From Spain to Austin

On Wednesday, November 28, friends from Albacete, Spain flew into Houston. So the following day we decided to take them to Austin to experience our State Capitol, The University of Texas, chicken fried steak at Threadgill's, and Blue Bell Ice Cream in Brenham. We had a great time together.

Okay, okay...I know the hyperlink for The University of Texas actually takes you to the website for Oklahoma State University. But this is my blog. What did you expect?

My Passport

I recently traveled to Guatemala with several friends from my church. Each day leading up to our mission trip involved "to do lists" and various items that each of us needed to accomplish prior to our departure. On one such day I received a phone call from a member of our group. I was asked about the location of our airline tickets. So I got on the phone and called our friend at Buckner International that was assisting with the coordination of the trip. When I asked Jon about the tickets he said, "Your passport is everything." I thought that was great...one less item to have to keep up with on the trip.

Later, my friend's statement, "Your passport is everything" continued to go around and around in my thoughts. If a passport is EVERYTHING when departing for an international destination, what is the EVERYTHING we need regarding our eternal destination. According to the Bible our "everything" is Jesus. In John 14:6 we read the Words of Jesus where He said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." And in John 3:16 we read "...God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Notice that God's Word did not say "Be a good person and you'll go to heaven," or "There are many ways to God and what's important is that you are sincere." No, no, no! Acts 4:12 says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Just as your passport secures your entrance into another country, so too does Jesus secure our entrance into God's Kingdom.

So remember the words of my friend when traveling abroad and know that your passport really is everything. Don't leave home without it. If you do, well let's just say that I hope you purchased trip insurance because you will not be going where you want to. But, an even greater truth is this: Jesus...don't leave earth without Him!

Guatemala Mission Trip Thoughts

I've been back in Conroe for a few days now, but as you can imagine my thoughts frequently return to our time in Guatemala...and specifically to the children I encountered. They were such a delightful group. A few seemed a little distant, but the majority of the children were all about giving and receiving love.

The team of people I traveled with were such a tremendous blessing to me personally and to the children of Fundación Salvación. I witnessed this group functioning in the various ways in which God had uniquely "wired" them up. Each person placed their spiritual gifts and God given natural abilities back in the hands of our Lord, and in doing so little lives were touched and the Good News of our Savior was proclaimed.

As we were preparing to leave and everyone was making their way back to the bus, I found myself sitting next to Santos...my newest best friend from Guatemala. Santos is seven years old and a smiling bundle of energy. The two of us played soccer for what seemed like hours during the course of our trip. As Santos and I were saying goodbye, I wondered what was going on in his thoughts. As he began to speak he asked if I would be back the next day. What do you say at a time like that? I can assure you that the word "no" did not come easy. While it was not possible for me to return the next day, I tried to explain that I hope to return again...maybe next year.

If you feel God nudging you right about now, I would be happy to share with you the details of how you too can love on some children in Guatemala that will love you in return. And if God should lead you specifically to Fundación Salvación, please do me a favor and play a little soccer with my friend Santos and give him a big hug for me.

¡En el nombre de Jesucristo!

Dale

Guatemala Update

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31: Tonight I am logging on from the city of Huehuetenango in Guatemala. Our mission team is serving in the orphanage Fundación Salvación. We flew to the city of Guatemala on Saturday where we met our translators and connected with our transportation. The drive which followed was very long and tiresome, but we made it safely.

On Sunday, we began the day with a brief church service for the children. This was followed by lunch and playing with the children. In fact, most of the day was dedicated to playing with the children.

The next day, Monday, began the work project phase of our trip. Everything from plumbing to painting and playgrounds to electrical work has been involved.

In the afternoons, our team has been dividing the children into three groups and offering something very similar to Vacation Bible School.

Tuesday we became aware of the fact that two of our team members were celebrating a birthday this week. This turned into a great excuse to have a party with the children...complete with three clowns and multiple piñatas.

It would be very difficult for me to explain in black and white the way that God has worked and the manner in which my heart has been touched. I could not begin to count the number of hugs and kisses I have received. Nor could I add up all the times a little child has called me (in Spanish) friend, teacher, and even daddy.

Tomorrow, Thursday, is our last day with the children. We will work until lunch. Then our plan is to have a pizza party and play games until evening with the children.


I miss my family, and God continues to remind me of how He has blessed me with my wonderful wife and three awesome children. I thank God for this opportunity to serve these children in Guatemala, and I thank my family for their encouragement and prayer support for us while here. I also thank God for the awesome team of people I have had the blessing to travel here with. They have blessed the children and me personally.

Ambassador Madison

Conroe Independent School District
NEWS RELEASE
From the Office of Communications

October 2007 Ambassadors Honored
Conroe Independent School District Trustee Mr. John Husbands and Superintendent Dr. Don Stockton visited several campuses on Friday, October 12, 2007 to award an outstanding teacher, student, and paraprofessional from each campus with the prestigious Ambassador Award. The honor is bestowed only once a year on each campus. The recipients are chosen because they exemplify outstanding character and integrity and are committed to excellence. The recipients are paid a surprise visit when the award is announced and presented to them. CISD Board of Trustees will take turns each month until all fifty campuses are visited once each school year to announce the award winners. Student Ambassadors honored include ... Madison Talbert, Peet Junior High.

Way to go, Madison! Your Mom and I are so proud of who you are!

The Big "Cover Up"

When you hear the phrase "cover up" what comes to mind? If you ask someone around you they may list one of the following:
* An attempt to hide criminal or immoral activity.
* An article of clothing you wear at the beach over your swimsuit.
* Make-up to cover a blemish.
But is this list really complete? Do the words "cover up" ever direct your thoughts toward the idea of love?

Over the past several days the words of 1 Peter 4:8 have been turning over and over in my mind and on several occasions finding their way into my conversations (sometimes even during committee meetings). God's Word says, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." In the previous verse (4:7) Peter calls attention to the fact that, "The end of all things is near." Knowing that our time on this earth is brief should lead all of us to make proper life changes and focus on those issues recorded in this chapter. Regarding this passage and its context Matthew Henry writes:

"Our approaching end, is a powerful argument to make us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religion. There are so many things amiss in all, that unless love covers, excuses, and forgives in others, the mistakes and faults for which every one needs the forbearance of others, Satan will prevail to stir up divisions and discords."[1]

So let me ask you the following: In your marriage, have you been exercising love through forgiveness? What about in your parenting, your friendships, your workplace, or even with your mother-in-law...have you been exercising love through forgiveness?

This forgiveness must also be proactive in nature. This is the example set by our Savior. The Bible makes it clear that Christ took the first step regarding our forgiveness, and in Romans 5:8 we read, "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

I am pretty sure that today you and I are going to need someone to be a little forgiving toward us. Let's be thankful that God, in Christ Jesus, has forgiven us, and with humility, gratitude, and thankfulness let's "love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).

[1] Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible. "Chapter 4" 16 Oct. 2007 <http://bible1.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/MatthewHenryConcise/mhc-con.cgi?book=1pe&chapter=4#1Pe4_7>.

The 12th Man

On October 6, my family and I had the opportunity to travel to the campus of Texas A&M to watch them play Oklahoma State. Some dear friends bless us with tickets each time the Cowboys make the trip down to Aggieland, and we are so grateful! Win or lose, we always have a lot of fun together cheering for OSU and enjoy the rich heritage and unique traditions associated with Texas A&M, its students, and the alumni. One of my favorites is the legend of the 12th Man. To help you better understand, I have included the following piece from ESPN online:

"The story of the 12th Man was born in Dallas, during the Dixie Classic -- the forerunner of the Cotton Bowl -- on Jan. 2, 1922. The Aggies, champions of the now-defunct Southwest Conference, were playing Centre College. It was a close, hard-fought contest, and A&M's limited reserves were wearing down. Dana X. Bible, a well-traveled coach who'd won at a number of schools in the early days of the game, remembered E. King Gill, an A&M basketball player who moonlighted on the football team. Gill had traveled from College Station with the team, but had not dressed. He'd been assigned by Bible to work up in the press box as a spotter for Waco News-Tribune sports editor Jinx Tucker. Gill was called down to the field, where he went beneath the crowded stands and donned the uniform of an injured Aggie player. Then he assumed his place on the Aggie sideline and in A&M football history. The Aggies won the game 22-14, but Gill's services were never needed. Gill later said, 'I wish I could say that I went in and ran for the winning touchdown, but I did not. I simply stood by in case my team needed me.'"

The 12th Man is a great tradition, and while life is incredibly more complex and important than any game, I feel we can learn something from this story about the Christian life. Consider a few verses from the Bible regarding the need to be ready and willing...

Isaiah was ready:
Isaiah 6:8 - "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"

Matthias was ready:

Acts 1:22-26 - Peter said "'it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.' So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.' Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles."

Paul ensured that Timothy was ready:

2 Timothy 4:2 - "Be prepared in season and out of season."

That legendary Aggie, E. King Gill, never made it on the field that famous day in Dallas. You and I will probably never be called out of the bleachers to suit up and play for our favorite team either. However, you and I are on life's game field every day. Let me encourage you today to look to God's Word and "in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15).

Work Cited:

"Beano Cook's Top 10 Moments in College Football." http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2615391

Glen Eyrie Retreat Photos

These are just a few examples of the fun and fellowship we enjoyed together at The Glen Eyrie Conference Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.