Breaking News Coming Soon!

I will be sharing some Breaking News shortly with my readers. We have reporters and photographers covering a breaking development. You will not want to miss my next post. Anyone care to guess? Yes, it is Big News! Yes, it is a Cliffhanger!

Things I realized over the weekend...

Have you ever had one of those weekends where you come to realize a few things? You know, you just have time to think and thoughts come rolling through your head? Well, it happens to me all the time. I am constantly thinking. If anyone ever needed to be in a "Think Tank", it should have been me.

Here is a sample of some of my thoughts I had over the weekend:

I came to the realization after watching a little of the original movie, The Parent Trap, that one of my co-workers looks like Hayley Mills. I asked 4 people in my office if she reminded them of her, and all to a man/woman gave me the thumbs up. I love it when I am right. It so rarely happens.

Also, keeping on The Parent Trap theme, I emailed my sister Karen and told her I thought her son Logan reminded me of a young Brian Keith. She said she did not know about that! I believe he does.

OK, I promise I am off of The Parent Trap for now. While driving in the Yukon yesterday for about 5 hours, I came to an interesting observation while eating one of my favorite snack foods Gardetto's. My gosh...if Gardetto's was an illegal drug I would have been in jail a long time ago. I am addicted when I eat that snack...

Anyway, while eating my snack, I got thinking about Heaven...Do you ever wonder what Heaven is going to be like? Well, I was thinking how Heaven would have everything we need. We have all heard that Heaven will be a "Land flowing with milk and honey." No more pain. No more sorrow. Then I thought while eating my snack...Surely Gardetto's will be there.

FIREPROOF

Last night Kelley and I attended a special screening our church had arranged of the new movie Fireproof, starring Kirk Cameron. The movie is actually being released today to the public.

We might have had better seats if I had not insisted on getting popcorn. But, after standing in line for my corn, I was lucky to take my assigned seat on the second row. I think I had the same seats for the Indiana Jones new flick. Actually, this movie was not that hard to watch from that locale. At least it was not in 3-D!

The best thing about this movie is that it not only went over the complexities of marriage, but it also showed the plan of salvation to those who are lost. Marriages are under attack more today than they have ever been. In this movie, I believe men and women alike can take in tips on strengthening their marriage. I am so glad that a Christian movie is playing in our local theatres. I pray that all Christians support this movie where we can get Hollywood to show more.

This World's Gone Crazy!

One of the last things I heard my dad say was, "Pray for Peace." Lately our evening news has been filled with stories on high gas prices, bank failures, bailouts, wars, terrorism, and oh yes, how the nation is divided on who to support in this year's Presidential election. We need peace now more than ever before. But, we need to remember...God is still on the Throne!

I am sure everyone is feeling the effects of one, some or all of these issues listed above. Last night I began to pray to God, and my phone rang. I thought...Wow, I can't even pray to you (God) without interruptions. Yes, pray for peace.

I am almost to a point that I am thinking about watching zero news...zilch...nada! A boycott if you will. The news is really depressing right now. We need things to pick us up! God is there for us.

This morning I was listening to the radio and Steven Curtis Chapman's song King of the Jungle came on. Here are the words to the verses and one chorus...

Well the day has just begun and I'm already running late
With too many irons in the fire and too much on my plate
I'd be pulling out my hair if I could just get one hand free
And I'd stop this world if I could find the key

CHORUS
What I see is telling me I'm going crazy, but
What is real says God's still on His throne
What I need is to remember one thing
That the Lord of the gentle breeze is Lord of the rough and tumble
And He is King of the Jungle Yes he is

People say this world's a jungle and sometimes I must admit
I'd be scared to death if I did not know who was king of it
But the truth is God created this whole world with His own hand
So everything is under His command

Great words...Great song! I found the following scriptures listed with these lyrics:

Psalm 24:1, Psalm 46, Psalm 47:7-8

God is in Control! Pray for each other!

Thank you Mike!

After looking at the pictures Mike Francis has on his blog, I made the comment that his picture of the highest point would go good as the Header of my Blog. Well, Mike gave me the go-ahead to use his "Rock of Gibraltar" picture for my Blog. What a guy...what a pal! Just a reminder, you can see his spectacular award-winning photography, and Pulitzer Prize winning journalism at http://hereswhatigot.blogspot.com/.

Thank You Mike!

It is Monday...I am tired!

Why am I so tired today? Is everyone tired after a weekend, or is it just me? I just can't seem to get going today. I have been yawning all morning. I just did it again. Also, what makes one yawn after seeing someone yawn? What's up with that?

Well, my family was pretty busy this weekend. We went to the Hog game on Saturday. The game was a debacle...Bama 49, Hogs 14. What a horrible game. You add the game, the warm sunny day and two kids, and you have a recipe for fun right there!

At church Sunday night, we honored Bro. Dewey. Bro. Dewey is leaving our church to become the Senior Pastor over at Westwood. We will miss him! He has always been a source of encouragement and kind words to me. He is great at something I am not - knowing names.

Well, the Hogs play Texas this weekend. Normally, I get excited about this game. Eventually, I will probably get excited, but I will approach the game with cautious optimism.

I gotta go to lunch. Since I am yawning, I might as well go eat!

Take me to Lunch!

In our office we have been celebrating Customer Service Appreciation Week. We topped it all off today with a visit to the local Peking Palace/Shogun. It was a good meal and our cook put on a pretty good show. But, a few things were missing.

I had heard during lunch they do not put on as an impressive show as they do at night. Some things that I missed out on today were,and in no particular order...

1. The old flipping the used egg shells to the top of the hat trick.
2. The cook using the spatula to see if anyone can catch the tossed food in their mouth.

3. And my favorite not performed today...the stacking of onions to make a flaming volcano.

Oh well, I guess you do not get the full show when you just pay the lunch price - Bummer!

I watched intently today...I am going to buy some silver tin salt and pepper shakers and do the old tapping the sides with a spatula as I use them. I think I can do that one.

Well, I better go. Until we meet again.

Emails you receive...Don't some of them make you laugh?

I was deleting my email Inbox, when I came across a few emails from people I know that just made me laugh. I have no idea where these originate from, but we all get them. Some of us get them at later dates and pass them on to others as "Hot off the Press" news. I am going to share some with you...

Archaeology

Copper Wire

After having dug to a depth of 10 yards last year, New York scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 100 years ago.

Not to be outdone by the New Yorkers, in the weeks that followed, California scientists dug to a depth of 20 yards, and shortly after, headlines in the LA Times newspaper read: California archaeologists have found traces of 200 year old copper wire and have concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced communications network a hundred years earlier than the New Yorkers.

One week later, The 'Newport Daily Independent', a local newspaper in Arkansas reported the following:

'After digging as deep as 30 yards in cotton fields near Jacksonport in Jackson County, Bubba Johnson, a self-taught archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely nothing. Bubba has therefore concluded that 300 years ago, Arkansas had already gone wireless.'


Scary Warning!

This morning, from a cave somewhere in Pakistan , Taliban Minister of migration, Mohammed Omar, warned the United States……that if military action against Iraq continues, Taliban authorities will cut off America 's supply of convenience store managers, and candidates for President of the United States .

And if this action does not yield sufficient results, cab drivers will be next, followed by Dell and AOL customer service reps., then Motel 6 managers.

It's getting ugly...........


Then there is this one...

Thanks!

I want to thank all of you for your educational emails over the past year.

Thanks to you, I no longer open a public bathroom door without using a paper towel.

I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking your nose. (although cell phone usage may be taking the number one spot).

And don't forget.....lemons!!!! Don't get them in your drinks (if they still have the peel). Dirty hands are everywhere!!!!

Eating a Little Debbie sends me on a guilt trip because I can only imagine how many gallons of trans fats I have consumed over the years.

I can't touch any woman's purse for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public bathroom. Yuck!

I must send my special thanks to whoever sent me the one about poop in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with e very envelope that needs sealing.

Also, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.

I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny Brown) who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258th time.

I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program.

I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St. Theresa's novena has granted my every wish.

I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.

I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.

Thanks to you, I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an email to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.

Because of your concern I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains and take the paint right off of you car.

I no longer can buy gasoline without taking someone along to watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when I'm pumping gas.

I no longer use Saran wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.

And thanks for letting me know I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face...disfiguring me for life.

I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.

I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.

I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica, Uganda, Singapore and Uzbekistan.

I no longer buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.

Thanks to you, I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it bites me.

And thanks to your great advice, I can't ever pick up $5.00 dropped in the parking lot because it probably was placed there by someone waiting underneath my car to grab my leg.

I can no longer drive my car because I can't buy gas from certain gas companies!

If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 PM this afternoon and the fleas from 12 camels will infest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician.!

Have a wonderful day....

Oh, by the way......

A German scientist from Argentina, after a lengthy study, has discovered that people with insufficient brain activity read their e-mail wit h their hand on the mouse.

Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.

Space In Between Us...

Just wanted to share a song with everyone today...Space In Between Us, by Building 429.

There really are some good words in this song. I hope everyone enjoys. You can listen to the song on my Youtube attachment...don't forget to turn down the volume on my player below so you can hear the song.

Here are the words to the song...Enjoy!

Look at my heart again
Look at the mess I've got it in
I'm trying to trust in You
To know that you'll see me through
Through my pride
Through my shame
Into Your love
Into Your grace
I'm not looking back
Till I see Your face
And I'm running straight to You
Because

All I really want to do is to fall into
The emptiness that is
The space in-between us
To break this division
All I really want to do is to fall into
The emptiness that is
The space in-between us
Erase it and bring us together again

My life's like an open book
Nothing is hidden when you look
You break through my boundaries
Revealing my insecurities
But through my pride
And through my shame
You show me love
You show me grace
I'm not looking back
Till I see your face
And I'm running straight to you
Because

Here I am saying I need you
I know I need you
Here I am, I'm coming to meet you
Cause I want to see you

Strange but interesting website...

It is funny how you stumble onto things while doing something else. While visiting a frequent website of mine, I saw an advertising for another one, http://www.findagrave.com/.

I don't have to tell you that advertising caught my eye. I entered the website, and the first thing I did was look for famous people's grave sites. You can look up Dean Martin, Babe Ruth, Rodney Dangerfield, etc. At first I did not know what to expect. Some people may think this is a little morbid, but it can become addictive.

Now this website is not all about famous people's graves...believe it or not, you can even look up some of your families grave sites. At first I could not believe this, but then I realized this site could help me on my family tree. I saw grave sites of great-grandfathers, great-grandmother's, etc...grave sites I had never seen.

Anybody else have any new websites they want to share?

Ike looks to be a big storm...

Ike has not quite here yet, but it looks like it is going to wreak some havoc. I have seen reports of flooding already in Galveston. Ike is bringing back memories of the 1900 storm that hit Galveston that killed between 6,000 and 12,000 people. You can read about this storm at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galveston_Hurricane_of_1900.

In 2005, our family visited Galveston after having to change our plans due to Hurricane Dennis heading toward Destin. That is also the same year a better known storm named Katrina hit. We all remember that one.

We had never been to Galveston. We really did not know what to expect. Sorry for your Galveston lovers...but, we were not really impressed. Galveston just does not compare after you have been to Destin. The beaches are no comparison. I always enjoy seeing new places, but I do like Destin better. We stayed in Galveston one night and then headed to San Antonio. The Riverwalk is a pretty neat place. One thing I would say...do not go to San Antonio too deep into the Summer. That is one hot place. Spring would probably be the time of choice for this destination.

Well, Ike is roaring in, and our weather is supposed to be affected as well. We will probably get a lot of rain and maybe some wind. Stay safe everyone and say a prayer for our neighbors to the South.

We Will Never Forget...

September 11, 2001...A date we will never forget. So many lives lost. So many lives changed. The United States will never be the same. We will never forget.

I remember watching the Today Show that morning and it seems like they were having a segment dealing on emergencies - 9-1-1. It is kind of ironic now when you look back on it. I remember going to work and getting a call from my mother telling me one of the twin towers of the World Trade Center had been hit. Then a second call - the other twin tower had been hit. What was going on? Everyone at work was trying to get any information they could. I believe someone in our office called Empire Blue Cross for business purposes. They said they could not help them..."We are under attack." And of course we later heard that the Pentagon was hit and another plane crashed to the ground in Pennsylvania.

My phone did not ring one time for business that day. I remember going out during lunch and seeing the line of cars at the two gas stations at the first major corner from where I work. I was thinking that this had "End Times" written all over it. People were absolutely going crazy. No one knew what was going on, or if the attacks would end. I wondered...what was next? It was a day like I had never seen before.

It was hard to believe that so many people lost their lives that day. Innocent victims of people that had no regards to human life. My heart goes out to the victims of this tragedy and their families. What possessed those responsible to do this cowardly act?

Today is a day of reflection. A time of remembrance. There will be many that will look back at loved ones they lost on this date. Let us never forget those that lost their lives on this date...September 11, 2001.

The Investigation Continues...

Last night I began the interrogation of Lizzie Kate...a.k.a., "The Caker." I regret to report that I got nowhere fast on the case at hand. I even point blank asked her, "Where did you put my cell phone case Liz?" I got an answer, but basically all you could hear was crickets.

I put her on the phone with my brother Mark. He tried to dig it out of her. Nada, nothing, zilch...no clues came out during his questioning. So, on to my next plan.

I decided to try a higher power and say a prayer out loud where she could hear me. Here is a transcript of my prayer...

"Lord, I pray that you will help Lizzie Kate remember where my cell phone case is. Impress on her soul to tell me where it is Lord." Lizzie Kate sitting right next to me said, "Press on my soul? I don't want anyone to press on my soul." That got a big giggle out of Kelley.

Kelley tried the old "I'll call Santa Claus and tell him what you did." Lizzie took me on a few wild goose chases - still nothing. Needless to say, I am wore out. I have got to take a break. I think my next move may be to visit a psychic. Well, maybe not. I have seen it work on television, but I really do not buy into this theory in the real world.

If anyone has any visions as to where my cell phone case is, let me know. It does not look like Lizzie Kate is talking any time soon. I think she knows her rights and just will not crack. No matter how much pressure she is under. I have a feeling if I can just find my cell phone case, her DNA will be all over it.

Strange Things...they are a happening!

Something is happening in our household that is making me pull my hair out! Well, at least that is the excuse I am using for my rapid hair loss. Things are disappearing in our home, and again, I am not just talking about my hair. : ^ )

Both Kelley and I bought new cell phones. Each came with a case to help protect your phone. Both cases have disappeared. Morgan's new cell phone she got for her birthday - gone! Lizzie Kate hid Morgan's cell phone in the closet once. Now, it is gone again. I bought a new case for my phone...gone as of last night. We think the culprit is Lizzie Kate. We are not naming her as a suspect right yet, but she is definitely a person of interest in the investigation.

A few weeks ago I asked Lizzie Kate where the cases were to our phones. She said, "They are lost." I do not think putting her under a bright light is going to help me in my interrogation. You can tell by her answer, that she is a tough nut to crack. It is going to take patience in this investigation.

I have already decided that I am going to study episodes of my favorite detective "Columbo" in cracking this case. He always solves the mystery. What would Columbo do?

One weakness Lizzie Kate has is sweets. She loves honeybuns, or cinnamon rolls. I will try bribery first, then go from there. I have thought about recreating the crime scene and see if the culprit returns. We do not have a butler, so that is not an option. No, the culprit has to be Lizzie Kate. I may try to put something of value on the coffee table and see if she will take the bait and lead me to where she has her treasure stored.

I will let you know how this turns out. Tune in...same bat time, same bat channel.

FLYING FISH BREAKS ARKANSAS TEEN'S JAW

I will leave no stone unturned to bring you the most current breaking news! It looks like a Silver Asian Carp is the culprit here.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,418404,00.html

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Sorry for not posting anything for the last few days. It has been a busy time. Friday night I took Morgan to the Bulldog game while Lizzie Kate stayed at her Memaw's. It was not a good night for the Dogs as they lost their home and season opener. We still had a good time. If you plan to go to the games, I would recommend you get there early. Getting there at 7:30 pm should not be your goal if you want a seat.

Saturday, we attended our Life Group's party out at the air base. We had a great crowd to attend. Jackie Dolan cooked the hot dogs to perfection. The only complaint I had on his cooking is that he did not burn enough of them. Jackie admitted he preferred the burned black dogs as well. But, really everything was great.

When I got into the car to go home the Hogs were losing their game 24-6! I was thinking..."Oh, the Humanity!" How they came back from being in that hole I have no idea. Now, bring on Texas! Yeah, that sounds simple enough. No, I don't think it will hurt if you put the Hogs on your prayer list. I am sure they would appreciate it.

Well, Sunday of course brought church. We had a good number in the Worship Center and also in our Life Group class. We had a good turnout and also good discussion. We ate some cupcakes that were left over from the night before.

The Dallas Cowboys played Sunday and spanked the Browns. Felix Jones scored his first touchdown as a Cowboy!

It is time to close for now, but I will keep you informed if anything major happens in our world. It looks like Hurricane Ike may be in the news this weekend. Cancel your beach trips for the gulf if you have any.

Yes, I was tempted...

The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

That being said, I have been tempted to act out a scene from one of my favorite “Seinfeld” episodes the last few days. It is episode 130, “The Calzone.” You can find information on this episode at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Calzone. The scene I have been tempted to act out is where George Costanza goes to the door of Newman’s (a mailman) apartment. George asks him, “Why aren’t you at work?” Newman replies, “It’s raining…I don’t work when it rains.” George says, “You’re a mailman! Neither rain, nor sleet, nor…It’s the first one!” Now, I cannot look at a mailman or mail carrier in the rain without thinking of that episode.

OK, I will get to the point. I have eaten at the Subway sandwich shop the last few days, and unless you have been under a rock or in a cave someplace, you know it has been raining. I have seen the same mailman both days. If you know me, you probably know where this is going. I was tempted to say…”I commend you for being a mailman and following the oath that you were given…Neither rain, nor sleet…” I thought of the episode…smiled…then went on my way both days. I really did want to say the line! I promise you I did. Why are we tempted like this? Oh well, it gave me a smile anyway. You will just have to watch the episode to see how one could be tempted by this.

If you were praying for rain, well...

It looks like your prayers have been answered. Tell the truth...how many of you have been perusing your local phone directories looking for someone named Noah? We have not quite made it to 40 days and 40 nights yet, but we are getting our fair share into day 2. If you see any animals running around in pairs you may want to take cover.

Some things I have made note of during Hurricane, now tropical depression Gustav's arrival locally - You are going to get wet. There is no way out of that. It is late in the day and my feet are not dry yet. Another thing I noticed is that not everyone owns an umbrella. For those that do own umbrellas, their fate is not always kind. Why is it that we get a big laugh when someones umbrella turns inside-out? That is unless it happens to us. I must say I did witness one poor soul where this happened. I must admit...I chuckled. I know it is going to happen to me next I can assure you.

Well, I better close for now, the ferry will be leaving shortly for home. Just kidding, but it sure feels that way. Maybe I will watch the movie the "Perfect Storm" soon. If I am going to be around water, I might as well go all out!

Remember to keep Mason and Mike in your prayers!

I was introduced to an interesting site...

I was introduced to an interesting site, and I thought I would share. Have you ever wondered how you might have looked in a yearbook if you had graduated in a different year? Well, wonder no more. Visit www.yearbookyourself.com. Have some fun! I have attached a few pictures of when I graduated...ha ha! Hopefully, they will fall in order. I have attached my pictures from 1952, 1976, 1980 and 1998. Ain't I cute!? Sorry, I don't mean to offend any English teachers out there. I hope everyone enjoys doing this. I think most of us will see a vast improvement.