"Texas, Our Texas"

Texas, Our Texas! all hail the mighty State!

Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!

Boldest and grandest, withstanding ev'ry test

O Empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest.

Texas, O Texas! your freeborn single star,

Sends out its radiance to nations near and far,

Emblem of Freedom! it set our hearts aglow,

With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo.

Texas, dear Texas! from tyrant grip now free,

Shines forth in splendor, your star of destiny!

Mother of heroes, we come your children true,

Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you.

Chorus

God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,

That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.

God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,

That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.

Again and again and again! Apparently people are not paying attention to my posts.

As I was perusing one of the several many blogs that I frequent daily, buried deeply in the text the author did it again. So I was ready to go on a long rant about the proper use of lead, led, and lead. But I've already waxed eloquent on the subject, so I'll just point you there.

You must understand that I read a lot of blogs by preacher-types like myself. It's good for my professional education. That said, most of us are expected to be professional communicators--either verbally or through the written word. So is it too much to ask my colleagues to learn to say that any church they pastor "will be led" rather than "will be lead"? Please preacher, learn your usage. And by the way, it's just a cop-out to say, "spelling/grammar was never my strong suit." Are you educated? Then act like it. Even when you write.

By now everyone's probably seen the church sign.

While I'm not sure about using a church marquee to ask people to stop praying, I'm right there with the sentiment.

From Yahoo! News we learn that some US Cities are running out of people.

Since I am always behind, you've probably seen these (as they are all the rage on the 'Net right now). But in the spirit of the season (I know, I know. This part of the work is not really part of the birth section--but the passion--but people love to sing it as part of their Christmas tradition) I will post these here. Feel free to stand beside your computer in the time-honored tradition (attributed to royalty, no less).

Consider the story behind this new Christmas song, then consider St. Jude's this Christmas.

For those who want to know, this is the anniversary of the murder of John Lennon. As a sort of tribute, here's his Christmas song--enjoy the pretty pictures:

Recently, I heard one of those radio talk shows where they talk about just about anything. The host was discussing how his second grade teacher encouraged him to the point of "setting him free to soar". So, I decided I'd introduce you to a couple of inspirational people in my life.

I just want to take a moment, dear reader(s), to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving Day.

Or happy thirty day. However you want to look at it. I couldn't let today go by without mentioning that it was 10.10.10.

I'm often skeptical at the "updating" of some of my favorites from the past. And there are some inconsistencies from what I remember in my childhood viewing. At the same time, some of the questions are being answered that were left unasked when Jack Lord led the Five-O team.

Yes, tomorrow is international talk like a pirate day. And as tempting as the proposition might be, I will not be preaching in pirate-speak. But have fun with it anyway.

So, yesterday was my birthday (as many of you who follow me on FB know--and thanks for all the well-wishes btw). I took a relaxing day, spent time with the family (just before the mad rush of BACK TO SCHOOL grabs hold like a pit bull). We walked across the historic "Chain of Rocks" Bridge (the old Route 66 Mississippi River span) which is now relegated to foot and bicycle traffic, and enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Steak 'n Shake on the way home. It was really a restful day.

I also received the following information (prepare for shameless self-promotion) from Lulu (the site I currently use as publish on demand printer for my books):

Publish | Buy | Sell | Services Two for Christmas Purchase Two for Christmas and get free shipping. * To qualify for Lulu FREE Summer Shipping, your cart has to total at least $19.95 in printed book merchandise, but that total excludes taxes. Since the US Postal Service will deliver your order, we can only offer FREE Summer Shipping to valid US delivery addresses. We can also ship to APO/FPO addresses, but just make sure you use a valid US zip code with your order. Unfortunately, FREE Summer Shipping can't be combined with any other promotional codes at this time. While we don't have any plans, desires, intentions or wishes to do so, we can change or discontinue Lulu FREE Summer Shipping at anytime. Maximum discount of $19.95. This offer ends on August 23, 2010 at 11:59PM so try not to miss out! Please note that shipping methods are limited within this promotion.

Today we say good-bye to one of my faith heroes. Avery Willis lost his hard battle with cancer early this morning. Why is he a hero? Because he was always a friend--to his family and close relations, to fellow Christ followers, and to people he met on the street.

He gave us MasterLife along with the challenge to live our faith in our everyday life. Celebrate life today, because that's what Avery stood for--celebrating life.

I know that at this moment he is hearing, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into your reward."

My prayers go out to Shirley and the children, and I celebrate with them this life that was lived to the fullest for the glory of God.

Take a moment with me to wish a hearty "Happy Birthday" to the man who makes a point to wish everyone else a "Happy Birthday."

Bill Crider has been cranking out Sheriff Dan Rhodes mysteries (among others) ever since the first appearance of East Texas's version of Andy Taylor won the Anthony Award for Best First Novel.

As a gift--why not click on the book cover and pre-order the latest volume?

Nothing special. I just found this sign in southern Illinois interesting:







One has to wonder what they sell at this establishment . . .





and even more interesting is the "store" itself: