OBSERVATIONS FROM THE TILTED SIDE OF LIFE

Have you ever noticed that Ink Pens are always plentious until you actually need one?

Have you ever wondered why Drive-up ATM machines have Braille on the numbers?

Have you ever wondered why we pay big money for front row seats at certain events but no one ever sits there in Church?

Does it ever bother anybody else when someone starts a conversation with, "Can I ask you a question?" (I usually reply, "you just did.")

Has anyone ever really figured out how you can save money by spending it? The way I figure it, even with the best of sales you are simply spending less.

Why have we never elected a Church Pastor as President? (no, I'm not running, I don't like demotions) It makes sense when you think about it. Every month I experience someone that expects "the Church" to do all and be all with the $5.00 that that annually contribute. (sigh)

Some Banks really have it figured out. They give you free pens but then charge you to write a check!

Why are so many Comedians, manic depressants? That one I actually think I know. It's the laughter of the heart that matters most.

What is it that we are "working to get ahead" of? And why does it take so long to get there?

A gentle nudge and look who awakens

I received an e-mail last night from my Uncle stating that even though Bishop Patterson passed, I needed to get back to blogging! Thanks Unc, for the nudge.

Truth is, this is Spring Break and now that Sam is nine and takes Computer classes at school, I have found a new rung in the pecking order! Bill Cosby did a routine years ago about how he was the man of the house and all the things that he had done and then he said, "but I don't know when I lost my position!" I can relate this week.

All in all, life is very good. We are gearing up for an exciting Easter celebration at Church. I am in the process of getting an actual Office at the Church and I'm excited about that.

My work is still slow but finally starting to pick up with the planting season now arriving. I work mainly for the health insurance but I also love what I do. I really like the "kids" that work for me. They keep me on my toes and help keep my young at heart. I couldn't ask for a better group although I am losing one of them to the Air Force in April. Keep Jeremy in your prayers. He's a great kid that I expect to make an impact in this world.

Some of you may remember "David" from an earlier Blog that I wrote. He is nearing the end of his prison sentence and should be released within the next six weeks, I believe. He has been in my prayers and I look forward to meeting him and attempting to help him acclimate back into society. Keep him in your prayers as this exciting and anxiety filled time in his life occurs.

With an occasional nudge, I'll keep you posted!

One of my Favorites has passed away

I just received word that Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson passed away. Bishop Patterson was one of my favorite preachers of all time. He served in the Church of God In Christ in Memphis and he was a Preachers, preacher. He was one of the very few Television Preachers that I would give my time to. He will be greatly missed.

Great, unexpected blessings

OK, now that I have been adequately teased about my hat pictures! (you try going to Florida with a bald head LOL)

Yesterday I recieved a letter and blessing in the mail. It was from a man that I admire named Joe Copley. Joe is one of Narragansett's "kids" that grew up in the Church and still claims us as home. Joe's Mother, Jane Copley, was one of the pillars of Narragansett for many, many years. Sadly, this April 1st marks the one year anniversary of Jane's passing. She is greatly missed by a Congregation that considered her "Mom" as well.

Joe has a great gift of writing, (something that he should pursue!) and his letter was great to receive and filled with an incredible sense of timing. (somewhere I suspect that Jane is smiling) Children were always one of the loves of Jane's life and a few years back the Church declared the last day of our Vacation Bible School to be "Jane Copley day." Joe remembered this and in his letter he also gave a tremendously generous gift in the form of a check, designated to fund this years VBS! (now I am smiling)

We are a Church that pretty much, operates on a shoestring budget. We always do our best and God has blessed us with some tremendously creative individuals who can take a little and through the giftings God has given, make it a lot. VBS has always been one of those areas where we do the best we can with what we have. Imagine the excitement of a staff that heard the good news that this year, we actually have a budget to work with! AWESOME would be an understatement.

So publicly, I want to say thank you to, Joe, Jim, Phyllis and all of Janes grandchildren. And since Hebrews 12 tells us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let me also add, Thank you, Jane! You raised some fantastic children that have honored both their Mother and their God.

More Vacation fun

Dad's Dreaming Again!

The sunshine of my life

Tiger in training

Drag Racing - Harley Style

Gainesville Motor Speedway. (a.k.a.- Big Daddy Don Garlits land) Ahhh, the smell of burnt rubber. It don't get any better than that!

Just a half second after snapping this picture, the Bike that is closest, (just entering the picture) blew up. IT WAS AWESOME! Notice the Bleachers that they are putting up in the background. It is in preparation for the Winter Nationals which will be taking place this this week.

Neck and neck. (I had a bad Photographer! lol) You should be there when they are running these bad boys. It literally makes the ground shake and sounds like thunder.

Back to reality

MICKEY & GOOFY

We had a great vacation! Unfortunately, we did have to make two trips to the Urgent Care. Sam came down with the flu and a few days later an ear infection but all things considered, it was a great time. We rested, relaxed, and enjoyed the sunshine and being able to spend time as a family.

The weather was absolutely perfect and it even warmed up at home, while we were gone and all the dreaded snow, melted away!

I may post a few more pictures in the coming days. I was able to make the AHDRA (All Harley) drag races and it was fun. I love going to them because it fulfills two of my loves. Drag Racing and people watching! The Harley crowd brings out some interesting folks!

Now it's back to the grind but I if I try real hard, I can still smell that Florida air and Sunshine!

An Internet sabatical

We are getting ready to head out on Vacation. We will be flying to Florida for a week or so.

I wear many hats, lately too many. I've decided to take a few off for awhile and just concentrate on being a Husband and Father. So, with that, I won't be taking a computer with me nor any other electronic device, other than my cell phone. I won't even be answering that so if you need me, "leave a message at the beep!" LOL

Thanks to all of the regular readers of this blog! But you can take a week off too, if you wish. For now, I'm out of here!