Easter Sunday

I got up early this morning to attend our Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30. The sun didn't come out but at least it wasn't raining at that time. We had somewhere between 25 and 30 in attendance. Afterwards we had Jack's biscuits and coffee/orange juice/milk.

I went home to find Judy already up and having breakfast. The biscuits I brought home for her are still in the refrigerator. We went to the regular morning service where we had a good song service as a good Easter message. After that we went to Ruby Tuesday for dinner and we both brought about half our our meals home to have later.

"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." John 20:19-20

New Cell Phone

I got a new cell phone today. It is a Samsung Galaxy Note II and just a little bit larger than the Motorola Droid X2 that I have been using. I spent part of the afternoon and all evening uploading applications and other information from one phone to the other. The only thing I haven't figure out how to do yet is get my MSU ring tone without having to pay for it again.

This was a very quiet day otherwise. Getting ready for Easter Sunrise service at 6:30 in the morning and then our normal service at 10:15. Judy won't make it to the first one but will to the second. We plan on going to Ruby Tuesday for our Easter dinner as I have a discount email for 25% off our entire purchase. Then home for a nap, at least for Judy. It seems that she is tired more often these days. Not sure if is an indication of anything more serious or not. Will have to check with our family doctor the next time she sees him.

Good Friday

"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 
And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 
And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 
And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. 
And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 
But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. 
And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 
And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. 
Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man." Luke 23:33-47 (KJV)

But all is not lost! Just wait for Sunday!

Maundy Thursday

Sorry for missing an entry yesterday but I went to bed early and forgot to do it. I think this in only the second time that I have missed.


This is Maundy Thursday, the day that Jesus' twelve disciples had the last supper with Him.

"Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. 
And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. 
And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? 
And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. 
And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? 
And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. 
And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. 
And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. 
And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: 
For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: 
For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me." Luke 22:7-19 KJV

This is also the day that Judas betrayed our Lord and Savior. We all bear the guilt of that crime but thanks be to God that those of us who have asked Him into our hearts have been forgiven, not only of that sin but all of our sins, past, present, and future.

Glory to God on high!

New Windows

The window installers came today and installed our new windows across the front of the house. It was interesting to see how they took out the old ones and put in the new. With the trim they put on I will not have to paint any window trim any more. They will also help keep the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Too bad I don't have the money to get all the windows in the house done but I will do it in stages. Five today, five next year around this time and the rest the following year.

Other than the windows it was a quiet day around here. I finished the wash, did the dishes, and cooked dinner. I really have become a good house-husband.

Light Snow and Cold

It snowed this evening, leaving our deck with a slight covering of the white stuff. It is supposed to be spring but apparently Mother Nature hasn't heard the news. It could be worse here though. Just look at what is happening weather wise in the mid-west.

Went to the YMCA this morning and hit a new high for the amount of weight lifter: 36,410 pounds.

The installers are supposed to be coming tomorrow afternoon to start with the new windows on the front of the house. I am interested in seeing just how it is done. We had to take all the breakables off of the china cabinets just in case there was too much vibration from them working on getting the old ones out and the new ones in.

Palm Sunday

On this day almost 2000 years ago our savior and Lord, Jesus, entered the city of Jerusalem riding on the back of a donkey. He was being hailed as the King of the world. Just a few days later those same people would be crying "Crucify Him". What changed their minds? And what keeps those of us who do not know Him as our Lord and Savior from accepting Him as such? One day they will stand before Him and He will say "Depart from me! I never knew you." Will you be one of those who He says that to or will be one He welcomes into His home? 

The following short video is of our grandson Daniel at church this morning:

He makes his grandparents and parents proud and is so cute!

Still Not Spring Yet

The calendar says that it is spring but the weather doesn't agree. Cold and rainy today and is supposed to be this way at least tomorrow and maybe Monday too. So ready for warmer weather for sure.

Watched Michigan State win and proceed to the Sweet 16. University of Michigan also won as did Arizona. 

We finally found time to watch the first episode of The Bible that we have recorded. It was interesting to see how the producers interpreted the various parts. Can't wait to watch the other parts of the series.

Friday, But Seems Like Any Other Day

I know it is Friday by looking at the calendar, but when you are retired all the days seem like Friday except for Sunday because I go to church on Sunday.

I bought new locks for the house today. The ones that we have had have been on the doors for 30 years and they are starting to break down. So I installed them with a little trouble getting the bolts to match up with the jams but I finally got them all done.

Teri and Daniel came over for a visit this afternoon. Daniel is so funny! He was watching Disney Junior on TV and he got so excited at one point in the show that he just let loose with a belly laugh and started jumping up and down and waving his arms. I really don't know what he found so funny but apparently he did. And that is all that matters. I love it when they come for a visit and get to see how much he is growing each time.

Sad Day

When we first moved here almost 30 years ago one of the first couples to make us feel welcome were Lonnie and Peggy. They had 4 sons. When we started going to our current church, Grace Point Baptist Church the pastor was one of their sons Rodney. He died of an apparent heart attack about 5 years ago at the age of 45. 

Another of their sons, Guy, was a principal of one of the local high schools and former basketball coach. Last year he was in a severe automobile accident and survived for about 4 months before he also died. He was in his late 40's. Before he died his mother, Peggy, also had a heart attack and died.

This past Monday another of the sons, Marlin, had a heart attack and died. He was 57. We went to his visitation this evening and saw Marlin's wife and his father and his only surviving brother, Greg. 

We are not supposed to outlive any of our children, especially not 3 of them. Please be in prayer for this Christian family as they bury yet another family member tomorrow.

Church Night

We are studying the book of Mark during our Wednesday evening service. Our pastor, Brother Ryan Childers, spends a lot of preparation time for this study and hands out very complete study notes for each of us.

I thought this graphic was very apropos after my entry yesterday about transplants. These is nothing better than giving our hearts to Jesus and receiving everlasting life. 

Transplant Dinner

We belong to a group called "Second Chance" made up of those people in the area who have had some sort of organ transplant. There are those in the group who have gotten "new" hearts, kidneys, livers, and lungs. We meet once a month at various restaurants in the Huntsville area for food and fellowship. A lot of the talk around the table is by the organ recipients discussing their medicines and problems and their successes. We go because of Judy's liver transplant 8 1/2 years ago.

Tonight went to Logan's Roadhouse. There were about nine of us with two new people there. Had a great dinner and good conversation. 

Another Good Doctor's Report

I took Judy to the lung doctor this afternoon and he said everything looks good and he scheduled her to go back in four months. She still has a little fluid in her right lung but he said it wasn't enough to worry about at this time. Definitely not enough to try to drain off.

I went to pick up our medicines from the drug store and got a shock. I knew it was coming but just didn't expect it to get here right now and this early. I am talking about the infamous Medicare "donut hole". It cost me almost $1,200 for one of her anti-rejection medicines. This means that I will have to pay out of pocket costs of $3,500 to get out of the "hole". Can you say OUCH?

Did my usual Monday morning workout at the YMCA. I am feeling much better about getting up and going these days. It picks my spirit up just knowing that I am doing something good for my body.

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1 (KJV)

Sunday Go To Meeting Time

I got Judy up at 7:30 and I went back to bed for another hour. She saw me back in bed and wanted to go back herself but she stayed up. I had to remind her that I only need about 45 minutes to get ready whereas she needs almost 2 hours. Women! You can't live with them and you can't live without them! Go figure!

Today's message at church was from John 8:21  "Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come." (KJV) The religionists and mankind want(ed) to see Jesus on their terms and not on God's terms. Are you seeking Him on your terms? There are many groups that call themselves "Christian" but do not accept that Jesus is the only way to salvation and Heaven. Either you believe the Bible in its entirety or you do not. If the latter, then you are doomed to everlasting damnation. You cannot be good enough to get to Heaven. Believing and knowing that Jesus is the only way to everlasting life with the Father.

Tomorrow I plan on going to the YMCA first thing in the morning and then taking Judy to her lung doctor for a checkup. All is going well with her except that her tremors are getting worse. Both her head and her hands shake just about all the time now. Painful for me to watch as she tried to move the mouse around on her computer.

Another Quiet Day

I should have been more active today than I was but I wasn't. Had my morning coffee with the paper and kind of loafed around all day. We will be going to church in the morning and out for lunch some place. Haven't decided where as yet but will probably be at the local diner near the church.

We have bids on four of the eleven items we listed the other day on e-bay with watchers on some of the others. Since there wasn't any fee for listing any of the items we will be ahead of the game even if some don't sell but it would be better if all of them did.

Beautiful Friday

Sorry, but I missed doing an entry yesterday. I was at class until nine last night and when I went back to my room I decided to do something I have never done before: I typed up the notes I had taken from the class. All I need to do now is finish typing up the notes from today. Maybe tomorrow.

Today was beautiful. Around 75 on my ride back home from the class. I opened the sun roof to let the sun shine in.

The class I attended, Public Safety Chaplain Training, was very informative even though I had gotten some of the information in previous classes. Always nice to get a different perspective on things too.

Hump Day

Today started like most of my Wednesdays with Bible study at 6:30 followed by my workout: 12 minutes on the exercise bicycle, then 14 Cybex machines, 21 minutes of walking, and finally 20 minutes of swimming. Not too bad for an old man, huh?

I then went to the grocery store where Wednesdays are 5% off for seniors. I spent about $60 but saved more than $40. A lot of the items were buy 1 and get 1 free.

I put the rest of Judy's items on E-bay. We have two for sure sales and a lot of watchers on the rest so we may do pretty good this go around. Apparently there is some sort of deal going on as well as it hasn't cost me anything to list all the items for the last 3 days.

We had a nice mid-week service at church this evening. We are going through the Gospel of Mark verse by verse.

I will be leaving around mid-morning for a couple of days to attend a Public Safety Chaplaincy Training class to go along with my Disaster Relief Chaplain training and my Sheriff's Chaplain Academy Training. Next month I will be going back to add another field to my disaster relief training, this time Shower Set-up training. I will be able to be used in a wide variety of areas should the need arise.

Busy Day After a Restless Night

I had a very restless night, awaking every couple of hours. Finally got about 3 hours of continuous sleep between 6 and 9 this morning.

I did four loads of wash, stripped and remade two beds, folded all the clean laundry, washed the dishes and put them away, and put another 6 items on E-bay. I got another 5 that Judy has ready for me to post so maybe I get those out tomorrow between working out and taking her to the CHF Clinic. 

We need to pray that God can use us every day no matter where we are to bring others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Luke 10:2  Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. (KJV)

Happy Monday

After taking the trash cart out to the street for the weekly pickup I went to the YMCA for my workout. I went up on my weights and now am at 32,645 pounds. I think I will stay at this weight for the next two weeks and then go up again then. I road the stationary bike for 3 miles and and walked for one mile. Wanted to do 2 miles but my left knee and thigh were hurting too much to go on.

Its been a nice but quiet day but some days it is just okay for that to happen. Tomorrow I need to get busy and get some more stuff on e-bay for Judy. 

Thought for the day: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 3:18 KJV

Meat Loaf

I got up late this morning and therefore didn't get Judy up early enough for her to get ready to go to church. So I went alone. We had a good number of people there with several visitors. After the sermon we had a Gideon speaker talk for about 10 minutes about the Gideon ministry around the world, with the military, in our schools when they can, and delivering Bibles to hospitals and hotels. Our daughter and her husband are very active with the Gideon ministry.

Meat loaf! Not the singing group but the dinner kind. I fixed it after I got home from church along with baked potatoes, corn, and green beans. I guess I don't fix it like Judy likes it as she said that she likes it better with crackers in it. But she had nothing to say when I told her that I did use crackers. I liked it and there is enough left over for another meal as well as being able to have it in a sandwich or two.

Do you know that God will provide all your needs? All you have to do is ask. Just remember that your needs are different than your wants! I have seen Him do this on more than one occasion, especially with some of my family members. 

God is good all the time! All the time God is good!

Strawberry Shortcake

The local Publix grocery stores had strawberries on sale this week: three one pound packages for $5.00. So this evening I made strawberry shortcake for dinner. It was good good good! Enough left over to have it again tomorrow for dessert.

I started reading a book on the 23rd Psalm today. Very enlightening so far. So for today I am including the King James Version of it here for all to read.


A Psalm of David. 
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. 

Pizza Buffet for Dinner

Judy and I went to town to do some clothes shopping for her. She has lost a lot of weight due to her heart surgery and heart failure so few of the clothes she has in her closet actually fit her. We went to Super K-Mart as she had been told they have a nice selection there but the ones she looked at either were too big or too small. She didn't buy anything there but I got three t-shirts and a new billfold. We then went to Lane Bryant where she found some that fit her nicely and looked good on here as well.

After shopping we went to CiCi's Pizza Buffet for our dinner. Salad, pizza of all kinds, and dessert pizza were all good. Tried not to stuff ourselves too much.

I did go and work out this morning. I find that when I am getting ready to go I am fighting myself to go or not to go but once I get there I am glad I did go. Over the past few years that I have been going I have lifted over 3.7 million pounds using the various Cybex machines. I will get a t-shirt once I get to 5 million.

I had a very restless night last night so I decided not to get up and go to the AMBUCS meeting this morning. Can't go next Thursday so maybe the following week.

Judy and I had planned on going to town to do some clothes shopping for her but she decided that we would wait until tomorrow. We plan on going out to eat afterwards.

I decided to change my default browser from Microsoft Explorer to Mozilla Firefox. Explorer was getting way too slow in bring up web pages, especially after the latest upgrade. The same pages upload in about half the time with Firefox.

I have read all of James Patterson's books but I have a difficult time with the "Witch and Wizard" series. I know it is for teenagers but for some reason I just have a hard time getting through them. The others I read in a flash. Go figure! I will make it through "Witch and Wizard: The Kiss" even if it kills me. I hate to stop reading in the middle of a book.

Nice Day

Today has been a nice day. Started with a Bible study on the book of Exodus and followed by my usual workout. I am up to 30,230 pounds on the Cybex machines. I dread getting up and going but once I get there I am into it.

I did some food shopping on the way home, stopping at Publix, Sams Club, and Wal-Mart. Got the essentials plus.

I did take an afternoon nap for a couple of hours and then got up and made dinner for us. We had tacos. I went to church this evening for our continuing study of the book of Mark. We had no choir practice so I came home, tried to catch up on the email and watched "Body of Proof". Now time for bed and do it all over again tomorrow.

Repent!

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2, NKJV)

Awakenings start with repentant hearts. Therefore, it must begin with me. Not someone else – but me. It’s time I understood the verse above more clearly. It’s not the church in America that needs to repent – it is me. The earth is groaning; the Kingdom is at hand. What then shall we do? Repent!

Prayer: Father, give me a broken heart for my sin. Cause the church in America to be swept with a spirit of repentance, for the Kingdom is at hand. Amen.

Very Slow Day

Didn't do much today. Got up late, took the trash out, put the clean dishes away from the dish washer, and updated my netbook. I spent most of the afternoon watching Schindler's List. I have seen it before but was good to see it again. I am amazed each time by how inhumane the Germans were. It just boggles my mind that one person or a group of people could do those things to another human being.

Some thoughtful tidbits:

• Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time because then you don't have a leg to stand on.
• On the keyboard of life, always keep one finger on the "escape" key.
• Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word that you shouldn't have said.
• Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused.
• If you think there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody.
• You never truly understand sometime until you can explain it to your grandmother.

And a final truism: Hotel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone.

Getting Better, I Think

I haven't been coughing as much today although I think I have used up a box and a half of Kleenex.  Stayed home from church this morning and tried to keep from waking Judy with what coughing and sniffling I had to do.

Watched NASCAR this afternoon and then The Amazing Race and Worst Cooks in America before catching up on my email and then getting ready for bed. Planning on going to the YMCA tomorrow morning and then coming home to get more stuff ready to list on eBay. Judy is keeping me busy going through her stuff for me to list.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (KJV)

Still Coughing and Sniffling

Yes, I still feel awful but I might have turned the corner. Or maybe it is wishful thinking. Got some cough syrup today so that seems to be helping. Also found out that my C-Pap helps me sleep at night without coughing. Probably due to air being forced into my lungs.

Snowed all day today. Just flurries and it warmed up to about 39 degrees. We have about an inch on the ground but it all melted when it got warmer even though it was still snowing. The deck has about an inch still on it.

Went to do some food shopping this afternoon and came back and napped in my chair while "watching" some TV. Going on seven now and thinking about going and getting into bed for the evening. Not sure about church in the morning. Will just have to wait and see how I am feeling and if I am still coughing.

Today is my father's birthday. He would have been 93. Today is also Kenny and Valorie's 12th anniversary. 

Cough, cough, sniff, sniff! When will the relief come?

I have been coughing and sniffling all day. I am not running a fever but my head hurts and I feel like heck. Hopefully this will break soon.

We have new gutters on the front of the house. The installers came this morning and it took them about five hours to finish the task. Now we just need to get the five front windows in and this part of the remodeling will be done. I think the windows should come in either next week or the following week. Looking forward to see how they will install them. I think the next windows we replace will be the kitchen bay window and possibly the small window in the utility room. Then we will just have fine windows left to do, the bedrooms and the main bath.

Teri and Daniel came for a visit this morning and stayed until about four this afternoon. It always a joy to have them here with us, to see how Daniel has changed just over the past few weeks since we last saw him.