SON OF A PREACHER

Til Death Do Us Part...

2011-11-30T19:00:00.000-06:00

Anne and I will have been married 43 years next week (December 6th). She had just turned 16 and I was 19. Honestly, as I look back and reminisce I must admit we had no clue what we were doing. We were just ‘in love’. So how did we stay the course for 43 years? I think it was love but not the kind of love we read about in romance novels rather the kind of love that is described in the Bible. Love is more than a feeling because feelings change. Anne and I have not always felt in love or felt like we wanted to remain married. Love is a choice. Love has to do with the will. We must love when we don’t feel like it because this is what God requires. This is real love.

We don’t feel we are better than others in the marriage arena. We’ve had our ups and downs, our sharp disagreements. Yes, we have allowed the sun to go down on our anger as well as come up while we were still angry. Maybe we’ve stayed married because we were both to proud and stubborn to leave or quit. We had 3 wonderful children and they deserved better than us giving up or just quitting.

I know a little about young love and romance. Through the years in ministry I have learned about covenant. I know which one is most likely to last. Romance so often is seen in the phrase “as long as,” while covenant is ‘until”.

If you know me, then you know this is not written to belittle anyone who has experienced the hurt and pain of divorce. It’s about how it takes God, and two people who are willing to hang in there when the going get rough. Hopefully, wherever you are in your marriage relationship you will allow God’s love to prevail in your heart, and keep choosing in the hard times to will it so. We are but one of many testimonies that declare you can make it.
Thanks for rejoicing with us.

A Cardinal is just a noisy red bird...

2011-10-17T11:29:00.001-05:00

I don't want to make a big deal out of the upcoming World Series. I want to be fair and non-bias. I am sure you who know me believe this. To be honest, I'm not even an avid baseball fan. I usually tune in during the play-offs right before the championship.

Now I don't want anyone to take what I'm going to say all wrong. I don't hate the Cardinals. I have nothing whatsoever against the Cardinals. A Cardinal to me is just a beautiful red bird that makes a lot of noise.

But there is something about me I would like for you to know. I am a God loving, God fearing man. I love God, my family, my many friends, the USA, and last but not least the Republic of Texas. I root for every Texas person or team who is competing with anyone outside of Texas. If two Texas teams are competing against each other I flip a coin (unless I have a dog in the hunt = a bet)(either way I win) to choose my Texas team of the day.

I have difficulty understanding how a Texan can root for another team who is playing a Texas team. I know this happens and I am sure there are many good reasons one could give. I just said, "I don't understand it."

So my friends, as the World Series begins tomorrow, I hope you'll sit back and enjoy and root for the team of your choice. GO TEXAS RANGERS!!!

The Filing Cabinet Finale... +Go Rangers

2011-10-16T12:28:00.002-05:00

I'm really not interested in the assembly of the filing cabinet becoming a series, but I would like to wrap things up in a positive way. When my children were growing up and they made a bad choice or had a bad experience, I would always encourage them to put it behind them and move forward. I would then ask them what they learned from the experience. Now I can hear my children saying to me, "OK Dad, what did you learn from this, or what is the principle behind this experience?" It is amazing what our children remember from their childhood and how it will often come back to bite you in the butt. So here are 3 things for us (me) to remember. First, when the price is not an issue, go with what you most like. Second, if you're not good at assembling things, don't do it. Third, finish what you start...even if there are parts left over. So if I was a Texas Ranger going to the World Series I would be batting over 600. First, I bought what I liked, and thought would fit the decor. Second, I finished the project. But I struck out by not having it preassembled. Go Rangers!

The Saga of the Assembly: When Will I Ever Learn...

2011-10-15T06:10:00.005-05:00

One would think by the time you reach my age you would have learned certain things to do and not to do. Yesterday, I told Preacher's Wife that I was going to shop around for a filing cabinet for my office. So I rushed off to Office Depot to check their selection. I must admit they had a nice selection of standard preassembled metal filing cabinets in various colors. All I needed to do was pick the color and determine if I wanted one that locked or not. But no, my eyes had to see a nice beautiful black wooden one that matched my office decor. It looked so good there on the showroom floor and the price was right, so I said to the salesman, "I'll take it." I went to the cashier and paid for it. He returned shortly from the back of the store pushing a huge flat box. Immediately my memory of all my life experiences concerning assembling purchased items had not served me well. I knew better than to buy things that had to be assembled. But I loaded it up and brought it home...Thinking... Yes, thinking, I can do this. Well here I sit posting on this blog and the cabinet is in the garage only half finished after 3 hours of intense frustration. I will finish it sometime today, hopefully before college football begins. Just to think it could have been assembled in the store for $50.00. When will I ever learn?

Payback Time...

2011-06-06T15:22:00.002-05:00

This past Sunday I was speaking at New Covenant Church in Longview, Texas. For you who are not familiar with Texas, Longview is a town 120 miles east of Dallas. The people there are avid Dallas Mavericks fans. So a couple of years when the San Antonio Spurs beat the Mavericks in the playoffs, being from San Antonio I decided to preach there in a Spurs T-shirt. It wasn't a very nice thing to do, but I did it anyway. They laughed but somehow I knew it was the kind of a laugh that said, "we will repay - someday." This past Sunday was that day. After being introduced I moved toward the podium and as I did I heard the crowd begin to laugh. When I looked on the huge overhead screen this is what I saw. Payback time it was. We all had a good laugh.

Good Looking Family...

2011-05-29T06:27:00.023-05:00

Anne and I were at CFC McAllen yesterday and we were able to pick up these new pictures of the Philip Corzine family. We are proud of all our children but it really is nice to have a new set of pictures of Philip, Trish, Lauren and Lenzy. I know we're partial but surely you will agree they are one good looking family. Take it from me they're some very gifted and talented people in this picture.

E-N-E-R-G-Y...

2011-03-30T08:16:00.051-05:00

A couple of weekends ago, our youngest daughter who lives in Fort Worth, loaded up her toddler and 5 week old baby and headed south to San Antonio to visit for the weekend. We were so excited and could hardly wait for them to arrive. It would be my first time to see my newest grandson. It was a 5 hour journey and she did very good at managing the two. Between stopping to feed the baby and changing DVD's, things went really smooth. When they arrived we hugged, kissed and cooed. Then I heard this little voice say, "Poppy let's ride on the golf cart." Now we have owned that golf cart for almost a year and we put more miles on it in two days than since it was first purchased. Occassionaly we had to stop for the golf cart and me to recharge and so I could hold the little one. But all the while he was faithful to sit on the cart and guard it while it was getting recharged. Then off we'd go again. I am in good health. I try to walk on a regular basis, but the E-N-E-R-G-Y of that boy just about did me in. I know why young people have children. It's called E-N-E-R-G-Y... God bless them everyone - everywhere!

Treat them like family - Feed them like family...

2011-02-16T06:56:00.005-06:00

Preacher's Wife never gets angry or says a word, she just shakes her head and rolls her eyes. Today, I took Bo and Jake to Petsmart to have them groomed. While I was there I picked up a bag of dog food. I decided to get them a new brand of food called BLUE made by the Blue Buffalo Company. It was advertised as "Treat them like Family, Feed them like Family."

Since I really love my dogs I thought I would treat them like family. I proceeded to the counter to check out when I soon discovered that I was paying more than I had for a weeks worth of groceries when my children were growing up. I won't disclose how much I paid so you won't think I'm a bad steward. Preacher's Wife loves Bo and Jake as much as me, so I thought she would be thrilled, until she said, "how much did you pay for this?" When I told her she just rolled her eyes and shook her head. It looks like the dogs and I will be eating BLUE, the all natural, holistic dog food for the next month. The upside is that it promises a shiny coat as well as longevity. So when you see me next, congratulate me on my shiny look and my new lease on life.

Downsizing and Organizing...

2011-01-25T11:07:00.002-06:00

Many of you may know that last year we decided to downsize and relocate to a smaller home. We chose to live a simpler lifestyle. Now, I didn't take a vow of poverty, but did reach a place where I felt we no longer needed all the big ticket items I had collected over the years including the 3500 square foot house we lived in. The big two story home with just the two of us didn't seem feasible anymore. I spent a lot of time chasing Preacher's Wife up and down the stairs only to realize when I finally caught her I forgot why I was chasing her. We now have a nice little one story home comfortably furnished. I just finished my workshop and storage below the deck and find it nice for everything to be in its right place.

Fredricksburg Bound...

2011-01-14T08:12:00.013-06:00

Several years ago Preachers Wife saw an article in an RV magazine about a group of women who called themselves "Sister's on the Fly". We talked it over and decided it was just the kind of group she would enjoy being a part of.

She has always loved adventure and as an only child she grew up being rather independent and self-sufficient.

These are just a few of the many things I love about her. At any moment she may hear about a group of sisters going to Tennessee, Georgia, or Arizona. So she stays packed and pretty much ready to hook up her vintage trailer (Maxine; named after her mother) so as to leave in moments notice.

So today she and Maxine are off to Fredricksburg to meet up with a group of sisters to enjoy a weekend of talking about grandchildren, while eating and shopping. So in a couple of hours this is what I will see. Have fun sweetie!!

Seven Deadly Zins

2011-01-12T16:00:00.002-06:00

Being the son of a preacher I was made aware at an early age of the 7 things God hates found in Proverbs 6:16-19. I grew up being throughly taught about all the things a Christian is NOT to do. Of course in the New Testament the list of bad things, set forth in the Epistle of Galatians (Galatians 5:19-21), includes more of the traditional seven sins, although the list is substantially longer: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, "and such like". I have no problem with believing we should avoid these things. But just this week I came across something that arrested my attention. 7 Deadly Zins not Sins...Zins. Of course I checked and rechecked the list and it was not there, so I bought it and have now tried it, and think in moderation it is quite nice.

To each his own...

2010-11-19T10:16:00.005-06:00

I haven't blogged in so long someone suggested that the reason was because Preacher's Wife started her blog and was going to set the record straight. Come on, you got to be kidding. I love the fact that she has entered the 21st century and is using her talents beyond Snood and Angry Birds. She is a very creative thinker and writer and I am so happy she has a blog. I haven't blogged simply because there are not many exciting things to write about at the moment.

I do have one more international trip to take before the end of the year. I leave for London the day after Thanksgiving. Preacher's Wife has chosen not to go because she says it interferes with her Christmas baking and decorating. Not being a woman I don't understand this. I would think that most women would opt for a trip to London, going to the theatre and shopping at Harrod's, to baking cookies and making fudge. Anyway, we have gotten along for 42 years letting each other choose what they prefer. Since I prefer eating cookies and fudge I guess somebody has got to stay home and make it. I am sure she will have something to say about this... Preacher's Wife Speaks

Highlighting my two youngest grandsons today...

2010-10-21T12:13:00.014-05:00

Silas and his new puppy

Logan on a Pumpkin Exploration

Preacher's Wife and I are blessed with six grandchildren, and another due in February. We have three girls and three boys. They live in Denver, McAllen, and Fort Worth. We have recently been informed that the seventh is another boy. Since last week was Silas' birthday and Logan's birthday is in a few more weeks, I thought I would post a couple of pictures their parents sent to us. As the holidays approach it looks like we will be spending time in all three places from December until mid January.

Preacher's Wife Speaks

2010-10-15T07:18:00.003-05:00

Many of you may know by now that Preacher's Wife has decided to become a blogger. She said something on her first post about 'setting the record straight'. I am not quite sure what she means by that. I feel like I have always given an accurate account of things as they happen. Of course I am going to see things through my eyes, and with a little different perspective than her. But 'setting the record straight', I don't get it. This sounds like I have out right lied and the truth needs to be told. My life's vocation is about speaking the truth. I may have from time to time miscalculated a date or a time frame but that is to be expected unless one is a flawless person. Hon, I am only human, give me a break. Anyway, I will not squelch her voice or right to speak. You can go to Preacher's Wife Speaks and become a follower of hers.

The Bird...

2010-10-08T08:29:00.007-05:00

This past week Preacher's Wife and I were sitting inside when all of a sudden a bird flew into our patio window. She went outside to see how bad the bird was hurt and when she did it flew up on her shoulder and immediately became good friends with her. It obviously was someone's pet cockatiel. I was sent to PetSmart to get a cage and food. I prayed on the way that she would not fall in love with this bird and want to keep it. Well when I got home the bird had walked down her arm and had just about chewed all her fingernails off. My prayer had been answered and she had already named this bird which let me know we would not be keeping it. DB short for Damn Bird was its name. She called around and had a community e-mail sent out, but no response. The next day Preacher's Wife was most diligent in finding a new pet owner. Thank the good Lord that's over. Another exciting week at HCR (Hill Country Retreat).

I discovered I am NOT very creative...

2010-09-01T09:08:00.009-05:00

Arlington, Texas is the home of Cowboys Stadium, the $1.3 billion spaceship where Tony Romo plays on Sunday afternoons. It's also the home of the Texas Rangers baseball club as well as Six Flags Over Texas. Of lesser historical interest is the fact that Anne and I grew up and were married just 60 miles north of there in Dorchester, Texas. Recently I drove through there but didn’t see any historical markers anywhere concerning that date or event.

I was amazed when the local news reported that the city of Arlington was giving away free toilets. When I read the story I wondered why a city would do such a thing. Turns out they’re trying to save water. Old toilets, we’re told, consume as much as 30% of a household’s water during a typical day. New high-efficient models will apparently save more money in water bills than they cost.

If I were in charge of saving water in Arlington, I would think of campaigns to limit lawn watering, shorten showers, combine washing machine loads, run dishwashers only when full, and so on. I could have contemplated the problem for a year and never thought of giving away free toilets. See, I told you I wasn't creative.

San Antonio in the Top 10 Romantic Cities in US...

2010-08-04T20:21:00.003-05:00

I love living in San Antonio. It is not only the seventh largest city in the United States. Today, I saw where it is considered one of the top ten romantic cities in the US.

With neither the modern skyline of an oil town, nor the tumbleweed-strewn landscape of the Wild West, attractive and festive San Antonio looks nothing like the stereotypical image of Texas – despite being pivotal in the state's history. Standing at a geographical crossroads, it encapsulates the complex social and ethnic mixes of all Texas. Although the Germans, among others, have made a cultural strong contribution, today's San Antonio is predominantly Hispanic. Though now the seventh largest city in the US, it retains an unhurried, organic feel and is one of the nicest places in Texas to spend a few days.

You may think I'm crazy....

2010-08-04T07:23:00.001-05:00

Yes, you may think I'm crazy when I tell you I flew to Dallas today and turned around and flew back as soon as I landed. You might ask, "What's wrong with you?" "Why would you do such a thing?" It has to do with short term inconvenience in exchange for long term convenience. Sure it was inconvenient, but it will pay off in the long run. When you travel as much as I do, you look for and take advantage of every creature comfort that you can find. So here is my reason for today's inconvenience. I fly Southwest Airlines and to maintain what is call A-List status one must fly 32 one way segments or 16 round trips within a one year period. I needed one round trip to requalify before tomorrow August 5.

So I flew to Dallas and back today. I know this doesn't make sense to a lot of people, but if you travel by air and find yourself living in an airport and standing in long lines week in and week out, you would change your mind. I love my job which involves traveling almost every weekend. So living on the road means looking for all the creature comforts I can find. Wait til I tell you about Flight Tracker Pro, Tripit and Slingbox.

Sent from my iPad

"My Dad Wouldn't Help Me!"

2010-07-30T09:21:00.004-05:00

My son who pastors Christian Fellowship Church in McAllen Texas sent me the introduction to one of his messages a few weeks back entitled, "My Dad Wouldn't Help Me!" I thought I would print it before I shared with you the follow-up message I preached one week later when I was the speaker there.

"My Dad Wouldn't Help Me!"

I called my dad the other day and reminded him of some stories in our past, and I told him I was thinking of a message about problem solving called “My Dad the Problem Causer”. We had a good laugh, and we agreed that the title needed some fine-tuning.

I think we have all heard the phrase “They’re a real problem solver.” That term is used a lot in business, and it refers to someone who has the ability to take complex and personal situations and work out solutions that achieve that groups agenda and in most cases salvages every ones feelings.

Problem causer or problem solver? But that’s not really the right question, because I don’t know of a good father who “causes” problems for their children.

However, I can tell you from my own experience that a good father will allow his children to be smack dab in the middle of a crisis and not solve their problem for them.

So I’ve fine-tuned my title. It’s not “My Dad the Problem Causer”, it’s “My Dad Wouldn’t Help Me”.

And listen, it’s not because he couldn’t help me, there were times in my life when my dad could have fixed my problem. There were, and are, times in my life where my father could solve my problems. My father is one of those people; he’s a problem solver! And a very good one.

But my Dad didn’t use his problem solving skills to solve my problems. My dad used his problem solving skills to solve his problems. He knew that if he solved all my problems and the problems of everyone else that came to him, that his problem solving skills would increase and that theirs/mine would never develop.

One time when I was about 17 our church in Harlingen, where I grew up, had an outreach. We went to a city park and had a church service with the people in the city. I had a little Nissan pickup so that afternoon I helped transport the PA system to the park....... It was a great message. Basically he stated that it's not good for parents to always rescue or fix their children's every problem. But rather teach them to solve problems and take responsibility.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart...

2010-07-19T09:32:00.003-05:00

Well, today is Preacher's Wife's birthday. It is not important what her age is, though she is very proud of it. She said, "it's just a number." I love her spirit and her attitude. If you know her, then you know she is a happy, upbeat, positive person. She always sees the glass 'half full' rather than 'half-empty". She is a great wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother, and a true friend. Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Sitting on the Deck by the Mesquite..

2010-07-11T12:54:00.002-05:00

We recently moved to the Del Webb Community here in San Antonio. It is an active adult living community for people 55 and better. We are having the time of our life. Today, Sunday July 11 we are sitting on the deck by the mesquite. I travel around 45 weekends a year so when I am home on an off weekend we celebrate the Lord and his beautiful creation by sitting on our deck and enjoying mimosas. This weekend we have been privileged to have our friends Ernie and Lyn Fitzpatrick. It has been one great weekend. Today was truly a day of rest.

My two little girls...

2010-07-04T16:04:00.003-05:00

Preacher's Wife and I spent July 4th in Fort Worth with our youngest daughter Marlie and her family. It was good to have our other daughter Amy and her kids home from Denver for a few days. We shopped, cooked burgers, attended the neighbor parade and enjoyed the pool. It was a fun, busy, tiring day, therefore, my two little girls took an afternoon nap and I was able to snap this shot of them.

Just what I ordered... NOT!

2010-07-02T07:54:00.009-05:00

That's right I did NOT order rain for this July 4th weekend. My daughter and her family are here from Denver. My son and his family in McAllen are cleaning up after hurricane Alex. Preacher's WIfe and I will leave tomorrow for Fort Worth where our youngest daughter lives. I just checked the weather there and it is raining and scheduled to rain all weekend. Whoopie!!!

ATTITUDE CHECK: Well, now I am better. I love my family. I love Fort Worth. I love being together. I love being together with family and friends in Fort Worth even in the rain. Yea! I hope each of you my friends have a wonderful (dry) July 4th weekend.

I'M BACK

2010-07-01T08:35:00.007-05:00

For the past several months Preacher's Wife and I have been simplifying our lives. We downsized our home, sold my motorcycle as well as a couple of RV's that we were not making the most use of. Now we are settled into our new little home and I realized while I was making our life more simple I was making my social network world more complicated. I consolidated all my blogs, personal, travels and ministry to one website RonCorzine.Com. This would be very simple for me, but not for my few followers who were only interested in Preacher's Wife and my daily antics. So we are bringing www.sonofapreacher.com back to this format. Enjoy! Hope you bookmark or make this a favorite.

New Post @ www.roncorzine.com

2010-02-18T07:27:00.006-06:00

If you follow my personal blog Son of a Preacher and I hope you do, as well as share it with others. You may want to take note that I am slowing moving all my blogs (personal, travel and ministry) to RonCorzine.Com. This will make it easy for me to maintain and possibly even blog more. I will leave this site up and try to duplicate the personal side of the blog for a month or so. I hope you would click on the link above and go to the new site RonCorzine.Com and bookmark that page or save it to your favorites. Some have ask about the old churches. I will eventually put them on flickr and have them there as well. Why not give it a look today. Thanks for you interest.

The alarm just went off..

2010-02-15T08:00:00.007-06:00

Keeping a house ready to show must be somewhat like being a fireman. Of course only in this way: They diligently clean the trucks and the station everyday and then wait for the alarm to go off. Well the alarm just went off. The realtor called and said they were on their way over. We slid out of bed put our gear and are rushing out the door to Starbucks until we are informed we can return to the house. One of these times we know we will hear the realtor say, "we have a contract on the house." Will keep you posted.

Slow Showing....

2010-02-09T08:02:00.005-06:00

When you begin the process of downsizing, and put your house on the market, you are suppose to be excited about showing the house and anxiously awaiting the first offer. I haven't been excited one bit since the sign went in the ground. I am by nature a very loving and thankful person, but I hate this whole process. I don't want to live in this big house anymore and I don't want to move to a smaller one. I just want to be left the heck alone. Preacher's Wife got the house ready to show almost immediately. What I didn't realize was that every hour of the day you have to keep the house ready to show. I feel like the KGB moved in. Everywhere I turn, or sit, or stand I feel there are hundreds of eyes on me. She is not the vocal kind of gal who says a lot, she just shakes her head meaning I am to remain seated or keep moving. It seems to be about sitting and waiting and not touching anything. This past week has been slow going or shall I say slow showing. It has been rainy and cold and no one seems interested in a house. But none the less the house has had to remain ready to show. If I had hair, I would pull it out.

stuff

2010-01-29T05:08:00.002-06:00

In 1985, I was perfectly happy living in an 8′ x 12′ concrete-walled dorm room. I was thrilled to have a single in a dorm full of wonderful people. I didn’t care that the bathroom was down the hall, or that I didn’t own a car. I had a decent bike, a comfortable bed, adequate food, and was learning and having fun with terrific people.

Twenty-five years later, I enjoy living with my family in a nice house in a safe town with wonderful schools. I appreciate all the comforts life has brought me, but I also recognize how my material comforts have also brought an added level of stress, as my husband and I need to work hard to make mortgage payments, save for college for the kids, and meet expenses. I often tell my husband that I’d be happy living in a much smaller house, as long as I have my computer, a fast internet connection, and a secure yard for our dog. Clearly, the list would be longer if I thought about it…I’d also want great schools, a safe community, my printer, my purse, our couch, my gloves, my boots, my fleece jacket, my special pajamas, my pillows and a few more items and services. But as I sit here and scan the interior horizon, there truly aren’t very many items I’d consider to be that important to me.

In his recent column, “What Could You Live Without?“, Nicholas Kristof tells of an Atlanta family whose daughter challenged them to sell their house and buy a smaller one, and donate the net proceeds to charity. Even as it inspired some people, it evoked the wrath of others who complained that they shouldn’t donate to people overseas when there are Americans in need. I’m in the former category, and am impressed that a modern American family that has so much could sacrifice it and make a difference in the world.

The unexpected dividend in this case was that the family found that downsizing brought them closer together:

Mr. Salwen and his wife, Joan, had always assumed that their kids would be better off in a bigger house. But after they downsized, there was much less space to retreat to, so the family members spent more time around each other. A smaller house unexpectedly turned out to be a more family-friendly house.

“We essentially traded stuff for togetherness and connectedness,” Mr. Salwen told me, adding, “I can’t figure out why everybody wouldn’t want that deal.”

I look forward to reading the book they wrote about their experiences, The Power of Half. I don’t think my family wants to downsize, but if they did, I’d be all for it. I wouldn’t mind slowing down the treadmill and enjoying life and my relationships more. In the meantime, if I ever find the time, I am going to get rid of a lot of extra stuff we have around here. The Sport Chalet shoes were just a start…

What Can We Live Without?

2010-01-29T04:34:00.009-06:00

In 1968 Preachers Wife and I were perfectly happy to live in a one room apartment. We had just returned from our honeymoon in Dallas to settle down in our first little humble abode. The place was called Davenport Courts. It basically was a hotel room with a small kitchen that could be rented by the day, the week or the month. The cash wedding presents had allowed us to rent it for a whole month. We were so excited. We didn't have many earthly belongings and we really didn't see a need for them, because we were in love. We were just two young kids happy to be building a life together. That was 41 years ago. Since then we've received an education, picked up 3 children, 6 wonderful grandchildren and acquired many friends. We also have accumulated a lot of "stuff" and most of "my stuff" is referred to by her as "junk." So what does one do when you go from having nothing to almost everything and you decide to downsize and simplify your life. In the days, weeks and months ahead I am going to take you on a journey with us as we downsize to a smaller home and a more simple lifestyle. This should be very interesting especially if I choose to give detailed conversations of Preachers Wife and me.

We love our house but we are moving...

2010-01-21T17:21:00.005-06:00

Preacher's Wife and I moved to San Antonio in 2002. We have lived in the same house we bought when we first moved to town. We loved it then and we still do, but we have decided to move. We have just about totally remodeled it little by little. We put tile and hardwood floors throughout the house. We added a 1000 square feet self-contain, private entrance apartment. I could go on and on about all we have done to the inside. I also took great pride with my green thumb making the back yard a paradise. Did I say we were moving? Yes! Why? Because we want to downsize and simplify our life. Therefore, we are moving to the Del Webb Hill Country Retreat in west San Antonio. Some people call it a retirement village but I call it having less work to do around the house. We have signed the papers for them to begin our new home and the realtor puts a sign in the front yard on Monday. We are praying and believing for a quick sale.

2010-01-13T08:24:00.003-06:00

Call it old age or choosing to live a less adventurous lifestyle. Call it whatever you want but I decided to sell my motorcycle and buy a pool table. I would have really enjoyed having both but Preacher's Wife suggested I choose one or the other. You know how that goes. Since I haven't ridden in quite a while and all my old buddies are not riding as much. I decided I would go with pool table.

Fun In Denver...

2010-01-11T16:04:00.005-06:00

Since our Denver children and grandchildren were unable to make it home this Christmas, Anne and I flew to Denver this past weekend. We had not seen them since last January and my had they grown. They met us at the hotel after school and did one of their favorite things when we visit, swim in the heated pool. We shopped, ate, did some sight seeing and then ate some more. Today is our last day with them so we are going to Mr. Biggs family fun center. We are sure going to miss them but are looking forward to getting back to sea level so we can breath again . I thought I would post pictures of three more of our beautiful grandchildren.

Two up and coming musicians...

2010-01-07T09:41:00.005-06:00

I just got around to transferring some of the pictures we took in McAllen while spending Christmas with our son and his family. Our granddaughters Lauren and Lenzy are into music big time and each one has their own particular instrument of choice. They performed for us on Christmas morning and I must say I was quite impressed. Lauren sings and plays the guitar and Lenzy loves playing the bass.

Seeing in the New Year...

2010-01-04T05:45:00.004-06:00

We just got home from spending New Year's weekend with our friends the Magees. We decided back in the early fall that we would camp together in some state park over the new year holidays. We agreed this year it would be Choke Canyon State Park at Three Rivers, Texas. Having read, reviewed and visited several state parks in Texas we really enjoyed Choke Canyon. If one likes large spacious sites, covered gazebo, picnic table, fire pit and cooking grill and alot of wildlife you would enjoy camping at Choke Canyon. We arrived on Wednesday and stayed through Sunday. It was a very enjoyable and relaxing time. While there we did some walking and birding as well as cooking out and watching College Bowl games. I could recommend Choke Canyon to all our camping friends.

An Airstream Christmas

2009-12-23T16:19:00.008-06:00

We arrived today in the Rio Grande Valley. We are spending Christmas with our son and his family. When we arrived it was 82 degrees and the sun was beaming down. Having lived here for 25 years and raising our family here I had forgotten that they very rarely get a white Christmas. We hung the wreath on the Airstream and are ready for an enjoyable visit with our children and grandchildren.

A little boys letter to Santa and Jesus...

2009-12-22T08:42:00.002-06:00

The story is told of a little boy who wanted a big red bike for Christmas, so he wrote Santa a letter:

Dear Santa: I have been a good boy. I have done my chores and homework. I have obeyed my mom and dad. Please leave me a big red bike. Well, he got to thinking about it and decided that wasn’t enough, so he wrote a letter to Jesus:

Dear Jesus: I really want a big red bike for Christmas. I have attended church, learned my lessons, and obeyed the commandments. Then he got to thinking that might not be enough. So he crept downstairs, went over to the family manger scene and very carefully lifted the Mary out of the scene, and crept back up the stairs. He wrapped the figure of Mary in Kleenex and tucked her away in the back of the closet. Then he continued his letter to Jesus. “And if you ever want to see your mother again….”

Wonderful Christmas Memories...

2009-12-16T17:14:00.002-06:00

Several years ago a university professor from Salt Lake City conducted an experiment at Christmas time. He randomly selected six hundred names from telephone directories from several major cities and sent Christmas cards to each of them. His return address was included on the card, and he received an amazing one hundred and seventeen responses from the 600 cards sent to perfect strangers.

One replied, “I just got out of the hospital, and how good it was to hear from a longtime wonderful friend!” (Must have had amnesia!)

Another said, “We had difficulty at first remembering who you were, but after some thought, we remembered. Please give our love to your father. He is a wonderful man.” (What creative memories!)

One reply was unexpected, “It was really great to hear from you again. We will be in Salt Lake City this summer, and if you have a spare room, we would like to stay with you two or three days!” (Hey, that’s what friends are for!)

Corzine's Movie Reviews...

2009-12-15T15:38:00.008-06:00

I was just commenting to Preacher's Wife last week that I hadn't seen any real good movies in quite some time. So I decided on two new movies that looked real interesting to me. Whatever you do don't turn a blind eye to "The Blind Side" as it's one of the best films I have seen in quite a while. I loved the fact that it was very positive, upbeat and also because it's about good deeds and their ability to change people's lives. So if you're in the mood for a feel-good flick, this is an excellent choice. My girlfriend Sandra Bullock stars in the movie.

Rotten Tomatoes reviews gives INVICTUS 77%. I whole-heartedly agree and might even give it more. This film tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa's rugby team, to help unite their country. Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match. I was challenged, motivated and inspired, and found myself in tears from time to time. Whatever you do don't miss this film.

The Corzine Coffee Bar

2009-12-12T07:11:00.009-06:00

For those who follow me on Twitter or maybe have become a facebook friend, you know by now that I love BLACK COFFEE. It is no secret as to this vice. Some of my friends have become worried that I drink to much coffee, but the truth is, I just enjoy a couple of cups a day. BUT when I drink coffee/expresso I want it to be GOOD. I want it to be freshly ground and have a nice layer or cap of Crèma.

This is the kind of stuff that real coffee snobs care about: It is all about the Crèma. Some of you at this moment are turning your noise up while others like myself are moving toward the kitchen or a good coffee bar.

Since you ask, I will tell you. Crèma is the lovely, golden foam of coffee oils that covers a straight shot of espresso. Thick with aroma and flavor, it is the sign of proper coffee extraction.

The crèma forms a "layer" or a "cap" which helps the cup retain the aroma and flavor of the espresso. A good crèma will last a couple of minutes before settling. In most espresso-making courses, students learn to test the extraction by placing a sugar-cube (or teaspoon of sugar) on top of the crèma. The sugar should rest for a good few seconds before sinking through the crèma into the espresso. Extraction is poor when the sugar sinks to quickly.

The freshness and quality of the coffee grind has a direct result on the extraction and crèma. It should be noted that freshly ground whole-beans produce the best crèma. Cheers, here's to you!

Thanks for the blessings....

2009-12-10T08:37:00.021-06:00

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the decorations, the lights, the smells and the sounds. It's 35 degrees in San Antonio and I'm sitting by the fireplace this morning drinking a nice hot cup of coffee listening to my favorite Christmas albums. Preacher's Wife is in the kitchen cooking sausage and biscuits. I know! I know! Life is good! So if you like good harmony and a little country sound you just might enjoy hearing Alabama sing: The Blessings

As I sit here, I realize that others in the world around me are at different places in their lives and for those who may be hurting or struggling today, my prayer for them is that they will experience God's grace, God's love, God's forgiveness and acceptance. These are the real gifts that show us how blessed we really are.

Alabama: The Blessings

Home For Christmas

2009-12-08T11:39:00.002-06:00

I arrived home last night from my London trip and was so pleased to be home. Preacher's Wife had decorated the house while I was gone, so it was nice and cozy when I arrived. The stockings were hung, the fireplace was burning, the candles were lite and she served me butter beans with ham hock and crispy brown cornbread muffins. I watched Monday night football and then slowly made my way to bed. Life is good! I am blessed and rejoicing.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-26T22:45:00.006-06:00

It was a great Thanksgiving day here in San Antonio. The weather was beautiful, the food was fantastic and the naps were just right. Preacher's Wife and I enjoyed having Marlie, Andrew and Logan with us this year. This was Logan's second Thanksgiving. He was only a week old last year. So you probably know he was a lot of fun to watch. Tomorrow we're all going to go our separate ways, me to London, the kids back to Fort Worth to get ready for the big TCU football game on Saturday. Preacher's wife will then have two weeks to rest, relax and recuperate. Thought you might enjoy the pictures.

London Bound...

2009-11-25T12:59:00.006-06:00

Big Ben and Parliament
We're looking forward to enjoying Thanksgiving tomorrow with Marlie, Andrew, and Logan. On Friday I leave for London for my last international trip of the year. Four million miles in the air and I still enjoy traveling. It can be a hassle at times getting through customs and security. Then there is flight delays, irritable people, and trouble with airplanes. But in the grand scope of life and travel these things are minor as well as few and far between. The benefits outweigh the hassle. The beautiful places and people we've been able to see and things we've experienced far exceed any trouble we have ever had.

I will be staying with my friends Ron and Gretel Hibbert in Watford which is outside of London. While there I will be ministering at Watford Community Church for the week and enjoying spending time with Pastor Tim and Helen Roberts. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

SLINGBOX SOLO

2009-11-17T03:37:00.010-06:00

Yes, I did it again. Most of you know I have a fetish [ |ˈfeti sh | noun • a course of action to which one has an excessive and irrational commitment. When it comes to technology I love all kinds of new gadgets. This week I was thinking about having to be overseas after Thanksgiving when some of the best college football would be aired at home. I began to wonder if there was any way to watch my favorite teams? So I went to Google and here is what I found: Slingmedia

This company has introduced the new Slingbox SOLO that connects to a standard definition or high definition cable box (example: DirectTV), enabling users to view home cable, satellite or digital video recorder (DVR) programming on PCs, laptops, Macs, and my iphone from anywhere in the world via an Internet connection.

I couldn't help myself. I bought it. It was so reasonable, especially when you consider I will take it out of Preacher's Wife's grocery money this month. I will get back with you on how that works out.

"WE'LL SEE!"

2009-11-12T15:29:00.004-06:00

I love sports! I love just about all sports with the exception of Cricket. I don't hate Cricket, it just never seemed right to play the same match for four days and still not have a winner. My sport of choice and enjoyment is football and basketball, and on the college level to be more specific. I pretty much will watch any game if the two teams are equally matched. I don't like run away games.

My team is TCU. You may ask, Why? Well, it's the school that almost financially did me in. It's the school our youngest daughter graduated from. Yes I know they are in the Mountain West and it's a weaker conference and so forth and so on. But this year I am convinced they could give any team from the big six conferences a run for their money on a good day and maybe any day.

I think this Saturday's game will further validate the Mountain West and TCU in particular in terms of being competitive with other conferences. Of course, as an old man once told me, "WE'LL SEE"

The Faithful Few are still Few and Faithful...

2009-11-11T14:27:00.004-06:00

I noticed again that I haven't posted in over a week. I also noticed the number of the faithful few who checked to see if I have had a thought or a reason to blog. I know I don't need to make excuses but I realize some need to hear some. So, I have been on the go for several weeks without stopping. The last two weeks I have been sick while on the go. Does everyone feel better now that I have told you I have been very busy and sick to boot. Tomorrow Preacher's Wife leaves me at home while she goes on the road for a few days. THEREFORE, I will blog sometime tomorrow. My love to all the faithful.

KINDLE UPDATE

2009-11-03T14:22:00.005-06:00

I thought this would be a good time to give an update or review on my new wireless Kindle reading device from Amazon. As most of you know I am an avid reader (usually anywhere from 2 to 4 books a week). Several months ago I took my 1000 book library to the used book store and got rid of 7 bookshelves in my office. Preacher's Wife was thrilled but I have to admit I had and am still having withdrawals. Just this morning I was thinking of a book that I wanted to re-read, so I headed upstairs to my office to get the book only to realize it wasn't there. Just thinking about it being gone disturbed me. I marched back downstairs and picked up my Kindle and began to read and before long a nice calm settled over me. So the answer having experienced all this today, is YES, I love my Kindle. I will not go back to paper books unless I am forced to. The Kindle and others like her makes for a clean, neat office and a nice wooded forest. That is is not to mention the peace and harmony I get from pleasing Preacher's Wife.

Beautiful Sunset

2009-10-26T07:43:00.003-05:00

Albuquerque is fast becoming one of my favorite cities. I guess like every city and every state it has it problems but since I only visit I just choose to see the beauty and the good all around. I love the people of New Mexico. They are as proud about their state almost as much as Texans. Ha! Anyway New Mexico has some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I was there this past weekend and had a wonderful time. You might consider following me at CFI Connection on Monday's because I try to post a picture of some beautiful place I have visited. Headed home today. Have a great week.

Baffin Bay Weekend...

2009-10-19T14:01:00.001-05:00

Anne and I spent this past weekend at Baffin Bay with our long time friends John and Janet Magee from Harlingen. Baffin Bay is about an hour south of Corpus Christi or 25 miles south of Kingsville, Texas. It’s on the Texas Gulf Coast. We camped at the Sea Wind RV Resort. It was a leisurely weekend. We visited and had our fill of wonderful seafood. While there we dined at Kings Inn as well as Baffin Bay Cafe. Both of these places have great seafood. This was one beautiful sunset.

Los Lunas Sunrise

2009-10-12T06:01:00.004-05:00

I was in Los Lunas, New Mexico this past weekend visiting one of the churches we give oversight to. Los Lunas is a small town south of Albuquerque on I-25. It was great being with Mark and Lisa. On Saturday we drove to Ruidoso to spend the day and to look at some property. While there I usually stay with them on their small horse ranch. Sunday morning while enjoying my coffee I was able to capture this beautiful sunrise. There is nothing quite like a New Mexico sunrise or sunset. I am heading back to Albuquerque in a couple of weeks to be with my friends Eddie and Mary Ann Howard. That place can be addicting.

Cool Little Man...

2009-10-02T08:23:00.003-05:00

First time parents seem to take a lot of pictures of their first born. Marlie and Andrew are no exception. The invention of the mobile phone with a built in camera and the internet have made it possible to pass along pictures effortlessly. I thought I would pass along a picture of "cool Logan" - sleeves turned up and all. Obviously this was his first 15 minutes at day care.

Go Frogs Go!!!!

2009-09-20T17:16:00.004-05:00

Preacher's Wife and I just got home from the Rio Grande Valley. We took a quick trip there this weekend to do a wedding and to preach at CFC McAllen. It was good to see our granddaughters Lauren and Lenzy even though it was a very short visit. A hug and a kiss was about it. When we got home we had some new pictures of Logan who attended his first TCU game. Marlie said he seemed to enjoy himself but at this time he's just a one quarter guy. I'm sure that will change with time.

It's gonna be a slow day...

2009-09-18T07:33:00.003-05:00

It's gonna be a slow day and I have nothing really to write or post about so I thought I would post some pictures of one of my hobbies which is decorating and working in my back yard. Preacher's Wife says I always have to be doing something new or different. I can't just leave well enough alone. She's right, but it's cheaper than therapy - it allows for more peace and quiet in her life as well as a happy marriage.

A great weekend...

2009-09-08T09:32:00.006-05:00

Preacher's WIfe and I spent the weekend in McAllen, Texas. I was there ministering at CFC where our son and his wife pastor. We got to spend a little time on Saturday with our granddaughters Lauren and Lenzy. It is always good when we are able to be with grandchildren. We are blessed to have six wonderful grandchildren. I thought you might enjoy seeing an updated picture of Lauren and Lenzy.

A fishing we did go.

2009-09-04T08:41:00.018-05:00

I have spent this week in the Rio Grande Valley. I've had a very enjoyable time. I arrived on Tuesday afternoon and had dinner with the elders of CFC Harlingen Tuesday night. On Wednesday evening I spoke to all the men of the church. Early Thursday morning I went fishing with some friends in the bay at Port Mansfield. It has been some time since I was able to get away and fish. It was a good day for fishing since we all caught our limit of trout and was home by noon.
On Thursday evening I went to Mexico and preached for my spiritual son Andy Esquivel. Today "Alumination" (my home on the road) and I will move over to McAllen where Anne and I will be with our son and family this weekend. We're looking forward to this as well as returning home to San Antonio for Labor day.

Almost finished...

2009-08-28T04:57:00.002-05:00

My son-in-law Michael flew in from Denver to spend a few days, so He helped me with the project. I like doing a few more things but we are 90% finished. It was super hot outside in the direct afternoon sun but the tile guys worked through it and did a great job. I've got to go for a few days now but will return soon to finish.

Always looking for something to do...

2009-08-24T09:03:00.007-05:00

Preacher's Wife would tell you I'm a nightmare to live with if you just want to leave things the way they are. She says when I am at home resting and relaxing I'm always looking for some kind of change or addition to make, usually to the house. We had last week off so after studying and organizing our fall schedule I sat down on the porch for a minute or two to rest, and another project was birthed. We started Friday having the porch tiled, and the outdoor furniture cleaned and painted. We did this thinking that in December it might be cool enough to sit outside and enjoy. It doesn't seem feasible that we will be sitting outside in the near future. It looks like another week in the 100's.

Musicians in the Making...

2009-08-22T08:38:00.004-05:00

I just got a link to YouTube of our granddaughter Lauren singing the Taylor Swift song 'Hey Stephen'. Her dad has been working with her and her sister Lenzy. I believe with his diligence and their disicipline and hard work he will have him two musicians before it is over.

9 months old

2009-08-20T16:35:00.007-05:00

I am amazed at how time flies. It seems like just a few days ago Preacher's Wife and I were in Fort Worth waiting for the birth of Marlie and Andrew's firstborn. Today he is 9 months old. Logan, I can hardly believe you are nine months old. You are one handsome dude. I will see you next weekend.
Love you, Poppy

Guilt Trip International

2009-08-19T15:49:00.003-05:00

Someone told me in jest that their mother was a booking agent for Guilt Trip International. Maybe it wasn't in jest. It seems like there are those who enjoy sending others on guilt trips while others seem to enjoy going on guilt trips. I heard someone recently on a soap box preaching about how life is precious and time is valuable and how we should feel guilty for wasting our time. I will agree with THE BOOK that life is short and it's like a vapor that appears for a short time then vanishes. I also agree that time is a valuable commodity. But I think many instead of using every moment to live and enjoy life (God, family, friends, work, and recreation) waste time by living with guilt, shame and condemnation. They sit around and beat themselves up for not being a better person and doing more. It's not enough that some feel bad about it but they want everybody else to feel bad as well. I heard all this as I was evaluating the time I spend blogging. I was looking back over the past four years, the 437 post, and the 41,205 visitors that have visited my site. I was thinking maybe I could have spent or invested my time in much better ways. After thinking about it for 10 seconds I decided for me this has not been a waste, nor has it necessairly been life-changing for anyone. It has been less time than I would have spent in therapy. It has been for me a way to journal, to let off steam and get rid of stress. I already feel better just posting this.

Gone Fishing

2009-08-11T06:42:00.012-05:00

Since Monday was our day of rest, Pastor Barry and I while in Guatemala decided that we would go deep sea fishing. We heard that the Pacific Coast of Guatemala is the "Sailfishing Capital of the World," and has the largest concentration of Sailfish anywhere on the planet . It is well known as a fisherman's paradise. Even though the season for the best Sailfishing was already past we still wanted the experience. It was a great and profitable trip. I caught my first Sailfish, Barry caught a Wahoo, and we each caught some nice Dolphin fish. We gave the fish to the orphanage but kept out a couple of filets for the chef at our hotel to prepare a nice fish dinner for us and our wives. What can I say other than it was a great day from beginning to end.

Antigua, Guatemala

2009-08-07T10:42:00.011-05:00

Preacher's Wife and I leave tomorrow for Guatemala City, Guatemala. The church we founded in Harlingen have been working with missionaries and supporting an orphanage in Antigua outside Guatemala City for several years now. I am long overdue for visiting the orphanage and seeing the good work that is being done there. We will be traveling with Barry and Susan Jackson who pastor Christian Fellowship Church in Harlingen. I am not sure we will be able to post pictures and give an update of our trip while we're there. You may want to check back the first of next week. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

AGE: Admit vs Act

2009-08-03T06:25:00.008-05:00

You would think at my age I would know better than to comment on Facebook about people (primarily women) refusing to give their birth year. I always thought age represented various and numerous rich life experiences as well as wisdom to share. I do know the media has been used to effect our culture, telling everyone they would look and feel better and be more accepted if they were young, attractive and thin. I do understand the need to be healthy and feel better, but I am not sure how refusing to give my age has anything to do with that. Look, I am all for looking nice, feeling better, and being healthier, but come on, age is only a number. It's a number to be proud of if we have matured. In fact acceptance is something one needs to believe and receive for themselves not based on looks, size or feelings. So let's put the birth year issue behind us. The good news is that you are accepted by God on the basis of his love and grace, and not your size and face. The older and more mature one gets, the more secure they should become in this fact. And this is wisdom.

Unimpressed...

2009-07-28T05:24:00.005-05:00

This past weekend our two daughters were home. Amy came from Denver with her daughter Chloe, and Marlie from Ft. Worth with Logan. They all rendezvoused here in San Antonio. Marlie and her husband went off camping with friends and Logan was entertained and waited on hand and foot by his aunt Amy, cousin Chloe and nonny. On Saturday evening they took Logan to church at Uncle Rick's place and thought he would enjoy a ride on the big beautiful carousel that sits in the foyer of the church. Logan was unimpressed. I have this feeling that he had rather be camping or hunting or anywhere outdoors. I guess time will tell.

Meet Miss Kindle

2009-07-22T07:46:00.005-05:00

Some hate her and others love her... But as for me, I feel a deep affection for her. Most everyone knows I love and will try any new technological gadget that comes along. Well, this week I broke down and bought the new Amazon Kindle 2. Before you criticize her you need to read about her and maybe find a friend who has one and try her out (mine is busy now). Especially if you are a big time reader.

Even though I love new gadgets I was not turned on by her at first. That was until I saw, and handled her. I will agree that her up front cost is steep. But since I read a couple of books a week and Preacher's Wife is always making me carry a box or two of books to the used book store she is going to work for me. In the long run I will save money, the forest, and Preacher's Wife will be happy with me. Trust me that is the most important thing. These days Miss Kindle serves me by carrying at least 3 or 4 books, plus my sermon notes and 3 translations of the Bible. She has the capacity to carry up to 1500 books, plus daily newspapers, periodicals and some background music. So you can see my briefcase is much lighter. Miss Kindle and I are going away to Houston this weekend while Preacher's Wife stays home and babysits grandchildren.

What A Great Weekend...

2009-07-20T04:21:00.011-05:00

This past weekend was very enjoyable. It was full of activity and travel but still a blast. It was Preacher's Wife's birthday but we were able to kill two birds with one stone so to speak. She had a girlfriends outing and I needed to be in McAllen on Sunday morning at the church our son and daugher-in-law pastor. Therefore, we went our separate ways for a few hours. We were able to rendezvous before the special day was over.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself on my brief trip to the Valley. I was able to see and have dinner with my two granddaughters Lauren and Lenzy, and their dad Saturday evening. Then on Sunday morning I was pleased to see that Lauren had been added to the worship team. She is a young upcoming musician like her dad was years ago. I am proud of all of my grandchildren and the different stages they are in, but was somewhat blown away by Lauren's maturity and musical talent. I know I shouldn't be surprised, but when you only see them four or five times a year they can really grow up fast. Lenzy, Lauren's little sister is the dancer, I hope I am there soon when she is performing. Lauren my hat is off to you today. I believe your future is bright and that God has some special plans for you.
Love both you girls,
Poppy

The Roaring Fork Experience...

2009-07-17T06:11:00.011-05:00

Preacher's Wife and I, along with a good friend from the UK, decided to eat last evening at a place here in San Antonio called the Roaring Fork. I think presently they are located only in Scottsdale, Arizona, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio. Anyway, it is always a great dining experience for me. They have a beautiful outdoor deck which I usually enjoy, but since the temperature was over 100 degrees again yesterday we decided to dine indoors. The menu, the speciality drinks, and of course the service is over the top. Our friend from the UK commented that he believed that the good old USA has the best service of anyplace in the world. I agreed based on my somewhat limited travel. Everyone knows that Texans claim everything as the biggest and best, and we know that Texans can be a little earthy and at times down right nasty. Therefore, if you think along those lines you would be pleased to know they have the biggest and best hamburger of anyplace. It's simply called the "Big Ass Burger. The picture really doesn't do it justice. Since my a_ _ is already too big I decided last night on one of their top notch salads. We talked and laughed,and caught up on old times. I can hardly wait for my next visit to the Roaring Fork. If you are in one of these cities you might want to give them a try.

Sorry, but I got lost...

2009-07-14T16:07:00.005-05:00

I have been looking for days for my way out of this maze. I just got out, so I can begin to blog again. I am sure you have missed me. These last few months have been busy and they have kept me on the run. But more than just busy, they have been productive days. I learned a few years back that all busyness is not productive. I am excited about the days in which we are living. Like many of you I listen to the media tell me how bad things are, but unlike many I do not buy into their negative report. I could. I just don't. You may be going through a difficult time with your family, your finances, your health or your job. Can I encourage you to trust God. He really is bigger than all our troubles. Sorry for the short preach. But I am the sonofapreacher.

Getting a good start in life...

2009-07-07T06:55:00.009-05:00

As most of you know we spent last week in Fort Worth. In an earlier post we stated we were visiting our youngest daughter Marlie and our son-in-law Andrew for the weekend of July 4th. But really we went to see Logan. So in the future when I say we were in Fort Worth it means we went to see Logan. OK. I thought it was important while I was with him to introduce him to a few things that will move him in the right direction for a good life. That would be an i-phone, a Mac computer, Starbucks coffee and a Ford truck. I was forbidden to give him coffee at this time in his life but I at least sat it on the table for him to see. Regardless what you think of any of these products I am his Poppy and I know best about these things. I will need to work on his parents more concerning the right computer selection. Like so many they seem to be addicted to crashes and right clicking. I am sure they will come around. Anyway, for Logan's sake I hope so.

Fireworks in Fort Worth...

2009-07-02T07:12:00.008-05:00

Preacher's Wife and I are in Fort Worth spending the fourth of July weekend with our youngest daughter and her family. They just moved from Keller to Fort Worth so we decided to go and put some of my old electrical skills to good use. The story behind the story is that Nonny wanted to see her youngest grandson. She loves all her grandchildren but she is particularly found of babies. This is somewhat confusing to me because she calls me a big baby and then gives little attention to my needs. I guess I might as well try and grow up since the other is not working. Thought you might be interested in a picture Logan.

Random thoughts in my journey...

2009-06-30T06:52:00.013-05:00

For the last couple of years I have enjoyed blogging here at www.sonofapreacher.com. I enjoy writing about the funny things that happen in my life. I also like to keep family and friends who are interested, informed about what is going on with Preacher's Wife and me in our travel. Lately, I have devoted a little more time to the ministry website www.cficonnection.com. I've felt recently like I wanted to share more of my life and ministry experiences as well as thoughts and different perspectives at this stage in my life. Therefore, I would invite you to bookmark CFI Connection. I will post there from time to time random thoughts in my journey. The most recent thought had to do with "Commitment Being Overrated". You can also follow me at Twitter Ron Corzine I will keep you posted there when a new random thought hits me.

Friends Forever...

2009-06-24T17:27:00.006-05:00

As a country boy growing up in north central Texas I never had a dog. I know that seems strange to a lot of people. It even seems strange to me looking back. But my parents both worked and didn't want the responsibility of taking care of a dog or trying to get us to take care of a dog. So I never had any pets. I raised show animals as a four year member of FFA (Future Farmers of America). That was the closest thing to a pet I ever had. But knowing the animial would sell at the annual livestock show I refused to get close. Well now I am a pet lover. Six years ago I fell in love with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Since then we have added to our family. We now have Bo and Jake, and they enjoy each other as much as we enjoy them. This picture is my latest favorite picture of them.

Alaska is a proud state as well..

2009-06-23T07:51:00.003-05:00

I thought Texans were the only ones who flaunted their pride. I discovered while in Alaska that they too are proud of their state especially about their size. I found this T-shirt in a window while shopping. I had already given them enough of my money so I refused buying it.

Enjoy our pictures

2009-06-18T22:54:00.003-05:00

This is for all of you who might want to see some selected pictures of our Alaska Cruise

Anchorage 55º to San Antonio 99º

2009-06-18T13:49:00.006-05:00

Preacher's Wife and I arrived home this morning around 9:30am. We had a red-eye flight out of Anchorage getting into Dallas at 6:30am. We all know its good to travel and to be away from our regular routine for a while, but it's also good to be home. Bo and Jake greeted us at the door and we couldn't unpack until we caught up on their week's loss of affection. Having been in over 30 countries and being privileged to see so much of the world, the wife and I agreed this was among some of the greatest places we have visited. I will go to work on the all the pictures and post the sight later. I must pack to leave for Albuquerque tomorrow.

Sitka to Sea

2009-06-15T16:30:00.001-05:00

Today Sitka is our last city before getting off the ship in Anchorage. We just returned from our last wildlife excursion. We saw bald eagles, otters and brown bears, as well as humpback and grey whales. The naturalist said it was a good day of sightseeing as only one in five tours get to see bears or grey whales. We we fortunate. Tomorrow we have a whole day at sea then arrive Wednesday morning in Anchorage. We will spend the day in Anchorage on our own sightseeing before we catch a plane Wednesday evening home for San Antonio. I will get home and organize my pictures then post a website for viewing them all. The internet is 40 cents a minute so I have rationed my time. Of all my travels this is one of the tops and the best.

Ketchikan to Juneau

2009-06-13T12:43:00.003-05:00

Yesterday the ship docked in Ketchikan and we spent the day seeing the city and going on the Misty Fjords Wilderness excursion. It was 100 miles round trip there and back and we saw some great scenery. Thought you might enjoy the shot of got of the bald eagle. Today we pulled into Juneau and are taking the Alaska Brewing Company and Glacier Gardens tour. Sounds like there may be beer involved. I will keep you posted.

North to Alaska....

2009-06-12T08:29:00.005-05:00

We could have a good time if I could ever convince Preacher's Wife to take off the life preserver. We boarded the ship on Wednesday at noon and left Vancouver at 5:00 pm. Our first whole day was at sea. It was nice to just relax and get to know where everything on the ship was located. Today we dock in Ketchikan, Alaska. We decided to take a wildlife tour so hopefully I will have some pictures of something other than us eating by tomorrow.

I was just thinking...... about Generosity.

2009-06-10T08:56:00.007-05:00

I was just thinking. If I will live a life of generosity and always put God first, I will never be without. Remember the verse, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Yesterday, I was trying to decide how much of a tip I should give the cab driver who took us from the airport to our downtown hotel. I would like to believe that I am a generous person but for some reason I was struggling going up to the next largest bill in my wallet. Then I immediately had this thought: what will the difference in that amount mean to me ten years from now and what difference could it make for the cab driver today. I was not totally sure about his future, but I was sure about mine based on how I have been taught to live. Once I looked at it from that perspective the decision was very easy. And it even felt good. You will begin to find regular words of encouragement at Christian Fellowship International

Finally the time has come.

2009-06-08T05:29:00.006-05:00

For twenty years now Preacher's Wife and I have been talking about taking an Alaskian Cruise. The time has finally arrived. The prices were so right that we thought there may never be a better time. Also, I am aware people like us often go through life saying, "one of these days we ought to go or do...." "or when the kids leave home we should...". Well, a couple of months ago we did it. We booked our cruise. Tomorrow we leave for Vancouver and will enjoy a nice night out on the town and leave Wednesday on a northbound cruise to Anchorage. The itinerary shows we stop in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and end up in Anchorage. Having been fortunate to travel the world, we will now get to see some of the sites we have dreamed and talked so much about. Of all the people who have spoken to us about their experience on an Alaskian Cruise we have never met someone who was disappointed. So wish us well. Hopefully, I will post pictures depending of course on the internet connection. I can't imagine they will not have internet after reading about everything else that is on the ship.

A weekend at Lake Texoma...

2009-06-01T07:16:00.008-05:00

This past weekend I spent a few days on Lake Texoma with my sister and brother-in-law. They retired a few years ago at the Colbert Boat Club. It's one nice place for a relaxing get away. I took "Alumination" and we just settled in for a couple of days to enjoy ourselves. Several years ago Preacher's WIFE and I had a little place there but decided for traveling in the RV rather than remaining stationary. It was good to see everybody and to catch up. Anyway, I was on my way to CFC Paris and just thought this would be a nice way to break the trip up. I also wanted to check out the VuQube and see how easy it was to set up on the road. It worked like charm. I got home Sunday night and have a busy week ahead of me but thought I would post and keep you informed as to where I have been.

It's a hard life on the road...

2009-05-26T12:29:00.002-05:00

"It's a hard life on the road..." I say this tongue and cheek because life on the road for those who enjoy this kind of life do not find it hard but rather refreshing. There are those who enjoy dry camping or boondocking as it is called. This is where you park anywhere without or with limited amenities. I think independent parking is the preferred term. This of course is when you are prepared to dry camp but make use of amenities when they are available. If you know me then you know I am one who prefers amenities. I like to read as well as sit alone in the quiet, but I also like TV (the News, 24, and Lie to Me). So I recently sprung for a VuQube. This is a nice little closed in satellite dish that weighs 15 lbs that you sit outside, and by remote control tune it to operate your Direct or Dish TV receiver. I know! I know! but I enjoy amenities remember.

Selah...measure, weigh or consider this...

2009-05-19T05:15:00.003-05:00

Someone has said:

Christianity started in Israel, then was taken to Greece and turned into a philosophy. Then it was taken to Rome and turned into an institution. Later it was taken to Europe and became a culture. Finally it was brought to America and made into a business.

In the gospel of Luke he seems to indicate that Jesus intended the church to be a party where all the beloved misfits are welcomed home. That’s grace. That’s the gospel. That’s the good news.

We need to remember what Tony Campolo’s mother used to tell him: “There is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us it makes no sense for any of us to criticize the rest of us.”

An enjoyable day at Fredricksburg...

2009-05-14T16:55:00.009-05:00

Today it was beautiful in San Antonio. I decided to ride out to Fredricksburg on my motorcycle and have lunch with three of my good friends. It had been some time since Michael, Joe, Steven and I had done lunch together. Michael is a local pastor there and Joe and Steven are his two elders. It was so refreshing to sit out on the porch at the Cotton Gin Village and just catch up on what has been happening. It was also enjoyable to be out and about on my motorcycle. This weekend I am at home since I am preaching for my good friend Rick Godwin at Summit Christian Center.

Mother's Day Out...better yet...at home

2009-05-11T07:30:00.006-05:00

Preacher's Wife and I enjoyed a quiet weekend home alone in San Antonio. We celebrated Mother's Day by sleeping in, then waking to a hot cup of dark roasted coffee (Preacher's Wife-Diet Dr. Pepper). We enjoyed reading the Sunday paper then going to brunch at el Jarro. It was our last weekend off for while. In the afternoon while Preacher's Wife took her nap I decided to build a blog about enjoying life's journey. It will be a place I can post about our airstream travel and all the other fun and laughable stuff that happens to us on the road. Enjoying the Journey

2009 Mother of the Year Award

2009-05-10T14:51:00.006-05:00

2009 Mother of the Year Award goes to a worthy recipient.

2009 Mother Of The Year Award

2009 Mother of the Year

2009-05-10T14:35:00.003-05:00

http://news.cnnbcvideo.com/?nid=BoCANjP0OrJpMsKQxPW2cTEzNTYyMTcy&referred_by=16451102-pH3Bhgx

Bringing her out of mothballs...

2009-05-09T15:13:00.022-05:00

This week Preacher's Wife and I will begin the process of bringing our 34' Airstream out of mothballs. She (the Airstream, not Preacher's Wife) has been stored for the winter and it is time for us to get on the road again. As most of you know we are very active in ministry. Our weekends stay full of ministry opportunities. We love spending as much time as possible in the spring and summer taking the RV and dogs. This is more enjoyable to us than traveling by air and it gives us time to enjoy our lives together. Before we stored the Airstream for winter we decided to remove the couch which was very uncomfortable and install a couple of nice leather chairs and ottoman. We had to remove the batteries and install them on the outside behind the propane tanks. It turned out pretty nice. Anyway, we like it much better. Here are a couple of pictures you might enjoy. We are hoping either this summer or next to have the aluminum trailer stripped and buffed. But until then she is comfortable enough on the inside.

Dedication Day

2009-05-03T12:27:00.008-05:00

Preacher's Wife and I spent the weekend in Fort Worth. Logan our youngest grandchild was dedicated at church on Sunday. Andrew and Marlie attend church in Keller where they are presently living. It is a real neat church called Hillside, and the pastor is Pete Chiofalo. We really enjoyed our weekend and were glad it worked out where we had a Sunday off and were able to attend.

I decided to start tweeting.

2009-04-27T07:13:00.005-05:00

You did what? You heard me! I signed up at Twitter so I could start tweeting. What is a few tweets here and there going to hurt. Anyone who reads this blog knows I am not consumed by blogging. I must admit, I am intrigued by new technology. The next time I will buy a new Apple product is the day it is released. You may not be willing to admit them, but the truth is, we all have our eccentricies. Trust me you have at least one and maybe two. One of mine just happens to be enjoying the use of any new means of communication like blogging or tweeting. I do wish they would give these things a different name though. So for all you tweeters you can check me at Twitter.

So now you know...

2009-04-20T08:30:00.006-05:00

I have been scolded for not blogging last week. Here is the story behind my absence. I have been sick and in the process of recuperating. Nothing major, but I came home from London worn out. I really needed to take a break after London believe it or not, but I kept moving. Then I got sick and haven't felt like blogging. Preacher's Wife for years has been on my case about how big of a baby I am when I'm sick. So I determined to say nothing during this time. She has previously referred to me as different members of the Lott family. She first called me Mr. Noah Lott. She said she was amazed at how I knew so much about my sickness; what I did and didn't need, since I had no medical training. Then she called me Ms. Mona Lott. She said in all her days of nursing she had never heard anyone moan as much as me. So I thought I would show her by saying nothing about how I felt during the past week. I am happy to report that I am thankful for my two dogs (man's best friend) Bo and Jake. They faithfully laid on the foot of the bed and would occasionally lick my hand and check on me. Thanks guys.

It's sure quiet around here...

2009-04-08T11:20:00.002-05:00

Well I thought I would add a little testosterone to the blog for a change. The girls left yesterday for home and we are all alone. We had such a wonderful time with them, but I am sure they are happy to be home with family and friends. It is so quiet around here. Preacher's Wife hardly ever says a word, so the only noise is me grumbling about jet-lag. This weekend we will be going to Ft. Worth to spend Easter with Andrew, Marlie and Logan. Nonny as she is known, will get her fix for the youngest grandchild. I hope each of you have a wonderful Easter weekend.

Who knew? A 24 Hour McDonalds

2009-04-07T06:11:00.003-05:00

We arrived home yesterday evening at 6:00 p.m. We fulfilled one of our food desires by having a 'BIG O' Whataburger. Of course the other two desires will be fulfilled today. They are Pizza and Mexican food. After eating the girls staggered off to bed totally worn to a frazzle. They were asleep by 8:30. Well I wasn't far behind them but I knew what was coming next. Yep, at 2:00 a.m. they were wide awake laughing and giggling upstairs. It is called jet-lag. Finally at 4:30 a.m. Preacher's Wife suggested I take them to a nearby McDonald's drive-through. Who knew? A 24 hour McDonalds. This was a first for me. It's what being a grandpa is all about.

It's almost time to say goodbye...

2009-04-04T14:17:00.005-05:00

Lauren: This week has been great! I can't believe it's almost over!!! Thursday we hung out in London and went on the "London Eye." When I first walked up I was a little freaked out, but I enjoyed the ride. Later on we got to walk in "Westminster Abbey", I could not believe how much history is there. It's definitely breathtaking. My grandmother took us shopping in "Harrods". Though I can't afford anything in the store, It's still fun to look. That night, Poppy met us at the "Adelphi" theater and all of us saw "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat" It was so fantastic, that the songs are still stuck in my head. Friday My cousin and I visited the "Windsor Castle" and roamed around, that was loads of fun.
Cherry-o,
Lauren AshleyChloe: "HI!!! Sadly our trip is about to end and we will have to leave this beautiful land, but on the bright side I will get to enjoy one of my favorite things. Yes, it is the plane ride. Only ten hours in the air and we will be home with our family and friends the people we love and care about. As my cousin said, Thursday we visited Harrods and while there Lauren and I devoured a huge all chocolate sundae. Then we went to see Joseph and the "Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". I loved it. Well, that's about it. Ciao!!!!"We enjoyed seeing London together.

We're having so much fun here...

2009-04-02T10:32:00.005-05:00

I am having a great time. This is so much fun. I enjoyed our first day seeing London on the big red double decker bus. I was just getting ready to take my first picture of “BIG BEN” when I pressed the button on my camera and it was dead.
I hate it when that happens. Then I realized the charger mom packed was left at Nonny’s when we repacked. So I will have to get Poppy to give me the pictures he takes. I really loved staying in the castle it was a wonderful surprise.
I am sorry to say that I missed my brother Titus' 11th birthday, but I will make it up to him by bringing him a present from London. Well, I got to go and experience more of this place. Later!

Hey guys, Lauren here! I am having an awesome, beyond awesome time in England. Monday we hit London and got to ride around in a double decker bus. My cousin and I were able to see "The Crown Jewels" and "Harrods." Being on the double decker bus we got to see the whole city, but didn't actually get to go inside everything. The next day, our grandparents surprised us with a night in a castle. We had traditional English tea and a fancy dinner. Chloe and I tried a-lot of new things. Tomorrow we'll head back to London, and go to "London Eye" and what I've been longing to see "Westminister Abbey!" I'm so excited!
Cherry-o for now!

Left Behind...

2009-04-01T10:21:00.003-05:00

This has been Nonny and Poppy's view of London since we arrived. I was almost sure when we left home we could keep up with the girls, but after being here several days we give up. I am still waiting on the girls to slow down and quite laughing long enough to write and post some pictures. It looks like I may have to keep you the parents posted with events and pictures. Weeks before we left home we promised the girls a surprise when we arrived in England. It would be something that few Americans had ever done. Well today we just returned from giving them their surprise. Somebody will post about it later today or tomorrow. Stay tuned....

My what a big plane...

2009-03-28T16:21:00.005-05:00

After a long 7 and 1/2 flight we arrived safely Friday night at 10:30 pm London time. The first thing we did was reset our watches because we had just lost 6 hours. It was past my bedtime but the girls were just getting wound up. After gathering our bags we arrived at the home where we would stay around 11:45 pm. I had one thing and only one thing on my mind. BED! Goodnight everyone. Goodnight Poppy! I was informed that the girls fell asleep sometime in the early morning. Today we have unpacked and the girls and Nonny have gone to the mall. Tomorrow we will go to church and chill one more day before we hit the ground running seeing all the sights.

All grown up and somewhere to go...

2009-03-26T08:29:00.008-05:00

Lauren arrived yesterday morning from McAllen and Chloe arrived late last night from Denver. Needless to say they were excited to see one another. I am not sure what time they actually went to sleep. I heard a lot of noise upstairs for the first 30 seconds after I laid down. Everyone is up and the final repacking is being done. We will leave for the airport at 12:30pm and fly to Chicago today. We spend the night there and fly out to London in the morning. Once we arrive in London and snap a few pictures they will begin to write. Now this note to the moms and dads. Nonny and I can actually watch over and care for these precious girls. We have experience and we think we did a pretty good job. Guess which girl is from Denver.

The girls arrive today...

2009-03-25T05:39:00.008-05:00

The girls arrive today and are we ever excited to see them. Chloe will fly in from Denver and Lauren from McAllen. Preacher's Wife better known as Nonny will pick them up at the airport. They will work on repacking their bags in preparation for leaving tomorrow. Of course the reason for repacking is so we don't have 13 pieces of luggage. You may know what its like to have teenage girls. I thought I would post a few more pictures of the two of them when they were very young. We will keep you posted with plenty of pictures of our trip and time in London. Along with their personal post I will post from time to time to tell you how it is going from my grandfather perspective.

London Bound

2009-03-24T08:15:00.004-05:00

As I stated a few post back, it was thirteen years ago when our two oldest granddaughters Chloe and Lauren were born. They were scheduled to be born three days apart, but Chloe decided to be a preemie. Therefore,they are seven weeks apart. When they were both six years old for some strange reason I told them that when they were thirteen Nonny and I would take them to London. Well, the time has come and we will be off and running soon. We leave for Chicago Thursday then on to London on Friday. We will be gone for 12 wonderful days. I say that now but I may change my tune after trying to stay up with them. The next couple of days I will blog about them and then I will turn the blog over to them to post their thoughts and pictures while we are there. Stay tuned for a couple of exciting weeks.