An Extraordinary Life

I wanted to share a few moments from Marge Caldwell's memorial service today. These are some of the highlights that really stuck out to me:

• Dr. John Bisagno, HFBC Pastor Emeritus, led the Welcome and Remembrances. He said that when Marge got to heaven, they tried to give her some wings to reward her for her years of service -- but she turned those down and asked, "Could I have those gold eyelashes instead?"
  
  He reminded us that Marge served on two Pastor Search Committees at HFBC -- the one that brought us Bro. John and the one that brought us Pastor Gregg. When Marge showed up in heaven, he said, her daughter probably greeted her and asked, "What now, Mom? Looking for another pastor?"
  
  Bro. John pointed out that while everybody referred to her as Marge, Chuck called her Margie. Then, he led us all in singing the song, "Margie" written over 60 years ago:
  
  Margie, I'm always thinking of you, Margie
  I'll tell the world I love you
  Don't forget your promise to me
  I have thought of home and ring and everything.
  
  For Margie, you've been my inspiration
  Days are never blue
  After all is said and done there is really only one
  And Margie, Margie it's you.
  
  Finally, Bro. John was joined on stage by his wife, Uldine, and they sang a duet for Chuck -- "Walkin' along, singin' a song, side by side!"
  
  
• Jeannette Clift George, founder of A. D. Players, spoke about "An Extraordinary Friend." She shared how Marge was instrumental in bringing her back into the Christian life and how for so long she tried to be just like Marge. At one conference, Jeannette said she caught herself telling people about her beloved husband, Chuck! Jeannette encouraged us to have a "Marge day" -- to live out Hebrews 13:3 and "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today."
  
  
• Beth Moore, Bible teacher and author, spoke about "An Extraordinary Mentor." Marge was the person who first invited Beth to speak at a women's retreat, and encouraged her -- many times -- to pursue teaching and speaking. She pointed out that she had not lived one day of her ministry without Marge being in her life -- until now.
  
  Toward the end of the service, when the slide show was playing, Beth went down and sat with Chuck on the front steps of the Worship Center so he could see the show up close on the monitor. I could see them whispering things to each other as each new picture came up -- and laughing more than a few times, too.
  
  
• Gregg Matte, HFBC Pastor, delivered the message. He pointed out that there were many funerals going on throughout the city today, and most of them would focus on the "who" -- who the person was. Marge's memorial service helped us understand the "why" behind "who" she was -- her relationship with Jesus Christ.
  
  Gregg said that when he first began to think about this service, he was drawn to Psalm 116:15, which says, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." But as he prepared, he turned the page of his Bible and saw Psalm 118:13-14:
  
  I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me.
  The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
  
  Gregg shared how Marge had been "pushed back" so many times in her life -- including the final weeks of her life. But just as she had helped so many people, the LORD helped her -- and she knew it.
  
  Finally, Gregg shared that in recent weeks, the HFBC Counseling Center staff met and talked about what they were looking forward to in 2006. Marge, a member of the staff, shared that she wanted to become more like Jesus. Referring to how much Marge already looked so much like Christ, Gregg asked us, "What could Marge possibly share in an accountability group?" When Marge told her husband Chuck her goal for 2006, he wisely advised her that that would mean she would have to endure more suffering. Shortly after that, they were in the car wreck.
  
  So not only did he talk about the "why" behind the "who," but he explained the "how" as well, presenting the Gospel message and inviting people to come and talk with any of the folks on the stage after the service.
  
  
• Following a slide show set to Mark Schultz's "Remember Me", Bro. John closed us in prayer and then had everybody to reach across the aisles and hold hands as we sang, "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" -- a former tradition at the end of each service at HFBC:
  
  There's a sweet sweet spirit in this place
  And I know that it's the spirit of the Lord
  
  There are sweet expressions on each face
  And I know that it's the presence of the Lord
  
  Sweet Holy Spirit
  Sweet heavenly dove
  Stay right here with us
  Filling us with your love
  
  And for these blessings
  We lift our hearts in praise
  Without a doubt we'll know that we have been revived
  When we shall leave this place

If anybody else reading this attended the service, feel free to share the moments that you remember! I know there were many, many more!

Kiefer Sutherland Will Not Die

Watching 24 on Fox is a ride like none other on TV. Even though I have only seen the first season (on DVD), I can attest to the (literally) minute-by-minute roller-coaster of a ride that the show is. Plot twists. Double agents. Accidents. Bad guys behind every corner. You never know what is going to happen next.

But there is one thing that you do know. Kiefer Sutherland will not die.

Kiefer plays Jack Bauer, the star of the show. Each season, for 24 hours, we follow him through the minute-by-minute action of one horrific scenario. Presidential assassinations. Nuclear bombs. Terrorists threats. He has dealt with all of them (and more).

But Kiefer Sutherland will not die.

Why? Because he is the star of the show. As I watched the show on DVD with some friends, you could feel the tension in the room each time Kiefer was in a sticky situation. Chalk it up to great writing and production -- we were on the edge of our seats.

But Kiefer Sutherland will not die.

I guess the same could be said about James Bond films ... or anything starrring Harrison Ford. We know 007 isn't gonna get knocked off, and Harrison's whole career is based on being the tough guy who comes out on top. There is great freedom in knowing that. Your focus switches from being worried about the star to being thrilled by the story.

That's what the Christian life is like, too.

We know how the story ends. While we will actually die a physical death, as believers we know where we are going. There is nothing to fear! We will not truly die! Our focus switches (or should switch) from being worried about our lives to being thrilled by the story -- the eternal story unfolding around us each day, minute-by-minute. Talk about freedom!

The next time your find yourself dwelling on your self, remember this -- Kiefer Sutherland will not die!

Tribute to Marge

The HFBC Counseling Center has posted a great tribute to Marge on the HFBC website. Be sure to check it out!

Services for Marge

The Caldwell family will be having a private family burial for Marge at some point this week.

The visitation is on Thursday at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home (13001 Katy Freeway) from 5-9 pm. The memorial service will be in the HFBC Worship Center on Friday at 12 noon. The memorial service is open to the public.

Her obituary can be found in the Houston Chronicle, along with a Guest Book where people have already begun to post comments about what Marge meant to them -- as well as messages for Chuck.

I Can Only Imagine!

My first day on staff at Houston's First Baptist Church was Marge Caldwell's last day on Earth.

There is something poetic in that for me.

As a freshman at Baylor University, I was introduced to Marge when she spoke during Welcome Week as the keynote speaker for the "Social" general session.

(For those not familiar with Welcome Week, it was based on the concept of the whole person with the theme verse of Luke 2:42 -- "Jesus grew in wisdom (intellectual) and stature (physical), and in favor with God (spiritual) and men (social).")

For the next three years, I always looked forward to Marge returning to Waco to tell us about her love for Chuck, how they met, and the importance of relationships in our lives. That an elderly woman could have 2,500+ freshmen wrapped around her little finger simply amazed me.

My senior year, I served on the Welcome Week Steering Committee and had the privilege of taking Marge and Chuck to dinner before her general session. What an amazing couple! My parents were there and they still remember that dinner -- the one and only time my folks ever met the Caldwells.

Marge's joy and love for Christ encouraged me each time I heard her speak during my years at Baylor, and again each time I heard her speak during my years here at HFBC. Since I was always skeptical of large churches -- and even the Baptist denomination -- I was reluctant to ever come to HFBC. The fact that someone like Marge Caldwell called this place home made it more inviting to me. Something must be real at HFBC, I thought, if someone like her could call it home.

As I type this, Mercy Me's hit song "I Can Only Imagine" is on the radio. What is Marge doing right now? Dancing? Being still? Standing? Falling? Singing? Silent?

I can only imagine ... but if I were a betting man, my money would be on dancing ... and laughing!

My First Day

My first day at Houston's First Baptist Church was February 6. Thanks for your prayers as I've walked through the process of starting this new job -- rather, this new ministry. It's great to work at a place where you are prayed over three times before noon on your first day!

I am in a temporary office with a temporary laptop and do not have too much work to do just yet other than getting to know my team and how things work -- which is plenty of work in and of itself! After 8 years at HFBC, I know a good number of the staff members already. Learning how we all work together and what my role is in the mix -- that's another story.

When I logged on to my church e-mail account today for the first time, I had 128 items in my inbox. Since today is just my second day, I was leary of e-mail traffic that rivaled both of my last two jobs -- combined! But, as it turns out, my e-mail was added to the church staff distribution list weeks ago so those 128 e-mails were 3 weeks' worth of traffic. Not bad.

For those of you who attend HFBC, let me say this ... even in just the two days that I've been here, I have been tremendously blessed by the warmth of the other staff members, the excitement and passion they have about their jobs, and the desire they have to make improvements where needed (especially as it relates to communications). As a lay member, I've always had great respect for our church staff. Now, from a "behind the scenes" viewpoint, it's great to see just how well-deserved that respect truly is!

My Last Day

My last day of making cancer history at M. D. Anderson was January 27. Thanks to all of you who prayed for me that day so I wouldn't "lose it" like I thought I would. No tears were shed on my part, but there were a few from my co-workers. And I have to admit that I choked up as I walked out of the building for the last time. M. D. Anderson is a phenomenal place and I had the privilege or working with a talented and fun team.

For my "farewell" party, co-workers really went all out. In the background, there was a slide show of pictures from throughout the past few years, accompanied by well-selected music. My co-workers had picked up on things I had said in the last few weeks and built a "soundtrack" for the occasion with songs I liked or that had special meaning -- such as "Hail To The Chief" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" and "We Got The FUnk" and more.

For food, there were two bowls of punch -- one gold and one green (Sic 'Em Bears!). The cake was red, white and blue and was set up in front of the "SWM 2008" poster from my surprise birthday party in 2003 (which I had kept in my office ever since).

For a memento, they had people sign a book or send in stories or well wishes that they compiled into a scrapbook for me. Not knowing they were going to do that, I brough my white labcoat for people to sign -- the labcoat that I kept in my office and threatened to put on any time I needed respect or authority. (That's a "hospital thing" if you don't get the joke.)

So ... my last day was a good day. Until the last 10 minutes.

As I was finishing up the mass-deletion of files and programs off my laptop, I accidentally deleted several important folders -- not just files, but folders filled with files. It was about 6:00 pm on a Friday when this happened, so everybody else had already left for the weekend. So, on Monday, as I was on the road to my "pre-sabbatical" in the Hill Country, I called the tech guy and asked if we had a backup of the files. We did. Thank God. My reputation was spared!

Doodle #1

Here's a doodle from Monica Roberts.

Great Things

My head hangs low today, my friends, in shame and disgrace.

January 20, 2006, has come and gone and I forgot to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ronald Wilson Reagan's inauguration.

Can you forgive me?

While we're on the subject of Reagan, let me share one of my favorite quotes of his. He spoke these words in his final address to the nation from the Oval Office on January 11, 1989:

"I wasn't a great communicator, but I communicated great things."

I take those words to heart as I begin my new role at HFBC. God is doing great things in our church. I think all of us who go there can attest to that! What a joy it will be to have "great things" to communicate -- to have "great things" that almost speak for themselves!

Doodle Time!

If you were like me as a child, you used to pass time away in church by doodling on the bulletin. And now, if you are like me as a grown up, you are actually interested in hearing the message each Sunday and are focused on trying to write down each thought and nugget of truth.

Therefore, you have no time for doodling on Sundays.

Well, now's your chance. If you attended HFBC this past Sunday and did not get a chance to doodle, simply right click on the picture above, copy it, paste it into Microsoft PowerPoint or Photo Editor, print it out, and doodle your heart out. Glasses, hats, warts -- the sky's the limit. Consider it my gift to you.

When you're done, e-mail your doodlings back to me so I can share 'em with others.

And for those you who like to know "the rest of the story," here's the original picture taken with Dinah (and Dave) at Dustin and Megan's wedding reception.

"The End of The Spear"

A friend forwarded the following e-mail to me and asked me to put it on my blog. I am flattered to think that my blog came to mind as a way to help reach 100,000 people! ;-)

But before you read the e-mail or see the movie, I wanted to bring up another point that may go unnoticed by most media. The actor cast as Nate Saint (martyred in the movie) and Steve Saint (his son who maintains a ministry with the Waodani tribe) is Chad Allen, an openly homosexual activist.

Now, I am not bringing this up in an attempt to turn people against the film -- not at all. Rather, I think it offers an interesting item for discussion for believers. What impact, if any, will his involvement in the film have on its message? For an editorial on this topic, refer to this article I found by doing a simple Google search.

OK ... so, here's the e-mail:

========================

A major film, called End Of The Spear, opens today, January 20. It depicts the effects of the Grace of God in very powerful and spectacular ways.

The story begins in 1956, when five Christian missionaries (Jim Elliot was among them) gave their lives in an Ecuadorian jungle, attempting to bring the gospel to the Waodani stone-age people. At that time they were the most violent tribe on Earth – and yet they became the most loving and peaceful!

The missionaries made friendly contact, but something went terribly wrong. The Waodani speared them to death. A tragedy? Yes, but God turns everything to good, for the blessing of many and for His glory, and this was no exception. God used this tragedy to motivate more people to become missionaries than any other event in modern history – perhaps ever. He also used two women to complete the work of the five martyred missionaries, bringing the Waodani to himself.

So the deaths of those five men did more to advance the kingdom of God than their lives ever could.

It is a major motion picture (production cost $12 million) that tells the story of God's Grace from the perspective of the Waodoni. Beginning today, End Of The Spear will be shown in theaters across the United States. If it does well it will be accepted by many other theaters, but it must do well right from the start. We can help make the film do well. We can work together to get at least 100,000 people to see the film on January 20th.

How? Very simple. This e-mail is going to hundreds of addresses, many in America. Our connections are endless! So, if each of us were to pass this e-mail on to just 10 others (some can share it with hundreds!), and each of them did the same, our goal of getting 100,000 people to see the film on January 20 would be reached easily -- and likely greatly surpassed!

Just forward this e-mail to 10 caring friends. Let's make End Of The Spear a great success! To learn more about the film visit: http://www.daretomakecontact.com/

========================

Extreme Makeover: H-Town Edition

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is in H-Town this week building a much-needed home for a much-deserving family.

The picture here shows the Kubena family -- John and Monica (on the left) and their identical twins, Sara and Tara. Both girls are battling Leukemia and are being treated at H-Town's own Texas Children's Hospital.

Unfortunately, all of the volunteer slots are taken. But there are still ways to help out if you're interested -- especially financially. The goal is to raise $150,000 to help cover the family's medical bills.

(OK, so East Bernard ain't exactly H-Town and is located outside more loops than I care to count. But it's closer to H-Town than Dallas, so we win.)

Flingin' My Green And Gold Afar

At HFBC on January 15, Pastor Gregg pointed out that the First Edition was printed in burnt orange in honor of the Longhorns' national championship. Being the devout Aggie that he is, he pointed out that he had nothing to do with the color choice. As pastor of the church, he does not micromanage down to the color of ink used in our weekly newsletter -- and rightfully so.

This week's First Edition is in maroon ink. It features an announcement about three new HFBC staff members -- myself included. With pictures, no less.

Me in maroon. Yes, I went to A&M for graduate school, but to this day I still have no idea where my diploma is. I remember seeing it last at my parents' house at some point rolled up in the tube it came in. A&M is a great school (yes, I said it), but my loyalties lie up the road about 90 miles at dear ol' Baylor.

So, beginning February 6, you can expect to see the First Edition in green. A lot. Sic 'em!

Do You Get It?

Some people categorize their friends like they categorize clothes. I have my good weather dress shoes and my rainy weather dress shoes. I have my normal pants and, um, -- let's just say my "new normal" pants.

For the most part, I have used late-night TV to categorize my friends. I have those who prefer Leno and those who prefer Letterman. Of course, I'm not sure which host all of my friends actually prefer. But when the truth comes to light, I file away that nugget of information for future use.

Now I have a new method of categorization: those who get "The Office" and those who do not.

I understand that there is a difference between liking it and getting it. I know people who get it, but do not like it. I am OK being seen with these people in public, even though they make me sad. But I also know people who do not like it because they do not get it. I am not OK with these folks. They trouble me.

I have heard rumors of people who do not get it but who actually like it. Do they know that they do not get it, but continue to watch it in hopes of figuring it out? Or do they not even know that they do not get it and are simply attracted to the show for reasons other than the humor? If you happen to be one of these people, let me know. I want to study you.

If you are a friend of mine and are reading this, let me reassure you -- I do not use these categorizations to judge your value as a person. They simply give me guidance on how best to communicate with you.

For example, I can interact with those who prefer Letterman and who get "The Office" much like a husband and wife who have been married for 47 years. A simple glance and a well-timed "uh-huh" can convey more meaning than an hour's worth of dialogue. When talking with someone who prefers Leno and who does not get "The Office", I try to speak slowly, use small words and keep my jokes on the 2nd grade level.

It would help me out a great deal if you could let me know how best to categorize you. Regarding "The Office" on NBC, which of the following best describes you?

(A) Get it / Like it
(B) Get it / Don't like it
(C) Don't get it / Like it
(D) Don't get it / Don't like it

Marathon Sunday

The list of spiritual lessons to be learned from running a marathon is long and well-known. God showed me many of them when I ran the Houston marathon several years ago, and they have remained with me ever since. Run the race marked out for you. Keep your eyes on the prize. You've heard 'em all before.

Well, I ran in the marathon again yesterday.

Notice, I did not say that I ran the marathon. I ran in the marathon. In fact, I ran in it three times -- once with Ross Culbertson, once with Lincoln Goodwin and once with Julie Abrahams as they each passed by mile marker 22 near my house.

And again, God used the moment for spiritual lessons and illustrations. But these were new ones for me since I saw the marathon from a different point of view.

I ran with Ross for about a quarter mile at the most. As I was running with him, I was encouraging him and asking him how he was feeling. He was doing great. Then, he asked me how I was doing and told me that I was looking good! Me -- the guy who had only been running for 2 minutes. After about 3 minutes, I wished him well and bowed out of the race.

When Lincoln came along, I jumped back into the race to run with him. I played the role of "encouraging friend" again as we went along for a little over a quarter mile (now that I was warmed up, I could go farther). Like Ross, he gave me feedback on how I was doing in my 4 minute contribution to his 4+ hour journey.

Then came Julie. We had received word from a friend that she was not having a good run, but when she reached our cheering section she was in good spirits. Several of us jumped in to run with her and to do our best to encourage her. We followed her lead -- running when she ran, walking when she walked. Having run a marathon before, I understand how well-intentioned friends may be toward the end of the race when they do their best to get you to pick up the pace. And I know how annoying that can be. With Julie, we just followed her pace.

So what did this illustrate to me? What lessons were learned or reinforced? I'm glad you asked.

(1) We have to prepare to run the race -- even the little ones. If you add it all up, I still ran less than one mile. But come Monday morning (heck, even Sunday night), I was more sore than I had been in years. Muscles that I forgot I had were killing me (in fact, they still are). That's what I get for jumping in and pushing my body beyond what it was ready to do. No stretching. No warming up. No water. A belly full of coffee and coffee cake. Even in little "races" such as my stint in the marathon, we have to be prepared. As we go about our lives and come across the deceptively easy "races" we take on, we have to be ready for what it will take. Are we prayed up? Are we biblically grounded? Are we seeking God's direction? Training comes before the race -- not during the race.

(2) We need to encourage others running the race. Ross and Lincoln had 22 miles under their belt by the time I joined them. Clearly, they had a big goal that day -- one that they had been training for for months. The end was in sight, just 4.2 miles away. But they asked me how I was doing -- the guy who was new to the race, who hadn't trained at all. That's how mature believers need to be with newer ones. We need to take time out to turn our attention toward newer believers -- or believers who are struggling -- and ask about their journeys. Even in the midst of our greatest challenges, we can find ways to encourage those around us.

(3) We need to meet people where they are. That's what we did with Julie. We met her where she was and encouraged her in the progress she was making. She had already covered 22 miles! We were well-rested and ready to go. She was well-worn and ready to go home (her words, not mine). Our task was to come alongside her and show our support -- not to push her beyond her limits or to a pace she wasn't ready to run. That's how it is with other believers, too. Meet them where they are in their relationship with the Lord and walk with them -- or run if they're on fire and hungry for more! Don't slow them down -- and don't push them past what they can handle.


Hmmmm ... maybe I need to train for the 2007 race?

Change Of Plans

Things have changed since I told you about my new job.

As it turns out, my last day at M. D. Anderson will be Friday, January 27 -- one week later than originally planned. My first day at HFBC will be Monday, February 6. We just needed more time to transition things at M. D. Anderson.

And, of course, this allows more time for my team members to plan my farewell party. Good times!

Unexpected Blessings

If you ever need a healthy dose of affirmation -- or want to find other believers at work -- just quit your job.

On Tuesday, I sent an e-mail to about 150 folks here at M. D. Anderson letting them know about my plans to leave to go to work for my church. These were people that I work with currently or have worked with during my three and a half years here. The response has been an amazing blessing.

First, people say nice things. Maybe they realize that this is their last chance to share their thoughts so they finally speak up. Or maybe they are just being nice. But as of today, I have received 83 e-mails -- and one phone call. Sure, some are short and to the point ("Congratulations! Sounds like a great opportunity. I wish you well!").

But others are ones that I will forward to my personal e-mail to read on a day in the future when I need a little boost. It's funny how we don't take time to express our gratitude toward one another until we're faced with losing somebody. And I am equally guilty. When a co-worker retired a couple of months ago, I realized just how valuable she was to our team and to guiding me in my job here when I first started. As her departure loomed closer, I finally took the time to thank her.

Second, people reveal their faith. Many of the e-mails referenced the "blessing" of "serving the Lord" in my new job. Several mentioned where they attended church -- or that they just started going to Beth Moore's Bible study at HFBC on Tuesday nights. Some quoted scripture. And almost all of these were from people with whom I had never discussed my (our) faith.

Since I did not work extensively with some of them, there was not much time for us to get to know one another. Otherwise, we might have discovered our mutual Father. That said, I have been blessed to work very closely with several strong believers on my team -- many of whom lent a listening ear as I struggled with the decision to leave M. D. Anderson.

OK, so maybe quitting your job is a bit dramatic if all you really need is a little boost. But if you are considering making a job change, be sure to have an e-mail ready to go -- and then sit back and watch what God reveals to you.

FREE Gift Cards!

Random question/offer . . .

I have $150 in Dillards gift cards. However, I want an iPod and they do not sell them. The only thing iPod-related that they sell are jeweled cases, and that ain't really my style.

So, if anybody is planning on spending $150 at Dillards anytime soon, I would love to swap cash for these gift cards. I have a $50 card and a $100 card if you are only interested in one of them.

(OK, so actually, they are not FREE, but since it's an even trade you're not losing anything ... so that's kinda free, right?)

Unexpected Transitions

When I quit my job at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) in 2000, I did not have a job lined up already. Dumb move. Twenty-one months later, I ended up at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center where I still am today.

But not for long.

Today, I submitted my resignation. With lessons learned under my belt, I already have a new job lined up this time. I guess the more accurate way to put that is to say that God has lined up one for me. I am resigning to pursue an opportunity that He dropped into my life -- one that I wasn't looking for, and one which I never expected to have.

I have accepted the position of Director of Communications at Houston's First Baptist Church.

Here's how God has worked . . . on December 6, David Self (Executive Pastor at HFBC) contacted me about my interest in this new position at the church. The month since that initial phone call has included meetings with David, lunch with Pastor Gregg, many conversations with Don Munton and other friends, several prayer request e-mails, a meeting with the Personnel Committee, approval by the Deacons –- and back-and-forth bouts of doubt and assuredness!

In this new role, I will report to David but work closely with Pastor Gregg to support his vision for HFBC. Departments I will oversee include Reprographics, Membership Services, the Garden Bookstore, and the Resource Center (or Library). While these may not all seem related to one another at first glance, each department impacts our ability to effectively communicate what HFBC is all about.

When I met with Gregg a couple of weeks ago, he mentioned in his prayer over our lunch that we were looking to see if there were an “intersection” between what God is doing at HFBC and what He is doing in my life. What a perfect way to put it! I could go on and on about the different ways in which God has confirmed that there is indeed such an intersection, but I won’t. Just take my word for it – I am assured that this is where God is calling me to go.

My last day at M. D. Anderson will be January 20 and my first day at HFBC will be February 1. Between the two, I plan to take a few days off to tie up some personal things and to go on a brief vacation. While I will enjoy some downtime to relax, I also want to spend time alone with God before I enter this new chapter of my life. I would appreciate your prayers for this to be a rejuvenating time with Him, and that I would be open to receiving a fresh vision from Him for this new ministry. (And if you have any leads on a secluded getaway in the Hill Country, let me know!)

Let me say a few words about M. D. Anderson. One of the most painful aspects of this transition was coming to terms with the fact that I would be leaving such an incredible institution. What a blessing it has been to be a part of that place! The dedication of its people, the boldness of its mission, the achievements in its past, the promises in its future – it all adds up to a truly world-class organization.

My leaving M. D. Anderson is definitely the result of a “pull” toward another career – not a “push” away from this institution that I love and admire so greatly.

• For those wanting a job, I recommend M. D. Anderson.
• For those wanting to make a financial donation, I recommend M. D. Anderson.
• For those seeking a place to volunteer, I recommend M. D. Anderson.
• For those needing treatment, I recommend M. D. Anderson.

OK, I think I have communicated enough for now. Thanks for letting me share this with you. I would appreciate your prayers as I wrap up things at M. D. Anderson and prepare for this new chapter in my life.

Going Once, Going Twice ... Uh, Never Mind

One of my favorite memories from Astroworld was the mini-bakery near the front entrance where you could buy mini-loaves of freshly baked bread. I bought many mini-loaves over the years. (No wonder I'm not a fan of the Atkins diet.)

Well, there was no bread at the Astroworld auction today, but it was good times nonetheless. And, I was quickly priced out of getting anything I wanted. For example, the "Please Remain Seated At All Times" sign from the Texas Cyclone went for $1,300. And a bench that I thought would somehow "work" in my house went for over $300.

No thanks.

The final day of public access to Astroworld (or at least to the backlot) drew out a random assortment of folks. I think most, like me, were curious onlookers hoping for a deal -- only to have those hopes dashed by bigger spenders.

There were older folks and younger folks (that's me) ... and people willing to put their dignity aside for a few minutes while they got down on the dirty floor to pick through hundreds of Astroworld shot glasses hoping to find one with their name on it.

Again ... no thanks.

As we left the grounds (Lori Latham went with me), we passed by Batman: The Escape -- or what is left of it, at least. What thousands of people used to stand in line for in the 117 degree heat and 97% humidity is now a partially disassembled pile of metal tracks. By the time you read this, it may already be completely taken down. I'm not too emotionally attached to this ride since it's not from the glory days of Astroworld (translation = my youth), but it seemed to capture the mood of the day.

Besides, I still miss the Dexter Freebish. Can I get an "AMEN!"?

My Trip To The Rose Bowl

Just got back from California. Had a great time at the Rose Bowl. Got to hang out with some fans before the game and toss around the ball for awhile. This pic shows my good form and concentration. HOOK 'EM!

What's In A Name?

Move over Clarence and Earl. Looks like Steven needs a seat at the "lame name" table.

The Top 100 Baby Names of 2005 is out and Steven did not make the list. Of course, neither did Todd nor Travis nor Lincoln nor Joel. And neither did Catha nor Dovie nor Dinah nor Shanna nor Lori nor Janet ... nor Arshunda. (Don't tell my roommate, but David made the list in 38th place.)

According to the website, the noble name of Steven (meaning "crowned one") hit its peak in the 1960s when it was the 10th most popular name for boys that decade. We were 15th in the 1950s and 13th in the 1970s. Since I was born in June of 1970 (and was therefore conceived in the 1960s), I'm sure my parents were all about giving me what was then a Top 10 name.

The 1980s brought on competition from the likes of Jose and Nicholas and Joshua, pushing us down to 30th place. We surged again in the 1990s to 23rd place and have been falling ever since. In fact, it appears that beginning in 2000 they lumped us Stevens with our archenemies -- the Stephens. From 2000 on we are never listed in the same year; a footnote explains that names with spelling variations were grouped for their calculations.

I am convinced that that's what brought down the good name of Steven. From the 1950s forward (when Steven and Stephen first appeared), Steven always outranked Stephen. Always. See the chart below:

Then, in 2000 when they implemented integration of the names, Steven/Stephen fell to 36th, then to 49th in 2001 and 2002, then to 75th in 2003, and finally ... off the charts in 2004. And that's where we remain.

So, my curiosity is getting to me. Did Steven fall out of favor with the new parents of America, or did we simply lose out to trendier names? Was there a dictator or celebrity who brought shame upon our name, as was the fate with Adolph and O.J.? Shouldn't the fact that our name is in the Bible help us out a little? I mean, even if I do have to sell myself out to our "ph-ed" archenemies, I'll take it if it means I can get back on the list!

It's discouraging to know that there were more little Xaviers, Tristans, Ians and Liams brought into the world last year than adorable little Stevens!

Stealth Aggies

Not long before the Rose Bowl last night, I asked a friend of mine which team he was pulling for.

A quizzical expression on his face told me it wasn't an easy decision for him to make. He finally sided with Texas. His angst prompted me to ask him where he went to school. Turns out he went to Texas A&M.

Now, I'm pretty sure that I knew that, but there is nothing about him that serves as a constant reminder of his Aggie status. I never hear him talk about it, there is no decal on his car, he doesn't wear Wranglers. The fact that he went to A&M had slipped my mind completely.

When I pointed this out to him -- that his Aggieness was not detectable -- he had this to say:

"I enjoyed my time at A&M. It was a lot of fun while I was there. But in a way, A&M is like your high school girlfriend. It was fun while it lasted, but at some point, you just have to let it go and move on."

W!T AND CR3AT1V!TY

I love coming across random flashes of wit and creativity in unexpected places. This example was found on a hotel sign on S. Main near a SuperTarget in Houston.

Lifting Up A Brother

William Taylor, the Minister of Missions at Houston's First Baptist Church, is going on a spiritual sabbatical from January 1 through January 31. Please keep William and his family -- Nancy (his wife) and Will and Sarah (his kids) -- in your prayers. Praise God that William is able to take such a break in order to seek God's will and be refreshed in his spirit -- and to have some time to relax!

I am continually amazed at the amount of work our Missions office does, especially with such a small staff. Certainly, William's passion for our Lord and for telling others about Him are what helps keep that office running! It is so great to be a part of a missions-minded church.

S'FORE!

I love being a kid. Or, at the age of 35, I guess I should say that I love being around kids. It gives me an excuse to be a kid again -- or at least it provides a legitimate way to get away with acting like one. Regardless, it's fun being a kid.

On Christmas day, I gave my niece and nephew matching marshmallow guns -- original creations of Catha Duck. They were a hit. Kyle and Kristin and I went out on the fairway behind my parents' house to test 'em out, each with our own Zip-loc baggy of marshmallows.

After a few minutes of aimless firing at each other and a brief contest to see who could shoot theirs across the pond, we came up with the idea of marshmallow golf. (Since I had more experience with the guns, they jumped at the idea of doing something that would not involve my whacking them in the face with marshmallows.)

Here's how it worked: We started on the tee box by each firing our guns in turn. Then, we went to where our respective marshmallows landed and shot from there. We continued this until we made it on the green and shot the marshmallows into the hole. Fortunately, my parents live on a par 3 hole. We each shot a 22. (Actually, Kristin shot a 23 but she refuses to admit it.)

We decided to play the hole backwards from the hole to the tee box. (Again, I think there were trying to avoid any activity in which their faces were my targets.) We all shot a 9 going back. Why the significant improvement in our scores? Well, have you ever tried shooting a marshmallow into the wind? That's what we were up against on the first round. The tailwind helped on the way back.

So, that was part of my Christmas day -- blowing marshmallows through a piece of pipe along with a couple of 11 year olds. Regrettably, I introduced them to the fact that wet marshmallows stick to people. Things got ugly after that.

Told You So!

According to a study conducted by a UCLA political scientist, bias in the media is real. You can read an article about the study for more detail, but here are a few key points:

• Of the 20 major media outlets studies, 18 scored left of center
• The most left-leaning were (1) The Wall Street Journal (news pages), (2) CBS "Evening News," (3) The New York Times, and (4) the Los Angeles Times
• Only Fox News "Special Report with Brit Hume" and The Washington Times scored right of the average U.S. voter

Rumor has it that KUHF (88.7FM) scored so left of center that it was considered an anomaly and was not included in the final results.

Do You Have Water Weight?

I received this e-mail today. Perhaps you've seen it before, but it was new to me and I really like the illustration. As a Christian, I see how it is not a perfect illustration when you consider that we do not (or should not) go back to our burdens and pick them up again -- rather, we lay them down once and for all at His feet.

That said, here you go . . .

-----------------------------------------------

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "How heavy is this glass of water? "

Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.

The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it.

"If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.

"If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.

"If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.

"In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."

"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."

"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. Relax. Pick them up later after you've rested."

I Like Martha Stewart

I like Martha Stewart. There. I said it.

Now that that is out in the open, let me explain. But before I do, let me address all of the normal complaints that people have about her.

"She doesn't do all of that herself!" Um, has she ever claimed to? Of course she has legions of minions behind the scenes doing the work for her. Do you think Bill Gates design or builds every program for Microsoft? Of course not.

"Women can never live up to her standards!" Of course not ... unless you have the aforementioned minions on your payroll. And for the record, we men can never live up to Bob Villa's standards, either. He has his own minions, too. I am pretty sure that I will never be able to tear down a wall, install a skylight or build a multi-level deck. But I'm not accusing him of setting me up for failure.

So why do I like her? I like her for her business sense, her tenacity and her ability to laugh at herself.

Sure, making your own marshmallows is absurd. But people are buying what she's selling -- and they're buying a lot of it. Despite a five month stint in prison she's back in the saddle with two TV shows and no apparent end in sight. Along the way, she cracks jokes about her criminal record and allows people to make fun of her, too. (Did you see David Spade dress up as Martha on her new daytime show -- with a house-arrest ankle bracelet, too? Hilarious.)

Not really sure why I felt compelled to post this. Lord only knows what level of grief I am going to get for it. But I say, "More power to ya, Martha!" Hers is an American story -- blemishes and all.

Prayer For Ricky

Please pray for Ricky, my friend in India. He is still searching for a job. This is the e-mail that I received from him today (presented here just as he sent it to me):

Dear brother

JAI MASIH KI

Brother i have not got any job Sofar. my Dad talked to our village head.He suggested to us to change religion and make certificate of being SIKH. then only i can get job in ARMY because there are many battlions of SIKH but not even a single battalion of CHRISTIAN.My dad and i were not agreed with his advice and we can die of strvation but cant change the religion. Chances of getting job are very grim. Actually i dont want to tell you about this. i am very sorry. Still its going fine.

YOURS RICKY

My heart aches for him knowing what a dark world in which he and his family are living. Please commit to praying for encouragement and strength -- and for God to continue to provide for their needs.

I am in regular e-mail contact with Ricky, and plan on sending him a package soon in time for Christmas. If you have any particular prayers for him or any scriptures to share, please post them here. And if you have any other recommendations of things for me to include in the package (particular books? supplies?), please let me know.

We're The Fourth House Down On The Right. You Can't Miss It.

I wonder ... would this family still be considered "white trash" if they left THIS up all year long?

Click here to see (and be sure to have your sound on).

My Tour Of Duty

For me, jury duty is like a dream vacation with so many of my passions coming together into one experience.

A variety of people from all walks of life. Exposure to the legal system. Anticipation about the surprises -- and drama -- that may be around the corner. A great equalizer where all people -- regardless of race, age, gender, income, education, etc. -- have an equal say in the process. Democracy in action. A day off from work. I love it.

So you'll understand how disappointed I was when my juror number was never even called. I never left the assembly room except to go to the vending machines and the Burger King (or "Burger Doodle" as the bailiff called it) across the street. It's like going on that dream vacation but never getting off the airplane.

Regardless, I enjoyed my time there.

In a room of hundreds of people randomly selected from throughout Harris County, I saw four people that I know (to varying degrees, of course). Actually, to say that I "know" some of them is a real stretch.

There was a maintenance guy from M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (where I work). I do not know his name. There is a guy who I know has visited HFBC, but who really attends Second Baptist (I think). I do not know his name. There was the former CEO of ConocoPhillips -- a Christian man named Archie Dunham. I recognized his name when it was called out by the bailiff.

And then there was Laura Wilcox. She is the only person I can say that I really "knew" at jury duty. Laura and I met through our mutual friend Lane Alexander. Lane and Laura (and Kelley Kirby) went to NYC on a mission trip after 9/11. Laura is on staff with Priority Associates here in H-Town, the marketplace ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. She was quick to express her disappointment that "Murray Christmas" had been cancelled.

I wish I had more to share about my tour of duty today. But not much transpires in the assembly room. I read a little, text messaged a little, played Bejeweled on my cell phone a little, watched TV a little. I was surprised that they had Fox News showing in the assembly room. Couldn't stories about crimes (with images of suspects) potentially bias jurors right before they are put on a panel?

Anyway ... my dream vacation was cut short. They sent me home at 3:00 pm. For the record, I have seen WAY too many episodes of Law & Order for them to put my sharp legal mind to waste. WAY too many!

Separated At Birth ... Again?

Thanks to my good friend Stan Kwan for indulging me ...

Always Get It In Writing

Some guys ask random women for their phone numbers. In my case, I ask them to write down their compliments (when I actually get them).

Here's an unsolicited comment from a sales clerk at a store in Ft. Worth. When I told her I should get it in writing so my friends would believe me, she did not hesitate for a second.

Thoughts From The Road

As I type this, I am in Magpie's Newsstand and Cafe in Durango, Colorado. Just a quick jump on the internet to check my e-mail and how much cash I have to burn at the Polo outlet down the street.

(For the record ... I have not seen a single cloud since we left Texas on Monday morning. Bright blue skies and temperatures in the 50s to low 60s. Perfection, I tell ya. Perfection!)

Anywho ... if you ever stop off at the Whole Foods in Santa Fe, New Mexico, please be sure to wear a t-shirt with something to the effect of "I [heart] George W. Bush" or "That Tree You're Hugging Will One Day Be The Wood Paneling On The Dashboard Of My Gas-Guzzling SUV" or anything along those lines.

You'll be sure to get a few looks ... and sneers.

Thank you, Matthew

That does it.

There is no way I'm going to give up my longer hair now.

People magazine has named Matthew McConaughey the "sexiest man alive."

So, for all of you who have commented to me (or to a mutual friend behind my back) that I should get a trim, you'll have to wait until Bruce Willis wins the title.

I ain't lettin' go of all THIS!

Seeing Is Believing

Here's a reluctantly-posed-for picture of my niece and nephew, Kyle and Kristin, taken a couple of Saturdays ago. Many of you have heard me talk about them and the athletic prowess they inherited from me, so here's some proof that they do exist and they do got game.

Unfortunately, their games were at the same time that weekend. So, we went to the first half of Kristin's soccer game and the second half of Kyle's football game, making the way from one venue to the next across town with lawn chairs in tow. Oh, the weekly rituals of elementary school sports fans!

Kristin prefers to play with her glasses on and has never been known to pull her hair back from her face. But it all seems to work. The girl can play. Check out the action shot below of her scoring one of her goals. That's right. One of her two goals.

Kyle plays with his contact lenses ... if he remembers to put them in in the morning, of course. I'm not sure if things are blurry for him out on the field, but it's pretty hard to miss the endzone as long as you're running in the right direction. And speaking of being blurry, that's what Kyle is as he flies down the field. The shot below shows him scoring one of his three touchdowns in that game. That's right. One of his three touchdowns. The only three touchdowns in the whole game.



I know, I know ... you're probably thinking, "Well, let me tell you about my niece/nephew ..." I understand that Kyle and Kristin aren't the only kids in America who scored that day. But I'm their uncle, I'm proud of 'em, I love 'em ... and you can go start your own blog! ;-)

Collector's Items

Buy these two stamps and you'll still have 25 cents left to call a friend and tell him about the newest addition to your collection. Get 'em now before they run out!

Praying For Pujols

I was at Game 5 of the National League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park. With just one strike away from finally realizing what I've longed for for decades as an Astros fan -- a trip to the World Series -- Albert Pujols hit a three-run homer to left field putting the Cardinals ahead by one run (5-4).

My guess is that most of you saw it on TV. What you didn't see was that ball falling down from wherever it went above us in the Crawford Boxes -- and landing at the feet of the people in the row in front of me. Fortunately, the guy who picked it up was a man of great integrity and unquestionable character. He quickly threw the ball back onto the field -- right where it belonged.

Today, I placed "warning" signs on my office door declaring the space (and a 5 foot radius around me) as a "No Astros Discussion Zone" -- a clear sign to my co-workers that I do not want to talk about the game. And as of 4:40 pm today, I have avoided all such conversations.

But then my friend Lisa Karabatsos forwarded me an article which snapped me out of my funk -- or, I should say that it "convicted" me out of my funk.

It's an article about Pujols -- the Villain of Game 5 and the man whose name I have made fun of for years. In the article, I learned that Pujols and I will be spending eternity together singing the praises of our Heavenly Father. As it turns out, Pujols is a Christian. And as if God were specifically trying to get my attention to snap me out of the (dare I say) "hatred" I have been feeling toward Pujols today, the headline proclaims him to be "the real deal" -- the very name of the new Bible study that I am teaching on Sunday nights. (DOH!)

During the game, I told my friend Rolly how great it is to have a home-town team with so many believers -- Berkman, Ensberg, Everett, Pettitte, Lidge, Lamb, owner Drayton McLane. So, if I want to be "the real deal" myself, I have to find it within me to rejoice in Pujols' faith, too, and to be thankful that he has a platform to reach people for Christ, to pray that he would be a man of integrity in his professional life, and that he would do all things for God's glory. Even if that includes beating the Houston Astros.

Man. Living the Christian life and being "the real deal" really isn't easy, is it?

1 + 1 = Proposition 2

On November 8, Texas voters will decide how the Lone Star state defines marriage. On their ballots, they will indicate whether they are "for" or "against" the following proposal:

"The constitutional amendment providing that marriage in this state consists only of the union of one man and one woman and prohibiting this state or a political subdivision of this state from creating or recognizing any legal status identical or similar to marriage."

Many opponents of this proposed amendment (Proposition 2 on the ballot) will argue that state law already prevents same-sex marriages, and that this proposal is unnecessary and simply adds insult to injury.

While it is true that same-sex marriages are illegal in Texas, it would not be difficult for that to change based on the decisions of an activist judge or a liberal-leaning legislature who decides to change the law. A constitutional amendment, on the other hand, places the decision directly in the hands of Texas citizens. We have the power to define marriage as one man and one woman -- period.

Since most people reading this are my friends and folks who know me, I am pretty sure that I am preaching to the choir on this issue. However, what you believe does not concern me. What does concern me is that you actually vote.

Unfortunately, this is not a presidential, congressional, or gubernatorial election year. There are no major, high-visibility elections to draw people to the polls (with the exception of municipal elections -- Houston mayor, city council, etc.). Traditionally, only about 5 to 7% of registered voters vote in years such as this. Even in a fairly conservative state such as Texas, that may not be enough to ensure that this proposal passes. We have to get people to the polls.

Of course, this is not the only item that voters will weigh in on. There are a total of nine proposed amendments to the Texas constitution, and like I mentioned, local city elections as well. For an advance look at everything you will see when you vote in Harris County, take a look at the sample ballot. (Keep in mind that this is not precinct-specific; therefore, it includes all of the positions and not just the ones relevant to where you are registered to vote.)

Finally, be aware that early voting begins October 24 and runs through November 4. Election Day itself is Tuesday, November 8. For a listing of times and locations, visit the Harris County Clerk's website and click on "Early Voting Info" in the left margin.

My Brothers

Few people know that I am one of five identical brothers. Here they are from our last get together. (I was taking the picture, so I'm not in it.) We each have our own personalities and hair-care needs.

Like Uncle, Like Nephew (?)

The star of the Stephen F. Austin Gators football team in Baytown -- Kyle Murray.

My 11-year old nephew scored all three touchdowns in their 21-0 victory this past Saturday.

As he ran along the sidelines after the third touchdown (giving high-fives along the way to his adoring fans), he shouted, "This is getting boring!" After the game, I asked him what his secret was -- how is he able to score so often?

"RUN!" Enough said.

Updated pictures of my niece, Kristin, are coming soon!

We're Coming To Toyota ... TODAY!

I love seeing living legends.

My first concert was Frank Sinatra. Since then, I've seen Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, Billy Joel, Madonna, Willie Nelson, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross ... and George Strait, of course. Not only do (or did) I like their music, but I would be able to tell my kids and grandkids that I saw so-and-so back in the day.

To that list I will soon be adding Neil Diamond.

And you, too, could add The Diamond to your list by going with us! We have two extra tickets in the group that's going on Tuesday, October 11, at the Toyota Center. Among the folks who are going so far are David, Lori, Lisa, and Debbie (she doesn't have a blog, but we still like her).

So if you're interested, let me know.