercies I see...all I have needed thy hand hast provided, great is thy faithfulness..." When I saw this sunset just outside my cabin, it reminded me that many times the Lord ends the day with a reminder of His power and love...then He turns around and starts the next day the same way. This morning, I read Romans 12:12 which says "rejoicing in hope" - so we ask the question, "How then should we live?" His answer is rejoicing in hope. That is the difference...we have hope...in Him, the creator and sustainer of life, the giver of all good things, the lover of our souls...the King Eternal. Rejoice in His "bright hope for tomorrow" today.

What is your WorldView?

I just started a Beth Moore Bible Study in the book of Daniel and the very first day it referenced a scripture in Isaiah 47:10 that says, "I am, and there is no one besides me." Of course that contradicts the commandment in Exodus 20:3 that says, "You will have no other gods before Me" as well as God's statement in Exodus 3:14 "I AM who I AM" and the Psalmist who writes in Psalm 86:8 "there is no one like you." Finally, in modern day it is totally opposite of Rick Warren's Purpose-Driven Life in which the first line reads, "It is not about you." Or Louie Giglio’s book I am not but I know I AM. How ironic that the ancient Babylonian world of overindulgence and self-absorption perfectly parallels what the popular western (American) culture teaches and idolizes: material girls, pretty women, macho men - we are influenced by media (songs, movies, and now reality TV) in a powerful way. We are indoctrinated at an early age to focus on the external, the material, the shallow, and the appearance rather than "setting our minds on things above and not on things of this world." We have come full circle in 2500 years to back to this secular humanistic worldview...how much more important it is for us to have a Christian Worldview.

Timothy's first book (ch 4) encourages us to "discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness." He later (ch 6) exhorts us to "flee from these things...and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith and take hold of the eternal life to which you were called..." So what is it going to be? Will we take charge of our lives and discipline ourselves to live a life of faith that honors God or will we let the world dictate our morals and values? Hard questions - and an even harder road to follow. The sacrifices (in this world) are great; however the (eternal) rewards are greater still. Let' PRESS ON!

20 days

You know, they say that it takes about 21 days to develop a habit. Today was the 20th day in a row that we have topped 100 degrees here in the heart of Texas. The hottest day was August 17th, the birthday of a dear friend, and the day that 3000 freshmen moved into their dorms at Baylor University. Over 1500 volunteers directed traffic, drank gallons of water and sweated even more, carried boxes, TV's, pillows, carpet, and of course clothes - trying not to drip on them in the 106 degree temperature. My staff were real troopers. I met most of them betwen 4:30 and 5:00 am and most pulled double duty and did not leave until 4:30 or 5:00 that afternoon.

This link (http://www.baylor.edu/pr/news.php?action=story&story=41256) shows many of the Move In Day crew and the crazy one is Van Davis, our Fitness Coordinator who trolls around the campus on Move In Day, looking for people whose body or soul are dehydrated...she passes out water and is a fountain of encouragement. I am so proud of all of my staff....but Van is the ultimate positivity queen. Now that is habit I would like to hone: positivity - every day all day long.

Set in Stone

So, if you are not familiar with the financial models of private universities, you may or may not know about the bricks. Baylor likes to build buildings without debt; therefore it puts the burden of fundraising on the development department. We will soon open the basketball practice facility adjacent to our basketball arena (the Ferrell Center). So, when the buy a brick campaign kicked off for the basketball practice facility of the 2005 National Champions - the Lady Bears, I thought what a more fitting tribute to the first-ever Spirit Coordinator for Baylor University: Elizabeth "E.J." Williams. She came to Baylor when we were in desperate need of an infusion of spirit and the resurrection of traditions. She definitely left this university better than she found it. She started new cheers, she revived old traditions and started new ones, she pushed the teaching of the fight song, and most importantly, she served as a mentor and encourager to countless numbers of students. One student even told her, "EJ, you are my Baylor experience." She has been involved in Kingdom work for the past four years and now it is her time to "sit down" in her new life in Athens. See her blog for more details. Needless to say, she will live forever in the hearts and lives of many of us here at Baylor...and now it is "set in stone."

Men, babies & dogs

So, don't get the wrong picture...in fact, if you look at the pictures you will see one of the men in my life, two of the babies I have held, and a dog that I miss because she and her 'dad' and her 'mom' Elizabeth (picture on her last day as the Baylor Spirit Coordinator) moved to Alabama to follow their dream (and the Lord).

First about Men: as several of you know I have been "communicating" on EHarmony for about 8 months now. It has been in interesting time. It has totally alerted me to the fact that we think we are safer online than we would be in person. We (or maybe just I) tend to share more under the safety of typing and editing than we would if we were sitting across the table from a new person. I have had about 40 different "matches" and have moved all the way through the safely selected questions and guidelines with 6 different guys to open emailing. I have talked on the phone with two and gone out on a date with those same two. After seeing all the hype on TV about the "instant chemistry" and sparks and such...it seems that we still want the fireworks of our childhood fantasy mate. I have not found that. I have been out with two guys who are totally different. Both believers. Both gentlemen. Each is quite different in demeanor, physique, communication style, lifestyle, income, and other areas. It has been an interesting journey. I am not going into great detail here but I will say that the "older man" in the picture is the "main man" in my life and has been for the last 40+ years. My daddy is so sweet. We walk together about 3-4 times each week. He gives his advice and wisdom on everything from money to cars to investments to management to giving to family. I am so proud of him and hope that some day God will bless me with a man just like him. For now, I am content to be the Bride of Christ and a daddy's girl.

About Babies: there is a picture of me holding Jed West in a little Aggie sleeper that I gave him last winter. Jed belongs to Hope and Keith West of Denver, Colorado. I knew Hope and Keith from our days at Kanakuk. The second is a picture of little Abigail Bruner who is only 2 weeks old in this picture. She was born to Joe and Amber Bruner. Both parents worked at Kids Across America and were our fitness graduate assistants in the past few years.

About Dogs: Over the summer my friend Elizabeth Williams commuted back and forth between here and Alabama as she prepared to relocate. Her American Bulldog puppy (believe it or not) stayed all summer at the Ponderosa. This is a picture of her looking so fit and trim...what you can't tell is that she was in heat over half of the summer!!! Bella is the sweetest dog...she is so loving and energetic. She was so good on our cross country trek from Texas to Alabama even when I wrecked Elizabeth's car. :( She may never make it back to the Ponderosa, but I hope we will always reside in the heart of her and her 'mom'.

Floyd Casey's Facelift

Well, if you are not a Baylor Bear, you may not be able to appreciate this post. Our students came back to campus last week and started class yesterday. We had a Welcome Week Rally on Friday night to get the new Freshmen - we call them "SLIME" - pumped up about Baylor Athletics. Today in staff meeting we discussed the best time to serve up some cold watermelon to the Football Team, Soccer Team and Band as a small token of support and appreciation for their commitment to success...practicing in the 100+ degree temperature for over two weeks now...just to make Baylor look good in the win-loss column. As I drove out to Floyd Casey today, I knew that they had been "branding" the stadium. I was so impressed as I rounded the corner and saw the huge banners of Baylor Football All-Americans. Here are two shots - one from the visitor/student side, and one from the home side. The biggest one is of Mike Singletary, our most famous All-American linebacker who was All-Pro with the Chicago Bears. Looks great! Sic 'em Bears!

What's in a name?

PONDEROSA...why would I name my cabin?
The Ponderosa is the name of the lodge my family owned for years in Red River, New Mexico. Countless winters we skiied the greens, blues, and black diamonds...especially The Face. Numerous summers we hiked the trails to Middlefork Lake, Goose Lake, Wheeler Peak, and the River trail. I have very fond memories of the 4th of July Parade and square dancing in the community center. So, I kept the name so the memories would stay alive in my heart.

Here is a picture of my Ponderosa...where silence and solitude happen and here are my thoughts about all of it. This is an experiment and maybe an outlet. I will learn as I go and I hope you learn something along the way too. Here we go.

Country life is the best...you can be who you are and no one - not animal or human will resist you here in the country. Why is it that life is any different because we are surrounded by people, noise, clutter, and driven into busyness?
Stay tuned...more thoughts and alot more questions.

Velvet

Velvet...could be a soft fabric or material, or a woman's name, or something that is soft and quiet...but in the country it is the name for a young buck whose horns have started to grow. Here you can see on of the deer from the herd that hangs out in front of my cabin. He has ventured up close and in the yard today. If you look close you can see his small rack and the velvet soft fur that is covering the antlers. This velvet is sloughed off when the antlers stop growing and harden. How brave he was today. He actually had a friend alongside.

Isn't that the way of life. It is easier to encounter the unknown when we are in the presence of a friend. I have just experienced that very thing. I had the priviledge of driving one of my dearest friends, Elizabeth, across 3 states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi) to her new home in Athens, Alabama "the other south" as she calls it...which is over 800 miles away. What I have found since I have been home is that I am so thankful for technology (computers and cell phones) and transportation (airplanes and automobiles). It truly brings the world so much closer together. I am thankful to have a Godly friend who is brave and courageous enough to defy worldly standards and follow her husband's dreams and ambitions and doing it with grace and generosity. I hope that the velvet of our frienship nevers gets sloughed off and that we never stop growing together for then we would grow hard. How precious are the lessons we can learn through nature...from the Creator of the Universe, the Creator of all good things. God is Good - All the Time!

Harley

Well, I am not a dedicated blogger but I couldn't resist telling you this touching moment from the life (and death) of my beloved dogs. Our family dogs live anywhere between 14 and 18 years. Recently our 15 year old white German Shepherd, Harley, died. When we brought her home from the vet and dug the hole, my 4 year old Golden Retriever, Brady, crawled in the hole and laid down. We got her out and buried our beloved Harley. After we put the dirt over her, Brady (Golden Retriever) laid on top of the fresh dirt for 2 hours. That was four days ago and it is obvious that we are not the only ones missing Harley. In this picture you can see Harley, Brady, and their dear friend, Bella (EJ & Forrest's bulldog). Dogs really do make good friends in life and in death. We could all take note on how to grieve.