With God all things are possible

I don't have a lot to post today, but I felt like I needed to post something interesting. It seems I have to compete with my family now on blogging. I can't believe my mom, dad, sister, cousin and aunt/uncle have a blog now. Wow, who would have thunk it. :)

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day. It hit 78 degrees. I can't believe we almost eclipsed 80 degrees on January 22nd. Amazing. It was so nice outside and yet, I didn't get to enjoy it as much as I should have. It was nice to drive with my windows down and not have to have my heater on in the car and it was nice to have the windows open in the house as well. The weather today definately makes me want Spring to come even sooner. Hurry up already won't you??? We have been extremely blessed this winter to not have any snow or ice. We have had a few extremely cold nights, but other than that it has been a very dry winter and if things maintain the way they are it will most likely be a recipe for very strong Spring wild fires in Oklahoma.

Today was a day I was supposed to travel to Lawton, Oklahoma with the Varsity Boys and Girls basketball teams for their games in the Sooner Conference Tournament, but I have a job that I must attend to and ensure that gets done. None of the players really understand, but the administrator of the school completely understands and is supportive of my reasons. As much as I wanted to go, I knew I could not. They are supposed to travel back down again tomorrow and stay the night Friday night. Call me crazy, but I would just assume stay at home with my wife and kids than travel 2 hours one way to assist in a basketball game and then stay the night away from my loved ones. I travel enough for work as it is to want to stay in a hotel room full of high school boys. While there are memories to be made in those instances, I choose my family still.

We are planning on going to Tulsa on Saturday as a family and go to the Jenks Aquarium. While I know it isn't the biggest one I have been to, I anticipate it will be fun with the kids and that is why we are going so that our kids can enjoy themselves and we can make some memories. Michele and I are really wanting to spend at least 1 weekend a month doing a family outing that will allow us to spend more time together and make memories in the process.

We are currently in the midst of a 40 day prayer and fasting season at our church. Our church does this every January to start the year off and many other churches do the same thing. It is a corporate fast and is something we feel is necessary for our church, for our walk with God and our nation. For 40 days we will fast at least 1 meal a day, Television and as much media related activities as possible. I never thought it would be possible to completely fast from television, but with God all things are possible. Technically I know it is possible, because I did it at Bible College and I can do it again. It is just a time I need to get my priorities straight and focus on the things of God rather than the things of this world. The media pumps so much garbage and trash into our homes and we become desensitized to what is sinful and wrong. We find ourselves engaging in programs that are morally corrupt and perverse and we call it a family sitcom.

A few weeks ago I was watching a program on ABC Family and the next thing I know a man and woman began to grope each other very strongly. I am sorry, but that is not "family" oriented television. I don't care if it says ABC Family, but not in my family. We have to watch what we allow into our homes. It is my job as a father and head of house to protect my family and ensure they are covered and protected. I do not want my children to be influenced by the ways of this world and I will do everything in my power with God as my source of strength of encouragement to prevent this from happening.

Well it is getting late and I need to get some rest. Good night and may God bless you all. Till next time this is Coach Stretch signing out.

Anthony