Prayers for Tsunami victims in Asia

I can't fathom the loss, the grief, the chaos, and the pain of those who are victims of the Tsunami in Asia. Even those who were tourist are feeling guilty that they survived and are able to leave the destruction behind. The only hope in these times as in all times is in God. A friend pointed me to this passage. It seems very appropriate at this time:
God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake, Before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains. Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, GOD of angel armies protects us.
(Psa 46:1-3 MSG)

Thanks for the Christmas Present Mr. Schuerholz

I awoke this morning and found Christmas had come early. I saw on the news that Tim Hudson,former Auburn pitcher,had been traded to the Atlanta Braves. The deal sent several young prospects to the A's but if we can keep Mr. Hudson past one season (he is a free agent next year), we could return to the great pitching staffs of the past. So let's look at the starting pitchers for the Braves if things hold up as they are now:

1. Tim Hudson
2. John Smoltz
3. Mike Hampton
4. John Thompson
5. H. Ramirez

It looks like the weakest is Hampton and he ain't that bad. Newly aquired Danny Kolb looks adequate in the bullpen as a closer. Let's see what other deals come along. I can't wait for spring training to start!

Another reason I am in the baseball mood is my great staff gave me a great gift for Christmas. A 10 pack of tickets to the Greeneville Astro's this summer, an G' Astros hat and glass PLUS some tickets to an ETSU baskeball game. What a gift! Thanks Guys.

I was turned on to a short story by Bret Harte called The Luck of Roaring Camp It is about a wild west town that has one woman in it by the name of Cherokee Sal. She dies giving birth. Then this town of rough and course cowboys, gamblers and fugitives have to decide what to do with the baby. Guess what, they decided to raise the baby and it changes the town. At this time of the year isn't it a great reminder of the difference a baby can make!

Christmas in Greeneville

One of our favorite things about living in Greeneville is the Christmas season. It officially starts with the lighting of the tree in front of the court house. For the third year running one of our family made the paper's picture. This year it was me. You can see about half of me on the very far left in the brown jacket. The first year it was James, last year it was Grace. I guess Shannon's turn is next year. Father Christmas lights the tree and passes out candy canes to the kids.

The downtown merchants stay open and have refreshments. The historic General Morgan Inn invites people in for hot chocolate and hot cider. The Gen. Morgan has beautiful pressed tin ceilings and about 20 foot Christmas tree.

The Knoxville Symphony Orcestra sent a deligation of about 30 musicians to play a free Christmas concert and sing along. It was GREAT! Our kids were one of the few who attended and we were in the minority of those under 50. Grace & James got compliments on their behavior. During the classical pieces, Grace was sharing her piano learning with me by sharing the latin phrases for the tempos they were playing (allegro ect.).

After the concert, we returned to the Gen. Morgan for more hot drinks. This time they also had goodies to eat. It was a great Friday Night. The fact that Grace chose to come with us instead of going to a girl scout lock in so that she could "have fun with her family" made it even more special.

Saturday's highlight was of course AU 38 - Tenn 28. Who needs the Orange Bowl. We know that if we win over Va. Tech that Auburn will had the greatest season of any Auburn team and will be considered the best Auburn team ever.

Sunday was the downtown Christmas parade. Lest you think we live in a town immersed in high culture, I must mention a summary. Let's just say if it has sirens, wears a crown, or teaches dance; it will be in the parade or have a float. We left after an hour but who can forget the highlights. The kids seeing their friends on dance class floats, cub scout floats, etc... The Shriners precision Go-Cart Team and of course we can't forget the "Tractor Pulling Team". Picture your 6 of your average lawn tractor with a souped up engine, an exhauste pipe from a dump truck and wheelie bars out the back. I kid you not! They even have tractor pulls for these guys.

Ahhhhhh, Christmas in Greeneville!

Prayers for the Philippines

Since I have left Manila, two typhoons and one tropical storm have hit the islands . There is massive distruction and so far over 600 people confirmed dead and more are missing. Please pray for the people there and for those who will be going in to do relief work.