63 years ago today at 10 AM

A friend, a mother of 3, a grandmother of 14, a caregiving daughter in law, a sister to 6, a pastor's wife, a friend to many, my wife, Barbara Sue 'BARB' was born. She has been my wife, since September 26, 1964, or 45 years, 2 months, 8 days. She is one hard working, caring, loving, compassionate lady. I am thankful everyday, to God, for the helpmate He placed in my life.

Happy Birthday

Barb

I love you

Happy Birthday to one of 3 mothers of our grandchildren

Happy Birthday

Becky

husband of Patrick

mother of Will and Zach

I AM THANKFUL

For my health, that I can walk, breathe, bathe myself, drive my self, read, comprehend, to love and be loved.
O give thanks unto the Lord

Scripture for my day:

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD; and the fruit of the womb is His reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of thy youth" Psalm 127: 3, 4

Thank you Lord, for our first pregnancy that went on home to heaven, for our second--Randal Eugene, now going on 44, the father of 3 of our precious grandaughters--Breana at Arkansas U Fayetville, Chelsea a senior at Springfield Kickapoo, and Megan, in her first year at Cherokee Middle School

Then came Patrick Wayne, who will be 42 come Valentine's day, and his wife, Becky. Patrick and Becky have Will in his first grade year, and Zach.

Then 3 years later, we had Kevin Dean, and he married his college sweetheart, Candice. They are truly servants with 6 biological, 3 children they brought home from Liberia--a total of 9 they home school, and home church.

Kevin and Patrick's both have experience a loss of a child in pregnancy that has gone home to Jesus, that we will all get to hold and know when we arrive there.

And because of my sweetheart and wife--Barbara with God's help, He has blessed me.

One week from today

One week from today, we'll gather as a family. We'll be going to Grandma Betty's for lunch & it'll be a blessing. First with God's blessing, then with family, and last with food. Then we'll close the day with our boys, as they begin arriving for us to have family time together on Friday. Oh, the excitement of all 14 of the grandchildren being here, the boys with their spouses (our daughters)--not in law---but our only daughters, the mother of the grandkids. Thank you, Lord for family, for my wife---Barb

Grand kids

Will and Zach, with their dad, Patrick, was with us last weekend. We missed Becky, but she had some time with her mother going to a wedding in Texas. Becky's former youth pastor's daughter was getting married, and she had been a child that Becky had baby setted with early on in her life.
Patrick, the boys and Nana and papa, went to Silver Dollar City and then to Fantastic Caverns. First time that I had been to Fantastic Caverns--was a neat ride through. I have been to Marvel Cave, what used to be called Fairy Cave, and Meramac Caverns--now Fantastic Caverns. It is fun to see new things through the eyes of a child.

Getting ready for the week

of involvement in the Crane Broiler Festival Gospel Music Tent. I'm trying to stay on fast track, to have everything done for Sunday, (EVERYTHING) by Wednesday noon. We'll meet under the tent for prayer and a song or 2, as lights are hung. Thursday night we begin the music. Pray for souls to be drawn and committed to the Lord, during this week of missions.

Good Morning--Monday, August 17

This is the wonderful day, which the Lord hath made.

"Fear God, and you will have nothing else to fear" Wow---Proverbs 9: 10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

The Bible study class yesterday morning was well attended, and the awareness of God was evident. In Him I trust, and it is my prayer you trust Him totally also.

Raining

Day after tomorrow is August, and everything in Southwest Missouri is green. Was seeing on the news the drought conditions in the San Antonio, Texas area. God is good, all the time, and all the time, God is good. Do I understand, NO! But I trust ONE who knows tomorrow, and I don't.

Barb, turned her notice in as the Sonshine Manor Beautician. It has taken a major tole on her body. She is so extremely tired. She has next week, and that will be the closure for her at Sonshine Manor.

Went to one of our members, grandmother's funeral yesterday, going to a pastor friends wife's dad tomorrow, and having a service for one of our members husband Saturday.

Pray for Jack today as he deals with cancer, for Jim and his health issues, for Eloise, Donna, Karri, Jeanne, Flo, the Sharp's, Pacy, Sean, Shana, Mary Lee, & Shelly. The list could majorly go on, but not to overwhelm but to pray.

Just a reminder, "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me" Phil. 4:13

Going to Bentonville,

Our main purpose for going is to deliver, to pass on, to stretch missions/ministry dollars of our Vacation Bible School material to another ministry that they could reach people for Jesus. The material (90 %) had been given to us. What a savings? Not only was the material given to us, many of the props and pictures were set up also, and then taken down that we could take to Bentonville.
Now I said, that was the main purpose, but a very high perk, benefit was seeing 9 of our 14 grandchildren. We ate at the World Garden Cafe in Bentonvillle, and I highly, did I say HIGHLY-recommend their baked potato, soups and salad bar. I really believe it was the best chicken and rice soup. Their soups are made fresh every day and today they had vegetable beef, chicken and rice, and clam chowder. I had a little chicken and rice, and also some clam chowder. Was delicious.
Then after lunch, we moved to a park in Bentonville for a afternoon of relaxation. Wonderful Park

Early to rise

After hearing a lot of comotion on the monitor from mom's room, we arose to check to find her in the floor. Our normal question, "why did you not holler?" and her normal reply, "didn't want to botter you, and I kept hoping I could get up!" but the reality anymore is she can not even crawl, little lone get up.
But Barb and I did left her out of floor, into her wheel chair, then to bath room, and then back to bed.

I'm going to go take care of some business this morning with tomorrow's worship. Then going have a evening of relaxation on the lake with a big steak with some friends.

Other than our start we are OK.

My cucumbers

My cucumbers are blooming. I planted them really late, but they are blooming and moving every where. I'm going to have some cucumbers before long. hmmmmmmmm.
Tomatoes not ripening yet, but lots of green ones.
Today is catch up day, after a wonderful week of VBS.
Praying for all involved in VBS, several who have lost loved ones in death, our family, worship upcoming, and our walk with the Lord today.

Love you all.

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood...

No one ever cared for me like Jesus---little is much when God is in it------

Dana, the daughter of our friends--Elaine and Bob---after going home to be with Jesus at 35--earthly house was laid to rest at White Chapel yesterday. Death is even hard for the believer---sad yes, but not despair---because my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and His righteousness.

Dana's husband Darin, and their 2 beautiful daughters have sure hit a bump on this journey of life--but I know God will bring them through.

Tuesday evening, while Bible School was still in session, one of our Bible School workers' husband also passed away. Pray for Jeannie and family.

Time flies when you are having fun

Where oh where has time gone? July is 3 weeks plus old today. God's word shares with us we are like blades of grass here today gone tomorrow. Like a flower, a beautiful radiance, then wilted, and pitched. All around us are people just like us, that are growing wiser, more mature hopefully, but bottom line drawing closer and closer to that last breathe. Morpid--I hope not, but one thing true. That new baby or that elderly family member at home or in assisted living--God knows the number of breathes, the hairs on the head, yes their days long. We don't and I don't but 'everyday with Jesus is sweeter than they day before, every day with Jesus, I love Him more and more, Jesus saves and KEEPS ME, and He's the One I'm living for, Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before."

4 green tomatoes

I have tomatoes---cool.
Hot- 97 today, and stormy around us, but only dripples of drops of rain here.
I've been on internet most of the day, watching Southern Baptist Convention---I have been blessed.

My Garden

My raised garden is looking great. Tomatos blooming, lettuce, and cucumbers up. But it is hot this week middle 90s everyday. 96 today.

I've been watching and listening to SBC convention via internet. Laid back, with my fan on. President Johnny Hunt, is one Godly leader. That David Platt, and Alvin Reid are definitely out there on the front lines preaching Jesus.

64 today

Where does the time, the years, the days, the hours, the minutes. I have surely lived over half of my life, maybe 75%, and we never know, but could be in the hour of death as I write.
Barb and I have celebrated with family and friends for the last 2 weeks plus--eating, going, opening gifts and cards. Thanks to all

I told someone today, this time next year, if I'm alive, I'll be on medicare. Wow.

Life is made up of choices, decisions, and the older we get the more decisions have to be made. Maybe not today, but ridding your home, your life, of those things no longer needed. Being a giver. I pray I'm remembered as a great dad, a giver, a wonderful husband and a true friend.

New Chapter

May is coming to a rapid closure, and where May leaves off, June begins. Oh! What revelation. May has been a month of activity as schools complete another year. I've been out of school now 46 years, our oldest son celebrated being out 25 years, and my wife's mother celebrated being out 63 years in 2009.
May 19--mark it down---I cried---when Pomp and Circumstances begin, and I'm not sure when I stopped or if I did. That morning I had no tears, as our oldest grandson graduated or celebrated finishing Kindegarten @ 10 in Ft. Smith, and then @ 6 our oldest grandaughter graduated with honors from Kickapoo, Springfield.
Our oldest, Breana, and her dad, Randy, are in London as I write, going to the Phantom of the Opera tonight. They have been in Edenburg all week, enjoying the Capital, and Scotland landscape.
Tonight, we go to a Baccalaureate for Brooke @ 7, and so grateful to the Lord, she survived a multi-roll over one car accident with her being thrown from the vehicle on the 4th or 5th roll.
She is Valedictorian of her class, and the commencement will be tomorrow at 2. (Brooke is like a grandaughter, but she actually is Barb's niece's daughter)

It is difficult to realize that I'll be 64, but it is harder to realize that we have a son out of school 25 years plus he is going on 44, and now our oldest grandaughter is a college freshman at Arkansas University, Fayetteville.

God has so blessed us, with health, with precious sons, mothers of our grandchildren, the grandchildren. Pray for each one continually, and for their forth coming mates. Our sons, are as different as day and night, but one common denominator is they all love the Lord, and are intentionally pointing their families to Jesus.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Pray,
Pray for America, and her leadership\

Pray for the heart of America, the belt buck of America---for her ministers, her school administrators, for the righteous and the unrighteous.

Pray for my President and his wife, Michelle.

Pray

Pray and pray

Psalm 145:9

"The Lord is good to all; and His tender mercies are over all His works"

That is me, I, you, us, ALL. Think about His goodness to us, (you and I). The ones up for murder, rape, child abuse, and the righteous. His selfless love is abundant for ALL. Do we deserve mercy? Absolutely Not, but it literally over ALL. He is my umbrella of new mercy every day, His grace is sufficient (that means more than enough) for US.

Praise the Lord.

Pray for the Russell family, we will be in their home tonight to provide a meal, and to enjoy fellowship around the table with them.

April Showers, bring May flowers

The azaleas are simply beautiful, right now and abundant. Grass is growing an inch an hour, will not really, but sure looks like it.
My day thus far, was in a brainstorming session with 5 other pastors and Convoy of Hope personel, thinking about the possibilities of preparing for disaster in the Faith Based Community. So many variables of preparation for, from a shooting/terrorist attack, to storm related, hazaradous spills, to economy, to disease pandemic.
It is easy to say, just need to trust God, and I agree, but as leaders in the church, leaders in our homes, if we are not a prepared people, when crisis comes, how are we going to be able to minister to others.

Prepare, prepare, prepare.

Celebrate Jesus Celebrate

He is risen, He is risen, come on celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.

That song, has reigned in my heart, my mind, my inner most being for weeks, as I have heard "the Ensemble from Morning Star" practice and sang Sunday at the Early Easter Service, and then again at Morning Star with good crowds at both. Christ was lifted up, hopefully by His' leadership and His' people.
As I preached yesterday in regard to Judas, after the ensemble had so beautifully presented "He's Alive Because of the Cross, and the empty tomb". As I looked at Judas, who prayed with Jesus, walked with Jesus, experience with his own eyes, Jesus walking on the water, feeding the thousands and on and on. Judas was in the know, he traveled with the Circle of Jesus, and fellowshipped with the Circle of let's get Jesus crowd. He was a people person, but died and hung alone.

Do You know Jesus today or just about Him?

Contact me if you need to.

Brooke

Brooke, is our (Barb's) great niece, but she is really like a granddaughter. Last night, she spoke, introduced a forum for the Billings School Board election. She is going to be Valedictorian of her senior class. With the forum, the PTA hosted a chili, speghetti supper for Project Graduation. Hopefully, they raised a lot, for a fun night of alcohol free entertainment following graduation.
We are proud of Brooke, have taken her to church with us, since she was 3 or 4. She is also my powerpoint computer person on Sunday morning. She is now 18, as of April fools' day, but Brooke is no April fool.

Today, Barbara and I, will be meeting with Evangelist Bob and wife, Millie White, for a time of brain storming 'children's ministry'. They have some wonderful experiences serving the Lord with children and their families. Pray for our experience to gether in Branson.

Lightening

I'm borrowing this from Pastor John Marshall's blog, 2nd Baptist, Springfield.

Humor helps. A mother was concerned about her second-grade daughter who was walking home from school as a thunderstorm was forming. The mother went to meet her, and saw her stopping to smile each time lightning flashed. Mom asked, “Are you scared?” “No. All the way home, God’s been taking my picture!”

April 2----Honest or lie

Honestly, I don't want to do this, but just go cover my head up and hibernate. Struggle with realities with just the way it is. Sometimes, or maybe a lot of the times, sense the sensation of being trapped. Real, yes----------.

Mom, is stable, she needed assistance yesterday, several times. She is confused quite often, and sees images that we don't observe, but they are real to her. She is up and at em, this morning, drinking her coffee, and reading the paper. There was a death this morning she knew, Mary Lee Lantz, the mother of David Lantz. David died in 06 from probably going to sleep at the wheel of his car, and going over an embankment.

Our son, is having a "Spring Fling" Saturday, we are trying to make arrangements to go. Hoping it doesn't rain, as it is an outside event. 11 of our 14 grandchildren should be there.

Gearing up for Palm Sunday, pray for my mind, as we draw closer to Resurrection Easter Sunday.

He's alive, He's alive, Jesus is ALIVE! And He is with me, and He never ever, ever, leaves me, us when we know Him. I didn't say, know about Him, BUT KNOW HIM.

Friend

Jesus, called Judas, Friend in Matthew 26:50. Jesus said, Friend do what you came to do. Jesus knew, that Judas was going to betray Him, and called him friend. What would you have called him, or I called him. Judas even came to Jesus and kissed Him. Affection, friend.

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear,
What a privilege to carry, EVERYTHING to Him in prayer

Come now is the time to worship
Come now is the time to give your heart
Come just as your are to worship
Come just as you are before your God.

Jesus called Judas, Friend
Tell a friend about the love of Jesus today

Wow!

Another day to tell someone about Jesus. Praise the name of Jesus,
Praise the name of Jesus
He's my rock
He' my fortress,
He's my deliver,
in Him will I trust
Praise the name of Jesus

WDYTAJT

Who Did You Tell About Jesus Today? That is your story to someone.

God is mightly work in so many areas, so many ripples, waves because of obedient people following God's direction.

World Vision is impacting a Child's life. Remember the story of the boy going along the seashore, throwing fish back out into the ocean that had been washed ashore. Some negative individual said you can't help them all, and as he threw one in, he said, "It made a difference to that one!"
God has given us the choice to help someone know about Jesus, to give a monthly assistance to one or more over and above your tithe.

WDYTAJT

Have you?

Have you today, told at least one about Jesus?
In person, at the drive through Window?
The convenience store, when you fill up?
On Facebook, my space, by e-mail

Jesus lives, yes, Jesus lives not just for me a saved sinner, but for the lost sinner, who has not yet acknowledged their sin, and turned to Christ. May they today---TRUST

Is it winter? or Is it Spring?

This weekend, we had about 2" of snow, + 9 degrees on Saturday, 12 on Sunday, and 11 this morning, not above freezing Saturday or Sunday, and it hasn't reach the thawing mark yet at 2 today. However, forecast is for upper 70s and maybe 80 on Thursday.
Grandsons, Will and Zach were here this weekend and truly enjoyed the cold, and the snow.

Becky, our daughter in law shared "World Vision" to the Lord's people at Morning Star Sunday. She did a fantastic exposure of needs, with children around the world. If you do not know about World Vision, go to http://www.morningstarsbc.com/ and click on world vision. Our boys either all have been or are sponsors of children of World Vision. If you want to know more, after reading on line, just call me, and I'll see you are connected with someone who knows more than I.

Going to a district girls game this afternoon, between 8th seeded Billings, against 1st seeded Sparta @ Clever. May God be exalted in the lives of those playing and watching.

Judging

Have you ever judged someone? Yes, I have, and for the wrong reasons. The clothes they had on, or did not have on, dirty (maybe from working) or squeaky clean, their past or the present, but do we really know? God does. He even knows their heart, and maybe they have acknowledged their failures, their sin, their attitude or mind---but we are not God. When we judged them, who did we compare them to? Was it us?

Comparison? You know, I can compare my self to some, and I look like a saint, but when I compare my self, along side of Jesus! I see sin, sin, sin, and more sin. And then I don't have time to compare some one else to anyone.

PRAISE THE NAME OF JESUS, PRAISE THE NAME OF JESUS, HE'S MY ROCK, HE'S MY FORTRESS, HE'S MY DELIVERED IN HIM DO I TRUST. PRAISE THE NAME OF J E S U S!

The fun of it all.

Some of our grandchildren, will be here this weekend. I enjoy having the family close. We miss them all a bunch, but we live here, and they live there. Becky, is a representive (that is my word--not sure if that is correct) of World Vision. World Vision, is a tremendous organization of helps, to ministering to children, providing wells for the thirsty. Becky will be in the area for some training, and will be speaking at Morning Star, on Sunday morning. Pray about the opportunity to give toward a child on a monthly basis.

Pray for Pregnancy Life Line, benefit, Friday evening at Morning Star at 6:30 PM.

Pray for Becky, and World Vision

Pray for America, that "In God We Trust" would not only be our verbal motto, but our walk motto.

Happy Birthday Randy

To your left are Our 3 sons' probably around 35 years ago. Not sure, we did not put a date, but this being Randy's # 43, and Patrick's #39 +2, and Kevin will be 38 come June. (He's catching up with Patrick). Looks like Randy needed a much needed haircut. Barb went to Beauty College, when Kevin was 6. Anyway Happy # 43 Randy.

And now think, he has a daughter enrolled in Arkansas U, who graduate this year from high school, and then another in 2010 from High school

Pastor's breakfast

This morning 5 of us Crane Pastor's gathered for a time brain storming the call of God in Crane. To pray, to focus, to minister in the areas God has placed us. Normally we are hosted and meet at Ozark Mountain Regional Health Care, but Cathy was sick today and we regrouped today at Beulah's on main street.
Praying for Cathy, for Matt Bishop, Mary Lee Wilson and those 3 out 4 in America who does not know Jesus. America is #3, now as a lost nation (251 million lost people in America). Staggering to think that when we look at the obituary page in the paper, statiscally 3 out of 4 of those people are now living in the agony of darkness, torment, wailing, and the nashing of teeth, continually falling, but never hitting bottom forever and ever. Why is it, those of us who know Christ, and have a home prepared for us in heaven, hesitate to share Jesus.

Winner

My Pick, and the winner of the Westminister Dog Show. I love spaniels. Don't you just want to pick Stump up and give a big hug.

Birthday

Happy Valentine's Day
to my wife, the mother of our 3 sons, and the mother in law to the mothers of our prized grandchildren, all 14 of them.
Barb you are one special blessing as a wife, friend, & the mother of our family.
Randy, Patrick, Kevin, Becky, Candice, Kelly you are all a blessing from God.
From Breana to baby Jack, from a soon to be high school graduate, heading off to the foreign lands of Arkansas U---to Baby Jack, who will 1 year old, come St. Patrick's Day, 2009. you are all a blessing and all of those between the oldest to the youngest. Breana Michelle, Chelsea, Megan, Abby, Emma, Sophia, Elijan, Will, Sammy, Olivia, Zachary, Chaella, Amaris, and the youngest Jack Silas

Not only is Saturday Valentine's day, 41 years ago, Barb was 2 days away from delivery on a cold, and to be snowy week in 1968. Patrick Wayne (Putter--Pat---Curley--Stew or Stewart) was born, and welcomed home, by his BIG BROTHER, Randal Eugene

25 things about our middle son Patrick

This is our middle son's 25 things about me--appreciate this testimony on Facebook

1. I’m a screwup. I know it sounds harsh but we ALL are in a way.

2. I’m thankful that God is for everyone. The God that created the universe cares about all of us. I don’t have to do enough good stuff to get into heaven. God is a loving and caring God. Because of grace, God can love me. God can even love the screwups. All we have to do is ask Christ to save us and he will. Because God is such a gracious and loving God he forgives. Christ took care of everything on the cross but didn’t just die, he rose again. Christianity is the only religion where we get to worship a God that has walked the earth, died and rose again. These aren’t my own words but I believe they are so true. I borrowed them from Louie Giglio’s DVD – Fruitcake and Ice Cream.

3. I love my wife. I know I don’t tell her enough…but I do love her.

4. Becky and I got to know each other in bowling class at Missouri State University. We also spent a ton of time at the Baptist Student Union. Our first date was on February 14th, 1997. We got engaged on June 7th, 1997 and married on November 8th, 1997. I took her to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City for our 10th anniversary. She loves dogs!

5. My birthday is on February 14th. It’s a mixed blessing. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard, “ohhh…you’re a sweetheart baby!”

6. I love my boys and I’m thankful I get to be their daddy.

7. I committed my life to full time ministry while at a college retreat where Louie Giglio was speaking. I never followed through with my commitment partially because I’m not a very good student and I got into a situation where I needed to work full time to pay my bills.

8. I volunteer at my church. I think way too many people make excuses for not volunteering their time.

9. I love photography.

10. I wish I was a better photographer.

11. I’ve been alive for 41 of the 43 Super Bowls.

12. I’m love college basketball, particularly the North Carolina Tar Heels. March Madness is like a holiday to me. I like the Razorbacks and enjoy going to their games but I’ve NEVER called the Hogs and I don’t ever plan on it. I don’t think it would be fair to the true Razorback fans to call myself a fan.

13. I’m a big St. Louis Cardinals fan. I hope the Cubs never win a World Series.

14. I just like sports. I don’t care who is playing…I just like to see a good game. Even if it’s high school. However, I can’t stand the NBA since Jordan left the Bulls. Yes, former Tar Heel Michael Jordan.

15. I like NASCAR. The first race I ever went to was the Daytona race where Dale Earnhardt was killed. I’ve also been to races in Talladega, Kansas City, and Bristol. The perception of all NASCAR fans being shirtless rednecks is mostly untrue. The majority of the fans at the races are clean cut. The exception is Talladega.

16. One of my grandfathers owned a tavern and was an alcoholic. I don’t like to be around the stuff because of what it did to him and what it does to others.

17. I try to give blood on a regular basis. People that don’t give because of “pain” or “fear” need to get over it. How do you think the people in the hospital in need of blood are feeling?

18. In 1996 I went on a five day backpacking trip to Wyoming with a group of guys from my church in Springfield, Mo. It was one of the most rewarding and beautiful things I’ve ever done.

19. My hometown of Billings, Mo had a population of 911 when I moved...make that 910.

20. I went to the same school from K-12. Same building and everything. There were 21 students in my graduating class and I can name all of them. We haven’t had a reunion since our graduation in 1986. Slackers!!!

21. I played basketball in high school. I scored 1 point my senior year. My bench riding friend Benjy Walkingstick scored 2.

22. 80’s music is the best. My 8th grade baseball team ran out on the field to “Eye of the Tiger”.

23. I had perms off and on from about 6th grade up through high school. Sometimes the whole head and sometimes just the back, you know…the poodle look. My mom is a hair stylist.

24. I had a white sport jacket so that I could have that Don Johnson/Miami Vice look. Don Johnson lived in a nearby town when he was in elementary school. My art teacher went to school with him when she was younger.

25. I got a ticket for Careless and Imprudent driving 2 months after I got my drivers license. I left a huge black mark from spinning my tires while leaving a high school baseball game. Little did I know the town cop was sitting behind a small building and saw or heard the whole thing.

26. I’ve now been driving for 25 years. I’ve had a total of 2 speeding tickets. The last one in 1994. I’ve never had an accident.

27. I have 11 nieces and 3 nephews.

28. Our Jack Russell Terrier Phoebe has had ACL surgery. She was named after Phoebe on Friends. Rodney…I know a vet that might be able to help you out.

29. I didn’t think I would be able to come up with 25 things….and I didn’t. I'm not a rule follower. I didn't tag 25 people either.

30. I don’t like being “tagged” and didn’t want to do this but I’m glad I did. I think that about covers everything. If you don’t know me a little better now, you never will.

31. I went by Pat until the Saturday Night Live character skits with Pat. Ever since I've gone by Patrick.

32. When you’re feeling down…revert back to #2.

CHECK OUT AND LINK INTO

The Morning Star Baptist blog. We are eliminating our web page, and going to blog route, check us out.

Yes, it is cold, sock caps, layer clothes, coats, scarfs, gloves, and a hot cup of the beverage of your choice. Mine is a hint of Irish Creme Coffee with just a dash of hazelnut.

Stillness, quiet

There is something about winter storms, that bring a unique quiteness to the atmosphere. Very little traffic, darkness just kind of over takes the night, a still ness, as you observe the snow you see the tracks of animals that have been verily close to your doors and you didn't even know.
There is something about this kind of surrounding that enhances your study time, your time with the Creator.
We did end up with about 3 inches of snow, on top of about 2 inches of sleet. Looking for the sun to come out this afternoon, and begin it's work. 47 by Saturday, we'll see.
Sure feel for those in Harrison, Arkansas and the West Plains, Mo area as they have no electricity. Praying for those workers, the shelter workers, and patience for those handicapped with power outages.

ICE---SLEET---a Little snow & windy

Thankful this day for a warm home, and electricity. You didn't know this time yesterday, what we might wake up to this morning. I'm thankful, the boys and the grandkids are all safe, and warm also. Kevin, in northwest Arkansas still has power, Patrick, in Ft. Smith, has power, and Randy is in New Mexico and it is 60 degrees.

Mom, is warm, but concerned about the temperature, what is it going to do. I guess I understand, for I think about it some, and if I was 20 years older--it would probably concern me, even more if I was limited to a wheel chair, and someone else overseeing my needs. As I say, many times, we either get old, or die young. Sometimes getting old is not fun, and different experiences do come our ways. Whether, it is needing assistance to get to bed, or help moving from bed. Mom, I know would just like to get up and run around the house--but she is blessed with no significant pain, that we know about. She always says, that she does not hurt.
Praise the Lord.

Keep praying that mom, will be able to see life to the end in our home, for she really is obsessed with just the idea of a assisted living facility.

PATRICK'S BLOG

One of my links, to the right is Patrick's blog. Check him out, he has some beautiful pictures posted.

SKIF OF SNOW AND COLD

Yes, we have snow, only a skif, but man that wind is cold. It got all the way up to 12 yesterday. The wood burning stove feels wonderful this winter. After our ice storms the last 3 years, we put a wood stove up again. It is nice and toasty in here.

Mom, is much, much better, actually think she is better now, than before she got her urinary tract infection. I sure did not know, those UTI has a tremendously different effect on the elderly. It creates major confusion, disoriented, and of course the urine has its strong bacterial air. But her specimen, was perfect yesterday, she is thinking clearly.

Tonight, we are having a new quartet at our monthly sing, called: "Stepping Out".
7 PM at MORNING STAR BAPTIST

SEE YOU ALL TONIGHT

Home nurse today

Mom, has improved drastically since this time last week. A week ago today, she could not even get out of bed by herself, nor anything else could she do by herself. But she is back to transferring from the bed, to wheel chair, and etc. You know, she doesn't like the attention of a nurse, but it is needed.

Spiritually, do we like to flex our spiritual muscles, or our physical muscles.

Discipline, discipline

discipline in what we eat, what we do, what we read, what we watch.

"Lord, I Lift YOUR NAME on high"

Decisions, choices, consequences

Life changers. Who we date, who we marry, what we choose to buy. To stay with in budget, or use some plastic. Consequences of our choices, can lead in many directions. Unwanted pregnancy, with a unwanted partner, that is no longer a friend, but now is a lazy slob or some other noun. Buy something, and enjoy it for a season, till we can't make the payments, now we have the expense of moving, legal fees, our name in bankruptcy. Now I realize that events can change the plan, but many times, we all or a high percentage have made some stupid commitments. Signed on a dotted line, when we knew at the best, it was going to be tough. Then a Dr. bill comes in, or there is a break down of _________, or we spend $$$ to go to an event, when there was a bill waiting to be paid.
I learned a long time ago, partly from observing my parents, that when you give the Lord His 10%, it begins to establish a guide of priorities hopefully. God does take care of His own, maybe not in a million dollar mansion but righteous will not be forsaken. Praise the Lord. Do I get all of my wants, absolutely not, do I have steak or even meat at every meal, absolutely not, but there is a cracker with peanut butter, or some cheese----but hungry. Not.

God is good, and He is to be followed.

I love you, Lord, and I lift my heart, to worship YOU. I can trust HIM.

10 days old

2009, is already 10 days old. Growing older by the second, tomorrow is already Sunday 2 of 52. Many of us have made resolutions, and it is my prayer, that we are all still on track with His solutions, for our life for 09. He has given us so many wonderful gifts, such as wonderful children, grandchildren, our daughters by choice of our sons, the sunsets, the sunrises, the puffy clouds, and the storm clouds of snow or rain, the deer, the birds, our pets. Izzy our black lab/border colley is a jewell. My mother has had a bumpy 3 weeks, but she is kind of on a up hill. My wife, Barbara, the mother, the grandmother that she is, she truly is a gift of God.

Ready for tomorrow. Looking at lean times, from Ezra and Nehimiah, whether it be in relationships, fiancially, or health--God is there, always there, never abandons us.
Praises to the Lord.

2009

A time to count your blessings of 08, and to seek the face of God for 2009. The Lord is always here to strengthen us, and to guide us, when we say, "Yes, Lord, Yes!" 2008, we saw storms, deaths, but we experience new life, babies, souls that trusted Jesus.
A time to intentionally plan to be more like the Lord, today, than yesterday, and more like HIM tomorrow, than today.
Rejoice in the Lord, for this is the beginning a new year, He has made.