Slaves

Did you know that there are an estimated 27 million slaves throughout the world today? In countries such as Mexico, Pakistan and China, children are born into slavery, purchased or kidnapped for slave use. In fact, there are more slaves worldwide today than were involved in the pre civil war transatlantic slave trade.

Some of these slaves are sold into use for drug smuggling. Others are sold into slavery for labor, such as camel jockeys in the middle east. Most of them however are young girls sold into slavery for sexual reasons, for prostitution, and other various sex acts.

Check out www.amazingchange.com to learn more about the issue of modern slavery, also known as "Human Trafficking". To me, it was such a shock to learn about the slavery that continues today. When most of us think about slavery, we think of African American, pre civil war slavery. The human trafficking going on today is much different than that. An estimated 50% of the 27 million slaves worldwide are children under the age of 13.

None of us could fathom going through this. None of us can fathom being a slave, or can we? Truth of the matter is that we all are slaves. That's right. YOU are a slave. John 8:34 records Jesus telling us this: “ I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.”

We might be apalled to think about the slavery still going on today's society. But, the truth be told, we are all slaves to our sin. We are slaves to the memories of sin that haunt us to this day. We are slaves to the sins of conceit and selfishness. We are slaves to our image and self esteem.

Romans 6:19 says: I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.

Some of us may have "used to offer" ourselves to the slavery of sin, but most of us continue to do so. Even though God has forgiven us, we can't forgive ourselves. The sin is still strapped to our ankles as we run from it. Sure the chain gets longer each time we flee from it, but it always seems to pull us back.

We have to remember what it continues to say in Romans. It goes on to say in Romans 6:20-21:
When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! Paul reminds us that these things we used to be slaves to gave us nothing but death.

Dear God, help us to flee the grasp of sin. Help us not to be slaves to sin. Help us to be slaves to righteousness instead. Amen.

The Rocks? They can't cry out, can they?

Every third Wednesday in the Guntersville Youth Ministry is the night we call Primetime Praise. We spend the entire hour in praise of some sort. Usually we sing, pray, read scriptures, commune with each other, and participate in other acts of worship.

I love a good period of praise time. Its a little different when you're the one who puts it together and has to lead it. However, tonight, I was brought to a realization. If we don't praise God, God will get His praise from something.

First of all, let's understand that praising God should give us joy. I've always been under the assumption that worship is for God, but I don't necessarily agree with that completely anymore. Read this:

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you – I, whom you have redeemed.
Psalm 71:23

Obviously David is telling us that joy is on his lips when he sings praises to God. When we praise God, it gives us joy, or at least it should. True worship, worship with our minds focused on our God, will give us joy. In return, if our worship is shallow, one should not expect to find joy.

And why would we want to worship in a shallow way? Remember that story in Luke, as Jesus is entering into the city on his donkey, with leaves spread on the road for his grand entrance? The Pharisees have the audacity to tell Jesus to get his disciples to stop singing and praising Him. Jesus follows up in Luke 19:40 by saying "If I tell them to stop, then the stones will start to cry out".

The rocks will cry out? Rocks don't cry. Rocks don't have emotion. Rocks aren't alive. So what does this mean? It means simply this: If you are just going through the motions of worship, if you just mumble along because you're supposed to, then you don't understand what it means to praise our God. If the plants and animals God created, the dirt and rocks that He placed on earth, if the pavement under your feet and the roof over your head were allowed, they would be praising God. They are just waiting for the chance.

And here we are with the ability to praise our God, and so many of us just don't get it. When Paul sang at the top of his lungs in prison, when David danced before the Lord, and when the disciples of the Lord sand and yelled in praise as Jesus approached the Mount of Olives, they meant it. They wanted but also needed to praise God...so they could have that joy it brings to them.

May we understand how to praise our God. May we search within our souls to find the depth of praise that we read about in God's Word. May we find the strength to let go ourselves, and give all the Praise to God.

Dear God, help us to praise You daily, by our words, our actions, our thoughts. Help us utilize that ability You gave us to praise You. Help us to understand the Rocks would love to cry out to You. You alone are worthy of our praise. Amen.

Dear God

Dear God,

I'm sorry that I treat you the way I do.

I pray often, but usually its selfish. I pray for things to go well, for You to bless me, my wife, my family, and others close to me.

You see God, I really don't know how to pray. When I wake in the morning, I'm too tired to focus. When I lay down at night, I drift off to sleep before I can make sense. During the day, I'm distracted by too many things to focus.

So I usually just have time to say quick prayers, like for my food, for my wife, for my family, and others close to me. I also always have time to pray when I am sick, not feeling well about something, stressed, and other times like that.

I always just seem to go to You when I need You, but when things are going well, it seems like You're further from my mind. Oh You're still important, and You're still almighty, but those things just don't strike me when things are okay.

Father, help me to be more transparent and open to You. I know You can see everything in me, but I try so hard not to let You. I'm so inadequate to be called Your child, but You continue to acknowledge me as your own.

I go to you and expect something from You, yet I rarely ever give back to you in return. Help me to give over everything to You. Help me to let You be in control of my life. Help me to give it up.

You are beyond words that a mere human can put together into a sentence. There is no way to describe Your abundant love for us. If someone doesn't talk to us for weeks or months at a time, then they come and ask for something all nice and polite, we hesitate to even acknowledge them. We come to You after weeks or months of not talking to You, and You give it over to us.

Thank you, Oh my Father, for all that You are, carry me, show me the narrow path,

Amen.

Helping Hand

Sorry it has been a while. I was gone this past week to the FHU Lectureships. I had a good time, mainly because I got to see lots of old friends and teachers from school. The lectures are a good time to see a different side of things. My perspective is typically a more progressive approach, but the perspective there is considerably more traditional. When all is said and done, however, we are both worshiping and praising the same God. To Him, be all be glory and praise.

I solicit prayers at this time. My wife quit her job at Kid's Korner last week. Based upon a lot of thought and prayer, we decided for her to open up her own business. She is now the sole proprietor and owner of Helping Hand Housekeeping, a residential cleaning service. She loves children, and loves teaching, but she was just not happy where she was at.

If anyone is around the Guntersville area, and looking for a TREMENDOUS house cleaner who charges a reasonable price, look no further than Helping Hand Housekeeping!!

Tomorrow, I'll be old

February 1st has long been a great day for me. Its my birthday. Yup, that's right, I'll be 29 years old tomorrow. Time has flown by this past year. I barely had time to enjoy being 28.

So I have a few goals for the 29th year of my life, and here they are, in no particular order:

1. Get back down to my high school weight of 185 pounds. Only 66 pounds left!
2. Possibly start Graduate school, if I can find the money to do so.
3. Defeat "Zelda, Twilight Princess" on my new Nintendo Wii.
4. Do my best to read at least 6 whole books cover to cover (I really don't like to
read all that much).
5. Continue with less sarcasm, and more patience.
6. Pursue my dream of being a rock star

And FINALLY: Regrow all of my hair back from when I was a child.

Its official, I have a new car

My wife and I purchased a new, well, different car. No, its not a flashy vehicle. No, its not one that will win awards for its sleek looks or name. Its a bare boned, base model 2006 Chevy Malibu, with only 5600 miles on it. I didn't take the hit, but its just like brand new.

Its black, four doors, and saves a ton of money on gas. I loved my 1998 2 door Ford Explorer Sport, all black, tinted windows, running boards, roof rack, with power everything, but with 132,000 miles on it, and our other car reaching 95,000 miles, it was about time to replace one.

I'll drive the Malibu for about 2 or 3 years, and then we'll replace Kristen's car. She'll take over the Malibu at that point, and then we'll sell her Honda and buy me a truck.

And throughout all of this, I'm very proud to say, we paid cash for the Malibu. I'll never have a car payment again!

Check us out!

We have a webpage for our Skinny N Rich team. Go see us all HERE!!

We're going to win, so everyone look out!

Skinny 'N' Rich

So today was the official weigh in day for "Scale Back Alabama". The team I am on, Skinny 'N' Rich weighed in at around 1200 pounds. There are five of us on the team: myself, Jason Bybee, Jon Stacy, his wife Stacy, and Douglas Hargett.

I'll post a team photo later, blogger is giving me some issues right now, and I can't get it to post.

My official beginning weight: 265 pounds. Of course, that's with 3 shirts on, dress shoes, blue jeans, and a jacket.

Stay tuned to my other blog, Fat Man, for updates on the progress of our team!

What's in a Song?

Its amazing how a song truly can take you back. Music has always been a passion of mine. I used to love and sit in my room and play my guitar. Its something I haven't done in a while, and I think I may have to back to it.

When I hear certain songs, I'm taken back to a very specific moment. When I hear the song "Fields of Gold" by Sting, I'm taken back to my very first real date. I was 15, she was 17, and she had to pick me up. That song was playing in her car, and I always go back to that nervous state of mind when I hear it.

Every time I hear the song "Life is a Highway", my mind is taken back to a particular day at the Hickory Hollow Mall with my good friend Jason. We really wanted to buy the Cassette Single (man, that dates me, doesn't it?), and we had no money between the two of us to purchase the $3.00 single. Events ensued, and we "found" the money lying around on the floor of a very water covered floor in the middle of the mall.

When I hear Guitar Town by Steve Earle, I'm taken back to the tiny town of Rochester, Minnesota, and my first real Mission Trip. Jason and I listened to it over and over again on the way up there (the worst and best 20 hour bus ride ever).

Songs like Hard Day's Night, Steal My Kisses, and Wonderwall remind me of wonderful times with Kevin Westmoreland in Brigance 206 at Freed Hardeman University. We would sit and sing in the room till the wee hours of the night.

The song "Long December" by the Counting Crows has a special place in my heart as well. I actually bought a Keyboard to learn how to play this song for Kristen, back when we were still in college. She told me at one point that she really loved that song (we heard it the other night, and she couldn't remember why she loved it so much!).

The song "Only Hope" by Mandy Moore, will forever remind me of when I saw Kristen for the first time in her Wedding dress, as that was the song she walked down the aisle to.

So what about you? Are there any songs that bring back those moments? What are they?

I May Just Have to get one of THESE!!

So on Monday, I finally had to get a new cell phone. I decided to go with the stunningly small and slim Motorola KRZR, not the RZR phone. I had heard nightmares about the Rzr phone, especially from my carrier, Verizon. The KRZR phone supposedly has beefed up the functions, and it is an MP3 player phone as well. So far I love it. I think its great. It fits in my pocket well, and its also very sleek looking.

And then, this came out. It may convince me to switch to Cingular. Watch the whole video. My jaw literally dropped several times watching it.



So what do you think: Is it just hype, or will this replace cell phone technology as we know it?

The New 7 Wonders of the World

If you'll go to New 7 Wonders you'll be able to vote on the new 7 Wonders of the World. Voting ends in like 170 days, but its pretty neat to do. They have about 20-25 things to vote on. You pick your 7. Here's who I picked:


1. Christ Redeemer: The statue of Christ in Brazil






2. The Colosseum: The Ancient Roman Colosseum







3. Easter Island Statues







4. The Great Wall of China








5. Pyramids of Giza: The only original of the Ancient Wonders still standing







6. Stonehenge: Don't knock it till you have actually seen them. They truly are a wonder.







7. The Taj Mahal: Its probably one of the most beautiful man-made structures on earth.

Hooray Florida??

Never ever thought I would say this, but, Hooray Florida! I'm glad you beat the stew out of Ohio State last night.

Here's something to think about, all you guys who say that the SEC is not the best conference in the free world:

1. Ohio State, the beloved Buckeyes, who went number 1 from wire to wire this year, have never beaten an SEC team in the post season.

2. There are 6, count em, 6 SEC teams in the final top 25 of the year.

3. Florida beat the stew out of a team who was supposed to beat them by the same score.

4. Year after year, there are people who say the other conferences around the nation are better, yet year after year we consistently have 6-8 teams in the top 25 year round.

5. I don't believe Notre Dame has beaten a ranked opponent in 2 years, but they got a BCS bowl? What gives?

6. Florida played about 27 freshman throughout the year, and most of those broke records.

7. Out of conference the SEC was 41-7 for 85%. The Big 10 was 33-11 for 75%. As for who they both played out of conference, without 15 wins against the MAC the Big 10 would have to play someone. They did play 8 division II high school teams and lost 25% of those.

8. 9 bowl games were played in by SEC teams.

9. Lee Corso, the not so bright guy he is, said this morning on ESPN that Ohio State was still tired after playing...hah...Michigan??

10. With about 75% of the SEC teams making a case to have some sort of ranking at the end of the year, and 75% of them being in a bowl game, who else puts up those numbers, not just this year, but EVERY year?

Hiatus

For the next week or so, my wife and I will be gone to Colorado for the National Conference for Youth Ministers. I hope the terrible snowstorm going on out there takes a rest so we can make it out there and enjoy the week. On top of us being able to learn and unite with friends and hang out with people of my profession, we'll get to rest and relax a bit too.

So for the next week or so, I may be on hiatus from blogging, or I may not be. It just depends on if I'll have internet in my hotel room.

I'll be preaching this Sunday at Guntersville as well. Hope that goes well.

And by the way, my XM radio is up and running, and I love it. I also love that activation and the first free month was FREE!!! Its great to have my talk radio back in my car.

Happy New Year everyone.

My 2006 Christmas

If I could sum up my 2006 Christmas Season, I would have to say it was probably the merriest Christmas I've ever had.

It started off in Lebanon, TN with my family. We celebrated with my entire family. It is so enjoyable to see all the children open up their presents. I must say that I'm really at the point now that I would rather see the joy on someone else's face while opening a gift I got them than getting any gift myself.

However, I had a very merry Christmas. One of my favorite gifts was my Delphi RoadyXT XM Radio. Now all I have to do is hook it up and be well on my way to listening to XM radio.

We then came back south towards Kristen's parents' home, and celebrated Christmas with her mother's family. We did the great and fabulous Dirty Santa, and I ended up with a wonderful Best Buy Gift Card (my parents had given me one also).

The next morning, which was Christmas Day, I opened up Season 5 of 24, followed by some tremendous looking Golf Club Covers my wife had given me. We then headed off to her parents house again, where I opened up another Best Buy Gift Card!

There were some other things interspersed throughout the day, like an Alabama Sweatshirt, a Deal or No Deal game, and many other things.

But I guess what i was really excited about was that my family got along well, and Kristen's family got along well. Everything was great. It was indeed a Merry Christmas.

HAPPY 10,000!!!

Just a little under a year ago, I fell into peer pressure and joined the online world of blogging. Little did I know how much joy it would give me.

Today, after writing about the really cool new Transformers movie due out this summer, I have officially had my 10,000th visitor. I don't know who you were, or if you are a regular visitor, but thanks for being #10,000.

Now I know that several others who visit this site from other links have had upwards of 30,000-100,000 visitors. But for me, who never imagined anyone would even care about reading my random ramblings, I'm ecstatic. Here's to the next 10,000!

More Than Meets the Eye

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, Hollywood releases
Is anyone else excited about THIS?

I remember as a kid, this was probably one of my favorite shows. I never owned any of the toys, but I had a friend who had Optimus Prime, with the truck bed that opened up and everything.

When I found out they were doing this movie, I felt like a little kid. Nothing beats being an adult, watching a movie about your favorite childhood cartoon. Link to the site above, and watch the exclusive trailer on Yahoo!

Who will win? The Autobots or the Decepticons?

Top 10 Most Memorable Christmas Presents/Memories

In thinking back amongst the presents I've gotten over the past 27 Christmas Days, I thought I would bring to you the top 10 presents I've ever received. These don't necessarily mean my favorite gifts I've ever gotten, but the most memorable ones.

10. Bow and Arrow with Rubber Sticky Things: When I was around 12 years old, I asked for one of these. Of course I meant a bow and arrow with suction cup tips, but I didn't know what they were called, so I asked for a bow and arrow with rubber sticky things.

9. A box full of colored briefs: When I was about 10, in front of everyone at the Widick Family Christmas at my grandparents house, i got real excited when I had the biggest package there. When I opened the box, it was full of packages of colored underwear. Wow, in front of my sister and brother and cousins and aunts and uncles.

8. Back to the Future Soundtrack: Around 1985/1986, after the movie had come out, Santa brought me that soundtrack and put it in my stocking. I bet I listend to that tape about 500 times before it finally just broke. Full of great music from Huey Lewis and the News, and on the flip side several oldies like Johnny B. Goode.

7. David Palmer Jersey: My good friend Jason and I always swapped gifts on Christmas. One year he got me a jersey for the Deuce, David Palmer, all purpose guy for the Crimson Tide. Why was this one so memorable? Jason brought it to me, wrapped up in none other than a pillowcase off his bed.

6. A terribly great trip to Florida: Back in 1992ish, my brother got married on December 22nd in Central Florida. We drove down instead of flying, our minivan broke down twice on the way down, and we ended up renting a car from a place called "Rent-A-Wreck". The tuxedo fitting guy was not so straight if you catch my drift, and it was the first time I heard my dad say the word gay.

5. Nothing at all: Last year, my wife and I were in Memphis for Christmas Day. We had spent the day before at my parent's house, and weren't going to her parents house till much later because we had spent Thanksgiving at Disneyworld with them. We got stuck in traffic on the way back to Memphis on the 24th, got home 7 hours after we left (it should have taken us 4). We woke up, went to church, no one invited us over for lunch, and we spent Christmas day taking down the decorations because we were so depressed. Fortunately, later that night, our friends Michael and Catherine came back in to town and we went to eat mexican food.

4. My Granddaddy Smith from around 1990 till he passed: My mom's parents would always spend Christmas Eve night with us, and wake up with us to enjoy our presents Christmas morning. As my Grandfather got older, he wasn't able to walk very well at all. He shuffled his feet around, and took forever to get anywhere. My parents wouldn't allow us down the stairs until all the adults were in there (so they could see our faces when we turned around the stairs). Eventually, it got to the point where he was taking so long to get ready, we would fall asleep on the stairs waiting for him. One Christmas Eve night, my grandmother yelled at him to stop shuffling his feet, cause he was waking up the whole house. He yelled back at her, for the first I could ever remember, saying "Your're waking up the whole house by not shutting up!"

3. The year we finally won Trival Pursuit: Every Christmas, my entire family would play Trivial Pursuit at my grandmother's house on Christmas day. The kids always got grouped into a team. We never stood a chance, until one year, when I was a junior or senior, we finally beat the adults in Trivia.

2. No family: When I was assistant coach in Houston at Westbury Christian School, I was able to fly in on December 24th, and I had to fly back out Christmas morning because we were playing in a tournament in Midland, TX. I was alone, all by myself the night of Christmas, and had to go to a basketball tournament the next morning. That was the main reason I did not pursue coaching the next year.

1. A wife! I proposed to my wife on Christmas Day, 2002. She had come up to Lebanon to have Christmas with my family. We were slated to be in Hartselle, AL with her family that night. Around 4:30 or 5:00, my family still is opening gifts and lollygagging around. I'm rushing Kristen so we can get to her house, so we can have Christmas with her family, and then have Christmas with each other. At around 11:50 on Christmas Day, I finally got to get on one knee and propose to her. She said yes, and the rest is history. No doubt, the best present I ever received.

Welcome to online shopping

I must admit, I used to be afraid of online shopping. Now, I'm a huge fan, for several reasons:

1. Most of it is a lot cheaper. Last year, we bought a video camera listed for $500 at Best Buy for $250. On top of that, there was no tax, and free shipping. Christmas shopping has been better too, because I can get more in the budget we have set.

2. I don't have to go get it. Sometimes, I like walking around the mall, especially at Brookstone or similar stores. But, when it comes to Christmas time, avoiding crowds is the top priority.

3. No annoying Sales People. I know, they are doing their job. But if you're like me, I do all my research on the particular item I'm shopping for at home, either online, or talking to others about the product. Very rarely do I go shopping for an item not knowing anything about it. Shopping online prevents talking to those terribly annoying and pushy sales people (especially at places that sell electronics, where they think everyone is a sap and they can get them to buy anything).

4. Its fun to get packages! Ever since I was a little boy, I've loved to get mail. I remember at college, if you got a little pink slip in your p.o. box, that meant you had a package! Everyone would go with you to package pick up to see what you got. Now, i'm 28, and getting packages is so much fun. I really like tracking the packages online to see where they came from and where they are stopping on their way to me.

5. You can shop for anything and everything without leaving your desk. What mall can you go to and literally see anything you want in a matter of 2 minutes? I can shop for electronics, clothes, a car, china, furniture, and so many other things, just by the click of a button.

Of course, some people still love the "Old Fashioned" way of shopping, but I'm hooked on online shopping. Merry Christmas everyone!

What in a word?

Last Thursday night, my wife were honored to attend the 4A State Championship Game between Guntersville and Thomasville. We were thrilled that we won.

We were not thrilled with the company behind us, however.

We sat with our usual crowd of the Blacks, the Merediths, and good ole Susan. With the Merediths were 3 or 4 little children, under the age of 12, and with the Black family was their youngest son as well. Also near to us were several other smaller children which I did not know.

Not more than 30 seconds after we sat down, we heard the good ole "S" word come out behind us from an older lady, then a few "D" words followed. I thought maybe she had spilled a drink and got upset, or something along those lines, little did I know we were in for a wild ride.

Next to this older was a young man, around 20 or so. I don't know him, and I'm not going to judge him, but he started cursing like it was going out of style. Not to say that any cursing has a point, but this was absolutely pointless cursing. Word after word, he spit out the "S" and "D" words like he was popping candy in his mouth.

Of course, in this great world we live in, no one really wanted to say anything to avoid some sort of scene. We all wanted to enjoy the game, but everytime a word popped out, I just wanted to cover the ears of those young children. I know, they hear it on television and radio, we can't protect them forever, but there is something different when you hear the word said right in front of you.

My wife, at about halfway through the second quarter, did something she is not known for. She confronted this young man about this. She turned around, and very politely said "I'm not trying to be rude, but could you please stop cussing? There are lots of little children around, and its very inconsiderate of you". To this, the young man replied "Oh, I'm sorry, was I cussing?". As jerkish as that may sound, I honestly believe he really didn't know he was using expletive after expletive. (However, for the rest of the night, he did not curse...the older people behind me were a different story).

When I taught speech in Houston, TX, I remember spending a day on cursing. Basically, I told the kids that only the most ignorant of people curse, because they have nothing better to say.

I went through a phase a really long time ago, when I was in 3rd grade or so, when I thought it was cool to cuss with my friends. Of course, we never spoke like that in front of a teacher or a parent, but it caught up with me.

My father, ever the good person, heard me one time say the phrase "What the?". Nothing else, just "What the?". He told me if he ever heard me say that again, he would wear me out. I think it was a day or two later, we were cleaning out the garage, and I stumbled across something in the woodpile that I had no clue what it was. Of course, that amazing discovery led to a wonderful "What the?". My father promptly put down what he was doing, and told me to get upstairs. You can figure out what happened later.

I was never allowed to say words like fart, crap, sucks, or various other words. I know those may sound silly and absurd, but I think it says a lot when you can control your tongue. Ephesians 4:29 says: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

I charge us all to control our tongues.

A La...

After returning home late last night, at around 12:30 in the morning from a wonderful state championship game, I am officially exhausted.

Last night, in about 18 degree weather, the Guntersville Wildcats won a thriller game against Thomasville, 28-27. It was an absolutely amazing game, worthy of saying it was one of the best games I've ever seen. Unfortunately, my alma mater, Friendship Christian School in Lebanon, TN lost in the state championship last week to Jackson Christian (but neat that two sister schools were in the championship.

What was really neat was that the whole city of Guntersville was practically at the game. Thousands of fans from Guntersville, Albertville, Arab and Boaz were there. It was the first time a team from Marshall County was in the championship.
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I'm really fired up about Christmas this year. Last year, Kristen and I spent Christmas alone in Memphis. After church that morning, we went to the house and took down the Christmas decorations, on Christmas Day. This year will fare much better. We're closer to family, and will be with family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Then, we get to see our good friends Michael and Catherine Davis from Olive Branch the following day. Christmas is really about the family.
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This year for Christmas, all I want is THIS!!!
Seriously, all I've asked for is are Best Buy Gift Cards so I can pick out the radio, get it installed, and then I want Cash or a Gift Card for the subscription service.
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I've never been stuck as to what to get my wife for Christmas, or birthdays, or anything. This year is harder though. Any ideas would be appreciated!!
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Looks like my boys at Alabama are going to hire Rich Rodriguez as their next coach. I'm not sure if I agree with it or not, but he is a good coach and has done some tremendous things at West Virginia. Maybe Alabama will let him stay longer than a year if he loses to Auburn. We need to get over Bear Bryant, he's dead and not coming back, nor will there ever be another coach like him. You have a few now, like Paterno and Fulmer who have stayed at their school for at least a decade, but let's face it, its a business and people go where the fame and money is.

UPDATE: At 2:21 today, Rodriguez said he was staying at WVU. They must be paying him a ton. Alabmama was going to make him the highest paid coach in the SEC. This does not sound too good for my Tide.

Go Wildcats!!!

Not too long ago, I was coaching the Lady Wildcats of Westbury Christian School to a State Championship in Basketballin the state of Texas. Now, four years later, I am rooting on a different Wildcat team to win the State Championship of the beloved state of Alabama 4A football.

The Guntersville High School Wildcats football team will be playing for the 4A state championship tomorrow night (Thursday, Dec. 7) vs. a team from near Mobile called Thomasville.

We have several players on the team that attend church here at Guntersville Church of Christ. To those guys I wish a special good luck, and to the whole team...I Believe.

Go Wildcats!!!

Top 10 Ugliest Uniforms of all time

I read this on Fox Sports, and thought it was a great slideshow of shots of what they deemed the top 10 ugliest uniforms in professional sports. I agree with most of them, but I still think the color of the Vancouver Grizzlies/Memphis Grizzlies is the least professional. What do you guys think? Check out the slide show:

Top 10 Ugliest Professional Uniforms of all Time

Shout Hallelujah!

It was a good house, and gave us lots of memories. However, as of 2:00 p.m. today, it will serve to make memories for someone else.

We finally, after 6 months of frustration, closed on our house in Olive Branch, MS. I know many of you have been praying for us, and we truly appreciate it. God be praised in this matter. I know He helped me out. We were scared we were going to have to pay a ton in closing, but we ended paying less than half of what we were told.

God truly is great.

Goodbye house, hello less stress filled life!!!

Quick prayer request

As selfish as it may seem, I am asking you all to say a quick prayer for our house in Memphis. Word on the street is that we have a good, bonified contract on it and will be closing on it soon.

We've been plauged with this house, and are ready to get rid of it. This looks rather promising, however, and we hope it works out well.

Also, please pray for my father and mother, Joe and Elaine Widick, as they travel to Honduras on Wednesday. They'll be gone for a few days to visit with some missionaries, and attend the Baxter Graduation.

I am Thankful

So on this Thanksgiving of the year 2006, what are we all thankful for?

I am thankful for God on high, the loving Master and Creator of this universe, who continues to amaze me daily in so many ways. His blessings are greater than I could ever imagine, and even on days when it seems like nothing is going right, He always is there for me.

I am thankful for my wife Kristen, who has amazing love and patience with such a wretch like me. There are so many days when I don't understand why she loves me, and so many days when I couldn't blame her for storming out, but she never does, her love, like the Father's, is constant.

I am thankful for the Lord's church, especially here in Guntersville, Alabama. The people here are wonderful, loving, forgiving, generous, and genuine.

I am thankful for my family: My father for always listening to me and being able to offer support, my mother for being the greatest cook in the entire world, my brother, I'm thankful for him being alive this year after such a scare he gave us, and my sister for being so kind and wonderful. For their spouses, for being so great to me, loving me as part of their family. For my nieces and nephews for being so full of life with such a great outlook, and for always rushing to give me a hug when they see me.

I am thankful for my in-laws. Granted, there are times when I feel as if I just don't fit in, but they accept me anyways. I have a beautiful father-in-law and mother-in-law, who are God fearing people and would do anything for us.

I am thankful for my dog, Chloe, who offers such brightness in this world of darkness. You can't help but look at her and smile. She loves me no matter what, and is never in a bad mood.

I am thankful for my friends, dear friends in Huntsville, in Memphis, in Ashland City, and in Houston. I am thankful for my friends all over this world, from Tennessee, to Honduras, to Scotland.

I am thankful that God has blessed me with the knowledge of salvation, His love, and the ability to teach others about it. I am thankful for the written word of God, and the ability I have to read it and understand it.

I am thankful that this season, I will be able to sit down at a table full of bountiful food, enough to feed several families. I am thankful that this season I have the financial means to purchase gifts for my family and friends. I am thankful that I have a warm house, a driveable car, and clothes that even if they don't make me look thinner, fit me and keep me warm.

I am thankful for the teenagers in my youth group. There's not a one that I can't learn from daily. They have a zeal for God, and want to know Him.

I am thankful for the parents and volunteers who help with our youth group. I am thankful for the staff I work with, Lisa and Phillip and Donna.

I am thankful for James Byrd, a man who does work for us around the church building in exchange for groceries and gas money, and who always finishes what he starts, and never once complains.

I am thankful that one day, this earth will end, and we will be able to go live with our father in Heaven, without pain and suffering, and singing praises to him for an eternity.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.