It's bloggerific!

If you are a avid blogger I bet you all have had those times where you type paragraph after paragraph of words. Then you hit the all to famous orange "Publish Post". Then from out of the blue the post acts weird. You hit the back button as fast as you can only to see that all that typing was in vain.

Now your post has been sent into the huge void never to be seen again. That happened to me on this post. So instead of posting the original topic I decided to type about the mishaps. You all know what I am talking about if you blog.

I must start typing in word and then paste on here. Note to self!

Ever hate the end of vacations?

I think most people have been on vacations that they don't want to leave. I can think of 2 right off hand. These type of vacations are the ones that you are so relaxed and enjoying yourself that the realities of life seem to fade away.

The first one I would like to mention was our trip to Disney when we stayed inside. Everything was paid for food, fun and park passes. We were on our own schedule. If you wanted to go back and rest you could. When going to a place to eat you ordered everything you could appetizer, fruity (non-alcoholic) drinks, main courses and of course desserts. We stayed at the Polynesian resort and they kept it in top shape. In the morning and day they would continue to comb the beach, the rooms were spotless and the walking areas were beautiful. The lobby even had a waterfall with koi fish and macaws. If you bought something you could have them take it to your rooms instead of carrying all day. That was the first vacation that I was so spoiled that reality was depressing.

The next was when we went to Tybee Island in Georgia. The place was calm and beautiful. The seafood was great and if you wanted to go somewhere Savannah was only minutes away. The days didn't seem long enough.

Why would I mention that? Am I bragging about a vacation that you could care less about? The answer is NO! I want to equate this to the Garden of Eden. Read these verses:

Genesis 3:23-24

23So the LORD God banished Adam and his wife from the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made. 24After banishing them from the garden, the LORD God stationed mighty angelic beings to the east of Eden. And a flaming sword flashed back and forth, guarding the way to the tree of life.

We all know the story but have you ever thought of what a true paradise this was? The most beautiful place on earth. There was no worries or fears. It was heaven on earth. That was until Adam and Eve choose to sin. Once sin entered heaven on earth no longer existed. To use we can't comprehend what this would even be like. Adam and Eve on the other hand knew what life was like before sin and after sin. If you were to multiply vacations millions of times you still wouldn't be able to touch Eden. Can you now fathom the depression that must have entered Adam and Eve's lives? Not only that but that they knew it was by their doings.

Whew!!!! That is a lot to handle. There is still hope. Heaven is just around the corner. Can you wait for that vacation that will never end? I can't!

Also notice after all things have ended on earth:

Revelation 21:1-3

1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a beautiful bride prepared for her husband.
3I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, the home of God is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.

The only question that remains for you is....Are you ready and packed?

Day 10 of Poland Mission Trip (Last Day)

This was our last day of the trip to Poland:

"We got up early and Renata fixed us a great breakfast. Then it was on to Krakow's airport. This trip was one I will never forget. We were traveling at high rates of speed. Since it was in KMPH we had to do some calculation. The speed was somewhere over 100MPH.

We then got to the airport and checked in. I decided to go to the restroom. Guess what I did? I went in the wrong bathroom. It was not labeled with pictures and it was Polish lettering. So how was I suppose to know. LOL!

We were on to Munich, Germany from Krakow. I must say that this airport was the cleanest, neatest and nicest airport I have set foot in. The were very particular about things you took on the flight with you. I had to show them my boarding pass and passport to buy A COFFEE!

Once on the plane to the US I sat next to a German mother and 2 children. These kids knew both English and German. They were no more than 7-8 years old. This flight was loooong and tiring.

We finally arrived at Chicago O'Hare Airport. We meet the most rude check-in people I have ever seen. As soon as we are on US soil we there was yelling and rudeness rampant. This did not go well with Bro. Dennis. It was fun to see him ignore a man yelling at him.

After getting in to the airport we went to eat. Me, Danny and Sherry went to TGI Fridays. I wanted chicken wings (that would eventually make me sick). We filled up on American food and headed to the terminal to Nashville. I was sooooo ready to see Buffy that is all I could think about.

On the plane ride back to Nashville we all had a mix of tiredness, jet lag and joy. We began bugging the fire out of one of the stewardess. We got her laughing so much that she couldn't get through the seat belt-safety announcements.

We arrived in Nashville. I got my bags and headed for my wife. I was almost two steppin' it ...I was ready to give her a big hug. Once I saw her I forgot where I was, who was around me and where I needed to be. I hugged her (almost killing her) tight and loved every minute of it.

Unfortunately I was so tired on the way home that I couldn't stay awake. Then I got sick I had a CWO (Chicken Wing Overdose). Man was I glad to be home with my wife and kids. The trip was great but family is greater!"

This was the end of my ventures to Poland. I sometimes miss the place. Next time I go, Buffy and the kids will go with me (probably never). LOL! I hope you enjoyed my posts.

Class night

I started yet another class in my quest for my degree. The class is a lot easier than the last one (economics). I noticed the professor from the last class was taking students out and explaining to them how to make their grade better. This is good and bad I think.

First it appears to be good because the professor cares. He is allowing them to do better on final papers. He is giving them one more week to finish, revise or redo completely their paper.

Second it can be bad because he is more difficult than I thought. It also makes me nervous on how well I will do on assigned work and final papers. I don't really want to redo my paper. I have spent to much time researching and reading about my topic.

My paper for this class is "Wal-Mart Economics". I will not bore you with the details but lets just say Wal-Mart with its buying procedures and low wages can give the customer a low price. I have notice although this company is very successful and well oiled that it has sacrificed it's workers happiness. This is totally against one of Sam Waltons three main statements.

With that soap box story I will leave you to that thought. Have a great evening!

It's over!!!!!!!!

Tonight was the last official night of Upward Basketball. The event went great and it was a lot of fun. Mike Turner was our speaker. He was an MSU basketball player and now is the director for Campus Outreach. Amazing how God works in people's lives.

It has been a long Day. I will post pictures from the Awards night Thursday or Friday!

Micah

Micah's Team

Game Day Devotion

Preparation for Upward Awards night.

Tonight I have to stay late to prepare for the Upward Awards night. Buffy and the kids are going to stay home. With the price of gas it makes it hard for us to drive 2 cars to church for such a little time. This awards night is for all children. I really like that they all get an award. This year they will all receive a Basketball. I also have gifts ordered for give-aways.

I have soooo much to do in so little time. See you all later! I will let you know how the night goes.

Happy B-day Buffy

Today is my wonderful wife's birthday. She is 31 and I am 30. We had Upward this morning so I didn't have much time to wish her a happy birthday. I came home to all of them being asleep. So I put the cake in the fridge and the coke and card on the counter. It is hard getting a gift for a pregnant lady. There is little one can buy that would be appropriate.

Tonight we are going to the Outback steak house. Mom and Dad decided they wanted to take us out to eat for our birthday. Yummmmmmmmm. Cya later!

The CLEPS

Yesterday I scheduled two CLEP tests. One was a 6hour credit CLEP and the other was a 3hour credit CLEP. I had no clue really what I was getting myself into all I knew is that I wanted to TRY to get some classes out of the way.

I went in to take these tests. I met with a lady that would set me up in a testing room. Then after getting the thing set up I would have 130 mins to take each test. The first one seemed like it was not gonna be easy for me. Question after question I would have to read and reread the statements. After a while I noticed that time was fleeting. I began to pick up the pace. Then something hit me that made me pick up the pace even faster. I had to go to the restroom soooo bad. I thought to myself never drink a gallon of coffee and then go into a timed test. I was literally standing up dancing at the end of the test. I ran out of time and didn't get to answer 7 questions. I then ran to the restroom. After the sprint and walking back I got to see my score. I only needed 50 points to pass and I had 62. Good enough for me!

I would like to say that the 3 hour credit CLEP went the same. In the end I had 45 points and needed 50 points to pass. I was so drained that I didn't care at the time.

Looking back I don't think taking 2 CLEPs in a day is too smart. I don't recommend it.

Side note:

Ola's funeral went well today. We celebrate the home going of a saint!

Neva the Diva.

At the visitation for Buffy's grandmother tonight I was blessed with another appearance from "Neva the Diva". This lady, old as she is, one of the most spunky straight foreword people you will meet. If she doesn't like you she will tell you. Everything from her is hilarious to me. You must know her and who she is to not be offended by her.

Standing at 4 foot and nine inches talk. Weighting 90 pounds and a champion talker we have "Neva the Diva....." Here is a few comments from last night.

"If I don't like you I will just tell you"

"At 16 years old I packed my bags and told my mom I was leaving home. My momma said no you are not...I said just watch me!"

"When I had knee replacement surgery the next day the doctor came in and saw me putting my clothes on to go home. He told me that he wished I wouldn't go that I needed to stay and be monitored for 3 days. I told him that he could wish all he wanted but that my ride was out there and I am gone in 3 minutes"

"Look at "so and so (name protected)" they cry all the time. I ain't gonna sit there and listen to that"

"Ola and Jesse where the best of the bunch!" (While another brothers wife was sitting right there)

These brief but straight foreword comments would be initiated by a light smack to the forehead.
Oh me.....what a lady!

Day 9 (Poland Mission Trip)

This would be our last morning in Wisla. We got up ate breakfast spent a little time relaxing and then later we would eat lunch. After that we said goodbye to the friends we had made. I wrote "I am torn between to emotions, the sadness of leaving new friends and the joy of going home to my wife and kids". I know that the joy of meeting the family would far out weight the sadness. Still the emotion was there. Finally we took a group picture and left with John's brother (from Krakow) and some English missionaries.

Group Picture

English Missionaries

Me and Kuba (translator)

Me and Adam (translator)

When arriving back at John's house we spent the night relaxing and fellowshipping with John, Renata and their little girl. Sitting on the porch and just thinking about going home. I was probably the most relaxed this night simply because I realized that tomorrow I would see Buffy and the kids. Went to bed early. We had to be at the airport at 6:00.

John's house (click here for previous pictures)

John's House

John's house

This was Day 9.

And I smiled.

Buffy's grandmother passed away this afternoon. She was a great Christian woman and influence on our lives. Over the last few years Ola's health and mind withered, but her memory will never fade. We were sitting here tonight thinking about great times. Although I knew her far less time than the family she still influenced my life. Her Christian witness was one that we can only hope to live up to.

I will never forget those long pauses as Ola would call our house. The phone would ring and there would be this long pause then you would here "......Jamie??". It made you smile. In fact she made me smile a lot. She always wanted to feed you when you came over. There was a time where she had been asking and asking if I wanted something to eat. I caved in and said that I would take a chocolate ice cream bar that she was offering me. She then puts two on the table and says "here take two..." Once again I smiled.

I know that Buffy and the family will miss Ola. They will never stop thinking about those times she made them smile. But today Ola met Jesus and both smiled.

I am gonna tell momma about this!

With our 4th child on the way. Davida purchased the 4th rocking chair for the kids. Each one has one that is unique in it's own way. Buffy brings Chloe's chair home and the kids decide to play with it. I think well no big deal. Surely this will get boring after awhile and they will be on to something else. Today they all bring theirs out and set them up in the living room. Except our wonderful drama filled Abbi (LOL). She decides to play with Chloe's. The kids begin to play musical chair and fighting over who gets to sit in Chloe's chair. So being the Daddy I decide to take Chloe's and put it in our bedroom and bring Abbi's out. Abbi begins to argue that the chair is all theirs and that it was for them to play with. I calmly explain that since they were fighting over it that they could just play with theirs. Abbi then falls in the floor and says "I am gonna tell momma about this!!!"

Men you all know this is true. Momma's are the fixers of all things. Daddy's are the ruiners of all things. Needless to say everything cooled off and the three little chairs are now in our living room.

Time to hit the sack. Nite all!!

The spark that sets the fire.

Today's world it seems accepted that people can just speak their mind. Say whatever they want to say. After all it is their constitutional right. Maybe for the worldly minded people this is ok. For Christians it is not! The Bible has this to say about learning to control mine/your tongue:

James 3:2-12

2 We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. 3 We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

7 People can tame all kinds of animals and birds and reptiles and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Can you pick olives from a fig tree or figs from a grapevine? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty pool.

Here is a list of what God compares to our uncontrollable tongue:

• A horse and it's bit
• A ship and it's rudder
• A tiny spark and a forest fire
• A tame animal and an untamed tongue
• Fresh water and bitter water
• Trees with the wrong fruit

The point is there numerous times. The tongue is that hardest thing to tame. Keeping our mouth pure is difficult. How will the world know if you are a Christian if you talk like the world? Maybe just maybe some don't change their mouth because they don't know Christ. After all Christ changes us when we become his.

The ole people are out now and a nest is being made.

I was in the house today and noticed that Mom and Dad have ventured outside. The weather has turned and that is when the old people start to prepare for gardening and such. Mom was out trimming back trees, bushes and plants that a botanist would have trouble pronouncing. Then dad had decided to put new lights in the garage. To be honest we needed new ones as soon as the others were first put in. The never really put out much light. It was almost as if you were outside when you were in the garage.

With that said Buffy is in the cleaning frenzy. She has been for awhile now. Buffy has even organized our DVD collections. She has lost it all...I tell ya lost it! I have heard that women nest but this has been waaaaay early. Before all is said and done my underwear draw will be organized by style, shape and color with a neat little chart to help me find then ones I want.

The kids are in bed and tomorrow is a big day. Have fun yall!

St. Patrick's Day

Well I have contracted some crud again. Who knows what it is or was. All I know is I feel like crap and I had to leave work today. Then I have slept from about 10:30-2:30 and then from 4:30-5:30.

With all that said I did a small search about St. Patricks day. Here is the shortest version I could find:
St. Patrick's Day honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. We celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17. Americans march in parades, dance the Irish jig and gather to sing Irish songs. People wear green in memory of Ireland, the Emerald Isle and wear shamrocks, clover with three leaves.

March 17 was not the day St. Patrick was born but the day he died. Even though we don't know the date of his birth, most scholars believe the year was 385 AD and the year of his death was 461 AD.

St. Patrick was born in Scotland, studied religion to become a priest and then went to Ireland to teach the people about God. There are many wonderful stories about St. Patrick, some true and some not true.
I hope you all had a great day and are not riddled with bruises from the traditional pinching.

Finally wore Dad down.

After hint and hint and more hints I have finally wore Dad down. He is a Nascar fan somewhat. I actually started watching it because he did when I was a kid. It took forever to get him to commit to going. Probably because races are generally far away, on bad days or he thought I wanted him to pay for my ticket. So I figure why not go watch a Nascar Craftsman Truck Series race. I keep hearing Nascar fans say that if you want to see how "Cup" cars use to race you should watch the truck series. So the date is set: August 12th at 4:00PM in Nashville, TN. This track is a 1.33 Mile track with 14 degree banking. The trucks can get up to 160mph on this track. David Ragan or Erik Darnell will probably be the ones I will look for. Although they are new drivers. They are Roush drivers which would be linked to my driver Matt Kenseth in the Nextel Cup Series cars.

I am excited about this chance to see a race. You all may be bored to tears now and probably didn't even read this far. That is OK ....IT'S MY BLOG SO TOUGH...LOL!!!!

Day 8 (Poland Mission Trip)

This was the last day of work on Oasis Baptist Church in Wisla. We continued to work on pouring the floor for the church conference center. We all are getting tired and I am so ready to go home. Later on tonight I am suppose to go downtown to a Christian coffee house. This was constructed for youth to have a place to hang out and drink Kava.

Foam for flooring Pouring Concrete for Floor

Finished Rooms

What it will look like later.

Once the floor was finished I had dinner and headed to the coffee house. It was a neat little place. The location was downtown Wisla in a basement. The wood work and setting was awesome. I would love to have one like these in Murray. We played a game with dice. I had no idea what I was doing. They had to help me. Something about getting 1000 points but if rolled to much you would lose points. If you rolled a certain thing they would yell "pig" (in Polish) I didn't seem to do this much. It was fun anyway.

Pretending to Work and the water heater...lol!

I got back to the church late!! I went to sleep. This would be the last night in Wisla.

Summer Trip in the makes.

Today I did many things at work. One that is worthy of mention is the planning of our Summer Trip. This one will be more work/devotion driven. We have nailed down the date (June 12-16). The place will be somewhere around Eureka Springs Arkansas. We will be working on the grounds of the Passion Play. I have already booked a cabin but the web address must be wrong. So check again soon for more information.

Besides the normal at work and school it has just been one of those days. No much to mention. I hope you all have a good night.

All "A's"

Well I am not bragging about this but I got my grades from the ole' University and I have all A's. For some of you this may not be a big accomplishment. As for me this is the first time since grade school. I don't claim to be an intelligent man. I am though very proud that I have hit this goal.

I have to say last class I was sure that it would be my first B. Then I got the 10 page paper back and the grade for the class. It was a breath of fresh air. I was talking to Buffy tonight and saying "When I graduate I am getting a class ring". I will have endured a long time with breaks for work and providing for the family. I will have a class ring to show for it. Sounds silly to be 32 or so and want a class ring. I think this will be one thing I deserve.

In no way do I regret the decisions I have made in life. For to do that is to make me a different person. Each learning experience, defeat and victory I have learned from. I could not be doing this without the motivation to provide for my wife and kids. God will help me to see this one through.

Religion vs Faith

I am taking a religion class at Mid Continent on the internet. I think it is great to know what all religions believe. It is much easier to witness to them knowing what offends them, their customs and practices. So far I have studied the Jewish, Islam and now Zoroastrianism.

I have to write and essay on each religion and then comment on the others that have posted theirs on blackboard. Today I noticed a question to one of my posts. It was say that this person thought that religion and faith were the same thing "spiritually". In a simple answer I just explained that they were different by definition and "spiritually".

Hebrews 11:1 says:
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.

Then a little further we see
Hebrews 11:6
So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

A great example of religion verse faith is in the Pharisee's that Jesus dealt with. In Matthew 5:20 he says this :
"But I warn you--unless you obey God better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees do, you can't enter the Kingdom of Heaven at all!"

Matthew 23:1-3
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2"The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the Scriptures. 3So practice and obey whatever they say to you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach.

Time and time again Jesus would have to deal with the "religious" Pharisees. They knew the book and tradition. They followed ceremonies. They talked the talk, but they never understood that is was by faith man would be saved. That is why they would miss the boat when it came to them knowing that Jesus was the Messiah.

Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.

The scripture plainly explains that we can live by religion (which is lifeless and dead) or we can live by faith. See in religion we can boast about how well we do. In faith though we understand we didn't do nothing is was God's grace that saved us. We are going to put all our faith in his Son (The Messiah) and follow him.

The rollers bring drama to the Hughes family.

Buffy is right now as I type putting rollers in the girls hair. This I think is to curl their hair up. These rollers are yellow and resemble one of the pieces of a Hotwheels car wash. You know that little sponge roller that is suppose to wash the car. Well Abbi was upset that Hannah was touching the unused rollers while Buffy put them in her hair.

Now things have changed and Hannah is now undergoing the hair procedure. This is kinda scary. I am not gonna lie to you. They look wired. Almost beyond description.

Well the kids are off to bed and I am going watch some TV. I have been gone all day.

Please Send Help!!

Nisha is over house. She won't go home. Please send help. Must go to bed.

Anyway, it has been just one of those days not really worth talking about. I worked, picked up Micah and came home. The van decided it would die on us. So I have to get it repaired. Blah Blah Blah as I bore you to death with this day.

BTW Nisha is still here. Trevor come get her.

Thundernados

We had some bad storms today and tonight in the little county of Calloway. This afternoon was just more heavy rains and a little wind. But tonight was the bad stuff.

My mom calls me on the cell and informs me that some bad storms are headed to Murray. I was in the process of getting something to eat. So we swing in Burger King and get some food for the road. Then I receive yet another call from dad. I decided with the current information and winds that we would bunker down. In my quick and timely glance I see that there is a car wash near. Understanding the storm direction and using my meteorological skills (vast as they may be) we head in the wash. We all had a meal and watched the show. First it was just real windy and raining hard. Then I noticed sheets of hail (pea sized) hitting the ground. The storm would soon pass.

Finally after driving home and spending some time over at my parents we come home. All is well nothing is blown away. So the Hughes house goes on another day.

Poland Mission Trip (Day 7)

This day was a big work day as seen in my notes of the trip. I wrote very little because it was a long day. I will try to give you some of the details.

"We worked a lot today. We poured concrete "the ole fashioned way". Everyone would push wheel barrows (full of concrete) up a ramp about 15 steps high. This was a two man job. One would run to the top as fast as possible. The other would use a hooking device made to catch the bottom axle of the wheel barrow. "

OLD Mixer

Ramp of Death

Mark and Marty (Mark Pushing, Marty using the tool mentioned)

After that day of hard work was over. Which I was sooooo glad it was. Some of us went to "Miata's" house. We had coffee and "herbata". The herbata is a homemade herbal tea. We finally got back around 11:00PM. I will quote the last part of this day word for word:

"I missed emailing my wife. I have truly enjoyed the cards made by her and the kids. But it all seems fresher by email".

You can sense that I am ready to see the family. If they had went with me. We would have stayed forever.

The poem of tired Tuesday.

Tired Tuesday

Long day today.
I get up take Micah to school.
Then I am off to work not to play.
I worked until 4PM that is the rule.

Went to Wal-mart
Headed Home for an hour
Went to school to learn economic art
Then home again, left with no power.

So asleep I will be
Tonight in the bed
No late night for me
Now to rest my head.

Good night all!

A new path for Nisha

I had the great opportunity to talk with my niece today. She has been feeling the call to missions. It is amazing for me to see that God is still in the business of calling out his people for service. Nisha, if you read this I would like to say a few things.

First of all I am proud of you. I have known you since your were 2 or 3. I have seen you grow physically and spiritually.

I admire the courage you have used in your life. You have stayed the course with Christ. Now in this new journey with Christ you will be blessed.

Yes it will be scary. Anything new and unpredictable is. You are strong and you have a great family supporting you. What ever you do you can always count on them and me to be there for you. Trevor I know will support you in this decision to follow the Lord's call. You two will make a great ministry couple.

Take some advice from the Bible about those that will ask

• "Are you sure this is what you want to do?"
• "How do you know that this is what you are suppose to do?"
• "Do you know what you are getting yourself into?"
• "You know that you will always be poor don't you?"
• "Why would you want to do that?"

The list is endless...But God's word says this to answer those:

Exodus 2:13 But Moses protested, "If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, `The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' they won't believe me. They will ask, `Which god are you talking about? What is his name?' Then what should I tell them?" 14 God replied, "I AM THE ONE WHO ALWAYS IS. Just tell them, 'I AM has sent me to you.' "

Tell them that the creator all things has called you. Something greater than man's mind can understand. The Great I AM! Stay strong and hold on. This ride is gonna be a blast.

1/2

Today in Sunday school we discussed the idea of doing things half way. We all have done it. If you say you have never done that then you are... Well......Um....a liar. Halfway doesn't work. It would be better off a lot of times if we had never started in the first place.

With all that said here is the Scripture:

Luke 14:31-33
" 31Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

We have to pick up our cross and actually carry it. What if Jesus had only went half way? Where would we be? Half way to hell. Which is in itself hell. Notice that these scriptures talk of a king doing something half way. It could lead to something deadly.

With all that said you must realize that you have to give it all up. Giving up half won't work. So what is your choice?

MSU is on the way!

Murray State University (our hometown University) won the OVC tournament tonight. I have to admit the new coach is awesome. He has in the past few years made a team to be reckoned with. They pretty much demolished Samford with a 74 - 57 win. So it is on to the Big Dance. Although MSU will probably get slaughtered at the NCAA Tourny it would be fun to watch them win one. They have it in them. Just look at the scores for this years games with bigger teams:

Tennessee 64, Murray State 53

Cincinnati 79, Murray State 75 (OT)

So they do have a hope. They must be on their game and must work as a team. It is not time for a show. It is time to play hard and smart. Go MSU!

The cow is where you meet people.

Me and Buffy went out to eat tonight. We drove to Los Portales...Full then to the other Mexican restaurant...Full. So we decide to go to ole trusty. If you haven't figured out where that is then you are not from Murray, KY. Sirlion Stockade is the best for it's money and service. Of course I had a steak and Buffy her usual chicken.

Then it came to me. If you go to the big cow , you will meet people. I was just explaining this concept to Buffy when two guys from church walked in. So as to repeat the title. The cow is where you meet people.

Short Post lonnnnng day!

The gas station rooster

This afternoon I was putting gas in the ole Focus. I really was in one of those dazed mind sets. I finished putting fuel in the car. I went in (Where there was a line the size of the store itself). After paying I started out the door. The first thing that caught my attention was this lady. She had all green on and one of those hats that is almost like a Cat and the hat hat.

wired I thought to myself. This lady was walking around the parking lot looking at something. I didn't think much of it (cause I thought she might be crazy). Then out of the corner of my eye I notice a rooster. That's right my friends a rooster. Right in the middle of the parking lot. I know some of you might think. Well that is Western Kentucky. But this is right in the middle of main roads, Walmart, Kroger, Chamber of Commerce and Murphys Oil (as seen in picture below).

What this rooster was doing...no one will ever know. But he seems to be enjoying the view. Strange days I tell ya. Strange Days...

Watch out buddy Buffy will make a purse out of ya!

Poland Mission Trip (Day 6)

I am mostly going type my letter for this day. So here is Day 6 of the Poland mission trip:

"Got up at 6:00AM this morning and had coffee with the guys. We are going down to Wisla again today. We will be at the Day Camp put on by Oasis Baptist Church. "

Marty, Bob and Kuba (translator) at Wilsa

Later on that day:

"Went to Day Camp there were 3 tents set up. Reminds me of VBS. The children were so sweet. They were not picky about what was given to them. They was happy with what was given to them. "

Craft time at Day Camp

Little ones at music time (Day Camp)

We went back to work after that. Finished up some rooms. Then it was back to get cleaned up and have dinner. There is a Mennonite choir traveling around in Poland. They sang for us I wrote later on "Oh how holy!" The performance was awesome. During this evening the "gypsy" children came in to listen. They were all by themselves. God spoke to me and said "go over there and sit with them". I learned their names there was Jordan, Amanda and 2 others. One of the children gave me a big hug. Through all the smell of dog and dirt I saw a wonderful blessing. That child touched me in my heart more than I would ever touch him.

Mennonite Choir

(Left to right) 2 Children from church, Me then the Gypsy Family

This is the end of day 6.