The Day Has Passed

Well, the day has come and gone. I now need some help taking all of the festiveness down. Sis Pam asked how many trees are in our home. Ranging from 1 foot to 7.5, there are 14 trees in the grove. Every room has at least one. It is very pretty but someone needs to take it all down. I guess that someone is me. Normally I get the after Christmas blues so bad. This year for some reason I did not. Perhaps it is that melancholy feeling that causes me to rise at 5 am to go stand in line at Wal-Mart to buy reduced merchandise. I go way overboard. It is more of an obsessive disorder I think. I was going to go out and be reasonable this year. I was going to spend a minimal amount because clearly I do no need anymore stuff. There was just a few item I wanted to add. Four hours and six stores later I had a car full. I just got so caught up. It is pathetic and I need help. It is so fun though. Truth be told I sneak back in every now and then to see if it is reduced even more. I am still over $100 under last year. So there has been improvement. There are some 30plus boxes of Christmas stuff in our attic, or will be when I finally get it back there. I see these litle Rubbermaid containers for storing ornaments and think how pathetic that is. There is no way I could get all ou ornaments in there. I may count how many ornaments there are this year. It is way out of control, but hey everyone has their thing. At least mine is not something illegal or harmful to me. My poor attic doesn't think so. I hear it groaning throught the year beneath the weight of the load. That could very well be the death of me, crushed beneath collapse, avalanche of Christmas trees, ornaments and various other items. I have ramble quite enough. God bless you all.

Even More Pics

More Pics

The Ole "Yule Blog"

I suppose it is time to post again especially since I am beginning to be shamed again. Since last post I have become a college graduate again. *Hooray!* I had to finish a little work for my Bachelor's degree. That is all done. There have been Christmas programs at work, at church. I even sang a Christian song at work in a talent contest. I did not win but I was truly blessed by al of the positive feed back. I was told when I entered that nobody would be paying any attention to the contest. WRONGO!!!! All eyes and ears were tuned. It was a bit nerve racking. It went well though. Our CEO and the Nuns were quick to thank me for the song choice and dedication. My co-workers were stunned that I had that in me. So, I felt like a winner. I am including a few pics from the inside of our home to put you in the holiday spirit. God bless you all and Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you!

The Big Reveal

Here are a few pics of the outside of our house. It does not show everything. I love Christmas. I have been slow to post due to a small home improvement project. I suppose I should post some pics of that. There will be a band service at our house tonight. There was a ladies' night out last Friday. I had to get all of the construction finished before that and try to clean up the mess. All is well here in Arkansas. I will try to get some more pics up of the inside. I'll have to hurry, lest I be called a liar. The nerve!!!!! *rasberry* Hope you guys enjoy this post. More pics that words. God bless you all.

Why are all of these people slowing down?

The Annual Christmas Lights Extravaganza has been under way for some time on Ozark Street. It seems that people keep slowing down to a crawl in front of our house. I don't know if it is the brightness (kind of a deer in the head lights type thing) or if they are taking in all of the elements that make it up. Perhaps they are trying to size up the gigantic inflatable snowman (over twelve feet tall). There are six inflatables in my yard. I was afraid that would be tacky. My yard is so big that it really works out fine. One is more toward the back and mainly viewable to us. I will just have to get some photos on here soon. I just keep adding a few thing here and there. I will continue to do that until Dec. 1st. I have up plenty enough at this point. If I do not put up any more it is fine. If I do it is even better. So I carry on.

Guess What...It's Christmas!!!!

Alright, it is now a legal time to post all of the antics of this wonderful season. I can talk about Christmas lighting and trees and the like without offending those unnamed individuals who have hazed me so terribly. I am almost done with all our Christmas lights. I have enough that it could be done. But there are yet tangled strands of lighs layered on my garage floor. I will have to hurry and get that finished or my wife will be angrily campaigning for her parking spot back.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at our home. It felt very nice (tasted even better). I put up the big 12 ft snowman in the yard last night. That thing is huge. I bought it on sale last year and never opened it. It is very impressive.

So sorry I have been slow to post. I have been up to my elbows in trees and lights, etc. I must hurry here and return to that task. God bless you all. Hope that you all had great Thanksgiving celebrations and let me be one of the first to tell you...MERRY CHRISTMAS!

All's well that ends well!

No this is not another post about "wells." In fact it is not a post about anything in particular. But are any of my post really about anything? No comment. Last night was a more hectic night at work. One of our scanners was down, so that left the two of us on 1 scanner all night. One accident brought in 8 ambulances. That was crazy but not unmanageable. I had one patient that I became very involved with. I stayed late comforting her and helping to move her. She stated on the way back to the ER that she was glad to have a fellow believer with her. That really meant a lot to hear her say that. I hated to leave her and assured her of continued prayers on her behalf. It was odd how it all worked out for me to be with her. She was originally not my patient. God knows just how to work things out for our good. He has the big picture. I assured her of that as well. Things don't always make sense, but God can take the fragmented pieces that look hopeless and arrange them for His glory.

We are all like pieces of a puzzle. We don't have the box top to see in clarity what the placement of the final piece will reveal. But God knows the outcome of the masterpiece. I don't want to be like I was as a child, just hammering pieces in where they did not fit. There is a special place for each. The pieces don't move themselves, God moves the pieces.

Sometimes this is all quite puzzling. God will work it all out.

Deep Subject

It seems that nearly everytime I post, I begin with the word "well." I have often heard that it is a deep subject, almost too deep for such a shallow mind. So I am determined in all of my shallowness to avoid the use of that word. It is so hard. Last night was such agood night at work. Monday's are normally one of the worst days. I was also working with one of our PRN techs who I was convinced held the curse of Jonah. Every time she is on board the boats starts to sink. (I had to delete a "w." I just almost used that dreaded word.) Anyway, the curse has been lifted. I was just about ready to throw her overboard. I even told her last time we worked together that I would not do that again. She is really nice though.

In other news...Even at Church we are getting ready for Christmas. In children's church we are practicing our extravaganza. Right now it seems more ganza that extravagant. We will get there. You are probably noticing that there is nothing deep about this post or on the other hand maybe there is. So, I choose to spare you anymore. Besides my ADHD mind will not allow any further concentration. Well, maybe next time I will blog something of depth. Oops!

Two Weeks Later...

Well, I do apologize for the delay. It is so unlike me not to share my wealth of knowledge with my adoring fans. Well, that wealth may only amount to a few cents. There is just not a whole lot to go around. I will not let that stop me from sharing the adventures of my chaotic yet fulfilling life. I said all of that to say I am sorry for not posting I have been really busy. No, I have not been tangled in Christmas decor nor have I been abducted by wiley gleaners. I have been finishing my bachelor's degree clinical work and working extra.

I pretty much have been getting up going to the hospital, been there all day, all night, coming home, going to bed and doing it all over again. I have celebrated Radiologic Technologist Week this past week. I must have overlooked all of the cards and gifts. Snail mail is so slow.

I must confess our mantel is looking a lot like Christmas. Other items are filtering in. I just want to put some cinnamon in the potpurri pot, turn on some sounds of the season and go nuts. There is just one problem with that. Our house is a complete and utter disaster. It is horrible due to the come and go life style we have lived during the past few weeks. I am considering taking the leaf blower inside to tackle the problem. Becki's kids would love that.

Just let me say that I am back. Blog ya later!!!

More Ramblings

Well, I must admit, my merry heart has been anyhting but idle lately. Really I have just been too busy to ramble. Let's see...what to blog? Well Christmas is coming early at our house. The furniture has been placed in an optimal position for the Christmas forrest to return toour home again. I think we are well beyong a tree for every room now. The neighbors have to wear sunglasses at night. Our electric meter will soon be spiraling out of control and we will be so content surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. It is such a wonderful season. At Church, we will be practicing our Christmas program week after next (assuming I finish writing it). Augh!!! The weather here has turned cold and it is just so time to deck the halls. Yes, we start early. I have nearly always been started before Halloween. I have done the traditional day after Thanksgiving thing. I don't really like that. Besides I have to work. Tomorrow, I may just pull some of the near 30 boxes down and see what they contain.

We have collected an ornament from almost every place we have been, with the exception of Canada. They don't have many shops that carry that merchandise year round. It is hard to get that in April. Go figure. Is everyone not as crazy for Christmas? I know the Horne house is.

Well, I must be getting off here. I have rambled long enough. I may go pull out some boxes on this rainy day.

Okay, Here's Another One...

Here are som of the zoo pics. The meerkat was certainly in the spotlight. It is soo hard to get the right lighting. By the time you have gone everywhere, some light is good some is bad. If I lived there I would have to go pretty often to get all of the pics I wanted. The elephants were amazing. The elephant on the left took its trunk and gave the other one a drink. It was very cool. The giraffe looked at me as though I were inposing. Then I wrestled the hippo into submission for a photo opportunity. It was a really cool zoo. 100 acres of zoo to be exact. Makes my feet tired all over again. Tabithia was complaining of her knee. She is getting soooo old! *snickers*

Past Time For Another Post

I know it has been forever since my last post. Soooooo, here are some more pics of San Diego and Anaheim. The first pic is San Diego Bay at sunset. The rollercoaster is in the Discover California theme park in Disneyland. That is not me with Tabithia, that is another Goofy. And the last pic is our hotel. Yes, we felt like rich folk. It was enormous.

Finally...

Alright! I have finally stolen some time to get a few of these on here. So here they are. There is the San Siego Skyline from the ferry to Coronado Island. At the zoo we happened upon this submerged hippo. He third pic is a few blocks from our hotel. Lastly, Tabithia is studying some bargains in Tijuana. I have many, many more. That is all time permits now.

I have to be in Broken Arrow tomorrow then back home Sun. for Children's Church in the am and Sun pm service.

I gotta go for now. God bless you.

My Return to Chaos

No, not the international criminal group, just my crazy life. I have finally got the pictures on my computer and most of them flipped the way they go. Some crazy person thinks they have to turn the camera all sorts of angles and directions. Then you have to spen hours going through 642 pictures deciding how they should be turned. I think his name starts with a "J." He gets on my nerves sometimes. He is a really great guy though.

The strangest thing happened at Disneyland. There was a...ma...woma... a "person" in the line in front of us. The voice was very masculine but it was a gray haired woman. I looked and thought that is a wig. Well, my beautician was with me and she said she did not think that it was a wig. Well, we got on the ride and the "person" sat in front of us a few seat. Once we began there were sharp turns and sudden drops. That one held on to the top of its head ever so tightly to secure the hairpiece. I have heard of a wolf in sheeps clothing but never seen a man in womens clothing until now. Call me sheltered. I would just assume be sheltered from that. People are so messed up today. Sometimes you just want to slap them. I know that sounds real Christlike, but it is true. You want to do the same. Don't act all holy like you don't have those thoughts. Just a good slap would do some people some good unless they are bigger than you and might retalliate with more than a loving, chastening slap. I am really not sure what shim was. I know that is a terrible blog subject.

On a different note...hmmm...hmmm...Oh I know. We finally rode the Tower of Terror. It was so awesome. I have been to Disney World twice and now Disneyland and finally was bale to ride the accaimed adventure. It was really fun. There was a ride there that I enjyed more, "Soaring Over California." that was so cool. It was a flight simulator that had you soaring over a river one moment then raising your dangling feet to miss a tree the next. It was complete with smells. You could smell the oranges as you went over the orange trees. It was so cool.

Well that is it for now. I have spent more time here than intended. God bless you all today.

Where to begin...

Well, we are home. It was a beautiful city! I have over 700 picures of the skyline, the buildings, palm trees, tropical plants, Mexico, Disneyland, the San Diego Zoo, San Diego harbor...Yes, wonderful pictures that I cannot retrieve from my camera at this point. I have spent 2 hours trying to get them and nothing has worked yet. I have another way to accomplish this. It will just take some time. Oh...time. There is a pile of luggage that needs unpacked in our spare room, most of the clothes there need washed. The dogs need to see me and I go to work at 3. Hmmm. Sounds like I need a vacation. *snickers*

Enough whining. It really was a great vacation. I found myself amused at some the people on multiple occaisions. Mexico was hilarious. All you have to do is turn around and take a few steps in disinterest and the prices begin o fall. This was Tabithia's paradise. She is such a "Jew." One lady dropped the price, not by much and said, "I'll even throw in a free bag." The plactic bag seemed to be her only lure. For that matter we had our hands full of them from other purchases.

One note...I never made it to the beach. We were so busy with everything else. We were attemptimg it on Thursday when it got very dark, very fast. So we turned around. The temperature was very cool there so it may have been a safe time to visit without seeing more than I bargained for. We did stop at a harbor-side beach, very small. Nonethe less it was a beach.

I will have more to post. There will be pics if I can get them off the camera. If not then you all will have to come to Arkansas and look through my LCD. I must be going. I just did not want you all to think the plane went down or anything. Gotta go unpack, etc. God bless.

San Diego Here We Come!!!

Well, it has come time to take a restful vacation for us. Ministers Convention went very well yesterday. My 15 min evangelism boost even went well. While I was working on it I had to get and go through the house rejoicing. Everything worked so well together yesterday. It was all inspired and anointed. At the time of this post, I should be finishing my children's church lesson. So I will keep this one brief. Maybe this afternoon I will get teh time to post again or at least reply. As for next week. We will be in sunny San Diego with camera in hand. I have never really seen the ocean up close. So this will be a new adventure for me.

My Last Day As A 29 Year Old!

Yes, you heard that right. Tomorrow, October 5 at 10:32 am, I officially become 30 years old. *shudder* Where has all of the time gone? I must admit, 30 seems a bit oldish (no offense to those who have surpassed their 3rd decade). I have come to terms with it though. I told them Sunday night that it just showed 30 years of the goodness of the Lord. I mean just look at me. Could I have turned out any better? I barely even look 25. *laughs at his own jokes*

I have already had a surprise party. Most of our local Church showed up at my house on Saturday. I was beginning to catch on when Tabithia yelled at me as if I had done something horrible. I am headed outside to see what her problem is when I look up (as well as I could, I was in the process of getting my contacts in when she proceeded to yell). It was just a good thing I did not go out there and holler back. There were nearly 30 people there before it was all over. I still have two cakes to eat. We had my seasonal favorite that night...bon fire food. When it turns cool at night I could roast a hot dog every day and a few marshmallows. I love it! See there, I don't even act 30. My wife can attest to that.

Children's Church if going well. We had 9 Sunday. We have not been having that many. I was preparing for seven every week. Looks like I will double that now. We had 3 regulars out. We marched those kids out front to show how Buggy for Jesus they really are. They had the dear in the head lights look. They sang the Butterfly Song in practice with all of the motions. They were much more reserved out front. The congregation loved it anyway. I learned a long time ago that anything those kids do out front is cute whether it goes according to the script or not. It was fun. Everyone thought that it looked really good. Before they most often had 1 in children's church. Our local Church is growing. Before we transferred they were having on average 20 in attendance. Last week we had about 47. We absolutely love it there. I have never worked with such a cooperative group of people. We just love them all.

Well, I gotta go. I need to do a little research for Ministers' Convention which is Saturday. God bless you all. See you in my 30's (Lord Willing).

Lopped Locks!

Tabithia got a wild hair Friday and decided to chop off her hair. Well, I suppose mine is the only wild hair around here. Anyway, she had been planning this for some time. She wanted to donate to Locks of Love to make hairpieces for children with allopecia. I must say she does look younger now. I would comment on her age but most of my blogger friends are slightly beyond that age and besides I am 2 months older.

This short style was done just after she wrestled with a snake that threatened to eat our cat. That was how she depicted the scenario. The snake was not as big around as my fifth digit. I even think her pinky has more girth than the deadly viper. The cat was in no real danger. But I think we may have located Steve Irwin's replacement. Tabithia Mullins: Crocodile Huntress.

I Am Just Floored!

Well, I thought I would include a pic of the floor situation, since I pretty well take a picture of everything else. Our floor is typically level but the plate techtonics of our home have formed a mountain range in the middle of our kitchen. Not cool. This is the second time this has happened. It is unbelievable. There were all kinds of loud pops. In the rest of the house my new friend was busy cleaning the floor. Yes, it is our very own robot. He does a very nice job. The best part is we only paid $15 for it. A friend of ours bought a stack of them at an auction. We just need a robot to load the washer and dryer and fold the clothes, clean the toilets, dust, deal with the dishwasher. I really don't mind to load the dishwasher, it is the unloading part I am not fond of. Didn't the Jetsons have it good. That is what we need, a Rosie. Today a Roomba, tomorrow a Rosie. I guess we better quit dreaming and get busy. The Roomba only does so much. We better get busy!

Blah!

That is kind of how I feel. Yesterday was really like that. I am not sick, but I sure don't feel good. I guess it is just another case of Monday blues. After the weekend I had though, Monday is a good thing. Friday night was a stormy night. It did not storm very close to us though. Most of it was an hour away. Well, Saturday I went out with the dogs, it was still very muggy and hot. While we are outside, the wind picks up (one of the dogs...No, but you though that would be an interesting story). Suddenly there is such a drop in temperature. It felt like going from 85 to 60 very suddenly. Then the rain started and I got myself in the house. As I am inside I started hearing a terrible popping noise, nearly as loud as gunshots. I investigate only to find that our tile in the kitchen is separating from the floor...AGAIN!!!! There were places that had popped loose before and once before it raised to form a ridge. It raised to form a mountain range this time. I liked our tile floors, but we are not fixing it again for it to pop loose later. We are looking at hard wood floors this time. It was almost time to start getting the Christmas stuff out, too. There is such a ridge under the small table that the chairs are sitting crooked. I took a picture I will have to post it some time. That was Saturday.

Sunday morning the kids were rowdy. We were trying to practice for our program next Sunday. It was very tough. Practice for the Christmas program is going to be very interesting. Oh well, you can't have all sunshine. So a bad weekend every now and then makes you appreciate the good ones. I guess.

I Know What I Know

What a mixed up world this is sometimes, most of the time. I cannot believe how blinded some have become. There are those that strike out against the Church with such vehement outrage all out of vengence from a hurt they suffered years ago. I have watched as they have become consumed with this quest to bring down the Bride. The gates of hell shall not prevail. She will walk right through this and be presented to her groom. Hold your head up high, Church or perhaps it is best hung low in prayer. Do not be ashamed of who you are. God will show His favor. I still believe in the Church of God. I am not discouraged. I am not ashamed.

I know what I know. I was not tricked into believing it. God revealed it to me. I was not brainwashed. I still have a devine revalation. It is true that the people perish in the absence of vision. Without vision there is no driving force. Just as the blind man that sat begging. He sat just existing, no quality of life. he held out his cup waiting on someone to give him what they received, what they had worked for. It helped him but it could not save him. Then there was a different type of passerby. Jesus was on the scene. Sight was restored. Jesus gave him life, abundant life as he had never experienced. He gave him vision. The man who was blind could not merely rely on others. That just got him by. He had to go to Jesus to obtain his vision. There are too many today relying on the vision of others. There are too many today trusting the vision of others. I want to see for myself. Praise the Lord!!!!

I don't need to follow the the drama on a site. I need to follow the leading of God. There are those that have flip flopped on their stands from such influences. One moment they are at peace with things then the nexts it is all out war. There is a spirit involved in this kind of vision. We have heard it said, "Well, I just don't see it that (your) way." I want to make sure that I see it God's way. I don't need someone to tell me how to see it. Thank God I know what I know. It hurts to see those consumed with vengence. I pray Jesus would again open their eyes. God bless you all.

Lost, Stolen, Forgotten

I could not help after reading Becky's last post to take just a moment to make fun of her. No, actually, I am just as senile. This is how I know. Tuesday I just don't think all of my neurons were firing because I was a basketcase. I went to lunch at Backyard Burgers. I decided the drivethru would be fine because I was going to go down to the Church and drop something off. It was taking a long time so I just got myself in the mindset that I was going to have to wait. So I was prepared. When my turn at the window came. My food was ready. She handed it to me, then my soda. I placed them in the passenger seat and gave her my debit card ( I know where mine is). I am waiting for my card back. She comes back right away. I still have it in my mind that I am going to have to wait. So wait I did. I just sat there in that drivethru for another 3-5 minutes. I thought I was waiting on my food. The girl comes back and asks, "Did I forget something?" I look over in the passenger seat and see the food there. I said, "No." and got myself out of there while she laughed her head off.

That is not the end of the craziness. When I went to work, I changed a request. So when that happens I get a new order and a cancellation. I did that and went to the printer and pulled it off. I looked at what I had and said, "Well, I got an order and a cancellation at the same time." I never realized or remembered I did that until someone told me. Then it was like, "Oh, yeah." I don't know what my problem is. All of this is with my natural supplements of Ginko Biloba and Grape Seed Extract.

While we were at the Assembly, our room was in a cove off the road right beside a behavioral health hospital. I am not sure they were not one in the same. I might have stopped in for a free consult had time permitted. Maybe that is why room service always came in wearing white with that little paper cup saying, "Take these." Hmmmm?

It's Raining...

It just seems to be a Monday thing around here. There is actually a tax class going on where I am right now. I had to go use the internet at the tax office as I normally do. I am just way too cheap. Actually it is my wife. Perhaps she needs to read the post by sister Tammi. I guess I can show her when it prints in the Evening Light. Anyway. I feel trapped in here. My hair is a mess (should have grabbed a cap.) I just ran down here really fast. It helps to wake me up. Then the students arrived. I do not want to walk out in front of the. I am hearing all of this standard deduction stuff and low income tax tables...blah...blah...blah... It is scaring me actually. We normally have to pay in so much. It is causing flashbacks.

Let's see. We initiated the Ladybug Club this weekend. The girls went back for a tea party and virtuous woman lesson. I stayed out with the boys. We actually had boys for a change. Three little boys arrived for class. I taught them the the praying mantis lesson and then the ant. It was really nice. I did not tell you what the Ladybug Club is. Lil' Angelic Divas Yearning to Be Upright and Godly Servants. All of the little girls were encouraged to wear their hats and best dress up clothes. They all got a feather boa. They really enjoyed it. Tabithia and her mother worked the back. I really think me and the guys got ripped off. While they were having a party we just had five loaves and two fish. We were all filled though. It was a nice day. Children's church goes so well. In the past there were days that I would leave Church of Sunday absolutely exhausted and aggravated at how terrible the kids were. This time in Children's Church is so much better. It is more of a labor than a sentence. Actually the last reound years ago was not that bad most days. Sometimes it felt like Alcatraz.

There are some that testify at how glad they are that we are there to do children's church. It is kind of odd because the person who last did it is sitting there. She is glad we are there as well. It makes you feel good that the parents like it, the kids like it. Thank the Lord. We are through with the bugs now. We will practice for a program out front then move on to FALLing Blessings and Pauls Missionary Journeys.

I am still praying for God's will in my life. I want to be what He wants me to be. My list of things to pray for daily is growing. I may have to write it all down to be sure not to forget something. God bless you all. Perhaps you could add me to your list.

More General Assembly Pics

I think these are enough for one post as I am already having blogger issues today. Let's see, what do I have here. Of course there is Sis Smith at the piano. I sneeked this pic and she never knew it. She may have assumed the flash was from heaven. There was a point where some brother acted nasty behind me and I was afarid I was going to see a flash in the form of a lightning bolt. You know the army does that sometimes, they zero in on a target and miss. Well, God is so much more accurate than our military might. I also snapped a pic of the Canadians. Someone behind them is offering the right hand of fellowship or talking with her hands. I ususally talk with my feet. It is an Arkansas thing. I also have this adorable pic of this little boy. He was in the lap of the Sister in the other pic with the pom pom during much of the Assembly. They never knew I got that one. There was a little boy in the march that had his head wrapped in a bandage with a little blood on it. I felt so sorry for him and thought we should have prayer. That was until I saw another kid with similar "injuries" and realized that was their march theme. That is why we should not lay hands on someone suddenly. We could wind up looking very silly. It took me a long time to realize it was not real. I felt like such a dummy. I just felt so moved with compassion when I saw him at first. I wondered what had happened. Some of those kids nearly needed something as the Spirit was stirred within me during our worship in the VLB program. When i came back to myself I looked around and people had been ducking for cover all around me. I had a good 6-8 feet all to myself. This sister with several small children was all out int he isle trying to keep from getting stepped on or slapped. The fore-mentioned overseer (of Canada and NW) was too busy laughing to come to the rescue of these poor saints. I better post this to be sure it will post. I would hate to lose this volume of wisdom. *snickers*

Where did the week go?

I guess I posted four times in one day and could take a break. The first part of the week we had some very heavy rain. I am such a camera fanatic now that I think I have to take a picture of everything. I rain to the front porch and snapped as many as I could. The bird bath is one of the coolest ones. I call it "Bird Shower." I know that is so artsy smartsy. I think the splashes that I have captured are very neat. Then the next day I got called in early to work, so I was off that night. I went walking with the dogs and captured this beautiful sunset. Now, I know if you live in a more scenic part of the country or a more scenic country, then you have seen better sunsets. But, hey, I live in hillbilly (minus the hills...does that just make you a billy?) flatlands where the closest thing to a mountain is the railroad tracks. My ear pop going over them sometimes. Just kidding. I think that this was manic depressive weather. One moment it is dark and storming the next the sun is shining. That's life I suppose. I had intended to post these several days ago. I have been such a slacker. I have spent much time in my devotion. Normally that is a Wednesday thing...extended devotion. Thursday I was inspired again with something to do some deep studying on. So I guess I have not been slacking. I have had to devote my time elsewhere. This is why I call it the "ramblings." I am surely good at rambling. I will spare you from more of this post. God bless you.

God's Perfect Will

Well, yesterday was an interesting day. For Children's Church, we are still BUGGY, we talked about the praying mantis. Although he is such an ugly critter, creepy too, he always brings his front legs up in the unique pose that resembles prayer. The timing of this in remarkable. It is just before he catches his buggy lunch. We talked about blessing our food each and every time we sit down to eat. I complied a refrigerator list of prayers for them. My favorite was, "For eggs, and bacon and buttered toast, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. It was a very good morning.

I just had a feeling that I would be asked to preach for the pm service. I was. I had no idea what to preach. Usually the Lord kind of helps me along ahead of time. I finally had peace in the decision as I studied on being in God's will, not His permissive will but His perfect will. I desire to be in His perfect will. If it means that I leave behind what I call home, I am willing. It is scary and easier said than done. Jesus was tempted after His 40 day fast. The enemy watched Him all that time and knew when to come in. He offered and challenged Him with different things. Jesus has spent time with the Lord. He was ready. He emerged from every challenge set before Him. The devil's real purpose for confronting Him there was that he knew Christ's ministry was about to take off. Every time it seems that we are about to get going in the ministry we are embattled ourselves. Let's press on. Let's fight on. Don't give up or give in. Ministry is knocking at our door. Matthew 4:16 declares that Christ ministry had begun. His light began to show just after making through the battles. God help us. I don't want to settle for less than God's perfect will.

One More!!!!

Okay, I know I have posted three other posts todya alone. This is a record for me. Blooger acts crazy when you try to post a lot of pics so I did it a little at a time. There are the pics from our Butterfly lesson in Children's Church before the Assembly. Jasmine is demonstrating her caterpillar she made while Destiny and Andrea are all wrapped up in another project. We talked about how we are all kind of like a worm until God comes into our life and changes us into the beautiful creature He wants us to be. I don't know whether they emerged from the TP any different, but at least the idea is there and one day they will realize that God is placing them in a coccoon. I remember God doing this to me one night as I sat in a service unrepentant and could not take it any more. I could hardly wait for the altar call. God began His work in me. There are plenty of times He draws me in for another transformation. As the little song goes, "God's gonna finish just what He started, even though the water's got to be parted. Lift up your heads don't be broken hearted. God's gonna finish what He started in you." He bagan this work in us and is faithful to finish it. I will continue to subject myself to the coccoon of God. I want to emerge beautifully perfect in His sight. God bless!

ELVIS IS ALIVE!!!!

I know I should not do that. It is so hard to resist though. I saw this man at our Assembly and knew that I must snap a picture. Since we live just an hour from Memphis, the home of the King, we hear so much about Elvis. I have news for everyone, he really is alive.

I have heard that the real Elvis has roots in the Church. He grew up so poor that there were those that helped his mother out. I am not certain if he attended during child hood or not. We have had more than one King in the Church. I must confess, I am not much of an Elvis fan. I have never been to Graceland. I am not that enthused at seeing shag carpet on the walls. I wonder do they vacuum the walls? Enough of this silly banter. I was too serious on the first post. I think I have made up for that now. "You ain't nuthin' bout a hound dog, cryin' all the time." Thank ya, thank ya vury much!

Yes!!!!!

Here is one of the highlights from the Assembly. We sat down at IHOP having been released from the fast and I had to take a picture to savor the moment. I think it might have looked better than it tasted. It was the worst IHOP food I have ever had. *BLUK* It was pretty bad, but I cleaned my plate regardless. I knew we were not in Ar-Kansas any more when I had to track through the smoking section to find the restroom. We have a new law in AR that prohibits smoking in or around restaurants or medical facilities. I LOVE MY STATE!!!!! I am just kidding about the whole fasting thing. I count it an honor to suffer for my Lord. In retrospect, that food does look pretty nasty.

General Assembly 2006

Here is one of the pics I took there at the GA. At this point I had tears streaming down both cheeks. I was and am still 100% sure of what God did there. There is so much more He is going to do. It was a blessing to be able to attend this GA. It was very different. It was as if God was taking us away from the pagentry of programs, etc and bringing us back to the simplicity of prayer and study of the word. Not to mention fasting. After the sacrifice from the previous week and the associated weight loss, when I heard Brother Smith call us to fasting, I nearly collapsed. God always enables us to do what pleases Him. However, it is still a great sacrifice. Didn't God move as He always does? It seems He has the perfect moment to reveal and confirm His will. We think it would be early. That would be good for us. He generally chooses later. I would dare not say late. God is never late. Just as Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus was not late, He is never late on our behalf. We may be late, but not Him. In the latter moments of the Assembly, God once again confirmed his choice. It was beautiful to have been there for that. It was amazing to fell that power as God was certainly in that place. It was not a rock the building power. It was a rock your heart power. I am glad that I was open to have felt that.

I'm HOME!!!

Just as suspected, I do miss you all that I was able to see at the Assembly. What a blessed General Assembly it was. My stomach muscles hurt from crying out to God so much. It was very different than any other Assembly I've attended. I know there are people that have left there with doubts in their mind. I have heard some talking about it. I have no doubts about the GO selection. I went into the process with an honest heart and no agenda of my own. God showed me. It was not all the message and interpretations as some feel sealed the deal. In part it was the wisdom with which the whole GA was conducted. God showed us that He desires less of our programs and more of the basics of prayer, fasting and studying of the Word. There is a change in me having left that place. God just convinced me in my heart that Bro Smith is the man of the hour.

I spent much time directly down front agonizing with God. I did not get up and return to my seat but I stayed down compelled to find the will of God. I never felt released form the selection process. When the selection was finally made, I immediately was released. Thank GOD!!! I praise Him today. I have awakened with His praises on my mind. I have a peace today. I just want to rejoice at the goodness of the Lord. Yes, the battles will rage hot and fierce now. Our Lord has showed us just how to make it through. Return to the simple things. Return to the basics. We are not able to do these things on our own. But He is! He is!! Thank God, He is!!!!

I feel good in my soul today. I feel peace. We did not rush a decision in the GA. We spent much time praying and seeking God. I cannot believe that some would be so quick to walk out on that Spirit of prayer to conduct another meeting. I cannot believe that people would try to take on the role of God and judge another or deny God's mercy to someone. Thank God for His precious mercy. I love the Lord! I love the Lord!!!

I will post more here later but I just had to tell of the goodness of God. Bless you all!!!

I am not CRAZY after all!!!!

I know that seems a strange title that to many is very arguable. All of this stems from a patient I had the other night that topped the list as the worst patient I have ever had. I was absolutely miserable for over an hour. We don't normally have patients that long in CT. Oh, but I had that one. She is diagnosed as bipolar and I watched as she quickly switched between the two extremes. She also stated some things that made me decide she was scitzophrenic as well. She believes that her ex-boyfriend is trying to killer her as he did his two ex-wives and his grandmother and probably other people. "Is there anything that you can put in people's food, around there house or even in letters from the jail that I am not supposed to be getting because of a no contact order. " It was very, very sad and stressful at the same time. Thank God a thousand times I am not insane. We should just be able to lay hands on people like that and see them restored. What a shame.

Everyone, be careful on the way to the Assembly and watch out for those bees! *snickers* Can't wait to see you there.

The Sweetest Thing

Oh, I almost forgot something. Really what is was, I just wanted to post twice in once day so to make up for my absence. Sunday at Church, we had a testimony service. Sis Mary stood up to testify and during everything else that she said, she mentioned her granddaughters. She had asked them what they thought about Children's Church. The older girl, Jade, said, "It's just like heaven." They enjoyed it so much. that just makes you feel really good. We talked about bees Sunday. They knew a lot about them. We covered the "Bee Attitudes" and different ways to "Bee." Bee Kind...Holy...Busy...Happy...Brave...Strong...and had verses to go along with. We should all Bee like Jesus. On the way to the Assembly, in Tennessee there are road signs that say "Bee Alert..." My wife's grandmother saw that one time and said, "They must have a lot of bees out here." She did not read the rest of the sign, "Bee Alert, Arrive Unhurt."

Next Sunday we will talk about the butterfly. Even the beautiful butterfly begins as just a nast little worm. I am going to wrap the kids in toilet papper to put them in a coccoon. That will represent prayer. It will be fun! God bless you all.

Where Does the Time Go?

Seriously, where does it go? This week has flown by and now before I know it it has been nearly a week since my lat post. I know how blog addicts are. They need new material. I am thinking about making a sign or a name tag for the Assembly that says, "I'm a blog addict." Or the famous line, "Blog, blog, blog." Wow, this week had gone by speedily. All is well with you guys I presume. I guess I will find out more about that when I check your blogs.

Some of my time has gone to this. This is the only corner of the room remodel that is completed. I was holding out for a new computer desk. It didn't happen. So, I finally started putting things back together. Before these books were just stacked up on the floor or displayed elsewhere. I have spent a great deal of time admiring these shelves and even studied on the new work surface. I forgot my before pics. I know everyone wants to see the fish.

I know this is kind of boring. Hmmm. Hmmmmm. Ahmmmmm. I got nothing. No wonder I haven't posted. This has been such a boring week. Sorry for the disappointment. If you have read this far down, the first to post a comment gets...Oh, No, not again!

Under Construction

I have been of the subject on mudane chores. Here is another--painting. I have decided to change my office up a bit. It is now very whimsical. People originally thought it was our nursery. It was neat, kind of. But now I have grown tired of it. So tomorrow, bright and early I will begin the chore of changing the two-tone walls to a nice shade of gray. I know that sounds melancholy. I happen to like gray. This pewter gray color will cover up the little orange goldfish that were present before--all 25 of them. Yes, I know, that is sick. It is not nearly as sick as eating Rudolph. You know who I am talking to. I am not sure what part of that is worse, suffocating the little fish or the fact that they graced my walls to begin with. Well, I must be going. Duty calls. I will post some before and after pics once I get it all done. God bless ya!!!

Who Makes This Stuff Up?

Well last night I labored in the house folding some laundry. I don't mind folding towels, but I despise folding shirts and sheets! I loathe it!!! I was sitting there doing that in the quiet of the wee hours and just began to think, who thought this up. Who decided that we should fold these. Why not live out of a pile? Sometimes we do when we are too busy to get caught up. Why is it not proper to come into someone's house and expect to see a pile of laundry on the couch? Company does not have to ask where things are. If they need a towel, they know right where to find it.

Mowing the yard? I had to start that project yesterday. We get such satisfaction from looking across a freshly mowed yard. Why is that? Who thought that up? Why is it not proper to allow your yard to grow naturally (other than the fact it would be a fire hazard). I think the weed cover might just shade the house enough to reduce energy costs.

I suppose it is all the curse of Adam. Wouldn't you like to throw some apples (fruit) at him sometimes. Say, "There's your fruit, buddy!" That would not seem sanctified though. Were it not for him we would have no clothes to fold for sure. I am not complaining although it may seem as though I am. I am just observing. I will soon be observing folding yet more clothes and mowing the rest of the yard unless I intend to go for the prairie look. I could declare the yard a wildlife habitat. Or I could just get off of here and get busy. *rasberry*

The Joker Returns

That seems like a very funny title but unfortunately I cannot think of anything funny right now. I am not in a bad mood, I think it is just an unmood. Have you ever had an unmood? You really don't feel anything at all. I think it is just too early.

As promised though, this is a place of merriment, besides I have challenged others. So, I must look deep within to uncover something whimsical. *searching, searching* The other day my pastor was preaching on Bowels of Mercy and being "moved with compassion." I just did not think that the combination of "bowels" and "movement" were very appropriate in the same message. Yes, I know that is gross. But, sadly, that is just the way my sick mind works. He nor anyone else there put that together.

Children's Church went well Sunday. We considered the ant. This next week is all about bees. I think the Bee Attitudes would be in order. I have to figure out some bee craft I could do with the kids. Add to the list of my jobs, local VLB Activities Director. About the only place I have not worked is the nursery and I don't really think I want to do that. I like the kids when they are more rough and tumble. I am not all about changing diapers of movement. Had to throw that in there.

I have been really stirred to prayer this week. I preached Sunday night on Asaph. I may very well post that on here in the next couple of days. I might get it ready after devotion today. I am rambling on here. At least I got that part right in the title. May God bless you all today.

New Name!

I would hate to think that all of my nonsense that I post here is to no avail. I know that I am silly, very silly at times, Okay, ludicrous, even. But there is a method to my madness. This is a place to go where you can be as crazy as I am. You can enjoy yourself and escape the real madness that is in the world today. This world does not belong to me, so it can no longer be called mine. The ramblings on this blog are free...As if I could get any cash for them. I need some cash some people are expecting $100. I never have lived that one down. Back to the subject. I offer therapy here. My craziness is for one purpose...to get your mind off all of those things that trouble you. You all have provided me with that as well. It has been a rough year for us. You all have been so supportive since I started this in May. I may not get as many posts as all of those boring posts that Becky puts up *fully expecting retaliation* but it is so good to have all of you. Your comments quack me up *quacckkk*. Thank you. I hope I have been a blessing to you all as well. Welcome to my Ramblings!

The Comfort of Prayer

It seems that so many have been posting about the power that they have found in prayer. There are those facing arduous trials and have found the coping power of prayer and quacking. Truly, there is power in prayer. Lives have been transformed, saved, healed all because someone prayed. We know of this power and have experienced it in our own lives. Now, we depend upon this to bring about the needed peace to our souls and to our churches. God certainly hears the prayers of His children. Countless verses shed light on the truth of this. Matthew 7:7 is one such verse.

That was all very serious and eloquent. Now, I will finish this up with what has been term a "Jason Mullins spirit." The other night I was taking care of a woman in the CT suite that was very hearing impaired. Okay, she could not hear thunder! Anyway, she argued with me as to why she should have the test done. I was using pen and paper to communicate and feeling a bit of carpal tunnel syndrome by that point. Finally I called her nurse who came over with he family to convince (or force) her to do the exam. Well, that being settled, she reluctantly moved over to my table from her stretcher. As we were nearing the start of the exam, she began to say, "Help me Lord, Jesus." She was praying. I thought I would write here a note to let her know that I would be praying for her as well during the test. I wrote, "I will pray, too." all of a sudden in her normal loud tone, because she can't hear how loud she is, she exclaimed, "Where do you go to church?" Proudly I was about to write her another note to let her know. She said, "There ain't but one church, the Church of Christ." I was like, "Oops! I am supposed to be calming her down." So I ignored the question and was going to proceed. Once again, "Where do you go to church?" I did not ignore that time as I wrote out, "The Church of God." She read it, "The Church of God? I go to the Church of Christ." She relaxed and did not say anything else. I prayed from the control room and all went well. See there! There is power in prayer regardless of where you go to Church. *laughs*

What A Strange Combination!

This is not a pickles and ice cream post or any other food catastrophes. I was sitting in Church Sunday listening as the appointments were being made. You know sometimes there are times you don't really want to hear your name. Like when you are in a doctor's office and you have found a good magazine that has captured your interest. Soon as you get going really good, "Jason Mullins." Oh, drats! Does anyone else ever fell that way? Well, Sunday was kind of like that. I was just minding my own business, well really I wasn't because I cringed at every appointment. The list goes on and I am nearly sweating. All of a sudden, out of no where...CHILDREN"S CHURCH!!!!! AUUUGGGHHH! Of all places I never suspected I would be in Children's Church. It is not that I do not want to do that. I just never guessed I would be there. Isn't it strange sometimes where we are placed? I worked there for about seven years many years ago. That was a different local church so I can now use all of my old tricks with these new kids. There are not very many kids though. VBS had a huge impact on this I do believe.

Now the strange combination I was talking about is this, I am now serving as Local Children's Church Director, Regional BTI Coordinator, Regional Evangelism Coordinator and I am supposed to be developing a Regional Website. That is a strange combination to me. If it were a sandwich I don't think that it would be a very good one. Oh, well, who said that everything is supposed to make sense. I know most would agree with that. Well, I have been at this computer way to long. I have got to do Wednesday devotion. Since I work every week night, I try to make up for it with extra Wed devotion. God bless you guys!

Yard Sale Journal 08/05/2006

5:41 am Alarm...snooze

5:50 am Alarm again...snooze

5:59 am Alarm...Okay, Okay. I'm up already. I can't believe I am doing this again. Have I lost my mind?

6:01 am I am cooking pancakes. Aren't I industrious this am? Actually they are in the microwave. They are frozen.

6:30 am Making my way tot he yard sale at my in-laws house. I'm there but they have a security door that I loathe. It is locked and I can't get in. You would think we lived in Memphis or somewhere. Bunch of chickens! *Bawk...Bawk*

6:35 am Finally I am in Fort Knox, making many trips back and forth from the shop. Although it is early I am sweating profusely.

7:05 am I am still getting this junk out. People are driving by slowly, I must hurry.

7:10 am First customer, no sale.

7:30 am More customers (2 car loads) 1 car leaves no sale. Hispanic family is still shopping. I have no idea what they are saying. Why did I take French in HS? Je ne sais pas!

7:35 am First sale!!!!!! $4.50

7:45 am Neighbor from down the street stops by. She finds some terrible gospel CD's that I thought was a bargain for $5. She pays $.50 for 2. My loss is her gain. *bluhk*

7:50 am Another car. This guy sounds like and auctioneer. I don't know how many times he said the word "dollar." He has a price for everything he has. His car cost him this much...boots...Claims he made $450 at his yard sale. I don't really have anything worth that much individually or collectively. He sure did not spend any of that fortune here.

8:00 am 2 cars, no sale. Earlier I mentioned chickens. There is one here that keeps crowing. It is driving me insane. I know it is not a chicken, it is a rooster. Whatever. I may be from Arkansas, but I am not that back woods. I really don't think that thing is legal in town like this.

8:o5 am Another satisfied customer x 2. Oh wait they are leaving too. they say we are too skinny.

8:15 am Called Tabithia to get her out of the bed. Stupid rooster crows again.

8:23 am Another customer shows up. He leaves his truck running for a quick get away.

8:25 am Yet another customer. She is realted to someone I graduated HS with. No sale, but good conversation. As she pulls away she runs over the sign I have at the edge of the driveway. No problem I can fix that. Okay, it has been an hour with no sale *rasberry*!!!!!

8:30 am More people show up. One is the mother of someone I know. She is having a baby (the girl not the mother)Of course she is not in her right marriage or mind for that matter. Well the last comment was a far stretch.

8:36 am Another sale...get this...a whole, whopping $.75.

8:4o am There is another and she has picked up something...another $.50. Boy oh boy, what am I going to do with all of this money?

8:43 am "Anyone got any boys jeans size 10." Nope!!! Looks like a sale is iminent though, $2.75. Oh, I am having to do math in my head. It hurts!!!

9:05 Some former co-workers showed up. We bashed the old establishment that is long since gone. They buy $4 worth of clothes that I know she can't wear. Oh, well.

9:11 am $2 sale, buying for the grandkids. They ran over my sign again. That makes the third time it has been hit (I backed over first thing this morning) This time the buckett that is is sitting on is crushed...oops!!

9:15 am I decided to call another yard saler to check on how they are doing. Well, really I am calling to rub in the fortune that I have made *rasberry*. Another customer shows up and is gathering her loot.

9:22 am I am still on the phone and can't get off...HELP!!

9:30 am I'm still on the phone. Sales!!!! $.50 and $4.50

9:35 am My neighbor from the old neighborhood stopped by--just for chit chat. She was a good neighbor. She wants to come see our house. Someone has got some cleaning to do. I have just realized that I am not making much money but I am meeting a lot of people. this could be a great outreach...A tract with every purchase. it is a shame it is my last sale. Yard Sale Evangelism, who'd a thunk it? It is a great way to meet people. I'll have to remember that.

9:42 am All alone out here, aside from the barking dogs, chirping birds and occaisional rooster crow it is very quiet.

9:45 am They just drive by as if they don't even see me. Am I manic depressive or what? Oh, just now someone has had pity on me. They stop, look around but briefly. not very friendly either perhaps they should have passed on by. *makes cat fight sound*

9:46 am Another chance at a sale. I've seen them before at the first yard sale. they don't recognize me. I hope my cover is not blown. This is the third sale I have had. They are arguing over dress sizes right now. If people only knew I was writing all of this down. Is that all anyone does anymore, fuss. I'm about to have a Dr Phil Yard Sale or like the Peanuts cartoons "Advice $.05"

9:55 am another $3. The child was rowdy, but just like last time, she always gets a toy.

10:00 am The sun has now come over the tops pf the trees out here. It is getting warm *Wah! Wah!" I moved my chair a bit. I just realized that my junk table is getting very scarce. I was just thinking that earlier I had a custome come up on one of those hover-round scooters, you know the ones from television that are supposed to increase your mobility. they really do apparently. Take that thing out to yard sales. Two people have came on reall sccoters. People have showed up on everything but a horse today. I hope that doesn't happen. I really don't feel like shoveling anything.

10:05 am Moved again. Just thinking that this summer I have made over $70 off of clothes that we can't wear and junk that we don't want. Not bad.

10:07 am Another customer. I am considering a weed salad. I am so hungry. Oops!!! I blocked in Tabithia's grandmother's car. She has to go get her hair did. She will take my car. Can't miss that appointment.

10:12 am Called Momma she has my nieces and one is crying in the background.

10:27 am Trip to the little boys room.

10:30 am I am sorting through some old boxes of mine. More customers $1.50

10:45 am $4.50 more

11:05 am People have come and gone. I just read an article from the Evening Light, April 1996
That Brother Covey had written, "Wordlings, What Are They Trying To Prove?" Very good. I used to love to hear him speak. He is so funny in a corny sort of way.

11:25 am $3

11:58 am CLOSED!!!!!!!!!!

Grand Total of $32 Hooray!!!!!!

Light Words

It seems today that there is light everything from bread to mayonnaise to bologna. Oh, I am making myself hungry here (except that mayonnaise thing--that is gross). We are spiritually in some very heavy times. For those of your personality hounds out there, a sanguine *raising hand* has a very hard time being serious and dealing with all of the heaviness. So, I have chosen to be my normal silly self here today. Now, if I can just think of something light.

I've got it. Last night I was leaving work at the hospital which by the way was not a fun night. Anyway, it sits on top of a hill so you have to walk down a slope to get to the parking lot. There is a garage to park in but I am just way to cheap to pay to park. I would rather drive all over the parking lot like a vulture looking for someone to move toward there car. It really is like a vulture how you just kind of leer at them with no facial expression. You watch row by row to see where they are going. When the moment presents itself, it is as if your massive wings swoop down closing in for the ---parking spot. I am off subject again. Can you imagine listening to me preach?

Back to the story...So, I notice this old car has left its lights on. I looked around to get a description of the car and memorize the license number. I began the trek back up the hill to tell security. I felt the burn in my leg muscles as I climbed Everest. Alas, I reached the top to see a rent-a-cop standing there expressionless as if guarding Buckingham Palace. In fact he had not moved because he was covered in our state bird--mosquitoes. They were biting him on the face. He never swatted. Finally I stirred him to action. When I described the car--he knew which one it was. He knew all of that time. Suddenly I did not feel very safe. Here was a security guard that was nearly being carried off by mosquitoes that I was not even sure was alive. Perhaps he needed a transfusion. The other night we had a potentially threatening situation. Police were all over the place. No wonder. The Buckingham Guards provide little protection. Parking control I guess.

That story lacked a bit. But today that is all I have. Tomorrow I plan to yardsale again, Lord willing. Perhaps someone will come along and eat some weeds or something. I don't know. Until then, God bless you all!

More VBS Pics

VBS Was Out Of This World

Oh my! I believe we have been visited by a creature from a far out galaxy. Ali Anne is her name. Yes, VBS, was out of this world as you can imagine. We had a great time exploring God's handiwork in the entire universe. We talked about everything revolving around the SON. We had the help of Cosmo Joe and an army of workers as well. 32 kids showed up to blast off into the last frontier. It was really a wonderful day--tiring though.

It was more than just a day of work. There was much work that went into it. This is the second VBS program that I have written. I already have inspiration for a third.

One little girl went home and asked her unchurched parents how to pray over food. They did not know how to answer her so they called her grandmother. Others said they really liked our Church. It was such a blessing. We planted seeds there that day. I don't think I will ever look up at the sky quite the same way again. It is amazing what God has created. The earth alone testifies of His glory and power, beyond that there is a universe that knows its place and function. How small are we humans, how insignificant, yet He loves us so dearly. If we could but find our place around the SON! It was a great VBS.

Still Laughing

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

The Love of Money

Oh, My heart aches. *not the least bit serious as you all well know* Oh!! The pain. Me, oh my. *blows nose* I am just devastated that my friends *wah...wah* only pass by my blog as if it is boring *snore...oops I did it to myself*. But you promise $100 and everyone sticks their little head in there. Oh, woe is me. You really should go back and check the last post. My devious little mind has been at work. *HA! HA! HA!!!!!!!* We all know that the love of money is the root of all evil. But as promised I will have to keep my word and send the $100 bill. *See comment on prior.

A Day Off! How Wonderful!!!

Alas. I have a day off of sorts. I have been working on VBS material which will be next Saturday. It is the Out of This World VBS. We are blasting off to a good time. I just hope I am not too spaced out! *snort...snort* Just as soon as the grass dries enough I will finish mowing. My wonderful parents came to take care of that yesterday when a storm blew in about mid-way through it. My dad was afraid of some lightning or something. It was just a good thing they stopped. As soon as they were leaving it began to rain buckets as we say here in the south. The gauge (isn't that so old manish to check a rain gauge?) said it rained 3.25 inches. What a shower!

Let' s see. What else? I know. My blog was invaded by some of the campers from my class. The same ones I was talking about being bored. People really do read this stuff we put here. Imagine that. They thought that was funny. I know them all too well. I know that no one could be bored by something I was involved in. The mistakes alone will keep you entertained. Yeah. I know you are bored reading this right now. In fact you probably did not get this far. I will give a hundred dollar bill to the first one who reads down this far and posts a comment. Make that anyone. We will see who really reads this. *evil laugh HA. HA. HA. HA. HA. HA*

'Tis Strange

Sorry it has taken me so long to return to the ole click of the keys. It has been some time since I really posted something besides trying to appease my guilty conscience for not sharing my enlightenment with all of my blogger friends out there. Wasn't that a long sentence. I believe it was nearly as long as my day. I am so crazy. I need an assistant to book my appointments, visits, boosts, etc. I am terrible at overbooking. If only I could clone myself to accomplish all that I must. Then, there would be two of me, wouldn't that be scary *Oooh*shudder*

I am rising early to get tot he hospital for clinical time just to finish up my bachelor degree. Of course I finally had some freedom after years of oppression at the university and waited until the last minute or month rather to complete this during the summer. It is a self-learning course really. I do it at my own convenience. Why do we say that? When is it ever convenient to go volunteer my time that I already do not have?. It is really not volunteering, I am paying to be there. That is the crazy part! But oh, well. ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Aside from the time I am logging for clinic, an also working in camp this week. I am teaching a class on leadership--How to be a regional/general coordinator. I really am not stressing the position part as much as I am stressing what would be good attributes of any leader. I have really been blessed by this class although one of my former SS students said it was boring *huh! TEENAGERS* It is not run the isle material, but it is needful. I have been encouraged just being there and getting to teach them. I met a new boy that I had never seen today during class. We exchanged contact information. I thought that was so cool. I felt that I had been used of God to say something that really touched him. I miss being there full-time so badly.

This is so long. You would think that Rebecca Horne posted this. I am not sure what I thought was so strange when I began typing this. Isn't that strange. Oh, yes, I remember, I feel a different leading of God. I am not sure what is taking place. I just remain humble under the mighty hands of God. That is from a verse I have used in my class. I also talked about how David encouraged himself in the Lord when he was about to be stoned by the people. Sometimes encouragement must be self-induced. I have experienced that in this class. I have not encouraged myself really, but I have allowed the Word to be my encouragement. There is work to be done. I want to be a worker.

Digging Out!!

I am so sorry that I have had the same old, same old up for all of this time. I have been pitiful lately. I will continue in that path next week as well. I am teaching at camp, logging clinic hours, working full-time, household chores, writing VBS for Church! O, I did not realize I was this busy.

Since Wednesday at 10 am I have had the worst pain in my neck that radiates down my right shoulder. It really hurts. I am better today. Thank you, Jesus! I did not do anything different. I just got out of the car and could not turn my head straight. There is still some stiffness, soreness there.

I have had so little time to look at all of the great stuff on your blogs. Please forgive me. I will return someday.

I am without my normal whit at the present. There is really no point dragging this out into a lengthy boring post. So I bid you adieu.

I just wore spellcheck out on this thing. If I made any other stupid mistakes please disregard.

I'm Alive!!!!

Thank God for that. It has been very busy for me lately. The last time I was able to check my email and blog was on July 4. What happened to sweet independence. I have started my summer clinicals for MRI to finish up my bachelor degree and graduate the second time. The only problem with that is I work everyday as well. So I find myself at the hospital 12+ hours a day. I could do more, but I don't want to burn out. I could have started sooned, but I was burned out. I feel better now though (with the help and "encouragement" of my choleric wife. *laughs uncontrollably*

I then spent late nights finishing up on my SS/BTI program for convention. It was truly inspired, I sure could not have come up with all of that. There was a lot of work involved to pull the whole thing off. There was a large cast involved, too. I was beginning to wonder if anyone was going to be left to see it. I finnally got things in order for it. I had forgotten to make an important part of if. While I was talking to another brother during the devotion that was on before me, I realized the oversight. I ran back and made that thing without a problem. I knew I was anointed then. That would have taken me forever at home. God gave liberty for that program. There are times that it seems hard to preach like there just is not the freedom to say what needs to be said. I struggled through the first part, knowing it was from God but scared to death my knowing might get me in a great deal of trouble. Then I had some singers on program and there was a slight move of the Spirit. People did rise to their feet, but we just were not able to get to where we needed to be. Have you ever felt that way? God was present and blesse, but just enough that you knew there was something more He wanted. We were not able to get through at that point. I finished out the program and returned to my seat. It went well though.

The whole convention was like that. You could just tell that God was requiring more of us before we could progress. Nearly every message and boost had the same bones--UNITY and even RESTITUTION. There was a great deal of that that this weekend. We were urged to bury our hatchets. I leave that place feeling satisfied and at peace. I once wondered who would make things right with me. God did and that is all I need. I have had a spiritual healing this past weekend. It ended up being a very good convention.

Bro Smith even made Auxilliary appointments. I am now BTI and Evangelism coordinator. Bye, bye Sunday School. The funny thing is that was the one I had figured out what I was doing. Now I am starting all over again. *sigh* This is one of those so very long posts that i do not like to read. Perhaps I should have split it up. Oh, well, All's well that end well. Love you guys!!

Weeeeeeee!

On the same day as the big turtle adventure, We also played on the playground at the lake. There is the nicest play area there I have ever seen. I did not think we would ever get Paydon to leave. Anyway, there was a big slide there and here was the result. He thought it was a blast but his expression on the way down didn't say "fun." Kids are funny. It is neat just to follow them around with a camera and see what they will do that you could be lucky enough to capture.

As adults we stay on top of big slides (proverbial) looking down. There is some big move required on our part. We see the bottom and know what is coming, we are just unsure of the path between. The expression on our faces are not always "fun" either. If God says move, then move. He never promised all would be fun. He did promise He would never leave us nor forsake us. He makes the big move with us. Sometimes, perhaps, He is slightly distanced, just watching His children. Perhaps he thinks the same of us. "Children are so funny sometimes." I hope that I bring that joy to my Heavenly Father, to be pleasing to Him. God bless you all.