Hi, hello and greetings everybody!!!
Well...it's been an interesting year to say the least. For those of you who have followed me throughout the year know the journey that yours truly has taken so I won't get into the gory Rated R details, but suffice it to say there are about as many bumps and dips on Route 66 as there has been in my life in 2012.
(Before I go on, I am not writing this today in advance of the supposed "end of the world" that is alleged to occur tomorrow.)
Anyway, my prayer is that it only gets better in 2013. May everyone have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous new year.
Love, Robert
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Saturday, November 3, 2012
A little bit about a lot...
Greetings to one and all. Welcome to my latest rant and/or rave.
Since November is the quasi-official month of Thankfulness, thought I would take a couple of minutes and say a collective "Thank You" to all of you, wheresoever you are on this Earth.
I know I have just over 2,100 friends on Facebook and I was thinking about y'all the other day. A lot of you I know from growing up in Clinton and know and have become acquainted with you in various stages of my life, whether it be attending and graduating from Clinton Schools or working in radio or attending SWOSU for the cup-of-coffee I was there for a/k/a two semesters or serving our country in the National Guard or wherever. Yes, I am friends with some news reporters and anchors that probably wouldn't know me from the "Man on the Moon" but they know that at least one person watches their work. Y'all have seen me shine and then fall on my "blessed assurance". You've comforted me, encouraged me, prayed for me, lit fires under me (figuratively speaking of course), but nonetheless you have been there for me. I thank each of you for being there even if it is a simple as lending me an ear or a Facebook poke.
Again, thank you everyone for the love, support, shoulder, boot and everything in between.
Since November is the quasi-official month of Thankfulness, thought I would take a couple of minutes and say a collective "Thank You" to all of you, wheresoever you are on this Earth.
I know I have just over 2,100 friends on Facebook and I was thinking about y'all the other day. A lot of you I know from growing up in Clinton and know and have become acquainted with you in various stages of my life, whether it be attending and graduating from Clinton Schools or working in radio or attending SWOSU for the cup-of-coffee I was there for a/k/a two semesters or serving our country in the National Guard or wherever. Yes, I am friends with some news reporters and anchors that probably wouldn't know me from the "Man on the Moon" but they know that at least one person watches their work. Y'all have seen me shine and then fall on my "blessed assurance". You've comforted me, encouraged me, prayed for me, lit fires under me (figuratively speaking of course), but nonetheless you have been there for me. I thank each of you for being there even if it is a simple as lending me an ear or a Facebook poke.
Again, thank you everyone for the love, support, shoulder, boot and everything in between.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
"But then I realized..."
It's not often that I get woke up with thoughts to write down (that are fit for publication, that is), but today was one of those days. So here it goes...
- I would complain about how hot it has gotten here in Western Oklahoma recently, but then I realized...I'm not halfway around the world wearing full BDU's and a ruck sack and carrying a weapon fearing each day could be my last on this earth.
- I would complain about the lack of speed of me obtaining a job out of state so I can basically start over, but then I realized...there are thousands of Americans in the same predicament (although it is unknown how many of those whose spouses kicked them out of the house) and I should be thankful that at least I have family to fall back on -- probably for most of them, their families wouldn't give them as much as a "kiss my foot". <---notice I kept that G-rated
- Yep, I would sing my "Gloom, Despair and Agony on Me" song (Look it up on YouTube, kids), but then I realized...I do have so much to be thankful for. For my family, for my friends, for my brothers/sisters in the church. I just can't really complain about anything.
Now, on the other hand...(great, now I'm sounding like Tevye from "Fiddler on the Roof")
- I'm ready for 50-60 degree fall weather and Football season
- I'm ready to start over in all aspects including (hopefully) having someone that will stick with me through thick AND thin.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Being a "Practicing Christian"
There is a phrase that I use a lot that may not make sense with a lot of people, but once you get the premise hopefully you understand what I try to get at.
I use the phrase "practicing Christian" to describe my relationship and walk with Christ, much like a doctor would say he or she is "practicing medicine" or an attorney would be "practicing law". You no doubt have heard the old adage "Practice makes Perfect". Have the doctors and lawyers perfected their profession? No. Otherwise, we would have a cure for cancer or any other major illness or see criminals become permanent residents of the prison system without them burning appeal after appeal (at taxpayer expense, I might add).
You can say that in some ways we are "practicing Christians". Even the Apostle Paul thinks of himself in that matter.
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the Upward call of God in Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 3:12-14 (Revised Standard Version)
If I have said that I have perfected my relationship with Christ, I would be lying and most everyone that knows me would tell you that. Have I slipped up in my walk with Christ? Uhhh, yeah! Do I take pride in that? No, that would be very stupid on my part.
I have just recently become among the ranks of the wedded. Am I the "perfect husband"? Not hardly. I wouldn't rank myself among the great Dads of television lore like Ward Cleaver, John Walton or Cliff Huxtable. (I know that's a stretch, but bear with me) I do what I can to be a great husband and a great father and grandfather. Yes, I am going to make mistakes. To quote a popular song from the 80's by the Human League, "I'm only human". Trust me, If I was the "perfect husband", my wife Teresa and I would be a lot better off than we are now. Then again, if I were to take a survey of the couples who live in the Rolling Hills area of Clinton, I can bet that not one of them would say they have the "perfect marriage" but that they are working hard to make it so.
This isn't aimed at one particular person...I was just getting some thoughts off my chest and giving you something to think about.
I use the phrase "practicing Christian" to describe my relationship and walk with Christ, much like a doctor would say he or she is "practicing medicine" or an attorney would be "practicing law". You no doubt have heard the old adage "Practice makes Perfect". Have the doctors and lawyers perfected their profession? No. Otherwise, we would have a cure for cancer or any other major illness or see criminals become permanent residents of the prison system without them burning appeal after appeal (at taxpayer expense, I might add).
You can say that in some ways we are "practicing Christians". Even the Apostle Paul thinks of himself in that matter.
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the Upward call of God in Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 3:12-14 (Revised Standard Version)
If I have said that I have perfected my relationship with Christ, I would be lying and most everyone that knows me would tell you that. Have I slipped up in my walk with Christ? Uhhh, yeah! Do I take pride in that? No, that would be very stupid on my part.
I have just recently become among the ranks of the wedded. Am I the "perfect husband"? Not hardly. I wouldn't rank myself among the great Dads of television lore like Ward Cleaver, John Walton or Cliff Huxtable. (I know that's a stretch, but bear with me) I do what I can to be a great husband and a great father and grandfather. Yes, I am going to make mistakes. To quote a popular song from the 80's by the Human League, "I'm only human". Trust me, If I was the "perfect husband", my wife Teresa and I would be a lot better off than we are now. Then again, if I were to take a survey of the couples who live in the Rolling Hills area of Clinton, I can bet that not one of them would say they have the "perfect marriage" but that they are working hard to make it so.
This isn't aimed at one particular person...I was just getting some thoughts off my chest and giving you something to think about.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Her Old Kentucky Home...
As most of you know, this past week was a sad time here in the Keil household as my brother Jeremy's girlfriend Libby passed away due to what was determined to be a clot in her pulmonary artery. It was also a "double whammy" as they found out the day before that she was also with child. Her parents made the call for her to be buried in her home area so Jeremy and I went to Kentucky as we laid her body in her final resting place. We arrived there Sunday evening and got back very early this morning about 12:40am.
Other than for the main purpose of the trip, Jeremy and I had a great time exploring the Bluegrass State. First day we were there, we got to visit some sights that she liked to visit in Elizabethtown (or E-Town for short). Tuesday, we went up to Louisville and looked at some old houses dating back as far as the 1890s (very well kept, I might add) and visited the Science Museum there. Basically, while the family was getting arrangements made and waiting for Libby to be transported back to Kentucky (who knew death would have to be so bureaucratic!), we virtually stayed out of the way. But they were very gracious to us, let us stay at their place and make ourselves at home, even the DirecTV.
A couple of little funny instances while we were there...
1. First morning we were there, her dad Skeeter took Jeremy and I around, showed us their home church (more on that later) and took us to the lake where the family liked to fish and everything. On the way to the lake there were deer on the side of the road. They were just right there minding their own business, grazing along the shoulder, looking at us like "hey, what's up?"
2. This one I found kinda funny, being interested in radio and TV broadcasting...same morning, we were watching the CBS affiliate out of Louisville and I thought I heard and saw some familiar production elements that one might see on Channel 5 in Oklahoma City. Come to find out, WLKY is owned by the same company as KOCO so not only are they sister stations but in a sense, they are a sister station to News 9 (CBS).
Anyway, the church that Libby and her family go to and grew up in is one of those old fashioned country churches...complete with cemetery next door, similar to Peace-Bessie only there's no fence around the cemetery. The church was small, but there was no sound system and there were no musical instruments either. The church may be a Baptist church, but they are Baptist in name only. It leans more toward old-fashioned Pentecostal (similar to how we were raised, but not really).
All-in-all, with the exception of the main purpose it was a very enjoyable experience in Kentucky. I would have loved to do more sightseeing...and visit the Louisville Slugger factory and museum, but it was fun and one experience I would love to do again...only without having to bury someone.
Other than for the main purpose of the trip, Jeremy and I had a great time exploring the Bluegrass State. First day we were there, we got to visit some sights that she liked to visit in Elizabethtown (or E-Town for short). Tuesday, we went up to Louisville and looked at some old houses dating back as far as the 1890s (very well kept, I might add) and visited the Science Museum there. Basically, while the family was getting arrangements made and waiting for Libby to be transported back to Kentucky (who knew death would have to be so bureaucratic!), we virtually stayed out of the way. But they were very gracious to us, let us stay at their place and make ourselves at home, even the DirecTV.
A couple of little funny instances while we were there...
1. First morning we were there, her dad Skeeter took Jeremy and I around, showed us their home church (more on that later) and took us to the lake where the family liked to fish and everything. On the way to the lake there were deer on the side of the road. They were just right there minding their own business, grazing along the shoulder, looking at us like "hey, what's up?"
2. This one I found kinda funny, being interested in radio and TV broadcasting...same morning, we were watching the CBS affiliate out of Louisville and I thought I heard and saw some familiar production elements that one might see on Channel 5 in Oklahoma City. Come to find out, WLKY is owned by the same company as KOCO so not only are they sister stations but in a sense, they are a sister station to News 9 (CBS).
Anyway, the church that Libby and her family go to and grew up in is one of those old fashioned country churches...complete with cemetery next door, similar to Peace-Bessie only there's no fence around the cemetery. The church was small, but there was no sound system and there were no musical instruments either. The church may be a Baptist church, but they are Baptist in name only. It leans more toward old-fashioned Pentecostal (similar to how we were raised, but not really).
All-in-all, with the exception of the main purpose it was a very enjoyable experience in Kentucky. I would have loved to do more sightseeing...and visit the Louisville Slugger factory and museum, but it was fun and one experience I would love to do again...only without having to bury someone.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
10 years later...
I don't mean to sound like I'm "Robbie Downer" (after all, my mom's name is Debbie)...but I haven't been getting into all the spirit of reflection on what happened 10 years ago tomorrow. Much like right now, I had other thoughts going through my mind...the least of which was reacting to planes crashing into the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and crashing in a field in Pennsylvania and the magnitude of it all. It was later in the afternoon seeing of all people the late Peter Jennings on ESPN did I realize that it was big.
I was struggling with some issues of my own at that time...some may say I'm still struggling with them today but oh well. Like I said, I don't mean to sound crass but Sept. 11, 2001 was just another day for me. True, it affected me as an American, but I was dealing with other things in my life. And I'll leave it at that...
I was struggling with some issues of my own at that time...some may say I'm still struggling with them today but oh well. Like I said, I don't mean to sound crass but Sept. 11, 2001 was just another day for me. True, it affected me as an American, but I was dealing with other things in my life. And I'll leave it at that...
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Valley of Decision...it's a deep one!!!
My topic du jour in case you might not have heard by now...after nearly 30 years at 221 South 5th, we are going to have to move because our house has been bought (we still don't have a clue who bought it unless it comes out in the Clinton Daily News in the next few days). And it wasn't just our house either...two neighboring lots next door were also purchased.
Our preliminary indication is that the buyer purchased not only our house and the houses next door, but lots facing 4th Street/US 183 for the new home for the Clinton Fire Dept.
Whatever it was purchased for, there are lots of memories of this house that we're going to take with us. All three of us grew up here. There have been a lot of good times and yes, there have been a few bad ones (basically being the first to hear about Grandpa Tucker being one of them).
I've got some decisions I'm praying and pondering over...Mom and Dad do also as well as Stephenie. One thing I do pray for all of us is that we make the right decision that's best for all of us.
That's it for this topic for now. I will update this post when new details are available.
Update -- Sept. 8, 2011: As expected, our house and property have been purchased by the City of Clinton for the purpose of building a new fire station. Two other houses next door to us were also purchased as well as the lots on 4th Street between Avant and Hayes. There is one other house that the City is wanting to purchase -- but the owners haven't decided to sell yet. Won't be surprised if "Eminent Domain" winds up being exercised. Stay Tuned...
Our preliminary indication is that the buyer purchased not only our house and the houses next door, but lots facing 4th Street/US 183 for the new home for the Clinton Fire Dept.
Whatever it was purchased for, there are lots of memories of this house that we're going to take with us. All three of us grew up here. There have been a lot of good times and yes, there have been a few bad ones (basically being the first to hear about Grandpa Tucker being one of them).
I've got some decisions I'm praying and pondering over...Mom and Dad do also as well as Stephenie. One thing I do pray for all of us is that we make the right decision that's best for all of us.
That's it for this topic for now. I will update this post when new details are available.
Update -- Sept. 8, 2011: As expected, our house and property have been purchased by the City of Clinton for the purpose of building a new fire station. Two other houses next door to us were also purchased as well as the lots on 4th Street between Avant and Hayes. There is one other house that the City is wanting to purchase -- but the owners haven't decided to sell yet. Won't be surprised if "Eminent Domain" winds up being exercised. Stay Tuned...
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