End Of Year Analysis~2009

This year is almost gone and it seems like it has just began...plenty of ups and downs...time spins on like a top that's just been released...

This past January Denise broke her knee and we rehabed for a spell following surgery--BTW, K-Mart refused to pay for any of the hospital bills etc. Spring brought both sadness and joy...Meggie our longtime dog died in April and in May we were introduced to Toby, who has been a little bundle of joy...spring also brought a new year's garden, only to be drowned by a wet spring and a 6" deluge in June that left us with our first season without many of the prize tomatoes of past summers. A real disappointment for me since I have this thing with trying to grown huge tomatoes to then give most of them away...but, there's 'always next year!!" ♥

One of my bestest friends went on to be with Jesus this year and I am still catching myself trying to send JoAnn e-mails...I can't bring myself to delete her from my address book so I continue to just go past her when it's time to send another funny or good story...she was such a sweet and inspiring friend and I still miss her a lot.

In August my Dad found out that his cancer had returned, this time in his esophagas. We went to Chapel Hill Hospital and they pretty much told him that there was nothing they could do for him besides try to keep his throat as clear as possible and they were even talking about calling in hospice for him at a pretty early stage...he went to Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem and they gave him some hope with 28 radiation treatments and 2 different rounds of chemo of 120 hours each, which required week-long stays in the hospital. He still is not able to eat hardly any food but he is still with us and today I went up to see him and he is doing pretty good and his color is coming back to him as well! ☺

My Mom had to have gall bladder surgery in May as well and for a while she was doing pretty good but her health has been declining for several years and she is having a lot of trouble with her leg these days and having a good bit of pain there as well. The surgery helped with some of her issues but she still has bouts with her stomach from time-to-time and it seems like she hasn't gotten a lot of relief from that. But the good news is that they are both still here with us as well as Denise's Mom so we have been Blessed in that area for sure!

My Caridnals won their division by a good bit but they then lost in the first round of the playoffs so they were 3 and out! Jeff Gordon finished 3rd in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Kyle failed to make the Chase...but he DID win the Nationwide Series Championship so it wasn't a total waste for my drivers. I have recently added a third driver to my 'favorites' corral and that is Ryan Newman, who I met in Mooresville a few weeks ago at the 'Stock For Tots' thing where various drivers were signing (I also met Ray Evernham (among others) who was Jeff's Crew Cheif for a long time during his glory years of the 1990's!!).

The Panthers had a dismal year this year with almost half of the team (??) on the IR so they are currently at 7-8 with one game to go...no hopes of the playoffs this year but Matt Moore has really looked good at QB so big Jake may have some compitition next year altho his future is a bit uncernain right now...

All this stuff IS a part of my year--BTW!!!

Christy and I have taken a few 'Road Safaris' this year in which we took a few (thousand) pictures...and we are planning one tomorrow too!~ We went up to the ParkWay and to Doughton Park which was a great place to walk and take pictures--we first went in September right as the colors began, I hope to go up there in the spring too! Several close, day trips which have included Spencer to see the trains and several parks seeking deer and other wildlife! I got a new Kodak camera for Christmas so I am going to try to take even MORE pics in the future--it's my 'portable cam'!!! LOL!!

My biggest surprise came in August when I won 3rd place in the Our State Magazine Photo Contest. My b&w picture of 'The Depot' up in Dobson, NC which I took in Nov. 2008. I was also interviewed by the Statesville Record & Landmark for a front page articel talking about my picture in Our State! I am already at work trying to figure out which entries to send for the 2010 Photo Contest! Christy & I entered pics in the Iredell County Fair in September and we both won a few ribbons and $$--Denise won 1st Place for her excellent salsa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was sooo proud of her!!!! ☺

Of course, I could have done all this if not for my lay off from Eagle International last Nov. I'm still unemployed but I am hoping to get to go to school and take a EMT Course that starts in Febuary. I go next Monday for my Entrance Exam to see if I can get some financial aid with the class b/c just the class alone costs $175. I haven't taken a test in about...whew.....many years so I hope that I can get my brain to kick in gear one more time!!!

I saw Ricky a few times in recent months altho not lately but at least we are in contact...Betsy, Genie & Kim, not-so-much.

God has been good and He always is!!! We have been going back to Fellowship Baptist Church in recent months, altho I still do PowerPoint at Grace once or twice a month, so I'm not too sure what will happen with either of those 2 opportunities but we have met some new friends at Fellowship and renewed old friendships there so we will see what our Father has in store for us in 2010!

Is that 'TwoThousand Ten' or 'Twenty-Ten'??? ☺

I'll be writing.....♥

What Do I Know???

I was out raking leaves a little bit ago and thinking about how differently I look at this meanial task this year. Maybe it's because of my love of photography and thinking back to all the pictures that I've taken this year of leaves and how much I have enjoyed the fall season! The colors have been wonderful and until just recently, they have lasted for a good while! Actually, just a few days ago we were admiring a young maple tree in the woods behind the house and the spectacular yellow color that it still held!

I have lived thru a very interesting year...with plenty of ups and downs thrown in there too! It started in January with Denise tripping and faloling aas we were going in to K-Mart and breaking her kneecap. Also in January, BS-Obama took over and in his almost 11 months in office has done a tremendous job at trying to ruin this country and put us into a position in which we will never recover! Never in my most horrible nightmares have I ever dreamed that a Muslim, who among other things is a two-faced liar would become leader of the free world. I know it is all a part of God's Master Plan, one in which we as mortals are just clueless as to His methods but not the OUTCOME! Barack's arrogance and indifference is what really puts me over the edge...but, I'm not here to write about his arrogant self, I am writing about my own adventure in 2009...

In May my Mom had her gall bladder removed and for a while she did really well with it and for the past few months it seems like she is again bothered by sporadic sickness. In August we found out that my Dad has had a reoccurance of his cancer, this time in his esophagas. The first prognosis was terminal so he got a second opinion at Baptist Hospital and for the past couple of months he has undergone treatment there, both radiation and chemo. He is presently at Baptist after having his feeding tube slip somehow and rip a hole in his stomach. In about 6 weeks, they will do some more tests to see if the radiation and chemo have been successful in slowing down or killing this tumor. I have helped drive him and my Step Mom back and forth and I have been very Blessed to have this opportunity to help them during this difficult time in their lives.

In the process of this, I have had the opportunity to begin a relationship with my brother Rick, who is 3 years older than I am. I am hoping that this will develop into a lasting friendship at least! It has been weird knowing that I have a brother that I hardly know but maybe this door will open into a growing relationship with him!

I am looking at maybe taking an EMT Basic course beginning in February to perhaps open a door of opportunity to work at NuCare. I have discovered in the past year that I am going to have to reinvent myself to make me attractive to a prospective employer and I'm afraid that the furniture industry is a dying machine. Hopefully I will be able to absorb all the information that will come my way if that is the direction that God is leading me into...and if it is, I will be successful! ☺

When I think back on this year I can't help but wonder what God is up to as far as where He would have Denise and I to go to church. I have had two people to come on board to help me with PowerPoint at Grace Covenant, so that has opened a door for me to go with Denise to Fellowship, where she has been playing piano since about April of this year. We have some good friends at each church and it has been impossible for me to choose where to go. It's a bit unfair to be torn between the two, as Denise and I have no hard feelings whatsoever at Grace but God opened this door for her to go to Fellowship and in the process my Mom has started to go back there as well.

But do you know what I've discovered during this whole time??? What do I know????????? ♥♥

Digitography

A new word from me, combining digital (camera) and photography, thus: digitography!! I have created a few words before but not-so-much creating one that described me, or should I say what I like to do. I enjoy the 'art' of photography and with digital, it can make even the most lame 'dummy' like myself, look like I know what it is that I'm doing!

We have gone thru several digital cameras, a HP that is about the size of the old Kodak; and then we got a new HP, a little smaller and it takes some really good pictures! Then when Christy got her new camera from her Dad, she passed her old camera to me, which is a Fuji 5200 point-and-shoot! It takes some really nice pictures, even the one that netted me 3rd place in Our State Magazine this past August!

All this to say that digitography is an important science and not one to be taken lightly! I have read a few books trying to hone my limited skills in this area and hopefully I will land in another issue sometime!!

I enjoy shooting mostly landscapes and clouds, nature stuff... but in October when Susan & Bryan got married I took a couple of hundred shots of them and discovered that with the right subjects and so many shots to choose from that my camera can make some pretty good images! I don't know if anything will ever happen with this 'gift' but I do enjoy doing it...along with probably a couple hundred million other folks too!!

Digitography--hopefully here to stay!!!!!! Be lookin' for you thru my lens......:O)

See Ya Later JoAnn!!

Again I am faced with writing about a friend who has gone Home. We got word this morning that our dear friend, JoAnn Fulp was gone to be with Jesus! This is not necessarily bad news but it is painful to those of us who loved JoAnn. She had surgery last Friday and due to some complications she did not get to go back to her earthly home but on to her Heavenly home. But she was ready to go!

Let me tell you first a little about JoAnn. We met JoAnn several years ago at Monticello United Methodist Church when they were having what they called "Saturday Night Real Life" At the time the pastor there was Jeff Coppley and he too became very good friends of ours! JoAnn & Robert were there many of the Saturday nights and JoAnn was a worshipper! Not only did she worship in a group setting but she also was a worshipper in her personal life, when no one was watching except for the One to Whom she worshipped. And 'how do I know this' you ask???

JoAnn not only 'talked the talk' but she also 'walked the walk'! We became instant friends and we kept in touch thru e-mail almost daily! She was an encourager and a freind who was there, in joy and in sadness. She probably told me a hundred times that she was praying for me/us and she is one of those who I believe did just that! And again I'm sure that you are asking 'how do I know that??'

JoAnn was a person who could pick you up when you were down and she had a contagious laugh that I will always remember! You could see Jesus in her eyes and on her face! You could see Him! If you know Jesus you will know what I am talking about because you can recognize Him in others around you who are truly of Him! And let me tell you that that is a rare quality indeed!! The Holy Spirit will reveal Himself to you if you desire and He will also let you know when you see 'the real deal'!! Don't even think about telling me that the Holy Spirit lies because God cannot lie and the Holy Spirit is sent from God to us to reveal truth and lead us in our daily walk!

I am so thankful to have known JoAnn and my life has been richer because of her! God knows I will miss her terribly--every e-mail I send to anyone goes to JoAnn as well! There are a very few people that I send EVERYthing to and she is one of them! Funny stuff, serious stuff, personal stuff, political stuff, dumb stuff, neat stuff--ALL of it goes to JoAnn too! Why? Because she has been a friend and a special person who has done the same for me as well! I know I got all her 'stuff' and she told me once that she sends my stuff on too! I even sent her a computer virus one time that put her out of commission for a time--ooopps!!! It's gonna be a hard habit to break to keep from 'copying' to her...I'm gonna miss her so much!!

I wish that I could be the kind of friend to others that JoAnn has been to me thru the years! Always there, always there, always there! She sent me an e-mail just last week telling me about her upcoming surgery and here is an exerpt from that e-mail:

"I will have 2 human doctors because Dr. Robinson will be working with Dr. Foxworthy. and they area the best in town!
But I know the Great Healer in control of EVERYTHING! God knows my will is to always be in His will ,and Jesus loves me.

I've been told I will feel better, breath better and have some energy. If that is what my Father wants for me, so be it. I am His child and I know He cares for me. "

She also spoke about my Dad who has cancer and that she hoped he continues to improve... always concerned about the well-being of others! She introduced me to her sister, Sylvia, several years ago and she too is that same kind of special person! JoAnn & Robert and Denise and myself got together a few times and enjoyed each other's company so much! JoAnn loved music and she loved to write, which she did often. She wrote poetry as well as life stories of herself. She was an inspiration to me in my own (lame) writing but she encouraged me to write for a while for her church on-line newsletter in an article called "Thursday Thoughts", which for a time I wrote e-mails with the same title.

I could go on and on and on about JoAnn but the bottom line of her life is that she loved Jesus and she talked about Him often! That's how I knew!! She talked about Him and her trust in Him and in Him alone for her well being and for her life!! I look forward to seeing her again in Heaven one day and I feel that Jesus is just ABOUT to come back for His own--REALLY SOON! JoAnn just beat the rest of us there!!

PLEASE pray for her husband Robert and for her family as well as they try to continue their lives without our dear friend, wife, mother and sister!!

I Love you JoAnn!! See you soon!!

Innocent Until PROVEN Guilty

Just as it says: "Innocent until proven guilty'. It is not just a statement, but it is how the law that covers all Americans per the U.S. Constitution. For the past 2 weeks I have been serving on jury duty to determine whether a certain man was guilty of first degree murder. This man is not a 'choir boy' to begin with, which the evidence pointed to his past involvment and him currently serving time on drug charges.

The Assistant District Attorney tried to link the accused to the victim thru a managerie of testimony regarding the original crime of burglary and kidnapping and then retaliation for the robbery which led to the murder. He had witnesses who were serving time or had served time to come forward and try to link the accused to the victim, but their testimony was questionable given their sentences were shortened by their willingness to testify and some contradiction to each others memory.

I have been torn during the process as to which of these witnesses to believe and whether to believe thier words at all but the underlying thing was some of their testimony seemed to not be very believable. I must admit however, I was one of three which were not so sure that we were making a correct decision in acquitting Mr. B. of this crime. He is currently serving a 33 year sentence for the drug issues he was involved in before, so he won't be getting out any time soon.

After the verdict was read, Mr. B. seemed to say "Thank You Jesus" and look up toward heaven, and he had a smile and tears in his eyes too. I hope that he does, in fact, know Jesus and it would be a real Blessing to believe that maybe he has come to know Him during his time in prison!

This has all been a very difficult time in my life seeing how these young men could commit such a violent crime and how human life is so cheapened by society today. We no longer value the life of others, whether it be the unborn or the unloved or misfits who cannot fit in to society without surrounding themselves with other 'characters' who they hang with to makes themselves feel some sort of worth or value. And many times these 'characters' are more known for the crimes they commit and the lifestyle that they live rather than who they really are as a person who is loved by God, which we all are! But God gave His ONLY Son for people like Mr. B and the victim, 'Marty' as well all those involved and the one who actually pulled the trigger--"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..." John 3:16

I am not sure whether Mr. B. is innocent of this killing, but the state did not prove that he did do it either. The burden of proof was on the state and he is innocent until proven guilty.

The PERFECT Job!!!

As many of you know (maybe) I have been unemployed for almost a year now--technically since the middle of December last year...but I have found the perfect job! Tony LaRussa, the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals for several years now...and he usually signs a one-year contract with the Cards each year...but so far he is undecided about next year as far as returning for another year or retiring. He is 65 years old...there could be an opportunity there!!!

I, of course, would speak on my own behalf and be my own agent in any negatiations with the Cardinals but I'm pretty sure we could hammer out a deal within a few hours of intense negotiations. My expertise and loyalty should be considered in the deal and I've been there for them thru some good years and some pretty lean years! They have the makings of a pretty big winner, I just believe that a new skipper with one goal of winning the World Series and bringing that Championship trophy back to St. Louis would be a determing factor in any deal that we could make.

Of course, if they balk in the negotiations I may determine to go after another coveted position that may be opening soon: radio broadcaster. Mike Shannon is getting close to retirement age as well so there could be an opening in the Cardinals radio network that broadcasts all their games...both spring training and during the season too! I must admit that my experience may be limited in the airwaves field but I do have the face for radio!!

I'll be working on my resume.....

Will I May

Denise and I had a conversation yesterday that made me do some thinking and altho I have no root answers, I have given it some thought! What to do about it is obvious, but but therein lies the complexity of it. What to do with all my stuff!!??

As persons who have passed the age of 50 we are realizing how stupid it is to not have a will. Along with the fact that there will never be any $$$ money to squabble about because even now there is never enough even in the good times and that is even magnified during these "difficult financial times", which is 'Demo-eze' for recession, which equals no jobs, which equals no money $$$! I can make light of this in that I am in my second...yes second major lay-off in four years and after having worked for the past 31 years without much incident, it qualms at the shock of having to go thru this yet again!

It has however come at a interesting time given the fact that my Dad has esophageal cancer and his lifespan looks to be shorter than longer. I am Blessed and fortunate to have this opportunity to be 'off' to at least be available to be there and spend some time with him, since I didn't as a youth, but that is for another story. The story now is: will I??!

It's a sad story too as I realize that two of my children have absolutely no dealings with me whatsoever and there are two who are on the fringes, who are there when convenient and it pleases them. Ok, I can deal with that sortof...it is what it is and truth in relationships has long been not-so-much in my family for gemerations now so it is basically par for the course! One has already gone home to be with Jesus so he has no need for 'stuff' anymore and there is one who is likely the only one who will be there till the end! Toche!

In that I have stuff that will have no face value to any one after I am gone for much of my stuff has been around for a lot of my life. Baseball cards that were worth anything have long ago been sold and the sheer numbers of those 'left behind' is enormous if not lucrative! Baseball, NASCAR, and few football which mostly consists of Carolina Panthers and an assortment of those whom I really don't know the value...which in these 'difficult financial times' cards are NOT a priority in any person's imagination, even my own! As a long-time collector I have gone high and low to collect those that I had and have, but today the collection is all but worthless. My Lou Brock cards (he has been my lifetime favorite player for the St. Louis Cardinals!!) remain my all-time favorites, and in the Beckett his cards are fairly expensive...the truth is that a person would never get out of them what I have put into them!

A will, a will....hmmm what I mostly leave behind besides stuff is a legacy of what?? Broken relationships, forgotten promises, burned bridges, backward thinking, do I need to go on?? My hope would be to leave behind at least this: the absolute importance of finding and having a relationship with Jesus Christ and to know Him as Lord and Savior and having a lasting relationship with Him. That would be what I would want to leave behind--not so much by my own example but because of His Gift to us!

Will I may...

Growing Old (er)

Yesterday I reached a new milestone-52 years old! "Blessed with the joy of living" is what local radio host Pat Shannon says daily on his 'Home Ad' show when someone asks him how he is doing...And I am as well! God has been good to me these 52 years and I have to proclaim His goodness to all! That's not to say that life has been a 'box of chocolates either, but in the grand scheme of things life has been good!

Christy and I took a "Day-cation" on Wednesday to commerate the beginning of my 'Birthday Celebration", which is a month-long (at least) observance of the passing of time--at least I celebrate that long!!! We drove up to the Parkway and went to Doughton Park (where we had about a 6 mile hike)and on to The Cascades (which was beautiful!), both of which can be easily accessed by going up Hwy. 21 to right above Roaring Gap. It was a GORGEOUS day, chilly and windy but an awesome day of hiking and scenic photography! I took 561 pictures(!) of which a few came out to look pretty nice, but it was a great way to start the festivities!! We are definitely going to return there again!! BTW--I took an even 1800 pictures last month!!!! Definitely a record!!!!!

We are hoping to go to Horse & Mule Days in Denton next weekend for another opportunity to add to the collection of pictures that we are taking!! Our State and other magazines are awaiting our entries!!

I've had a short vacation away from my duties at Grace in the past 2 weeks as well and with a couple of Homecomings to maybe attend, I may have a couple more weeks 'off'. I enjoy doing the PowerPoint there at church but I have two capable assistants and I need to 'grow my team' so this gives tham an opportunity to bloom as well!!

I'm still unemployed (obviously!) but it has come at a very good time for me considering the declining health of my Dad, who has Esophaegal Cancer, which they have determined to be terminal. Of course, man cannot make that declaration, only God can make such a claim, but as far as man goes his time on this side of eternity is seemingly short. We all "like grass wither away" and it is "appointed man once to die" as I myself must face one day if not for the Rapture first but it is a difficult time to watch him grow increasingly more taken by this dreaded disease. Who would think that a condition that multiplies cells within your body could have such a horrible effect on your health?? An almost silent killer, at least there is no visible signs of it, but one that has taken more loved ones than I care to even say! Even now, we have another dear friend who is fighting off this growing fire within. When will it stop... and WILL it before Jesus comes??

Growing older has other issues too as our own health may be in question and countless other 'bumps in the raod' happen as time marches on. But you know, the neat thing about it is.....God's ALREADY there!!

Who Then Should Go?

In the past 2 days I have heard 3 sermons that pretty much say the same thing and has spoken directly to me. That's not to say that I am doing what was therein, but it is to say that it is imperative and commanded by God in His Word. The Word is this:

"But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?"- Romans 10:14 NLT

Actually I got the text from Pastor Greg Laurie this morning and in each message the word was the same and that is to tell others about Jesus! Whether at work or play, in the marketplace or the home place, day or night, in the mood to or not but we are to share Jesus wherever we go.

Pastor Greg also shared a story that hit really close to me as well! 'What if we knew of an absolute cure for cancer and all we had to do was to tell someone about it. And we even knew someone who had cancer and was needing that cure. Whether we felt that we could speak the cure correctly or not, wouldn't we feel compelled to share the cure with this person? How much more so should we share Jesus with a lost and dying world???'

"What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building."

-1 Corinthians 3:5-9

Which is more important, a person's physical well-being or a person's eternal soul?

It's Been A Interesting Month!

It was an interesting month of August to be sure! I've written about my Dad and his struggles with esophagas cancer. But some neat stuff has happened as well, or at least I think it was pretty cool! Last April I entered some pictures into the "Our State" magazine's yearly photo contest which is published in August. I sent pictures in all of the categories in hopes of at least getting an 'honorable mention' in one of them and my pic published, but in the last part of July I received a letter from them stating that I had won THIRD place in the black and white entry that I sent in, which was taken in Dobson, NC at 'The Depot' restaurant last November! I was shocked to say the least!

They sent me a copy of 'Our State' and a gold ornament of the State Seal of North Carolina. And about a week later, I got a call from the Statesville Record & Landmark and they wanted to do an interview and story about the picture. They had received a press release of the photo and my name but no details on how to contact me. I went on a Wednesday afternoon for the interview with Jim McNally (who is a really nice guy there at the paper) and my story was in the Thursday paper on the FRONT page!!! You can imagine my surprise when I saw that and since then a lot of people, even people that I don't know(!) have spoken to me about the article!

I write about this NOT for self-glory but just to proclaim the goodness and love of God! He knew even then that my world was getting ready to be turned upside down with the news about my Dad and our Father showed kindness to me by having this neat thing come along first, which He knew was pretty important to me!

I have been wonderfully Blessed in recent months with my layoff and subsequent ability to draw unemployment and have this 'window of time' to get to spent some time with my Dad and Uncle Glenn as well. Uncle Glenn is 88 years old and his time may be short as well and with my storied past (http://www.worldofdanny.com/ 'My Journey: The Antics of A Pilgrim') growing up not knowing one side of my family, it has been a real delight to have this second chance at restoration with my Dad and that side of the family! Actually, I hope in the near future to be able to have the time to add a chapter to my attempt at writting an autobiography of sorts.

And now for the rest of the story...I am going to enter some pictures into the Iredell County fair and also maybe some in a contest in the 'Wildlife In North Carolina' magazine as well, if I can make the deadline, which is the 15th! I seem to have a growing number of pictures in my 'library of pics' and maybe it's not too self-promoting to put some of my stuff 'out there' for some other folks to enjoy too! I really do enjoy taking pictures, am I a 'photographer'??? I would need to hone my skills quite a bit before taking on that sort of title, but I do have one award for such!

Time To Grow, Or Time to Grow Old??

As I was walking this morning a thought hit me again, that I have encountered many times, and it is this: isn't it funny how when we were young, we couldn't wait to get to be an adult and as an adult, how often we wish for the time when we were young and carefree! As an adult we make decisions every day, some seemingly trivial and others that are life-and-death decisions; whether we are driving and pull out in traffic or must make life-decisions for aging parents. I imagine that the human condition is one that we are never truly satisfied!

I would think that God could get so fed-up with us, as we are always complaining and wanting more and more and just how thankful are we before we begin again our/my incessant want and desire! As a child I remember a fairly happy childhood. I did have a lot of things going on and change seemed to be a constant as I look back but those days weren't actually so terrible. I grew up in a broken home, my Mom & Dad separated when I was 22 months old, so I don't have any memorances of my real Dad as a child and my Step-Dad and I got along pretty good. I wasn't abused or treated badly in any sense of the word and even tho my parents squabbled some, and when they did oftentimes there were days or weeks of silence, I still think I had a pretty good childhood, all-in-all.

As an adult, I have had some moments I guess. I got married right out of high school and we had three girls within 8 years. Looking back, I think that kids should grow up some before having children of their own but when actually would we start then? I'm reminded quite often that I haven't grown up even yet! LOL! I've had two marriages that didn't last and Denise and I have been married almost 16 years (in Nov.), so it must be true that the couple that has God in the center in much more likely to last! I am thankful for her and for our devotion to each other and to our God!

And as time passes on and we grow older, it seems really difficult to watch our parents grow older as well and to see their health deteriorate thru the years. I have written before about my Dad and how his cancer has returned after several years (12) of remission. I am truly thankful for this time of remission because we have gotten to know each other in recent years and as much as possible, catch up on life, past and present. He has brought a lot of awakening into my life as far as an appreciation of things past, whether the hard life of those who lived those times, or past ways of doing life in the day-to-day struggles growing thru the depression years and the years that followed! I love old buildings and old tractors and just the old ways. My uncle lives in an old house that was built around 100 years ago and even tho it is pretty dismal in that it has seen better days, the house itself is like a walk back into time and I cherish being in and seeing the 'old home place'.

I will truly miss the growing times spent with my Dad in the past few years when this cancer takes him Home and away from us here left behind. His has not been a perfect life, nor mine either, but the time we have had has been interesting and priceless. I think his life has affected many people around him, some good and some not so good, and I take that into consideration every time I see him. But as far as myself, it has been a good time. Good memories, the bad stuff kindof flows away and if I try to look at him thru the loving eyes of my Father in Heaven, I must with compassion forget and forgive.

I am no one's judge, including my own. I leave judgment to God Almighty and in His power and might will I/we live to see this thru until Heaven!

I sure do miss the simple days of youth...

For more info you can go to: http://www.worldofdanny.com/ and read my story at "My Journey, The Life of a Pilgrim' which is my on-going autobiography.

Cancer...Again!

What exactly is cancer??? "Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of almost one hundred diseases. Its two main characteristics are uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to migrate from the original site and spread to distant sites. If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death." Why is it when we hear this word we tend to tremble at its implications??!

Last week, we took my Dad to the doctor for what I thought would be a fairly routine procedure but instead we heard the word 'cancer'. He had a bout with the dreaded disease back in 1997 and lost a lung which the doctors told him there at Chapel Hill was due to smoking for 40+ years. After removal of his lung and extensive radiation, he had recovered enough to live a pretty full life since, altho slowed by its effects.

What lies ahead we will not fully know until more tests are run on Wednesday at the new cancer facility there at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They open this new wing today (Aug. 17th) and he will be one of the first to be touched by its wide and various arrays of medical technology! We are praying for God's intervention and mercy in this very difficult season in his life. His spirits are fairly high considering the seriousness of this and he is encouraged by all the prayers of folks whom he doesn't even know and also being able to see a couple of the doctors who treated him before!

Our God is the Great Physician and it will be Him Who will either bring healing or not, but in the end it is Heaven which we all as Believers desire in our future and I am sure that is my Dad's desire as well! He is a Believer and has been for a lot of years and has traveled a long and winding road in this thing called life. 82 years have been allowed him and he has seen many changes and wonders in those years. I'm afraid that as the older generation passes from this life to the next, many memories and secrets of survival will pass along as well. I enjoy listening as he tells of days from the Depression Era and the family's determination to make it thru to the other side even among some severe hardships. I also notice a hint of longing for those 'good old days' even tho they were as difficult as any in America's past!

I know he is not perfect, neither am I by a long shot, but getting to know him in recent years has been a good memory that I will remember all of my days. I did not spend my growing up years with him and my brothers,and I actually 'met' him for the 'first time' of my memorance when I was 17 years old. We had a shaky beginning to a relationship which was broken for another 20 years or so and have actually only in the past 5 years or so, been able to overcome some of the mistakes of the past. In fact, we still have some 'differences' of sorts between us, but I realize that he is 82 years old and not likely to change much on this side of heaven, so I take him as he is and I go on, much like people have to take me and do the same.

I, myself, am not perfect and I have many rough edges to both my character and countenance of which I am not necessarily proud nor would wish for any of my children to inherit, but I am 51 years old and not likely to change much either. I'm sure that I have some folks in my 'world' who would agree that I am a difficult one to be around and most obnoxious at times too. I could tell some stories of my '&%%#' character but I'll leave it just to say that being around me is not a like 'box of chocolates' and I give a lot of credit to Denise for loving me anyway!

I would apprecate all your prayers for him and my step-Mom, Helen. We also have a friend, Ann Simpson, who is battling breast cancer now too and I ask that you please pray for her also! The enemy of our soul, satan, is having a big time right now with the Saints of God, but his time is short and he knows it! There are those who believe that God gives us various diseases and ailments but I tend to believe that God allows these things to come upon us, to test and strengthen our faith and keep our eyes on Him.

Regardless of why this cancer has come from and its intent, it is my prayer and desire to see it extinguished and defeated. I hope too, that in the near future there will be a cure 'found' (given by God) that will forever keep families from having to deal with the horrors of this word 'cancer'!

To be continued...

Heritage Means Everything!

I want to talk about my Great-Great Grandmother Mahala Massey! Born Feb. 11. 1810 and she died on Feb. 8 1902. She was full-blooded Cherokee indian! She also lived to be just 3 days from being 92 years old!! Her headstone is located at New Bethany Baptist Church. I wish I could have known her!

She was from my Dad's Mother's side of the family.

His Mom was Bertie Lee Massey Shook and her Mom was Lily Clodfelter Massey and her Dad Joseph E. Massey Jr. . His Mom was then my Great-Great Grandmother, Mahala Massey.

Life Without Daylight Donuts!

My original title was to be "Life Without Reese's Cups", but my true heart belongs to 'Daylight Donuts'. Since we began Weight Watcher's on May 2nd, which we are in our 13th week, I have had 2 DD's. Yes, two Daylight Donuts. I am happy to say that it was 15.8 pounds ago as well, but the DD's are a fond memory and at times...I find that I simply MUST have one in my hand! The devil's food chocolate with chocolate icing is my all-time favorite and hence the name 'devil's food' may say it all.

Like sin, it tastes good, looks good...even feels good to the touch, but it is dispairingly harmful to our bodies and in the case of sin, our spirit as well. How do we/I cope with this feeling of need for a Daylight Donut? In my case it is easier to stay away from the store and thus be kept from the danger of giving in to temptation. I do admit however, that I have twice given in to my desires for the chocolatey delight and with only one each time, there has been no harm done.

In the case of sin, whatever face sin may take on today, whether it be a small lie, or a slight deception, or an ounce of lust, or perhaps it is an omission of something that God has for me to do which I sortof talk myself out of doing, something small and trivial or maybe something of great importance! Sin is as black as black and as deceptive as a 'Daylight Donut', and sometimes it may even appear just as desirable.

Am I perfect? Do I sin? Ever? Am I tempted at the least? What exactly is sin??? Come on...I'll just drive by maybe and smell 'em...

Daylight Donuts is just right down the road...

Are We Ready???

Back in the day, the Cuban Missile Crisis was on the minds of all Americans. I remember being school at Hawthorne Elementary in Oklahoma City, that we routinely practiced our 'emergency readiness' by having random drills of getting under our desks, folding our hands behind our heads and being "ready" for what may come. It wasn't a time of chaos or great fear, but one of readiness for what situation may come!

On another front, today, as we live in a world that has been forever changed by events that occured at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado on April 20th, 1999 and also on our nation's Capital and at the Pentegon on Sept. 11th, 2001, we are forever looking out for what may come next! Ours in not a safe world anymore, the era of innocence is lost forever in this world in which we live. Every single day you can switch on the news and hear of attrocities that happen so often that we aren't even shocked any more to hear of over-night robberies and killings, gang members killing other gang members, husbands killing their familes and then themselves or a serial killer who is murdering random folks in small Gaffney, South Carolina.

What's going on?? Why is this happening?? What has happened to open the door for all these bad things to happen in the strongest nation on earth?? Well, the Bible clearly tells us that in the Last Days, there will be complete moral deterioration. Is that happening now? Do we, as a nation, kill innocent babies and call it "a Mother's choice"? Are we pressed to recognized not only same-sex relationships, but we are currently being forced, little-by-little to even recognize these 'couples' as "married" and thus redeem the same benefits that are given to God-Blessed, and Ordained Marriages?! Is our overall view of human life drifting on to discount those who are elderly or afflicted by disease so as to reduce thier right to life at all?

What about all this 'instant knowledge' we share with cell phones that have internet access, iPods, iPhones, web cameras all over the world, satellite tv etc. We hear about happenings a thousand miles away almost instantly as it happens. We have Facebook and Twitter where we can share knowledge even faster than CNN!

Isaiah 5:20 says, "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Daniel 12:4 "But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase."

Are we living like this today? Does this sound like the year 2009?? Or is it like 'Star Wars' or something out in the future??

John 14

2"In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
3"If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
4"And you know the way where I am going."

Are we living in the Last Days??? Jesus Christ IS coming back! And SOON!

Are we ready???????????

What Has Happened To Our Culture?

As I was listening to my mp3 player this morning while I walked, I was listening to some old TV songs and it made me think about this topic, and how in each of the recent decades, the TV shows have reflected the heart of America.

In the 50's and 60's we had such classics as "Father Knows Best", "Dobie Gillis" My Three Sons', "Leave It To Beaver", "Gilligan's Island" and "The Andy Griffith Show". Times back then were simple and "getting into trouble at school" consisted of talking in class and running in the halls.

Then in the 70's and 80's we had "Happy Days'", "Laverne & Shirley", "Newhart", "The A Team", "Mission Impossible", "Dallas" and "The Cosby Show". Times were beginning to change, and the drug scene was developing in schools but there was still a sense of "who's in charge and who is not'!

In the 90's we had "Beavis And Butt-Head", "Married With Children", "The Simpsons", "Roseanne", "South Park" and "The Supranos and we began a time of moral breakdown during which children began killing children, drugs and sex are common if not required, it has become not even safe to send your children to public schools!

And what about today's TV programs?? We have "The Family Guy", "American Dad", "Desperate Housewives", "Dark Angel", "Scrubs", "Two And a Half Men", and "CSI--everywhere"! Not only are the schools not safe anymore, it's not safe in many of America's streets because of the development of 'street gangs', which are mostly our young people left alone to their own vices, trying to fit in and the guy who, has grown up without love and has become mad at the world and wants to kill anyone who moves!

Add to that, the 'music' that has came with each passing decade and we no longer sing of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" but our society wants us to even ban the word Christmas for a much more acceptable term that is 'tolerant of all religions', the words 'winter holiday'.

All this reflects the true hearts of Americans today. It's a sad time to be sure and we are truly living in the "last days"!

Come quickly, Lord Jesus!!

Our Pop Culture?!

The past 10 days or so have been filled with almost non-stop 'Michael Jackson deleria'. And that begs me the question of "Why is America so inclined to worship that which is so vain, and not to worship Him Who is Holy??" As an American culture it is most often that those who are the most vile in morals, whether it be a 50 year old child/adult accused of child-molestation, or a man who has come from a thug-type background to become the 'king of the world--the president of the United States!

(Another question: How many millions of dollars $$$$ will the state of California spend on his fiasco funeral?? Money that the state doesn't have now, with the threat of issuing IOU's for their debt??)

Why are these men worshipped as they are? First of all, it proves that as a nation we no longer have a Biblical world-view, that which weighs our values with the Bible and casts off that which doesn't align itself with God in all things. Then, that becomes a secular world-view, which would have one to deem that whatever is right in his own eyes, is right!

Well, you say, MJ nor Barack Hussein Obama are really worshipped. Really!!? What is worship?? Glad you asked!

worship= love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol; "Many teenagers idolized the Beatles"

Now is that not how Michael Jackson and Barack Obama are portrayed? Have either been associated with their Biblical world-view so as to be leaders among men? Have either ever portrayed a character which would bring one to believe that they are God-fearing, God-honoring, God-loving, moral, individuals who would possess any of the fruits of the Spirit? (Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control). The Bible DOES say to 'test the spirits'.

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1

Well, you decide!

**I write this not as a demeaning word on Michael Jackson. He was a very talented man with a lot of issues in his personal life, much like that which we all face from one time to another. It is that struggle that confirms who we are in the eyes of God and man. I do write this to make us think about the culture that we live in and the 'idols' that we bow down to, whether we admit it or not!

Independence Is NOT Free

Having just written about freedom for those in Iran, I would be remiss if I didn't write about our own freedom! First of all, let me say that I LOVE Independence Day and all the celebrations that we Americans have during this time! Many thousands, if not MILLIONS have died in the past 200+ years as we struggled to have independence and then as we continue to wrestle with those who would take it away.Whether an enemy on foreign soil, or those politicians who would strip our freedoms away, our liberty is constantly in question!

Why is freedom so desired? Why have we seen countless Americans die for the cause of this word: freedom? Look again at the situation in Iran as those young rebels stand in the very face of death and they decry that their vote was hindered, not even counted, by those who are in power and desirous of keeping that power, even if it means killing their own citizens to keep it!??

What cost freedom and liberty?? I think sometimes we are totally oblivious to the freedoms we have, freedom of speech, freedom to worship...or to not worship, freedom to bear arms, freedom to peacibly assemble...and countless other freedoms that we enjoy but take for granted!

In America, I think oftentimes people forget one fact though: "Your freedom ends where my freedom begins!" You don't have the right nor the freedom to infringe on my freedom and rights, whether in word or in deed!

Let freedom ring, on this Independence Day 2009!!

What Price Freedom??

These must truly be the last days! Never have I witnessed such chaos as we have in the world today. Not only here in the USA where we are living what they call "this time of economic crisis", "economic slowdown", "financial difficulty"...whatever you want to call our problem here, it pales in comparison to what is going on in Iran.
I must say that in times past, I would probably have said that whatever they get, they deserve, remembering the days in the 70's when, the Ayatollah Khomeini and his thugs who kidnapped Americans in a stance against the US and her policies. And considering that a major portion of the population in Iran is Muslim, and we are mortal enemies of Islam itself, it's hard to have an opinion towards their plight there, which is in constant turmoil with their government.
But in recent days the outcry of the people of Iran has spread around the world as the people there decry that the election to oust dictator Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was a farce and has been totally rejected by the people there in Iran. The election results, which supposedly counted over 40 million votes in just 4 hours, have been in question for 5 days now in the streets by thousands of unhappy citizens. After the death of 26 year old protestor by the name of Neda Salehi Agha Soltan, the Iranian people have been outraged by the killing and beating of her citizens there.
I must admit that I have been glued to Twitter for several days now reading updates as they come across the website by the thousands of citizens using the networking site as a live feed, since all news media have been ejected from Iran.
Fannie, Freddie, GMC nor Wachovia cannot utter a sound as despairing as a people who are crying out for Freedom and fairness, as we have here in the US. Let's not forget to pray for them and remember those freedoms that we so willingly take for granted. We are so Blessed!

For further info on the Iran Election go to
http://www.twitter.com/ and click on #Iranelection

For further info on Neda:
http://weareallneda.com/who-is-neda/
(Includes A very graphic video of her final moments)

Silence Of the Lambs

What is happening with the Church today??? I'm not talking 'churches', as in Baptist, Methodists, etc....I mean THE Church. The Chosen of God who will be Raptured soon...THAT Church! Where is our voice? Are we writing letters to our leaders? Are we writing letters to the editor of the local newspapers?? Do we speak out in public....outside the church walls... about what is happening in our world and especially in our country?? Do we care?? Does the Bible insist that we be involved with what goes on in our world?? Are there any Christian leaders today that we can trust??

WHY ARE THE LAMBS SILENT??

Why are we laying down? Does it not matter any more? Have we given up? Since our 'Home' is not of this world, do we have to give up on this one??

We are on the brink of global disaster....do we think that Iran and North Korea are just playing games with the FORMER World Power? (USA) Think we're NOT the FORMER World Power??? Who is in office that has been making a laughing stock of the 'good ol' USA' since January 20th of this year?? And add to that the global economy is driven by what happens in the US...why should there NOT be unrest in the world?

Are we the most loved nation on earth? Does the Muslim world love the US... or would they LOVE to see us defeated? They don't have to lift a finger because B.S. Obama is doing it for them and we're just sitting by singing our hymms and playing church....

Who cares anyway????????????

A Time Of Transition

(It has been my intention to write one per week, but it seems that time has not allowed my self-imposed deadlines--I'll try to do better....I have the topics if I can remember them....--DC)

Since my lay-off and subsequent time, I have discovered (by looking back) that I have been in a time of transition. One could say, "Well, duh!" but I think that it is more that just that! It's not really anything that I can put my finger on, nor will I express all the turmoil that is going on inside, because even I myself, cannot figure that one out! But the transition is there, none-the-less!

I have recently discovered some of what I call, 'Vintage Vestiges' (dontcha like that one??) Feelings and memories of some good times from the past that seem to have come to full circle and are conflicting with the present. I'm not exactly sure what that means or insinuates, but it is really a strange place to be, even for me! I'm not real good with dealing with my feelings, what ever they are....about different situations and in this text, the time...but I am torn between two chasms--one from that time, the other from now. Is it possible to blend them?? I can't say, because the path is before me yet! Either could be a good choice but a blend could be a much better match!

You know, in the past few months I have been with Denise and cared for her during her accident with her knee; gotten new glasses so that I can sortof see better; I've done some painting and stained the front deck, laid flooring in the 'foyer' (entrance)....that's like supper (dinner)--which is a pet peeve of mine....maybe for a future post--LOL! Done some reading, and some writing; re-did my website (worldofdanny.com ); took a deeper interest in what I loosely call my 'photography'--(I keep writing this out so as to spark a clue from within...you know if you write the 'pros' and the 'cons' down on paper, sometimes it clears up a decision some)

It's been many years since I've written in such mystery--it's a talent that has long since been hidden within because, quite frankly, I'm not too inhibited to write whatever my feelings and thoughts are because I have an audience of one (myself) beside my Father in Heaven, Who is audience of ALL! But writing this all down just seems to clear it up some,... if not muddy it up some as well!

The easy road or that which is more out-of-the-box? Actually, doors have creaked open that inspire 'change' but what is that to be? One could read this and read into it something that is not in my mind at all--like adultry, but that is TOTALLY not at all it. Nope, nope.... It is a journey that is neither harmful nor necessary.

What's really funny about all this is the fact that I HATE 'change'!!!!!!!

I just wonder if other so-called 'normal' people ever have these 'Vintage Vestiges'??

Confused?

GOD IS In Control!

As the 'world turns' and the days pass I am constantly reminded that GOD is in control! It is HIM Who is in charge of all the stuff...the BIG stuff and the small stuff!

Last Monday Mom had her gall bladder surgery...it was scheduled for 3:30 PM but they hospital called and we were to have her there at 9:00 and surgery began around 10:00 and by 10:45 Dr. Robinson was talking with Sandy and me in the conference room about how well Mom did during surgery! She spent about an hour in recovery and when she got to her room she was as wide awake as before we got to the hospital! And on Tuesday morning she came home! Within a 24 hour period, she had surgery and was home!!!

It's a shame that she had to endure such a long time of being sick when all along it seems to have been a bad gall bladder...but it is a Blessing to see that she is doing so well...still a ways to go before full recovery but she is doing remarkable well!! I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised but I am again reminded that GOD is in control!

Sometimes in the midst of the storm...whatever the storm may be...it is difficult to see the Hand of God but I/we should always know that His Hand is directly involved with any situation! As Max Lacado so elloquently said: "When you can't see His Hand...you can trust His Heart!!"

This past Saturday Denise and I had a pretty jam-packed day and in the midst of it we were driving thru town and as we crossed an intersection a mini van came running thru the light (which was red for them and green for us!) We had just passed the middle of the intersection when I heard the car I was passing to my left blow their horn and then a mini van went zooming by thru the intersection right behind our car!! We were just a split-second past the 'danger zone' of being hit by a car that I didn't even see! But my Father was and is in control!!

Thank You Father for always being in control, whether it is a health issue, a financial crisis, a job-loss, an almost accident or whatever may come our way!

Remembering Tony

Yesterday marked the 3 year anniversary of my friend Tony Morin's departure from this world. I think of Tony often and I also think of all those who are clinging to life every day, whether it's a struggle with cancer, or like little 4 year old Preston Lloyd who is in dire need of a miracle from God after suffering from a freak accident with a lawn mower. Life is a gift and often times we are oblivious to that fact until it's either too late--like in Tony's case or until one hears those dreadful words of a serious illness.

Tony had an infectious laugh and he was a friend to me from the first day that we were introduced. I cannot begin to tell of the times that he helped me at work and came to my assistance when I was in a difficult situation. He never once was aggitated or angry with my screw-ups, just glad to help and always with a smile. That is a rare quality in a person these days, especially in a society that instructs to cover you own *ss and don't worry about the other guy.

Poor Tony was accident prone himself because he was forever getting cut or stapled or some kind of thing was going on with him...some of it could be that he worked so hard and so fast! Even in the winter when it would be cold, Tony would be sweating from his rapid pace! He did quality work too, which was impressive and a testament to his character as well!

I'm not going to speak about the why's and the what if's that could have saved Tony from his early departure, it would serve no purpose now and it could only bring myself more guilt for not trying to respond to his reaching out at a time that I didn't understand his deep dispair. Tony was a good guy and a great friend and I still love him and his memory and I look forward to seeing him again one day in heaven and renewing our friendship!

I remember once when his brother asked me to borrow a couple of dollars one day right before lunchtime and I told him that he was Tony's brother and he was gold! I meant it too...you're gold Tony! And I still miss you!!

Life is a gift!