Here is the 2009 Sooner Football Schedule:
Sept 5 BYU*
Sept 12 Idaho State
Sept 19 Tulsa
Oct 3 Miami*
Oct 10 Baylor
Oct 17 Texas*
Oct 24 Kansas*
Oct 31 Kansas State
Nov 7 Nebraska*
Nov 14 Texas A&M
Nov 21 Texas Tech*
Nov 28 Oklahoma State
Jan 9 National Championship
*denotes game away from Norman.
BOOMER SOONER, baby!
NB: Idaho State???????
Friday, August 28, 2009
A Word of Caution
Recently, while serving as the security guy at church camp, I had a police officer man the security hut for a while. We ended up chatting the whole time he had signed up to volunteer for that hour of service. He told me many police stories, some funny; others sad.
One thing he did tell me however, really startled me.
He said that with the new Sex Offender Laws, if you are arrested for urinating in public, you will become a registered sex offender!
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!
He said generally police officers are extremely reluctant to actually arrest anyone for that now, because it will literally ruin their lives! He said that there are some hard-nosed cops, however, that are zealous at it.
He went on to say that the biggest offender of this "code" is women!!!!
His advice: wait until you find a bathroom; it may just ruin your life if you don't!
(truth is stranger than fiction)
One thing he did tell me however, really startled me.
He said that with the new Sex Offender Laws, if you are arrested for urinating in public, you will become a registered sex offender!
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!
He said generally police officers are extremely reluctant to actually arrest anyone for that now, because it will literally ruin their lives! He said that there are some hard-nosed cops, however, that are zealous at it.
He went on to say that the biggest offender of this "code" is women!!!!
His advice: wait until you find a bathroom; it may just ruin your life if you don't!
(truth is stranger than fiction)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The WebBanner Picture above
By the way, the picture at the top of the website is the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. I was able to visit there 5 years ago. This is the traditional home of the Dali Lama, at least until he was forced to flee for his life back in the 1950's, when China annexed Tibet and made it part of their nation.
This is one of my favorite photographs I have ever taken and wanted to share it with you.
This is one of my favorite photographs I have ever taken and wanted to share it with you.
I'm Back
Yes, I'm back.
I'm not "new and improved".
I'm not even "full strength".
But, I AM back!
After having had pneumonia for a month, I am back to about 90% of what I call normal. I am still taking some steroids (we can blame my 'bulkiness' on that!) and I still run out of breath rather easily. My coughing spells have diminished significantly and I feel almost "good".
My grandmother now has double pneumonia, but her heart tests came back good yesterday. Mom said she will be in the hospital for a couple more days. I'm going to try to go see her this afternoon.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers!
I'm not "new and improved".
I'm not even "full strength".
But, I AM back!
After having had pneumonia for a month, I am back to about 90% of what I call normal. I am still taking some steroids (we can blame my 'bulkiness' on that!) and I still run out of breath rather easily. My coughing spells have diminished significantly and I feel almost "good".
My grandmother now has double pneumonia, but her heart tests came back good yesterday. Mom said she will be in the hospital for a couple more days. I'm going to try to go see her this afternoon.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
"Uncle Zeb" dead at 78
To those outside of NE OK, this story won't mean much to you, but Carl "Zeb" Bartholomew passed away this week. He was 78.
For 10 years, Uncle Zeb thrilled pre-school and elementary school aged children on KTUL-TV Channel 8, the local ABC affiliate, with "Uncle Zeb's Cartoon Camp". Uncle Zeb was supposedly the uncle of the show's precursor, "Mr. Zing and Tuffy". He was loved by children and I still have fond memories of watching his show.
My sister met Mr. Bartholomew many years ago when she was working for the March of Dimes. She said that she walked in his office and lost her professional demeanor when she realized who he was. She said, "Hey! You're Uncle Zeb!" (or something like that)
We'll be lookin' for ya, Uncle Zeb!
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Another Pneumonia Update
Well, I guess I over-did it last Sunday. I went back to the doctor yesterday and was told that if I didn't give my body time to heal, I'd get to visit a hospital for a week or so. SOOOO, with that in mind, I've taken a week off to heal. I've gotten someone to preach for me on Sunday, someone to teach my Sunday School class, and someone to print the bulletins for this Sunday.
When I went back to the doctor, I was still running a fever of 100 degrees. I was given a second round of antibiotics, another inhaler, and some cough syrup (with codeine!) I'm also taking Mucinex to get rid of the chest congestion.
I learned two things yesterday: it's gonna take me a whole month before I start feeling normal again (whatever "normal" is) and summer pneumonia is occurring in greater numbers this summer (along with other bronchial disorders) than in any other time in recent memory). My doctor told me that they expect some sort of a notice from the CDC or at least the Oklahoma Health Department any day now!
With all that said, I'm sitting in my La-Z-Boy, watching the girls play "Guitar Hero" on Wii, catching up on a little blogging and some reading. I'm afraid it's going to be a very long week. It was very interesting, however, to hear the doctor say, "If you really care about your congregation, you'll put yourself "first" right now. You won't be any good to them if you end up in the hospital with a relapse!"
OK, ok, I'll take it easy.
When I went back to the doctor, I was still running a fever of 100 degrees. I was given a second round of antibiotics, another inhaler, and some cough syrup (with codeine!) I'm also taking Mucinex to get rid of the chest congestion.
I learned two things yesterday: it's gonna take me a whole month before I start feeling normal again (whatever "normal" is) and summer pneumonia is occurring in greater numbers this summer (along with other bronchial disorders) than in any other time in recent memory). My doctor told me that they expect some sort of a notice from the CDC or at least the Oklahoma Health Department any day now!
With all that said, I'm sitting in my La-Z-Boy, watching the girls play "Guitar Hero" on Wii, catching up on a little blogging and some reading. I'm afraid it's going to be a very long week. It was very interesting, however, to hear the doctor say, "If you really care about your congregation, you'll put yourself "first" right now. You won't be any good to them if you end up in the hospital with a relapse!"
OK, ok, I'll take it easy.
Blogiversary
Well, since I have been under the weather with pneumonia, I missed my FIVE YEAR BLOGIVERSARY on August 3! I have certainly enjoyed posting on anything and everything at meets my fancy. I have enjoyed the interaction between my readers and me. I have made some good internet friends along the way, which one day I hope to meet in person.
I am somewhat disappointed with my total blog hits; but then again, I don't intentionally write controversially on a consistent basis, just to increase hits...
In any case, thanks for reading! I will be using this blog as a platform to launch my book which I hope to be published next year. While I haven't settled on a title, I am inclined to call it "The Jackpot" about a self-absorbed man, selfish in all aspects of life, who wins the lottery and slides even further into moral bankruptcy. Bent on murderous revenge, he finds himself at the real turning point of his life and realizes his only help is in God. I'll be looking for a literary agent (or a publisher) once the book is finished and would appreciate your assistance and support in every aspect of my new endeavor!
God bless you! Thanks for reading!
I am somewhat disappointed with my total blog hits; but then again, I don't intentionally write controversially on a consistent basis, just to increase hits...
In any case, thanks for reading! I will be using this blog as a platform to launch my book which I hope to be published next year. While I haven't settled on a title, I am inclined to call it "The Jackpot" about a self-absorbed man, selfish in all aspects of life, who wins the lottery and slides even further into moral bankruptcy. Bent on murderous revenge, he finds himself at the real turning point of his life and realizes his only help is in God. I'll be looking for a literary agent (or a publisher) once the book is finished and would appreciate your assistance and support in every aspect of my new endeavor!
God bless you! Thanks for reading!
Thoughts on Pastoring
August the first, I celebrated my two year anniversary as pastor of Immanuel Southern Baptist Church in Wagoner, OK. Here are some things I have learned along the way about pastoring and about myself: (in no particular order)
- I thought I would be a better pastor than preacher, but I think it is the other way around.
- It is too easy to get caught up in numbers (attendance, offering, etc)
- In order for a church to grow, the focus must be outside the four walls of the building.
- There is an incredible apathy about the things of God in our society.
- People are waiting for an opportunity to serve.
- People need to love and be loved.
- The Bible is true. (Ok, I knew that one, but it is more and more real to me)
- People are confused about what their role in the Body of Christ should be.
- Sin at home affects church.
- People are selfish.
- People are generous.
- Church goers think they can hide their cigarette breath with mints. (they can't)
- I am constantly amazed to feel the power of God when I preach.
- 20% of the members do 80% of the work in the church.
- I am amazed at the number of church attenders that love darkness rather than the light.
I honestly think I have the best church experience anyone could ever have in their first pastorate. My church members are forgiving, encouraging, and supportive of me, allowing me to grow into the role of pastor. As I've said before, I never thought I would like being a pastor, but I can honestly say, "I love being a pastor!"
If you are interested in praying for our church here are some prayer requests:
- Our new church plant "Native Fellowship Baptist Church" will kick off on Oct 3 with an Indian Hog Fry. The first Bible study will be Oct 8.
- Pray for new families with children.
- Pray for someone to lead our youth.
- Pray for us as we organize our outreach ministry.
If you feel led to support our ministry financially, please make your checks payable to:
Immanuel Southern Baptist Church
611 N. Gertrude Ave.
Wagoner, OK 74467
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Happy Birthday Sally
Sally & Kermit in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2004
My wife is a wonderful wife. She is a terrific mother. She is a great friend and help-mate. She loves to sing and play the guitar. She LOVES to read. She enjoys cross-stitch and quilting. She is excellent at scrapbook-making. She is caring. She is loving. She is my love!
Happy Birthday, Sweet-Heart! (and many more!)
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