Still on my mind...

This story about the 100-0 blowout is still on my mind. There was even an editorial about it in today's Amarillo paper. I posted about it here. Rather than dwell on the negative, I decided to share this story with you.

Here is the headline for the story: "There are some games in which cheering for the other side feels better than winning." It's about a football game played between Grapevine Faith Christian School and the Gainesville State School this year. Gainesville is a maximum-security correctional facility 75 miles north of Dallas.

It's a story about a Christian school going above and beyond to make a difference for some boys who are living in what could seem like a hopeless place. It's a story that should make you feel good and should restore your faith in coaches, kids, parents and sports today. It might even make you tear up.

The Face of the Homeless

Our youth have been traveling to Amarillo each Sunday evening to help serve the homeless. Robby drove the bus and I went as a "helper" yesterday. I really have never been face to face with someone who is homeless. There were people there from all races and ages. The hardest for me was seeing the families with fairly small children. As we served the food, I was struck by how gracious and polite most of the people were. Most of them had a fairly good attitude as well. It was very chilly and there was talk of precipitation in the forecast, but I never heard anyone complaining about their circumstance. One man asked if we had brought any clothes--they try to be really careful and only bring requested items each week so there isn't a frenzy over things that are brought. We asked what he specifically needed. He replied, "just socks."

As I stood there visiting with some of them, I felt a little guilty that I had a nice coat, gloves and most of all a warm home to return to. I also felt a huge sense of how blessed we are to have a home and all the "stuff" we do. Sometimes you have to see first hand what all you have to be thankful for.

So take some time today to count your blessings and remember those who are less fortunate than us.

Play and Feed

Who knew I would become a champion of so many causes? You'll notice a new spot to click on the right. You can go to this site and play to earn free rice for the United Nations World Hunger Program. I wouldn't necessarily call it playing so much as studying. I'm always looking for something to keep my brain working above a 4 year old level. At this site, you can study everything from vocabulary to chemistry and geography to foreign languages--all while making a difference. Does your child need to practice multiplication? Set them up here and they can help feed hungry people all over the world while they learn. It's worth a look.

Campbell's Soup and FFA

You may have noticed in the side bar that you can go to the Campbell's Soup site titled "Help Grow your Soup" and click on the Red Barn to support the National FFA Organization. I'd encourage you to check the site out. Campbell's is doing some neat things in conjunction with the FFA. One thing that caught my eye is the projects to preserve old barns. There are some really neat pictures of old barns.

Speaking of FFA--Robby has almost finished buying all the pigs his kids need. The BBQ bus traveled to a Firestone opening on Saturday. After that, Firestone reserved the bus for the Tech-tu game. We are so excited, the bus is great advertisement for the Happy FFA program and all of the great people who helped fund the project. I believe Firestone is even going to make a donation to the chapter and possibly fund a scholarship. Needless to say, Robby is thrilled.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is breast cancer awareness month. This month your click for free mammograms counts DOUBLE. So what are you waiting for? Go Click.

Have you clicked today?

Every morning I have a computer routine--check e-mail, click for free mammograms, fill out entries to win extra boxtops, read the paper. Did you know you can go to this site and make one click to help fund mammograms. Right now they have a sponsor that will donate free mammograms if they reach a certain number of clicks. I have the site bookmarked--it only takes me a few seconds (okay maybe 1 minute) to go and click.

What a great way to start the day--by feeling like one click is making a difference. So, have you clicked today?