Caitlin

Two words, Mommy: FOOD......NOW

It wasn't me.......





The next Michael Schumacher????

F1 Darkest Weekend

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge Formula 1 fan, and have been since the mid-80s. I watched my first F1 race late at night on ESPN. I was captivated by the sheer speed and talent. I began to follow the career of certain individuals. There were 2 in particular: Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. The weekend of April 29-May 1, 1994 is the darkest weekend of F1. The F1 race was at Imola for the San Marino Grand Prix. It started with the death of Roland Ratzenberger during the free practice round. Everyone was shocked by this accident. Senna decided that conditions must be better so he began to re-establish the Driver's Safety Board. Senna took the pole for the race on May 1. Sadly, Senna, himself, would have a fatal accident that day. The difference between the two accidents was that Senna's was on live TV. Watching the crash was very difficult. I kept hoping he would be OK. By the end of the race, news had come out that he had died. I wept so much. Senna had an Austrian flag in his cockpit, so that he could honor Ratzenberger when he finished the race. Two drivers dead, and other one serious hurt, in one weekend.

Needless to say, after this weekend, F1 changed many aspects of the way races are ran. Safety is now the paramount issue in F1. Senna remains the last driver killed in F1. In 2000, after Schumacher won the Italian Grand Prix, and tying Senna's record of wins [41], Schumacher could not control his emotions and they had to stop the press conference. Senna had the respect of every driver, and, every true fan of F1.

The video takes you on Senna's last lap and it also shows the crashes of Ratzenberger, Villeneuve, and Williamson.

NFL Draft

Can't believe I can't find it anywhere online. NOT HAPPY!!!!!

It seems that this should be a good draft for the Hogs:

Darren McFadden [Run DMC] should be a Top 6 pick. At this moment, "experts" think that either the Raiders or the Jets will take him.

Felix Jones [RB] is a late 1st rounder. San Diego is looking hard at him.

Marcus Harrison [DL] 2nd Rounder. Jax or Indy are the favorites right now.

Peyton Hillis [FB] Late 3rd/ Early 4th. Anybody's guess at this point.

Marcus Monk [WR] Projected to be picked in the 5th or 6th Round. No doubt he is a sleeper with his size and ability.

We will wait to see. Will give my opinion later on as the draft goes on. It looks as if the SEC is loading the draft.

An End of An Era

I was sad today to learn in my local paper that Coach Hixson has resigned due to health problems. Coach Hixson was an assistant to the high school boys BB team when I was there. He took over as head coach 18 years ago. His record is incredible. Just the last 5 years, his teams went 117-21, winning the state title 2 years ago and no less than the semis over that period of time. He is also a good, decent man. I have respected him for many years. I can still remember being in 10th grade, taking his Health and Fitness class. Or playing wiffleball in the gym.

The Chickasaws will not be the same without him. I hope and pray that he recovers quickly.

Times of Need

I have always wondered what would happen if something went wrong with my scooter or if I got sick at NPUST. Yesterday, I found out. I woke up yesterday with a headache, which most of you know that that isn't such a big shock. I thought it was the heat. I got to NPUST and began to feel tired. One of my students said I could go to his house and lay down. I slept for about 2 hours. When I awoke, I didn't want to move. To make a long story short, I was sick, in a bad way. I was sweating, dizzy, couldn't stand without guidance, headache...... so bad. Four of my friends, can't call them students anymore, really helped me. It was like I had 4 nurses. They even held my hand to comfort me. Finally, the doctor's office opened and we went. I don't know what I would have done without them. I am so thankful for them. In my time of need, God provided the support I needed. THANK YOU Rei Ting, Jerry, Lemon, and John. You really are good friends.

It was also interesting that, I, too, became a provider in some one's life. I began to feel better about an hour after the shot. I decided I would try to go home. I was a little worried about it. As I was leaving John's apartment, I saw Carlos across the street. He told me that he was waiting for the bus to go to Pingtung. I gladly asked if he wanted me to give him a ride. He said OK and I drove him to the train station in Pingtung. I need him to make sure I didn't fall asleep and to drive, if necessary. I am glad that I was able to help him in return.

It never ceases to amaze me how God works in everything.

Quick Observations

This week's observations revolve around sports.

1. Football Spring practice already? Wow! Coach Petrino had his 1st practice as the new Boss Hog. Can't wait to see the new offensive schemes. Win or lose, should be entertaining.

2. No McFadden or Felix Jones. No Marcus Monk. Might be a long year for the Hogs.

3. Boston Celtics have won 60? After only winning 24 last season. Cried last year...too painful. Cry this year.....so happy. Hopefully can secure homefield advantage throughout playoffs.

4. Pittsburg Penguins [NHL] 1st Divisions in over a decade. Win tomorrow, 1st in Conference. 2 years ago was laughing stock of the NHL.

5. Cardinals are off to a fast start. Better enjoy it now..... won't last long. Expects are actually predicting the Reds to be the sleeper team in the NL Central. Know you like that, Kyle.

6. Final Four has all #1 seeds. Memphis has a chip on its shoulders. Living near Memphis, I have always followed the Tigers. Have had some great players over the years: Keith Lee, Elliott Perry, Baskerville Holmes, Penny, and countless others. Dana Kirk was a great coach. Loved those 80 teams. Had some great battles with Louisville. Word is that Coach Calipari is hunting for an NBA job. Hope they can win it all.

7. F1 just started. BMW looking strong. Hope Ferrari can pull out another title.

8. Arkansas State just changed their name from the Indians to the Red Wolves. May I ask the 25th letter of the alphabet? Why?

Anniversary

On March 25, 2000, my life changed. It was on this day that i married Becky. I can't believe that it has been 8 years already. I can't belive that she hasn't killed me yet. That's right, I forgot! That is Caitlin's job!

1 By 1 Class

Today was an interesting day. My last class of the evening is a 1 by 1 class. I teach a junior high school boy. The family is Christian and they attend church regularly. Tonight, as I walked through the door, his mom asked if she could talk to me. At first, I thought she was going to tell me that class would be cancelled next week because of tests. I already figured that was going to happen. What she wanted was something totally different. She asked me if I would begin class with prayer. Of course, I said I would be happy to do so. I asked her if she had told her son. She said no. I was a little worried about how he would feel about doing this. I told him what his mom wanted us to do and he gladly accepted his mom's suggestion, and even asked me to pray for his tests. So, we prayed before class, asking God to be with our class, his family, and his tests. Our class was different tonight. It felt more relaxed. I am glad his mom asked us to pray. I think next week, I will give him a Bible Verse as well, and then pray.

History

I am convinced that most people just don't understand History, or the impact it has on today. Many Taiwanese will tell you that they hate History, but, still you would think that they would have some concept of it. Today, in my class at the University, the topic was, "Who, in your opinion, are the 5 greatest people in History." I was expecting kings, rulers, emperors, scientists, evil men, or incredible breakthroughs. Some of the answers? The Bee Gees, Bruce Lee, Creator of Doraemon, Jackie Chen, and Bill Gates. I was wondering if the Telletubbies were going to be on the list.......

Daniel and Caitlin

Aren't they just precious? I thank God everyday for my family. God has really blessed me. I have the most handsome boy and the most beautiful girl in the world. Thank God they take after their mom!!!!!

"Bei Bei" Parade

This is a video I took of a parade for Latern Festival. The big temple in HaiFong does this parade every year. One of my former students asked me to come watch with him. So, I did. Many people would ask, and have, "Why would a Christian go to such a thing?" My answer is simple: In Taiwan, religion is mixed with every aspect of society, from politics to economics, to social behavior and the lottery [yes, even the lottery].

While watching the parade, i asked my friend a question: "What if I am at work when the parade comes by my home? How do I worship?" He replied, " You can go to the temple, but god isn't there." I said, "Wait! Why would I go to the temple to worship if god isn't there? Where is god?" His answer was, "I don't know. I will ask the caretaker [of the temple]. " He came back and told me that the presence of god is where the statue of that god is. This led me to ask him why do I want to worship a god that cannot be present everywhere. He just looked at me. I know he understood what I said. He could not reply. I thank God that I went there with him. I am glad I was able to share the Gospel of Christ to a young man at a false god's parade. He didn't accept Christ, but, i am still in contact with him. Pray that he can see, for himself, that there is only one true God, and that he needs Christ in his life.

Tony's Engangement

Becky's younger brother is engaged to get married. Congats DiDi! The wedding will be this summer. Tony is a good man who works hard. He is an only son and has 4 older sisters. How did he ever manage?

Carlos' Wedding

What a great night!!! As usual, not everything went according to plan, but, last Saturday, Carlos and Karina tied the knot! Carlos has been a member of the English Church for a very long time and I considered it an honor to be asked to perform the wedding. The great thing was that I was able to share about the love of Christ to her family, which does not know His love. They wanted her family to understand how God had brought them together! Don't they just look perfect together?

UPDATE

I will begin updating this blog. I know I have said that before, but, I have made up my mind to do it! There is so much to share, and so many pics. So, let's get to it!

Bro. James Price

I am sad to report that Bro. James went to be with the Lord on 9/25. He was 78 years old. Bro. James holds a special place in my heart. I had the priveledge of leading him to the Lord at the young age of 71. I will never forget the first time I met him. I had just become the pastor of New Providence. I was asked by some of his wife's family members to go visit him and their sister. As I stood there on the steps of the house, James opened the door. He asked if he could help me. I told him that I hoped I could help him. He invited me in and immediately asked, "Are you a salesman?" I replied that I was the new pastor down the road.

As we began to talk, he told me some of the history of the church. It wasn't all good, either. I just looked at him and said that that happened before I was born. He just looked at me kind of strange. He said, "I like you. Want a Dr. Pepper?" Of course, I said yes. I stayed there about an hour. He told me as I was leaving that he was busy that Sunday, but, that he would try to come the following week. I just looked at him and replied that I would hope to see him.

James and Ruby came to church the following Sunday, just like he said he would try to do. From that point on, for 3 years, unless he and Ruby were sick or away, they were at church. He accepted Christ as his Lord and was baptized into the fellowship of the church.

My wife and I were very close to this dear couple. In fact, they caused me to have a panic attack once. Becky was pregnant with Daniel and a storm was coming. I decided to leave work a little early because I didn't want Becky to be home alone when the storm hit. I drove as fast as I could go without getting a ticket. I pulled into the driveway and went to the door. It was locked. I thought that maybe she went to the neighbor's house. Barbara stated that she hadn't seen Becky. I thought maybe she walked down to "Grandma's" house. Grandma was the oldest member of the church. Nope. Not there.

Where could she be. I thought about Ruby and James. They have often asked us to come and eat with them. I drove down to the state line and knocked on the door. James answered the door and said, "We kidnapped your wife and she and Ruby are in the kitchen cooking." Of course, he had that big grin on his face. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cornbread, and Dr. Pepper. I should have known from the very beginning where she had gone. I had never felt uncomfortable at their home. They always treated me and my family as their own. To this day, I still enjoy the conversations Ruby and I have on the telephone.

Bro. James will be missed. My heart is sad and hurting today. My prayers go out to Ruby and her family during this difficult time. Bro. James will always be a ray of hope and sunshine in my life. He has gone to touch the face of God.

English Church Blog

I have created a blog for our English Church here in Pingtung. Please feel free to look at it. Will keep it updated every Sunday with prayer requests, sermon outlines, announcements, etc. If you have any suggestions or want to post, please let me know.

The blog address: www.pingtungchurch.blogspot.com

Caitlin's Birthday

Caitlin turned 1 year old on September 6th. It was a joyous day for us. I can't believe how big she has grown over the last year. Of course, she loves daddy. And, daddy adores her. Happy Birthday, Queen!

Fantasy Football

I have created another Fantasy Football League again this year. Kind of excited this year. The last 4 years, my friends and I here in Taiwan have competed. This year, we have decided to form an Asian league. The requirement is simple: must live in an Asian country. Only 1 person from a country will be allowed to participate. At first, I was worried that I wouldn't get the other 7 slots filled. But, as it turned out, all 7 are filled from people in Japan, Korea, Singapore, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, and of course, me here in Taiwan. Kind of excited about it. So now there is the Taiwan League and the Asian League. Will keep you posted on the progress.

GameBreaker Football game

Well, just completed another season in the Dynasty Mode of GameBreaker. I started out as an assistant at Texas. I know...treason for an Arkansas boy. I was the Offensive Coordinator. We won the national Championship. After that, I spent 2 years as the Head Coach of UConn. We won the National Title my second year. I have now been at Penn State for 2 years, having secured another National Title.

My "dream" job of course is at Arkansas. The last 5 years, they have not had a winning record. As a matter of fact, they have only won 4 games a year. So, what hasn't that job opened up? So frustrtaing. After the "last season," I was hoping it would open up. It didn't. However, teams like Purdue [10-2], Alabama [9-3], Notre Dame [8-4], and Oregon State [11-1] opened up. Go figure.......

I have decided to stay at Penn State and try for back to back titles.

Love the game........

Typhoon Day

Big Typhoon hit Taiwan today. Can't go out. Play with Daniel and Caitlin. Funny thing is that a couple of weeks ago, my mom called me and was so worried because someone kept calling her about the typhoon that was going to hit Taiwan. I told her that if she worried for every typhoon, she wouldn't get any sleep for 2 months. This is our 3rd typhoon since that conversation.