Tonight

I have a very full day today. I got some last minute shopping done, and visited with some people I have not done so in a while. I had lunch with a friend driving thru with his dad. His dad gave us both fatherly advice about turning 38 unmarried.

Unmarried! This has come up alot as it usually does during the holidays. I am not too concern until others bring it up. Every Christmas party I have been to this year the subject keeps coming up I know I am loved and many are concerned or care about my dating life. I am doing ok. As I posted earlier, I am enjoying the very life God has given me. I know I am picky- I actually enjoy joking about it. Do know I have seen my share of bad relationships. I am doing fine. I enjoy coming home. It maybe an empty condo- I enjoy my solitude. Nobody at my house thinks I am wrong or have the wrong opinion. Married people hate that I guess about single people. It is like they want us to be miserable too. I don't want that. I do want children-If there is any concern on my part is this issue of wanting children. Time is ticking, but i will not be pressured to marry the wrong person.

Next subject, I went to another Christmas party tonight. I am actually tired of holiday food. I have had too much. I did enjoy visiting with people. I need to do more of it.

Tomorrow, nothing is planned. I can't wait to see what comes up.

I am having fun!

I am having so much fun here at the end of the semester. Today about 22 boys and 5 of my fellow teachers went to Jillian's for an afternoon of fun and games right here at the end. I told you before I have a wonderful boss. The students loved it. I believe the students did too. My hope is that this will be something I can do every 6 weeks next semester. I have a good life. I have great students.

The musical went well, and I am glad that it is over for now. I am looking forward to slowing down a little. I have said I want to be bored the next two weeks. We will see how long that last.

I have had some car trouble here lately. I would love to buy a new car or new to me car. I can afford it as well. Issue: My current car is just old and starting to show the wear and tear. As I have stated before, it is still cheaper than a new car right now. I do watch the car sales promo's each week.

Christmas Break is finally here after one exam period tomorrow. I look forward to saying Hallelujah!

What is going on?

Right now I am finishing up this semester with many service project with my junior high kids. I love to serve. My prayer is that my students will get into serving as well. I have the best boss who rarely ever tells me no. I do feel pretty good where I am today.

Christmas Musical is going on at church. We had a technical rehearsal tonight. It was the best so far since I have been at East Cobb. Ray Hawkins does a great job directing and putting this thing together. I think he is my long lost brother from another mother. He does a lot of good. I trust this about him, and love partnering with at East Cobb.

Christmas and a new year is upon us. I am going to be taking it easy. 2009 should be a great year for me. I don't know why, but I just believe it should be a great year. I will turn 38. I am looking forward to it instead of dreading it like the last 2 years. We will have to see what God has planned for me next year.

I am very happy being in a country that is suppose to be struggling financially, give as it does around this time of year. I worked today in a local ministry that serves as a food bank and to witness the good spirit of the people is amazing. God is Good!

Be safe this holiday!

To Be or not To Be

I am looking forward to down time in a few weeks for the holidays. I am planning on being bored. I want to know how that feels. My students often on Facebook will say they are bored. I will tell you about it later.

To be or not to be is the question of the day for me. I continue to learn more about Terry Davis daily. I am what I am. I like that statement as longs as I can change for the better. I so much what to get it right on everything. I have played the safe route for the most of my life. I will turn 38 this January, and lately doing a lot of introspection if that is the word I am trying to spell. I am looking forward to 2009. I will have my 20th High school reunion. So many of my friends have done well for themselves. I look forward to seeing them. To me I am to be what I am, and I look forward to hearing how others have done with their 20 years since high school.

We are closing down the semester. I have many goals already planned for 2009. I am wondering should i share them here or not. You will know soon or by the end of the month. I pray for you and your family, and hope this will be the best holiday for you. Be good!

Is it time for a new car?

I don't know what it is, but I have have the urge to buy a "new car to me". I love my explorer. It has been good to me. Here is what I got- you can help me decide: Problems: New tires soon" I did a 360 today getting off of the highway after church. ($400 to replace all 4 tires) Driver seat is broken( It is like a rockin chair)($250 to fix) Gas mileage is less than 20 miles per gallon( So, a gallon a day- I am currently burning) Stoppage of the wife hunt- No woman will want to ride in my explorer in it's current state.

It could be me, or seeing to many car commercials. I hope you saw "New to me" new car. What do you think? I know I should get more responses since I put the wife hunt in there. We will see. I will try to post some pictures tomorrow. Meanwhile, I'll just pray and be content that I have a car that runs.

Is this really me?

A friend sent me this! (click here) Does Armstrong's reaction remind you of me? Let me know!

Friday!

Well, it has been a week already. I am sitting in my office just being very thankful for the very life that God has given me. I have wonderful students and a fantastic job. I think tonight will be a night to go out and see a movie. Have not done that in awhile. Can we say steak for dinner? Normally, on Friday's I am exhausted, but today I'm feeling pretty good.

Service, Service, Service is what I am doing with the kids right now. We were going to Rainbow Omega tomorrow but It was cancelled. I have a free Saturday, which is rare. I will catch up on some sleep, and spend some time with my nephews.

I just got a great idea. I will go and pick up my nephews for a boys weekend. You know the kind which includes video games, eating out, and sporting event. I think that is what I will do. Thank you for joining me in my thinking out loud moment. Have a bless weekend!

New Orleans, School, and Service

I am learning a lot as I am getting older about people.  I don't want my world to be small.  I like a big world where God is.  I just returned from New Orleans where I learned how to give God the glory for the very life I am living.  The people there are incredible.  I am about to lead a group in a few months back there to experience the real side of New Orleans.  

Nothing really matters to me as I compare what life is like back here in Georgia.  We have more than we need, and we want more.  I am blessed.  I know this, and my prayer is that my students will see how blessed they are and want that same blessing for others.  I do believe a man should work, but what I saw in New Orleans were a group of people loving where they are and wanting to continue life right there in New Orleans.  Wow!  

I returned a changed man today!  A man that could now see a bigger value in having a partner to work with to help all people.  I am not sure that has always been my focus.  My eyes have been open, and my prayer is that God is in control and as I make myself a better person, he will send on his time someone to continue my journey with while here on earth.  Wow!

I do have a real big problem.  My problem is that I love making things better whether people want it or not.  I have to learn to lead a quiet life, mind my own business and work with my hand.  I believe that is scripture right there.  May you join me in praying that I learn this and apply it to my everyday life.  

Go live for God!

What a day!

I have had one of those days. You know that day that everywhere you turn there is a problem. I still doing good today. I am gong to leave work and go to my favorite restaurant- "Cracker Barrel". I guess most people drown their sorrows with alcohol, Food would be my choice. I do justify it by saying, I got to eat somewhere why not my favorite. Those of you concerned about me blowing my diet, don't worry, I'm not on one. I look this good without dieting! HA!

I will be heading to New Orleans this week to survey our mission trip during winter break. I look forward to our kids going, and watching along side of them as they experience helping those they do not know. This is why I love my job(ministry) so much. I get to do so many great things!

Dating, Dating, Dating! It this is all I will say about that!

Church is good. We are getting ready for our Christmas Musical!

Family is not bad, they love to give me true's about myself. I need to share it with you one of these days. Not today, I'm going to Cracker Barrel!

37 Improvements for Terry Davis

1.  Be a nicer person.

2. Call my friends more.

3.  Have more down time(relaxation)

4.  Sing more

5.  Travel more

6.  Spend more time with family

7.  Be nicer to my students

8.  Invest more time reading God's word

9.  Invest more time praying

10.  Invest more time in people

11.  Spend less time buying things

12.  Give more

13.  Read more

14.  Worry less

15.  Exercise more

16.  Read less email

17.  More face to face discussions

18.  Spend more time with my work buddies

19.  Spend more time with my church buddies

20.  More random acts of kindness

21.  Spend more one on one time with my nephews

22.  Listen to more music

23.  Keep a cleaner house

24.  Keep a cleaner car

25.  Keep a cleaner office

26.  De clutter my life

27.  Watch less TV

28.  Eat healthier food

29.  Stick with my budget

30.  Total money makeover

31.  Live like no one else so I can live like no one else

32.  Lead at Work

33.  Lead at Church

34.  Eat less

35.  Get to know my neighbors

36.  Keep dreaming 

37.  Revisit goals(5,10, 15 year)

Macbook!

We are going really slow with Macbook. I do not have all the bells and whistles I need. Don't worry they are coming. I am really excited about the IMovie part. Every month I have to find movie clips and make them available for our faculty to show during their homeroom growth period. Last month was great! Now, I have my own macbook, it should go a lot faster. We are using ProPresenter for our chapel assemblies. It is like Media shout and Easy worship. I am still learning at this stage. It is my latest toy. I was at Starbucks recently, and the women are noticing my new toy. I said they were noticing my new toy, not me! RATS! It is good to be in the mac world. My facebook got a lot of hits when I said I got a mac. So, go get one and join this new adventure.

Catalyst

Catalyst was awesome!  This is a leadership conference held here in Atlanta Georgia.  Most of all of our administrators go to this conference.  This year was awesome.  Andy Stanley of the North Point Community church was the opening keynote and also closes this conference out. He is my new hero.  He has an amazing insight to Leadership in our churches and our institutions.  

I actually needed this conference after our JV Volleyball season. I got the chance to go to the Preconference labs and the actually conference itself.   I am always introspecting and after this season I have done it more than I needed to but did it anyway.  Leading is hard!  No one wants to do it these days.  People are always second guessing the leadership.  I have to admit I question a lot in an attempt to make things better. I offer solutions, not just complaining about how things are going.

Many great speakers at this conference.  My favorite was Dave Ramsey.  He is on the radio and TV.  He talked about how Christians should not have that fear that exist now in our world.  We should be the model on how to handle things during this tough time.  I also got a chance to eat lunch with him thanks to Andrew Baker, a good friend who works for Harding's Institute for Church and Family.  I am very thankful to him(Andrew) in allowing me to join him for lunch/ He gave great insight on how he runs his business and shared stories that I will never forget about the atmosphere there.  I would love to one day run my own company with many employee's.  

The music was incredible.  I don't listen to a lot of contemporary christian music.  Strange for a worship leader, but I truly enjoyed the music this year.  I love to get lost in the praise.  As a leader, I had the opportunity to just praise God without thinking about anything but God.  I still love Acappella singing, this was one experience I will remember for along time.

I highly recommend this conference for ministers, educators, and anyone who would love to learn more and be encouraged while doing so.  They do a great job at Catalyst.  Hope to see you there next year!

What's up?

I am so far behind in updating this blog. I almost want to consider it a sin. This week I have a several things I would like to blog about. I will list them here, and hopefully I will do a better job this week. Catalyst, Macbook, economy for young professionals, Washington DC trip, 12:11 church service, fear, and faith issue are all things I will try and talk about this week. Meanwhile, I am feeling pretty good right now. I have been sleeping alot due to the overnight trip from Washington DC. Life is good! Do I say that alot? Anyway, have a great week. Check back in soon!

Somebody really loves Terry Davis!!!

I got a macbook today! Yes! I'll say it again. I got a macbook today! It is really not mine, but my job supplied me with a new mac today. I have not had an apple computer in 9 years. I am playing with it today. I am enjoying it today. The tech department is allowing me to keep my pc laptop as well. I will have the best of all the world. Somebody really loves Terry Davis!!!

October is here!

15-6 is our final record for my JV Volleyball coaching career. I am done. I will say it again, I am done! I remembered why I quit when I was in Dallas besides moving to Atlanta. Coaching is different from being the Chaplain. Chaplaincy is a very positive job. One would have to try to make it a negative one. Coaching can be fun. It does involve parents, players, and fans. If you could get them all rowing in the same direction the coach would have fun. Please understand, I am an intense coach who likes to win. Every game if possible, you understand. I don't like to lose. Anyway, it is over and my prayer is that my players learned something about life while playing for me.

Catalyst is this week. Anyone going? It could not have come at a better time. I have it from Wednesday to Friday. Next week is our annual Washington DC trip with 7th graders. I have already seen who I will be chaperoning so it should be a good trip. I love this time with the kids.

JH missions is kicking in now. I just finished Volleyball and now it is time to kickoff our Missions and service program in the Junior High. We will be going to New Orleans during winterbreak, and Phillippi West Virginia during Springbreak. Both trips are service oriented. Life changing events for some, because they will be introduce to hard labor. Yeah!

October, I am or will be focusing on the social life. I know I am getting older, and probably need to channel some of this energy of mine.(Don't laugh, I know you knew this long time ago) Please be in prayer for all that will happen here in October.

Weekend is coming!

Well, we are now 11-5 since I last reported. A couple of wins and a couple of losses. I hate to lose. I really hate to lose. Anyway, we have 1 more real game and another Tournament. It has been fun, but I hate to lose.

October 4th is the last day of games. We have been going since July 25th. Short season? Long season? You decide?

October is here and the weather will change. I can get rid of my sweat towel. I love cooler weather. It is here especially in the morning! Yeah!

Travel is on my mine. Thanksgiving Break is near and Christmas is around the corner. Shall I come and visit you? Gas prices are high, but I am ready to get out of town.

Weekend is coming! Weekend is coming!

9-1 in Volleyball!!!!!!

Tonight, I am excited. I had my toughest games tonight. We won both in 3 games. (that is we won 2 games out of 3). These girls played very well. We were very evenly match. We wanted it more. I am very proud of them. Many times as a coach, you want your kids to know how proud you are of them. I am not sure at this point if they understand. I know i am a hard coach. I want to win. I want us to play well. I am very competitive. Hopefully tomorrow, we will have a good practice as we prepared to play on of these hard teams again on Thursday. I am going for my 10th win this season. I am excited!!! You can be excited with me! 9-1 BABY!!!!

37 reasons why I love my life today September 7, 2008

1. Life is very good for me today.
2. My family is great! (mom,sisters, nephews,and nieces)
3. I have a wonderful church I am a part of.
4. I have the best job(ministry) in America.
5 I love how God continues to give me wonderful ministry opportunities.
6. I have good friends who care for me.
7. I am a blessed person financially.
8. I am good spiritually today.
9. I am aware of my health issues.
10. I am aware of the things to make me a better person.
11. I am a volleyball coach.
12. I am a friend to many.
13. I know what I hate.
14. I know what I like.
15. I am single.
16. I am not married.
17. I do not have children.
18. I own my own condo.
19. I do not have car payments.
20. I am relatively healthy today.(Blood sugar- only issue)
21. I get to lead worship anytime I like on a regular basis.
22. I have great bosses (Misty and Dr. Ray)
23. I have a clean condo today. (Thanks Deonte)
24. I love Junior High kids!
25. I am loved.
26. I am having fun teaching bible everyday.
27. I have health insurance.
28. I love Church potlucks! (Good job today East Cobb)
29. I love the 12:11 service at East Cobb!
30. I have money in my retirement account.
31. I love Georgia.
32. I love the Georgia Bulldawgs.
33. I have a dirty car inside and out!
34. I love to give.
35. I love to serve.
36. I love God.
37. I love Jesus.

Life is Volleyball!

I have not posted in a while. I have been very busy experiencing life. My volleyball team is 4-0 right now. Tomorrow should be challenging playing a couple of good volleyball schools. I have had a few bumps along the way, due to a break from school this past weekend, I am back in the saddle again. It amazes me when we are critique how defensive we get. I say we because i know others do the same thing. Why is that? Why can't we just accept it and move on. Take the good and the bad adjust and move on. I can't tell you how many hours I thought about a meeting I had last week. Again, I am over it now. I must move on...

My mom is doing better. We are still trying to adjust to get her blood sugar levels up to normal. My mom have many medical problems which causes me to think big time about my health. I went to the dentist Thursday. I will be going soon to my eye doctors to update my contacts. I do go there every year, but I have had the same contacts for about 6 years. They are gas perm so I get the extra cleaning every time I go and they work just fine. My eyesight has not changed or gotten worst in 10 years so far. This is good since i am older.

I have had a little time to contact old friends, and spend some quality time with my sisters. It is good to be close to home. I have already taken it for granted. Tonight my baby sister and I went out for a good meal. She lost her job on Sunday. I will be searching the Internet tonight for some leads. I know she would like to continue to do what is right. I am proud of what she has done. Now, she does respect me more than my other sisters so there full disclosure.

School is back in session. Chapels have been awesome. Let me say it again. Chapel has been awesome. They are really singing out and loves Get right church. I will tell you it has been all of my two years to get them hear. They love motion songs. Now, they are getting into songs with a beat. I taught Heavn on the other side today. They are just rockin. I love my job. I am not just saying that! I love my bible classes this year. We have been in school for 3 weeks, and I still love everyone of them. I actually feel guilty getting on to them. They are just wonderful!

Sermon last Sunday by Brother Ray, who I believe is my long lost brother not just in Christ- preached on the Older Brother from the Prodigal son parable. I am still digesting that one. Powerful and very moving to my heart. Life is still Volleyball for the month of September. It will all come to an end on October 4th. Be Cool! Stay with God!

Life has been very interesting lately.

First, I got some good advice today about dating, marriage, Christianity, and family. Let me tell you my mom is in the hospital. Please pray that all will go well with her blood sugar. It has been dropping here lately in the low teens number. She has been dizzy, and bruises are showing up all over her body. She is not in pain( I am grateful) Her name is Mary. The advice I got was to stop trying to control everything and let God do what he is going to do without me messing it up. The advice continued to remind me why I am on this earth, which is to help plant seeds for Christ. Am I doing that at my private Christian school.(yes) My saved church that meets in Marietta, Georgia(yes). Am I doing it at my condo that I purchased a month ago(N0) bank,grocery store, gas station, many restaurants I frequent( All of these are no or maybe) We got work to do people let's do it!

Second, I am very thankful for many things today. My work has been my life. Greater Atlanta Christian and East Cobb Church make up the bulk of my life right now. I love and I'm very thankful to be involved in both ministries. I don't really look at it as a job. Although, I do get paid for both works, I am humbled by these opportunities and that both places seemed to have accepted who I am for who I am. You know what I mean. I am very thankful for the Leadership in both places. They are not perfect and I know you can't believe it, but I am not perfect as well.

Third, Volleyball begins for me tomorrow. Our first game is tomorrow. I am excited. I pray that my girls will be ready mentally. I have missed the coaching scene. Tomorrow should be a great day to restart that career. We do have a little girl drama here at the beginning. We will see how that plays out tomorrow.

Have a great week!

I had a good week last week!

I had a very good week last week. I got to lead worship at my home congregation, during our faculty spiritual day, and an area wide in Houston Texas was my start of the week. I really enjoy returning to my home church. I love encouraging them, and visiting with lifelong friends.

We started back to school as teachers this week. I got the opportunity to lead worship as we return. This group loves to sing,and this is the Highlight of the week. We were in the throne room baby. It was awesome.

I got on a plane that afternoon to go to Houston for an area wide youth rally. Had to miss our day of service as teacher, but I got to serve and lead worship as Jeff Walling presented Grace in his usually great fashion. It was good to catch up with some friends there as well.

4am I leave for the airport to fly back to Atlanta and catch a plane to Dallas and then to Oklahoma City where I got an opportunity to speak to some very bright high school kids. I had a three hour lay over in Dallas, and got a chance to have lunch with two of my very good friends from there at my favorite Dallas area restaurant Red Hot and Blue. I got the Ribwich combo memphis style that included a two bone rib. It was goooood! I should have order a full rack of ribs. I love the food, the company was even better.

iDebate at Oklahoma Christian is where I was to speak Tuesday night. The kids responded very well and blogged about their experienceYou can find their blog here. Again, I had a lot of fun talking to them about Leadership. They thought I was very funny, but really listen to what I had to say. It was good to visit with another good friend there. We went back to my college days, and it was fun to think about those times.

4am again, I leave for the airport to return to Atlanta. I got back in timeto meet the boys of Junior High(male teachers) We meet for lunch once during our inservice to catch up and bond. I was glad I made it back for that.

Volleyball Wednesday thru Friday. I had to teach my team our serve-receive defense. We scrimmage the varsity and I saw they had learned a lot this week. We did not win against them, but played very well. They were focus.

It was a great week. I will attempt to include pictures in this post.

Sydney Smartt is doing well!

Sydney Smartt is doing well. I got the chance to go to the hospital tonight and she was doing well. We visited and she got to talk to people who could not make it to the hospital. I love seeing people smile and laugh. I believe that is truly my ministry. I am very happy when I can do that with people. I believe that is a major draw in my family. When we get together we just take turns ribbing each other and laughing. I love seeing my mom laugh. Keep my family in prayer, I love them sooo much and sometimes I still feel far away although I am closer. I stopped by tonight and had some of my mom's cooking. I know she likes to cook for people. Her children likes eating it, too.

Volleyball starts on Friday. ( 2 hours of practice)

Texas and Oklahoma here I come. You will probably not see me. In Houston, I will be leading worship at an area-wide for teens. I really enjoy leading people in worship. It is fun and easy for me. I enjoy reconnecting with old friends as well. I don't know which church, but it is the area-wide for Monday night. Tuesday I will be joining others( Gen. Tommy Franks) speaking to a group of teenager's assembled on the campus of Oklahoma Christian. I know I know, I can't believe it either. I have enjoyed speaking some this summer. Both of these trips are in late afternoon and speak in the evening, early morning flight, and hopefully back to work by lunch time Wednesday. I am missing most of our in-service training. I do lead worship before I leave for Houston. We as a staff and faculty begin the new school year focusing on our spiritual side as we lead this school. I will have my camera with me that I bought this summer in the great state of Arkansas.

Orientations is what I have been doing this week. I love them! Taking a group of people who do not know each other well, and bringing them together before school starts. My boss, I think today finally realized that I love orientation. I used to do it at Harding. Some of you may remember that, but I am in a zone of getting the people socially in shape. I have another one tomorrow. I look forward to it!

Pray for Sydney Smartt

A former student of mine here at GAC was in a bad car accident in Alabama. She was driving and her father died. She will be a freshmen this upcoming school year. The smartt family really needs your prayers right now. Sydney is doing better. We have been lifting prayers and it appears that she will make it. They also have a 3rd grader who is being told today that her father passed away. Please keep them in your prayers. The funeral will be Saturday for Steve the father.

Sunday was good!

Sermon went alright! I wished I had more time to prepare. This will always be the case when it comes to preaching for me. I am feeling comfortable doing it these days. I remember there was a time I could not put two words together when speaking in front of a crowd. Understand when I say, leading worship is a lot easier because the crowd is doing the same thing you are compared to preaching where all they are doing is listening.

JV Volleyball camp this week. I am looking over my coaching volleyball book tonight. Getting back into the coaching arena. It is fun! I will be busy for the next 12 weeks with volleyball. I will update you on our games. I know many of you are shocked that I am coaching. I did it in Dallas, and it was a lot of fun. Who knows, I might want to get back into choral directing after this experience here in Georgia.

Later on this week, I will take a few days of rest. I know I need it. School is right around the corner. Where does all the time go in the summer!

Great Class last night!

We had a great bible class last night. I shared the top ten benefits of praise. Given the church some insights as to what I am thinking about when we are worshipping. Many did encourage me and said that I made them think. This is my goal. I don't think we think enough.

Preaching this Sunday! I am excited about this as well. I always like to encourage people. I want you to leave better than you came. Romans 12: 11 will be my text.

Have a great day!

Pedicure,Travel, and Camp Oh My!

Yes, my sister surprised me yesterday after lunch. She took me to a salon to get a pedicure. I can't believe how many men were there. I told her I was not going to do it until I saw the number of men there. The experience was different. A little pain here and there, but my sister said I needed it. This all began because I don't wear open toe sandals. I have on sandals today. The chair I sat in at this salon was a massage chair. I would go back just for the chair experience. I thank my baby sister for pointing me in this direction. Why are there so many men doing this is still a mystery to me.

I have accepted the JV Volleyball Coach position at GAC. I am excited about getting back into coaching. I like it alot. Last night, it came back so easy as I was at volleyball practice last night. I keep you posted. Next week we go to camp for 3 days.

Tech Camp is still going well. I am enjoying it more than my Leadership camp from last month.

I am searching for a quick vacation spot for next week Wednesday through Saturday. Last chance before I start back at school. Any ideas

Fun Week last week and hopefully this one!

Well, I did have fun last weekend going to Dallas for the wedding of a good friend of mine's daughter. She was a beautiful bride. I got to see many old friends that I have not seen in awhile. I did not get to eat at Red Hot and Blue one of my favorite rib place. It was ok because on Sunday I was invited to eat over another friend's house for ribs and BBQ. It was good right here in Georgia. A great quick weekend, I did not get to see all I wanted to while there. Another trip soon I hope.

Tech camp this week! It is going good so far. I love being around kids.

Dating time before school starts back. I need to make a trip to Nashville soon.

Worship was awesome yesterday. I am glad to be back at East Cobb.

I am preaching this coming Sunday and teaching an adult bible class on Wednesday. What would you like to study or hear preached if you were in charge of speaking? I have ideas, but was wondering what would you say!

Have a great week!

Leadership

It is time for leadership to stand up to those who can not handle a different point of view. One of my college professors and colleague when I worked there has made his public blog private. I am tired of the few always winning it seems. I have been in many worship wars where the few dictate what the majority has to put up with. I am tire of it. I am tired of the status quo. Mark Elrod's blog I find very refreshing and it challenges me to think about what is happening in this country. Do I agree 100 % of what is on his blog? No! I come to it everyday to challenge my thinking. I did not see his post change my middle name to Hussein on his blog. My prayer is that this has nothing to do with why he is making his blog private. Church people- Get over yourself! If you don't like what is found on his blog, then don't go over and read it.

This is also a generational thing I believe. I am not a letter writer if you can't tell on this blog. I like going to the person that I have conflict with. Many people have misunderstood me, until they have sat down and we talk about their issues. Why can't older people do this? I find this to be cowardice done by the greatest generation. I am one that is sick of it! Elrod going private won't stop these people. I used to be a part of the establishment, and defended on many fronts. I'm 37, and I am sick of it.

Let me make myself very clear: Dissenting point of view is not a bad thing. I want to hear from a racist in order that I can understand his perspective and hope that he/she can understand mine one day. If he does great, and if he doesn't also great. I am not for abortion, but I can have lunch with someone that is. I am the only Christian in my family, and I have made a lot of mistakes trying to share the gospel with them. I feel guilty today thinking I may be the cause for them not to believe. Hearing the other side is a good thing. I did not do this earlier. I attend and minister at a Church of Christ. I have been to all kind of churches. I am not afraid nor do I think this will shake my belief in Jesus. Mark's blog was also very entertaining as well. No more!

Leadership- It is time to lead. Stop listening only to the few and look at the bigger picture. This was a great day for me until I went to view my normal blogs. What do you think?

4th July time with my family

My sister Tamiko and her step daughter Mikki

Nephew that helped me move last week!

My sister Latonya and her kids

Fun time with my nieces and nephews

Mom and sisters

Searcy

It has been great to be in searcy, Arkansas for the last three weeks. I have caught up with many, but still have not seen quite a few. I made the decision to rejoined Harding's President Council. Mainly, I wanted to give back to a place that gave me sooo much. Many of you were quite surprised that I would leave. It has been a good thing in me leaving. I still have a love for this great University. Those reading, I would encourage you to give back whether small or big. When and if you come back to campus, it has changed in many ways. But the spirit and memories that you have will come back. I want you to then decide to give back so others can have or make some of the same memories. I know for some these are bad economic times. I know that I have been blessed by God now and all of my life. When you look at the buildings at Harding immediately you might think that "Oh, they got plenty of money, they wont miss mine". I gave for scholarships which Mike Williams ( a good friend) tells me that Harding continues having a need to offer scholarship. People will give to a building and we need those people to do that. We also need you and I to help those attend the same place we had so many life changing memories. Just consider it! Those who teach and preach, I believe they still have a special way for you to join the President Council cheaper. Anyway, It has been good to be in Searcy!

Almost 5 weeks of summer break!

Well, I have continue to enjoy my break. Here is the latest since week 2:

1. Travelled to Searcy Arkansas
2. Emceed both weeks of Uplift testing out my comedian skills
3. Enjoyed eating at my favorite restaurant in Searcy
4. Have caught up with many close friends.
5. Led singing at night during several baptisms ( 1st week 54)( 2nd week still counting)
6. Ready to move into my new condo.
7. Two of my students got baptize here at Uplift.
8. Another student is getting baptize this Thursday at Campus church.
9. Led singing for Children's worship at College Church and will lead at an area wide bible study
of all the churches of Christ teenagers.
10. Got to reconnect with some old friends.

Sunday!!!

Today was a very good day. I led worship in children's worship at College Church. Yes, I did say College Church. I had not been back at that church in quite a while. Someone there said this morning jokingly "You're finally coming to church" I replied that the only service I could come to would be the children's service. We both laugh, and had a great time. I enjoy being around young people especially children. I like to try and spur them on. Some people say I do this with adults- I just don't believe them most of the time. Children expressed themselves as to whether they like something or not.

I tried going over to Downtown the church where I led for many years. It was kinda hard. I heard the singing and it brought back so many memories. Authentic worship is what I was witnessing. I could not stay because of my desire to just jump up there and lead. I was trying to resist going over, until I went to college and lead their children's church. I really did missed the authentic worship at Downtown.

2nd week of uplift is going great! Last night I served again as the MC. I was up there telling jokes and getting the crowd to know each other. I have had so much fun just almost being a comedian with a 15 minute set. I used this as my door into the teenage world of those attending this week. When they think you are funny, they want to be around you more.

I will close on my condo at the end of this week. I am excited. I have to turn around and come back next week for uplift. I am looking forward to that as well. People know me more as a worship leader. I will be leading the Area-wide Searcy bible class for teenagers Wednesday at the College church. Come on and hopefully experience authentic worship. I will be sharing how great it is to be a Christian. I look forward to it.

That is my latest. I need to be outdoors right now walking and exercising. We will see how it works out when I get off of this computer. Bye!

Wow and Wow!

It has been a great week for me. I have enjoyed reconnecting with some of my lifelong friends. You know the number one question is "am I married yet?". I forgot how many people want me to experience the married life. I have made so many jokes about being happy and others wanting me to experience the nagging, dumbing down, and loss of freedom. Before you dog me about marriage, I want to be married. I just believe too many people would like for me to be married to see how I respond to being told what to do 24/7. I love your concern, but I will continue to make fun, laugh at those I can, and remain single. They tell me I am having too much fun and need to have a wife to enjoy life like they do! WELL, I am enjoying my life right now. If marriage is or is not in the future, Great!

Anyway, many baptisms have occurred. I rejoice with those who will begin their new life.

I have a quick trip to Atlanta and will be back here in Searcy, Friday!

COMMUNITY

I am in searcy, Arkansas today! Two of the large churches of Christ puts on a community carnival event to kick off their vacation bible school. I love seeing churches reaching out to the community. This is what it is all about. It is hot, but it does not matter.( I can't believe I am saying it either) I am sooo proud of the churches here. They have been doing this for awhile also combining their vbs and working together. Many times when I was here in searcy- competition of who will get the college students were a concern. Not many will acknowledge this, but I;m free to say what I want . So there it is. Anyway, today was great to see people serving and having a great time in one of the parks in Searcy. Great day for God! Tank Daniels of the New York Giants was there giving away bikes and signing autographs. No one wanted mine( I know who cares)

Uplift Uplift Uplift. This is what is about this week. Spurring on teenagers to continue their walk with God no matter what. I am excited and will continue to be. I have reconnected with many friends here in searcy. They all guess that Uplift must be here, but I have a glow about myself. Special thank you's I would love to give to Brandon Tittle and Andrew Baker. I don't know why they would want me here for 3 weeks. I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet and encourage all those coming to Uplift. Last night, I met the group from Bammel Road in Houston. I am having soooo much fun. (Wife or potential wife- I am in my zone meeting new people and singing) I could go to heaven anytime now after being here with soo many on fire for Christ. This week I will be leading in the morning and at the baptisms. They have soo many, so I kinda serve as host. My other duties this week is to MC went we all get together. I love this role as well. Give me a stage and you never know what might happen. I will just say that we will have fun this week. Go be good!

Energy!!!!!!!

Where does all that energy come from? This question has followed me all of my life. I have always had a lot of energy. This is why I love Vacation Bible School, Sunday School and high energy worship. I do understand not everyone appreciates all of my energy.. I have been blessed to minister in places that have appreciated it. Today, I was with our Youth group from East Cobb church of Christ ministering to the Atlanta Inner City day camp. I was in my element. Kids with a lot of energy!!! I love it! No one around to say that we were doing anything wrong. We were just praising God with everything we got! I love being around kids and encouraging them to give their all to God. Uplift is another opportunity I have been given to share and experience more high energy teenagers. They say that I am just a big kid. I guess, I am to some degree. Kids need to be kids. I love watching kids be kids. Energy, I don't know if it was all the sweets I have eaten over the years, but I channel this energy for God. This may have scared off many women over the years, but I still have faith God has someone that again will appreciate the use of such energy for God. Uplift in 3 days!!!

Week 3 of my summer

I have packed almost everything up for my move except for everything I need this week to live on. I will be helping with our youth group in the inner city of Atlanta on Wednesday and Thursday this week. I will be traveling to Harding on Friday for Uplift. A very busy week, but exciting because of all of the service opportunities this week. I do love to serve. It takes my mind off of weird things. I have been thinking a lot which can be scary. I will picking up my reading for the rest of this week. More papers to signed as we move to the closing date! Bye!

2 weeks of summer break GONE!

I can not believe that 2 weeks of my 10 week summer break has already gone by. What did I do with these two weeks. Let's recap!

1. Spent time with my mother.
2. Conducted a Leadership camp at GAC
3. Decided to buy a house.
4. Paperwork on qualifying for a loan.
5. Found a condo to buy.
6. Drove a bus for summer camp twice.
7. Slept in about 2 days so far this summer.
8. Went to North Georgia sightseeing
9. Decided not to shave this summer.
10. Led worship for Fuel(New youth event at East Cobb)
11. Attended two days of Campus Church of Christ family bible week
12. Started packing for my move at the end of the month
13. Praying for wisdom this summer and beyond
14. Thinking about next school year theme of "Seeing his Face"
15. Ate twice at Panera Bread(strange place for me to eat)

Condo Buying

I am buying a condo! Yes, that right I will be a condo owner by the end of this month. This is happening fast. I have relaxed some between filling out papers and faxing them. So much paper work. The home inspector really like the condo. I will sell it to him when the market bounces back. Everything is a lot more expensive this go around. Everything has gone up ie. appraisels, home inspection, and etc. I am looking forward to my move.



Resting some! I need a vacation. It will happen next month. I am having a few relaxing days. I have pick back up on reading. I have been trying to relax more. Tonight, I was eating at Panera Bread- I can't believe it either. i wanted soup and a sandwich. I could not help but to listen to the couple who was on a first date. It was pretty comical. They both were trying to come up with something to say. By the time, I finished my meal, the girl finally announces that it is getting late (7pm). I laughed becaused the guy was still trying to get her to commit to going out again. She told him that let her call him. He seemed soo excited abotu this. Clueless! I wondered if I am soooo clueless on the dating scene.



I have found the public library in the city in which I live. Summer allows me to enjoy the town in which I live. My schedule is soo much relaxed that I can stop and enjoy the scenery.



Uplft is coming soon. I can't wait to see some old friends.

Life is pretty good!

I am about over my cold I think. I only cough once today so far.

Leadership camp went very well. I want to do it again before the summer is out. I love talking and guiding people thru leadership experiences.

I have made an offer on a house. Hopefully, I will hear something back really soon. It is a condo not very far from where I live right now. I just want to close before I go to uplift would be great. We will see.

12:11 is ok for now. We are starting out really slow on one hand and really fast on the other. I look at this service as a church plant. Many of the members right now come from East Cobb. We have had visitors, but it is early. I will be away from this service for about 3 weeks. Jay Collins a good friend of mine will be leading. He does such a great job! He needs to be leading worship somewhere I believe. I am glad he will fill in for me.

Short Vacation this week! I will leave to go somewhere after Sunday morning services to return on Wednesday hopefully in time for church. Now that I am buying a house, vacations will be short this summer. I will take them of course, but they will be short.

My niece graduated last night. Ashley Nicole Stewart is my niece who graduated from Forest Park High School. I am soooo proud of her. She has done an incredible job in school and also in life. My prayer is that she will have continue success in college as well. The whole family was there to witness. I continue to tell my nephews and nieces that they will break the cycle in our family by graduating and going to college. I am so proud!

That's all for now!

Wow! House hunting we will go!

Well,

Upon getting out of church yesterday, I found my notice of renewing my lease. No way! The rates went up just 20 dollars if I signed a year lease and a $200 break fee. It is time for me to get back in the home owning business. I have not mowed grass in two years. I don't look forward to it either. I do have a couple of nephews who likes to get away. Now, they can come over if they cut my grass. Ha! The market here in Atlanta is full of homes and condo's. I am looking at both because there are some real deals out there. Not what I was planning on doing for the next 3 weeks. I have already secured financing here on Memorial day. I have to fax the papers in the morning and the mortgage guy thinks he can do it within 15 days of me securing a house. I spent this evening driving around. I do look at 2 properties tomorrow. This will happen fast, as long as the right deal comes along. Meanwhile, my lease is up at the end of June. Be praying that the right doors will open. This will be my 3rd house purchase, so I do at least know what I don't want.

Leadership camp starts tomorrow. I have so much material I want to cover. I am teaching them the Servant Leadership model. I believe this is the model I follow. I guess you have to asked those who worked with me. The more I study, the more I am convinced that this is the way to go. I have also decided to expose these kids to the servant-leaders around campus. Yes, this is cheaper than bringing someone end, but I am still not quite sure how the finances work with this gig. Anyway, I will be having fun and done by 12 noon each day. 4 day work week sorta.

Be Good!

I have missed you too!

Let me tell you the latest..

The last two Thursday's have been really bad healthwise. Two weeks ago I woke up to go to the bathroom, turn on the lights and fell to my needs. I got an eye infection(I guess from my contacts that I wear) It cause a dilemma for me because I did not have a replacement for chapel that day. This was 8th grade graduation( I did not get to go to) I had the 6th and 7th graders with me for chapel that morning. I thought someone had taken a knife and started cutting my eye it hurt so bad. This was around 2am. By 6am, I got one contact in and trying for the other one. The light was killing me. I drove the school in pain covering my bad eye. We did have chapel in the dark. The kids just thought it was a different chapel, not knowing about my pain. I won't go into how my eye doctor was my savior that day and tried on Monday to get me to do my eye exam and contact fitting again of course full price. NO WAY! I am still comfortable in my original contact lenses fully cleansed I might add.

The next Thursday(last week) I woke up to having a real bad cold with a cough that you might have thought I was dying. I am nursing this cold with over the counter drugs. The pharmacist recommended Claritin D and Musicnex. I think they work against each other. Last night was my best night of sleep and at 5:30am this morning I was WIDE awake. By 8am, I was coughing again. Stay tune Lord willing, I will be alive next Thursday for my new adventure.

This coming week will be my Leadership Camp. I am really wanting to build it into something that would be around a long time. Right now, we are looking at 12 participants. They say that this is not too bad for a first year camp. I love having the opportunity to teach and influence these young mind. I'll let you know how it goes.

Well, it is summer, which mean, I will get around to dating again. All my free time you know. I look forward to what God will bring my way this year. Everybody wants to say I am picky. (YOU GOT THAT RIGHT) i am just waiting for Miss Right to come my way. I'll post more later.....

Trying to stay focus!!

I am glad that we are near the end of the school year. I have my summer plans all made except for where I will go for vacation. It will either be Chicago in June and the Bahamas in July, unless better offers come my way. I have had a little trouble staying focus on my diet, school, and church. I know this is just the time of the year. In a few weeks it will all be over....

What I miss most about full time ministry!

I miss a lot of thing about full time ministry. Having a day off in the middle of the week was great! I would take Thursday's off. I would usually sleep in and be a bum most of the day. I would go to a mall to people watch. It was great! I also got the opportunity to go to Pepperdine lectures and Tulsa Workshop. I am not a bible teacher at a Christian school. At this point I would have to be invited to go to these places during the school year. I do long for those days again.

But... I am getting ready to have 10 weeks off for the summer. I have planned a very busy one. I like the fact that I do have all of this time off. Next summer, I want to try to do nothing. I know, I don't think I will do it either.

Weigh in is tomorrow for me. I have been walking for 2 weeks and want to weign in every 2 weeks to see if it is making a difference on my weight. I am hungrier than normal when I get up in the mornings. This has made me eat breakfast which the doctor said was a good thing.

12:11 went alright today. We had over 40 this morning. Our regular preacher was gone, and it was mission sunday. We always have a sub for this service. I try my best to bring the same excitement, but we are preacher driven society at East Cobb. Got to have the preacher! Anyway, not too bad of a thing. I hope your week goes well. Bye!

Feeling Healthy!

I am on a health kick today. Lunch will be here in a few minutes and I am thinking about giving up my sweet tea! I can't believe it. After my 4 mile walks, I have been drinking a lot of water. By the way, the treadmill experience has been great. I like it a lot! I am sweating for Jesus on that thing especially when I try to keep up with all of the ladies in the room.

Confession: I am trying to control my bloodsugar, and lose weight for the summer. It is my goal to return to school in the fall a different man. I am still loving the protein bars- I am just trying to find them with less sugar.

I have paid my bills for the month. I am wanting to live on less. I am doing a great job so far. Living in an apartment, I have gotten my electic bill below $20. I can't believe it either. That is what the bill said, so I will pay it! Hallelujah!

Confession: I am wanting to give more to church and other good organization. I was not a proud man when I did my taxes thinking I gave more than I did. At our church, this sunday is Mission Sunday, so I have planned on making a generous contribution. We do it twice a year. My goal is to double what I give this sunday the next Mission sunday in October. It's bold, but you have to have goals that require faith.

Have a blessed day! I teach the College students to tonight. Pray for them. We are a very small group but have great conversations about life.

Good Day!

Well, today was a good day! I apologized to my 4th period class( we did not end the week well). The day went by pretty fast. I could not wait for my 4 mile walk today. The weekend I took off and ate too much. I feel really good right now. I used a treadmill at the apartment complex I live in. I got to watch me some "House" tonight. I will walk in the morning at 6am for an hour. I will problably workout tomorrow night at the complex. I know, I know, I am going crazy on the walking. I feel good. I like the treadmill a little better because it tells you how many calories you are burning. I am even getting a little domesticated tonight- I am washing clothes and folding them when I get them out of the dryer. This is big folks!

Conflict with Adults- Unresolved for now.

12:11 was GREAT! It was so refreshing for me. I forgot I was in church. I got lost in the praise. It was good. We had 63 our first sunday. Here in Atlanta it was pouring down rain. It was a good crowd with lots of energy. We did have I believe 2 families from the community. We had lots of children. I even had them singing by themselves. You know when I say "just the ladies" well, it was just the children. Again, I got lost in the praise. Planning for next week is complete. I am working on the mother's day service. We will see how that comes out. Thanks for dropping by....

Weekend!!!!

16 miles of walking this week. I am looking forward to the weekend because it is my timeoff of walking. I have enjoyed it so far. I am buying an ipod this weekend to keep it up whether I have someone to walk with or not. I am very motivated! Wow!

________________________________________________________

Adult Conflict? I don't really like dealing with Adults. I like to resolve issues quickly and early if at all possible. Pray that all conflicts will be resolve in due time.

________________________________________________________

My job is changing a little for next year. 1 less class and 1 less chapel to lead. I am excited as I will have more time to be with the Junior High. I am excited.

________________________________________________________

Tomorrow will be the 1st sleep in day in quite a while. I wonder what time will I get up tomorrow. This week, I have had two early morning walks. I am ready for a true sabbath!

________________________________________________________

12:11 Service- a new service offered at East Cobb. I am excited about what God will do with this service. This sunday will be a very busy day with 2 services and our Timothy boys service and fellowship at night. I like to encourage the boys like people did me when I was their age. More about 12:11 after sunday.
________________________________________________________

Vacation ideas? I plan on using two almost complete weeks this summer. 1 being the 1st of June and the second one the 3rd week in July. Any ideas? I know I need to include Florida since I am sooo close. I am thinking about going to an island. I have not done that in a while. We will see!

8 miles

Well, I have walked 8 miles within 24 hours. I am feeling good! I am beginning to feel a little sore( I think) I can feel the burning calories. My plans are to walk everyday during the week and take the weekends off. I enjoy walking(fast) when you have someone to walk with makes a difference. I am also starting to snack on Protein bars. I do wake up hungry so far, which is good for me to eat something before I walk out the door. We are all good so far!

What will I tackle next on my big agenda? Dating life! Keep your ears open, who knows tomorrow I might be informing you of a lovely lady. HA!

Health Issues...

Do you have health issues? Do your doctor tell you the things you don't want to hear? I know I am as stubborn as my mom when it comes to the doctor. Today, I am about to see my doctor. I already know what he is going to say. The question is will I listen to him. I would have fired me as a patient long time ago. I just seen the nurse who was sermonizing. I did not want to hear what she had to say. I am now waiting on my doctor, really agreeing with the nurses suggestion about my health. I keep telling myself that I am doing good. No high blood pressure, No high cholestrol, and no real physical ailment. Report was good! I am doing good. I ate a cobb salad tonight. I am going walking around 8pm. I now have a walking partner that loves to walk. I like to talk so, this should be good. No this partner is not a woman yet. I am looking for one that loves to walk each evening. We all need to be healthier. I am deciding today that I will try my best. I tried my first protein bar this afternoon. I ate a salad tonight because I was not that hungry. Well, got go walk.

Update: Walked for about 4 miles. Showered and ate protein bar, I am headed to bed. I will walk again in the morning 7am for an hour. Yes I said 7am and yes I said for an hour. Feeling pretty good right now. We will see if I get up tomorrow.

Mother update

She got the all clear to go home today. Right before the doctor was going to release her, he checked her blood pressure and decided to keep her overnight. She is not a happy camper today! Meanwhile, I am mediating verbal fights between siblings. Life just keeps on going!

Am I Dateable?

Dateable???- This is the million dollar question I am asking myself lately. I read a book awhile back that asked this question mostly dealing with are you loveable. I think I am. I think? Tonight, I went out to eat late, because normally I am in my apartment by 9pm and never out pass 10pm on a Sunday night. Outback Steakhouse was packed. I wondered why so many people were there. The waiter I had said that it was their typical sunday night crowd. I was amazed. I am at home normally getting ready for my week. When I looked around, it looked like the majority were on somekind of date. There were many singles mostly sitting at the bar as a group of boys or a group of girls. Shocked by the big crowds at Outback! I am not a late eater. Especially, not heavy eating like at Outback. I watched as big steaks were going past me, while I did have the alice spring chicken in which half was taken home. Tomorrow's snack or dinner.

I have all kinds of excuses for which night is the better date night. For me, Fridays- I am tired from the week. Saturdays- I am saving my energy for Sunday worship services- maybe a Saturday lunch. Thursdays and Tuesdays would be the best nights for me. I am not sure if I would stay out past 9pm on these nights since I have to work the next day. I have to remind myself I will be 40 before too long. Again, I asked the question- Am I dateable? I am not sure if late nights are involved. I do stay up late, but not outside my home. I know I am not a homebody- but still I face this big questions. Have a great week!

Update on Mom: She is to have surgery tomorrow morning if they can. It is just to check on her stint in her heart. They have dealt with her flu symptons and urinary tract infection. Thanks for your prayers. Hopefully, she will be home before the end of the week. She did send me away on Saturday to my JH baseball game. I am the PA announcer. Keep praying!

Stress Free Day!

I am not stress as far as I know. I took my mom to the hospital yesterday and her heart enzymes were elevated which means that there has been stress put on her heart. I have had stressful jobs in the past, but I usually try not to have too much stress in my life. I used to be a choral director and that job there were stressful times. I am a chaplain now, but really have a handle on the stress level for this job. Are you stressed? I hope not. I do like pressure situations and to work out a plan of attack. But not here lately. My mom is doing alright. She is still in the hospital waiting to see a doctor. We had the best nurse who was a comedian. He had me rolling along with the rest of my family. My mom laughed. The children went to another room to discussed my mom stress level. We could find where we all at some point in time lately have caused her stress. I pray today will be a stress free day for you and your family.

Good Break

Great Break!

I got to visit with some great people. I did not get to see everyone, but I had a great time. I got the chance to go back and lead worship at Dallas Christian school where I worked when I was in Dalllas. It was great! It brought back many great memories. It made me appreciate where I have been and where I am today! The friendships there are real. I miss these great people. I got a chance to return to Lousiana. Sulphur for a youth rally this weekend. It also brought back memories. Dale and Kim Sheehy are the youth ministers there. They are doing a great job! I enjoyed being with their kids. I am loving on kids these days. If God don't hurry up and find me a wife, I just might....ADOPT!!!!! What were you thinking? Teaching kids all day to me is the best form of birth control YIKES!

It has been a great week of traveling. I also did my taxes. Boy, do I have to do more things differently this year. Anyway, I hope those who were on Springbreak like me had a wonderful time. I love traveling and getting back to those friends I have not seen in a while. I know, I know, I have not visited you yet! I have a big chunk of summer to travel as well. Thanks those good folks in Sulphur- I was treated like a king! Have a blessed week!

MIssion Trip

I am about to go to bed, so before I go let me tell you what I will be doing over the next few days. Tomorrow I will be driving a minibus full of middle schoolers going to Phillippi West Virginia. I am excited because prior to last week I was not going. I was staying behind and holding down the Junior High fort. Now, I will be going. I am excited. We will be helping someone with their house fixing it up. The couple has worked on other people's home and now get a chance for a group to come and help them. I love trips like these. It helps to get my lazy self off the couch and do something worthwhile compared to deciding what my next meal will be. Upon returning I will be doing some traveling for the next week. I'll be visiting the following states: Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. I hope to have stories. Talk to you soon....

Taxes, SpringBreak, Women!

Well, I pray that this is not a long one.

Taxes: We pay too much in taxes. I love living in this country, but the taxes are horrible. I did mine last night. This maybe the very thing to cause me to jump off the fence: Get married, buy a house, and start having children! Whew!

SpringBreak: My plans are to go to Texas. I will get to visit friends there and spend a day in Oklahoma City visiting friends there as well. I love visiting those I have not seen in a while. Texas: Red, Hot and Blue, Kolaches, and etc. I'm ready tonight! These are not on my diet!

Women: Well, there must be a lot of single mothers out there! All that has come my way lately has been those with children. I have concluded for now- NO CHILDREN! I love children and woudl love to have my own natural children. Remember, I spend 8 hours a day with other people's children. I even call them mine. But for now, NO CHILDREN!

Family: Everything is going alright. My mom is feeling better here lately. Sisters are about the same. I have one niece that is graduating this may. I can't believe it! Have a blessed week!

Christian Education

As I have mentioned before, I love what I do. The one BIG thing I don't like is......working with Adults. Give me the kids and I could do this for free. Include the adults and I want a raise and the works. I am an adult so I understand some of them. I don't understand all of them. I hate it when adults act like children. I am prepared to deal with kids, but adults raises my blood pressure. I know every job have their good side and bad side. Take the adults away and I will be in Education till I die. Something tells me they will still be around. I guess one of my major reason is that I some that wants what I got whatever that is. I continue to tell people when it comes to what I do, if someone does it better let he or she do it. There is so many things I like doing and I can change in a second. Most people don't understand that about me. Some may think oh he's not committed. I can especially when I am left a lone. I have worked with churches and school where the adults like to play the power game. I don't care for the game lock me up with the kids and I would be just fine. They don't want to lock me up, but play those silly powertrip games. I don't like it. I will say it again, I don't like.



Sorry for the rant! I feel better. You problably dont, but boy do I. I will go to sleep now and hopefully God will make it a better day without much adult interactions.

I am still a work in progress!!!!

Today or Tonight I am writing from LAX airport. A 6 hours layover allowed me to think about life as I listen to all of these big wigs in the Crown room. I began to think about how blessed I am and I don't even know it. I thank God many times tonight for all of my blessings. I am returning from Darden Garden Idaho(northern portion) where I was involved in a youth rally. The kids were great like always and I got a chance once more to watch God work. They loved being together. It reminds me of my picture of heaven. I believe lives were touch and changed. I know mine was. I am a work in progress. i wish I had it all together. I don't. I am thankful for may things:

My students- they are great to put up with my games
My family- they get to see all of my quirks
My church family- They are awesome and I missed them today!
My future wife- I know she is out there and I will continue to prepare myself for her
My future- whatever God has planned I am will continute to seek his wisdom and guidance
My friends- I have some incredible group of friends all over america. I appreciate those who keep me humble, focused, and entertained.
My boss- I problably have many, but the one I am thinking of tonight is Misty O' she has to put up with me daily.

Before you start thinking that I am down on myself. Well, I am not. I am gratful for what I have and what I am doing. May I and you be better stewards with our time, money, and other resources. Have a blessed week! Be Good! Be God!

Life is Good!

I have been busy with my usual things like family, job, and church.

Family: Everyone is going ok. I have been spending more quality time which is good. I am trying to be a more loving person every day. My nephew's overall are doing well. I have niece that will graduate this year. I am excited she will be attending college which is good to break the pattern of my family.

Job: It has been good here lately. I am understanding more each day what my role is. My students are great. I drove a bus route the other day in a neighborhood where the houses are as big as our school building. Some of the children going into these houses are our best. They are very respectful and kind.

Church: Has been great as well. I love my church family.

Youth Rallies: Have started up again. I will be in Idaho this weekend for one. Next month I will be in Sulphur La. I will be in Searcy Arkansas for 3 weeks for Uplift bible camp. I love rallies and Uplift. I keep meeting people who were at Uplift 05, which is great. God has blessed me to be a part of some great gathering this year. I have to be honest and say I did miss Christeen in Russellville Arkansas. I have been a part of that rally since 1991. I guess I am getting old.

Have a blessed day!

Dreams

I have been having some weird thoughts and dreams. I have never had to sell anything. I am dreaming that I am this master sales guy. I am making millions and able to do many great things with the money. Everytime I give it away, more comes back to me. Do note, I have just finished a wonderful play "Big River". I am not going to Hollywood anytime soon. This recurring dream is making me laugh. I hate sales. I like guaranteed money. I like salary compared to sales each month. I am curious to see if I could make it if I had to depend on sales each month. I have had many friends to do it. Just weird stuff!

Other recent thoughts:

Middle children are wonderful. People need to do more for middle children. They are always looking out for everyone else instead of themselves. I know there are exceptions. I love the middle child.

Health Care/Insurance is awful. I would like to sale that to people if the greedy insurance companies were not so awful.

School right now is weird. When you give the students a break, it is very hard to get their attention back on education. No answer right now. I am working on it.

Poverty is bad, we have to change the atmosphere from charity to equipping and empowering.

Looking forward to my Praise team retreat morning this Saturday. They are great! They are my positive adult interaction right now. More on that later...

Non Smokers Unite!

Recently, I needed to rent a car and my experience was not pleasant at the beginning. The lady at the counter acted as though I was bothering her by renting a vehicle. Nobody was around, and I still to this day don't know if they had just had a rush and she was tired. I started my normal "Howdy" with a smile, and she proceeds to look at me like I was on drugs. Anyway, she assigns me a car, and I go check it out. It reeked of a smoke smell. I don;t know maybe one of the workers who had a smoke got into the car the cigarette smoked remained in the car when I got there. I went back to the counter to my very pleasant worker(HA!) to tell her about the smoke smell. She asked if smoked bothered me. The key chain that I had in my hand had a nosmoking sign on it- I was nice and said yes the smoke smell bothers me. This would be a first occurrence for me. I have heard of people checking into hotels that the only rooms left were smoker ones. I got a new car. I continued to smile at the counter worker. I just think we that are non-smokers need to unite. We need to tell smokers and whoever that it does bother me. All three of my sisters smoke, and I don't allow them in my car. The smell is in their clothes. I thought I would share that today!

Great service today! Dr. Ray Hawkins does such a great job.

Big River play is coming up. I am busy memorizing lines and music. I will be glad when it is over. I have been very busy here in January. Basketball, Play, church, and family have consumed me this month.

Have a great week!

Spiritual Renewal Day!

Today for the Junior High Students at GAC we had our spiritual renewal day. We had Matt Elliott leading the worship, Jody Vickery from Campus bringing two lesson, Kin Ellis from Campus challenging my students to share the gospel to their friends, and Brian and Justin from North Atlanta serving as MC's, Visions performed which is a drama troupe from our High school. All did an outstanding job! I believe the day went very well. All we really did was plant seeds. We have about 550 students in the Junior High. They are faced with many challenges each and every day. I love them all. I really do! I need to pray more them daily. They want to do what is right, but satan is strong. Jody reminded them that Satan is the real enemy. I have to be reminded of that from time to time. It was a great day! I pray that many of the students will take a serious look at their faith tonight and for the rest of their lives.

How are you doing with your spiritual walk? We just start the year with this day the first friday back. It helps the teachers as well as the students to get back to the rat race of school. If you have set some spiritual goals this year, I recommend that you stop and do so. Have a great weekend!

Birthday!

My 1st post of the year comes on my birthday. I am 37 today. In 3 years I will be 40. I have had so many great times in the past making fun of those turning 40. It will be my turn soon. 37 did not mean anything to me until college. Many of my college professor were in their late 3o's. Now I am there!. Today, was different. I woke up and said to myself, you are nearing 40. I guess that could be depressing. I got up to make sure I got my car tags. In Georgia, they expired on your birthday. I got to school early, so I could leave to go take care of my car tag. Anyway, not too many people knew that it was. Those on my facebook did. I got many emails before 9am. They were great! I heard from people I have not heard from in a while. We celebrated during my last class in which one of the students brought cupcakes. I am blessed today to be working at my almater and have such thoughtful students. I really do love them, and I can tell they love me. At 37, my thinking today is changing. We prayed in every class, I just prayed differently. It sounded like an old person prayer. One student reminded me of what I said about long prayers. He asked if I did not pray this morning before school. Question I ask of those long sunday morning prayer people. Yes, I am older. Today, I am in a play called Big River. I will be playing Jim the runaway slave. I taught our 5 and 6 year olds tonight. They were hyper. It did not help that I brought bubbles. We were celebrating my birthday. You got to have bubbles. What a birthday party. Bubbles! I typed tonight being thankful and grateful.

Ruth Shaw died. A very special lady passed away last Saturday. I called her my grandma shaw. She is another special person who have gone on around the beginning of the year Last year, I lost my stepdad Robert Cook, and my spiritual dad Carl Mitchell. Now I have Ruth Shaw to remember each year. These are special people. It causes you to think about where you are going in life. Time goes by so fast. Ruth Shaw was a wonderful cook, and a wonderful lady.

If you have not told your family how much you love them. You need to stop reading and do so. The older I get, Family has become more and more important to me. Go and live for the savior!