Entrance into the Kingdom of God

My granddaughter Isabelle was baptized yesterday morning, and Michelle and I were thrilled to be there and witness it. It is such a comfort and joy to know that she is being raised by loving parents who are themselves strong believers.
In the front row of the picture are Isabelle (age precisely 7 months), her mother Christy (26), great-grandmother Hellie (Helen Borton, age 86), and grandmother Michelle (43); back row - father Reggie (31), and grandfather Allen (53).

The changing seasons

As I sit here early on the morning of the day after Labor Day, I am moved to reflect on how, in the educational world, Labor Day has always seemed to me almost like New Year's Day. My wife, a teacher, has her first day of classes today. Personally, I find that, even though I miss talking clearly and singing more than I could ever express, I do not really miss teaching per se all that much.

Also, having become a fan of country music in recent years, I have now in mind a recent Kenny Chesney hit, "The Boys of Fall" -

When I feel that chill, smell that fresh cut grass
I'm back in my helmet, cleats, and shoulder pads
Standin' in the huddle listenin' to the call
Fans goin' crazy for the boys of fall

They didn't let just anybody in that club
Took every ounce of heart and sweat and blood
To get to wear those game day jerseys down the hall
The kings of the school, man, we're the boys of fall

[Chorus:]
Well it's, turn and face the stars and stripes
It's fightin' back them butterflies
It's call it in the air alright yes sir we want the ball
And it's knockin' heads and talkin' trash
It's slingin' mud and dirt and grass
It's I got your number, I got your back
When your back's against the wall
You mess with one man, you got us all
The boys of fall