And now on to more important things...

Well, I noticed my lovely wife has left the "Recognition" post up for a while, and I do thank everyone for their kind words. I will say it is nice to be recognized, but my job is to recognize and bring attention to our student-athletes and our University - that is what I enjoy doing. But thanks!

Now, on to the more important thing:

Leslye and I just wanted to say congratulations to our brother-in-law, Jason West. He was installed as a deacon on Sunday at the 37th Street congregation in Snyder. We were not there to witness the event, but I do know that we wish we could have been there.

Several years ago, my sister started dating this guy, and although I was younger, I still wanted to be protective of my sisters - still am to a degree. I believe the story I remember is this guy kept hounding her to go out with him, and she finally said, "yes." And I guess, after a bit, the rest is history.

I remember still being in junior high and high school, and I would spend the summers at Granny and Grandad's. Jason also lived in Abilene and was playing baseball at ACU, even in the summer. I remember one instance where I was there watching him play, and in between games (or after, I can't remember) he took me in his yellow, convertible bug to Sonic. I also spent some time at his apartment during the summer just "hanging" out. I thought that it was pretty cool that he liked me enough to spend time with me, even though I was the "little brother." Or maybe it was because Jami asked him to do it. Little did he know, I was checking him out just as much as he probably was me.

The thing was, I always wanted to a) be a big brother, and b) have a big brother. Well, I guess the closest to being a big brother I got growing up was being protective of my older sisters, but Jason was my first big brother (and now I have Jeff, too), and I could never thank him enough for being a great one!

We have spent a lot of fun times over the years, playing sports, playing games, traveling, Rangers' games, singing, etc. But most importantly, I have watched him be a great husband to my sister and a wonderful dad to my nephews. He is a great Christian role model to a lot of people, including me.

I thank God for bringing Him to my family. I have no doubt in my heart that Jason lives for the Greatest One of All each and every day, and that he displays his love for God in the way he lives his life.

People can be chosen to represent the church by being selected as an elder or a deacon, but I truly believe that we should all live our lives as if we have that "title." One shouldn't change because the church asks them to serve. One should be asked because he has served. It's not a change of life when called upon, but it's because you have changed lives that you have called upon.

I truly believe one of the greatest things a man is called to do is serve as an elder or deacon in the church. I have watched my grandfather serve as an elder, my father serve as both an elder and a deacon, my father-in-law serve as an elder, and now I am blessed to watch Jason serve as a deacon. I have longed to be able to do just that, and one day, Lord willing, He will call me to that service, too.

Although this post ended up being longer than what I intended (but then again, who's surprised?) I just want Jason and the rest of the world to know that we are proud of him.

Jason, Leslye and I love you, and I am so very proud to call you much more than my brother-in-law. You're my brother in Christ.

And if it's OK with you, let's just drop the in-law part.