Lately, I’ve developed a strong interest in the history of Texas. For Christmas, my wife and daughter surprised me with two fantastic books about the state’s history. Right now, I’m reading one of them, a gift from my daughter, called "The Blood of Heroes" by James Donovan, and I’m really enjoying it. This book focuses on the Battle of the Alamo, a topic I’ve been curious about since childhood.
I can’t wait to share some of the fascinating things I’m discovering from my reading. But before diving into interesting facts about Texas history, I want to share a bit of my own connection to the state. Back in 1974, my father decided he was done with the busy life of Southern California, specifically Whittier, a suburb of Los Angeles. He moved our family to be closer to his brother J.G. and his family in Vernon, Texas. I was just six years old then. Since I wasn’t used to the big city, moving to a quieter farming town in North Texas wasn’t too hard for me.
The world-famous Las Vegas Strip is known for its casinos, restaurants, bars, concerts, nightclubs, and extravagant shows. What many people don't realize is that the most sinful part of Sin City is also a showcase of unparalleled beauty, if you take the time to look around. Just beyond the view of gamblers parked in front of flashing slot machines and tourists mulling about on the street, there are amazing statues, fountains, and near-perfect recreations of some of the world's wonders. A traveler can experience the sights of Paris, Venice, New York City, and Ancient Greece all in one afternoon. And that's just the beginning—there is so much more to see and experience.
I don’t know about all of you, but this week has been crazy for me! Adulting hit me hard! This morning was the icing on the cake — I ended up with a black eye when a hanger popped back and hit me right before I walked out the door! I just laughed, shook my head, and went on my way anyway! I won! I hope you did too!
"From the beginning, California promised much. While yet barely a name on the map, it entered American awareness as a symbol of renewal. It was a final frontier: of geography and of expectation."One of Starr's most frequently cited quotes appears in the preface of his 1973 book, "Americans and the California Dream 1850 - 1915." Curious about the quote, I managed to find a PDF version of the book and browsed through several chapters. I must say, it's a fantastic retelling of California's history. While the original quote caught my attention, I also discovered an equally thought-provoking excerpt!
Imagine yourself sailing on a serene lake, the gentle waves lapping against your boat. As you gaze toward the shore, a figure emerges, and after a moment of focus, you realize it's a man. To your astonishment, you see him walking toward you on the surface of the water.
As he approaches, it becomes clear—this is Jesus. He stops about fifty yards away and gestures for you to step out of the boat and join him on the water. Now, here's where I find myself facing a real challenge.
