Terri Schiavo: Plain and Simple

Terri Schiavo is a human being, created in the image of God. Although a physically disabled and speech-impaired person, Terri is no less of a person in the eyes of her Creator than the healthy, mobile, speech-capable judges who have sentenced her to death. However, the powers that be have determined amongst themselves that Terri's life is no longer worth living, and therefore she must die.

Because it is not yet politically correct in our country to lethally inject or otherwise "actively" murder someone whose life has been declared meaningless (save in the case of unborn babies), the state, in its unmitigated benevolence and charity, has ordered a "dignified" murder for Terri instead. This pleasant death sentence is being carried out by means of starvation and dehydration; who wouldn't want to die in such a dignified manner?

Despite the extreme pain and physical havoc being wreaked upon her person, Terri is alive and fighting for her life. She is alive after being deprived of food and water for thirteen days. She is alive after years of being denied access to physical therapists and the opportunity to recover her speech and mobility functions. Terri is still alive even after her husband and many judges have signed her death warrant over, and over, and over again.

Shame, shame on every Christian who has rendered aid and comfort to these tyrannical, law-breaking judges. By lending their voices to the cry for Terri's execution, Christians have once again helped to "legitimize" the sin of our world. When will we repent from our traitorous ways and return to the Supreme King and Law-giver, paying homage to the Ruler of all, rather than to the rule of man-made law?

The issues are plain and simple. God has granted man no jurisdiction to take life simply because of someone's "quality of life" or lack thereof. Neither Michael Schiavo nor any judge can lawfully remove from Terri the living breath she received from God, save in the execution of lawful punishment (Romans 13:4). What Terri faces is no lawful punishment but rather a usurpation of Divine authority, the end result of which will be murder.

There is no issue in Terri's ordeal about which to legitimately argue. Real ethical questions do not exist. Food and water are being denied to a physically helpless human being at the direct, unlawful orders of judicial renegades. Need I say more?

Terri's feeding tube must be reinserted. Plain and simple, Terri must live.

Six Flags over Texas!!!

Yesterday I went with some friends to the local Six Flags theme park. I entered the park in complete control of my equilibrium, ready to take on and conquer any challenge thrown my way. Hours later I departed a deranged man, stumbling toward the exit with only one thought in mind: not moving, and getting warm (OK, so two thoughts). Regardless of these minor distractions, I did thoroughly enjoy the day and the company of some good friends.

Following are several pictures to document our outing.

Waiting for our first ride of the day, the Boomerang (don't ask). From left to right: Lourdes Torres, Sharon Sarratt, Michael Fowl, Mark Stubblefield, Nathan Barnes, Andrew Torres, and Cindy Sarratt.

Look to the right for familiar faces. Again, I say, to the right! Savvy?

Our crew is on your upper left. Wave everybody!

Wet and chilly conquerors. And wet and chilly.

Let's get Barnes in there, too.

Back in the water again. Who needs to be warm and dry?

Sitting down, sitting still, not moving, going nowhere, remaining in one place, feet firmly planted on terra firma, and waiting for dinner.

Saying Goodbye to Mark

Mark Stubblefield, a very close friend and comrade of mine, will soon be leaving the fair city of San Antonio and returning to his hometown somewhere in Missouri (all I know is that he does not live in St. Louis). In celebration . . . er . . . recognition of Mark's departure, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Howell graciously hosted a very enjoyable going-away dinner for Mark at their home this past Thursday evening. Major kudos to Mrs. Howell and Brian for an awesome meal of beef and chicken fajitas, refried beans, incredible queso and chips, other edibles I am forgetting, and chocolate brownie-cake for dessert.

Guests at Mark's dinner included Peter Pollack, Shannon Moeller, David and Joel Wean, Brian Howell, Nathan Barnes, Josh Lavin, Michael Fowl, and yours truly. Oh, yeah, Mark was there too. With this assembleage of characters present the evening's entertainment was completely self-sufficient. As one might imagine, the laughs were many and the intelligent commentary rather lacking. However, we did break away from our reveries long enough to swap tall tales of how great Mark is and how much we're all going to miss him. Funny thing is, I think he belived us. Go figure.

Following are a few pictures from the evening, taken by a very annoying red-headed dude with an ever-intrusive camera. Enjoy!

Somebody's having fun.

Hmm. What's going on here?

The crew. Left to right: Peter Pollack, Shannon Moeller, Michael Fowl, Josh Lavin, Tim Horn, Nathan Barnes, Mark Stubblefield, Brian Howell.

The Cheshire himself.

Sunday at BCA

Nothing like a little quality fellowship among friends. Below are some pictures of after-service life at BCA, taken this past Sunday.

Enjoy.

The Saint (and Mrs. Howell)

Jonathan Huber and Samuel Turley: Dangerous duo!

Hello, ladies! Neither Mandy Spradling, Mary Howell, or Jeannie Spradling are camera shy.

Dinner at Ruth's Chris!!!

On March 17, Mark Stubblefield greatly added to the festivities of my birthday by taking me out for a delightful dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in downtown San Antonio. I ordered and thoroughly enjoyed a stuffed chicken breast (I don't know what the stuffing was, but it was incredibly unhealthy and tasted awesome!). Dessert was a piece of chocolate fudge/pudding/cake something or other. Not sure exactly what it was called, but I couldn't have asked for a tastier end to a fantastic meal.

Our conversation ranged from hilarious, to sober, to disturbing, to mutually encouraging, as most of our conversations usually do. Just a couple of bachelors living life on the edge (or as close to the edge as possible without getting into too much trouble).

Thanks for a great evening, Mark!

Here's looking at you, kid.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Spurs Basketball

I recently enjoyed the unique (for me) opportunity to attend a San Antonio Spurs game at the SBC Center in San Antonio, Texas. Nathan Barnes was my game-viewing partner, and we made good use of the fantastic tickets graciously given to us for that night (two rows behind the scorers' table!).

Below are some pictures I shot during the game. Have fun as you get a taste of our great seats!

The Spurs won, by the way.

Modern greatness: Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett.

Kevin Garnett skies for the rebound.

It's all Timmy D, baby.

Duncan driving down the lane.

Tim Duncan at the line.

Will he concur?

Kevin Garnett soars for a jump ball.

Waiting for it all to end.

My new computer arrived last week. Sweetness.

Foosball!!

Warriors of the Foos? 

Foos Master Mark 

Foos Master Barnes 

Swing low . . .  

Safely Home (or at least back to the house where I live)

Since I promised to relate whether or not I successfully made my return trip from New Jersey to Texas, I shall.

Yes, I made it.