PONDEROSA CABIN

2010-05-16T04:49:00.000-07:00

Jambo! (Hello in Swahili)
We leave today for Kenya. Please pray for our team of 28 as we travel - that British Air won't go on strike and that the volcanic ash situation would not affect our travels. It is obvious that God has something powerful going on because of the potential satan has created to prevent us from doing our work.

This team has worked hard and raised over $90,000 to be ambassadors the next 2 weeks for Baylor and moreover for the cause of Christ. Here is the link to the KENYA SPORTS MINISTRY TEAM BLOG.
Enjoy our daily reports.
With love from a grateful heart,
Kim

New Lily

2010-03-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

Every Friday beginning January 22nd, I have met with Yang "Lily" Huo. She is an international student from China who was in my graduate class in Facility and Event Management last fall. We have talked about Jesus and His Love each week. In week two, I gave her a Bible and she began to read in John. The Friday before Spring Break, I asked her if she wanted to pray to receive Jesus. She said "no" and told me that the next day was her birthday and the next day (Sunday) she would have a "new birth day." (Sidenote: after our meeting, I sent her an Facebook message in Chinese - thanks to Google translator :) ). This is a picture of Lily and me and below is the email I received on the following Monday.

Hey Kim, I follow Jesus last Sunday you know. I prayed to God "I am a sinner, I want you to save me and give me a new life. I know I still need to face lots of difficulties, but I am afraid anymore because I know you love me." A little boy baptized that day I am not. My friends said it is okay. So I think Jesus is already in my heart. But I still confuse about I am a Christian or not since I haven't baptized.

You are really amazing! You typed Chinese! How did you do that!? I love it! Thanks for your love! You are very important to me! I don't know why this happens in Waco, TX. I hated TX last semester. I didn't have friends and nobody cared about me. I suffered the most darkness life in my past 22 years. Every day , I dreamed to back to California where has many people love me. (I never homesick since I get 100% independence in US! My mother is a helicopter mother. HAHA) But new Lily was born in Waco, TX where she hated for a long time. But now, I don't hate Waco, TX anymore. I think God gave me that period of time is to build my personality for preparing step into the fierce society. And after suffering those painful life, I know what is the most important thing and cherish what I already get.

The new life is really warm and light. Thanks God's plan! Looking forward to seeing you after the break!
Lily

LENT 2010

2010-02-17T07:35:00.000-08:00

Today is the day...the first time I have ever observed Lent. I have attended a Baptist church all of my life but never learned the "seasons of the Church" with regard to things common to the Catholic faith such as Advent, Epiphany, Fat Tuesday (which I commonly attached to Mardi Gras followed by Ash Wednesday (which is today) Lent, etc...so as we approached the Advent season (prior to Christmas) I began to wonder what it was really all about and began to study what I could find.

There are 40 days and 6 Sundays of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday and climaxing during Holy Week with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and concluding Saturday before Easter. It is widely considered a time of prayer and preparation prior to celebrating Easter. Forty represents the number of days Jesus walked in the wilderness and endured the temptation. My "lent partner" is MJ Jones...who introduced me to Catholic worship several weeks ago and coached me up on what is common practice and why. I have also enlisted several accountability partners just to check in with me. Accountability is the only way I know how to walk.

So, for my first year of observing Lent I chose the traditional fasting from desserts and sweets as a worshipful act of sacrifice. I also decided to forego all music and talk radio in the car when I am driving alone (to and from work or wherever). This silence will give me additional time to pray for those I do life with....family, friends, students, etc. As this came about I realized that I really rely on talk radio since I have a 25 minute commute to and from work. So, to replace that with prayer time will be a challenge but I am confident it will reap benefits far greater than being in the know on sports or politics or news. I am expectant and excited to see what all the Lord will do this season of Lent.

Lady Bear Hoops in State Farm Tip-Off Classic - BAYLOR OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

2009-11-14T17:33:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the State Farm Tip Off Classic. The Baylor Lady Bears will take on the Tennessee Lady Vols in Knoxville, TN. The tip off classic is usually two games; however, this year it is only one. It is the first regular season game for both top ten ranked teams. You can catch the game on ESPN2 at 4:02 pm CST. Sic'em Bears! Grrr! I BELIEVE!

2009-11-14T16:52:00.000-08:00

It is a rare night when I don't have something BAYLOR to be present for...but the truth be known, we had a football game this afternoon and now I am hanging out at the cabin waiting for my houseguests to arrive - watching both battles of crimson and maroon - some Big 12 football (OU v TAMU) and some SEC football (MISS ST v Alabama). I do love college sports - especially since I work with college students. What they can accomplish on the field or court in addition to studying and going to class truly amazes me.

Here are a few pictures of me and some of the BU athletes that went to Kenya together this past summer. Lindsay Palmer and Melissa Jones play for the Lady Bear basketball team. They are in Knoxville, TN right now getting ready to open the season with the Lady Vols. God has something special going on in the Lady Bear locker room. I can't wait to see what all He has in store for this season and this team.

LJ Johnson and Lotto Smith play for the Lady Bear soccer team. They just finished their season in the Big 12 tournament. They made the tournament and had a good season all around. I will confess that I went to more soccer games this season than I have in my whole life combined. It truly makes a difference when you actually know the players.

MJ Jones, Lindsay Palmer and Bryan Swindoll (BU football) are here in a shot of "the back of the bus" which I cannot divulge what may or may not have happened back there, suffice it to say, these student-athletes know how to give their heart away and leave it all on the court or field, or in this case country. The other picture is of Wes Yeary, the sports chaplain for Baylor. He is our fearless leader. I could say alot of things about Wes, but for now I will simply put it just like the Bible - Wes loves others well. He sure does.

5 states, 4 months, 3 countries, 2 players, 1 God

2009-11-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I have felt guilty for not blogging, guilty for not finishing the Kenya section, and guilty for not keeping in better touch...but today I am free...I am free to blog about the dozens of things I have done in the past (almost) 5 months I have not been blogging.

Let's start with a girls' trip to London in late June. My niece, McKenna, was turning 12 so I took her on her first overseas trip to the UK. My mom had never been "across the pond" so she came along. Ironically enough, when we bought tickets it was one child, one senior, and one adult. It has been a while since I considered myself the adult but that is just how it fell out...strickly on age. Ha!

We saw all the main sights in London from the Tower to the Eye to the Palace to the Hard Rock Cafe. We saw the Lion King and used the Tube for most of our travel. We also took a train to Scotland and saw the castle and bought some "Scott Plaid" to commemorate our ancestry. Scotland was beautiful. When we got back, we met some friends in London and surprised mom. Below is a picture of me with Amanda McGrath - a student who was on the Kenya trip that was in London when we were.

First week in October, Elizabeth and Walker Williams came to town to reconnect with old friends, see some BU football and we had an impromptu 2nd birthday party for Walker Paul Williams. If you scroll back two years, he was born here in Waco and lived the first 3 months of life right here in the Ponderosa. He has grown so much. He is so much fun!

In October, I went to Colorado for the Big 12 & Friends Conference and also met up with some old friends. Sherri Bearden Hutcheon from high school lives just south of Denver and Hope Rountree West, a friend from Kanakuk, lives in Highlands Ranch. It was so good to catch up with each of them and see how the Lord has worked in their lives. God is good. From Colorado, I flew straight to Springfield, MO to spend the weekend with a dear friend from Branson that I used to work at Kanakuk with ever summer. Trish Helsel is like me in that she used to coach and within one month of each other, we each switched out of coaching and teaching to what we are doing now. Our lives are parallel except that we don't live close and she is married with 3 kids - I'm not old enough for either of those! :)

The very next week, I flew to Michigan to see a former student / now friend whose husband is doing his residency in Michigan. We had a great time...the leaves were brilliant colors and we went to the "Big House" to see the Wolverines pulverize DSU...oooooohhhhhwwwwweeeee!! We also watch three of Madea's movies and just laughed hard. The weekend ended with some yummy gelato...the likes of which I had not tasted since a trip to Rome, Italy about 8 years ago.

Since that trip, we have had Baylor Homecoming and this past week - the beginning of basketball season....yeah baby. How I love the Lady Bears. This year is especially meaningful because I went to Kenya with Melissa Jones "MJ" and Lindsay Palmer along with several BU soccer players. This is going to be a fun season because I have seen not only their athleticism but also their hearts. More on that. So now you are caught up I hope the pics do justice to the glimpses I saw of God in nature as well as familiar faces.

God is Good - All the Time! All the Time - God is Good!

Kenya Day 4 & 10

2009-06-17T08:50:00.001-07:00

"My dear boy, Walker,
I have thought of you today and thanked God for your young life, your loving mother, your strong father and the Christian legacy of your grandparents.

I am in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya to be exact. This morning we got up at 4:30 and left at 5:00 to go feed street children before the day unfolds. They are not supposed to be on the street in the daylight or they will be arrested. When we arrived we met about 30 young men, most of whom do not know their own birthday. They sleep on the street and gather bottles or papers to turn in for money. They take the money and buy glue to sniff so that they can get high to mask the hunger pangs. We shared some scriptures and prayed with them and gave them some milk and bread.

When I looked to the left, there were three moms each with a baby in her lap. The are all living on the street. There was Zan who had Baby Stacy (10 mo), Rachael had Baby James (14 mo) and Ann who had Baby Steven (18 mo). They fed their babies with the milk and bread and I prayed for each of them some of the same prayers I used to pray for you when you lived at the Ponderosa. It choked me up. It was hard to see these young kids who sleep in their mother's arm on the street in the cold.

My dear Walker, as you get up each day, hug your mother and kiss her and tell her how you love her. Hang onto you dad's leg or arm and feel his strength and thank him for working hard to provide for you every day.

And today, as your grandparents come to visit, love on them in your own way and tell them thank you for their love, encouragement and support. Zan was kicked out of her parents' home when she was 17 because she was pregnant with Stacy. Her parents have never seen the baby and are mad that she wasted all those school fees. So, hug your grandma and grandpa today for loving your mom so much.

Your mother has been schooled with two university degrees and she chooses to stay at home with you. That should tell you that you are loved. You are so important to all of us. Your life has beed designed by God and you are made in His image, just like little Stacy, James and Steven except that you have the advantage of love and hope. Hold on tight to Jesus for He has ordered your steps. He has called you to a special role. You are a lover of people. You have a heart of compassion. You will make a difference in this world.

I doubt if you will ever meet or play with Stacy or James or Steven this side of heaven; but just know that you will make a mark on this world for the name of Jesus.

I love you Walker Paul Williams. I love your parents and am grateful for the way they love and care for you. Give them all the love they can handle TODAY.
Your loving Aunt Kim"

Kenya Day 3

2009-06-07T04:24:00.000-07:00

Crazy BU Sports Ministry Team

Today, we held a coach's clinic for soccer coaches who give their time to coach kids from Nairobi's Kibera Slums. This is the largest slum in Africa. It is very similar to those shown in Slum Dog Millionaire. Small tin shacks with shared walls, no running water or sewage, no heat or air or protection from rainy days. It is estimated that there are over 1.5 million people living in Kibera Slum.

We spend 2-3 hours sharing, inspiring stories and encourageng one another. Wes gave one of the most inspiring testimonies I have ever heard about the ministry of a coach. He spoke of his own journey that started at an FCA coaches seminar - Billy Graham spoke. That was the first time that he connected coaching with ministry. And now, here he is, all these years later as Baylor's Sports Chaplain. God is Good - All the Time.

The one thing I was most struck with from the coaches themselves is that they see this as their responsibility to "give back" and to help those kids find value and meaning and hope through the game of soccer.

This afternoon, we met 40 kids from Kibera Slums at a soccer field. We set up 4 stations and rotaten them around: shooting on goal, dribbling, heading and trapping, and passing.

As we were working on this, a Maasai herdsman brought his cattle onto the edges of the soccer field to graze...I figured it was just his day to "mow."

After the drills for about an hour, we set up four fields and scrimmaged with the kids. It began to rain which made most of the fields muddy, but no one cared. These kids have good skills.

But more oftern than not they use soccer as an escape from reality. My hope is that this day - the clinic and the skill/drill demonstration would give our friend, Walter Macchio, some great exposure and credibility. Here is his right hand in the Kenya Sports Outreach, Wamitha.

Stay tuned...we will visit the school most of these Kibera kids go to on another day.

Kenya Day 2

2009-06-05T03:55:00.000-07:00

Each night we debriefed together - just talking about the day and how we felt and what we thought. We also discussed our plan for the next day. Day 2 turned out to be on that we would want to not only remember but potentially repeat.

We left about 8:30 for a school called Hope International. This school has about 200 kids whose parents were all refugees from Burundi. They teach french as the first language and English as the second. Kenyan schools teach English as the first and Swahili as the second. Most of these kids don't know the trials and tragedies their parents lived through and eventually fled from. It was amazing that none of the dedicated teachers are paid (unless there is a large offering in the church that sponsors the school). I thought how different that was in the US...up north we have teacher's unions - striking for higher pay and down south we have the 'career ladder' which is an incremental stair step system of pay. I doubt many of those in the education profession would teach because the children need to learn, regardless of if they got paid.

We played with each grade for about 45 minutes to an hour. Their recreation area was a wide, muddy street. We taught soccer, football, and basketball skills and tried to throw some frisbees. The balls got muddy, the kids got muddy, we got muddy...but no one cared. It was about the kids enjoying some time outside and the teachers were grateful for the activity. Again, how different things are in the US...laws regulating mandatory PE and recess because we are so overweight and because the teachers deserve a conference period and a break.

This afternoon we met up with some members of the Kenyan National Soccer Team. Some were single moms, most had jobs across town. Our kids played these women on a handball court and beat them 8-7! How fun it was to see our BU soccer girls (and BB girls) get their game on. But the most meaningful part came after the game...when they all sat down together in groups of 2 or 3 and talked about life...then our kids prayed for/with them and gave them a little gift of money just to say thanks.

Below you can see Melissa Jones (Lady Bear Hoopster) playing goalkeeper like she plays basketball...always giving 110% and saving goal - even with sacrifice of her body!

While this was finishing up outside, MJ and LP were inside teaching Strathmore College some hoops skills. They led in some drills and then scrimmaged.

Our two held their own even with the Strathmore men. They prayed and shared. I had a chance to talk with the coach about her faith and how she shares it with the players. She said her primary focus was to give the girls and education and a fair shot at life while providing a Christian foundation for life.

Kenya Day 1

2009-06-04T03:09:00.000-07:00

Ok...here goes the journal for Kenya. Remember you can get a play by play as we were there from the Kenya Sports Ministry Blog that the students wrote...this will be my own thoughts on several days.

Wes Yeary had a contact through the International Sports Coalition named Walter Machio. He has started this ministry and is walking day-by-day in faith that the Lord will provide what he needs. Here is a picture of Walter and me after one of our clinics.

Walter has contacts in schools, churches, and orphanages around Nairobi. We started our first day with a stop at the Maximum Miracle Children's Home in Katawa Sitdura. We met about half of the 64 orphans that live there. They each stood up to introduce themselves followed by "I love Jesus Christ" or "I know Jesus as my Savior & Lord." They were not ashamed to let Jesus Christ define who they are...unlike those of us who merely tell what we do.

He also has begun the Afrikan Junior League. It costs $100 for three months of soccer training for young boys (ages 4-12) - sort of like the American version of "select soccer." They strive to transform youth through whole life coaching...equipping them with positive living values building character and confidence. All coaches are unpaid volunteers that feel they have a duty to "give back" to the younger generation. They have begun a revolution to change the question
FROM "How smart are you?"
TO "How are YOU smart?"

We played for the better part of two hours leading clinics and classes at the Search Comprehensive School and then after school hours with the Afrikan Junior League boys.
Thanks to many generous donors in America we were able to give some balls to the school and some cleats to the boys (some of whom had played barefoot!).

My QT verses for this first day were:

Ps. 145:18
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in Truth.

Ps. 134:5
Thou hast enclosed me behind and before and laid thy hand upon me.

Almighty God, you certainly have your hand on Walter. Protect and provide as he gives and teaches and leads these young boys off the streets and into lives rich with possibility.

Joy Down in my Heart

2009-06-03T01:42:00.000-07:00

This is JOY down in my heart deep deep down in my heart
She's from Kibera Slums which is deep deep down in my heart
Jesus keeps her there so nothing can destroy her
He protects her there and shows HIS JOY through her
This is JOY down in my heart deep deep down in my heart

I have so much on my heart to share about my experiences in Kenya with the BU Sports Ministry Team...and there is no doubt that I am still on Africa time...
so for now I will give you two teasers...

1. It is amazing how many doors one soccer ball can open

2. This is the first time I have been on a mission trip that I truly felt like we left something behind that will grow bigger and deeper for the cause of Christ...not just a one night stand or one hit wonder...this was the real deal and we have made friends not only for life but for all eternity.

STAY TUNED!
More to come.

Hujambo! Kenya or Bust!

2009-05-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hujambo means Hello
in Swahili which is spoken in Kenya.

I leave tomorrow on a 2-week mission adventure to Nairobi, Kenya with 15 others on the Sports Ministry Team from Baylor University. Our team consists of 2 BU football players, 2 BU women's basketball players, 5 BU soccer players, 2 student trainers, 2 club soccer players, 1 strength & conditioning coach, Baylor's Sports Chaplain (Wes Yeary), and me. WES and I went to Baylor at the same time. He returned last year to become the first full-time sports chaplain. Click here for the Baylor Magazine article. I didn't join the team until about a month ago but am so excited to be a part of what God has going on in Africa. I went to Kenya in 2005 with a Leadership Team. We will be staying at the Gracia Guest House in Nairobi. Baylor groups have staned here every year we have brought teams to Kenya. I took a sports and education team to Rwanda last year. If you want to keep up, Brian Swindoll, one of the football players has created a blog for our team. I am not sure who will post but at least it will give you an idea of what we are doing. (hint: if it is underlined, I have linked to more information :) for you to explore)

Here's our itinerary:

May 17-18 travel from Waco to Dallas, fly to London and onto Nairobi on British Air
May 19 work with walter Machio at Kenyatta U and Daystar U, hold soccer clinics at Kahawa Sukari Children's Home

May 20 work with Walter Machio at Coka Cola Stadium to hold basketball and soccer clinics for SOS children's Village-BuruBuru, soccer players will scrimmage Keyan National Women's Soccer Team
May 21 work with Walter Machio and International Bible Society to hold sports clinics outside Kibera Slums

May 22 work with Pastor Boniface to feed street children and paint Boy's Home of Omega Kids
May 23 work with Tone la Maji to hold all day multi-sports clinic

May 24 worship at City Harvest Church and picnic with believers, go to Maasaih Market
May 25 go to Orphanage Kikuyu, Amri Best Care/St. Kizito home-based Care Aids Orphan Suport Program (Pastors Joel Amutabi and Jonathan Wonjohi)

May 26 work with Pastor Boniface to feed women and children who live on the street, visit Amani-Auji and Elephant Orphanage
May 27 return to Orphanage Kikuyu, Amri Best Care/St. Kizito home-based care for Aids orphans

May 28 Go to Safari House - go on safari then begin the debrief process (what? so what? now what?)
May 29 Continue Debrief - help students craft their stories as they return to their teams and families - return from Safari House ro Gracia Guest House
May 30-31 fly from Nairobi to London and back to Dallas on British Air

So, there you have it...plenty to pray for the next two weeks. In addition to that, pray for safety and health for our team. Also pray for unity and growth as we "see the needs of the world" and ask ourselves "what can I do about it?" It was only three years ago that a BU volleyball player, Jenne Blackburn, from Southern California visited Kenya and asked herself this same question. Since then, she has started the Omega Kids House...we really can make a difference.

Ps. 139:5,10
Thou has enclosed me behind and before, and laid thy hand upon me. Thy hand will lead me and thy right hand will lay hold of me.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ at my right hand, Christ at my left.
(St. Patrick)

Spring into Track

2009-04-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

Spring time is known for two things in Texas, that is when the Bluebonnets come out and the prime time for track season. I have officiated track since I graduated from Baylor. Baylor Track is known as "Quarter-Mile U" because of our legendary track coach, Clyde Hart, and some of his star athletes who later enjoyed Olymipc fame. Michael Johnson. Jeremy Warriner. Reggie Witherspoon. I enjoy the individual effort it takes and it is a joy to see the human body in its prime. The PR - or personal record - will trump the place within the race. For the past four seasons, I have been one of the starters. For those who don't frequent the track...that is the one who starts the race - by shooting a gun. Here is a picture of me with Joe Moore, a long-time friend, at the 3A district track meet.

The picture below is in front of my cabin...such a great sight to wake up to or wind down with!

4 yr olds & King Jesus

2009-04-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

Ok...so yesterday is Easter Sunday. The Kingdom Kids Ministry was in dire need of help for the first service, so I agreed to be in room 112 with the 4 year olds. I arrived a little before 9:00 am prepared for and hour and a half of "small talk." We played, talked, had a snack (hhmmm cookies with sprinkles - but nothing to hold the sprinkles on the cookies! :) ) and then came the craft! If you know me, I know you are laughing.

We had a transparency sheet with the outline of a cross on it. Imagine 4 year olds and a bottle of glue (remember they have no frame of reference and they think the more the better)...lots of "globs" up and down the cross...and they were to tear (or cut neatly - ha!) off tissue paper (color of their choice) and glue it onto the cross to make a stained glass cross. So they did.

We were at a lull in the class after snack, after craft, with 20 mintues to go before pick-up time. So, I held up the cross and said "does anyone know what this is?" Small talk did not ensue. Like popcorn testimonies I heard "that's the cross that Jesus died on!" As I turned to acknowledge the first answer another yells, "yeah, and they nailed him with nails in his hands and there was blood." A little surprised and taken back, I took a breath to try to tie the two together, when another says, "and he had a crown on - but it was the wrong kind of crown." I said, "what do you mean?" The 4 year old boy said, "it had those things on it that are like stickers!" I said, "you mean thorns?" He said, "yes and they hurt - but it was still a crown." Now mind you that all of this popcorn conversation was in a group setting - after snack...they were fully engaged. I said, "well, who wears a crown?" To which the entire group yelled out, "KINGS" and I asked, "who is this king?" To which they yelled, "King Jesus!" Of course remembering pep rally days I said, "who is YOUR king?" Their response, "King Jesus!" What a precious uninhibited moment of praise from 4 year olds. As I made my way to the second service after the reinforcements arrived, I thought to myself, "will the adults in this service be as demonstrative as those 4 year olds yelling 'King Jesus'?"
HHhhmmm what is holding me back?

Bride & Bridegroom

2009-03-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

Well, Saturday was a first. This is going to be as vulnerable as I have ever been on this blog.
I went to the wedding of Erika Walter and Chris Snapp.
It was at University Baptist Church...filled with white candles.

They started with the Steven Curtis Chapman/Geoff Moore song, "Listen to our Hearts" and Erika came down the aisle to "In Christ Alone." I have cried many times at weddings over what I do not have (a husband) but this was the first time that I cried at a wedding over what I do have - Christ as my Bridegroom. This wedding was so worshipful to me. Thank you Erika, Chris, Logan, Megan, Mason, Jeff, and Teri for letting me participate in this union for all eternity.

Lady Bears Big 12 Champs

2009-03-15T12:54:00.001-07:00

The Lady Bears defeated Texas A&M, 72-63, to claim the Big 12 tournament title game today in Oklahoma City. Baylor beat the Aggies for the third time this season.

This is so exciting since we lost our leading scorer two weeks ago. The team has pulled together to make this a true TEAM sport. They will find out their fate in the NCAA tournament Monday night on the selection show.

Kudos to the BU "Man Bears" who had a great run through the men's tournament by beating Nebraska on Wednesday, top-ranked Kansas on Thursday, texas on Friday. They lost in the Big 12 Championship game to Mizzou. They will most likely go to the NIT and will also find out for sure tonight.

The good thing about the NIT is that we can bid to play at home for the first two games. The semi-finals and finals are played in NYC at Madison Square Garden.

Lace Williams

2009-02-27T03:43:00.000-08:00

Man how time flies. Last basketball season, some of my good friends were living at the cabin with me and Walker Paul "Lacedarius" Williams was born. He came home to the cabin and "Aunt Kim" quickly learned that early morning prayer time was also snuggle time. This time helped me gain perspective about my day...really, nothing seemed significant compared to holding a little person...a life, in your hands...watching him breathe and sleep...then to see him recognize familiar faces or voices and try to smile...just gums...then he was old enough to transport to the Baylor basketball games...where he picked up his name "Lacedarius" or "Lace" for short. And now, a year later Mr. Cutness is walking, running, babbling, throwing food, petting the dog, loving tractors, making car and airplane noises...wow, what a difference a year makes. Lace, here's to you...a toddler becoming a boy...I pray that you would continue to grow in wisdom, stature, favor with God and favor with man (Luke 2:52).

I love you little man!

2009-02-16T15:30:00.000-08:00

Finally - I got my pictures from the fall off my camera..with the help of a friend.
Thanks Baker! So here are a few moments from last fall to catch up on.

First, the NOGS FIREPIT at the Ponderosa. My Bible Study girls came out on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and we ate some dinner and then took a hayride back to the firepit. We had to improvise since McLennan County was under a burn ban but we all had fun...till the husbands started calling around bedtime! just kidding..but the smores and the fire and some good Titus 2 talking....here are a couple of shots to remember that night:
NOGS with BLOGS at the FIREPIT.

Next, the Outdoor Adventure Rock staff came over for a little firepit action of their own, but they actually came on a warmer night and cooked out over the open fire...some were more adventuresome than those that opted for the traditional hot dog.

It is good to work with students. And, in Outdoor Adventure, there is no "10-second" rule...you just have to retrieve it before the dogs or other varmits. Kelli McMahan is the Outdoor Adventure Program Director and it is good to actually work with friends.

Finally, here is a head shot of me and my favorite bear (on my front porch).
My sweet brother hauled him back from Red River, NM one summer and he fits perfectly
(in the fam and on the porch).

Stay tuned later this week for the "Old Rattler" story and the ingenuity of my grandfather following the worst whipping of my life!

Gratitude Adjustment

2009-01-19T09:50:00.000-08:00

As I try to navigate this world of technology, and find myself frustrated, it only takes a moment for reality to set in...this is not my domain. I grew up in the world of hand-written notes, party-line phones...only after college were the infamous "bag phones" created for cars, then came cell phones, the internet, email, instant messages, text messages, and Facebook. It is a wonderful world we live in with the capability to call our friends who life on different continents or to keep up with 100's or 1000's of friends and their families with the press of a button. My frustration melts into gratitude although I don't ever think this world will be my home...I'm just a'passin' through.

I am also grateful for the creation I see all around me. There are trees, grass, clouds, along with the sun and moon and stars. I feel the cool wind on my face and know I am alive in the natural realm. Yesterday as I worshipped in my home church, I felt alive in the spiritual realm. I am grateful to be alive on earth and moreover alive in Christ. On the dawn of a new year, I am hopeful that "...the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father loves us and had given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, [He will] comfort our hearts and establish us in every good word and work." (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).

I am also grateful to have the time to catch you up on the past two months...from NOGS to Blogs to Walker Lacedarious Williams and Will the Thrill to Thanksgiving and Christmas and the start of 2009...Life is most certainly Good...just as is our God.

With a Grateful Heart.....

FREED FROM.... or TO?

2008-11-28T07:03:00.000-08:00

OK, I have no pictures but I am going to try to give you and update on some of the lessons learned from Beth Moore's teaching during the re-taping of the Breaking Free Bible Study mentioned earlier on this blog. There were 10 sessions plus an introduction. the premise of the whole Bible Study is from Isaiah 61:1-4 and it parallels the bondage of the Israelites to believers today.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has annointed me to bring good news to the poor; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound...to comfort all who mourn...to give them a beautiful headress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of priase instead of a faint spirit, that they may be called the oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord that He may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins....

There were several main points from the week and without stealing Beth's thunder of some of the poingant analogies I will share some thoughts:

The least likely make mighty warriors. All of us have strongholds - those things or people that we are preoccupied with that are destructive to healthy spiritual lives. Bonadage is anything that hinders us from being who God created us to be. If we don't seek freedom - we will seek shelter, primarily in our strongholds.

HEBREWS 4:12 - The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword; piercing even dividing asunder soul and spirit, joint and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

YOU NEED A BULLET IN YOUR GUN - Having a quiet time replete with the Word of God is your ammunition. There is no substitute...not a sunset, a mountain, a beach, or any other created thing...not a song, or a poem...the only thing potent enough is the Word of God. So load up....there are shotgun shells that spray for a wide variety and their are bullets (or for shotguns - a slug) that are for a more narrow aim. Whatever your stronghold is, The Word of God has the ammo you need to derail the enemy.

It's your choice: Bandage or Bondage! Is. 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me...to bind up the brokenhearted... God is much more interested in our calling than our comfort. We are not FREED FROM ______ we are actually FREED TO _______ ! Many of us are under the captivity of activity. We do not know how to rest...we are busy, busy, busy. We check our email, facebook, my space, our text messages, voice messages, and mailboxes. We listen but we don't hear. We talk but our lives don't speak. We have been called to COME WITH ME...TO A QUIET PLACE...GET SOME REST (Mark 6:30-31). Just because there is a need...it doesn't mean you (or I ) are called to meet it.

This is quite enough to dwell on. The taping sessions were so applicable (as you can tell) and have given me much food for thought. What you see here are the nuggets I will grapple with for the next few months. How do I slow my life down enough to ...REST IN HIM, REST WITH HIM? Thanks for indulging me the priviledge of sharing some of the week with you. I will say that this study will be well worth your time and will transform your heart to be more like His.

Breaking Free from Work

2008-11-26T07:21:00.000-08:00

Today I am off - totally off - not mentally (well, maybe) but from work at work and work at home. I have had a terrific month of November...first, I got a good report from my Dr. about my knee...still no load-bearing exercising - until January - but I can bike and do the elliptical machine! Then I took an entire week off November 10-15 and went to visit my good friend, Elizabeth, in Pass Christian, MS. During the day, I got to see her new world with her precious son, Walker Paul Lacedarius Williams.

Then about 4:30 each day we drove to New Orleans to Franklin Avenue Baptist Church to be a part of the re-taping of Breaking Free Bible Study - live with Beth Moore! This was such an amazing thing to witness. There is no way I can really describe it. I have tried and tried to see how I could actually blog about it...I am working today on narrowing down my thoughts to a few talking points....then I will post them later this week...since, as you know, I have the rest of the week off! :) so, stay tuned for an update within the next four to five days.

One final note on Redemption....this is the prequel for the 7th season of Jack Bauer and "24" that was aired on Sunday night. It was set in Africa and honestly hit a little close to home because it showed some rebels mounting a coup against the government and what Jack has to do to save 14 young boys...it reminded me of my time earlier this year in Rwanda and a bit of what it must have been like to live in fear and for children to be captured and forced to serve in the makeshift army. Anyway, alot of thought provoking scenes...but the very last one will preach...Jack gives up his freedom so that the boys will be saved...sounds familiar. More to come.

HOWDY Interlocking BU

2008-10-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

I know - I know - It has been way too long. My excuse is that I don't like to post without pictures and I got a new computer in late July and can't find the program to pull my pics off the camera. So, here is a quick and easy update for the past two and a half months:

Late July 2008

The BU Board of Regents had the courage to fire an ego-centric, selfish man who served (and I use that term lightly) as BU's president for just over two years. His only achievement was to unite the faculty and staff on one issue: he had to go. God's word is true - you reap what you sow.

Long Live the Interlocking BU!

August 2008

We pulled off the biggest Move In project of my tenure in the third week of August...3100 students in 10 hours over two days...complete with traffic patterns, 100 degree heat, safety vests, loaded down suburbans, and all the anxious parents you can ask for...with misty eyes looking back in the rearview mirrors. Over 2400 volunteers hauled stuff up six floors (12 flights) and all is well at BU with the second largest class in history.

September 2008

John McCain has the courage to tag Sarah Heath Palin to be his running mate for the 2008 Presidential Elections. I can't say I was ever excited about John McCain although I do think of him as an American hero who does not put himself before others. I read "A Nightingale's Song" which is the story of 5 guys who all graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis and how their lives each followed a path of leadership. Some resopnded with integrity, others wasted their opportunities. All this to say, McCain has made the most of his and I am most impressed with Cindy, his wife, who has used her wealth to serve others all around the world.

Sarah Palin has impressed me with her candid talk and her seemingly unshakable faith, charisma, confidence, and consistent demonstrations of grace. I am praying for God's light to shine brightly in this election time...to illuminate the truth and to expose the lies. I am excited about this ticket and know that God is in control, no matter what happens in the next 3 weeks.

On a lighter note, I went to the Big 12 & Friends Conference for Recreation Directors in Norman, OK. We started the conference with a golf tournament that my team won and I won the long-drive contest...yeah for playing from the red tees! Below you will see me with my winning teammates: Garry Armstrong (OU), Zane Carlson (Cybex rep - former BU Baseball pitcher), and Dennis Corrington (TAMU). On another note, more later, coming off a 15' putt on an elevated green, I stepped down on my right leg to find instability and finally face plant. This would lead to a lateral meniscus tear to be repaired in October.

October 2008

Three big things so far:

First and most important, Walker Paul Williams turned ONE on the sixth. He is such a sweet little man. He was born here in Waco and came home to the Ponderosa for about three months. We spent many early mornings cuddling and napping and praying together. He now lives on the coast of Mississippi and I am going to visit him in less than a month. He is all boy - like his dad and has a sweet demeanor - like his mom. I can't wait to give that boy a squeeze.

Second my long-time friend and vice president, Dr. Dub Oliver resigned from Baylor to be the president of ETBU (East Texas Baptist University) beginning June 1. It will be a great loss for Baylor, a long goodbye, and a terrific gain for ETBU. We commuted to complete our PhD's together back and forth to TAMU burning up Highway 6. I am grateful for our time together and wish him all the best as he expands his impact to more students than ever before.

Finally, yesterday, I had my lateral meniscus repaired with an arthroscope done by Dr. JP Bramhall. He did the reconstruction on my left knee about 12 years ago. Then he scoped out the scar tissue on that same knee about 4 years ago. I am grateful for his expertise, his professionalism, and his friendship as a fellow believer. We have a fun tradition because he is the team Dr. for the Fightin' Texas Aggie football team and I work on the BU sidelines: we always meet each other at mid-field (like head coaches) to say "howdy" after the BU v. TAMU football games. I am confident that his work this time will give me many more years of activity without pain...until the next time.

Texas Summer Sunsets

2008-07-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

There are some things I really never get tired of....

one of those is summertime Texas sunsets!

Here are two pictures..the one above is the one I took last night
of the trees between my cabin and the airstrip.

The one below is one Miss EJ took of
Baylor University's Eastland Lakes Retreat Center.

It may have passes 100 degrees for the past two weeks straight,
but these are the scenes that remind me that it is worth it.

Really now, how can anyone deny there is a GOD?
He is indescribable, uncontainable..he made the
stars in the sky and He calls them by name.

Big Cedar

2008-07-21T06:04:00.000-07:00

You know, it's funny that you think when you graduate from college that that will be the end of family vacations; however, I have found that to be untrue.

My family takes a family vacation each summer.

It is quite a feat to get all of us off at the same time and then to try to be in agreement as to where we should spend time together. We have been to Red River, NM (a family tradition). We have also been to Maui, Lake Quachita, Newport Beach, Galveston, and this year we went to Branson, MO. Now I know this is a hotspot for the Keenagers, but McKenna was at Kanakuk and it only seemed logical to meet up there and experience American culture.
We started with the amazing Sunday brunch at Big Cedar Lodge.

One of the things attractive about Big Cedar is that it has alot of recreational activities. You can swim, play sand volleyball, or rent a boat (fishing, ski, pontoon, canoe, paddleboat). It is rustic and relaxing, yet nice and quiet. John and Kelly are the die hard water people.

Now in addition to outlet mall shopping, we went down in the evening to the new Branson Landing on Lake Taneycomo. It is anchored on one end with a Bass Pro Shop and on the other with the Hilton and a Marriott. It is right on the water and is a neat waterfront to stroll on....there's also ice cream!

A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL

Shackin' Up

2008-07-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, one week ago, my mom told me about a book that she was finishing called, THE SHACK, by William P. Young. Now it is one week later, I have finished the book and no less than 10 of my friends tried to share their journey while reading this book. It is an incredible story of a man who experiences some horrific tragedies in his life. In the most recent one, concerning his daughter, he finds God in a most unique way. Through his encounters with God as Father ("Papa"), God as Son (Jesus) and God as Holy Spirit ("Sarayu"), Mack has his preconceived notions of God redesigned to a more intimate relationship rather than a distant religion full of responsibility and expectations. This is a story of healing and our love relationship with God, regardless of the starting point.

I highly recommend this book and will leave you with several quotes that will speak for themselves:

All love and relationship is possible for you ONLY because it already exists
within me...I AM Love. p. 101

Trust is the fruit of a relationship in which you know you are loved. p. 126

Grace doesn't depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering
you will find grace in many facets and colors. p. 185

Faith does not grow in the house of certainty. p. 189

Rwanda Review

2008-06-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

Baylor in Rwanda
Youth Sports & General Ministry Team, Social Work Team, Religion Team

It has taken me so long to get here. First the 48 hour return trip from Kigali, Rwanda to Burundi to Nairobi, Kenya (9 hour layover) to London's Heathrow (5 hour layover) to Chicago (for Customs & Immigration) and then to DFW...only to get on a bus and ride another 2 hours to Waco, so that I could drive another 30 minutes home....it was exhausting but a good "re-entry" into society as we know it in Central Texas.

This blog would be too long to tell you everything...so I will start with my talking points that you may hear in person over and over again...and if anyone is interested in exploring deeper, then a lunch or phone call or another blog may touch on it.

Talking Point #1 - Why do I go on these trips?
I do not feel "called" to foreign missions; however, I do feel that part of my calling is to take students to see the needs of the world...to do my part in "educating men and women for worldwide leadership and service" as part of Baylor's mission and purpose. I absolutely LOVE to be with Baylor students when they GET IT. They finally understand that they are among the top 10% of people in the world with regard to education, wealth, lifestyle, etc. As they see the first HIV/AIDS infected person in a hospital in Kigali and they dig deep into their pockets to help meet her basic need for water and juice...this is when the needs of the world become real. I love being with them when they make a decision to "deny themselves" (Luke 9:23) and purpose to reallocate their own resources to make a difference in someone's life.

Talking Point #2 - African saying:

AMERICANS - they have watches but they have no time!

This was said early on in our adventure and it has really stuck with me. We are in a hurry all the time. We are late half the time and apologizing the rest of the time. African culture allows you to get there when you get there as long as you have been all there - being fully present in a conversation with family or friends. They truly value relationships. We seem to value time over people. Lawyers have "billable hours" and service providers have "installation fees" even counselors have "time slots" billed by the amount of time spent talking through issues. One of the most popular series of books starts each title with "The One-Minute...."

The time we spent in Africa, we spent together....with each other, with our brothers and sisters from "every nation, tribe and tongue" sometimes we played, sometimes we worshiped, sometimes we shared, we traveled, we ate, we prayed - together. What a different culture than the one I live in now...where I set alarms to prepare me for waking, eating, meeting, leaving, etc.

LORD! Help me to understand that...
you are not concerned with TIME - but you are in control of TIMING!

Talking Point #3 - Re-evaluation of Community & Commitment
I realize that this will be a controversial topic and I don't intend to be political here. But in 1994, the genocide in Rwanda (as depicted in Hotel Rwanda) devastated the lives of the survivors of over one million people - men, women & children - who were murdered with clubs, hoes, and machetes. Women were raped by HIV infected males and children were killed in their mothers arms. We went to the Kigali Memorial Centre to see the exhibition including photographs, video, written accounts and artifacts (including skulls, clothes, bones, and pictures). As we were there a group of young people employed to sell phone minutes with MTN walked to the memorial as is their annual custom...so that they never forget. We were about mid-way through as they started through. You could hear some sobs, then some moans, then all out wailing of grief...these kids were very young and must have survived - but some of their families did not. The memories overcame them and the sounds overcame me.

"GOD FORBID that anything like this ever happen again in any place, any time, for any reason." This was a line from my journal written on-site. This was one of the countries that the USA did not show up for...the scene in Hotel Rwanda that was so disturbing was when the Rwandan said "Yes, please take the pictures and send them to America - then they will come and help us." The American reporter replied, "Americans will be eating dinner and see this on the news and say, 'that's terrible,' and they will go on eating their dinner."

So, I look at the strides we have made in Afghanistan and Iraq - where women are being educated instead of raped - where democracy is in its infancy - and I cannot deny that our willingness to fight for freedom, education, religious liberty has made a difference.

Beyond the political parallels, there is one spiritual aspect that I cannot possibly describe adequately in words. The Rwandan people have not only survived but thrived. The Hutus and Tutsies are living side-by-side in true community centering around forgiveness, healing, and growing beyond and through the tragedy. It is not uncommon that younger people don't know what they are (as in Hutu or Tutsie)....but more importantly they are finding out WHOSE they are. Many of them are strong believers and our trip was one of encouraging the saints.

I will leave you with a quote originally attributed to Helen Keller, and later Grant Teaff added the action step:

I AM ONLY ONE. BUT I AM ONE.
I CANNOT DO EVERYTHING, BUT I CAN DO SOMETHING.

AND THAT WHICH I CAN DO, I OUGHT TO DO,
AND BY GOD'S GRACE, I SHALL DO.

Hotel Rwanda

2008-05-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

Well, in less than 24 hours I will embark on a journey that has already taken several turns. over one year ago, I began to talk to several students about going to Kenya to work with orphans. Just before Christmas the climate in Kenya changed to one of violence. We quickly linked up with a Baylor Alum, Brenner Campbell, who has started a non-profit organization called Children's Mission Network, working to build a orphan community in Harare, Zimbabwe. They partner with the Hands of Hope. Then just as we were breaking for Spring Break, the elections in Harare made the country unstable. We then decided to join with teams already going to Kigali, Rwanda. We leave tomorrow.

If you have seen the movie Hotel Rwanda, you will remember that in 1994 the two governing tribes began to fight. This escalated into a civil war and led to the genocide of the Tutsie tribe. In three months over one million people were brutally murdered.

We are planning to work with the orphans doing sports & activities. Some others from our team will lead crafts and lessons, similar to VBS. Maxey Parrish and I will be speaking to the youth both Wednesday nights on "Purpose Driven Life for Teens."

I hope to be able to blog while we are there....one of the miracles that is already logged in for this trip is that we found three refurbished laptops that were donated to several pastors in Kigali. Baylor rolls them off of a cycle and laptops are hard to come by...but thanks to Rick Mattocks and his crew, we will be delivering them in person on Tuesday. Our God is the creator and He is in control. Maybe I can use one of them to update. If not, I will blog the first week of June. I will leave you with this quote - sort of a thoughtful reflection for our trip:

“Too often we think of God’s call (or our vocation) solely in terms of what we do. People speak of being called to the ministry or feeling called to work in healthcare or teaching. However, while doing will always be involved, vocation is much more than our occupation. It is the face of Christ we are called from eternity to show to the world. It is who we are called to be.” (David Benner)

White House(s)

2008-04-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well....Happy Spring! It has been about 2 months since I blogged - I have thought about it but just never seem to get around to it...so here it is...in condensed "Reader's Digest" version.

March 2008
I traveled with the Courtside Players to Albuquerque, NM to cheer on the Lady Bears in the NCAA tournament. Why, you might ask, with the Courtside Players? Well, the band director called and said he couldn't be in two places at once and would I consider going as the band sponsor with the women while he accompanied the men to the NCAA tournament in Washington DC. I tried to explain that I HAVE NO RHYTHM but he insisted that all I had to do was watch the game and when they were about to in-bound the ball, I would cut them off. Relying on the transferability of my skills, I likened this to calling a baserunner "SAFE" and crossing my arms then swinging them wide.

So, that is what I did...only the first time I did it - no one stopped playing. The second time I did it, I hit one of the cheerleaders in the forehead as he was coming off the court! Suffice it to say I could wear the t-shirt that reads: "WILL DO ANYTHING FOR NCAA TOURNAMENT TRIP."

April 2008
I decided to go up to Washington DC to see a friend of mine. She is working at the White House. I signed up for a tour of the East Wing which has the Library, the East Room, and the State Dining Room. They accomodate over 2000 visitors on weekdays...because the White House is "the people's house." All over the White House there are portraits of Presidents and First Ladies that line the corridors and hallways of the Ground and State floors. The State Dining Room was the most intriguing - to think about all the dignitaries from around the world who had eaten in that room. Carved into the fireplace mantel is a quotation from a letter by John Adams: "I pray Heaven to Bestow the Best of Blessings on THIS HOUSE and All that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but Honest and Wise Men ever rule under this Roof."

Later that evening, we were honored to get to go on a tour of the West Wing of the White House. There is the Cabinet Room, the Situation Room, the Officer's Mess, the Press Briefing Room, and of course the Oval Office. As we stood in the hallway and looked into the Oval Office I saw a painting of George Washington (which always stays there), Abraham Lincoln (the choice of the sitting president) and a Larry Dyke painting of Texas Bluebonnets! There was also a rug that was in bright yellows, cream, and muted oranges with the Presidential Seal in the middle and bright rays of sun extending out. Bush said he wanted it to be a bright place full of positive thoughts and optimism that would remind him of the bright future of the United States of America.

Of course you already know that I live in Crawford - home of the eco-friendly "Western White House." That link has a tour given by Laura Bush a week or so ago. The inside is nice yet rustic and President Bush has hosted many foriegn dignitaries including Vladimire Putin (Russian President) in this picture.

In 10 days this beautiful land will host the wedding of his daughter, Jenna Bush. For a great write up please see EJ's blog HERE. Scroll down to "Historic Wedding Bells to Ring in Crawford."

I have had the honor of visiting the Western White House and meeting the President and First Lady during his first term. I could write a book on my impressions of George "W" Bush but I will simply say that he is a humble man who seeks God each day. He is not concerned with popularity or really politics - he gets up early each day and seeks God's wisdom on how to lead our nation. Etched in my mind is the picture of him on top of the rubble at Ground Zero in September 2001 giving that historic line: "America today is on bended knee in prayer..." To watch the bull horn speech click here.

To watch the post 9/11 speech click here. I leave you with his words:

Our Country is Strong...Great people are moved to defend a great nation.
They cannot dampen the steel of American resolve....NO ONE WILL KEEP OUR LIGHT FROM SHINING. We stand together...I ask for your prayers...

Kim = Khem = "Happy"

2008-02-18T18:53:00.000-08:00

This is my new friend - KHEM! She told me that
Khem = Kim = HAPPY!
She is a believer in Thailand who serves as a tour guide.

Well, it has been a long time since I posted but I have had alot happening. On Christmas Eve, I was reflecting on the year and remembered that the pastor had asked for volunteers to help with a missions conference in Thailand. One question I asked myself was "what is holding me back?" When I tried to come up with the answers I realized that each and every one was temporal. So I called to discuss the needs and within a week, I committed to lead the youth part of the retreat. This is in a land that is 95% Buddist but these 50 families are in China serving.

On our way to Chiang Mai, we stopped for a day in Bangkok. I got to see Kat Ford (recent BU grad) and Kirk and Suzie Persons and family (they are also BU folks serving in Bangkok). It was a fun and quick reunion. Then we took a short long-tail boat ride to tour Bangkok on our way to the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

We then flew to Chiang Mai where we had until 2:00 pm the next day to see the sights in Chiang Mai...we went to an MaeTang Elephant Camp to see and feed the elephants. We saw them play soccer, play harmonicas, work with logs and paint!

Then we rode them across the pass to the village of the "long-necked people." They are supposedly Christian in their beliefs but at the age of 5 these iron rings are placed on the necks of the girls to make their necks long...the rings never come off but they add one each year. It struck me as bondage but then I thought that their bondage is visible...whereas, ours here in America may not be visible but is just as uncomfortable and our burdens just as heavy. This village broke my heart...but we stood in the middle and prayed out loud for the freedom of these Burma refugees and the power of the Word that is spoken in that town to release them soon.

The retreat was for 50 families serving all over China. They all work for Christar, based in Pennsylvania. We all met in Chiang Mai, Thailand at the Imperial Chiang Mai Sports Resort (i know...suffering for Jesus!). The facilities were great but the people were the ones who won my heart. I had 7 girls and James had 4 guys.

The Girls: Irina J, Margie, Charlotte & Emily C, Becca T, Alicia V & Nicole B

The guys: Michael B, Caleb O, Matthew J, Paul C

We spent 5 days together...talking about ourselves and our faith. We also played water polo and went white water rafting down the Mae Ping River over some class 4 rapids. We had a great time and laughed and screamed for about 10 miles. Sarah Rogers put it best when she said, "I feel like I stepped into the Discovery Channel." It was a surreal experience.

I have left out so many things...but one really neat part is that one of the girls that I had coached and had in Sunday School at Woodway over 10 years ago was on the trip - on our team with her grandmother. This was a sweet reunion for us. We laughed and prayed and worshipped and finally decided that we would get together on a regular basis back in Waco to pray and share and lift up our new friends. Sarah is one young woman who knows the hand of the Lord and experiences Him in creative and unique ways.

God is Good - All the Time!

Pre-Christmas Festivities

2007-12-26T10:42:00.000-08:00

Wow...it has been for-stinkin-ever since I have posted....so here is the thumbnail sketch update:

November 28-30 - went to Orlando for an Athletic Business Conference - unfortuantely...by myself. Disney is not worth seeing if you can't see it through the eyes of a child and share the experience with others (see previous blog about whose hands you hold).

December 9th - After a month of working on strategic plans and budgets I accomplished one of my life goals...I completed the White Rock Half Marathon in Dallas Texas with two friends: Jennifer Baker and Rachael Johnson. I dressed for the weather...it was supposed to be 60 degrees...but about 2 miles in in started to drizzle and the temperature did not get over 45 degrees...but the three of us completed the 13+ miles for Will Butts and the Scottish Rite Hospital.

December 14-17 - I flew to San Francisco to meet up with some friends to see the city and see the #10 ranked Lady Bears play the #5 ranked Stanford Cardinal. We had a great time in Union Square, China Town, Ghiradelli Square, and Pier 39...the trolley was a bit frosty but dinner at Cheesecake Factory on the 8th floor of Macy's overlooking Union Square was unforgettable.

December 19th - my stubborn dad took a tumble while clearing out some land and split his eyebrow and gave himself a black eye...the most frustrating part was that he refused to go to the doctor...thanks to our community nurse, Elaine Walker for making a house call! Now we all know where the Scott "tuffskin" genes come from! But he's still cute! :)

The Hand You Hold

2007-11-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

The only thing more precious than the air you breathe is the hand you hold.

Over the past 10 years, I have been blessed to have many young men and women to share life experiences with both on campus and off. I have been to weddings, seen babies, prayed for work assignments and relocations, and achieved life goals with some of these friends.

Here is a picture of the most recent of these...the wedding of Bailey McKissack to Andrew Heard. It was a beautiful wedding that honored the Lord through commitment and simplicity. You can see His Beauty in Bailey...

One of the best parts of this wedding was to reconnect with students who have graduated and moved on in life. In this picture, are many former spirit squad members who have traveled all over the US together. Dave and Jennifer Burggraaf were the coed coaches. Amanda Mullings is the current coed captain. Halie Baker is on the coed squad now. Amanda and Halie are two of the 10 students I am taking to Africa in May of 2008 (more to come on that). Erin Richardson was on the coes squad with Bailey and Laura Blalock gets married today to Seth McCall...she was Bruiser!!
Robby Mullens and Matt Witt were both on the squad with Bailey. I was the "bus driver."Life goes on and so do friendships that are built on a strong foundation and nurtured over time.

Finally, Morgan Smith is a graduate student that I have known for five years. We have spent alot of time together talking about the mysteries of God. We went to Bailey's wedding together and today we are going to Laura's up in Southlake, Texas. These pictures remind me of that song (that I think I have quoted before): Life is Precious Life is Sweet...I have been blessed to hold the hand of God through these..."friends".

"No longer do I call you students...I have called you friends."

H-Trophys

2007-10-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, so as amazing as this picture is in the sports world...three Heisman Trophys in one room at the University of Nebraska...it can't hold a candle to the miracle of life brought about by our great and good creator God who breathed the whole world into existence and who chooses to use us to accomplish His purpose.

Here is Walker Paul - the newest edition to the Williams family, that is staying at the Ponderosa. He was born just over two weeks ago and I have thought several times about how his very presence seems to put things into proper perspective. I will call him a "human trophy" for alliteration sake but he is one little guy who can stop your heart with one of those little baby gurgles.

I have been a morning person for as long as I can remember so it was only natural for me to volunteer for "the morning shift" with Walker. EJ feeds him about 4:30 or 5:00 and then gives him to me as she tries to catch some sleep before I go to work. He just nuzzles in and finds me to be a good human pillow.

As he begins to realize he hasn't eaten in the last 2-3 hours he begins to make himself known. One morning as I was walking him around and talking to him, assuring him that his needs would not go unmet and that his mother would be right with him and that he was loved...I began to giggle at how upset he was when he didn't get fed at that very moment that he realized he was in need. Then it donned on me that God must giggle too...as we scream about not having our own needs met and about the timing and such...when He has "more than enough" blessing for us and will most assuredly meet our needs - because He knows them better than we do ourselves. I guess about the time I thought I might be feeding on spiritual meat...I realized that I am still a baby in many senses...dependent on the Lord God Almighty for every need - even the ones I don't know I have - and I just need to calm down and let God work in His abundantly wise and methodical ways to meet me where I am and help me grow into who He wants me to be.

The Miracle of Life

2007-10-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

Helloooooooooooo Blog Nation.

Wow! It has been forever since I felt like I had anything worthy of blogging. But Saturday night, I was at the lackluster Baylor game when I got a call from Forrest saying that Elizabeth's water had been broken and she was admitted into Labor and Delivery with an epidural waiting.

F & EJ have been living at the cabin since June and her due date is October 20th. She got up Saturday and said that she thought she was having contractions....fast forward.....I leave the BU game and head to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center just in time to visit with EJ for about an hour before they decided "it is time to start pushing." That was at 7:35 pm. By 8:23 pm Walker had arrived and I was headed back to see the new family.

Walker Paul Williams
8 pounds and 11 ounces
20.5 inches long

It has been six years since I have visited the hospital to see the Miracle of Life. It was Heather having Mia, Erica having Caden, and Gretchen having Bailey. Little people with little features and little systems...all in place ad functioning...wow, what struck me is that our great big God is also
the Creator and Sustainer of life and He says
"before you were in your mother's womb...I KNEW YOU"
that is ... the Miracle of Life...

I passed Elizabeth's test on diaper changing, holding, burping, cleaning, and rocking so I guess I may be helpful when they bring him home from the hospital today. It will probably be later this evening...between 7 and 8:00 pm (just in time to see his first Cowboys game on MNF). The adventure begins....thank you God and thank you Forrest and Eliazbeth for letting be experienced the Miracle of Life through the Family of God!

Suite Prayer

2007-10-03T04:55:00.000-07:00

I am away...here in Nebraska for a "Big 12 & Friends" regional conference. As I sit through seminars and dinners I am reminded, and saddened, that I am not "at home." I live in Texas which is in the Bible Belt. The Bible Belt is an informal term for an area of the United States of America in which socially conservative Christian Evangelical Protestantism is a dominant part of the culture.

Although I am surrounded by good people doing good work on campuses across the region, and even nation. They do not live for the same thing I do. I hope this does not come across as judgemental, but rather an observation. I need to be reminded that life is not always as it seems.

However, I am staying at the Embassy Suites. I was pleasantly surprised to find a copy of the Bible (not the Koran or Book of Mormon or nothing) in the bedside table and this prayer sitting on my pillow the first night:

In ancient times there was a prayer for "The Strangers Within our Gates"

Because this hotel is a human institution to serve people, and not solely a money-making organization, we hope that God will grant you peace and rest while you are under our roof.

May this suite and hotel be your "second" home. May those you love be near you in thoughts and dreams. Even though we may not get to know you, we hope that you will be comfortable and happy as if you were in your own house.
May the business that brought you our way prosper. May every call you make and every message you receive add to your joy. When you leave, may your journey be safe.

We are all travelers. From "birth till death" we travel between the eternities. May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society, helpful for those you meet, and a joy to those who know and love you best.

How refreshing it is to know that there are some who will go against the flow and say what they mean and have what they say mean something.

FLYING HIGHER

2007-08-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give you a quick look at my staff. This is a picture of most of my staff - professional, graduate students, and undergraduate students. The week before school started, they came over to my house and we had a picnic and took a staff photo...which we will make into a poster entitled

CAMPUS RECREATION FLYING HIGHER in 2007

Readin' Writin' and 'rithmatic

2007-08-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

Wow...what a whirlwind last few weeks...two major projects that originate in Campus Recreation have occurred with several smaller sidebars.....

On August 15th and 16th we moved in over 3000 incoming students. We started with about 1000 on Wednesday and had the big Freshmen Halls on Thursday. Over 2500 volunteers helped direct traffic, carry boxes, clothes, and "stuff" into dorm rooms that are barely over 150 sq ft. This annual event, affectionately called MOVE IN, grew this year into two days after last year being a 5:00 am - 4:00 pm ordeal in 106 degree temperatures.

School started on Monday, August 20th and we held our annual Late Night at the SLC on Friday. This year we had over 100 organizations with booths set up all over the SLC and over 150 dodgeball teams in the kickoff intramural event of the year. We have been touted as having the "largest collegiate dodgeball tournament in the nation" which I have always disputed because actually, no one measures. But this year, that became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Our new IM Coordinator had wide eyes and a GREAT Late Night!

Last but not least, on a more meaningful note, I have read several books the latter part of the summer. Non-fiction, I have read The Gospel According to Starbucks (Leonard Sweet) and From the Heart, Seven Rules to Live By (Robin Roberts) and Same Kind of Different As Me (Ron Hall and Denver Moore). I have also read several fiction books like The Last Sin Eater (Francine Rivers), Plain Truth (Jodi Picoult), and am almost finished with The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini). Each of them has taught me something and led me to think about things beyond my life here on earth. I recommend all of these books and will leave you with a little prayer of prose from Robin Roberts' family:

The LIGHT of God Surrounds Me,
The LOVE of God Enfolds Me,
The POWER of God Protects Me,
The PRESENCE of God Watches Over Me,
WHEREVER I AM, GOD IS.

California Girls

2007-08-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

I wish they all could be CALIFORNIA GIRLS....here is a pic of my favorite California girls. My 1st cousin Trina and her daughter Ashley, then "Gaby" then me and Dee Dee and Aunt Sue. If I ever left the Great State of Texas I would become a card-carrying CA girl for sure.

This weekend started out on Friday night at the Huntington Beach around a fire pit. We roasted hot dogs and smores and had about 5 family members and about 20 friends. The Pacific Ocean was warm enough even in the evening to go it (some of the guys went in at 9:30 just before closing).
It was a great time of relaxing by the fire and it was the first time in my life that I donned a jacket in the month of August.

Saturday, I went over to pick up my 90 year old grandmother "Gaby" to take her to get an IN n OUT Burger and to pick up some "bridge mix" at See's Candy Shop. It was a good time to get her out and for us to visit since I didn't make it out in May for her b-day party. She is a bit forgetful these days but her laugh is contagious.

Finally, Sunday after church, we all went to my Aunt Sue and Uncle Don's condo for a family celebration of Ron's birthday. It is on Huntington Harbor. The weather was unbelievably nice and being with family is beyond words. I am grateful for the fellowship and true kindred spirits we share and treasure each time we are together.

Summer Pics

2007-07-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

A few quick summer pics

Bella (EJ & Forest's American Bulldog) poses by my new friend
on the front porch of the Ponderosa

Mia practicing surfing with her CA cousins in town...goggles and all!

McKenna and Brady enjoying an afternoon at the pool.
This is a typical summer day.
Brady LOVES to swim.

Lake Waco at the peak of the flooding rains.
Our lake rose over 23 feet.
Here you can see the pavillion almost totally submerged.

They Surf - We Shoot!

2007-07-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

It seems that I cannot keep up with the "current events" here at Scottwood but better late than never. You may or may not know that my mother grew up in Southern California. My dad was stationed in the navy in Long Beach and met her and the rest is history. So, half my family is still in SO.CAL. I have been out there recruiting for Baylor for the past 8 years and I put enough bugs in my cousins ears (and enough shirts on their backs) that Shane (class of 2009) decided to seriously consider Baylor as a college option. So my cousin DeeDee and Ron, Shane (17) and Austin (15) came for a Sic'em Day on campus. After the official recruiting tour, I gave them the real tour. Here you can see some of the time we spent together.

My nieces, McKenna and Mia met Shane and Austin in the pool and immediately formed the "crush." The boys were really sweet and cute in how they played with the girls.

My dad took the guys to shoot pistols and then later skeet. They loved it. I don't know if Baylor sold them or my way cool dad who let them shoot guns but I think the trip was a hit.

One little serious thought: Because we did not grow up together, without making the effort, we would have never really known them other than brief holiday visits. Some of my family, like DeeDee and Ron's family, are believers that are experiencing the "abundant life" that Christ has designed for them. Many of my family out there are not. It really brings many things in to perspective when you have family members that you love and care about who do not know him. It highlights the scripture "they will know we are Christians by the way that we love one another" which causes me to ask the familiar question, "how then should I live?"
Do I live like I love them? Can they tell a difference?
Besides the fact that they surf and we shoot?

POTTER-Mania

2007-07-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

It is hard for me to believe all the hype over the Harry Potter book release. Parties at midnight, pre-sales, dressing up like the characters. Men, Women, Children alike have been taken captive by this fiction writing. What is hard for me to believe is that there is a book that has been out for centuries, it has been on the best-seller list for as long as it has existed. It comes in most every language spoken. It is not fiction, but rather chronicles tales of the great adventure of history through the eyes of heroes and villians. It tells the story of redeeming love, supreme sacrifice...it shows the power and majesty of the Creator of the Universe and His desire to be in relation with those He loves and has created in His own image. The Bible tells the story of Truth. Yet very few get excited about the Bible. Very few celebrate the telling of The Story (HIStory). Very few will buy-in early and even fewer will "dress themselves" like the main character. They will know we are Christians by the way that we love one another...so "PUT ON love." Colossians 3:14

Here you can see a little Muslim lady in a little village in Morocco. She is a potter. She has no spinning wheel, she has no kiln, she has no electricity or running water. But from May of 2004 when I visited until today, she has had many encounters with vessels. Our church has taken on Morocco as one of our "people-groups" and have made numerous visits to this little family and their village. Pray that those of us who call ourselves vessels, created by the Master's hand, will pour out love on this family and one day they would meet THE POTTER.

GWC, Backpacks & Crosses

2007-07-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

Today I got a big shot of empathy. I wouldn't say it is my number one strength (thank goodness for the difference that Jesus makes!). I leave in just under a week to go backpacking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting in Colorado with 40 incoming Baylor freshmen. Do I have a great job or what? To prepare my legs and cardiovascular system, I have been walking a few miles five times a week and last week I started carrying a backpack with 10 pounds in it.

For three days, I stayed at 10 lbs. Then two days at 20 lbs. Today I added another 10 lbs to total 30. As I started walking, it donned on me that I was carrying the same amount of weight on my back that Elizabeth, my good friend and sister in Christ, is carrying in front as she is GWC (Great With Child - 25 weeks great!). Within the first 100 yards I could feel the difference in my knees and ankles. I have a whole new appreciation for what she is going through as her body changes and "Baby Walker" grows.

I am reminded that we all have burdens to bear. Some are like pregnancy and have a blessing beyond the pain. Some are like backpacks and we load stuff in and carry it around until we hand it over to the Lord to carry for us. Some are like crosses that we are asked to carry "for our good and His glory." In each of those situations, we will come to the point of thinking that our load is unbearable only to realize that it was made just for us - He designed it to fit who He designed us to be. When Jesus says in Matthew 11: 28-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." As I put the backpack on, I realize that it "fits me" just like the yoke Christ asks us to carry. Because it "fits us" it will seem easy and light. So whatever your cross, backpack, or burden...just know that He chose you and you will never walk alone.

Sparklers

2007-07-05T06:10:00.000-07:00

The 4th of JULY is my favorite holiday. It highlights FREEDOM in every sense of the word...we are free to go where we want, to think what we want, to worship the Lord God Almighty as we choose, even express ourselves as we desire. Freedom gets many people in trouble because they have no filter or discipline but it should not be taken for granted. Many men and women gave their lives so that we might live in freedom each day. Christ Jesus gave His life so that we might be free from sin's power and penalty.

Here you can see our safe celebration of the 4th of July with sparklers. Both McKenna and Mia enjoyed lighting up and drawing in the air with the sparklers.

The Newsboys have a song that is appropriate for the day: I AM FREE.
I am free to run, I am free to dance; I am free to live for you, I am free.....through you the Kingdom comes, through you the battle's won, through you I am not afraid, through you the price is paid, through you there's victory, because of you my heart sings...who the son sets free is free indeed...

Rain Rain Go Away

2007-07-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

Rain has been in the forecast and on the ground for the past few months. This is the wettest spring/summer we have had in years....like over 15 years since the rivers and lakes have been this high. By now the normal Texas summer climate is called the "dog days of summer" because it is usually over 100 degrees...last year we went 31 consecutive days over the century mark.

Ok so here are some shots of my dad and his new (Father's Day) John Deere Gator Utility Vehicle...he loves it and has used it over and over again. He checks the Middle Bosque which runs about a mile behind our houses...but as you can see, the river has overrun its banks and has started up the road. Brady is doing as a Golden Retriever does...swimming. She loves the water be it pool or river or lake or sprinkler.

One good thing that happens when it rains...the indigenous plants take a hearty drink and bloom like never before. Here you see a native plant - the evergreen, purple blooming Texas Sage. This one is enjoyed by few because of its location behind the SLC on the BU campus.

Wilds Wedding in the Forrest

2007-06-03T19:39:00.000-07:00

I mentioned last blog that I went to a wedding in Asheville, NC. Actually, it was in the Pisgah National Forrest. Dathan proposed to my friend Regan (whom I met at Kanakuk over 10 years ago) there and they decided to get married there. He went out the night before and built a small alter. We all walked about a mile down a hiking trail to a waterfall. The weather was threatening but was dry ... until the wedding was almost over then, God Himself being in attendance, rained down "showers of blessing" on Mr. and Mrs. Wilds.

After a little shower, we carpooled to a place close to downtown Asheville called Homewood. It was built in 1927 and is located in the Historic Montford neighborhood. It was a beautiful place to celebrate with all the friends of the bride and groom.

Regan works at Grace Community Church as a counselor and Dathan is going to school at UNC Asheville. Congratulations Regan and Dathan Wilds...it was a beautiful, yet wet, wedding and a reception that celebrated your UNION.
Happy Honeymoon!

GWC & FCA

2007-06-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

A common cliche' is to "take a stroll down memory lane." This weekend I did just that. I flew to Charlotte, NC and spent Thursday with my friend Hope West. We met each other at Kanakuk 11 years ago. Here is a picture of Hope (who is 19 weeks GWC) and Jed (her 18 month old son). Her husband Keith, was at work. They actually live in Denver, but they relocate for 4 months to work. The rest of the year, they do odds and ends and spent alot of time together...at least a month in Hawaii. GWC means Great With Child.

Friday, I drove to find the Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina. It is just outside of Asheville. My main purpose for this trip was a wedding of another dear Kanakuk friend in Asheville. Almost 30 years ago, I went to FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Camp at the Blue Ridge Assembly. I was 16 and it was really the first time I realized that God wanted all parts of my life, including the sports part. He could be found in nature, in competition, in teammates, and in sports. I was going to be the Captain of our Midway High School FCA Huddle.

In these pictures you can see the Robert E. Lee building as it is today and as it was all those years ago. Now, don't think I am weird, but I (for some strange reason) kept that FCA shirt. I have the picture of me in it on the steps of the Robert E. Lee building.

It was fun to see that my memory served me well. One of the things I remembered specifically was that we would run down a trail through the pine trees to come out on a field cut right out of the trees. Some things never do change...and I am glad...this is one of the first places I knew that the best place for me to meet God was through nature.

My! how things change

2007-05-21T04:18:00.000-07:00

Man! Who knew that so much could happen in a week where I am out of touch with the world. I leave on retreat Monday morning early and don't have any contact with the world in which I live until Friday afternoon. When I finally catch up on the news of my friends, family, Baylor, and the greater outside world, I find out that Jerry Falwell and Martin Luther King's daughter have died. I check the web for Baylor sports to find out that Baylor Women's and Men's Tennis made it to the Sweet Sixteen as well as the Baylor Softball team sweeping the Regional Tournament and hosting Michigan this weekend in a Super Regional. Baylor Baseball swept Kansas State in their last home series (picture of me with dad included) to earn a 6th place seed at the Big 12 tournament this week.

My cousins from California are finally coming for a visit - to check out Baylor, none the less! And my dear friends, Forrest and Elizabeth Williams are having a BOY! I call them MSU (Mississipi State or missionary) couple because they were called to Alabama for a year and now will be moving...last week I left thinking they were moving to Waco, when I returned, I heard that they were interviewing at least one more time in Mississippi. Who can blame them for wanting to be close to family as they begin their own. Let's just say that they are walking by faith and letting God lead the way...I guess we might know something by Friday (their last day in their house). But no matter where they are...they are having a BOY!

Sic 'em!

Firewheels & the Hill Country

2007-05-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

Spring Time in Texas!
What an incredible time it is deep in the heart of Texas.
Last month I showed you the bluebonnets and yellow....

Today, that same field in front of my house is filled with Indian Blankets or Firewheels. They bloom from April to June. It is combination of red, orange, and yellow and somewhat resembles a brightly woven tapestry.

This is undeniable proof that God is
the Creator of the Universe and the Sustainer of Life.

How can anyone deny it?

Do you take time to see the flowers and
wonder at the awe of God?

I am headed out of town on a true, albeit faculty, retreat. Almost 50 of us from Baylor will travel 3+ hours south, just outside Kerrville, TX to Laity Lodge for a 4 day, 4 night retreat in the Hill Country. We will have reflection and recreation, small group time, morning and evening prayer, and vocational sessions. This retreat sight is void of technology (no cell reception, no internet, and no television) and abundant with natural surroundings. So, I will be out of touch with friends and family until Friday, but hopefully in touch with co-workers, colleagues, and most importantly, God Himself. It is awsome to work in an organization that sees this sort of opportunity as valuable. I am blessed.

Life is Precious Life is Sweet

2007-05-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

LIFE IS PRECIOUS LIFE IS SWEET
...like the earth beneath my feet,
though I know I am passing through
I know I belong to you.... (Wes King song)

What an emotional weekend...it is all jumbled together up there in my head so I am going to try to sort out my thoughts in this blog...bear with me...this week at Baylor, we lost our sixth student , Caitlyn Creed, to a car accident...it has been a long, hard year in terms of understanding the "whys." Then later this week, we had some very serious weather pass through. High winds and lots of thunder and lightening. This particular storm found a young mother, Melissa Brinegar, of 28 walking back from the lake hand-in-hand with her 5-year old daughter. Lightening struck her and killed her. She was 8 weeks pregnant. Her 5-year old is in Mia's (my niece) kindergarten class. The "whys" grow larger for all of us.

Today, after church as we headed to Fuddruckker's, Mia was sitting in the front seat and said to me... "today I want to take the training wheels off!" This comes on the heels of her riding up and down my parent's driveway on her bike with the training wheels. I have given her a hard time - just kidding around - about it. This statement came without any prompting. So, we decided to meet on the tennis court and work on the independence of two wheels v. four.

As I ran up and down the middle of the court holding the seat and trying to encourage her to "steer and pedal - steer and pedal" I finally figured out that she was afraid to fall. She would rather quit than fall. How true of all of us. We would rather give up when it gets hard. We would rather put the brakes on, put our feet down, or change directions than risk a fall that could injure or scar us. So, we stopped for a talk... I explained that she WAS going to fall. It is ok and we have all experienced it. She found the courage to keep trying. She fell. She got up and tried again. This is what I love about coaching...you know you were called to coach when you find greater satisfaction in the small successes of your students than if you did it yourself. I suppose the same can be said about parents. All in all it was a great afternoon. I worked with both Mia (6) and McKenna (9) on riding their bikes. They both made progress. We all felt good.

The "whys" still loom. Why was her life (and that of her small baby) cut short? Why should a 5-year old have to go through life without her mom? Why do most of us fear things that are so small (like falling off a bike)? Fear can only exist where God is absent. 1 John 4 says "God is Love..." later in that chapter is says, "There is no fear in love; perfect love casts out fear..." The words "Fear Not" appear 23 times in the New Testament. Jesus says to us...His beloved children...FEAR NOT, I am with you...FEAR NOT, I will never leave you...FEAR NOT, I have overcome the world.

Carpe Diem! Seize the Day! Seize TODAY!

Scopes & Doctors

2007-05-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

Some reading this really won't appreciate it...so here is fair warning: If you have an adversion to medical terminology you may want to proceed with caution.
I promise it is not going to be graphic in any way.

I am amazed by the technological advances that we have come to take as common place. Every day you talk to friends who are going in for an ultrasound or who are going to have a stint or pacemaker put in their heart or who have just had "the scope" on their knee. Our great big God makes the wisdom of men seem like foolishness. We know and are cared for by the Creator and Sustainer of Life itself. He orchestrates the events and places people in our lives "for our good and His Glory." As one who has experienced more than a few surgeries (mainly knees) I am always amazed by what the doctors can do with less and less "invasion" or trauma to the body. Recovery time is minimal and overnight hospital stays are rare on many things that used be considered major surgeries. With very little research and experience, this is what I have learned:

Endoscopy means looking inside and typically refers to looking inside the human body for medical reasons using an instrument called an endoscope. Endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic medical procedure (MIS) used to assess the interior surfaces of an organ by inserting a tube into the body. The instrument may have a rigid or flexible tube and not only provide an image for visual inspection and photography, but also enable taking biopsies and retrieval of foreign objects. It delivers light to an organ under inspection through a fiber optic system and it also allows the entry of medical instruments such as heart valves and pacemakers or others used to repair damaged tissue.

Laparoscopic surgery is any MIS done in the abdomen. Knee arthroscopy is surgical procedure in which a small camera is used to examine tissues inside the knee joint. Arthroscopy allows for the visualization of the interior of a joint through the use of optic instruments. Surgery can now be performed on larger joints using direct visualization and miniaturized techniques.

My final thoughts regarding the amazing technological advancements and medical procedures turn to those of the highly trained doctors and nurses that have chosen a profession in which they have the honor of working for the Creator. Two of my three specialists are believers that are quick to give the glory for their success to the Lord. Each of them live out what they believe and are not afraid or ashamed to call upon the Almighty God for His hand of protection and wisdom. I am grateful to have Dr. Edward Contreras (Gastroenterologist and Internal Medicine) and Dr. J.P. Bramhall (Medical Director and Orthopedic surgeon for Texas A & M) taking care of me as God's hands extended.

Mall of America

2007-04-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Unbelievable...and I am not really a big shopper...but this place is Amazing! There are over 30 places to eat and over 500 stores on four floors anchored by Sears, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom's. In the middle is an amusement park with a ferris wheel and roller coaster...16 movie theaters and believe it or not plenty of parking.

I was in Minneapolis for a conference and after the sessions were over for two nights, while my colleagues were our enjoying the nightlife, the Baylor staff headed over to the Mall of America. We didn't even put a dent in this mall, but it was fun to experience it. For you shoppers out there...this is well worth the trip. I suspect that you could spend days in here and not make it to each store...maybe the ones that interested you.

But one interesting thought I had as I dodged people with packages, teens in their herds, and baby strollers, was ... man, we (America) are the picture of desire...maybe even decadence. It is almost embarrasing that we don't think twice about going to get a new outfit for a special occaison and there are people who are half-naked and starving...yet we leave food on our plate all the time. It hit me that we are enamored with stuff. We are busy, but are we doing things that matter in light of eternity? We are loaded with stuff, but do we possess the character qualities that God cares about? We are geared to strive for more, but there are many with so much less that are far more rich. Now don't get me wrong, I am not condemning shopping, but I think for me I will set a "policy" for myself...for each thing I buy, I must give something away. I will not accumulate more than I already have and I will make the effort to simplify and weed out those thing that are extraneous. Hopefully, someone can benefit in some way from those things I choose to give away. You my friends, please hold me to it.

Blackberries & Cream

2007-04-16T18:08:00.000-07:00

Blackberry - This is a brand of "smart phone." It will allows users to enjoy email, mobile phone, text messaging, organizer/calendar, contacts and web browser in an all-in-one mobile solution. I broke down and traded in the regular cell phone for a Blackberry. It synchronizes with my computer and the Baylor server instantaneously. My goal was accomplished this past weekend. I was able to leave for a relaxing weekend with friends, leave the laptop at home, and still not return to a jammed inbox. I don't know who thinks of these things or really how any of them work but I am grateful.

Now for the Cream: you have heard of "Cream of the Crop" and "Cream rises to the top" or "Creme de la Cream." All three phrases allude to the best of the best. This picture is of one of my Creams. Trish and I have been friends for over a decade. We met at Kanakuk on my second tour of duty. We are the same age and yet at very different stages in life. She is the Executive Women's Director at Kanakuk Kamps, Inc. She is a mother of three and wife to John. Her two boys love sports and are 100% active. Trish's daugher, Shayla (pictured here) is one of those athletic dancers who enjoys sports (mostly watching her brothers) and all things girl (thus the purple Princess bedroom). As I experienced this weekend, Trish runs the kind of home that I would want to have if I had teenagers. Her house is the place to be. She stocks her panty and refridgerator with food (as a draw I suppose) and opens her home up to all the boys' friends. While I was there for just over 48 hours, over 12 different kids spent time over at the house. Trish bathes her family in prayer. She also covers her staff with prayer. She runs her own Arbonne business while John runs a fireworks business. Both Trish and John have individual identities as well as the "two become one" unity of a couple.

Back to Cream...rarely have I had the opportunity in my life to find a friend that I respect professionally and admire in their personal life. Trish is one of those people to me. We have never lived in the same town, except for those three month stints I was in Branson for the summers. We developed our friendship the very first summer and since that time we have lived well, laughed hard and loved much.

Proverbs 27:17 says "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Ecclesiates 4:12 says "...a cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

We have been through alot over the years and it has only served to push us to communicate and become stronger. I am thankful for something as insignificant as a blackberry and moreover, someone as priceless as Trish the Dish...she's the Cream!

Miracle of Life

2007-04-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

So many of my friends are deeply involved in the Miracle of Life. From those who are GWC (Great With Child) now, to those who have taken a few turns in that seat, to those who are in the stage of teaching the ABC's or the birds and the bees...all who are parents are involved in the Miracle of Life. Our Great Big God is the Giver and Sustainer of Life. He says in John 11:25 "I am the Resurrection and the Life."

God has been the Creator since the dawn of time. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. In fact, He is infinite and we are finite. We cannot understand how or when or why about birth. That is why we come to Him in faith. There are so many amazing miracle stories of conception through birth among my friends. In fact, several of my friends are presently GWC now, watching that baby grow as each week passes. I am so thankful for their stories of pain and patience, faith and family. Three of my friends are all due within about two weeks of each other: Elizabeth, Hope, and Kristin. October will be a month of celebration for sure. Three other of my friends are parents of toddlers and spend their days chasing little ones around the home teaching all along the way.

I have one friend in particular who has experienced the most recent miracle. Six years ago, Angel finally gave birth to her son Parker. She stayed in the hospital for a cumulative total of three months prior to her C-section. When Parker was born, he spent 2.5 weeks in the hospital. Six years later, after several pregnancies and miscarriages, Angel and Gary decided to pursue adoption. They got a call to visit with a pregnant young woman. Within 2 weeks, she gave birth and they were the new parents of Addison. Less than two weeks later, Angel found out she was GWC. Eight months later, she gave birth to Jackson (see picture). This time around, she had zero complications (except for the time that Addison decided to start crawling at seven months!) and took Jackson home as a healthy, strong baby boy.

All this to agree with the song, "God is Good ~ All the Time ~ ~ ~ All the Time ~ God is Good!"

Easter Sunday Traditions

2007-04-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday 2007...with snow the day before Easter, it was different than any other from the standpoint of weather. However, the Easter Sunday service at First Woodway had several traditions that have always been meaningful to me. As we sang a melody of hymns about the Cross: Crown Him with Many Crowns, We Fall Down, and Crown Him King of Kings, children ages 5-12 walked up and laid a crown at the foot of the cross. The lump in my throat grew so large that I could not sing aloud. As my heart sang the words of these powerful songs, I had two thoughts: 1) I am so thankful that we are teaching our children to approach the foot of the cross and lay things down...an act of worship and submission, and 2) What is it that I need to lay down today? Am I willing?

As I spent the afternoon with my sweet nieces, McKenna and Mia, I found myself thankful to worship a King who came to earth to make a way for all of us to spend eternity with Him. I am also thankful that our King is personal and desires a relationship with us here on earth prior to us spending eternity with Him. He is the King of Glory. He is risen. He is Lord. I hope your Easter was meaningful and memorable.

Easter Snow Bunnies

2007-04-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

Unstinkin' Believable!!! Instead of Frosty the Snowman, we are building Floppy the Easter Snow Bunny....I am not sure just yet how long it has been since it snowed in Central Texas in April. I mean really now, we are already enjoying the Bluebonnets and now it snows (1st picture). It started snowing this afternoon at about 12:30 and it is supposed to snow through the night. Who knew that I would be able to build a fire and enjoy the snow in April?

So let's see...this time last week it was flooding, three days ago it was 84 degrees and sunny, and of course today it is snowing...you know what they say: "This is Texas, if you don't like the weather, just wait a minute and it will change."

Here's the proof. What in the Phat World?

Water Water Everywhere

2007-04-01T05:34:00.000-07:00

It has rained 10 inches in the past week here in the Heart of Texas. We had been in drought conditions since the summer and officials had already started discussing water rations for next summer. Then the sky opened up and began to rain down....I can't do the math but here are the numbers: 10 inches of rain, the Bosque River rose 22 feet, Lake Waco is up 12 feet (and I am not going to show any pictures of how high the grass and weeds are). Here you can see my driveway (which looks like a river) and the front of our land down by the road...which the water ran over.

Our little Marina on campus was flooded with motor boats sinking, tethered sailboats standing on end, and just down Lake Brazos, our river boat the Brazos Bell went down when their pumps wouldn't work. Thank goodness it was tethered. I felt sorry for the Chi Omegas who were supposed to have their formal on the Brazos Belle on Friday night.

What do I take away from all of this? Besides the green trees and growing grass, I am reminded of Jesus story of the two foundations in Matthew 7:24-27. "Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock." How much better we have it who build our house upon the ROCK. He is our firm foundation when the winds of life blow and the trials rain down, and the flood of emotions and consequences come...we know Who we believe and believe that He is able to deliver us.

Bluebonnets & Bibles

2007-03-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

Bluebonnets - the State Flower of Texas. Historian Jack Maguire so aptly wrote, "It's not only the state flower but also a kind of floral trademark almost as well known to outsiders as cowboy boots and the Stetson hat." He goes on to affirm that "The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England and the tulip to Holland." This picture is looking at the field in front of my house from my front porch...am I blessed or what?

Just before Christmas, I was listening intently to Beth Moore teach through the book of Daniel. She started one lesson by explaining that she was using a new Bible because her daughter told her to quit leaning on her old one and all the writing she had in it. That hit me between the eyes, so I decided that I would get myself a new Bible...a parallel version with NASB and NIV. A local store, The Compass was going out of business and I found one for half price...but it didn't have "the red letter edition." Anyway, it sat in my car for several weeks and I didn't use it...for various reasons (mostly lame excuses). About a month ago, my 4 year old niece Mia told me after church one day that my Bible was old and I needed to get a new one (she was only looking at the outside). I took the new Bible to church today for the first time. God is going to have His way...He speaks directly to us and when we don't listen, He uses those people closest to us. Little did Mia know that she was being used by God to spur me on.

Basketball Building Character

2007-03-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

March Madness has been just that MADNESS! The Lady Bears made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament but lost a heartbreaker to NC State in Raleigh, NC. Just yesterday, NC State lost to UConn in the Sweet 16. There are some terrific women who coach women's basketball. Besides our flashy Coach Mulkey...there's the amazing story of Kay Yow, 31 year head coach of NC State who is in stage 4 cancer but came back to coach her team to the Sweet 16. In 1987, Yow was diagnosed with breast cancer, which went into remission. In 2004, the cancer returned, and she underwent diet changes, oral hormonal therapies and radiation. However, in November 2006, it was reported that the cancer was progressing and Yow announced that she would take a leave of absence from the team for an indefinite period of time to focus on her health, including chemotherapy. On January 22, 2007, Yow returned as head coach for the Wolfpack. Her players vowed to play each minute of each game like it was their last, emmulating their coach.

Then, last night, the Lady Blue Devels, coached by Duke coach Gail Goestenkors, ranked #1 in the country all year long, lost by one point to Rutgers. They were down by one point with .1 second to go with their best player, Lindsey Harding on the line with two shots. She missed both. Coach G's post game talk was short and directed straight at Harding: "I will not allow you to let this one moment define who you are. You have never taken credit for our wins, when without you we would not have been here; so you will not take the blame for this loss. It does not define you or your career here at Duke, and it does not define our team."

These two coaches are more interested in coaching young women to be women of character...not just basketball players. Oh if such could be said of all of us who work with young men and women.

Duke Dream

2007-03-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

For the past two decades, I have been a Duke Basketball Fan. I liked their coach and what he stood for, I liked their style of play, and most of all I liked the integrity that they demonstrated on and off the court. My favorite team, the Baylor Bears - or in this story the Lady Bears - made it to the "Big Dance" again. We traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina for the first and second rounds. On the off days (days without games) we took the yell leaders to see the campuses of University of North Carolina and Duke. All were within about 20 minutes of each other. UNC was chartered in 1795 making it 50 years older than Baylor. When you walk on campus you have the feeling of nostalgia and history. Then we went to Duke. Duke, formerly known as Trinity College (Methodist), was bought by a tobacco family, moved to Durham, NC and renamed after the Duke family. In the history of the Methodist Church and higher education in the United States, Duke has much in common with other Methodist related universities like Northwestern, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, or the University of Southern California. Duke University has symbolic ties to the Methodist Church but it always has been independent in its governance. The chapel you see here was built in the 1920's but looks much older.

We snuck into Cameron Indoor Stadium to see the court that the Blue Devils played on. These shades cover all the portal entrances into the arena. We walked on the court and tried to take pictures, but the lights were out. I am trying to lighten them so you can see the unbelieveable number of championship banners hanging from the rafters. Rumor has it that Coach K will not hang a banner until everyone on that team has graduated! We had a great time, except for getting lost driving in the Duke Forrest, exploring other institutions of higher education.

More to come on Basketball, Bluebonnets, and Babies.......stay tuned this is "catch up weekend."

We will not Forget!

2007-03-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

This past week we traveled to Oklahoma City for the Big 12 Basketball Tournament. Both the Baylor men and women played in the last time slot of the day - around 8:30 pm. So, to enrich the Baylor experience through life changing programs and services resulting in an integrated education known for leadership, service, Christian faith and the total development of students - we tried to make history come alive by taking the spirit squads to the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial on Thursday morning.

This first picture is of the memorial itself. It includes a reflecting pool that stretches between two walls. On one wall the time 9:01 which represents the time just before the bomb went off. The other wall has the time of 9:03 which represents the moment when life changed forever. The reflection pool stretches between so as to remind us to reflect on this moment that two Americans sought retribution through terrorism. Each chair represents one of the 168 people who died. The large chairs are adults, the small chairs are for children. Each chair has a base that has the individual name on it and lights up at night. The chairs are arranged in rows according to what floor they worked on so that it is easy for family and friends to find their loved one. This memorial is breathtaking both in the daytime and in the night. This is a beautiful memorial that stands for one of the most tragic events in American history.

What you see here is a wall of tiles made by schoolchildren around the country to show support of the survivors and family members of the bombing victims. What you cannot see are the tiles of slate/chalkboard on the floor in front to give others a chance to express themselves even today.

Finally, there are several engraved stones that form a wall of observation just outside the memorial museum. I like several of them because of what they say and moreover what they represent of the American Spirit. My reflections are varied. This is the fourth time I have visited the OKC Memorial site. The first time I went with someone whose mother was killed in the bombing...it was quite emotional. The second time I was with a friend from Kanakuk who was in OKC when the bomb went off. The last two times I went with students when we were there for a sports event. Each time I am reminded of the courage of Americans. Each time I am stunned by the generosity and empathy demonstrated by visitors. I am also in awe of the creativity of those who put so much thought into designing a lasting and meaningful memorial. I am proud to be an American...here is the inscription on the walls:

We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity.^®

Not-so Extreme Makeover

2007-03-06T21:43:00.000-08:00

I am slowly but surely adding to my little cabin in the woods. This week I got a trunk I will try to use for a coffee table. My "great room" is about 25' x 25' and I have the majority of it in free space. I like things to be open but it has even seemed to be a bit barren to me...so here is the trunk...let me know what you think.

Also, I have had the same plaid patchwork quilt on my log bed for 10 years. It was a gift from the parents of some good friends that I met at Kanakuk. Keith and Hope West. Keith's mom has a little quilt shop in Culowee, NC and she gave me the quilt. But after a few years of rinse and spins in the old washer, it is ready to be retired. So I got this one...a bit more feminine but I really liked it and my "while you were out" friend, Elizabeth gave it a double thumbs up as did my "I think I will upgrade my kitchen this month" mom and my "I used to work in a furniture store and go to market" brother, all of whom have great taste. So here's to branching out and trying something new.

Wham! Leaving a Legacy

2007-03-05T19:19:00.000-08:00

Quick update before we head to the Big 12 tournament in OKC...in the past 3 weeks I have had the unfortunate experience of being in not one but TWO wrecks. In both, we were rear-ended. The first in Little Rock on a rainy evening and the girl's brakes just didn't hold on the pavement...I was NOT driving. Then last weekend, I was sitting at a light and WHAM! Hit from behind...here is a pic of my sad bumper - ripped by the front bumper of a three-quarter ton pickup truck. I am thankful not to be seriously hurt...just a little soreness in the shoulders and neck area...good thing we have a massage therapist on staff!!

In thinking about these two incidents I was reminded how we are so blessed in America! We (or at least I) view these as mere annoyances. They put a kink in our schedule by having to get with the insurance company then the repair company, talk through fault and deductibles and all the rest. The real question is...do people mean as much to us as our "possessions" that we spend time, energy, and money on? Are we just as annoyed when our friends are persecuted? Are annoyed to the point of action when someone is falsely accused? Where is our inheiritance? My pastor said this past Sunday that before we can leave a legacy, we must build one. I questioned myself..."how do I act or react when stuff happens?" Can you tell I am a believer in Christ by how I handle adversity? Or do I look just like the rest of the world and think that it all revolves around me anyway? Are my actions, reactions, and interactions representative of Christ? What legacy am I presently building and what legacy will I leave?

One last thought...from my dad when I was in my first wreck when I was 17 years old - I was in a 16 car pile-up - yes I was rear-ended, actually sandwiched between two other cars and my seemingly unemotional dad said something I will never forget, "Kim, I can buy another car but I can't buy another daughter." Where do you place your value?

White Out or Wipe Out?

2007-02-26T04:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Baylor got into the "White Out" craze...even though our colors are Green and Gold. We filled the Ferrell Center with 9200+ screaming fans and every fan had a white t-shirt on their seat. The idea is to look united in support of your team. The Lady Bears had a good game against the Lady Aggies, but could not pull it out at the end. This dashed their hopes of a conference championship for 2007. They will still get a bye in the Big 12 tournament and go on to the NCAA tournament - which is quite a huge accomplishment in that there are only two seniors and five true freshmen! (this pic was taken with my camera phone... so it is not the highest quality...but you get the idea) Sic 'em Bears!

Twins!

2007-02-21T04:18:00.000-08:00

College Sports! It's game day! This picture was taken at the Baylor Men's Basketball game last weekend where the bears dropped a heartbreaker to texas by one point in the last 11.3 seconds. Coach Scott Drew is so close to putting the Bears on the map...maybe tonight is the breakthrough game...timing would be perfect with the Big 12 Tournament two weeks away. The next day, our Lady Bears whipped up on arch-enemy number one: the texas women. The Lady Bears are tied for the conference lead and are exceeding all expectations with 10 on the roster and five being true freshmen! Sic 'em Bears!

Even though college sports provides us with "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" there is a far greater thrill in life...which is that of FRIENDS. Our lives are filled with touchpoints created by our need for meaningful human contact. Friendship meets a need for connection with others. It is modeled throughout the Bible: Ruth and Naomi as well as David and Jonathan in the Old Testament and of course Jesus and the disciples along with Paul and Timothy and Barnabas in the New Testament. We would be miserable if we didn't have friends.

I have been blessed beyond all measure in my lifetime to have a steady stream of friends whose lives I can share in through the times of joy and the times of sorrow. In fact, I believe that especially for believers, our deep desire to connect with Christ Himself is met many times through friends. These two friends, Rachael Johnson (left) and Elizabeth Williams (right) are often asked if they are sisters because they look so much alike...when in reality they should answer "yes" because they both belong to the Family of God.

Two are better than one...for if one falls, the other will lift him up...a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. (Eccl. 4:9-12) We are all better because of our friends. We share experiences along with our hearts and walk through life together; on a journey toward the same destination...Thank God for friends who serve as His hand extended in our lives.

True Friends - Queen Esther

2007-02-04T16:24:00.000-08:00

Over the past week I have watched two of my dearest couple friends endure painful moments as their dreams and hearts have been crushed under the weight of political posturing and the advancement of personal agendas. Both of them have an eternal vantage point and still have their marriages, families, friends, and each other. They have weathered undeserved criticism and smiled in the face of adversity. Losing your job has to be a very painful ordeal but it is truly when you find out who your friends are.

Today in Sunday School, we started studying about Queen Esther. She was orphaned at an early age and adopted by her uncle, Mordecai. Under Mordecai's Godly influence, Esther developed courage and Godliness and through her bold actions with King Xerxes, saved the nation of Israel. In the meantime, one of the King's ungodly captains, Haaman, plots to kill Mordecai. The plot fails and Haaman is hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai. I was reminded that when you "let your light shine" (1) those who are open to the things of the Lord are drawn to you - because they want more of Christ. Those who are threatened by the light of those who "follow hard" after Christ many times try to play the power card or exercise their own agendas. It is in those times that you learn who your friends are...are they happy for you? Do they cry with you? Are they on their knees for you? Do they stand by you? Do they want the best for you? The Bible says "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for they will inheirit the Kingdom of God." (2) So, dear friends who are struggling under the weight of the world's pressures, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (3) ..... This momentary light affliction will produce for you an eternal weight of glory." (4)

(1) Matthew 5:16
(2) Matthew 5:10
(3) John 16:33
(4) 2 Corinthians 4:17

Allergies & Family

2007-02-03T19:15:00.000-08:00

The past two weeks have been quite revealing to me personally. It all began with a new round of allergy testing. There are two methods of testing, one is a simple blood test and the other is a series of 48 pricks with antigen that cause reactions. This is the preferred method of my Allergist which precludes the immunotherapy (weekly shots). Here you see one of my arms after the test.

Now I have had allergies all of my life but this test revealed some allergies that I either developed recently or never knew I had. Food allergies! It was such a shock to hear that I was allergic to wheat, eggs, peanuts, citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit) and tomatos. So for the past week I have been ridding my panty of these things...I never knew how healthly I had gotten with all of the wheat/whole grain products (bagels, bread, spaghetti, noodles, etc.).

My other high allergies were mold and dust mites. They recommend that you wash and dry your sheets and all bedding once per week in the highest heat possible. So, I took that to mean that I needed to replace my 10 year old quilt and get a new one. This is the updated look of my log bed.

One last little note. Several of my friends are incredibly creative. I look at magazines and can tell what I like but rarely can do anything remotely resembling the project I liked. Here is a very primative attempt at displaying a family memory.

This is a picture of my paternal grandparents, Cecil and Eloise Scott. The background is one if my grandmother's handkerchefs. I am not sure how I ended up with them; but I am glad I did. I framed one and overlaid a picture and gave this to my brother for his birthday. Maybe one day, I will try this again with all the proper tools. I have the heart but I lack the patience or foreplanning to do it how it should be done. But maybe you can get inspired to display some old family memory.

"Show-Me Friendly"

2007-02-03T07:13:00.000-08:00

Trish is from Missouri (the "show-me" state) and I am from Texas (the "friendly" state). We have been friends for 12+ years. We met while working together at Kanakuk in the mid-90's and our friendship has weathered distance, missed meetings, misunderstandings, and just the changes in life. We see each other a couple of times a year, but I think we both know that if the other "whistled" we would each "come running" to help however we can.

These pictures are from her last visit to Waco...we were eating at McAlister's. As we walked in, she turned to me and said, "this place reminds me of EJ" who is a much loved mutual friend of ours. The strong pull of relational connections is both evident and Biblical. God did not create us to walk this journey alone. He created friends to share the joys and triumphs, to share memorable moments and funny times. There is the verse in Eccl. that states that "two are better than one for if one falls the other is there to help him up; and a cord of three strands is not quickly broken." There is also the beautiful picture of friendship between Jonathan and David in 1 Samuel.

Friends: what are your thoughts on friends? Do you have enough? Are they in there for the long haul or just come running in times of crisis? Do they lift you up or drag you down? Do they get in your face and have your back all at the same time? What kind of friends do you have?

We can learn alot about friendship from our dogs...
who are appropriately dubbed
"man's best friend."

Yes, Brady sleeps in funny positions. She has to stay out in the cold or heat all day long (doing her own thing) while I am at work...but every day - every single day...when I come home from work, I give a whistle and she comes running. She is happy to see me every time - without exception. We take walks together, we go swimming together, we nap and eat - she even watches TV with me. She is loving and protective. She is affectionate and always wants to be close. Dogs are great examples of a friend...they forgive and forget and act as if the injustices or misunderstandings never happened. Not one time has Brady ever brought back up some time that I forgot to feed her or that I didn't go for a walk with her. How I would like to be like her...except of course in the all-exposed sleeping position.

Brrr...Little House on the Prairie

2007-01-15T16:49:00.000-08:00

If you have kept up with the weather, a winter storm has been hovering over Texas for the past 48 hours. Over 300 flights were canceled, roads were sanded, the wind howled, and there was no electricity or water when frozen limbs fell on electric lines. Utilities were out for about 10 hours and literally, living in a log cabin, I felt like Laura in Little House on the Prairie. I got up to no heat and went out to gather wood and build a fire. Honestly, it was refreshing to read by the light of the sun and build a fire and not be bombarded with noise from the TV or Computer. I wish I had more days like this to simply enjoy life. However, I will admit, when my cell phone went dead, I went out to start my car and left it running to de-ice it and charge my cell phone. :) I met up with my nieces and parents around lunch to have an inside weinie roast - yep: hot dogs and smores. You forget how much electricity is part of our everyday lives. I enjoyed the challenge for the day but prefer to live in the 21st century.

0007 ZooLoo Whiskey

2007-01-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

I have rarely been known to do things spontaneously; however, I tried to "just do it" this Christmas. Here you can see the Cabin at Christmas with my girl Brady. Two days later I hitched a ride on this Diamond Star with Brenner Campbell over to Alabama to see my good friends Elizabeth and Forrest Williams (and his parents, and his grandma, and his uncle, and his cousin and his sister and her family)...their philosophy was "the more the merrier." Brenner is a pilot and was going to go to West Point for some racoon hunting with Forrest. I volunteered to be his co-pilot. Here is his plane with us ready to go. It only took a little over 2 hours to get there. It was so fun to be in a fully loaded (GPS system, auto-pilot - see top picture) plane with an excellent pilot. After we got to West Point the family time began. Honestly, that is the way holidays should be - laid back and inclusive of family and friends.

It was fun to be there and to experience Christmas the William's way. Some serious gifts, some thoughtful gifts, some funny gifts - all were meaningful gifts. Here's one little example of a sign given to "granny williams" whose real name is Joel. I can't show Sylvia's gift from Arbelle because it might be used to incriminate the innocent. And I would show you Elizabeth's gift...she got for the Clement's Athletic Banquet - for one whole dollar - but you know how it is...family secrets must stay in the family.

The one thing I thought over the course of this little southeastern adventure are actually the words to an old gospel song: "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God; I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood. Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God. ~~ You will notice we say brother and sister around here; it's because we're a family and these folks are so dear. When one has a heartache we all share the tears and rejoice in each victory in this family so dear."

Take the 405 from Huntington to Westwood

2007-01-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I finally found my camera cord - you know, it was in that safe place, right where I put it when I had to stash the junkie stuff when it was party time. Over the holidays, between December 14th and December 19th I flew (commercially) to California to see my family. The day I got to Huntington Beach, we piled into my uncle's "Duffy" to take a self-guided tour of the Huntington Harbor. Each year those who live on the water light up their boats and bayside homes and they hold a parade of lights. Here are two pictures from our tour.

Later that week, I got on "the 405" and headed up to the University of California at Los Angeles to watch the Lady Bears take on the UCLA Bruins at the famous Pauley Pavillion on Wooden Court. Such basketball history was made here by legendary Coach John Wooden. His "Pyramid of Success" is well-known to coaches and administrators alike. It was amazing to see the banners and experience this storied court (at this time the UCLA men are ranked #1 in the country) and of course to watch the Lady Bears take control of the Bruins - a good time was had by all.

Family Time

2006-12-23T08:36:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-29T06:10:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

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!!

2006-11-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

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

2006-10-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

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.