Encouragement...

Last night at church, our topic at Impact was, "What Every Man Needs - Encouragement." We really had a good discussion at our table. The scripture for this session was from I Thessalonians 5:11.

We shared the following with each other with the men at the table:

1. What is the one thing that discourages you the most?
2. What are some examples of encouraging others?
3. Commit to encourage and build up someone this week.

We also shared other ideas that came up at our table. We realized you do not have to say anything to be an encourager. Sometimes just your presence is enough to encourage someone.

Also, we can be the ones that can encourage from time to time...imagine that! Remember that old saying..."It is better to give than to receive?" You do not have to be the one that gets the encouragement all the time. There is someone out there that you can encourage.

Be an encourager. Build up one another!

P.S. This is not just for men. We just happened to study this topic in our men's group on Wednesday night.

Please forgive me. It has been three days since my last submission...

Maybe that is why I have three things to talk about today. Now, on with the show.

Do you ever wonder how things seem to disappear? Do your supplies seem to disappear sooner at times? Well, I am not saying our dog food disappeared quicker, but I watched as Lizzie Kate dumped a couple of cups of dog food in the dish for Zack, and was feeding him one piece at a time. What a caring child.





Yesterday, Kelley, Morgan and I were driving to church. Lizzie Kate was staying with Memaw. We were all talking when Morgan said, "Dad, one of these days I really want you to run for President. I really, really, do dad!" I asked her if she wanted a lot of people to not like her dad? She said they would. "I would make t-shirts saying, I (heart) Philip!" We all got a laugh on that one. Needless to say, the t-shirts are now in production!

The third thing I will mention is something that was getting a few laughs on Facebook. Friday night, we all went to eat at Steffey's Pizza. Morgan was needing a little of my "attention." As I was reaching for her, I realized I had caught my belt buckle on the table. I did not realize the extent of the damages until I got up from the booth...My buckle was broke, and my belt was loose! Thank goodness I did not pull a circus clown act, where my pants hit the floor. Now that would have been embarrassing to say the least. I mean, at least the clown gets to wear makeup and hide their true identity!

Morgan performs during halftime during Bulldog Game...

Tonight Morgan and the Elite Stars got to perform their routine in the high school arena. I cannot speak for everyone, but every time I see her perform, I get proud. It isn't just cheer where this happens. I am proud when I hear her class say the "Pledge of Allegiance" at school. I am proud when I hear her sing. Lizzie Kate knows I am proud of her as well. What a unique girl she is.

Something crazy happened to me tonight. We ate at Steffey's Pizza. I was trying to keep the girls in line when I accidentally caught my belt on the table. I did not recognize it immediately, but once I got up from the table, my belt was wide open. I was hoping my pants would stay up! They did!

Say a prayer for a friend of mine, Darin Drennan. I believe he broke his wrist and his elbow. Get well soon!

Mentally tired...

Today I attended what is called Continuing Education classes. Every year I have to have 8 hours of continuing education hours to keep my license. So, today was the big event. There is no test involved, but you have to endure 8 hours inside a crowded room listening to insurance information. You do not even get a t-shirt stating..."I survived continuing education", for attending. You do gain some knowledge, but for the most part it is just a way to obtain the hours you need.

The best part about going to the classes today was being able to see some people I used to work with in Fayetteville. It really was good seeing them again. I have been blessed to work with some great people over the years.

I hope to be refreshed and ready to break out with some new blog material soon. So much seems to be happening lately. Thank goodness is Friday tomorrow!

More on the Big Tree...

You might remember one of my past posts regarding the Big Tree in Ashley County. This weekend my niece Kristin Morris was quick to tell me the tree is the widest pine tree in America. I do not know that for sure, but I cannot very well call my niece a liar now can I? I thought I would share something interesting that we found on the back side of the tree...

Morgan walked to the back side of the tree. Once she reappeared she asked, "What is this?" In her hand was what looked to be a 35 mm film canister. We carefully opened the lid and found some interesting articles. Inside the canister was a fake lizard, a coin of some sort, a note, and a small baby...no, not a real one. At first we did not know quite what to think of the find.




My father-in-law then said he thought the canister might be something associated with what is called Geo caching. Geo caching has something to do with hunting for hidden treasure. We believe the note inside serves as a log for those who find the treasure.

I find this sort of thing very interesting. It might be fun to do this sort of thing, or something similar where you hide things and have others find it. I mean we already have something similar to this going on in our house now. The person geo caching in our house is the "Caker".

Case Solved! I found my cell phone case!

Mystery #2 has been solved. I finally found my cell phone case. The "Caker" as I suspected, was behind the caper.

This morning Lizzie Kate wanted her pink purse that was high on a shelf in her closet. She wanted to put her little black and white puppy in it. Once I retrieved it off of the shelf I noticed something inside...my cell phone case. I said, "Caker",you put that in there didn't you?"

On the picture you can see that the "Caker" came clean and admitted taking said case. No charges will be filed at this time. I have looked all over for that case. Lizzie Kate must have put it in her purse a long time ago. Then, Kelley probably cleaned up her room and put the purse on the shelf, not realizing the case was inside - case closed!

How many days are there in a week now???

Has there been a change in our calendar? It just seems like our schedule now calls us to work 6 days, 23 hours, 30 minutes a week with a 30 minute lunch! Well, at least that is how this week has felt. I have said this many times, but it feels like this week has been the longest week in the history of man - AND IT IS ONLY THURSDAY!!!! OK, the CAP lock is now turned off. I guess I have vented enough. I guess it is just payback for those days we were off during the ice storm.

I guess I really should not complain about the work week being too long. In Exodus 20:9 it says, "Six days you shall labor and do all your work." I guess the day the world starts reading the Bible we will go to the six-day work week! Plus, in today's world we need to thank God for giving us the jobs we have.

So, now I am wondering why in the world I wrote this post! It just made a complete turnaround. Oh well...now I feel better!