9-11 and other stuff

As I reflect on 9-11, I can't help but to praise God for all the things he has done that another event such as this has not happen on this large of a scale. God to me is like a parent who watches their kid continue to make bad choices. We continue to sometimes take for granted our safety, good health, and blessings that we have.

I remember many thing about 9-11, when I was in full time ministry. I remember a special prayer service put on my church after being asked by the city. I remember leading worship for Dallas Christian chapel that morning. That morning while still being in bed, turning on the TV witnessed the second plane crashing into the World trade center. I remember how many people came together after this event including congress. We have come a long way since then. We as a country may be more divided today than we have ever been. I remember going to the grocery store and people being nicer to each other.

I wished that I could come up with some magic formula to get us to act right and do the right thing as a church, country, and community. It starts with us. I write this and I don't really have a great relationship lately with my own physically family right now. If we can't do it with blood relatives, how can we do it with strangers or other friends. I am tired of the fighting and bickering going on in politics, churches and other other organizations. Let's get together, and let's stop the fighting!

Changing subjects a little, I am at a lost thinking about baby hailey today. I just read her mother's blog highlighting this week and what is going on today. This is a young family. You can read more about them by clicking here. Please pray for them and especially baby hailey. I don't know why this 2 year old has to go thru all of what she has so far, but I am moved by the goals the family has and is doing to prolong baby hailey's life. I am at a lost of how to respond. I can not imagine going thru what they have and what they are dealing with each day. Just join me in prayer, and thank God for blessing you today for the very life you get to enjoy.

Changing subjects again, Relationships are hard. I know I am not that good at them. I love people and meeting new ones. I like keeping some of the old ones I have met over the years. As I have gotten older and set in my ways, I am not sure these days if there is any one out there that I would enjoy spending the rest of my life with as a spouse. I have said for years I would love to be married. I am not sure I want more drama in my life at least not today. Keep me in prayer as I continue to evaluate the good and the bad that is happening with me. I love the freedoms that I have and the blessings that I can shower on many people. Just pray for me!

Let me thank you for reading. I know you might not come often, but you are here today. Be a blessing to someone!

Hopefully more healthy!

Well, today I went to see a dentist and a foot doctor. Back in 2001, I had foot surgery to deal with an ulcer I had on my foot. Weird, huh? Anyway, I usually return to the foot doctor about every 2 years. Except, I had not been in 5. A very comical experience I would say about my day. Last Friday, I ate at one of my favorite restaurant, no not cracker barrel(that was the next day) but Jim n Nic"s. I love their ribs which remind me of Red,Hot and Blue in Texas. Anyway, last Friday was horrible, so I ended the day at my favorite place to eat. I now have learned I cracked my wisdom tooth during this experience. I knew I did something but did not know for sure until today. Anyway, the dentist had already had a list of things to do after my cleaning. I will visit the dentist again later this month for my cracked wisdom tooth removal.

Good news, I have been counting calories all month long. Toward the end of the month, I have started guilt free Sunday's or Count free Sunday's. I usually will eat around 2000 calories a day. I have been doing really good by not eating in the cafe. Ms. Carolyn is one great cook. I just can't eat it right now. I did partake of Super chicken and another casserole day. I paid for it, because I had to walk longer in order to burn those extra calories which were above 2000. I found that with my drinking of sweet tea or sodas, I was consuming over 1200 calories alone not counting the meal itself. I am surprise that I have not lost all the weight I need to lose just this month by cutting those things out.

I did get dehydrated twice. I learned to drink Gatorade before and after my walks and drink even more water. I did discover adding crystal light made the water that much better. No worries I count those calories too. All in all this past month has been a good thing. Going for my regular checkups have been good as well.

I am also back on my Dave Ramsey plan, after reading a quote if people would pay attention to their finances like they pay attention to their weight they would be a lot better off. Well, I back on your plan, Dave.

Tomorrow back to the kiddos. I know, I love kids. I don't know why I love them so much. I don't have any of my own. Weird? Probably?

Have a great week. Hope to check in more often.

Healthy! School! Yeah!

Well, we are back at it for teachers anyway. School is around the corners and I can't wait for my students. The main reason I enjoy teaching so much is the students. Without them, I would have to quick. I enjoy watching them grow up to be the real men and women that God has called them to be. Pray for those in school whether elementary or college. I have had the privilege to work in many settings dealing with students. I enjoy the school setting. I also enjoy the time off. I get to reflect. I have learned that I reflect to much. So, hopefully this fall I will write here more. This should be fun!

Went to the doctor today! It was hot and I had just returned from Chic fil A. Forgetting that I was going in this afternoon for my annual physical. They did what they could do, I must return for blood work since my lunch especially lemonade(2 cups) would not give a good blood sugar report. The doctor was happy because I told him I was ready to tackle all of my issues. Weight, blood sugar,and etc. He was ready. I told him about my turning 40 in January. I would love to see some progress and for him to see some by then as well. I am ready for a salad tonight. It will be a salad from cracker barrel. I will go light on the bread. Maybe 2 instead of well I wont tell you how many I consumed normally. I will be drinking water with lemon this evening as well. A way is due tonight, it has been a while. We will see how long this will last.

Correction! I need help but not from you!

I guess today I want to share about people who go around correcting people. I did not know we had such police mentality found here on earth. I could be talking about oranges and meant apples then someone will find it in their heart to correct it. I know I am not perfect, you don't have to be the one to remind me daily. I can't believe many of you read this blog. It is filled with grammar errors, in complete thoughts, and at times very boring. You read it anyway. I am sooo blessed. I work in education and ministries that are filled with those who think or believe it is their job to correct. Go find something more meaningful to do with your time. I know that was blunt, and you want to correct me on it. Thanks for resisting...

"I need help, but not from you" Have you ever been in that situation? I love helping people. I am the type that will not come back and remind you that I helped you. I do believe if I really needed help that you would help me when I ask you. Don't worry, I get in a lot of trouble because I don't ask people. I should. Someone will correct me one day. HA! If you have $50,000 I can have let me know. HA! Why are you so choosy (if that is a word) about who can help you. You need help. A person is willing, but you think no I can't or won't ask that person. Recently, I was helping someone move in and asked a high profile person to help us in moving this family. People were shocked that I asked, but he was most grateful to be asked. Stop being so picky. I know you can say that about me in my wife hunt,( let see another word- search) See, I corrected myself. HA.

It is hot and I am trying to stay cool. You do the same.

Fogged!

This summer has been a little foggy. I have taken a few weeks to rest. Now, I want to jump right back into the rat race of life. I guess I am not completely satisfied with life right now. It is like I am looking out the window and there is my life. Decisions that need to be made that I really don't want to make. I want life to be easy. It is not. Part of all of this is realizing that my mom is not here no more. It was so much easier to take care of her. She's looking at me now and saying take care of yourself. I have been making my own lunch or dinner depending on the time of day. I have found that I love toasted bread better than regular bread. I like plain old ruffle/wavy looking potato chips. I love fruit no matter the cost. Great things to find out about yourself. Things are still a little foggy about the future. God has to be the center. I have to trust him to guide and direct my life. I can be pulled to many good causes. I am so glad I made the decision to stay put for at least a year before thinking about leaving the area. There is a lot of work to be done here in Georgia and the United States.

I love serving. I love directing and planning service projects. I love leading a group effort in serving. Believe or not I get to do this 9 months a year with my job. I can't believe how God has blessed me with all the opportunities to serve and lead. Why are things so foggy? I would think things could be very clear. I know I can't bring someone else into my life with it being so foggy. I'm looking for clear skies.

Well, this week I get to serve, learn and lead. I look forward to being the best servant this week. Pray for me as I try to clear the fog.

I'm not a Parent, but I play one on TV!

I'm not a Parent, but I play one on TV! what a great line. I am not a parent, but I play one daily with my students and my nephews. Kids need structure. They are really crying out for you to notice. I had to talk to one of my nephews about his facebook. He will eventually change his name so I can't find him. His reaction to my calling him on it. I have invested a lot of time with my nieces and nephews, just like parents do all the time. I feel for you parents in what you go thru everyday with your child. I would kill them. I know your love keeps you from doing it. I guess what I hate the most is how ungrateful they seemed at times. How do you do it? God knows what he is doing with me. I love teenagers. I get to interact for 9 months out the year about 40 hours a week. My summer, where I spend more time with my nephews leaves me more disturb. Parents, I lift up a prayer for you tonight. Kids, I say that you need to look beyond yourselves. Your parents have feeling as well.

For now, I will continue to remind my students- Parents are what you got. I will not be bailing you out of jail, that is what your parents will do- the very ones you hate so much.

Calling all volunteers!

Just finished talking to a man who have been in the states for 3 years. He loves this country and his country of origin as well. Our conversation was full of blessings. He shared how blessed he was and his family. He continued to talk about how we need more volunteers in the church. I agree. I was there thinking how much more time I have this summer. I am resting. Don't get me wrong. I could do more. He was an angel sent from God. Exactly what I needed on this Monday afternoon. I have to travel a bit over the next few weeks, but will be volunteering more at church before school starts back. Do understand, I need to rest. I don't do this well. I was glad to meet someone who truly loves the church. He desired for everyone to hear the word and be introduce to Jesus. Have you thought about what work is needed around your church building that you could do or assist someone? My mind is rolling right now. Don't sit there, go volunteer.