Tommy’s wife here. I’ve hijacked his blog again. It’s just easier than maintaining my own.
Some of us hate to wait. We live such rushed days and can’t seem to fit it all in. Well what if waiting could actually help save someone’s life?
At Wal-Mart yesterday, I went to buy some medicine for one of my kid’s stuffy nose so I picked up a little plastic card and took it to the pharmacy counter where I had to give my name, address, phone, etc. Once that was in the system they gladly gave me the box of medicine and I was on my way to the check out counter. It took a total of about 3 minutes out of my day. From now on, I can go the pharmacy and give them my phone number, they will pull up my info and give me the medicine and maybe I’ll only be out about 1 minute or less.
I asked the pharmacy staff if they’d had a lot of complaints. She sighed and said, “Oh, you wouldn’t believe!” I expressed to her that I, for one, am glad that they are doing this. After seeing what the abuse of this product does to mother’s, husbands, wives, mommies, daddies, sisters, brothers, etc. I’m more than happy to wait! The pharmacist smiled and said thanks for understanding and that being patient was not the norm.
The medicine that I was purchasing – pseudoephedrine hydrochloride. It’s a very common non-prescription medicine to relieve nasal congestion. Because it’s so common, drug dealers have been buying large quantities and making a new product called crystal meth.
Recently some pharmacies, maybe made by the government I’m not real sure, have put some restrictions on the purchase of pseudoephedrine.
The drug dealers have been buying the non-prescription meds in large quantities and then they take it to their man-made labs and make this horrible, addictive drug out of it and sell it. Some of these dealers have labs in their homes and have harmed their own children or put them in serious jeopardy due to explosions from the lab process – not to mention that most sellers are probably users as well. You’ve seen it on the news, I’m sure, but what this drug does to people in only a matter of a few years is just so very sad. They get sores all over their body that they’ve done to themselves by feeling like they have bugs under their skin and trying to scratch them off. An addict begins to lose brain cells very quickly that are not replaced. They lose the ability to make logical decisions. So the longer they use, the more at risk they will be to never be able to live a normal life even if they quit using. The effects of this drug take begin to be realized in only a few months.
Click here ----> Link to get more information.
So, the chill pill prescribed to us is one of patience. We don’t always need to see waiting for something as a bad thing. We should slow down and take a chill pill and be willing to wait a few minutes for our medicine. We could be saving someone’s life! It’s crystal clear, don’t you think?
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Take A Chill Pill
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
One year of blogging and reevaluation
I started posting to this web log one year ago. There have been a lot of words and there has been much that has happened around me.
Sometimes this feels like a narcissistic pursuit. Who in the world would want to read anything I write, especially when it’s about me or what I think.
Sometimes it feels kind of sanctimonious. I write how I feel about God and living a God-life but often it may come off as a “holier-than-thou” pursuit.
I have enjoyed the conversation and the comments … even the ones that were critical. I may not have changed my view but my faith and belief have deepened and come into sharper focus because of the critical thought.
The only thing that really bothers me is when people want to trash me but will only do it behind the cloak of anonymity. That comes off as cowardice in my view. Don’t get me wrong though, anonymous posts aren’t all bad, just ones that hide a person’s identity in order for them to have a license for meanness.
I could go back to privacy where I writing everything in my journal. But I cannot stop writing. Even though my writing is not that impressive.
BTW – I still write in a journal in addition to this blog. There are things floating around in my head that are too personal for anyone else to see.
Sometimes I feel as if I am too open with the world. Andrea even said to me one time “It’s sad that I have to learn what is going on inside of my husband by reading his blog”. I promised her I would be more open with her. But I’m not so sure I should be so open with you.
I guess my goal is to challenge the way we all think … me included.
So it’s time to reevaluate. There have been a couple of really good blogs I read lately where the authors have done exactly that – reevaluate. Some have stopped writing, some have made a stronger commitment to write more.
I guess my question is should I keep doing this? What is the benefit for me and for you as a reader? Anything?
Honest conversation is welcome …
Sometimes this feels like a narcissistic pursuit. Who in the world would want to read anything I write, especially when it’s about me or what I think.
Sometimes it feels kind of sanctimonious. I write how I feel about God and living a God-life but often it may come off as a “holier-than-thou” pursuit.
I have enjoyed the conversation and the comments … even the ones that were critical. I may not have changed my view but my faith and belief have deepened and come into sharper focus because of the critical thought.
The only thing that really bothers me is when people want to trash me but will only do it behind the cloak of anonymity. That comes off as cowardice in my view. Don’t get me wrong though, anonymous posts aren’t all bad, just ones that hide a person’s identity in order for them to have a license for meanness.
I could go back to privacy where I writing everything in my journal. But I cannot stop writing. Even though my writing is not that impressive.
BTW – I still write in a journal in addition to this blog. There are things floating around in my head that are too personal for anyone else to see.
Sometimes I feel as if I am too open with the world. Andrea even said to me one time “It’s sad that I have to learn what is going on inside of my husband by reading his blog”. I promised her I would be more open with her. But I’m not so sure I should be so open with you.
I guess my goal is to challenge the way we all think … me included.
So it’s time to reevaluate. There have been a couple of really good blogs I read lately where the authors have done exactly that – reevaluate. Some have stopped writing, some have made a stronger commitment to write more.
I guess my question is should I keep doing this? What is the benefit for me and for you as a reader? Anything?
Honest conversation is welcome …
Monday, July 25, 2005
Ordination
I was ordained yesterday afternoon. I have hesitated to write about it because I don’t have words that are adequate for how I feel. As with everything we do at BPF this was not the typical ordination but for me it was what it needed to be. I felt encouraged and loved. I saw people I haven’t seen in a long time. So many people who were present have had a hand in forming who I have become by being an example to me. So many have challenged me to do what I would never have done on my own. God has used the influence of godly people to make me who I am today. If you were there or had anything to do with my ordination; thank you. It’s one of those days I won’t forget.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Running on purpose
Most of my runs since mid-January have been aimless with no goal other than to get out and move so I can stay in some kind of reasonable physical shape. My running is not completely unproductive but it really has had no purpose. I have thought a lot. I have connected with God some. I have listened to loud music on occasion. But for the most part running has been about … well; running. Not a bad thing at all.
On Monday I started the build-up phase to marathon training. I am ramping up my mileage so that I can start the marathon-training program in September. Now my running has a purpose. I have a training plan that tells me how much to run today and at what pace. The days of running have a rhythm that they lacked before. Running is now a discipline that is practiced with a goal in mind. It is about doing so that I can be.
It is good to live on purpose … for a cause, rather than living an aimless existence where each day seems as if you’re going through the motions and can’t remember why.
On Monday I started the build-up phase to marathon training. I am ramping up my mileage so that I can start the marathon-training program in September. Now my running has a purpose. I have a training plan that tells me how much to run today and at what pace. The days of running have a rhythm that they lacked before. Running is now a discipline that is practiced with a goal in mind. It is about doing so that I can be.
It is good to live on purpose … for a cause, rather than living an aimless existence where each day seems as if you’re going through the motions and can’t remember why.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Blood and life
My father in law is having surgery next week. Andrea I have the same blood type as Tom so on Monday our family went to Methodist Hospital so the two of us could give blood to be used in surgery if he needs it. This is the third time I’ve given blood. The first time was for my daughter Tori, the second time was for my sister-in-law Colleen, and this time is for Tom. My family is a bunch of vampires. My mother-in-law said it would be good for Tom to get some preacher blood in him. Each time we’ve been Andrea’s iron level has been too low for her to donate. The girl needs to eat some more beef.
Anyway I am amazed at the whole process. My blood can be taken from my body and be given to another person who needs it. Then my body replaces the blood that it has lost. I know I am not telling you anything new but I am blown away by the marvel of the human body and the life that is in our blood.
Tuesday morning I ran 3 miles and had to walk about half way through my run. I assume it was because I had just given blood. I took Wednesday morning off and ran again this morning. It was still rough. I don’t know if it’s just a lack of conditioning or if it is still because of the lack of blood.
Two things: First pray for Tom on Wednesday as he has surgery. And second, give blood if you can … it’s an easy thing to do to help someone that could really use it.
Anyway I am amazed at the whole process. My blood can be taken from my body and be given to another person who needs it. Then my body replaces the blood that it has lost. I know I am not telling you anything new but I am blown away by the marvel of the human body and the life that is in our blood.
Tuesday morning I ran 3 miles and had to walk about half way through my run. I assume it was because I had just given blood. I took Wednesday morning off and ran again this morning. It was still rough. I don’t know if it’s just a lack of conditioning or if it is still because of the lack of blood.
Two things: First pray for Tom on Wednesday as he has surgery. And second, give blood if you can … it’s an easy thing to do to help someone that could really use it.
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Hebrews 9:22
Hebrews 9:22
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Stones and snow
At eighteen years old I took my first trip to the mountains. I was with our church group on a snow ski trip. I’d never skied; in fact I’d only seen snow twice in my life. Growing up on the coast of Texas doesn’t allow for a person to experience but a small amount of cold weather much less snow.
It reminds me of when I worked in Saint Croix for a couple months. The average high temperature every day year round is about 92 degrees Fahrenheit. The native islanders never experience anything less that 65 degrees and when you go to the grocery store the stockers put on Eskimo coats with the furry hood just to stock milk. It is an interesting and funny sight.
We went on our ski trip to Durango Colorado. I had skied for two days; the first day I was horrible at it and the second day after we ditched the instructor I started to get the hang of it. At the end of the second day after some time in the hot tub I cleaned up and decided to go for a walk.
I’ve always liked to be alone. I like my own company. I like to just think. So I started walking and ended up on a footbridge. It was a suspension bridge over a small clear stream. I sat down between a spot in the ropes where I could swing my feet and just look around.
It was just getting dark and there was a thin line of light over the mountains to the west. The eastern sky was starting to fill with stars. On the top of the mountains the snow almost glowed in the darkness. I could smell evergreens trees around me and the only sound I heard was the stream beneath my feet.
All at once I was over whelmed by the presence of God in creation. The sensory overload was like nothing I’d experienced in the flatness of southeast Texas. The enormity of God struck me as I stared up at the mountains above me and His love moved me as I started thinking about how good my life really was.
This was in March of 1985. It was the beginning of my realization of the fact that even though I had grown up going to church and even though I had seen my parents live their faith I never really had given myself completely to God. In July of that same year I did exactly that. I said, “God, I am giving everything I know myself to be to everything I know about you.” That part of my journey of faith started when really big pile of stones cried out and declared the glory of God.
It reminds me of when I worked in Saint Croix for a couple months. The average high temperature every day year round is about 92 degrees Fahrenheit. The native islanders never experience anything less that 65 degrees and when you go to the grocery store the stockers put on Eskimo coats with the furry hood just to stock milk. It is an interesting and funny sight.
We went on our ski trip to Durango Colorado. I had skied for two days; the first day I was horrible at it and the second day after we ditched the instructor I started to get the hang of it. At the end of the second day after some time in the hot tub I cleaned up and decided to go for a walk.
I’ve always liked to be alone. I like my own company. I like to just think. So I started walking and ended up on a footbridge. It was a suspension bridge over a small clear stream. I sat down between a spot in the ropes where I could swing my feet and just look around.
It was just getting dark and there was a thin line of light over the mountains to the west. The eastern sky was starting to fill with stars. On the top of the mountains the snow almost glowed in the darkness. I could smell evergreens trees around me and the only sound I heard was the stream beneath my feet.
All at once I was over whelmed by the presence of God in creation. The sensory overload was like nothing I’d experienced in the flatness of southeast Texas. The enormity of God struck me as I stared up at the mountains above me and His love moved me as I started thinking about how good my life really was.
This was in March of 1985. It was the beginning of my realization of the fact that even though I had grown up going to church and even though I had seen my parents live their faith I never really had given myself completely to God. In July of that same year I did exactly that. I said, “God, I am giving everything I know myself to be to everything I know about you.” That part of my journey of faith started when really big pile of stones cried out and declared the glory of God.
Some Pharisees in the crowd said to him, 'Master, reprove your disciples,' but he answered, 'I tell you, if these keep silence, the stones will cry out.'
Luke 19:39-40
Friday, July 08, 2005
The end of a good vacation ...
Tomorrow marks the end of our stay home vacation. We watched movies (some at the theater, some at home), we swam at friends house, went to New Braunfels (check out what Jakeb had to say about that trip --> here), we went to the museum and spent some time shopping at a mall (Anna’s request).
We tried to stay on the move. We tried to do little at home but what it takes to survive – dishes, feed the dogs and ferret, do laundry. We tried to just exist as a family.
This week I found out that its fun to hang out together with my wife and kids. I knew that already but I have come to a deeper understanding of how true it actually is.
The last activity on our stay home vacation was a chemistry experiment. Tonight everyone but Anna and me have a different hair color. Tori went from dirty blond to really blond. Jakeb went from red to light red – almost blond. And with influence from Jenny and encouragement from me Andrea’s hair is now red. She says if it looks bad it’s not her fault; it’s mine and Jenny’s. I have to do a double take every time I look at Tori, Jakeb or Andrea.
We tried to stay on the move. We tried to do little at home but what it takes to survive – dishes, feed the dogs and ferret, do laundry. We tried to just exist as a family.
This week I found out that its fun to hang out together with my wife and kids. I knew that already but I have come to a deeper understanding of how true it actually is.
The last activity on our stay home vacation was a chemistry experiment. Tonight everyone but Anna and me have a different hair color. Tori went from dirty blond to really blond. Jakeb went from red to light red – almost blond. And with influence from Jenny and encouragement from me Andrea’s hair is now red. She says if it looks bad it’s not her fault; it’s mine and Jenny’s. I have to do a double take every time I look at Tori, Jakeb or Andrea.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Back home ...
We’re home from Junior High Camp.
It was fun, hard work, lots of walking, physically demanding, HOT, emotionally draining, spiritual, growing, ministering weekend. The food was good. Our junior counselors did a good job and I believe our kids grew closer to God. I had some great conversations with a few of them from our church and others.
This week is our family’s stay home vacation. It started last night with fireworks. We have a lot of fun family stuff planned. We will stay here at night and run around during the day. Some places we will go are as close as a couple of miles away and some we will drive four hours to reach our fun-filled destination.
I am not going to do any church stuff and will probably not post much here this week but I do have some interesting stuff floating around in my head that I would like to get out and tell you about so check back.
See you soon and be real …
It was fun, hard work, lots of walking, physically demanding, HOT, emotionally draining, spiritual, growing, ministering weekend. The food was good. Our junior counselors did a good job and I believe our kids grew closer to God. I had some great conversations with a few of them from our church and others.
This week is our family’s stay home vacation. It started last night with fireworks. We have a lot of fun family stuff planned. We will stay here at night and run around during the day. Some places we will go are as close as a couple of miles away and some we will drive four hours to reach our fun-filled destination.
I am not going to do any church stuff and will probably not post much here this week but I do have some interesting stuff floating around in my head that I would like to get out and tell you about so check back.
See you soon and be real …
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