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.

Forget usher...How about Master of the Feast

I was just thinking about Sister Smith's sadness she expressed having missed her change to be an angel in a skit during the VA Convention. It seems she was all dressed up and no place to go.

In our Youth Camp last year the banquet was Marriage Supper themed. It was very elaborately decorated. We even had clouds above our heads. The guests are all wearing the wedding garments. The Bride and Groom are seated at the head of the table. It just seems such a beautiful moment. Who do you suppose had the privilege to portray Jesus and the Church. *he, he, he* None other than yours truly. This was long before the days of rapture hair. I did not miss my opportunity. I was not just an usher, but I got to be the Master. I tend to get the good roles. It could just be that I am a good role model. Sister Smith I am so sorry that you missed your debut. Perhaps I could work an angel into my SS/BTI program at our regional convention. Don't leave home without your wings?

This is Tabithia's real wedding dress. She is still such a doll! Augh ain't that sweet.

Turtle! Turtle!

The other day we went to Jonesboro and had some time to kill before Tabithia had to go to the chiropractor. So, we took Paydon, a little boy who is a big part of our lives, to a park. We were driving around looking for the best playground equipment and found this big painted turtle. Like any little boy, he was amazed and wanted to throw rocks and sticks at it. The whole stoning took away from the Wild America moment we were having.

What makes kids so violent? I remember as a child dropping a brick on a frog and splattering the poor unsuspecting creature all over the place. How cruel! I felt really bad about that then and now. I have considered starting a refuge for toads where lawnmowers and weedeaters cannot threaten. That is just because I haven't finished mowing the yard yet.

This once again is another crazy post from the rambling mind of a psychopath. But don't think for a moment that a turtle cannot move fast. That thing can hussle. I could too if I were pelted by rocks and had a guy with a camera in my face in front of me. The joys of our natural world!!!

New Do!

Here we are on the transit from Church on Sunday. We get to be chauffeured now which is cool. I feel like I have my own driver. "Pardon me, Do you have and Grey Poupon." In Arkansas someone would just reply, "Poop on whut?!" Sorry, had to do that. I don't know whether you can really tell, but I have what I have termed rapture hair. Some of it is already on the other side waiting on me. The rest has now risen on end getting ready to take flight. I have been told I look more youthful. Flatterers! I took this picture of us just goofing around. I am rarely without camera these days. I am just trying to get a picture on my profile that does not look like a flag. Sorry that you are blessed with so many photos of us. Rebecca, Does this has that Penney's catalog look. Oh, how I have aged!

Isn't this cute?

Here is the happy couple (most of the time). I decided I would actually try to get a picture up on my profile. I am not sure how this is going to work. It would be a good pic except for the evil red eye appearance that I could not correct here on this computer. Some people think it fitting anyway. This is another Canadian picture down at the ole BX Falls. We have the same picture out in a frame at our house.

It seems that since last post, I have been made an uncle once again. My youngest brother and his girlfriend *I know, I know* had their second child, Hunter Alan, I think it sounds a bit like furniture. What is very alarming is that my brother, Jeremy, is a hunting fanatic. Their first child is named Cameron, who my dad affectionately calls Camo. I hope they do not have anymore as do they. What names would they come up with, Muzzleloader, Buck, Winchester, Realtree...Really I don't know.

It has been so busy at work. I cannot figure out why so many people have accidents on the same day. Is there some magnetic force that draws cars together. Sister Vicky Bly said the other day how interesting it would be to see a work journal. I guarantee it would. There are all kinds of laws that prohibit that. Here is a vague story from several months ago. An elderly lady was in for a CT of the head. She is on the table and the test is underway. All of a sudden she starts saying, "You're shrinking my head! You're shrinking my head!" It was the strangest thing anyone had ever said to me at that point. I hear a lot of strange stuff. All in a day's work I suppose. Well, it won't be long now until I have to go to work. Catch you all later!

Today I'm Thankful!!!

I thank God for the divine revelation of The Church of God, the Bride of Christ that I have been entrusted with. I say entrusted because it is such a responsibility to uphold the standard. I have covenanted to all that the Lord has commanded. I am reminded of those in Exodus chapter 19 who said the same. "All that the Lord hath spoken that we will do." They failed to realize the gravity of those words. I serve the Lord willingly and cheerfully, His commandments are not grievous. He has done so much for me. There are those times when men try to obscure that vision and treat is as nothing. I just thank God for what He has shown me. I feel most unworthy.

I guess today is a bit different mood for me. Please think not that I am moody or manic depressive. I am not the least bit discouraged or depressed at the time of this post. I believe in The Church of God. She is not perfect yet. I see her in the prophetic eyes of the apostles and prophets who wrote of her Glory. That is a vision that only God can show. I thank God that I see that. I thank God that He showed me and allowed me to be a part.

When I answered affirmatively to that perpetual covenant, I took that seriously as did God. Lord, help me to stay close to that standard you have set. Help me to remain in that place where you can use me. (Note: I found the flag above on Bro Kevin Fearer's blog)

A Bit Under the Weather

I cannot believe that I am sick. I feel awful. It is just a little sinus stuff. Most normal people get sick during the winter and spring. Not me, I always have a time during the summer where I feel like I have the flu. I suppose I am just a big cry baby.

Aside from me I heard wonderful news yesterday about the Presbytery meeting. It is an absolute answer to prayers and a step toward reconciliation in some of our "war torn" areas. I have a great deal of faith in Bro Smith. I always have. I have always been amazed at how red he can turn while he is preaching and that sound he makes in his throat that sounds painful. I can remember the sounds of him crying out to God in the altar at BTI. My mind is full of nothing but admiration and respect. The only problem might be the upbringing of that daughter. As we say around here, "She is a bad egg." *slaps knee and laughs hysterically* It is so hard to be serious sometimes. I really do respect the Smiths and Becky, too.

I feel better already. Hope you all have a great day!

Wonderful Service

Last night we had such a wonderful service in Jonesboro. The Church there had been in revival since Wednesday night. I was only able to attend on Saturday and the Sunday services due to work. Of course I was so tired Saturday from all of the yard sale stuff. Anyway, Sunday night Bro Lawrence preached on being stirred up. It was very inspiring and he was very animated about it. He was really preaching. He gave the alter call and everyone prayed. As soon as I knelt down, I felt a touch. I prayed a while then went to the front pew. I just had a feeling that God was about to do something. I stood there and worshipped a while. Then, there was a move across the entire building. I felt such an awesome presence. It was as if it were only me and God. Everything else just seemed to fade in the distance. There was shouting, dancing in the Spirit, aisle running. It was truly wonderful. I have not felt that for some time and needed it so badly. I still feel the blessing I received. God is so good. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to serve Him there.

$34.50!!!

The garage sale is complete and yet I still have a garage. What's up with that? Yes, I am aware of how corny that was. Here is a journal I kept while selling all of that (some of that) junk.

2:00 am Go to bed after sorting yet more stuff

5:55 am Alarm clock sounds the start of of beautiful new day...SNOOZE!!

6:04 am Snooze again.

6:13 am Alright, alright I am up already...brush teeth...blah...blah..blah

7:37 am Finally get this thing open, I am so tired.

7:45 am First customer

8:03 am First sale!! I decided to use my time wisely and read...I fall asleep.

9:00 am Next customer approached bargain city, no sale...looking for furniture.

9:02 am Next customer, $.50 sale. WOWEE!! Call my mom to share the good news.

9:16 am More customers. First black family to stop by. They had the cutest little 18 mo baby. Sale!! Called my mom again.

9:41 am More Customers. This time a Hispanic family. I am having a very multicultural day. This is cool. I really don't get out enough. The older gentleman tries on my dirty old coat that is not in the sale. Where did that come from? Another sale though (not the dirt old coat).

9:50 am Hispanic family is around the front of house. I hear kids playing so I go around to watch. Older gentle man pulls a leaf off of a weed in the yard and smells it. I don't have a clue what he is saying. (Why does that make us talk louder?) He decides that he will eat the leaf. He thought that was pretty tasty so he breaks off more and has a breakfast salad. I don't know what that was all about. I should have charged a dollar for it! I called Tabithia and Mamma after this.

9:55 am More customers make another sale. Called Tabithia's grandpa, who is sick.

10:35 am Reading book.

10:40 am Went to mailbox

10:52 am Called Direct TV about an offer in the mail. Not even tempting $$$$$

11:01 am Called Tabithia

11:11 am Got my binoculars out to spy on neighbors

11:19 am More customers

11:30 am Called Tabithia again excited about breaking the $20 mark.

11:34 am Black van arrives, Yard Sale-aholic, She is the big spender of the day...$9.50.

11:47 am Called Tabithia yet again. How is she getting any work done?

11:51 am Car arrives with barefoot man, smoking who throws cigarette in my yard. They buy some jeans.

11:57 am Black car leaves loudly. I went to fix the wind blown sign.

12:07 pm Scott called.

12:11 pm Wondered where all of the people are that would love to take these clothes home.

12:17 pm Called Mama again...Though about eating the rest of the weed.

12:30 pm Closed sale!!! What a way to make a living! I am glad I have alternate means. But, hey, that is $34.50 I did not have.

Yard Sale

Well, I do not have much time to post as I am preparing for a big one day event tomorrow. I am selling my yard. I have decided to take all of those years of accumulation and dispose of them. Let some yard sale addict take junk home thinking that they have found a good deal...only to realize that it just becomes a pile of worthless junk to them, too. Then they will have a yard sell and the cycle continues until one brave soul opens the trash can and gets rid of it. I am not that brave right now and would rather be getting a return, although meager, on the investment I have in this so called junk. Yes, I am rambling, but I have rambled truth and all of you know it. I have to go now, it is time to price things.

Introducing...Jason D. Mullins RT(R)(ARRT)

I guess you all know what that means...I PASSED!!!!! I am now a registered radiologic technologist. I don't get a raise or anything like that, but I do get to remain employed. If I believed in dancing, I would be doing the dance of joy right now. Okay, maybe I am just a little! I am so thankful. I opened my Bible right before I went in and read then prayed. Before I began taking the test, I prayed again. For a week now I have prayed about it. Finally, I got the big envelope. I had heard that you did not want a small one. I passed!!!! I passed!!! I passed!!!! I think you get the point.

Isn't It Funny?

I was thinking just now about how God works. I have a message that God has given me, that every time I preach, I am not released from this message. I have to preach it. It has been about seven times now. It is a message of encouragement and determination. There have been times that I suppose I have needed to hear it more than anyone. In the midst of turmoil, in the midst of the storm, if we can but call on Him. Three words-that was all it took-three words, "Peace be still." Normally my blog is a bit comical. Ultimately there are those times when your world is rocked by a storm. "Jason's World" is no different. I am encouraged. For I can almost hear the first syllable being uttered. I am certain God has heard the cries of his children and that answer is on its way. Those words of the message resound in my ears time and time again.

Wow and Oh My!!!!

Just call me Storm Chaser Jason. Actually I was not doing much chasing. I was in the kitchen and saw a strange cloud. It was not a funnel cloud but I could see another darker cloud that went behind the trees. So I went outside to investigate. That is when I stood and watched this funnel cloud drop close to the ground. It was longer at one point. I ran inside to grab my camera and the phone. When I got back out there it had gone back up some.

I guess while everyone is painting their houses, I am just trying to keep mine together. Those mobile home sure don't take a twister well. Can't you just see me on the news. "That thang tore thru har, rolled my trailer over the top of my El Camino, barely missed tha outhouse." Then I smile with that trademark scarce tooth smile and comment on Arkansas weather. Then I turn my head 35 degrees right and spit. ***Note...I have more teeth than the typical Arkansan and I do not live in a mobile home nor do we have an outhouse. Not to mention I am repulsed by the spitting thing.*

Shortly after capturing my pictures, the cloud disappeared into some heavy rain and then was gone.

One More Pic

I like this picture better than the first. I just though I would post it also.


It is the same photo just a little tilted. Which do you like best?

Tried Something New

Well, while on vacation I tried something new (as the title suggests). First we ate at Red Lobster. That was not bad. It was not good either. Actually I like the smaller lobster. It was the big lobster that made me feel like I was eating a turtle or something. Although rural I have never eaten turtle or 'possum or many other woodland creatures. That lobster made me think how it must feel to have a big helping of softshell turtle in fromt of me. GROSSSS!!!!

That was not the only new thing I tried. Iwas inspired by Kasey who posted a sepia photo on her blog. I thought when I saw that. "Oh, yeah my camera will do that, too." So I tried it out ans was quite pleased at the artisic look it gave an otherwise drab photo. So Kasey, this one is for you.

Back Again!!

Well, it seems we do nothing but travel. Tabithia told me Wednesday, "Get me out of town." So, we loaded up the truck and moved to Beverly. Not quite. We went to Branson for the weekend. We attended a show there that I laughed until I cried and still laugh when I think about it. It was hilarious. The funniest part is that over the years it is the third time we have seen it. I still laugh.

Here is a picture of the group, minus me, in downtown Branson. I think we shopped more than we did anything. Yippee (sarcastically)!!! We had a good time though. It was worth it just to go recharge for a little while. So far we have been to Memphis, Seattle, Kilowna, Vernon, and Branson. Where to next...I'll keep you posted.

Oh, Myyyyy!!!!

I have just returned from Memphis and I am exhausted. I went to take my x-ray registry. There were 220 hard questions (some things I had never heard of). Whether I passed or not is beyond me. I expected it to be tough, but not that tough. It took over two hours to take the test. AUGHHHH! I was about ready to pull out my hair. Now I am tired and have a headache and will be going to work shortly. Yippeee!

Other than that I am good. I do not mean to complain. Before I went in the testing center I took time to read the Bible and pray. Once seated I prayed again. The main prayer was, "Lord, help me get an easy test form." There are different versions. It is all computerized. WOHHHHH! There are lots of sound effects in this post.

Just when I get started blogging and can't even get pics posted in a nice fashion, everyone surpasses my knowledge and gets all fancy with new backgrounds, etc. I apologize for the archaic appearance of my blog. Please bear with me.

What a Name!

I have often found Biblical names interesting. Many times there is a story beneath a name. I found one the other day that coincidentally is the longest word in the Bible, Mahershalalhashbaz. How would you like to have to write that? You would never have anything personalized without it was just initials. When kids get in trouble parents say their full names. Do any of you do that? I have heard "Jason Dwight Mullins" so many times. Really I was a good kid though. I was a bit mischievous due to being the poor neglected middle child. Could you image trying to yell that out. "Mahershalalhashbaz, get in this house, now!"

I work at a hospital and names are just the strangest things these days. I don't think some people really know how to say their own name. I have people who can't get their birthdays right either. By the way, happy belated birthday, Tammi. I am just glad I have the name I do, even though there were six other Jason's in my graduating class of 80 seniors. That was a popular name that year. What happened to simplistic names that meant something?

Okay, Okay!!

I was reading the daily joke on Beliefnet today and found it quite interesting.

"Two church members were going door to door. They knocked on the door of a woman who clearly was not happy to see them. She told them in no uncertain terms she did not want to hear their message and then slammed the door in their faces.To her surprise, the door did not close. In fact, it bounced back open.Seeing the two church members at the door frustrated her. She stormed back to the door and flung it shut.But the door still didn't close. Furious, she grabbed the door with two hands and shoved it as hard as she could. But again, the door wouldn't shut.Convinced one of these rude church members was sticking a foot in the door, she reared back to give the door a slam that would really teach them a lesson. Just then, one of the church members said, "Ma'am, before you do that again, you might want to move your cat."

I guess I have had writer's block (not completely) . It has been an interesting time around here since last Thursday. That is a long story and nothing for the ole blog. Let me just defend myself on the slow posting. I was just following Bro Ray's example. I also feared Tabithia running through the house saying "Blog. Blog. Blog." But I am back.

For all of those cat owners out there please watch for your pets when JW's are at the door. The more subtle and Christlike approach would be to invite them in for prayer. They seldom go for that.

More Seattle Pics

I did this a little at a time because I lost one that was near completion. I am surprised that you cannot tell the camera was shaking. It was freezing cold up there. Just the day earlier there were mass demonstrations over immigration. I thought about taking out my Canadian flag and cap and joining the crowd.