Life, Balance, Love and Stuff

fadebook

2011-02-15T18:27:00.000-08:00

If people can say the world will end in 2012...Then my revelation is that Facebook has started on its way out of it's 15 minutes of fame. It will go the way of the wind. We will realize (me included) that life is meant to be really lived...I have over the last few months, been realizing that life is bigger than a message board....and who is where and what theyre eating for supper. On occasion, as in reading a newspaper--its ok----But in the next 2 years....watch it fade..and to be honest...Im kinda looking forward to it----Fadebook 2013....and we will look back at things we did, or shows we watched, or clothes we wore, and go.."Wow..I cant believe I was doing that"

Snow on the ground--Still thinking Baseball

2011-01-20T20:24:00.000-08:00

Hot Days, Dirt, Grass, Sounds, Hot Dogs, Friends and Family

Constants . . .

2011-01-19T19:32:00.000-08:00

Wow...It's been a long time since I posted. Life has been great and I have been thinking lately about the "Constants" in my life.

Looking back through my entire life--Mine has been my work, my family, my son, my true friends, my God, my growth and the GREAT "Perks" Laughter, Baseball, Football. etc.

In short: "The Constants in our life keep us at a safe distance from Crazy."

Dad wrote this for O'Neals 15th Birthday

2009-10-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

I'm Gonna post this again---If you wonder what kind of Parents I have and what kind of Grandparents O'Neal has---Read this---They are the BEST people I know...

O’Neal Memories

His panicky Dad kept running back and forth, keeping us posted on O’Neal’s entrance into the world. Our wait was rewarded when we looked through the glass. I saw a wide-shouldered newborn with blonde hairs on his arms. The October surprise was here.

Soon we saw piercing blue eyes that caused us to do things for him. My most memorable moment came when first held my arms out to him. He “checked me out” for several moments and decided I was ok. Then he stuck both arms out. I passed inspection and the bonding begun. It’s my most precious memory of O’Neal.

Then words came. He said, “Da Da’ and Joel was thrilled. Then he looked at the doorknob and said, “Da Da”. He later distinguished between the two. Somewhere along the way he named me “Poppy”.

Baby-sitting was regular for Mimmy and I as his Dad tried to “scratch out a living”. Often we rode him around in the car. He preferred it to the rocking chair to induce naps. I pushed him all over the neighborhood in a wheelbarrow. Huge dogs came up and sniffed as he petted them. I gathered rocks so he could throw them in water holes yelling, “Taw!”

An antique Honda 50 sat in the shed. He spied it and begged me to get it out, I told him it hadn’t been started in 15 years. He said, “Just let me sit on it.” Of course I tried to crank it. It started! The faith of a child won. We crowded on it and rode around. Once we had a 10-45. He grabbed a stick and was going to whip the cycle. He sure wasn’t going to blame Poppy.

Next we waded Indian Creek. He learned to fish and enjoy nature. We carried my little Saturday-night-special he liked to shoot. His specialty was skipping rocks. He was a quick study and perfected the country sport. Once he said, “Poppy, you know, rocks are paralyzed.” I’ve never heard a more profound description.

It was thrilling to help his Dad coach early baseball. He shined in minor league, but trouble hitting when kin-folks weren’t pitching. Mimmy and I watched him struggle a few years. At age 13, desire, hard work and ability kicked in. He started hitting the ball hard! I could hardly believe it. At 14 he had the teams highest batting average and was batting 4th as in clean up!

Then football came. I’m thinking he’ll always be just lineman. But he’s a running back now and can move “the rock” downfield when necessary. It’s fantastic how he’s developed.

He’s 15 today and a “tween-ager”: The age between bicycle and cars. Soon he’ll be driving by my house and honking his horn. But I figure he’ll often stop and talk a little. We have a good relationship, don’t you know. He’s living up to his first name, and was baptized recently with his two best friends.

He’s evolved from “Oat-Neal” to “Slo-Neal”(as a hillbilly coach named him before his athleticism kicked in). Now he’s just “O”. When we look at him, we think, “O my goodness!”

Happy 15th, Mr. Christian O’Neal Franks

Older - Young Kids

2009-10-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

Young Kids dont have the market cornered on Funny Stuff--I was talking to O'Neal at Subway after a workout, he said " I can see 4 abs --the other 2 are just trapped"

O'Neal #43---The "Pile Driver" as someone nicknamed him:)

2009-09-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

Had to put this up for O---He loved the live version...

2009-09-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

Great Labor Day

2009-09-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

Had a GREAT day with the family....Surrounded by the finest people I know.

Thought for the day: Everybody don't have to like you---But if you have that circle of family and friends---All is Good.

Looks Like a Great Movie to me . . .

2009-08-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

Romans 5:20

2009-08-19T18:39:00.001-07:00

Where Sin Abounds, Grace Abounds Even More (Romans 5:20)

Although we as believers are no longer to live in sin (Rom. 6:1), to reckon the old man dead (Rom. 6:11), this is a lifetime continual process and will not happen all at once in a believers life (this is the working out of our salvation, should we choose to walk in what God has already given unto you and me). So if we can’t live perfectly every moment of our lives, what are we supposed to do?
Well, fear not. For God has provided a solution. First we know that God has given to us His Son Jesus Christ to make atonement for our souls, no matter how bad we may be, no matter how many wrong things we may have done in our lives. His grace abounds! His blood is perfect!
So what about the everyday screw ups that we all face in life. Well there is good news for us as Children of the Father! It says in Romans 5:20, that where our sin abounds, His grace abounds even more! That’s right! You can not sin out of the grace of God. There is nothing that we can do that He is not able to fix! His grace & love is greater than all and abounds everywhere it is needed. This is why we truly need Him in all that we do. Even the little things in this life, for God is concerned with every little detail of our lives and His love knows no ends. It’s the love of a Father for a Son (see The Love of a Father). So anytime we screw up, we have an advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1) and we can always come to Him with open arms knowing that He will help us through any situation and that He is eager to solve all of life’s problems, even the very little things of life. For He is the True Life, and His grace abounds more than you or I even know! God Bless
P.S. I like the Good Word Translation of this verse. It says
Romans 5:20 “Laws were added to increase the failure. But where sin increased, God’s kindness increased even more.”

Dad's Column

2009-08-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

Slaying Sayings
A lot of old sayings just aren’t true. “I’ll see you later if
the good Lord willing and the creeks don’t rise.” That makes no
sense. If the good Lord is willing, high water won’t be a problem.
He parted the Red Sea! Don’t bring the Creator of water down to
creek level.
“What you don’t know can’t hurt you.” Wrong! Not knowing
the gun was loaded or the wire was hot can kill you. Ignorance
is not always bliss.
“Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words can never
hurt me.” Words can kill and destroy folks. People with hypochondriac
tendencies will go to the doctor if they’re told “You look terrible! Are
you sick?”
Children need to be told “they can” do things. An uncle said
that I’d “never amount to anything”. But Mom had already built up my
immunity to negative thinking. “Two heads are better than one.” That depends on the content of
the heads. “Wisdom comes with age.” This is definitely not an
absolute. Old dummies abound all around.
“Is the glass half-full or half empty?” The answer is simple. The
glass is too big. The top half the glass is just wasted space. “No two
snowflakes are alike.” I contend that there were two just alike. They
had no way of analyzing them all.
“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” That depends on the basket.
I’m convinced that God has a strong basket that will hold all my laid-up
treasures. Being in His basket keeps me from being a basket case.
If you still think I am a basket case, then I’d contend that you might have
problems also. You read this, didn’t you? Ever wonder why?

State Pics '09

2009-07-30T17:12:00.001-07:00

GREAT Story . . .

2009-07-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4107959

Great Stuff . .

2009-07-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

From Dad . . .

2009-07-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

Friendly Fun
There are three kinds of people in the world; Those who watch
fun happen; those who make fun happen, and those who say, “I don’t
get it.” God gave us the ability to create amusement. I love to pull pranks
on folks as long it doesn’t do permanent damage.
A neighbor asked me, “Did you stand my paper on the end?” Now why
would she suspect me? I came to mind before the Sunday newspaper flinger.
It would be kinda like flipping a coin and it land on the edge.
I had already blown my cover. Their neighbor had a sycamore tree. For
years their landscaped yard inherited huge leaves. The tree was cut and they
could now rejoice. Wrong! I special-delivered some to their yard regularly.
I finally confessed.
The other day I was whistling, “ Achy Breaky Heart” over and over.
Margie told me to stop it. I stopped. I’m not hen-pecked, but I’m not
crazy either. I was getting on my own nerves anyway. Like the two guys on
death row and one‘s last request was this song. The other said, “Kill me first!”
Picking on friends is fun and they like the attention. I was joking with
a big guy at work who had short legs. Saying things like, “When he stands
up he doesn’t get a bit taller.” And, “They wouldn’t let him kick the football
in school; he was too close to it.” I was ribbing him once and he said it
bothered him. Not wishing to alienate a friend, I told him I’d stop teasing
him. After a boring silence he said, “You can go back to joking with me now.”
I’m not a “disher-outer and can’t take it” either. I love to be picked on.
I’ll laugh with you. Tell me I’m the ugliest person in the world and I’ll just
agree saying, “You’d better hope nothing happens to me, because you’re
number two.”
Don’t smile too big. What number are you?

Believing in Someone...

2009-07-09T21:55:00.000-07:00

I was thinking earlier about believing in people and especially young people.....I had , what I thought was a good friend, come to my house--stand in my doorway--and tell me 2 years ago that my son would never be a good ball player and especially a good hitter---he said he just didnt have what it takes....when he said it --it bothered me ---not because Oneal was good--he wasnt the best--but I saw potential and this person just saw nothing---Come to find out he was a very selfish person..and still is---After he said that ---I told Oneal what was said about him..and it motivated him and I told him ---"I BELIEVED IN HIM"...he started working hard---he hit probably around 700 percent that next year...and this year--the last few stats are around 850....everytime I hear those statistics from coaches--I think about that person who didnt see potential...I dont hate him....But I dont have any use for him or his thinking...I dont want me or my son around him...and we are not .....I didnt tell ONeal who said it until after the season he hit 700----I wanted him to know to surround himself with good people and stay clear of the bad--I lost any respect for that person and O did too....so surround yourself with positive people who see you your potential ---Not where you may be at the time...and make sure you believe in people...that may be the only positive things they hear in their life....Help them, believe in them, and make sure they know the right way to treat people---'Nuff said...

From Dad---about my Sis

2009-07-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

The Real Deal

I never wanted to raise an only child. I’m living proof of what can

happen. I met Margie and we soon met the Lord and invited him Him to

live with us. He advised us to multiply and kept us from dividing.

We were blessed with a son and a daughter.

I wrote about the son recently so now it’s equal time time. Our daughter

completed our happy home. She was a contented child even sitting in

church or lying under the pew. Our church was the active kind. Once an

evangelist go so excited about Jesus that he did a Michael Jordan leap.

Amy, about three, said, “Did you see him jump!” We weren’t in the cheap

seats; we were right up front.

One night she said, “The moon’s still on!” (like as if it had a switch.)

She was happy just making “gravel mountains” in our driveway. Later

with a slight pout, she took my sports car. It was for the best and helped

me though the man version of mid-life crisis, mental-pause.

She married Jim Forakis, a Greek preacher. He took her far away but

they came back, and brought more with them! As a teenager she

held a friend’s newborn son and said, “I’d like to have one of these little

fellers.” God granted her wish threefold. Now they’re not little and running

her ragged. She’s a football, soccer, karate, baseball, and band Mom. She

drives to and fro because they have to go.

Joel, Amy’s brother, almost convinced her as a child that she was adopted.

But she has my goofy walk to disprove that. She’s the real deal. Daddy’s

little girl is now a Christian lady. She’s beautiful and perfect in every way

except maybe the walk, and God figured she could handle that.

At least she’s headed in the right direction.

Florida and Friends...

2009-07-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

Proud...

2009-07-04T20:26:00.001-07:00

Thanks

2009-06-23T05:16:00.000-07:00

To Everyone....For being there....It is truly appreciated...

To Dad....

2009-06-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

“A father's words are like a thermostat that sets the temperature in the house”

Dad...You always and countinue to be the best....I appreciate you and love you.

DI

Learned it in Sunday School---Still Working Today...

2009-06-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

From Dad...

2009-06-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

Like God

I know quite a bit about God. I’m not the sagest person around, but I’ve read His Book and ciphered a few things. It’s just common sense and faith. God said that He created us in His Image. I believe we are exactly like Him except for our sinful nature. That’s His words, not mine.

God gets upset, has moods, and feelings like us. The Bible says after He Creating all our wonderful surroundings and us, he rested the seventh day. He stopped to look over what he did. He said to Himself, “I sure did a good job!”

I know how He feels. I’ve done a few good jobs. I put new wheel on an

old wheelbarrow once. I was so proud of it that I made the whole family push it. We just work on a smaller scale. I can mow the yard and admire my work. It must be really wonderful for Him to sit on His throne and make tomatoes grow.

He has had second thought about creating us. He was going to “rub us out” once but our man Moses talked Him out of it. I’m sure many times He’s

looked down on old sinful us and declare, “Oh my, what was I thinking?”

Then we tell Him how sorry we are for the way we acted and He softens up and forgives us.

It’s like us and our children. They “do their own thing” and break our hearts. Secretly we say, “Why, oh why did I have kids?” Then they apologize and being like God, we forgive them.

I like pretty things and love people. I take after my Father.

"You can't fix Stupid"

2009-06-08T21:41:00.000-07:00

Back to Photograpahy...

2009-06-05T18:18:00.001-07:00

Just finished a photo shoot for a friend of mines lil girl---She is a singer---looking to go to Nashville----They turned out pretty well...

From Dad

2009-06-04T14:30:00.001-07:00

Then and Now

“Then and now” are very different. I remember when a “hard drive” was a mule that wouldn’t mind. A “micro-wave” was a shy, red-faced girl sneaking a small wave to a lanky boy in bib overalls.

My dad had an honorable profession, a share-cropper. He was a mild-mannered fellow who wouldn’t ring a chicken’s neck. Mom had to do that. He petted his mules so much that they got fat and sassy. They felt so good that he had discipline problems.

I was a good boy (I’m writing this like I want to) and didn’t require daddy whippings. Mama’s peach tree limb was sufficient. One old boy said his

dad only hit him one time and that was with a Buick. I stayed clear of the mules.

Being an only child I had it made, as in “spoiled rotten”. I picked my favorite piece of golden fried squirrel or chicken. I tell folks that I was raised on pulley bones. Country-cured meat was hanging in the smokehouse. The evening treat was popcorn cooked in the wire popper over the fireplace. Greasy peanuts cooked in an old iron skillet made a great side-order. Clean Country Music from the Grand Old Opry completed a perfect evening.

Then we moved to the big city of Savannah. We no longer had to blow out the lamp at bedtime. We had magic lights with a wall turn-on. No fireplace, just a wood heater. Dad would open the door and cook the popcorn “uptown”.

“Now”, with all its conveniences is ok, but “then” was great. Some things aren’t nearly as good. Like my late friend, Jack Tucker, said, “I used to have to eat country ham, and now I can eat bologna.” Is that a big improvement?

Now and then, I like to think about “then and now”. God sure blessed us.

I miss my Dad.

Classic Comedy....

2009-05-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks...

2009-05-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

Mom....I love you..you are the best....

Reach Down

2009-05-09T06:26:00.000-07:00

“One of the beautiful things about baseball is that every once in a while you come into a situation where you want to, and where you have to, reach down and prove something.” Nolan Ryan

National Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Prayer has comforted us in sorrow and will help strengthen us for the journey ahead.”
George W. Bush

Indian Creek --Dad took this pic this morning....

2009-04-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

From Dad

2009-04-26T05:39:00.000-07:00

A Mother’s Love
I like the Paul Simon song, “Mama Loves Me Like a Rock”.
My mother loved me “like a rock” and rocked me in the rocking chair.
We who have loving mothers have a big advantage. We’re energized
by the love and encouragement they gave us.
Mama took care of me. Once “drawing names for Christmas” failed
and I got no gift. Thereafter I got two. Mama always brought an extra
gift. She didn’t want “her little boy” left out again.
She dressed, looked and acted like a lady. The only time I saw her in overalls was when she picked blackberries. I believe the Lord understood that she wasn’t doing that to wear “what pretaineth to a man”. She never sunbathed and embarrassed me in front of my friends. They sure liked her cooking though.
She was the first to help me with my insecurity. Dad loved me but had a lack of confidence in my capabilities. I never had a tricycle(pore thing), but Mom insisted I get a bicycle. Dad said, “He’ll never learn to ride it.” Mom talked back this time saying, “You’re crazy!”
I rode that bike every which way, even backwards. I did have a shaky
start. I’d lean it against the house and push along to get started. Every
time I’d fall over, I’d have to go back home. After awhile I could run
along and jump on that Western Flyer like Roy Rogers on Trigger. .
I was born backwards at home. Mom and I both almost died. But
to mention something like abortion would have horrified her. We would have both just died and went to Heaven. There’s no way under the sun
she would have thought about killing me. We’d already been going to
church together for nine months. Then we were separated at birth and she
became my Sunday School teacher. Happy Mothers Day from a happy son.

From Dad

2009-04-21T04:16:00.001-07:00

Wishing or Depending?

I woke up feeling kinda "porely" this A.M.
I never yeild to weakness unless I'm completely
incapacitated. "Fighting the good fight of faith"
has been a working solution for me."
I've read the Bible, meditated, and have the Christian
music cranked up. I just walked outside and saw the
only two lights left in the sky; a fraction of a moon and
(Glory to God!!) the Morning Star.
Automatically I said, "This is the day that the Lord has
made. I WILL rejoice and be glad in it!"

Now here's the God-given message:

Scripture: Revelation 22:16 "I am the root and the
offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."

I'm glad I found out that Jesus is The Morning
Star. Being an early riser I have been so blessed many
times over the years. The Morning Star is unique: It stays
with us until the sun comes up. All the other stars, like the
worldly stars that people worship, fade away.

Here's the Morning Star inspired thought. While the world is wishing on stars,
we look to The One we can depend on.

Are you wishing or depending?
"Look up for your redemption draweth nigh"

God "put me up" to passing this on so's yall can be
convicted or blessed.
I'm feeling better! I.P. Max

Great Easter...

2009-04-12T18:37:00.000-07:00

O'Neal had a great weekend....

2009-04-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

Still an INCREDIBLE Story ...

2009-04-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

From Dad

2009-03-27T05:48:00.000-07:00

A fish Named Bob

A large portion my retirement time has been invested in family. It’s much more rewarding than being selfish. But you could say I’m selfish. I just love the feeling I get from bonding with my Grandsons.

We’ve built wonderful memories. Margie and I like being a part of their energetic youth. We’re the most faithful grandparents at their ball games. My impulsive emotions are heard from the stands. Margie is a little embarrassed occasionally, but I’d pout if she stopped me.

Spring break is a biggie. We take the boys to Pickwick for “skipjacking”. These are bait fish and not edible. They sure are fun to catch though. It’s exciting to reel them in while they dance on their tail. It must be kosher because Bill Dance fished along side us once.

The annual trip was a success. “I got one, Poppy!” is music to my old
ears. They keep track of the number. One stopped at 22 because it was his
baseball jersey number.

The youngest had other plans. He caught one and put it in a bucket. He named him Bob. Then he got another one and said it was “Bob’s cousin”.

One older brother pleaded with him to turn them loose. “They’re gonna
die!” He exclaimed. Reluctantly he put them back.

I spent most of the time tying on baits, etc. My number 2 grandson smiled when I told him, “I’m getting concerned about myself, I’m beginning enjoy this.”

The day was concluded with buffet pizza. They eat slices like finger foods. It’s getting harder ever year. Zapped Margie and I sat down with tired, aching bodies. I mustered up some “I love my Grandsons” energy and said, “I’d like to do it again

My Favorite Baseball Player . . .

2009-03-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

Trainers . .

2009-03-04T04:26:00.000-08:00

O'Neal Trainers every week...Chad Harville--Pitcher 2nd round draft pick....Adam Milligan- 6th round Draft pick...Stubby Clapp--Team Canada--Bejing Olympics

This is who has been training O'Neal . . .Tune in to watch one of the BEST...

2009-02-11T16:02:00.000-08:00

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090206&content_id=3805816

From Dad . . .

2009-01-24T06:54:00.000-08:00

Powerful Influence

I give God credit for reforming me, but some of his servants have helped me along. Buck Petty knew me before and didn’t fuss at me for sinning. Later he did say, “I’m glad you got saved and quit wrecking all those cars.” He was a body shop man; one of the best, and he’s still painting cars at age 82. He helped me become a Christian by acting like one. He was always grinning like he knew someone “in high places”.

A good musician, he taught me guitar. He was on the “Bluegrass Highway” with our singing group a few years playing mandolin. He said, “We’ll make their hair stand up and then make it lay back down.” He didn’t sing and he said, “I lost my voice crying after the doorknob when I was little. I thought it was a biscuit!” (Those old white ones).

He grew up in poverty. There were 12 in his family and he said, “There’s
not 12 pieces in a rabbit.” He grinned, “We had one old dog, but he had to make his own living. But he helped us out; when he caught a rabbit, we’d take it away from him.”

Don’t talk “hard times” with him. It proves embarrassing. One local quipped, “Yeah, we used to see the chickens through the cracks in the floor.”
Buck said, “We didn’t have any chickens!” It’s amusing to talk about the “good old days” now, but it wasn’t funny at the time.

He’s a faithful father and husband to his wife, Barbara, and has smiling children and grandchildren throughout the area. A regular at church, he went to Sunday School for 26 years without missing a day.

At the sunset of our earthly journey, we talk about going to Heaven a lot.

He says he wants us to go together. We’ll see, but one thing for sure, I wouldn’t mind riding with him.

FINALLY.....

2009-01-20T20:25:00.000-08:00

“Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence.”

Incredible

2009-01-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

This Producer traveled all over the world and recorded street musicians separately --then put their music together to raise money for underprivileged areas---It is fantastic..

From Dad...

2009-01-02T13:11:00.000-08:00

My Wonderful Life
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a movie that I don’t care for. It’s because I’ve have a lot better life than “George”. Many of you like it because of the family atmosphere. Margie loves it. It’s pretty wholesome, but why did they take Champaign on their honeymoon. I’m thinking, “What for? I’d rather be sober!”
I’ve had a better life than 99% of all the people in history. Most of you have too. Only 8% of the world own vehicles. I’ve had as many as four in my yard during teenagers. We have indoor plumbing, electricity and all kinds of touch control conveniences. If you don’t think you’re blessed, better think again.
On top of all these blessing, I found something almost too good to be true, but it is. The Lord has got an even better deal. He moved in with me and showed what living was all about. He even let’s little ol me represent Him. He and I have done all kinds of wonderful things together.
I really love our latest endeavor, ministering in nursing homes. I cheer them up and we sing old hymns. The Lord always sees to it that I really enjoy it. It’s His “get back what you give” rule. I share my Merry Heart and get a big return. I’ll tell you one.
One of my “church members” in a nursing home called me on Christmas Eve. He wanted me to sing, “Pretty Paper” by Willie Nelson. I went on my Lord’s Birthday and sang if for him.
I thought he might need more than “Pretty Paper and Ribbons of Blue”. I shared God’s plan of salvation with him and he received it. All the way back home I laughed thinking, “‘Pretty Paper’ sure is a strange alter call song.”

Happy New Year....

2008-12-31T22:12:00.000-08:00

Here's to a Great Family, a Great Son, Great Friends----and a Great 2009...

Christmas UFC---

2008-12-28T20:50:00.000-08:00

Some of my best friends--Been there a long time--through thick and thin and every sport imaginable...(And also a couple of very sweet Junior High Girlfriends --Cade's and O'Neal's)

Great Night....

Christmas Eve '08

2008-12-24T18:24:00.001-08:00

Yes...It's True

2008-12-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

2 Minutes Worth

2008-12-18T19:53:00.000-08:00

Go Tell It . . .

2008-12-12T11:13:00.000-08:00

Family Christmas

2008-12-10T09:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas...

2008-12-08T18:02:00.000-08:00

The Fighter----From Dad

2008-12-06T05:59:00.000-08:00

The Fighter Remains
“In the clearing stands a boxer by trade, and he carries a reminder of every blow that laid him down or cut him ‘til he cried out in anger and his shame-but the fighter remains.” This is from a Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel song about a boxer on the streets of New York. “The Fighter Remains” is my New Year’s invitation to Father Time.
“Just come on, 2009!” We’ll meet you head on. One day at a time we will demolish you like we did your predecessor. “Another one bites the dust!” We took him apart piece by piece. Twelve times we tore pages from the calendar. I feel like a pro now. 67 times I’ve won. I was born in March 1941. The Japanese missed me by bombing the wrong side of the world.
Come on, Mr. 2009! We’ll spar with you. You may hurt us, but through tears and pain we’ll manage a smile. Our tired aching bodies will drag home. But next morning we’ll be there and you will have one less round of ammo. Another day is gone and your arsenal decreases. “Fighters Remain”.
Don’t forget, 2009, what happened to your ancestors. They gave us scars, but they’re history. We don’t figure you’re much tougher. More wars, tornadoes and earthquakes? What do you have in mind? We wonder, but we aren’t scared of you. We’re older and slower, but we’ll keep coming at you. We march forward. You leave us no choice. We will have joy because we have A Source other than circumstances.
I realize, 2009, that you have no feelings for us. I just felt a need to talk to you. Don’t try anything funny now; I’ll tend to that. We will destroy part of you with laughter. We have some tough “cookies”. Your Father, Time, put some in wheel chairs, but they still smile.
You’re not so tough, brand new 2009. We challenge you to 365 rounds. We are the people, fighters, pros. We’ve been trained by The Best. You’d better get us while you can ‘cause I read in the #1 Best Seller that one-day “time shall be no more.” You’re on your way out, Big Boy! Hey! I’m talking to you, 2009!
You say,“I’ll kill you for that!” That was tried on The Man in the year 0 and he’s still alive. He passed His secret on to us. So there! “The Fighter Remains!"

Fly a Little . . .

2008-12-02T14:40:00.001-08:00

Joseph

2008-12-01T15:16:00.000-08:00

He cant do it without rocking back and forth...Great Kid...

Best Christmas Prayer EVER . . .

2008-11-28T17:15:00.000-08:00

Bad Day For the Titans...Great Day at the Stadium..Plus FAVRE was in Town...

2008-11-23T17:25:00.000-08:00

OK ..This Really Bothers Me . . .

2008-11-20T19:16:00.001-08:00

AL Gore has made a very comfortable living and even won a Nobel Prize for his work in "WHAT"...Running around saying "The Sky IS Falling"...You continue to be in the news and love the attention when it could be given to people who are actually helping other people. There are tons of people making someones life here better on a day to day basis that deserve a lot of credit...All the things that you report such as Mudslides, Rain, Warmer Winters, Hot Summers, have been happening on and off for a very long time---its fluctuation---and it is completely the way Nature works...

Yes the Earth is changing, and it has been shifting and moving and sliding and heating and cooling for a lot longer than you have statistics for...You really want to change the world...Work on the broken people and families and their hearts...you change that---and our planet will be much better...no matter what weather shows up...

Thats my opinion ---Here is a link to his site...You decide for yourself...

http://blog.algore.com/2008/11/looking_back_to_look_forward.html

Man--The dude can play

2008-11-19T06:19:00.000-08:00

Long May You Wave . . .

2008-11-12T14:31:00.001-08:00

Thank You . . .

2008-11-11T04:13:00.000-08:00

Always my Favorite...

2008-11-10T15:31:00.000-08:00

From Dad . . .

2008-11-09T14:49:00.000-08:00

No Bumper Sticker

“My Child is an “Honor Student”. Doesn’t that “make your day” when you see one on a bumper. (Yeah right). I can’t mention that my Grandsons are honor students or I’d be like them. Attitude and education is a terribly mix. A lot of A students end up working for a C average bosses.

We teach them to do what they desire. Ancestors shouldn’t push youngsters to do what they want. Folks wanted Jesus to be a carpenter like his step-dad. He may have built a table but He moved on to bigger construction. I’m glad! I was a very needy. He did an “Extreme Makeover” on me. The rest is about Grandsons in case you want to stop reading.

# 1 Grandson, Joshua, was a good football player. He dropped out, broke his Dad’s heart and still has both kneecaps in front. He took up guitar is going to accompany his Mom in a Church Christmas song.

#2 O’Neal, the blue-eyed boy who’s had struggles, is making his move. He disciplined himself and is excelling in sports, school and personality. He debates teachers on issues like abortion. He’s pro-life like his family. That’s why he’s here.

#3 Demetrius, is our trumpet man. He livens up the neighborhood practicing on the front porch after school. Dogs howl and the neighbors say he’s getting better. Porch puckering and hard work is getting him a Kentucky trip with the Junior High Honor Band. Maybe I could get a bumper sticker. (Just kidding)

#4 Joseph, is the 7-year-old “Master” Soccer player. His Dad coach let him pray for the team the first of the season. He told the Lord he wanted to win every game and all get trophies. They left the final game with their first place trophies. We’ll wait awhile before we teach him not to pray to win.

Thanks for reading and I’ll listen if you want to tell me about your grandchildren.

Father, Son

2008-11-07T06:24:00.000-08:00

Father, son
Locked as one
In this empty room
Spine against spine
Yours against mine
Till the warmth comes through

Remember the breakwaters down by the waves
I first found my courage
Knowing daddy could save
I could hold back the tide
With my dad by my side

Dogs, plows and bows
We move through each pose
Struggling in our separate ways
Mantras and hymns
Unfolding limbs
Looking for release through the pain

And the yogi's eyes are open
Looking up above
He too is dreaming of his daddy's love
With his dad by his side
Got his dad by his side

Can you recall
How you took me to school
We couldn't talk much at all
It's been so many years
And now these tears
Guess I'm still your child

Out on the moors
We take a pause
See how far we have come
You're moving quite slow
How far can we go
Father and son

With my dad by my side
With my dad by my side
Got my dad by my side
With me

Time to get Political....Again

2008-11-06T16:05:00.000-08:00

You know where I stood on the candidate I thought was best suited for the Presidential job...It seems like all I hear on the news lately is not what to expect or congratulations on winning, but race, race and more race. Maybe I live in a bubble or maybe it was the way I was raised. My Parents taught me people are people no matter what they look like...and my son is learning the same thing from me...There is no color--just what people stand for.

The only "Race" involved in my mind lately was the race for President. I have absolutely NO PROBLEM whatsoever with an African-American being President--Just like I have no problem with a woman, Chinese American or whomever being President---But I do think it was the wrong "First African-American President".

I never looked at Obama as anything but a candidate--I listened to his thoughts, debates, values--and decided he and I did not agree on some very important issues...If no other --The Pro-Choice stance.

I didn't agree with Clinton...I didn't agree with Gore..I didn't agree with Kerry...and they were definitely "Caucasian"...so dont ever throw that "Race" thing at me---you are more than welcome to throw that"Value" thing at me.

Now on to being an American....President-Elect Obama...you are about to be my Leader and Commander-in-Chief for the next few years...we may not agree on issues---But I am an American and very proud of this country. I will pray that good decisions are made and pray that you are guided with wisdom in all aspects of leading the greatest nation in the world....so all I can say-work hard and make us as U.S. citizens proud....

Time to get Political . . .

2008-11-04T04:09:00.001-08:00

This is where I stand...I believe that the "other" candidate is very dangerous to the fiber of America...I dont know if McCain/Palin can pull off the election...but I am deeply concerned what direction this great country will take if his opponent wins the election...I hope that the people of the U.S. will understand that there are too many unknowns about Obama....we just dont know what he would do if elected....All presidents make decisions and all presidents make mistakes...but some mistakes are much worse than others...

Paul Bunyan...O'Neal using his Great-Grandaddy's Axe..

2008-11-02T19:08:00.001-08:00

Very Cool...

2008-10-31T21:39:00.000-07:00

Well--We worked with the Hardin County Tourism tonight ---Downtown---Kids, candy and we set up the projector and a sound system and after dark--we all sat around in lawn chairs and watched this Movie...It was a great Wholesome Family time.. Just like what I saw at Seaside in Florida..Very cool...

Target>>>

2008-10-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

This ad campaign for Target Stores from a few years back is hilarious--Gets me laughing every-time...Simple and Effective

My Favorite Song...

2008-10-28T17:33:00.001-07:00

I cant remember if I have put this on my blog before...But this is my all time favorite song....Clapton is so smooth on guitar --and Sting nails the vocals...I have always considered this to be the one I would want played at my funeral...

Lyrics:

If the night turned cold and the stars looked down
And you hug yourself on the cold cold ground.
You wake the morning in a stranger's coat,No one would you see.
You ask yourself, who'd watch for me?
My only friend, who could it be?
It's hard to say it, I hate to say it, but it's probably me.

When your belly's empty and the hunger's so real
And you're too proud to beg and too dumb to steal,
You search the city for your only friend,No one would you see.
You ask yourself, who'd watch for me?
A solitary voice to speak out and set me free.
I hate to say it, I hate to say it, but it's probably me.

You're not the easiest person I ever got to know
And it's hard for us both to let our feelings show.
Some would say I should let you go your way,You'll only make me cry.
But if there's one guy, just one guy
Who'd lay down his life for you and die,
I hate to say it, I hate to say it, but it's probably me.

When the world's gone crazy and it makes no sense
And there's only one voice that comes to your defense.
The jury's out and your eyes search the room
And one friendly face is all you need to see.
And if there's one guy, just one guy
Who'd lay down his life for you and die,
I hate to say it, I hate to say it, but it's probably me.
I hate to say it, I hate to say it, but it's probably me...

Washed By the Water...

2008-10-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

GREAT commercial....

2008-10-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

I'm Back...and I only have a few things to say...

2008-10-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

"Four things let us ever keep in mind: God hears prayer, God heeds prayer, God answers prayer, and God delivers by prayer." E. M. Bounds

God shapes the world by prayer. The more prayer there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces of against evil …” E.M. Bounds

“Prayer is where the action is." John Wesley

Last Game for Hardin County Tigers...

2008-10-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

Great Year....

Beat 'em like a Drum...

2008-09-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

There is one rivalry here--Adamsville...O'Neal and the boys played the best game of their season....and yes we spanked 'em ( and so did my nephew Demetri and the 7th grade team)---they had been talking smack all week about how we couldn't beat them---The Boys were fired up...and left it all on the field...

2008-09-25T09:54:00.001-07:00

“When life knocks you down, try to land on your back. Because if you can look up, you can get up. Let your reason get you back up.”

Powerful Quote from a great movie --"The Patriot"

2008-09-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

I have long feared that my sins would return to visit me, and the cost would be more than I could bear.

Benjamin Martin

Good Stuff

2008-09-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

Call on God
"In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me."
Psalm 86:7
COMMENTS: I am never alone. I never have reason to despair. I do not have to depend entirely on my own devices. God is right here with me. I only have to speak and He hears me. I only have to whisper and He is hearing what I say.
God is my strength. He is my comforter. He is my wisdom. He is my daddy. He is always by my side. If I am feeling sad or alone I just have to rest in His unconditional love for me. I can rest in His arms and know that I am not alone. He cares about every single thing in my life. Like I said, He is my daddy.
He wants to do the same for you. Do I need to say any more?

Big Day Yesterday--Joseph was Baptized....

2008-09-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

Celebrating My Birthday one day early --and definitely showing my age...

2008-09-20T09:26:00.001-07:00

Do you remember the 21st night of september?
Love was changing the minds of pretenders
While chasing the clouds away
Our hearts were ringing
In the key that our souls were singing.
As we danced in the night,
Remember how the stars stole the night away

Ba de ya - say do you remember
Ba de ya - dancing in september
Ba de ya - never was a cloudy day

My thoughts are with you
Holding hands with your heart to see you
Only blue talk and love,
Remember how we knew love was here to stay
Now december found the love that we shared in september.
Only blue talk and love,
Remember the true love we share today

Ba de ya - say do you remember
Ba de ya - dancing in september
Ba de ya - never was a cloudy day
Ba de ya - say do you remember
Ba de ya - dancing in september
Ba de ya - golden dreams were shiny days

Virgin Gordo . . .

2008-09-18T19:57:00.001-07:00

Life sometimes hits a peaceful spot--where things are exactly like my trip last year to the British Virgin Islands---to quote our guide, Pedro..."No Worries". I sat on the deck of the sailboat at night and looked up at the stars and was absolutely amazed...from horizon to horizon...stars as bright at street lights...and just talked to God...and you know what ...He listens...and I did too...
These are a couple of about 200 great pics from the trip---

Definition of Faith

2008-09-18T05:43:00.001-07:00

“When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, Faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly”
Patrick Overton

Beckham Jr...

2008-09-18T05:43:00.000-07:00

We are definitely a Sports family---now Joseph, the youngest one, has his own---He is the only Soccer player in the family...Cant wait to watch his first game....

Daily Prayer Guide

2008-09-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

I have been using this, from a book my sister gave me "Lists to Live By"

It's Easy and covers everything---One a day...

A Parents Daily Prayer Guide:

Monday:
Ask God to place a protective, solid hedge around your children.

Tuesday:
Pray that your children will use Godly wisdom in selecting friends and peers who will make a positive difference in their lives.

Wednesday:
Pray that your children would stay pure in their thoughts and deeds.

Thursday:
Pray they will be caught if they wander into cheating, lies or mischief.

Friday:
Pray they will be alert and thinking clearly as they attend school and extracurricular activities, and as they take exams.

Saturday:
Pray for the spouse each child will marry someday.

Sunday:
Ask God to help them live their lives for Him.

Looking Forward to this one---

2008-09-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

I love a good Western..and this one looks Great...

Tigers win Again--2nd Home Game--12-6

2008-09-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

Good Love..

2008-09-12T03:55:00.000-07:00

His live DVD is great --been listening to it for 2 weeks

2008-09-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

First Home Game--Tigers 20 - 8

2008-09-09T19:59:00.001-07:00

Oneal # 58---Great Game---Starting Right Guard

Our Choir did this song yesterday---On of my all time favorites

2008-09-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Grandparents Day

2008-09-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

To the best--Mimmy and Poppy...

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. ~Jane Howard

The best VP candidate I've ever seen . . .

2008-09-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

Wow...She did Fantastic...and will be a great VP...Here is a portion of her speech---

Labor Day Family

2008-09-02T17:47:00.001-07:00

From Dad . . .

2008-09-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

Help from the Word
I was having a hard time dealing with a problem. My Merry Heart was becoming discouraged.Then I remembered this scripture: 1st Thessalonians: 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you
If I'm in the will of God like I'm supposed to be, then everything that happens to me is for His Divine purpose. The scripture seems to have healed me.
I shall not forget it. I made copies and have them stuck on my puter, TV. fridge, and a wall or two.

I'm even thankful for that little old dog that barks at Margie and I when we walk every morning. It must be for a purpose.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to his purpose.

I know that I love God. I believe Him when he says He's working things out for my ultimate good.

May this will help some of you Christians. If you aren't serving Him you are automatically out his will. It is not his will that any should perish.
2nd Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

No Matter What Happens

2008-09-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."Matthew 7:25
No matter how hard the rain (pain, disappointments, frustrations, etc.) descends...no matter how high the floods (disaster, distress, unbearable burdens, devastating illness, etc.) rise... no matter how hard the winds (job loss, wayward children, financial problems, etc.) blow... if you are standing on the Rock (have total faith in God) then you will barely be moved. You may dip and sway a bit, but you will still remain standing.
God knows what we are going through and He is capable of handling everything. He can make it go away altogether, He can use it for His purposes, or He can carry us through. We just have to allow Him to have His way and know that He is right by our side.
How can we get to the point of trusting Him that completely? We have to know Him. We have to experience Him on a day-to-day basis in our good times. We have to allow Him to be a part of our hearts and minds so that, when rough times come, we don't start "looking for Him". If we don't have that personal relationship with Him then we are likely to thrash about in our flesh trying to solve our problems instead of just turning to Him for what to do.
He is our Rock. He cannot be moved. No matter how bad of a trial we are experiencing, no matter how out of control the world seems, NO MATTER WHAT... He is the Solid Rock. He is available and willing to be our Rock. Why would we choose anything else? I know that my feet are on the Rock. Even when it is too dark to see, even when the flood waters are up to my knees, even when my legs are numb... I know, that I know, that I know the Rock is still under my feet.
I encourage you to take hold of that reality and become a part of that Rock. You can stand tall and strong in the midst of disaster. It is truly amazing to feel that power, peace, joy, and wisdom bubbling up through you when everyone else is crumbling to the ground and falling apart.

A rebuttal video for my Pastor...

2008-08-26T16:11:00.000-07:00

What conference is Ohio State in...?????Oh yeah ..I remember ---not the toughest...

From Dad...

2008-08-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

A LIft Up
I found a dry fly in the drive. He was lifeless and lying on it's back. I thought it might go well in a Grandson's science class. II picked him up and turned him over. His "gills" started moving. I pitched it up in the air and it never looked back, flying off in the wild blue yonder.
So much for the science project.

Everything's a sermon, if not, we need to stay away from it. I'm thinking of the many people in the world lying on their backs in many ways. Sickness, family and financial problems, etc. We need to pick them up while there's still life in them..

Sometimes we all need a lift to get back to soaring again. The Bible says, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles." Isaiah 40:31

It's our job as Christian to help others up. "Waiting on the Lord" involves us. He gave us the job. Jesus said, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

John 14:1. The word term, "greater" must mean in number. There are a bunch of needs and a lot of us Christians with power to help.

If we are able to help someone soar again, I can guarantee you there is no better feeling.
Your internet Pastor....Max

Im Back

2008-08-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you go through tough places in life....I really didnt want to blog the last few days...I needed to focus..and guess what---it all worked out--just perfect...Somebody is definitely looking out for me...Lots more to come...

“If you wait to do everything until you're sure it's right, you'll probably never do much of anything.”
Win Borden

2008-08-13T05:03:00.000-07:00

#58

2008-08-11T05:55:00.000-07:00