Merry Christmas

Well...
The children are asleep!! Mrs Claus is wrapping away. I sit here overwhelmed with joy. Overwhelmed with blessings. Just overwhelmed. 2009 has an amazing year. A wakeup call, if you will. I guess it wouldn't be good to go through life asleep anyway, huh?
We started this morning with a traditional breakfast at my parents for my grandparents. Dad and Mom did great, as always. We came home and I started the cooking!! Painted cookies. German Chocolate Cake. Pineapple cheese casserole. All for lunch tomorrow. But after we see what Santa brought, we go eat breakfast with my Maternal Grandparents.
I am excited for the kids. I am excited for Donna and I too. I just love CHRISTmas.
For unto us a child is born. For unto us a son is given. His name is Jesus.

Merry CHRISTmas to all!! And to all a goodnight.
C

Families

I had an opportunity to talk to a lady yesterday who came in the store to get her CHRISTmas card labels printed. As we spoke, I learned that this will be her first CHRISTmas without her husband of 57 years (they were high school sweethearts). I literally had tears flowing listening to her talk of their life together and how sweet a man he was. She lavished praise to his name as if he was the greatest husband and father that had ever walked the face of the Earth. I so enjoyed speaking with her! She will never know how that conversation she had with me meant to me.
I learned this morning that John Lane and Danny Guyton (no relation)both passed away. I learned Tuesday night that Grover Knight had passed away.
All of these individual events just have me thinking this morning about families. I have written on this blog about the family that I grew up in and how it has affected the husband, father, and man that I have become! I am blessed!
But, there have also been a lot of other families that have affected me over the years as well.
The Lanes, Guytons, Knights, Boss, Lowerys, Hobsons, Grahams, Hatchers, Doyles, Vickerys, Billues, just to name a few. These families affected me mostly because of their faith. They didn't mind sharing their faith, and in some cases training me in mine. And in most of these families (mentioned and unmentioned) they had/have a husband and father that was a spiritual leader in their churches (and homes). All of these families were in my early and impressionable childhood years.
They loved/love God, their families, and friends.
They helped make me into the husband and father that I am today. I am so blessed that these familes (and many more) were in my "village".
I strive to be a better husband and father today because of them and the men in my own family!
C

Busy Time of Year

I love this time of year!! Always something to do.
Donna and I had a wonderful anniversery weekend!! We skipped the Christmas parade and slipped away early!! We stayed at the new Hilton in Cville Thursday night. We shopped all day Friday! We stayed at the Hilton in Kennesaw on Friday night and finished our shopping on Saturday morning!! It was amazing to get away with such a stunningly gorgeous woman!! I had a blast!
Griffin's first basketball game didn't go great Saturday, but he had fun!! Sunday worship was amazing as was prayer time Sunday night!! I love starting off my week with our Sunday night prayer "meeting".
I am so blessed. I have an incredible family and am so looking forward to spending a lot of time together over Christmas with all our family and friends!! It's the most wonderful time of the year!!
C

16 Years Ago

Sixteen years ago tomorrow the most stunningly beautiful, sweetest woman said "I do" to me!! Woohoo!! No, I can't tell you why she did it, but she must take vows pretty seriously, because Donna Guyton is still with me!! I can't tell you just how lucky I am!!
16 years later, she still makes my heart beat fast. She still is the most gorgeous woman in the world. She is still so sweet. She still melts me. She makes me want to be a better man!! I love her more today than I did 16 years ago!!
So, I am going to take her away for a few days!! (It would probably be a better gift to let her get away from me for a few days..... but TOO BAD!!) I can't wait!!
I love you baby!!
C

Thanksgiving

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving week!! Donna's family came into town Monday. We visited, played games, ate, watched football......

We love it when all her family gets together! It is always a great time.

Bailey was gone with the Hodorff's to Washington D.C. for the entire week. That was very diffucult to be without one of our children for the holiday week, but it was a great experience for her and she made memories that will last a lifetime!

On Friday night, Sarah (John's wife), Griffin, and I made some painted cookies (a la Agan's Bakery cookies). As you can see in the above phote, they came out great!! And tasted pretty good too!

Saturday was a total football day. I lazied around the house and did nothing but watch football!!

Sunday was a great time of worship!! And a bible study lesson that I think we will be talking about and working on for a while!! Bailey got home around 4!! We missed her so much, but are so thankful that the Hodorff's included her and gave her an opportunity to see some historic places!! Prayer time Sunday night was amazing!! I can't understand why more people aren't interested in coming!! My prayer time continued in my car until I got home!! That was even more powerful!! (More on that another time). And the day wrapped with a family game of Clue. Col. Mustard in the patio with the trophy!! I won! WooHoo......

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving filled with the laughter of family and friends!!

C

Thankful

I am thankful for parents that raised me in a Christian home.
I am thankful for an amazing, brilliant, gorgeous wife.
I am thankful for a beautiful, smart, respectful daughter.
I am thankful for a smart, handsome, (mostly) respectful, rambunctious son.
I am thankful for a good job, nice home, and other material things that God has blessed us with.
I am thankful to be alive and alive in Christ.
I am thankful for my God, whose Grace always is sufficient, in spite of my stupidity.
I am thankful He sent his son to die an unimaginable death, for me.
I am thankful for these things and many more, not just today, but everyday.
Happy Thanksgiving all!!
C

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance!!

What an incredible weekend!!
We started the weekend off with a spend the night birthday party for Bailey!! 13. I am the father of a teenage girl!! R U Kidding me!!!!K^#^%^@^ 10 or 11 girls spent the night and Bailey had a blast!! She got exactly what she wanted....a cell phone. $#!$%#$%#$%% Anyway!!
Saturday was a great day of anticipation!! I woke up with nothing to do until 4:30, so the morning and afternoon were spent relaxing!! (I did make a pound cake to share at the concert, but that's not work!!) I got to the church at 4:30 and we got sound check done. The anticipation just continued to build in me (I'm sure I wasn't the only one!!). JP, Jay and I went over to Zaxby's to eat, and I will NEVER again order their insane sauce!! It was HOT!!
Travis came upstairs to pray with the choir before the concert and just encouraged us to worry more about our worship and less about the notes!! I think that is the way it is ALWAYS suppose to be!! I can't explain the "concert" to you!! I can't help but think that God was pleased!! I was reminded that night of that old hymn; There's a sweet, sweet spirit in this place. And I know, that it's the presence of the Lord!!
We rock it out for a couple of hours. It was incredible!!
I went home exhausted!! Tired,throat hurting a little, and my voice shot! I didn't have any idea how I was going to be able to lead worship on Sunday morning! But, His mercies are new every morning, and He proved that on Sunday!! I woke up refreshed, and my voice had a little "kick" to it!! It was a great reminder!! Thank you Father!
Sunday School was amazing!! (as always) The book of Acts will challenge who you are as a Christian and where you are corporately as a church!!
Bailey's pitching lessons went GREAT!! She is getting so much better! A Sunday afternoon nap was very welcomed!! And I ended the weekend with prayer time at church!! Amazing how that can set you week off in the right direction!
A phenomenal weekend!! Donna and I spent all weekend together and doing fun things we enjoy!! Our church family is great!! And, our worship time together is more strengthening than I can describe!!

Eyes

I can't describe to you just how random and scattered my mind is right now. I feel I am incapable of a cohesive thought right now. Not much makes sense. It is strange!! I feel lost. I would love to pray about it (and have tried), but my mind bounces from one thing to the next to the next and so on!! I don't know that I have finished a prayer in 2 weeks!! Pitiful.
I wish I could see myself through God's Eyes. Not the sinful, weak, scattered part that I can't seem to get through, but the covered by the blood, unblemished, son that He sees.
For that matter, I wish I could see myself through my Donna's eyes!! If I could be half the man she sees ....
C

Sickness

Ugh!! What a week!! Grif spiked a 103 fever on Tuesday night. The doctors on Wednesday did the test for the swine flu and it was positive. He has been quarantined to his room ever since. He finally is feeling a little better today. Donna has been battling a sinus infection for a couple of weeks, and finally is feeling better after going to the doctor yesterday and getting on antibiotics. Bailey, mimi, and myself are just hoping and praying we don't get either!!
Chicken N' Dumplins and a pound cake will be made tomorrow to take to the Gills, but I probably won't hold the baby, too much risk that I am carrying something!! Anyone who knows me, knows that is going to kill me, but it is best for Kate. :(
I am still working through some post heart attack depression. Things have been bad for a while now. I havn't felt like talking or blogging about it, and still don't, but I probably need to. Donna is the most patient woman in the world. I don't know how or why!! She is just incredible.
Have a great weekend!
C

Perfectly Beautiful Fall Day

A sky so blue, that it almost hurts to look at. Not a cloud in the sky. 71 degree high with virtually zero humidity. What a day!
We had a great weekend with the ball team. Winter Haven Florida was HOT!! 95 degrees to play ball in hurts!! But we made a good showing with a 3 and 2 record and 13th place finish. We didn't play to our potential and that always stinks, but, what are you gonna do? We had a blast and made great memories together.
I havn't blogged in a while. I havn't had much to say. I'll try to correct that soon.
C

Interesting days

The more you know, the more you realize that you don't know.

Have you ever heard that saying? When I was a teenager I thought my parents were dumb. I thought they had no clue of the "real world". The older I have become all of the sudden, they are pretty smart people!! Funny huh? Because the more I begin to know, the more I realize that I have no clue!!

That fact is hitting home with me currently in my walk with God. It feels really strange.
I'm praying more than I ever have; and I know I don't do it enough.
I'm in the bible more than I have ever been; and I know I'm not in it enough.
I'm serving more than I ever have; and I know I'm not serving enough.
The closer I get, the more I know that is available to me that I am not reaching. Not because God isn't offering; on the contrary, it's because I'm insufficient. Tough to feel that, but fact it is.

*************

I had a great workout today and my 6 month check up is coming up next week.
C

I would like to tell you......

that I pray daily
that I am in my bible daily
that I put my family before myself
that I have everything together
that I am a phenomenal husband
There are many other things I would like to tell you, but they would all be lies as well.
God is still working to perfect me! I pray he will finally have me perfected at the day of Christ. Until then, I pray I grow daily. Instead of the 1 forward, 2 backward approach I have done in the past!!

We had another great weekend!! I thank God for my wife and children that make everyday soooo enjoyable!!
C

SLEEP

It has been an extremely tiring week!! We havn't slept well all week for a variety of reasons, but last night was NICE. I feel rested and relaxed finally.
Bailey has been at Splash Bartow all week, and I am ready for her to come home!! I am also ready to hear her experiences. I hope she had a blast.
I need to get a picture of the garden up here so you can see it. Growing like crazy. We picked two cucumbers yesterday, which is the first of anything we have gotten, but everything is in full bloom! Looking forward to picking more stuff.
Big softball tourney tomorrow. It is the ISA State Championship. It is in Rome, so we don't have to drive far!!
Have a great weekend everyone!!
C

Weekend Events

Friday after work I went to get my hair cut then hurried home, just in time to leave for Rome. We met my nephew John in Rome to eat dinner then he was staying with us for the weekend. We ate a Sumo Japanese!! We came home and played dominos for a couple of hours while we caught up on everything with he and Sarah!! She was at the Merchandise Mart for the weekend with her mom. We missed seeing her!!
Saturday was a softball tourney at Dellinger!! We don't get to play there enough. We didn't do great. A very bad showing compared to how we have been playing. We got home and Lorraine started making chicken n' dumplins!! The rest of us played a little four square.
Sunday School was good. Continuing on the ten commandments. We had some more good discussions. Church was wonderful. Worship set was good and Doug, filling in for Pastor, did a good job!!! We had lunch at grandaddy Austin's house for his 81st birthday!! Chicken casserole, chessy hashbrown casserole, green beans, mmmmm!!!
We went out with Shep and Andrea to Mellow Mushroom (it was good this time!!) and had a great time. I had a great time talking with them. They add a lot of perspective! I was able to hash out some of the stuff rolling around in my mind. They were too. Hopefully I will be able to blog some of my thoughts on the things we talked about soon.
A GREAT WEEKEND!!
C

P.S. A little belated, but good luck to everyone who auditioned for praise team yesterday!!

Six

It has been six months tomorrow since the world changed around my house. The post heart attack "plan" is still going well and I guess it will until God calls me home.
So the short version:
Children are good and enjoying summer!
Donna's good and enjoying summer!
The garden is growing good!! Going to be eating some good vegetables shortly.
Work is going good.
So really my life has never been better.
My house is joyful, and fun.

With all that said, it makes little sense to me as to why I am wrestling with God over stuff, when everything is going soooo perfectly, but personally that is where I remain. Been there for a few weeks now. And so far, I've got lots of questions, but very few answers.
C

Cleveland, Ohio

We had a wonderful time in Cleveland visiting my sister Janet, my brother in law Henry, and my nephew Hank. Mom, Dad, Donna, Grif, Bailey, and I flew out early Wed. We got there by 9 am or so. We took a driving tour between the airport and their house of Cleveland and some of the suburbs. We went to lunch at a deli that was incredible!!
I don't remember much after that. I slept the rest of Wed away. Either from getting up at 3:30 to make the flight or the dramamine or something, but I crashed!!
We went to the West Side Market, which is a HUGE farmer's market. Any fruit, vegetable, meat, cheese, spice, or herb you wanted was there. I could have spent hours and serious cash in that place!! Janet, Henry, Donna and I left the kids with mom and dad and went to Lolita's, which is Iron Chef Michael Symon's restaurant. It was an amazing culinary experience!!
Friday we went to the shores of Lake Erie, and now I can say that I have been to a Great Lake. We went out to dinner at Trutorios which is an Italian place in Little Italy. WOW. Saturday we did normal 4th of July stuff. We grilled out. We sat outside in 75 degree 0 humidity weather. We played HOURS of corn hole.
Sunday morning we went out for brunch at a place called Grumpies. Wonderful again!! We chilled out, watched Wimbleton (OMG what a match) and went to the airport to come home. Bad weather made the turbulence a little too much for my liking, but we made it home and drove to the house around 11 or midnight.
The food scene in Cleveland is amazing!! If you ever go, take your stomach and your wallet. I think I saw 4 "chain" restaurants while I was there!!
Absolutely GREAT trip. My nephew is pretty cute and wonderful too!!
C

Family weekend!!

I had an amazing weekend with my family!!
Friday, I got home from work and we all packed a picnic and our tennis raquets!! We went to the Euharlee covered bridge and threw out our blacket by the river. We ate our dinner and talked and laughed!! It was wonderful. Romantic too (even with the kids there). You know those shared looks that I am talking about!! Anyway.... we walked over the bridge and had fun scaring Bailey!! (She didn't like the space between the boards!! LOL) We then went over to Osborne Park and hit the tennis ball for an hour or so, before going back home drench in sweat!!
Saturday I had an early softball game in Aragon. It was a fun benefit tourney for the volunteer fire department of Aragon. A huge family day with bbq plates, craft booths, bouncy things for the kids, pony rides, softball tourney, and around 10pm a fire works show that was VERY impressive (as big, but not quite as long as the ones in Cartersville on the 4th!!) We came in 3rd in the tourney and arrived home at 4AM!!! Ouch. Which leads straight into Sunday morning....
After 3 hours of sleep, I had to be at church early because it was my day to sing. It hurt getting up, and I was not at the best I could be vocally, but wow did it turn out to be a very special worship service!! I prayed alot for God to help me get to an attitude of worship and not to be tired. God did just that!! I wasn't tired, and the music and preaching were on point!! It was a wonderful time!! When I got home I HIT THE WALL!! LOL.
I took a Sunday afternoon nap. A good one!!
Sunday evening, I cooked dinner. Pasta primavera with squash, zuccini, carrots, and garlic with fresh grated parmasean. Baked chicken and broccoli.
Then we sent the children off to bed and watched Gran Torino. Very good movie (I hated the ending.)
A good time had by all!!
Great weekend!!
C

Bragging......

Alright. I am VERY capable of bragging!! I've done it plenty in my life!! Too much.

Today, however, I want to brag on God.
And in the process "tell" on me. I screwed up this morning!!
I heard him talk!! I've been asking him to speak to me. To speak to others through me (even though I am unworthy)!!
This morning he answered my prayer!!
He spoke to me as clearly as possible!!
He told me to email a friend to tell that friend I was going to pray for him.
Wow. Just that plain. Cool right?
Right up until the point where in my mind I thought, "that can't be right!!" I blew it off. Boy did I mess that up!! You know how I know?
Because 30 minutes later!! (yep 30!!!!!!) this friend email ME. (He has never emailed me before!! (Just to show you that it wasn't a normal occurance!!))
Anyway, what do you suppose his email asked?
Yep, you got it!!
I blew it!!
I apoligized, confessed, and asked God to forgive me!!
Then immediately thanked him for the opportunity!! (Even though I blew it)
I pray that He sees fit to "try" me again!!

C

Searching....

Isn't searching fun?

Think about it.

When you were young, odds are, that at some point you made or "found" a treasure map and went searching for it.

Hide and go seek is all about searching.

Life is like that too. Everyone is searching for something. Some are searching for a spouse, or the right career, etc....

Most, if not all, at some point will search for the meaning of life. Even an aetheist at some point wonders what the purpose of man's existance.

For the christian, the purpose is to praise God and search or seek a closer relationship with God. You can't do that just by going to church every Sunday. You can't do that just by listening to your pastor or bible study teacher. You really have to formulate opinions on you own. You have to read the Bible regularly and ask God for discernment.

I have a NEW belief. Very new!!

I believe that MOST Christians, believe what they believe, not after careful reading of the scripture, but because a pastor, or bible study teacher told them.

Just because the Southern Baptist Convention or the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship or the Catholic Church, has a particular doctorine, doesn't mean that you should believe that doctorine without discerning what God says about it.

Here is my point; If you lock a brand new Christian in a room for a month with the bible, he will NEVER come out of that room thinking the gifts of the spirit have passed away from man. NEVER. It just isn't in there. Our lack of belief in the gifts of the spirit come from our lack of experiencing said gifts and from abuse of those gifts by persons who have in history wanted to glorify themselves more than glorifying God.

Still searching....
C

Just a question or two for you to ponder.

Do you believe in the inerrancy of the Bible?

Are you pro choice?

What is your greatest sin? Toughest one you deal with? Excessive drinking, gossip, pornography....?

Of those three questions. Which one did you answer with the most emotion? Which one produced the greatest desire to discuss or debate? If the answer is not the 3rd one isn't something wrong? If I am more passionate or emotional over a doctorine or a policy than I am over my faults and sins, is that not the height of arrogance? Is that not the type of hypocrisy that Jesus dealt with in the Pharaisees?? Do I even want to be different?
Do you want to be well? John 5:6 - Jesus asked that to a man who had been crippled for YEARS!! YEARS. What type of question is that? Of course he wanted to be healed!! right? Well, do I? Do you? We all deal with something. Do you want it gone?

******
I am a sinner. I am saved by grace. I sin daily. Most days, in the past, that fact didn't even bother me. Wow, is today different.

C

As morning dawns, and evening fades.....

Another phenomenal weekend!!
Friday night playing 4 square with Grif, Bailey, Donna, Jon, and Sydney!! Hot sour cream pound cake straight out of the oven (come on now!!). Saturday was an ALL day softball tourney because my team did great again!! First game was at 9am, and the last game ended at 11:30 pm!! 2nd place!! woohoo.
Father's day was incredible!! Bible study finishing our discussion on the 4th commandment!! Wow, good discussion. Worship was wonderful, with an ALL MALE choir of about 50 or 60 men!! What a great expression of worship, and I hope ALL those men come back in August when choir starts back!! Bailey and Grif gave me wonderful presents!! New garden hose, rolling cart to store the hose, desparately needed new socks!!, a shirt, and 2 books that were suggested to us by Shep and Andrea. Wonderful!! Being Bailey and Grif's dad is more special than I can put into words. God has blessed me with those two wonderful kids and an incredible wife, even though I am undeserving!!

S&A recommended these books because of some questions I was asking and seeking answers to. Both are by Jack Deere. And the one I am reading first is Surprised by the power of the Spirit. I couldn't help but start reading it last night, and finally HAD to put it down at midnite!! LOL. (getting up at 6 for the gym this morn wasn't easy!!) I wasn't but in the first chapter before I told Donna, "God meant for me to read this book". First of all S&A knew with the questions that I was asking, this book dealt with THE possible answers. 2nd (and S&A had no idea, but God did!!) the book got personal in a hurry through a church across the street from my office that my largest customer attends. (might seem small to you, but God tapped me on the forehead, and seemed to say, pay attention when reading this!!)
I have never read a book while using a highlighter, but 3 pages in I wanted to be marking it up. Stopping and praying. Talking. Listening. I really think this is going to be and interactive read!! We'll see.
One of the questions I was asking was "Why have I never witnessed something miraculous like we are asking for Caroline?" The bible is full of accounts (not stories) of miracles. Where are they today? When is the last time you saw someone:
1. see for the first time? or
2. walk for the first time? or
3. anything of this nature?
In chapter 1, Jack Deere, a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and pastor, had those answers for me in 1985. God didn't talk to us that way anymore. God didn't give gifts of the spirit since the last apostle died. This first chapter hit me pretty hard, in that, Jack Deere was using the same language I was. Asking the same questions.
I'll finish with this; For the first time in my life, God has an open mind and an open heart in me to speak. I don't know what answers, if any, I will have when I finish reading this book.
I can tell you this: in the past, talking about "gifts of the spirit" would have sent me walking in the other direction. I would have been half willing at best to listen to anything about the subject. If God wants to speak to me on this subject, I'm open.
C

SENATOR Barbara Boxer claims she is NOT a lady.

I know. Strange title.
If you don't like politics, stop reading now.
A general with the Army Corps of Engineers is testifying in front of a Senate committee headed by Mrs. Boxer, when he has the audacity to refer to her as ma'am in answering a question. Mrs. Boxer immediately cut him off and asked him to refer to her as Senator Boxer, to which he replied yes ma'am.
I find it humorous since here in the south there is no greater sign of respect that you can show a lady than to call her ma'am. I have OFTEN been told "don't call me ma'am, I am younger than you"!! To which I ALWAYS respond the same way, "ma'am is a sign of respect, NOT AGE".
Anyway, I was taught that you use the word ma'am to show respect to a LADY.
Therefore, the only conclusion I can come up with is the SENATOR Boxer does NOT think herself a lady?

C

Ready or not - Summer is here!!

We have planted a garden this year at our house. A little late, but it is in the ground already with good rain and 90+ degree days coming!! WooHoo. Friday is suppose to be AT LEAST 96!! That'll be sticky in Georgia.
11 rows:
Watermelon and cantaloupe
3 rows of okra
2 rows of silver queen corn
2 rows of purple hull peas
butter beans
2 rows with cucumbers, squash, zuccini and bell peppers.
Hopefully it will all produce and we will be eating good!!


I am still exhausted from the weekend!!

C

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.

There was no flash of lightning or roll thunder followed by Caroline Helton getting out of her wheelchair. There was no army marching in the trees followed by her saying "Mommy, Daddy I love you." There was no marching around the wall seven times followed by Caroline walking. The point being, that to my naked and earthly eyes Caroline Helton is still awaiting a healing. That hurts. It hurts for our friends. It hurts for our church.
Pain is a feeling. It goes away.
Faith, however, is an action. It lasts eternally.
We are human, so there is some level of wallowing, or depression, anger, etc.
But, there is also a sense of pride. Granted, it may be hidden under some tears. But, pride nonetheless, because God spoke and I acted.
God spoke, and the Helton's acted.
God spoke, and the Strain's acted.
God spoke, and our church acted.
Not felt. Actually acted.
Acted.
Definition: To put into motion. Move upon.

Donna and I left the Helton's Friday night after a wonderful visit with them. It was almost midnite, and Caroline was not healed (that I could tell). But I was different. I wasn't the same person that I was, before last week. I think I realized that for a lot of my life, and all of my Christian life, I have been a negative, "that can't happen anymore", pharisee. This event, made me realize that God has called me to be "the church". Not to go to church. BE HIS CHURCH. I don't think you can be a pharisee and be the church at the same time. I really do think it is one or the other!!
So, hold a mirror up to yourself, and choose.
Don't just say I believe, show it.

Sunday school and church yesterday were something very special. Bible study we discussed the 4th commandment. Shep taught a great lesson on it, even though he would have probably preferred to be picnicing or something at his parents farm with his family close by!! Andrea had two solos during church!! (Turns out there is no verse or passage in the bible that allows us believers to only praise him when we are happy!!) It was INCREDIBLE!! That's all. Simply incredible!

Are you a pharisee or are you THE church?
C

Cautiously Optimistic? Pessimistic? Believe?

Sometimes you have to choose.
Somethimes you cannot sit in the stadium and cheer for both sides. Sometimes you can't ride the fence without falling with one leg on each side. (sorry for the visual men).
The bible says you are either hot or you are cold, because luke warm isn't an option (paraphrasing).
So, last Friday I learned that June 12th is a day like that for me. Showtime. Faith in action or no faith? I really shouldn't even write apost that makes it about me!! But it the situation put a mirror in front of my face and at first I didn't like what I saw to the point of tears.
When Jay Lowder was here he spoke about an addition to alcohol he had. Bad addiction. Attempted suicide. You get the picture. He spoke about God getting ahold of him and him being saved. He spoke eloquently about being called to the ministry. He then told the story of the reactions to that call:
The "church" folk knew who he used to be and sneered that God couldn't or wouldn't use him to reach a lost world.
The "bar" folk he used to run with saw a changed man that could reach the anyone because he had been where they were!! They were truly excited for his new mission, his new life!!

I don't want to be a pharisee. I don't want to be a pew holder. I don't want to talk about the miracles God used to do!!


Is God smaller than he was when he raised Lazarus from the dead?
Or is the Lazarus thing just a story?

Is God smaller than he was when the four men dropped the man through the ceiling to be healed?
Or was that just a story?

When Andrea & Shep had a little girl years ago. Andrea and Caroline almost died during the birth. Caroline came out of it severely handicapped. Caroline can't walk. Caroline can't talk. Caroline can't eat. Caroline can't, can't, can't.
Now allow me to tell you what Caroline can do!! Caroline can light a room up. Caroline has an infectious smile. Caroline CAN communicate with you. I have seen Caroline on stage with her class when all the children were singing a song and dancing, performing for their parents, Caroline is singing and dancing, but she doesn't know that her parents are in the room. I promise you that I have seen Caroline worshipping at the feet of God.
Shep and Andrea have believed from the start that Caroline would be healed. They have received encouragement through MANY ways.
I have always SAID that I stand with them. That I believe that God CAN heal her. Through many different ways they feel that God has told them it will happen this Friday. June 12th.
Interesting huh?
There in lies the title to the post:
Am I pessimistic?
Am I cautiously optimistic?
Do I believe?
There is where the mirror got held up for me. You see, Wednesday until Sunday we are going to Jackson (Donna's hometown) to see family, go to a reunion, and pick in the garden.
But, that makes NO sense.
If I BELIEVE that God can heal her, why would I be anywhere else on Friday but near Caroline Helton? That wouldn't make sense. The only reason I would go to Jackson, is if I did NOT believe that God could heal Caroline.
Well, Craig, it's not that God can't heal her, maybe they just got the date wrong, or they WANT it to happen so bad they are hearing things that aren't there. NO. Period.
That is not what it comes down to today for me. See, I have been struggling. Since Friday.
Whether Andrea and Shep got the date right is not relevant to the discussion God is having in my life.
Whether or not June 12th is a day that changes the world or not is not relevant!!
What is relavant is this:
Do I believe that God USED to perform miracles?
Do I believe that God is still big enough to perform miracles?
Do I believe in God?
Since the answer to all 3 of those questions is YES, the reason why it is not relevant as to whether June 12th is going to change the world, is that June 12th is going to change ME and my family.
WE ARE GOING TO BE IN CARTERSVILLE GEORGIA ON FRIDAY IN ANTICIPATION THAT GOD IS GOING TO ROCK MY WORLD.
We are cancelling our trip and I am taking Friday off from work; why you ask?
Because....
What if?.

C

Weekend plans

This weekend is going to have work, and fun!!
Not work, work. The home type work!!
Tonight we have the end of the year fathers versus the sons baseball game!! Always fun!!
Tomorrow, we are going to plant a garden!! Cut grass!! Tune up the corolla!! Wash the corolla!! And make something special for dinner!!
Sunday, we have a family reunion in Ellijay!! Fun, Fun!!
I hope everyone has a great weekend!!
C

Multiple Stuff

My softball team won the spring nationals!! This is one of the biggest tourneys of the year. Teams from GA, AL,TN,SC,NC,MS,FL are represented. 1st place receives $2000 and a paid berth to the ISA World Series in Polk Co Florida at the end of Sept. 2nd place receives $500 and an unpaid berth to the world series. We won it!! We had the toughest bracket and it didn't matter. We played well as a team, and had fun.
I've decided I don't have enough going on in my life, so I have started a garden and compiling my family tree. Both are time consuming, but theraputic in their own way!!
Work is slowing for the summer, but this summer we don't NEED it to slow down!!
Everything else is pretty good.
C

Memorial Day Weekend

What a weekend this has been!!
Friday Morning, I took off from work to see Bailey's awards day at Euharlee Middle!! She received an award for all A's honor roll ALL year!! Not many people on that list!! Then she received the citizenship award for her group of 120 or so students!! I'm not trying to say I was proud, but...
Then Mimi took the children to Alabama. I helped Donna move her classroom (she is getting a new one for next year!!) Then we went to the Rome Braves game Friday night!! Front row right at the visitors on deck circle. We got a foul ball and a GAME USED cracked bat!! WooHoo!!
Saturday we slept in like we used to early in our marriage when we were playing darts and singing karioke every weekend!! Did some things around town, visited my grandparents and my parents..... Watched Lonesome Dove (thanks Shep) and then watched Taken!!
Sunday we were at church, where we started the Ten Commandments in Sunday School. Honored our Military in church and the Pastor did more of the series understanding relationships. It was a phenomenal day. We went home and watched a couple more movies and just chilled out!
Monday we did NOTHING most of the day until we grilled out with some friends in the neighborhood. We cooked out, played wiffle ball like when we were kids, and just had a blast!! Then Donna watched one of those reality dance shows or something until 9 and then decided she wanted an ice cream, so at 9:30 PM we were at Bruster's getting an ice cream. MMMMMM., But I paid for it this morning. Tuesday morning work out HURT!! But I did it. Treadmill can't laugh at me!! LOL
I hope everyone had as great of a weekend as we did!!
C

Only when I support it....?

President Obama on the 36th anniversery of Roe v Wade says "this decision stands for a broader principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters."

But this week a Brown County judge ordersDaniel Hauser to recieve chemo treatments for his cancer against his and his mother's wishes, but I havn't heard My President say that the judge should stay out of that most private family matter?

In March a judge ordered that 3 homeschooled kids had to go to public school because their mother's lessons had religious teachings, but My President didn't tell that judge to stay out of that most private family matter?

I am under the current belief that things are private family matters for liberal, such as my President, ONLY if they agree, otherwise the government HAS to "intrude".
Non-intruders, unless we don't agree.
Tollerant of all opinions, unless your opinion is different.
Accepting of all religions and aetheists, unless you try to pray in public.

Frightening times!!
C

Random - Nothing too interesting

1 - Turns out I can make a German Chocolate Cake.
2 - Saturday 5-9 thru Saturday 5-16 I played 14 softball games. Turns out that was too many!! I had to take a few days off from working out to recoup!!
3 - Lorraine is taking the kids to Jackson with her for a week. DO NOT stop by the house. PERIOD!! (Till the water runs cold!!) LOL
4 - God is good!!
5 - I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend!! Thank you to all Military members, past, active, and future!! You are the reason we are FREE!!
C

Local Happenings

What is going on in the 'ville?
Well, we have been praying for Julia Ray since Monday when she received a skull fracture when the entertainment system at her house fell on her. She has been a Egleston since she was life flighted there. Things are looking good, but we are waiting for the results of the CT Scan this morning to show less blood than yesterday in the brain. Jac and Jody need to bring that baby home!!
Carrie Panter Trotter's graduation party is Saturday evening, and I can't wait to see my whole family. (Havn't seen everyone since Christmas!!)
My dad's birthday is also this weekend!! And I am going to attempt a German Chocolate Cake for the event!! Mema Flossie used to do this, but can't now and dad did his own last year, but I don't think that is right having to bake your own cake for your birthday, so I'll let you know!!
I am going to cook sumpin goooood on Sunday because my wife is the best mother in the world to our children!! I might even make (err. I mean let) the children help me in the kitchen!! LOL.
This past Sunday was 16 weeks since the heart attack. 16 weeks since my last cigarette. Down a few pounds from exercise and eating better!! Good stuff.
C

Junk

I have had such trouble writing on here the last few days!! I am as happy as I can ever remember being. I am as close to God as I can ever remember being. I am as healthy as I was in high school. Blah, blah, blah.....
Then yesterday, I come in contact with an atheist. Bam. Brick wall!! Not taking away my happiness, or making me question, but actually putting a burden on me. I can't describe it any better, sorry. Tough situation.
Anyway, Obama's first 100 days, and my government is growing while faith is shrinking. (I don't blame Obama for that!!) I blame us. Christians. If it is hard for people to tell a Christian from the world, what is the attraction? As a matter of fact, it makes Jesus even more of a "turn off" if we are hypocritical!! NO ONE likes a hypocrit.
Softball tonight for the church. 1st tournament this weekend since the heart attack. Hopefully, dinner with friends this weekend. Family time!! Maybe even a date with my wife thrown in there!!

It don't get much better than this!!

You remember that beer commercial line, "it don't get much better than this"? Well, that was my weekend!! Life is incredibly good right now, and I thank God for it.
Friday night we had the spring fling at Grif's school and then Grif had a late baseball game. They did great, and won, and Grif hit an inside the park homerun!!
Saturday, Grif had an early game that they won again!! Grif hit a solid double over the shortstops head!!
I went by to visit with my grandfather and grandmother for a few minutes after the game. I soooo miss spending time with Granddaddy Austin!! One of my hero's in life. I had a great visit, but had to get to the house to work in the yard!! We worked in my yard and Mr Tom's yard for the rest of the afternoon. Bailey asked if she could help, so I put her on the riding mower and gave her the first of many "driving" lessons!! She did wonderful, except for that moment when I was looking at her realizing just how grown up she is getting!!
Saturday night I helped Wendy with a wedding reception at the church. The place was beautiful and we served a meal fit for a king and queen!! A wonderful evening of service and I hope the bride and groom have a wonderful life memory from it!!
Sunday was phenomenal, incredible, inspiring, whatever other awesome adjective you can come up with!!
Shep was out of town, with a very serious business matter, so Andrea taught our Bible Study!! Oh my goodness!!! She was incredible, and spoke with such authority on the subject of your calling!! Using our study in Nehamiah, she spoke of some tough decisions she and Shep are going through in regards to Caroline. Hearing more of their hearts was touching, but the lesson in and of itself was tough. Not "coming down" off you mission, goal, calling, is NOT an easy task. Listening to someone talk to you, while you are hearing a message from God isn't as easy as you would think either. More on that another day!!
Worship time was incredible!! I told Donna later in the day that I could worship standing between Drew Startup and Andrea Helton if we were singing the A,B,C's!! Their voices are so incredible and I love hearing those harmonies blending together!! WOW!! Then Pastor Randall rocked the sermon!! He spoke to men yesterday and didn't mind "getting after it" a little!! It was a tough message to hear, but a great message to recieve!! I want to be more like the husband he was describing!! I hope Donna can bear with me until I get there!!
We left church and went to Fudrucker's with the Englands and Gochees and then onto the Rome Braves game!! Carey had gotten a suite and it was a blast!! The Braves got beat pretty bad but what an incredible day to be at the ballpark with friends!! Grif got the dipping dots (the holy grail to that 8 year old!!) and Bailey played with the little kids like an amazing big sister type!! She is going to make a great baby sitter and eventually a great mother!!
We got home and played outside for a LONG time!! We threw the softball and baseball around. Took some infield. Then played a boys against girls basketball game!!
An amazing weekend of family time and worship time!!
Thank you God for an incredible family and an incredible church family!!
C

Miss California

Miss California was asked a question about legalizing gay marriage, and gave an honest response that she was taught that marriage was between a man and a woman. She lost the pageant and is now being dragged through the mud. Too funny considering gay supporting liberals are supposedly tollerant?!??! Sure, tollerant until you hold a different opinion from them, then you get called a "dumb bitch" like Miss California!!
Of course if you go to a "tea party" to protest (a fundemental right of Americans) too high of taxes and too high of government spending then, according to Jeanine Garrafelo (sp) you are a racist plain and simple, because you don't want a black man in the white house.
So much for tollerant!!
C

Getting back to work to rest!!

The weekend was such a blast that I had to get back to work on Monday to rest!!
Friday night we "Loved Loud" at the Woodland baseball game which went until well after 10:30!! We thought we would be home around 8:30!! It was a blast though, because I LOVE baseball and because I realized I had a vested interest in their team when I found out Corey Gochee (I may have just jacked that spelling all up!!) is the head coach of Woodlands baseball team!! He has a talented group of YOUNG players and I can't wait until next year when I go watch them more!!
Saturday Grif had a baseball game. They won and he hit extremely well!! Fun fun. I cooked a good bit on Saturday for a Sunday School Party and it was a BLAST!!!! Craig had fun!! LOL. And of course now, I can name everyone in my S.S. class!!
Craig & Donna Guyton, Shep & Andrea Helton, Jaquelyn & Jody Ray, Corey & Leigh Anne Gochee, Derrick & Deanna Gordy, Scott & Amy Barkley, Jason & Brandi Parker, Billy & Lori Mitchell, Jennifer Collier- Madon, Stephanie Munch, Mande & Jon England, Beth & Micheal Gill, David & I'm sorry I forgot Siejo, Tony & My bad again Martin, Chris & ....Well I thought I could do it!! My bad Andrea, but that is not TOO bad!! I impressed myself.
Sunday was a phenomenal day of worship. Bible study was outstanding to most of the people in the room. lol. Worship was great with a guest speaker who was extremely funny!! We then had a neighborhood fish fry that lasted until about 3pm. The food and fellowship was amazing!! The hushpuppies were the best I had ever eaten!! Then I got home and started dinner. The Lovetts and Hodorffs came over and we had another great evening of conversation and dining!!
Very busy, but very fun weekend!!
I thank my God for great friends to fellowship with, to study the bible with and to worship with!!
C

Blessed

I am looking forward to the next few days!! Tonight I will be playing in my first softball game of the year!! A little nervous and excited!! Hoping my heart doesn't get out of control!! Tomorrow night our family will be handling the concessions for Woodland High Baseball, so that parents can watch their kids play instead of having to work the stand!! Saturday, Grif has a game and our Sunday School class has an evening get together!! I'm excited about cooking a FEW new things for that party!! Sunday morning we will be continuing our study of Nehamiah. (I LOVE old testement studies!!) Sunday at lunch we have a neighborhood fish fry and Sunday at dinner we are getting together with some friends!!
Full and Fun!!
I like days that are planned to the hilt!!

I cannot tell you how much I am thanking God right now!! I feel extremely blessed!!

Get back to it...

There is not much better than vacation!! I LOVE the beach!! I am beginning to think that I could live there.
We had an amazing trip. The weather wasn't great, but the time together with family and friends was phenomenal!! I told Bailey and Griffin last night that I can't remember a better spring break in all my life.
We got home late Saturday and got up to a GORGEOUS day for Easter Sunday!! Almost every Easter Sunday morning, when I step out of my house I hear my Aunt Gayla singing, "Was it a morning like this? When Peter walked out from Jerusalem? To see the Lord, he thought was dead? Did the grass sing? Did the Earth rejoice to feel you again? Over and over like a trumpet underground, did the Earth seem to pound He is RISEN? Over and over in a never ending round, He is RISEN, Hallelujah!!"
Yesterday was no exception!! I wonder if that was how bright the Sun was THAT morning. Wow, what a thought!!
Church was incredible, as was the whole day!!
Don't you just LOVE the spring?
C

He's ALIVE

Happy Easter ALL.

Beach Times

We left on Friday after I got off of work and drove down to Dothan, before stopping to spend the night. We got up earlier than we wanted on Saturday morning, thanks to an 8 year old's excitment!! I won't mention any names (Griffin), so you won't know who I am writing about (grif). But this particular person (Griffin) was "so excited" to get down to the beach that he was "about to die!!" (Griffin).
Anyway, Saturday morning we drove the rest of the way into Destin and got to Silver Shells by 10:30 local time. We changed into our bathing suits and were spending time in the sun before noon!! Sunday was incredible!! Perfect beach day, and we were in the sand all day!! Wonderful!! I have made red beans and rice one night, Jon cooked steaks and baked potatos one night and we had burgers and dogs on the grill tonight!! So far it has been a phenomenal trip!!
Today was cold and tomorrow is supposed to be as well, but still gorgeous and a much needed recharge!! I have also kept up with cardio time, worked out Saturday and Sunday!!
I have even been catching up on my devotion time as well!! I don't know why I feel closer to God at the beach?!?! Maybe, just the vastness of the ocean he created!! Maybe it is thinking about the song by Nicole:
Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
Who told the ocean you can only come this far? And to be standing at the exact spot that is this far?!?!? is just incredible to me. Now, as with most devotions, they have been challenging!! One in particular, but that will be another post!!
Anyway, I am loving this vacation!! It is definately much needed!!

Spring Break

Woohoo!! It are hear. The scool brake that let evryone unwinde and quit thunkin fer a few dayz!!
Pretty rough winter around my house, but hopefully things are turning a corner, and this trip will be a great time to unwind and relax!!
I had a rough afternoon, and it was over the dumbest things!! But then after a few minutes of talking to Brent Lovett in the evening, I felt alot better. He didn't even say anything or give advise, so I guess it was just the theraputic part of confessing outloud!! Anyway, I've been doing better, but obviously still have a way to go with this wonderful new temper thing!!
I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful spring break!!

Good Eats, and Good Work outs

I don't know how many of you watch Alton Brown's show, Good Eats, but he could film it from my house right now!! I am learning all I can right now about cooking. I have been called obsessed. LOL. I have always loved cooking, but right now I can't get enough of trying to make healthy meals that taste good. Also making things that aren't healthy and give them to other people!! LOL.
Last night I made cheese straws for the first time!! they turned out good!! Tonight, I am planning on making another batch of cheese straws and a pound cake!! If time, chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter cookies!! Our vacation is going to have good food!! MMMMMMMM.....

Working out is going great!! I am getting stronger daily with cardio!! I am still doing the same amount of time, but I am uping the speed and intensity!! I bought a heart monitor yesterday to be able to keep constant reading as I am working out, so I don't over do it!!

Bailey and Griffin have had their first couple of ball practices!! I havn't gotten to Grif's yet, but Bailey is kicking butt and takin names!! They have her at 2nd base right now, and she is looking very good!! I can't wait to see her playing.

Donna is having a tough year!! Not only did her dumb husband scare the blahblah out of her!! LOL. But, her class is getting ready to take the CRCT test, so it is a nerve racking time of year!! I can't wait till we are on the beach next week, and away from the "worries" of "normal" life!!
I thank God for this incredible woman he made just for me!!

Wet weekend

We had a great weekend (INDOORS!!). We played some games (Battleship was on Grif's mind), did some cooking, etc.....
We went to CiCi's on Sat with our Sunday School class and invited the children from the homeless shelter to come, our treat. It was sad, that kids have to deal with what these kids have/ and will have to deal with. We will be doing this again. I LOVE being part of a bible study class that acts the bible and not just studies!! I hope we do A LOT more like this soon!!
Sunday bible study and worship were wonderful!! The pastor is preaching on relationships right now, and I am learning something every week!! I want to be a better husband for the greatest wife in the world!!
This is the last week before spring break!! By Saturday I will be at the beach!! WooHoo!!

Cooking: I tried to make eclairs for the first time ever. Success!! Way good. Had to take the rest to Bible Study class, because I did NOT need them in my house!! Next on the agenda is petites fours and glazed cookies like a Agan's Bakery!! I can't wait. The recipe for both looks a little difficult, but fun!!

I have decided I am going to do another triathlon. Frank Bennett was talking about doing one, and I asked to join him. We are looking for the right distance on the right weekend this summer. I think I will be in better shape than the one I did in 2002 at Callaway Gardens! I'll keep you updated.

C

Today is a PERFECT example.....

Would you like a look into my brain?? Today will give you a perfect example!!

When things are going on in my life, I think about other people. Almost, I guess, as a way to keep the real high moments in perspective and the real low moments from overtaking me?!?! I don't know, it is just what I do. Example is when I was in the hospital with my heart attack, I would often think of a parent out there in the world, watching their child take a first step. Or a person who unlocked the front door on their new home at that very moment I was laying in a hospital bed. Anyway, you get the point.
The existentialism of it all, if you will.
My God holding two opposites in his hand at the exact moment!!
Today, holds another example...

A few moments ago, the family of Boyd Lowery, laid him at his final resting place. Boyd is a man I have known, loved and respected ALL my life. I can't remember not knowing him. I grew up at Atco Baptist Church. He was a deacon. His children, Elizabeth, Billy, and Kenny, were older than me. I can see his smile in my mind as I type. He was a man that showed me another example of how to be a Godly man, a good father, and a great husband. I will miss Boyd, and I will be praying for Shirley!! She is an awesome Godly woman. I am sure she is having a tough day. But at the same exact moment, my sister Janet is in the hospital about to give birth to her first child.

I will soon be an uncle. But, this is just another example of how GREAT our God is!! God is currently holding the Lowery family close. God is pouring grace on them in their grief. At the EXACT same time my God is holding my sister close in what will be one of the absolute GREATEST days of her life!!

Two families that both love the same God. It is just amazing!! God is just amazing. You may read this and think, Craig is off his rocker, but that is the way my mind works!!
C

I feel good.

I have appreciated all of my friends and family constantly asking how I feel, so I thought I'd give a quick update.
No smoking since Jan 11th.
Cholesterol down to 129, LDL - 59, HDL - 40
Mood swings have gotten better
Cardio workouts 40 minutes per day 5 days per week
No doctor appointments until August!!
Weight down around 210.
I feel great!!

Wow - what a weekend!!

I had a phenomenal weekend!! It was great. It was amazing.
Friday I got home, and Donna had already taken the kids to my mom's!! We went out on a date night. Hearth & Harvest!! mmmmm. The food was incredible but the company and conversation was indescribable!! What a woman.

Saturday Donna took Grif to baseball practice while I dusted off and charged the battery on the lawnmower!! I worked in the yard for about 6 hours (of course there is another 100 hours that could be spent out there!!). We played in the yard with Grif and Bailey for a long time!! It was a blast of a day. Then I cooked dinner. Pork chops, field peas, corn. mmmmmm.

Sunday was a blast at church. Praise team practice/soundcheck was smooth. Bible study was incredible!! We were supposed to be studying Nehemiah, but God spoke to Shep this week and he shared that with us, and at the same time, God moved Shep out of the way and spoke to all of us. It was a wonderful time with the people Donna and I are getting to know. I can tell you that I don't know what God is planning for Shep and Andrea, but just as outside looking in, something is going on!! Something BIG is going to happen, soon.
Shep spoke at length on serving two masters, God and Money. The fact is, that cannot be done. A lot of people are struggling right now. Shep was testifying as to how God shined a light on his lack of joy or happiness as compared to a different time, with the only difference being less money.
Funny that a friend of mine had gone to Mt Paran yesterday and Dr Cooper had preached on the very same topic and was relating the loss of money with the story of Gideon.
No, you have too many soldiers, that won't show my glory.
No, you have too much material wealth, that won't show my glory.
I don't know what I am saying, but God is saying something to us/me on this subject!! More later.
Worship was incredible!! Doug preached, filling in for our Pastor. Doug is wonderful at preaching with humor. He is gifted from God in getting a point across!!
I had decided I was doing something special for dinner!! So I got recipe books out and made a decision. (Kudos to the Mayo clinic online!! Great source for healthy recipes!!)
Anyway...
Balsamic glazed Salmon over a garlic mash. Roasted vegetables with a crescent roll.
It presented as a gorgeous and colorful plate!!
Then for desert, I invited a couple of neighbors over, so I wouldn't have too much left over!! (Not good for me AT ALL!!) I did a Barefoot Contessa, sticky bun recipe with a scoop of ice cream!! Oh my goodness.

This morning was tough getting out of bed, but I had cardiac rehab, and with a great workout, it was going to be my last class!! Everything was perfect!! 4.5 MPH at a 2.5 degree incline for 20 minutes and my heart rate never got over 125!! WooHoo, I is a graduate of cardiac rehab!! Yeahhhhhhhh. Of course, I still have to do it on my own, but it is better than paying someone else, and having to drive down to Northside Hospital!!

What a weekend, Oh and a BIG thank you to Andrea for "dragging" my wife into choir!! It was even more amazing to worship with my baby up there worshipping too!!

C

It's gonna be a good day, tater!!

My day started off a few minutes late!! I couldn't roll out of bed. I almost blew off working out, but I made myself get up, get ready and go!! It turns out, it was the best workout of the week!! Funny, considering leaving the house, I would have sworn I was heading for a bad workout!! Turns out that I didn't know THE plan, huh? Isn't it funny how that happens to all of us. And how often. It was perfect. My workout was beyond good. My energy got up in a hurry, my legs took it well, and my heart rate got to a "perfect" level!! Sweet!! I asked God for help on the drive to the gym. He was there the whole workout. He is ALWAYS there. Sometimes I just CHOOSE to forget that fact!!
While I was taking a shower, I was just smiling. It was a cool feeling, that my thoughts of what was to be a bad thing was turn completely around, FOR ME. All for me. I don't know why he loves me, I'm unworthy of His love and favor, but I am amazed, in awe, and this morning, smiling with a knowledge of grace.
Have a great weekend all!!
C

Doctor's Appointment

Went to the doctor this morning for him to get a general "how are things going" visit. He seemed very pleased, as I went over everything that has happened since my last visit in January. I have lost a couple of pounds since the heart attack. I havn't smoked. I've taken all my meds. Eating "better". Eating less. 45 minutes of cardio 4 days a week. Blah, blah, blah....
He was smiling pretty good, and this doctor doesn't smile, so he was happy.
Then, I got some questions off my chest that I have been wanting to know the answers to, but have been a little afraid to ask. That didn't go very well. But, such is life..
We determined, through a little back and forth questioning, that some of the mood swings I am experiencing is related to a minor case of depression. Whatever...
I can monitor and see how I progress... or
I can add another pill to my list of daily meds... or
I can go talk to someone...

I told him for now I have to go with option A. The other two don't even sound remotely appealing!!

Anyway, the Doctor is very happy with my progress, so there is an update for anyone interested.

Addicted

Well in my life, there have been a lot of addictions!! Truth be told, I probably have an addictive personality.
But these new addictions, I think are going to work out good!! I have become addicted to working out. I would have never thought I was capable of enjoying that, but so far, I am LOVING the gym. Which I believe leads to my next "addiction", eating better. I am beginning to think that just from a psychological aspect, if you are taking the time to work out, you will be less inclided to eat bad junk that will basically null the effort you spent at the gym.
No more smoking addiction, eating too much, now to be replaced with a healthier lifestyle.

Update on one of my goals, which is my temper.....
Yesterday, driving home, I got sooooo angry, at people driving the same speed next to each other on 75, so noone could get around them!! I don't really understand this "new" temper thing, but I breathed through the anxiety, and I didn't shoot anyone, so I thought that was good. LOL.

Work is busy, and I thank God for that!! I also thank God for good days, and am VERY appreciative of days that don't involve a mood swing large enough to make me think I'm nuts!!

Anyway, thank you for letting me vent on here when I need to and in person when I need to!!
Happy St. Patrick's Day, (although that isn't exactly something I've ever celebrated!! Even back in my drinking days!! Who could possibly like green beer?)
C

Publish this time?

This isn't the first blog I've written today, but it is the first that I will post.
We are going through another rough time. I don't like some of the "newness" of my life. I've been a jerk to my wife, a child throwing a temper tantrum to my God, and just generally not a fun person right now!! But, this too shall pass, and I'll walk through the exit better for it.
Being molded is painful. Introspection isn't much fun either.
I can't wait for Sunday. We missed church last week due to the wedding, and just am in need of worship with my family.
C

Morons??

I am smiling this morning!! Too funny really. My 45 minute drive took an hour and a half!! But, I didn't call even one of the culprits a name!! But the treadmill did get a little extra stomping this morning!! LOL.
I really like the LA Fitness next to my office. It is less than 6 months old and it is an amazingly clean club. Maybe it is the area of Marietta where it is located, but the patrons keep it really clean!! I see probably 9 out of 10 people wiping off every piece of equipment AFTER they use it!! Pretty cool.
Anyway, 25 minutes on the treadmill, 15 minutes on the bike heartrate for the 40 minutes total stayed around 100. My therapist will be so happy. Ha.
Bailey had final exams on Monday and Tuesday, and did VERY well!! She is such a smart young lady!! She is growing up wayyyy too fast!!
Work is very busy and that is a blessing, so off I go to get back to it!!
C

What God has joined together let no man put asunder!

We had a great weekend of celebration with Donna's side of the family!! How great it is when God brings two people together, that just seem made for each other. John and Sarah's wedding was wonderful. Everything about it was beautiful. We took our time getting there on Friday and arrived in Cullman, AL around 2 local time. We checked into the hotel and ran out to get Griffin some new navy slacks, he went off and outgrew the old ones!! (Isn't that just like a kid??) We then went to "downtown" Cullman. Now, if you have never been to Cullman, AL let me set the scene for you!! Imagine downtown Cartersville square that has been restored with all the new shops and such and then multiply that by 4 or 5 streets. 1st Ave, 2nd Ave, 3rd Ave and so on all with beautifully restored buildings with quaint little shops, deli/coffee, jewelry and so forth. We went downtown to see Sarah's mother shop. She owns a very cute place called "Monograms". It might be on the internet if you care to google it, anyway it is similar to Rush Home, but more items that can be monogrammed, obviously!! LOL. Also a big selection of the "Wedgewick" candle and smelling good items!! A large selection of sometype of charm bracelets that Bailey likes? Sorry, forgot the name. And then a large notecard area with cute return address stamps and all like you would find at "Write on Main". A lot of ladies I know could spend HOURS in there, thats why I took so long with the description!!
Anyway, the rehearsal dinner later on Friday was wonderful food, funny stories, and a few tears by some people (no names mentioned). Desert might have been a piece of pecan pie, but I can't remember because I'm not allowed to like desert anymore!!
The brunch Saturday morning for us "out-o-towners" was delicious!! (Have you ever heard of a french toast casserole, mmmmmmm, well it would be mmmmmm, if I liked that sort of thing!! LOL) The wedding went off perfect. A gorgeous OLD, OLD, Methodist Church downtown, with I don't know how many thousands of dollars of woodwork!! Amazingly beautiful as was the bride and groom. The reception was wonderful with dancing, great food, and bad, bad cake (wink). The groom's cake was yellow layers chocolate icing!! The bride's cake had one layer white on white then another layer of white on chocolate then another.... nevermind, I don't really remember either cake!!
Sunday coming back we took our time and didn't get home until almost, 4!! We missed being at church!!
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Rehab went well Monday and I am on my own for the rest of the week's workouts. I was at L.A. Fitness by the office this morning with all the early birds. It's hard with my "manly ego" to get on a treadmill and walk the correct speed to get my heartrate to the correct level, when everyone around you is running and such. But, I MUST take it slow, and listen to the guy that went to school to learn about my heart!! I have set some goals for myself for the rest of the year. Before basketball season last year I had gotten up around 230!! WOW. During basketball and softball seasons last year I had lost about 10 pounds, which is about where I was when I had the heart attack, 220.
So, with that in mind,
Goals:
1. Be able to run 3 miles in 30 minutes, with my heartrate not getting above 110. (that's gonna be tough, but most goals are, I guess)
2. 190 pounds. Not for dieting purposes or vain purposes, but because it WILL be a healthier wieght for my heart. (Might adjust this even lower, if it goes well)
3. Influence 1 person to stop smoking. (I don't know who yet)
4. Be open ALWAYS for God to use me.
5. Play a HIGH level of softball!!
6. Hold my temper. (One of the changes in me that is not cool at all, either from the medication or the psychological side effects, has been a VERY short fuse!! I don't like this, because I am constantly calling other drivers, morons or idiots (and they maybe, but it isn't my place to judge that!!). I also hurt Donna by snapping at her, or the well timed sigh. It is just stupid and it is not who I am as a person and definately not as a husband and a father!! I would rather hurt myself than cause emotional pain to my wife or children. So, I will be watching my new temper!!)
7. Become closer to God. ( I am going through a daily devotional, which is something I have never done, in an attempt to be in The Word more, if not constantly!!)

That is all I have time for today. Oh wait goal 8. update my blog more frequently, so I don't have to write a book everytime I get on here!! Haha.
Sorry for being so verbose.
C

Monday it is

I must say that there was some disappointment at the house yesterday afternoon and this morning that the weather didn't get bad enough for a snow day!! The kids were not happy either!! Too bad!! Another near miss....
We had a great day yesterday!! Don't you just love Sundays? God has built something deep inside of us that Sunday is his day and therefore the best day of the week!! Don't believe me? Look around at your friends that don't go to church. They try to get all their "honey-do" list finished on Saturday so that Sunday they can play. Even non-church going people love Sunday. Whether it be sleeping late, or watching sports, or doing something special with their children. Sunday's are just awesome!! If you are part of a church family, it is even more amazing!! This Sunday I was in desperate need of a recharging!! To worship with my family. To hear from God through a friend's voice. To sing. To listen. I WANTED to be with my church family!!
In Bible study, we started the day with a pop quiz!! Anyone with a failing grade had to take their paper home to be signed by their children. Joking!!!! Shep wanted to get information from the class as to where we are in our walk, so he could know which direction we need to go as a class. It will be interesting to see what direction God sends our class through him. Anyway, during the pop quiz, I made a joke that "this quiz wasn't fun anymore" because the questions were convicting and a tough introspection!! That got Shep going on "the joy of the Lord is my strength", because he and Andrea had a tough week. (Which I could relate to!!) Their words were tough to hear that they felt the joy of the Lord was a million miles away. We had some very good discussion on the subject of joy, how it relates to happiness, and so on...
The just moments later, in worship, one of the first songs we sang was: I stand and lift up my hands, for the joy of the Lord is my strength!!
Too funny!! Ok God, you have this hard headed stubborn boy's attention! Speak away!! It was an INCREDIBLE worship service!!
After lunch, my grandfather calls to check on me. I havn't been to see him in a month and need to get by there!! But we talked for a few minutes, and he was asking about my tests and I told him everything. He gives me that calm, reassuring voice (that only he can do) and says, well you need to be concerned, but don't worry. Too funny!! Be concerned to action, and taking care of myself physically, but don't worry!! I'm telling you that God took every opportunity to tell me yesterday that He is in control.
I need to let go.
Thank you God for an awesome day of "recharging" and for speaking to me clearly enough to get through my thick head!!
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I love to cook. It is one of my joys. I love everything about it. I love the planning, the preparation, the actual cooking, the presentation, and the serving!! I like the look on my family's faces when they are sitting at our table and eating something that could be served at a fine restaurant!! (I probably missed my calling in not being a chef!!) Yesterday afternoon I broke out the cookbooks!! (That makes Donna nervous!! I love it!!)
I used a couple of Emeril's recipes yesterday!!
Pecan crusted chicken
Augratin Potatos
Steamed broccoli
Home grown purple hull peas
Home made biscuits

As all of that was cooking, I was also working on dessert!! I made a pound cake. mmmmm!!
But I wanted to do something special, so I found from Emeril an easy, easy, easy recipe that I thought to the eater would look diffucult!! I made pralines!! mmmmm. When Donna walked into the kitchen and saw those, you would have thought I handed her a million dollars!! She freaked out. Hugging and kissing and interupting my cooking!! LOL. She must like pralines!! Anyway, for desert I had put some plates in the freezer for an hour or two, and served a small slice of pound cake, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a praline standing up in the ice cream. Oh my!! My baby loved it, which of course made the entire effort worth every minute!!

What an incredible day!!

Breathe

I'm looking forward to this weekend!!
I don't think we have any plans!! Two weekends in a row like that!! I might just get spoiled.
I am just in need of stopping and breathing.
Mr Miagi (sp) told Daniel in Karate Kid that when everything is going wrong, or you feel out of control you have to return to main function of life. Breathe. In through the nose, out through the mouth!! wax on wax off ...nevermind, I got carried away. LOL
Anyway, yesterday and today have been very tough days!! I am longing for a good day.
Yesterday, I was mad at the world and today isn't any better!! So today, I have been trying to breathe. I don't know if I ever took a breath yesterday!!
Sorry, I'll finish another day...

Random

As I sit at the office drinking my 2nd cup of coffee (mmmmm), my mind is wandering to nothing in particular. That is happening a lot lately. Nice break from constantly being worried about college funds, retirement funds, future stuff. I've been focusing a lot more on the present lately. The here and now. I havn't talked a great deal about my follow up appointment last week, so I guess this is as good a time as any to get thoughts off my chest.
There is permanent damage to my heart, which obviously I was hoping against!! There is a very good chance that I will get to experience another heart attack again at some point in my life, even if I continue eating healthier, losing weight, not smoking, blah blah blah. Anyway, not the kind of news I was hoping for when at that visit, but the kind of news I got. Needless to say, Thursday and Friday weren't great days!! I was feeling sorry for myself and all that entails. Mad, ticked, sad, upset...etc.
Anyway, since none of us knows the time designated for our final breath here, I guess now I'm just like the rest of you mortals; one day I will die. I guess that I was not aware of this before that Dr appointment!! Crazy huh?
I can start walking and such. I will also be going to cardiac rehab (whatever that means). And hopefully in a month or so, I might be able to play a little softball. We will have to see.
Thank you for all your prayers during this time. I do continue to ask for them for a while longer!!
C

What? R U Kidding?

Political Post Warning!!
If you don't want to be informed of the way politics works or if you don't want my opinion....
Leave Now.
Otherwise...enjoy:

Obama says his proposal for the 2010 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 projects that the estimated $1.3 trillion deficit he has inherited from former President Bush will be halved to $533 billion by 2013. That's a difference of 9.2 percent of the overall economy now vs. 3 percent in four years.

Is he kidding? Does he think we are morons? What?
First of all, lets make sure there is plenty of blame to go around (since he placed blame before he makes his "promise" of reduction).
As of Sept 30th 2008, the federal government had run deficit of $450 billion dollars for that fiscal year. The bank bailout bill, which was supported by A LOT more democrats than Republicans and one of the Yes votes was by none other than Senator Obama himself added the extra $800 or some odd billion (Of which Bush only spent half - he left the other half for the Obama administration to spend!! (have you heard what we spent that on?? or was there no "transparancy"?)) to the deficit to which the President is referring. In Sept the congressional budget office was projecting that the next fiscal year deficit would be around $460 to $470 billion dollars. But now, our President vows to us that HE will "reduce" the yearly deficit to $40 billion more than that, but it will take until the end of his first term in 2013? Maybe I should have taken some college accounting classes, because I think I would be fired if I vowed to do that in my next management meeting!! So, basically, just for your info, the President is saying, the National Debt is going to increase approx. 6 trillion dollars over the course of his first term, but it is President Bush's fault? Already campaigning for 2013? Anyway, under President Bush the National debt increased $5 Trillion dollars (8 years/ 2 terms)and liberals called him the worst President in history. If it increases another $6 Trillion under Obama in 4 years/1 term what does that make him?

You have to love politics!! Problem is, not many people currently see that our government is bankrupt. We owe currently over 10 Trillion dollars to foreign countries!!

Weekend of rest

No plans. How good does that sound leaving work on Friday afternoon and knowing you have nothing planned for the weekend?? Sounds boring except for that rare weekend when it is perfect and this weekend was perfect!!
Saturday we spent at the house and were flipping channels when we saw the first part of Gone with The Wind on some station. 12 hours later it was over. (Joking) But it is a LONG movie. Then Donna and I got in the kitchen together, something we don't do a lot, but are starting to and I LOVE it!!
Sunday we got to go to church!! Bible Study was incredible, as always!! and worship was amazing!! Andrea Helton and Drew Startup, both sang solos and were both INCREDIBLE!!! Pastor taught on prayer, which is an area of my life that has been improving, but needs more improving!! It was a great time of worship with my church family, and my God!!
Sunday afternoon gave way to a nice Sunday nap!! Which then led to Donna and I back in the kitchen!! WONDERFUL!!! I would tell you the menu for both days, but don't want to make you jealous!! LOL.
I know a lot of my friends have been dealing with sickness, either themselves or children, so I pray for rest and healing for those going through this crud that is hitting us right now!!

Hey self, listen to me!

Ever witnessed to yourself? I would have said no, right up until yesterday!! I did not have a good report from the doctor. Donna went with me and we both left a little upset. When she dropped me off at work, I read my previous blog entry, and it witnessed to me. That may sound strange, but fact it is.
It has got to be frustrating for God, in his perfection, looking down on us, his children, and seeing us happy in him one minute, then calling out to him in despair in the next. Praising him one day and crying to him the next. Asking him for challenges one day, and praying he "takes the cup away" the next day.
Forgive me my God when I embarrass you with my lack of faith. I am weak and you are strong.

Can your iron swim??

Doug turned me on to a devotion book called "Morning and Evening" by Charles Spurgeon. I started it at the beginning of this month, but am trying to "catch up" since it is a year long by dates. So I am doing a couple a night until I "catch up". So far it has been amazing. I will be perfectly honest and tell you that I have NEVER had a regular devotion time with God until this year. Pretty sad, to be honest, but as with all things in God, totally rectifyable (if that is a word!).
Anyway last night, was an incredible time and two of the devotion completely struck me as stuff that I am going through (and some others). I wanted to share them:
1st - 2 Kings 6:5-6 NIV - But as one of them was cutting a tree, his ax head fell into the river. Oh sir, he cried. It was a borrowed ax. Where did it fall asked Elisha. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface.
Iron can't float. Period. Right?
Can our God still perform miracles? Can our God still fix broken things? Can our God still calm the sea? Can a piece of iron STILL float???

I BELIEVE IT!!

What about you?

You hear of a marriage heading for divorse, when God changes things and the iron floats...

You hear of an alcoholic or drug addict that can't get away and God changes things and the iron floats...

What about someone that you have prayed for, with no results, then God changes things, and the iron floats.

What is your iron?

Do you BELIEVE it can float?

If Elisha threw a stick in the Jordan and cause iron to float, and if Jesus called inside the tomb and told Lazarus to come out, WHAT CAN'T GOD DO?

He can't get us through a tough economy? Please.

He can't heal? Please, he woke the dead!

He can't save the person you are praying for? Please, he saved a thief while he was dying on the Cross!!

He can't take away an addiction? Please, come ask, I'll prove him on that!!

Joke: A bar opens up near a church. The church members start to pray that God would cast away this evil near their campus. A few months later the bar has to close due to lack of business. The bar owner sues the church claiming God had caused his business to die. The church claimed that was absurd and the judge should award nothing to the bar owner. The judge spoke saying, let me get this straight, I have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer but an entire church congregation that doesn't?

I BELIEVE!!

2nd - 2 Samuel 7:25 NIV And now, O Lord God, I am your servant; do as you have promised concerning me and my family. Confirm it as a promise that will last forever.

What has God promised you?

According to Mr. Spurgeon in Morn & Even God delights in us reminding Him of His promises. Of course, not that he forgets, but more over that we show ourselves desparate for Him. His presence, His healing, His help, His grace, His mercy. God doesn't get tired of us coming to Him!! Precisely the opposite, He delights in it!!

I needed to hear that, and I hope someone out there in "readerville" did too!!

I don't like that my children are growing up!!

Yesterday:
Donna takes Grif into our bank. He sits down in a chair, crosses his legs, and like a business man, tells the teller that he would like to withdraw $110 from his account. She asks him all the pertanant info to pull up his account and he gives her all the proper answers. She hands him his $110.00 and they thank her and leave.
Then he has Donna drive him to GameStop, where he hands the associate the $110.00 to purchase Guitar Hero for our Wii.
My boy is growing up toooooo fast!!
On a side note, it would appear after one night of playing it that Guitar Hero is "da bomb"!! LOL

Thank you God for the gift of Griffin and Bailey!!

Dr Appointment

My "biggest" follow up appointment so far was today. I had an echocardiogram and a stress test. The stress test went well. It was good to feel active again, after a month of no running, etc... I made it to level 5 of the test, which was 5miles per hour at a 12 or 14 (I can't remember) degree incline. That got my heart rate upto 175 beats per minute. It felt incredible to have a little sweat rolling down my cheeks!! I know that probably sounds dumb, but IT FELT AWESOME to move again.
Anyway, I will get the results back a week from today, and hopefully the echo will show no permanent damage and that the area of my heart where the attack occured has strengthened back up!! And hopefully the Dr will see that at 175 beats per minute, my heart can take a little physical activity!! I'm not asking him to let me run a marathon tomorrow, but it sure would be nice to jog a mile or two a day to get everything started rehabing..... But he went to school to be a cardiologist and I didn't so I will listen to him. (I put that sentence in for my baby!!).
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Doug called me the other day and told me "Phillipians"!!! That's all, just Phillipians. He said he was doing an "obedience" thing and doing what God told him to do!! I was FLOORED!! I love it when God lays something on my heart, that I share with someone and it blesses them!! BUT it doesn't happen to me too often!! So, when Doug told me that, I wanted to see what God was saying!!
Well, If you have studied Phillipians, you know that it is a letter from Paul to the church at Phillipi. Paul wrote it in prison, in chains, STILL praising God and encouraging others while in a personal torment (I would imagine being in prison, like he was is torment!!) Anyway the entire letter is amazing encouragement to the church at Phillipi and to ME (even in 2009, don't try to tell me the Bible is a historical piece of literature not relevant to today's time!!; but I digress...). Paul starts with a prayer that is very special to me, because I prayed using Paul's words at my grandfathers funeral in 2000!! Talk about an attention getter. (I had forgotten that the prayer was in Phillipians!!)
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you. In every prayer with joy I feel for you. I thank my God for your fellowship in the Gospel, from the very first day til now, I thank my God for you. And I am sure that he who began this good work in you will bring it to completion at the day Christ.
Amazing!!! Thank you Doug!! The entire chapter was INCREDIBLE to me!! It encouraged me, convicted me, and spoke to me!! God had something to say, and I listened!! I LOVE that! Thank you Doug!!
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The "stimulus" plan congress is getting ready to pass and the President is getting ready to sign is CRAP!! Take it to the bank that we will experience double digit inflation in Obama first term!! I say first term, because I think we may just be at a place in our country where "we" will elect him again!! Anyway, it is CRAP. That's all I have to say about that!!

Craig

Doctors, work, life

The doctors told me that I would experience some forms of depression. The whole "why me" syndrome, I guess. Depression is a funny thing. One minute I seem and feel fine, the next I am in a funk. I don't know how much to attribute to medication, or how much to attribute it to post heart attack normalcies. I don't know. The amount of things I don't know is overwhelming. Anyway, I feel stupid. Crying at the drop of a hat, wanting to be alone (more than normal), angry for no reason (at anyone and everyone). I don't like this point in my life very much. Very strange for me!!
I have been praying more regularly than I ever have. Which is a good thing, but last night I was realizing that something was wrong. As I pray, I get interupted every 2 minutes with random stupid thoughts. When I am thanking and praising God for something, everything seems to be good, but at the first request for strength, or wisdom, or job security, or healing (not just selfish requests, but even requests for friends or family or strangers) it is like whoops the party at the other end of the line hung up. I don't know if this makes any sense whatsoever!?!?! It doesn't much to me. I feel heavy. There is so much I want to ask God for, strength especially, that I feel like I can't right now. Frustrating is not the work. It doesn't even come close. Anyway, last night I was praying and the same thing was going on, and I couldn't stand it. I was mad, upset, mad, sad, mad, afraid, and did I mention mad? I did something that I havn't done in along time. I allowed myself to doubt if God even exists.
Why aren't you answering?
Why are you leaving me alone to deal with this $($%#&*(??
What am I doing wrong?
Are you even there?
I feel more than ashamed to congess all of this, and I will not continue, because I got down right beligerant. I was a kid throwing a tantrum. Well, worse.
The culmination didn't stop time, or cause the world to end, but it stopped ME in my tracks:
The last question I asked was:
Why aren't you listening??
In an instant I realized I pray just fine, but I listen like a little kid being told to go to bed. I am not even close to being an adult christian. That is sobering to say!! Our pastor wants us to cultivate a relationship with "one", invite that "one", share with that "one", pray for that "one", and hopefully eventually offer that share God's plan of salvation with that "one". BUT can you explain how someone is supposed to share the bread of life with someone, when God is still having to puree mine and feed me like a baby?
So, for the next little while He told me to just pray praise and thanksgiving. No requests? NO. No asking for.. NO. What about..NO. Just be thankful. So, until told otherwise, that is what I am going to do.
To be totally truthful, that scares me. There are A LOT of things I WANT to be praying for.
Upcoming Stress Test
Upcoming Echocardiogram
Doctors wisdom and decisions
Depression
My family
Job Security
Caroline's healing (which I have been praying daily for since summer.)
Jay's health
The life and future of our church
Smoking (3weeks and 3 days!!)
So.... for now.... THANKS AND PRAISE ONLY. I will be still and KNOW that He is God.

Many things to cover!!!

Well, if you know me, you already know that on January 11th I suffered a heart attack. Around 9:30 or so that Sunday evening (an hour or so after 2 hours worth of full court basketball!!) I began to hurt in the center of my chest and a vice-like pressure over my whole chest. I'm 37, so a lot of stuff entered my mind (indegestion, bronchitis, etc.) but not a heart attack!! After 30 or 45 minutes of not being able to get comfortable, I finally accepted the notion that I could be having a heart attack. Well, of course that scared me even worse than the mounting pressure and pain, which continued to worsen!! I began to cry and apologize to Donna as we waited on the paramedics.
I don't mind telling you that I was more than "freaked" out!! On the LONG ride (that is another story) to the ER in Cville, I began to think about is this my last day here? Is it possible I could die? I'm not trying to be overly dramatic, but these were the thoughts going through my mind, during the "event". At the ER, they confirmed that I was indeed having a heart attack. This news sent my mind out of control!! I gathered myself, as best I could, and I prayed.
I confessed to God that I was scared to leave Donna, Bailey, and Grif, but if he was coming to get me tonight, I am ready. I asked him to bless my babies, and take care of them. Doug came in after that and he prayed with/ for me. I was at peace, finally. Just in time for the doctor to put morphiene (SP?) in my I.V. and then all was right with the world!! haha. I'm not going to lie, that is a GOOD drug!!
The heart cath was over around 1am, and 2 stints were put in my right coronary artery to clear a 100% blockage. The recovery has been slower than I would like, but faster than most patients (considering most of these surgeries are performed on patients 50 and older!!).
My church family has sent cards, brought food, prayed, and visited!! They have been awesome!!
Our prayer now is for stopping smoking. Two weeks as of last night and so far it hasn't been diffucult!! Thank you God.
Travis Cottrell did a live recording at Woodstock first Baptist last night that we would have loved to go to, but none of our friends could make it, and I was a little afraid to get in that large of a crowd with just Donna and I. I have heard it was incredible, and I can't wait to worship with him again.
I have a lot of follow-up doctor visits. I have 5 medications that I am currently taking, stop smoking, and in another week or so, start walking etc etc... It has been and will continue to be a new lifestyle for me/us, but worth it in the long run!!
Thank you for your prayers and I still covet your prayers!!

Smooth Thursday

How much of a blessing are smoooooooth days?!?!
Bailey and Griffin's report cards were great!! Such smart children!!
Our first practice with Frank Bennett, our new worship leader, was smooth as silk!! There are some changes, which causes some anxiety, but God uses change for good!! God uses everything for good!! I believe our choir will grow, both in quantity and quality under Frank's leadership!!
Mine and Donna's marriage is growing daily, and I am more in love, and in awe with and of her daily!!
Work is busy!! Thank you God.
Smooth days are wonderful!!

Travel, Family, More Christmas celebrations!!

Oh yeah. My first rack buck was a 7 pointer, 147 pounds!! I am excited.

Playing Nertz from 8 years old to 70 all on the same table!! More fun and NOISE, than I can describe!!

Griffin has become obsessed with hunting!! I guess I will have to start hunting a little more. Darn!!

Bailey is becoming a gorgeous young lady (with a little pre-teen attitude!! LOL)

Wonderful Memories.....

We got to extend our Christmas celebration into 2009, as we left on Dec 30th to spend a week with Donna's family in Jackson Al. The trip down was good. We got there late on the 30th. New years eve was great!! We woke up and were just lazy all morning and early afternoon visiting with family!! Grif, myself, and granddaddy Bill left for the woods around 3 to sit on a patch in hopes of Grif getting his first deer. Well that is exactly what happened!! I heard my boy shoot in a patch about 300 yards away from me, and I started getting excited to see what he had shot, since I had not seen a single deer!! But about 5 minutes after he shot, a doe comes in the patch I was sitting in, followed in another 5 minutes by the 7 pointer in the above picture!! Grif got his first deer, and I got my first rack buck, within 15 minutes of each other!! WOOHOO!!!

We opened presents, ate too much, got in the woods often, played cards, played WII, watched football, wow, I'm glad I came back to work to rest!!! LOL
It was a week full of incredible memories that our family will never forget!!