:: the PAC blog ::

"El Coqui"

When I was a little boy, we moved to the carribean island of Puerto Rico where my parents were from.  I soon discovered the island mascot, a little bitty tree frog named "El Coqui".  They are rather cute.  Every night, millions of them begin to sing their unique song until morning, for which they are named after.  The coqui on this island is the only one of its kind in the whole world!  If they are transplanted, even to another nearby island, they lose their "song" and remain silent.  Mmmmm...there's a sermon it there somewhere.

Cardboard testimonies

Joyce Gaddy forwarded this to me...powerful.

FLAG write-up in today's Houston Chronicle!

Hey folks, did anyone see the FLAG write-up in today's issue of the Houston Chronicle (Katy Edition)?

I think some parents actually growled...

Today we attended our little boy's Kindergarten graduation. At age 48, I sat in an auditorium filled with giddy parents that were probably almost half my age themselves, unless they were grandparents (which most folks thought I was).  These anxious parents' purpose-in-life today was to video tape their child during this "defining moment" of their lives.  I think some of the parents actually growled at other parents that were blocking their shot.

Afterwards we took our boy to Chucky Cheese to celebrate.  That was my first time there.  Not exactly Bistro 829.  Actually Chucky Cheese allowed me to time to spend just talking with my wife as we ate expensive sub sandwiches.  Meanwhile, Little Cortez played at the 5,000 or so video games, etc.  We were there two hours.

Being a parent of a new first grader is exposing me to a whole new world "out there" of experiences and places that I never knew existed. 

Didn't know the difference between enchilada, fajita and chimichanga...

I really was unfamiliar with Mexican food until moving to Texas in 1991.  The only Mexican food that I'd eaten in NYC was from a Taco Bell next to my high school at 57th Street & Second Avenue in Manhattan, and a fancy Mexican restaurant in the Westchester suburbs that I've gone to a couple of times.  Other than than, I didn't know the difference between an enchilada, fajitas and chimichanga (I thought they sounded like different spanish dances!).

When I relocated to Texas, I soon discovered it was populated with zillions of Mexican restaurants.  Now I go to one at least once a week.   El Jarrito on Highland has great carne guisada.  Los Cucos in Old Katy has the best chicken soup & fajitas.  El Pico de Gallo on Mason serve the tastiest home-made tortillas.

I heard through the grapevine that the new Mexican restaurant on Kingsland (where Las Roasa used to be at), La Vida Loca, is now opened.  I plan to go soon and see their food it.

BTW, NYC now has a zillion Mexican restaurants as well!

Rober's Rules of Order

Quiznos

Quiznos...the prime rib & peppercorn sub....11" on whole wheat...the BEST!

It's so true...they grow up quickly

The families of three of our high school graduates got together and hosted a combined "grad celebration" this evening at Eddie & Patricia Foster's home.  The three graduates are:  Angela Dowling--will be attending Northwestern University of the A/G in Kirkland, WA;  Ashley Scoggins--will be attending Southwestern A/G University in Waxahachie, TX; and Joy Foster--will be attending Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX.  There must've been 1,000 people in the home tonight (not exactly that amount, but there were lot's of folks there).  It really felt like a "family church".

Perhaps the most touching part tonight was when the dads of these 3 lovely young ladies each layed hands and prayed a blessing over their girls. My wife and I are tremendously proud of Angela, Ashley and Joy (and the 11 other high school graduates at FLAG).  It's so true...they grow up quickly. 

High school graduates (14 of them!)

This morning we recognized all our high school graduates (14 of them!).  My...how time flies by so fast.  Most of them were mere freshmans when my wife and I accepted the call to serve as pastor at FLAG almost 4 years ago.  I was so poud of them as they stood in front of the church, and later were congratulated by our church family.

It was a reminder that we only have our youth with us for a brief season.  That's why it's so important to make certain they have a healthy and growing relationship with Jesus before they leave us.  Our children and youth must be our primary "missions" project, as well as discipleship focus.

Now wouldn't that be an "oxymoron"?

Recently I "rediscovered" the Academy sports store.  Pretty good place to purchase men's casual clothes of good quality.  And it's just a fun store to walk around and see the variety of products they sale.  In particular, I am fascinated by the vast variety of items one can purchase to make his or her camping experience more comfortable and "like home".  Now wouldn't that be an "oxymoron"?