It's everywhere. The sound of sneakers squeaking on hardwood, the hollow thump of the orange sphere bounding off hardwood and glass, the swoosh of the three-pointer. Yes, the NCAA championship tournament is here. It's almost half over right now, and my favorite college team is still in it. That may not be true after tonight, but I can hope.
Oh, who am I rooting for? The Gonzaga Bulldogs.
What? But I'm from Texas! Why not the Aggies or the Longhorns? Why some college that is in Spokane, WA, a place I've never even visited? Simple; John Stockton.
Former point guard for the Utah Jazz, and arguably one of the best to have ever played the position, John Stockton was the primary reason I every watched pro basketball to begin with. His 19 year career was spent entirely in Utah, despite efforts by other teams to lure him away. He still holds the records for most career assists and most steals, and looks to hold them for awhile yet. Throughout his pro career, he made his statements on the court. He never accepted any endorsements, and when he wasn't playing, you didn't hear much about him. In the pro sports world, that's a good thing.
I was always impressed with his play, his work ethic, his respectability, and his loyalty. Things that are missing in too many pro athletes.
And so, I follow his alma mater in basketball, although I really don't follow the Jazz anymore. They simply aren't the same team without him, Karl Malone and Jeff Hornacek. But the Gonzaga Bulldogs are a consistently good team. They have been in the Tournament on a regular basis since 1999.
Tonight, the Bulldogs go up against No 1 ranked UNC. I have many friends from N. Carolina and I do have respect for the Tar Heels, but I still hope the Bulldogs win. I want them to go on and win the whole thing. But, for now, I'll enjoy the fact that they've made the Sweet Sixteen and take one game at a time.
Go Bulldogs!! Sorry, Tar Heels. It's time to go home.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Moving On
Well, I missed February. Oh, I was on the planet. I was even awake and alert for most of the time, but I still somehow missed it.
So, here we are in March and life is moving on. I continue to work on my next manuscript, although I have to admit the time I have spent on it in recent days has been negligible. There have been some very rough bumps in my life's road since the beginning of the year, but, with God's grace and love, I will survive.
I am ramping up my attempts to find places at which to speak; either about India or about the places where God is leading me. And He is leading me into some unknown waters. I can see nothing but the small circle of light at my feet, but then, that's really all He intends us to see. Psalm 119:105 tells us that His Word is lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We are brightly illuminated right where we stand and a short distance up the path in front of us, but we still cannot see very far ahead. Most of the time, I don't want to know what's in store. I think it would scare me more than not knowing.
But lately, I've been battling. Why has nothing changed? What am I doing/not doing? Is it even me? God are you here?
Of course He's here. He's always here. I know that. I have to believe that I know that.
And so I continue, like Job, to question and yet still believe. I am no danger of discarding my faith. I am in no danger of running away from the One who loves me and protects me above all others. I've been simply sitting still for awhile and now it's time to get up and simply move forward. To where? I have no idea. But He is holding the lamp and lighting the area around my feet. I will not fall because He knows where all the drop-offs are and will steer me around them safely.
I will likely get rained on some more. I will still question "what's next" or "what now" but I will also hold fast to the simple truth that "what's next" is what's in His plan. I will go, He will lead.
It's time to move. Forward. In a small circle of light that will never be extinguished or diminished.
So, here we are in March and life is moving on. I continue to work on my next manuscript, although I have to admit the time I have spent on it in recent days has been negligible. There have been some very rough bumps in my life's road since the beginning of the year, but, with God's grace and love, I will survive.
I am ramping up my attempts to find places at which to speak; either about India or about the places where God is leading me. And He is leading me into some unknown waters. I can see nothing but the small circle of light at my feet, but then, that's really all He intends us to see. Psalm 119:105 tells us that His Word is lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We are brightly illuminated right where we stand and a short distance up the path in front of us, but we still cannot see very far ahead. Most of the time, I don't want to know what's in store. I think it would scare me more than not knowing.
But lately, I've been battling. Why has nothing changed? What am I doing/not doing? Is it even me? God are you here?
Of course He's here. He's always here. I know that. I have to believe that I know that.
And so I continue, like Job, to question and yet still believe. I am no danger of discarding my faith. I am in no danger of running away from the One who loves me and protects me above all others. I've been simply sitting still for awhile and now it's time to get up and simply move forward. To where? I have no idea. But He is holding the lamp and lighting the area around my feet. I will not fall because He knows where all the drop-offs are and will steer me around them safely.
I will likely get rained on some more. I will still question "what's next" or "what now" but I will also hold fast to the simple truth that "what's next" is what's in His plan. I will go, He will lead.
It's time to move. Forward. In a small circle of light that will never be extinguished or diminished.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Happy New Year
Another year. Another chance to get it right. I don't do resolutions, but there is something to be said for setting new goals and trying new things. Don't really know yet just what those are going to be for me this year, but as they come to mind, or are given to me, I'll share them with those who read this. I'd like to think I'm doing more than just talking to myself here, but it really doesn't matter. Somewhere along the road, someone will happen across this blog just in time to read the perfect post for what they need at the time. I do not believe in coincidence. God plans, God prepares and God makes happen what He wills. I am an instrument in His hands and as long as I stay tuned, He will use me for His purpose. What more can we as His children ask for? To be used for the glory of the God of the Universe. What a calling! And we all have it! All of us who claim to be born again believers have that calling; just to be available to whatever God Himself has planned for us. Amazing. Awesome. Completely incomprehensible. To me at least. But I don't have to understand it to believe it and I don't have to understand to be available. It's actually probably better if I don't understand everything. That would be just a bit scarier than I could handle and I'd likely run screaming into the night. So, by faith alone, not understanding, not logic, not pre-planned itinerary, I follow the King of Kings and my Father in Heaven into the daily adventure that is life as His child. It's quite a trip. Are you following? Or are you waiting for understanding? Don't wait. You'll miss the best parts.
Have a great new year. For His glory.
Robi
Have a great new year. For His glory.
Robi
Monday, December 15, 2008
Nicholas' Christmas
I wrote this a few years ago. I hope you enjoy it. RWL
Twas the week before Christmas and all through the town
The people were scurrying up streets and down
They chatted and laughed, they hurried and hustled
They shopped and they worried, they bought and they bustled.
A man walked through town and saw all the throngs
He saw the commercials and heard all the songs
He wasn't quite dressed like the ones at the mall
Some glanced, some glared, and some saw not at all.
He wandered the streets of both rich and the poor
Saw signs of the season on most every door
But something was missing among all the noise
It wasn't the presents, it wasn't the toys.
At last as he wearied of all the commotion
He saw an old friend and with such great emotion
They embraced with much joy and old hearts aglowing
They sat and they talked as the sky started snowing.
"My friend you look sad", the second man said
As he looked at his friend with a droop to his head
"There's so much not right in this town at this time,
The season is here but no reason or rhyme
To the things they are doing in their rush just to buy
All the latest and greatest." He said with a sigh.
"It's sad to see them so busy and hurried,
They rush in confusion, they're anxious and worried.
"What to give, what to get, what to eat, what to wear,
What to say that will not offend someone somewhere."
He looked off again at the light bedecked streets
Saw bells, trees and reindeer and sugar plum treats.
There were stars, there were candy canes, elves, a few angels
But he saw not one shepherd, no wise men, no manger.
"They've forgotten the reason there's Christmas at all"
The man said to his friend as a tear tried to fall.
"They've even mistreated the things I once did
And turned it to something meant only for kids.
I gave not for glory, I gave not for fame,
I tried not to let anyone know my name
"And here they now say I'm a Saint just for giving
But they do not remember my reason for living.
I wanted to help those who had nothing but sorrow
To show them that hope would still be here tomorrow.
"I wanted to show them that love was not dead.
I wanted to lead them to find You, instead."
"I know that my friend, I saw all your deeds.
How you simply looked round, saw and met needs.
"Your heart overflowed with your love for your neighbors
With no regard for ability to return any favors."
They sat awhile longer, the snow kept on falling
When somewhere outside they heard a broken heart calling
They both leaped to their feet to find the lost soul
And found a young child crying out in the cold.
Nicholas took off his coat and enclosed her
In warmth and in love as he reached to just hold her.
The Savior reached down and wrapped up her feet
As He brushed off the snow, the mud and the sleet.
They carried her back to their table and shared
Their food and their drink, they showed her they cared.
Her tears stopped their flowing, she smiled at the love
And reached out for help and salvation from above.
Her heart overflowed with the joy of the season
As she saw in her presence the real Christmas reason
She thanked both men soundly and ran outside singing
Calling to everyone to start the bells ringing.
"The Savior has come" she cried to the skies
"He's brought back the light and rescinded the lies!"
She took all she had, the few sole possessions
And gave them away to those who had less ones.
She found another lost soul and shared her warm coat
She told him the story that she knew now by rote.
He saw in her eyes and her heart it was true,
And he started sharing the Christmas warmth, too.
The two old friends watched as the light began heading
Across the old town and to neighboring towns spreading.
Nicholas smiled, a tear slid down his cheek.
He looked at his Savior unable to speak.
The Savior reached out and took His friend's hand
"Come home now, dear Nicholas," and started to stand.
"You've once again showed a people that love
Comes from the heart, but is sent from above."
Nicholas looked out the city so bright
The stars were now shedding a heavenly light
The snow simply sparkled as the clouds rolled away
And he knew Christmas dawn was not far away.
"I fear it won't last," he whispered to his Lord.
"Something will happen, they tend to get bored,
"With being so loving and caring and kind
It just doesn't last much past New Year's night."
"It's alright" Jesus told him as they walked down the street
"I love them no matter if bitter or sweet.
"My children are mine and will be forever,
And someday in Heaven we'll all be together."
Nicholas took one last long look around
Christmas had finally come to this town.
"Merry Christmas" he said, "Peace on Earth to all men.
I pray you remember, till Christ comes again.
Twas the week before Christmas and all through the town
The people were scurrying up streets and down
They chatted and laughed, they hurried and hustled
They shopped and they worried, they bought and they bustled.
A man walked through town and saw all the throngs
He saw the commercials and heard all the songs
He wasn't quite dressed like the ones at the mall
Some glanced, some glared, and some saw not at all.
He wandered the streets of both rich and the poor
Saw signs of the season on most every door
But something was missing among all the noise
It wasn't the presents, it wasn't the toys.
At last as he wearied of all the commotion
He saw an old friend and with such great emotion
They embraced with much joy and old hearts aglowing
They sat and they talked as the sky started snowing.
"My friend you look sad", the second man said
As he looked at his friend with a droop to his head
"There's so much not right in this town at this time,
The season is here but no reason or rhyme
To the things they are doing in their rush just to buy
All the latest and greatest." He said with a sigh.
"It's sad to see them so busy and hurried,
They rush in confusion, they're anxious and worried.
"What to give, what to get, what to eat, what to wear,
What to say that will not offend someone somewhere."
He looked off again at the light bedecked streets
Saw bells, trees and reindeer and sugar plum treats.
There were stars, there were candy canes, elves, a few angels
But he saw not one shepherd, no wise men, no manger.
"They've forgotten the reason there's Christmas at all"
The man said to his friend as a tear tried to fall.
"They've even mistreated the things I once did
And turned it to something meant only for kids.
I gave not for glory, I gave not for fame,
I tried not to let anyone know my name
"And here they now say I'm a Saint just for giving
But they do not remember my reason for living.
I wanted to help those who had nothing but sorrow
To show them that hope would still be here tomorrow.
"I wanted to show them that love was not dead.
I wanted to lead them to find You, instead."
"I know that my friend, I saw all your deeds.
How you simply looked round, saw and met needs.
"Your heart overflowed with your love for your neighbors
With no regard for ability to return any favors."
They sat awhile longer, the snow kept on falling
When somewhere outside they heard a broken heart calling
They both leaped to their feet to find the lost soul
And found a young child crying out in the cold.
Nicholas took off his coat and enclosed her
In warmth and in love as he reached to just hold her.
The Savior reached down and wrapped up her feet
As He brushed off the snow, the mud and the sleet.
They carried her back to their table and shared
Their food and their drink, they showed her they cared.
Her tears stopped their flowing, she smiled at the love
And reached out for help and salvation from above.
Her heart overflowed with the joy of the season
As she saw in her presence the real Christmas reason
She thanked both men soundly and ran outside singing
Calling to everyone to start the bells ringing.
"The Savior has come" she cried to the skies
"He's brought back the light and rescinded the lies!"
She took all she had, the few sole possessions
And gave them away to those who had less ones.
She found another lost soul and shared her warm coat
She told him the story that she knew now by rote.
He saw in her eyes and her heart it was true,
And he started sharing the Christmas warmth, too.
The two old friends watched as the light began heading
Across the old town and to neighboring towns spreading.
Nicholas smiled, a tear slid down his cheek.
He looked at his Savior unable to speak.
The Savior reached out and took His friend's hand
"Come home now, dear Nicholas," and started to stand.
"You've once again showed a people that love
Comes from the heart, but is sent from above."
Nicholas looked out the city so bright
The stars were now shedding a heavenly light
The snow simply sparkled as the clouds rolled away
And he knew Christmas dawn was not far away.
"I fear it won't last," he whispered to his Lord.
"Something will happen, they tend to get bored,
"With being so loving and caring and kind
It just doesn't last much past New Year's night."
"It's alright" Jesus told him as they walked down the street
"I love them no matter if bitter or sweet.
"My children are mine and will be forever,
And someday in Heaven we'll all be together."
Nicholas took one last long look around
Christmas had finally come to this town.
"Merry Christmas" he said, "Peace on Earth to all men.
I pray you remember, till Christ comes again.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Perfect Christmas Gift
What to give, what to give? It's the same question every year at this time. What do you give to those people closest to you? Does your family really need one more gizmo, gadget, bangle, bauble or bead? I doubt it. I know that no one in my family really needs any more stuff. So what do you give? What can you give that they will actually enjoy and benefit from?
I have an answer, but if you know me you guessed that already. Seriously, there is something that you can give and it will actually cost you very little and will be as unique as you are. What is it? Simple. Give them . . . you.
Uh, okay. How?
Simple. Make the choice to invest yourself in your friends and family. For the next year, purposefully make time to spend time with those people who mean the most to you. And I don't mean simply send more text messages or watch more TV together. Turn off all the outside distractions. Turn off the TV. Turn off the phone. Turn off the computer. Sit together in the same room and have a real conversation with them.
Do you really know your spouse's secret dream or ambition? What about your children? Do you know what they are really interested in? What about your parents? What was it like when they were children? Are your parents WWII generation? Korea? Vietnam? The first Gulf War? Disco? Have they fulfilled the dreams they had when they were your age?
Most importantly, talk about eternal matters. Where are you in your relationship with Christ? Do you even have one? Do your family memebers? Do you even know?
Read the Bible together. Talk about it. If you disagree on something with each other talk about it and find out why. Is it a serious disagreement? Can it affect your personal eternity?
Some of these are pretty deep questions. But they will lead to deeper understanding and better communication with each other.
Give the perfect gift to your family. It costs almost nothing; maybe some time. It won't wear out; it won't go out of style; it won't break or become obsolete. It doesn't need batteries or an instruction manual. Give them you.
Christmas: accomplished.
Merry Christmas to you all.
I have an answer, but if you know me you guessed that already. Seriously, there is something that you can give and it will actually cost you very little and will be as unique as you are. What is it? Simple. Give them . . . you.
Uh, okay. How?
Simple. Make the choice to invest yourself in your friends and family. For the next year, purposefully make time to spend time with those people who mean the most to you. And I don't mean simply send more text messages or watch more TV together. Turn off all the outside distractions. Turn off the TV. Turn off the phone. Turn off the computer. Sit together in the same room and have a real conversation with them.
Do you really know your spouse's secret dream or ambition? What about your children? Do you know what they are really interested in? What about your parents? What was it like when they were children? Are your parents WWII generation? Korea? Vietnam? The first Gulf War? Disco? Have they fulfilled the dreams they had when they were your age?
Most importantly, talk about eternal matters. Where are you in your relationship with Christ? Do you even have one? Do your family memebers? Do you even know?
Read the Bible together. Talk about it. If you disagree on something with each other talk about it and find out why. Is it a serious disagreement? Can it affect your personal eternity?
Some of these are pretty deep questions. But they will lead to deeper understanding and better communication with each other.
Give the perfect gift to your family. It costs almost nothing; maybe some time. It won't wear out; it won't go out of style; it won't break or become obsolete. It doesn't need batteries or an instruction manual. Give them you.
Christmas: accomplished.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Friday, November 28, 2008
WARNING: Shameless Self Promotion Following
Thanksgiving is over and now most people really start thinking about what to buy other people for Christmas. Well, I have an idea. Yeah, you can probably see it coming, but I'm going to say it anyway.
BUY BOOKS.
Not just any books, of course, but my books. I only have two, so that won't stretch your budget too much.
For those on your list who like fiction; a little mystery, a little suspense, a little romance, check out my novel "Hidden Lives". You can get it quite easily online at Barnes & Noble. You can visit my web site and read the first chapter, too.
For those who like non-fiction and like to contribute to a good cause; my book "Caste Aside: Hope for Orphans from the Heart of India". Also available at Barnes and Noble. The contributing part; all royalties go to the orphanage in India this book is written about.
So, those of you with friends who can read, I know you have them, stuff their stocking with these two little gems and make Christmas merrier for all of us.
Another place to find great books, that I didn't write, go to and check out the bookstore. This is great new Christian speculative fiction by some great authors and a new wonderful indie press.
Oh, what do I want for Christmas? My list still to come . . .
BUY BOOKS.
Not just any books, of course, but my books. I only have two, so that won't stretch your budget too much.
For those on your list who like fiction; a little mystery, a little suspense, a little romance, check out my novel "Hidden Lives". You can get it quite easily online at Barnes & Noble. You can visit my web site and read the first chapter, too.
For those who like non-fiction and like to contribute to a good cause; my book "Caste Aside: Hope for Orphans from the Heart of India". Also available at Barnes and Noble. The contributing part; all royalties go to the orphanage in India this book is written about.
So, those of you with friends who can read, I know you have them, stuff their stocking with these two little gems and make Christmas merrier for all of us.
Another place to find great books, that I didn't write, go to and check out the bookstore. This is great new Christian speculative fiction by some great authors and a new wonderful indie press.
Oh, what do I want for Christmas? My list still to come . . .
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Thanksgiving
It's November and the election is over. For that I am thankful, even though my choice did not win. So in the spirit of thanks, here are a list of things that I am extremely thankful for.
1. God's grace
2. That I have a voice in elections
3. Godly parents
4. Godly husband
5. Good kids who grew up to be good adults
6. Church family, several of them
7. Cooler weather
8. Answered prayer
9. Unanswered prayer
10. Football
11. Hamburgers
12. Pets
13. A good job
14. A vehicle that runs well
15. A roof over my head
16. Writer friends who are as crazy as I am
17. Imagination
18. An "off" button on the TV
19. Books
20. God's grace
You'll notice that #1 and #20 are the same. Without that, everything else is pointless.
Count your blessings. You have many. The more time you spend counting your blessings, the less time you have to gripe about the unimportant stuff.
Happy Thanksgiving and hug your family tight; even the ones you may not particularly get along with.
1. God's grace
2. That I have a voice in elections
3. Godly parents
4. Godly husband
5. Good kids who grew up to be good adults
6. Church family, several of them
7. Cooler weather
8. Answered prayer
9. Unanswered prayer
10. Football
11. Hamburgers
12. Pets
13. A good job
14. A vehicle that runs well
15. A roof over my head
16. Writer friends who are as crazy as I am
17. Imagination
18. An "off" button on the TV
19. Books
20. God's grace
You'll notice that #1 and #20 are the same. Without that, everything else is pointless.
Count your blessings. You have many. The more time you spend counting your blessings, the less time you have to gripe about the unimportant stuff.
Happy Thanksgiving and hug your family tight; even the ones you may not particularly get along with.
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