Can you tell I'm really excited? (Not really). It's raining again. Now I like rain as much as anyone. I want it to rain with some regularity but this is going on about two weeks straight of gray, cloudy, dreary weather. It has not rained every day in that time but there has been little to no sunshine either. The weather man last night was saying that the area has received an average of 8" of rain already in October and the average for the month is usually around 4". That's about enough of my whining and complaining for the day. It seems to be one of the quirks of our human nature, doesn't it? When it's hot, we want it cooler. When it's cold, we want it warmer. When it's dry, we want rain. When it's rainy, we want it dry. It would be good if we could just learn to be grateful, wouldn't it?
Yesterday was one of the more productive days I've had in a while, especially for a Monday. Thoughts and words were flowing so that I was able to get a good jump on the week's work. If this keeps up, I may be able towards the end of the week to put away the rest of my stuff after moving into my office. Yes, I still have a few stacks of stuff that are sitting out. But even if I do say so myself, 96% of my office looks really good.
I got a call from our church secretary late yesterday afternoon. She went to the doctor and found she has a full-blown case of bronchitis which is on the verge of becoming walking pneumonia. The doctor put her on antibiotics and said she needs to stay home until at least Thursday. I encouraged her to be sure to do that. Another call came to the office to let me know that a 15 month old boy who was visiting his grandmother here on Sunday morning was taken to the hospital on Sunday evening with the flu. I'm using my Germ-X several times every day, especially if I touch anything out in public like a shopping cart, gas pump, door handle, etc. Do all you can to keep yourself healthy!
Boy, the sports writers in the Dallas Morning News were blasting the Cowboys and coach Wade Phillips with both barrels in the paper yesterday. The Cowboys beat the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night but it was an ugly game. The Chiefs are one of the worst teams in the league right now and the Cowboys just barely beat them. Jerry Jones said in a TV interview last week that he was going to stick with coach Phillips through this season, but it wouldn't surprise me too much to see him change his mind. There are not too many happy Cowboys fans in Big D right now.
My TTD list (Things To Do) is calling for my attention. Even though the weather may be gray and dreary, remember the love and goodness of God towards you so that your heart and mind may be illuminated with His radiance, joy and peace.
For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Great weekend, soggy Sunday
What was so great about the weekend? The #1 thing is that I got to go back home to Arkansas and see Merilyn for a few days. Other things that made the weekend a great blessing for me included getting to be with my Thursday night Bible study group, getting to visit with Sarah and Blake, seeing some friends in town, getting some chores done around the house, seeing the beauty of the fall foliage as it begins its spectacular show in the Ozarks, and having the blessing of safe travel. Although Merilyn and I have to be separated most of the time, I am grateful to God that He has provided me a place to work so that we can still see each other from time to time. It was definitely cooler in northwest Arkansas than in the Dallas area. When I left on Thursday it was about 84 degrees and when I got to Springdale it was about 56. But the cooler weather really makes it feel like the changing season is coming and that's kind of nice. That cooler, wet weather has crept down into Texas over the weekend, too.
How about those Razorbacks?! Merilyn, Sarah and I got to watch the first part of the game together and then they watched while I listened in the car after I took off to return to Texas. When a couple of the ESPN commentators chose Arkansas to upset Auburn, I thought they were wacky. They obviously know more than I do, especially Lee Corso who said Arkansas would just score and score and score. That is exactly what happened in the first half and it's good for us it did because Auburn surely tried to roar back in the second half. But the Hogs bucked up, scored some more points and got a convincing win. Whoooooo, Pig, Sooooooie!
Our Sunday in Ennis was good, but soggy. It was raining first thing in the morning and continued until after lunch. It let up for a little while then started again in mid-afternoon. When we met for the 5 p.m. worship time, it was pouring. I was grateful to see everyone who braved the inclement weather to come to the worship and Bible study time. I started a new series of lessons on the Sermon on the Mount and I believe we had the largest number in attendance on Sunday evening since I've been here, in spite of the bad weather. That is encouraging!
Oprah Winfrey is at the State Fair of Texas to tape a segment of her talk show this morning. The ads in the paper last week said it would be done "rain or shine." Looking out my window right now, it appears that there is a good chance it will be done in the rain. She came into Dallas yesterday and went out to the State Fair to scope it out and eat some fried butter and other goodies. By the report they had on the news last night, it looks like she is being treated like a visiting head of state. It should make for an interesting show whenever it airs.
Monday is always a jam-packed day in my office, catching up from the weekend and Sunday then looking ahead to all that needs to be done in the coming week. I did not see our church secretary yesterday so I asked her husband and kids about her. They said she has a deep chest cough that sounds like bronchitis or maybe the start of the flu. Her daughter said she almost always gets walking pneumonia around this time of year. They have encouraged her to go to the doctor so I asked them to tell her that I added my encouragement to theirs. I hope she will go today and see what she's got.
Have an excellent day today! It is a gift from God so count it along with all of your other blessings and be grateful.
I asked God for all things that I may enjoy life. He gave me life that I may enjoy all things. (Author unknown)
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. (Proverbs 12:25)
How about those Razorbacks?! Merilyn, Sarah and I got to watch the first part of the game together and then they watched while I listened in the car after I took off to return to Texas. When a couple of the ESPN commentators chose Arkansas to upset Auburn, I thought they were wacky. They obviously know more than I do, especially Lee Corso who said Arkansas would just score and score and score. That is exactly what happened in the first half and it's good for us it did because Auburn surely tried to roar back in the second half. But the Hogs bucked up, scored some more points and got a convincing win. Whoooooo, Pig, Sooooooie!
Our Sunday in Ennis was good, but soggy. It was raining first thing in the morning and continued until after lunch. It let up for a little while then started again in mid-afternoon. When we met for the 5 p.m. worship time, it was pouring. I was grateful to see everyone who braved the inclement weather to come to the worship and Bible study time. I started a new series of lessons on the Sermon on the Mount and I believe we had the largest number in attendance on Sunday evening since I've been here, in spite of the bad weather. That is encouraging!
Oprah Winfrey is at the State Fair of Texas to tape a segment of her talk show this morning. The ads in the paper last week said it would be done "rain or shine." Looking out my window right now, it appears that there is a good chance it will be done in the rain. She came into Dallas yesterday and went out to the State Fair to scope it out and eat some fried butter and other goodies. By the report they had on the news last night, it looks like she is being treated like a visiting head of state. It should make for an interesting show whenever it airs.
Monday is always a jam-packed day in my office, catching up from the weekend and Sunday then looking ahead to all that needs to be done in the coming week. I did not see our church secretary yesterday so I asked her husband and kids about her. They said she has a deep chest cough that sounds like bronchitis or maybe the start of the flu. Her daughter said she almost always gets walking pneumonia around this time of year. They have encouraged her to go to the doctor so I asked them to tell her that I added my encouragement to theirs. I hope she will go today and see what she's got.
Have an excellent day today! It is a gift from God so count it along with all of your other blessings and be grateful.
I asked God for all things that I may enjoy life. He gave me life that I may enjoy all things. (Author unknown)
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. (Proverbs 12:25)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Long, but good, day on Wednesday
Upon arriving at my office yesterday morning, the first thing I did was write another blog entry. I'm getting into that habit on Monday through Thursday then I usually take a break from it on the weekend and Sunday. Afterward it was a full day of study and preparation for Bible class last night as well as final preparations for lessons this Sunday. The exercise time out at the park was good with nice, mild temperatures but the humidity must have been close to 100%. I've gotten acquainted with a Hispanic fellow named Manuel who is probably in his mid-60's and is always there when I am. He always wears work clothes like he works in a machine shop or is a mechanic. He is real friendly but he speaks about as much English as I do Spanish. But we are able to greet each other and exchange a few pleasantries so that's nice.
After the exercise it was back to the apartment to clean up and dash to the Family Life Center where we feed the teenagers every week at 6 p.m. A good number of adults come as well and it is a good time of fellowship for all of us. From there it was directly to my adult Bible class where we are studying Dr. Neil Lightfoot's book, How We Got The Bible. It is an interesting study. Dr. Lightfoot was a long time professor at Abilene Christian and a well-respected scholar. You can get an updated version of his book at amazon.com for around $10-15. After Bible class we had our monthly elder, deacon, ministry leader and minister meeting. It was a good and productive meeting but by the time it was over at 10:15 p.m., I was about worn out for the day. It was a blessing to get to lie down in my nice, comfortable bed and close my eyes to rest.
This morning I've got several things to wrap up as quickly as I can and head north to Arkansas. I'm looking forward to meeting with my Thursday evening Bible study group in Springdale, but most of all to see Merilyn, Sarah and Blake. The weather forecast is calling for rain most of the way so I'm going to try to get away a little earlier than normal in case it slows me down.
As always, thanks for reading. Let anyone else who you think may be interested know about my blog. Have a good weekend and may God bless you!
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
After the exercise it was back to the apartment to clean up and dash to the Family Life Center where we feed the teenagers every week at 6 p.m. A good number of adults come as well and it is a good time of fellowship for all of us. From there it was directly to my adult Bible class where we are studying Dr. Neil Lightfoot's book, How We Got The Bible. It is an interesting study. Dr. Lightfoot was a long time professor at Abilene Christian and a well-respected scholar. You can get an updated version of his book at amazon.com for around $10-15. After Bible class we had our monthly elder, deacon, ministry leader and minister meeting. It was a good and productive meeting but by the time it was over at 10:15 p.m., I was about worn out for the day. It was a blessing to get to lie down in my nice, comfortable bed and close my eyes to rest.
This morning I've got several things to wrap up as quickly as I can and head north to Arkansas. I'm looking forward to meeting with my Thursday evening Bible study group in Springdale, but most of all to see Merilyn, Sarah and Blake. The weather forecast is calling for rain most of the way so I'm going to try to get away a little earlier than normal in case it slows me down.
As always, thanks for reading. Let anyone else who you think may be interested know about my blog. Have a good weekend and may God bless you!
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
A gray, dreary day but...
This morning is what I think the weather must be like in Seattle. Gray, wet, dreary, chilly. It has been this way for several days now, so much so that a sports reporter in the Dallas Morning News made a comment about it in his article yesterday when he was talking about what he considered the dreary play of the Cowboys in their loss to the Denver Broncos last Sunday. But I am grateful that my "oogy Tuesday" has not carried over into today. I was a little concerned yesterday that I might have been coming down with something, but after a good night's rest, I am feeling much better today.
I enjoyed having lunch in the home of a couple from church. They are interesting folks. He is a blue grass music fan and musician. While his wife was preparing part of the meal, she told him to show me his "play room." Among other things of his "man stuff" in this room he has his banjo, 2 acoustic guitars, a bass fiddle, a violin, a mandolin and a baritone ukulele. I'll have to go out to hear him play with his buddies some time at one of the local blue grass/country music venues. She made a good vegetable beef soup with cornbread for lunch and finished it off with pound cake topped with fruit and Cool Whip for dessert. I really enjoyed being with them. Then when I left she gave me a good size container of soup to take with me. I suspect it will be even better after it sits a few days. Mmmmm, good!
A couple of our dear friends in Springdale got a scare yesterday. She had a mammogram recently which came back with some abnormalities. Her doctor got in touch with her yesterday morning and wanted to rush her into a biopsy procedure in the afternoon. Her mother had breast cancer and a mastectomy so our friends were quite upset. Merilyn gathered the kids after school and kept them until the evening. Fortunately, it turned out that the abnormalities were benign calcifications. Her husband is a doctor and he said they got her into this rush care and gave her about 3-4 days of treatment and test results in one afternoon. We are thankful to God for this good outcome.
God is good to us, even in the midst of the struggles that we face. Have a good day today!
Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among the thorns. (Author unknown)
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)
I enjoyed having lunch in the home of a couple from church. They are interesting folks. He is a blue grass music fan and musician. While his wife was preparing part of the meal, she told him to show me his "play room." Among other things of his "man stuff" in this room he has his banjo, 2 acoustic guitars, a bass fiddle, a violin, a mandolin and a baritone ukulele. I'll have to go out to hear him play with his buddies some time at one of the local blue grass/country music venues. She made a good vegetable beef soup with cornbread for lunch and finished it off with pound cake topped with fruit and Cool Whip for dessert. I really enjoyed being with them. Then when I left she gave me a good size container of soup to take with me. I suspect it will be even better after it sits a few days. Mmmmm, good!
A couple of our dear friends in Springdale got a scare yesterday. She had a mammogram recently which came back with some abnormalities. Her doctor got in touch with her yesterday morning and wanted to rush her into a biopsy procedure in the afternoon. Her mother had breast cancer and a mastectomy so our friends were quite upset. Merilyn gathered the kids after school and kept them until the evening. Fortunately, it turned out that the abnormalities were benign calcifications. Her husband is a doctor and he said they got her into this rush care and gave her about 3-4 days of treatment and test results in one afternoon. We are thankful to God for this good outcome.
God is good to us, even in the midst of the struggles that we face. Have a good day today!
Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among the thorns. (Author unknown)
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Oogy Tuesday
Have you ever felt oogy? You probably have but you may call it something else. This is a word I use when I'm not feeling just right...not sick...just not feeling tip-top. It may have as much to do with the weather and the time of year as anything. I enjoyed a nice exercise time outside yesterday afternoon. It was cloudy with intermittent mist and very humid but the temperature was only about 72. One thing that may be a factor in my oogyness is that one of the folks at church Sunday told me that ragweed is growing like crazy right now. He said he saw some 12 feet tall! I am not sure if he was pulling my leg or just trying to stay with the theme that everything is bigger in Texas. In the evening I was able to catch up on some cleaning chores in my apartment while watching the Monday Night Football game between the Vikings and Packers. It was an excellent game. You've got to give ol' Brett Favre credit...he's still got it! I woke up at 4:30 this morning with a splitting headache. Whether it was from the weather, ragweed or sleeping in an awkward position, I don't know. I got a couple of ibuprofen and went back to bed. Fortunately it was mostly gone by the time the alarm went off but it is still just kind of hanging around in the back of my head and neck. This morning it is so warm and muggy that it feels like you're walking in pea soup. The weather report is calling for possible severe storms this afternoon through north Texas. I believe it! These things seem to be working together to make me feel a little oogy starting off today but I am confident it will get better as the day progresses.
Well, I'd better quit babbling and get to work. Hope everyone has a better than oogy Tuesday!
Well, I'd better quit babbling and get to work. Hope everyone has a better than oogy Tuesday!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Excellent weekend and Sunday!
Friday got the weekend started in fantastic fashion. The weather was about as nice as you could imagine...brilliant blue sky, cool, low humidity and a nice breeze. I was able to open up my apartment for most of the day while I did a top-to-bottom cleaning in preparation for Merilyn and Sarah coming to visit. The airing out finally seemed to get rid of lingering odors left by the previous tenants and everything came out spic-and-span. It's not like I live like a slob when I am here by myself but I do have to admit that I may not be quite as careful to keep everything ship shape. In the afternoon I enjoyed a great 4 mile run/jog/walk at one of the local parks. The temperature was so mild and humidity so low that I barely broke a sweat the whole time. Perfect!
I got my supper, got cleaned up and began to anxiously await the arrival of my girls from Arkansas. They were able to get away shortly after 1 p.m. so I was expecting them around 7:30. I knew they would have to make more stops than usual to let the dogs out and for Sarah to stop at Jack In The Box (she's looney about their tacos). They did not have any huge problems but they ran into a traffic jam around Atoka, OK in a construction area and again when they got into north Dallas so it was about 9 p.m. when they arrived. We didn't do anything big while they were here...just went over to Waxahachie for a bit of shopping, toured around Ennis and fixed up a nice chicken fajita supper to enjoy while we watched the Arkansas vs. Texas A & M football game on Saturday night. The Hogs won, 47-19. Of course, all the Arkansas folks were rejoicing but I felt bad for the Aggie fans, especially since Adam is such a big Aggie fan. Hopefully, both teams will go on to better things from here.
Beginning about mid-afternoon Saturday, the rains began again in our area. From then until Sunday morning, we got about 1 1/2 inches and it was pouring during the Bible class and worship times. Our numbers were down a bit on Sunday but it was surely good to have Merilyn and Sarah here. Also we had the great surprise of a visit from our dear friends, Bill and Joyce Davenport, from Alvin, Texas. They were in Dallas for a wedding on Saturday, stayed the night and come to worship with us Sunday morning. They also took us out for lunch to a nice Italian Restaurant here in town. Even though the weather was dreary, it was a great morning. Merilyn and Sarah got away about 1:30 p.m. and arrived back in Springdale around 8 p.m.
The rest of the day went well for me. A group of us gathered at one of the member's homes in the afternoon for a prayer meeting for several who are battling cancer. The evening worship time went well and I believe the members are getting excited as we approach the first of several special events we have planned over the next 6 months.
It looks like we are in for a whole week of gray, rainy weather in this part of the world but I know it's all part of God's plan to refresh and replenish the earth so I am grateful for it. When you can grow in your faith and trust in God and then develop a heart of gratitude and genuine appreciation for the blessings you have from God, it helps tremendously to enable you to be happy, to be satisfied, and to deal with the challenges and difficulties that life inevitably brings your way. Have a wonderful day in the Lord today!
I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me; you were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:10-13)
I got my supper, got cleaned up and began to anxiously await the arrival of my girls from Arkansas. They were able to get away shortly after 1 p.m. so I was expecting them around 7:30. I knew they would have to make more stops than usual to let the dogs out and for Sarah to stop at Jack In The Box (she's looney about their tacos). They did not have any huge problems but they ran into a traffic jam around Atoka, OK in a construction area and again when they got into north Dallas so it was about 9 p.m. when they arrived. We didn't do anything big while they were here...just went over to Waxahachie for a bit of shopping, toured around Ennis and fixed up a nice chicken fajita supper to enjoy while we watched the Arkansas vs. Texas A & M football game on Saturday night. The Hogs won, 47-19. Of course, all the Arkansas folks were rejoicing but I felt bad for the Aggie fans, especially since Adam is such a big Aggie fan. Hopefully, both teams will go on to better things from here.
Beginning about mid-afternoon Saturday, the rains began again in our area. From then until Sunday morning, we got about 1 1/2 inches and it was pouring during the Bible class and worship times. Our numbers were down a bit on Sunday but it was surely good to have Merilyn and Sarah here. Also we had the great surprise of a visit from our dear friends, Bill and Joyce Davenport, from Alvin, Texas. They were in Dallas for a wedding on Saturday, stayed the night and come to worship with us Sunday morning. They also took us out for lunch to a nice Italian Restaurant here in town. Even though the weather was dreary, it was a great morning. Merilyn and Sarah got away about 1:30 p.m. and arrived back in Springdale around 8 p.m.
The rest of the day went well for me. A group of us gathered at one of the member's homes in the afternoon for a prayer meeting for several who are battling cancer. The evening worship time went well and I believe the members are getting excited as we approach the first of several special events we have planned over the next 6 months.
It looks like we are in for a whole week of gray, rainy weather in this part of the world but I know it's all part of God's plan to refresh and replenish the earth so I am grateful for it. When you can grow in your faith and trust in God and then develop a heart of gratitude and genuine appreciation for the blessings you have from God, it helps tremendously to enable you to be happy, to be satisfied, and to deal with the challenges and difficulties that life inevitably brings your way. Have a wonderful day in the Lord today!
I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me; you were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:10-13)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
October already?!
Where does the time go? When I was young (and knew everything) I used to get amused by old folks who would make comments like that. Now that I am middle age (see, I am going to live to be 120-130 or so), I am beginning to understand better why they made comments like that. It seems to me like months go past as quickly as weeks these days. I reckon the best thing about that is that before we know it this life will be over and, through faith, we will be in Heaven with God!
From what the weather reporter said last night, it looks like the Midwest is going to be in for some rumbly, stormy Fall thunderstorms later today. If you are in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas or Texas, look out!
Yesterday was a pretty normal day in the office...finishing my sermon and PowerPoint for Sunday morning, planning an outreach for a special day (Meet Our New Preacher) we will have at church in November, and preparing for Wednesday night Bible class where we are studying Dr. Neil Lightfoot's book, How We Got The Bible. This is an excellent resource. If you do not have it, you may want to get it. It is available on amazon.com for less than $10. In the afternoon I enjoyed my regular 4 mile exercise out at Lion's Park. It's nice to be able to go outside again but I miss the weight lifting part of my exercise. A friend told me about using a kettle ball so I'm going to look into that. The church does a neat thing on Wednesday evenings. Various members rotate the task of preparing a meal which is primarily for the teenagers but everyone is invited to come. It is served at 6 p.m. and provides an excellent time for fellowship and interaction amongst the older and younger folk.
Merilyn and Sarah are planing to come down for a visit this weekend. I am really looking forward to that. We will enjoy watching the Arkansas Razorbacks and Texas Aggies football game on Saturday evening. Have a good, safe and blessed weekend and Sunday!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)
From what the weather reporter said last night, it looks like the Midwest is going to be in for some rumbly, stormy Fall thunderstorms later today. If you are in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas or Texas, look out!
Yesterday was a pretty normal day in the office...finishing my sermon and PowerPoint for Sunday morning, planning an outreach for a special day (Meet Our New Preacher) we will have at church in November, and preparing for Wednesday night Bible class where we are studying Dr. Neil Lightfoot's book, How We Got The Bible. This is an excellent resource. If you do not have it, you may want to get it. It is available on amazon.com for less than $10. In the afternoon I enjoyed my regular 4 mile exercise out at Lion's Park. It's nice to be able to go outside again but I miss the weight lifting part of my exercise. A friend told me about using a kettle ball so I'm going to look into that. The church does a neat thing on Wednesday evenings. Various members rotate the task of preparing a meal which is primarily for the teenagers but everyone is invited to come. It is served at 6 p.m. and provides an excellent time for fellowship and interaction amongst the older and younger folk.
Merilyn and Sarah are planing to come down for a visit this weekend. I am really looking forward to that. We will enjoy watching the Arkansas Razorbacks and Texas Aggies football game on Saturday evening. Have a good, safe and blessed weekend and Sunday!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)
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