Friday, April 30

Got up and to breakfast of waffles, cereal and bagels with juice. Terri was making her waffle when a group of kids came in. One little girl about 14 said, oh waffles, where are the plates. Terri pointed to the plates and the girl got one and held it out for Terri to put the waffle on..LOL. Terri told her this one is mine. You have to do this and this and that and make your own. More kids came in and lined up for waffles..LOL. We got there just in time..whew. Headed up to Rocky Mountain National Park. Snowing hard but we went anyway. Saw deer and Elk and for the first time saw some wild turkey. Snow and wind keeping the groups from moving down into the meadows. Can't say as i blame them. We headed home down Highway 7 and the Peak to Peak byway. By the time we got to Golden, Colorado, we were both tired of the snow and mountains..LOL. Grabbed a bite at A&W, and headed around Denver on 470 to I25 and caught Highway 86 East toward Limon, Colorado. Thought about heading south to Lamar, but decided to just stay on I 70 and head home that way. Stopped in Goodlin, Kansas, ate at Hank's downtown, was very good, and to room to rest. Might run next door to the DQ for some dessert, but will see. Saw deer, antelope, and turkey as well as a coyote on the Colorado prairie. Going to get some good rest tonight and then hit it for home tomorrow. Good day.

Thursday, April 29

Up and on the road after a breakfast of egg, sausage, cheese and cereal. Headed south out of Pocatello, Idaho then over to Kemmerer, Wyoming to catch I80 across the southern edge of Wyoming. Snowy off and on, but Windy almost all the way. Saw a bald eagle, deer and antelope all the way. Got to Laramie, Wyoming and cut down toward Ft. Collins. Ended up driving through town again. You would think I would learn. Got to Loveland and decided to head on up to Estes Park. Got dark on us and very tired. Been a long day. Got our room and hit McDonald's for some small burgers and fries and to bed. Kids in motel up and at it until midnight, then my allergies kicked in bad and couldn't breathe. Meds finally kicked in after an hour and finally able to sleep. Another long day after a very tiring one driving in blizzard conditions. Have seen a lot of animals so been a good trip.

Wednesday, April 28

Snowed during the night. 2-3" on the car. Hard to remove. Cleared the windows and left it on the rest of the car to melt and blow off. Headed out after a good breakfast of waffles, cereal and juice. Snowing on us immediately but cleared when we got to Lamar Valley. Got some photos of baby buffalo, then stopped at Lamar lake and got some more photos of the black bear who was still guarding the carcass he has been feeding on. Headed on to Mammoth Hot Springs and saw elk, antelope, deer and buffalo on the way. Snowed off and on. Headed for Norris Junction from Mammoth Hot Springs and were immediately in heavy snow. Visibility very poor. Stopped at Swan lake as we had heard there was a grizzly and two wolves fighting over a carcass there, but the snow was so bad we couldn't see anything. Could have been anywhere in the large area, but just couldn't see good enough. Just before reaching Norris Junction we were delayed almost an hour due to three vehicles sliding off the road. Interestingly enough all three belonged to the same company who also had their own wrecker service. See a lot of their vehicles in the park but don't know what service they provide. Got to Norris Junction and headed for the next Junction to head for Old Faithful and the South entrance. Ranger told us the South entrance is closed until late May, so out the West entrance we head. Bad. Very bad. Snow and visibility very bad. Actually saw buffalo and elk by a river and also saw a bald eagle flying to it's nest next to the road, but driving conditions are very bad. Finally made it through the twists and turns and construction zones in the park and reached West Yellowstone, Wyo. Got gas and a hot dog and noticed their trash containers are bear proof. Interesting. Heading to Idaho Falls, Idaho to try and get out of the snow. Just west of West Yellowstone saw a couple on the side of the road with binoculars so we stopped and I started scoping for what I figured was a moose in the willows south of a large field by the road. Oops. Big bear by a tree just sitting in the snow. Looked like a bit black bear, but when he got up and ran for the trees, looked like he had a hump and was cinnamon color. Was too far to get photos of him, but Terri was excited about seeing a 2nd bear today. Driving in heavy snow again. Very tiring but it has been a great trip. Got to Idaho Falls and decided to go to Pocatillo, ID, spend the night and head across south Wyoming and on the way home. Ate at Perkins. Resting. Been a long but good day.

Tuesday, April 27

Up to a hot breakfast of waffles, cereal and juice. Good start to the day in Buffalo, Wyo. We drove north west to Highway 14 West just North of Sheridan, Wyo. From there we drove over the mountains to Greybull, Wyo. About half way and on our descent from the summit, we spotted a Rocky Mountain coyote out on the snow fairly close to the highway. He seemed to ignore us, but watching him you knew he was aware of our presence. It appeared he was tracking a rodent that was under the snow and was more interested in a meal than in our possible threat. Watched him for several minutes. Hope we got some good photos. Will download them this evening. From Greybull to Cody was almost an arid desert. What a change. About 23 miles East of Cody, both Terri and I saw what appeared to be a moose down a deep draw next to the highway. It had a creek running and lots of willows. Sure enough a large moose was grazing in the willows. Shot several photos hoping we could get a picture of it. Will see. Decided not to stay in Cody but to head up to Cooke City, MT. and if we got there in time, visit the North road of Yellowstone. Turned on 296 the nez perc trail and sign said the road was closed. We decided to chance it since the Internet said the roads were open. Long 50 mile drive one way if closed when we got there. Saw a lot of deer and some elk herds. A marmoset was playing dead in the road and as we approached jumped up and ran off. Thought it was road kill. Got to Highway 212 to Cooke City and it said it was closed but there was no gate and was only 18 miles. As we traveled along more and more snow, but we kept going as there was no gate. When we got withing 6 miles of Cooke City, the road was only one and a half lane open, but we persevered and got to Cooke City. The Super 8 owners had just driven in ahead of us. Got our room and headed into Yellowstone. Immediately began seeing buffalo and antelope. Finally saw a herd of elk, then another and then another. When we went past Lamar lake, saw a number of cars, but couldn't see anything they might be looking at except some cranes nesting in the middle of the small lake. Boy were we wrong. Got to Mammoth Hot Springs and there was nothing open that served food, so decided to turn right around there and head back. Might get back by 8pm. Seeing elk everywhere now as well as buffalo and antelope. Bout ran over a ground squirrel and then a chipmunk. They need to learn how to cross the road. Cars still at the Lamar lake so we stopped and asked what they were seeing. A Black Bear across the water was eating a carcass. Looked like a burnt stump to us until we put our binoculars on it. Clearly saw the bear then. Took several photos hoping to get some good shots even though across the way about 200 feet away. Will see. So we had a great day of wild life viewing as well as being totally in awe of Gods magnificent creation.

Monday, April 26

What a day. Up and a good breakfast of cereal, English muffins and bagels. Got there in time to have some juice. Hit the road for Buffalo. Drove up to Custer, SD, then west toward Wyoming. Decided to take a side road and see what we could see. Drove through some awful devastation from past years' fires. So sad but part of the nature process. Saw some deer and quite a few elk. Snowed on us quite a bit and the road got a bit scary as it was becoming slick, muddy, rutted and no cell phone service. Got back to the main roads and highway and headed for Gillette, then on to Buffalo. drove up in the mountains and snowed on us some. Side roads all closed due to snow. Looked like some of it was 2' - 5' deep, so no side roads for us in the Big Horns. Will make adjustments to our plans for tomorrow.

Sunday, April 25

Up to a warm breakfast of blueberry waffles and scrambled eggs and ham. Visited a bit more with Merle and Iona, then hit the road. Just before we got to Wheeler, we saw several wild turkeys, one strutting. Then North of Wheeler, we saw quite a few ring neck pheasants. Got some good photos. Went through Imperial, then on to Ogallala, saw Lake McCaunahay (forgot just how big that lake was), then stopped at Windless Hill. Drove around Lewellen. Little house is still standing. Front porch isn't screened in anymore and they have added on to the back. School looks just the same. The Wesleyan church looks very nice. Headed North at Bridgeport for South Dakota. Got checked into our motel in good time, so decided to drive around the Black Hills. Drove on up the the Crazy Horse memorial and Mt. Rushmore. Crazy Horse wasn't finished, but you could see what they are hoping to do. The presidents were still very impressive and we visited the museum showing how they did the work. Terri really enjoyed it. We drove back another way and got more photos of the heads through the tunnels I remember Dad taking when I was little. We quit counting turkeys we saw when it was over 100. Same for deer. They were all over. Saw a herd of 60+ elk and around 6 buffalo. Got some good photos of the turkeys. oh, yes. saw a black sand piper. I need to look that one up. Drove enough of the black hills today we will head for Buffalo Wyoming tomorrow morning instead of afternoon as planned.

Saturday, April 24

Got up, had a good continental breakfast complete with biscuit and gravy, waffle and juice. got on the road west. Never get over seeing the windmill farms. They are quite awesome. Drove from I-70 to Lucas Kansas so Terri could see the post rock country. Took photos of some good examples of post rock setup. Drove by the Garden of Eden in Lucas. Quite interesting. Drove over to East of Vesper where there were some solitary graves. Legend said they were civil war soldiers but turns out they were just members of a family, one of which was a civil war soldier and another individual who was a soldier. Drove over to the Sylvan Grove Cemetery and took photos of the headstones of the boy's family. Drove through Vesper and took the gravel road to I-70. Got up close to the windmill farm and they are quite impressive. Stopped in Wilson and drove around the historical old town and took photo of the water tower with the jail in the bottom part. Made of post rock of course. Then on the road to Merle and Iona's. Got there about 430pm and visited a while, then Merle grilled 1 1/2" steaks on the Foreman grill since it was so windy outside. Potatoes and corn and then pie rounded it out. It was very good. Drove out to see Josh and Peggy's place. They have done a wonderful job on the house. It looks great. They have some great ideas for future remodeling. Josh has remodeled an old grainery shed into a very nice archery shop and is starting to get quite a following around the region. He is interested in learning taxidermy and has done some of his own work. Looks very good. Think he should add that to his plans. Janelle is a cutie and entertained us all. They are expecting their 2nd this year. Back to Merle's and he entertained us with more stories about growing up in Saint Francis. Off to bed to rest for our trip tomorrow.

Friday, April 23

Good day. got some things done so I don't have to worry about them on vacation. Home for lunch and packed the car so we could leave from work. Finished up some tickets, added notes in case someone else worked on them. Left from work. Terri drove and I navigated the GPS. Called Gordy when we hit the toll road and he met us at Spangles for a hamburger. Good break for us and a great visit with him. Enjoyed it very much. Balanced the air in the tires and what a difference...duh. Got to Salina and checked into our motel before the storm front moved in. More wind than anything but we are all settled in. Looking forward to our 2nd day of our vacation.

Friday, April 23, God's Promises

Wow. God has given me His promises and His Oath and they are unchangeable because God does not lie and He cares for me. The stories of faith in the Bible are so encouraging and build up my faith. I do believe God will do anything He has promised. What I struggle with is that He will do it for me. Yet His Word says He will. Father, help me to not only believe for others, but believe for myself.

Thursday, April 22, Reliability

Another reason for me to be reading the Word on a daily basis is to reinforce and strengthen my faith and trust in God's promises. There are so many instances of Him keeping His word for his people. Satan constantly tells me that God does not care about me because I am insignificant and nothing. God's word tells me different. I am His child and He loves me and cares for me and wants me to be with Him. I must choose to believe His Word, His promises and to have faith that He will keep them in regard to me. Father, you are above all else, honest and you have given me your promises and oath that you will take care of me. Help me to believe and Trust in You.

Thursday, April 22

Had to run to Nowata after lunch and install the part that came in for their printer. Got them fixed up. Replaced a monitor at the tower. Worked on Joe's setup. Got a bit more bandwidth for his shop. I am still not satisfied. Picked up the boy and then he and I picked up nana. Ate pizza for supper, then to mema's to visit. Was so nice we just stayed outside. Took him home, then unloaded the truck at work, and home to start packing for Vacation. rested and to bed.

Wednesday, April 21

Boss came up and we went branch visiting to Nowata, Grove and back to Vinita. Good trip. Nathan and I went to Copan Osage plains to fish. He caught 4 small blue gill and a 4 lb carp. I caught 1 small blue gill. Got to find where the fish are. Home to rest and then to bed.

WEdnesday, April 21, Provision

God gives me so much. It is good to think about all He does once in a while so I remember and remain thankful to Him. It may not seem like much from the world's view point, but when I think about eternity, He has made a way for me to be with Him. Too often I think of the things I need (want) here on earth. The important things I need are freely provided by my heavenly Father. Salvation, Mercy, Wisdom, Comfort, A way out of temptation, Faith. Since He has provided me with a good job that provides my food, shelter and clothing, what more can I possibly need? Father help me to accept the important things you provide so that I can spend eternity with you.

Tuesday, April 20

Busy day. Sold our 2004 impala to a fellow associate. Met him in tulsa. He drove the car and liked it. Paid down payment in cash. Took me a while to figure out how much there was been so long I handled cash. Nice young man. He took me to the OPC where Iworked on a down computer. Got it going just in time for Terri and Allyson to pick me up and meet Meg at Ted's Mexican restaurant. Had a good dinner with our girls. Then to the mall for some shopping. Been a long time since I watched my girls shop for dresses. Kind of neat to do that again. Nathan mowed our yard. Love that kid. Hope to take him fishing Wednesday evening. Busy day and to bed.

Tuesday, April 20, Success

The world's view of success is thrown at me on a moment by moment basis. Big homes, fancy cars, clothes, the look, health, are all used to show me that I am a failure. On the other hand, God's word tells me that if I obey God's commands, then I am a success. True success is measured by God and not man. What a relief if I can just get my mind to wrap around this concept. Father, help me to not only read your word daily, but to apply it to my life so that I am doing your work. May I seek success in your eyes and not the worlds.

Monday, April 19

Busy day. Plumbers fixed the shower, so that is good. Allyson cleaned the Impala and took it to the car wash and vacuumed it out. Looks great. Met Ron and family at Mazzios for supper. Had a good visit. Went to the library and loaded up on audio books for our vacation trip. 4 days and counting. watched tv and rested.

Monday, April 19, Give

Why is giving so hard when God has promised to take care of all my needs and if I am generous in our giving He will be generous to me. Great Promise. Now to just believe and do it. Truthfully, we have begun to give more over the past few years and our needs have been met without fail. I have begun to pray for specific needs concerning our debt. If we were debt free, we could give more. I do not believe God wants me to forget my obligations and give him all my income. I have responsibilities and God wants me to take care of those. He has helped me find a way to become debt free in just a few years and I believe He is being faithful to us because of our desire to give more. I also pray this scripture daily. Psalms 139: 23-24. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughs: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Father, help me to focus on you and to give what you lead me to give and to leave the results to you.

Sunday, April 18

Up and to church. Song was good and went well. Home to crock pot steak with peppers, tomatoes and onions. YUM. rested some after lunch, then worked on computer. Took cemetery photos at Dewey cemetery, then worked on the photos. Cleaned out the Mariner and it is ready to go to the mountains. Friday we leave. Ate bean soup for supper and then a small but yummy banana split.

Sunday, April 18, Provision

I sometimes wonder if God really cares about little old me. By being in the word and communication with him on a daily basis, I read his promises and see how He has provided the needs of his children. I must choose to believe he will provide for my needs. What are my needs. Shelter, Food, Clothing, Emotional support, are all needs, but how much is enough and where is the fine line between needs and wants. There are some who believe in the Health and prosperity theology, but I do not. Because of this old world I live in, I have to battle poverty, sickness, and life is generally unfair to my finite minds. God on the other hand sees infinitely and will provide my needs, but I must ask specifically and with thanksgiving. In Proverbs it teaches me that I should ask the Father for enough that I might not be tempted to steal and so dishonor Him, but not so much that I forget that He is my provider. Father help me to discern between my wants and needs so that I might be able to ask you specifically on a daily basis and then be able to see your provision and give thanks and honor to you.

Saturday, April 17

Up and working on finances and cleaning up paperwork. good progress. Shower dripping, so decided to work on the faucet. Bad decision. Long story short. It's now broke and have to wait til monday to get it fixed by a plumber. Finally just went fishing with Nathan on Copan point dock. 3+ hours and Nathan caught one keeper crappie and I caught one 12" channel cat. Took Terri to Braums for a late burger supper, to Walmart to see if they had what I needed to plug things up so we could turn on the water. Silicon, molley plug and screw seems to have worked. Bummer of a deal.

Saturday, April 17, Trouble

Trouble comes in many forms. Some by my own bad choices and some because I live in this old sinful world. When I make bad choices and realize it and repent or correct, I still have to live with the consequences. When trouble comes my way through no fault of my own, I still have to live with it. How I live with it is a choice I must make. Do I grumble and complain and blame others, or do I trust God to see me through it gaining wisdom and strength for the future? My daily devotions and communication with the Father help me see the big picture. This life is but a short time and trouble will pass. Someday, I will be with the Father and there will be no more trouble to come my way. Pretty good promise in my book. Father, help me to look to you when trouble comes my way that I will Trust you for the lessons to be learned.

Friday, April 16

Busy day. Trip to Nowata to fix monitor issue. everything else in good shape. Got back and worked on printer at Eastside and got message a system had crashed in Nowata. Went back after lunch and rebuilt that system. Back to Bville. Trying to find a good stock to buy short term. Made 100 this week, so good week. still gun shy after last 6 month bad deals. Lotaburger for lunch and took Terri to Luigi's for supper. Good time to sit and visit. Home to rest and to bed. Rainy, so no fishing plans for this weekend.

Friday, April 16, Panic

I am a control person. Plain and simple, I like to do it myself so it gets done the way I want it done. I like to prepare and be prepared so nothing takes me by surprise. When things are out of my control, I stress, worry, and even get angry, all symptoms of Panic. Reading God's word and communicating with Him on a daily basis, both in quiet time and throughout my day, helps me put every situation in His hands. Some He lets me handle and some are to be left in His hands. He is helping me see that I don't have to do it all, be in charge of it, and it doesn't have to be done my way. A pretty peaceful alternative to panic when I can let it go. Father, help me to Trust in you for everything and to know when You are working through me and when You are working through others and doing it your way. Thank you for taking care of me in all things.

Thursday, April 15

Another quiet day. Took care of a few tickets and just monitored the system all day. ATe at Taco Village for lunch. Picked up the boy and had hot dogs and corn dogs for supper. He was a bit cranky. didn't get a good nap today. played outside and wore him out. Went to Mema's and visited with her and Mike. Took Ryan home and we went home for some ice cream, TV and to bed. Not much outside of normal today.

Thursday, April 15, Needs

What do I really need? Good question and a tough one to answer because of the bombardment of materialism all around me. We are trying to deaccumulate and Satan is attacking me over that. Got to start just throwing things away that I haven't touched or seen in years. I really don't need it. What do I really need. Shelter, food, Clothing, transportation, a good relationship with my wife and family and with Jesus. I don't need much more than that. Our house is really too big for us. Obviously I have enough food considering I am over weight. I can hardly get in my closet. We have three vehicles. At least I have a good relationship with my wife and most of our family and I am daily communicating with the Father and developing that relationship. Father help me look to You for my needs. Help me see if something is just a want or is really a need.

Wednesday, April 4

Quiet day. Took care of a few tickets. Ate lunch at home. Working on deal for the car. Looks like we have it sold to a young man in Bentonville. Hope to finalize it today or tomorrow. Will see. Terri got a haircut. Mike is moving to his new office in BA and staying with Mom tonight and tomorrow night. Will be good to have him close. Was supposed to be chicken and noodles at church for supper but was baked potato with chili. Good but was geared up for chicken and noodles..LOL. Choir practice was good. Dropped dad off at home and us to home to rest and to bed.

Wednesday, April 14, Materialism

I struggle daily with materialism. Billboards, TV advertisement, mail flyers, all around me are temptations to be materialistic. New cars, TV's, technology, bigger and better, nicer clothes, are all being thrown at me on a moment by moment basis. It has been a huge help to me to spend time in the Word and Prayer each morning. Kind of starts my day in focus and helps keep my mind on Him and what is important. As the devotional said, there is nothing wrong with having things. It is the attitude about having things that can be wrong. These things I have will dissappear or belong to someone else someday. Giving to the work of the Lord so that others can come to know him will never pass away. God's idea of wealth is so much higher than mine. Father help me to daily give all I have to you for your work.

Tuesday, April 13

Quiet day at work. Cleaned up a few tickets plus a couple new ones. Got a couple contacts on the impala. Terri went to Caney after lunch and the impala quit on her. Took her the mariner and she got on the road to nowata and vinita. Don and Rhonda of the Caney office helped me get the impala going. Appears to be the battery. Took car to Oakley's and left it. Had them replace the battery and service and check the car. Replaced the air filter. Said car was in good condition so feel more comfortable selling to the young man from bentonville if he still wants it. Will call him tomorrow. Terri didn't want to work in the yard and wanted to go fishing at the silverlake & adams pond. Didn't catch anything. too windy but enjoyed the nice evening together. Lost my blackberry so went by the office after fishing and I had left it on my desk. Stopped at Taco Mayo for supper, home to watch tv a bit then to bed.

Tuesday, April 13, Give

If I give God will bless me. Unfortunately, my mind is tied to worldly ideas of blessing. I think that if I give money to God, he will give me money. I must spend time in His word and in communication with Him to make sure my perspective on giving is correct. I give because it is the right thing to do and because I want to. I must trust Him with the blessing side of the promise because He knows what I need more than I do. It isn't necessarily more money. It might be health, wisdom, a deeper walk with Him, or it could be financial in some way. The key is, I give on a worldly level and He blesses on a heavenly level. What a promise. Father help me to know my part, give my part, and to do so willingly.

Monday, April 12

Quiet day at work. Couple tickets and I did them from the office. Terri feeling some better but still hurts. Actually called the Dr and he gave her some instruction which she said she would follow. Met Allyson and Nathan at Mazzios for lunch. nice visit. Stopped by Kmart and dropped Terri off for some shopping and I went to Walgreens to pick up our meds. Then we went to Walmart to pickup needed items. Got home and ate a rotissaried chicken. YUM. then raked leaves and put down mulch around the crepe myrtles. Wore us out. Showered and rested, watched some tube and to bed.

Monday, April 12, Money

How funny. The scripture I used for yesterday's devotional comment is in today's devotional. Proverbs 30:8. Money is not evil, but the love of money is. Anything that takes my focus off my relationship with God, is evil. Satan will use money to distract me. I am constantly bombarded with the desire to have more things. Bigger, better, newer is everywhere. All it takes is money. To overcome this constant battle to have more, I must be in the Word and communication with my Father. He will help me stay focused on real values. The amount of money I have has nothing to do with my relationship with Him. He is my God and Father, whether I obtain more money or lose it all. Father, help me to stay focused on you and to trust you for the real needs I have. Thank you for your promises to take care of me and my family.

Sunday, April 11, Wealth

It is a constant struggle to balance the desire to have more money and the desire to take care of oneself and family properly. Where is that fine line? I don't know. When I read the word, it tells me to trust in God for everything and He will take care of me. But I believe He still expects me to do my best in my job, save for the future, and plan for retirement. What do I really need here? Proverbs 30: 8-9. ...give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, "Who is the Lord?" Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. What is true wealth? Father help me to trust in you for wisdom to know the difference between worldly wealth and heavenly wealth.

Saturday, April 10, Contentment

Good devotional for Saturday. Contentment is a big deal. It is emotional as well as physical. Everywhere I look I see something telling me I am not content with my life, possessions, health, and on and on. It is so important to be in God's word on a daily basis and communicting with Him so that I can stay focused on the most important area of contentment. My relationship with Him. If I listen to the world, I will never be content. If I listen to Him and apply His word to my life, I can be content in every circumstance. Being content is a choice. Father help me to make the decision to be content in my life's circumstances. Thank you for your promises.

Sunday, April 11

Up and Terri still hurting. She had a rough night. Pain would wake her up. I left her in bed and went to church. Came home and she was still hurting. Went to sonic and got hickory burgers for lunch. Was good. Filed Federal taxes. Went to Joe's to work on his network. Had moderate success except with his print server which would not work..sigh. Brought it back home with me to work on. Terri's mom fixed burgers for us and they were very good. Home to rest and to bed. Terri still suffering with the migraine. worried about her.

Saturday, April 10

Up early and to the lake to meet Nathan, his dad, and Ron S. Ran around to several different spots fishing. Caught about 1 an hour. I caught the first one, a small sand bass, and later in the day, I caught a real nice crappie, looked to be about 14" and 2 + lbs, but it dropped off at the boat deck. Pretty disappointing as it was a big crappie. Part of fishing. All in all we caught about 15 all day. Left them with Ron and family. Big boat. Took Terri to Monterey's. She woke up with a migraine and had a rough day. Felt pretty bad.

Friday, April 9

Kind of a quiet day at work. Nice for a Friday. Took boxes home, cut them down and laid them around the crepe myrtles. Bought mulch to put around them. Lowered the maintenance level a bit..Not used to working physically like this. Good for me. Want to get the yard as maintenance free as possible. Going to take out the pond and let that area grow back to grass. Easier to maintain.

Friday, April 9, Courage

Examples of courage are all around me. I see young people going to college every day by my office. I remember the fear of going off to someplace away from home. Even though I knew a lot of people and wanted to go, it was change and different and I was on my own. I have seen my own children step out and do something challenging in spite of their trepidation. When I read God's word and see the examples of courage and how God stood by them, it gives me hope and strength to face what comes my way. Father, show me examples of courage each day that I might become stronger in my faith.

Thursday, April 8

Good day. Allyson is feeling some better. Was able to work. Still pretty queasy though. Had to run to Nowata again. Worked in office most of the day. Taco Village for lunch. picked up the boy and took him to Goldies for supper in spite of his desire to go to McDonalds. He liked his corn dog though and ate some of Nana's fries. Went to Mema's and played outside and had fun. Hide n Seek. Took him home and went to my office to get some cut down boxes. Worked in the crepe myrtle beds until dark. Then showered and rested. Good day.

Wednesday, April 7

Up and off to visit my remote branches. Visited Nowata, then off to Vinita. Mature bald eagle sitting in tree right over the highway. Awesome bird. Just a few miles later, passed several, dozen or so, wild turkeys. One was strutting and his feathers were all spread. Beautiful sight. Visited Vinita and took care of a couple tickets, then headed to Caney via Coffeyville. Planned on Taco Tico for lunch, but is now a Chinese buffet. bummer. Ate at subway..LOL. Visited Caney and then headed back to the office. Stopped at the lake on my way back and checked out those fishing. Wind was very bad but saw one guy in a boat catching fish at what looked to be about 6" to 1' deep. Checked below the dam and talked to a young guy and watched him catching some crappie. Had a cooler of about 20+ with a couple gar. Hooked a carp but it dropped off while I was there. Back to the office to take care of tickets from the trip. Headed home. Cold front moved in and temperature dropped. Allyson is feeling better from her bout with food poisoining the last 24 hours. Been pretty rough on her. Nathan joined us at church for supper of lasagna. Blueberry dessert was very good. Choir practice was good. Worked on new songs for the spring. Home. Worked on the PVR system and finally got sound working. Not happy with it yet. To bed

Tuesday, April 6

Busy day at work. To the community center for the Taste of Home cooking school from work. Got our seats saved, met Mom, Megan, Allyson and Nathan and had a quick supper by the car of sandwiches, chips and cookies. The show was really pretty cool. Enjoyed it. Home by 930 and to bed. pretty tired.

Thursday, April 8, Courage

Pretty much what I said in yesterday's devotional comment. God has promised me He will be with me. He has provided me the instruction book and tools. It is my choice to spend time with Him. When I do this preparation, then making the choice to stand for Him becomes second nature and less a choice. Thank you Father for being with me.

Wednesday, April 7, Courage

Courage, like most things in life, is a choice. To be courageous for Christ is the same thing. I must choose to stand for him in every situation. I doubt that I will ever face the persecution that my brothers and sisters in other countries face, but whatever comes my way, I must choose to stand for Christ. Satan throws things at us in unusual ways and it is easy to just keep quiet, go along with, or ignore the opportunity to stand. God has promised me that He will never allow more than I can handle to come my way. What a promise. Why then not stand for Him. When I read Word daily and communicate with Him Every morning, I start the day armed and ready to face what comes my way. I have missed my devotional time a couple of days recently and I have physically and mentally noticed a difference in my attitude. Father, help me to do my part to prepare for each day's battle. You have promised to be with me and to help me stand for you.

Tuesday, April 6, Responsibility

One of the biggest problems I see in people's lives today is blaming others for their own actions. It is so easy for me to say it was because of you I did this or didn't do this. The key to my salvation is for me to look up to God and say "I am a sinner" and no one made me sin. It was my choice and therefore my responsibility to admit it and repent. My daily communication with God and reading His Word helps me see this. Father help me accept responsibility for my actions on a daily basis.

Monday, April 5

Busy but quiet day at work. Lunch at Dinks. Branch visit at the tower, then by Mom's to look for Michael's blue tooth. no luck. home to work in the yard. planted cucumbers and bagged up a bag of leaves. Got too small bags. bummer..sigh. supper of left overs, watched Butler keep Duke on the run. Very good game. Hooked up the htpc in the bedroom. Works but got to figure out the sound. Allyson came home. All to bed.

Monday, April 5, Confrontation

Responding to confrontation is a choice I must make. As stated in the devotional today, there is a price to pay and rewards to gain. Part of wisdom is recognizing when someone cares enough about me to confront me on an issue. In the recent past I failed to listen when my dear wife confronted me about an issue and we paid a huge price for my obstinence. It has been a good but costly lesson for not only me but my family as well. God has used it to humble me and make me more dependent on Him. Thank you Father for the wisdom of my wife and her boldness in confronting me. Help me to always listen to her and others that care about me.

Sunday, April 4, Confrontation

Confrontation is something I do not do well. I usually let things build up and then blow up. Not a good way to help someone else. I need confrontation from time to time. In looking back I see times when I listened and times when I didn't. There is a price to pay when refusing to listen and there are rewards when I do. Again, it is a choice I make. Father, help me to listen closely and take instruction, criticism, guidance, and advice to heart when someone who cares about me confronts me.

Saturday, April 3, Accountability

Accountability is so important. There is so much evil available on the internet and I struggle with it. Since I have come back to the Lord, I have shared my passwords on the computer with my wife and daughter so they have access to anything I do. It helps keep me on the right path and to battle against temptation. It is good to be accountable to someone else. Father, thank you for helping me make the choice to be accountable for all my actions.

Sunday, April 4

Up and to church by 815 to practice before singing. Songs went well. Then to 2nd service to sing. Went well again. Sat with kids, then to OWU for lunch. Mom met us there and we ate with my folks too. Great time of visiting. Home to work in yard. Mowed, then trimmed lirope grass, and had to rest. Not used to the 80+ degree heat. Went fishing but nothing biting at all. bummer. Had burritos for supper, watched tv and to bed. Good day.

Friday, April 2, Foolishness

It has always been hard for me to not judge someone who buys expensive things and still attends church. It is a ploy of Satan, but is something I struggle with. It is actually none of my business. What is my business is to see that I don't fall into the trap of foolishly going my own way and ignoring the business of the Father and the job He has for me to do. He has given me abilities and talents that He wants me to use. Father help me to be what you want me to be and to do what you lead and guide me to do.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, April 1, 2, & 3

Busy three days. Worked all day Thursday. Picked up the boy, fed him and then went to see Mema. Took him home and home to bed. Terri's brother is here but he went fishing. Having good success. Told me to take Friday off, so I contacted the boss and got approval. Plan was to be up at 515 and headed to the lake by 600am. Texted me at 415 and he couldn't sleep and asked if I happened to be up. Phone woke us up so I went ahead and got up. Texted Nathan to see if he was up. He got up, I picked him up and over to Mom's and we were off. Were on the lake by 600am. Fished until a storm blew in, got off the water and home, rested and visited until the weather cleared up, then back to the lake. Good day of fishing. Saturday got up and was on the lake by 630. Water temp had dropped back a bit but it was fair fishing most of the day. Mom and Terri came and where we were fishing they could sit in chairs and watch and visit with us. They enjoyed it. We called it a day at 300. Home to clean fish and ourselves and to rest. Over the thee days caught 110 with my Personal best at 2 lb 4 oz. and several 2lb plus fish. Grilled burgers, sausage and dogs. Good supper and I ate too much again. Terri and I home to bed. Missed 1020 setup.

Thursday, April 1, Foolishness

There seems to be an awful lot of foolishness around us. I pray that I will seek God's wisdom in all I do so that I won't be seen as foolish.

Wednesday, March 31

Busy day and got a lot done. Close friend lost job today. Depressing. Terri had a birthday dinner with one of her staff and I ate at the school with the folks and Don. Good choir practice. Lost voice again. Home to rest with Terri and then to bed. Thankful that God is in control. Still a tough day.