Fifty Years Ago

Thought I would share a photo my mom sent. Last year I posted a picture for her and decided to do the same this year.  My parents were married 50 years ago today.

31 May 1959

America’s Best Barbecue(?)

This past Sunday Good Morning America unveiled the winner of its search for America’s best BBQ.  The results were actually interesting. It all started in April with a call for viewers to submit nominations.  From there the final 4 were selected. So, the entire process was obviously less than scientific. All four were judged on ribs and only ribs.  The finalist were Cousin’s Barbeque, in my hometown Ft. Worth, Texas, Woody’s Smoke Shack in Des Moines, Iowa, Archibald’s BBQ in Northport, Alabama, and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Syarcuse, New York.  Saturday internet polls opened for voting.

The winner was Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. I am surprised that a restaurant from a state not-known for barbecue won. Although I’ve heard a lot of good things about The Dinosaur. I’ve even had some of their sauce and it was much better than Cousin’s sauce.

However, I am not surprised that Cousin’s didn’t win. I’m still trying to figure out how they got nominated in the first place. They certainly are not the best place in Ft. Worth much less than Texas.  Also, Cousin’s serves Texas style barbecue, so that means beef brisket not ribs, or that awful pulled pork stuff.  The competition didn’t include real BBQ.  Cousin’s ribs are ok. Also, GMA went to the Bryant Irvin location while I prefer the original McCart location.

I would like to see a re-match with a better represenative of Texas barbecue. I would suggest my personal favorite Goode Company from Houston. The re-match should feature real beef brisket. After all that seems to be a much harder task than making good ribs or chicken, not sure it is possible to even make good pork.

Top 10: If I Had a Million Dollars

Actually it supposed to be if I won the lottery. Since I don’t play the lottery I changed it a little bit.

#10: Invest in the lives of others. Maybe it would be by starting my one charity or non-profit. Most likely it would be through giving scholarships or to established charities.

#9: Start my own business. Not for sure what. If I were making that choice today it would probably be some sort of bookstore, coffee house, and live music venue.

#8: A den/study for The Big Guy with all the electronic toys he wants. Not sure what that would include but I do know it would involve. I do know that it would include a new TV and at least one of the newer gaming systems.

#7: Travel. Actually, I would combine numbers 5 & 6.  Among my places to travel include reaching my goal of visiting all 50 states, Scotland, England and Australia.

#6: Missions. Both by giving to missions and hands-on involvement in missions.

#5: Take care of our my mom & the Big Guys Mom. Maybe it should be number three but taking care of family is still in my top 5.

#4: Invest. Actually #5 would be a part of number 4. Don’t want to blow all the money.

#3:  Buy a house. We have been wanting to buy our own house rather than rent. Also something a little bigger and a fenced backyard (I want a dog).

#2: Get of Debt. I know it isn’t much fun but it is necessary.

#1: Tithe. Yes, that is right I would give 10% back to God. It is my way of acknowledging that all blessings come from God.

Memorial Day Tribute (Repost)

Today Good Morning America featured  a piece about the cool tribute to our country’s fallen soldier the Riverside National Cemetery. For the past 9 days the names of those interred in the cemetery have been read aloud non-stop. You can check out the video on the Good Morning America website.

Originally posted 26 May 2008.

To those whose family or friends have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country:

I am grateful for their bravery. Thank you.

To those who have served (Uncle Earl, Buck, Roy, Bill, Randy, ENM):

Thank you for your willingness to serve our country.

To those who are currently serving (IC, CT, JG & BR):

Thank you and you have my support.

To those who wish to malign those in the military, to protest the war and/or demonstrate at funerals:

Please remember that freedom is not free. It was built on the backs of those who have served and defended this country for 200 plus years.

Lessons from Crocs

On a recent shopping trip I got stuck in an unusually long line. While waiting I begin comparing a display of knock-off “Crocs” type shoes with my Crocs. As I was comparing the shoes I realized that there were some spiritual lessons that could be gleaned from the experience.

First, things aren’t always as they appear.  Upon first glance some of the knock-offs look very close to the original. They are made from similar material but the shoes are very different. The knock-offs I saw were made from a very hard rubber or plastic and the insides were very rough.  Just like the knock-off shoes there are some who outwardly appear to be Christians but the spiritual depth and maturity is not there. As humans we often make judgments based upon outward appearances.  However, God looks at the heart.

Second, don’t settle for a cheaper or easier option. While I was examining the display of knock-offs, another customer decided to enlighten me on their greatness. In her opinion there was absolutely no difference between real Crocs and imitation Crocs.  I pointed the most obvious difference that real Crocs are more comfortable. However, she believed they where the same. Both were made from rubber because the shoes looked the same they had to be the same, so why pay more.  Actually, Crocs are made from a special material called Croslite.

How many times do we settle for a cheaper form of our faith rather than experience the full benefits of what God has for us. Maybe it is because settling is easier. After all it takes dedication, time and effort to invest in a growing relationship with God.

Third, know your purpose. One thing that the makers of knock-off just don’t get right is the footbed of the shoe.  The footbed of Crocs is specially designed to improve circulation. Those little bumps have a purpose. The makers of Crocs had a plan and purpose for those bumps. However, the makers of the knock-offs don’t know the purpose of those little bumps. They are just copying the real thing.

As Christians it can be easy to loose sight of our purpose. According to the Westminster Shorter Catechism, we exist to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Spend some time reflecting on that statement. If we really embrace that purpose how will it affect our lives. If I exist to glorify God is there anything in my life that I need to change.  For me the most powerful part of that statement is the last part: “…to enjoy God forever.” To enjoy God we must first have a relationship with him.  Also, the implication is that God wants to be accessible and to have a relationship with us.