Hosanna by the GREAT Andrew Peterson

I am tangled up in contradiction.

I am strangled by my own two hands.

I am hunted by the hounds of addiction.

Hosanna!

I have lied to everyone who trusts me.

I have tried to fall when I could stand.

I have only loved the ones who loves me.

Hosanna!

O Hosanna!

See the long awaited king come to set his people free.

We cry O Hosanna! Come and tear the temple down.

Raise it up on holy ground. Hosanna!

I have struggled to remove this raiment,

tried to hide every shimmering strand.

I contend with these ghosts and these hosts of bright angels.

Hosanna!

I have cursed the man that you have made me,

as I have nursed the beast that bays for my blood.

Oh, I have run from the one who would save me.

Save me, Hosanna!

O Hosanna!

See the long awaited king, come to set his people free.

We cry O Hosanna! Come and tear the temple down.

Raise it up on holy ground. Hosanna!

You have crushed beneath your heel the vile serpent.

You have carried to the grave the black stain.

You have torn apart the temple’s holy curtain.

You have beaten Death at Death’s own game.

Hosanna!

O Hosanna!

Hail the long awaited king, come to set his people free.

We cry O Hosanna! Won’t you tear this temple down,

raise it up on holy ground.

O Hosanna!

I will lift my voice and sing: you have come and washed me clean.

Hosanna.

Eva Kate Creel

Ms. Eva has arrived!

I was summonsed home from VBS on Thursday night as Rachael thought it might be time to head to the old horsepital. So, we finally meandered to L&D around 11PM. There was actually much doubt (after an hour of observation) whether we needed to stay or return home as the contractions were 5 minutes apart but not too intense (which, I know, is relative...especially for a man). About 1AM, the decision was made that we were to stay as they wanted to get Rachael started on an antibiotic IV as they thought the baby would probably be born sometime in the afternoon. So, for about a while Rachael and I wandered the halls but were told to be back in the room by 1:40AM for the next check up. By 1:30, the intensity of the contractions was much increased and Rachael told me she had the urge to push (something she didn't remember having with Nolan). So, I was told to go fetch the nurse around 2:15 and have her do the next exam. Needless to say, things had changed FAST and the preparations went into high gear and the good MD showed up in the room within minutes. So, we knew they meant business. Around 2:45 or so the dose of antibiotics had been delivered and the pushing began. At 2:53 Ms. Eva was born.

First, let me say that women that birth children are my heroes. I think I have a high pain tolerance, but I don't think for a minute I could give birth to a child. Rachael chose to give birth naturally and I have to say, she's an absolute trooper!

Second, there is absolutely nothing pretty about the birthing process. Nothing. Yeah, it's miraculous, and yes, it's a very cool experience, but it isn't pretty.

Third, we are in love with Eva! Even Nolan! :-)

Stats:

7 lbs. 14 ozs.

19.5" long

Mid-Season Review

With the all-star break occuring over the last few days, I am in baseball withdrawal. Allow me to reflect on the first half of the Rangers season:

* They are well ahead of where I expected them to be in the standings
* They are slightly ahead of where I expected them to be in wins (I thought around .500)
* The pitching is, without a doubt, the bright spot in the season:
- Best starting staff in years
- Young guys are getting experience and performing rather well
- Scooter Feldman is a BIG surprise
- The bullpen is above average
- The back end of the bullpen I still question a bit...I don't trust CJ Wilson
- Millwood is in a contract year and you can tell it
* The offense has bright spots, but also has concerns
- Michael Young is Michael Young...you get the same from him every year and that's good
- Nelson Cruz is the real deal
- Ian Kinsler is being exposed...hopefully he adjusts
- I am VERY happy with the contribution of Elvis Andrus
- Hank Blalock thinks he's Babe Ruth and has to start trying to drive the ball not jack it out every time

The problem for me is to keep my focus on the future, not now. All along this team has been built for 2010 and beyond and we have to keep that top of mind. My worst fear is that JD does something REALLY stupid to mortgage the future in hopes of making a real run this year. I can understand the temptation, but PLEASE don't do it like the Rangers have done so many times in the past! I hope Nolan Ryan exerts his influence on any and all personnel moves.

At any rate, let's hope for a run this year with no damage done to the future!

Colin Powell Speaks Out

Colin Powell Skeptical of Obama Spending

Can someone tell me what would make a man that has a history of endorsing smaller government endorse Barack Hussein Obama? It's not like the Obamanation was talking of small government during the campaign as he was clear on his intent to expand government (though, we all are surprised at how fast he's moved us towards socialism). So, should we expect to find some funny business, kick backs, promises of positions, etc. at the bottom of this? Or, is this a case of racism where Powell endorsed him only because of the man's skin color? It's sickening, really.

At any rate, I'm glad Powell is at least speaking out a bit. He's one of the few people that speak out that the state-run media will actually report on. Which brings me to another issue. Has anyone been paying attention to the tight control of the media the Obamanation Administration has enacted? All of those that voted for the Obamanation because they hated Bush and his "tyranny" need to open their eyes to what B. Hussein Obama is doing. It's a ton worse than Bush...and I don't like what Bush was doing either so don't go there. 

I can only pray those that voted for the man for something less than substance (skin color, hatred of Bush, ignorance, party affiliation) open their eyes and see what the Obamanation contributed to the rapid downfall of our country. This administration is an utter disgrace. Let's pray we only have to endure this for 4 years!