"There is more to life than increasing its speed." - Mohandas K. Gandhi

"Welcome back, Your dreams were your ticket out. Welcome back, To that same old place that you laughed about." Those are the lyrics from the TV show, "Welcome Back Kotter." We did like that show and I do welcome you back to my version of where the rubber meets the road, at least as I see it, here on this Monday, April 29, 2013. Last week, Gallup, the long standing polling company, published the results from their just completed Well-Being reviews for the different states that make up our great country. I suppose the surf really is up in Hawaii because it once again registered the lowest stress levels in our nation. My birth state and where I spent much of my early life, Louisiana, reported the second lowest levels of stress. Maybe my fellow Louisianians aren't plugged in enough to know how stressed they should be. The next three lowest were Mississippi, Iowa, and Wyoming. The top five with the highest stress levels were West Virginia, Rhode Island, Kentucky, Utah, and Massachusetts. Utah? Where over 60% are Mormons? What's up with that? There's more good news for those of us who live here in the Lone Star State. Texas was number six on the list of the least stressed out masses. One observation in passing. I think Louisiana and Mississippi are typically on the lower end of the scale when it comes to income and prosperity. Maybe it's true folks, money can't buy you a stress free life, or something like that.

I was able to catch most of the opening dedication ceremony for the Presidential Library of George W. Bush. Seeing five presidents together is not something that happens every day. The presentation was elegant and special. It reminds us all that we have a connection to those who lead us and the uniqueness of the freedom we stand for was very much on display. Seeing President George W. and Laura sitting next to his mom and dad, President George H. W., and Barbara, was very special indeed. I know many decisions made by President George W. have been the subject of much scrutiny, debate, and criticism. I said early on and continue to believe that when the entirety of the record is completely understood he will fair much better than many of his critics will acknowledge at this time. One way we know this to be true is how the current administration after loudly castigating any and all things George W. Bush chose to retain and continue unchanged most of his important policies. Think about that. And, already the polls are showing improved appreciation for him and his service to our nation. The wife and I look forward to visiting this new facility as soon as we can. May God bless the Bush family and may God bless America.

American Idol, sorry. Survivor, not this night. Duck Dynasty's final episode of this season was the most watched TV program on any and all channels last Wednesday. That's right, of all programs. I didn't get to see it that night but I did watch it early Friday morning on the A&E website. It's about the Robertson clan taking a vacation to Hawaii. There are parts of it that are get-down-on-the-floor funny. Uncle Si is typically involved in the funnier stuff. At the end of the one hour show, Phil, the head of the family, worded a beautiful prayer to the Lord God of heaven, in Jesus Name, Amen. While the show lacks some of its original freshness and I think the writers who suggest scenes may be moving too much towards staged events, it is still some of the best stuff to watch on television. Think about it. How many television shows have families that are bent on honoring God through their commitments to one another? How many do you see that openly acknowledge God's presence and His provision that brought them the means and success they have enjoyed? And, let's face it, many of us know some of those same people. No. Not the ones on the show but those we have rubbed shoulders with growing up. I say: More power to them! Now have yourself a good Monday and I'll catch up with you again tomorrow, Lord willing. Amen.    ....More later.