Seven weeks have past and I am back to normal, …. whatever that means.
Jan has decided to help me with a special diet of cardboard and Styrofoam. As bad as it tastes, I have lost 15 pounds. Picante sauce with cardboard chips is now a highlight.
The doctors have given me some medication to test – yes, TEST, they are still practicing medicine, and I have become their very reluctant volunteer. Stick me here, stick me there and wait here, now move into the next room and wait some more. They must have tankers full of my blood somewhere in Huntsville.
I am thankful for all of the prayers and don’t have any plans to check out a second case of whatever it was!
I told everyone that I never thought it was the end … I never saw a white light. I can’t even write a book about going to heaven and returning. Pastor Dan Doty after hearing my story asked me then, “if I felt any heat?” No, and thanks a lot Pastor Dan for your vote of confidence!
We are planning a Christmas Celebration with our kids and Jan’s folks. Santa is already to fill the stockings all hung with care. We will plan some more turkey in our new Big Easy. (Another new gadget to help make turkey taste like fried turkey without the oil.)
We will post some pictures and updates as it happens.
A Merry Christmas to You and Yours!
T&J
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Friday, November 07, 2008
A Sunday to Forget. (You can add Monday & Tuesday too.)
While everything seemed normal, I was about to experience a TIA.
Before October 26th, I didn’t even know what a TIA was.
I had helped to park the final set of cars after our third service began.
It was somewhere around High Noon.
(Add sound efx of whistle from The Good, The Bad and the Ugly here.)
I bent over to talk with a child exiting with his family from the Little Praisers, and when I got up everything was spinning.
Then I noticed that my left eye was burning …. Nothing was in focus.
(Add sound efx of Jaws here)
Greg & Chris were there and had me sit down. Greg gave me a bottle of water. Between my slurred speech and my inability to move the bottle to the table, they decided to get me to the hospital.
Jan was called from the auditorium and met us at the car not knowing what was happening.
(Add sound efx of Hawaii 5-0 here)
The next things get really fuzzy, here’s all I remember:
1. I saw someone at the front desk of the hospital and I knew that I was looking up from a wheel chair.
2. I was aware of many people in blue uniforms disrobing me.
FYI:I would have normally put up some resistance to that.
3. I was aware of family members around this make shift bed praying for me.
4. I was in a room with someone on the other side of the curtain and there were 2 TV’s in the room – diagonal from each other.
Here’s the rest of the story: (Play Beautiful Morning from HPC here)
- Around 8:00 PM I was awake and wondering where I was.
- Soon Jan and my family arrived and were amazed that I could talk and sit up in bed.
- By Monday I was ready to go home.
- They kept me until Tuesday and my only after effect was still my double vision.
- Today, Friday the 7th of November I am seeing at least 98% of my normal vision. PTL.
- I am back to normal except that Jan is feeding me Styrofoam and Cardboard.
So, don’t quit praying… I really miss Famous Daves BBQ!
T
Before October 26th, I didn’t even know what a TIA was.
I had helped to park the final set of cars after our third service began.
It was somewhere around High Noon.
(Add sound efx of whistle from The Good, The Bad and the Ugly here.)
I bent over to talk with a child exiting with his family from the Little Praisers, and when I got up everything was spinning.
Then I noticed that my left eye was burning …. Nothing was in focus.
(Add sound efx of Jaws here)
Greg & Chris were there and had me sit down. Greg gave me a bottle of water. Between my slurred speech and my inability to move the bottle to the table, they decided to get me to the hospital.
Jan was called from the auditorium and met us at the car not knowing what was happening.
(Add sound efx of Hawaii 5-0 here)
The next things get really fuzzy, here’s all I remember:
1. I saw someone at the front desk of the hospital and I knew that I was looking up from a wheel chair.
2. I was aware of many people in blue uniforms disrobing me.
FYI:I would have normally put up some resistance to that.
3. I was aware of family members around this make shift bed praying for me.
4. I was in a room with someone on the other side of the curtain and there were 2 TV’s in the room – diagonal from each other.
Here’s the rest of the story: (Play Beautiful Morning from HPC here)
- Around 8:00 PM I was awake and wondering where I was.
- Soon Jan and my family arrived and were amazed that I could talk and sit up in bed.
- By Monday I was ready to go home.
- They kept me until Tuesday and my only after effect was still my double vision.
- Today, Friday the 7th of November I am seeing at least 98% of my normal vision. PTL.
- I am back to normal except that Jan is feeding me Styrofoam and Cardboard.
So, don’t quit praying… I really miss Famous Daves BBQ!
T
Thursday, October 23, 2008
It's Time for Christians to Wake Up!
By now readers of this blog know that religion and politics are not off limits for me.
CAUTION - If it is for you, DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER.
It is time for American Christians to understand the consequences of our choices.
We are about to elect a new President, and either choice will be a CHANGE, you cannot afford to HOPE for the right candidate.
Here are some things that should sharpen our focus and help us to make a wise decision:
(1) Christians should be Pro-Life, ... God is.
(2) Christians should understand that Islam is Anti–America & Anti-Christian.
We know that there is ONLY one way to Heaven, his name is NOT Allah.
(3) Christians should understand that if we were doing our job of taking care of the poor, the widows and the orphans, then there would be no one looking for help from the government.
(4) Christians should understand that associations with Muslims, Terrorists and Black Liberationists are at least a sign of poor judgment and are surely an accurate indicator of the shocking philosophy, biased mind sets and predisposed objectives of the candidate.
DYK: Would-Be contractors with our military are disqualified to do business with the Pentagon when their background checks come up including these kinds of people.
THAT SHOULD MAKE BELLS RING AND SIRENS GO OFF!
(5) Christians should always pray for our leaders, even the ones that are not conservative and ungodly.
Now, take a deep breath. Remember our citizenship is in Heaven.
(6) Christians should be Americans who Pray and Vote. Telling the TRUTH to all who will listen and trusting God for the outcome.
Do I want Obama for my President? NO!
Am I a bigot? NO! Am I against having a black president? NO!
FYI: If J.C. Watts was running for President, he’d have my vote!
CHRISTIANS OF ALL COLORS WAKE UP!
We cannot be swayed through empty promises of FREE health care and tax credits/rebates. Those are all vote getting ploys.
Nothing is FREE; congress has to TAX us first, before they can give it away! And the way someone looks and talks cannot be the only reason he gets our vote. Man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart. Christians - we better get God's perspective!
The next President will be tested by the world, Joe Biden says.
Which candidate is ready NOW to pass that test?
Do you want a President who will Defend this Country as well as Protect your Faith, your Income and your Family?
McCain & Palin are your ONLY choice.
CAUTION - If it is for you, DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER.
It is time for American Christians to understand the consequences of our choices.
We are about to elect a new President, and either choice will be a CHANGE, you cannot afford to HOPE for the right candidate.
Here are some things that should sharpen our focus and help us to make a wise decision:
(1) Christians should be Pro-Life, ... God is.
(2) Christians should understand that Islam is Anti–America & Anti-Christian.
We know that there is ONLY one way to Heaven, his name is NOT Allah.
(3) Christians should understand that if we were doing our job of taking care of the poor, the widows and the orphans, then there would be no one looking for help from the government.
(4) Christians should understand that associations with Muslims, Terrorists and Black Liberationists are at least a sign of poor judgment and are surely an accurate indicator of the shocking philosophy, biased mind sets and predisposed objectives of the candidate.
DYK: Would-Be contractors with our military are disqualified to do business with the Pentagon when their background checks come up including these kinds of people.
THAT SHOULD MAKE BELLS RING AND SIRENS GO OFF!
(5) Christians should always pray for our leaders, even the ones that are not conservative and ungodly.
Now, take a deep breath. Remember our citizenship is in Heaven.
(6) Christians should be Americans who Pray and Vote. Telling the TRUTH to all who will listen and trusting God for the outcome.
Do I want Obama for my President? NO!
Am I a bigot? NO! Am I against having a black president? NO!
FYI: If J.C. Watts was running for President, he’d have my vote!
CHRISTIANS OF ALL COLORS WAKE UP!
We cannot be swayed through empty promises of FREE health care and tax credits/rebates. Those are all vote getting ploys.
Nothing is FREE; congress has to TAX us first, before they can give it away! And the way someone looks and talks cannot be the only reason he gets our vote. Man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart. Christians - we better get God's perspective!
The next President will be tested by the world, Joe Biden says.
Which candidate is ready NOW to pass that test?
Do you want a President who will Defend this Country as well as Protect your Faith, your Income and your Family?
McCain & Palin are your ONLY choice.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
SUCCESS
Success seems so elusive. No matter what level of success comes, so many are still unsatisfied with their lives. Their only answer is, “I must need MORE.”
Freddy Prince was a young unknown comedian, when he began a TV career staring on “Chico and the Man”. Then his life was filled with new and exciting things. Cars, Money, Women, Fame … it all was his, yet he was found dead, a self inflicted end to a success story.
And everyday we read or hear about new Freddys, who are seen as glamorous people, yet are empty on the inside.
Worldly success has brought them little satisfaction. Mick Jagger’s song looms like a prophecy over their heads. “I can’t get no satisfaction.”
Could the problem be that we don’t have a realistic view of what Success really is?
In a pole, people were asked “What is Success?”
Here are some of their answers:
Owning a home.
Having a steady income.
Being able to afford insurance.
Having a job.
Making it through another season.
Having a good harvest.
Having a roof over our heads.
Being able to feed my family.
Owning a Cadillac, BMW, Porsche, Lamborghini.
Being able to breath on my own.
Being able to protect my family.
Having a family.
Being able to walk.
Being free from cancer.
Being free of debt.
Retiring with money in the bank.
Having Grandchildren who love me.
Being in charge of the company.
Being like _____________ . (Rich and Famous People)
Being the boss.
The list proves my point. And you begin to understand that Success is not the same for everyone, … or is it? We must stop and re-examine the list. For many of these people their list has become a dead end. That place of success is just not attainable, it was meant for someone else.
In life, there are things that you can not change:
- Where I was born.
- What family I was born into.
But in America, thank God! … you don’t have to live where you were born. And you don’t have to let your family’s past failures, or your past failures dictate your future.
You have the right to develop your abilities and overcome your disabilities.
Here is the good news:
The only person who is holding you back in life is YOU!
- Who says “YOU can’t go back to school?”
- Who says “YOU aren’t smart enough for that job?”
- Who says “YOU are too old to change?”
- Who says “YOU will never get out of that situation?”
Have you ever heard these words?
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me? (Phi. 4:13)
- My God will supply all of your needs according to His riches?
(Phi. 4:19)
- I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you,
plans to give you a hope and a future? (Jeremiah 29:11)
These are words from God. He says “YES YOU CAN!”
(And God is no politician - He keeps his promises.)
Here are the keys to your Success:
The Decision to change must start with YOU.
John Maxwell shares that “Doing the same thing over and over and expecting change is the definition of insanity.”
Stop doing the old things, start doing the new things!
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old had gone, the new has come.” (II Cor. 5:17)
If what you’ve been doing isn’t working, why keep doing it that way?
“If the horse is dead, dismount!” Dr. Mark Rutland
Look to your source of Strength - Your help comes from God, He is your provider.
- Don’t expect your parents to resource your life.
- Don’t expect your family to resource your life.
- Don’t expect the government to resource your life.
- Don’t expect your company to resource your life.
- Don’t try to make it on your own.
Trust God.
One of the wisest and richest men in the world gave these instructions to his son: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3: 5 & 6)
Speak the Word – Get It into your heart.
There is so much bad news. You must turn off the input of worry and woe and replace the bad news with good news.
When Joshua was just a young man, he had to take over an assignment that was unthinkable - replace Moses!
Replacing Moses, meant leading 4 million people into the promised land, no maps, no supplies, no weapons, no water! He would be the commander-in-chief over this rag tag nation of Israel.
Here is the advice God gave him –
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. HAVE I NOT COMMANDED YOU? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8 & 9)
More advise from the father of the wise man: (Solomon)
“My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)
Follow his Steps.
Here are more promises to guide you:
“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:232 & 24)
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8)
I wonder what God would say to the question asked those people in the survey?
What is Success to God?
- Caring for others?
- Sharing the Good News of the ONLY WAY to Heaven?
- Offering encouraging words?
- Living an exemplary life?
- Delivering hope?
- Selfless living?
Yes! To God, a life well spent is one that is lived for others. In fact Jesus says, “seek first his kingdom and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:33)
When I take my last breath here on earth, I want to hear those words. “Well done faithful servant!”
How about YOU?
FYI: Success starts at the foot of the cross.
Freddy Prince was a young unknown comedian, when he began a TV career staring on “Chico and the Man”. Then his life was filled with new and exciting things. Cars, Money, Women, Fame … it all was his, yet he was found dead, a self inflicted end to a success story.
And everyday we read or hear about new Freddys, who are seen as glamorous people, yet are empty on the inside.
Worldly success has brought them little satisfaction. Mick Jagger’s song looms like a prophecy over their heads. “I can’t get no satisfaction.”
Could the problem be that we don’t have a realistic view of what Success really is?
In a pole, people were asked “What is Success?”
Here are some of their answers:
Owning a home.
Having a steady income.
Being able to afford insurance.
Having a job.
Making it through another season.
Having a good harvest.
Having a roof over our heads.
Being able to feed my family.
Owning a Cadillac, BMW, Porsche, Lamborghini.
Being able to breath on my own.
Being able to protect my family.
Having a family.
Being able to walk.
Being free from cancer.
Being free of debt.
Retiring with money in the bank.
Having Grandchildren who love me.
Being in charge of the company.
Being like _____________ . (Rich and Famous People)
Being the boss.
The list proves my point. And you begin to understand that Success is not the same for everyone, … or is it? We must stop and re-examine the list. For many of these people their list has become a dead end. That place of success is just not attainable, it was meant for someone else.
In life, there are things that you can not change:
- Where I was born.
- What family I was born into.
But in America, thank God! … you don’t have to live where you were born. And you don’t have to let your family’s past failures, or your past failures dictate your future.
You have the right to develop your abilities and overcome your disabilities.
Here is the good news:
The only person who is holding you back in life is YOU!
- Who says “YOU can’t go back to school?”
- Who says “YOU aren’t smart enough for that job?”
- Who says “YOU are too old to change?”
- Who says “YOU will never get out of that situation?”
Have you ever heard these words?
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me? (Phi. 4:13)
- My God will supply all of your needs according to His riches?
(Phi. 4:19)
- I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you,
plans to give you a hope and a future? (Jeremiah 29:11)
These are words from God. He says “YES YOU CAN!”
(And God is no politician - He keeps his promises.)
Here are the keys to your Success:
The Decision to change must start with YOU.
John Maxwell shares that “Doing the same thing over and over and expecting change is the definition of insanity.”
Stop doing the old things, start doing the new things!
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old had gone, the new has come.” (II Cor. 5:17)
If what you’ve been doing isn’t working, why keep doing it that way?
“If the horse is dead, dismount!” Dr. Mark Rutland
Look to your source of Strength - Your help comes from God, He is your provider.
- Don’t expect your parents to resource your life.
- Don’t expect your family to resource your life.
- Don’t expect the government to resource your life.
- Don’t expect your company to resource your life.
- Don’t try to make it on your own.
Trust God.
One of the wisest and richest men in the world gave these instructions to his son: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3: 5 & 6)
Speak the Word – Get It into your heart.
There is so much bad news. You must turn off the input of worry and woe and replace the bad news with good news.
When Joshua was just a young man, he had to take over an assignment that was unthinkable - replace Moses!
Replacing Moses, meant leading 4 million people into the promised land, no maps, no supplies, no weapons, no water! He would be the commander-in-chief over this rag tag nation of Israel.
Here is the advice God gave him –
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. HAVE I NOT COMMANDED YOU? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8 & 9)
More advise from the father of the wise man: (Solomon)
“My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)
Follow his Steps.
Here are more promises to guide you:
“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:232 & 24)
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8)
I wonder what God would say to the question asked those people in the survey?
What is Success to God?
- Caring for others?
- Sharing the Good News of the ONLY WAY to Heaven?
- Offering encouraging words?
- Living an exemplary life?
- Delivering hope?
- Selfless living?
Yes! To God, a life well spent is one that is lived for others. In fact Jesus says, “seek first his kingdom and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:33)
When I take my last breath here on earth, I want to hear those words. “Well done faithful servant!”
How about YOU?
FYI: Success starts at the foot of the cross.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
STANDARDS
First, let me inform you that I was brought up in church and believe that it was a tremendous benefit - it gave me an eternal outlook on life.
I have not been brain washed – however I have had my sins washed in the blood.
I was introduced at an early age to my heavenly Father and understood that I needed to ask Jesus – His son into my heart. There was and still is no other way for man to be saved.
I am amazed at how far people in America have gone to try and discredit the ONLY Way to get to Heaven. The “Do Your Own thing” generation has now grown up and raised children who are testing everything that was once considered a standard. Every authority is being questioned and rebelled against.
Note these words – “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” Paul wrote these words to Timothy to describe the last days. (II Timothy 3:1-5)
Selfishness rules our world.
Standards must once again be raised up. The Standard of the Cross will change our world.
Darkness has prevailed. But when we lift up Christ, He promises to draw all men to him.
Political correctness can no longer stand in the way of eternal truth. Jesus is still the ONLY answer. That is the Good News.
The narrow way is still open. There is still room at the cross for YOU.
I have not been brain washed – however I have had my sins washed in the blood.
I was introduced at an early age to my heavenly Father and understood that I needed to ask Jesus – His son into my heart. There was and still is no other way for man to be saved.
I am amazed at how far people in America have gone to try and discredit the ONLY Way to get to Heaven. The “Do Your Own thing” generation has now grown up and raised children who are testing everything that was once considered a standard. Every authority is being questioned and rebelled against.
Note these words – “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” Paul wrote these words to Timothy to describe the last days. (II Timothy 3:1-5)
Selfishness rules our world.
Standards must once again be raised up. The Standard of the Cross will change our world.
Darkness has prevailed. But when we lift up Christ, He promises to draw all men to him.
Political correctness can no longer stand in the way of eternal truth. Jesus is still the ONLY answer. That is the Good News.
The narrow way is still open. There is still room at the cross for YOU.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
STORMS
We have had way too many hurricanes this year. For a while, we saw one coming right after another, and we had to wait for Meteorologists to give us the probable location of landfall.
What did people do before we had TV and computers to warn us of the potential danger?
We continue to pray for our friends in Baton Rouge and Houston.
(FYI: We survived Hurricane Frederick – Mobile 1979 and soon after moved away.)
Along with our hurricane affected friends, we pray for others who are going through storms:
-Sons and Daughters who make unwise decisions, and tear your heart out.
- Friends who are struggling with unemployment, layoffs, and job changes.
- Family members facing tough decisions.
-Medical problems that doctors have no answer for.
-Sons and Daughters away from home, keeping freedom strong.
-Folks who have put their life savings in the stock market.
-Disasters, Disunity, Disease, Divorce and Death.
When storms come …
songs of our past seem to rise up and remind us of the truth.
“On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” P.18 Melodies of Praise
“The Lord’s our rock in Him we hide, a shelter in the time of storm.” P.24 MOP
“The tempest my sweep o’er the wild stormy deep; In Jesus I’m safe evermore.” P.28 MOP
“Through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus” Andrea Crouch
Learning to trust God and be at peace is not easy ... especially right in the middle of a storm– that’s why we need each other.
We need to remind each other that our citizenship is not affected by elections, our source is not Wall Street, He is "Jehovah Jireh" and “He has never failed us yet.”
"There is coming a day, when no heart ache shall come, no more clouds in the sky and no more tears to dim the eye."
Be encouraged today, you are not forgotten and God knows where you are. Mom & Dad, your Prodigals are coming home. Your tears are only for a night, … JOY comes in the morning.
Trust Him in the midst of the storm – He is there with you.
Just keep Singing!
T&J
What did people do before we had TV and computers to warn us of the potential danger?
We continue to pray for our friends in Baton Rouge and Houston.
(FYI: We survived Hurricane Frederick – Mobile 1979 and soon after moved away.)
Along with our hurricane affected friends, we pray for others who are going through storms:
-Sons and Daughters who make unwise decisions, and tear your heart out.
- Friends who are struggling with unemployment, layoffs, and job changes.
- Family members facing tough decisions.
-Medical problems that doctors have no answer for.
-Sons and Daughters away from home, keeping freedom strong.
-Folks who have put their life savings in the stock market.
-Disasters, Disunity, Disease, Divorce and Death.
When storms come …
songs of our past seem to rise up and remind us of the truth.
“On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” P.18 Melodies of Praise
“The Lord’s our rock in Him we hide, a shelter in the time of storm.” P.24 MOP
“The tempest my sweep o’er the wild stormy deep; In Jesus I’m safe evermore.” P.28 MOP
“Through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus” Andrea Crouch
Learning to trust God and be at peace is not easy ... especially right in the middle of a storm– that’s why we need each other.
We need to remind each other that our citizenship is not affected by elections, our source is not Wall Street, He is "Jehovah Jireh" and “He has never failed us yet.”
"There is coming a day, when no heart ache shall come, no more clouds in the sky and no more tears to dim the eye."
Be encouraged today, you are not forgotten and God knows where you are. Mom & Dad, your Prodigals are coming home. Your tears are only for a night, … JOY comes in the morning.
Trust Him in the midst of the storm – He is there with you.
Just keep Singing!
T&J
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Monday, August 04, 2008
36 years ago today.
Yes, it was hot that day and sticky. What do you expect from Alabama in August?
I know that many of you still wonder how it happened.
(Marrying UP is Not Always Easy. – A new book I’m writing.)
In the Beginning
It all started at CBC in August of 1970. We met in a music room, tried out for RT together, went to Convocation at Central A/G together and then stayed apart for 8 long months. (Her choice - not mine.) We had a total of 4 dates in that first weekend of school.
I needed some Supernatural Intervention.
It seems God did not speak very clearly to Jan in those first few months at CBC. It took a few 7:30 AM classes and a public speaking class with Sister Reddin, to open her mind. At that class, she shared a speech on her perfect husband. Later, we found out that Sister Reddin was thinking about me during Jan’s speech. Now that’s a confirmation. But she didn’t tell Jan until much later. Thanks a lot Sister Reddin!
The RT Banquet
It was springtime in Springfield and I thought I would give it one more try. I invited Jan to be my date at the RT Banquet. It was one of those dress-up occasions. Hey, if a tux helps …I was willing. She was nudged by her room mate to go with me. Thanks again, Nancy! And we were engaged 8 months later. Then we married on August 4th, 1972.
(If you need more details, check back for earlier posts.) BTW: My Supernatural help came from Bud Larson - Who knew what a marimba could do? Forget Kenny G - get Larson's 8 Track Tape!
What Time Teaches:
If we had only had some idea of what the future held – we would have been better prepared. We could teach a graduate course in MOVING. But know this - God has always been FAITHFUL! I’m not sure what people do, that try to make it through life without God. He has been our Gorrila Glue, our Triple Antibiotic Ointment and our Xanax . How does anyone face this life without knowing God is in control? (Somebody play "Through It All".)
Looking back over those 36 years, we have faced many uphill climbs, but we’ve always been climbing together and God has led every step of the way.
FYI: He was in Puyallup and even in Covina!
Don’t SPEND Time … USE it!
The one thing that time has taught us, is to use every minute, make every moment count for eternity.
Jan is Still the One
If my heart ever stops, no need for CPR or electric shock, just bring Jan into the room. It worked in August of 1970 and it still works today ….she truly is…Still the One!
The Secret to Marrying UP
Okay, it’s time to reveal the secret you’ve all been waiting for:
Here it is ….
Come close, closer …(Jan does not have 20-20 vision.)
Yes, it was hot that day and sticky. What do you expect from Alabama in August?
I know that many of you still wonder how it happened.
(Marrying UP is Not Always Easy. – A new book I’m writing.)
In the Beginning
It all started at CBC in August of 1970. We met in a music room, tried out for RT together, went to Convocation at Central A/G together and then stayed apart for 8 long months. (Her choice - not mine.) We had a total of 4 dates in that first weekend of school.
I needed some Supernatural Intervention.
It seems God did not speak very clearly to Jan in those first few months at CBC. It took a few 7:30 AM classes and a public speaking class with Sister Reddin, to open her mind. At that class, she shared a speech on her perfect husband. Later, we found out that Sister Reddin was thinking about me during Jan’s speech. Now that’s a confirmation. But she didn’t tell Jan until much later. Thanks a lot Sister Reddin!
The RT Banquet
It was springtime in Springfield and I thought I would give it one more try. I invited Jan to be my date at the RT Banquet. It was one of those dress-up occasions. Hey, if a tux helps …I was willing. She was nudged by her room mate to go with me. Thanks again, Nancy! And we were engaged 8 months later. Then we married on August 4th, 1972.
(If you need more details, check back for earlier posts.) BTW: My Supernatural help came from Bud Larson - Who knew what a marimba could do? Forget Kenny G - get Larson's 8 Track Tape!
What Time Teaches:
If we had only had some idea of what the future held – we would have been better prepared. We could teach a graduate course in MOVING. But know this - God has always been FAITHFUL! I’m not sure what people do, that try to make it through life without God. He has been our Gorrila Glue, our Triple Antibiotic Ointment and our Xanax . How does anyone face this life without knowing God is in control? (Somebody play "Through It All".)
Looking back over those 36 years, we have faced many uphill climbs, but we’ve always been climbing together and God has led every step of the way.
FYI: He was in Puyallup and even in Covina!
Don’t SPEND Time … USE it!
The one thing that time has taught us, is to use every minute, make every moment count for eternity.
Jan is Still the One
If my heart ever stops, no need for CPR or electric shock, just bring Jan into the room. It worked in August of 1970 and it still works today ….she truly is…Still the One!
The Secret to Marrying UP
Okay, it’s time to reveal the secret you’ve all been waiting for:
Here it is ….
Come close, closer …(Jan does not have 20-20 vision.)
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Snap, Crackle, Pop & Sisst, Sisst, Sisst!
The 4th of July was quite a celebration here in Huntsville, Alabama.
We have a new mall called Bridge Street that opened and planned a really superb fireworks display.
Jan’s folks were staying with us, so at around 8:30 PM we escorted them to an office building just within site of the mall.
We helped them out of the car and up on top of a birm that was newly landscaped and placed our tarp down on the grass and then the lawn chairs were unfolded and set up on the lawn.
It was supposed to start at 8:45 PM, but where were the fireworks? We waited and wondered, “Are we at the right place?” “Did they cancel the event?”
By 9 PM other people had joined us and the parking lot was full of gawkers waiting for a FREE show.
Finally at around 9:10 PM it started and everyone was so excited and enjoyed every minute of the sparkles and pops. We all ooo-ed and awwed, like all good Boogies do.
We were all just holding our breath and waiting for the Grand Finale. You know, that’s when the sky is filled with lights and booms.
Well, just as our Grand finale started, we heard a Sisst, Sisst, Sisst, just off to our left. Then there was a blood curdling scream and everyone started to run.
Can you imagine trying to get two, wet 82 year olds to run down a hill and back into the car?
Oh, the Sisst, Sisst, Sisst was the automatic water sprinkling system put in by the office. We were like Methodists at a picnic. And everyone was watching us run and they missed the Grand Finale!
Oh well, I guess either way, they got a show!
T&J
We have a new mall called Bridge Street that opened and planned a really superb fireworks display.
Jan’s folks were staying with us, so at around 8:30 PM we escorted them to an office building just within site of the mall.
We helped them out of the car and up on top of a birm that was newly landscaped and placed our tarp down on the grass and then the lawn chairs were unfolded and set up on the lawn.
It was supposed to start at 8:45 PM, but where were the fireworks? We waited and wondered, “Are we at the right place?” “Did they cancel the event?”
By 9 PM other people had joined us and the parking lot was full of gawkers waiting for a FREE show.
Finally at around 9:10 PM it started and everyone was so excited and enjoyed every minute of the sparkles and pops. We all ooo-ed and awwed, like all good Boogies do.
We were all just holding our breath and waiting for the Grand Finale. You know, that’s when the sky is filled with lights and booms.
Well, just as our Grand finale started, we heard a Sisst, Sisst, Sisst, just off to our left. Then there was a blood curdling scream and everyone started to run.
Can you imagine trying to get two, wet 82 year olds to run down a hill and back into the car?
Oh, the Sisst, Sisst, Sisst was the automatic water sprinkling system put in by the office. We were like Methodists at a picnic. And everyone was watching us run and they missed the Grand Finale!
Oh well, I guess either way, they got a show!
T&J
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Husband Repellent
This stuff should have a warning label!
FYI: Jan's folks are staying with us this week
and Jan is working to make sure everything
is just right.
After a long day, she decided to put some of this
Biofreeze Gel on her neck and shoulders.
(She came to bed, after I was already half asleep.)
I reached over and gave her a short neck massage,
not knowing that this Nuclear paste was waiting
for a victim.
Everything was just fine until later that night, I
had an eye that was in need of a rub. It came on me
with a delay like Chinese mustard. At first it was cool
...then I thought dozens of little jalapenos had jumped
into my eye. Yeah, it was fun, if you like fire ants at
your picnic.
Who needs mace? After the robber steals your purse,
just ask him to rub your neck!
So let this be a warning to all Husbands:
BEWARE OF BIOFREEZE
Friday, June 20, 2008
Julie & Anna at Todd & Jennifer's wedding
We were so glad Julie (our friend for 20 years) got to come from Kingwood, Texas
with her family. Anna, my niece "loves"
Julie, can you tell? Julie is 23 years old and is
a speaker and a singer.
Check out her website: http://www.littleandblind.com/
Huntsville Friends at the Rehearsal Dinner
Alex, Katie, Lindsey, Adam, Scott, Britt, Ashlynne, TeresaAnna, Jenny, Andrew & Phil all came from North Alabama to
Baton Rouge, LA for Todd & Jennifer's wedding. It was great
to have friends there from home. Thanks for making the trip!!
Huntsville Friends getting ready for the bubbles
Adam, Lindsey, Jenny, Britt & Scottfrom Huntsville get ready to blow bubbles
as Todd & Jennifer leave for their honeymoon.
Jennifer & Todd's Wedding
The (10) bridesmaids' side of the wedding. (theseare a few of our family's pictures.) To view the professional
photographer's complete set of pictures, contact us by
email: tjbougher@bellsouth.net
Mr. & Mrs. Todd Bougher
Jennifer & Todd entered the Reception Hall smiling andenjoying the cheers of their family and friends.
Alyssa, Jan & Tiffany
Here we are at Aunt Jeannie's House,before the humidity got us - before the
wedding!
Jan's youngest sister, Leisa & Family
Adam, Rusty, Leisa, Annaleis, Alex, & Ashlynne Nelsonwere a big part of the wedding. Adam was a groomsman,
Rusty was the minister, Leisa was the family photographer,
Alex escorted my mom and me at the wedding, and "Anna"
and Ashlynne provided a lot of fun and entertainment.
Rusty & Leisa are pastors of The Rock Family Worship Center
in Huntsville, AL where we attend and work. We were so
happy to have them at the wedding supporting us.
Tiffany & Uncle Dave Ohlerking
Tiffany, our daughter and Uncle Dave with his famousDiet Coke, enjoyed a few fun moments at the reception.
He has been a missionary for 40+ years. It was wonderful
to have Jean & Dave "in the USA" in time for the wedding!
Jean (Bougher) Ohlerking - Tom's Sister
Jean and her husband, David Ohlerking,
(missionaries/Children's Cup.org - they serve the
thousands of children in Swaziland who have lost
the adults in their families to HIV), were at Todd
& Jennifer's wedding because they live in Baton
Rouge - part of the time.
It was so nice to stay in their home the week before
the wedding! We had a blast!!
They go to Healing Place Church.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Jan's sister, Teresa, Katie & Mike (The Yeagers)
We loved having my middle sister, Teresa, her daughter,
Katie and her husband, Mike Yeager at Todd and Jennifer's
wedding all the way from Florence, AL. I think they enjoyed
some of the Cajun food they experienced. 'Sorry we caught
them eating! Teresa arranged the flowers for the Rehearsal
dinner at Boutin's Resturant. They drove Mom & Dad down
to the wedding. Many thanks to them!
Mom and Dad Lowery Dancing at Todd and Jennifer's Wedding
It was quite entertaining to see "Mama
Charlotte" and "Grandaddy" on the dance
floor at Todd and Jennifer's wedding
reception! (They are 82 years old.)
Two months of physical therapy had
her up and dancing! We were so thrilled
they could make the trip.
Many thanks to Mike and Teresa
and Katie who drove them 9 hours.
Having them there was a dream come true!
Friday, June 13, 2008
BUNNY INVASION!
Yes, we have MORE bunnies! Lyssie and her friend Erica
were over for grilled hotdogs & hamburgers and we found
another bunny nest in our back yard.
There are 4 bunnies in this nest. As you can see they have
not yet opened their eyes and have very little body hair.
FYI: You are looking at the rear view of Cupcake - Erica is
holding her. Lyssie has named the other bunnies Fudge,
Sugar and Cookie.
For those of you who are counting, that is Bougher Bunny
Nest #4. We have a fenced in back yard and no dogs -
apparently great territory for bunny nests.
(Everything will be fine ... until the day Jan finds out that
these furry little critters will eat plants and flowers right
out of your flower garden!)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Lyssies an Honor Star!
Last Wednesday night we celebrated an
Honor Star Graduation.
(Lyssie is in the middle!)
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Todd & Jen's Wedding May 23, 2008
On Friday, May 23rd our son Todd, married Jennifer
Rivet. They were married at The Forrest Grove Plantation
in Denham Springs, Louisianna. After honeymooning in the
Bahamas, the newlyweds will make their home in Madison,
Alabama.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Here Turkey, Turkey, Turkey!
You are observing Dad Lowery as he calls a turkey on his
60 year old Lynch box call. Bobby Lowery, now retired
from the ministry after 50+ years, was in Tennessee last
week with his nephew Andy Thompson.
Andy owns a beautiful piece of property just south of
Lake Dale Hollow. His cabin sits right in a valley on the
north end of the property.
(What a great place to kick back!)
Dad is sitting in a pop up blind - about 60 yards from the cabin.
He was calling from the cabin porch when a gobbler responded
to his call.
So, we walked out behind the barn and set up a little closer.
FYI: We have placed a fold-out arm chair in the blind for his
comfort. 3 decoys are just 20 yards out the window.
Note: His cane is hanging out the window.
I wonder how copper shining in the sun looks to a turkey?
He worked 2 birds from that position for over an hour.
His camo may be old school, but he can still work up a
gobbler!
P.S. The only turkey we will get to eat, this time,
will have to come from Publix.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
More Rabbits!
This is the 3rd year that we have had baby bunnies born
in our back yard. We live in a housing area that used to be
a pasture, and before that a cotton field. I guess no one
told the rabbits that we moved in.
This year 4 bunnies were found in a small hole in the ground,
between our 2 bedroom windows. I took Lyssie, our
granddaughter, to see the bunnies. I slowly and carefully
uncovered the hole.
FYI:Rabbits dig out the ground and cover the hole with
grass and bunny fur.
Lyssie knew to be very quiet and not to move too quickly,
but when she picked up one snuggly little bunny, it wiggled
unexpectedly in her hand and all of the bunnies scattered
from the hole.
For the next few minutes, we were running and crawling
and searching for lost bunnies. Finally we gathered all 4
bunnies and placed them back in their secret hideaway.
Whew!
Update: Today, we found the hole empty, Momma and
the little family have gone to find greener pastures.
And last night, we found a small bird's nest in the wreath
at our front door. Three eggs, 2 light blue and one brown
with spots. What is this? Madison Zoo?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Gino ... FOUND!
I went to Michigan last week for a Teacher Enrichment
Conference and found my old room mate from CBC.
Gene Zwiernikowski, AKA "Gino" now lives in Ypsilanti,
Michigan with his wife Gina.
We last saw each other sometime in the fall of 1972. Wow!
Who knew that Google could find a Zwiernikowski?
We are praying for a great year of blessing for Gene and Gina.
Last year held some very unexpected hurdles, but their
testimony is strong, "God is faithful!"
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Jennifer & Todd - The Date is Set!
The wedding is set for Friday, May 23 in Baton Rouge.
For more details check out - jentodd.blogspot.com
There will be a Post Wedding Celebration in Huntsville.
We will post that information here, when all of the plans
have been finalized.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Lyssie - Queen of the Science Fair
Our grand daughter Alyssa just participated in her first Science Fair. With the help of her uncle Todd and her PaPa, she made her own 6 note xylophone.She tried different kinds of wood, pine, poplar, birch and oak. She learned to use the chop saw, the table saw, the router and the sander. (We were careful to use goggles and guarded every little finger!)
Lyssie had to experiment with different lengths and thicknesses of the wood to try and get a good tone. It turned out to be quite a project for a 10 year old, 5th grader. She found out that hard wood makes a much better tone than soft wood - but soft wood is so much easier to cut and sand. She even went into the studio to record the different wood types. Many nights were spent consulting over the phone with Aunt Jeannie in Baton Rouge. Aunt Jeannie is world famous for her marimba skills. With all of this help, no wonder she made three A's for her first Science Fair Project.
Whew! I'm tired. PaPa
Saturday, January 19, 2008
A 1964 Corvair
Here is the only picture of my '64 Corvair. Apparently, some people have never heard of a Chevrolet "Corvair" - thanks to Ralph Nader.
FYI: Bucket seats, automatic, rear engine - pancake 6.
I only had 2 wire wheel covers.
Last seen in Des Moines - Spring 1972.
Tell me, have you seen her?
BTW - The guy needs a haircut.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Remembering the Past.
2008
At the beginning of every year my mind wanders back to the past.
That may be a sign of getting old?
(I guess it could be worse – I could try to think back and NOT remember!)
Things like this often come up:
ü What ever happened to my ’64 Corvair?
ü I wonder what happened to my Hoover High football jersey - number 34?
ü Will Iowa have a Great football team this year?
(Let’s all stop now and pray! … Hey, that wasn’t long enough!)
ü I wonder if that girl, I dated in ’68, ever found out that I ran over her cat, just before I came to pick her up? (Yes, it happened! … And NO, I never told her!)
ü I wonder if anyone is still using Storm Lake Bible Camp?
ü I wonder what ever happened to Gene Zwernekowski? (My old college room mate.)
The exciting thing is, if I really wanted to, every one of these things could be followed up and answered. (Well, maybe not predetermining the Hawkeye’s football season.)
So now I wonder ….
If we don’t’ act upon the things that tug at our hearts, will we ever come to a day that we are filled with REGRETS?
June 1956
I am so thankful that one day, in the summer of ’56, I felt a tug in my heart – that tug was God. That was the day that I asked Him into my heart and He changed everything. Now, I am FORGIVEN. (I am currently being processed into His likeness. My life is being adjusted to Heaven’s standard.)
You too can respond to the tug in your heart. Just ask Him to come in and forgive you.
Don’t take any regrets into the future – make that decision today.
God offers you a “Do Over”. That will be the best offer you ever get in 2008!
At the beginning of every year my mind wanders back to the past.
That may be a sign of getting old?
(I guess it could be worse – I could try to think back and NOT remember!)
Things like this often come up:
ü What ever happened to my ’64 Corvair?
ü I wonder what happened to my Hoover High football jersey - number 34?
ü Will Iowa have a Great football team this year?
(Let’s all stop now and pray! … Hey, that wasn’t long enough!)
ü I wonder if that girl, I dated in ’68, ever found out that I ran over her cat, just before I came to pick her up? (Yes, it happened! … And NO, I never told her!)
ü I wonder if anyone is still using Storm Lake Bible Camp?
ü I wonder what ever happened to Gene Zwernekowski? (My old college room mate.)
The exciting thing is, if I really wanted to, every one of these things could be followed up and answered. (Well, maybe not predetermining the Hawkeye’s football season.)
So now I wonder ….
If we don’t’ act upon the things that tug at our hearts, will we ever come to a day that we are filled with REGRETS?
June 1956
I am so thankful that one day, in the summer of ’56, I felt a tug in my heart – that tug was God. That was the day that I asked Him into my heart and He changed everything. Now, I am FORGIVEN. (I am currently being processed into His likeness. My life is being adjusted to Heaven’s standard.)
You too can respond to the tug in your heart. Just ask Him to come in and forgive you.
Don’t take any regrets into the future – make that decision today.
God offers you a “Do Over”. That will be the best offer you ever get in 2008!
Monday, January 14, 2008
It's Official!
Our son, Todd and his girl friend Jennifer, were officially engaged on Christmas night 2007! (He met her two years ago when he was working at Healing Place Church.)We are all so excited. Todd spent his first Christmas away from home ... we knew something was up. They are planning a May wedding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. More details to follow.
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