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Home… Home is where the heart is…there’s no place like home…home is where your story begins…Home. My hometown, my alma mater, the awesome Milan Bulldogs, played for the state championship this past Friday night. They were 14-0 going into this game and it looked as if they might be able to pull off an upset and beat Alcoa. But, unfortunately, Alcoa would not be denied their fifth straight state championship title.
Since I now live near Alcoa this was a hard pill to swallow. One thing cool about this game was that it was on local television. It was great to see that purple and white once again. Even though we lost it was still awesome to see. I graduated from Milan in 1990. We have always had a good football team, especially when John Tucker (no relation to me) was there. At one time, and still may be, Coach Tucker was the all time winningest coach in the state of Tennessee. We have won several state championships and I’m sure more will come. Maybe even next year because this team is young and I believe they can make it back to Murfreesboro. Good luck to them.
Watching that game brought back memories, memories of my high school days and living in Milan. There were good times and some bad times. There were great times and some just absolutely horrible, nightmarish. But I still, no matter where I live today or tomorrow, I still consider it home. It made me wonder of where my friends are living now and what are they doing with their lives. It made me relive some of my childhood, skateboarding all over the streets, building half-pipes, playing baseball, waffle ball, basketball, etc. in my big back yard. I had an awesome go-kart track around that yard. Oh yes…memories. One lesson that I am learning these days is that those days are gone…they are past…I can’t do anything to change the good or the bad…all I can do is take care of today and what is ahead of me. I’m thankful for what the Lord has allowed me to go through, both good and bad, and I’m grateful that He is guiding me, holding my hand, as we walk together today, and I can lay my head down tonight and sleep peacefully knowing that He will be there with me tomorrow. As many times I have failed Him, He has been faithful to me. As many times I have left Him and didn’t follow through with His Will, He has always been there waiting for me to pick up the broken pieces and get moving again. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Randy

Well, it’s official. Change has come to the hill. I just finished listening to the press conference where they announced Lane Kiffin as the head coach of my beloved Tennessee Volunteers. I’m excited about this change, especially if he puts the staff together that people are talking about. We should be able to compete in the SEC once again!
Did you see any of the press conference where Coach Fulmer was let go? It was sad. Many people rejoiced. I had mixed emotions. I have felt like change was needed for years but my heart went out to Fulmer and his family. I know the feeling of being let go like that. I was at my previous church for a year and a half and I was let go and it was totally unexpected. I couldn’t imagine being somewhere for thirty years of my life and then it comes to an end. It was obvious how much Tennessee means to Fulmer. Yeah, he may get a big fat paycheck out of it but I guarantee you that money could never replace what he has lost.

How do you deal with unexpected things? Just to be honest, I have really struggled with what has happened to me and my family. I struggle with emotions toward the people who have hurt me and put my family in a very difficult situation, especially financially. I struggle with the fact that it has even happened. Why? Why me? Have you ever asked God that question? Why is this or that happening to me at the most worse possible time it can happen? But I refuse to give in the towel and give up. I must keep on going and I will. I know someday all will be well again. Maybe it’s a test from God. And yes, I have, on several occasions, had some serious conversations with God about all of this. I need answers. But do I turn away from the One who has the answers? Do I turn away from the One who can help me through this difficult time? No. In fact, I run to Him for strength, guidance, understanding, wisdom, etc. and I want to encourage you to do the same thing if you are struggling with life or with your faith. What alternative do you have that is better than God? If we turn from Him, then we have lost all hope. If you lose hope, then you have lost everything.
I was flipping through the channels the other day and I came across a preacher preaching on How to Handle Discouragement. He was using Psalm 42 and 43 as his text. I encourage you to read and study these passages. I will leave you with this verse from Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Keep the faith, Randy