Intersting Question#2: Why do you do the Blog?

I love window shopping.  Ever since I can remember, I loved walking around store, malls and such and simply previewing the possibilities for the next time gifts might be exchanged.  

My sister and I had this simple game we used to play: Pick.  We would take a good catalogue (Christmas/Winter catalogues were the best as they had the largest assortment of toys).  We would flip the pages, taking turns on picking what we considered to be the best on each page.  Sometimes, especially if you had first pick, you'd take something the other wanted just to be antagonistic.

Why did we do it?  Well, maybe because we felt like we just didn't quite have that much.  More than anything, it was cheap and entertaining fun.  We enjoyed it.

That leads us up to this week's Interesting Question:  Why do you do the Blog?  And, to be honest, it doesn't necessarly pertain to just this one.  Why do you write?  Why do you visit the blogs that you do?

Answers will vary based upon the person, but I'll go ahead and give you mine.  I write because deep down inside lurks a wannabe writer, a poseur of prose if you will.  I've written, in my humble opinion, very little of great literary value, but....I digress.  I also enjoy reading other blogs namely because they share similar interests.  Guitarz is a great one for interesting guitars and PostSecret is one that deals with real life.  They offer me a fill of things I am simply into.

So what's your reason?  Be it simple or more complex than than a typical Home Owner's Association's by-laws, share your reason.

Final Quote: "We read to know that we are not alone." - C.S. Lewis

Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays)

I believe it was a few years ago when I posted about the hullabaloo about saying "Merry Christmas" as opposed to a more PC greeting, "Happy Holidays".

I have a young lady in one of my classes and after a quite friendly and informative discussion, I discovered that her family doesn't celebrate many (for that matter any) of the Christian holidays.  Without divluging any personal information, her family worships a different religion.  When I asked if she could share some more about the what's and how's of her religion, she kindly explained.  Quite simply, she stated, it's not about the gifts; it's about doing work for Him, in His honor.  I was touched by the succint and yet full explanation of this.

Why tell you the story about this person?  She was able to reach into my black crusted heart of tolerance and peel back one of those layers.  I now have a new found respect for those that may not celebrate Christmas, but celebrate His love and ideals in other ways. 

As my sons opened their gifts and my wife hers, I considered what this young person shared with me, and quite frankly smiled.  It's not that I was so proud of myself, but that I was glad to have spent the eleven or so hours in the car driving 667 total miles start to finish to be with loved ones across the state of Texas.

Kris and Alton, I love both you guys.  You took time out of your busy schedules to share a bit of time with me during this hectic season.  Tell Kelley and Danielle (your respective wife) thanks for me as well.

Grandma, I love with all my heart.  I enjoyed your hospitality, but more importantly, your company.  Our conversations remain close to my heart.

Mom, a many thanks.  It was good to see you and the kids and Chris.  As crazy as our times together can be, they are truly priceless.

Nelson, you've shown me proof that change is possible, and in many cases, inevitable.  You told me that this is perhaps the best Christmas in quite a few years.  I think it's a reflection of the changes you've made in your heart that has brought you these rewards.  I love you bro.

So to all of you out there, may you be touched my His grace.

Cheers.