Fisher of Men

You dirty-minded old man!! ;D You know nobody would want to wash your windshield!!

You are right about the poor defensive scheme. Funny how they play the DB's way back all of that drive and then leave it wide open on the last play? Seems that USC did the same thing in the NC game a few years back when they all out blitzed Vince Young? Hmmmmmmm? :-X

You know I would have expected that just before or within a day or two of Christmas, but this happened over the weekend (perhaps supply is low from holiday driving?). I don't mean to complain, but saving some 50-60% or more on gas over the last couple of months has really helped our budget. I'd like for it to continue. RW- I didn't think about the Gaza incident. Maybe things will level off soon.

The calls always go Texas' way, especially in the 2nd half. :-X Is it me, or does Fox stink at broadcasting a bowl game? How many plays have we missed while watching these nobody commentators breaking down a simple play? I also believe that I could count the fringe on the Longhorn band's uniforms by now, too. :

Before I rant, I know I should be happy that gas isn't $4 a gallon anymore, but I was getting pretty used to plummeting prices. So I'm spoiled, but our gas prices jumped some 20 cents in the last two or three days from $1.39 a gallon to $1.59. Did OPEC cut production? Anyone know why? RW?

Thanks guys. I've been out of pocket for the last two days to reply. We went to the family visitation tonight, and, I have to tell you, it was real hard seeing her in that casket. I had my own daughter with me and I held her VERY tight as we left. I waited outside to see some of my students going in with somewhat calm (almost happy) faces on their looks and coming out looking very sad (some in tears). Little do they know they will be stronger for going through this, and hopefully live each day to its fullest. Her funeral is a 2:00 tomorrow afternoon and I will surely encounter more of them. I pray that I can stay strong for them. -S

Hey guys, I just found out a few moments ago that one of my 8th grade students has passed away. Morgan's parents took her to the hospital yesterday morning when she couldn't breath. They care-flighted her to Dallas after discovering that she had a blood clot on her lungs. She rapidly went downhill and was declared brain dead yesterday afternoon. She has a step-sister who is also a student of mine (same age, 13-14), a twenty year old sister, and a third grade sister. Please lift up Morgan's family in your prayers this week and next week as our students return to school on Monday. Because of my part-time position at the church, many students look to me for guidance throughout tough times. Please pray for me that I may remain strong and have the words to comfort them. We are a small school with only about 50 8th graders. They are a close-knit group and will probably take this hard. Thanks for your prayers, Stacy

X3 on the pillows. I, too have been through these courses of treatment (physical therapy, chiropractor, injections and all provided only short-term relief) and finally needed surgery to my L5-S1 vertebrae region. After my surgery the Doc said the pinched nerve was VERY severe. I walked around for months before seeking a Dr. and feel that if I had gone earlier, the less-severe treatments may have been more successful. If you have decent insurance, it is worth seeing a Dr. and getting an MRI. Along with sleeping differently, you just have to learn a new lifestyle that involves lifting differently, asking for help lifting (a tough one for me), etc. BTW- Does taking Ibuprofen or Aleve (Naproxen sodium) provide you any relief? I could always get some relief from them, but they are a bit harsh on the stomach.

Hey everyone! It has become a tradition of mine to share with you all the real meaning of Christmas for me. In the morning, my family will get out a Bible and read the account of our Christ's birth. It is a VERY special time for our family. As I have done the last three or so years, here's the scripture from Luke chapter 2 in the Bible that you can share with your family. Luke 2: The Birth of Jesus 1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register. 4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. The Shepherds and the Angels 8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Merry Christmas everyone! Stacy

I like getting socks for Christmas. I usually ask for some every year. I remember getting a package of tube socks and underwear every year from my parents. I didn't think much of it then, but now I realize they were providing for me. I am forever grateful. . . and to know that they often did without to provide for my brother and I makes me even more thankful.

Key chain, That's very touching. I received an old dirty "used" Christmas card a couple of years ago from a student who was from a low income family. It was more special than any other gift I received from students that year. Those kids just want to contribute despite their circumstances.

Coffee spitter for sure, Muddy!! Thanks!! ;D

Bassboss, Please accept my apologies on behalf of some of the BR members who are giving you the business. I don't know that they mean harm by their comments. We ARE proud that you are able to move on to the next grade early, but would like to challenge you to make your academic ventures priority. Prove your critics wrong by making the honor roll every six weeks. Go get'em kid!! P.S. And, for the record, gentlemen, I have had MANY 15-16 year old students in 7th-8th grade who have went on to high school and performed really well. Don't underestimate bassboss! He just might be "yourboss" someday! God bless, Fisher

You know guys. I can't think of anything as a bad gift. As a teacher, I get tons of cheap little "nothing" gifts like you mention. But, the fact that they thought about me and the gesture of the gift is special. I guess if I worked for a billionaire and got a cheese gift pack, I might be dissapointed, but not angry. Just my .02

Where is Tinker AFB near? I have family in mid-southern and southeastern OK and the people up there are not much different than here in north Texas. . . very friendly. Country is hilly east and flat west, mountainous in the southeast corner. I'm sure there are many others who could give you some local advice.

Actual letter from someone who farms and writes well! What's that supposed to mean? I know lots of very intelligent and literate farmers. Very funny story! ;D Back in the day when I taught vo-ag, our FFA chapter was in charge of a petting zoo (that included a borrowed fallow deer, not for petting, just looking at). The fallow deer escaped as we were unloading it and some of the boys decided that they would rope it. After about 30 minutes of chasing, someone finally managed to get the rope around its neck with much of the same result. The only way we could get the thing to calm down was by putting a sack over its head. I can imagine what a wild whitetail would do!

I must update my P.S. rant. I DID find Cabela's Dangerous Hunts at target.com. Surely some of you have played some hunting games on Wii by now?

With the worldwide glut, there is talk of $25 oil. OPEC is trying to defend a $40 floor. I don't know if they will be successful or not, but oil will not rise dramatically in the foreseeable future. p.s. With my discount card from the local Schnucks grocery store, gas is 72 cents a gallon. Otherwise, $1.37 locally. 8-) Dang, Kent. I haven't paid that low since high school. Our county finally reached the same price of others nearby. I paid $1.48 after my .03 WM discount card.

10 million Jewish families aren't laughing. This guy (and anyone like him) make me sick to my stomach.

Funny how it took most folks two years to realize he's an idiot!

Jeff, I can see God at work all through that. Your daughter will have a tremendous testimony that many little girls won't have until later in life. God bless you for sharing that with us!! I'll sure hold my daughter tighter tonight as a result. Merry Christmas to you and yours, too! -Fisher

Hey guys. Believe it or not, my wife wants a hunting game for the wii. I was looking at Cabela's danerous hunts 2009, but read some reviews that it wasn't good. There's also another Cabela's hunting game, the name I can't recall. I'd kind of like a multi-species game, but am not against getting her a VERY GOOD deer-only game. Any reviews from my trusted BR buddies? Also, is it worth getting that gun-attachment for the controller? -Fisher BTW- One of you mentioned about Target not selling guns and ammunition, but plenty of "MA" rated "human violence" games to the general public. . . AND you know what, I was in there yesterday looking at a fully stocked game cabinet and NOT ONE hunting game to be found. Pansies!! As we shopped through the toys, I noticed that many were "earth-friendly/pansy-ish" too. I sometimes have to consider why I do business with them (which is not very often). >

Poor kid. I know Germans who hate Hitler. The sad part is that this guy is too dumb to realize that Hitler was Austrian, not German.

Wasn't aware there was one. I'll have to give it a try the next time I order some hot,fresh, gooey cookies.

Yes, Catt. You know I'll send them His way. -FOM