Thanksgiving Week

So much going on.   We will be having the whole family here this week for Thanksgiving.  I am so excited.  On top of all of that, I have surgery scheduled for Tuesday.  One night hospital stay.  

  Things are progressing with my Parkinson's Disease.  I have freezing gait.  I still fall from time to time. I have "Lost Moment" where I don't remember where I am or what I am doing.   Some people call it dementia moments.  Parkinson's Disease is different for everyone so I am told.  I am not sure how it is with everyone else but this is my journey.  My tremors have gotten so much better with this new medicine.  I still have them a little but not as wild as before.  I wonder when it will be time for me to stop driving.  Maybe I have already gone longer than needed with driving.  I am still working full time.  I will continue to do that as long as I can.  I think I told them at work, when they asked how long I planned on working here, I told them they would have to move my dry dead bones out to the dumpster.  

  I hate this all for my wife.  She has so much to deal with and trying to take care of me and everyone else it seems.  Prayers are always appreciated.  I don't want this to turn into a woe is me party!  I just want to remember all that happens or let others remember.  Maybe help others understand what some go through with this disease.  I may be depressed at times but I know I have so much more to do.

                                                                                Jeff

 

Changes

   I know it has been a very long time since I have posted here.   So much has changed over the many years since my last post.  All of our kids have grown up and moved out.  Our Youngest has not gone to college and is in his Sophomore year.  Lexi and Allison are now married.  Lexi lives out of the area and Alli is close by.  The in-laws had moved in with us but found that they were not very comfortable so we bought another house for them to live in that is just down the road.  I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and we are now dealing with that.  I will comment more often now and see how everything goes.  I feel this is the best place for me to share with who may be interested and to maybe even start posting videos.  

  May God Bless you all as I start to journal more and tell my story.

A Wonderful beginning to a New Year

The Picture above is the sunset from this evening.  So beautiful.  It reminds me that there is always an  ending before a beginning.  The Lord showed me that he wasn't done yet.  I explained to The Lord that I was content and happy with where I was in my life.  He told me that I had a choice to make.  I can either be content or be overwhelmed because he is not done yet.  Don't be content.  God has so much more in store for us.  BE OVERWHELMED!!!

Last week of 2015

What a crazy year it has been.  So many things have changed this year.  I did add my live weather station to my blog.   You can see it just to the right of this post.  My brother gave the weather station to me for an early Christmas present.  I have wanted one of these for years.  This being the last week of the year, I am looking forward to what is in store for my family.  Not just the crazy weather we have been having but everything else that The Lord has in store for us.  I can honestly look back to this past year and see how The Lord has moved in everything.  We sometimes put ourselves in the circumstances that we are in but He always steps in.  God is Good all the time.  Have a blessed new year.

Fall Back

  It has been over a year since my last posting.  I know I should update this more often but at least now, one can tell how quickly things change.  This year has been full of changes.  We go from being so far in debt that we could almost not breath to now being completely out of debt.  All within the same year.  God does move in "suddenly's".  I go from one job at the beginning of the year and end up working at two other places within the year.  I go today for a job interview for a new job.  The Lord just keeps providing.  And this year, I loose my Mother.  For someone who doesn't care to much for change, it sure has this year.

  We have moved into our new home and things are just wonderful.  It's nothing that we have done to make it wonderful.  It's the Move of The Lord.  I have noticed that when we go through so much, that when it is all over and the dust settles,  I can look back and see what The Lord has brought us through and just look at amazement.  There has been so much talk about the world ending and bad times and stuff, but I am not worried or concerned about the timing.  I just need to make sure that as far as Me and My Household, we will serve The Lord.  His timing is not our timing.  I also need to make sure that I share The Love of The Lord with everyone and hopefully lead many to Christ so that they too can experience HIM.

This year was our first Family vacation ever to actually go somewhere together and enjoy things together.  I was totally awesome.  We did so many things together.  We went to the beach, para sailed and was also able to stop for the last couple of days on our way home and spend time with cousins that I haven't seen in many years.  These are memories that our family made together and my children will never forget.  I am so thankful to the Lord for the time he has given us together.

Our own little Selfie.  My wife and I at work.  Yes, we both have the joy of working together.  It is such a joy to be with my wife at work.  It is easy for us to work together but hard for us to be working both so many hours.   We are in the process of being debt free.  The plan is within 2 years.  As we both work on this, we have figured out that it will take both of us working.  My sweet wife, who was used to being at home with our kids for so many years is now working more hours than me most of the time.  I can't wait until we meet this goal so that we can make plans for her to be able to be back at home again.  She is such a true blessing to me.

As I have already made a Facebook post, I wanted to take this short time to elaborate on some things.  Monday, November 11th is Veteran's Day.  Veterans Day always means a lot to me each year.  It reminds me not only of Those who have served our Country in the past but those who currently serve.  It reminds me of Those who I have had the privilege to serve with as well.  I am a Vet!
  There have been times when I would go into a store or some place and they would notice that I am a veteran.  You see, in the State of Arkansas, if you are a Veteran, it is noted on your driver's license.  Folks would notice that in some way and thank me for my service.  I would feel a little awkward and tell them thanks.  I remember once while I was still in the U.S. Navy, had come home on leave and had attended a function at the local school here in town where I had graduated from.  I was in uniform that evening for some reason that I can't remember and after arriving there, I received a standing ovation.  I was embarrassed but at the same time very proud to be serving.
  I guess what I am trying to say is to all Veterans, You should be proud when someone thanks you for your service.  Receive what rightfully belongs to you.  A Great Big Thank You!!  May God Bless you and your family.

As you notice the videos that I have posted below are in regards to the Bay Public school system that are from Region 8 News.  It all seems like things are all over now but that is far from the truth.  As I have mentioned before, It's not about just this issue.  It's about our school, our kids, our teachers.  It seems that it has been determined that there are funds available but now we need to make sure these funds are available for what they belong for.  Our classrooms! The sad part is, what checks and balances do we now have in place to make sure that the needed supplies are made available?  That the money is actually being used for the things that are needed in our classrooms? It's sad when you hear a Teacher tell you that they have been told that they are not to put in any requests for supplies because it will not be approved but we don't want to be a name dropper in fear for the teacher getting retribution from the administration.

KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

Just let The Holy Spirit Move.

Church is an important part of a Christian's life, or at least it should be.  But what really bothers me is when I see or hear other Christians force Jesus down other peoples throats.  They take it upon themselves to let it be known to all others that those who have missed Church for whatever reason is wrong and then they get a sermon preached to them of the importance of Jesus in their lives and that they should be in Church.
     Please understand, I do believe it is very important for us to be in Church and be involved.   We as Christians should let those that miss Church know that we have been missing them and ask if there is anything we can do for them.  Otherwise, we risk a possibly hardened heart to be further hardened.  We need to help prepare their hearts for the Holy Spirit to move.  Remember, it's not what we say or do that makes a non believer accept Jesus.  It's the move of the Holy Spirit that does that.  You CAN'T force Jesus on someone.  You CAN'T make someone go to Church by what you say or do.  You can always let them know that they are missed or they are invited, whichever the case may be and ALWAYS Pray for them.  There is only One that knows what is going on in their lives and it's not us.  It's the Lord.

Cup of Coffee: Why South Africa?

Cup of Coffee: Why South Africa?

Why South Africa?

  As some of you know, I will be leaving for South Africa the first part of October of this year for a mission trip. Many have asked the same question as I have. Why South Africa?  I wanted to take time to explain the events leading up to the decision of going to South Africa for this mission trip.  Here is my story.

  You know, sometimes the Lord will tell you specific things.  When you hear those specific things, you want to ask questions.  A few years ago, the Lord had laid it on  my heart to go to South Africa on a mission trip and asked the same question as most others have.  Why South Africa?  Well, I put it in the back of my mind thinking that it is just my mind playing tricks on me.  I asked the Lord that if he is telling me to go to South Africa, to keep bringing it up to me and to show me specifics.  I know.  I should not ask the Lord.  I should do what he tells me to do.  Reminds me of my kids.  They don't need to ask why, just do what I have told them to do, when I tell them and how I tell them to do it.  The Lord knows me to well.  Time goes by, and where I work, I had a customer come in to ship a package.  As I was processing the package, I noticed that it was going to South Africa of all places.  I had never seen this customer before.  Never saw this customer again.  So I acknowledged the Lord in him showing me that I need to go.  But again I asked him to keep showing me.  (me of little faith).  A few months go by and yet a different customer comes in and to ship a package to South Africa.  I asked the customer, South Africa, huh?  He told me that Yes and that I needed to go there.  I was shocked of his statement and asked him why I needed to go there.  He explained that people in South Africa need to hear what I have to say and that they need to see someone like me that has a heart such as mine.  This customer has come in from time to time but never really visited with him and he didn't know of my dealings with the Lord on this matter.  So it seems that it is pretty specific that the Lord has called me to South Africa.  But yet I still ask the Lord if he was sure...Weeks go by and as I pull my till from the register to close it down for the day, I find a South African Rand coin in my drawer.  Those don't just show up around here very often.  Actually this is the first coin from South Africa that I have ever seen.  If that wasn't enough, weeks later a customer comes in and wants some prints made and some of the prints were about South Africa, so I begin to tell her my story.  She thought that it was wonderful and reminded me of Abraham in the Bible of the time that he was instructed to pack up and go and wasn't given specifics but left on faith and followed the Lord.  She mentioned that maybe the Lord wanted me to go so that he could instill in me a fire in my soul that would be needed  when I got back home and to carry out his work when I got back.
  Whatever the case, I know that the Lord has instructed me to go to South Africa.  I will be going the first two weeks of October.  I will be meeting up with a group that is already stationed there.  I will be working with children in Vacation Bible school where they normally have over 300 kids come.  I will also be helping distribute food to the local communities.  I have gotten my passport ready to go.  I am so excited to follow Jesus in what he has in store for not just me but everyone we come into contact with. I hope that each of you will be excited with me.  I still have to raise $3,000 more dollars for the trip but I know that the Lord will provide.  If you are led by the Lord to donate towards this trip, please feel free to contact me.  You can reach me at (870) 273-6357 or you can mail your donations to 445 CR 634 Bay, AR 72411.  Please be in prayer with me over this trip that the Lord will be so high and lifted up. That HE will receive all of the Glory for what takes place there.  I look forward to sharing so much more about this trip when I get back.  I will keep you all posted.            God Bless!!

Strange Times

I hear my parents tell me often that the end times are near.  When I hear that, I reflect back to my younger days when I would hear my beloved Grandparents talk about how times are tough and that the end times were near.  I would hear that at the young age have a sense of worry but wasn't scared really.  After hearing my Grandparents talk about the end times being near and now all of these years have passed, I then hear my parents say similar things.  Generally speaking, I would just blow it off since nothing has ever happened.
  Now that I am watching all of the things taking place around the world and even taking place here in the Great USA, I now start to understand.  I have read and studied the Bible and have not really been "focused" on the end times even though I have read Revelations.    I am starting to see so many things take place.  I have read about where Christians would be persecuted but I am seeing many persecuted.  Not just Christians.  But I feel that this is just preparing Christians for their persecutions.  I really do not want my Children to be scared of what is going on but they are of an age that they will hear all about it.  We have to ensure that not just us as parents know the Word of God, but our Children are also aware and know the Word of God and not to be afraid but be prepared for what is to come.

My God Reigns!!

  I just wanted to post something kind of quickly.  I am not sure if this is happening to everyone but here is my short story.  I normally go to the bank and make a deposit through the drive through.  I never take the time to look at my deposit slip that is returned to me.  Actually, I don't have any deposit slips.  I had asked my bank for deposit slips on a few occasions and they always tell me that I don't need any because they will fill one out for me.  So, I always just endorse our checks and put our account number on the back of them so that they will have the information to do the deposit.  On one occasion,  My wife went to the bank to deposit her payroll check.  Went through the drive up window.  She decided that when she got her slip back from the teller that she would look at it.  As she pulled forward and quickly glanced, she noticed that the deposit slip that was returned from the teller had shown the deposit was put into a different name and account.  She went inside the bank and showed the teller inside and he fixed it.  I thought that it was just a one time mistake.  A Few days ago, I went through the drive up window at the same bank.  Went to deposit a check and decided I too would look at the deposit slip that was returned to me from the teller.  It was deposited into my account but noticed instead of being $500+ that should have been deposited, it only showed like $22.  I asked the teller about it and she asked for me to return the slip so she could take a look at it.  She did and apologized for the mistake and corrected it. She said she guessed she thought that the 5 for the $500 was a dollar sign and just keyed it in wrong.
   Mistakes happen.  But we have to double check to make sure that what we are doing is taking place.  Not just about banking but about everything we do in this world.

Things Aren't What They Seem!

Well, it has been only a few years ago that I had decided to run for School Board.  I had been on the school board for a full year and then it hit me.  I am not a politician.  So I quit.  I resigned my position.  Simple enough.  
  Just before I resigned my position, the school board voted to cut the Volleyball program.  It was a unanimous decision.   I voted to cut the program for three specific reasons.  I didn't want to cut the program because my daughters wanted to play.  Things could have been different.  The school my kids go to are all about sports.  I am all about education, but I do understand the importance of sports in school.  I just wish that schools didn't exist just because of sports.  I could go on but I think you get the point here.  
   I could be like a lot of people and go on facebook and make a statement as to why I resigned my posistion on the school board.  But if people really want to know why, I feel that they should come talk to me about it.  I am not a gossip or rumor spreader.  What I am upset about is the fact that my oldest child has to suffer for some of the choices I have made.  Now she is getting harassed by some boys that feel that they have the right to pass judgement.  Well,  I have since file a complaint at the school for bullying and Harrasment against these two boys and I understand that it is a he said/she said kind of world.  But I do think that I did get someones attention.  Enough said for now.
   

Back To School

This week is the first week of school.  At the time of this writing, it is actually day 3.  The kids have enjoyed it so far but it is early.  I have no doubt that they will have an awesome year.  So let’s begin.

  Lexi has a busy school year.  She is a Freshman this year.  Volleyball started off hard this week.  If she doesn’t have a game, then she has practice.  Something every day.  Plus, she had homework last night.  I don’t remember her ever having homework before.  But now High School starts off with a bang.  She is a smart girl and will do just fine.  She has grown up to be a beautiful girl. 

  Allison stated that on her first day of school that she LOVES 6th Grade.  I asked her why and she said that it was because it was less stressful.  You see, she is the type of person that is organized but gets stressed out when she is reminded about deadlines and such.  She said that it is more laid back for her.  It is at this grade level that they start letting you keep up on your own and give you a little more independence.  She will do great.

  Bradley was so excited after his first day of school.  He said “Dad, they even let me chew gum in class!”  I explained to him that I was certain that it was up to each teacher to decided.  He wanted to play basketball this year but this year they do not have basketball for the boys until 4th grade. Maybe next year.   I was surprised that they let the kids in his class bring bottled water to have at their desk if they bring it from home so that they will not have to get up for a drink.  My Little Fella is growing up fast.

  In the meantime, I have taken vacation this week so that I can take the kids to school in the mornings and pick them up after school.  I have done this for the past several years.  I enjoy being with the kids and getting them up in the mornings so that they are not stressed out.  I fixed them waffles this morning.  They seemed to enjoy it.  It’s also great when they are gone to be able to relax a little.  I do have a list of things (that my wife helped me make, LOL) to get done this week so it keeps me busy.  But I do enjoy the times when Michelle is off work this week with me so that we can sit on the couch and watch those movies that we have recorded on the DVR.  Michelle asked me if I wanted to be a stay at home Dad because the last few mornings, I have gotten up early and cooked breakfast for everyone.  I think one morning, I had even made Michelle a Cappuccino with her breakfast.  I told her that I could really get into it.  She thinks that I might get board but if I stayed at home, the days would get away from me.  I love my Wife and Kids so much.  I could really enjoy being with them everyday and getting them ready for school and picking them up each day and going on the field trips and such, but Work starts back for me next week.

OH, THE SWEET THINGS IN LIFE!