Yes, I am still alive

I am reminded of a quote from one of my favorite speakers, John Maxwell, who says, "The road to the next level is always uphill." I can't believe it's been so long since I posted on here, and I apologize to those who read regularly.

Moving to another level is hard. When I decided to leave the comfort and security of a guaranteed salary, an office, a computer, phone, and pretty much everything paid for - for a commission-only-I-pay-for-everything-now occupation, I had some idea of how hard it would be to get things moving. It has been 2 months now, and I am just beginning to create some momentum.

Motion creates friction - forward motion is always met with force and resistance that is always much greater in the beginning than it is once motion is in progress. Romans 5: 3-4 tells us, "...but we also glory in tribulations (Great affliction, trial, or distress; suffering; an experience that tests one's endurance, patience, or faith), knowing that tribulation produces perseverance (Steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness); and perseverance, character (moral or ethical strength); and character, hope (the theological virtue defined as the desire and search for a future good, difficult but not impossible to attain with God's help)."

It's difficult to see sometimes beyond our circumstances. Sometimes positive things appear so far away when we are surrounded with adversity. I wish I could say that being a Christian makes things easier to go through, or that because of Christ, I always stand faithful and remain positive. Or that being a Christian means that I am never weak in faith. On the contrary, the weakness of my faith is why I need so much to rely on the One who is the root of my faith, and who remains faithful, even through my circumstances. God is not demanding the strength of a thousand warriors to get me through. He is looking for faith "the size of a mustard seed" to move the mountains of my circumstances.

My weakness is what makes God strong - and the evidence is when mountains are moved, and seemingly impossible circumstances are changed for the better. Thank God for grace - it's what gets us through.

Some Very Simple Facts of Life

I was a winner from conception - 1,000,000 sperm all racing for the same egg, and I beat them all out. God made me a winner. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." Jer 1:5

I was born with and have a purpose. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Eph 2: 10

My past is my past, and God does not use my past to determine my future. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." Eph 1:7

I am God's son. "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name." John 1: 12

My daily prayer has been:

• Today I choose life and not death.
• Today I choose good and not evil.
• Today I choose favor and not rejection.
• Today I choose right and not wrong.
• Today I choose blessings and not curses.

I have every right to walk in the blessing, joy, and peace of the Lord. I ask you, Lord, to help me keep my focus on You. Help me to walk in the steps You ordained for me today. Help me to walk in the Spirit, and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Keep my eyes from things that are unprofitable to me. Fill me with Your grace, Your mercy, and Your kindness. Let me walk in and fill my purpose for today. Amen.

Where I am is Not Where I am Going

Here's what's going on:

1. I am tired of being poor
2. I am tired of thinking small
3. I am tired of blaming my circumstances, others, and even myself for my predicament
4. I am doing something major to change all this
5. I am getting back in focus

I realized that God has been working in my life these past few years, in spite of myself. He has continued to connect me with people that have been, are, and will be instrumental in my success. God gave me a vision years ago of me helping many people be successful. He gave me a heart not only to help others, but to help them succeed in life. He gave me a heart to add value to other people, organizations, and groups.
I am on the verge of something HUGE. I believe I am being reconnected, re-energized, and refreshed in that vision. My network all of a sudden grew by leaps and bounds just this past few days, and I'll be writing more about this in the months to come. I'm excited, because the fire is coming back.

This is What a Little Cotton Picker Can Do

My dad was an extremely articulate and intelligent guy. He was a stickler for the English language, and its correct usage. It used to frustrate me that when he checked my homework, no matter what subject, he always insisted on me using correct grammar and spelling. Having grown up extremely poor and on “the other side of the tracks,” he was determined to excel and outperform everyone around him.
I never knew anyone as quick and sharp-witted as my dad. He could do complex mathematical calculations in his head, and his reasoning skills were incredible. He was brilliant in his discernment and assessment of almost any situation, and he could read people with a short conversation. Few things ever got past him.
That’s why I find the following autobiography of him so interesting. It was written shortly before he died, after he was already somewhat senile. I’m going to transcribe it just as he wrote it, complete with misspelled words and grammatical errors. I know in his state of mind, and no doubt on pretty heavy doses of morphine, this must have been difficult for him to write. I am so ever grateful he chose to record this piece of history… and I have it in his own handwriting.

Louis S. Tamez, CAPTAIN, United State Air Force
BORN: 11-23-29, SAN ANTONIO, TX.

Louis was an indusitous individual. The first time he went to Michigan to pick beets. This was the first job had at age 7. These days were though – jobs were rare – So everybody had to work. During
when everyone was at the work – no school!
After the workers accumulate enough money to return to our homes in San Antonio, TX.
At this point, kids that worked had to go to school and catch up on what they had already missed. Since I all ways wanted to learn all that I could, I would complete the things I had to do.
When I was 8, we went to west texas to pick cotton. I would start thinking if I would catch up on my studies when we return home. We picked cotton every year – I started at 8 years old and 9 years, 10 years.
People had to do this so we could have something to eat and clothes to wear – we had to survive in anyway. Many young children never went to school –it was tough to do.
I could see how my mother worked to make do with what we got. She wanted my Sister, Mary and I to do better than our mother – so she would tell us that we had to go to school to learn something.
I loved my mother very much and I wanted to do all I could buy learning all that I could to be better for Mom and for me.
At 11 years of age, I wanted to go to high school – my mom didn’t know how I could get a job that would help everyone. The more I learned the more I knew that someday my mom wold be very happy.
I had a job at a grocery store. After school I would run to the store and work till the store closed – 11 pm. I would walk home and do my homework – we did not have electricity – but I had to be at the armory at 7:00 AM –as I was one of the leaders in the ROTC – I worked very hard, and I learned much.
When the senior year was coming I started to seed how I could graduate, and I was very poor as always – I graduated in my ROTC suit.
At that point if you had money, you could go to colledge, if you did not have money, start looking for a job.
I knew I had to find a job that would pay me well and teach me to be better – the only way I could do this was to join the Army Air Corp. I enlisted as a private, World War II was coming to a stop the war, we were paying private and I was getting $50 per month. I would send $25 to mom. I always needed money – the things my mom that needed and I wanted to help I could. I started a business in my barracks – things my mom taught me – like washing and ironing my buddies that they could do – I was washing and pressing unifords and I made money.
When we left from our place where we were station.
I left this place and when got off the train, and we saw that our station would Washington, D.C.
We went through a bunch of tests, and the took the best 10 men and they started to go to school again. They sent me to the US Coast ^Gurard and Geodich Servey to learn to make charts and maps. We learn how to get arial airiel photography – learn it well – got first promotion.
They sent me to other great schools and I learn more – more promotions
Sent me to Puerto Rico, as one of 10 to do all the charts and mocias – more promotions –sent to French Morrocco to make aerial maps and charts –
Sent back to Washington to do more charting from 2nd World War – we had captured all the photos – we had to make charts and maps of the Soviat empire.
Went to do best on our Air Force in Omaha – they gave me the biggest bundle yet had three men and I Did great job – Promotion to the top grade Master Sargent – I was 25 years old – No more promotions because Master Sargent was the Top.
I disided to get out of the Air Force and work in Washington –
My officers asked me if I would want to go in the Aviation Cadets. I thought they were gr craze out of there heads –
I applied to the program and I finished the program and became as officers and I became a navigator – went to many countries – I had 3 years
I love the U.S. Air Force. I not only made Master Sargent – I got a commission. I retired a U.S. Air Force Captain, retired.
This is what a little cotton picker can do – no other contry gives the people to do what ever we want.

*************************************************

“I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me. “

I don't think Dad ever stopped seeing himself as a little cotton picker. He was friends with anyone (except male nurses.) I still meet people that knew him, and I don't think I've ever heard anyone say anything bad about him. What a legacy. My dad was a fighter, and never gave up, even in the end. He didn’t want to die. He wanted to beat the cancer like he beat everything else. He taught me to trust God, but to use what He gave me so I could be a producer. He never wanted any of us to be mooches, and always told me that I lived in the United States of America, the greatest country in the world, and I could do whatever I wanted to and be whatever I wanted to be. He loved us, and showed me how much he loved me until he no longer could. He died gracefully, and he will never be forgotten.
Thank you, Lord, for giving me a father like him. Just as you never have, he never gave up on me either.

Pete and Andy meet the Man

It was a pleasant, sunny afternoon much like many others in this small fishing village. There was a cool breeze coming off the waters of the Sea of Galilee, and as most days, the fishing was pretty decent. At least the catch today was turning out to be sufficient to bring a day’s wages at the market. Two men were in the water, stripped to the waist, enjoying the sun, casting their nets, and discussing their day. So it was for Pete and Andy, brothers, who had a thriving business, “Bethsaida Brothers Fishery,” which they operated for years. The fishing business had been good to them and their families, and they were known and respected. Fishing was all they knew, and they loved it.

This afternoon, though, was about to bring some big changes for the strong brothers. As they worked the nets and talked, they watched as a rather peculiar figure approached on the beach. The man paused on the beach, watching them intently. Pete and Andy wondered who this might be, for there weren’t many strangers that came down to the ocean to watch the fishing. But there was something about this stranger, something magnetic; something drawing… there was an intensity in his gaze that neither had ever experienced before. ”Andy, that’s Jesus, the Messiah,” whispered Pete. They paused…

And just like that, he spoke. “Come with me, and I’ll make you fishers of men.” Without hesitation, and for reasons neither of them could immediately explain, they dropped their nets– along with their livelihood and everything they loved and were familiar with – into the water, and followed this strange but comforting man. Pete looked into his brother’s eyes, but neither said a word, they just followed with awe and excitement.

They walked a little further down the beach and soon came to where two other brothers, Jimmy and John, who were working for their dad who ran “Zeb’s Fresh Fish Market.” They were in their boat, fixing their nets after a good day’s catch, and they too, had been watching as the three approached. As soon as they got there, Jesus called to them, and immediately the two brothers jumped from the boat, leaving their father with the hired hands, and they followed Him.

From the account in the Gospel According to Mark, chapter 1

These two sets of brothers had ordinary occupations – secular jobs which, no doubt, kept their families fed and maybe kept a few others employed. They were not scholars, seminary graduates, or professional ministers. I imagine they were brought up fishing for a living, and worked hard at it.

And just like that, they left all that was familiar and comfortable to them to follow Jesus. Now, Jesus was no stranger. According to John’s account in John 1:35-42, they had met Him maybe about a year before, right after His baptism by John.  Jesus had even spoken to Peter, called Simon, and prophesied to him, calling him Cephas, which means “A Stone.”

The idea of leaving one’s occupation to follow Jesus must have taken a huge leap of faith. I can’t imagine what it took for these men to drop what they were doing, leaving behind their tools of the trade, their families, and their hired hands. Surely they had something to lose. Surely they must have had some fear….but they just left to follow Him. Just like that.

What would it take for me to do the same? Honestly, I don’t know. It was a leap of faith for me to just recently change jobs, and it was even in the same field.  God must have been working on changing their hearts for a while. I’m sure their identity and all that they could relate to was tied up in their business. When God calls us into a different place, He prepares us for the change. He gives us the boldness and the ability to make the decision, and then gives us everything we need to fulfill His vision.

Our responsibility is not only to hear His call, but to commit to follow Him, no matter what. And the step of faith we decide to take is merely a step. He provides the strength, we provide the will. He gives us what we need, we give our faith. God doesn’t force us to do what we don’t want to do, He merely asks for our obedience. In turn, He takes us to where we’ve never been.

Weird

weird (wîrd) adj., weird·er, weird·est.
1. Of, relating to, or suggestive of the preternatural or supernatural.
2. Of a strikingly odd or unusual character; strange.


1 Peter 2:9 "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light..."


Thank God for weird.

In church this morning, during the worship time, I looked around at some of the people that were there. I looked at the men I have fellowshipped with, worshipped with, sometimes fought with, cried with, and rejoiced with for about the last 15 years. Something struck me as I looked at these guys I’ve been with all these years. We’re heavier now; older, grayer…But God is still changing us and molding us.
These are guys I have known most of my Christian life, and will probably know for the rest of my life – the ones I’ll know in eternity. These are the very guys I’ve encouraged at times, and most often been encouraged by. We’ve shared a lot together. I’ve been humbled by them, lifted up by them, laughed with them, and cried with them. None of us is perfect. In fact, we’re all pretty much weird – stranger than most, each in our own ways. I had to thank God for the weirdness we’ve shared

My friend, Matt, over at From the Morning, shared about being weird. He was wishing we were all a little less guarded at church, and a little more WYSIWYG. I’m glad for our small fellowship of home church folks. It’s really hard to hide behind a Sunday smile when we’re all facing each other in someone’s living room. (Not impossible, just harder…) I know if one of us doesn’t show up for whatever reason, we’ve got someone calling or knocking on the door that afternoon, just to check up.
I relayed to them my thoughts about weird this morning, and how God chose a bunch of us weirdoes to fellowship together. Here’s what I shared in the comments of Matt’s post:

Weird is 2 fishermen throwing down thier nets (and their livelihood) to follow a carpenter from Nazareth. Weird is that the religious culture, who knew the scriptures better than anyone, rejected the Messiah, when he was there among them. Weird is an upright and zealous Jew; a scholar, who persecuted the followers of Christ, suddenly make a turnaround and become one of them.
Weird was Jesus choosing to be in the company of the most hated and rejected of society: the tax-collectors, prostitutes, and the non-religious. And it was certainly weird that the Lord of Lords, who could have called down legions of angels to destroy those that persecuted Him, chose to suffer the most horrible death of crucifixion to fulfill God's redemption of sinful man.
And, yes, it was weird that a 25 year-old, pot-smoking, alcoholic dickhead chose 23 years ago to accept God's forgiveness for my sins and follow Him.

Yeah, I said “dickhead,” to use Matt’s description…it just seems to fit. I just remember what I was like before God got hold of me. And I know what I can still be like, were it not for His grace.

The Comfort of the Father

Since I made the decision to leave my current firm, I have been looking for another broker/dealer to keep my registrations current. I have been struggling with trying to decide what direction to take, and who to talk to. It's hard to discern, sometimes, the truth in a recruiting pitch.
When my dad was alive, I could always rely on his advice and know he would tell me the whole story. I was praying this morning and telling the Lord how much I missed my dad and how I wished he was here to talk to. I gave it to God, thanking Him for being my Father, and told him I trusted Him. I thanked Him that I knew he spoke to me, and that I knew He listened when I prayed. I told Him I would keep my ears and heart attuned to Him for my direction.
I received a call from a broker/dealer's office later on this morning, and was on the phone about 20 minutes or so, discussing my needs, their services, etc. The guy asked me for the correct spelling of my name. When I told him, he remarked, "I had a good friend in San Antonio named Lou Tamez." "That's my dad!" I told him. "Well, that cements the deal, then," he said.
I thought about it later, how my dad would have probably given me the name of someone he knew that could help me. It might have been this very man's name he gave me - I don't know.. but I do know that my heavenly Father heard me, and He sent me the right person, using my dad to confirm it. And knowing my aching heart, He filled it with a memory of my dad.

Agreement and a New Move

Sorry for the long time between posts. I have been fairly busy, but more than that, I have been in a decision-making mode, and it required my full attention. I decided to cut my ties with the company I was with and pursue a new career. My office will be here in town, and I'll start making money immediately. It will be a good move; one that Linda and I prayed about, agreed on, and have peace with.
Amos 3:3 says," Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" Linda and I are not experts on the principal of agreement yet. We are polar opposites in our thought patterns. But we know when we agree on something - there is peace. When we have spent time covering our situation and decision with prayer, and we truly seek God, He is faithful to give us both the same answer. And there is peace.
I remember many years ago having a major disagreement with Linda over a situation with an employee. We were truly at a standoff, and neither one of us would budge. Each of us had an equally strong argument to support our stubbornness. We were truly in strife, voices were raised, and I think we even had our arms crossed and were pouting. I don't remember which one of us had the bright idea to "take it to the Lord" in prayer, but one of us, thank God, suggested we put our flesh aside, and inquire of the Lord as to an answer to the impasse. Within a few minutes, both of us had peace, and turned out, neither one of the opinions we so adamantly held onto was the right answer. Each one of us, separately, got the same answer in our hearts from the Lord. "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened for you." (Luke 11:9) The situation was settled with a completely different answer. And there was peace.
The principal of agreement is not only so that there will be peace in a relationship. There can be the absence of an argument if one's opinion or decisions over-shadow the other's - one person is passive, and just decides it's not worth the fight. Lots of couples "agree" that way and avoid external strife. Underneath, though, there is strife, disagreement, and disappointment, which often festers until there is a breaking point somewhere down the road. Then all hell breaks loose.
True agreement allows us to truly avoid strife - externally and internally. It also allows us to work together synergetically, and allow God to take us further in our walk. Solomon wrote, in the book of Ecclesiastes 4:9, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to lift him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." In my experience, it has always been better when we are in agreement. We get more done without strife, and our rewards for our efforts are much greater.
I'm encouraged and excited about my new occupation. I'll start some preliminary transition next week, as I still have some things to wrap up with my current job. The good new is that I am leaving on excellent terms and have been given an open door to come back. And there is peace.

Wondering if I heard from God

I'm working in a field I love. I know I was born to do this. I have the potential to make more in one month than I ever used to make in a year. I think I am doing exactly what I was created to do, and fulfilling my call as a Christian and my purpose as a man.
So what's the problem??? For 2 years I have barely made it financially. I have been making less than 1/4 of what I was making in the same occupation just 2 years ago. Circumstances have changed and I had to move to another firm. The firm I am currently with underwent some major changes last year which cut into my abilty to market and deliver my product. Timing had everything to do with my current situation. I've been frustrated and discouraged and have wondered if I really heard God.
Yet something continues to drive me and hold on to the promise He gave me. I've had to let go of so many things, both financially and emotionally that I thought were so important before. I've had to learn patience, virtue, and kindness. I've had to forgive. I've had to be humble when I would have rather not have been.
Yes, discernment is difficult, considering the circumstances. I wish I could fix things myself, but, as a friend prayed for me today, I realize my job is not my source, God is. His timing is perfect, and He has always come through for me, despite my lame attempts at pushing Him.
I'm God's. Only His. He's my daddy, and knows what I need more than I do. I trust Him and none other. Yeah...it's hard, and I doubt, but what else can I do but trust the One who created me, and who says He's never seen His seed begging for bread?
I am only a man and have limited sight. As Daniel did, I must learn to trust God to "reveal the secrets" to understanding his vision for me.

New Year's Resolutions, Anyone?

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

2 Corinthians 5:17

What a better time than New Year’s Day to start over. It’s a “landmark day” that we can use to put the past behind us and start over. Last year is over; this is the beginning of a New Year. 2005 has now become a memory, good or bad.

I guess that’s what makes New Year’s resolutions so popular. It’s a day to begin that diet, and see ourselves 20 pounds lighter. It’s a day to start a prayer journal, a fast, regular church attendance, etc., etc….It’s a day we can really focus on something we’ve wanted to change and say, “This year, things are going to be different.” It is a definite point of “new beginnings” and second chances.

The wonderful and awesome reality of being a Christian, though, is that every hour of every day is an opportunity to turn around. “As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 God gives us an opportunity at every junction, every turn. All we have to do is decide that now is when we want it to happen.

Do you want your prayer life to be better? Start praying – now. Do you want to start losing weight? Start eating right and exercising – now. Do you want a relationship to be better? Reach out to that person – now. Let today – each day be a “new year” for you. You don’t have to prepare or “get right” before you come to God for a second chance. He is ready, willing, and available for us right where we are. I went to God in a fallen and sinful state when I asked for salvation and forgiveness. He had already accepted me from the beginning of time, for that was His plan…that none of us would be separated from Him. I accepted His forgiveness, because He already forgave me.

So resolve today to make every day a starting point. Life is only the length of a day. We’re not guaranteed tomorrow. Waiting to “get cleaned up” or “right” before we come to God is dangerous. You may never get that chance, and you’ll never be cleaned up enough, righteous enough, or good enough to come to Him. He knows our sinful state, He knows our fallibility, and He knows our inability to be perfect. He just wants us to accept His love and grace, right where we are. He’ll do the rest if we let Him.

I quit making New Year’s resolutions years ago when I realized I didn’t have to wait for a new year to change my life. And I discovered if I had to wait for the perfect day to make a change, I really wasn’t ready to make the change anyway. So I decided when I’m ready for a change, I’m not going to wait; I’m going to make the change right now. God is ready to give me the strength for change. Are you ready to let Him change you?

Feliz Navidad, Y'all

OK...it's Christmas...

I feel weird about it. The "Christmas" feeling just wasn't there this year. I don't know why, all I know is that this year is different that past years.

So, I posted some Tejano Christmas stories below, but I guess you have to be Tejano to understand them fully.

I bought one gift this year; for Linda. All the other gifts were made. I sculpted crosses out of wood for my siblings and my mom. Each one is unique. I used wood from an old fence, and some wrought iron from an old railing I took down at the rent house. Some are decorated with pieces of colored and stained glass.

Linda took down some old paintings (from 1975-76) I never finished, and I cleaned one up and finished it for our oldest son. I then matted and framed it for him. I actually liked it when it was completed. It is one of the first large paintings I ever did - an Autumn scene of a cabin in the mountains, complete with pine trees and fall foliage. I had signed and dated it "Sept 1976." I wish I had my camera so I could take a photo of it.

I made Izzy a stick horse out of a large canvas coin bag I got from when the bank I worked at moved a couple of years ago. I cut the horse's head from the bag, sewed it up, complete with a fringed mane, and stuffed it. Then I painted eyes and nostrils on it, and mounted it on a hanger rod I had in my wood scrap pile in the garage. She loved it.

So now we're getting ready for Christmas dinner. I smoked a turkey on the grill last night. I stuffed real butter under the skin of the breasts, sprinkled it with celery salt, lemon pepper, and seasoned salt, and put oregano and thyme in the cavity. It cooked for about 6 hours on the smoker, so it's got some very good flavor. We've got enough food for a small mexican family, and it's going to be just a few of us eating here. I have no idea why we made so much food.

So all the gift-giving, food, phone calls and visits from family are just the superficial stuff of Christmas that has me a bit unfulfilled. I'm grateful for all the abundance we have, but it's reall just stuff. My real joy came from sitting down and telling my 4 year old granddaughter the story of the first Christmas. She understood and enjoyed the story as I told it to her while she sat on my lap. When I told her about the wise men coming on horseback or camels, she remarked, ""Cause they didn't have no cars! or motorcycles, or bikes..." Then she wanted to know if they had dogs. Of course they did...

Merry Christmas, Y'all...my regular readers, the few commenters I have, my family who reads me, and whoever else might stop by. This Christmas remember the most important thing is not the "stuff," it's about celebrating the birth of a Savior - the man named Jesus, whose birth was the reason for CHRISTmas. Without his birth, everything else would mean nothing.

The Christmas Story, as told by a Cholo

Back when I was just a muchacho, they passed a law from El Rey, Cesar Augustino, that all the barrios should be registered. So we all went to our hometowns, every vato to his own barrio.

Jose also went up from L.A. back to his barrio in Bethlehem to be registered with his prometida, Maria, who was embarazada. And while they were there, it came time for her to deliver, and she had the niňo, and wrapped him like a tamale, and laid him in the back of the carro, because there was no room at the motel.

Now in the same country, all us cholos were in our parking lot, showing our lowriders and hanging out in the night. And suddenly, an angel of the Lord stood before us, and the glory of God was shining all around us, and we were big time freaked out. Then the angel said to us, “Calmate, vatos, don’t freak. Orale, I bring you buenas noticias of great joy which is for todos. Today, ese, in David’s barrio, was born a Savior, who is Cristo El Senor. And here’s how you know for sure: You will find the bebe wrapped in his ropa like a tamale, lying in the back of a ’57 Chevy.”

And suddenly the whole sky was full of grupos musicales, conjuntos, and Tejano bands with the angel, praising God, throwing gritas and singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward all people.” So when all the angels went back to heaven, the cholos said to each other, “Vamanos! Let’s all cruise to Bethlehem, and let’s check it out, what the Lord told us about.” And we burned rubber down there. We found Maria and Jose, and the bebe in the back of the lowrider.

When we saw Him, we all got on our cell phones and called all the gente and told them everything the angel said about the Bebe. And all the tias and mis compadres were freaked out and said, “Way cool, que suave, ese” about everything us cholos told them. Then we all cruised back to our barrios, throwing gritas, glorifying and praising God for all we had heard and seen, as it was told to us.

From the gospel according to Pauly, paraphrased from Luke 2:1-20

Pancho Claus - A Bilingual Christmas

"Pancho Claus" by Michael Paglia

Image is copyright protected and used with written permission

[Michael Paglia's website]

In his more than sixty years as a singer and songwriter, Eduardo 'Lalo' Guerrero has given voice to the barrios, weaving their energy, their sorrow,and especially their humor into songs that made Mexican-Americans across the Southwest realize their common identity. In a career that spanned the great depression of the 1930's, the zoot suit riots of the 1940's, the Chicano movement of the 1960's, and the genuine Mexican-American political power of the 1970's and 1980's, Guerrero embodied the essential humanity of the barrios. He transformed what he saw and heard and lived through as a child, into songs that touched millions of people, and he has become one of Tucson's ambassadors to the world. In the spirit of the holidays, one of his songs is presented below. Happy Holidays!-------


Pancho Claus (The Night before Christmas)

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through la casa
Not a creature was stirring, Caramba! Que pasa?
Los ninos were all tucked away in their camas,
Some in vestidos and some in pajamas.
While Mama worked late in her little cocina,
El viejo was down at the corner cantina.
The stockings were hanging con mucho cuidado,
In hopes that St.Nicholas would feel obligado
To bring all the children, both buenos y malos,
A Nice batch of dulces and other regalos.
Outside in the yard there arouse such a grito,
That I jumped to my feet like a frightened cabrito.
I went to the window and looked out afuera,
And who in the world, do you think que era?
Saint Nick in a sleigh and a big red sombrero
Came dashing along like a crazy bombero!
And pulling his sleigh instead of venados,
Were eight little burros approaching volados.
I watched as they came, and this little hombre was shouting
and whistling and calling by nombre.
Ay, Pancho! Ay, Pepe! Ay, Cuca! Ay, Beto!
Ay, Chato! Ay, Chopo! Maruca and Nieto!
Then standing erect with his hand on his pecho
He flew to the top of our very own techo.
With his round little belly like a bowl of jalea,
He struggled to squeeze down our old chimenea.
Then huffing and puffing, at last in our sala,
With soot smeared all over his red suit de gala.
He filled the stockings with lovely regalos,
For none of the children had been very malos.
Then chuckling aloud and seeming contento,
He turned like a flash and was gone like the viento.
And I heard him exclaim and this is VERDAD,
Merry Christmas to all, And to All Feliz Navidad!
{Special Thanks From www.hepm.org}

More on Home Church

There's a lot being written about home church, and a lot of questions/curiosity on the subject. It seems, though, that few are actually willing to jump out there and see what it's really all about. There are plenty of fellowships available, if one would take the time to seek them out. There's also the option of actually starting one in your own home, if you dare. Real live preacher had a post, If We Could Do Church, and I replied to one of the commenters. The question of legitimacy was raised:

"Not to be flippant, but it if a "church" like this is legitimate, then what about a
church of one? Is a church of one still a church? I think you're sliding down a
slippery slope there."
Here was my answer:
My greatest spiritual growth has been made in the last 14 years meeting in groups of as little as 2 and sometimes greater than 100, mostly in homes, but the for the larger groups in the past we have rented a banquet room at a hotel, or met out at the lake.
Legitimate? Only when our meeting/fellowship meet to glorify God and build the faith of those in attendance. Have we done that with only 2 people present? yes. Have we missed it with 50 people present? maybe. Maybe it was just me. The point is, that wherever 2 or more are gathered in Jesus' name, He is there. And when we know His presence, and we honor that with our words, deeds, and worship, we've had church.
We don't have a paid pastor, but rather, a plurality of leadership. Worship is open for anyone to participate and offer a song, psalm, a word of encouragement, a prophecy... even a sermon, if that's been led by the Spirit. In short, we have adopted the "priesthood of the believer," and recognize, even encourage the use of whatever gifts God has given someone. Is it always a perfect service? No. But we're open to allow the Holy Spirit change us, admonish us, and even correct us.
A church of one? Well, that may be pushing it, since the purpose of a church involves "the assembling of yourselves together," and corporate worship is intended for the glory of God, the edification of the body, and the teaching of doctrine. The five-fold ministry is not intended to be present only in the pastor, or leader of the group. It was given to the body of believers for prophecy, evangelism, aposotlic ministry, pastoring and teaching. It requires a body of believers to carry out the "perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, and the edifying of the body of Christ." So one person, although said person may be able to have a powerful worship time alone with God, is not a church by himself. We are designed for relationship, and the body of Christ is fashioned to be dependent on interdependent relationships with God and each other.Just as I believe that the instiutional church has legitimacy, so I believe that the smaller fellowships such as home churches, be it 2 or 100, have the same legitimacy...as long as the body is functioning as the body of Christ, and not just meeting for the sake of meeting, or to meet the overhead.

My short trip

I just returned from Washington, DC, as I was up there for a short meeting. I love going to DC. I love the history, the architecture, the sculptures, and the culture. I love being at the capitol of our nation; there's just a different feeling there.

I got there Sunday and had a few hours to spare before dinner, so I took the Metro to Arlington National Cemetery. Walking around, I could not help but be overcome by the awesome understanding that I was walking among the remains of the greatest heroes of our nation. I spent some quiet time there in front of a headstone of a Major General in the Air Force. I thought of my dad, and the hundreds of men he served with, was friends with, and led. I saluted the General's headstone, and then bowed my head to give thanks for the freedoms we have

I thought about my own impact on this earth, and what I might be remembered for. It's a sobering thing to gather the thoughts of all the things I may have done that have made a positive impact on someone's life. It's even more sobering to think about what I might have done different.

Life is short, and visiting the cemetery, with row upon row of headstones, memorials, and markers, made me realize we have only one life, one opportunity to make something of ourselves. We choose who we will be. We choose what we will do, and we choose what we may become.

I had a good cry while I was there, and I made a decision to make good choices. I know how prone I am to screw up, but I won't dwell on that. God puts choices before me every day, even every hour.

“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the LORD your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.” - Deuteronomy 30: 15-20

Another Thanksgiving Day

This is the second Thanksgiving since my dad died, and I still miss him. This is a very difficult time of year for me for a number of reasons, and missing my dad makes it even harder. His 76th birthday was yesterday, which is young by today's standards. I have clients in their 80's who are still vibrant and healthy, and I know my dad would have been still full of energy if cancer hadn't taken him.

I guess I am thankful I had him as long as I did, but a part of me feels lost without him here. I miss his laughter, his voice, and his humor. Every Thanksgiving Day for as long as I can remember, he was the first one to call me in the morning. I could always count on hearing from him, no matter where I was.

I am also thankful I still have my mom, who I still call almost every day. Well, at least 5 or 6 times a week anyway. As much as an influence my father was, she was certainly instrumental in my development . Mom was always there. She was a SAHM, and I could always count on her being there when I got home from school. She was the one who listened to me, bandaged me when I got a scrape, made sure I was clean when I went to bed, and taught me how to tie my shoes. I spent more time with her my first 10 years of life, because my dad was in the Air Force, and was gone a lot.

Mom taught me how to cook, sew, and take care of myself. Dad taught me how to love and respect a woman, and showed me by loving my mom. I'm thankful they chose to stay married for 48 years before he died. Even though they had issues of their own, they stuck through the hard times and made the best of the good times. I know in her heart, my mom is still married to him. They loved each other deeply, and taught us about love.

I'm thankful I have 5 siblings who love me and still stay in contact with me regularly. I'm thankful all of us have chosen to stay married to our first spouses, even when it's been hard. I'm thankful we all love each other and are not fighting over piddly stuff.

On this Thanksgiving Day, I am thinking about family, and how temporary life is. Life is short...enjoy what you can.

"I speak "Dog"

I love being a grandfather…. Even more so, I love still being young enough to really enjoy watching my grandkids grow. I took Izzy with me Friday to to meet with a leasing agent at our rental house in Copperas Cove . I explained to her that the house was where her mother grew up. When we went inside, she wanted to se “her mamma’s room,” so I showed her. Then she wanted to see the kitchen. The first thing she asked was, “Where’s the dishwasher?” (That house never had one, but everywhere she’s ever lived in her short 4 year life has had one…) When I told her there was no dishwasher in that house, she just gave me an incredulous look and asked, “Why?”

Just prior to going to the house, we had some time before we had to meet the leasing agent, so we went to a park around the corner. I had told her that I used to bring her mommy to that park all the time when she was a little girl. She was fascinated.

It’s an older park, perhaps constructed in the late 60’s when the neighborhood was established. There are some very old swings that are small horses that can be mounted, with handles coming from the temples, little saddles, and bars for the feet to rest on. There’s also a tall slide that has three humps on the way down, and a standard swingset with four swings. There are good old-fashioned monkey bars and a geometric dome constructed of hexagonal bars to climb. There are also some little horses, complete with handles and footrests, but they are on a base with a large spring holding them up so you can rock back and forth, even side to side. I’m sure none of these older “playscapes” would pass city codes for safety if they were new today, but to a 4 year old, damn, they’re fun.

After running for 25 or so minutes, from the swings, to the slide, to the horses, then the merry-go-round (also complete with horses), the bars, the slide, then back to the swings… she was having a great time on the swings while some neighborhood dogs were barking away at her. She kept yelling at the dogs to be quiet, and she told them several times, when all of a sudden she blurted out, “Wait a minute….I speak dog!…WOOF WOOF WOOF!!!” I was laughing so hard, I forgot about the dogs.

Veteran's Day 2005

You gotta love this guy. Every year he’s created something different on this rock. I think it’s awesome.

I salute the men and women of the armed forces of this great country today, especially the veterans who have sacrificed for our freedoms.

[Bubba Sorrenson's Website]

In Honor of My 48th Birthday - Nov 6

This was just too good not to post. Linda's making me a cake tonight and it smells so good. So I know it's not a "sheet" cake...

From the Weekend

Sketch of an idea I have for a painting