JUST ANOTHER MIRACLE

By looking in the Bible, we can find all kinds of miracles ranging from healing, walking on the water to feeding more than 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish. Not bad. This man Jesus was pretty impressive until the Jews and the Romans teamed up to crucify him. They naturally didn't count on him coming out of the tomb alive.

Those Biblical miracles still form a great part of Christianity; however, there is nothing like a modern day miracle. There are several miracles to which I can point. If you knew Lindenwood University in the 1970's and 1980's and then saw it today, you would be forced to say, "That is a miracle!" Growing from a few hundred students to more than 15,000 is a modern day miracle.

I want to share a miracle with you from someone who walked into my life while I was in the United States Army. He was Chaplain (Lt Col) William Kirkpatrick. His son David, taught at William Jewell College in Liberty. MO. Chaplain Kirkpatrick was an enlisted man during WWII. He was captured by the Germans and sentenced to be executed. On the day he was scheduled to be shot, he was praying something like this: "Lord, get me out of this and I'll preach." A few moments later, an order came down canceling  the execution.

True to his word, Chaplain Kirkpatrick became a minister for the Lord, and sharing his personal testimony regarding miracles.

I am on the verge of a miracle. When the process comes to a conclusion, perhaps I will have the opportunity to share it with you. Meanwhile, I pray God's blessings come to you.

A Thought on Violence in America

I know I am old. I was born in a previous century, went to elementary and high school in a previous century and went to college in a previous century and received my degrees in a previous century. Most of my work life was in a previous century, so you might perceive that I am still in that century. In these, my later years, I have endeavored not to be caught up in the "way it used to be." I have seen that approach too many times to count. One, however, can't help to have questions about why the violence in America in the 21st century. We have always had various kinds of mental illness. Although we haven't treated it the same way, we have had it. We have always had good and not so good schools. We have always had good and poor parenting. We have always had single parenting. We have always had good and poor churches. What then is the problem? Could it be that people with mental illness is not the problem? Could it be that our schools are not teaching the "right stuff?" Could it be that some parenting is not doing the right thing and parents are not role models? Could it be that many of our churches are leaving out the most important part? I kinda think that if we go back to where violence really began in America, it started when we decided to make Jesus just another guy who has appeared on the world' stage. Our schools, in the name of political correctness, and following orders from the government feel His teaching are old fashioned and out of date. Many of our homes have said that Jesus is not relevant in today's society. We should be able to do most anything we want to do. There are far too many churches that talk about the "Mythology" of Christianity. I do believe in the freedom of religion. I just happen to believe that Jesus IS the Son of God. That means I now live under grace that is more than flavored by what Jesus said. If Jesus is truly the Son of God, why is that not important in the 21st century. If Jesus is the most important person to grace our planet, why is it politically incorrect to have a class about him in school. Could it be that violence in America is really caused by neglect of the perfection of Jesus? Could it be that violence is caused by the products of today's schools, parents and churches? Maybe we should rethink our problems, trace their origin, and find out that what we are doing in many places is absolutely the wrong thing.

Some Things to Help America

It really isn't very hard to find just a few things that if implemented, would make the United States and even greater country. As I look at the greed, the failing political system, a government that cannot be trusted, a public school system that is in danger of collapse, the thought arises that asks the question, can these things be fixed?

By addressing these issues one by one, we can better visualize our problems. First, the greed that has shaken America is found in financial institutions, insurance companies, banks,etc is so widespread, the cause cannot be laid at the feet of just one person. I believe it is learned in our institutions of "higher learning." Are not most of those employed by these institutions graduates of some college?

Second, the failing political system in America is observed on our television sets every day. Republican and Democrats blaming each other for problems when both are equally responsible. Each party would have you believe that they are always right and the other always wrong. Where did they get their ideas? Many politicians are lawyers. The question then arises, where did they get their training? The answer: Institutions of "higher learning."

The government of the United States, whether run by Democrats of Republicans, is failing its citizens. Entitlements tacked on to a major bill just to buy a vote. Lobbyists providing individual members of our government with thousands of dollars if they will vote a certain way. Are not the majority of our presidents, senators, and house members graduates of institutions of "higher learning?"

What can we say about our public schools? Are they failing our country or what. Millions of dollars are spent each year on our schools and yet they are getting worse, rather than better. There are many reasons for this that I do not have space to address, but let me just ask a simple question. Are not all administrators and teachers graduates of institutions of "higher learning?"

Get the drift? Fixing our institutions of higher learning will go a long way in fixing the problems of America. Next time, we will offer a solution to fix colleges and universities.

What America Really Needs

It has been a long time since I have written a blog; however, the time has come for me to begin blogging, especially in view of what is happening in the United States today. I grew up a Democrat, mainly because my father was a Democrat. He made that decision because everyone in his family was a Republican and he enjoyed arguing with his mother and his siblings. After the presidency of Jimmy Carter, I have leaned toward the Republicans because basically I am a conservative, especially in my religious beliefs.

Today, I am sick of both Democrats and Republicans. I see no signs of leadership, only endeavors to increase the power and wealth
of political leaders. I am tired of phone calls soliciting money for groups allegedly trying to gain power or stay in power. There is rarely a thought and creating real leadership, because of what apparently is believed about leadership.

Many years ago, Robert Greenleaf wrote a book of Servant-Leadership. This idea, of course, had its beginning during the time of the greatest leader of all, Jesus. In Greenleaf's book he refers to Hermann Hesse's "Journey to the East," where we see a band of men on a mythical journey. The central figure of the story is Leo, who accompanies the party as the servant who does their menial chores, but who also sustains them with his spirit and his song. He is a person of extraordinary presence. All goes well until Leo disappears. The journey is then abandoned. They cannot make it without the servant, Leo. One of the party, after much wandering, is taken into the Order that had sponsored the journey and there discovers that Leo, who had been the servant, was in reality the titular head of the Order. Leo was the Order's guiding spirit, a great and noble leader.

What America really needs is Servant-Leadership. Notice that serving come before leading. I don't want political leaders, I want serving leaders who really care for our country. How about organizing, not a political party, but an organization that directs the United States of America by serving and leading! In time, would we not find our way out of the current mess? I believe we would.

The Great Leader

Jesus is, of course, the greatest leader ever! I have endeavored to lead in the Christian way all of my adult life. God has been gracious in placing me in places where I could lead and I am grateful for that.

Today, I must confess that since the death of my son Frederick (Rick as I knew him), life has taken a dramatic downturn for me. There is a huge hole in my life that seems impossible to overcome. I believe I will have this hole for the rest of my life. Rick has been incredibly important to me all during his life and continues to be important to this day.

My daughters, Jamie and Holly have been very special during this time. They both think of Rick and the thoughts bring tears to their eyes with each thought. Both daughters have taken special time to be near to me and see that I am doing o.k. They are so good at doing that. Our entire extended family has gathered around us, including all those who have come to Write About Jesus. I cannot begin to thank all these folks for their expressions of love. Thank you, anyway.

John Ortberg, pastor of the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, CA has written a book entitled "Get Out of the Boat." I am presently reading this book that, so far, is speaking to me. From this point on (November 11,2010), I am going to get out of the boat that has been overwhelming me and binding me to earth. I want to be what God wants me to be and if He has something in these last years of my life, I want to accomplish His task.

This is not going to be easy for me, so I am asking for prayer support from all my family and friends.

Jesus is the GREAT LEADER and I am privileged to follow Him.

AFTER THOUGHTS AND CONTINUED EMOTIONS

Through the years, I have conducted many funerals, provided sympathy to folks who needed it, given encouragement to keeping on when life screamed to "Give Up." Up to now, I thought I was pretty good at it.

Many years ago, a young couple regularly attended the church of which I was a pastor. Along with her folks, they owned a resort on the Lake of the Ozarks. In the realm of important things in their life, number 1 was their marriage and their children. Number 2 was probably their extended family. Number 3 was their business. My guess was the the Lord ranked somewhere in the top 10. I really did like them. They were good folks.

One day, the Dry Cleaning and Laundry folks came by to deliver some clean clothes and the driver of the vehicle asked me if I had heard about Jerry_________'s death. Jerry was a young man in his late 20's. There was a gas leak on the pump at the boat dock at his resort. Jerry got in the water, put a pipe wrench on the pipe that was leaking and was immediately electrocuted by a short in the pipe. I will always remember his wife saying, "I don't ask for him back, I just want the Lord to take me too!" A big hole was felt by Liz as Jerry was taken from her. He just wasn't going to be seen again in this life. I tried to minister to this very nice lady, and perhaps I did, but there was no way for me to feel her pain that day. Today, I know what she was feeling.

We read about tragedies that take place on the streets, in homes, during recreation, traveling and murders and we say, "That's too bad, and it really is; however, when the tragedy walks in our front door and the victim is someone in our family, those words are hallow and almost meaningless. Today, I know what a particular family that has experience one of those tragedies feels.

I see the looks of unbelief in the faces of Cindy, Sue, Jamie and Holly and it makes me want to cry. I feel the hurt that Kendall and Guy feel by the loss of their special brother-in-law. Today, I know that feeling.

To all of you who have expressed sorrow, caring, prayer support, I cannot begin to express my thanks to each of you. Whether you have experienced such a loss or not, your caring is helping all of us move on with our lives. We have a wonderful Savior in Jesus Christ. He is real and cares for each of us. Today, I know that feeling more than ever.

RICK, A MODEL SERVANT LEADER

Of course, all of us who are of the Christian faith understand, Jesus was the real model servant. He did it flawlessly. Here on this earth, it is sometimes very difficult to cross paths with leaders who serve first. I am now going to brag! My son, John Frederick Smith II, was such a person. As a little boy, he was always called Ricky, the Rick part taken from his middle name. Throughout his elementary years at school and on the basketball court or baseball field, he was Ricky. Singing with his family's singing group, One Accord, he was also Ricky during those formative years. In high school, he dropped the "y" off of Ricky and was Rick Smith. By this time, he was becoming what he would ultimately be as a man, and that is being very concerned about people who didn't have much or were not popular in school. There was one girl at St. Charles High who was not pretty and definitely not in the mainstream of being one to whom others would gravitate. Not Rick, he always had time to make her feel like she was the most important person in the world.

Not long ago, Rick backed into a parked car in the parking lot near his office. Going inside to find the owner of the car, he discovered it belonged to a lady who had been domestically abused. As a matter of fact, she did not have a left eye. Rick took care of her car and made it possible for an eye to be implanted in her face. Wherever we would go, Rick would always find people of "less stature" and say "Hi" to them and engage them in conversation. One evening at a grocery store, we were there to buy a few items and he bought a coke. I wondered what that was for, but as we were leaving the store, he handed it to the security guard and said "I thought you might be thirsty." That kind of thing happened all the time.

Rick passed away earlier this summer. He was 42. Oh how much our family misses him. How his wife and little daughter miss him. Rick was a board member of the Kessler Park United Methodist Church School Board. His friends liked to sit by him at the meetings because he was a fun person who was the master of the one liner. Often, he would sing at gatherings and captivate his audience with his voice and his sense of humor.

Rick was not in this world to be served, but to serve. He had a dynamic personality and would always light up a room. At his funeral, the church was packed with standing room only. The testimonies from people whose life he helped to be better was overwhelming. I had no idea of his influence in Dallas.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the Dallas Morning News had 142 comments in his guest book that accompanied his obituary.
I have had over $7800 given to the A.S.K. Kindergarten College Scholarship fund in his name. What a testimony of great serving leadership. I love you Rick, wish you were still with us. Christmas at the Smith household will be a little dimmer this year, but heaven will be a great deal brighter. Sue, Jamie, Holly and I are sad in one way, but happy for you that you are with Jesus. That is always a good thing.

HE WALKS THE TALK

Far too many of us who claim to be followers of Jesus are actually viewers of those who are on the front line doing the work of presenting Jesus to those who are in desperate need. A young man who is on the front line in St. Louis, MO is Jason Julian, who direct Urban-K Life in that metropolitan area.

Jason played football for the University of Tennessee, located in Knoxville. For those of you who are unfamiliar with college football, the University of Tennessee plays in the highest level of that sport and in one of the toughest conferences in the United States. Jason, who is white, married the love of his life. who is black and they live in the heart of one of the toughest neighborhoods in St. Louis.

Jason volunteers his time working in the public high schools of St. Louis. Not only does he work hard to become friends with the students by eating lunch, often bringing McDonalds' food for consumption, he builds RELATIONSHIPS. He is an unpaid football coach at Vashon High School and really teaches those kids how to play, not only football, but the game of life.

Recently, the administration of the public schools contracted with Jason to help correct the dropout rate in the high schools. A few K-Life workers have been hired to work in two schools, Beaumont and Sumner. The dropout rate in those two schools is an American tragedy.These K-Life folks are working hard endeavoring to eliminate that problem. They work with the attendance offices of the two schools, check the names of those not in school and go to the students' homes encouraging the students to get to school. One recent day at Beaumont, the attendance level was 85%! That was astounding, showing that building relationships with students is the way to go.

A building in the heart of St. Louis City, near the location of old Sportsman's Park which once was the home of the St. Louis Cardinals, has been donated to Jason. This location is in the center of the area in which Jason works. This building was valued at over 1 Million Dollars!!!! Volunteers from all around the metropolitan area are coming in to get the building renovated so Jason can have this facility to help do the work Jesus has called him to do.

God is doing a great work through this SERVING LEADER. Jason is a friend I greatly admire. He is what REAL LEADERSHIP is all about,

TIME FOR SOME MORE QUOTES

It's been a good while since I have posted any quotes from leaders, so today I decided to select a few for you to read. I just found a book given to me by Lou Brock and entitled "Quotations; The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans." I believe you will enjoy what these Americans have to say.

"Since 16 years of age, my every morning prayer is, 'O, God, don't let me die until I'm dead.'"
Thomas S. Haggai

"Eternal life in His Son Jesus Christ is All of God. I can make no effort to attain it. I can only accept what He offers, believe and trust in Him." Billy Graham

"There is nothing more important in your business or personal life than integrity."
Sam Fox
"It's nice to be praised, but it's more important to be the best at what you do, be happy in God's will and be happy in your work." Archie W. Dunham

"Most people have an inner person that holds the keys to their social, leadership, and relationship performances."
Louis C. Brock

"The Preservers of History are as Heroic as its Makers."
Engraved on the front of Pat Neff Hall, Baylor University

"You have to know where you want to go and what you want to do. Then you have to have a strategy to get there. And you have to stay focused."
Joseph E. Antonini

"Everyone has special gifts from God. The challenge is to use those gifts well, on the field and when the game is over."
Henry "Hank" L. Aaron

"Try to do better today than yesterday."
Darrell Royal

"The thing I enjoy the most is putting underprivileged high school graduates through college."
Alber A. Robin

IT'S TIME TO CHANGE

For several years now, I have been thinking, praying, and dreaming about how to help the children who grow up in homes where there appears to be little hope for success, even in the United States of America. For too long, I have watched millions of dollars spent on programs to help the nation's high school students emerge from the cycle of poverty and lack of education. Some have been helped, but for the most part the money has not been well-spent.

We have been watching the decline of public education, especially in the large cities of America. St. Louis, for example, had at one time one of the best public school systems in America. In fact, the first kindergarten in America was in the St. Louis Public Schools. We have seen learned educatiors come and go in their vain attempts to correct the many problems that are now associated with city schools. Part of the problem stems from the fact that the average tenure of a school superintendent is three years. In those three years, there cannot be long-range planning and our problems cannot be fixed in three years.

It is my conviction that we need to take the following steps to fix schools and in the process fix what is wrong with America.

1. Every parent of every newborn child must enroll in the Parents As Teacher Program. This program was the brain-child of Dr. Arthur L. Mallory when he was Commissioner of Education in the state of Missouri. PAT is now in every state of the union and in many foreign countries. PAT has a proven track record of success. Dr. Mallory is on board with what we are endeavoring to accomplish.

2. Parents and children need to be told and shown that there is no financial reason for the child not to have a post-secondary education. This needs to be continuously underscored in the kindergarten. Scholarships must be waiting for the children when they go through these programs and graduate of a secondary institution.

3. There must be after school financial literacy for the children beginning in kindergarten. Local churches can be the home for this activity. Through the third grade, various leaning and fun activities must be a vital part of this program. There will be field trips to various colleges and universities.

4. We must have dinners, think-tanks, and direction for parents which will be lead by Christian educators who have a track record for knowing what they are doing.

5. Colleges and universities must be visited and come on board with scholarships and other means of financial assistance.

We have begun the America's Scholarship Program where money will be placed in interest earning accounts for the kindergartner who goes through this program and graduates for high school. This is where the reader of this blog comes into play. I am asking interested people who feel this program makes sense to help us financially. Nine out of every ten dollars will go for scholarships. The other dollar is for administrative costs. I would ask you to pray about this and then give as the Lord leads. Make your check out to "One Accord-K." Your gift is tax deductible as One Accord is a 501-c-3 Not for profit corporation. Send your check to P. O. Box 1364, St. Charles, MO 63302. Understand that the results from this program will take place 13 years from next year's beginning of kindergarten.

Our children need your help and so does America.

A SPECIAL KIND OF SERVANT

Hal Herweck, Jr. is my brother-in-law. That makes him the brother of my wife, Sue. Hal is a very interesting person who possesses energy "far above those of mortal men." He seems to never need sleep. He travels the world over in his job with Phoenix Textiles. He drinks Dr. Pepper. He has two children, Wendy and Trey. He has six grandchildren, who are so often the object of his affection. Hal's wife, Nancy, was the long-time organist at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in St. Charles.

In the early 1980's, Hal, along with Reverend Jay Piper began a gospel music program on KCLC-FM, a station located on the campus of Lindenwood University in St. Charles. The name of the Program is "Hooked on Gospel." Every Sunday morning at 5 am,"Hooked on Gospel" hits the airways on 89.1 on the FM Dial. Reverend Piper died shortly after the program began and Hal has been carrying on since. With music ranging from Contemporary to Southern Gospel to the old hymns, Hal goes into countless homes each week endeavoring to uplift the Christian and share Jesus with those who are unsaved. While on the staff of First Baptist Church of St. Charles, along with his radio program, Hal began reaching young people at St. Charles High School. He has a keen interest in sports, especially high school wrestling and football. In 1982, St. Charles won the state championship in football and Hal developed and published all kinds of spirit items for fans to take to the final game in Kansas City. Until Steve Jacob retired as Athletic Director at SCHS, there was a poster that Hal printed that was hanging in the window of Jacob's office at SCHS.

Hal is a life-time St. Louis Cardinals' fan. Still, he often goes to games and lives and dies with the Cardinals. He is a season ticket holder. His entire family joins him in their support of the Redbirds. In fact, Cardinals' baseball is almost religion to all of the Herwecks.' Hal played church softball into his 60's when he suffered a leg injury that forces him to not only limp, but walk with a cane. In spite of this handicap, he continues his trips abroad even though it is extremely difficult for him to get around. An interesting thing about Hal is he never complains. Not one complaint have I ever heard come from his lips.

Now in the latter part of 2009, Hal continues to arise early on Sunday mornings, make his way to KCLC and continue his ministry. He is the personification of continuing to do what he has always done when everything says "STOP!" Hal is a true servant and is doing everything he can to help son Trey with his young church The Refuge.

Hal is a huge supporter of sister Sue and her writing Christian music. He often has her on his program as she shares her talent with the audience that continues to grow. The world says: "Stop Serving!" Hal continues to ignore this and probably will until the Lord calls him homes and says "Well done, good and faithful servant."

ONE OF GOD'S GREAT SERVANTS

It was a special and fortunate day for me when I was privileged to meet Gordon Kingsley, Jr. Gordon is the son of a Baptist preacher who had a special gift of reaching young people for Jesus. Gordon did not fall far from the tree. He is a scholar, orator, humorist, athlete, and friend.

Gordon has pastored churches, taught English in college, been a dean of faculty, and finally president of William Jewel College in Liberty, MO. Following his retirement from Jewel, he went to be the Headmaster at Harlaxton College in Great Britain. He remains in that position today. Gordon's quiet personality and quick wit often take you by surprise when having conversation. His work as an orator is 2nd to not many.

About 20 years ago, Gordon gave the baccalaureate address at William Jewell, in which he quoted these gentle and relevant lines that he adapted from Robert Fulghum.

All Gordon really needed to know about how to live and what to do and how to be, he learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of you university mountain, but there in the sandbox at kindergarten. These are the things he learned:

Share Everything
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that are not yours.
When you hurt somebody, say "I'm sorry."
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Every day, learn a little, and think a little and
draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work
and love, every day, a little.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the big world, watch out for
traffic, hold hands and stick together.
Be full of wonder. Remember the little seed in the
yoghurt carton. The roots go down and the plant goes
up and nobody really knows how or why. but it does
and we are all like that.
Cats and hamsters and white mice and puppy-dogs and
even the little seed in the yoghurt carton - they all
die. So do we.
But always remember the first word you learned in the
first book you read, the biggest word of all: LOOK.
SEE.
Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The
Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and
politics and equality and sane living.

You can build a life on this. Or a government. Or a world.

Think what a better place it would be if all of us - the whole world - had cookies and milk at three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap. Or if all governments had a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.

And it is still true, no matter how old you are, no matter where you are on this crazy, mixed-up planet - when you go out into the world, it is always best, to hold hands and stick together.

Special servant-leader, thy name is Gordon Kingsley.

"DO YOU BELIVE IN ANGELIC INTERVENTION?"

The winter edition of Baylor Magazine featured a story about what Americans think and believe about angelic beings. "The co-directors of the Institute for Studies of Religion were surprised when more than half of those responding to their latest survey on religious belief said that a guardian angel protected them. Fifty-five percent of Americans surveyed - not just evangelicals, but the entire United States -agreed with the statement, 'I was protected from harm by a guardian angel.'

Dr. Rodney Stark describes the result as 'extraordinary' in a new book detailing the findings called WHAT AMERICANS REALLY BELIEVE. 'I would have believed 10 percent or less would have had an experience with a guardian angel.'

Stark also tells a story that a journalist related to him at a news conference where the survey results were unveiled. She recounted her own experience of years before, when she was pregnant. Wearing high heels, she stepped off a curb and started to fall. Before she hit the ground, she felt hands on her arms, lifting her up. But when she looked around, no one was there. She believes a guardian angel saved her from harm.

Another man reported to the Baylor researchers his account of being pulled from a burning car by a rescuer he never saw."

I am wondering if any of you blog viewers have had experiences such as these. Talk about servant leaders, angelic beings must be counted at least as servants.

A TIME OF GREAT FELLOWSHIP, LISTENING, & LEARNING

Last night, Sue and I had dinner with Lou and Jackie Brock. The Brocks were both tired from the many recent activities that have called for their help. The recent All-Star Baseball game that was held in St. Louis demanded their presence at many of the events that surround this special game. Then shortly after that event, they made their way to Cooperstown, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Lou, of course was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1985. He and Jackie make contributions not only with Hall of Fame events, but they add a spiritual dimension for the great players of the past. When Jackie Brock prays, heaven is brought much closer to earth, and that is more than a good thing. Arriving back in St. Louis from Cooperstown, the Brocks had to speak at the travel convention of which they were a part. When we picked them up last night, their luggage had not been unpacked.

At the restaurant, I began to share with Sue, Jackie, and Lou about the proposed Kindergarten program which is close to my heart. I shared with them that the research clearly shows that children in the Parents As Teachers program do well and are prepared for the learning experience that awaits them in school. I shared that I wanted kindergarten teachers to share with their students that there was no financial reason for them not to have a post-secondary experience. I did not sense much response from the Brocks until Lou said I had hit the warm spot in his heart. We began to share how we can make this work. Jackie, a former teacher, indicated that we should not forget the older children and I shared with her how this is part of the overall program.

If anyone thinks Lou Brock was just a great baseball player and the "Base Burglar" as he was called in his playing days, they are dead wrong. He is deep into the Bible and a strong believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. He and Jackie make a great team as they work together to accomplish so much. Serving Leaders, your names are Lou and Jackie Brock.

ALWAYS A BLESSING

Dr. Arthur L. Mallory is a hero of mine. I used to have several heroes. Now I have three, Arthur, Stan Musial, and Billy Graham. Graham and Musial are nearing the end of their lives and both have been consistent in the kind of individual each is. I know Arthur knows more about education than anyone I know. Having served as president of Missouri State University and Commissioner of Education for the state of Missouri, Arthur is always willing to share. The idea for Parents As Teacher (PAT) was Arthur's and PAT is now in every state and several foreign nations. Arthur calls PAT Missouri's best export. We continue to work on our kindergarten program and visualize what an impact it can make on our nation. Part of the problem in establishing the kindergarten program is a great problem in education. The average tenure of superintendents of schools is three years. This is one reason schools do not implement visionary programs. All of us know that 13 years is a drop in the bucket in the sequence of time. In those few years, we could change schools dramatically and reinvent our cities. Arthur used that thought saying this program could "Reinvent the City of St. Louis." During my last visit to Springfield, he and I met and continued to brainstorm on how to get this program from a thought to reality. Meeting with Arthur is always a blessing.

I am ready for Sue to come home. She has been incredibly busy with her chosen career. The good thing about her schedule is that she is doing something she loves to do. All too few of us can claim we are doing something we love to do. We might like it, but we do not have the passion about what we are doing compared to Sue's passion for writing Christian songs.

Some of us from my high school graduation class are endeavoring to put together a reunion for at least three classes. This would bring together several folks we have not seen since graduating in a previous century. In all my years at Greenwood (starting in kindergarten through high school graduation), there were only two guys that i did not like. Sadly, I still do not like them because they were bullies. I wonder if I am the only person who had that kind of experience during school years.

I have been so negligent to writing a blog. I am going to do better. Even a few lines is better than what i have been doing.

SPECIAL TIMES

The last two weeks have been very special. First, Sue and I flew to Dallas to attend the high school graduation of our oldest granddaughter, Lauren Lucas. Lauren is the daughter of our oldest daughter, Jamie and her husband Kendall. We were met at the airport by son Rick, who lives in Dallas. This was on Thursday and after arriving in Dallas, I spent a few hour riding with Rick for some errands he was facing. Friday evening was the big event and Sue, Rick and I ventured to Denton, TX and the home of the Lucas family. There awaiting us were Kendall's mother and step-father. Kendall's father passed away a number of years ago and she married a fine Christian man some time following the death of John Lucas. Later, daughter Holly, son-in-law Guy and their children arrived. It is usually a whirlwind when Holly, Guy, Jacob, Houston, and Violet arrive on the scene. This time was no exception. Always fun to have at least part of the family together. The graduation was held on the campus of North Texas University, where Lauren will attend college next year.

On Saturday, we had a reception for Lauren at the home of Rick and Cindy in Dallas. This time, all of our family was there as Cindy, Rick's wife and their daughter Hudson joined us. This was a great time of fellowship, watching the children play on the trampoline, drive Hudson's little car behind the garage, play ping-pong, play basketball before eating the terrific dinner.

In the evening, we went to the Texas Theater to view Hudson's dance recital. It was terrific. By the way, the Texas Theater was where the authorities found Lee Harvey Oswald following the assassination of President John Kennedy.

Sunday, Sue and I drove back to Denton for the worship services of the Denton Bible Church. Kendall is worship leader there and Tommy Nelson is their great pastor. He is always more than terrific when preaching or leading a Bible Study.

Monday, it was back to St. Louis and facing a busy week. Tuesday evening, my friends Dan Bench, who is the CEO of Windermere Conference Center at the Lake of the Ozarks, and Arthur Mallory, my friend who knows more about education than anyone I know, were to meet at the Stan Musial statue that stands in front of Busch Stadium. We were late because of a truck burning on I-70 and traffic was backed up almost to St. Louis International Airport. We finally arrived and went to the Media entrance where we were to meet up with Lou and Jackie Brock. They were late because of the truck burning. While we waited, we met John Mozailak, the General Mananger of the Cardinals, John Utlett, the PA announcer and finally went into a dining room to eat and wait for Lou and Jackie. Upon their arrival, they suggested that we go into the ballpark and find our seats. WHAT SEATS THEY WERE!!!! Second row next to the Cardinals' dugout. Sue could almost hold hands with Cardinals manager, Tony LaRussa. In the stadium, we met the Cardinals' owners and I met Jack Clark, a former slugger for the Cardinals when Whitey Herzog was the manager. After the game, we met former Cardinals' pitchers Cal Eldred and Alan Benes. Tony LaRussa came through where we were and that was a bit exciting. Sue wanted Lou to sign a ball for a friend of Holly's,but left the ball in our car. Jackie suggested that we come by after the game and have Lou autograph the ball. It was there that the evening concluded with Jackie, who is a great prayer warrior, led us in prayer.

By the way, we are praying about Lou Brock having a baseball camp with some good Christian stuff at Windermere.

I'm tired after writing all of this.

BLESSINGS on you who read this and those who don't.

THE GOLD STANDARD

I have a number of books in my library on the subject of leadership. I have been an avid sports fan since my late days in elementary school. In high school, I played basketball, football, tennis, and track. In those endeavors, we were fairly successful; however, if I had the knowledge contained in Coach Mike Krzyzewsi's new book entitled "The Gold Standard," I would have been a much better player and a much better leader in the days that followed.

"The Gold Standard" is a book about organizing, selecting personnel, building relationships, setting standards rather than rules and building a championship organization. The methods utilized by Coach K, Jerry Colangelo, and the incredible staff brought American basketball back to the status of Olympic Champions in 2008. Reflecting on the past and building on the good things of that reflection also discovering the things that previously led to less than the expected, brought the gold medal back to the United States.

In reading this book, I have found the best writings of leadership on the market today. Developing outstanding relationships, communication from coaches to players and players to coaches, transforming individual egos into a team ego, establishing a plan on the court that includes ideas from players as well as coaches, are strategies every coach of every team and every leader of every corporation should incorporate. "Imagine how much better your team can become if you can engage the mind and spirit of each individual and, even more, imagine the level your team can achieve if you share the same mind and spirit." Coach K uttered that and how true it is.

Coach K is a great coach of Duke basketball. He was a great coach of the 2008 USA basketball team. Reading this book will give you insight how to build a great team or a great organization. I greatly value its contents, especially when his players messed up his hair as the gold was secured.

NO WONDER THERE ARE SO MANY DIVISIONS

Segregation is a BAD thing. The history of the United States proves that over and over. Sadly, I remember that when I was growing up, the only theater in Springfield, MO that would admit African-Americans was the Landers Theater. There was a catch to that as those American citizens had to sit in the second balcony rather than any place in the theater. Blacks attended high school at Lincoln High instead of Springfield Senior High. It took a lot of black and white people to make things so much better. As a baseball fan, I have learned about the Negro Leagues and there is a museum celebrating the history of those times. Buck O'Neil began this piece of history. It shows how bad segregation was. Even after the color line was broken by Jackie Robinson, for several years the black players had to stay in facilities different from the white players. I had the happy privilege of meeting Buck at Lou Brock's home several years ago.

Do you believe segregation is over? Certainly not. One of the places where it is most evident is the Congress of the United States of America. Is it any wonder that Democrats and Republicans dislike each other and have so much trouble doing good things for our people? Think about it. There is an aisle. On one side of the aisle are Democrats and the other side of the aisle are Republicans. Would it not be a good thing if members of Congress did away with this stupid way of trying to do business? Why not have the Congress set up so that a Republican sits next to a Democrat so that friendships may develop and do away with the idea that only good ideas come from one side. Athletic events are often won because of teamwork. It just might be that teamwork will fix the United States of America.

A sideline for you. In two meetings last week, I asked those in attendance who was Branch Rickey. Can you believe that not one person knew. Of course, he was the man that broke the color line in major league baseball by signing Jackie Robinson.

On a personal note, a very special man who was my pastor at First Baptist in Springifeld recently went on to meet our Lord. Dr. Thomas S. Field was a great preacher, man, husband, father, grandfather and friend. I cherish his memory.

LISTENING TO JIM ROHN

Several years ago, I became acquainted with a man by the name of Jim Rohn. I didn't meet him personally, but I bought a lot of his materials and became very impressed with what he said on DVD and in his writings. Today, I want to share a part of his book entitled "7 Strategies for Wealth & Happiness." I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

"The tide comes in, and then what? That's right. . . it goes out. It's been that way for at least six thousand years of recorded history. It gets light and then what? It turns dark. . . That's the way it's been for at least six thousand years.

If, when the sun goes down, a man says, 'What happened, what happened?' We would surely know that he just got here, right?

The next season after fall is . . . right again. And pray tell, how often does winter follow fall? Every time without fail for at least six thousand years. True, some winters are long and some are short; some are difficult and some are easy. But no matter what, they always come after fall. It isn't going to change.

Sometimes you can figure it out, sometimes it's a puzzle. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes it is a disaster. Sometimes it sails along, sometimes it gets all tied up in knots. You see, it's not going to change. After six thousand years of recorded history, life is a mixture of opportunity and difficulty. That's the way it is.

Whenever I speak, whether I address business executives or high school kids, my message is always the same: " The only way it gets better for you is when you get better. BETTER IS NOT SOMETHING YOU WISH; IT'S SOMETHING YOU BECOME."

What a message for all of us today.

INTERESTING SALARIES AND SO-CALLED LEADERSHIP

The current economic difficulties going on in America are very interesting not only because of poor policies by banks and other financial institutions, but because of poor leadership and high salaries. In the St. Louis area, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, nonbank lenders - investment firms, insurance companies and the like have sharply slowed their lending in St. Louis, bankers say, so borrowers are returning to banks. Nationwide banks restrict lending as their capital levels shrink. Bankers are seeing an influx of deposits as investors pull money out of the sickly stock and bond markets.

In the old days in major league baseball, if players had a good season, they usually received a pay raise. If they had a bad year, they would have to take a pay cut, often a large one. The Bank of America is about to go under. Interesting that their president was paid more than $20 million in 2007. Paid $20 million in one year and has led his bank to the steps of having to be purchased by someone because of poor management. The is unbelievable! But if that is happening at Bank of America, you know it is happening in financial institution all across our country.

Like everyone else in the United States, I don't know if our new president's bailout will work. I pray for him everyday as I do other leaders. Hopefully it will. But it will not work with the amount of greed that surrounds the financial world in America.

Education is another area where the salaries for administrators is out of proportion to what is paid to professors in college and teachers in elementary and secondary education. Ohio State University is being lead by E. Gordon Gee. Because he runs the largest campus in the US with more that 50,000 students and a budget of $4 billion, he thinks colleges should get more funding. Funding for what? To raise his salary? Ohio State wrote checks in the amount of $1.3 last year to Dr. Gee. What do college presidents do? The salaries for coaches in colleges is out-of-sight. Greed and more greed.

A friend of mine who used to be a college president and is a great educator when asked what a college president does by a prospective president said this: "Get out on the campus. Meet students and faculty and pick up the trash." That would be a good idea for Dr. Gee.

No matter how you slice this, the financial problems come from greed. The folks who work in financial institutions had to learn this somewhere. Was it in the universities where Dr. Gee wants more money?