1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Act Like Men Conference, Nov. 14th, 2014 Ft Worth TX

Just some thoughts on 61

Top 10 truths, thoughts, questions, concerns & ideas I’ve had regarding turning 61…pretty much the same as last year’s 60’s list with a few additions!

10     My saying has been…it’s not the age; it’s the miles…Yep, about the same. Mom told me, Son, don’t ride them bulls…and those motorcycles…and climb that high iron on those high rise buildings…and…stay outta fights…and…Okay Mom, now I get it.

9         I still wonder how much more cost for walker w/wheels…& some of those nice tennis ball covers? Difference from 60 to 61?...I’ve decided to wait on this one.

8         Really, $4,500 for one tooth? I can remember when they were much, much less! One year later this one still gets me. Last time I went to the Burleson Walmart I realized I could have just left that missing tooth in the front…missing, I would have fit right in!

7         No, I don’t wear my wranglers as tight as I used to…getting in those extra heavy starched jeans was like running a 5K run just to get the damn things on! Oh, and make that “medium starch” please! Difference from 60 to 61?...and make that light starch please!

6         Some people take something to read when they have to go #2…I now take reading material while standing for #1. Through prayer this one’s gotten better…Amen and that is all.

5         I feel Moses & I now have even more in common than just ssssttturing.  Been working really hard on this one this last year, what do you ggguys ttthink?

4         The statement…older than dirt just isn’t as funny as I used to think it was & the term “spring chicken” is now…”fall rooster”.  Difference from 60 to 61?...I’ve decided I still have it…let me see now…gotta remember where I put it.

3         I’ve never given being “un-friended” from someone on Facebook any thought but did you have to do it on my birthday? Guess turning 60 was just too much for em’.  Difference from 60 to 61?...Keep off Face Book and you won’t being paying attention to it! . Besides, I’ve got my own issues to deal with…

2         And now, if someone says to you, I don’t think this is very funny or, Young’s really a dork…just look at the person and say, the Dude is 60, what do you expect!  Difference from 60 to 61?...Duh, he’s now 61.

1         Even at 60, I can still hear Cara saying…Dad, that girl is way too young!  Difference from 60 to 61?...Just my age.

It's not a time for unbelief

Isaiah 26:1-4... we will need to know that we know this in the days to come and those are coming quickly.

A big thank you...

Cara Young Fish for Life Tournament & benefit

28SEP

Wanted to say a big thank you again to everyone who donated, participated and prayed for the fourth annual Cara Young Fish for Life benefit. It was an awesome event and being able to present the check for $20,000 to Cook Children’s Hospital was even greater! It’s not easy anytime I go back to Cook Children’s since we spent so much time there over approx. 20 years but it does not take me too long to see the reason why we do this.

I was asked to do a promotional for the hospital about 6 months after Cara passed and I wasn’t sure I was ready for that. I remember walking into the main entry at Cook and thinking, I’m pretty sure I’m NOT ready. About that time as my eyes started to water and the memories began to flood in a little boy being pulled in a wagon and all hooked up to IV’s, etc. looked up at me and did his best to smile and wave. Wow, thank you Lord, that was what I needed, a good dose of the reality of the situation. Cara was now gone but life with all its issues goes forward and the kids and their families are dealing with their illnesses in the NOW. That was the breakthrough that was provided for me, to see the picture in the present. As the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:13…this one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind…

Thank you and we look forward to our next annual benefit and tournament and would consider it a privilege and honor for you to be a part of it! I know the kids and families that have to be at Cook Children’s will too!

What Spirit is the contention coming from?

William Wilberforce is a model for speaking truth in love. He had strong opinions. He was an eloquent debater. But he was also gracious and civil. We need to adopt Wilberforce’s model of civility today, especially since so many in the political arena have become shrill and contentious.

“God Almighty has set before me two great objects, the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners (morality).”

- William Wilberforce

As I have listened over the years to the social and political arguments of the day, especially  the latest about Senator Ted Cruz and his stand against the health care system that is trying to be implemented, the above comments and statements really ring true. It's not the argument or disagreements that bother me, hey, I love a good debate. No, it is the mocking, finger pointing and literally trying to tear down the opponent through scoffing and ridicule. If you would like to see this in God's Word and what God's kids did about it read Nehemiah chapter 4, very powerful teaching! Don't get me wrong, republicans, democrats and everyone in between have been guilty of this but that does not make it right.

My Grandma would say, if you disagree with someone or something going on better to pray about it first and foremost and seek God's guidance and direction because taking matters into your own hands, thinking on your own thoughts and ideas will get you into trouble. 1 Corinthians 11:31 states: For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.

Does this mean we shouldn't disagree or state our case and cause? Absolutely not, but do it in a gracious and civil manner with correct manners and human dignity that sadly so many are lacking. 

Honoring Pastor Owen Cain

Thought I'd share a picture of this man that I admired so very much. Owen was not only my Pastor but a close friend and confidant as well. One time while talking with my Mom probably when I was in my early 40's she mentioned she had asked the Lord to always send men across my path that would be good influences and teachers for me since I grew up without a Dad. Owen was not only one of those men but, I would say the most important as he taught and shared with me not just the natural side of things but most important God's Word. 

We had a lot in common. He was from a construction background and his wonderful wife Irene had brothers that traveled the rodeo circuit. I don't ever need someone to understand or be able to appreciate where I've been but it is really cool when that happens!

Owen was an Iwo Jima survivor and I never got tired of hearing his stories about that battle. He loved Cara with all his heart and believe me the feeling was mutual! I rejoice that they are together enjoying each others company as they gaze upon the Beauty of the Lord. As the song says, I can only imagine but now they are face to face with Jesus...WOW!

Owen Cain, one of the toughest yet the most gentle, kind, compassionate, caring and giving man I've ever known. He was my Pastor, my Dad and my friend and He ALWAYS directed me to Jesus and to keep my focus on Him first and foremost. Owen, I appreciate you and love you very much and look forward to seeing you again!

A wonderful opportunity to give back

I am very blessed to have been asked and now installed as the new District Chairman for the Cross Timbers District of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouting taught me foundational moral values, character building, leadership skills and fitness programs that have served me all my life. Besides that my years of scouting were some of the most fun times I had growing up! 

I am excited to be able to give back to such a great organization and look forward to another door of opportunity that God has opened for me!