Santa is still coming......

I was wide awake this morning at 5:45AM. I could have slept as late as I wanted too as I don't have anywhere to be until 1PM. When I awoke, I realized what today is and what tomorrow brings! Even though the past few weeks have been so very hard to deal with, Santa is still coming!!! I have a different perspective on this celebration as I enjoy Christmas more than any other time of the year. Without Christmas...there would be no hope! Jesus came into this world that I might have hope, that I might have life, that I might have eternity. Today more than ever....I have that peace that surpasses all human understanding. While it is hard to understand all that my sisters and I have experienced over the past few weeks with my dad, God understands not only where we are....but what my dad is going through. I pray for them and I pray for him.
As I lay in bed this morning, my mind raced back to Christmas past, especially those I remember as a child. I remember the BB gun when I was only 6 years old. Daddy set up a cardboard box in the basement and I would shoot and shoot. When the gun was empty, I would retrieve all the BB's from the box and start all over again. When I was about 10, spyder bikes were the rage and I got a new one for Christmas. It was special! 3 speeds, silver with a white seat that had flames on it. At 11, I got my first real gun...a single shot 410 shotgun. Daddy and I went squirrel hunting that afternoon. We didn't shoot any squirrels, but I felt like a real man walking in the woods with my dad that day. I still have that shotgun and think about that day every time I see it.
As I have grown older, Christmas has grown more and more special, but for a different reason. Now I am way more excited about giving than I am receiving. My most special gift is to just be with my family and watch the excitement they experience. Tripp & Makinley really put everything into perspective for me and when I look at them, I am reminded of how Scripture teaches us the special feelings Jesus had for the little children.
I am sitting here at the moment remembering my momma and the little things. That is what Christmas is all about.

The Hug!

There are some days you just need a hug! By the time I got home from Daddy's Tuesday night, I was definitely looking for one and my Debbie was waiting. The same thing happened at work on when I got back....not only did my group surround my dad and I in prayer, but they are full of hugs as well. I'm reminded that they are only able to love me because of who first loved us.
I listened to my dad on the phone last night for 1 hour and 37 minutes. I say I listened because I actually only said maybe 10 words. No doubt he is anxious, agitated, angry, and scared. The medicine has made him terribly aggressive, but I believe that if I could roll back the layers and the facade, I would see my dad is just awfully frightened. I wish there was a way that my sisters and I could help him deal with it better than he is, but I have come to the realization that none of this caught God by surprise. I have to turn it over to Him and be obedient to what the Holy Spirit encourages me to do to be a servant to my father.
Right now, I truly believe that the battle is spiritual am I am praying for heavenly protection from our guardian angels for my sisters and I that we may be protected from discouragement and frustration and be empowered to say and do all the right things going forward.

God Is Faithful

Do you ever have those days that you just wish you could go to sleep and not wake up until all the storms have passed? I have had a few of those days and to be honest, I did not handle them very well. As a believer, I know that during the tough times that God is always right beside me...helping me to persevere. I also know that I am still a work in progress and I have those times where I am blinded by the stresses of everyday life.
I have always been one that when I love you...I love you for life. There may be days that I don't like you a whole lot, but that doesn't change my love. I would do anything for those I love! There are those times when those who mean the most to us aren't very lovable and that is what I have experienced over the past few days visiting with my dad. I have had firsthand experience with someone's realization that they have a terminal illness. I have had firsthand experience with the terrible side effects of different medicines in combination. I have spent 3 1/2 days in mental misery trying to cope with something I don't understand.
On the other hand..I have seen God demonstrate his love in ways that my dad doesn't understand. He doesn't undersand how, at last count, he has received Chrsitmas cards and notes of prayer/encouragment from 36 different people. He doesn't understand the phone calls of support, paryer, and encouragement. He doesn't understand how the cashier at the grocery store where he has shopped for years stopped long enough to send him a christmas card. He doesn't understand how his son can be so emotional he can hardly speak because his father and hero only has a short time left here on this earth and how anxious he is to know that his father knows he can spend eternity in heaven.
It is a difficult time for my dad. It is a difficult time for my sisters...whom I love very much. It is a difficult time for our families as well because when we hurt...they hurt as well.
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

My Pops!

Some of you know that this time last week, my dad found out he had a tangerine sized tumor embedded in his spine. Things happened quickly when he was diagnosed. He immediately began radiation treatments and oral steroids. At this point he has had 7 radiation treatments and yesterday, had a scan done to determine if this awful disease was anywhere else in his body. If it is, he tells me he really doesn't want to know. His concern is comfort!
I'm heading to Wilmington on Saturday to spend a few days with him and take him to some of his treatments. We had already planned a trip down the week after Christmas with the whole family and we won't change that.
I'm still somewhat overwhelmed at what has transpired over the past week, but I know that none of this caught God by surprise. None of us know how this will all work out over the days ahead, but I do know my dad is strong and my dad is my hero. God is in the miracle business and my prayer is that his treatments will be effective and there will come that day that we can say, "thank you Lord for all that you have done."

Sunday School

My good friend, Bubba, asked me to stand in for him today and teach his Sunday School class. The lesson, Acts 4:32-37, tells us about the "grace of giving." It was a lesson on generosity and authenticity. As I studied last week to prepare for today, God raised many questions about my own life and where I stood in relation to the "grace of giving?"
I consider myself a "giver." However...when I give...do I give reluctantly or with a cheerful heart? When I give, do I give things that aren't wanted...such as advice???? When I give, do I put unspoken requirements on the recipient??
God has impressed upon me that I am still a work in progress. He is still chiseling away to make me more like Jesus. I'm thankful He has not given up on me. He is working on me and my attitude of forgiveness and understanding. He is impressing upon me why He allows bad things to happen to good people. He is helping me to continue to love those that are acting unlovable and doing things that I just don't understand. When I think about it....He is constantly holding up a mirror so that I can see clearly who I really am and contrasting it with who He wants me to be.
"We are saved by grace." Grace is God's unmerited favor. We don't deserve His grace. We can't be good enough or do enough good works to obtain His grace. There is only one way and that way is through Jesus. It doesn't matter how many SS classes we teach. It doesn't matter how many discipleship programs we participate in. It doesn't matter how many times we go to church. If we are counting on these things and our "goodness" to get us into heaven...woe be unto us. No, all we have to do is to pray....admit that we are sinners and can't save ourselves, repent or turn away from our sins, and ask Jesus to save us. Scripture says that if any man call upon the name of the Lord, he will be saved. Doesn't say a thing about being a "good" person. We can never be good enough.

Reflections

It has been a day of reflection. Yesterday we received the news that my dad has a 2" tumor embedded in his spine that has already displaced his spinal cord. He was told that it would have to come out or he would face paralysis. Today he had a biopsy on the growth and we won't know for 24-48 hours what the results are. I know my dad has lived a long life. He has outlived my mom, his brother, his sister-in-law, many friends and other acquaintances. My dad is a proud man and puts on a facade most of the time that nothing phases him. While we have had our differences over the years, there has never been any doubt in my mind that if I ever needed anything...he would always be there. He is a member of the generation that was born shortly before the Great Depression and as a very young man...signed up to serve his country in the Army Air Corps during WWII. I know my father is awfully proud of his service to our country and I am equally proud of him. He is a patriot! My dad is literally the smartest man I know. He seems to know something about everything. He and I have had many great times together...typically on a beach somewhere from North Carolina to Alaska trying our best to catch a fish. My love for the ocean and fishing comes from my dad. My love for history....for flying and airplanes....for the woods and hunting....for putting family first.....for initiative....for hard work....for purpose....for speaking my mind and being my own person comes from my dad. I want my dad to live forever. I don't want my dad to be in pain or to suffer. I often think about how lonely he has been over the past 10 years since my mom passed away, but he insists on staying by himself and taking care of himself. One of the hardest things he has had to do over the past year was to give up his car when he couldn't get his license any longer because of failing eyesight. Like I said, he is a proud man. It's always been his way to do it his way. That's the way he rolls whether my sisters and I agree with it or not.
I'm praying for my dad. I know God's will shall be done. I'm prayerful that God will continue to soften his heart that he may grow receptive to talk about spiritual things more openly. I'm praying that regardless of what the doctors say, God will show him His mercy and allow him to live out however many days he may have left without pain or any discomfort.
I'm thankful to be Ed Sheneman's son. I'm thankful that God has allowed our relationship to be one that we can share our love for one another openly. If he were to never speak another word to me, I know that he loves me and that he is proud of me because he has told me so. To a son....that's all that matters!

"Hey Lord, just wanted to say thank you."

We had a GREAT Thanksgiving! It was a early day for me as I got up at 4:30AM and went to the store for a few hours to check on things. By the time I got home, everyone was up and moving. I had made and baked two pecan pies the night before, so all we had to wait on was Willingham's Restaurant to get the main course cooked. What was supposed to be ready at 10:30AM, finally got loaded in my car at 12:30PM, but boy...was it GOOD. Baked ham, turkey breast, dressing, gravy, macaroni & cheese, brocolli & rice casserole, green beans, leseur peas, crescent rolls, deviled eggs, potato salad and Stacey's new recipe with rice, onions, and mushrooms. We also had pound cake, pumpkin pie, and a custard pie. Don't forget the sweet tea! Notice no sweet potatoes for our bunch.....we don't like them.
I'm mindful of how God has blessed each of us in the past year. I am ever thankful for my family each and every day. Debbie and I have had over 30 wonderful years together. We have two wonderful children who love God and love others before themselves. We have been blessed with answered prayer in regards to the soul mates for our children. Our grandchildren are the smiles in every morning and the sunshine in every day. I'm thankful for my dad and my sisters and all they mean to me. There just aren't enough words. I am humbled by how God has smiled on us.

You Go Doc!!

Ok, so the cardiologist appointment went very well. I really like Dr. Sekar. Based on what I could understand as I navigated his Indian dialect, I am in pretty good shape. Bottom line is...I'm fat! I knew that! Second thing is...if I wasn't fat...my Type 2 Diabetes would probably disappear. If my Type 2 Diabetes disappears I probably wouldn't have the slight swelling in my ankles when I'm on my feet all day and.....I probably wouldn't be running to the bathroom every 1 1/2 hours 24/7. My blood pressure was good. Even though Dr. Slavico had told me my "bad" cholesterol was too high, Dr. Sekar told me it was actually pretty good so he recommended I not increase my meds for it as Dr. Slavico had ordered. So, I will have to take that up with Dr. Slavico when I see him Wednesday. He did a EKG and a Echocardiogram. What he sees in the EKG shows the previous heart attack and he says the echo was really good....no leakage, valves all good, no enlargement, and no damage. Heart is functioning at about 88% which is good. He said if I can run as a basketball official without any chest discomfort....I am ok and that is stress test enough for him. I get to see him again in 2 months. His recommendation is to lose weight and handle the diabetes, so...if Trey can do it...Pops can do it. He said no meats (hard on the kidneys), no sugars (including the fruits that have natural sugar)basically.....no carbs. Eat your vegetables son!!
You go Doc!

Doctor, Doctor...have you heard?

I went to have my prescriptions refilled last week and found out the doctor wouldn't fill one of them less I see him. So, last Monday I went and saw my good friend, Dr. Slavico. Now, you know and I know, you can't go to the doctor without dropping off some blood, so that I did. So, let's start with any good news....

My AC1 was better than the last time, but he still wants me to take a med to help with my Type 2 Diabetes. My blood pressure was excellent...must be the two meds I take for it are doing the trick. He didn't mention total cholesterol or tryglicerides, so I assume they are OK. He did mention my "bad" cholesterol was too high so he upped my meds for that. My liver enzymes are stll high and they have been for years. Some of it's due to being overweight and having a "fatty" liver and some of it's due to the meds I take on a regular basis. My one good kidney is still dumping allot of protein into my bloodstream so he wants me to check it out with my nephrologist, so I need to make that appointment. Since moving back to Georgia, I have never established a relationship with a cardiologist, so he gave me a referral to a cardio guy that goes to church with us and I see him for the first time tomorrow. He currently treats our Pastor's dad and another good friend of mine and comes with high recommendations. I go back to Dr. Slavico on Wednesday to see about the Meds for the diabetes. Finally, I have had a fit with my left hip for years and it has finally gotten to the point I am looking for some relief, so I'm off to a Ortho guy on December 10th.

With all of that said....I don't need any further advice or opinions from family or friends. I know what I know. I'm a big boy and know what I need to do. I'm just keeping everyone informed. Past all of that....I feel pretty good....good enough to run some basketball officiating last week.

"no more monkeys jumping on the bed."

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Ever so often, I will wake up way too early and this morning was one of those mornings. I awoke around 4:30AM and after 30 minutes of tossing and turning I just said, what the heck and got up. So now, I've checked my email and written a few notes and am on my second cup of coffee. It will be a LONNNNNNGGGG day!
Much happening today at our store with a employee Thanksgiving dinner, a holiday readiness check by our district staff and obviously allot of business with the holiday on 7 days away. We are ready and all should go quite smoothly.
I'm excited that Trey has decided to referee some basketball this year with the same group that I work with. I wish I had started as young as he has and could have seen how far I could have gone. I love the game and I love the kids, but I just can't hardly keep up with the young legs anymore. He's working some scrimmages this evening and I am looking forward to going to watch him work.
Appears Debbie and Jennifer have most of the Christmas deco up. I got up this morning to find the tree decorated. Appears the girls did a much better job with it than Trey and I did last year. Anyway, time for a shower and a shave!

It's Beginning To Look....

Yep....it's beginning to look allot like the holidays around here. Last night, I took my butt up the attic stairway and dropped all our Christmas deco paraphernalia down to Trey. Now, it's just kind of hanging out in the family room. We did get it all unpacked and I did get the Christmas tree put together while I've been off today.
I look forward to this time of year more than anything else. Sure, it's our busiest time at the store and we work awfully hard....but, it's actually fun in a weird sort of way. I can attest to coming home dead tired everyday, but I'm always anxious to tackle it again the next day.
Hard to believe the year is almost gone. So much has happened in 2008 and we have been blessed in multiple ways. We will celebrate Christmas differently this year as Debbie and I will focus more on Tripp and Makinley. We will still enjoy our children, but it is time that they started developing their own traditions.
Debbie and I have a new "daughter" as we have "adopted" a little girl from Zambia. Her name is Ostridah and she turned 4 years old in September. We look forward to watching her grow up and being a vehicle that God uses to share Christ with her. Please covenant with us to pary for Ostridah.

Happy Birthday Derrick!

Tomorrow my brother-in-law, Derrick, turns 53! When I stop and think about it...we have known each other since we were 14-15 years old...almost 40 years. He went to school at our cross town rival and we played basketball against each other in different color uniforms.
He is the brother I never had and a 2nd son to my dad. Having lived away from Wilmington for most of my adult life, Derrick has always been there for my dad whenever he needed anything. He has always done it, even when my dad wasn't very lovable. I admire my brother-in-law for many different reasons and I'm thankful God has blessed him, my sister, and my nephews in so many different ways. Happy Birthday D-Rock!
WOW...it is getting busier and busier at the store. If there is a recession, you wouldn't know it by the amount of groceries flying off the shelves. I'm already tired and we still have 2 weeks until Thanksgiving and 6 weeks until Christmas. I will say this though!! WE ARE READY! Our folks are awesome and I am blessed beyond measure to work with the group that surround me. Even on my off days, they are always there to pick me up!

Here's to Hope!

All I can say is that I did my part! The problem as I see it is not one of Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative...it is a problem of ignorance and complacency. I am to blame as much as anyone. I am part of the problem and have not been a active part of the solution. It is up to each of us to be educated and to really make a fast determination on what our values are...what we will stand for and what we will not stand for. I don't need to put validity in what all the pundits and analysts say without having first done my own personal studies and evaluations. We can't put all our apples in one basket. The truth is if the vote of everyone under 30 years old were taken out of the election...Obama would have still been elected, so we can't blame it on the uninformed young voter. The truth is that if every African American vote was taken out of the equation....Obama would still have been elected, so we can't say that it was strictly the race vote that elected him. Again, and this is only my opinion....America does want change. America voted for change and they got change...or did they? Will there be higher taxes? Sure there will be. Will he eliminate spending by going line for line through the budget and eliminate wasteful spending?? I don't think so, but that's just me. Will he bring the troops home? I don't believe he will waste any time and this one thing will be what he hangs his hat on to reduce spending. The problem is....terrorists will view him as weak and we will have to start looking over our shoulders again. Will he appoint liberal judges.......take it to the bank.
Have you stopped and wondered where all Obama's campaign money came from?? Do you not think for one moment that any of it didn't come "washed" through Muslim countries?? Is that too absurd to believe?
Make sure you kiss your loved ones goodbye each time you part and make sure that you tell them you love them each chance you get. There were over 3,000 Americans that lost their lives in the World Trade Center. On that fateful morning...did they?

Nervous Wreck

Ok, I admit it. I don't want Barack Obama elected President. To be honest, I was a big Mike Huckabee fan and still am. I love Sarah Palin and believe she would be a breath of fresh air and would actually get some things done the average Washington politician can't. I believe John McCain has some admirable qualities...primarily that he would protect our country and the lives of my children and grandchildren at all costs. Barack Obama...I don't get it! Where there is smoke...there is FIRE!! His associations with people like Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers, Resko, Khadali....c'mon y'all!!!! Surely there is some smoke there!! Regardless of the fact that he is a ultra liberal...he doesn't place his hand over his heart during the national anthem...in fact...he wants to change the national anthem to "I want to teach the world to sing." Are you freaking kidding me!!! Do you realize how many people have died for our national anthem? He might as well go to Arlington or the Vietnam Veteran's memorial and spit on the gravestones or names engraved on the wall. If for no other reason...HE HAS A MUSLIM NAME!! Does anybody not remember 9-11?
Whatever! I'm praying the trumpet sounds and the eastern sky opens and I'm at home in heaven! God destroyed Sodom and Gomorah for a whole lot less than what we allow in America today.
By the way, there is some significance in the watermelon picture!
GOD, PLEASE GIVE US ONE MORE CHANCE!

Tag...You're It!

I was "tagged" in Stacey's Blog, so now I am suppose to tell you 7 things you may not know about me. This will be difficult as the reason you don't know these things about me is because I may not want you to know.

1. When I was about 14 years old, I had a friend of mine over to camp out in the backyard. Mom and Dad also had some friends over and they were pretty well intoxicated, so I took some of the wine they were drinking and JoJo and I had our own party. I got so drunk and very sick and never had a real taste for wine ever again.
2. When I was 14/15 years old, I would wait until mom & dad were asleep and I would sneak out of the house and take one of the cars for a joy ride. I did this many, many, many times and was very, very, very fortunate not to get in a accident or to get caught.
3. The night I was inducted into Delta Upsilon Fraternity, I drank 19 12 oz. beers in one mug at one time and that is why I have never really been fond of beer. (notice a trend here?)
4. I have loved a woman 3 times in my life, but I have only ever BEEN IN LOVE with one woman...my Debbie.
5. One of my greatest desires is for personal approval and affirmation in my life from those I care about and I believe that stems from the way I was raised. I don't really ever remember any verbal affirmation from my dad growing up.
6. When I was in law enforcement, there were many times that I came into contact with people that had small amounts of marijuana in their possession and I would confiscate the drugs, destroy it, and let the people go.
7. I wish I could go back in time and start my life all over at about 12 years old.

Home Again!

Back in McDonough to a empty house!
I thoroughly enjoyed my short trip "home." I got to spend some quality time with G-Pa Sheneman, my dad. He is having a difficult time with some ongoing pain in his side that radiates to the middle of his back. I met he and my brother-in-law at the pain management doctor Tuesday when I got to town. The doctor seems to think it is age related based on the curvature in his spine and barrel chest that have put undue stress on his ribs and rib muscles. He gave him a muscle relaxer and is putting him in a "corset" to put pressure on his ribs and to help him maintain better posture.
My nephew fancies himself a singer, when he's not selling insurance. He was playing at Wild Wings Tuesday night so I went there with my baby sister, brother-in-law, niece, and a few others to listen to him. It didn't hurt they had 1/2 price wings and we ate more than our fair share. Matt can play and sing and I always enjoy listening to him.
Yesterday, Pops and I ran some errands and basically just hung out at his house. He enjoys talking and I enjoy listening. He has some awesome stories from his "war" years in the service and I never get tired of hearing them. Nowadays, like most of the rest of us...he laments about the state of the nation and where it is headed. We agree that Obama is not the right choice.
Last night was back at the sister's for vegetable soup and salad and to catch the end of the Obama "waste of money" infomercial, before the end of the World Series. I caught breakfast this morning with my little sister and two nephews before stopping by Pops and getting on the road.
Tomorrow Stacey, Joey and the grandkids come to town for the Fall Festival at our church and to spend the weekend with us. It's Georgia vs. Florida Saturday, so I know where Joey, Trey, and I will be for the better part of the day
It's good to be home and back with my Debbie!

R & R

Can you say, "vacation?"
I can! No Kroger for the next 8 days. I love my job and I love my people, but....sometimes I just don't like the routine and the daily grind. Thankfully, I have persevered now for almost 30 years and with this amount of time in service comes 6 weeks of paid vacation. WOW...I am blessed! Now, there are many people that prefer to take their vacations early in the year or in the heat of the summer. NOT ME! I like to save all my weeks until the 2 nd half of the year and take a week off every month starting in July when we typically take our family vacation to the beach. Most of the time, I am off by myself since Debbie barely has 2 weeks vacation. She likes to save a week so she can take it in days when something special comes up. What do I do? Most of the time I head to Wilmington for a few days to visit my dad and sisters and I will head that way tomorrow. Hopefully on this trip, my dad will feel up to going fishing for a few hours. There is nothing like surf fishing in the fall on the coast of North Carolina. That is one of the joys of my life and something I can thank my dad for. He instilled in me a love and respect for the ocean and an absolute passion for salt water fishing. There is nothing that beats the smell of the salt air or sleeping to the sound of the breaking surf.
With that said....I'm outa here to go get my bags and tackle packed!

Humor me please...

And you thought you had the greatest, smartest, funniest, and most beautiful grandchildren in the world? NOT!! I am blessed to have them. I don't think I do...I know I do! Everytime I see them they have learned something new and exciting. Now that they live a hour from us and we don't get to see them each day....I am amazed everytime I do get to see them as to how they have changed. Maybe they are a small bit taller, weigh a few ounces heavier, their hair is a few inches longer...fact of the matter is...they are changing so quickly. Tripp is all boy and Makinley is all little girl....they compliment each other. It reminds me how it must have been with my mom raising my baby sister and I so many years ago. I have a faint memory of my Grandfather Sheneman taking me out on his porch one night and showing me the full moon. I couldn't have been much older than Tripp is now. Unfortunately, he died when I was only a few years old so I never got to know him and this is the only real memory I have of him. I know he loved me and I can only imagine how he must have felt when I was born....a Sheneman male to carry on his legacy.
Granddad...I hope I've made you as proud of me as I am of my grandchildren.

DECEIVED!!

It's official in my book. The nation has been deceived...duped if you will. We took God out of everything...including many churches. Now, we face a future where He will be removed from everything else. It's just a matter of time and time in this case...is not infinite. We'll wake up in the not too distant future and Big Brother will be camped out on our front porch. Don't laugh...it's happening right before our eyes, but the problem is.....America has been blinded and you know what......it's already been written! Read The Book! Read the end of The Book! Read it before you aren't allowed to read it anymore. The times we are living in should not surprise the believer. We are challenged to live "ready" because we know He will return like a thief in the night. No man knows the day or the hour, but we can be prepared to meet Him. Are you prepared? Are you ready? To choose not to choose is to choose!! We should be ashamed that we have not stood up and our voices heard. We have allowed the liberals...the left...to have their way and it is on the verge of getting so much worse. We have forgotten so many lessons You sought to teach us. How soon the nation has forgotten 9/11. Thank you President Bush for your efforts to protect us since that fateful day. We should all be eternally grateful to you for our safety and that of our families. Thanks to all the brave military men and women protecting me and mine day in and day out.

Lord, how soon? Come quickly! You destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for so much less!

Amazing!!!

I'm not sure there is anything else that I can hear about the Presidential election that will surprise me. Last night, we were listening to the news and they were interviewing some 18 year old kid that had voted "73" times in Ohio already for OBAMA because of the efforts of ACORN. Of course, this is just one more affiliation that Darth Barack has in his past that the main stream media elects to sweep under the carpet. Let's see...Ayers, Wright, Farakan, Resco!! Am I the only one that sees this guy as the liberal radical that he obviously is?? I am convinced the vast majority of Americans are spiritually blinded. There is no way...at least in my mind....that a born again believer is not looking towards the eastern sky everyday waiting for the trumpet to sound. If we aren't on a fast track to the end times...then I am Popeye. Is anybody really listening to this rhetoric? Has anybody really looked at his history? Heck, I am not savvy when it comes to politics, but I am intelligent enough to do my own research and homework. I was talking to a work colleague the other day and I mentioned all the brave men and women that had died in Iraq and Afghanistan protecting our freedoms and he told me in no uncertain terms, "they didn't die for my freedom." I was incredulous. What? "They didn't die for my freedom because they are fighting a illegal war that the American people didn't approve."
WHAT? Are you crazy?
I pray the day never comes that a terrorist bomb doesn't blow up in the school yard where his children play.
Therein lies the problem!! People are uninformed and thus, IGNORANT!!!
Get off the couch and vote! get off the couch and encourage others to vote! MOST IMPORTANTLY...get off the couch and GET ON YOUR KNESS AND PRAY THAT GOD GIVES US ONE MORE CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT!

TORNADO!!

And you think tornados are only a problem in the midwest?? This is a photograph of the tornado that touched down in downtown Atlanta a few months ago around the Georgia Dome, CNN Center and Phillips Arena

Stay the course....

If you are like me and thousands of other Americans, you hear conversations each day about the state of our country. There is no doubt it is having a hiccup right now, but.....it is still the greatest country on the face of the earth. The way I look at it.....it's as much our fault as it is anyone's in Washington. Afterall, we are the ones that put them there....at least a small number of us when you look at the total registered voting populace. The American people are the ones that gobbled up the easy mortgages when they knew within that they would never be able to afford the new house, the new car, all the latest bells and whistles. Of course, there was GREED! Deep down....that word creeps within each of us because we are individualists! It is all about ME...not WE! As far as the Presidential election goes.....I will vote my conscience and convictions and as far as I am concerned the choice is easy. I can't even fathom the thought of Obama in the White House. When I really stop and think about that possibility it would suggest to me that many across our land have become deceived. Who is the author of lies and deception? Enough said!
Now, as far as Wall Street goes....I have taken a hit like many have. However, I am staying put and I'm not changing a thing. In fact, it is a awesome time to buy. I only wish I was 25 again like Trey because if I was, I would be figuring out a way to buy, buy, buy. Even though I'm not 25 and am anticipating retiring sooner than later, I believe that American ingenuity will prevail and we will see the economy come back. It is the history of the market. We shouldn't get in the market for the short term...ever!
Bottom line is...none of this caught God by surprise! Like the song says, "when I don't know where to go, I run to the throne."

INTIMATE!!

This time last week we were on a jet winging it back to Atlanta after 7 days of sun and fun! It has been a busy week with travel and work...obviously vacation is over! KUDOS to my UNC Tarheels for going to 4-1 yesterday with their win over UCONN. We always have a basketball team but it has been awhile since the football team was on anyone's "worry" list when they lined up to play them.
The weather is gorgeous...you have to love this time of year with the temperatures dropping, leaves turning, high school football Fridays, Halloween, county fairs, etc..
Several things came out of our Sunday School lesson today that impacted me. I had already seen the email that is currently circulating as to how, during World War II, Winston Churchhill had implored the people of Great Britain to pray for the safety of the nation each night at 9 p.m.. We all know what happened as England was protected from invasion. As Christians, we have been asked to pray for our nation each night at 9 p.m.. We are the moral compass and majority of our nation, but too often we are the "silent" majority. It is time that we step up to kneel down and ask our Heavenly Father to have His will here on earth in the areas of the election, financial turmoil, wars and rumors of wars.
Secondly, the word "intimate." Today we were discussing intimacy, both with God and with those we love and care about. One of the ladies in our class told us that when she thought of this word, she broke it down to "IN-TO-ME-SEE." Isn't that what intimacy is...allowing others to see into ourselves??
I believe it is!

What A Week!!!

We had a most awesome time cruising through the Carribean. Believe it or not, I got off the plane both times without her finger impressions permanently indented in my forearm. I was very proud of her for making the flights as you all know how scared Debbie is of flying. We got out of the port of Tampa on time last Sunday. It is about a 2 hour trip to actually clear the mainland of Florida and actually be out at sea. We got settled in our balcony stateroom and them began to explore the ship. Not the biggest in the Carnival fleet, but big enough at 88,000 tons and 2100 passengers. We were at sea all day on Monday and reached the Cayman Islands on Tuesday, Roatan on Wednesday, Belize on Thursday, and finally to Cozumel on Friday before another day at sea on Saturday. I enjoyed Belize the most and could care less about Roatan and Cozumel. If you want to get hounded by the locals...get off the boat in Roatan or Mexico. In the future, if I elect to return to either..I will book some type of excursion and not bother with the shopping districts. I think Debbie and I both enjoyed our time together on the ship the most sunbathing, romantic dinners, and some dancing. The shows and comedians were fun and there was always something to do on deck. I think the theme of the week was reconnecting and focusing on each other. I am so proud of my wife, love her with all my heart, and anxiously look forward to the next 30 years with her!

Anchors Aweigh!!

Sitting here waiting on Trey to come to take us to the airport. By 3PM, we should be on the ship in Tampa and by this time tomorrow....well, I don't want to rub it in. Thankfully, there are no storms on the horizon and we should have smooth seas. Debbie has all of her dramamine, wrist bands, new clothes...she's ready. I have my bathing suit, flip flops and some good books. I just finished a great book called "Riven." A must read. Authored by Jenkins that co-wrote all the "Left Behind" books.

Continue to pary for Joey's mom, Linda. She has now started her treatments for her lymphoma and she has been awfully ill. To make her anxiety even tougher, she has stopped receiving paychecks from her place of employment. The God I serve is a healing Lord. We are told to "pray believing" as the prayers of the righteous availeth much.

Anchors aweigh.......and God bless. We love you!

When the storms come....

We've all watched thunderstorms build in the distant on a hot, summer afternoon. The clouds seem to stretch as high as the eye can see. They become darker and more and more threatening. As the storm approaches the temperature changes and the winds move in stronger and stronger. Lightning flashes and thunder rolls. First comes a light sprinkle and as the storm gets closer and closer, the raindrops get bigger and more frequent. Soon the lightning is on top of us and the rain comes in torrents.
While all of this happens here, God looks at it from a different perspective. His Son still shines! He sees the tunderstorm from the top side where the clouds are white and fluffy. He knows that soon the storm will pass. His Son has never moved...never changed...always right there to bring back the light that we each need for survival, for warmth, for Life.
We all go through storms in our lives....some much darker and more sinister than others. Aren't you thankful that tomorrow brings a new day....aren't you thankful His Son always shines.

PEACE!!

Yesterday was very restful. We had a awesome worship time in choir yesterday morning. Debbie made it home around 11:30 a.m. from Stacey's. I got a great nap in while she went to the grocery store. I'm reading a very interesting book called "Riven" and I was able to get through a few chapters of that. We had a meeting to go to at church prior to choir practice and then we stopped and got a bite to eat before going home.
Friday evening I attended a ELCA football game with my friend, Bubba. For those of you who keep up with my blog will recognize Bubba as being the friend who had a tough row to hoe a few weeks back with a heart attack and open heart surgery...kidney issues, etc.. He is doing very well and went back to work last week. We had a great time at the game watching some good football and just catching up on his new granddaughter, class reunion, and other things. So far so good on his kidney function and he is not having to do dialysis.
Jennifer is in Florida visiting family, so Debbie and I have the house to ourselves until tomorrow. Trey has a follow up visit with his surgeon tomorrow. Stacey's mother-in-law starts her chemo this week. Much to be thankful for and much to be in prayer for as well.

$5 Gallon

It has been a busy and tough day for many reasons. We got word early that because of Hurricane Ike, we could expect gasoline shortages and our incoming costs could be as high as $5.10 per gallon on everything delivered today. Sure enough, the price moved $.21 per gallon in just a matter of hours. The Ingles a few miles from us had already moved their retails to $5.20 per gallon around 3 PM and we were holding at $3.89. We have heard stories of fuel stations closing and rationing gas to 10 gallons per customer. If I was asked once today...I was asked 100 times how long the price would be up?? I have no clue. I guess it depends on what we hear the damage is in the gulf when we wake up in the morning.
When I left the store it was obvious the consumer has heard the warnings as cars were circling the pumps. I can't imagine how frantic it will be when everyone gets off work and turns on the radio on the ride home.

In honor of Joey!

There are many fathers that can relate to the day they walked their daughters down a aisle and gave their little girl away to another man. It was hard...very hard! I couldn't imagine not ever being the #1 man in Stacey's life ever again. For years and years I had been the one to protect her and to take care of her....to sit with her when she was sick and to beam with pride during those special accomplishments she achieved. Could any man love her as much as I do? Would any man respect her and treat her like the princess she is? Would he protect her and comfort her....would he take care of her when she didn't feel well? Would he provide a loving home and support her and his family financially, emotionally, physically, and most of all....spiritually.

God answered a silent prayer when He sent Joey to Stacey. Not only did He send him to take care of her and become one with her...He sent him to calm a father's fears. I love my son-in-law and am so proud of the husband and father he is and the future that God has in store for him. I want to wish him a Happy Birthday and pray that there will be many more to come. While his father is not here any longer, there is no doubt in my mind that Ralph would be ever so proud of his son. I know he sees the great man that his son has become.

Happy Birthday son!

Carribean Is Calling

Only two more weeks and Debbie and I set sail to celebrate our 30th anniversary in the western carribean. Hopefully, by then all the different Hannah's, Gustav's, and Ike's will be distant memories and we will have calm seas and light winds. The last time we sailed out of Ft. Lauderdale on the biggest ship in the Princess fleet, we hit 12-15 ft. seas the first night which put Debbie in the bed for about 16 hours straight. Me......I was playing "Titanic" on the bow letting the spray from the high seas cover me. It was a blast...hard to sleep because of the rolling....but a BLAST!! She's not excited about flying to and from Tampa to catch the boat, but we'll figure out some type of tranquilizer for her.
Let me run...at work and we are getting pounded right now.

Whew.......

Yesterday was a long, long day. I didn't sleep at all the night before, being in a motel room and away from home. I was excited after watching Sarah Palin's VP acceptance speech. I was up at 6AM and in class most of the day. Drove back to Madison and took the kids to dinner before finally getting home around 8PM. It was my goal to stay up and watch John McCain accept the Presidential nomination for the GOP, but......I crashed! What I do know getting up this morning is that the Presidential race is now a dead heat according to one poll I just heard, so I would say let the battle be joined.
I solicit your prayers this morning for Joey's mom and Stacey's mother-in-law, Linda Lancaster. She is at the hospital now having a biopsy done as a MRI has shown enlarged lymph nodes and a mass of some type on her spleen. May God's grace be sufficient and His will be done here on earth. I know that my God is bigger than any disease. He calls us to pray without ceasing and to pray BELIEVING. The faith of a mustard seed can move a mountain.

I HATE MEETINGS!!!!

Off to Agusta today to prepare to teach a management class all day tomorrow. Let's see.......yes............I hate driving to Augusta, I hate being cooped up in a meeting all day, and most importantly......I just hate being away from Debbie and home. I'm happy the Company thought enough of me to have me trained to teach this class to my peers, but there is this downside as well.
I am looking forward to listening to Sarah Palin accept the Republican VP nomination tonight and what she will have to say. I won't use my blog to say anything about the Democrat side of the ticket, but to me that alternative is very frightening. 9/11 has been forgotten by too many!! President Bush has kept our country from harm the past 7 years and I'm afraid that if the Democrats are elected and scale back our aggression towards terrorism...we only open the doors WIDE for them to attack us inside the continental United States. Additionally, we must return our country to the culture it was founded upon. I am excited as to what Governor Palin brings to the table and it's my prayer that a Holy God will intervene and give America one more chance to turn to Him before it is too late.

September 2, 1983

It gets increasingly easier to understand some of God's Scriptures the older I get. We are but a "vapor in the wind" and our time in our earthly bodies is only an instant, a wink if you will when put in the context of eternity.
One of the happiest days of my life was September 2, 1983....25 years ago today when Trey entered into the world. Hard to believe the man I know today was once small enough to be held in one hand. As I reflect on his first 25 years, I am reminded at how blessed I have been to be a father of two wonderful children. I am humbled by how God has shown the kids His love and that our faith was never "forced" on the children. They each found their own way and made their own decisions when it came to whether or not they would follow the world or follow the Saviour. To Him, "a thousand years is but a day and a day is like a thousand years." Our time as parents will not end until we leave this earth. We are challenged to let our children grow and learn and to cling to their special someone. While it is difficult to step outside the box and let them experience life's obstacles on their own....it is what we must do. Now, I find that much harder to accomplish than does Debbie....especially with Trey. A father has a different responsibility to raising a son versus raising a daughter. A son must learn responsibility as it pertains to leading, protecting, and supporting a family. While I have tried to model and encourage traits consistent with this philosophy...there have been times that I have fallen miserably short. My prayer is that for those times...I be forgiven. I love my son and I am so very proud of him and all the many things he has accomplished. God has a awesome plan for him and what He would have him to do to further His kingdom. Happy Birthday Trey! Stay the course and finish this race that you are on!

Vacation IS OVER!

I had a very nice time in Wilmington visiting with my dad, my sisters, my brother-in-law, my nephews and other friends. As usual, the time goes by much too quickly. Pops and I were able to spend some quality time together and get a few things done around his house. Trey and Jennifer passed me on the way home as they are now there until Tuesday. I stopped in Madison and spent the night at Stacey's. Debbie met me there and we had a nice dinner and watched some TV, played with the kids, etc.. I got up early and came on back into McDonough as I wanted to get another coat of paint on the bedroom wall and finish some trimming opportunities.
College football is here!! Joey was at UGS's win today and I watched ECU upset Va. Tech (Yea Susan/MG) I'm now watching UVA get their butt kicked by USC. I've called my friends in Charlottesville that have a skybox at the stadium and hollered at them for a minute. Maybe UNC will actually have a team that can compete with UVA this year! They never did when I lived there and believe me I heard all about it each week.
Love my family and I so enjoyed my time with them this week.

Please, pull all my teeth instead....

To those that are house painters by profession...God bless you!! I have decided that I would rather have all my teeth pulled versus painting. It has dawned on me that with age comes experience and a certain amount of prosperity and with the experience and with the money...in the future when Debbie wants to change the color of a room...I WILL HIRE SOMEONE TO DO IT. It sounded simple..paint the master bath and our bedroom. That was 20 manhours ago and I'm still not finished. Joey helped for several hours on Saturday or I would probably still be locked in the bathroom. After thousands of times of getting up and down a ladder, I have rediscovered muscles I didn't know I had in my back and in my arms. When it's all said and done, I'm sure it will cost even more money as Debbie will now have a reason to buy new stuff to match the new paint colors. It's a vicious cycle....but, wouldn't have it any other way.
Fay has given us some much needed rain....cloudy again today. My friend Bubba is a new granddad. He called Saturday from Chicago to say he had a new little girl. To think it was only a few short weeks ago that he was in pretty dire straits with a heart attack, facing heart surgery and with his kidneys on the blink. There are many that would say it's a medical miracle and there are others of us that would say it's the power of prayer.

Where did the time go....

It seems like just yesterday Tripp was coming home from the hospital. Yesterday, I stopped by Joey & Stacey's on the way home from Augusta. In his bedroom, they have put up a "yardstick" to measure his height and I was really amazed to see how tall he has gotten. There is no better feeling to a old "grump" to walk in the house and see Makinley all the way across the room, see her Big Poppa, and come walking to him as fast as her little legs will carry her with her arms reaching to be picked up. She and I sat together for a long time before she ever moved!!!

Our sunroom is almost finished. All that is left is to paint the outside to match the rest of the house and to lay the carpet. It is quite surprising it turned out as good as it did and I am looking forward to some fall evenings lounging out there with the windows open.

Things are busy in Georgia!

While we were in Florida last month, we had the carpet ripped up in the bedrooms and hardwood floors installed. Starting tomorrow, a contractor will be on site to convert our screen porch into a sunroom. The first few days of my vacation next week, I'll be painting the master bedroom and the master bath before heading out to Wilmington for a few days to catch up with daddy and the sisters. It is my personal plan to stay in this house until.....
Next month Debbie and I celebrate 30 years of marriage. God has been so good to us...blessing us with wonderful children and their spouses and soon to be spouses, along with Tripp and Makinley and hopefully, more grandchildren to come. I have the most wonderful wife and best friend and I love her more today than yesterday, but not as much as I'll love her tomorrow. The most precious thing to me though is we know we have eternity to look forward to. My Bible says that in heaven "we will know and be known." Amen! Anyway, our celebration is booked. 7 days at sea going to Cancun, Grand Caymans, Belize, and the Honduras. Don't call us.....we will be busy "he-ing and she-ing."

The Gold Key

WOW!!!
In today's world, there really is no such thing as customer service...more like customer "no-service." We have had internet problems for 2 weeks now. To make it worse, we had Direct TV installed this past Tuesday. It worked great when the technician left. Getting up Wednesday morning, I discovered the internet wouldn't access again so I called the provider. They came out and told me the Direct TV installer had cut the internet coaxial and I would have to get them back. After...listen to this...a total of 7 phone calls and 2 emails, the tech finally got here at 8:30PM tonight and had us back up and running in about 15 minutes. I have the computer prompts at Direct TV memorized now whenever I have to call them.
On a positive note, I received a Gold Key award this week at Kroger. One receives a key everytime there is a positive comment from a customer or an employee about something special you may have done. It's a relatively new recognition program the Company started. Once you have received 5 regular keys, you begin receiving gold keys on a lapel pin to wear. I now have my gold lapel pin + 2 keys. It's even more special because it came from our associates...the greatest in the Company and I am blessed daily by each one of them. Thank you.
One more week and vacation again.....you gotta love it!

Up the creek

One doesn't realize how much one is dependent on the internet and email until one does not have it. We have had a sick modem at the house all week, so unable to access the internet. I come in today and the modem is all green lights. Of course, we called our provider and the technician can't come until Saturday. Go figure!!
Played golf today in Augusta for the first time in months. A friend from our Wednesday night men's Bible study asked me to go and with nothing else on the "to do" list today, I decided to go. OUCH!!! IT WAS SO HOT!! There was a day when I couldn't go to sleep the night before if I knew I was going to be playing golf the next day. I think those days are past. In fact...those days are past! I love golf, but not when my underwear are wet after the 3rd hole.
All is well. Work is work, but vacation looms again very soon.

Al's Chris Steakhouse

Today..in 95 degree weather....I will attempt to cook a rib-eye steak for each one of my employees and managers. That would be approximately 155 steaks!!! A daunting task, considering the grill will go about 8 at the time. We have had a good year....I am surrounded by great people...they have done wonderful things....I look forward to just saying thank-you.
Finishing up here this afternoon, I will take dinner to my friend, Bubba, and his wife as he is now at home and getting along pretty well. I appreciate all the prayers and I know he, and his entire family, do as well. I wish each of you could meet him...he is a truly awesome grandfather, father, husband, teacher, preacher, and friend. I am a better person because of the impact he has had on my life.
Another week is winding down and a busy weekend ahead as we go to Madison to help Joey & Stacey move into their new home.

They're back!!!!!

I was right! We came back with more than we went with. Trey forgot his chair, Jennifer forgot her tennis shoes, we had 5 bags of bathroom accessories for Stacey & Joey's new house to bring back for them, Debbie found a new Ann Taylor Loft, and I found a new Ron Jon Surf Shop. We didn't have any wiggle room!!
Personally, I had a great week and did exactly what I anticipated doing. Get up, coffee, go to the beach, eat lunch, go to the beach (maybe a afternoon nap), go to dinner, sit on the porch, go to bed. We had great weather and calm seas until Wednesday. The hurricane that hit Texas created some massive seas for us and the beach was closed all day Wednesday and Thursday. Police were on patrol on land and in the air and were all over the people that decided to ignore the red flags, swift under currents, and huge waves. Fortunately Trey and I got in some great body surfing Tuesday before it got too big...even for me...and I have never been afraid of the ocean.
While we ere there, we got great news that my friend Bubba successfully went through his quadruple bypass surgery. He is now having a time with his kidneys and is back in the hospital for some urgent dialysis. I visited last night once we got back for several hours and when we called today after church, he was good enough that they were letting him go home. Pray for a healing of his kidneys that he might regain enough function that he will not have to endure the thrice weekly dialysis.
Back to work tomorrow, but.............5 more weeks of vacation before December 31st. I go again starting August 24 and a week a month until the end of the year.

Can you say......GONE!

Today is the day! By 3PM we'll be locked and loaded in PCB...
Last year, trying to unload the car down there along with 300 other people and 3 elevators....during a driving thunderstorm...was an absolute nightmare. This year we aren't hauling all our groceries which will make it easier, but we are carrying 3 more people (Trey, Jenni, and Makinley) and all their "stuff." We have a plan when we get there....one bag per person first trip and we'll get the rest of it LATER! It's amazing. I could survive for a week with a couple of pair of shorts, a few T-shirts, my bathing suit and flip flops.....and my pillow. A woman can go through those kind of clothing requirements in a matter of hours..then you have to have seperate bags for makeup, shoes, hair dryers....who knows what all. Not to mention...there is a new mall directly across the street from us this year that wasn't open last year.
GUYS....believe me....I'll come home with more than I went with.
Oh well, go shopping. I'll be on the beach sitting on the ocean's edge, digging my feet into the sand, sunglasses on, IPOD playing some ZZ Top.....see you at dinnertime.

Happy Birthday to you.....

We are celebrating some birthdays in the extended Sheneman Family during the coming week and I just want to wish my older sister, Susan, and my nephew, Mark, best birthday wishes. This is Susan holding Makinley at our Memorial Day cookout. I don't have any pictures of my nephew, Mark, on my PC, so this is the next best thing. Say hello to the singing Ham Boys!! Derrick, the dad, and Matt, the brother! I'm sure during the birthday hoedown Saturday night the boys will strum happy birthday to the celebrants. wish we could all be there, but we will hoist something in your honor sitting on the Gulf on Saturday evening. HOORAH! (Mark: even though you won't call a Uncle, check the mailbox first of the week at your mom's house.)

10, 9, 8,. 7 and then it was 2

Two more days! I can't believe we are only two days from paradise. I remember the first time I went to the Gulf Coast of Florida.....September, 1988. Kroger used to have our annual fall sales meeting each year in Destin, Florida...on the gulf coast about 65 miles east of Pensacola. The first time I hit the Sandestin Resort...I knew I would spend many more hours there in the years to come and I have. Clear blue waters, lily white sand, virtually no "surf" to speak of, plenty of good seafood eateries, cool ocean breezes in the evening time. It just doesn't get any better than this. We are all excited to be going and I'm particularly happy that Trey has recouperated well enough that he feels like he can make the trip. I'm excited that Jennifer will be coming as well ....even though we will have to teach her to love it as much as we do. "That's the way we roll girl!" Buy some sunscreen or a good book, cause we are hanging on the beach. You're either with us or you can have the condo all to yourself during the daylight hours.
Speaking of my son....I am so proud of his resolve to lose weight and get healthier. He has done an awesome job watching his sugar and we can really see a difference. Way to go son!!! I always knew that you could do anything you put your mind too! I know it has not been easy, but the love of a good woman and other factors can be tremendous motivators. You can believe your dad loves you more than life itself....I have the greatest family and I am blessed beyond measure.

Hallelujah!!!

Great news this afternoon that my friend, Bubba, is finished with his quadruple bypass surgery and should be in recovery now. I know his wife, Cindy, son, and three daughters are all dancing on clouds about now. I will look forward to seeing him in the next few days once he gets situated back in his room.
Three more days and we head to Florida. I don't know that I've ever anticipated a vacation more than I do this one. It will be fun and more fun. I am looking forward to the hours of doing exactly what I want to do....which is basically nothing other than just playing with the grandkids. I know the folks at the store are ready for some R&R on their own just by having me 400 miles away. I have been more than a bear lately and the least little thing has gnawed at me more than I should ever allow. I am blessed to work with the people that surround me everyday and I can only pray they respect me and care about me more than I deserve. "We are called to conduct ourselves in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ."
Forgive me Lord for those times that I fail you and those around me.

If you're going through hell.....

I heard something today that made me think and say, "hmmmmmmmm." If you were asked this question, what would you say?
"If you're going through hell....how do you smell?"
In Daniel Chapter 3, we read the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When they refused to bow to the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had erected to himself, he commanded that they all three be thrown into a fiery furnace. The furnace was so hot that the soldiers that bound the three and threw them into the furnace were consumed and perished because of the heat. When King Nebuchanezzar looked into the furnace, he didn't see three men!!! The verse says that "he saw four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looked like a son of the gods."
The bottom line is....just because we are Christians, God doesn't promise us that He will remove us from all the trials and tribulations we will go through during our earthly life. What He does promise is.....He will walk beside us and give us the strength to endure and to finish the race. Amen!
The surgery for my friend, Bubba, has been postponed until Wednesday due to complications from his diabetes and kidney function. Please continue to pray for God's perfect timing in his life and that he will continue to be a encouragement to all of us that know him.

This time next week.....

This time next week...10:00A.M., I'll be sitting by the water in PCB. I look forward to several events each year, but our family vacation always rivals Christmas for me in terms of anticipation and excitement. Around January each year, we begin to talk about it and plan it. As the months stretch out and the weeks count down....I am like a child in a candy store. First of all, I love being with my family. Secondly, since I was a small child and my parents first took me to the beach, the saltwater, the sand, the salt air, the sound of the surf....does something magical in my spirit. It comforts me and it rests me! It rejuvenates me!
While I loved the mountains when we lived in Virginia and to see the color changes in the fall each year, the snow in the winter....there is nothing quite like a nice ocean breeze blowing in a thunderstorm across the gulf and watching God, in all His glory, manifest Himself in so many different, visual ways. Just think....He only lets the ocean come just so far. He tells the moon where to hide until the evening time. He draws pictures in the sky by using His clouds. He knows me just like He knows the number of the grains of sand on the beach I'll walk on next week. He is so amazing and to think...He knows me! A sinner saved by grace!
My friend, Bubba, will have quadruple bypass surgery in the morning. He has other medical issues that puts him at a much greater risk than the average person, so please pray for God's divine intervention that He will heal the physical heart in the man that has a spiritual heart devoted to serving His Lord and Saviour for the vast majority of his entire life.

In the beginning....

A few nights ago, Debbie and I were eating at Willingham's and my attention was drawn to a brochure (and business card) Mrs. Willingham had on each table. As I read, I was reminded of a conversation Debbie and I had had a few weeks ago about a gentleman she had met at her office. The doctor Debbie works for has been treating his wife for cancer. She explained that the story was he was a huge builder/developer in the county we live in and because of the recession, he was looking for a new opportunity. The opportunity he had seized upon was the same opportunity Mrs. Willingham was advertising. I hadn't really thought anymore about it as Debbie couldn't really explain it to me. Anyway, when I got home, I launched the website on the business card and began to read about the absolute "opportunity" of a lifetime.
Once I understood the business and the principle, I asked Debbie if she could make contact with this gentleman. We found his number in the phone book and I talked to him the night before last. He spent 2 hours with me yesterday and now I "own" my own business.
It is so simple and has so many possibilities...it is scary. While it is network marketing and that has always been a huge turn off to me.....this will sell itself and I don't have to carry any inventory.....what I will sell basically EVERYONE uses in the state.
Check out the website...bigalsheneman.igniteinc.biz. If you have any aspirations for extra money, early retirement, or the finer things in life....it is a no-brainer. This isn't the ground floor...this is the basement floor. The company just launched in Georgia in April.

I am yours......

Have you ever thought about this phrase? "I am yours." Whose are we anyway? I know I am Debbie's. I know I am Stacey & Trey's. I know who I am to Joey, Jennifer, my extended family, my friends, my co-worker's. But who I am is only because of whose I am. I am yours Lord. You first loved me...

Spent this morning in Madison with Stacey and the kids. Tripp had his swimming lesson which was much fun. He isn't really scared of the water...quite yet. We will help him develop a "respect" for the water. He has learned to kick his feet and he will go under the water...which is half the battle in learning to swim in the first place. He gets so excited!!!! This picture is from July 4th weekend and he had just gotten up from his nap after a morning in the pool. His hair is much shorter today as Stacey had him cut this morning.

Mak is taking her first few steps and she wants to be wherever "big" brother is, so she is constantly on the move because he is constantly on the move. We are going to have some kind of fun at the beach...10 days and counting!!!

My friend, Bubba, was transfered to Crawford Long Hospital today in downtown Atlanta for his heart catherization. Keep praying for him, his wife, children and grandchildren.

"You hear me when I'm calling, you catch me when I'm falling, I am yours."

Dining out with the Queen

Stacey called today to tell me a good friend of mine had possibly had a heart attack and was in the hospital. I left work immediately to go and check on my good friend, "Bubba." Bubba was one of the first people I met at church when we moved to Georgia the first time in 1995.We had much in common...a love for softball and basketball and softball, boats, water, our families, and a love for teaching others about our love for our Saviour...Jesus Christ.
Arriving at the hospital, I found Bubba's room and entered to find him, his wife, Cindy, and another friend from our church, Bill Hill. Bubba shared with me the symptons of what he had experienced, but at that point no determination had been made as to his condition. At last check, just a few minutes ago, he was still waiting to see a cardiologist. Please pray for my friend, Bubba.
Debbie and I sat beside each other tonight and got pedicures. Don't knock it until you have tried it. Nothing feels any better...especially after pounding concrete all day. Wish I could get one everyday, but I try and go every 3-4 weeks. Afterwards, we visited one of our favorite eateries...Willingham's. If you are ever in the McDonough area and want some down home, down south home cooking.....don't miss Willingham's. Sometimes the wait may be longer than you'd like, but everything is cooked to order so it comes out HOT and fresh.
Getting ready to kick back now and enjoy some quiet before bedtime. Thank you Lord for another day and my wonderful family. I know you know Lord, how much I truly love each of them.

$1M in the bank....

Another day.....
Today was a good day. We recouped well from weekend holiday sales. No real fires to put out which is usually the case when I take a day or two off. I did get a nice email from our President thanking us for our $1M sales week. That was a very nice gesture on his part.
We had a good time in Madison this weekend. It was good to get away and just hang out and play with the grandkids. I am amazed at how fast they grow up or how fast I get older...one or the other. Tripp keeps you very young as he likes to jump, run, play, throw, etc....pretty much nonstop, unless there is a video that captures his attention. Mak is my princess!! Her smile will melt the hardest of hearts. It doesn't matter what is going on with life in general, I can have 2 minutes with these two and everything really doesn't matter. Stacey and Joey are excellent parents....assuredly more patient than I was at their age. Joey never gets flustered, but Stacey has taught Tripp the phrase, "oh crap." Monkey see....monkey do!
A quiet Sunday evening and a typical Monday. Life goes on......
Thank you Lord for another day and for the blessings of my family.

and the storms came....

the nation knows that the Atlanta area has been in a drought situation off and on, for years. It has gotten increasingly worse over the past 2 years for sure. Now we cannot wash our cars and can only water our lawns on certain days of the week. At the present, the Atlanta metro area has some very serious concerns as they are fed out of Lake Lanier which is currently about 15' below full pool. I heard on the news just the other day, that only 2 of 22 public dock facilities on Lake Lanier are currently usable. Fortunately, the five reservoirs for Henry County where we live are at full pool.
Anyway, coming home today from Madison, we hit some heavy thunderstorms. We all sat on the front porch and gloried in the rain and cool breezes for about an hour before it all moved away. Hopefully, the north got way more rain than we did since they need it so desperately.
I so enjoy my time with Tripp and Makinley. Tripp has some natural athletic abilities which include pretty keen hand/eye coordination...even at 26 months. He is all boy...wide open and runs on energy I wish I had 10% of. Makinley is our princess and has just started taking her first few steps. I can't wait to get them to the beach in a few weeks to see thier reaction to the waves and the sand. Our vacations are ever so special to me as we just get to hang out as a family. That is what it is all about to me.

The Saturday after.......

Every holiday is a major event in the grocery business! We plan and plan....order and order more to get ready for the stretch run. Sometimes we are fortunate and hit every nail right on the head. Other times...we miss...and belive me the public lets you know real quick where you fell short!
This July 4th was great. We did the business we budgeted...had the right people at the right time...and hit the orders on the $$$$$$$$. I had a smooth week. I have a great group of people at the store I manage...some of the best in my 30 years of trying to do what I do. They don't deserve my strive for perfection each and every day, but they come so close to perfect most days, I wonder why I'm there. I'm a better manager because of them looking over my faults. Wish I didn't have that part of my father running through my veins.
We're on our way to Madison to spend the night with Stacey, Joey, Tripp, and Makinley. Trey and Jennifer need a break from us as well.

Getting Started

Always something new! Thanks to Stacey, the most wonderful daughter in the world, I have started this blog. It's funny, but it was only yesterday that God gave me the thought to start writing a daily journal. Only He truly knows us, but I would like to leave daily thoughts as to what I think about and pray about. Sometimes the things that happen in our daily lives....well, it's hard to express how it makes you feel. Maybe this will help those that love me most and know me best have a better understanding of what makes me tick and click. It's a start...we'll see how it goes.