Kev's Korner

I'll Be "Blog Gone"

2009-02-25T15:55:00.002-06:00

After several weeks of monitoring hits on my blog, I've decided that it has run it's course, and it's time to sign off. I'm only getting a few views a day, and I have a sneaking suspicion that most of them are my kids checking in once in a while. :)

I have joined the masses on Facebook, and when my muse to write something hits me, I'll be posting them as "notes" on my Facebook page. Those of you who also have a Facebook page can sure check me out once in a while. If I'm not currently your "friend", let me know and I'll be glad to add you to my massive list (yeah, right!).

Anyway, it's been fun, but the time seems right to move on.

God Bless you all, and remember to "keep the main thing the main thing"!!

De Colores

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-12T15:31:00.001-06:00

Valentines Day, that wonderful day when we attempt to convey to our sweetie how much we love and cherish them is rapidly approaching. Yes, it is a wonderful day, full of love and romance. But, too often, the pursuit of romance with our mate is limited to this one day, and the rest of the year is "the same old same old".

I love Lori. I love her with all my heart. In fact, I can say that my love for her grows stronger every day. But if I don't show her that I love her, how will she know? A truly successful romantic relationship requires a constant effort of "wooing" and "romancing" our spouse or mate. Unfortunately, romance seems to be fast becoming a lost art. If we truly want to have a strong relationship, we need to learn that we have to pursue that relationship daily. After all, isn't one of our deepest desires to feel like we are special in our mate's eyes?

God is wanting to enter into a special relationship with us on a daily basis. He doesn't just show us how much He loves us just once a year, He gives us His love daily. He constantly pursues us. He constantly woos us. He wants us to be His Valentine. He wants us to feel like we are special to Him, BECAUSE WE ARE!! In fact, we are so special to Him that He sent his only son to die for us! 1John 4: 8-10 says "8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

What greater love could there be? Are you ready to accept His love every day, and likewise show it to others?

Happy Valentines Day!!

De Colores

"Indian" Spring??

2009-02-09T09:59:00.003-06:00

Record setting highs, thunderstorms, abundant sunshine, warm breezes....wait a minute, aren't we in the middle of winter? Let me check my calendar...yep, it says February 9. Where did winter go? It looks like we're having a dose of "Indian Spring".

I have gotten so used to this nice weather! When winter returns (and it's sure to do so eventually), it's going to be a shock to my system. Nature lulls us into thinking spring is here, and then, POW!! Back to winter. How dare it deceives us like that!

How many times do we go through life thinking everything is good, and then, POW!! Something comes along that jolts us and makes us realize that life isn't easy. Satan loves to take advantage of these opportunities and tries to deceive us into believing that God isn't good. Don't be fooled!! The bible tells us that life isn't like that.

James 1: 12-18 says "12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created."

Just as I'm sure winter will return before we see spring actually settle in, I know that I will be tempted by life's trials and failures. I only need to hold fast, and look to God who is ALWAYS GOOD!! By His grace, He will see me through, and I will ultimately see the victory in eternity!!

De Colores

Of Geese And Eagles

2009-01-28T13:35:00.007-06:00

I was out at the Marion County Lake this morning looking at a property, and was astounded at the number of geese out there! There must have been several thousand sitting on the ice.There have been frequent sightings of bald eagles at the lake this winter. Today, the only one I saw was an immature one that didn't have the full bald eagle features. He was still an impressive looking bird. Anyway, I tried to get close to him to photograph him, but he got nervous and took off.As soon as the geese saw him take off, they got nervous and starting flying too. There were geese flying everywhere!!

I'm guessing that they think they are safer in the air than on the ground. Out alone, a goose is easy prey for these eagles. However, banded together in large numbers, it is more difficult for the eagles to single one out. Safety in numbers!!

The bible tells us that there is safety in numbers for Christians. Hebrews 10:25 says "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Matthew 18:20 says "For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them."

These geese have figured it out that there are great benefits to sticking together. We as Christians can learn a valuable lesson from them. Alone, we are vulnerable to the world and its pitfalls. When we meet together in Chriatian fellowship, we can build each other up.

De Colores

MasterCard Fraud

2009-01-23T16:11:00.002-06:00

Whew, what a day!! Our bank was informed today by MasterCard that a fairly large number of our customer's debit cards were compromised. Apparently, someone out there was able to launch some sort of virus into one of their vendor's systems, and it downloaded the debit card numbers to them. We have spent the entire day calling our customers who were affected and let them know that we had to shut down their cards. Most people were appreciative that we let them know.

I am amazed how many people almost exclusively use their debit cards instead of writing checks. They are great until something like this happens.

If you use your debit card a lot, be sure and check your account fairly frequently to make sure someone is not using your info to spend your money. At least look at your bank statement once a month!! Better yet, don't use the debit card for any on-line purchases. That seems to be the most common place where security gets breached.

De Colores

Corrosion

2009-01-15T13:12:00.002-06:00

Wow, was it cold last night! Our thermometer showed about 3 degrees at 7:30 this morning. I guess we should be thankful that we don't live up north, they have temperatures that are 20 -30 below zero!!

When we woke up this morning, I thought something didn't feel right with the air temperature inside the house. Sure enough, the thermostat was set on 70 degrees, but the temperature showed 67. The furnace wasn't running, so I knew we had some kind of issue. I called our local repairman, and he came over and quickly diagnosed the problem. He said there is a sensor rod that detects when the burners are lit and tells the system that it's ok to run. If the gas comes on but the sensor does not detect heat, it will shut the system down, so you don't have a problem with gas leaking into your house. Any way, this sensor rod had become dirty and corroded over time, and didn't operate properly. Even though the burners lit, it couldn't tell, and it shut down the furnace. The repairman cleaned the sensor rod, and immediately the furnace fired up, and we had heat again!

That sensor rod reminded me of myself and my walk with God. Sometimes, the "dirt" of life can corrode our spirit. We cease to study, pray and seek God. We aren't sensitive to God's leading. We don't detect the "fire" that God puts in us. We become incapable of functioning like God designed and created us to. Only when we get rid of the dirt and corrosion through repentence and turning back to God can we again get that fire back in us that makes us effective Christians.

I am thankful for furnances, and I am thankful for people who know how to fix them! I am most thankful however, for God and His amazing love and grace that continually cleanses us of our dirt and corrosion in our lives.

De Colores

Blessed Be The Tie That Binds

2009-01-09T11:46:00.002-06:00

This coming weekend, all 9 of the Kelsey children (my wife Lori included) will all get together for the first time since their mother Viola Kelsey passed away nearly one year ago. It will be a time for reminiscing, story telling, laughing and I'm sure the shedding of a few tears.

Viola was truly the "glue" that held this family together. It was important to her that the "kids" get together and maintain the family ties. She never was loud or overbearing. Her quiet demeanor and dignity just commanded a certain presence whenever they were together.

I'm glad they are getting together and remembering the "tie that binds". Somewhere up in heaven, I'm sure Viola is smiling her approval also.

De Colores

Forgiveness

2009-01-05T16:02:00.002-06:00

During my morning prayer time, I spend some time asking God to forgive my sins. I also ask God to forgive those who may have wronged me in some way. As I was going through this ritual this morning, it dawned on me that I keep having the same people come to mind when I ask God to forgive others. It seems to me that I am having a hard time forgiving them myself. I ask God to forgive me of all the sins I have committed, and expect Him to wipe them away immediately. Why then, do I continually hold on to the trangressions of others against me? I should be able to ask God to forgive them, forgive them myself, and go on. What if God acted the same way as us? What if he made us over and over ask for forgiveness for the same act? Our sins would pile up so high and bury us so deep, we would be completely smothered!

When we ask God to forgive others who have wronged us, it should allow us to be freed from anger and hurt feelings that can shackle our joy. Author Kay Scott wrote "Forgiving others does not get them off the hook, it removes their hook from us." There is a freedom for our soul when we are able to let go of a hurt. In Matthew 18, Jesus tells Peter that we are to forgive people "seventy times seven." I think what Jesus was probably telling Peter is that oftentimes we have to work at the forgiveness thing. Sometimes it takes a while to get over a hurt. However, once you are able to let go, a certain freedom is felt, and a burden is lifted.

When I get to the forgivness part during my prayer time tomorrow morning, I am going to genuinely try and forgive some old hurts. If you have some too, won't you try and do the same? If I expect God to forgive me, I find it only fair that I should be expected to do the same.

De Colores

2008-12-31T08:42:00.003-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Wow!! Where did the year go? It's an old cliche', but it seems like each year goes by faster than the last! All in all, 2008 was a good year. Some highlights were...

Helped provide music for another Emmaus Walk.
Survived a summer of chasing Brian around with his baseball playing.
Fell even deeper in love with Lori.
Watched my kids grow and mature.
Fished at Lake Texoma with dad, my brothers and our sons.
Went to Estes Park with Lori (just the two of us!!).
Ran 900 miles
Didn't gain any weight (whew!!)
Hit the big 50!!

My goal for this year is to be more trusting in God's leading in my life. It is so easy to "talk the talk", but so hard to "walk the walk". I'm going to try and start each day with this simple prayer...

"Lord, you are in charge of everything that is going to happen to me today, good and bad, positive and negative. Help me to be thankful for everything that is going to happen. I know that you are in control".

My favorite bible verse is a familiar one. Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

That is my mantra for 2009. God's promise to give me hope and a future. I don't know what the future holds, but I will hold to God's promise that Hs is with me every step of the way.

De Colores

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T14:47:00.002-06:00

From our family to yours: We wish you a most blessed and wonderful Christmas. May the wonder of Christ's birth last not only for Christmas Day, but throughout the coming year.

Luke 2: 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Kevin & Lori

There's SNOW Place Like Home!!

2008-12-16T13:01:00.005-06:00

The weather forecasters last night were predicting a light snow over night, maybe putting down 1 to 3 inches. Imagine our surprise when we woke up this morning to nearly 5 inches on the ground!! It was so pretty. The wind didn't really blow, so it laid nice and flat. The deer came out, and scrounged around looking for some breakfast.The creek that runs down below our house was so clear and was accented by the snow cover.Of course I had to grumble a little about having to clean off nearly 5 inches of snow from our driveway!! Oh well, you've got to take the good with the bad.

Gets you in the Christmas mood, doesn't it....

De Colores

Tis The Season

2008-12-11T16:16:00.002-06:00

Lori and I went Christmas shopping yesterday in the big city of Wichita. What a zoo!! The streets were slick and messy, and the crowds were big, even for a week day!! Every where you looked and went, the store owners and sdales people did their best to entice you to buy their stuff. On our way out of Walmart, a greeter told us "Happy Holidays". Lori and I looked at him and responded "Merry Christmas". I think we took him off guard.

At the end of the day, I was burned out. It made me want to go home and put on a CD of Christmas music from some of my favorite contemporary Christian artists. Kind of a "reprogramming" effort!!

As you're out and about, remember "Jesus is the reason for the season"!!!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

De Colores

Good Start

2008-12-09T15:57:00.003-06:00

The MHS Warrior basketball team is undefeated so far this season!! OK, so they've only played one game...

Their season began last night with a hard fought 3 point victory over cross county rival Peabody. It was not a pretty game, as both sides turned the ball over numerous times. The final score was 46-43. However, a win is a win, and gives the team some confidence as they begin their season. Hopefully the first game jitters are over, and they will start to play some better basketball.

Brian, a junior, is a reserve who comes in when our big men get tired or in foul trouble. He isn't very tall for a post player (6' 1"), but the coach says he's very physical and plays like someone who is taller. He didn't score any points, but gathered in a couple of rebounds and had a steal.

Again, they'll need to play much better than this in order to compete in our tough MCAA league. But for now, undefeated sounds pretty good. GO WARRIORS!!

De Colores

First Snowfall

2008-12-06T09:28:00.008-06:00

On November 29, we had our first real snow fall of the season. It wasn't a big deal, just enough to whiten the grass a little. It sure was pretty though. The flakes were big, and there was no wind. If the old timers are correct, that means we'll have 29 more snow events this winter!! Get the shovels ready!! Lori and I sure enjoyed having our girls home over this same weekend. We celebrated Thanksgiving together Saturday at noon. Even though it wasn't on Thanksgiving day, we are thankful to be together as a family any day that we can. Lori and the girls enjoyed preparing the meal together. We kicked off the MHS basketball season last night with a "Winter Jam". It was a lot of fun. I got to announce each player as they came out on the court in our new gym. The boys and girls each had a little scrimmage. Brian's the one in white fouling the big guy in blue!!

Next week, the season starts in earnest, as we are hosting a 16 team tournament. Here we go again!!

De Colores

Facebook

2008-12-03T11:28:00.002-06:00

I can't believe I actually did it!! I have joined the millions of crazies who have a Facebook page. I've been warned by more than one person that it is addictive. Oh great, something else in my life to distract me from doing the important things....

I started out yesterday by asking about a half dozen people to be my friends, and as of this morning, I had over 30 others ask to be added as their friend!! If nothing else, it can inflate your ego if you're worried that you have no friends in life...

If you're a fellow Facebook crazy, look me up and put something on my "wall"!!

De Colores

Thanksgiving Top 10

2008-11-25T08:52:00.001-06:00

Top 10 things I'm thankful for...

My relationship with God & Jesus
My wife
My children
My health
My friends
My home
My job
Running
Sunrises and sunsets
Instant pancake mix

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the LORD for He is good; His love endures forever. (Psalm 106:1)

Happy thanksgiving everyone!!

De Colores

The Buck Stops Here

2008-11-17T12:53:00.006-06:00

Lori and I were looking out our West patio door a couple of mornings ago, and this big buck appeared out of the bluestem meadow. What a beautiful specimen!! Part of me wanted to run and get the gun and shoot him (highly illegal in town of course!!), and part of me hoped that no one would ever get the opportunity to shoot this magnificent animal. The last picture is particulary cool, as he was virtually covered by the 6' tall bluestem, and he almost looks ghost-like through the grass.

There have been several does in the area all summer, so I'm sure he was on a mission that morning. We haven't seen him since. I hope he makes at least one more appearance so I can have one more opportunity to appreciate one of God's majestic creatures.

De Colores

The Shack

2008-11-13T09:08:00.006-06:00

For those of you who know me very well, you know that I am not a book reader!! My attention span is very short. I like to read newspapers, comic strips, and once in a while a magazine article. But to ask me to read a book is out of the question!!

That is, until Lori read a book entitled "The Shack". She wanted someone to talk to about what she had read. So I reluctantly picked up the book one evening and started reading it. Needless to say, it was very engrossing. I had trouble putting it down!!

I won't get into trying to explain the context and content of the book, as it would make this post way too long. The book makes you think. It makes you think of the way you view God and the Trinity. It makes you think of the things that are hidden in the dark corners of your heart. It makes you think about how good God is.

There are plenty of reviews online, and I would encourage you to read some of them. There are people who experienced life changing moments when they read it, and others say the book is "bad theology". A couple even go so far as to call it "heresy"!! For me, it was a good read with lots of things in it to think about and ponder over the coming days and weeks.

Has anyone out there read it? If so, what were your thoughts?

De Colores

Purpose

2008-11-06T10:44:00.004-06:00

Ever have one of those days where you wonder "what am I on this earth for? What's it all about?" Sometimes life just gets confusing. Too many decisions, too little time. Too many problems, too much pressure. Not enough recognition, not enough positive reinforcement. It becomes easy to doubt ourselves, and even sometimes we find ourselves doubting our own faith...at least I do!!

A couple of days ago, I was reading through some of the cards Lori has sent me over the years. It is fun to go back once in a while and re-read them, and be reminded of the love and care that she puts into picking out that "special one" just for me.

One of the cards had a quote that really jumped out and spoke to me. It goes like this..."Just think, you're here not by chance, but by God's own choosing. His hand formed you and made you the person you are. He compares you to no one else - you are one of a kind. You lack nothing that His grace can't give you. He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation" (Roy Lessin).

Wow, pretty powerful, huh!! God made me with a plan and a purpose for my life. I just have to trust Him that as I live each day, I am doing so with the knowledge that he is leading me each step of the day.

Second Peter 3, verses 3 - 11 says "3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

I don't know what tomorrow will bring, I only know that my God was the same yesterday, is the same today, and will be the same tomorrow. If I am faithful and put my trust in Him, I don't have to stress out about what is in store for me. I am taken care of! To coin an old phrase (with a twist), don't worry, be faithful!! God is faithful to us, and will lead us through this journey in life, and if we are faithful in return, we will receive a "rich welcome" from God in eternity. What a promise!!

De Colores

Master Craftsman

2008-10-30T09:12:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow, we are laying to rest my uncle Jim Fruechting. Jim passed away this week from complications of Parkinson's disease. It is a hideous disease that in his case caused his brain to sort of short circuit, and not properly communicate with his respiratory system. Consequently, he would go into respiratory distress, and would have bouts of struggling just to get another breath.

Although uncle Jim never was formally recognized, he in my mind was a master craftsman. He loved to take old dilapidated furniture, strip it all down to the natural wood, and then sand, stain, seal and reassemble the piece into something that was as good as or better than the original. His patience was nothing short of amazing to see. Each piece was painstakingly doted over to make sure it was done just right. I remember once seeing a pile of wood on his garage floor, and I thought he had just put a pile of trash there to get rid of. He said no, it wasn't a pile of trash; it was an old spindle chair that he had purchased at an auction. I thought he was nuts! There was no way that pile of wood could be a chair! He called me a few months later and asked me if I remembered that pile of wood. He invited me to come over and look at it now. He had turned it into a beautiful spindle chair much like the one in the picture above. What I saw as a pile of junk, he saw as a beautiful piece of furniture that just needed some tender loving care.

I had the good fortune of having him refurbish an old cedar chest of my mom's that I am passing on to one of my daughters. It is absolutely beautiful. Whenever I see that cedar chest, I will always think of uncle Jim and his love for restoring things that others have given up on.

As uncle Jim was able to see potential in a pile of broken, unassembled wood, God sees the potential in our lives, broken as we are. Others may give up on us, but God never does. He lovingly and patiently works on "stripping" away our sinful nature, "sanding" away our rough edges, putting our broken lives back together into a vessel worthy of service to Him. Thankfully our God is not like me who sometimes cannot see the potential in brokenness, but rather sees the good and potential we have in service for Him.

Uncle Jim, thank you for the valuable lesson you have taught me about patience and seeing the potential in everyone. I know you are now resting comfortably in the arms of the true Master Craftsman.

De Colores

Over The Hill

2008-10-24T08:56:00.005-05:00

OK, after having several days to process it and see if I was still going to be able to function, I'll publicly admit it......I turned 50 on the 19th!!! It is of consolation that since the big event I have found that (1) I am still waking up each morning (2) my wife still loves me, (3) my kids aren't embarrassed about me any more than before, (4) I still enjoy running, (5) nothing suddenly fell apart and (6) despite a little (??) gray on my head and wiskers, I am still as good looking as ever!!

Here is a top 20 list of advantages to being 50....
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run....anywhere.
4. People call at 9 PM and ask, "Did I wake you?"
5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won't wear out.
8. You can eat dinner at 4:00 P.M.
9. You can live without sex but not without glasses.
10. You enjoy hearing about other peoples operations.
11. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
12. You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
13. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
14. You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
15. You sing along with elevator music.
16. Your eyes won't get much worse.
17. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
18. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.
19. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
20. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.

Life keeps keepin' on, and so will I!!

De Colores

Mum's The Word

2008-10-15T16:10:00.006-05:00

The abundance of rain this summer and early fall has made for some spectacular mums!! All summer, Lori was pruning the blossoms off of the plants, and I kept looking at her and asking why in the world would you cut off the blossoms? How is this plant going to have any flowers? She said that the plants needed the trimming so that they will grow strong and healthy, and would produce the flowers "when it was time". If left unpruned, the plants get straggly, they bloom early, and don't last very long.

How much we are like that!! We think we need everything now. When we run into hardships and trials, we feel like "Why am I being pruned? Life shouldn't be hard like this!" God, our master gardener knows just what we need. As we are being pruned by Him, we are being prepared to "bloom" at the right time.

Praise be to God for His wonderful and awesome power and love!!

I'm off to the metropolis of Garden City on Thursday afternoon to help with another Walk To Emmaus. Good friend Rod Just and I are the music team for the Men's Walk. What a great time!! It is 72 hours of being immersed in God's love and grace. We'll eat too much, get way too little sleep, sing and play our guitars until our fingers fall off, and sit back and watch God once again move in the lives of the men who will be attending. God is good, all the time!!

De Colores

Warrior Update

2008-10-06T14:22:00.004-05:00

The Warrior nation was celebrating after Friday night's thrilling 6-0 victory over rival and state ranked Hoisington. It was a hard fought contest with 3 goal line stands, long drives and one critical successful fake punt that set up the winning score. It was one of those games where you knew that the team who made the fewest mistkes would win the game, and that's exactly what happened. Even though the score was low, the Warriors played probably their best game of the season. Brian contributed with his blocking on the line. He is #76 in the picture. He also was in on several key tackles in the game. He came home with lots of bruises and contusions, but wore them proudly.

With the victory, their record is 4-1, and tied for second place in the league. They are positioned very well going into their last game before district play. The one thing they need to be careful of is to be sure and not have a "let down" after such an emotional win. They play Ellinwood this Friday, who only has a 2-3 record, but with the tough MCAA league, and team can win on any given night.

GO WARRIORS!!

De Colores

Taste Of Autumn

2008-10-02T09:37:00.003-05:00

Mother Nature gave us a little taste of fall this morning. I thought it felt a little cool in the house, and when I went out on our back deck to look at the thermometer, I was surprised to see it hovering right at or a little below 40 degrees!! I looked down into the valley and saw some fog/mist coming up off the little pond. What a beautiful start to the day!! We are getting some reminders that the seasons are once again changing.

Isaiah 44: 21-23 says "Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are my servant, O Israel. I have made you, you are my servant; O Israel, I will not forget you. I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.
Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob."

Isn't it great to know that we have a God who is faithful to us. Though the seasons change, God never does. He is our constant. Let us sing and rejoice!!

De Colores

MHS Football Update

2008-09-29T13:04:00.004-05:00

The MHS Warrior football squad is 3-1 going into this week's game. Brian is having a good season so far, starting on the offensive line at right guard (#76), and kicking the extra points. He, along with the rest of the Warriors is improving with each game. This past week, our running game tallied over 250 yards, most of which went over Brian's right side of the line. They are gaining more and more confidence with each play from scrimmage. Brian is learning that even if his opponent across the line is bigger than him, he can control him with technique, strength and speed. It is fun watching him mature in his position.

Next week will be a real test, as we travel to Hoisington. They are always a fast, physical team. This year should be no exception. If we can get a victory there, we will be looking good in the league standings.

GO WARRIORS!!

De Colores

Up Close And Personal

2008-09-25T09:09:00.009-05:00

I've been playing with the macro setting on my camera, and found that I can get very close to objects and take a picture of them with striking clarity. The closer you get to nature, the more you come to realize just how intricate God's creation can be. The splendor and wonder of God's majesty comes into clear focus when you get "up close and personal".

How about you? What would people see in you if they put on their "macro" setting and could look closely into your heart and soul? What would they find? Would they find the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience kindness, gentleness, etc.)? Or would they find anger, resentment, hurt, apprehension, or hate? What is in your soul usually personifies itself in your actions.

David wrote in Psalm 139:23 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts."

Dare to ask God to search your heart. Clean out the stuff that is ugly, and let His beauty show in and through you.

De Colores

Art In The Park

2008-09-19T08:57:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow (Saturday), our sleepy little town of Marion and our quiet little park will be inundated with thousands of people all looking for that "perfect something" at our annual Art In The Park. We are expecting around 200 vendors and 20,000+ people coming to look at their wares.

Just down the road in Hillsboro, it gets even crazier. The last I heard, they had 360 vendors signed up to come, and they are expecting up to 40,000 visitors/shoppers. Amazing for a town of less than 3,000 people!!

I think a nice quiet round of golf is in order.....

De Colores

New Gym & Pool

2008-09-12T14:43:00.008-05:00

The long anticipated opening of the new gymnasium and indoor swimming pool has finally arrived!! What an awesome facility!! The gym is huge, with a total seating capacity of approx. 2,000. When the seats are folded back, there is room for 2 full basketball courts. The volleyball people love it too, as a curtain can come down from the center, and 2 full volleyball courts can be utilized at the same time. It loads from the top, which means you come in at the top level, and then go down to your seats. This will really help in keeping people off the court. The center court logo is billed as the largest of any gym in the state.There is a running track around the top of the gym allows people to come and exercise indoors.

The indoor swimming pool is almost too good to be true!! It has a "zero entrance" area for the elderly and handicapped, has 6 lanes for competition swimming, and a 12 foot deep end for diving.

There are large overhead doors on the south and west sides that can open on warm or hot days to give the "feel" of being outside.

There is even a slide inside that winds you outside the building, then back in!!

The pool and walking track are open from 6:00 AM til 8:00 PM Mon-Fri, and from 1:00 PM til 6:00 PM on the weekends. What a great asset to the community!! The school district and it's patrons should be very proud of themselves for working together to make this dream a reality. It will not only fill a great need in the community, but also be a great drawing card for our community. We can host swimming events, large volleyball and basketball tournaments, as well as providing a year round place for people to swim. We are hoping the folks from our surrounding communities come and use the pool too!!

Come to the gym, run a few miles around the track, then go and cool off by taking a dip in the indoor, climate controlled pool. How cool is that!!

De Colores

MHS Football 08

2008-09-08T15:29:00.004-05:00

Ready or not, the 2008 high school football season is upon us! MHS played it's first game of the season this past Friday night, traveling to Lyons. They came away with a hard fought 21-6 victory. They came out flat at the start of the game, and actually trailed 0-6 at halftime, but they turned it up in the second half and played like we're used to seeing them play.

Brian is number 76 (my old football jersey number), plays right guard, does the kickoffs and kicks the extra points. They have a pretty seasoned team, so we (I) have high hopes for them. They are picked to finish 5th out of 12 teams in the always tough MCAA league. If they play well and not make the silly mistakes, they have a chance to finish much higher than that.

Next up is perennial powerhouse Collegiate. They are the bane of the area, as they are a private 4A school in Wichita. I'm not saying they recruit, but.....

It will take a perfect game for the Warriors to win, but if they play smart football, they can give Collegiate a run for their money.

GO WARRIORS!!

De Colores

Estes Park Trip

2008-09-03T15:00:00.003-05:00

Lori and I took a quick trip to Estes Park this past weekend for a little R & R. We had a great time, soaking in the wonder and majesty of God's creation in the Rocky Mountain National Park. We took a hike thru the woods to a glacier lake
saw unbelievable mountain peaks
and even did a little elk hunting (this is for you, Rick, Randy & Rod). This big bull came down out of the mountain with his "harem" every evening to feast on the lush grass of a local golf course.

It was a wonderful trip. The only bad thing was we had to share it with thousands of other people all cramming to get in one last summer trip over the Labor Day weekend. The roads were packed with cars and motorcycles. What a zoo!!

Back to work this week, bummer!!

Oh well, I have lots of pictures and memories. Lori, let's start planning our next trip!!

De Colores

R & R

2008-08-27T20:27:00.003-05:00

Lori and I are heading out bright and early Thursday morning to spend some much deserved time together in Estes Park, Colorado. We are looking forward to getting away from the hustle and bustle of every day life and take in the beauty and majesty of the Rocky Mountain National Park area.

If the property management company is true and honest with us, we have a quaint cabin located off the beaten path awaiting us. It is in the Big Thompson canyon, and the Big Thompson River is supposed to be flowing directly beneath our deck. It almost seems too good to be true!!

I'll post a few pictures when (if) we get back.

De Colores

Dropping The Baton

2008-08-23T09:00:00.003-05:00

Have you been watching the Olympics? What a whirlwind of different sports! What other time can you sit and watch anything from air rifle competition, to badminton, to canoeing, to trampolining, to judo, to beach volleyball to....well you name it, they play it!!

A couple of evenings ago, the US track team was heavily favored to win both the men's and women's 4X100 meter relays. The US hadn't lost this race anytime in the modern day Olympics!! Unfortunately, neither team was able to pass the baton cleanly during the race, and they were both disqualified. What a shock!! One second they're running for the gold, the next second, they dropped the baton and they're out of it!! No second chance, no opportunity to try it again. They're done.

Thanks be to our gracious God that our lives are not like that!! I can "drop the baton" over and over, and God allows me to pick it up and continue my race to eternity. No disqualification for me. Just God's grace that says I'm forgiven. Try again.

The Olympics are winding down this weekend, and the athletes from all over the world will be heading home. Some taking home the thrill of victory, some experiencing the agony of defeat. I already know that someday I'll get to experience that "thrill of victory", because Jesus Christ through His death and resurrection has assured me of the gold medal in heaven. All I have to do is keep running towards the cross.

De Colores

Happy Anniversary Lori!!

2008-08-19T15:28:00.002-05:00

28 years ago today, Lori said "YES" and became my wife. Over the past 28 years, we have learned to not only be husband and wife, we have grown to be best friends. Happy Anniversary my darling, I thank God every day that He brought you into my life. I love you so much.

De Colores

The Future Is Bright

2008-08-18T13:06:00.003-05:00

Yesterday (Sunday) was promotion Sunday for our children at the Aulne UMC. Just like in school when they move to new classes each year, they move to different Sunday School classes. We had 19 children from high school down to pre-school present (well, we actually had a couple more than that, but they were too shy to go to the front of the church) to be recognized by the congregation. We have at least a half dozen or more who weren't there who also attend. What a blessing for a small country church!!

My sincere thanks and admiration goes out to the teachers who are charged with showing and teaching these kids God's love and grace. I think back to my childhood days and remember the teachers who put up with our shananigans. They shared with us the same stories from the bible that we are passing on to our children today. What an awesome responsibility we have!!

Yes, the future looks good in Aulne. Just look into the faces of all these children and you know that GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME, AND ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD!!

De Colores

For Whom Doth The (School) Bell Toll?

2008-08-11T11:01:00.002-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it, school starts back up this week! My youngest Brian will be a Junior in high school. How can that be???? Between mowing lawns with Brian, and chasing him all over the place with baseball, summer somehow flew by. School officially starts this Thursday the 14th. Our Chamber of Commerce fed all the teachers and staff their annual "back to school" breakfast this morning, and you could tell that they were all anxious and excited to get back to the classrooms (NOT!!).

We saw oldest daughter Amanda and husband Chad for a couple of hours on Friday, and she was telling us that she has a kid in her 2nd grade class this year who will probably test all of her skills that she has learned in her first 3 years of teaching. Pray for her!!

Middle daughter Erin is going to take a sabbatical from school this semester, and perhaps a year to clear her head and try to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. Hang in there Erin, I have days when I'm still trying to figure that out myself!! You'll find your niche.

Pray for our teachers and students, they are all going to need lots of it!!

De Colores

Ahhhh, Relief!!

2008-08-06T14:15:00.003-05:00

After several days of sweltering in 100+ degree weather and stifling humidity, I awoke early this morning to the sweet sound of thunder and rain. When it stopped, my rain gauge showed about 1 1/2 inches of rain. What a welcome relief!! Just when we were getting discouraged with the heat and the sight of yards and crops burning up, God provided (once again) exactly what what we needed, exactly when we needed it!! Temperatures are supposed to be in the upper 80's and lower 90's for the next week or so. After the past week of 100's, we'll take it!!

GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!!

De Colores

Dog Days Of Summer

2008-08-04T12:47:00.002-05:00

Well, it's finally here, the dog days of summer. After being spoiled in July by relatively mild temperatures and a lot of rain here in central Kansas, August is starting off with a sizzle. Temperatures have hovered at or slightly above 100 degrees the past couple of days. Couple that with our high humidity, and we have been baking!! Heat indexes have been 105 - 110 degrees. Yikes!!

Brian had football camp last week, and the last couple of days of it were brutal. Luckily, nobody got too sick from it. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right???

Our annual Marion County Relay For Life to benefit the American Cancer Society was held Friday night. Temperatures were right at 100 degrees at the start of it, but cooled down "nicely" into the upper 80's by midnight. We raised a record $50,000+ this year!! Pretty good for a small county like ours. Let's hope that someday soon, all the efforts to find a cure will pay off. What a hideous, brutal, unfair disease!!

Back to summer....the weather forecasters say that this heat wave is supposed to break in a couple of days, and we'll be back to more "normal" temperatures in the lower 90's. After the past few days, those temperatures will feel like fall!!

Stay cool!!

De Colores

Cool Video

2008-07-31T09:16:00.002-05:00

This is a cool video that is on YouTube. This is a group of people who decided to do something incredibly creative at their church. They have on white gloves and are performing in front of a black light. Enjoy!
www.mychurch.org/blog/30635/coolest-video-ever

Go CVL!!

2008-07-28T16:04:00.002-05:00

In my last blog, I mentioned the Midwest Plains Regional Tournament that is going on here in Marion. As of this afternoon, our "Host Team", the boys from our town, are still in the tournament!! They have a 2-1 record so far, and will be playing a quarter final game this evening. This is very exciting, as they have so far beat 2 teams that won their state championships!! Not too bad for some "local boys"!!

GO CVL!!

De Colores

Big Tournament In Marion!!

2008-07-25T09:40:00.003-05:00

Starting this evening, the sleepy little town of Marion, Kansas will play host to 12 year old Midwest Plains Regional Tournament. State Champion Babe Ruth teams from 7 surrounding states will compete in this tournament, with the winner moving on into the Little League World Series. Should be some great baseball, featuring some of the best 12 year old Babe Ruth baseball players in the area. Weather permitting, the champion will be crowned on Tuesday evening. Our own 12 year old tournament team is the "host team" and gets to participate in the tournament. It is a daunting task, but they took 3rd place in our State tournament last weekend, so they should be very competitive.

Play Ball!

De Colores

End Of The Season

2008-07-22T09:35:00.004-05:00

The Legion Post 366 baseball season came to a close this past weekend with 2 losses at the State tournament in Garden City. They started out well with a hard fought extra inning first game victory. Brian pitched the frst 5 innings and did very well. He only allowed 2 hits and 1 earned run, while striking out 4.At the plate, he was 2 for 2 with a walk.

Unfortunately, the ball didn't bounce their way in the next two games. They lost a heatbreaker in 10 innings in the second game, and then got bounced out of the tournament in the third game in another close one. We had runners at 2nd and 3rd with one out in our last at bat, but a line drive out and a strike out ended the game and the season. Brian played 3rd base and got to start a rare triple play by fielding a hot grounder, stepping on third, throwing to second and then relayed on over to first. They got a WOW award for that play!! He was also awarded the MVP for the game for his efforts at third. He had 4 really good plays from there. One was charging a bunt, scooping up the ball and throwing out the batter while on a dead run. There was a radio announcer there, and he said "man that kid has a cannon for an arm!"

For the summer season, he finished with a .358 batting average. Not too bad for a 16 year old playing with and against a lot of 18 year olds. I'm very proud of his pitching, as his ERA was only 1.81 (that's earned runs allowed per 7 innings of pitching).

He of course is sad that the season is over. I think he would play year round if he could!! Lori and I though are ready for a break. The first day of high school baseball started February 25th, so it has been a looong season.

Time to put away the baseball shoes and get out the gridiron cleats, here comes football season!!

De Colores

District Champs!!

2008-07-15T14:05:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to the Hillsboro American Legion Post 366 baseball team for winning their District Tournament this past weekend!! They defeated teams from Hesston, Salina and Abilene to claim the championship hardware. This is a picture of the team with their medals and plaques. Brian is second from the left on the top row. They also were awarded the "Sportsmanship Award" for displaying good sportsmanship throught the tournament.

They are one of 8 teams from across Kansas that have qualified to play in the State tournament in Garden City. What could be better than baseball in Southwest Kansas in the middle of the summer!! They'll be heading out there Thursday to check in and their first game is Friday night.

GO TEAM!!

De Colores

Parallel Universe

2008-07-11T15:25:00.004-05:00

Have you ever had days when you felt like Beetle Bailey? Don't fit in, don't care?

Reminds me of a song we used to sing in our quartet. The first verse goes like this...

This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' though.
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from heaven's open door,
and I can't feel at home in this world any more.

Some day I'm heading to that parallel universe called heaven. Until then, I'll just keep on keepin' on, and keeping "the main thing the main thing".

De Colores

Counting The Days

2008-07-08T14:14:00.003-05:00

We're counting the days until our new state of the art gymnasium and indoor swimming pool facility is completed!!

The pool (right portion of the picture) is open for business and is a big hit. It will be open 365 days a year. Now, swimming will be available to the public all year round. It has a big water slide that actually wraps outside the building, and then back in. It has 6 competition lanes for swim meets. There are several outdoor water features for the kids that are to be completed in the next couple of weeks that will allow them to go outside and spray each other, and play in the water outdoors.

The new gymnasium is a "top loading" building, wich means that you walk in at the top of the gym, and the seating is all down towards the floor. It will have a seating capacity of approx. 2,500 when all the bleacher area is folded out. With this type of capacity, we hope to get some major high school basketball and volleyball tournaments. When not needed, they fold away, and allow for 2 full basketball courts for practicing. The floor is a new type that is the first in the state for a high school gym. I'm no engineering genious, but they tell me it will have no dead spots, and the ball will bounce "true" anywhere on the court. Heck, we even have the NBA style goals!! Around the perimeter of the gym is a walking track that will also be available year round for exercising. No more excuses for not getting out for a walk on those cold winter days!!

Everything is supposed to be done in a matter of weeks. We can't wait!!

De Colores

Independence Day

2008-07-03T12:51:00.002-05:00

Happy 232nd Birthday to our country!! We'll be celebrating Indepence Day with family and friends. I'm sure there will be lots of food, fun, and of course FIREWORKS!!

Sometime on July 4, take a moment to stop and give thanks to the countless men and women who have served our country and fought to establish and preserve the freedoms that we enjoy today. Freedom does not come without a price!!

Also, take a moment to stop and give thanks to God for the gift of Jesus Christ, who purchased our freedom from sin and death. Because of Jesus' life, death and resurrection, we are set free from our sins, and can look forward to eternal life. Romans 8: 1-3 says "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering."

Happy Independence Day!!

De Colores

Don't Be Deceived!

2008-07-01T13:55:00.004-05:00

Immediately after the tornado hit the little town of Chapman, Kansas a few weeks ago, this picture began circulating around the internet, claiming to be taken by one of the residents just as it was entering town. Despite it being a very impressive picture, it was soon discovered to be a hoax. The tornado hit Chapman well after dark. This picture was actually taken several years ago in another part of the country.

With technology as it is today, it is easy to become deceived by some of the pictures that are sent around. They can be digitally "doctored" to make them appear to be something they are not, making us believe that what we are seeing is real.

The bible warns us many times about being deceived. It is mentioned in Genesis and Revelation, and many, many times in between. Satan is constantly trying to deceive us with worldy things. Our fellow man deceives us with promises that cannot be fulfilled. Oftentimes, we even deceive ourselves.

First Corinthians 3: 18-19 says "18Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight."

Be on guard, watch out for those who would try to deceive you in this world. Above all, don't deceive yourself into thinking that you are smarter than God. Lean on Him, depend on Him, trust in Him. Then you will be truly wise.

De Colores

Baseball Again, & Again & Again...

2008-06-26T14:42:00.007-05:00

We have been chasing Brian and his baseball since the first part of April when he played for the High School team, and we are still chasing him!! He is in the middle of summer ball, and games are going non-stop!! They are doing great, posting a record of 13-1.Brian is pitching very well. He has gotten 3 starts this season, and has a 3-0 record. He has yet to yield a run, and has allowed only 5 total hits. He is striking out an average of 11 batters per 7 innings. Most encouraging is his only allowing 2.5 walks per 7 innings. That is a tremendous improvement over his high school games.

When he's not pitching, he platoons at first and third base.

His hitting isn't quite as good as high school, but still has a respectable .320 batting average. His .469 on-base percentage (how many times he gets on base per times at bat) is pretty good. I'm not going to complain!!

This weekend, we're off to a tournament on Friday thru Sunday. Then it's more games the first week in July. In the middle of the month, the District and hopefully State tournaments are played. It's exciting to watch this talented bunch of boys play, but I'll admit I'm getting tired. Oh well, I'll enjoy it as long as I can. Some day, he'll be out of school and I'll give anything to sit on a hard bleacher again, freezing or boiling to death, depending on the weather, and watching him play.

Keep it up Brian and teammates, you're doing great!!

De Colores

Worm Hunting

2008-06-20T10:40:00.006-05:00

OK, I'm pretty sure this will be something unique to the blogging world. With all the recent rains we've been having, the worm hunting has been fantastic!! After dark, the nightcrawler worms come up out of the ground to do whatever nightcrawler worms do after dark (you figure it out).

Catching them is actually pretty easy. It goes like this...

1st you find the worm on top of the ground. Look closely, they really blend in!!

Next you gently pull them out of the ground.

Hopefully they come out of the ground intact.

Then you fill up your container with them.

There you go, now you're an expert on nightcrawler hunting!!
De Colores

Hail Storm

2008-06-18T09:51:00.004-05:00

We awoke this morning at about 3:15AM to a terrible hail storm. Along with the hail came winds in the 50 - 60mph range. It was very devastating. My poor garden was shredded!! Here's a picture of one of my tomato plants.

This is nothing compared to the damage to the farmer's crops around Marion. Here is a picture of a corn field just south of town. I'm sure it is totaled.

Even in the devastation of the hail, we are thankful that we were spared from any tornadoes or significant wind damage. God does not promise that every day will be sunny, but He does promise to be with us in the storms of our lives.

De Colores

Perseverance

2008-06-11T15:59:00.003-05:00

Several months ago, our little development finally got a real street put in. A company came in, established a new grade, put down a base, and then laid 6" of asphalt on it. After years of driving on a dusty or muddy road, depending on the weather, we can finally go some place and come back without having to wash the car every time!!

I was coming home from my run a couple of weeks ago, and imagine my surprise to find several bind weed plants coming up through the ashphalt street!! How in the world could this little plant push up through what I would think would be virtually an impenetrable barrier??? Somehow, this plant is capable of persistently pushing slowly thought the asphalt, until it reaches daylight. Amazing!!

The dictionary defines perseverance as "To persist in an idea, purpose or task, despite obstacles (Webster)". Let's look at this little object lesson from a Christian perpective. We all know that in this life we have struggles, obstacles and heartaches. Oswald Chambers wrote "You cannot help suffering; it is a true and needful training for the soul that dares to be true to God." (My Utmost For His Highest) So, we all suffer, we all struggle, and we all face life's difficulties; we cannot escape it!! The call to us as Christians is to persevere, because we know that God is always there, and we are in His arms. When we realize this fact, we can persevere through anything, because we know that our Creator, Lord and King is there to carry us.

Hebrews 12: 1-3 says it so very well..."Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down on the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endureth such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary or lose heart."

When adversity comes and life throws us a curve, try not to be overcome with frustration, but overcome it with the joy that we have in Christ Jesus. When things do not go our way, go His way!! Be like the "Little Engine That Could" and with God's help go "I think I can, I think I can..." When we persevere and overcome the struggle, thank God and say "I knew I could, I knew I could..."

De Colores

Chingawassa Days 2008

2008-06-09T12:52:00.002-05:00

Once again, Central Park in Marion was filled with over 3,000 people for our 11th annual Chingawassa Days festival on Friday and Saturday. The hightlight of this year's festival was the classic rock band Grand Funk Railroad (remember "We're An American Band, "Some Kind Of Wonderful", "Locomotion"????). The weather held, the crowd was one of the biggest ever, and the band was great. Each year, we continue to have big name acts come to our little town (3 Dog Night, Guess Who, 38 Special, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Trick Pony, Restless Heart, Little Texas, Kentucky Headhunters, Little River band to name a few), and they without exception comment on how great a time they had playing in our park.

Can't wait to see who they get for next year!! Mark it on your calendars, the first Saturday in June 2009, Central Park, Marion, Kansas. Don't miss it!!

De Colores

Boys of Summer

2008-06-04T11:11:00.004-05:00

Brian is playing baseball on a 16 -18 year old team from Hillsboro this summer. I know -- GASP, he's turning into a Kraut!! Marion didn't have a team this year, and they invited him to join them. He is having a great time, as he is playing with several kids from Hillsboro who have been on tournament teams with him in past years. Joining them are also some boys from Chase County and Goessel. They have gotten off to a tremendous start, going 6-0 so far. They have outscored their opponents 89-4!!

Brian got his first starting assignment as a pitcher last night and did very well. He pitched 4 innings, and didn't allow any runs. He struck out 6 and walked 3. He also contributed at the plate, getting 2 RBI's with a sacrifice fly to the warning track, and a single.

There are some tremendous baseball players on the team, and it is fun to watch them. Brian is soaking up the experience of getting to play with some older players from around the area. Keep it up boys, you're off to a great start!!

De Colores

Texoma Stripers

2008-06-02T11:24:00.002-05:00

The annual Fruechting father/son/grandson fishing trip was rather bitter-sweet this year. My brother Mike's son got sick with either the flu or a bad case of food poisoning the first night we were there, and never felt good enough to go fishing. Consequently, Mike had to stay at the room with him and didn't get to go out on the lake either. The fishing was great, and we limited out each day. The above picture is the haul from the first day.

I wish Mike and Zach could have enjoyed the fishing with us, but being on a boat on a large body of water with flu type symptoms would not be good!!

De Colores

Trippin To Texoma

2008-05-27T21:31:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, Brian and I are meeting up with my two brothers, their sons and our dad to make our annual father/son/grandson fishing trip to Lake Texoma on the Red River which borders Texas and Oklahoma. The striper fishing is always great this time of year, and we're hoping to limit out each day that we're down there. Here's a sampling of fish we caught last year.

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to Texoma we go!!

De Colores

Memorial Day

2008-05-24T09:24:00.002-05:00

As Memorial Day approaches on Monday, my thoughts turn to the memories of people who have impacted my life and who are no longer with us on this earth.

Mom
Viola
Grandpa & Grandma Fruechting
Grandpa Z
Uncle Duane
The faithful pillars of the Aulne Church community
Charlie Haines

These and many others helped mold and shape me into the person I am today. For their lives and their influence on mine, I will always be grateful.

On Memorial Day as well as Veteran's Day, I can't help but look at my dad, and well up with pride. He was (and always will be) a Marine. He served his country with pride, and did what he was asked to do to give me the opportunities that I have today in a free country. Many of his buddies, as well as many, many more in past and present conflicts gave the ultimate sacrifice. To them I will always be grateful.

I'll go to the cemetery, place some flowers at mom's and Viola's graves, look at the Avenue of Flags in honor of the veterans and whisper a soft and heart felt "thank you".

De Colores

All League Honors

2008-05-21T09:01:00.003-05:00

Last night at the MHS Athletic Banquet, it was announced that Brian was named as an Honorable Mention selection to the all MCAA league baseball team as a first baseman. As a sophomore, he finished the regular seaon with a .444 batting average. He had 17 singles, 9 doubles, a triple and a home run. He had 24 RBI's. His fielding percentage at first base was excellent at .981, only committing one error all season.

Congratulations Brian!!

De Colores

Car Crazy!!

2008-05-19T13:49:00.004-05:00

Look out world, Brian's got his first set of wheels!! The streets of Marion won't be safe any longer!! He is finding that dragging Main isn't near as fun when gas is nearly $4 a gallon. He's going to have to mow a lot of yards this summer to keep it filled!!

Where has the time gone? Just a few short years ago, he was a shy little kid who we had to pry loose from us to do something, now he's anxious to jump in his car and head out on the town!!

SIGH.....

De Colores

Pomp & Circumstance

2008-05-16T09:28:00.002-05:00

This weekend, high school graduation ceremonies will take place in towns all across America. Here in our little church community at Aulne, Ethan Riggs and Austin Percell will make that walk across the stage, receive their diplomas and close a chapter in their young lives. A new and exciting chapter will soon be opened for them. As you watch them walk across that stage, look at their faces. What are they thinking? "I'm so glad this is finally over!" "Now what am I going to do?" "Please God, don't let me trip!" "Did I brush my teeth this morning?" "I wonder if anyone knows I'm wearing shorts under this gown!"

Graduates, I know you have probably heard this a thousand times by now, but I'll say it again. If you fail to do anything else, please remember to keep God in the forefront of your lives. Without Him to center on, the new challenges and stresses in life can easily consume and discourage you. Remember, God knows you better than anyone else, and He loves you. He has a plan for you. One of my favorite scripture passages is from Jeremiah 29. It goes like this...11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Graduates, seek God with all your heart. You will be blessed beyond measure. Congratulations to you all, and I wish you much success as you continue in this crazy and exciting journey called life.

De Colores

End Of The Road

2008-05-13T13:05:00.003-05:00

Sadly, the Marion Warriors baseball season came to an end last night at the Regional tournament. The Warriors were in the lead until a disasterous 4th inning. Too many errors led to too many runs, and they could not dig themselves out of the hole they dug. They finished on the short end of a 4-6 score. Brian pitched well, only giving up 3 earned runs and striking out 5. His season batting average was .431, pretty good, especially for a sophomore!! They finished the season with a 6-13 record. Not good, but when compared to their 1-18 record last year, it seemed pretty successful!! They 'll be returning all but 2 starters next year, and hopefully will continue to build the program.

He was mad for about an hour, then thoughts of the summer league baseball season started running through his head, and he is ready to go again!! The first game is in a couple of weeks, so I would guess he'll be getting a phone call from the coach soon about getting together to start practice.....

Here we go again!!

De Colores

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-08T15:06:00.008-05:00

Since I'm not going to be around a computer this weekend, I thought I would share a few thoughts on Mother's Day a little early.

Lori and I will be celebrating the first Mother's Day without either of our mothers. My mom passed away in 1995 from cancer. She was a devoted wife and mother, working tirelessly on the farm. She help with the daily grind of gathering eggs from 10,000+ chickens, wiped many a dirty nose, sewed patches on worn out jeans, took lunches out to the fields, fixed about a million meals, consoled us when we were hurt or scared, and all the while kept her dignity in the midst of it all. She had a servant's heart, and loved to take her grand daughters on outings whenever she could. She loved dad, and always looked forward to the time when they could slow down a little and travel and share time with him. Unfortunately, cancer invaded her body, and ultimately she succumbed to it. She passed away in 1995 at age 57. Cancer took her life, but it could not, however, take her soul.

Viola Kelsey, Lori's mom was a classy and elegant lady. When she was in a room, she could say so much without saying anything at all. She loved sitting in her home watching her 9 children and literally dozens of grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would just smile and soak it all in. She was the matriarch of the family. She was widowed in 1973 when her husband was killed in a construction accident. She raised Lori, her older sister and younger brother by herself, never complaining about life or the hardships she had to endure. She had the patience of Job. She endured raising 9 children, heart bypass surgery, cancer, and several other illnesses. She lost her battle with congestive heart failure this past February. She was 82.

Mom and Viola, we love you and we miss you. We will always miss you. We will cherish every thought and memory we have been blessed with. Thank you for being our mothers. Until we meet again, may God hold you both in the palms of His almighty, tender and loving hands.

Happy Mothers Day

De Colores

End Of The Day

2008-05-05T10:44:00.002-05:00

Ahhhhh, what a great way to end a busy weekend. A beautiful sunset, a fire in the chiminea, my favorite beverage, and my lovely wife by my side. Life doesn't get any better than this!!

Got a busy week ahead; Relay For Life committee meeting this evening, last MHS regular season baseball games on Tuesday, mowing yards on Wednesday, and an MHS Pops music concert on Thursday. Friday we're heading to KC to go to a Gaither Reunion concert at the Sprint Center, a Christmas present from our kids!! They've even made reservations for us at the Hyatt for the night!!

We'll probably stop in Manhattan on our way home Saturday and spend the night with Amanda and Chad, and then go to church with them on Sunday and celebrate Mother's Day with them.

Hmmmm, busy week, makes me start thinking about a beautiful sunset, a fire in the chiminea, my favorite beverage, and my lovely wife by my side...........life doesn't get any better than this!!

De Colores

A Sweep Of Hillsboro !!

2008-05-02T13:18:00.006-05:00

Our MHS baseball team pulled off perhaps the upset of the season by going to our arch rivals Hillsboro last night and taking both games of a doubleheader with them. They had beat us earlier in the season, and looking at their record compared to ours, we shouldn't have stood a chance.

In game one, Brian started out on the mound. It was probably his rockiest start of the season, and at the end of 5 innings, we found ourselves down 9-3. The young Warriors never gave up, and came back in the 6th and 7th innings to tie the game at 10-10, and won it in the 9th inning 11-10! Brian knocked in the tying run in the 7th to send it to extra innings.

In game two, they jumped on Hillsboro's starting pitcher and never let up. They won it by a final score of 9-6. Brian was 5 for 8 from the plate, and also walked twice. He had 5 RBI's on the night.

Their record still isn't good (6-12), but for a few magical hours last night, it was like they won the state championship!! Way to go boys!!

De Colores

May Day

2008-05-01T08:59:00.003-05:00

Today is May Day!! I am so glad that our wet, cold April is over with. Maybe we can finally start to see some real spring time weather. I can't remember how long ago it's been that the trees have taken this long to leaf out.

I Googled May Day and found that its origins go way back to the Druids and the Romans. It is a pagan holiday, and was filled with celebration and revelry. Traditions included running their cattle through a fire to "cleanse" them, and couples would run through the smoke in hopes of it bringing them good luck. Flowers were a big part of their ceremonies. Flora, the godess of flowers was worshiped. It has never really taken hold in the Western culture, certainly not to the extent that it was back during it's origins.

My fondest memory of May Day goes WAY back to my youth. People in the elementary grades were chosen to wind the May Pole. I actually was chosen once, and got to participate. Best part, it was done with boys and girls!! I can remember winding the May Pole with the ribbons. Several times, we had to stop, back up to untangle the ribbons and then go again. I think I was only asked to do it once. Imagine that!!

May Day has a special significance for a good friend of mine. His father was a Navy pilot in WWII. He was shot down while on a mission, but miraculously survived and was rescued. When a pilot was shot down, he would call out "MAY DAY, MAY DAY on his radio to indicate he was in trouble. Every May 1, his family would get together and celebrate his service to his country. They had a lot of film footage of his takeoffs and landings on his Navy carriers, and they would show these pictures at each gathering. He passed away from cancer several years ago, but the family still gets together every year to celebrate "May Day" in his memory and honor.

Happy May Day, bring on the spring time and flowers!!

De Colores

Sweet 16!!

2008-04-28T11:13:00.002-05:00

Our "baby" Brian turned 16 on the 27th. Where did the time go??? The skrawny little kid who turned into a chubby kid has turned into a tall handsome prince!! It won't be much longer and he'll be graduating from High School and out into the big world. Can anyone say "empty nest"???

Brian, you are an amazing kid!! Mom and I so much appreciate your positive attitude, your love of life, your gentle spirit, and that twinkle in your eye. Keep the love of God in your heart, listen to Him as He guides you in life, and ALWAYS obey your parents!! :)

Happy 16th birthday son, I can't wait to see what wonderful things God has in store for you as you continue on in your amazing journey in life.

Here's a picture of Brian with his Prom date this year. Aren't they the lovely couple!!

De Colores

WOW!!

2008-04-23T11:19:00.001-05:00

Wow, what a storm we had this morning!! There were two hail events, tons of lightning and torrential downpours. I heard one report of 4 inches of rain in two hours at the reservoir. Several highways are closed because of flash flooding. We're supposed to get even more this afternoon!!

Wow, what a home run Brian had last night!! He uncorked a canon shot over the right field fence, just barely inside the foul pole. In his next at bat, he hit one to dead center that was caught up against the fence, 360 feet away. Missed it by that much!! He almost had his first multi homer game!!

Wow, what a great set of Emmaus Walks the past two weekends!! God definitely showed up and moved in the pilgrim's lives. I heard many wonderful testimonies of people experiencing God's love and grace. If you've ever thought about going, please do!! If you give 72 hours of your time to God and go to a Walk, He will honor it and bless you beyond your expectations.

Wow, am I lucky to be married to the most wonderful woman on this earth!! 27 years and counting!! We have been so blessed, and our mariage continues to just get stronger and stronger. There are so many sad stories of failing or failed marriages, many of whom are our friends. When you get home today, give your spouse a big hug and kiss and tell him/her that they are the most special person in your life. In fact, do it every day!!

Wow, God is good, all the time!!

De Colores

A Huge Win!!

2008-04-22T12:36:00.005-05:00

The Marion Warriors baseball team headed to Halstead yesterday afternoon to play a double header, in what was assumed by Halstead to be just a formality to whup up on us and go home. They are the number 1 ranked team in our league, and we are at the bottom. Sure enough, they run ruled us in the first game, and it looked like it was going to be a long evening.

However, in the second game, the Warrior bats came alive, and at the end of 3 innings, were actually ahead!! Brian wasn't scheduled to pitch, but the coach really wanted to beat Hastead, so he put him in to try and shut them down. Brian pitched very well, striking out 9 batters in 4 innings (that's strikeouts in 9 of the 12 outs). His last inning was his strongest of the year. They knew they had them beat, so he just went out and threw hard.

The highlight for him was striking out a batter in the last inning who had hit 2 home runs earlier in the day. It was a good battle, and showed Brian that he could do anything if he puts his mind to it.

With this victory (2), they have now doubled the number of wins they had all of last year (1)!! Keep it up boys!!

De Colores

Baseball Blitz

2008-04-21T12:50:00.003-05:00

The MHS baseball team is going to be busy this week with 3 double headers starting tonight at Halstead. This is a make up game from one of our 3 rainouts we've had already this season.

Tomorrow we travel to the big city of Wichita to play the Collegiate (private school recruiting) Spartans. Sorry, can you tell I'm a little bitter about having to play them? Because they are a private school, they have no district boundaries, and have been known to recruit peple from around the Wichita area to come to their school and play sports. They help them with their high tuition by giving them "scholarships", or their parents just happen to get jobs with the school, or with businesses close to the school. RIGHT!!!

Then Friday we're back home to play Hoisington. Thank goodness it's a home game!! Hoisington is easily the farthest school in our league from MHS. It's a nearly two hour drive by car, much longer by bus!!

They have only won one game so far this season, but have played several other games close, with opportunities to win. Brian is doing pretty well so far, batting .421. He drove in the winning run in the bottom of the last inning at one of the games last week. His pitching is coming around. In that same game, he struck out 11 batters in 5 innings.

It's going to be a long week, but the kids seem to love it. We'll just keep on keepin' on!!

De Colores

2,000 Miles And Counting!!

2008-04-18T10:43:00.002-05:00

I reached another milestone in my running endeavors this week. I have surpassed the 2,000 mark since I have started running 2 years and 4 months ago. Wow, that's like going from here to Los Angeles California, and then back another 500 miles!! I feel like Forrest Gump (run Forrest, run!!!).

I've experienced the highs (placing in my age group at a real race), to the lows (running by a group of kids and they say "hi gramps").

I'm in it for the long haul. Since I started running, I have maintained my weight, my colesterol is low and my blood pressure is good. On days that I don't get out, I feel like I'm missing something.

My relationship with God is somewhat like my running. I'm sticking with Him for the long haul. When I start each day with Him, my day goes better, my outlook is more positive, and gives me a boost to start the day. Just like running, if I miss my quiet time, I feel like I'm missing something.

Why do I run? Because I can!! As long as I can, I'll keep doing it. As long as I can, I'll trust God, and some day run with Him down the streets of gold.

De Colores

Involved or Committed?

2008-04-15T10:41:00.004-05:00

What a great weekend at the Men's Walk to Emmaus!! It is always fun to watch the pilgrims at sendoff on Thursday evening, and then see them again at closing on Sunday afternoon. Apprehension and uncertainty on their faces is replaced with smiles, joy and a genuine appreciation for the experience they just had. God was truly present and working in the lives of these men. This Thursday, the ladies will begin their Walk, and I imagine that we'll see those same looks on their faces as they wonder what they've gotten themselves into.

The commitment of the teams that put on these Walks is incredible. They put in many, many hours in prayer, preparation, study and meeting together, to make sure that the pilgrims will have the best possible experience at their Walk. Some of them are very visible during the Walk, others work "behind the scenes" and aren't even noticed. Rest assured, each of these individuals have dedicated their lives to serving God, and are committed to being God's hands and feet during these weekends. They leave behind families, take time off from work, and sacrifice some precious time off during the weekend in order to serve the pilgrims.

Are we committed in our Walk with God, or are we just involved a little? I like to illustrate it this way....For breakfast, the chicken is involved. She lays an egg that can be fried, scrambled, poached, etc. When she is done, she just goes on with her life like she always does each day. However, the pig is committed!! It has to give it's life in order for us to eat the bacon. Jesus is the ultimate example of being committed. He gave His life for us that we might have eternal life. How much more committed can one be!!

Which one are you? Are you merely "involved", going to church once in a while, doing your own thing, maybe singing in the choir, or are you "committed" to doing God's work? Do you look for ways to be God's hands and feet? There are many, many opportunities out there. I would challenge everyone (myself included) to not merely be involved, but committed.

De Colores

Bandwagon Fan (revisited)

2008-04-08T11:09:00.003-05:00

Last fall, I mentioned in a blog that my son tends to become a "bandwagon fan" pretty easily. In any given sport, he tends to root for the team that is perennially a powerhouse. As time moves along, and the balance of power changes from one team to another, so can his allegiance change to another team.

Up until a few days ago, I had no idea there were so many KU Jayhawk fans around here! All of a sudden when they started winning in the NCAA tournament, you saw flags flying, people dressing in red and blue, and tons of media coverage. While in Manhattan this past weekend, I even saw a lot of Jayhawk fans right in the the middle of KSU campus and Aggieville! Today, I had a tough time even getting a simple weather foecast on the morning news, because all they could talk about was the big win last night!!

I'm not saying that all these people shouldn't root for KU, and I'm not playing down the accomplishments of the KU basketball team. I'm just wondering how many of them were bandwagon fans, just because they were winning and going a long way in the tournament. Where were all the banners, flags and clothing during the regular season?

God probably wonders why we run so hot and cold in our walk with Him. Sometimes, we're on fire, we waive our banners, we shout and sing. Next thing you know, we're apathetic, we're complaining about everything under the sun, and generally a bunch of lukewarm Christians.

John, in the book of Revelation wrote about the church of Laodicea "14To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.....20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Don't be luke warm. Don't be a "bandwagon Christian". Let's serve God with reverence, joy and enthusiasm!!

De Colores

MHS Baseball

2008-04-03T14:42:00.004-05:00

The young Warrior baseball season got off to a rocky start Tuesday evening with a double header loss to Smoky Valley. Smoky Valley typically hits the ball very well, and they showed that in both games. Brian pitched the first 4 innings of the first game and got hit pretty hard. Control was an issue also, as he walked several batters. The good thing is his teammates bailed him out by tying the game in the last inning. They eventually lost in extra innings by one run 14-15. In game two, they got run ruled 11-1. By the end of the second game, it was 41 degrees, so I think they intentionally got behind that far so we could go home. :) We were pretty much frozen!!

Brian hit very well, going 4 for 6 with 2 doubles, one off the wall in right-center, and 2 singles. He had 4 RBI's. He was even intentionally walked one at bat!!

We play our arch rival Hillsboro this evening. Its cold and wet outside right now, typical early season baseball weather!!

De Colores

Baptism

2008-03-31T11:20:00.003-05:00

Our family was priviledged to be a part of our son-in-law's baptism yesterday. It always makes me feel so good to see another person say "YES" to Jesus and want to be baptized. Having my son-in-law say it makes it even more special.

In the biblical days, there were pools where people would go to wash and make themselves "clean" if they came in contact with anything that was ceremonially unclean. They went into the water defiled, and came out clean. That's the way I see baptism. We accept the water because we know we need cleansing and forgiveness. When we receive the water, we come out clean and pure. What a great gift that God has given us!!

After his baptism, he and Amanda joined the church (First UMC in Manhattan). My hope and prayer is that God will use them for service in their new church home, and they will continue to grow in God's love and grace.

De Colores

Hard Drive Crash

2008-03-26T16:21:00.003-05:00

We experienced a hard drive crash of our main computer system here at the bank I work at. It is a very helpless feeling when the system shuts completely down, because it renders you totally incapable of helping customers with any type of banking transaction. It is funny how we have become so used to computers for our daily work and living. We take them for granted, always assuming that when you hit the power button to turn them on, they will fire up and let you do what you do every day. When it doesn't happen, we don't know what to do!!

Don't we kind of take our Chrisianity the same way? We wake up each morning assuming life will be pretty much the same as the previous day. God is conveniently stored away in the back of our minds, and life is good. All of a sudden, when our life "crashes" we throw up our hands and wonder what in the world happened, and what in the world are we going to do? If we could only learn to live with the same faith in our God every day, whether it is good or bad, we would be so much better off. If Christ had the power to conquer death and rise from it, surely He has the power to help us when we have our trials and problems in life!! Trust in God, rely on His goodness and grace every day, whether it is a good day or a bad one.

I know I've mentioned it before, but I try and remember to say this prayer to start each day. "Lord, you are in charge of everything that is going to happen to me today, both good and bad, positive or negative. Help me to be thankful for everything, for I know that you are with me."

I know that eventually our computer system will be fixed, and we will go on again. I also know that life's problems are only temporary, and I will get through them. My hope is that you will maintain that same faith and trust in God on the bad days as well as the good. God remains steadfastly faithful to us, let us do the same for Him!!

De Colores

Spring Break

2008-03-24T14:10:00.009-05:00

Our family took a trip to Phoenix Arizona this past week to escape the Kansas winter. This was Brian's first trip on a big airliner, and he seemed to enjoy it. We spent two days watching some MLB spring training games. Got to see some big name players like Derrick Lee and Alfonso Soriano from the Cubs.

Erin and Brian had a good time watching them, although they were disappointed that none of the players made themselves very accessible for autographs. They played the KC Royals, and it was a very good game. Unfortunately, the Royals lost the game in the bottom of the ninth.

On Wednesday, we watched the Okland A's play the Anaheim Angels. We got to see Vlad Guerrero hit a grand slam home run.

After the game, we took a side trip up into the Superstition Mountains. It was a very interesting drive, as we were used to seeing lots of trees and snow when we have driven in the mountains of Colorado. Here in Arizona, they have forests, but they are forests of Saguaro cactuses.

Up in the mountains, we came across a hokey little saloon, who's walls were plastered full of $1 bills that were signed by the thousands of tourists who have visited the place over the years. Quite interesting!!

All in all, we had a great trip. It felt sooo good to get away from the cold and especially the wind for a few days!! As I am sitting here typing this, the wind is blowing a constant 20-30 mph. Oh well, at least I have the memories....

De Colores

St. Paddy's Day Run & More

2008-03-16T14:48:00.008-05:00

Yesterday, our family went to Manhattan to help our oldest daughter Amanda celebrate her birthday. While we were there, I participated in a St. Patrick's Day 2 mile run. Amanda's husband Chad and his dad and step mom also ran. (Note the ambulance behind us. Gotta love it!!)

Besides us, about 300 - 400 others also line up at the start line. It was supposed to be a "fun run", but Chad and his family are really competitive, so of course it turned into a competition. At the sound of the gun, we were off. I had no idea how fast I was running, I only knew that I needed to keep up, or get overrun by the mob!! I finished the 2 mile course in 16 minutes 11 seconds. A personal record for me!! I took 5th place in my age category (45-49). I also smoked Chad and his parents. By winning the first ever "family" competition, I got to take home the coveted winner's medal!!!!

Gee, I hope someone else wins it next year!!

Lori and I are packing up Erin and Brian and taking them to Phoenix for a few days this week for spring break. We are going to take in a couple of days worth of MLB spring training ball games. I can't wait to bask in sunshine and 70-80 degree temperatures for a few days!! Should be fun!! I'll post a few pictures of our travels when we get back.

Have a good spring break!!

De Colores

Livestrong

2008-03-12T11:12:00.004-05:00

In this world of high stress, it sometimes seems impossible to be able to be content and at peace with our lives. Financial pressures, work related pressures, family pressures, etc. can really take a toll on our ability to feel at peace.

Several years ago, after being downsized out of a job that I had, I felt pressure like I had never felt in my life. How could I be such a failure? How was I going to provide for my family? Thought after chilling thought poured through my mind, building up pressure like a kettle.

One day while we were in a Dick's Sporting Goods store, I noticed the little yellow wrist bands that the Lance Armstrong Foundation puts out through Nike for cancer awareness. On the wrist band is a simple word "Livestrong". The moment I saw them, I felt God was speaking to me saying "You don't need to worry about your situation, I'll take care of you. Just "livestrong" for me." Immediately, I felt relief from the stress and pressure of life. I knew that God would take care of me.

I wear one these wrist bands virtually every day to remind me that God is in control. Yes, I still have stress, yes I still feel pressures in life, but I know that I can feel contentment in my life because of God's promises. Paul says in Phillipians 4:12-13 "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Got stress? Give it to God and trust Him. He won't let you down. LIVESTRONG!!

De Colores

Bugs

2008-03-11T09:22:00.002-05:00

What's up with all the bugs? I'm not talking about the ones that are creepy crawly, I'm talking about the ones that make us sick. People are dropping like flies (no pun intended) with various ailments. There is the garden variety stomach thing where you don't know whether to kneel beside or sit on the pot (I had that one last week), there is another one where you get a headache and fever and generally feel lousy. Also, there is the one where you get a terrible head cold and moves into your chest and feel like you have pneumonia. Strep throat is everywhere.

I am so ready to have warm weather where we can open windows and clear out the air!

Speaking of warm weather, Lori and I along with Erin and Brian are heading to Phoenix next week for spring break. We're going to catch several MLB spring training games. We're looking forward to 80 degree weather!! WOOHOO!!

Stay healthy!!

De Colores

Basketball Letter

2008-03-06T08:47:00.002-06:00

Brian learned this week that he got enough varsity minutes in this past basketball season to letter. He was pleasantly surprised to hear that he played enough to get a letter (although I'm sure he was hoping all along that he would). He was one of 3 sophomores who played on the varsity this past season, and they are looking forward to next year and improving on their disappointing record.

They started baseball season this week, and are out at the ball field in heavy sweats, stocking caps, and whatever else they can find to put on to stay warm. Come on spring!!

De Colores

Happy Noah Day!

2008-03-04T08:57:00.003-06:00

Today, March 4 is "Noah Day". What, you've never heard of it before? In the bible, today was the day that Noah opened the doors of the ark and told all the animals to "MARCH FORTH"!!

In Genesis 8, it says 15 Then God said to Noah, 16 "Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives. 17 Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground—so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase in number upon it." 18 So Noah came out, together with his sons and his wife and his sons' wives. 19 All the animals and all the creatures that move along the ground and all the birds—everything that moves on the earth—came out of the ark, one kind after another.

Noah and the animals obeyed God's command to march forth from the ark. Happy Noah Day. I hope you have the boldness to "March Forth" for God today.

De Colores

Close, But Not Quite

2008-03-03T09:29:00.002-06:00

The Cinderella story run of the MHS girls game to a close Saturday night, when they were defeated in the sub-state final against Southeast Saline. They were just a couple steps faster, and hit their shots, while our girls looked a little tight, and had too many turn overs and missed shots. Of sourse there were lots of tears, as they didn't quite make it to State, but they represented MHS well, battling all the way to the end.

It was a great run for the young Lady Warriors, as they finished the season with a winning record (the first one for the girls in many, many years). They will return 5 sophomores and a junior who saw a lot of playing time this year, so it should be exciting to watch them next year.

Congratulations Lady Warriors!!

De Colores

MHS Girls Still Going!

2008-03-01T08:58:00.002-06:00

The MHS girls basketball team extended their season last night with a sub-state semi-final victory over Remington. The final score was 62 - 52. The girls played very well as a team, defeating the #1 seeded team with a stifling full court press, great ball movement, and lights out shooting.

They play for the sub-state championship and the right to move on to State tonight. Great job girls, keep it up!!

GO WARRIORS!!

De Colores

"Leap" Of Faith

2008-02-29T09:15:00.002-06:00

Today is Leap Day. I went out and googled it to find out exactly why we do this every 4 years. I could go into a long and detailed story why it is done, but basically it is just to keep our seasons in line with the with the sun while we travel around and around it. A true year is exactly 365.24219 days. The .24219 doesn't seem like it would make much of a difference, but over the course of centuries, this would get so screwed up, we'd be observing Easter on Jan 1!! So, every 4 years, we make an adjustment to the calendar, adding Feb. 29.

Happy birthday to all you Leap Year folks. According to the US census, there are approx. 200,000 people who have birthdays on Leap Year. Party til you drop, you Leap Year babies, you won't get to celebrate again for another 4 years!!

How about taking a "Leap Of Faith" today. Do something for God that you wouldn't normally do. Go visit someone that you haven't seen for a long time. Call your elderly grandma or grandpa in the nursing home. Take someone out for lunch and have a good visit. Be creative. You'll be glad you did.

Happy Leap Day. We'll visit about it again in 4 years!!

De Colores

MHS Girls Basketball

2008-02-27T15:18:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to the MHS girls basketball team for winning their first round substate game last night! To make it even sweeter, they beat their rivals to the west (Hillsboro Trojans) by a score of 67-55. Many times during the game, you would see 3 or 4 sophomores on the court for the Lady Warriors, so the future looks bright.

Last night's game was a landmark. It was the last home varsity basketball game for Marion High School in the old "Marion Square Garden" (by the way, I came up with that name several years ago doing broadcasts on MCTV, and it is commonly used in the community). Our new gymnasium and indoor swimming pool is slated ot be completed by the first of June. The volleyball and basketball games will all be played in the new facility this fall. How exciting!!

Keep up the good work girls!! You showed the boys last night how to play as a team. Good luck Friday!!

De Colores

Me vs We

2008-02-26T10:52:00.002-06:00

Well, the basketball season for MHS mercifully came to an end last night with a first round substate loss to Sedgwick. All season long, the Warriors had a hard time coming together as a team. They just never seemed to gel. They had some real individual talent and potential, but they never could put it all together.

I'm not a real fan of basketball, and certainly I'm no expert, but it looked to me like there were too many individuals on the court, and not enough teammates. It looked like they had the "me vs we" syndrome.

Unfortunately, we as adults to often fall victim to the same syndrome. Our society is trying it's best to create a generation of "me first" people. Get ahead, no matter what the cost. Look after numero uno. I deserve it.

Jesus was our best example of how to avoid this. In Matthew 16:24 he says "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Deny myself? Yeah, right!! After all, it's all about ME!! Yet that's exactly what he asks us to do. Think of others first.

In the Emmaus community, one of the phrases that is used a lot is "It's not about me, it's about Christ". If we could only carry this attitude with us each day, what a better world we would live in!!

De Colores

Friday!!

2008-02-22T09:29:00.001-06:00

In the immortal words of Paul Harvey, "IT'S FRIDAY!!"

And in the immortal words of Forrest Gump, "AND THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THAT..."

Have a great weekend.

De Colores

MHS JV Basketball

2008-02-20T14:30:00.004-06:00

Last night Brian played in what is probably (hopefully) his last JV basketball game for MHS. Unfortunately, they lost quite badly to Hesston. Not a good way to end the season. All in all, they had a respectable 10 wins 9 loss season. They were in virtually every game, and had a chance to win almost every one of the games they lost. They played quite a few teams with several Juniors on them.

Brian's highlight of the season came two games ago when he scored a career high 26 points against Wichita Collegiate! He gained a lot of valuable experience on JV this year, and combined with some limited action with the varsity, he is looking forward to the next couple of years playing varsity basketball for MHS. They will be playing the inaugural games in the brand new gym this next fall, so that's exciting.

With the cold wet winter we've been having, it's hard to imagine that baseball season is only a couple of weeks away!!

De Colores

Honor

2008-02-14T08:45:00.006-06:00

Today is Valentine's Day!! It's a day that we men try to show our special gal how much we love her and appreciate her. Some of us do a pretty good job, and others, well, good luck to you at the end of the day!!

If there is one word that I can think of to sum up how we men should treat our wives, it's got to be "HONOR". Webster uses terms like "a showing of respect" and "one whose worth brings respect". A synonym for honor is "REVERENCE". It is defined as "profound respect mingled with love, devotion or awe". Wow, I couldn't sum it up any better. If I could just treat my wife with love, devotion and awe all the time, what an unbelievable marriage we would have.

Romans 12:10 says "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other". Lori and try try to do this each and every day. We try to be sensitive to each other's physical, spiritual and emotional needs. I try to make her my priority in my life. We have found that if we honor each other as not only husband and wife, but also as individuals, our love for each other can't help but grow. What a wonderful revelation it was when we realized this! In a sense, each day becomes "Valentine's Day"!!

Happy Valentine's Day honey, I love you very much!!

Shatter Cane and Weeds

2008-02-11T15:47:00.000-06:00

I got to talking with one of my farmer friends a couple of days ago, and we were reminiscing on the subject of "the good old days" when I was growing up on the farm. One of the things we were talking about was the practice of sending us young boys out to the milo and soybean fields to clean out the shatter cane and weeds. The shatter cane in the milo was easy to get rid of, as all you had to do was take a machete' or a knife and lop off the head of it before it filled out with grain. As long as the head was gone, the plant was rendered useless, and it no longer posed a threat to the milo crop.

Weeds in a soybean field however, where a whole different deal. Yes, you could chop the weed up into pieces, but the chances were pretty good that with a little rain, it would sprout back up from the ground and grow again. Too many weeds significantly lowered the yield of the bean crop. The only way to totally eradicate the weed was to pull it out, roots and all.

It got me to thinking about the "weeds" and "shatter cane" in my life. There are some things that I find easy to lop off and clean up in my life, but there are other things that I find I have to work really hard to eradicate. Things like jealousy, anger, envy, forgiveness, etc. These are the "weeds" in my life. If I just try and chop them up a little and then go on with my life, they seem to keep coming back and choke me out from being the kind of Christian that God wants me to be.

I always wondered what the useful value of all that time I spent chopping and pulling weeds in the field was, now I know. You never know where life's lessons will come from!!

De Colores

Lent

2008-02-06T14:34:00.000-06:00

Today is the first day of Lent. It is 40 days of fasting and prayer leading us up to Easter. It is a time for us to reflect on our lives, repent for our sins, and think of the unbelieveable gift of salvation that God offered through the sacrifice of His one and only son Jesus Christ.

I didn't realize this, but 40 is a significant time period in the bible. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert being tempted by Satan. He resisted Satan and his temptations, and after Satan left, Jesus began His ministry. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sanai with God. Elijah spent 40 days and nights walking to Mount Horeb. God made it rain for 40 days and nights in the great flood of Noah's time. The people of Israel wandered the wilderness for 40 years while waiting to enter the promised land. Jonah gave the people of Nineveh 40 days in which to repent and save their City. There is also a traditional belief that Jesus lay in His tomb for 40 hours.

Tonight, we will use ashes to symbolize the destruction, brokenness, and desolation of our lives without God. The ashes will be placed in the form of a cross on our foreheads to remind us that Christ died to give us hope and restoration of our souls through our belief in Him.

Will I "give up" anything for Lent? I don't know. I do know that I want to try and spend a little time each day reflecting on the wonderful gift that was given to us in Jesus, His life, His death and His resurrection.

De Colores

Crazy Kansas Weather - Again!!

2008-02-05T09:23:00.000-06:00

Let's see, how many seasons can occur in Kansas in a 48 hour period? Yesterday (Monday) afternoon, the sky was clear and the temperature was a balmy, spring-like 65 degrees. Early this morning, we had thunderstorms rumble through, producing rain, hail and some sleet. By this afternoon, we are supposed to get 3 - 5 inches of snow. How ridiculous is that???? Only in Kansas!!

Congrats to Brian's MHS Junior Varsity basketball team for reaching the championship game of the Hillsboro JV tournament. They are seeded 6th out of 8 teams, and beat the number 2 and 3 seed teams this past Saturday. They will play for the hardware this coming Saturday.

5 more games left in the regular season for MHS basketball, where did the time go? It is such a long season, beginning in November, and finishing up the end of February. I am a terrible basketball fan, I get so frustrated when shots don't fall, dumb turnovers are made, leads are lost, and officiating is terrible. I have made it my goal this year to work on keeping my mouth shut during games and not embarassing my son. Just when I think I've finally got my emotions under control, one of the above things happens, and I find myself jumping up out of my seat, eyes bulging, neck veins popping, and yelling at players/coaches/officials, etc. I am so pathetic....Maybe I should work on it during lent. After all, baseball season is just around the corner....SIGH.

De Colores

A Wildcat Victory!!

2008-01-31T09:23:00.000-06:00

I had the strangest dream last night. I dreamed that K-State finally beat KU and ended it's 24 year drought at home. Wait a minute, it wasn't a dream, it's TRUE!!!!

Daughter Amanda and her husband Chad were there to witness history in Bramlage. She said she didn't storm the court, as she feared for her life. She said it was quite a sight though.

I know, one victory doesn't erase all the ears of frustration, but for at least one day, life is good in Wildcat land.

GO CATS (first place all alone in the Big 12)!!!!

De Colores

How 'Bout Them Cats!!

2008-01-29T15:28:00.001-06:00

Son-In-Law Chad called this past Friday and said he had 2 extra tickets to the K-State/Iowa State Basketball game on Saturday. Brian and I quickly took him up on it (Lori had to go shopping while we were at the game).

I had seen Michael Beasley a couple of times on TV, but it doesn't do justice as compared to watching him in person! What a scoring machine! He had 33 points in only 32 minutes of action, along with 14 rebounds. He is so smooth. Fellow freshman Bill Walker was also a beast. Too bad we probably won't see either of them after this year...

K-State is off to a 4-0 record in the conference and are back in the Polls at #24 this week. They meet up with rival KU at Bramlage tomorrow evening. Should be a great game. Can Beasley, Walker and company put an end to the nation's number 1 ranked undefeated season? I don't know, but it should be a whale of a game!!

GO CATS!!

De Colores

Saturday Shorts

2008-01-26T11:19:00.000-06:00

It was my turn to work the Saturday shift here at the bank, and it's slow, so my mind is wondering. Things that have gone through my mind this morning are.....

Congrats to the MHS girls basketball team on their big win against Hillsboro last night! First win against them in how many years? More than I can remember! They won on Hillsboro's court, so even better!

My son Brian and I are going to Manhattan this evening to watch Michael Beasley, Bill Walker and the rest of the KSU Wildcats take on Iowa State. Bramlage Colliseum is sold out, so the house should be rockin'!!

My sincerest condolences to Rick and Hannah Saylor over the passing of their wife and mother Jan. Some day when I reach heaven's gates myself, I'll finally be able to understand why our loved ones are sometimes taken from us way too soon. May God grant the family peace, strength and grace as they go through this time of loss.

Congratulations to our daughter Erin for receiving a nice promotion at the KC Country Club! Wow, managing a department and staff at 21!! You go girl!!

Have I ever mentioned on this blog how lovely my wife is? Well, she is!!

Cory and Leigh Ann, my invitation to move to Marion/Aulne still stands!!

The next Walk To Emmaus is April 10-13 for the men and April 17-20 for the women. It will be at the Wheatstate Camp in Augusta. Ask me about it, I'd love tell you!!

Have a great weekend, go to church!!

De Colores

Viola Kelsey

2008-01-24T09:13:00.001-06:00

This past Friday, heaven gained a real saint when Lori's mom Viola Kelsey passed away. She was 82. If I were asked to describe her using just a few words, I would say that she was quietly elegant, and had real class. As one of her sons said in her eulogy, she could say so much without saying much or anything at all. She let the way she lived her life speak for herself. She was truly one of God's servants.

Thanks to all for the prayers, cards, flowers, meals, etc. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by such good friends and family.

I was truly blessed to be Viola's son-in-law. I love you and will miss you terribly Viola, but I know that you were ready to go be with your heavenly father, and you are freed from your earthly heart problems that took your life. Your heart now beats strong, and you can run and skip down the streets of gold.

Until we meet again...

1 ARK

2008-01-14T15:51:00.000-06:00

Yesterday during church, I was blessed to hear one of the neatest children's stories during our moments for youth (you are never too old to learn during children's time, so always pay attention!!). Torey Hett showed a video clip from the movie "Evan Almighty". In the clip, Evan asked God what He wanted him to do, and God's response was "change the world". Evan asked how he was supposed to do that, as he was only one person. God replied that He wanted him to build 1 ark.

The "1 ARK" is actually an acronym. It stands for "one Act of Random Kindness". The lesson is this: If every person on this earth were responsible for committing one act of random kindness a day, think how dramatically this world would be changed! God was telling Evan that it had to start with him. God is telling each of us that we are Evan, and He is counting on us to change the world "one act of random kindness" at a time.

Matthew 25: 34-40 says: "34Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

My challenge to each of you is to look for a way to commit one act of random kindness a day. Let's change the world together!!

De Colores

Now It's Cold!!

2008-01-10T11:22:00.001-06:00

Man, sometimes Kansas weather drives me nuts!! On my last blog from Monday, I mentioned that it was 60 degrees outside. I'm looking out the window today, and it's 30 degrees and the snow is flying!! AARRGGHH!!

You know, come to think of it, my Christian life can sometimes be like that. One day I'm on fire for Christ, and the next day I can be totally cold. One day I feel like Jesus is walking right beside me, and the next day it feels like I'm all alone. Why is that? Wouldn't it be great to always have that burning desire in our hearts to love God totally all the time!! Wouldn't it be great to feel God right beside us every minute of the day!!

Thankfully, God does not run hot and cold on us. He loves us totally and unconditionally every day. An Emmaus saying goes something like "God is always close beside us, even when we don't feel close to Him."

Until I get rich enough to move to Hawaii, I guess I'll have to put up with the Kansas weather. Until I become perfect in Christ in eternity, I'll struggle with running hot and cold. Thank God that He is always the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow!!

De Colores

Warm Weather!!

2008-01-07T13:49:00.000-06:00

It's almost 60 degrees outside today!! It feels so good to get outside to run again!! I am thankful that we have our little "wellness center" here in town, but running on a treadmill while staring at a wall for 45 minutes isn't exactly invigorating.

I logged 940 miles last year, but yet gained a couple of pounds. Life is so harsh!!

De Colores

Chrysalis

2008-01-03T13:30:00.001-06:00

My son Brian attended a Chrysalis Flight in Topeka last week. Chrysalis is the youth version of the Walk To Emmaus that you may have seen mentioned in previous blogs. He had a GREAT time!! Judging by his new outlook on life, God must have made Himself known to Brian in a mighty way.

Now his challenge is to go back to school and his every day environment and try to live the life that he knows God wants him to live. It won't be easy with all the temptations and influences that he'll daily be subjected to.

Pray for our kids, they need it!!

De Colores

The Big Gift

2007-12-21T10:41:00.001-06:00

I don't know if it is my imagination, but this Christmas season has seemed so hectic!! What with the school sports events, the crazy weather, and all the other things packed in, it seems like there isn't a spare minute to stop and rest!! Christmas seems to be getting lost in all the hustle and bustle of this crazy life.

Think back to your Christmases past. What is it that you remember the most? For me, I remember the big stuff. The little presents are all well and good, but it's the big ones that really stick out in my memory. Like the "Spyder" bicycles that my brothers and I all got one year. That was the biggest and best ever!! We rode the wheels off those bikes!!

This Christmas, remember the biggest gift of all...Jesus Christ coming to earth as a baby to be our savior. When we put it into context, everything else is just the small stuff.

I need to go home, open my bible, and read again the story of Christmas from Luke 2. Hopefully I can get my perspective back, and remember the biggest reason for the season.

The picture is from our project we did last year with the little kids from our church. Too cute, isn't it!!

Merry Christmas

MHS Auditorium

2007-12-18T15:22:00.001-06:00

This past Saturday MHS hosted it's first event in the brand new auditorium. The facility is fantastic!! The 551 seat auditorium is nicer than a lot of college facilities that I have been to. I can't wait to see the new gymnasium and indoor swimming pool this spring!!