Black Monday

Well, Here we go ago. More of the democrats pointing fingers at the GOP for the failure of today's Bailout bill. They failed to mention that 40% of the dems voted against their own bill! They seem to be focused on the fact that this is Bush's fault and blaming the 60% of the republicans that voted against it. $700 Billion (yes, Billion with a B) to bailout the financial world! What is going to happen to the folks that got these companies that got us in this mess? Will they keep there 6 and 7 digit bonuses? That just crazy!

Now, the republicans are the villains for the crash of the markets today. Just think about this:

1. Why didn't the dems have a backup?

2. Why did Pelossi dog the Bush administration before the vote?

3. Why didn't the house leaders have their ducks in a row before the vote?

Well, it failed! We are in trouble because of the poor leadership in congress!

Goals

I'm not much of a goal setter. I have always been one of those guys that just "got it done". It's budget time for 2009 at UAP/CPS (I don't know exactly who I work for right now, the name change was suppose to take place September 1, but everyone is still answering their phones UAP.) and I have set some really good goals for myself this coming year. I have mentioned that I have really struggled this year in sales. I can't blame it all on the company, some of it has been my fault. I have battled depression over the past year and 1/2 and just now getting back to "me" again. I always find it a little tough setting goals or forecasting the next year when we still have a crop in the field and all the farmers are still uncertain about what they are going to grow next year. The cotton market remains some what flat, especially when you compare it to the grain markets. I have lots of folks talking about no cotton next year, primarily talking about wheat and sorghum/corn for next year. I love my job. I have the best job in the world. I get to help farmers maximize their yield potentials. My favorite time of the year is now. I get to go out with these guys and talk about successes and where we can improve for the next year.

I look forward to 2009!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wesley's Service

This is something new for me! This is for Wesley's cousin, Wade Miller, who is a teacher and missionary in Japan.

Hope this turns out Wade!

Wesley Hunter

Harvest time!

Well, this is my favorite time of the year with exception to my allergies! LOL! I will be out and about in the area visiting with farmers as they are harvesting this years crop. It is another good one. God has blessed us with several really good crops in a row now. This one has been an expensive one, but looks like yields are going to take care of us. Fuel, fertilizer and technology continue to rise in price, causing this a record year as far as input cost go. It doesn't look like next years crop will be any cheaper. The world demand on fertilizer continues to pressure fertilizer supply. Fuel cost also remain a huge factor as we gather this crop and get it processed.

The memorial service for Wesley Hunter will be this afternoon at 4:00, with burial to be Thursday at the National Cemetery in Denver. Keep the Hunter family in your prayers. Also, a love fund has been established at City Bank here in Lockney. I think it is the Wesley Hunter Love Fund. Call Sherri McDonald or Kelly Prayor at the bank 806-652-3355.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Emotional Sunday

Today has been a roller coaster of emotions for me. All of Wesley's family was at worship this morning. Lot's of tears shed! One of our AIM assistance gave the opening prayer. He couldn't have prayed a better prayer! "God, we are having a conflict of interest here today". I couldn't have said it any better! And that's the truth! We are wondering "why" today. I know the answer will come in the days and months to come.

I can relate way too well with his kids, having lost my daddy at an early age. I got to feed his daughter today at lunch. She will be 2 in November.

Wesley, you are my hero! Dad, take care of him!

The week in review

I usually don't do this till Friday, but I have lots on my mind, and feel the need to share it.

I have found this blogging thing to be very therapeutic for me. It gives me a chance to share some thoughts and things that are going on around me. This week has no exception.

Yesterday morning, here in Lockney, we had a young lady raped. A single mom, she has a beautiful baby boy that is just over a year old. No support form the guy that got her pregnant, minding her own business, and really, doing the best that she can, considering her circumstance. She is a sweet girl, always has a smile on her face. She wouldn't hurt a flea, unless that flea was on her boy. At 4:00 in the morning, this thug enters her home by breaking out a window on her back door and entered the home. I don't want to say anymore about the crime, but the thug is already back out on the streets.

Today, we lost a hero. A young man that wanted to do nothing more than serve his country. Went over to Iraq to defend our freedoms. Another thug, a gutless one I might add, plants a road side bomb, killing two and seriously injuring my friend. He never got over his injuries. Pain ruled his life.

Now for the positive.

I try really hard to find positive things to blog about. Me and my girls went to the Tech game on Saturday. We had a really good time. Spent some awesome quality time together. I love my babies, and can't wait to see them again.

Tuesday we had the Floyd County Ag Tour. I got to spend some time with some really good folks there. Also learned about wind energy. I also got to spend some time with a lady that I have grown quite fond of over the past couple of months.

Wednesday was spent getting ready for my grower meeting that was held today. I had 22 customers there. We looked at several different varieties of cotton. Had some really good country style ribs that I cooked.

I guess that I right this tonight because I need to reflect and see the positive things of the past week. I have to do this to keep my sanity. It is an awesome place to release some things.

Prayers request:
I want all of you to say a prayer for the Hunter family. They are hurting right now. Pray for something redemptive to come of their tragedy.

Also, be praying for the young lady that was raped. She needs prayers so bad.

Pray for me and my girls this weekend. I get them tomorrow and get to keep them till Monday. I get to take them to school on Monday morning. My request is that I be all that I can be in the daddy department.

I will be working the phones Friday night at the West Texas Friday Night Score Board Show. If you have your schools score, give us a call! 1-800-983-5704

Lockney has Homecoming this weekend. Kurt, Martha, Amy and I are going to tailgate at the game. If your anywhere near Lockney, stop by for a jalapeno and a sausage wrap. Might even have a glass of tea for you! Oh yeah! I got shrimp to stuff in the japs this week! They ought to be good.

Saturday, Sarah is cheering at the little league football game, then it's Old Fashion Saturday in Lockney! We have brand new sidewalks downtown and new street lights! I can't wait for darkness on Saturday night and the new lights come on! There will be lots of games and food there.

Sunday is Third Sunday Fellowship at church. We have the best cooks in the world right here. If you're in the country, stop by, we always have plenty of food.

Hope all is well with all of y'all!

Love ya!
Preston

Never Forget

My heart is saddened today at the loss of a soldier from Lockney. Staff Sargent Wesley Hunter passed away this afternoon. I didn't know Wes very well. He had just graduated from high school when I moved back. I know his older sister and his parents very well. They worship here in Lockney with me.

Wes was injured when his humvee struck a land mine outside of Baghdad February 26, 2006. He lost two of his team members in the incident. Wes was brought home with lots of shrapnel in his body. He has battled with pain ever since. He had just gotten to Lockney yesterday for a visit with his family and friends. He went in to take a nap this afternoon, not to wake up.

I missed the ambulance page cause I was in the clinic at the time getting an allergy shot. I heard the sirens as I walked out of the clinic, went to see what was happening as they pulled into the ER here in Lockney. When I figured out who it was, my heart sank. We have a really good hospital here, but when they get a "code", they can be short handed. We, the ambulance crew and I, stayed to help with compressions as the doctors and nurses were busy with other things. We worked on him for what seemed like and eternity, all the long I was praying a selfish prayer, "God, please don't let him die!". I have worked a few codes at the ER over the years. All of them has been on folks who were older, folks that in my mind has served their time. It just didn't seem right, 28 years old, a beautiful wife and 2 beautiful children. I guess you're never ready for a young person to die.

His mom came to me afterward and asked me to go get Mandy, her oldest child and Wesley's sister. I quickly went out the door, got in my pickup and started towards her house before I realized what I was about to do. As I drove over, I was praying the whole time, "God, give me the words and the strength to do this!". When I got there, I broke down. I couldn't say anything, only to hug her and nod my head when she asked me if he was gone. On the way to the hospital, Mandy told me that she had been praying that this visit be redemptive. She looked at me and asked me "has it been?". What do you say? "Yes, it will be, It has to be" was my reply. And I know in my heart that it will be. God wants 2 things from each of us: 1. For all men to be saved 2. and for all of us to be made in the likeness of Christ.

Here's to you, Wesley! I love you and thank you for your sevice. My freedom that I enjoy so much is because of men like you. Oh yeah, say hi to my dad!

Against the Wind 2

More pics from Tuesday's ag tour. The turbines just absolutely intrigued me. Their massive size! I love some of these picks.

That's me in the "shades". My friend, Martha Cross, in the red to my left. One of the fund raising folks from Martha's office, Mike Melcher, to her left. My friend, David Appling, is talking to Mike. Standing immediately to my left but out of the picture is Amy Read. The lady talking to me is Debbie Montandon.

My long time friends, Matt Williams and Darrell Rasco

Our county agent, JD Ragland in the hat, along with RES project manager Brett Marble in the blue shirt.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Against The Wind

We had our Floyd County Ag tour today. I got to spend time with some old friends, new friends, and even made a couple of new acquaintances. These are my favorite times of the year. A time to get together and reflect.

We toured the RES Whirlwind Energy wind farm today. I have never had the opportunity to get up close and personal to these monsters. The blades are about 130' long making the totally length over 260'. If the turbine is turning at 16 RPM, the end of the blades are traveling at over 170 mph.

We had a record crowd. Usually we have somewhere around 40 -50 folks at the tour. 3 years ago, we had almost 100 for a tour that featured Senator Robert Duncan. Today we fed somewhere around 140 folks! It was a huge success!

Preston

Ike

Is it just me? Is there anyone else having a hard time feeling sorry for those folks in the Houston-Galveston area that "rode out" the storm and now can't get enough food and water? They have only been warning them for a week now to "get out".

I have tried my dead level best to have some compassion for those folks. I have even prayed for them. But now they can't get enough food and water to survive and they want to blame the government? Come on folks! We can't depend on our government for every little crisis in our lives! That's not what this country was built around. You have to be responsible for your own actions. And the fact that they didn't heed the warnings is their own fault!

I was watching Fox News Friday afternoon and Geraldo was in a bar on Galveston Island, full of folks! They were just partying and had no intentions on leaving. Crazy! And even Geraldo was warning them about leaving! The weather service put out a statement on Friday morning that if you stayed out on Galveston Island that you were in "grave danger". "Most likely death will occur if you stay behind!". Oh well!

Have a good day!

Preston

Texas Tech beats SMU

We had a lot of fun last night in Lubbock. The girls and I left Lockney about 1:00 pm yesterday, stopped at the Broadway Brew in Plainview and had refreshments with Kurt and Martha. Lizzie played checkers with Kurt and whipped him! It was fun. We got to Lubbock about 3:00 and went to Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers for a late lunch. Stopped by Tech Outfitters and got the girls jerseys. We went over to the stadium and walked around in Raider Alley for a while. We went up into our seats about 5:00 and watched the warm-ups and all the pregame festivities. Found my friend, David Appling, and visited with him for a bit. Kurt and Martha showed up just in time for the Kick-off. My friend Amy came up with her friend Tonya and her little boy Hunter. They got there with about 5 minutes left in the first half. We had a good time with them. My cousin Kevin's daughter, Maddie, came over and visited with us too. We haven't got to see her in a while. She is a student at Tech. One of my best friends, Jay Foster from Childress, was at the game too, but we couldn't get over to see him and his boys.

I really enjoy the pageantry of college football. The traditions that continue. One of my favorite Tech traditions is the Masked Rider. They have really had to "squeeze" down the activities of the Masked Rider after some accidents of years past. The only time they really get to get the horse out onto the field and let him run is before the game starts. I miss the running after touchdowns. The taking of the reigns in the rider's mouth, letting the horse run along the sidelines, with the rider's "guns up". Another of my favorites were the third down clickers. I still have a couple of those around here somewhere! LOL!

One of the things I got a kick out of last night was the students, there was a group of students along the sidelines that were shirtless, with their upper bodies painted black and each one of them having a letter painted on their chest. "Dunk the Methodist". After the rain Thursday, and the fact that Jones AT&T stadium was dubbed Friday "Jones AT&T Aquatic Center" with over 8" of water on the field Friday morning, I thought it was rather fitting! LOL! I took a picture of it, but it didn't come out at all.

Not many times have tears come to my eyes at a Tech football game. As they played the Star Spangle Banner last night, Tears began to flow. Since the tragedy of 9-11, the song has a whole new meaning to me.

The Moon was absolutely spectacular last night, reminding me that there is a God, and He did create the universe. Giving us things that absolutely no one else could.

All in all, a perfect night for football. I got to spend some really awesome time with my girls, saw some good friends, and had fun!

Tech won the game 43-7

Thanks for reading!

The Week In Review

Another very busy but productive week!

FINALLY!!!! The Lockney Longhorns snapped a over 2 year, 23 game losing streak!! We beat Claude last night 32-0. I was really proud for the boys, really for the whole community. Going over 2 years not winning a single game really puts the whole town in a self-esteem problem. Things are much better now, lifting the monkey off the kid's backs.

The rain this week is the "big" news for the area. We received over 5" here in Lockney. Lubbock received around 9", setting a new record for a 24 hour period. Over around Crosbyton, they got 11". I understand the water is flowing in dry creek beds in Roaring Springs and east of Crosbyton. I am going to try and take my girls over to see that on our way to Lubbock today before the Tech game. I have an aunt that lives in the Houston area and she is "hunkered" down riding out Ike. Keep her and all the folks down there in your prayers.

I have been disappointed this week in FedEx-Kinkos this week. I am having a grower meeting next week and I went to Lubbock Thursday during the big rain to have my invitations professionally done. They told me that they could set up the postcards with a 24 hour turn-a-round. At 9:00 pm last night, I finally got my proofs e-mailed to me. The proofs they sent me basically had the 3 logos I wanted on 3 different postcards. No text, no nothing. I got up early this morning and went to Men's breakfast at church, talked to Todd Bissett and he set me up, I ran to the office and printed them and got them in the mailed this morning. I feel much better now that they are in the mail. That has been very frustrating for me.

Remembering 9-11 had been another thing on my mind this week. I need to remember that daily. To be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy. The price folks paid that day to remind us how vulnerable we are.

Last nights radio show was another success. We covered 180 games last night! It is a blast to talk to folks across the region that had been to their game. Some disappointed, most excited!

I am looking forward to spending some time with my girls this weekend. We are going to leave at 3:oo this afternoon for the Tech game. The Red Raiders are playing long time South West Conference foe SMU. That seems to have been so long ago. I was watching a documentary on FSN a couple of weeks ago that recapped all the SWC games, year by year. I have fond memories of those days. Let's hope the Raiders show up today and put a whipping on the Mustangs.

Things to pray for this week: Keep me and my kids in your prayers. Pray for me to do the things I need to do to be all that I can be in the Dad department. Pray for my church family. We made some really big financial commitments to kids from our congregation that are either in SIBI or AIM. Pray for everyone to seek God's will in all they do. That we all make our bodies living sacrifices to Him. That this is not a one time thing, that we all search and strive to grow in our relationship with God daily. I know that I need that prayer. Keep the folks affected by the weather this week in your prayers. And, pray for my grower meeting. I have struggled sales wise this year and need to really ramp things up in that part of my life.

Thanks for reading!

Preston

Friday Fun!

By now, most of you know that I am a huge Sarah Palin fan. I got these pictures in an e-mail today!

Enjoy!

Top 10 small towns In Texas

Well, I just had to write this real fast! I was on yahoo just a bit ago checking my e-mail when I saw this "Top 10 Towns in America". So, I am going to go through a few of my favorites in Texas.

1. Lockney, Texas
Where else do you think would be my #1? Here in Lockney, housing is very affordable, the best people in the whole world, the best church on the south plains, and a unique downtown. We just finished the new sidewalks on main, with the help of a state parks grant. On main street, we have 3 very unique stores: Heart's Desire, a store that has it all, women's clothing, gifts, signs, toys, dishes, everything a woman could ever want! Kaleidoscope, a monogram, screen print shop that you can get all of your Lockney Longhorn apparel. A candle, women's purse store called Heaven's Scent (I think that's the name of it. It just opened!). We still have a full service service station, a lumber yard/hardware store that is second to none, 3 cotton gins, a grain elevator, and me of course.

2. Claytonville, Texas
This town makes my #2 due to it's cafe. I really don't know the name of it but they have the best hamburger in the state! Hand patted meat on a homemade bun! And their fries are hand cut too! On Friday night they have an awesome seafood buffet for $12.00. Claytonville is about 7 or 8 miles east of Kress.

3. Fredricksburg, Texas
I know, it's a far jump from Lockney to Fredricksburg! But the shopping there is great! They have all kinds of stores there! Good restaurants!

4. Canadian, Texas
An awesome town! This little town is nestled up next to the Canadian River and surrounded by beautiful grasslands that gently roll. This town has it all, hotels, bed and breakfast, restaurants, even movie theater!

5. Albany, Texas
About 30 miles or so north of Abilene, Albany is another really cool town. A downtown area that is alive and thriving with many gift shops, and yes, they have really good restaurants there too! In the June, they have Fandangle, a play that the whole town turns out for and participates in. It's setting is at Fort Griffin state park and is a historical production of the area.

6. Buffalo Gap, Texas
The Perini Ranch Steakhouse! Enough said!

7. Lockhart, Texas
There is a little, hole in the wall, Bar-B-que joint there! I can't remember the name of it, but it takes up about 3 store fronts in downtown. They cook all the meat in a brick oven in the wall, and serve you on butcher paper with a chunk of cheese and bread!! Yummy! I haven't been there in over 15 years! Sounds like road trip time!

8. Robstown, Texas
In the coastal bend region of Texas, Robstown is a cotton town! And not just any cotton either! JOE COTTON'S! Many times, voted the best of Texas Bar-B-Que in Texas Monthly, Joe Cotton's is some of the best food in the state. Don't remember much more about the town! LOL!

9. Rockport, Texas
AHHH! Texas bay fishing at it's best! Also, The Boiling Pot is a restaurant that serves boiled shrimp, crawdads, corn on the cob and sausage. They bring it out to you in a pot and dump it out on the table! AWESOME!

10. Tulia, Texas
Ok, this is starting to sound more like a food tour than best towns! The El Camino serves up the best Chili Rellenos you have ever put in your mouth. People drive from miles around just for that!

In case you can't tell, I like good food! There are many other places I like to eat. Coyote Bluff in Amarillo is one of my favorites. The Rib-Eye there is to die for! Hand cut fries, grilled onions, mushrooms, and jalapenos!

Happy eating and feel free to add to my list!!

What a day!

I just got home from Lubbock. The rain continues to fall there. I had some printing stuff done at Kinkos at 82nd and Quaker. I left there at 4:30 and it took me till 5:30 to get to the north side of town. Many streets under water. Traffic was at a crawl! The north loop was backed up from the interstate to almost Indiana. The north and south traffic on the Interstate at the north loop was diverted onto the access road due to the road being under water. I bet it was at least 6' deep at the under pass of the north loop! The traffic on the Interstate was moving at about 50 mph all the way to New Deal. What usually takes me an hour to drive, took right at 2! And you can't believe the folks who were in big SUVs and pickups that were just chugging on! Made me nervous. I almost pulled into a hotel for the night. I thought at any minute, Noah was going to pull through Lubbock in his ark! LOL!

That reminds me of a story a guy used to tell me. He was raised out north of Levelland in the Pettit community. We were all sitting around the coffee table one morning at McDonald's in Levelland after a rain. We had almost 2" there in town. Out at Pettit it had rained less than a 1/2". He told me that back in the great flood, they only had .6" and that the dove Noah sent out found that Olive branch in Pettit. LOL! I love that story!

Metamorphis

At worship tonight, we studied the first two versus of Romans 12. Verse 1 "Therefore, I urge you, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship."Verse 2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Paul wants us to understand one thing here. "this is your spiritual act of worship" Wow, what a mouth full. To offer our bodies as living sacrifices, I can't imagine, I can't even to begin to grasp the hem of the garment, my body being worth a living sacrifice. It is my hope that I am pleasing God, but I can't begin to understand that. I am a sinner, I struggle daily! The good thing about all of this, MERCY! God's mercy in awesome. That's another thing we can't understand, but will someday. When we get that awesome opportunity to see Him, we will then understand. To be transformed, this is not a "one time, on the spot" process. This should completely and totally discredit the once saved always saved theory. Your "transformation" is on going. Renewing your mind is a daily act. To continually change your life. You must pray and study daily to complete your journey here.

Just some thoughts I took form the study tonight. Hope this helps you a little bit!

Love you all!

Preston

09-11-01

Here on the eve of the 7th anniversary of the worst day in American history, I reflect on the memories of that day. It started like any other day in west Texas. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining. A heavy dew on the ground. It had been a dry, hot summer and the cotton was very mature for the time of the year. Russ Perkins, who is the Tech Services rep for Bayer Crop Science and a fellow volunteer fireman/EMT from Idalou, and I was looking at a patch of cotton or two to do some defoliation plots on. We had pretty much decided that the cotton needed another week or two to be ready for that. On our way back to town, Mark Nutt called me and asked if I had heard yet about the jet that had crashed into the WTC. We had not heard so we stopped at the D&J Gin here in Lockney to see what it looks like on TV. Still not real sure about what all was going on, as we were watching the TV, the second jet flew into the other tower then the news of the Pentagon. We couldn't believe what we were seeing. The news folks started talking about the other jet that was till missing and that all air travel was suspended. Then we heard the news about United flight 93. It had crashed in rural Pennsylvania, killing everyone on board. Our thoughts immediately went to a friend of ours that was traveling. Jane Dever was a mutual friend to Russ and I. I had worked with Jane at the experiment station in Lubbock while I was at Tech, and Russ worked with her at Bayer. We started trying to call her, in about an hour we finally made contact with her. She was safe and sound in Houston, stranded there, but safe. She was living at the time in Memphis and her husband was on his way to Memphis via his car to get her. Then, I started wondering about my youngest step brother. John travelled with his job. I finally made contact with him. He was safe at home in Lewisville, having his flight cancelled from DFW before it was able to leave. For the next couple of days, we all watched in awe, not believing that someone would do this in the USA. Our hearts going out to the families affected by the tragedy.

We have grown as a nation since that awful day. We are much more prepared for events like this. I complain ever time I go through an airport these days, but after I'm safely on the plane and pulling away form the gate, I remember that day. The price all the people paid that day for stricter airport security. Then I pray, thanking God for my safety. Also thanking Him for allowing me to live in a country that allows me to worship Him without fear.

What have we learned from that day?

1. There is a God. He loves me, and wants me to serve him.
2. Not taking our freedoms for granted.
3. There are people out there that doesn't know God. They have been led down a very unGodly track, not believing He is alive.
4. We have to protect our freedoms. There has been a lot of talk about the Iraqi war, and the war in Afghanistan in the presidential campaigns. How we need diplomacy. I back our current administration in the fight for our freedom. The protection of our rights.
5. We need a strong, courageous, Godly man as president.

I could go on and on here. But I think you get the point.

Never forget how you felt that day. The day our freedoms were attacked.

Preston

The Weekend

Yes, I know! It's just Tuesday. But me and the girls are headed to Lubbock Saturday for the Texas Tech football game. Tech plays SMU this weekend. We didn't make a game last year. They are way excited about going to the game. I am too! We are going to eat at Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, one of our favorite places to eat before any Tech game. We always eat there before the basketball games too. We try and make at least 2 women and 2 men's games a season. With their mom an aggie, they really like to go when Tech is playing the aggies.

My Dad

My dad's birthday was last week. On September 3 he would have been 63. I didn't forget about it, just didn't really know what to say. This morning I was looking through a drawer in my dresser looking for some stuff. I ran across this poem that was found on his grave, just a few days after we buried him in 1971. It was written by one of his best friends, Jr. Poole. He and Jr. were quite a pair. I can remember going up to his automotive shop here in Lockney as a child and working on cars till all hours of the night. I would go out and lay down in the seat of the pickup and sleep. That shop is still there. Jr. and his sons still operate it. Jr. had a malignant tumor removed from behind his right eye a couple of months of go.

One of the funniest memories I have of those two was in about 69 or 70. I don't remember exactly what year it was. One of those years, dad had backed over mom's car in a grain truck. Pretty much took the top right off the car. So he bought her a new car. A 1968 Pontiac GTO. What a car! It was maroon with a black vinyl top and red interior. One Saturday afternoon, dad and Jr. headed off to the drag races in Amarillo in that car. I can still hear my mom telling them "do not race my car!" as they were leaving. We got up Sunday morning for worship, headed out the door to get in the car, and there it was! Their times still shoe polished on the windshield, they had raced mom's car. Now, you have to understand one thing, my dad stood almost 6' 7", and weighed a very muscular 235. My mom is about 5' 8". She started in on him "I told ya'll not to race my car!". I can remember being scared to death of my mom when she lost her temper! LOL! We got in the car to and dad started it, it had a dead miss! LOL! It was only hitting on about 7 cylinders! Mom said "ya'll ruined my car! ya'll ruined my car!" all the way to church. Fun memories!

EPITAPH OF A DAY

JUST A YEAR AGO THIS LORDS DAY

WE TOOK TIME OFF TO GO AND PLAY

TO THE NORTH PLAINS WE DID GO,

HIS IN FRONT, MINE IN TOW. THE

DAY WAS SHOT BUT RON'S LUCK WAS NOT

I RUN SOME, HE RUN MANY, BY EVENING

LATE WE HAD RACED PLENTY.

IT WAS A DAY SPENT WITH A FRIEND, I

JUST WISH WE COULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN

WE TALKED A LOT IN TIMES GONE BY, ABOUT

THINGS MOST FOLKS WOULD WONDER WHY.

WELL WE DID LIKE LOTS OF THE SAME,

SOMETHING DIFFERENT, NOT TO TAME.

BUT NOW THOSE CHERISHED TIMES ARE OVER,

AND DAYS FOR ME ARE A LOT MORE SOBER.

D.B.P

In memory of Ronnie Belt

September 3, 1945

October 8, 1971

Happy birthday dad!

The Chase

The Playoffs! NASCAR style! I will have to say this is my favorite time of the year. I don't keep up with much in the sporting world except for the Cowboys of course and the Red Raiders. I actually like college sports much more than pro. It's kids like Danny Amendola, Wes Welker and, my all time favorite, Zach Thomas, that attract me to college sports. They are guys that weren't really sought after in the recruiting ranks. But with shear determination and the love of the game, these guys persevere. Each one of these guys have fond places in my heart. The Zach Thomas interception in the closing seconds of the aggie game in 1995, Wes Welker punt returns for touchdowns, and Danny Amendola out working larger opponents for Red Raider TD's. I guess the reason why I enjoy the Zach Thomas interception ssssooooo much, I was in the south end-zone at, then, Jones Stadium, waving him in to beat the aggies.

On to NASCAR. The thing that attracts me to NASCAR is horsepower and the way those guys squeeze it all out of those cars and make the rubber meet the asphalt. I was not a huge fan of NASCAR till the 2005 season. I made my first race at Texas Motor Speedway. When they got the command to fire the engines and moved onto the track, chill bumps ran up and down my spine. Then, when the pace car left the track and the boys took the green, MAN! I was hooked! I made the 2006 spring and fall race at TMS.

The chase, for those of you not in the "know" of NASCAR, is made up of the top 12 drivers in points through this past weekend. One of my drivers, Matt Kenseth, has made every "chase" since it was created 5 years ago. Actually, the first year the "chase" was created, all 5 of the Roush cars were in. No other owner has had all of his rides in the chase. That year, Kurt Busch was still in the roush stable, but did not race in the last 2 races of the year due to a DUI and a skirmish with the Maricopa County Sheriff's office. He was sponsored by Crown Royal, and his contract prohibited drinking and driving. PLUS he had already made an "in-season" deal with Penske to take over Rusty Wallace's seat in the blue deuce. He has not been a contender since the move.

Let's talk a little bit about this year's "chase" drivers. In the top spot, which he has owned nearly since Daytona, is Kyle Busch. He is the younger brother of Kurt, is from Las Vegas and is one of the "bad boys" of the sport. He's very arrogant and not one of my favorites. He drove the 5 kelloggs car, after the retirement of "Texas" Terry LaBonte, for Hendrick Motor Sports. He left that ride last year and has been driving for Joe Gibbs Racing this year in, all things, A Toyota. In the second spot is "Cousin" Carl Edwards. He drives the 99 Roush Fenway Racing Office Depot Ford Fusion. Carl is one of my favorites. He is a phenom of sorts, getting Jack Roush's attention by handing him a business card at a race that simply said "Carl Edwards, I need a ride". He started out in the Craftsman Truck Series and worked his way up through the ranks into his current Cup ride. His race winning gesture has captivated many fans. He stands on the window of his car and does a back flip out of the car. I still remember his first win in Atlanta when he patented his back flip. In the 3rd spot is Jimmy Johnson. I will have to say, I like nearly all of the drivers, I probably pull for certain one's not to win more than I pull for anyone in particular. Johnson would be one of those guy's I love to see hit the wall. Some what of a cry baby when he doesn't get his way, Jimmy is one of those guy's you love to hate. He is the reigning 2 time champ of the series. It is going to be really hard for me to see Mark Martin a team mate of his this next year. (it's hard enough for me to see Mark driving a chevy! LOL!) In the 4th spot is, every one's favorite. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. made the move from his father's company, now owned and operated by his step-mom and his dad's widow Theresa Earnhardt, to Hendrick this year and took over the ride that Kyle Busch had last year. What used to be the #5 kelloggs car is now the #88 Amp Energy Drink chevy. After a somewhat successful first part of the season, Jr. has struggled a bit as of late, taking heat for both he and his Crew Chief, cousin Tony Eury Jr., by the Jr. Nation. Don't worry, He will do fine! In the #5 spot is Clint Bowyer. Clint is form Emporia, Kansas and the darling of the state. He was on the bubble much of the season, in and out of the top 12, but with his performance on Sunday, shot up from #12 to #5 in the standings. Clint drives the #07 Jack Daniels Chevy for Richard Childress Racing. I really like this kid. He is leading the old Busch, now the Nationwide, Series. He can drive a race car. #6 in the standings is Denny Hamlin. Denny is another one of those "phenom" type guys that took the sport by storm. Driving the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing, Fed Ex Toyota, you can't scratch him out. he is a very scrappy driver and a lot of fun to watch. 7th in the standings is Jeff Burton. Jeff is the driver of the Richard Childress Racing #31 AT&T chevy. A former Roush driver, Jeff won the inaugural race at Texas. And by the way, is the only driver to win 2 races there. Burton is another one of those Mark Martin style drivers, racing everyone very clean and expects to be treated the same. In the 8th spot is Tony Stewart. Tony is finishing up his career with JGR this year and will be moving over to Stewart Haas racing next year. Yes, the Stewart 1/2 of the name is his. Haas lured him away from JGR with 1/2 ownership in the company and Chevy paid out his existing contract at JGR to get him back in a Chevy. Tony will be a contender! 9th is Greg Biffle. Another Roush Fenway driver, Greg is known for his driving technique. He can drive the loosest race car better than anyone I know. And #10, poor old Jeff Gordon. He's another one of those you love to hate. Anytime he's in the wall, I laugh! #11 is Kevin Harvick. Harvick is the guy thrust into the limelight in 2001 after the untimely death of Dale Earnhardt. He's one of those "bad boys" that you either like or hate. I like him. He's very competitive, He's fun to watch. And last but not least, Matt Kenseth. Matt is out of the Roush stable. He is a past 2 time champ of the series, and the 3rd of the Roush cars in the chase. Matt was pretty much written off earlier in the year, but has rallied as of late to make his 5th consecutive chase.

Disappointments: I was really pulling for young David Ragan to make the chase. Watch out for this guy in the years to come, he's for real.

Predictions: Carl Edwards all the way! You gotta love this guy!

Have fun today! And yes, I'm bored, the rain has made my day somewhat uneventful!

Preston

Rainy Days

What a wonderful day! We have much needed rain falling right now. I have had over an 1 1/2" so far with it still falling. Me and Kady (my pup) are watching it fall with joy.

God is good. He always sends us rain exactly when we need it. We sometimes think we need rain, yet when we get rain, we seem to waste it. I get tickled at folks who gripe about dry weather. When it does finally rain, the first thing they do is tie a plow onto a tractor and plow it out. We have some farmers that practice limited or no tillage. I wish you could see their crops when it does dry up. The crop hangs on much longer without showing signs of moisture stress. And you know what, their yields show the difference too. I realize the need for tillage, don't misunderstand what I'm saying, but with the technologies we enjoy today, there are better agricultural practices. These technologies are what keeps me interested with my career.

Thanks for reading today!

Preston

Ivory Palaces

We sang a song tonight at worship that I haven't heard since I was a kid. My friend and brother in Christ, Todd Bissitt, lead the song. Todd is an awesome song leader. His dad is a band director in the Frenship school district.

"Ivory Palaces" #343

1. My Lord has garments so wondrous fine, And myrrh their texture fills; Its fragrance reached to this heart of mine, With Joy my being thrills.
2. His life had also its sorrows sore, For aloes had a part; And when I think of the cross He bore, My eyes with teardrops start.
3. His garments too were in cassia dipped, with healing in a touch; Each time my feet in some sin have slipped, He took me from it's clutch.
4. In garments glorious he will come, To open wide the door; And I shall enter my heavenly home, To dwell for evermore.

Chorus: Out of the ivory palaces, into a world of woe; Only His great eternal love, Made my savior go.

In the past couple of years, the words of the songs we sing touch me differently. I have learned to worship in song, as we are commanded. Now I can't carry a tune in a bucket, but I love the singing part of our worship. The words sometime bring a tear to my eye. Can you imagine what the garment of our Lord and Savior must look like? All the splendor? I can't wait!

I almost forgot to mention it here, but one of my first post here talks about brother Dee Copeland. Brother Dee will be 100 October the 24th, and yes, he lead one of my favorite songs tonight, "His eye is on the Sparrow".

Thanks for stopping by today!

Preston

Prayer

Just heard an awesome sermon on prayer. Do you ever wonder why we don't pray more than we do? I know that I don't spend as much time in prayer because I think God has bigger fish to fry than me. I know that is crazy to think that way, but sometimes I do. And I know that a lot of the good in my life comes from my friends praying for me. I also know that God always answers prayers. You have to look for his will in those prayers, and the answer is not always what we expect. I am reminded often of a prayer that Paul prayed for the church at Colosse. Collossians 1:9-14 "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that (I always like to highlight the "so that's") you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sin."

What an awesome and eloquent prayer! This prayer has completely changed the way I approach the Throne in prayer. To be filled with the knowledge of God's will is really awesome. I don't claim to have all the knowledge of God, nor will I ever. But that doesn't stop me from looking to Him for answers that builds my knowledge. And to live a life worthy of God! How in the world can I live a life worthy? I struggle with this daily! I know that Christ's blood still flows for me. That's what keeps me worthy. And you know what? That blood never coagulates like our blood does. It's still flowing, cleansing us, just as it has for the past 2,000 years. And it will till judgement. And what an awesome day that will be. To stand before God, with his son sitting at his right hand, having already been judged for my sin by Him! 2,000 years ago!!!

I am also reminded of another prayer by Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 1:8 "Remember". I just find that fascinating that Nehemiah is reminding God of his promise. The instruction He gave Moses. I would have never thought about reminding God of anything. Maybe it's a way Nehemiah needs to show himself that he knows what the promise was, I don't know.

I am praying for you all!!

Preston

The week in review

Just wanted to spend a minute here and reflect on the week.


The one thing that really sticks out in my mind this week was the RNC. I think the party is beginning to unite and rally around their candidate. Sarah Palin is for real. I think the picture of her family together on the stage after her electrifying speech was a sweet picture. Her husband, Todd, is a hard working man. He has won 4 snow machine championships. From what I can read about that, it must be extremely challenging. The Fact that she Sarah sold off the states luxury jet was very impressive. Her family didn't live in Alaska's governor mansion. She stood up to the status quo in Alaska politics. Her speech was absolutely, positively the best political speech I have ever witnessed. I think the unity of her family, even with the challenges they face right now, proves her ability to both govern and raise a family. And yes, the new baby will be a blessing.


Another thing that's been on my mind is the dead-beat-dad thing. I hope that all of you went and visited the Faith, Love Hope Ministries blog and, if you can, support this ministry. There are a lot more single parents out there that need our help.









I haven't talked a whole bunch about this on my blog this week, but my company continues to help me in becoming comfortable in selling corn seed. I spent all day Friday looking at different hybrids from 3 different companies we represent. I have always been a huge NC+ fan. I have been schooled up on our proprietary brand, Dyna-Gro, and on the Dekalb Hybrids. Hopefully, I have gained enough confidence that I can be successful in that area of my business.




I have made contact with an old friend. She and I first met at Tech many years ago. It will be fun getting caught up with her and her family.



The West Texas Friday Night Scoreboard show kicked up into high gear this week. I was about 5 minutes late getting there last night because of our game here in Lockney. It was full blast answering the phones and recording live reports. We had fun last night.



The Lockney losing streak continues. I think we are nearing 25 straight losses. Pray for my community in this endeavor. Small town football, especially in West Texas, plays such a vital part in our community's pride. Especially the confidence of our young folks that are living through this. We love you kids! Keep your heads up and continue to give 100%. This streak will rebound soon.




The 90th consecutive Floyd County championship was played last night. Lockney and Floydada has the longest consecutive rivalry going in the state. The trophy will remain in Floydada for at least one more year. The festivities last night reminded me of a small college football game. I think everyone in Floyd county was in Lockney last night at the game. You should have been trying to get to Floydada last night after the game. The traffic was almost like rush hour traffic in the metroplex! LOL! Kurt, Martha, Amy and myself did a little tailgating at the game last night. It was a lot of fun.



My daughter, Sarah, is cheering for the little league football team here again this year. I always enjoy seeing her get out in front of people and perform. She's a little bit timid. She doesn't like to draw attention to herself. I pray that this will help her in that.



As for the week ahead, looks like it will be a busy week for me. Making sales calls and prospecting potential corn seed customers. Also, Sarah has her open house at the jr. high Tuesdays night. I look forward to that.

Prayers for the week: continue to pray for our service men and women that are in harms way. Pray for all the single parents out there that are struggling to make ends meet without support from their former spouses. Pray for the AIM program at SIBI. I can't wait to get to see our Aimers tomorrow. Pray for missionaries around the world, both those that are currently working to spread God's word and those who are in training. I need your prayers. Pray that I be the best example to my kids that I can be. Pray for me to continue to look for opportunities to teach them about Jesus.



Have a good week everyone! I love you all!
Thanks for stopping by!


Preston

Thursday!!!!

Well, I did it again last night. Stayed up and watched all the RNC speeches again last night. It's starting to catch up with me. Sarah Palin didn't only hit the ball out of the park, she won the World Series. Wow, what a speech. Just your typical family down the street facing the same challenges we all do. I loved the Hockey Mom bit!

I am a bit disappointed this morning. I have found out about a couple of instances of dead-beat -dads. I guess living on Lockney, I am sheltered from this phenomena. I'm sure there are some dead beat ex spouses here too, just not as many. In both instances, the dead-beat-dad has left a woman with more than one kid. The thing is, even if they don't want to have anything to do with their kids, they still have a financial responsibility. In one of the instances the guy had a job that paid in excess of $100,000 and quit his job to keep from paying child support! And to leave these women to pay for health care, clothes, food, and a roof over their head. Here is a blog I found this morning if you would like visit. http://faithhopeloveministries.blogspot.com/

Have a good day!

Preston

The difference between Hockey Moms and Pit bulls

I had to make a note of this. Sarah Palin has yet to disappoint me.

"Do you know the difference between Hockey Moms and Pit bulls? Lipstick!"
Sarah Palin (R) Governor of Alaska.


BYE!

AIM Kids

One of the things I absolutely love about my church is our AIM kids. I talked about the group we have this fall in an earlier blog. These young kids really push me to be the example God would have me to be. There is no question in my mind why He allows us to have the kidos for the time we have them. Many of the past AIMers we have had I still keep up with. My first introduction to the AIM program was in 2002 when when my friend, Russell "T-Bone" Harris, introduced my son Jonathan to the program. I fell in love with all the kids the first night he was there. The kids come from many walks of life. Some from very grounded, 2 parent backgrounds. Many from broken homes. They come from around the world to live in Lubbock for 9 months and get the best missionary training in the world.

Here in Lockney, we have had kids from Alaska, Brazil, and Peru plus many other states. These kids all have a single, binding influence, Jesus Christ.

My favorite time with them is their first long weekend here. They usually show up on Friday evening and stay till after worship Sunday night. I always make it a point to feed all the kidos on Saturday night. We sit around here in my home, share our Jesus stories, and really get to know them. I usually keep the boys here in my home. I have an extra bedroom and a bunk house that they stay in. They are a hoot! We have tons of fun.

Our long weekend is coming up in about 3 weeks. I am so ready to have them in my home. The only thing I regret is the fact that it's not my weekend to have my girls. All of the kids have left lasting impressions on them.

Love you all!
Thanks for stopping by!

What today brings?

Well, I stayed up late last night and watched the RNC speeches. I thought Fred Thompson hit a home run. I wonder where that speech was during his campaign? I am a Fred supporter. I really like his leadership style. He is a matter-of-fact type of guy. No bull! He is a reformer. He always puts America first. I really respect him for that.

I thought Joe Lieberman did a really good job too. He really got out there and reached across party lines. Probably committed political suicide, but won over the Republicans last night. He is a true McCain friend.

I'm not a huge McCain supporter. I have a huge amount of respect for the man. He is an Patriot in every since of the word.

I can't wait for Sarah Palin's speech tonight. She has given me hope. Hope in the political system that I had lost. Before McCain announced her as his running mate, I had not heard of her. I went straight to the web and "googled" her. I have to say that she is very impressive. Not just her politics, but her home life too. I think she has handled her self very well in the spotlight. The whole Bristol pregnancy thing has not slowed her down. If you think for a minute that her daughter being pregnant is an issue, think again. Everyone makes mistakes. This girl just made a poor decision that is going to completely change the course of her life. Maybe this will help some young couple who is contemplating sex to think again.

God has an incredible way of taking circumstances, good and bad, and working them for the best. We make decisions every day that effects someone around us. My prayer is that everyone will take note of mistakes or bad decisions people make and use them to better themselves.

Thanks for stopping by today!!

Preston

CNN=Obama

Just sitting here watching CNN and the RNC. They are extremely in favor of Obama. I didn't hear Fox News last week talk so much about McCain during the DNC. Makes you wonder what could Bill Bennett have in common with the CNN organization. I never watch CNN. Just happened to stop while channel surfing. You van tell that Wolfe Blitzer is really having a hard time being there!

Labor Day Weekend

Labor day weekend's has a special place in my heart. My family has gotten together for Labor Day weekend for over 20 years now. I think I have missed only one of those. We do lots of different things. We always cook outside something unique. On year we had pork chops that were deep fried on a hay fork! LOL! Mom always has activities for the kids while the men usually go dove hunting. This year dove season opened on Monday. No hunting this year! And what happened to school being out for Labor Day? I guess Lockney is the only school in the state that has school on Labor Day.

This year, only my sis and her hubby and me and my girls were there. Mom and the kids had a parade Saturday afternoon. Sarah, Lizzie and Ronnie decorated their 4-wheelers, gokart, and John Deere tractors for the parade. It was fun!

Hope you enjoy this!!

Preston

Who's perfect?

I'm going to talk a little politics again this morning. I have spent the better part of the weekend researching Sarah Palin. She has quite a few enemies! Mostly democrats and ex-brother-in-laws! LOL! If I just stopped with her enemies in my research, I would vote for this woman to be President. Her enemies tell me that she stands for something. Very loyal to her values. Seems there are several that want to criticize her for her pregnant daughter. I have only one thing to say about that! People make mistakes. Does the fact that she didn't run to an abortion center to hide this fact not mean anything? Does the fact that her daughter is going to marry the guy that got her that way mean anything? It means a lot to me. I know people, right here in Lockney, Texas, that will claim to be conservative, Pro-life, Pro-anything that a good conservative would claim to be, yet when their daughter got pregnant a little early in life, or if their son got someone pregnant a little too early in life, the first thing they do is rush them off to the abortion clinic, hush hush, just to save face. I applaud Governor Palin for the values she is passing on to her daughter. Plus (and this is a huge plus! LOL!) a woman who would name her daughter Bristol is all ok in my book! She or her hubby has to be Nascar fans!

Also, seems that this whole troopergate thing has been cooked up to discredit her management skills. If the guy was doing his job, I think he would still have his job. The accusations he makes that he was pressured to fire the ex brother-in-law seems to be false. Sounds to me the even if Governor Palin had pressured him to fire Michael McCann, and he didn't fire him, he should lose his job. A cop who uses his taser on a 10 year old kid does not need to be out on the streets.

Yes, Governor Palin has fired me up about this election. I really feel like she is the real deal. Let's all get behind her and Senator McCain and send them to DC!