Post Tournament Photo

Here's what I looked like after the Rice - Texas match and my tournament this weekend...

It was a fun and busy Friday and Saturday.  I organized a group to go watch a college tennis match in Houston Friday evening.  That was was a great experience.  But then I hosted a high school invitational tennis tournament at Columbia Lakes Saturday morning and got up at 3:30 AM to start preparing for my day.  The weather was amazing.  The tournament went great.  We were done by early afternoon.

I took Connor and Elijah for a delicious lunch at Lucy's in West Columbia, then puppy Goliath and I were  ready for some SERIOUS 'couch time'.   After a short nap I was as good as new.

The sun is out and it is a gorgeous Sunday...  Ready for church then some more tennis this afternoon...!

Life is Good.  Wishing everyone a wonderful day in Jesus Christ, our Lord and SAVIOR!

~ Coach Sam  Chadwell

Fun Baseball Story -Precious Childhood Memories and Life Application...

A little boy was overhead talking to himself as he strode through the backyard, baseball cap in place and toting ball and bat. 'I'm the greatest baseball player in the world,' he said proudly.
 

Then he tossed the ball in the air, swung and missed.

Undaunted, he picked up the ball, threw it into the air and said to himself, 'I'm the greatest player ever!' He swung at the ball again, and again he missed. 
 
He paused a moment to examine the bat and ball carefully.  Then once again he threw the ball into the air and said, 'I'm the greatest baseball player who has ever lived.' He swung the bat hard and again missed the ball.
 
'Wow!' he exclaimed. 'What a pitcher!'

When I was a boy, baseball was my first love.  I would often go out into my back yard and play an imaginary game just as the little boy in the story did.   I also had a dream to be a professional baseball player and to be the best player ever.  I just love the attitude of the boy in the story,   Even in the face of adversity he did not give up.  Even after striking out he didn't get down on himself but gave credit to the "opposing pitcher'.   

You don't see that kind of grace any more.  You don't hear of credit given to someone else too often. And you rarely hear credit or praise given to God.    

No, This world is more and more about a glorification of self.  My life was like that once:  ALL ABOUT ME,    But when I learned about Jesus' Love for me and I observed authentic Christians living out their lives before me day in and day out, it made me long for what they had in their hearts:

The Love of Jesus. 

And since Jesus came into my heart I have never been the same again.  I am a new creation in Christ.  And You can be too.  Jesus can change your heart.  He can change your life.  

Are you struggling in some area of your life?  Are you swinging and missing like the boy in the story?  Jesus is knocking.  He uses the storms of life to drive us to him.  

It's time to hit a home run and give your life over to Christ.   If you would like to visit or pray about making a decision to  turn your life over to Jesus I will pray for and make time for you. Call or text me at 713-818-9109 or email me at coachsam@chadwelltennis.com.   

I pray that this story and these words would touch someone's heart today.   Maybe a man who loved baseball as a boy.  Maybe just someone who needs Jesus in their life.   And Friends: that's ALL of us.

Wishing everyone a wonderful day.  And praying that someone else will water this seed that I just planted.

Friends, we all need JESUS.  I love You.

Coach Sam

Making Sweet Family Memories

Goliath's First Family Camp Out January 11, 2014

Elijah and I decided on the spur of the moment yesterday evening that we would camp out in our back yard.  It was our first camp of 2014.   We set up our tent just before sundown.  We made a fire in a fire pit that Elijah built out of bricks.  We roasted hotdogs over an open fire.   Connor and Monica joined us for dinner.  It was a chilly evening but we were warm around the fire pit.

We enjoyed fresh baked chocolate chip cookies straight out of the oven,  That's one of the percs of camping in your back yard.  Another perc is wifi, but I didn't bring my laptop last night.  Elijah and I did enjoy watching Ultra Man on a portable dvd player with an extension cord.  We also had a heater in our tent.  That is the GREATEST benefit of camping in your backyard in January with an extension cord and a power strip.

This pic captures a sweet moment in our family history.  It was Goliath's first camp out.  Connor is not looking too excited but he rarely smiles in any posed photo.   Goliath the puppy sure looks comfy in Connor's lap, though.   It was a wonderful evening. 

Elijah built our fire pit

After the campfire died down Elijah, Goliath, and I retired to our tent and watched a dvd.  It got cold last night but we were warm and toasty inside the tent with our puppy....!

I never went camping as a young person.  I am sure glad Elijah enjoys it.  I love camping. Connor does too, but we haven't camped with Connor, yet.  Maybe sometime soon...  That would sure be an adventure.  Monica is not so keen on camping, but I know she would join us every now and then for a fun family weekend.   For now, this is Elijah and Daddy's 'thing'.

Fried Egg Plant: Yum

Eggplant Night, January 2014

When I was child I remember my mom frying up eggplant.   I loved it.  If its on the menu at a restaurant I will usually try it.  But I have not found any restaurants that particularly stand out, especially since we moved out to the rural community of West Columbia.

When I was at our local HEB grocery store a few days ago I spotted some lovely looking eggplant in the produce section so I decided I would see if I could make fried eggplant like momma used to make.  Elijah had never experienced fried eggplant before so I wanted him to try it.

I researched the preparation and frying process, checking out several websites.  I learned that eggplants have genders and the male eggplants are less spicy than the females because they contain less seeds.   -I am not joking here.   Check out this very informative website if you'd like to know more about eggplant.

I won't go into great detail regarding my recipe here in this article.  I posted a photo from 'eggplant night' a few days ago. I was just 'winging' it, but I was pleased with my first effort.  It tasted good to me, kinda how mom used to make it..  Elijah and Monica raved about it.  Connor even liked it and he is a very finicky eater who had previously stated that he had tried it in the past and did not care for it.   I am currently experimenting with some different batters and batter techniques.  I will post again when I feel that I have 'perfected' the Chadwell family recipe.

Breading Mix = bread crumbs, flour, salt, pepper, onion, garlic, and basil

If anyone has any eggplant recipes they would like to share please email me at coachsam@chadwelltennis.com.

Closing Out 2013...! Old Things Pass Away

It's difficult to believe that 2013 is drawing to a close. For the Chadwell Family 2013 has been a year of both struggles and triumphs.  I am sure that can be said for just about everyone.  But what defines a person is the lens they view their circumstances from.

I believe God's Holy Word addresses every situation or circumstance that I am going to face in life.  It is truly an instruction manual for living.

Here's what Psalm 31:1  has to say about how we should look at life:   I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.    

I am going to close out 2013 with Praise.  And Yes, I will praise God even for my struggles because they only draw me closer to HIM.    Read Psalm 31 in its entirety HERE.  Its only 22 verses.  It contains life coaching and lots of God's promises.   There are many great stand alone verses in Psalm 34 but I am going to make that Psalm one of my first memory verses for 2014. 

Whether you have had a 'good' or 'bad' year in a few hours 2013 will be in the history books.

If you already count yourself a Christian, commit to Growing in Christ by diving into his Holy Word every day in 2014. Pray for a hunger and thirst for His Word and He will answer that prayer.   If you are not a Christian then visit 2 Cor 5:17   Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 Start the new year as a New Creation...!   If you would like to visit about this I will drop what ever I am doing and spend some time with you, on the phone or in person...! 

I'll be chronicling 2013 in future posts. but my praise report for 2013 is this:  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 God loved Me, and he loved YOU so that we would have everlasting life.  If you don't have Jesus, you really don't have life at all.

CHOOSE LIFE.

Twas the night before Christmas a few years ago: Elijah, Daddy, and the Kitties were snuggled...

FLASHBACK:  Here's a fun look at Christmas a couple of years ago...   Elijah and I fell asleep on the couch snuggling.  Peepers, our cat is sleeping on top of both of us...  Luke, our other cat is asleep acting as a foot warmer...

I am wearing my famous Star Wars pajamas and it looks like Elijah is wearing an Aggie shirt of some sort and jeans.  I've got one leg slipping off the couch because Elijah and peepers are trying to establish more space.

Today: Christmas Eve  2013   I am sure looking forward to some extended 'couch time' this afternoon.   My sister is spending Christmas with us this year and I am very much excited to heave her here...  I have a morning of tennis lessons scheduled then starting around noon I will kick back into Christmas Holiday mode...!    Will definitely blog a bit later...!    Merry Christmas from the Chadwells...!

Coaches' View: The Benefit of the Doubt

Right where I was aiming...!

  It's very interesting how two people can look at the same situation and perceive two totally different outcomes.    Oh so many thoughts come to mind right now.  I am trying to teach sportsmanship to a group of young people right now.

I have to say that tennis is a great sport to use as a vehicle to teach sportsmanship.  Recreational tennis is one of the few sports that is usually played with out an official present on court.  Players must call their own lines and are on their 'honor' to make fair line calls.

A good coach will prepare his or her players to face this situation.  Players are supposed call their own lines on their side of the court. And the rule is If you aren't certain if the ball was in or out, you are supposed to give your opponent the 'benefit of the doubt' and call the ball in.

Making fair line calls and handling the pressure of competition is difficult for an 8 or 9 year old.  Sometimes its difficult for a teen or adult, too...!   I tell my players to give their opponents the benefit of the doubt on the first 'close' line call.  It's not worth an argument or disagreement as to whether the ball was on the line or not.  But if you see a blatant line bad call of six inches or more I would politely question the call, and if I experienced what I consider a third bad call then I would just ask a tournament official or coach to come over.

Parents are not supposed to become involved in the matches.  But this can be an overwhelming situation for a young person.  Coaches should prepare their players (and parents) to face difficult circumstances like this and I believe tennis is one of the best sports for character building.

Tennis teaches so many life skills.  Playing with integrity, and giving someone the benefit of the doubt are just a couple of the life skills you can learn.  Don't BE a character.  PLAY with character.  You'll be gad you did.

I try to blend a healthy dose of character building as well as technique and strategy into my coaching sessions.  I want to prepare my athletes to be able to handle themselves well on the court and in life.

My main coaching location is the Columbia Lakes Tennis Center in West Columbia, but I have satellite coaching locations in Lake Jackson, Angleton, Alvin, and League City, too.

Please check out my website for more information:  http://chadwelltennis.com 

See you on the courts,

Coach Sam Chadwell, 713-818-9109

Family Tennis Day

The Chadwells, Sam, Monica, and Elijah

I have been working diligently to transform the Columbia Lakes Tennis Center into a fun family place.   One of the foundational programs in my slate of programs is the Sunday Afternoon Family Tennis Play Day.   The Family Play Day is held twice a month on the first and third Sunday of each month.

Sunday is a 'family day' for many in this community and tennis is one the few sports that the entire family can enjoy together all at the same time, so organized family tennis time a perfect activity for this area.  My own family loves tennis so they can come to work with me on these days and it is a double bonus for me!

The Family Play Day event primarily consists of hitting, games, and match play for kids 7 years old through teen and adult players.  This program is perfect for a family of multiple ages and skill levels.  If a person is not ready to play an actual match, there is also ball machine time, and I have plenty of loaner racquets so there is no excuse to not get involved.

Because we usually have multiple families participating in this program there is always someone to match up with.  This is my favorite program because it just a laid back, fun time of families enjoying a good wholesome activity together.   Tennis is truly a sport for a life time!  The program has been very well received by the community.  On Sunday afternoons when the weather is nice we can always expect to have at least twenty to thirty participants on any given Sunday.  You should give it a try.   For more information on Family Play Day and my other programs please visit: http://chadwelltennis.com.  Hope to see you on the courts, soon! 

Frenchies Italian Restaurant

Monica and I had a chance to enjoy lunch at Frienchie's in Clear Lake yesterday.  This was the restaurant that catered our wedding back in 2003.

I was in a bit of a grumpy mood to begin the day because I was behind schedule. But the minute I stepped into Frenchie's, the owner greeted us with such a warm welcome, my bad mood completely melted.  We enjoyed a wonderful lunch while also reliving sweet memories of our wedding day.  Frankie Carmona, (the owner) kept referring to Elijah as 'the bambino' and Elijah was quite indignant about it but it sure put a smile on my face.

For lunch yesterday Monica had the Caesar Salad.  Frenchie's Caesar dressing is an old Carmona family recipe and it is AMAZING.   I had the Broccoli Rigatoni, always one of my favorites.  And Elijah enjoyed Frenchie's spaghetti.  Frankie also gave us a complimentary order of their wonderful garlic bread.  We dined later in the afternoon and had the entire restaurant to ourselves.  It was all such a wonderful experience.

I am now looking forward to another visit to Frenchie's to have the meal I enjoyed on my wedding day:  Chicken Crepes.  Yes, I will definitely come off my vegetable nutrition plan for Frenchiie's crepes...!

Mmmm...  As I compose this article, I am getting hungry, again.  And I am still feeling a glow from Frankie's warm reception and that wonderful lunch yesterday.   Frenchie's has not changed a bit in all the years I have frequented that establishment from 1989 to 2003.

 Monica and I have such fond memories of our dinner and lunch dates there. And I am glad Elijah has now enjoyed the Frenchie's experience, too.  But  he hasn't even had a chance to sample any of Frenchie's wonderful desserts, yet.  Yes, we will definitely have to plan another trip for lunch there, soon!

Six Home Schoolers Sharing One Chair...!

Poor Elijah...  He is at the bottom of the pile during a shade and water break this past spring.  But he is loving it.

This adorable group is one of my home school tennis classes that meets in Lake Jackson.  I love these precious children.  We always start each class with a prayer thanking God for our many blessings and asking him to help us honor him by doing our best and giving our highest effort for his Glory.

I have been blessed to make a living in the tennis industry as a player, coach, and club manager for over twenty-five years now.  I love impacting lives through coaching tennis.  Just one glance at this photo and you can tell how much fun we have on the tennis court.

My Lake Jackson program has recently moved  to Cornerstone Church, 3007 Hwy 332.  I have some Christmas Camps scheduled during December and am in the process of planning 2014 programs and activities now.  Deadline to register for Christmas activities is Dec 16.

Go to my website, http://chadwelltennis.com for more info on my Lakes Jackson program or phone or text me at 713-818-9109.

See you on the courts...!

Coach Sam Chadwell

See you

Best Burgers in Town: Mulligan's

Mulligan's Cheeseburger, Wow...!

Although I keep to a mostly vegetarian nutrition plan, I crave a delicious hamburger every now and then.  And whenever I am in the mood for a hamburger, there's only one place I will consider:

Mulligan's at Columbia Lakes.

Mulligans makes the best hamburgers I have ever eaten.  They are AMAZING.  I think this photo speaks for itself.

Of course, it makes a big difference when you know the people serving you.   Mulligan's is a family operation run by Jerry DeLay.  Jerry takes pride in always providing the very best food and service to his customers.  I know all the Mulligan's staff personally.  They prepare every meal as if they were making it for their own families.  They all use a very special ingredient called 'Love'.

I greatly appreciate all Jerry has done to make our local community a better place. I heartily endorse and recommend Mulligan's to everyone who visits the Columbia Lakes Tennis Center.  By the way, they serve very good pizza, too...!

I've lost 80 pounds over the past two years...

It's been quite a journey.  I weighed 175 back in 1997, the year I achieved a number one ranking in USTA Texas mens 30 and over doubles,  But by the end of 1998 my weight was in the 190's and by 1999 I was in the 200's and stayed 200 plus for the next eleven years.   I was 226 pounds on my wedding day in 2003.

At my heaviest I weighed in the 240's.   By 2010, I was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure.  The medications prescribed to me were expensive and had side effects that were worse than the conditions they were treating.

My wife researched natural remedies and we adjusted our diet to a vegan nutrition plan and the results were immediate.  Within ten days my blood pressure and blood sugar numbers were at normal levels and my weight slowly started diminishing.  By October 2012 my weight dropped below 200 pounds for the first time in thirteen years.  By October 2013 my weight had dropped to the low 160's.

Although my weight is back to 'normal', I still have to watch my nutrition.  When I stray too far from a plant based diet I can tell a huge difference in the way I feel.

My regained health is an amazing miracle.  I used to wear double X clothing and now I am wearing medium and large sizes.  

Camo Sunday

 Pastor Mike Hoggard has 'Bib Overall Sundays' at Bethel Church in Festus Missouri where (just for fun), everyone wears bib overalls to church on a designated day.  My son Elijah decided that we needed to have a 'Texas Version' of bib overall Sunday and he decided we would have 'Camo Sunday' yesterday.

 Elijah was totally camouflaged, but I only own one pair of camo shorts and they are a little too big for me these days but I was happy to get in the proper uniform of the day.  Elijah loaned me one of his camo caps to round out my ensemble.

We enjoyed church at our house this past Sunday, streaming Pastor Mike's Sunday School and Morning service to our television.   I made a delicious breakfast of biscuits and gravy.   Connor was home and we had a complete family in attendance.

In church, Pastor Mike taught on the reign of King Hezekiah.   Here are some of my notes from his sermon:

Hezekiah: He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. 2 Kings 18:5-6

 I wish America had a leader like Hezakiah.   At least I can lead my own family in that manner!  2 Kings 18:5-6 is an inspiring verse!  

The Lord provided an AMAZING day for us yesterday.     PRAISE GOD!

Coach Sam's Tip from the life of Hezekiah:  Cleave to the Lord today.  Depart not from following HIM.  Keep His Commandments!

Dragons, Unicorns, Satyrs, Leviathan... Do you believe they were / are real?

I have long been interested in the mystery creatures mentioned in the bible and also those same creatures as mentioned in mythological tales.

Pastor Mike Hoggard just published a study of Dragons, Fiery Serpents, Leviathan, Unicorns, Satyrs: all of whom are mentioned throughout the King James Bible.  He makes a very compelling presentation that these creatures DID in fact physically exist in history.  Furthermore, he shows us that there are spiritual ramifications associated with these beasts that may be affecting our lives today.   I am sure I will be blogging on this topic for awhile...

Here is a link to Pastor Mikes first study on this topic:

http://pastormikehoggard.com/2013/01/27/mystery-creatures-of-the-bible/

It's a fairly long video, (1 hour 15 mins)  but if this topic interests you at all you will not be able to stop watching it.   And then wait until I post part 2 of his study where he discusses dragons and their spiritual applications.  You will be TOTALLY amazed.

Many modern bible translations do not mention unicorns, satyrs, and the like...  That is a great point for discussion in another blog post.

I hope you will take time to view Pastor Mike's video teaching on mystery creatures of the bible and that we might enjoy a stimulating discussion afterwards. 

~Coach Sam

Funny Story about Billy Graham...

A tennis coach friend of mine shared this humorous story about Billy Graham...

Billy Graham was returning to Charlotte after a speaking engagement and when his plane arrived there was a limousine there to transport him to his home. As he prepared to get into the limo, he stopped and spoke to the driver.

'You know' he said, 'I am 87 years old and I have never
Driven a limousine. Would you mind if I drove it for a while?'

The driver said, 'No problem. Have at it.'

Billy gets into the driver's seat and they head off down the highway. A short distance away sat a rookie State Trooper operating his first speed trap.

The long black limo went by him doing 70 in a 55 mph zone.

The trooper pulled out and easily caught the limo then got out of his patrol car to begin the procedure. The young trooper walked up to the driver's door and when the glass was rolled down, he was surprised to see who was driving.

He immediately excused himself and went back to his car and called his supervisor. 'I know we are supposed to enforce the law.... but I also know that important people are given certain courtesies. I need to know what I should do because I have stopped a very important person.'

The supervisor asked, 'Is it the governor?'

The young trooper said, 'No, he's more important than that.'

The supervisor said, 'Oh, so it's the president.'

The young trooper said, 'No, he's even more Important than that.'

After a moment,the supervisor finally asked, 'Well then, who is it?'

The young trooper said, 'I think it's Jesus, because he's got Billy Graham for a chauffeur!'

Watching What I Eat

I came across this photo on Facebook and it inspired today's post about how changing to a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle totally turned my health around.  I went from a 230+ pound diabetic, high blood pressure situation to a 170-180 pound super charged athlete that has a second chance at life.

A little over two years ago I was on expensive meds that made me feel worse than the condition they were supposed to be treating.  My doctor said I could drop dead of a heart attack at any moment.  My body was always hurting due to trying to maintain an active lifestyle carrying around 75 pounds more than God intended me to have.

I would still like to shed a few more pounds, but in two years and 60 + pounds I have gone from buying XXL clothing to a lowly 'L' and sometimes I even fit into a 'M'.   I feel great and am playing the best tennis of my life in my late forties.   Praise God.

I will chronicle more of this journey in the next few weeks and months.  But for now, let me just say that by maintaining a healthy plant based nutrition plan combined with an active life style, I completely reversed my diabetes and high blood pressure.  

Being married to a loving dedicated spouse like my precious Monica sure hasn't hurt my chances of success and survival, either! (She is an amazing cook, too!)

To God be the Glory!   ~Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights...  James 1:17

10 and Under Tennis ~ Coach's Notes

Elijah would have played his first BIG tennis tournament in Houston this weekend but he had been sick all week and had to miss it.   I volunteered to help umpire and monitor some of the matches.  There was some amazing tennis talent in the 10 and under groups.    Many of the children were 7 years old like Elijah.

I asked one young competitor how old he was and he told me: "...7, but I have been playing tennis since I was 2..."    He was pretty good for seven years old.  

Over all, the10 and under tournament went very well.  There were no incidents involving parents that I observed.  And only one match I officiated ended up with a little boy crying because he lost.    That is my biggest concern with Elijah and other young people who compete 'seriously' in sports at a very young age. 

Elijah is an amazing kid.  He's already developed pretty good tennis strokes at his tender age, but I have concerns about how well he will 'compete' and interact with other kids on the field of competition.  I have never tried to be too 'pushy' a tennis parent. And I never emphasize winning but always stress the most important thing is to give 100 % effort and the winning will take care of itself.

My son is very naturally competitive, and I want him to develop a healthy respect for competition, especially displaying a keen respect for those he is competing against.

Tennis can be a great vehicle for teaching many life skills: especially how to interact with others.  It can teach the importance of honesty and integrity with regard to keeping score and making line calls.  It teaches problem solving.

I am looking forward to Elijah's next opportunity to play!

 

Watching Some Westerns Today....

 It's a wet day and looks to be a complete washout for the day.  I have a lot of work to do at home but I plan to take a break this afternoon at some point and watch a few episodes of 'The Virginian', with Elijah.   The Virginian starred James Drury and was one of my favorite television shows growing up as a kid.

I love that my son Elijah enjoys many of the same tv shows that I enjoyed as a young person because there is absolutely nothing I would want him to watch on television in this day and age.

I recently discovered that James Drury lives in the Houston area and makes many local appearances.  I would love to have him come to Columbia Lakes for an event some time.

To me, his character, 'the Virginian'  is a fantastic role model for young boys and men.  He his hard working, honest, and true.  He epitomizes the true cowboy way:

If it's not true, don't say it.
If it's not yours, don't take it.
If it's not right, don't do it.


If the world followed those three simple guidelines we would be living in a much different world than we do now.

 I long deeply for a different world and am greatly looking forward to this world passing away and the coming of a New Heaven and a New Earth.  I am looking forward to hear the sounding of a trumpet and to see my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ riding on the clouds, shining like the sun.

Until then, I will try to fill my head with good and wholesome things.   Whatsoever is true, whatsoever is honorable, whatsoever is right, whatsoever is pure, whatsoever is lovely, whatsoever is of good repute: If there is any excellence, or anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.  Phil 4:8

Starting the New Year well under 200 pounds...!

Wow...  I did not make one single post in 2012.  That is disappointing.  I have really let Facebook dominate my life.   Well, 2013 will be a different story.   I want to get back to my blogging this year.

Here's to the new year:  Good bye 2012...  Hello 2013...!

We have had the wettest coldest winter I can remember in a long time.  Maybe it seems colder because I have lost so much weight and I have very little natural insulation left.   Over the past 2 years I have lost nearly 60 pounds.   I weighed in for the new year at 185.2 pounds.

It is an awesome thing to start the year under 200 pounds.  My target weight is 165 so I have about 20 pounds to go.

I'll get there...!   See you on the courts.   ~coach sam

Bells of Saint Mary's

I finished teaching tennis camp in League City at 11:30 AM yesterday morning.  Then enjoyed a relaxing afternoon with Monica and Elijah that included lunch, a little shopping, then dessert.

Afterwards we went back home and had one of the most relaxing evenings in a long time just hanging out enjoying a cozy fire in the fireplace and watching one of my favorite childhood movies:  The Bells of St Mary's.

It was Monica and Elijah's first time to watch 'Bells' and they loved it.  For me, movies like this one bring back fond memories of the much simpler time of my youth.  I loved Bing Crosby.  He had such a beautiful voice.  And all the movie stars of that era seemed to be able to sing and dance so wonderfully.  The movies of that time period had a moral, and the story endings usually made you feel just glowing and inspired afterwards.  Although this era of great movie making has surely passed I never tire of watching classic movies that influenced my imagination and stirred my heart as a child.

It is no wonder I developed such a love for music at a tender young age watching movies like Bells of St Mary's and numerous others such as:  'A Song is Born' with Danny Kaye and the jazz legends of his day.  Danny Kaye is another amazingly talented actor whom I never tire of watching.

And so starts my 48 hours 'off'.   Sometime today or tonight I am probably going to watch 'White Christmas' again for the 100+ time.  I do not have a single tennis activity scheduled until Monday, December 26 and I am very much looking forward to just resting my body and hanging out and relaxing with my precious family and reflecting on the Christmas season

God has blessed my family tremendously this month in many ways.   Today as I reflect over the month, the year, and my life, I Thank and Praise the Lord for what HE has done and continues to do! I especially thank him for sending His son, Jesus to be born as a tiny little baby who would grow up and take away the sins of the world.  Jesus is THE TRUE MEANING for the CHRISTMAS SEASON...!

Looking forward to celebrating a great big birthday party tomorrow...!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS...!