Ken's-Den

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Job Application

I recieved this in an e-mail from a good friend. I don't know its source or I would share it but it is definitely worth sharing.

POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging
Permanent work in an,
Often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication
And organizational skills and be willing to work
Variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
And frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to
Primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,
Until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a
Pack mule
And be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
In case, this time, the screams from
The backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges,
Such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
And stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
Coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
For clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute,
An embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a
Half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for
The quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and
Janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
So that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

Get this! You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because
Of the assumption that college will help them
Become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
You actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance, no pension,
No tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
No stock options are offered;
This job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth
And free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

May 26th

Franklin Roosevelt called December 7th, 1941, "a day that will live in infamy." Well, I'm not sure about the infamy part, but the date, May 26th, 2006, will certainly have a distinctive memory in the lives of the Holt family.

It was one year ago, today, that my Father, Jerry Holt, was involved in a near fatal, Motorcyle accident. He was just out for a little cruise before making the drive North to be at our anticipated family reunion in Rochelle, IL. Someone pulled out right in front of him and within a matter of seconds he lay on the road, literally dying.

Dad was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville. We would later learn that one of the Medic's on the life flight stated, that Dad, "would never make it to Nashville." It's funny that writing and e-mailing friends and family about the extent of Dad's injuries was somewhat theraputic for me and indirectly led to the creation of this blog but yet today, I can't bring myself to write about the extent of his injuries on that awful day.

Needless to say, a big portion of that much anticipated family reunion occured at Vanderbilt as we sat and awaited the mercy and healing power of God. Initially, we were given no hope of Dad's survival, period. But day by day, although still in a coma, he would mend. Then the Doc's reports turned into the, "it appears that he is going to survive but we aren't sure how the quality of life will be." I have great respect and admiration for Doctors and the work that they do, but everyday I thank my God that those Doctors weren't the last authority that we could go to!

Yes, it's been one year ago today and I would like to say that it's all been smooth sailing but the fact is that it has been a year filled with ups and downs, victories and defeats and hope tempered with caution. Not only has Dad survived but he is getting better all the time. He is now walking every day, seemingly gaining strength with each step and although we still haven't seen the total miracle that we pray daily for, his recovery has truly been miraculous!

Quality of life? I'm not sure what that is all about but I can tell you that recently I was able to take Dad to see my Son, his youngest Grandson, play a Baseball game. That was definitely a quality moment considering where we were, one year ago today.

My family has many thanks to give to many folks. Some of them I will give generically and a few I will give specifically. They are all meant from the heart. Thanks to all the great family members and friends, who have stood by and supported us through this most difficult year. All those who have visited at just the right time and the Cards and letters and e-mails of prayers and support. It's been said that the quality of a man can be measured by the friends he keeps. I'm proud to say that my Dad is a "good" man!

Special thanks to Rev. Don & Sissy Stovall and all the people of the Church of God in Illinois. The Stovall's made several trips to Vanderbilt while life still hung in the balance. They prayed with us, cried with us and supported us. Through Bro. Stovall's efforts much needed financial help came. Even an offering from the Illinois Camp Meeting. Your kindnesses will always be remembered.

Special thanks to Pastors Charles Tate and Gaylon Stewart and also Pastor George. All three made the trip to Nashville on several occasions and have "been there" for us in big ways since that time.

Special thanks to Dad's childhood friend, Tommy Duncan and family, for allowing us the use of their Brentwood home during "Fanfare" in Nashville, when all the Hotels were booked. Your beautiful home was a Sanctuary of sorts for Mom during a difficult time.

Special thanks to the Church of God's "Spirit Care" and Rev. Gene Rice for the donation you made to our family in its time of need.

Special thanks to James & Paula Chapman for being the friends that you have always been. You guys rock!

There are many, many others that I can't possibly thank enough but I want you all to know that your kindness and love toward our family will never be forgotten.

Happy Memorial Day from the Holt family and may God's blessings rest upon you all!

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

A Great and a Sad week

This past Thursday, May 17th, one of the Patriarchs of Narragansett went home to be with Lord. William "Buck" Gwaltney had been a fixture at Narragansett since 1971. He was one of my biggest supporters and a great friend. Our loss is certainly Heavens gain.

As some of you may remember, we had Revival services scheduled for May 18 through the 20th. After consulting with the family, it was their wish that we continue on with Revival because that is how Buck would have wanted it. So continue on we did.

What a great Revival we had. Two souls came to know the Lord as their Savior! But just as importantly to me was how the Church was ministered to during this time. Evangelist Heath Tinker was truly an instrument in the hands of God. As a Pastor I can truly say that this was the best Revival we have had during my tenure here. I believe the results will be long lasting and Church changing.

The Funeral Services for Buck will be this Wednesday, May 23rd. Please be in prayer for the family and our Church as we celebrate Buck's Homegoing.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

You say Potato, I say Ho-Ho

Various parts of the Country have their own vernacular. The City is no different. It has a vernacular all it's own.

Case in point: Debbie teaches a Wednesday night and Sunday morning kids class and we have kids from all walks of life. Deb uses different ways of reaching them so she came up with the idea of having a picnic that the kids would choose the menu for. Being kids, the only things that they wanted to eat were candy & junk food so Debbie decided to join in and she innocently says, "OK, I'll bring some Ho-Ho's!"

One little fellow began to snicker and another had a look of shock and disbelief that the Pastor's wife would be talking about bringing Prostitutes into the Church for a picnic! Yes, we are progressive and yes, "Ho-Ho's" are as welcome in our Church as everyone else but No, we more than likely would not have them come to a picnic for children! :<)

Speaking of Church, things are going pretty well. Mothers Day was a great day. Not only did we have a good attendance but it was truly a special day as well. Many of you will remember David, who was in prison and that I've asked you to pray for. Well, Sunday was David's first service in Church with us upon his release. What a Mothers Day for Margie! Keep David in your prayers as he strives to attain the life that God has planned for him.

We are going into Revival this weekend with Evangelist Heath Tinker. It is really an exciting time and for those of you in our area, come on out and join us in Revival.

Friday, May 04, 2007

GREAT NEWS!

On Thursday my OLDER Brother, Jeff, came to pick up Mom and Dad for a stay at his house. I was a little worried about them staying there, only because that all of the bedrooms are upstairs and I worried about whether or not Dad could climb them.

Well, today I received great news! Last night Dad was able to climb all 15 steps with minimal assistance and He came down this morning as easily as He had went up. In light of where Dad is in his recovery, this is HUGE!

What an awesome God we serve!

Thursday, May 03, 2007

Spring is here --- we hope.

Living in this Region of the Country for the past 24 years, I have found out that the only thing that is truly predictable about the weather here, is that it is very unpredictable. But the past two weeks it appears that we have finally turned the corner into Spring. Ah, yes, glorius Spring. The time of year when the deadness of Winter gives way to new life. I love it!

So far this Spring has been truly blessed. Dad has progressed to the point where he and Mom can travel and this past Sunday evening we were able to pick them up at the Train station in beautiful downtown, Chicago. With being off work due to my Toe, we have been able to have a great visit. Dad has really come a long way. There is still much more ground to be gained but he is headed in the right direction.

Oh yes, my Big Toe! :<( So far the Docs are only speculative as to what is going on. All cultures have come back normal and the soreness of having the nail removed is gradually getting better. (Inside joke for Uncle Don-- "I tomp and I tomp and it till hurts")

I return to work on Monday with hopes of finishing out the year unintterupted. By now I'm certain that my Employer hopes so as well. :<)

My time off has given me opportunity to gain wisdom on some things that life throws at you. For example, "If you could change one thing in life, what would it be?" I have the answer. I would simply ask to change "more" things! Thank you, I'll be here all week!