Donations Needed for 5K Run/Walk

On May 30, 2009 the Brentwood Campus of the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes is sponsoring a 5K Run/Walk. This year the event will be a little different. Instead of an entry fee runners/walkers are being challenged to raise support for their efforts. Personally, I hope to raise $1000. In order to do that I need your help. If you are willing to sponsor my walk not run then here is what you need to do. Send your check made out to the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes to my attention at 1310 Franklin Road, P.O. Box 2206 Brentwood, TN 37024. All donations must be received by May 30th. I made the walk last year, so I know you will be sponsoring a winning effort. Be sure to send your name, address and email address along with your donation. By the way, TBCH is a nonprofit organization, so your gifts are tax deductible. To learn more about this event check out www.tnrun4kids.com.

Here Comes What's His Name

It is always good to see old friends. However, this pleasant experience is not without it's challenges. Have you ever seen someone looking your way smiling as if they know you and yet you don't have a clue who they are? Well, that happens to me more than I would like. This weekend, my wife and I are in Gatlinburg at an event with a lot of people we have met and known over the years. So, there are times when someone walks up to us and I have to confess I know them from somewhere, but certainly can not call their name. But, there is some good news. As you know, at most conventions one of the things you get at registration is a name tag. And again, let the games begin.

Most of these name tags are hung from the neck by a small thin like cord. These cords tend to twist, and most of the time leave the person's name pointing in the wrong direction. Or, the name is pointing right at you, but with age the ability to read the name becomes less of a possibility. And of course, penmanship is a whole other issue. Quite frankly, some people simply have a hard time using a Sharpie and printing their name so that others can read it.

And then, just before you embarrass yourself, the clouds break and the name becomes clear. You stretch out your hand, and with a big smile you call the person by name and begin your conversation.

One Year and One Week and Counting

I just finished my first week at work minus three full time staff people. Although there were and will continue to be adjustments, it seems that there is still some hope. As people assume new responsibilities they begin to see things from a new perspective. What once was left for someone else to do, is now taken care of with very little time delay. Those who were not very involved in the past are now stepping up to the plate and making themselves useful. Not everything goes as planned, but even in the best of times that is true.

As I approach my first anniversary at this job, I am amazed at the kind of year it has been. Granted, it would seem on the surface to be a less than stellar. However, it has been a challenging year, and one that has forced me to work hard at doing what is right and leading others to do the same. I would not wish some of the decisions I have had to make on anyone. But I wouldn't want to be any other place.

If you ask me if the journey thus far was what I expected, I guess I would have to tell you no. I really am not sure what I expected, but one thing is for sure, the older I get the fewer surprises there are. Maybe the year has not been mapped out just like I would have drawn it. But, here I am still on the journey and waiting to see what's next.

House Guests

My wife and I were privileged to have house guests the last two evenings. Two of the young ladies that live on our campus needed a place for a couple of days and we graciously invited them to stay with us. Since we are not a daily part of their lives, it took a little time for everyone to get use to each other. But after awhile everyone seemed to be getting along just fine.

We were reminded throughout their stay how different their lives our compared to children who grow up in their own homes. Things that we take for granted are luxuries for these young ladies. Sitting around a table that seats four instead of ten, sleeping in a bedroom without alarms on the windows or doors, and being just a little more relaxed are just a few of the many notable things that were observed.

Who enjoyed the weekend the most is still up for debate. My wife certainly enjoyed the company, and the privilege of taking care of these young ladies. However, I do believe both of them enjoyed it as well. Now no one is being fooled, if they lived with us for a time, they would be just as bummed out about our rules as they are in the cottages where they live. But for a couple of days it was a joy to be with them and to let them be with us.

As an administrator it is rare that I have the opportunity to get this close to what it is we do here. Having had this experience brought back some fond memories of what it was like some 20 years ago when we took care of children in Texas. It also reminded us of how much we miss having our girls around the house. It is certainly something that we both know we would like to do again.

Celebrating 70 Years

In just a few short days, my uncle will turn seventy. A pretty significant milestone in its own right. Accompany that with the fact that he is the oldest living male in my family's history, that we know of, makes this an even greater accomplishment. I am pretty proud of my uncle. He is retired Navy and a decorated hero from the Vietnam war. But more importantly than that he will always hold a very special place in my heart. Thirty seven years ago today, my father and his brother died of a massive heart attack. It was Roy that was assigned the task of coming to where I was sleeping at my grandmother's house to give me the worse news a 10 year old boy could ever hear. I often wondered how he was chosen for that assignment. Perhaps it was because he was the oldest sibling and back in the day things like that mattered. Or maybe it was because it was something that had to be done, and as a soldier he saw to it. I don't know why, but I am sure glad he did.

Later in the day, as family and friends began to gather at my grandmother's home I heard my uncle explaining to his oldest son what had happened. Very simply Uncle Bennie had gone to heaven. I don't remember a lot about my uncle for the rest of that day, or even through the funeral services that followed. However, I will never forget waking up and seeing his face the morning of my father's death. Of all the medals that decorate the uniform of my uncle, none are any more meaningful to me than the one earned that day in grandmother's back bedroom on December 23, 1971. Thanks Uncle Roy, and Happy Birthday!

An Economic Crisis of Historical Proportions

Our money contains a phrase that for some is offensive, and for others it is routinely ignored. The phrase is, "In God we trust." For someone like myself it is really no real challenge to write blogs and talk about this economic crisis as if it were something that happened over there and not at my house. However, I think it is safe to say that it could very well be my turn next. How will I respond to the notion that my family is one paycheck away from serious financial trouble? How will I respond to the inability to put food on the table and pay my bills?

There's a story in the Bible regarding Peter's need to pay his taxes. With no money, and no immediate plans to make any, Peter went to Jesus with his dilemma. Jesus instructed Peter to go fishing. That sounds like a pretty relaxing thing to do when Peter was faced with an economic crisis of historical proportions. So, being the fisherman that he was, Peter followed Jesus' instructions and went fishing. The first fish he caught had in his mouth enough money to pay not only his taxes but Jesus' taxes as well.Maybe it's time I took a few days off and went fishing. Not a bad idea regardless of the outcome.

Let the Meals Begin

I had my first Thanksgiving meal yesterday. A kind group of folks from a local church brought the meal to our campus. Our students and adults enjoyed the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, rolls and desserts. This particular church has been bringing the Thanksgiving meal to our campus for the last 16 years. Two of the original hosts were there last night. When they first came to our campus their daughter was in the sixth grade. She is now married and has children of her own, and she was with them last night. Sure this is only a once a year event, but to know that there are those who are willing to come every year with no plans to to not come in the foreseeable future is indeed impressive. So, thanks church for giving us all good reason to be thankful.