The Texas Report

    After five days in Houston at the National Catholic Educators Association Convention and five more days in Dallas and Denton... I've got no time to be tired!
    I feel compelled to mention the only negative moment of the whole trip. It  happened in the Dallas International Airport at the gate before my last flight home. The gate agent, a woman, didn't like me much I guess. She looked unhappy from a distance and it only became more clear the closer I got. She seemed determined to make me uncomfortable. It had everything to do with my carry-on luggage... which in all was half the size of anybody else's stuff... but amounted to three items. I knew if I responded to her negativity the chances of my leaving on that jet plane would only decrease under her power. I kept my cool and crammed one small bag into another. Smashed my pralines but made her happy. Interesting to me is how her personality and way of being kinda sucked the life out of me after so much goodness. Reminded me... I don't ever want to be that "voice" that person that people remember as the only negative part of an otherwise incredible journey.

    I'm attaching a few photos from the convention and Page 1 and 2 of the handout for my session. Below you will also find photos of my time in Dallas with long time friends and an all day school visit at Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Denton, TX. Once again... it was so fun to watch God work! The more I seek Him the more I find Him... no matter where I go.

    Speaking of which... I've got no time to be tired. Took my clothes in for dry cleaning the day I got back. One week from today, Squirrel and I are off to Massachusetts and Vermont for more adventure! Squirrel looked so great in his cowboy hat and bandana in Texas. What do you think he should wear for the trip back east? I'm drawing a blank... except for maybe a Harvard sweater.

---

Traveling Squirrel, Texas bound!

Houston Sunrise

Signing and selling time, Exhibit Hall

Something like 50 schools in the Diocese each made a giant boot to represent their school.

Convention Center on the right

Pappa's Texas BBQ with NPCD D-freakin'-licious! (click for link)

Sr. Kevina Keating, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, taught us that the plural form of Y'all in Texas... is, "All Y'all." (click for link)

Blanchet Catholic School (where our kids went to school) Received Board Award At NCEA!

ARLINGTON, VA.—Ten Catholic school boards will receive the Outstanding Board award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) during the association’s annual convention in Houston, Tex., in April.

    A change in location didn't hurt attendance. It was the perfect room for my session... filled with great people! (Chuck Lee and Kevin Mannix included - (wink))

One of my favorite photos from the Immaculate Conception Catholic School visit!
Nothing like a little My Hearts On Fire to get them movin'!

At my first drum circle with Miss Liz

ICCS, Denton, TX

K-8 All great students and staff!

A classroom dedication for a very special family

Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral in downtown Dallas

Through the window in the church

"Time with the inlaws"

Rozann and Ray Thanks Bob!

Visiting the Arts Magnet High School in Dallas

Fellowship Church with Bob and Joyce

Go Jared! Go Broncos! I became a sudden fan of 5A boys soccer. In Texas everything is BIG!

My time in Texas was a wonderful adventure. There is too much to share. Any questions just ask. With a thankful heart... I'm signing off. Squirrel and I must prepare for Massachusetts and Vermont! Please let me know if you come up with a costume or hat idea!

Scripturally Speaking:

In response to my experience with the angry gate agent at DFW:
John 10:10
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
New American Standard Bible
I pray for angry, bitter people. Bad day or not... life is too short to rob yourself or others of great joy.