I can't believe May is gone!

I am so looking forward to this day! I have absolutely nothing planned! For the last four weeks I have been working to complete contractual obligations and we have had a six day work week. This has been tough but not as bad as early in the work when things were behind and the customer insisted on a seven day work week. GOD sure has it right with a day of rest! I am thankful that my customer did decide to take the Memorial Day holiday off as well. The contract has a June 30 completion deadline and if I have it figured correctly we will complete it about June 9 with a pack it up day on the 10th. I suppose with it being in West Texas that a twenty day cushion for weather should be sufficient!

My son confessed to me the other day that he is getting old! He is going to be 27 in August. His big revelation was at Wednesday night services at Greenlawn when he discovered he was the little old man going around and counting people in classes! Oh to be 27 again! I found myself getting my medicine bag out this morning for my daily medications and all the sudden I realized I had become my parents. They had a med basket! Oh to be 37 again!

Yesterday was a good day! Church was good, enjoyable and uplifting! I believe every time Ryan leads he gets more comfortable and he is doing a good job. Highland is very fortunate to have so many that are so capable and willing! I continue to believe that the first song sets the tone for the entire service and yesterday's "Shout Hallelujah" only strengthens this belief. Yesterday's Praise Team was a different mix from the usual but boy did they do a good job! Mike was on GOD's game and was effective in delivering his message. Thankfully Mike didn't preach about food because I didn't have breakfast! Krl and I still are trying to decide on a Bible class. She wants to attend an established class with friends. I guess I am the explorer, because I find myself drawn to one of the new classes (Abundant Journey). Thankfully she has consented for me to go where I want and she will do the same. I just don't know if this is good or effective. The only down side to church yesterday was Addie's behavior! She was the fifty percent of the pewee granddaughters in attendance because Kat was sick with an upset tummy. Addie never got in the worship spirit. Work to do in this area!

FATHER, thank you for a good day yesterday. It was a peaceful day, it was an uplifting day. Thank you for today and the blessings it holds. FATHER, settle me, soothe me, fill me with your spirit. Work through me! FATHER I thank you for this Memorial Day, for all those who have given so much for so many. FATHER thank you for blessing their efforts. Thank you for those who continue to serve, bless them and keep them.

Today is one of my favorite days of the year! The Indy 500 and the Coca Cola 600! Yea! I have always been a fan of muscle cars and speed. If it is loud and goes really fast I am probably going to be interested.

So much tradition at the Brickyard, I love it. And the Coke 600 at Charlotte is the longest event in racing (not including the endurance events).

My day is sketched. Church, Sunday School, and then I will race home to my recliner! See, I am already in the mood! (just kidding).

FATHER, it's another beautiful day! Thank you FATHER, and thank you for the blessings it holds.

God took my friend David home to heal him. I am sad. You would have to have known David to really appreciate him. Anything I say or do here will be an injustice but David is worthy of the effort!

David was as country as you can be! He was proud of it! Down to earth, Salt of the earth kind of a guy! Talk about redneck! That term was coined for him! David loved to have fun! He and his wife Becky seemed like such a mismatch. David was loud and rambunctious and Becky was so quiet and meek! But it worked! When David talked to you he would say, Yeah, I was telling Bek ............... He loved her so.

I suppose my favorite David story was a much younger David going "coon" hunting with his hounds and his brother! They had chased their dogs and chased them, jumping fences, trying to call them in. A "Norther" came in and it was typical Texas weather. Instant change and instant cold and wet. They found the dogs had located a cave and the hounds were baying as they had chased their prey there. David and his brother poked around until they found the entrance and they went in. It was a welcome reprieve from the weather. I don't know which one decided to do it but one of them went back top side to gather some firewood. Soon they had a toasty fire going and they were quite content along side their hounds. Then all the sudden West Texas Rattlers started dropping out of every crack and cranny! LORD deliver me from snakes! Out of all your creations, these give me the willies!

FATHER, thank you for David and his life. Thank you for allowing him to touch my life. He had such a tough last few years here FATHER, I can only imagine what was ahead for him since you reprieved and took him home to heal him. Bless his family. Fill their void with precious memories. FATHER receive David with love and tenderness. You know best FATHER. Now convince me.

I am trying to turn the corner. My day started at 5:03 AM. I am getting to old for this. Actually when I am not hustling I am awake well before then. My age is starting to show! Five days a week is o.k. but six just kills me! FATHER had to drag me through! All I wanted to do was grab a Diet Coke or a bottled water! 295 transfers compete! Expect to do 344! I hate repetition! FATHER is teaching me patience and tolerance and that I could be the count down guy at NASA.

FATHER this has been a week. I have felt your strong tie and I have felt it when our connection has not been strong. FATHER help me to work on this! I thank you for the productive week and the safe week. This is our second week in with the pewee commitment FATHER and one of them is sick. Talk about a pair, if both can't do it neither will! Kat is sickly, make her well FATHER. Addie and her mom are going to meet us at YOUR house tomorrow FATHER. We will praise you, we will pray to you, we will worship you with other believers. We will re-connect with your sons death and rapture. FATHER, thank you. Fill us with YOUR LOVE, fill us with YOUR SPIRIT! Father, take us to a higher plain! Gee I am tired FATHER, but I can't wait to be lifted by you in the morning! See you there! Rest me well FATHER! For your love, I am thankful!

FATHER, remember David, bless him and heal him. Thank you FATHER.

This day was like being sent back to GOD'S instructional league. I am sorry FATHER. I didn't react well to being sent down.

It didn't get any better when I got home. $$$$$$$$. The root of all "problems"! I had questions, she got defensive. FATHER I am ashamed of my evening at home.

FATHER, this home needs you. I invite you in. Heal it. Soothe it FATHER. Make your presence known. FATHER pencil me in on your card for tomorrow! Thank you FATHER!

Another tremendous day! Why do I even doubt it if you are in the mix FATHER! Double dip me tomorrow! Thank you FATHER!

I got a call this afternoon late and it was Kyle Patrick Henry! He is out of school for the summer and he is antsy! He is working helping his Dad harvest wheat, and he is helping Grandma Debbie at her grocery store so he is primed to do something for Kyle! Enter Uncle d! He wanted to assist me tomorrow and as part of the deal he brokered, he gets to spend the night! I have been kidding him that he is such a city slicker because by six in the evening he had already had dinner (or supper where I am from!). He is offended by this!

I am trying to get my head screwed on straight enough to write about our last seven years. Deluxe roller coaster! Rags to riches to rags! Growing a company from zero sales to twenty million dollars in sales in a five year period. I don't know how healed I need to be to take on a project of this magnitude! It is a story of love and hate, lies and deception, greed and generosity, trust and deceit, but ultimately it is a story about forgiveness and giving it up to GOD. I feel driven toward this project. I think GOD expects me to do it to complete my journey to healing. Guide me FATHER!

I have a long time friend that has been bouting a growing cancer for the last couple of years. Just yesterday the doctors sent him home. David was caught in a hay baler several years ago and it almost pulled his arm from his body. This seems to have started his physical maladies. Over the last couple of years the doctor have removed bit by bit of David's tongue and muscle from his jaw. Doctors say that eventually the tumor they are fighting will choke him to death as it is crimping his trachea. I was in a store and David was shopping and I was within a few feet and I didn't even recognize him. I feel ashamed, not because of my mistake but because I haven't been much of a friend if its been that long since I saw him. Forgive me FATHER!

For this day and its bounty of blessings, I thank you FATHER! YOu have made this a great week if it were to quit right now! I know you won't leave me at this point. FATHER keep me at my peak, help me perform at my optimum! Work through me! FATHER you are a MIGHTY GOD, and through you all things are possible. FATHER I ask a special BLESSING and MIRACLE for my friend and your child, David Tomlin. FATHER, he has endured so much! Bless him and his family. If it is your will heal him! FATHER if it is not your will to heal him, take him gently. I thank you for blessing my life with knowing him. FATHER everything seems so trivial with what he is facing! Please do not let him face it alone. Surround him with your angels! Thank you FATHER! Meet you at the door!

Outstanding! I finished my day and there were actually people still at the office! This new program is working well! Thank you FATHER and thank you Jaime!

I need to back up to yesterday. I was on my way to Snyder and I could see clouds building and hinting of rain and storms. Before there was a single raindrop on my windshield the air was permeated with the smell of beautiful, clean, fresh rain! I started thinking about how tremendous this sensation is. My other favorite fragrance is new baby! Talk about two hands down winners! You can sense the presence without physically experiencing contact. GOD works this way as well. Thank you for your presence, FATHER!

FATHER,I thank you for a tremendous day! You knew it was this way before I did. I thank you for stepping in, for taking charge, for carrying me. I thank you for your love, for your mercy and for your grace. FATHER, thank you for Jesus and the hope and promise I have through him, thank you for his redeeming blood. Fill ME with YOUR SPIRIT LORD! We are at hump day for our extended week. FATHER I ask for another "DO AGAIN!" Meet you at the door!

I hate it when I get up in the morning and I am a half step behind already. Today was one of those! It seemed like I put it in over drive at 5:30 am. this morning just trying to catch up. The hair on the back of my neck was standing up and my skin was crawling. Not a good start for my day!

I made the decision to hand this potential problem off to GOD. I just asked him to provide me the tools and the knowledge to deal with what was in my day if he chose for me to have to deal with the problem. He pulled more than his weight, and I am thankful! I knew that today was going to be longer than yesterday because of the every two day work preparation. I guess just knowing and accepting it helps.

Thank you FATHER for delivering my day with solutions! Thank you for guiding me through. I thank you for the safe day and the productive day. FATHER you know my heart and my needs. Thank you! Thank you for the rain! I love you FATHER not just for what you do but that you care enough to do it! Meet you in the morning!

Today was the best performance day of this contract! It was like clockwork, everything just fell into place! And on a Monday! Go figure! Thank you GOD!

I was so pumped up about everything working so well today that all I could do was think about getting home. Now realize please, that my day does not end at five even on a good day, today is looked like seven thirty! My brother-in-law saw me loading my stuff in my muscle truck (see previous post) and he stopped to visit. I think a lot of Hag and I appreciate all he does so I did not mind spending some time with him. They are busy trying to plant cotton and harvest wheat! Its hard and difficult to realize that this is a part of my life that was so important a few years ago and this year I am walking away from it. I have to keep telling myself that this is not a choice, it is an opportunity! Where I thought I was going and where GOD had me penciled in were not the same, so take control GOD, and use me where you would want me to!

I didn't do well when I got home! I had called Krl and told her if she would get everything ready I would get her pump and filter for her pool up and running. She and Kat had picked up chemicals and other essential items for christening the pool later this week! I was one clamp short of hooking everything up! My four in one screw driver was missing! This was a disaster waiting to happen. We found the screwdriver in Kat's purse. We never found the missing clamp but Krl went to Lowe's and got one so we are good to go. The pool needs just a little water, feed it some shock, turn that pump loose, watch that electric meter spin and Walla, instant fun! O.K. I am not a pool person! I am over weight, I don't tan, I turn red, and I like air conditioning, what fun is it to sweat! I can look out the window and view the pool and enjoy it! I had called Krl earlier when my day looked so good and told her if she would have everything ready I would do a quick fix and have it all going. I didn't react well when some of the essentials were missing! I need help here FATHER. I am sorry and I will tell Krl as well. This is a work zone GOD! Give me some help!

At one point tonite we had three-quarters of all the granddaughters here. We had fifty percent of all the kids and we had sixty-six percent of the daughters! But who is counting! I like it!

School is out in Lubbock and Idalou except for finals, this week will complete school for Abilene ISD. Ellen goes to Marsha Sharp's Texas Tech Lady Raider Basketball Camp beginning Tuesday June 1 in Lubbock. Ellie is going to spend the week with Rian, Erica and Reid. Ellen's Aunt Merrit is vying for time as well! I'll bet they have fun! The camp takes place at United Spirit Arena, and it would be a thrill to play there at all!

FATHER I thank you for an almost perfect day. I kind of stunk up part of it FATHER. I am sorry for this and realize that I need to let you continue to work through me. I am sorry when I try to take control LORD. Stick with me FATHER. Thank you for the safe day, the productive day. I need a do again FATHER! Meet you at the door! For your love FATHER, I thank you! Bless us with rain I pray.

Sunday! Surprisingly, this morning went without a hitch! Krl and I just kind of worked it as a team and we got the pewees (our five year old granddaughters) fed and dressed and we were even early for church! (Exhausted but early). We got the girls in class following church. As long as they are together they are untouchable! They are a joy. Nine days separates their birthdates but you would almost swear they were connected at the hip instead of just being cousins! Oh, they love each other. They have played really well together and they are enjoying the time together! They started off last night intending to sleep on the couch. When I woke this morning all four of us were in Dandy's and Meme's bed!

Meme (Krl) and Dandy (that's me) let them set the menu for lunch. They requested grilled hot dogs (no chili) and mac and cheese. I don't understand why you don't find that combination on most restaurant menus!

I told Krl that I am getting wiser as I get older. I cannot imagine having a child and not putting them in Sunday school. Man, that's like getting an hour off!

Thank you for the pewee granddaughters,FATHER and thank you for the new day and the new week! Thank you for the blessings that both hold. I ask you for a safe week, a productive week, and I pray that my day and week will GLORIFY You! You have control FATHER!

Sometimes when I pray, I pray with occasional humor. I have started to wonder, does GOD have a sense of humor? My answer is yes! If you dispute this you will have to prove it to me! I think that laughter is just one more of the tools that GOD has blessed us with. I tender the following for your consideration.

God is in his workshop during the midst of creation and he is surveying all the remaining parts he has. He quickly puts a group together and puts it in the creation oven and POOF!

"Jeezus"! God exclaims! And what he is looking at is what we know as an ostrich!

All the sudden the celestial intercom comes alive and a voice says, "Yes Dad?"

"Sorry son, I was just shocked for a sec"!

God goes back to work matching remaining parts. Finally he has a group ready and he clicks "create". "Oh Christ", GOD exclaimed! "This elephant has two tails!"

The celestial intercom gets busy again! "Yes Dad?"

"Sorry Son, my fault! When you get low on parts you get some weird animals!"

Turtles and rhinos, hippos and giraffe's! Our GOD created it all, and in the process he created a sense of humor!

FATHER, as different and as weird as some of your creations may be, I realize I am a misfit as well. I thank you for loving me as I am. FATHER I thank you for a safe week, a productive week. FATHER YOU have allowed me a one day weekend, rest me well, rest me fast! FATHER we have the pewee girls tonight, they are going with us tomorrow morning to your house to join with other believers in praising and worshiping you! Bless them FATHER, bless us in our efforts! FATHER we Love you, we WORSHIP and ADORE You! For your love FATHER!

I am worn out! What a day what a day! I didn't make it through this day! GOD had to hold on and drag me through, I am so thankful. My daily reading compared it to a person becoming a glove and letting GOD wear them, (I think of this as the puppeteer) It wasn't me going through the motions today, that was all GOD. I am so tired and worn out and we have a three/quarter day tomorrow. Good news is that we have Memorial day off, down side is we work the Saturday before it, double downside, the job should be completed June 10.

Krl had a tough grandmothering day with Addie. I don't think I have seen the book the Strong Willed Granddaughter so we will have to hurry to write and publish it! I think we are having the pewee granddaughters sleep over Saturday night. (Unless Addie ruined this for everyone!). I think they are both committed to Sunday Church with Dandy and Meme. O.K. FATHER, I give you my one morning to sleep late!

Thank you FATHER, when I am weak and selfish, for taking charge of my life and living through me. I know I was tested at times today and some I did O.K. and others I didn't. We are making progress. FATHER help me to seize the opportunity tomorrow to surrender to you and your will! Let your blessings rain down FATHER! Thanks for the Angels, send more!!!!

I missed blogging yesterday. It wasn't because I didn't have anything, because I have a lot of everything but time! GOD continues to handle my scheduling at work and he is working my butt off! Up at five and home at nine. Guess what? I am having another one day weekend! Yea! Two more days to my weekend! I am such a sucker for a blue light special!

Yesterday Chris went with me. For those who don't know, Chris is my nephew (my sister Pat's oldest son). He is such a work! I really don't have the time to go into it right now but I will give you a brief summary. When Chris was five months old he was asleep In his car seat in their vehicle. Pat had left it running while she went in to give Grandpa his meds. In less than five minutes a switch shorted out in the vehicle and a flash fire occurred, with Chris inside. Pat went in the vehicle and came out with Chris, he was taken to Rolling Plains Memorial and then to Hendrick Mediacal Center before being air lifted to Parkland. He went into cardiac arrest twice on the care flight. He had inhaled fire and his corneas had been perforated by melted headliner. Thankfully he was so full of fight, he survived. At that time he was the most successful infant cornea transplant ever. There is a lot of scar tissue so he can see around the edges. One eye sees close, the other sees far. He is legally blind. All of his other senses are so keen it is unbelievable! He is such a special kid and you have to wonder why? What would he be like if he hadn't been involved? Would he be this special? Lots of questions. One thing for sure he has been a blessing to our entire family.

Chris just completed his first year at Sam Houston State University! He kept a family tradition by going on scholastic probation after the first semester and we tried to get in touch with the Dean to plead Chris' case to be re-admitted. Chris told me that the primary reason for going to college was to HAVE fun! Lots of talking, Chris and I. He just wears me out! Chris is spoiled. Chris is a smart!. Chris is schemer! .......

I suppose one of the neatest things about spending one on one time with my sister's boys is that I can be a "Peanuts" shrink and mess with their minds and send them home! My favorite scenario is to make them realize no matter how bad they think they have it with Mom, Dad and home, their Uncle is worse! Many stories from our day! Remind me to write about the laundry!

FATHER, Thank your for this week! You are expanding my boundaries! Thank you for blessing me with my day with Chris! Bless him FATHER, don't let him get his head shaved and don't let him get a tattoo or body piercing! We need a lot of help here FATHER! Please don't motivate Chris's Uncle to shave his head or get a tattoo or body piercing just to show Chris how silly he would look. I need some help! Bless us FATHER, you know our needs and you know our hearts! We love you, we worship and adore you! Send your angels FATHER! Meet you in the morning!

WOW! The best day yet! I guess I need to let GOD and Jaime handle the arrangements and I can hang around for the physical labor! I had hoped to shorten my day by one hour, it appears that it will be a couple of hours shorter if we can keep the new set ups! I got to Abilene and it WAS actually DAYLIGHT! First time in over a week! Now do we increase performance or just take advantage of getting it done quicker?

I don't know if any of you have ever had the experience of "working yourself out of a job". For the past ten years this has been a common occurrence for me. While there is some apprehension there is also an immense fulfillment because your can see and realize a goal.

One hundred and six more transfers and counting! Now I sound like a school teacher! Five more days and two half days! (Rian).

I hope for a day tomorrow that will rival today. I realize that at some point I am setting myself up for a disappointment but God willing we will finish this job first! For the team GOD! You are the GOD! Carry us to the finish! Thanks FATHER.

Long day! Productive day! I got a schedule for the completion of the contract I am working on and it is solid work work work! They want a minimum of 3500 units moved each week! The only day they are allowing off is Sunday. I think that five sixes (x 100)and one five (X 100) will equal their goal. They are already worrying about the Memorial Day Holiday. Do they want to pay double time or not??? What is really puzzling is that they don't have to be out of the leased warehouses until June 30. Go figure!

I got home tonight at 9 pm. (I left at 6 am.) Krl had tried to mow. It involved mechanical equipment so I will go no further. I am totally at wits end. I am tired of people who cannot carry through and will promise the moon and then leave you high and dry. I don't want to be responsible for anyone but me. If the equipment you are working with is smarter than you, STOP! If your spouse has been gone to work for fourteen hours, do not call them on their cell phone to tell them what is wrong and waiting on them at home!

Jaime (a co-worker) and I are going to try a new deal tomorrow (Tuesday) hoping to streamline my day! I think it could work to take off an hour and a half from my day! He is one of the few people that realize for everything to be in place, my day starts an hour before anyone else's and it will go about three hours after everyone else is off! I appreciate him being concerned and wanting to help!

It was a pretty good day! FATHER and I accomplished much, but then my day went to poop! I know I disappointed him because he left me to deal with it. FATHER, I will do better, with your help!

What a week! High highs and low lows! Thank GOD there were more of the highs! I know that the lows are reality tests when I try to do it alone! I love the day in my little day planner that says when you feel it necessary to roll up your sleeves and get busy working your way out of something, to "seize" the opportunity to surrender! Give it all to GOD. This has sure has been working for me! Thank you FATHER!

My nephew Kyle spent the night with Krl and I Friday night. He is really a pretty neat kid! You get used to not having any children in the house except the occasional grand kids (and all of visiting age are female) so it was a change to have a teenage boy back in the house! It has been since 1995 when Rian graduated and moved out that we had our last male regular resident. Krl had prepared a big supper and it took Kyle forever to eat. It wasn't that he didn't like it but he just eats so slow. We arrived home late, cleaned up and then had a very very late meal. Krl finally went to bed and after 11 pm. I told Kyle we had to get some rest because the alarm was going off at 5 am. I was surprised when I knocked on his door the following morning that he was so easy to awaken. We had a pretty good day. Each time Kyle works with me I try to stretch him a little farther. If it were up to him he would not choose to expand or learn, just find that simple niche, very little responsibility and cruise under the radar. I didn't give him any big job he isn't capable of but menial tasks that are good training. He is pretty smooth in that he can ask you to show him one more time until the task is complete so finally I just walked away and told him no help, no matter how long it takes. Once I told him this, he did it. The boy is smarter than he wants to let on! I am thankful that he feels so comfortable at our home and at my work that he asks to stay here and help work. One of my co-workers tells me that when I get old and I am living in a nursing home my own children may not visit me but Kyle will!

Kyle's brother Chris came home from college Thursday. His mother called him and told him to have everything packed and ready to load at 8 am. Thursday. Chris assured her he would have everything packed and ready! When she arrived she found that he was no longer living on the ground floor but four floors up, one hundred stair steps! When she walked in his room he had one suitcase packed! He hadn't even started breaking down his computer or anything else, and reports had it that his Mom thought it would take half day just for them just to find the floor! I don't know how his Mom does it but she moves mountains on a regular basis! There is something about most Mom's having that ability. They completed the move home, and in time for her next obligation! I expect it will take the better part of the summer for their house to finally agree on who is in charge!

Church was good this morning. It was Senior Sunday today. The graduating seniors were honored and they had the privilege of planning the entire worship service. The began it with a young man named Steven Moore singing "A New Anointing" and he finished the service singing "Take the Lord with You". It was very powerful. I found myself wondering how tremendous it would be for him to be the worship leader some Sunday! He sure gives it his all. Often times the first few minutes of the service can set the tone for the entire service. Today is was upbeat and filled.

I think I have about three more weeks on this contract I am working on! My tail is dragging but the compensation is appreciated! I like to eat! It kind of feels like I am going through boot camp (by my own choosing)! I just hope these old muscles and bones and joints can stand up to the challenge! I know that teamed with GOD and his blessing "Bertha" with "angel wings" we will get the job done! FATHER we have much to do together in the coming week! Thank you FATHER.

One more day to my one day weekend! Does it sound like I am trying to sell myself on something? Well, it is work, it is money, and I like to eat! Now that's a sales pitch! One more day until I can sleep in (usually I am not thankful when Highland does away with their early Sunday service for the summer, this week I am so glad! Church is at 9).

A very very good day! It was long I didn't get home until 9:30. Kyle (St.) Patrick Henry wanted to work with me tomorrow and when he finished negotiating his deal he came home with me to spend the night! Its not very often we have a young adult male in the house. In fact it was spring break and Kyle was the last guest. We are due in tomorrow at 7 am. We are going to transfer 5 bale lots. Then we will get the first lot for Monday ready for an early Monday delivery. Hopefully we will be done at 5:30 or 6 tomorrow afternoon! I would love to take KRL out to eat, but I am so hungry I wouldn't know where to go! Seafood and pasta sounds so tremendous! I have not eaten a lunch since Tuesday. I think I am gradually weakening! Maybe tomorrow with Kyle's help we can make up enough time we can break for a quick lunch!

Things are progressing with Memama and Pepa's media center! I have involved Pat and she is trying to make the arrangements for another telephone line. I am going to set up their ISP user account. Who knows. Not much longer and we may have two more bloggers!

I am so Thankful that Our FATHER has taken my last two days and made them such jewels! It sure makes it easy to offer up more days! Thank You FATHER! I guess I am going to have to coin a new phrase. I don't want a do over but a do again. I pray for a restful night and a productive day tomorrow, under your supervision, FATHER. For your love!

I missed this morning's blog. It has been a tough week. It seems like every day I am moving the alarm time earlier. We are now at 5:00am. I got in tonight at 10:30. Long day, short night, again!

I am seeing the total spectrum this week. The good, the bad and the ugly. Yesterday was ugly! I suppose it was test day and once again I failed. I think GOD keeps saying O.K. d can do it today. Yesterday was so weird because it seemed like GOD and I didn't ever connect. We are told to call upon the LORD and it just seemed like when I did he was other wise occupied. It made for a disastrous day. GOD and I reviewed it today. Thank goodness he was with me today! I don't know exactly what the deal was but I bet the connection problem wasn't with him. I may have needed to "reboot". As bad as yesterday was, today was that good, plus!

I kept holding a carrot in front of myself yesterday. Telling myself that it was hump day! Two more days to the weekend. Toward the end of the day one of the foremen came to me and asked me if I could work Saturday! I guess my hump day was so bad they are giving me opportunity for a do-over. I really don't want to, but I like to eat! Make hay when the sun shines and all that!

Right now I am going to get a little rest and hopefully Our FATHER and I will repeat today's day tomorrow! Thank You FATHER!

Wow! What a day! I guess I am going to set some parameters. Everything clicked like clock work! You would think my day was coordinated and planned by GOD! (It was!). Thank you FATHER. We did between twenty-five and fifty per cent more yesterday than any day to date. My joints hurt, my muscles are cramping and I am getting ready for another go of it! It rained in Scurry County (big time) so this may affect productivity today. It is humbling to realize that the aging process is winning. FATHER bless this day. Bless my efforts. Take me to your expectations FATHER. May this day glorify and exalt you!

Monday Monday.
Long day, short night. Sleep of the dead. Horrible alarm clock! Early bird catches the worm. What I do with this day is not me but him in me. Its going to be a tough one! You the man FATHER! Take control. Keep me in thought, heartand prayer! Maybe more later! Make it a good one! Wait up FATHER!

Monday Monday.
Long day, short night. Sleep of the dead. Horrible alarm clock! Early bird catches the worm. What I do with this day is not me but him in me. Its going to be a tough one! You the man FATHER! Take control. Keep me in thought, heartand prayer! Maybe more later! Make it a good one! Wait up FATHER!

Greater is he who is in me than he who is in the world!

I can't believe I am already awake and waiting for the week to begin. Eager anticipation! It seemed like I never got into that deep sleep last night and then the lawn sprinklers came on and about every time I would doze off again they would cycle across the bedroom windows.

We had a good weekend. Didn't do anything major. Just rest and relaxation. Went to church Sunday morning. Kali and +e (Addie) went with us. Big big crowd. With commencement for all three local universities and Mother's Day it was a virtual full house! I am glad we got there early. We either heard from or saw all of the kiddos. We even had the bonus of seeing all except the oldest and the youngest grandchildren. Krl deemed her Mother's Day a very good one!

Over the weekend everyone went where they were supposed to and got back safely. I am thankful for that! Rian, Erica and Reidman went on a retreat with the Greenlawn youth to Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Brently didn't fare so well Friday in Angelo. He had been in San Angelo last week doing some work. He was winding up his week when a guy ran a red light and T-boned him. It apparently totaled his pickup and his service trailer. A lot of his tools were damaged in the accident as well. Thankfully he wasn't badly injured but his back is giving him fits today. A passenger in the other vehicle appeared to be injured but the extent of her injuries is unknown to us at this time. I tell you, if it weren't for bad luck, Brently and Trace would have no luck at all. I guess my luck has rubbed off on them. I don't know what they had lined up for this week, but maybe they can put their program back together quickly!

I am scheduled in today. In fact we are trying a new format in hopes of shortening the day for all parties. I think I still have about 152 or 153 transfers left on this contract so it should pick up speed. Completion is expected by June 30. At the present rate I believe we will be doing 20 to 25 per week so that should put us inside that window.

Ellen has a ball game tonight. If the new format works I will make it. If not Krl will have to yell for both of us. Thursday past, Ellen's team played while the city and area wide track meet was going on and they lost 2 to 1. That is their first loss. I don't understand why they stack schedules like they do.

I hope everyone's Monday is a good one!

Father, we ask your blessings on us and our efforts this day, may you shine through us. Keep us centered. Patience and Tolerance. Thank you Father! See you at the door!

On a mid February Sunday morning, a little after eight, I found myself running late for church. I usually attend Highland CoC and their early service begins at eight fifteen. I live in the southwest section of town and it is about a fifteen to twenty minute drive to their building. On my route I pass by the Southern Hills CoC whose early service begins at eight thirty. I made one of those split second calls and rather than be late to Highland I hit the signal light and turned into the parking lot of Southern Hills CoC. I realize that they are awaiting the arrival of their new pulpit minister and that they were having guest speakers, former staff and present staff share the speaking duties. This particular Sunday a former Staff member was speaking. His name was Danny. He made a statement that has stayed with me and been the cause of contemplation on my part. His statement was that the CoC had for years past and until recent years been preaching death, instead of life. We had been negative for so long we had forgotten how to be positive.

My personal assessment: My spirit, my faith had been bruised and battered. I became lethargic and went to church just enough that the kids were exposed. Then there were no more kids at home and I went from a casual churchgoer to a non-churchgoer. Over the last few months the spirit with-in has been rekindled. I know I have come to terms with a lot of baggage. I also realize that there seems to be a movement with-in the CoC. I find myself comparing my church and my religion now with the church and religion of my youth. I find I prefer where I am now!

A Church that preaches salvation instead of damnation, that preaches love instead of fear, that preaches redemption instead of sanction, forgiveness instead of consequence, blessings rather than punishments, that accepts our imperfection instead of demanding perfection, and a Church and GOD that ministers to need. A GOD that is attentive and accessible, merciful and full of grace. A church and religion of praise and prayer, that does not judge and is not condescending. A church not of man’s doctrine, but of hope and promise through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Accentuate the positive!

AHHHHH! Saturday!
I have lost the ability to sleep endlessly but I really enjoyed trying to this morning. I found great comfort with my worn out pillow and the soft bed covers!

Not a whole lot going on today! Krl has already done many of the Saturday errands, I got the lawn done on Thursday so just a few light bulbs and maybe a little more work on getting the pool ready for summer. The 'babies are already asking when it is going to be ready!

Our plans for the weekend go no further than attending church tomorrow. I have to coordinate plans to see how many of the grandbabies are planning on going with us. This is a new endeavor for us. While the parents realize the need, they have made other choices with busy lives, so we will offer this as an alternative and see how this works. It may be like reverse osmosis! Sometimes GOD works in mysterious ways! The comforting thought is that GOD is always at work! Thank you FATHER!

Tomorrow is Mothers day. Some are new Mothers, some Mothers and Grandmothers and some Mothers, Grandmothers, and Great-Grandmothers! I am not going to see my mom tomorrow. I had lunch with her yesterday. At the present I am trying to get her set up with a computer and ISP so while it is all in place we are waiting on phone service. Maybe this next week. I told her that I see no reason for her to have an unlimited time account as she will basically use it just for e-mails. Who knows we can always change it! She may become a web surfer or possibly even a major blogger! At present she has the warm feeling of being on the cutting edge of technology, a computer, an ISP account, a printer and a fax machine! Now that is a communications/media center! The wonders of technology!

My Mother is seventy-three this year. She remains sharp as a tack. Just about a year ago she had open heart surgery to repair the big valve in her heart. She has done remarkably well. She maintains a regular cardio vascular rehab regime and also makes regular visits to her doctors. She informed me yesterday that early in the week she went in for a check up and they told her the repaired valve was regurgitating again. The doctor said that this was to be expected, that on a scale of 1 to 4 with 1 being minimal and 4 being critical, she earns a 1. Odd thing is as I recall in pre-surgery info sessions the doctor said that if he repaired the valve it would be good for 12 to 15 years and if he replaced it it would be good for 15 to 20 years. I was disappointed in the news but thankful that it is on the lower end of the spectrum.

Happy Mothers Day all Mothers!
For your Love FATHER I thank you, and I ask YOUR blessings on ALL Mothers!

FRIDAY! Yea! TGIF!
Yesterday was a good day! Very productive! Most of my weekend projects are complete so things are setting up for a kicked back Saturday! I spent the majority of my day outside working in the yard. The weed eater and I had a battle of the wills. I prefer the gas powered variety instead of the always reliable electric model. For some reason the thought of miles and miles of extension cords is not appealing. I can visualize myself looking like a hostage wrapped and tied with the cords! If I can get a couple of years out of a weed eater I feel like it has been worth the investment and then it becomes a disposable, should the need arise. The weed eater and I almost had the garbage dumpster talk yesterday. Thank goodness I was able to save that threat until at least next time!

We went to the city and big country wide fifth grade track meet yesterday afternoon. Ellen was participating. You cannot imaging the number of participants. The shorter the race the more qualifying heats. I think that the girls 100 meter dash had eleven heats and they were running a full track, nine lanes. Thankfully these fifth graders showed some good judgment and as the race length increased the number of participants and heats decreased. Of course these kids were looking at long odds of getting in. You could win your heat and still miss the finals. Krl and I stayed through all the preliminaries and Ellen didn't qualify in any individual races however the sprint relay team she was on did make the finals! About the time they were breaking before finals I came down with a deluxe case of alumabutt (where the grandstand meets the man) compounded by the rigamortis (from the lawn work) and Krl and I slipped away . Trace called later and said Ellen's relay team place fourth, just out of the medals. Good job Ellen!

I am fixing to get ready and head for work. I am scheduled in today. I sure hope it limbers me up some. I guess I will sneak a little extra tylenol and flexogen in my pocket before I leave! Getting old is creaky business! I feel like I need to take a tablespoon of WD40 first thing in the morning! Hope your day (and mine) is a good one! Meet you at the door FATHER! For your glory and honor!

Tj, my youngest sister forwarded this to me. Every once in a while I threaten sanctions against people in my address book who don't correspond periodically. She may not take the time to e-mail but she is a world class forwarder! This will make you think!

A man was being tailgated by a woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him.

He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection. The tailgating woman hit the roof, and the horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection with him. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer.

The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk.

Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car."

end.

Let Your light shine! 'nuff said!

Yesterday was a productive day. No problems or altercations to upset my apple cart! It continues to amaze me that however bad one day can be GOD can make the next one unbelievably good!

Not much on tap today! I am not scheduled to go in today so hopefully I can do some things around the house. The lawn needs to be mowed and then Krl wants to take her birthday money and either buy flowers to plant or chemicals for the pool. I am looking forward to spending the day with her!

Let's make it a good one Father!

I guess Tuesday was my Monday, at least I hope it was. It would be hard to get out of bed if today was going to be worse. Yesterday was a long day and a short night! Usually I can use the mind over matter adage and get through just about any abnormal difficulty without becoming to upset. I guess yesterday was a test, and I failed it. I hate to get upset early on because it seems to set the tone for the balance of the day. I also detest people who say one thing and do something quite different, especially if it affects my work or performance. I reacted badly yesterday to this situation and these "other" people probably didn't give it a thought when they went home at a normal hour and I had four more hours to finish my day! I survived it. I used the resources GOD gave me and struggled through. At one point I called Krl not that I had anything profound, I just needed to hear that calm familiarity to help ground me. I am thankful she was there for me. One thing about tests is that you learn what you need to work on! I WILL do better! ..........WITH YOUR HELP FATHER!

What a tremendous day yesterday turned out to be! Going with the flow paid great rewards! I was "on call" but received word early on that I would not be going in to work. Krl and I had a slow day and didn't get out of the house until about 4pm. We went to early vote in city and school elections (this appears to be a high impact year in our community) then we ran a few errands using up some time before we planned to go to our second oldest grandaughter, Ellen's youth league softball game (Ellen is 11). We had planned to pick up Addie (the youngest grandaughter) and take her so she could spend time with her cousin, Kat (Ellen's baby sister). Addie and Kat are five, nine days separates their births and they so love and care for one another. We arrived at the game way early so we had to deal with twenty questions about why Kat was not there and where Kat might be. Finally Kat arrived along with her mom, Trace and the big sister Lauren (the grand patriarch grandaughter at 15). Ellen had come a little earlier with a friend but had her "game face on" and was tending to business. We didn't know which to watch, the ball game (which saw TNT struggle until the final inning before pulling out a come from behind win, yea!) or the two youngest grandaughters play. What an evening of fun and snow cones finally being topped off by Trace and the girls wanting to take Mom (or Meme) out for dinner to celebrate her birthday and I got to go along! Remarkably the restaurant went well, no spills, just dropped utensils (by the patriarch grandchild), good food, good company and hearty laughs. We finally got Addie home between 9:30 and 10 pm. so she might be grounded for staying out so late on a school night. Oh well, we have a whole year to get ungrounded!
The only thing that could have improved an almost perfect day would have been for the remaining grandchild, Reid (our only grandson to date) to attend, he is nine months old and lives three hours away! Its days like this that refresh your knowledge that GOD is good, and to quote our two youngest grandaughters, "can we do it again". To have began a day with such apprehension and dread and give to give it back to GOD to mold it and form it into something so special! That is my hope for this day! It's yours Father!

I had an encounter Friday with one of Texas' finest. I was on my way in to work and had just gotten on the interstate highway when I met a DPS trooper. He immediately hit the median and did a "flip flop", my first reaction was to glance at my speedometer (68 miles per hour). My second reaction was that he must have an emergency in the western portion of the county. You can imagine my surprise when he dropped in behind me! I immediately pulled to the shoulder of the highway and started getting paperwork together. Now a little background on my "ride". My work truck is a ten year old Chevrolet S-10 with a 4 cylinder engine. Not exactly a muscle truck. The trooper asked if I knew why he had stopped me and I replied no. He then (with a straight face) told me he had clocked me at 84 miles per hour with his radar. I laughed and told him I didn't think so. He assured me that he was correct and I started realizing there was a major problem somewhere. Now my truck on a good day with a strong tail wind, pointed downhill might be able to run 84 miles per hour, but not in a one mile distance (I guess I could strap it on an atlas rocket and it could meet that criteria). You have to realize that I have not had a moving violation since 1993. As things progressed it became evident this "trooper" was the lucky purchaser of a box of Cracker Jacks which yielded a badge and a gun. His ten gallon hat must have been full of water when he put it on that morning because his brain must have shrunk. When he pulled his clipboard out to write the citation I thought it odd that a substantial portion was already filled out. He completed the remainder of the citation and asked for my signature. I replied that I really had a problem signing something that was such a blatant lie, his response was that should I refuse he would place me under arrest and haul me in to the courthouse, something he would be more than happy to do! His exuberance surprised me and was matched only by his lack of tact. My day flashed in front of me and I quickly decided that I would turn this problem with "Barney Fife" over to my attorney. I responded to the trooper that I would sign the citation under duress and I would let my attorney deal with him. Now I hate citations of any kind and feel that you might as well burn money as have to pay a fine. I was really dreading getting home Friday night and telling my wife because she feels the same way. I decided "to take the bull by the horns" and get it over with. I had been home just a few minutes when I told her I had been cited for speeding. Her immediate reaction ws that I had received the citation either in a school zone or a construction zone. When I told her that it was on the interstate she asked how fast they wrote me up for, I replied 84 and she started giggling and wanted to know if my truck was strapped to the bed of a big rig. I was relieved that I was not in trouble. She inquired as to the amount of the fine and I told her $102.00. Her thought was just pay the fine because our attorney would cost more than that. I am battling with this. It bothers me that a man who has been put into a position of trust (Barney) doesn't have the sense to get out of the rain. I don't know what the actual problem was, he may have clocked a foil chewing gum wrapper swirling in the wind or I suppose it is very, very possible he hit the radar buton while he was looking into it and it registered the metal plate in his head and took an approximate IQ reading. Its the principle of it all.

Did I miss part of the weekend or what? I can't believe it is Monday already! My mental state is mental. I need a do-over for the weekend. I really hate to start the week with this outlook. My skin has been crawling (not a good sign. what is going to go wrong now) and I have been testy. It seems as though everything and everyone has jumped on my wagon as I try to pull it uphill. GOD has his work cut out. I'm just going to go with the flow and let Him work His plan. It will be exciting to see where I am when He gets me through this stage. Patience and tolerance, patience and tolerance, pat..ienc.e ... and... t o..ler.a..n...c..e... . Surround me Father!

Tomorrow we will celebrate Krl's birthday. Number 55. They are flying by and picking up speed. We have nothing special on tap, some of the grandbabies will probably drop by or call. We will probably enjoy an evening at home and at some future date try to go out to eat. Its amazing how comfortable our fit has become with each year. We seem to play to each others strengths more and more. Happy birthday dear, and may GOD bless you with many more! d

Testing testing! I have entered the world of bloggers!