HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOM!

Well it is on now! Dianne is in Ohio. Because of weather delays and mechanical problems with planes and holiday air traffic a simple journey of 1000 miles took Dianne 22 hours!

I will be there in three days...give or take a blizzard or two. Oh by the way it is 80 degree's here in San Antonio today....Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Tomorrow is our son Tom's birthday! (Not telling the years!).

He is called "Daddy" by his kids

"Tom" by Dianne, Des, Chris, and Ryan,

He goes by "Thomas" at work...in Jackson Hole

But I have called him "T" since he was 14....and probably always will in person!

We are proud if Tom. He is an original "Straight Shooter".

He always tries to do everything the "right" way.

He has tremendous personal integrity. He is the kind of guy that you would want in your foxhole if you were in a battle because:

1) You could trust him

2) You know that he would put his life on the line to save yours.

Tom is a good husband and provider to Kristi and the kids, Brendan, Kiarra, and Kristofer; a good "Big" brother to Des, Ryan and Chris; and a wonderful son to Dianne and I.

He has a really awesome sense of humor that he unleashes at the most unexpected moments...

And he has a soft spot for wild life in Wyoming especially the bears.

So here's to you "T"!

Have a blessed and happy birthday tomorrow and stay safe and warm!

Tomorrow is also my brother Rick's 40th birthday! So in honor of him, I am going to watch the double trilogy Star Wars movie box set between now and Monday.

feliz cumpleanos a ti mi hermoso!

I'm Out....

Merry Christmas to All!

The Shepherds and Angels

That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven,and peace on earth to all whom God favors.”
Luke 2:8-13


Well it has been a while and like everyone it is a busy time of year... But with all that is going on let's keep it in perspective in to what is important.
Jesus - "The Reason for the Season"...The Lord's gift of Salvation is the better than even we can imagine.

Family - Happy Birthday to our precious granddaughter Kiarra who turned 9 years old this week! She has been a wonderful gift of blessing to Dianne and I.

We are excited to be going to Ohio for Christmas to see Mike, Des, and those girlz! But at the same time we will miss Tom, Kristi, Brendan, Kiarra, Kristofer, Chris, Ryan, Katie, Logan, Gavin and "Baby Bump". We were all together last year, and if we had our way we would be like that every day...I guess we will have to wait until we all get to heaven to be together.

We also will miss seeing all of the rest of the family in Colorado. If we could we would be there also...

We love all of you and miss each if you in a special way. We pray the Lord's blessing and peace over you today and always....

I'm Out.....

Happy Birthday Dianne!!!

We are celebrating Dianne's 47th birthday this weekend in an atypical fashion. We have been blessed by the company of Ryan, Katie, Baby Bump, Logan and Gavin this week. The best present that Dianne can ever receive is to be surrounded by our children and grandchildren.

We have had a lot of fun this week with the boyz! They are very lively and smart...AND well behaved!

Logan is a computer whiz at age 4.5 and Gavin in a gregarious "Chirper" who never stops....I wish I had their energy!

But today is about Dianne... She really does not like to call attention to herself on her birthday so I am on thin ice here!

Dianne is the epitome of the Proverbs 31 women. She ALWAYS puts everyone else first!.

Me, the kids, grand kids, family and friends too.

I know why married men live longer than single men...For me it is because Dianne does so much for me...She makes sure that I eat right, rest, take my medicine, dress appropriately, etc...etc...etc...

She manages all aspects of our household and keeps everything humming efficiently... Married life is good...

Scripture calls out these characteristics in Proverbs 31:10-31

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Dianne is the evangelist in our family. She will seek out the hurting and tell them about Jesus at any and all times... Her relationship with the Lord is her top priority....and that is just one of her many qualities.

I am blessed to have her as my wife....

"A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband" Proverbs 12:4

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY and THANK YOU mi amor!

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!!!

Psalm 100

A psalm of thanksgiving.1 Shout with joy to the Lord, O earth!2 Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.5 For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever,and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Well another holiday season is upon us. The year(s) fly by so quickly!

Logan, Gavin, Katie and "Baby Bump" Braley arrived yesterday.... Ryan will be here Monday.

We are prepared for a fun week with all of them.

Dianne is very organized and well planned for every event and contingency.

My only job is to cook the turkey....I'm down with that....I have a good plan that we will execute to perfection.

Things that we are thankful for...

• Our Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ!

• Our awesome children and their spouses that bless us daily. We are so proud of their walk(s) with the Lord and how each has grown in maturity and faith. Dianne and I did the best we could raising them, but most of the credit is to Jesus and the kid's. They have all made great choices in life because of him.

• Our 9 grandchildren! Grand kids are much more fun than kids....and each of them bless us just by being in relationship with us. We have tremendous future generations rising up to take over. And they will be well-able
• Our parents, who have imparted life, and blessing, knowledge, counsel, wisdom and support through the years.
• Our jobs that we both love and the opportunity to interact with people, help others develop, and to prepare us for the next season.
• The beautiful home that the Lord has given us...We thank him daily for this blessing.
  

Well that is about it for now...Football season is winding down...this saddens me, but for some reason Dianne is thankful...Go figure!

Chris and Ryan are still optimistic about the Broncos...For some reason they are extremely connected to the team....Out

Come On Down....Logan and Gavin!

We are in preparation for this week's arrival of two of our family "super hero's" Logan and Gavin...(oh yeah...Ryan and Katie, and Baby Braley are also coming too!)



Besides celebrating the "Thanksgiving Holiday" we will be celebrating Gavin's 3rd birthday!

WOW ! time is flying....We are really looking forward to spending time "wit da boyz"!!!

We have lots of plans for the boyz to have fun....games and what not....Ryan and I might even crack off a game of Madden 08 PS2

Dianne has special plans to pamper Katie while she is here, but I cannot spill the beans....

One of us will report out later....

We are going to have a "cold front" come in tonight. Temperatures will drop into the 30's...

just in time to make the "Minnesotan's feel right at home....

Got to bounce...I am out!

Happy Birthday Abbey !

Today is our granddaughter Abbegael's 7th birthday! She is growing up and growing in the Lord every day.

I have known her since she was so small she could fit in a shoe box...now she is a little lady and the best 7 year old "speller" in Ohio.

But with the coming of age and growth, as new skills are learned, old things can be left behind.

Left behind...but not forgotten.

So here are some "Abbeyisms" that we don't hear anymore:

• "Is it darkened yet in Texas"?


• "Red Clobster"= Red Lobster


• "Bib Bobbins" = Red Robin or was it Bob Evan's?


• Old Mac Donald's = McDonald's


• And my personal favorites...She asked me once ..."Why did you scrape all of your hair off?


• "Will you come to my ballet b'cital?"

We love you Abbey for who you are and who you are growing up to be...

We love you for being a good daughter to your Mommy and Daddy!

We love you for being a terrific big sister to Emme and Cammi!

And for learning Spanish....feliz cumpleanos a ti mi amor!

Have a blessed birthday and we will see you soon!

I love you,

Papa Fred

Vote Jesus!

Well it is finally here!....Election Day. After nearly two years of campaigning, we are now ready to exercise our rights and vote. We "early voted" by mail-in ballot a couple of weeks ago....a first for us.
We enjoy the process of voting. Dianne always says that it makes her feel " clean" to vote. So now we have done our part...do yours by voting....and the rest of it is up to the Lord....

"In God We Trust"

In order not to be guilty of plagiarism, I must acknowledge that the scriptures and sequencing below are liberally borrowed from Pastor Ed Young Jr. from Dallas. His web site hyper -link is embedded at the bottom of this posting.

Things to always consider when voting:

Character - "The outward reflection of an inward connection."

• "When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan." Proverbs 29:2


• "A king despises wrongdoing, for his rule depends on his justice." Proverbs 16:12

Conviction -"Fundamental Beliefs

• "Let your yes be yes and your no be no" Mathew 5:27


• "The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions." Proverbs 28:1

Courage - "Behavior"

• "The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them." Proverbs 11:3

Compassion - "Who needs help"

• "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those who are perishing. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice." Proverbs 31:8 &9


• "Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don't stand back and let them die. Don't try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn't know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul, and he knows you knew! And he will judge all people according to what they have done." Proverbs 24: 11 &12

Constituency - "Who is for you?...Who opposes you?"

• "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

http://vimeo.com/2119754

Como teama?

As previously noted in the blog-o-sphere by yours truly, Dianne and I do not do Halloween...So why do I have two seasonally relevant postings?

Well, I was reminded this week, that while Chris was growing up his favorite "holiday" activity was punkin' carvin'...

He used to take great joy in going to King Soopers and climbing into the pumpkin bin to capture the biggest best shaped pumpkin for carving.

He would grind me to no end until said pumpkin was acquired and then the carving could begin.

I would "gut" the pumpkin and carve a rudimentary jack-o-lantern....which caused two things to happen...

1. Chris would be amazed at the gore of pulling out the pumpkins innards (brains).


2. Post carving - He would proudly examine his "JACK O' LEONARD"...

That's right...you know how kids sometime pronounce word and sayings as they hear them so to Chris - Jack O'Lantern = Jack O'Leonard

As Chris got older and more mobile, he would buy his own pumpkin and gut and carve it by himself.

As the gutting began, he would choke and wretch, but complete the task with much better carvings than I had ever done...he is an artist after all....

This practise continued through his college years and guess what?...He is still at it and getting better every year...See what the McCain campaign volunteer did this week:

As time goes on, the more things change...the more things stay the same....

This one's for you "Pug's"

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH Be Afraid..Be Very Afraid!

As most of you know, Dianne and I do not celebrate Halloween and have not forever for Dianne and for over 22 years for me....

Since we have been married our tradition is to take it to the DL and bunker in our bedroom early for a picnic and quiet night.

In our new neighborhood, there are very few young families and therefore few "tricksters" and "treaters".



Seriously, what is frightening to us is the direction our country is headed. Most of you received an e-mail that had Billy Graham's prayer for our nation that we feel is on target.

I am also concerned about the growing sentiment that the liberal agenda is more proper and compassionate. That the more fortunate are not doing enough for the poor.

This thinking ignores the truth about the level of charitable giving that our country and government does is multiples of any other country.

It also ignores the compassion that our government has shown to the downtrodden, persecuted, ailing and under-represented poor and afflicted of this world.

And yes, we pay for that out of our tax dollars and our tax rate is still lower than all European countries who give less.

I find it extremely disingenuous for those that have yet to make a dent in this world to criticize those that have.

I was once part of a younger generation that felt "we" knew more than our parents, and had a more worldly sense because of our education and sensitivity.

In retrospect, we had no clue of the extreme sacrifice that the "Greatest Generation" made to save the world, protect Christian values, and post war, make daily sacrifices to make sure we had a roof over our head; food to eat; clothes to wear; schools to go to while believing that we would achieve more that they could.

I owe much of my success to those that went before me and sacrificed much for my "potential".

I can never thank them enough, except to try to provide the same clearing for the next generations....

Dianne and I pray that we are living this every day.

I will climb off of my soap box now...but I feel that I have earned the right..and this is my blog!

Remember... "Character Trumps Good Intentions"

Out....

Coaching Week

This was a week of coaching at work....
Not just the day to day leading of my team, but real coaching on Leadership which is my passion.

On Tuesday, I gave a two hour presentation on "Equipping Others" to 8 young Store Directors from Central Texas who are working with their Regional Director of Development to gain advanced leadership skills.

They invited me about 6 months ago and I developed a new presentation to give them my perspective.
It was fun for me and the feedback that I got from the Regional Director was "you hit a home run!"

Thursday and Friday were my training to be a trainer in our Corporate Development program for leaders called "Leader as Coach". I began my sessions about 6 months ago and really liked it, so I volunteered to become certified as a"coach of coaches".

The sessions are led by one of our consultants Kelly Freeman and his partner Rick Jernigan. Kelly has been an Executive coach for H-E-B for many years. I started working with him in 2003.
I enjoyed these two days immensely and because we were short of help, I got to coach on my own Friday...the "training wheels" came off early.

I am doing two sessions next week with another group so I can really get my schwerve on.....

Weather is great here this time of year....so I am out of the home office to go look at the outside and catch a couple of football games this afternoon....
Out

Didn't See That Coming......

What a week in the financial markets!!....

Pay attention as this is history being made that you can tell your grandchildren about.....

We are like everyone else in that our retirement and investment portfolios look like Bonnie and Clyde's 33 Ford Roadster..."Shot Full of Holes"


Dianne and I are not worried because our hope is not on this world... but on the Lord's covenant word. He has promised to supply our needs....

"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus". Philippians 4:19

We await with great expectation what the Lord is going to do....It is going to be awesome....
You know I was looking for a reason to work until I'm 80!
Still waiting for Tom, Chris and Mike to send notification that they are in the "Mullet Challenge"...
I'm Out.......

Earn Cash!

It is a beautiful fall day in S.A. Cool mornings and warm days...between now and May is the best weather for us here in South Texas.

It is time for my annual fall challenge to Chris; Ryan (birthday boy); Mike; and this year I am inviting Tom...

The challenge is to "go counter fashion" and grow your own mullet hair style for a $500 prize.

The rules are simple:
Mullet must be real - (no extensions)
Mullet must be validated by me personally
Mullet stays on your gourd until I release your hair style....

So giddy-yup you Joe Dirt wanne be's...Let me know if you are going to step up and back in time...

Remember, I have pictures of all of you in the late 80's and early 90's with some very impressive mullets...

I'm Out

Start Celebrating Early...And Don't Stop!!!

This week our son Ryan celebrates his 29th birthday! Hey Ryan 29 is the new 21!

This is a big year for you:

1) New Baby Coming in April!Logan says it will be a girl, Gavin is not so sure....all he said last night is that it is not a "dragon baby"

2) Your last year as a "twenty something" - don't worry you are not on the back side yet...

3) Graduating from college thsi upcoming spring!

We are proud of you as a man, as a husband, as a father, and as a youth pastor.... You are Awesome!!

We know how much you have grown in the Lord and it shows to everyone that comes in contact with you...you know..."salt and light"...

So begin your month long celebration today and "party like your 19 errr..... 29"!!!

Love you ...

Out

Speaking of birthdays; this photo show my brithday gifts from Logan and Gavin which I have hung in my home office.

Logan's is the top one in orange, titled..."I am the Dragon!"

Gavin's with purple and green is titled "Big huge Dragon"....

Awesome Artists!

Week End Update

It's Monday Morning and we are trying to stay in the moment...
Chris and I have had a great time together. We have done everything that was on the blog a few weeks ago:

• Rolled up on a "puffy taco"
• Went to CBC - Great Service
• Grilled Steak - yumm!
• Watched football
• Played PS2 - I am still undefeated!

We were blessed Saturday to have my nephew Jon join us. We picked him up at Lackland and he also "rolled up on a puffy taco", went to church and played PS2 ( I beat him too!).

Chris flies out @7 tonight and we have much to do...but first...off to Magnolia's for some pancakes!

Out

In Honor of Chris' Visit!....

Thursday Night Football!!!...

CU vs Wes Virginny!

Yee Haw!

Beer Can Chiken!

See you Friday Chris....

Out...

Whew! Still Busy!

OK here goes.....

We have had a busy week mainly due to two events...Dianne getting ready to go to Ohio to visit the girls and Hurricane Ike.
So here is my Sunday...

• Get up check the airlines for flight delays


• 1 hour conference call to review store openings in Houston and product needs



• Take Dianne to the airport 2 hours early - only to have her flights delayed for 2 hours due to weather.



• Go to the "Hurricane Command Center" for 8 hours helping coordinate product, people, suppliers



• Watch 4 minutes of the Bronco game...YEAH!



• Leave my lap top at the command center...EEK!!!

On Friday...I was surprised by Dianne and Mr. Mann who re-finished our "new" antique library table. It was my great grandmothers, dated from the 1880's.

I remember it in my grandmothers house for as long as I can remember.

It has been on my Mom's back porch for

15-20 years and was in really bad shape.

Mr. Mann rebuilt and re-finished

it exactly as I wanted it...

OK.... I know that I predicted the Broncos would go 7-9...maybe it was a reverse psychology "Jedi Mind Trick" by me...

Chris sent me a text picture from the game while I was in the command center... NOT JEALOUS!~NOT JEALOUS!~...

I'm out...

TIme Does Fly....

I am back and better than ever!!! Today Dianne and I are celebrating our 6th Anniversary by spending time together and with the Lord... We just finished our bible study (John) which will go through April.

We are both truly amazed at how fast time goes by...It really does seem like we got married last year....

We are blessed with our beautiful (Des)/handsome (Tom, Chris, Ryan) children and their spouses Mike, Kristi, Katie. It has been a delight to see each of them grow into adulthood and a growing realtionship with Lord Jesus. They are the bomb!!!

But EVEN BETTER our the 9 grandchildren who delight us with their lively love and energy.

Thanks to all of you for the beautiful birthday wishes you showered over me yesterday...Last week I told Abbe that I was older than her 1st grade teacher...who she thinks is "about 80"...
Oh well it is all relative to your perspective

OK that's it ...I'm out NFL is on the tube.....

Weekly Buzz

My blog is like a "hillbilly" bath...once a week and always on Saturday...

Well it is the Labor Day Holiday week end....it has been along time coming.... a long week end yoo hoo !

It's been like the Chisholm Trail...a long way with no water....

We have big plans this week end as Dianne and I are in between her trips to the upper Mid West....Next stop Ohio ...home of the Football Hall of Fame. I doubt if Dianne will visit the HOF. She is going to give Looie a hand with the new house, and MOST importantly hang out with the girlz.....

Back to the holiday week end....Shopping today...church tonight, followed by dinner @ Amorcito's...Sunday...Breakfast at Magnolia's......Begin Dianne's new Bible Study...Football....steaks grilled by me...Football
Monday....Batman Movie....and maybe Football....

Errr....(note to self - less food talk...more football talk....)

My surprise of the week is that while Dianne is gone, Chris is flying in to spend a week end with me....I believe we will:

1. Go to church
2. Watch football
3. Grill Steaks
4. Watch Football
5. Grill Burgers
6. Play PS2...Football of course
7. Roll up on a"Puffy Taco" some where

(Note to self: have cholesterol levels checked soon)

Time to bounce...big sale @ the "Family Book Store"...25% off of all Bible man stuff...Logie and Gavie....are you payng attention?

Hey! I'm Busy!

The hardest thing about blogging is keeping up....

I have not had time to even think about updating or reading any family updates since last week end...

Packers 27 Broncos 24....still predicting 7-9

Dianne is in Minnestota yah with the Boyz yah umhuh. All the Braley's are doing well and I am surving "all by myself"

Ok that is all! Time for coffee and a bagel @ Bennie's Bagels...out - see you next week...alledgedley

Random Thoughts

I am 1 day ahead of Dianne's blog..."New Mercies Every Morning"(dianne-nmem.blogspot.com)

She has the femine side "hot pink" colors and all that....

Broncos 23 Cowboys 13...

"How bout dem Cowboys!!"

Still think the Broncos go 7-9 this year...

OK...Here is the scoop about the title of my web log (blog)...

Isaiah 40:31 has always (since getting saved) been my favorite scripture...it always encourages me to remember that without the Lord...we will all fall short, grow weary, stumble...but if we trust in Him alone we will soar on "wings like eagles"!

Leadership Thought of the Day:

Talent and hard work will get you promoted.....Character will keep you there....

Day 1

I have arrived!

Day 1 of blogging...."it is not about me!"