Memorial Day in the United States is the day we set aside to remember the men and women who died while serving in the armed forces.  Most of us have someone in our family history who have died in service to the country.  In my family, my mother's brother, Harold P. Hetelle, age 20, was killed in action in World War II on April 16, 1943 in the Southwest Pacific when the plane he was piloting was shot down.

Initially he was reported as missing as seen in the the article below. 

I cannot imagine the emotions that were felt by my grandparents upon hearing this news.  Harold was a pilot and I am certain they feared the worst.  I found a clue to what they were thinking in my mother's (Harold's youngest sibling) scrapbook.  His sister, Annis, wrote a letter to the editor of the newspaper.  It read:

"I have been a reader of your column for a very long time and I really think it is wonderful.  This is rather a plea for my three brothers who are in service.  One of my brothers (Perry, 26) is somewhere in Australia, now, and my folks received word from him stating that he hadn't received a letter from anyone for about four or five months.  We have been writing, but not enough of us good Americans write half enough to our boys in the service who are fighting so hard for freedom and peace.  Another brother (Harold, 20) last Saturday was reported missing in action; he was stationed somewhere in New Guinea.  We haven't given up hope that he isn't safe, so we are continuing to write to him also.  Another brother (Kenneth, 22) is stationed somewhere in Alaska.  I also have another brother who is just 18 this month and is expecting to be called soon.  Perhaps you know just what my parents, like all parents who have boys in the service are going through, but I know it would certainly mean a lot to them if people who are really good Americans would write a line to them once in a while.  It's not just for them I am pleading, but for every boy in service.  Letters are all they have to look forward to so please just drop a line just once in a while to all our boys who are fighting for us.  My parents are Mr. and Mrs. Ole Hetelle, who live south of Marseilles.  There five of us girls besides the four boys in the family."

Sadly, within weeks, my grandparents received word that their son Harold was killed in action April 16, 1943, when, according to the newspaper, "his plane was caught in a barrage of enemy machine gun fire while in valiant pursuit of the Nipponese in an important battle."  Here is the newspaper article:

It was a very tough time for the family.  Harold's paternal grandfather (my great-grandfather), John Hetelle, died withing a few weeks of his grandson being killed in action.  John was born in Aardal, Norway October 4, 1869.  I cannot imagine what my grandfather Ole must have been going through, losing a son and a Dad in the same month, but it was very cool to see another newspaper clipping saying that he was reading magazine articles to school children at that same time.

Harold received over 20 awards posthumously.

Easter Changes

My son Joe in the late 1990's. This picture has been in my office for years.

Yesterday was my 46th Easter. First off, the important thing to remember about Easter to me is that it is the day we Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. In the big scheme of things, that is all that really matters about the holiday. But the other aspects of Easter have really changed for me over the past 46 years.

I remember as a little boy (and there are pictures that prove it) being dressed up in a suit with short pants. I remember boiling eggs and coloring them every year. I remember hunting Easter eggs in the yard. I remember my dad's employer sponsored a big Easter egg hunt. Of course, I remember going to church and how it was always crowded on Easter Sunday. It seemed like everything had to be ramped up for Easter. Back in my childhood days, people dressed up to go to church, but that seemed to even be more true on Easter. It was the only Sunday I knew I would have to wear one of those uncomfortable suits!

Fast forward to adulthood and having children. Bringing three boys into the world and raising them has been the most rewarding aspect of my life. We made sure the boys had the opportunity to enjoy the traditional Easter egg hunts, visit and have family get-togethers, and of course attend church. I did not make them dress up excessively like I was required to do. I even saved my Easter baskets from childhood so that the boys could use the same baskets. Those times with young children at Easter are such sweet memories.

To my amazement, young boys eventually turn in to teenage boys. Suddenly, hunting Easter eggs is no longer all that cool. That was ok. That meant less work for dad to hide eggs. Of course I will miss the fun of mowing rogue Easter eggs that weren't found in the weeks following Easter. Still, times with the boys were great as they got older on Easter. It always involved a visit to my mom and dad's and a great meal prepared by my mom!

Life continues to march on. I lost my dad in 2009 and my mom in 2010. I very specifically remember the boys and I visiting my mom on her last Easter. As always she made a special meal. I remember that she took a picture of the boys and I in the backyard after we got home from church.

After losing my mom in 2010, I did something highly unusual for Easter weekend. I needed time alone to pray and think. I took the unusual step of driving to the beach by myself. It was a good time to reflect, read the Bible, and enjoy the beauty of the beach. On Easter morning I attended a community sunrise service on the beach. It was such a memorable experience, and one I am glad I had.

This year Easter was a mixed bag, er basket. The boys and I woke up around 5 and went to the sunrise service at our church. I think it was a great experience for them. After the service, we had a very nice breakfast at the church. Then it was time to take them back to their mom's. After that, I returned to my parents' house. I spent the entire day cleaning out the shed and garage. There was no mom, no dad, no special meals, Easter egg hunts, and the boys were gone. What was there was plenty of old stuff of my parents' which made me miss them even more. While all of that was going on, I thought of friends, most of whom were enjoying all of the traditional trappings of Easter Sunday. I am one that usually doesn't wallow in self-pity, but it was hard not to do that yesterday.

One of the things I found in the old shed was my childhood Easter basket, and those of the boys', complete with fake grass and a large bag of plastic eggs. That is one thing I didn't throw out! I have a feeling that I will have some grand kids who will use those one day. That is part of the beauty of Easter; hope for the future and new life! He is risen!

...

Hanging on Your Every Word

Sunday morning when driving to church, as I often do when driving alone, I was thinking, praying, and listening to music. I caught the end of a song on a local Christian radio station. I don’t know what song it was, but these words stuck out to me, “hanging on every word you say”.

Immediately I thought about how there are people in my life for whom I “hang on their words”. Have you ever been texting or emailing someone and you just couldn’t wait to get their response? Have you ever had medical tests and wondered about the results? Have you interviewed for a job and couldn’t wait to see if they would offer you a position? Have you ever watched a sporting event and eagerly anticipated the outcome? Have you ever asked someone to go on a date and you wondered whether they would say ‘yes’? Have you ever taken a test and couldn’t wait to see the results? We all have times in our lives where we are “hanging on every word” someone says.

These are moments of great anticipation, sometimes accompanied by nervousness and uncertainty. Out attention is focused. We are on the alert for any clue that might tip us off to the outcome. Then I asked myself whether it is healthy or even ok, to hang on the words of others. I decided that it is ok, as long as it doesn’t lead us into anxiety, worry, or distress.

Then it struck me. As Christians, we should be hanging on to God’s every Word more than any other words. But do we? I had to examine my heart. How many times last week did I eagerly await a reply from a friend? How many times did I eagerly anticipate what God had to say, whether in church, in reading the Bible, or even as I prayed? I have to be honest. Yes, I prayed. Yes, I attended church, and yes, I read the Bible. But I didn’t always “hang on his every word” as much as I hung on the words of my friends.

As I walked in the doors of church Sunday morning, I was ready to “hang on God’s every word”. Lord help me consistently “hang on to your every Word” every day of my life.

...

Journal: Saturday September 21, 1985

We all have days that stand out in our memory. Often they are red letter days such as engagements, weddings, deaths, or the birth of children. Sometimes they are memorable for other reasons. Saturday September 21, 1985 was certainly a memorable day for me. As memorable as it was, I didn't realize how much I forgot about the day until I recently looked back at my old journal.

Some of the time I was in college in the 1980s I wrote in my journal. I wish I had written more through the years. My journal entries typically were blow-by-blow accounts of the mundane details my day rather than delving into analysis or deep thought. Occasionally I did the latter, but the entry for Saturday September 21, 1985 was a typical narrative.

One of my best friends, Johnny, drove from Huntsville to visit me in Tuscaloosa. Johnny and I attended high school together and we have remained close friends through the ups and downs of life throughout the years, to this day. It was really cool getting to show him around campus at the University of Alabama and share some of the people and places I was experiencing. Johnny has been a lifelong Alabama fan and this was his first Alabama game to attend in person.

I had forgotten the fact we got to eat at Tutwiler and Paty Halls that day, that we met my former roommate who allowed us to visit my old dorm room at Palmer Hall, and that we had taken photographs. I wish I had those photographs. I cannot find any photos from that day and it is likely that Johnny lost his during the November 1989 Huntsville tornado.

As fun as the day was the most significant part of the day was our late night discussion. Johnny and I discussed faith and religion from 11 pm until 2:30 a.m. At that time I was really searching for the truth about God and Johnny shared numerous ideas with me from Scripture that were the seeds of my emerging faith in Christ as my savior. In a few short months I accepted Christ into my life by faith for the first time.

It was a great day! My long term memory isn't usually as good as Johnny's. I wonder what his specific memories of that day include.

...

America's Challenge

Here is my hypothesis on the economy. Using the market as a measure of our economy, I submit that one of the biggest problems is a crisis of confidence. Those with the ability to invest capital drive this economy one direction or another. At this time those people are afraid, and rightfully so. Their president has done nothing but show pessimism since he has been in office. He used (some would say ginned up) the crisis to promote enormous wasteful spending. People with money to invest saw the danger in that, especially in an already tenuous situation. The reports of massive pork barrel spending only added to the suspicions of many. People are confused about how the President plans to cut the deficit in half while at the same time increasing spending at the most rapid rate in history. They were already concerned about taxes and this only adds to their concern. Then, of course, there is the inevitable inertia factor.

What we need right now is the President to show true leadership. I suspect that he won’t do this. I wish we had a president who would address the nation something like the following:

While I acknowledge the difficulties we are having as a nation, I want to assure you that the United States will survive, and eventually we will thrive again. Recovery does not begin in Washington D.C. I am calling on all Americans to join me in the following steps to recovery. First, as a nation we need to humble ourselves before God and ask His blessings on this nation, thanking Him for what He has done and for what He will do. Second, I am asking every able-bodied and sound-minded individual to take responsibility for your own destiny and the destiny of your family. Work harder than ever before. Invest more. Be productive. Do not succumb to the pressures to quit or to fail. Have faith in your country and what it stands for.

Here in Washington, I will not propose or sign any bill containing any unnecessary spending. I will also be cutting spending across the board in any federal agency that is not essential to providing for the common defense or able to demonstrate effectiveness in meeting their stated goals. I will also propose tax cuts on any federal tax that hinders economic growth. I am calling corporate America to cut back. I am calling for an end to runaway greed. I will take the lead on this.

Effective immediately, I will be proposing massive cuts for all Federal elected officials, beginning with me. The elimination of perks normally associated with the Congress will be proposed. Again it will start with the Office of the President. Effective immediately I am issuing an executive order to return spending on my staff and operating expenses to the level it was under President Kennedy, adjusted for inflation.

Some of these measures may sound draconian, but I firmly believe that in order to remain the greatest nation in the world, Americans pull together and make sacrifices. Remember our history. Americans faced tremendous odds in preserving our freedom and prosperity on many occasions. Our mothers and fathers fought, bled, died, and sacrificed. I refuse to let them down. America, we refuse to let them down. Let’s get to work. God bless America.

...

My response to the Inaugural speech of Barack Obama.

I know that inauguration speeches are supposed to be vague. Obama's speech was schizophrenic. At times he sounded like a liberal campaigner on the attack against Bush. At others, he sounded like a Reagan conservative. Either way there were no major revelations and no words that warranted being chiseled in granite. Obama, as usual, had a great delivery. Here are a few thoughts.

“The words (oath of office) have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans. That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.”

Our generation does not have the right to claim we are in time of “gathering clouds and raging storms”. We have defeated a dictator in the most powerful Middle Eastern country and have successfully replaced him with a representative democracy that has been embraced by the people. Terrorists who hate America are still out there, but they have been mightily weakened after relentless pursuit by President Bush and our military/intelligence complex. Our economy is in a downturn, but it is not as bad as advertised. Statistically it does not even compare to the poor economy of the late 1970’s. Also not acknowledged are the many modern conveniences that we know consider a right and an entitlement. Personal computers, cell phones, instant messaging and global communications are at the fingertips of the poorest of welfare clients. Economically we are not in a "stormy" environment. On the contrary, we are spoiled.

Obama blames a weakened economy on the greed and irresponsibility of some and our collective failure to make hard choices. This is very vague. Does anyone know who or what he is talking about and what evidence he can offer? The speech only leads one to assume.

The cost of health care is an issue. How much does health care cost the average citizen? Is it worth it? Is our health valuable enough to cause us to spend less on our toys rather than ask the government (i.e., taxpayers) to buy health care for us? What is his plan to change this? Who will pay for it? Will his idea work? We will not learn the answers to those questions from this speech. How does the energy we use threaten our planet? I know the global warming theory and I disagree with it. The Earth has been cooler during the last two years than it has any year since the 1970's. How much money does He plan to sink into this issue? Who knows? Any is too much in my book.

Saying our schools fail too many is a loaded statement. Is he admitting that government run schools are ineffective? How many administrations will we have to live through before we can say that our schools are successful? How much money do we have to pay the education establishment to accomplish this goal? The National Center for Educational Statistics stated that we spent nearly $9300 per pupil in the 2004-2005 school year. This represents a 50 per cent increase in 20 years. Despite this, our schools “still fail too many.” Has anyone considered that the problem may not be with schools? Or, if it is with the schools, has anyone ever thought that maybe we need to change the way schools operate without spending more money? The problem, again, is that one can only assume what he means.

This is political rhetoric meant to lower expectations. If the economy succeeds, Obama becomes a hero. If it remains stagnant or turns downward, it will be blamed on President Bush. That sounds like a no-lose scenario for Mr. Obama. Don’t get me started on how Obama and his liberal colleagues have drifted away from our founding documents. Volumes could be written about that subject.

“On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.”

This statement irritates me to no end. He is implying that by electing him we have elected the embodiment of hope and purpose. How arrogant! And those who ran against him are the embodiment of fear, conflict, discord, pettiness, false promises, and worn out dogmas. It is distasteful when politicians make these pompous claims during a campaign, but it is a little more understandable in the campaign environment. But can dirty politics and mudslinging be laid to rest at least one day during an inauguration speach? Please.

“We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness. In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom. For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth. For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn. Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.”

It is almost as if a different speechwriter took over the speech at this point. This part was reminiscent of the great words of Lincoln, Kennedy, or Reagan. It is a wonderful description of what has, and does, make America a great country. But again, how will President Obama promote these ideals? That remains to be seen.

“The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age.”

I am sorry. Our economy does not call for any significant action, at least no more bailouts. President Bush already made that mistake, and it hasn’t helped. More of the same will not help. I thought this was all about change. We do not need to revisit the New Deal, if that is what he is talking about. Excessive spending is part of the problem, not the solution. Our cars run well enough without the sun, wind, and the soil. I am not eager to drive an Obamamobile, powered by a big sail with an ‘O’ on the side. The best changes do not grow out of inauguration speeches. They grow out of necessity and the inventiveness of the American people as they operate in a free market. How much more of our money do they need? Supposedly 600 private jets touched down at Washington’s airport for the inauguration. If we had a crisis, why are his supporters setting new records for consumption of fossil fuels? How does he plan on transforming schools, colleges, and universities? More money? From whom?

“Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage. What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.”

Arrogance has returned to the speech. Evidently if you disagree with President Obama, you are automatically labeled a “cynic”. It is not a stale argument to claim that government is too large and too ineffective. The last I checked this was supposedly a government of, by, and for the people. I am glad that he said that programs that do not work should be ended. Maybe I am cynical, but with a Democrat in the White House and a Democrat majority in Congress, I will be very surprised by any cuts in government programs which fail. He already said that public schools have failed too many of our children. Is he going to privatize schools? Who defines failure? How will they be cut? No answers or clues were mentioned in this speech. Will anyone in the media hold him to this promise? I seriously doubt it and I doubt any federal government workers are seriously worried about their program ending.

“And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.”

Wow! What a change in policy. Ready to lead? I was under the impression that Obama was against our leadership role in the world. He criticized the lead we took in promoting representative democracy in the Middle East. Based on his campaign rhetoric, I expected one very clear agenda item out of this speech. I expected to hear Obama say, “Effective immediately, I am ordering the immediate withdrawal of all United States troops from Iraq.” This is the expectation he gave us during his campaign against Hillary Clinton, even before the violence was mostly defeated by the troop surge. What is his excuse now for keeping troops in Iraq? He has none.

“Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.”

Principles, justness, example, humility, and restraint. Great words. How does abortion on demand, changing the definition of marriage, and moral filth of the popular culture fit into this template? Obama is firmly on record as supporting the first two and his greatest supporters promote the last one. We are supposed to sit here and believe he is sincere. Obama’s nominee for Treasury Secretary goes four years without paying his taxes. Now, even with this knowledge, Obama is standing by him to head the IRS. Where is the principle, justness, example, humility and restrain in that decision?

I could go on an on. Time does not allow me to rehash all of the numerous platitudes that Obama gave that do not jive with his record, his current stance on the issues, and his stated plans.

I did not buy his speech and, no, I am not buying a commemorative Obama plate either.

...

Government run health care?

No one is arguing whether people should have health care needs met. Why bother debating whether it is a right? No decent person wants to see people who are sick be ignored and left to die or suffer.

The real issue is which institution will do the best job of delivering those services. Another factor (way too many people now disregard) is what does the Constitution say. Even if we throw the Constitution away (I know---I'm supposed to read between the lines so I can find justification for anything) we still have the question about which institution would do the best job of providing health care services.

Serious problems do indeed exist in all systems. We live in a fallen and imperfect world. My lack of confidence in government's ability to solve these problems is not just based on my experience in Alabama. For every one example of a successful government run program I could give a dozen examples of failures. I have to get ready for work soon, though, and I cannot afford to take a day of leave to start making that list here.

We are giving in to the ideas and principals that we as a country have sacrificed, bled, and died fighting against. America is giving up more personal freedom and personal responsibility every day in exchange for a promise by the government to solve a problem. Oh, and it's not just the Democrats. GW Bush was the one of the worst we ever had to do that. We already have a quasi-government run system. The government part is the least effective part too.

Here's a question: Which large country, similar in size and scope to the US, has a government-run health care system that you all think is better than our current system? Here is another question: What services do you all believe that the government currently does a very good and efficient job providing? It wouldn't take me very long to answer those questions.

Why do people put so much faith, hope, and confidence in an institution with such a poor track record as the government. Last I checked, the approval rating for Congress is in the 20's and the President's isn't much higher. Yet we want them to govern every aspect of our health care?

According to our Founders, our number one "right" is the right to life. The government's job is to protect it. I will give the government of the United States an "F" in protecting the right to life until abortion is at least against the law. We are killing babies hand over fist. Until the government can figure out a way to make that stop, or at least go way down, I have no confidence in the government providing me health care.

We have come a long way...

I was driving to my meeting in Montgomery a few weeks ago and happened upon this station by accident. It was a poignant moment for me. As the song was playing I reflected on the struggles this city and this great state have been through relative to civil rights. We have come a long way. And we have a long way to go. But our country needs to remember that civil rights has its real foundation in Biblical truth.

I AM THANKFUL:

FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHTBECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO,BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHESBECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED .
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTYBECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOTBECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKINGAND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILLBECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR. FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR. FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD. FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

We're talkin bout freedom

Happy Independence Day

Lee Greenwood performed his song, "God Bless the USA" in 1985 at the CMA awards show in Nashville, Tennessee. He won the CMA "Song of the Year" award in 1985.

God Bless The U.S.A.
by Lee Greenwood


If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I'd worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.

I'd thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can't take that away.

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.

That I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

And I'm proud to be and American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

A random thought....

I am fortunate enough to remember being taken to the free movies for "patrol boys" in the fifth grade.

This video captures that memory well.

A trip back to 1985...

Part 2:


Part 3


This is the actual play by play call of the end of the Stars' SL Championship victory over the Charlotte Orioles. Rick Davis was the announcer for WFIX Huntsville and WFMH Cullman.

1985 Huntsville Stars 78 - 66
SOUTHERN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

Southern League baseball came to Huntsville in 1985 with the Stars winning the league championship in their first season. The team had several stars, the first of which was Southern League MVP Jose Canseco. "Jose Parkway" hit .318 with 25 homers and 80 RBI's in just 58 games before being called up to Tacoma and then Oakland. 1B Rob Nelson led the team with 32 homers, still a franchise single season record, and 98 RBI. Stan Javier stole 61 bases and scored 105 runs, Luis Polonia hit 18 triples and scored 82 runs, and Terry Steinbach hit .272 and had 72 RBI.

The pitching staff included Tim Belcher (led the team with 11 wins), Todd Burns, who only made 4 starts but was 3 - 1 with a 1.19 era, Wayne Giddings (49 games, 12 saves), Pete Kendrick (6-4 but with 5 complete games and 2.45 era), Eric Plunk (8-2), Greg Cadaret, and Bill Mooneyham (2-1, 1.98).

But it was Rocky Coyle (.282-5-25) who won the hearts of all Stars fans with his charisma and hustling style of play, and it was Rocky Coyle who hit a solo home run in the 9th inning of the 5th and deciding game of the Southern League championship series, giving the franchise it's first league title.

Roster:
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/roster...

Statistics:
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/statis...

Team page on Baseballcube.com:
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/statis...

I have been a Stars fan since their inception in 1985. My Dad and I hoped Huntsville would get a minor league team throughout my childhood years. When it finally happened, Dad bought us season tickets the first few summers.

The Stars have quite a history, all of which is documented on the excellent "Baseball Cube" website. Anything you want to know about the Stars' history can be found there.

Southbound, headed for a wreck

Recently as I drove north up the interstate I heard on the radio that there was a terrible wreck involving two trucks to my south. The announcer was advising southbound travelers that they should exit and detour to keep from being stuck in traffic. All southbound traffic was halted and being rerouted by law enforcement. As I continued northbound I saw numerous vehicles in the southbound lane. Most of them were unaware that they were just a few miles away from a traffic jam that would change the course of their day. Some of them would likely be stranded for hours. I saw 18-wheelers who were on a strict time schedule. There were probably people going to work, doctor appointments, visiting family, going to the beach, job interviews, classes, and many other things. Many of these people would be late, miss opportunities, lose money, and have disappointments due to the terrible accident that happened a few miles in front of them. That is to say nothing about the impact the accident had on the people involved in it directly.

One thing most, if not all of these folks had in common was that they were clueless. They had no idea that they were going down the “wrong” road. As I drove northward, part of me wanted to pull over and make a sign and hold it up to the people heading south to warn them of the impending problem so that they would turn around and find a better route. I felt so helpless not being able to do anything about it. Then I thought about this as a metaphor about life. As a Bible-believing Christian, I know from God’s Word that there is one any only one road that leads to heaven. That “road” is Jesus Christ. In John 14:6, He said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

The road of life is like an interstate. There are lanes going to heaven and lanes headed toward hell. There are not as many on the road to heaven. Those of us on that road are there by the grace of almighty God. We may get out of our lane, take an exit, or get temporarily stalled on the side of the road. But, fortunately, we are going the right way. Our destination is sure and it will be awesome beyond our wildest imagination.

On the other hand, as we are on the road to heaven, we see many more “cars” heading south. Most of these people do not know what a terrible outcome awaits them. Some know but do not care. Some refuse to believe. Many are good people that are just going the wrong direction. The thing is, those of us that know we are on the right road never should forget that we have a responsibility to inform as many people as we can about the road conditions and show them the right way to go. To me this is one of the most difficult parts of being a Christian.

In what is commonly known as “The Great Commission”, Jesus said to His Disciples in Matthew 28, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Those of us heading north are supposed to proclaim and teach others about how to head “north” on life’s highway. We see people whom we know do not believe in Christ. We are unsure about where many others we know may stand. But if we know they are on the road to hell, or even think that they might be, is it not our duty and obligation to find ways of letting them know so that they will have an opportunity to avoid such peril? Of course it is. Logic dictates that but even more importantly Christ commands it.

I must confess I often feel like a failure at doing my part to fulfill the Great Commission. I have a tendency to be shy. I have a tendency to keep some matters private. I don’t like to offend people by telling them they are headed down the wrong road. I like to avoid confrontation and I try not to be too quick to judge. I am not creative in the way I communicate. I am not always as “full of the Holy Spirit” as I should be nor am I motivated by compassion and concern for the lost as I should be. Having said that, I have on many occasions and in many ways shared the “Good News” of salvation through Christ with others. I have usually and mostly lived a life reflective of what God has done. I suppose the fact that I am concerned enough to write this post indicates that I struggle with this and would like everyone to know God’s Way. I often pray for people, but not as often as I should.

One thing I do fairly often is think back to how some special people in my life saw me going south about 22 years ago. They gave me their unsolicited, but desperately needed time, energy, and attention. They listened to my arguments. They were patient and gave me the time and space to make my own decision. They framed the question so well that I knew the choice that I faced; that we all face. They suggested the place to go for the answer; the Holy Bible. God did the rest! I am very thankful they allowed themselves to be used in that way for my eternal benefit.

There are many reasons we should show people how to head north. Compassion, gratefulness, and the fact that God commands it all come to mind. In Mark 8:36, Jesus asked, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Doesn’t that sum it all up? We do so many things and are involved in so many activities. We read, we watch TV, we entertain ourselves. We spend our lives working, playing, and even helping other people. None of these things are necessarily evil or bad. But how much time and energy do we spend trying to help people turn around and head north? I can only answer for myself. I confess that I do not do it nearly enough.

Fishing at Smith Lake for Spring Break

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

It was a beautiful weather day at Smith Lake Thursday for fishing. No, it was not a good day for actually catching fish. We were there for 9 or 10 hours and the fish caught more of us than we caught of them. I say that because Matt gave us all a big scare when he leaned into the water to get his hook untangled and he fell into the water. The boys said the never saw me run so fast. Another gentleman was closer and pulled him out. Prior to that David severely bruised one of his toes by walking around barefoot on the dock and hitting it on a metal tie back.