How Refreshing!

The post below is from a man I used to attend church with in Norman. Due to his job, he moved out to Amarillo. This is really refreshing coming from a Missionary Baptist...who is of my parents age. This is something that I had been emphasizing for a long time. How many of us, that grew up in a traditional church setting, ever heard the "we've never done that before"...since that was always said, the churches would never adapt. As long as the truth is not compromised (truth being the Bible), then I strongly believe that we should do whatever it takes to reach the people of the world. Here is my old MBC friend's, Bro. Ben, thoughts:

In the days of the Apostle Paul many churches met in the homes of believers rather than buildings built for public meetings. Later, great cathedrals began to be built as memorials to Jesus Christ not for the purpose of meeting large public forums. While I’m not against building buildings for people to meet I think we should consider the value of spending our building money on evangelism, outreach, sending missionaries and winning souls to Christ. If we do these things first the need for and the means to build subsequent buildings will come. I think the Lord’s churches and all of God’s people need to get this straight in our hearts and heads.

I want to make two quick points here and then I’ll move on.

First, It is long past time that we Missionary Baptists stop living and ministering in the 60’s, 70’s, and even 80’s. This is 2007. The 21st century. Just 10 short years ago technology moved us from cassette tapes and VHS tapes to CD’s and DVD’s. Today, you hear less and less of people buying CD’s and if they do they’re largely blank and tracks are down loaded from the internet. But most of the time these tracks and even movies are downloaded to an MP3 or i-POD.

We simply are not ministering or witnessing to the same people our parents and mentors once did. Albert Einstein, although I don’t think he realized how profound, said, “The world has problems today that cannot be solved by thinking the way it was thought when we created them.” Now there is one thing that never changes: The Word of God. Period! But the world in which we live needs God’s people to consider how we can effectively evangelize without compromising the truth. And I for one do not believe evangelism happens only inside the churches’ walls.

Second, I draw your attention to a familiar passage. Romans 10:14-15 “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

If the world will not come to the preacher how shall they hear the gospel? The gospel must be taken to the world (evangelize). Whatever it takes we should be doing. Change is not easy. It sometimes is even uncomfortable, but if we are not faithful evangelizing our own towns, neighborhoods and friends how can we expect God to send us to the four corners of the earth to do it?

What Are Your Priorities? - Something to Think About

I saw the following message from LifeChurch South OKC's youth pastor, Wade Smith. I think it is so good and so true that I needed to pass along. Check it out:

Vilfredo Pareto was an Italian economist who made an astounding discovery about a hundred years ago. He suggested that a principle is at work that applies to money, people, and time. Some call it the 80/20 Principle. This principle teaches us about handling our priorities. Here it is in a nutshell: When you practice the right priorities, 20% of your effort gets you 80% of your desired results. In other words, twenty percent of our tasks are more fruitful than the other eighty percent. Think about that in relation to your life for a minute. What things in your life do you spend the majority of your time on?

Now a better question: Do those things glorify God? I don’t know about you but I often struggle with getting EVERYTHING done. At the end of the day I often wonder why I don’t feel as productive as I should or wonder why I don’t get as much time with God as I would like. If this principle is true, and I believe it is, then I, like a lot of us must refocus my priorities! I think most of us would agree that God should come first, but if we’re honest, most of our priorities don’t reflect that statement. I want us all to take a long look at the way we spend our time. If God isn’t your first priority then I say it’s time to put first things first!! It will be astonishing just how much things will begin to change in our lives!

Wordless Wednesday - Unique Men's Bathroom




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Jonah!

Please check out this series on Jonah. This is a 4 part series, part 4 is next weekend at LifeChurch. This series is a true blessing...Pastor Craig doesn't mind stepping on anyone's toes. Church isn't always a "feel good" experience. We should be convicted and it should be life changing...we should not be just going to church to check it off our checklist of things to do.

Part 1 - The Jonah In Us


Part 2 - Jonah's Prayer


Part 3 - Jonah Obeys

Power of Prayer - Something to Think About

There is this small town church. A bar opened up a mile down the road. The pastor and members of the church were so upset, they didn't want a bar to open in their town...yet alone right down the road. They had special prayer meetings and prayed that the bar be removed.

One night, lightning struck the bar and it burned down to the ground. The bar owner sued the pastor and the church. The pastor said that we are not responsible, it was just harmless prayers...just words. The bar owner said their prayers were the reason why lightning hit the bar.

The judge said, "Wait a minute here! So we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer and a pastor that does not."

Weekend Reflection

Well, we had a pretty uneventful weekend. I didn't have to do much work this weekend, which is good and bad. The good reasons are obvious, the bad one's are they are still needing to be done.

Friday night, Addy had her final swim lesson for level 1. Ann got to come down for that, then after that was over she took Addy and me to her house. We would only have one car in Choctaw that way, since Liz was already at the chapel. We spent the night up there on Friday night with Liz having two more weddings on Saturday.

Saturday, we got up and Liz went to the chapel. I pretty much sat around the house before Addy and myself went to help Liz clean candles and pick up the flower petals. After we were finished there, we went to one of our favorite restaurants, Golden Palace, in Midwest City. After eating lunch, we went by the mall there....wow, that mall is practically closed (half the stores are empty). I grew up in Midwest City before moving to Norman when I was 20. After the mall, we went by Sally's Beauty Supply to pickup some nail polish for Liz. She had been wearing boots and after all that walking, her feet were really hurting. Luckily, she had some sandals in the trunk of the car, but her nails needed to be done. By this time, it was about time for her to be back at the chapel for the next wedding...so I dropped her off and went back by Ann's house. I was only there for a little while....I had to get mine and Liz's stuff together, but Addy was spending Saturday night as well. After loading the car, I went by the gas station, picked Liz up and headed home for the night.

Sunday...wow, what a great message this morning. I am so glad that I started attending LifeChurch...it has been such a blessing. I will definitely need to post the Jonah series on here soon, which is what we are currently in. After church was over, we had lunch at Red Robin in Norman...then headed home. I got home and was planning on working this afternoon. I started mowing before the rain moved in...it never fails here lately. Jody (father-in-law) showed up to help me with the flat tire on the SUV...he had a tire flat repair kit (the tire had a screw in it). After that, I came in and showered, watched a movie, then took about a hour long nap with Liz. Jody had to come back down here (with us telling him not to repeatedly) because he was supposed to bring Liz's black book which has her driver's license, insurance card, money, etc. He showed up while Liz was at the grocery store, he only stayed about 5 minutes...I really didn't want him to drive down here for that, it is ridiculous. I am so ready for bed...I am still waiting on Liz to get here so I can carry in the groceries. That is pretty much it...I am just hanging out with Addy until she gets here. I hope everyone had a great weekend...unfortunately, it is time for another Monday....yay!

Homeschooling Is Here To Stay!

I have a good friend of mine who agrees to disagree with me in regards to homeschooling. I have nothing totally against public schools. I went to public school and loved it. I (and my wife) feel a higher calling...we have been called to homeschool. I ask, if I am doing what God has called my family to do...how is that wrong? We are in agreement to God, therefore I don't need to answer to any person in this world. Here is even some scripture that goes along with my belief on homeschooling...

God gave you children as a steward and gave you the authority over them:

Psalms 127:3-5 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Genesis 33:5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.

Genesis 48:8-9 And Israel beheld Joseph's sons, and said, Who are these? And Joseph said unto his father, They are my sons, whom God hath given me in this place. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.

Isaiah 8:18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.

Hebrews 2:13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

On rendering to GOD'S what is GOD'S:

Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
(People tend to ignore the latter portion of the verse. Our children are not Caesar's! Children belong to God!)

Ezekiel 16:20-21 Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter, That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire for them?

God's commandments to us regarding our stewardship of the children He has given us include:

Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

How someone thinks in their heart is what makes them. How do children learn to think of the world, of God and His creation, in school?

Isaiah 54:13 And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

Jeremiah 10:2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Again, a child's mind is trained in school.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Does a child receive this kind of training in public school?

Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Does a child "walk with wise men" in public school?

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
That's communications as in "community."

Is it a good idea to put children in that situation?

James 3:13-18 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Psalms 119:97-104 O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

A Little Marriage Humor...

A man and his ever-nagging wife went on vacation to Jerusalem. While they were there, the wife passed away.

The undertaker told the husband, "You can have her shipped home for $5,000, or you can bury her here, in the Holy Land, for $150."

The man thought about it and told him he would just have her shipped home.The undertaker asked, "Why would you spend $5,000 to ship your wife home, when it would be wonderful to be buried here and you would spend only $150?"

The man replied, "Long ago a man died here, was buried here, and three days later he rose from the dead. I just can't take that chance."

Wordless Wednesday - Love Thy Neighbor




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Weekend Reflection

This was a pretty laid back weekend, for a change...well, as far as working. Most of that is due to the fact that Liz was so sick. Friday night, I drove her to the chapel because she wasn't feeling well. I stayed at her parents' house until she was finished with the wedding...then came to "help" with the candles. She had gotten so much worse during the wedding, that I had to do all the candles/cleanup while she laid on a bench literally shaking. After that, we headed to her parents to stay the night (which ended up being both nights).

Saturday, she woke up still feeling really bad. She insisted on going to work at the weddings, so I took her. I got there in time to help clean up again, trying to get her back to her parents to rest. We didn't do the candles because the evening wedding was supposed to be outside. Well, about 5:30 (Liz is suppposed to be there about 6) I noticed it was pouring rain outside...so I woke Liz up so we could go do candles. We just knew for sure that they would move the wedding inside with the rain. We got to the chapel and flew through the candles...not until we were finished had the rain cleared out and they decided to keep it outside. After the evening wedding, I just had to pick Liz up...with the wedding outside, we didn't have to cleanup the chapel. We went back to the in-laws for another night...finally we checked Liz's temperature...it was like 102.4 or something. We loaded her up with more medicine.

Sunday, Liz was still sick....she didn't get out of bed until around 3:30 in the afternoon. I just lounged around at her parents watching tv. We finally left around 5 or 5:30. While we were there, my mother-in-law (Ann) made me a header. She did such a good job...I love it! I might want to re-do my entire layout...just not sure what I want done. Addy spent the entire weekend with John...he dropped her off at the house late Sunday evening. Then it was pretty much off to bed....except we didn't get much sleep (Liz and myself). I got probably 3-4 hours....Liz maybe got a hour.

That was pretty much our weekend. Since I was up at the in-laws, I didn't get anything done around the house...just lounged around, helping my wife once in awhile. Awesome Fathers Day, I know...hey, it beats working the entire weekend!! Though, that means more will be waiting for me when I get to it.

Another 4 Letter Word - Soda!

Liz and I have been doing many different things in our lives to have a simpler and healthier lifestyle. We are making changes all across the board to be happier and more focused. From reducing the amount of daycare kids (or re-arranging days they are here), no television in the living room (we did this right before Christmas and we're good), and we are working towards having meals prepared at home....the list goes on. We were forwarded an email regarding soda and how bad it really is for kids AND adults. I don't have the article from the forwarded email yet...but it got me looking. Below, I found the TRUTH regarding SODA! We aren't going to immediately stop right this second (we just bought two 24-packs), but since we are addicted...we are going to slowly reduce the amount we drink in a day. I had already done so (I used to have about 6 in a day) by reducing down to 3-4. My next goal is to have 2 per day this next week...then, just 1 per day until I run out. Here is the article:

Soda. It's become the four-letter word of beverages. Of all the drinks on the market, soda probably has the worst reputation. Science and medical research point their collective finger at soda, and blame it for everything from diabetes to tooth decay, hyperactivity to childhood obesity. But is soda really that bad for you? When asked if soda is inherently unhealthy for people, board certified nutritionist and author Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS, said, “Yes. Simple, unequivocal answer, yes. Yup. Affirmative. Absolutely.” What's so unhealthy about many Americans' favorite beverage?

To get to the truth, let's start with the ingredients. The average cola contains carbonated water, caramel color, natural flavors, caffeine, phosphoric acid and high fructose corn syrup. Carbonated water is plain water infused with carbon dioxide, which creates the bubbles. Caramel color is a natural additive that tints food products, providing the familiar color consumers expect to see. Natural flavors are often of the citrus variety and added for taste. All of these are simple, harmless ingredients. Next is caffeine, a diuretic and stimulant known to be addictive.

What's left on the list of ingredients is what solidifies soda's bad name: sugar. Phosphoric acid is a chemical that adds a tangy or sour flavor by breaking down starches into sugar. According to Bowden, we should consume as little sugar as possible, especially refined sugar. “Zero would be a bull's-eye but is pretty much an unobtainable goal,” says Bowden. Why is it unobtainable? Because almost every product on supermarket shelves contains the final ingredient on our soda list: high fructose corn syrup. “It's included because it is a way cheaper form of sweetener than anything else,” says Bowden. “It is also one of the single most horrific ingredients in the food supply.” Adding high fructose corn syrup to foods provides little nutrition and lots of calories.

If this is the case, then what about diet soda: Does it help or hinder weight loss? “There's no hard-core scientific evidence that it hinders,” says Bowden.“But there is a ton of anecdotal information and intelligent observation that leads one to think that might be so. New research shows that noncaloric food and beverages deregulate our innate ability to judge caloric intake. Secondly, there's the psychological part: Many people subconsciously think they're taking in less calories by drinking these crappy drinks and then subconsciously allow themselves more food. Third, there is some suspicion among nutritional scientists that sweet tastes — through a Pavlovian conditioning method — might signal insulin to release even though there are no actual calories or sugar. This is a theory I think has a lot of merit.”Taking all of this into consideration, soda just doesn't add up to be a beneficial drink. Even the label on a can states that it is “not a significant source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron.”

Now that you have the facts and you're staring at a month's supply of soda you just bought, don't panic. Your purchase need not go to waste. According to numerous household cleaning Websites, soda can clean your toilet, eliminate rust from a car bumper and remove grease from clothing.

Wordless Wednesday - Quick Search



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Homeschooling Objections and Responses:

Objection - This is a new idea. How do you know it will work?
Answer - Home schooling is not a new idea. It is how education was done in Biblical times. It is how many of the founding fathers of the United States were educated. Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Edison were home schooled. So we know it will work because it has been working for centuries. Government schools are the new idea. It is an experiment that is not proving to be very successful.

Objection - Your child won't be able to participate in high school athletics.
Answer - That may or may not be true, depending on the area where one lives (not the case in in Norman, OK and surrounding metro area). However, even if it is true, making right decisions often involves sacrifice. I would rather see my child get a quality education in a loving Christian atmosphere than have him play football. Additionally, what percentage of students really get to play high school sports? Only the best make the team. And only the best of those actually get to play. But there are many ways (little league, recreation leagues, etc.) to participate in sports without being on a high school team.

Objection - The shared government school experience is essential to our nation.
Answer - The nation was doing just fine before the "government school experience" began. Government schools did not start becoming common until well after the founding of the United States.

Objection - What if they *want* to go to government school?
Answer - Suppose children *want* to do cocaine? Does that mean they should be permitted to do so? Children are not allowed to make all of their own decisions for the simple reason that they are not mature enough to do so. They are often unable to assess all of the necessary information to make the right choices. That's what parents are for. It is their responsibility to make those decisions for their children.

Objection - Government schools were good enough for us, so they should be good enough for our children (implied here was also, "They should be good enough for your children, too!").
Answer - Outhouses were good enough for earlier generations of my family but that doesn't mean I should get rid of my indoor plumbing. Also, the people teaching, the children going to school and the curricula in use are not the same as they used to be. Besides, I don't want what's "good enough" for my child. I want what is best for him.

Objection - They won't get the necessary social skills in a homeschool environment that they would get in the public school system.
Answer - You're right, they'll get better social skills! Only in the public school system, are you locked down to strictly spending your time with people your age. Once you are out of school, you have to deal with people from old to young. Also, there are many co-ops, church/christian groups, homeschooler groups out there...not to mention extra-curricular activities (dance, choirs, etc) for homeschoolers where they will interact with other kids. Also, if you are involved in a local church...they will be around kids about their age during the kids classes.

I will leave you with this thought. If God has called you or someone else to homeschool and "raise up their child", then who can judge them/you for that? I would rather my kids be raised/taught by us with christian background/beliefs, then what the world might/would put into their mind. We will raise our kids with values, morals, and God...which will give them a firm foundation to stand upon for when they go out into the world. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"!

Homeschoolopoly!

Growing up, I loved to play Monopoly with the family....or just whoever would play. As a teenager, I got Sooneropoly (I have no idea where it is now, though) and absolutely loved it! I am amazed at how many different versions of the game are out there...sports, animals, etc.

Now, they have a Homeschool Edition...and it appears to be Christian-based, too!

http://www.homeschoolopoly.com/gamepix.htm

Gin In School???....Another Reason To Homeschool

School Served Gin to 6th Graders

I saw this headline and just had to laugh. Of course, I wouldn't be laughing if it were my kid.

School defends serving gin to students

State education officials said they’ll investigate a northeast Ohio charter school that served gin to sixth graders at a graduation ceremony.

Four students were given a teaspoon of gin mixed with water on Tuesday in a ceremony modeled on a Ghanian rite of passage event, said Kwa David Whitaker, an official with the Phoenix Village Academy. The school’s curriculum emphasizes African history and culture, and the ritual was intended to teach truthfulness, said Whitaker, who oversaw the ceremony.

The students were blindfolded, giving them the uncertain feeling that goes with moving from one stage of life to another, he said. Each student was given a teaspoon of water and a teaspoon of the gin-water mix, and then asked to identify which contained water. The students recognized that the gin wasn’t water and spit it out before swallowing, Whitaker said. The point is to teach the children to be honest, he said.

I just love the part were the students were blindfolded. I think this lesson is teaching the students something, but I don't think it is "honesty." It sounds more like something you would do at a college frat party.

I Can't Believe It Has Been A Year!!

Well, my wife and I are celebrating our 1 year anniversary! Tomorrow is actually the day, but we have kinda been celebrating all weekend. We stayed out at the in-laws the last couple nights because Liz had three weddings (one Friday, two Saturday).

Saturday, I dropped her off at the chapel...then took the car to get the oil changed and to the car wash (clean and vacuum), then back to the chapel to help her clean candles. After that, we went to Shawnee...we ate lunch at the Delta Cafe, then headed over to Old Navy to check out some clothes. Liz has been running short on "nice" clothes for work at the chapel...so I let her pick out whatever she wanted. I also picked out a couple t-shirts and dress shirt...Liz felt that I needed these "cute" sandals, so she got me those, too. She also got a nice dress from there for our date tonight...though it wasn't for that alone.

Tonight, we went out for the evening. Addy spent the evening with her daddy. We went by a jewelry store, where Liz bought a couple items....I just couldn't find anything that brought out the color of my eyes, that also went along with my outfit. haha! After that, we went to eat at Musashi's up in the city. The experience was really cool....the food was pretty good, too. We headed back for Norman, with a stop at the sno-cone stand and video store before heading to the house.

That was pretty much it about the evening. Now, enough about that...I really want to talk about my wife. I have to thank her for the best year of my life. She is my everything! If there is anything possible that I can do for her...I don't hesitate! She will be the first to admit that she is extremely spoiled rotten!! I can go on and on all day long about how much she means to me! I will end this post saying this last thing...I AM THE LUCKIEST MAN IN THE WORLD!!!

Something To Think About - Life's Baggage

Check out this little video clip (it is less than 3 minutes long) from our Pastor Craig about baggage...it is so true! As we go through life, everything we face adds more baggage to carry...at some point, we need to realize that we aren't strong enough to do it on our own. We need to give it all to God, who is able and willing!

Appetizer

What do you consider to be the ultimate snack food?
I'm not a huge snack food person. I don't snack much at all. My wife makes these tortilla roll-ups that I love (and haven't had in a long time...hint, hint). I also love nachos and lil smokies.

Soup

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 as highest), about how popular is your last name?

Maybe a 4. I have seen my last name out there, more than I thought I would. There was a professional baseball player, a famous music producer, and I even see it every now and then while out. Example: Last weekend, Liz and I were out garage sale shopping. We turned down a street, and the first house on mailbox had "SHIPLEY" on it...I thought it was cool.

Salad

Who is your all-time favorite sitcom character, and why?
Wow, now that is a tough one! I have no idea. It may be Raymond's dad, from Everybody Loves Raymond...just the way he acts (especially towards his wife) is funny. He reminds me of my dad...my dad jokes around like that with my mom, though he really does love her.

Main Course

Do you shop online? If so, name some sites you like to browse for goodies.

I used to before I got married...now, I just don't want to spend money because there are better things that it needs to go for (bills, food, kids, etc). When I did shop online...my favorite was Old Navy. I would also shop a little online with EA Sports (video games), Best Buy, and ebay.

Dessert

Fill in the blank: I think ___________ should be ___________.

I think FRIDAYS should be PART OF THE WEEKEND. How cool would that be?? I would love to have a 3-day weekend every single week. Talk about boosting your workers motivation.

Go here to see other Friday's Feast participants. If you're participating, be sure to leave me a comment so I pop over to your place and indulge a bit!

Wordless Wednesday - Bad Parenting


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A Little Mr. Rogers In Us...

Some very interesting things about Mr. Rogers

1. He Made Thieves Think Twice
According to a TV Guide piece on him, Fred Rogers drove a plain old Impala for years. One day, however, the car was stolen from the street near the TV station. When Rogers filed a police report, the story was picked up by every newspaper, radio and media outlet around town. Amazingly, within 48 hours the car was left in the exact spot where it was taken from, with an apology on the dashboard. It read, “If we’d known it was yours, we never would have taken it.”

2. He Watched His Figure to the Pound!
In covering Rogers’ daily routine (waking up at 5; praying for a few hours for all of his friends and family; studying; writing, making calls and reaching out to every fan who took the time to write him; going for a morning swim; getting on a scale; then really starting his day), writer Tom Junod explained that Mr. Rogers weighed in at exactly 143 pounds every day for the last 30 years of his life. He didn’t smoke, didn’t drink, and was extremely disciplined in his daily routine. Rogers found beauty in the number 143. According to the piece, Rogers came “to see that number as a gift"… because, as he says, “the number 143 means ‘I love you.’ It takes one letter to say ‘I’ and four letters to say ‘love’ and three letters to say ‘you.’ One hundred and forty-three.”

3. He Saved Both Public Television and the VCR
Strange but true. When the government wanted to cut Public Television funds in 1969, the relatively unknown Mister Rogers went to Washington. His 5-6 minute testimony on how TV had the potential to give kids hope and create more productive citizens was so simple but passionate that even the most gruff politicians were charmed. While the budget should have been cut, the funding instead jumped from $9 to $22 million. Rogers also spoke to Congress, and swayed senators into voting to allow VCR’s to record television shows from the home. It was a debate at the time, but his argument was that recording a program like his allowed working parents to sit down with their children and watch shows as a family.

4. He Was Genuinely Curious about Others
Mister Rogers was known as one of the toughest interviews because he’d often befriend reporters, asking them tons of questions, taking pictures of them, compiling an album for them at the end of their time together, and calling them after to check in on them and hear about their families. He wasn’t concerned with himself, and genuinely loved hearing the life stories of others. Amazingly, it wasn’t just with reporters. Once, on a fancy trip up to a PBS exec’s house, he heard the limo driver was going to wait outside for 2 hours, so he insisted the driver come in and join them (which flustered the host). On the way back, Rogers sat up front, and when he learned that they were passing the driver’s home on the way, he asked if they could stop in to meet his family. According to the driver, it was one of the best nights of his life—the house supposedly lit up when Rogers arrived, and he played jazz piano and bantered with them late into the night. Further, like with the reporters, Rogers sent him notes and kept in touch with the driver for the rest of his life.

5. He was Color-blind
Literally. He couldn’t see the color blue. Of course, he was also figuratively color-blind, as you probably guessed. As were his parents who took in a black foster child when Rogers was growing up.

6. He Could Make a Subway Car full of Strangers Sing
Once while rushing to a New York meeting, there were no cabs available, so Rogers and one of his colleagues hopped on the subway. Esquire reported that the car was filled with people, and they assumed they wouldn’t be noticed. But when the crowd spotted Rogers, they all simultaneously burst into song, chanting “It’s a wonderful day in the neighborhood.” The result made Rogers smile wide.

7. He got into TV because he hated TV
The first time he turned one on, he saw people angrily throwing pies in each other’s faces. He immediately vowed to use the medium for better than that. Over the years he covered topics as varied as why kids shouldn’t be scared of a haircut, or the bathroom drain (because you won’t fit!), to divorce and war.

8. He was an Ivy League Dropout
Rogers moved from Dartmouth to Rollins College to pursue his studies in music. He composed all the songs on the show, and over 200 tunes.

9. Mr. Perfection
He was a perfectionist, and disliked ad libbing. He felt he owed it to children to make sure every word on his show was thought out.

10. The Sweaters
Every one of the cardigans he wore on the show had been hand-knit by his mother.

Appetizer
Name something you think is “the best.”

Wow, this is tough. It depends on what the topic is. I have the best wife! I root for the best team, OU! I can go on and on and varying topics. Name someTHING that is the best...I would say homecooked meals. Restaurants are awesome, they have their time and place....fast food is good, it has its time and place. There is no better food than the one's prepared at the house in my opinion. I like cooking, and I don't mind doing the cooking either...especially if I ever get a grill. Sometimes, as busy as we all are....we tend to put aside healthier home-prepared meals for the easier drive-thru fast food.

Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 highest), how stressed are you today?

I would say 2-3. I'm not too stressed. I have to leave here in a little bit for Muskogee, to deliver a server. It is Friday, that is the part that keeps me going. I already have Monday lined up for me, too. I have to go to Pauls Valley and Millwood Schools. Tonight, I am hoping to get the yard mowed, and then I am hoping to get some sod and lay it down where I tore up the landscaping. I'm not stressed, just have a lot going on.

Salad

What kind of cleanser do you use to wash your face?
I have tried the "Purpose" cleaner that my uses and it is wonderful. I got to use some, I think it was before we were married...she already had some stuff at my house. It was really nice, at the time I told her that my face feels tight and clean. For the most part, I don't use face cleaner...pretty much just soap. I wouldn't mind using more her face cleaner, it was nice.

Main Course
Tonight is a blue moon! What is something that you believe only happens “once in a blue moon.”

Wow, I don't know. I guess play video games and watch sports. I used to play video games, pretty much on a daily basis for a few hours. I also used to watch sports (and espn when no sports were on) non-stop. Ever since I got married, that happens once in a blue moon. We are just always so busy and on the go. There is always so much to do and going on, that hobbies can easily be pushed aside. When I get home from work there is cleaning, taking out the trash, cooking/getting something, eating, a little family/relaxation time, showers, etc...then it is time to go to bed, get up and go again. When I was single, I just put things off until I wanted them done...I have to think about others now.

Dessert
When was the last time it rained where you live?
I will steal my wife's answer to this "Ummm...it's been raining for the last month...seriously." I know in about a month, we will be longing for rain and cooler temperatures.

Go here to see other Friday's Feast participants. If you're participating, be sure to leave me a comment so I pop over to your place and indulge a bit!