in da hood...

Back from Houston....I was there talking about next summer's camp. We're going to be going to Lake Tomahawk with a few other churches so I was meeting with a couple of them to get some things planned.

As I was heading back to the airport today to come back home I drove through my old hood. So many memories.....It has changed so much. I saw the house I lived in when I was in junior high and drove by my old friend's houses. Some of their families still live there. I stopped and talked to Mr. Briscoe. He was old when I was there, so I can't imagine how old he is now. He still sits on his porch with a guitar and accordion. That's where I found him today. We used to have some fun playing George Jones, some Haggard, and some Hank Williams. Along with cajun songs, and songs that, to this day, I think ol' man Briscoe made up as we went along. Good times...

Then on the flight home I sat by Allie. She is a freshman in college at St. Thomas University in Houston. We had a great conversation about how God speaks to us, her struggles to lead in very tough environment, the state of the church, and stuff like that. She was not even supposed to be on the flight and felt that God had reminded her of just how he does speak by putting her there instead of her planned flight. I was also thankful because it wasn't the elderly lady that fell asleep on my arm on the flight to Houston. My arm smelled like moth balls and old lady perfume for hours. Thanks for the company and conversation Allie.

Glad to be back and glad to have some vacation this week. Oh yeah.....HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS?!!! 1st place baby.......

I'm out..

rollin' dirty in the ATL....

Back in A-town.....

Flew into Atlanta today with Bob, Gerry, Ray, and Harp for the Northpoint Drive Conference. Bob and I are just hangin' out. The other guys went to eat, but I wasn't hungry. No, that is not a misprint and I am not sick....I'm just not hungry. Reason being.....a return trip to Daddy D'z Barbeque Joynt. Ribs, red beans and rice, fried okra, and cornbread. Not to mention their very unique appetizer, Que Wraps (barbequed pork, wrapped and deep fried).

Toured the CNN center this afternoon. Very cool. Saw a live newscast being sent right to your living room. No pictures allowed though....

Conference starts tonight....updates later. Here's a picture of me and Susanna, aka "the mean island woman" and Daddy D'z best waitress and inside CNN.

I'm out....

pics...

here are some pics from the fall retreat....

I'm out...

lo siento

That's I'm sorry for those of you who don't speak the language of our neighbors to the south. I was called out by a faithful reader for not including news of our incredible fall retreat and halloween party this past weekend.

We took our sr. high to Mt. Lebanon Baptist Camp Friday and Saturday. It was great. We had some good hang time and really concentrated on building relationships. Carlos Montoya was our retreat pastor and did a great job of putting our various relationships into perspective. He's right.....people have to trust you before they trust your God. Good stuff. Movie night Friday night was fun....hangin' out, watchin' "Nacho Libre." Es fantastic!

Sunday night was our visit to the Dallas Scaregrounds. Fun stuff. 57 kids, 3 haunted houses, various creatures and monsters roaming around outside and a big dance circle. Entertainment definitely worth the $12 ticket.

Well....I left my laptop at work tonight so that I wouldn't be tempted to work at home. I need to sleep. I say that because I have some good pictures of the retreat that I will post tomorrow.

Tonight was our 1st Wednesday communion service. I emceed the night while Pastors Bob and Ray answered various questions pertaining to God's will in our lives. It was great. Afterward I met with a few of the students that I'm getting the chance to mentor and we had some good discussion. They are some awesome kids! I love 'em.

Well.....I'm taking tomorrow off from working out in the morning. I'm up to 24 lbs. lost...feeling good. I'm out........