May Day

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!!

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!!

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!!

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

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!!

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?

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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