Books Bought at Waco Half-Price Books Outlet on 5/27/23 - 11 (Finished 8)

"The August Coup: The Truth and the Lessons" by Mikhail S. Gorbachev

"The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity: How Modern Culture Is Robbing Billions of People of Happiness" by Matthew Kelly

"The Golden Boys: Unauthorized Inside Look at the U.S. Olympic Basketball Team" by Cameron Stauth

"Believe: My Faith and the Tackle That Changed My Life" by Eric LeGrand with Mike Yorkey (Finished 1/8/24)

"Blood Brothers: The Unforgettable Story of a Palestinian Christian Working for Peace in Israel" by Elias Chacour with David Hazard (Finished 5/29/25)

"Fear No Evil: A Test of Faith, a Courageous Church, and an Unfailing God" by Brady Boyd (Finished 7/29/25)

"Field of Hope: An Inspiring Autobiography of a Lifetime of Overcoming Odds" by Brett Butler and Jerry B. Jenkins (Finished 6/20/23)

"God is Able" by Priscilla Shirer (Finished 5/31/23)
"The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity: How Modern Culture Is Robbing Billions of People of Happiness" by Matthew Kelly (Finished 6/25/23)

"The Last Leaf on the Tree: How to Make the Most of the Rest of Your Life" by Paul W. Powell (Finished 9/2/25)

"Training a Tiger: A Father's Guide to Raising a Winner in Both Golf and Life" by Earl Woods with Pete McDaniel (Finished 5/1/24)

Books Bought at Waco Half Price Books Outlet on 4/4/24 - 11 (Finished 4)

"A History of Tyler Junior College 1926 - 1986" by Linda Brown Cross and Robert W. Glover

"Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions" by Ben Mezrich

"Hiroshima" by John Hershey

"Sam Patch, the Famous Jumper" by Paul E. Johnson

"The May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising" by The May 18 History Compilation Committee of Gwangju

"The Race Before Us: A Journey of Running and Faith" by Bruce H. Matson

"Then There Were Six: The True Story of the 1944 Rangoon Disaster" by Karnig Thomasian

"Jesus or Nothing" by Dan DeWitt (Finished 9/2/2025)

"Journey to Excellence: The Story of My Life and Faith" by Ken Johnson (Finished 5/24/2024)

"Surprise the World: The Five Habits of Highly Missional People" by Michael Frost (Finished 4/13/2024)

"The Once and Future Liberal:  After Identity Politics" by Mark Lilla (Finished 4/20/2024)

Daily Reading Efforts - August 2025

8/31/2025 (74 pages)

Beyond Basketball:  Coach K's Keywords For Success (Pages 152-156; Talent) - 173pp

Life with a Swinger:  Conversations Off the Tee With Golf Professionals and Their Wives (Pages i-vii, 1-13) - 194pp

The Elephant in the Room:  Sharing The Secrets For Pursuing Real Financial Success (Pages 9-57) - 143pp

8/30/2025 (47 pages)

¡Arriba! The Heroic Life of Roberto Clemente (Location 5528-6047 (48); 24 pages; Kindle)

A Walk in Our Cleats: 25 Athletes Who Never Gave Up (Pages 100-107; Lorenzo Alexander) - 192pp

The Space Between Us:  How Jesus Teaches Us to Live Together When Politics and Religion Pull Us Apart (Pages vii, 1-14) - 247pp

8/29/2025 (41 pages)

Playing like a Girl:  Transforming Our Lives Through Team Sports (Pages vii-xviii, 3-21) - 198 pages

8/28/2025 (24 pages)

A History of Sport : An Illustrated Record of the Greatest Wins, Misses, and Matchups from the Games We Love (Pages 99-108)

Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the NHL's First Black Player (Pages 75-88) - 241pp

8/27/2025 (83 pages)

I Found Someone to Play With: A Biography: Larry LeGrande, The Last Member of the Satchel Paige All-Stars (Pages 165-211) - 234pp

Jesus Or Nothing (Pages 105-119) - 129pp

My Final Word:  Holding Tight to the Issues that Matter Most (Pages 34-47) - 234pp

The Goal and the Glory: Christian Athletes Share Their Inspiring Stories (Pages 129-135; Eric Liddell) - 240pp

8/26/2025 (89 pages)

¡Arriba! The Heroic Life of Roberto Clemente (Location 5003-5518 (47); 23 pages; Kindle)

A History of Sport : An Illustrated Record of the Greatest Wins, Misses, and Matchups from the Games We Love (Pages 89-98;) - 108pp

Beyond Basketball:  Coach K's Keywords For Success (Pages 108-151;) - 173pp
Full Planet, Empty Plates:  The New Geopolitics of Food Scarcity (Pages 89-100) - 144pp

8/25/2025 (92 pages)
¡Arriba! The Heroic Life of Roberto Clemente (Location 4100-4992 (78); 39 pages; Kindle)

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 265-266)

Jesus Or Nothing (Pages 84-104) - 129pp

My Final Word:  Holding Tight to the Issues that Matter Most (Pages 22-33) - 234pp

The Last Leaf on the Tree: How to Make the Most of the Rest of Your Life (Pages 152-163) - 173pp

Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the NHL's First Black Player (Pages 57-74) - 241pp

8/24/2025 (77 pages)

¡Arriba! The Heroic Life of Roberto Clemente (Location 3327-4089 (69); 34 pages; Kindle)

A History of Sport : An Illustrated Record of the Greatest Wins, Misses, and Matchups from the Games We Love (Pages 73-88; Ty Cobb; Jacques Plante; 2008-10 UConn Women's Basketball; Joe Namath; Nolan Ryan; "No Mas"; Keri Strug; "The Fifth Down") - 108pp

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 256-264) - 266pp

Jesus Or Nothing (Pages 79-83) - 129pp

My Final Word:  Holding Tight to the Issues that Matter Most (Pages 9-21) - 234pp

8/23/2025 (104 pages)

¡Arriba! The Heroic Life of Roberto Clemente (Location 2626-3317 (65); 32 pages; Kindle)

Beyond Basketball:  Coach K's Keywords For Success (Pages 81-107; Fundamentals; Giving Back; Guidance; Imagination; Integrity; Learning; Love) - 173pp

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 242-255) - 266pp

I Found Someone to Play With: A Biography: Larry LeGrande, The Last Member of the Satchel Paige All-Stars (Pages 152-164) - 234pp

Power Grab:  Obama's Dangerous Plan for a One Party Nation (Pages 151-168)

8/22/2025 (36 pages)

A History of Sport : An Illustrated Record of the Greatest Wins, Misses, and Matchups from the Games We Love (Pages 63-72; Ronnie Lott, "The Pine Tar Incident", 2001 US Open Final, American Basketball Association (ABA), Nadia Comaneci) - 108pp

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 231-241) - 266pp

Jesus Or Nothing (Pages 64-78) - 129pp

8/21/2025 (53 pages)

¡Arriba! The Heroic Life of Roberto Clemente (Location 1675-2615 (77); 38 pages; Kindle)

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 216-230) - 266pp

8/20/2025 (69 pages)

¡Arriba! The Heroic Life of Roberto Clemente (Location 900-1662 (69); 34 pages; Kindle)

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 199-215) - 266pp

Power Grab:  Obama's Dangerous Plan for a One Party Nation (Pages 142-150) - 168pp
Stories from Texas: Some of Them Are True (Pages 30-38) - 144pp

8/19/2025 (56 pages)

Beyond Basketball:  Coach K's Keywords For Success (Pages 62-80; Excellence; Failure; Family; Friendship) - 173pp

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 187-198) - 266pp

Power Grab:  Obama's Dangerous Plan for a One Party Nation (Pages 134-141) - 168pp

Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the NHL's First Black Player (Pages 40-56) - 241pp

8/18/2025 (93 pages)

¡Arriba! The Heroic Life of Roberto Clemente (Location 215-890 (68); 34 pages; Kindle)

Beyond Basketball:  Coach K's Keywords For Success (Pages 43-61; Crisis Management; Culture; Dependability; Empathy; Enthusiasm) - 173pp

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 172-186) - 266pp

I Found Someone to Play With: A Biography: Larry LeGrande, The Last Member of the Satchel Paige All-Stars (Pages 141-151) - 234pp

Power Grab:  Obama's Dangerous Plan for a One Party Nation (Pages 129-133) - 168pp

Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the NHL's First Black Player (Pages 31-39) - 241pp

8/17/2025 (118 pages)

A History of Sport : An Illustrated Record of the Greatest Wins, Misses, and Matchups from the Games We Love (Pages 49-62; Maurice Richard; Wilma Rudolph; John Stockton; "The Mendoza Line"; Brandi Chastain; "The Thrilla in Manila", "The Broad Street Bullies") - 108pp

Beyond Basketball:  Coach K's Keywords For Success (Pages 38-42; Courage) - 173pp

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 156-171) - 266pp

Epistles of John: A New Testament Commentary (Pages 59-86; Kindle) - 118pp

I Found Someone to Play With: A Biography: Larry LeGrande, The Last Member of the Satchel Paige All-Stars (Pages 125-140) - 234pp

Power Grab:  Obama's Dangerous Plan for a One Party Nation (Pages 114-128) - 168pp

The Last Leaf on the Tree: How to Make the Most of the Rest of Your Life (Pages 137-151) - 173pp

Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the NHL's First Black Player (Pages 22-30) - 241pp

8/16/2025 (92 pages)

A History of Sport : An Illustrated Record of the Greatest Wins, Misses, and Matchups from the Games We Love (Pages 37-48; Steve Yzerman; "The Rumble in the Jungle"; Carlton Fisk; Al Davis; Pat Summitt; Bjorn Borg) - 108pp

Citizenship for Sale: How Foreign Money Buys American Residency (Pages 32-59; Kindle)

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 136-155) - 266pp

Power Grab:  Obama's Dangerous Plan for a One Party Nation (Pages 101-113) - 168pp

Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the NHL's First Black Player (Pages 1-21) - 241pp

8/15/2025 (48 pages)

Beyond Basketball:  Coach K's Keywords For Success (Pages 19-37; Care, Challenges, Collective Responsibility, Commitment) - 173pp
Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 121-135) - 266pp

Power Grab:  Obama's Dangerous Plan for a One Party Nation (Pages 87-100) - 168pp

8/14/2025 (169 pages)

Baseball Research Journal, Volume 53, Number 1, Spring 2024 (Pages 235-305; Kindle)
Beyond Basketball:  Coach K's Keywords For Success (Pages vii, xi-xiii, 1-18 - Adaptability, Adversity, Balance, Belief) - 173pp

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 107-120) - 266pp
Making It Home (Pages 326-333)

Power Grab:  Obama's Dangerous Plan for a One Party Nation (Pages 67-86) - 168pp

The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Pages 166-199)

8/13/2025 (54 pages)

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 94-106) - 266pp

God Meant It For Good (Pages 7-34; Kindle)

Power Grab:  Obama's Dangerous Plan for a One Party Nation (Pages 54-66) - 168pp

8/12/2025 (93 pages)

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 75-93) - 266pp

Out of the Woods: A Girl, a Killer, and a Lifelong Struggle to Find the Way Home (Pages 277-319)

Power Grab:  Obama's Dangerous Plan for a One Party Nation (Pages 43-53) - 168pp

The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Pages 146-165) - 196pp

8/11/2025 (86 pages)

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 59-74) - 266pp

No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life (Pages 216-225)

Out of the Woods: A Girl, a Killer, and a Lifelong Struggle to Find the Way Home (Pages 246-276) - 319pp

Power Grab:  Obama's Dangerous Plan for a One Party Nation (Pages 31-42) - 168pp

The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Pages 129-145) - 196pp

8/10/2025 (88 pages)

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 41-58) - 266pp

Making It Home (Pages 317-325) - 333pp

No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life (Pages 197-215) - 225pp

The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Pages 108-128) - 196pp

The Last Leaf on the Tree: How to Make the Most of the Rest of Your Life (Pages 116-136) - 173pp

8/9/2025 (50 pages)

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 26-40) - 266pp

Making It Home (Pages 304-316) - 333pp

No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life (Pages 184-196) - 225pp
Power Grab:  Obama's Dangerous Plan for a One Party Nation (Pages 22-30) - 168pp

8/8/2025 (62 pages)

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages 14-25) - 266pp

Making It Home (Pages 292-303) - 333pp

No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life (Pages 169-183) - 225pp

The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Pages 85-107) - 196pp

8/7/2025 (39 pages)

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America (Pages xv-xxi, 3-13) - 266pp

No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life (Pages 148-168) - 225pp

8/6/2025 (64 pages)

Making It Home (Pages 276-291) - 333pp

No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life (Pages 129-147) - 225pp

The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Pages 56-84) - 196pp

8/5/2025 (104 pages)

A Texan Looks At Lyndon:  A Study in Illegitimate Power (Pages 178-183) - 254pp

Citizenship for Sale: How Foreign Money Buys American Residency (Pages 2-31 plus Introduction (3); Kindle)

I Found Someone to Play With: A Biography: Larry LeGrande, The Last Member of the Satchel Paige All-Stars (Pages 115-124) - 234pp

Making It Home (Pages 264-275) - 333pp

No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life (Pages 114-128) - 225pp

The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Pages 28-55) - 196pp

8/4/2025 (81 pages)

No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life (Pages 95-113) - 225pp

Out of the Woods: A Girl, a Killer, and a Lifelong Struggle to Find the Way Home (Pages 211-245) - 319pp

The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Pages 1-27) - 196pp

8/3/2025 (109 pages)

I Found Someone to Play With: A Biography: Larry LeGrande, The Last Member of the Satchel Paige All-Stars (Pages 107-114) - 234pp

Making It Home (Pages 231-263) - 333pp

No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life (Pages 45-94) - 225pp

The Last Leaf on the Tree: How to Make the Most of the Rest of Your Life (Pages 98-115) - 173pp

8/2/2025 (94 pages)

A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them (Pages 346-356)

No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life (Pages vii-ix, 3-44) - 225pp

Out of the Woods: A Girl, a Killer, and a Lifelong Struggle to Find the Way Home (Pages 173-210) - 319pp

8/1/2025 (94 pages)

A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them (Pages 299-345) - 356pp

Making It Home (Pages 217-230) - 333pp

Out of the Woods: A Girl, a Killer, and a Lifelong Struggle to Find the Way Home (Pages 140-172) - 319pp

Tap Out Ten: August 26, 2025

Kind of a ho-hum day.  Not too much to write home about.

Worked, actually took a quick short nap immediately after - when I originally wanted to go and see FBCHA at Tomball Concordia Lutheran in high school volleyball - and then made my way to the gym.

Although, had one of the most annoying things happen to me:  somebody got on the elliptical to the left of me and they decided to talk to somebody on the phone.

I got to a convenient stopping point and moved to the stationary bike.  I tire very easily of people that are just inconsiderate of others.

I go in, put my Kindle up on the machine and read while I work out.  Bother nobody, then get out and go home.

Walked 1.8 miles tonight, but am still not back to my normal pace as I'm working this muscle tightness on the inside of my knee out.

I have a chiropractor appointment on Wednesday.  Have been making a ton of progress.  The next test will be to go for a run.

Looking forward to the weekend already.  Not sure what that says; however, I will be announcing a 5K on Labor Day over in Port Neches.

I haven't announced anything since March.  It won't take too long to get back in the groove, but I have a busy fall planned with both road races and cross country meets.

I've got scheduled football games to go to on Thursday and Friday in Navasota and Cypress, well maybe its Bridgeland.

Waco Live Oak Classical School and Conroe Covenant Christian play in Navasota and Cypress Christian School hosts Houston The Village School on Friday as they open up a new stadium.

I also wrote for credentials for the Catholic Bowl V that is to be played in Choctaw Stadium - the old Ballpark at Arlington - two weeks from Saturday.

Am targeting maybe going over to Lake Charles, Louisiana on Saturday to see a game at McNeese State for a new stadium, but who knows.

I've also never seen a game at Texas State.  They are at home.  Haven't even looked at the weather there.  Will figure out something to be out of the house this weekend.

I dislike being here inside for too long, especially after working 40 hours a week on a computer.  It is something I need to focus on changing in the weeks and months to come.  

It's been a long journey - almost two years now in mid-October - since I went through the workforce reduction from Dedalus; however, I'm grateful to the organization that gave me an opportunity starting last July.

That's My Girl, Part 8!

Miles and Miles - 7/25/25 to 8/24/25

July 25 - August 24 - 0.0 miles running - 18.894 miles walking - 34.586 miles walking (Apple Health) - 62.56 miles cycling (using 9 miles = 30 minutes) - 24,234 meters rowing (4 of 31 days) - 363 minutes elliptical (11 of 31 days) - 124,375 steps

July 25 (Friday) - 33 minutes on Precor Elliptical (Weight Loss; 386 calories; 5,878 strides) - 2 miles walking in Hannover Forest Subdivision - Fern Lacy 2-miler (31:07.01) - 0.6 miles walking (Apple Health) - 5,295 steps

July 26 (Saturday) - 33 minutes on Precor Elliptical (Weight Loss; 392 calories; 5,994 strides) - 2.09 miles walking in Springwoods Village (32:20 / 15:28) - 0.91 miles walking (Apple Health) - 6,123 steps

July 27 (Sunday) - 2 miles walking in Hannover Forest Subdivision - Fern Lacy 2-miler (31:10.85) - 1.3 miles walking (Apple Health) - 6,487 steps

July 28 (Monday) - 4.5 miles walking on Spring Creek Greenway Trail (1:08:51 / 15:18) - 0.5 miles walking (Apple Health) - 9,554 steps

July 29 (Tuesday) - 4.28 miles walking along The Woodlands Waterway (1:08:48 / 16:04) - 0.92 miles walking (Apple Health) - 10,672 steps

July 30 (Wednesday) - 33 minutes on Precor Elliptical (Weight Loss; 382 calories; 5,762 strides) - 0.7 miles walking (Apple Health) - 1,866 steps

July 31 (Thursday) - 0.39 miles walking (Apple Health) - 1,035 steps

August 1 (Friday) - 33 minutes on Precor Elliptical (Weight Loss; 384 calories; 5,822 strides) - 30:31 rowing for 6,090 meters (25 strokes/min.; 2:28/500m) - 1 mile walking (Apple Health) - 2,693 steps

August 2 (Saturday) - 33 minutes on Precor Elliptical (Weight Loss; 389 calories; 5,922 strides) - 30:16 rowing for 6,104 meters (25 strokes/min.; 2:29/500m) - 0.61 miles walking (Apple Health) - 1,579 steps

August 3 (Sunday) - 1.3 miles walking (Apple Health) - 3,382 steps

August 4 (Monday) - 33 minutes on Precor Elliptical (Weight Loss; 387 calories; 5,882 strides) - 30:19 rowing for 6,158 meters (26 strokes/min.; 2:25/500m) - 1.1 miles walking (Apple Health) - 2,684 steps

August 5 (Tuesday) - 33 minutes on Precor Elliptical (Weight Loss; 386 calories; 5,876 strides) - 1.1 miles walking (Apple Health) - 2,929 steps

August 6 (Wednesday) - 1 mile walking (Apple Health) - 2,785 steps

August 7 (Thursday) - 0.56 miles walking (Apple Health) - 1,342 steps

August 8 (Friday) - 1 mile walking (Apple Health) - 2,443 steps

August 9 (Saturday) - 2.9 miles walking (Apple Health) - 7,482 steps

August 10 (Sunday) - 0.64 miles walking (Apple Health) - 1,623 steps 

August 11 (Monday) - 9.1 miles on Precor Bicycle (36 minutes; 354 calories) - 30 deep knee bends - 30 step ups - 0.79 miles walking (Apple Health) - 1,891 steps 

August 12 (Tuesday) - 9.3 miles on Precor Bicycle (Variety; 36 minutes; 366 calories) - 1.7 miles walking (Apple Health) - 4,217 steps

August 13 (Wednesday) - 33 minutes on Precor Elliptical (Weight Loss; 377 calories; 5,666 strides) - 0.69 miles walking (Apple Health) - 1,745 steps

August 14 (Thursday) - 2 miles walking on Spring Creek Greenway Trail (37:11.88 / 18:36) - 8.75 miles on Precor Bicycle (Variety; 35 minutes; 384 calories) - 0.9 miles walking (Apple Health) - 6,012 steps

August 15 (Friday) - 1.1 miles walking (Apple Health) - 2,960 steps

August 16 (Saturday) - 33 minutes on Precor Elliptical (Weight Loss; 382 calories; 5,790 strides) - 1.2 miles walking (Apple Health) - 3,306 steps

August 17 (Sunday) - 33 minutes on Precor Elliptical (Weight Loss; 383 calories; 5,780 strides) - 2 miles walking (Apple Health) - 5,498 steps

August 18 (Monday) - 9.33 miles on Precor Bicycle (Variety; 36 minutes; 404 calories) - 2.7 miles walking (Apple Health) - 6,830 steps

August 19 (Tuesday) - 1 mile walking (Apple Health) - 2,475 steps

August 20 (Wednesday) - 2.024 miles walking at Knox Junior High Track (37:11.91 / 18:23) - 8.77 miles on Precor Bicycle (Variety; 35 minutes; 362 calories) - 1.176 miles walking (Apple Health) - 7,130 steps

August 21 (Thursday) - 8.62 miles on Precor Bicycle (Variety; 35 minutes; 351 calories) - 0.61 miles walking (Apple Health) - 1,524 steps

August 22 (Friday) - 0.69 miles walking (Apple Health) - 1,639 steps

August 23 (Saturday) - 8.69 miles on Precor Bicycle (Variety; 35 minutes; 356 calories) - 1.8 miles walking (Apple Health) - 4,719 steps

August 24 (Sunday) - 33 minutes on Precor Elliptical (Weight Loss; 385 calories; 5,844 strides) - 30:17 rowing for 5,882 meters (25 strokes/min.; 2:31/500m) - 1.7 miles walking (Apple Health) - 4,455 steps

Tap Out Ten; August 24, 2025

It's been a good Sunday.  Little bit of a slow start, but that's all my fault.  

Nothing to condemn myself over, but rather an opportunity to better use my time that God's given me.  I can do better.

I was in the morning service today at Houston's First Baptist as my daughter was asked to be in the front line of the worship team.  

I normally attend The4 service but I've tried to be in every service that she's been ask to help lead worship.  

I'm grateful for her to have those opportunities, but I think it is important for me as a father that I'm there to encourage her when I’m able to.

I’ve also been grateful that I've been able to find a place - not because of her - to be in church on a regular basis again.

Don't get me wrong, I've been parts of two churches in my life that did a great job in helping shape who I am -- Northwood Baptist Chapel and North Park Baptist Church (formerly North Freeway Baptist Church and now Grand Oaks Church).

She's an incredible young lady as I had a chance to share with somebody this morning.

It was a great message from pastor Gregg Matte, who was celebrating a birthday today, his 55th, about living life upside down for Christ.

But it wasn't even the sermon from Matthew 5 covering the beatitudes that left the most meaningful impact of the day.

It was during the baptisms – 11 of them -- that took place in the middle of worship.

There was one - a young woman - whose story very emotionally impacted the staff pastor who baptized her.

It will be hard to have that image leave my mind for a long time.  It was powerful, and impactful.

Pastor Gregg closed the message by saying that it was important to him for the congregation to sing, for example, during worship and for him to hear it as it encourages him.

We all need to be encouraged - and lifted up - by one another.

It kind of made a point that I had shared with my daughter about her being willing - and, of course, grateful for - to serve in the capacity she is asked to as there may be a young girl who sees her - at the age of 30 - worshipping Jesus that says I want to be like that.

As I went to the gym earlier this evening, I had a conversation with an individual that was there working - not about Jesus, but about my journey to overcome a physical setback right now, and my fitness story.  

He said he was inspired.  I think he was genuine about it.  His name is Singh.

It isn't that big of a deal for me.  

I mean I've been grateful to enjoy good health and do and be involved in a lot of things, but I realized that it is important to share your story - in the right spirit, of course (i.e. without being boastful) - as what might be insignificant to you may be inspiring to somebody else.