I suppose I am practicing this morning for tomorrow morning. Rian and Erica are participating as sponsors (along with many others) for a marriage enrichment retreat this weekend. Last year Rian was a Beta tester participating in the "Higher Ground" retreat. This is a combined effort of several of the churches in Lubbock. Anyhow, beginning this evening and lasting through the retreat there is a "round the clock" prayer vigil. Krl and I are on exact opposite sides of the clock! I am Friday morning 3:30 am. to 4:00am. Krl is 3:30pm. to 4:00pm. Friday afternoon.

I continue to try to put things in order for the Fall work. Virtually all the equipment is in place. We did discover one hick-up yesterday. Talk about weird, one vendor doesn't accept cash, pre-pay, certified cheque, or money orders! All they want is plastic! What is this world coming to! There is also a little dirty pool going on. A former supplier who priced themselves out of the market this year, refuses to acknowledge our business relationship in prior years and deny doing business with us even though we hold a handful of cancelled checks paying them. Ethics, some people got 'em, some don't!

We are running late getting started. The cool weather and the rains keep pushing us back. Usually by now we are approaching twenty-five per cent of project completion. Not this year! My phone has been ringing. Former employees calling, wanting to insure their positions. I have rolled the dice and Monday they will start coming in. I hope that things pick up because payroll is tough when all you have is out go.

I found myself doing a mental roll call, from previous years on the job! Delfino, Victor, Julio, Amado, Rogelio, Michael, Jesse, Michael (again), Chester, Doby, Goose, Gonzo, L.M., B.L., Charles, Chuck, Candy, Jerry, Harry, Sam, Jesus, Johnny, Adan, Gilbert, Ricky, Ralph, Tony, Mario, Eric, Roy, Albert, Garry, Michael (again), Robert, J.C., Jerry (again), Gerald, Alfredo, Floyd, Kelly, Butch, Jim, Caleb, George, Kevin, Maurolen, Bruce, Byron, Steve, Bill, Junior, Tim, Freddie, Joe, Al, Lowell, Edward, Kenny, Robert (again), Wes, Brian, Richard, Curtis, and the list goes on and on! Thankfully, many of these return year in and year out. Some have gone on to bigger and better things, some have slipped and made mistakes that have altered their lives forever. One is serving time in prison for murder, another for theft. What a rag tag bunch we are! Regardless of individual shortfalls, together we get the job done.

FATHER, I am thankful that we are all individuals, not cookie cutter copies of one another. I am thankful that we all bring our own strengths and weaknesses to our job. Help us to blend together and play to each other's strengths, and compensate for each other's weaknesses. Help us to be physically strong, give us endurance for the long term, and I ask that YOU instill in us YOUR spirit. I ask YOUR blessings on the marriage retreat in Floydada this weekend. Be with those who are participating, those who are leading and those who are sponsors. May their weekend be full and rewarding. I also ask YOUR blessings on LTH in Nashville. Bless the leaders and those attending, bless the efforts of those who put it all together. I ask safe travel for all. I ask again for YOUR healing for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. Bless them. I also ask YOUR blessing of healing for Eddie's wife in Houston. I pray for R2D2, I ask that YOU restore unto him the joy of his salvation. Bring him full circle. I pray for the needs of our spiritual family. FATHER, the loss continues to add up from the hurricanes, more casualties in areas and countries that are not equipped to respond. Bless and expedite the relief efforts for all the victims. Praise to YOU from whom all blessings flow!

I am exhausted! I have just realized that I have not slept very well or very much in three days. I guess it was the dread or anticipation of leaving that affected Sunday night, the settling into the travel trailer that distorted Monday night, and then the frustration of hurrying up to wait along with being on pins and needles awaiting the call to summon me back to the jobsite that trashed last night. I haven't been very good company. Krl must be a pretty good woman to put up with me.

I am trying to put my day in order. I brought my workstation computer home with me. I hope to set up all the company info in the new software. It will take a little time on the front end but I believe it will be really beneficial in the long run. All of the reporting should be a breeze, when computer checks arrive, payroll will become much simpler. My other chore on the books today is to go to the IRS and pick up some more W-4's and Requests for Taxpayer Identification forms.

In past years I have worked totally from my laptop while at the jobsite. This year I am taking my most favorite computer in the whole world in addition to my laptop. Lots of people laugh at my workstation computer. It is approaching eight years old. It is an AST Bravo, 15" monitor. Doesn't sound like cutting edge technology does it! A few years ago it started having problems with some of the memory capacities, so Rick and I did a refurb and increased the memory about thirty fold and then added some additional RAM to it. I really can't explain why, but when all other computers fail, my old AST has come through. We have newer Dells, Compaqs, Software Solutions, and Monster E Machines all with bigger processors, larger capacities and newer technology but at some point in time nearly all of these other machine operators have been rescued by my old trustworthy AST. Our computer tech support has been trying to deal me out of my AST for years. What do they know that we don't?

FATHER, take control. I am frustrated, I am tired, I am out of control! I need YOU to pace me, guide me, direct me. FATHER, I am thankful that YOU are steady, dependable, and faithful to us. I need that, I need YOU! I lift up Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee for YOUR healing. I lift up R2D2 for YOUR spiritual healing, bring him full circle back to YOU. I pray for the needs of our spiritual family as well as those of the hurricane victims, bless them all! I pray for Krl and ask YOUR blessings on her. I beg YOUR forgiveness when I fall short and I ask for YOUR strength in my weaknesses. There is none other than YOU!

He is barely back! I was drowning in a sea of words! I was getting short of breath, long of word!

I can't believe I almost missed blogging!

I left Monday morning and started a trek to the job site. As it turns out, I did three hundred miles for nothing! I now know how these athletes feel who have an off night due to weather, I just don't make the big bucks! Rain delay! Now it turns out they are awaiting a computer board that burned up. I did have a productive time on the jobsite. I got my office taking shape. The big kicker is that I had only one of my computers. I loaded the second one up this afternoon, and when I go back I will finish up the office.

I am enjoying a brief, unexpected lull with my honey! I got to come home. One of the trying things for me is that we might work tomorrow, Thursday, Friday or Saturday! It might even be Monday! I told the General Manager my money was on Monday. He told me that was probably smart money. Their Fall Festival Celebration is this weekend so he wants me on hand for this. What he doesn't realize is he will get my donation regardless of whether I am there or not!

I had an interesting contact today. We will simply call this person R2D2. He will know when he reads this who I am referring to. He has looked over my shoulder through my blogspot. I appreciated his comments directly and I will honor his request for including him in my prayer list. We all have our crosses to bear. I am thankful our GOD is a loving and compassionate GOD who overlooks our bumbling efforts and loves us for who we should be /can be, not who we are.

FATHER, thank YOU for the test run! I am ready for the real deal! I ask for strength, for endurance, for direction. I ask for patience and tolerance. Thank YOU for the rain. Thank YOU for the extra time with KRL. FATHER, you know our hearts, YOU know our needs. Please fill us. Fill us with YOU. Thank YOU for a good day! Thank YOU for a tremendous day for KRL. FATHER, I continue to lift up Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee for YOUR healing. I ask that YOU will intervene and give purpose and stability to R2D2's faith, I pray for strength for all, I ask for YOUR presence. Surround us with YOUR angels. Be with TJ in her recuperation. I pray for the needs of our spiritual family. I pray for the needs of the hurricane victims. Lead us. YOURS IS THE GLORY!

The time is now. It is here, "D" day.

What a fitful night I had. Yesterday was constant. Back and forth back and forth, loading odd and end things. Finally we took a break and cooked on the grill and tried to spend a little time together before bed time. We went to bed early and I slept with one eye on the clock from about midnight on. Departure is tentatively set for eight this morning.

Yesterday was a good day. We started with early church and Sunday school. It was all good. Krl made class for the first time in a while and she really enjoyed it. I think she is going to do women's Bible study Tuesday morning with Gayla. They discussed it. Plans at the present are for Krl to float back and forth between St. Lawrence and home. I suppose she is going to be our utility player doing all the necessary odds and ends.

Today is bittersweet. I am so ready just to get underway, but I have such questions leaving Krl here. I went ahead and got the Expedition ready for her to make the trek west with the hound boy and hound girls. I took the third seat out and laid down the middle one. Now she can load to her hearts content and the hounds can sprawl when they travel. I have only to set up the temporary fence and the satellite to complete that camp site.

I hope to pick up parts this morning for the trailer project, I am cautiously optimistic I can pick up the necessary items somewhere other than the OEM. I am scheduled to meet Charles at one this afternoon in Roscoe to load at least one forklift, fuel tank, dollie plates, and other assorted items that haven't been moved. Tomorrow morning he will bring a stack of trailers, take a load out and repeat the process until all necessary equipment is in place. One joker in this deck is according to doppler radar, they have received rain over the weekend. I hope not. It will be slow in the beginning and gradually increase through the first week or so at very best, if it rains it will begin slow and grind to a stop and we will have to start over again. Pray for us!

FATHER, bless this day! I pray for safe travel. Be with Krl as we work apart. Watch over and keep her, bless her. FATHER, I pray that YOU will bring together the loose ends. Thank YOU for all the blessing YOU bless us with, help us to be mindful and appreciative of them all. I continue to pray for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee, I ask that YOU bless them with YOUR healing. I pray for the needs of our spiritual family, I pray for those who have battled the hurricanes, I ask YOUR blessings on them all. FATHER, I ask YOUR blessings and guidance for the leaders of Highland, for the staff, for the different ministries, for the missionaries, especially at this time I ask YOUR blessings on the efforts in Itu and on Antenor and Phyllis. FATHER, the glory is YOURS, may my day, my week, my time in St. Lawrence bring glory to YOU! Thank YOU LORD.

Final prep day! Things to do before I leave and things to do before I leave!

Too many last minute projects! We worked Saturday, In 2003 we had a trailer suffer major damage from fire. We muddled through last year without it in the rotation but with the large fall contract looming on the horizon it seemed essential to have it ready. Wednesday we had seven people on the project but it dwindled to three on Thursday and finally two on Friday and Saturday. I was pleased with the end result. All it lacks are the mounting grommets for the lights and plugging them in. Maybe one more hour, if I can secure the parts locally and not have to go to the OEM.

I came to some stark realizations yesterday! First of all, my Dad is a "mean old busterd" (inside family joke). Second, I found that I have always sought but never achieved his approval, no matter what I did. I cannot recall EVER receiving a compliment from him. The closest I have ever been was after a very successful sales call (for the family business) to GP in Atlanta and with other customers between there and Texas, my Mom, on his instructions, put a pair of Ostrich boots in my vehicle. (First thing I looked at was my old boots!??? Did they embarass him or what?) He never expresses affection. Other people tell me things he says but I guess there is some odd far fetched reason that he cannot vocalize them directly. Sad part is it has taken me this far in my life to decide that it shouldn't be that important to me and I have finally made the decision that I am not here to please him! I talked with Krl and then Trc called and we talked. I told them, and I will tell Kali, Ollie and Rian that should I ever get that difficult and hard, please shoot me! It really bothers me that I might end up like that! Is it in the genes? The thing that really miffs me is when I let him push my buttons and I fall into his trap. Deliver me!

I am not looking forward to mixing this contract work with family. I use, as sub-contractors, some family and family equipment. This is asking for problems because past history has always shown when the parameters get stretched, family thinks they are entitled. Call me crazy, but I expect more from family, not less!

I may be out of blogsphere the next few days. My ISP at St. Lawrence made some changes since last year and it appears I may have to change providers to remain local to the area. I guess you could say that my St. Lawrence location fell through the cracks of the ISP's reorganization.

FATHER, thank YOU for it all! For YOUR love, YOUR mercy, YOUR grace, for JESUS! Help me to set my eyes, my goals not on things in this world and this life but on the here-after and life eternal. FATHER, bring me closure to the open wounds, strengthen my resolve. Guide me. Direct me. Fill me with YOUR spirit. FATHER, as we begin the fall contract in earnest, I ask YOUR blessing for a safe and successful contract. Be with all that are involved. I ask for patience and tolerance, and for wisdom and guidance as I make decisions that affect many. Help me to be fair and just. Help me to be accountable to the job boss but more importantly to YOU. I continue to ask for closure for KRL. I pray for her former manager and his family. Bless them. Help us all to work through this muddled mess. I thank YOU for the opportunity to take KRL with me on this job. I pray that YOU will purify our hearts and minds. I pray for Rene', Carol, Michelle and Aimee, bless them and heal them. Be with T.J. in her surgery Monday. FATHER help her to realize YOU are giving her a do-over. Be with those who have suffered loss from the hurricane season, protect those in the path of Jean. I pray for the needs of our spiritual family. Bless them and fill them FATHER. Help me as I strive to be worthy of YOUR love!

Wow! My joints are creaking, knees are mad, back is stiff, fingers swollen. Ah, the joy of physical labor!

Got the call yesterday. Contract will begin Tuesday. I was instructed to be there but that a full compliment of people wont be necessary until Monday October 4. They want some equipment and a few people. I am excited but I am dreadful as well.

Krl and I have just about made a deal. We have both been fighting a depression the last few days. With all that has gone on and the need for me to go to the jobsite it is no wonder. Pray for us. Pray for closure for Krl. God has something else in mind for her.

FATHER, please lift our heavy hearts. Energize us, boost us. Renew our confidence in YOUR plan being carried out as YOU intend. Be with Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. Heal them. I pray for the needs of our spiritual family. Be with the hurricane victims. Direct the relief efforts. Praise to YOU from whom all blessings flow!

I am exhausted! We have been going as hard as we can go. Yesterday we had more help than you could shake a stick at and today we were bare bones. I spent today working with Eusebio and Ralphael. I had almost forgotten how challenging this could sometimes be. It wasn't a good day production wise but it wasn't a bad day either. My goal was for a Friday afternoon completion and we could do that!

Delfino called today. I was relieved. I had not heard from him in several weeks. All systems are go, they just aren't going as quickly as he would like! He is ready to come to West Texas!

I did the Oasis thing last evening. Our class and the Living Room Class were hosting and serving. It was interesting. If you have opportunity to participate it is worth it. It was good just to expand our circle. It was fun working with Kurt, Buzzy, Carolyn, Duane, Barbara, Loren, Foy, Katherine, Gayla, Terry, and Patsy and those were just the ones in my immediate area! If you take advantage of the meal, working one will make you appreciate it! I don't think I will have a hunger for chicken (grilled or fried) for quite a few days!

I had better get. I have things to do before I sleep and things today before I sleep! Maybe this weekend I will have more time to write some substance.

Thank YOU FATHER! Bless those with needs. Please continue to accompany me! For YOUR love!

Amazing! What a good day, a good evening, a restful night GOD blessed me with!

Sometime I think GOD throws a pebble into our life just to ripple the water! Things had been so volatile the last few days. People were disappointing and not delivering, everything got to moving so fast it was hard to know which direction to look or when. Then GOD lets things settle through and it becomes so still, so wonderful.

My supplies came in! Yea! I picked them up, got the truck back to Roscoe and everything is set up and ready to start processing them. After finishing this I headed back to Abilene and on the way I realized if I went directly to the building I was on track to be able to help with the prep for the Oasis meal. I knew Krl had picked up Kat from school, so I called and advised her what I was thinking. I was glad I did. When I got there, there were five people. We picked up a few more people and got it all done. I still got home in time to see Kat. She is loving school! She is such a card. TRC was going to be late getting back from the metroplex, so finally we made a pallet and told Kat she needed to go to sleep. Then the cycle started, I need a drink, I need to go to the bathroom, and numerous things came up that she needed to tell us. Earlier in the evening she had made us cards. When I got cleaned up I found my card on the bathroom counter. I opened it part way and slipped a dollar bill in it and walked into the family room, made a big production out of opening it, let the dollar bill fall to the floor as I unfolded my card, and I began to read the message. Kat kept looking and I picked up the dollar and walked to her to thank her for my card and for the money! She stood it for as long as she could, finally she told me "Let me see that!" She was trying to figure out just how that had happened and finally she 'fessed up that she didn't put any money in my card. She figured out Dandy had "spoofed" her and laid back down. It got quiet, and she told me, "Dandy, did you notice I lost another tooth?" "Yes" I replied, but she proceeded to show me again! Then it was quiet, and Kat said "Dandy, my other grandparents gave me money for the tooth." I didn't reply. She repeated her statement and asked me if I wanted to give her that dollar for the tooth she had lost. I told her I wouldn't give her money for losing something and besides, her other grandparents had paid her for that tooth! She wouldn't drop it and finally I told her, "Come here, bring the pliers and let me pick out a tooth!" It got quiet and she finally slipped off to dreamland and her Meme gently slipped the dollar under her pillow!

I slept as I have not slept in quite a long time. I didn't do that couple of hours and be up at 1AM. I cuddled up against Krl and when I looked at the clock it was after six in the morning! Thanks, I needed that!

I am off to Roscoe today! I am hoping that the processing can be done by end of day Friday. I will have lunch with Memama and Pepa, while I am there I am going to finish putting together their media center. My sister Pat finally got everything they needed to finish it. I know Memama is not totally happy and I haven't decided for sure how I am going to do it. Pat went the DSL route and their fax machine and computer were going to share a phone line but now that phone line is piggy backed from the voice line. Originally Memama was going to be happy if she just had a copier! I plan to come back to Abilene in time to help cook and serve at Oasis. Food preparers have to be there at four.

FATHER thank YOU for the good Tuesday! I ask that we do it over for my Wednesday. Thank YOU for allowing things to settle and calm. Help me to appreciate the peace that YOU bring. Thank YOU for the safe travel, the time spent working with others on Oasis, and the special time with Kat. Thank YOU for the restful, peaceful night! Thank YOU for removing the anger and frustration I held for Krl's former manager, help me to continue to move on from this matter. I ask YOUR direction and guidance. I ask YOU to lead KRL where YOU intend her to be. Use us. Bless this day. I continue to ask YOUR gift of healing for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. I ask YOUR intervention for those of our spiritual family who have needs and issues. I continue to pray for those with loss from hurricane Ivan and I ask that YOU would turn hurricane Jeane away from the coast. FATHER these people have suffered so much, please bless them with relief. May my day glorify YOU!

Interesting. I had an early morning call (but not early enough to make my first blog of the day) from Rian. He was asking for prayers.

As most of you know, Rian is a Junior High History teacher and Coach at O.L. Slaton Junior High in Lubbock, Texas. This is his third year. He will receive his Masters Degree in December commencement at LCU. He wants to be a principal. He interviewed this past summer but was passed over primarily because of his age. He is battling depression over this, and he called dear old Dad. He said he is not content with his life, with his job, or with various items in his life. He thought I might have a magical answer for his feeling as he does. I wish I did. I have been an owner of a multi-million dollar business and lost it all. I have also seen the other end of the spectrum where I was cringing at the grocery store as each item rang up, hoping I had enough money in my pocket to pay for my purchases. I have been at church and the person in charge of a special collection challenged everyone to reach in your left hand pocket and put everything in the offering and it was a large sum, I have voluntarily emptied my pocket into the collection plate and it was a small amount, but all I had. I can't honestly say I was more happy with money, because I wanted more. I can't say I am more happy without money, because money is nice. But somewhere, some way there is a happy medium. It's never really ours, we just manage it for GOD for a brief while. GOD hasn't let me starve and I do have a roof over my head.

Rian told me that he is not content with his job, with his vehicle, he likes nice things and if he can't provide them he feels like he hasn't worked hard enough, and there is nothing he can do because it is out of his control. Actually, it has never been in his control. GOD has the remote. We must quit depending on self and let GOD work his plan. Don't be anxious.

My daily reading book says to count your blessings not your crosses. We have never been promised an easy path. We have been warned of its perils, and all the way Satan is nipping at our heels, telling us that you work hard you deserve it all (whether it is a vehicle, a job, golf clubs, whatever)! Realize that if we achieve it all, the fame, the fortune, the job........we haven't done anything, GOD has done it through us. HE is working HIS plan. We can achieve it all and fail the exercise. What good is it if a man gains the whole world and forfeits his soul. Keep your eye on the ball.

Judy Thomas has had a pretty good series called Examen. I believe it is September 8, 9, and 10 in the archives (that will be close). It is kind of like doing a daily inventory as a family of all the high points and low points of a day. (Basically count your blessings). That description really doesn't do justice but take a look. I enjoy Judy's blog and include it in my daily read.

FATHER, I pray for Rian. I ask YOU to lift his heart, energize him, boost him. Surround him with YOU, Keep him centered. FATHER bless him with YOUR love, YOUR mercy, and YOUR grace. Fill him with YOUR spirit. Give him YOUR peace, YOUR understanding. FATHER let him be thankful for what he has, for what he has accomplished. Give him the understanding that job and possessions are not important. YOU will provide. Continue to work through him. Bless Erica and Reid. Watch over and keep them all. FATHER YOU are SUPREME and all things come from YOU.

Told you so!

Monday lived up to its billing! I know a lot of things had built toward it and it finally erupted. Oh well. We should have a brief reprieve until it cycles again. Nothing really happened that wasn't expected.

My supplies still failed to make it in. They are promised today, but then what is a promise when it is broken repeatedly.

Krl's prediction at her work place came true. She finally told her manager she would do them both a favor and pack her stuff and get out. He started shouting at her that he had done her a favor giving her that job. Boy, with friends like that you sure don't need enemies!

Once Krl got home I put together a letter and included in it excerpts for being an effective manager that I had received years ago, Krl got her work shirts together and I took them back to the store for her and delivered my letter. She told me that the letter would not be received well. She was right. Krl and I went out for a celebratory outing and when we got home we had been bombarded by calls from the wife of her former manager, wanting to come over and explain some of her husbands behind the scenes management skills (?) and hopefully the situation could be reconciled. By this time Krl felt like a gilded bird. She feels deceived and lied to, but also tremendous relief that she is away from that situation. Krl asked me to return the call and tell them thanks but no thanks. When I called, their plan "B" was in place, I finally told them I thought things were at a point where they needed to go on and "We wished them well" and we hoped they would do the same. They didn't. We were trying to get ready for bed and the phone kept ringing. Krl finally answered it and surprise, it was them again. I finally threatened to unplug the phones in order to have some peace and quiet.

I am sure everyone is going to see things from their mate's perspective. I know I do. You don't threaten mine or I will be in the middle of the fray. I stayed out of this deal until Krl had already quit, then the letter was offered up as constructive criticism from a friends perspective. Amazingly almost three months as a manager has taught Krl's former manager (and his wife) everything he (or she) wants to know about managing. We hope that he is successful. We just don't feel Krl can be a part of it. We don't feel that this friendship is one that we want to pursue. It is very difficult when a person does not live up to your expectations.

Krl's situation was tainted from the beginning. The wife of her former manager wanted her to monitor and if necessary thwart a budding relationship between the manager and a co-worker. The manager resented having someone on the scene that was aware of what was going on. Turns out the co-worker was a pretty good person, the co-worker didn't pursue a relationship, and the co-worker was the one who said "NO". I see bad things looming here. I also feel that Krl's manager was intimidated by Krl's experience and customer skills. This is one chapter I am anxious to close the book on! I do know we can sleep a peaceful sleep.

Onward and upward! Krl's interview went well! I know that anything Krl does is just a bonus for her. It is not all about money, it is about benefits, a sense of self worth, and being appreciated by the customer and employer! If this new deal works, fine, if not I will be more than happy to take Krl with me on the contract! Everything happens for a reason.

FATHER, thank YOU for YOUR blessings. YOU didn't promise us an easy way. I am thankful for the opportunities YOU present to us. Some of these are opportunities of advancement, others are opportunities of escape. FATHER I pray that things continue as YOU intend. I pray for Krl's former employer, her former manager, her former manager's family, I ask that YOU bless them all. I pray for their success, I pray for YOUR wisdom and guidance for them. I ask the same for Krl and myself. Maybe as we become more removed from the situation this possible friendship can be revisited. FATHER I continue to pray for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee, bless them with YOUR healing. I continue to pray for the needs of our spiritual family, bless them and comfort them. I continue to ask for relief and YOUR blessing of peace and comfort for all the hurricane victims. I am thankful for YOUR faithfulness to us and that YOU are there for us to call upon. May we be worthy of YOUR love.

I've got this weird feeling! This could be the Mother of all Mondays!

I wish I could do more to help Krl through today. She is going to a job interview this morning first thing, then she is going in to work. She is going to complete their cycle which ends Tuesday evening, then the boy wonder and his boss can have it! We hope they are very happy together! I would really like to give them something to commemorate this occasion, like maybe a five gallon can of whoopazz. I won't do it. I don't want to sink to their level. So we will turn the other cheek, but it sure is getting difficult to do.

I am really messed up time wise. I am on sixteen hour days instead of twenty-four hour days. I get this way when I have a major problem or when I am dreading something immensely. I guess with Krl's work situation and with my pending departure I meet all the criteria, not just one.

FATHER, take control, of my day, of Krl's day. Be with us. Help her interview to go well. Help us to both think before we speak and act. Help us to realize that we only see things as YOU reveal them to us, instill in us the faith that YOU are working YOUR plan. I pray for the healing of Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. I ask for relief for the hurricane victims. I pray for the needs of our spiritual family. FATHER, I ask that YOU bless this day and week.

Short night! Whew, I think my eyes are scared of the dark! They keep popping open!

Happy Birthday Coach!

My pea brain is on spin cycle! Lots going on and not a whole lot of hardware to sort it with. Our Saturday was pretty laid back. We had lots of domestic things that needed done. We got a lot accomplished and will probably hit it again today. We kind of made a pack, we will do what we can and not worry about the rest.

We spent a lot of the day discussing Krl's work situation. It is difficult. I know Krl is heartbroken. She loves the business and her customers. She is GOOD at what she does. She was excited to get to work with a former co-worker, only to be brought violently down to earth. This former co-worker is not the same person she worked with seven years ago. There have been lies, deception, questionable morals, and vulgar language along with severe racial prejudice. Krl had become reluctant to attend Sunday School and I had chalked it up to her being exhausted. Now it seems that she has a real problem sitting in the same room with this person who purports to be "Living Jesus".

I don't know what to do. I don't want to be a hypocrite. Is it worse to continue on as if nothing is wrong or is it worse to appear judgmental and to try to separate from the situation. Krl feels she can no longer function in that work environment. She is going on a job interview Monday morning and from there she plans to go to work and gather her personal things. I told her I would support her choice.

We find ourselves tempted with a situation that many people give in to. Selling their soul for the almighty dollar. Think of us, especially Krl, and pray that the right decisions are made. Pray for a new opportunity for Krl. Pray for our guidance as we fit time and finances around my upcoming work. Pray for this former co-worker.

FATHER this is YOUR day. I surrender it back to YOU. I ask for YOUR peace, YOUR mercy, and YOUR grace for myself and for KRL. Help us as we deal with this problem. Help us to know if this is meant as an opportunity or if this is a situation we need to distance ourselves from. FATHER I ask that YOU purify our hearts and minds, give us YOUR wisdom, YOUR guidance and YOUR direction. Lead us in YOUR way! I continue to lift up Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee for YOUR miracle of healing. I pray for the victims of the hurricane. I pray for the needs of our spiritual family. FATHER I pray for Krl's co-worker. May YOUR day be blessed!

Ah, Saturday. I got up about six-thirty, that is late for me.

I unplugged the phone and silently left the bedroom so Krl can rest. She has had quite a week and her Friday ended up being a disaster. Problems with co-workers not carrying their part of the load, a manager who is new to management and doesn't quite know what to do so he does nothing. Vulgar, racially laced language. And then she came home to me! I sure hate it when they get her all riled up and then she comes home in a mood. We will hope and pray for relief. She is going to interview for another job Monday.

My week did not match expectations. My supplies never made it in. The end result is that I have lost three days of productivity. Maybe I have been too nice and understanding with the suppliers. The latter portion of the week when I would go in to check, it apparently had become a big joke with them. Looks as though it is time for plan B.

I spent part of my afternoon helping a friend. A week ago he went to Nebraska and picked up his new vehicle. It isn't new, rather new to him. This friend loves older vehicles. He has a work truck that is a 1976 model and it is cherry! His brother has an IROC Camaro that they have limited using, there is a Corvette convertible which they got when Chevrolet discontinued the convertible (before they started again), there is a 1966 Chevy pickup, and there is a 1964 Ford pickup. The new vehicle in their fleet is a 1983 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS. It has 6600 miles on it, everything is original, all the serials match and the window sticker is still on the window. The only thing that has been changed are the tires but they were replaced with the same brand and model tire. My friend began the task of getting a Texas title for it yesterday. He is trying to get everything in place to drive it in the KEAN cruise night next weekend. We even got by the radio station and picked up the route maps. Oh, the good old days!

FATHER, I thank YOU for all YOU do. I ask for continued care and guidance. FATHER be with Krl and I as she decides what she needs to do with her work, her co-workers, her manager. Be with me as I deal with my suppliers. We ask YOUR blessings on our efforts. We continue to pray for those who were in Hurricane Ivan's path. Bless them and bless the efforts being made on their behalf. I continue to ask YOUR healing for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. We need YOU in our lives FATHER.

I love Fridays! Especially when I flip my Friday to Thursday and then I still get to have my regular Friday too!

I went to St. Lawrence yesterday. I took the last travel trailer. Then I set up the entire camp site. All the trailers are set up and secure, electricity is hooked up, propane hooked up, water hooked up, and even the sewage lines are in place. Really the only outwardly visible thing it lacks is the installation of the satellite for the television reception. Inside remains a work in progress. While all the beds are made, all the towels and wash cloths laundered and in place, basic supply staples are present, my trailer still requires much work on the next trip. I didn't even begin to set up my office, files, calculators, printers, and folders are still boxed and setting in the floor as if prepared to be in transit. Oh well, that will give me something to do next trip out! I did get to take a break and went into the Coop office. It turned out the office personnel were there along with the General Manager and the President of the Board of Directors. We were setting at the big table in the patron area visiting about their Church's upcoming Fall Festival October 3rd. Christy was loading the coke machine and made the comment to me that it looked like I had everything in place. I told her I had everything in place except for a few little things. She asked "Like what?" and I replied, "Oh, things like trucks, forklifts and employees!" The GM and Board President are pretty dry but they had to laugh at that! I love it out there when they make a good crop, everyone is in a good mood!

Wow! Since I was out of town all day and got in late I had not seen any footage from Hurricane Ivan. Unbelievable. I can understand the lure to live in those areas. I just don't think I am willing to risk the heartbreak of losing it all. I even heard Harry Smith making a reference to the Bible about don't build your house upon the sand. Probably not what these resident want or need to hear at this point. My prayers and thoughts are still with these people. I think our closest acquaintance to the storm lived between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, he was like a part time son when his family lived in Abilene. He has since gone into nursing so I feel sure he was required to stay through all the evacuation orders.

I have been through floods (2) and fires (2), but I have not been through a natural disaster like a tornado or a hurricane. I wouldn't wish any of these on my worst enemy. While you can build again it is never quite the same and so many things are simply irreplaceable. Due to my past experiences one of the first things I would take are photos and photo albums!

FATHER I thank YOU for the blessings I enjoy! Thank YOU for the safe and productive day yesterday. FATHER, so many need YOU, but especially those who have experienced loss from Hurricane Ivan. Bless them and comfort them. Fill their needs. Be with the relief workers and their efforts. May they be swift and on target. May FEMA and the local, state and federal governments act quickly and sympathetically. Help us to do what we can. FATHER, I continue to lift Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee for YOUR healing. FATHER surround us with YOU. Let YOUR good shine through us. The Glory is YOURS!

I am thinking that the extra week or so before the contract begins may not be enough. The major supply shipment due in Tuesday still has not made it. I have had my whole week centered on this project and basically it means I have not had a productive week. I have had a truck at the ready since Monday night, ready to whisk the materials away to be processed and put in place. I know the local retailer has to be tired of me coming in to "check" and spending time sitting on a stool as they make what are becoming "regular" calls with "predictable" results. I guess their supplier is worried that they will miss the sale if they are honest about the delivery window. We are at six weeks and counting in our wait. Initially we were told we could expect delivery in one to two weeks. If we get to the jobsite without these supplies, it will mean they won't be needed and an alternative has been used.

Once again I find myself contemplating a flip to my schedule. I am scheduled in St. Lawrence tomorrow but I am thinking I may get around and go today. I have been trying to get the word out about the delay in the start of work but there have been one or two employees that haven't been reachable. I don"t know if they are in transit or taking a holiday before reporting. So just to be on the safe side, I will be sure they do have a place to stay if they arrive over the weekend. This can't be a bad idea, it will just mean that camp will be ahead of schedule and something will be accomplished on a day that otherwise would be unproductive. I will be so happy when everything and everyone is in place with bright shining faces and we are able to just get to work. I'm sure at some point a blog is coming that will beg for relief! Just not now.

FATHER I am thankful that YOU are mighty and powerful, that YOU are solid and unwavering, that YOU are dependable and faithful to and for us. Help me to keep my eyes on YOU as the world turns around me. I continue to pray for those along the Gulf Coast as they endure the hurricane. Bless them and keep them, be with the relief efforts and relief workers as they minister to the needs. I lift up Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee for YOUR healing, bless them and provide for them as well as those in our spiritual family that have needs and issues. FATHER thank YOU for all YOU do. YOU are my GOD!

Weather. It seems as though it has been dominate on the news broadcasts (possibly a welcome reprieve from all the political nitpicking). Storms, over and over again. These hurricanes must be from Texas because it seems like they are all going to Florida!

Growing up in West Texas I have spent my share of time in a cellar. My parents and grandparents were true believers in cellars. No, we aren't upper class, we eat our sliced bread with the crust on, and there is not a wine bottle one to be found in these damp, dark havens of safety. I can remember being rousted from a child's sleep and marched out of the house and into the cellar on numerous occasions. My parent's cellar is a large one. It can comfortably seat about eighteen people, and if needed could probably handle twenty plus. It is set up with chairs, old coal oil lamps, and scattered items stored there (there used to even be an old exercise bike, go figure). I can recall my Dad positioning himself at the door, the flickering flames reflection dancing across the other faces, the damp musty smell, the fears and concerns that electrified the air, and the low muffled sound of conversation, insulated, one wall away from a raging storm.

I haven't hidden from a storm in about twenty five years. We don't have a storm cellar. I don't know if we have tremendous faith or if we are unbelievably stupid. I suppose part of it is the improved weather reporting along with new more effective technology. Krl and I have this mentality that when it is your time, it is your time and nothing you can do will alter this. One of our dogs has become increasingly scared of storms as she has aged. You can usually tell hours before it happens that it is going to storm. Obviously she isn't aware of our outlook on seeking refuge.

West Texas weather is hit and miss. We have probably been quite lucky playing the odds. Hurricane Ivan (and Frances, and Charley), while huge, powerful, and seemingly endless (by West Texas thunder storm comparison), at least are somewhat predictable hours and possibly even days prior to their arrival. I think if I was in the path of one of these storms it would be much like looking down the barrel of a gun. I am concerned for the people who find themselves looking at Ivan as this storm races toward them.

FATHER, I ask a special prayer of YOUR blessings and safety for those in the path of this large storm. Help these people to make wise choices, keep them from harm. FATHER, if it is YOUR will, spare these people and their possessions from devastation. I pray that YOU will weaken this storm and limit the loss of life and loss of belongings.

FATHER, thank YOU for being my safe haven when life rages. I continue to ask for YOUR calm and YOUR peace. I ask for YOUR guidance, YOUR direction, YOUR wisdom. Help me to give it all up to YOU. I ask for the peace that passes all understanding, the peace that can only come through YOU. I continue to ask for YOUR gift of healing for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. I pray for the needs of our spiritual family. Draw us near, send YOUR angels.

Day one is in the book! I spent the majority of my day in the St. Lawrence community at the job site. It is one of those good news bad news things. Bad news is that the work isn't going to start as scheduled, it may lag one to two weeks behind. Good news is two fold, I will be able to stay home a little longer and residents of St. Lawrence believe that their crops may be better than they thought!

I came back through Roscoe late in the day. We had been in contact on and off during the day trying to coordinate an eighteen wheeler to pick up the supplies coming in today. It is so frustrating. If yesterday was indicative of what is in store for the season, I had better get some valium! After repeated conversations, when I arrived in Roscoe nothing had been done! Finally I got in a truck REF'S Enterprises had sent to use in the equipment move, hooked up a trailer and headed to Abilene. I was then presented with a new dilemma, where to park the big rig and how to get home. I finally decided to drop the trailer at Krl's workplace and to take the truck to the house. I was hoping I could slip in under the radar of the neighborhood. As I turned the final corner I was shocked, it appeared almost everyone in the neighborhood was either working or visiting in their front yards! The next door neighbors were pulling into their driveway as I turned the engine off. They walked over and I explained my situation and asked their indulgence, everything was cool! Thankfully the neighbor on the other side was not outside. She is a problem waiting to happen! Maybe I can be gone before she is out and about.

The work start date reprieve is bitter sweet. I probably need the additional time to get the proper mindset for leaving but every week we move the start back, the end moves back as well. Krl and I are considering moving our Christmas to February. The unfortunate part is that multiple holidays are involved for multiple employees. The General Manager we work with has very little sympathy for his employees or contractors. If we are lucky he will shut down two hours for Thanksgiving and possibly get the day (maybe two) for Christmas, New Years Day is out of the question. I suppose it is the nature of the beast. We will survive. I usually pay a bonus at the end of the season which is tied to job performance, reliability and probably most important, attendance. Of course there is a possibility that most of the above is not relevant. If we have a really good run and weather cooperates we could go full speed right up to Christmas, turn out the lights and everyone go home!

FATHER, I thank YOU for the work opportunity. I know that YOU will get us through it, thank YOU for smoothing the bumps. I ask that YOU direct and guide the decisions I make. Instill in me the patience and tolerance that I need to do this exercise. I continue to ask for a safe and successful season. I ask YOUR healing for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. Bless and provide for their needs as well as those of our extended family. Work YOUR plan FATHER!

High anxiety! The move is on! Sunday afternoon was busy, but frustrating. I am locked and loaded and pointed at the road. I am fueled and hooked up, ready to begin my trek west and hopefully pick up a couple more participants on this first day of the seasonal move.

I suppose what I am doing is getting all the wagons to one locale and later in the week I will circle them! I go out today knowing that I can't fully complete this cycle because of summer contractors that have not vacated the premises. Due to the large pre-contract project supplies coming in Tuesday, I am trying to allocate the middle three days of the work week to deal with this, and making it absolute that I return to St. Lawrence on Friday and probably over the weekend. In a perfect world I would deal with the big project the first part of the week and then begin the move in the latter part. It's not a perfect world but it's the best we have!

Things became really real yesterday afternoon. Once I started carrying things and loading them in my trailer it kind of got teary. Krl is not happy about my leaving at all. I am not thrilled about being away from her either, but we do what we have to do. Of course the problems she is encountering at her work could alter the "being away" part. As the day dragged on and I began to do a quick inventory, there were a few items that seemed to have just vanished. Probably the most important of these were the fuel cards. There is one fuel stop in St. Lawrence and they have their own cards, I have eighteen of these. Many of my sub-contractors want me to supply their fuel and deduct it from their settlements. (Some of the numbers of this contract boggle my mind, we will go through ten thousand dollars of fuel every five to six days). O.K., back to the missing cards. Krl and I started a thrash, me going through things already loaded and Krl going through things remaining in the house. I maintain an active portable file at the jobsite and usually this is where the fuel cards are kept. Krl keeps the permanent files here at the house. When we had exhausted all other possibilities I went back to Krl's files (we had both looked through it earlier) and behold, fuel cards. I don't recall moving them there, Krl doesn't recall it either. She was miffed with me, I was miffed with her. I know this is just because of the anxiety about the move. I sometime think this is a mind game we play on ourselves, getting crossways possibly making it easier to spend time apart and both of us reclaiming our space. I don't know. Absence does make the heart grow fonder, ten years worth of fall contracts has proven this to me. I already find myself anxious to come home!

My nocturnal adventures have already begun. My sleep habits are erratic at best. Krl has told me that she can tell what kind of night I have by when I post my blog. This morning I awoke about one. It would appear I am in mid season form! I could almost make the first circle and be back to Abilene in time to go to the men's breakfast this morning! When you endure ten years of contracts that run around the clock you get where you sleep in patches. An hour here, an hour there. If the sound of the plant changes it wakes you up. You hear every vehicle that enters and leaves the compound. There is no telling how many times each night I walk to the other end of my trailer and look out and do a visual inventory. I had better go on or else I might do that Jonah deal and go the other direction!

I lay in bed for a while just reflecting. We take a lot for granted. Some of the most endearing things about Krl's and my relationship are just expected and not always fully appreciated. I think one of the things I will miss most is her rhythmic, raspy, hint or whisper of a snore when I know that GOD is resting her well. I find I sleep better if we are in contact, maybe she has an arm draped over me or maybe I just lay my foot against hers. Subtle yet essential to us being us. I'm going to do better in this appreciation department!

FATHER, take over! I surrender this day, this week, this contract to YOU. Work through me. FATHER, I ask YOUR blessings on Krl and I as we make this transition, help us to not take each other for granted. Help us to not be short or irritable. Give us the understanding that although we are apart we are together. FATHER I pray for a safe contract for all involved. I ask for a successful contract for all as well. Please bless our efforts. FATHER this is the beginning of what could be a stressful week. Keep me on track, confident in YOUR ability to work YOUR plan. I continue to ask YOUR healing for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. Bless and keep them. I pray for the needs of our spiritual family. Bless those who are ill or hurting. Bless this day!

Good service and Sunday school today. Attendance was a little light.

Cope finished up his series on Jonah. Wayne led. Praise Team was full of it (praises)! Powerful prayer! Excellent.

Class was good. Good attendance. We didn't have a lot of time for the lesson due to prayer requests and discussion involving the remaining subjects for class through the end of the year. Terry tried to enlighten the group on what the study material in October will entail (all the adult classes are supposed to be on the same subject matter)! Our class is helping (the Library class)with Oasis on the twenty-second of September! I took a card and spoke with Buzzy and Carolyn telling them if I got a reprieve I would help but if everything stayed on schedule I would be gone. Men's breakfast in the morning! I just might go!

Hard to believe this may well be my final Sunday home until the completion of the contract in December or January. How time flies! It seems that I just got through doing the same thing about a year ago! My afternoon will be spent loading clothes, supplies, and equipment in my travel trailer. I am thinking I may go to the storage facility and load some of the tools I have stored down there. If I have a really really good day today, tomorrow we might do a small caravan on the first trek to St. Lawrence. One of my suppliers is supposed to have the last of the big projects supplies in Tuesday. We have waited for over month, we had ordered them well in advance to avoid having a bottleneck as we try to transition everything to the work site. The best laid plans of mice and men..... !

FATHER thank YOU for allowing me to be a part of the worship service to you this morning! I hope it did as much for you as it did for me. Stay close. Let me feel YOUR presence. Thank YOU for YOUR love, YOUR mercy, and YOUR grace. Fill me with YOUR spirit. Guide me, lead me, use me. I ask YOUR healing for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. Be with them. Bless and comfort them. I pray for our extended family. Please fill their needs and comfort them. Help me to glorify YOU this day and the coming week!

I will call upon the LORD!

The undertow of the worldly world has been strong lately. It is so frustrating when satan is nipping at you on every front. He constantly is trying to alter plans and intentions. He casts his seemingly innocent bait and gingerly dances it before us hoping to draw us into his trap! He beckons us to follow the masses, "everyone can't be wrong".

FATHER, I call upon YOU for deliverance. I call upon YOU for strength, for YOUR wisdom, for YOUR guidance. FATHER keep me centered in YOU. Help me to be honorable and CHRIST-like in my personal and business dealings. Help me to think before I speak, to be willing to turn the other cheek, to be selfless instead of selfish. Help others not to perceive these as my weaknesses but YOUR strength in me. Let YOUR light shine in me. FATHER forgive me when I am tempted to say or do things I shouldn't. FATHER, the battle rages, help me to not look down or around but to lift my eyes and lock them on YOU. My heart is heavy. There is so much emotion boiling as I prepare to leave for my work. Help me to not dread this years contract but to embrace it with its challenges. I ask for YOUR peace and comfort. I continue to pray for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. Bless them and keep them. I pray for those in our extended family that have needs and issues, I ask that YOU will see to their needs. May this day be blessed. Thank YOU LORD.

I am beginning to spaz big time! Usually at this point in planning for my contract everything is lined up and pointed at the highway! Not this year! Little nitpicky things continue to pop up at every juncture. It's a good thing I am a professional. Don't try this at home!

Yesterday was Krl's worst day back in the work force. It is a very disheartening situation. Krl is working with a former employee but their roles are now reversed. He is the store manager and she is inside sales. During their previous work together they developed a relationship similar to that of a mother and son. Krl developed and pushed a training/advancement regime that meant a steady onslaught of pay increases for her fledgling trainee. Due to new direction by their previous employer the Abilene branch was closed and they went their separate ways for about seven years. Earlier this year they reconnected in a chance encounter as Krl and I were looking for a new Sunday School class. Her ex-pupil was being promoted and he began to recruit Krl for a sales position. Inside sales in the beginning, outside sales after she re-established her contacts. A deal was struck! Realize that Krl is happy to put in her time and come home without the hassles of management. She was very happy for her former employee's advancement. Now it is becoming evident that while her former star trainee was a desirable employee he leaves much to be desired as a manager. He is a good guy, but you cannot lead from the rear of the pack. You lead by example, you lead by motivating, you lead by planning, you lead by building, you lead by playing to the strengths of your team. An effective manager is pro-active, not reactive. What has happened is the equivalent of him being elected cheerleader captain but he has to stand two steps behind the other cheerleaders and mimic the routines because he doesn't know what to do. The store runs out of stock (his job), orders are not meeting customer time lines (his job), he instills no sense of team or purpose or direction, and the store is filthy. He gave an ultimatum to the senior inside sales representative that resulted in the sales person resigning his position. Then everyone was going to be moved up (but no pay increases) and a new entry level delivery person would be hired. He hired a new delivery driver whose license is suspended, who lied on his application and it has since been learned that the company insurance will never cover him in the delivery truck. Enter, lie, deceive and go to the front of the class. This new employee has no discipline, no drive, no product knowledge and has no intention of doing any more than he has to do to collect his check. Morale is being destroyed daily and the final straw is that the managers wife apparently believes she is running the store and is simply using her husband as a "medium" to do it. They need an exorcist! It has not been pretty. There have been promises made and not delivered on. There was a bond and trust that has been broken and quite possibly severed beyond repair. I have asked Krl to hold fast for two more weeks, insurances should be in effect (unless this too is a broken promise), then if she feels it necessary, check it to him and begin looking for another job. If we can get the insurance in effect, we can COBA it for the interim. In the back of my mind I am wondering if GOD has his hand in this. I have been wishing that Krl was able to go to St. Lawrence with me. I know she loves what she is doing and that ultimately she works for her customers. I don't want to be selfish!

I would be disappointed with Krl's manager if he were just a manager. It is more disheartening when he is supposed to be a friend, colleague, and Christian. I/we need some help here. Pray for us, pray for him. We don't want him to fail, Krl doesn't want his job. Our hope is that the manager becomes the man that we have seen before, that is lost somewhere inside him. I am afraid if this doesn't get righted it might cost a friendship, a high price to pay.

Thanks for indulging me! Whew, I feel a little better. I will try to do better and not vent so much in the future.

If you are not reading it regularly you might make a special effort to look at Mike Cope's blog Wednesday. Spiritual imagination. Intriguing! I love the line "Picture a world where hope and grace are leaking through every window--even in the midst of suffering."

FATHER, take control! I find myself spiraling, updraft, downdraft. I pray that YOUR will be done. I continue to ask for the knowledge and peace and comfort that everything is on track on YOUR timeline. Help me to surrender my concerns, my will to YOU. FATHER, be with Krl at her work, be with her manager, guide and direct all those involved. (YOU) Be in the decisions that are made by all. Help me to be what YOU want me to be. I continue to lift up Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. Bless and comfort our extended family. You are a mighty and powerful GOD from whom all blessings flow! Thank YOU!

I am working for an average, I am working for an average. I am working for an average.

Maybe I became spoiled, complacent, or distracted. Whatever the possible reason or reasons, yesterday was not good! I have been so focused on contract preparations that I was totally blindsided with a blast from the past. I was doing some computer work yesterday morning when my cell phone rang. It was one of the attorneys dealing with the remnants of the family business. He was wired! He was rude, crude, and vulgar. Since the reorganization last year and my nephew putting his business in place, I have not been privy to information concerning it or the remaining skeleton of the family business, I have been spoon-fed on a "need to know" basis. The international company we were involved with in our unsuccessful lawsuit had filed suit (not a counter action) and they now have a little mad man attorney out of Dallas named Seymour (I guess I would be mad too), making threats and creating havoc in general! Seymour is demanding we sign a mutual release with his client and he will disappear. My first thought is if they are wanting a mutual release, there must still be something out there that they are very fearful of. My mental state concerning this company and its subsidiaries or its parent companies is a work in progress. So far I have kept my mouth shut. There have been times I would like to tell potential customers how trustworthy the manufacturer they were considering doing business with is. I do have a deal with Krl, if I ever purchase one of these brands, shoot me! Later in the day our attorney called and he was calmed down, apologetic and almost human. I suppose I am trying to make light of everything because I find myself now humming the song "Suddenly Seymour". I look forward to the day when all of the past stays behind us, not popping up in front of us periodically.

I have got to get in gear! Eleven days to contract and it appears my suppliers are going to put me in a time crunch. I am considering flipping my schedule just in case.

FATHER, keep me centered. Help me to realize that what I do for my livelihood is not the exercise or my purpose in this life. Help me to know that it is a sideline or extracurricular activity. Let my purpose be YOUR purpose. Help me to accept the assurance that my needs will be provided for. I thank YOU for YOUR love, YOUR mercy and YOUR grace. Thank YOU for JESUS and the hope and promise I have in him. FATHER I ask YOUR blessings for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. I pray for our extended family and their needs. YOU are GOD!

TWednesday! I'm trying to get my week on track!

Yesterday was not as bad as it could have been. I finished my day and upon reflection I didn't get a lot accomplished. It seems as though I am at this hurry up and wait point. It seems as though all I am doing at the present time is waiting for someone else to catch up or produce, then it will be me who's feet will be to the fire as I hurry to my next point of pause! Doesn't sound too orchestrated does it? Ballet of the business klutzes! Stepping on each other's toes, shoe prints on each other's heads as we scramble to get a leg up! It’s a wonder anything ever gets done! The wheels of progress turn slowly!

O.K., the supplies I am waiting on didn't make it in and I am somewhat frustrated! The highlight of my day was getting a hair cut. Now that is a blah day! I know at some point in the future when it is "wild and wooly", I will need to reflect back to this day and work for an average!

What to do, what to do? I am contemplating doing some computer work today. I have done the unspeakable and changed the computer program I use. It is a catch twenty-two, more front-end work but ultimately all the accounting and reporting should be much easier. I have to enter all the initial setup information, from the GL accounts, to employee, to contractor information, to customer, commodity, equipment, billing, payroll, payables and receivables. Hey, it's a lot of work but it is job security!

FATHER thank YOU for the slow and peaceful times. Help us to use them to turn to YOU and anchor ourselves in YOU for times when life rages around us. Instill in us the peace, the comfort, and the confidence that everything is going as YOU intend. I continue to lift up Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee for YOUR comfort and healing. I pray for our leaders, I pray for our extended family. FATHER, there is none other than YOU!

Today will be a misplaced Monday, I just know it! As wonderful as a day off is, past history tells me to prepare to pay for it today!

This particular day off, Labor Day '04 , was well worth any price. In fact this entire weekend has been top notch. We had no planned activities, but everyone knew there would be food, laughter and good times for any that chose to drop by! For those that didn't, it was their loss.

Krl and I spent some quality time together. It was nice to just visit and re-connect. We were both nice enough to not openly admit the real reason for this flashback weekend! We are both a little melancholy because St. Lawrence looms large on the horizon. We are both thankful for this contract, we have always enjoyed the people and of course if it wasn't for the money generated here I would have to get a real job! (Just kidding, Krl always likes to figure my per hour wage when I have been rousted from bed in the middle of the night or when I have done a back to back double covering for a shift worker!). Out of the last ten years I have spent almost three and a half of them in the St. Lawrence community. It is quite sobering to think that our time spent apart is not recoverable. This year my preparation for leaving is clouded even more due to health concerns for Krl. She is a work-aholic. When she is on the job she is on the move. I have had recent concerns over what I deemed excessive weight loss. During her doctor's visit last Friday, her doctor voiced the same concerns. Combine this with her recent problems with medication effectiveness and I am uneasy. I see visions from two years ago when I returned home to find a five foot seven, eighty-one pound skeleton of a woman living in my house. Scary part is no one ever figured out the problem. I am tempted to ask her to quit her job or take a leave of absence and accompany me but I know being isolated is no fun for her. Upside to this year is that Krl has acknowledged the potential health issues. We can do this. Everyone is just going to do their part!

I have one call to make pertaining to personnel. This is a past employee who expressed his desire to return for this fall. I hope he is still willing because I would like to have him back. If I can set good cornerstone employees, we can fill in the blanks. I continue to wait for some essential supplies. They are scheduled in today or tomorrow. Once they arrive I think it will take about four days to get them processed and in place, that would get me to Friday and then the move would be on! I think it will take four days to transfer all the equipment to the jobsite and I am being optimistic that we can combine loads effectively. My main priority is in trying to protect the two remaining weekends and to spend the majority of them at home! Employees will begin arriving the eighteenth so I know living accommodations must be in place and functional by then. Wow! I am getting a headache. I need to look at the individual pieces and not try to color the whole picture at once!

FATHER thank YOU for the good weekend and the day off! I ask for YOUR blessing as we return to the grindstone. Help us to not be overwhelmed. Help us to surrender to YOU and to let YOU work in us. FATHER I ask that YOU help me with my concerns, with KRL, with employees, with the contract. Give me the peace that comes in knowing everything will be as YOU plan in YOUR time. Purify our hearts and minds. Draw us near, keep us centered in YOU. I continue to ask YOUR blessing of healing for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. I ask YOUR continued blessings for the ill or bereaved in our extended family. Comfort them. Surround us with YOUR angels.

Labor Day. A national holiday celebrating the country's workforce! A day marking the end of summer! The closing of swimming pools! A day marking the beginning of school! (OOPS! We have some false starts here!). The final three day weekend of the year. Barbecue. Family. Friends. Relaxation. A day signifying a four day work week this week! (I am beginning to really reach here). One hundred ten days to the Jolly Fat Man's visit! Whew, this year is done. Stick a fork in it!

In the past I have often lamented that when I was a child time barely moved! A year was forever! As I have aged and gotten bigger the year has shrunk and gotten smaller! Hard to believe I once thought warp speed just applied to star trek! My clocks and calendars spin out of control!

I feel somewhat guilty having a day off when residents of Florida and the surrounding states are preparing or cleaning for/from hurricane Frances. They continue to loom large in our minds and concerns. I haven't gotten an update on Kirby other than Coach Coker was keeping all of his boys together and everyone was staying put. It did appear on the hurricane tracker that Frances went in above Miami and Coral Gables which might have been a help since they would receive the backstroke instead of the powerstroke of the storm. I don't think there would be any advantage anywhere avoiding the flooding.

FATHER I thank YOU for this day and its bounty of blessings! Bless our day as we mark endings and beginnings. I ask for YOUR watch and care for those who are in peril's way, whether it be a storm or a misguided soldier. FATHER I thank YOU for the many laborers in this country and ask YOUR blessings on them. Please remove us from our own time frame and put us on YOUR time. Guide us, direct us, lead us! Instill in us YOUR will and way, fill us with YOUR spirit. I continue to ask for YOUR mercy and YOUR grace! I continue to ask YOUR healing for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. I ask YOUR blessings and comfort for those who are ill or grieving. Take charge FATHER!

Hey hey hey! Its Sunday! Our Saturday was wonderful! We didn't do a whole lot. We did do the grocery store and a couple more errands. Of course the highlight was Kat coming to Meme and Dandy's house. I think she has been going through withdrawal since Meme started to work and since she started kindergarten. She is so full of spit and vinegar and smart as a whip. Of course I would think the same if I wasn't her "Dandy"! It is so funny to watch her turn her nose up at whatever the menu is but when its on a plate its a whole new world! Krl and I worked together to turn out the dinner meal last evening. Baked barbecue chicken, broccoli with cheese, baked beans, whole kernel corn, buttered potatoes and biscuits. We will eat left overs all week! The "little urchin" finished off her first go round and asked for more! Maybe we are better cooks than we thought or maybe it is cooked with so much love it is irresistible!

This morning I woke and dozed and woke and dozed and finally I whispered to Meme that it was an hour and a half before early service. I got no response so I slipped out of bed, smiling as I noticed Kat with her arm draped across her Meme. I cleaned up, got dressed and was early to first service. I wanted to see the finished painting of Jonah and the "big fish", and it is always enjoyable just to get in the mood listening to the pre-worship music while reading through the Highland Helper. Mike did his usual outstanding job preparing and delivering his message. Val and his praise team were good (this wasn't Val's usual group due to the holiday). After church I made Sunday school. It looked as though we weren't going to have very many this morning but before it was over we were pretty full. Terry and Gayla were out of town so Kurt filled in leading the class study. After class I was on my way to my truck when I looked up and saw Krl and Kat pulling into the parking lot. I dropped some things off in my pickup and accompanied them to second service. I was shocked. Contrary to popular belief I did not overdose! Actually it was different to make both services. With only some minute differences (which may or may not be intentional) the services are remarkably the same! CoC believe in and support the instant replay! (It isn't like what First Baptist did with their Express service and their regular service). Once back at the house I got in the kitchen and to everyone's delight fixed sausage, eggs and biscuits for a late breakfast! Meme and Kat are now getting ready to swim before the pool is closed for the winter. (Actually I figure it will be two more weeks before I shut it down!).

It continues to amaze me how small our world sometime is. Kurt and Michelle Boyland made mention of when they lived in Austin and after class I asked about it. I knew that Kurt had been a youth minister at some point. It turns out he knows my cousin Lee McLeod who served as University's Youth Minister for a time in Austin. I am going to try to come up with e-mail addies to put those two in contact!

FATHER thank YOU for a deluxe blessed weekend! It has been wonderful. I am thankful for the time Kat has spent with us. I thank YOU for the time allowed worshiping YOU at YOUR house. I continue to ask for the special needs of Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. Bless them and heal them. FATHER I continue to ask YOUR blessings and comfort for those of our church family who are ill or hurting from loss. Bless them all FATHER. FATHER I am asking for a do-over for this weekend, can we do the same thing over and over and over and over and........... Do YOUR thing LORD!

Wow! Give a guy a break and he tries to give it back! This time of year my days run together. I actually have to check to see if it is Monday or Saturday. Throw in a little variance from the schedule and I can really get messed up! When I awoke this morning I was thinking "Sunday" (because Krl was home yesterday). Finally about four-thirty I realized it was only Saturday. (I was fixing to be really, really early to early service). I went back to bed about five, basking in the realization that I have two more days this weekend after today! This is my buy two Mondays get the next Monday off Monday!

Yesterday Krl began her day at the doctor's office. Early in the week they had changed her blood pressure meds and afterward she really felt good. After a couple of days she started having little spells of dizziness and hot flashes. She had her blood pressure checked and it was out of control. The nurses insisted that she see the Doctor. After her meds, her readings were 170/110. The Doctor questioned her about diet and exercise, even discussed workplace stress. Finally he changed her meds again and kept her there until her blood pressure started down, then he sent her home to rest and relax. Hopefully her new med levels will be where they need to be by Tuesday morning.

Today has been designated shrub day by the powers that be in this house. Every other day that has been designated such has seen it rain. I can't believe the difference between City of Abilene water and God's rain! The lawn, the shrubs and even the weeds jump at God's bidding! Our lawn computer has been off so much this summer I just go by and reset it in order to re-familiarize myself with the process.

Kat is coming over today. She called her Meme yesterday when she got home from school and informed us that she could spend the night and that she is off Monday. I think she wants to get one last swim in before Meme closes the pool for the winter. Addie has other grandparents in so we won't tempt her. I think that this pending visit could be really good for Meme's blood pressure!

FATHER thank YOU for long weekends! One of the small gifts! I pray that this weekend be blessed! I continue to ask YOUR healing for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. I ask that YOU continue to bless and comfort them. FATHER I ask that YOU bring Krl's blood pressure under control. Calm her, sooth her, comfort her, direct her doctor. FATHER I continue to pray for our Church family's needs. Bless them and fill them. May Kat's visit be blessed. YOU reign supreme!

Do you think we could select our next President by flipping a coin or drawing straws?

Do you think maybe world leaders could play battleship, best two out of three series, instead of having world conflicts and loss of life?

Thank goodness we have both conventions behind us! I had thought we had possibly reached a new level of maturity and civility in political campaigns but the gloves came off this week in New York. Attack! I sometime feel insulted that politicians treat us as if we had diminished capacities. It is like the Abilene Reporter telling me "who" to vote for can make me vote the other way if I am on the fence trying to decide! I find myself trying to filter what was said at the convention and I realized that if anything, I was not swayed. I was not impressed that the Bush camp attempted to build by tearing down. I find myself even more undecided than earlier. What a dilemma! It appears to be the lesser of two evils rather than who is best suited for the job. I am not a Bush fan, I am not a Kerry fan. Moving to level two, there is something about Cheney that will not allow me to like him. Edwards, on the other hand is probably my high point in this election year. Edwards never commanded a swift boat. He was never in the Air National Guard, and he never headed Haliburton. Of course his detractors are quick to divulge that he is a rich trial lawyer. He is smart, he is articulate, and he has that wholesome American appearance, but probably the best thing for me is seeing him interact with his young children. I would like the white house to be inhabited by children. I prefer to think back to John John and Caroline rather than Amy, Chelsea or the twins. I don't know, it just gives me a feeling that "hey" these are people just like us! I am thankful that there are those who want to serve in public office. Now it is up to us to determine if their desire is selfless or selfish!

George, John, pick a number between 1 and 100! Our next leader is ............. !

FATHER, so much is going on in this world. I am thankful that with all that is happening and as small a part as I am in this universe, I am important to YOU and YOU want me to do good! FATHER, weather looms big on the east coast. YOUR nature is miraculous and mighty. FATHER, please let those in this storms path heed the warnings and seek shelter and take precautions. FATHER I ask specifically that YOU watch over and keep Kirby safe through this storm. I can only imagine being nineteen years old, seventeen hundred miles from home with fellow students and teammates. Help him and them to make wise choices. FATHER be with us in this election process. Be with the leaders of this country and the world leaders. Be with those who are in harms way defending and protecting. Keep us on track to be defenders and protectors and not domineering bullies. FATHER, be with our spiritual leaders, bless them and instill in them your will and direction. FATHER I continue to ask YOUR care for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. I ask that YOU bless and comfort those in our church family that are ill or hurting. FATHER, I ask that you guide the doctor as he adjusts Krl's meds, help him to make the right decisions quickly and make her feel better. FATHER thank YOU for a tremendous day yesterday. I ask YOUR blessings on this day.

My plan for the day yesterday was simple and relatively short. The cleaning lady is going to clean and prepare the bunk house trailer sometime this week. Being at mid week I thought the odds were getting pretty good that she would be there in the next couple of days. I realized I had the master key set in Abilene and the door for the water hook-up access was locked, so I decided a quick trip was in order. I arrived and unlocked all the pertinent accesses, then I decided to go ahead and hook up the water and electricity. I had forgotten that this trailer was still winterized and all the drain plugs were removed. After one miscue I started installing the plugs. When I got to the water heater plug, it ended up consuming my day! Exercises like this sure make a guy appreciate when a plan comes together. The crowning moment was the realization that there was also a problem with the RV electrical outlet on site! An electrician is supposed to get by to replace a breaker. If the cleaning lady gets there first she can begin stripping beds and doing laundry.

I had thought for the first time in a long time I was going to be in Abilene early enough to make mid week church and possibly Oasis. That didn't happen. Only two more opportunities to do this before I leave for the Fall contract.

I did have a good visit with my parents. I had talked with them on the telephone a few times but it had been about a month since I had seen them. Of course my Mom had to fix lunch (which would be worth the trip by itself). I even made it to the farm shop while looking for a thread chaser. The crops are tremendous. GOD is good!

I went by the old office for just a few minutes. I visited briefly with two or three former co-workers. It is still bittersweet getting by there. There are lots of good memories chased by some stark realizations. I question myself if I would even want a do-over!

FATHER keep me on task. I continue to ask YOUR help in my preparations. I ask YOUR blessings on my efforts. I thank YOU for the safe day and the safe travel. I pray YOU will bless all concerned with a successful and safe Fall season. I continue to ask YOUR blessings on Rene', Carol, Michelle and Aimee. FATHER YOU are their best medicine. Comfort them and heal them. Be with those in our church family that are ill, under going treatment or surgeries, and also those that are hurting from loss. I ask YOUR blessings for them all and that YOU fill their needs. FATHER please continue to be with Krl as she deals with her work issues and as we prepare for my departure. Thank YOU for the tremendous crops in West Texas. YOU have been good to us. FATHER help us to be patient and confident as YOU reveal and work YOUR plan for us. May we be at the ready! The glory is YOURS.

Yesterday was a long frustrating day. I continue to put supplies, equipment and people in place for the Fall contract. I spent the majority of the day with the forklift issue. Late in the day I had a brainstorm and came up with a solution that should work and should save some money as well. GOD may have wanted me to find this alternative. Our average work week will be eighty-four hours. There may be some weeks that it exceeds this substantially. I think the all time high is one-hundred-eight hours in seven days. The big issue this year has been the total hour limitations (or the amount of compensation in lieu of) the leasing company wanted to put on their forklift. In recent years they had put a in place a leasing program that was much more beneficial than owning the equipment so I stopped buying and took advantage of their program. Thankfully I didn't deplete the entire fleet of owned machinery and by some shifting around of equipment my supplier has lost his opportunity. Thanks to them for making me look so hard and thank GOD for showing me this alternative.

I spent so much time on the equipment I did very little with sub-contractors. Most of them have been repeat participants and only need a phone call to get them in place. Then there are other issues with those who want a larger role at the expense of other contractors. I had one contractor call wanting to know if his friend could participate. I told him sure, he can have your spot! Some people are so nice! The most difficult situation deals with family.

I have awakened this morning with skin crawling and insides of jelly. This is usually not a good sign. Something is not right in my world! Pray that I might right it!

FATHER, I ask for YOUR guidance, YOUR wisdom, YOUR direction as I fit the pieces. I ask YOUR blessing on the Fall contract, I ask that YOU bless it with good work and good workers, I ask for the safety of all involved. Help me to be fair and just in my dealings, help me to deal effectively with any issues that I encounter. FATHER, keep me centered. I continue to ask YOUR miracle of healing for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. Bless and comfort them. FATHER I ask that you fill the needs of our church family who are ill or hurting. Thank YOU for being faithful to us always, even when we aren't deserving. Thank YOU for YOUR love, YOUR mercy, and YOUR grace.