One of the Hardest things to understand...

One of the hardest things for us to understand, is the timing of someone taken from us here on Earth.

The last few weeks or so, I have witnessed two people pass away untimely, ages 24, and 33. One left two young children. I know we are not supposed to ask why? But, it is hard sometime. If we wonder that, what are the families thinking?

We just have to be a tower of support for them, and continue to lift them up in prayer. One of the family members told me..."She is in a better place." No matter how hard it is to say that, it is true. By all accounts both of these went on to be with the Lord. That is our great hope we have!

I shared the following song with a sister of one of those that went to Heaven...



It just shows we need to be prepared. Live each day like it is your last. Tell those you love you love them!

White Christmas...

What are the chances on getting a White Christmas? Well, it happened this year...but, we were out of town! All we got is rain, rain, and more rain! So, basically we were at the wrong place at the wrong time. My Dad probably said it best. He used to say, "Knowing my luck...when my ship came in, I will probably be at the airport!" Well, that is kind of how I felt!

Well, I was wondering if there would be any snow left when we got home. I am proud to report we had a White Christmas too as you can see in the picture I have supplied.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas...and I wish you a Happy New Year!

Fortune Cookie...

Today I got Chinese take out for lunch. Don't tell Kelley! I am supposed to be saving money and not eat out as much during lunch. So, our little secret!!!

Well anyway, my Fortune Cookie read..."In silence man can most readily preserve his integrity."

Uh oh!

"She Did Great!"

Many of you know my Mom was to have surgery yesterday. Over the past week, my Mom had been so sick...and I am sure anxious on having her surgery. I would be also. To be honest, she really had doubts if she would be able to survive the surgery.

There were so many of you praying for her. I received phone calls, text messages, emails, and even notes on Facebook..."Praying for your Mom and family." That means so much for anyone going through an event like this.

For over two hours, our family visited in the waiting area when we were asked to meet with the doctor in a small conference room. We walked down a long hallway...in my mind thinking and praying for my Mom. As we sat down in the conference room, the door slowly opened and the doctor walked in..."She did great!", she said. EXHALE! What a relief. God is so good!

Now I am hearing she may be leaving the hospital today. Wow! Hard to believe. Thank you Lord...and thank you for those that kept her and us in their prayers. God is Good!

My First Deer, and Getting the Monkey Off My Back - All in One Day!!!

I have never been much of a hunter. Ok, I have never been a hunter. Are you happy now? Anyway, my father-in-law has been working with me as sort of a project to form me into a hunter. I believe this made the third year he has taken me deer hunting. Every year I have taken shots with the result...NO DEER! Would this year be different?

On November 26, 2009, at 8:50 a.m., this all changed when I killed my first deer ever, a doe. I could not believe it. For awhile there, I thought I would be an ammunition company's best friend - Keep shooting...use those bullets...No results.

The shot I took was from about 70 yards. To be honest, when I first shot I did not believe I hit her by the reaction of the deer. But, upon further inspection, we found a blood trail that led us some 50 yards or so into the woods. There we found my first deer! Ah, the thrill of the hunt...the Fruits of my labor! The monkey is finally off my back! I killed a deer! Me...the great hunter!

Now, I want my next deer. The Christmas hunt is coming up!

Watching Your Kids Grow...

We all know our kids grow up too quick at times. Where did the years go? Many want their children to stay young for as long as they can. The truth is your kids will get older. We did and they will as well.

But, there are some signs of growth in a child that makes you feel proud. Case in point...Morgan. In the morning I take both girls to school. Recently, Morgan has been reading to Lizzie Kate from "The Beginner's Bible." Little does she know, she is also reading to me. Morgan said, "I am up to page 86! Isn't that good dad?" I told her, "That's great!"

I am so proud she is reading well, but I am more proud that she is reading from a Children's Bible. It is a win-win situation. Lizzie Kate listens as Morgan reads. I hear her mention names that Morgan read.

Now, maybe Dad needs to read his Bible more.

Black Calculator...Black Stapler...Black Taco? With pepper jack sauce...

Put me in the column as someone who bit on the media blitz from Taco Bell for their new Black Jack Taco...with pepper jack sauce!

I must admit I have studied Taco Bell's commercials for some time now. They have come a long way. I never understood when the bell went forward why the clanger inside did the same...it should have went backwards. They have since fixed that problem.

Their new commmercials have been very creative...enough so that they enticed me to try the Black Jack Taco. I would recommend it...with pepper jack sauce!