Yikes!

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance. "Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you." "No problem, just let me in," says the senator. "Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity." "Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the senator. "I'm sorry, but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises .. The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him. "Now it's time to visit heaven." So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns. "Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity." The senator reflects for a minute, then answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell." So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above... The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?" The devil looks at him, smiles and says....... "Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted."

Levi Paul Kellough

Introducing Levi Paul Kellough, first born son of Zeb & Shannon Kellough

Born: October 10th, 2008

9 pounds 4 oz & 22.5 inches

Second grandson of Linda Lewis-Evans

(her first grandson is Stephanie's son Jackson ~ below)

CONGRATULATIONS! MOMMY, DADDY, AUNTS, UNCLES, COUSINS & GRANDPARENTS!!!!!

Memo

To: YOU

Date: TODAY From: GOD Subject: YOURSELF Reference: LIFE

This is God. Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day. I love you. P.S. And, remember... If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now. If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege. Should you have a bad day at work; think of the man who has been out of work for years. Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return. Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children. Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk. Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine. Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity. Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them! Should you decide to send this to a friend; Thank you. You may have touched their life in ways you will never know! Now, you have a nice day....God God has seen you struggling, God says it's over.

Christina

This is from my good friend, Christina. She has such an amazing faith and love for and of God, that I had to share it with the world.

I find myself very early this morning humbled by a truth I cannot ignore. My life, although spick and span on the outside, has been covered with webs and excuses on the inside. I have held a grudge, not against any of you, but against God. My need to have what I want, has turned into a spoiled princess temper tantrum.

How dare I turn my nose when God wakes me up every day.

How dare I eat a meal without thanking him for supplying it. And how conceited am I to believe that God owes me a baby. Because I suffered hurt when I miscarried? Is this my reasoning? Did God not hurt as He watched His son tortured for me?

When I see my mother's picture, I have a sigh that uncomfortably follows. A sigh that is supposed to excuse my actions, because I don't have a mother anymore. A sigh that half says to God, you can't expect much from me since you took her. Like I get time to mess up and God will understand without me asking for forgiveness. Why do I feel like I have this right? I don't.

Somewhere along the way I got tired of thinking about what the right thing to do is. How does that happen? I don't get a card that allows me to take a break from life for grievance. And just because my mother is gone doesn't mean I don't need to thank him that everyone else I love is still here, safe and secure every day that I wake up.

So I sit here, after just having a conversation with a friend, realizing that in my heart I thought I was where I needed to be. I go to church. I sing the songs. I bow my head for prayer. I help other people. I love my neighbor. And I just want to scream what is missing God, what am I doing wrong? And then it clicked. I know what it is.

It's what I'M doing. not what I'm letting God do. I was hurt, so I decided to take the reigns. Somewhere I decided I didn't trust God anymore and pushed him out of the driver's seat, not wanting another broken heart.

So here I am God. Giving it all back to you. I'm not saying I expect not to hurt again, I 'm saying if I do, I know you'll hold me while I cry. And I'm sorry for blaming you. For my babies and my momma leaving. You had a reason, and I will see them again. And you don't owe me anything, if you never give me another breath of air again, I still owe you!

Thank you for loving me regardless.

Thank you for all that I have.

And I'm asking you to guide me again in life, and use me to help others. God I never again want to find myself in a position of hindering others from coming to you with my attitude or actions.

God heal the heartstrings from me to you.

And thank you for showing me the answer.

bailout plan

I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG.

Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.

To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+. Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up....

So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billon that equals $425,000.00. My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend.

Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let's assume a tax rate of 30%. Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.

But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket. A husband and wife has $595,000.00.

What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?

Pay off your mortgage housing crisis solved. Repay college loans what a great boost to new grads. Put away money for college it'll be there. Save in a bank create money to loan to entrepreneurs. Buy a new car create jobs Invest in the market capital drives growth. Pay for your parent's medical insurance health care. Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean or else.

Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.

If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( 'vote buy' ) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.

If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!

As for AIG liquidate it. Sell off its parts.

Let American General go back to being American General. Sell off the real estate. Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't.

Sure it's a crazy idea that can 'never work.'

How do you spell Economic Boom?

I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion We Deserve It Dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC.

And remember, the plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.

A very sobering thought on how to best use $85 Billion!!

I am a Christian

Christians by Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ

that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin''

I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,

My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain,

I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,

I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Thanks, Sabrina for sending this to me!

Baby Gracie Jean

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/graciejeanlockyer Dear Ones: thanks so much for the continuing prayers and words of comfort and support and most of all the prayers. Many have been enquiring about the arrangement for our little Gracies memorial service. The calling hours will be held at the J.C. Green Funeral Home on S.R. 109 just inside Davidson county in Winston-Salem N.C. Directions: On I 40 in Winston-Salem as you go East toward Kernersville take the 109 Thomasville Rd Exit. This exit is the 1st one past the 52 north and south interchange going East. Follow the exit through the first red light and continue until it dead ends onto St. Rt. 109. Turn right and go 4 miles. Funeral home is on the right just past the Gumtree Rd /Wendys light. The Funeral service will be at the Vernon Forest Baptist Church at 2:00 P.M. Saturday. Calling hours will be at the JC Green Funeral Home in Wallburg on Friday from 6-9 p.m. This home is very near the church. Directions to the Church are the same as to the funeral home except you turn right at the Wendy's onto Gumtree Rd and take the next Rd to the right, Mt. Vernon Church Rd. Church is on the right just after turning onto Mount Vernon Church Rd. Thank you- Grandpa Brown for Todd and Amanda and Haddon

Princess Megan

This story and little girl are particularly close to my heart. When I was a kid, my parents ran around with John & Teresa. (Dad & John have been friends since school.) They have three daughters: Tanya, Rachel & Leanne. They have divorced now and John has remarried but my parents are still very close with him.

Princess Megan is Rachel's daughter.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/princessmegan

Please, pray for this family. They have so many questions and seem to get the answers SO slowly. God is and always will be in control!!!!

baby GRACIE JEAN

For the full story, go to:

http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewJournal.do?method=executeInit TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 08:09 PM: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR ENCOURAGING NOTES TO US! PLEASE PRAY HARD ABOUT A TENTATIVE MEETING TOMORROW AT 12:30 p.m. TOMORROW WITH MANY DOCTORS!! THE MAIN TOPIC OF THE MEETING IS TO NAIL DOWN A COMMITMENT THAT IF GOD KEEPS GRACIE HERE UNTIL THE SHUNT IN HER HEART BEGINS TO FAIL, THAT THE DOCTORS WILL GIVE HER THE NEXT OPTION OF SURGERY. THIS IS AN OPTION THAT IS AVAILABLE….EVEN THOUGH IT IS HIGH RISK AND TODD AND I UNDERSTAND THAT SHE MAY NOT SURVIVE THE SURGERY. Here is our reasoning….Imagine that your loved one is in a severe car accident and is rushed to the emergency room. The doctor comes out and says, “(Your name), your loved one is very critical and is dying. We must do an emergency surgery. The chances of your loved one coming through surgery are very low. But, if you choose to not do the surgery, it is only a matter of time.” So, there we are. If we do nothing, Gracie will die at some point. If she has a very risky operation when her shunt begins to fail, there is hope. God is able to take over here and can bring her through this surgery if it is His will. It is also His right to take her home with Him before she has to go through another operation. Todd and I understand that it is in His hands. But, we are in the ER--saying--do everything you can do. The doctors have said there is more they can do; it is just very risky! They are saying that maybe we shouldn’t put her through this. Well, if Gracie dies fighting….it will be no difference from how she’s lived every moment of her life. But we’re going to try every means possible! Also, let me make this clear to all. Gracie is rather stable at this point. SHE HAS LIVED 19 DAYS WITHOUT A VENTILATOR AND SHE IS ON LITTLE HEART MEDICATION. SHE IS ON NO OTHER LIFE SUSTAINING MEDS OR EQUIPMENT AT THIS TIME. SO, IF I WERE TO GO RIGHT NOW AND TAKE HER OFF THE VENT MYSELF…SHE WOULD LIVE FOR WHO KNOWS HOW LONG! IT WOULD NOT BE A FAST PASSING AWAY MOMENT IN MINUTES--MORE A SLOW AND SUFFERING APPROACH AS HER BODY WEAKENS OVER A FEW WEEKS. THAT IS WHY WE ARE SO ADAMANT ABOUT THIS. Of course, that’s how Gracie looks today. She is breathing a fast and her gases have looked worse than better today. We are praying that she starts looking better and not worse. So please pray about this also. We know you will and we love all you for loving and praying for Little Gracie. Todd and Amanda MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2008 09:08 PM: I AM LEAVING THIS UPDATE UP FOR AROUND 48 HOURS. IF YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO READS GRACIE’S PAGE NOW AND THEN, PLEASE ASK THEM TO READ THIS UPDATE AND PRAY!! URGENT REQUEST FOR PRAYER: My brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus, Todd and I are calling out to you tonight to bind together with us in prayer for God’s deliverance, guidance and power. Gracie looks beautiful and strong today. She has breathed the calmest she has in days, even though she continued to run a fever on and off. But she looks like a fighter and she has been in mommy’s arms all afternoon. But, there are some very influential people at this hospital who have NO FAITH. They do not believe in God. They only look at scientific evidence. THEY BELIEVE THAT GRACIE IS DYING AND THAT TODD AND I ARE TRYING TO “MAINTAIN” HER LIFE LONGER THAN WE SHOULD. HOW DO WE KNOW THIS? Because TODAY they sent a representative for Ethics/Humanity in to speak with us. He told us that some doctors and nurses and others are of the opinion that Gracie is dying and we are prolonging the inevitable. I’VE SEEN WHAT GRACIE LOOKS LIKE WHEN SHE IS DYING….SHE DID NOT LOOK LIKE THAT TODAY! So, we feel this is a BATTLE FOR LIFE!!!! OVER THE NEXT 48 HOURS, MUCH DISCUSSION IS GOING TO BE MADE ABOUT GRACIE AMONG DOCTORS. THE GOAL IS TO COME UP WITH A PLAN FOR HER CARE. TODD AND I HAVE MADE IT VERY VERY CLEAR THAT WE WANT GRACIE TO HAVE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE…AND AS LONG AS SHE IS ALIVE…WE WANT TO MOVE FORWARD. WE DO NOT DESIRE TO BE SENT HOME WITH PALLIATIVE CARE. SHE HAS FOUGHT TOO LONG AND TOO HARD TO GIVE UP NOW. Because Gracie’s shunt in her heart is “wearing out”, she is going to need another operation or procedure before we are able to get home with her. We want every attempt made for her and we KNOW THAT GOD CAN BRING HER THROUGH IF IT IS HIS WILL. We want her to get her next surgery no matter what. I couldn't begin to start explaining all that has been said today during our “ethics” meeting about Gracie and her future, but we have to pray that God turns hearts and minds towards what He desires--away from what they are thinking!!!! I do not believe He (GOD) would bring Gracie this far for us to lose faith and give up or withdraw support! So, PLEASE PRAY ABOUT THIS WEEK. IF THE LORD TARRIES, WE HAVE A BATTLE ON OUR HANDS TO FIGHT. WE MUST PRAY THAT EVEN NON-BELIEVERS GIVE FAITH A CHANCE AND GIVE GRACIE A CHANCE. GOD WILL TAKE HER HOME WHEN IT IS HER TIME. WE BELIEVE LIFE AND DEATH ARE IN HIS HANDS. THAT’S WHY WE WILL FIGHT UNTIL HE DOES NOT FIGHT ANY MORE. I have been very concerned about how to word this update. The most important factors of our life and this situation are the lost souls who need to meet our Jesus and accept Him into their life. There are many lost people at this hospital and we are trying to reflect the love of God through our actions and words to all we meet. But, this is a very difficult day and we feel that each and every person involved in her care needs to make the commitment to us that they will fight for Gracie until the end. The discussion we had today has challenged Todd and I about life and the sanctity of it. There are many people who feel that life is not worth living unless the quality of life is one of comfort and peace. That out rules Down Syndrome children, handicapped children, sick children and many more. If we believe that God created each and every living soul for a reason…then we believe that God created Gracie just the way she is. He has allowed her to continue in intensive care for almost 7 months by His power. He could have taken her home many times. He still could. But, IT IS UP TO HIM ALONE. HOW DARE WE STEP IN AND SAY IT IS TOO LONG? The problem is that Gracie looks beautiful today. A few days ago, when she went into renal failure and was puffy and her pressures were low…I could accept that she was dying. But, right now, she is fighting alive and God is not finished with her. She is warm and pink and looks like the picture where she is smiling. Please pray with us that God ALONE will decide when Gracie’s appointed time is. We know that no one else can change that. Still, we are asking Him to do a miraculous work in her life so that the doubters and the scoffers will know that He runs that hospital and life and death are in His hands. True ethics is the Bible. Humanism is a man’s attempt to prove they are good--when the truth is that without God--we are nothing. FOR NONE OF US LIVETH TO HIMSELF, AND NO MAN DIETH TO HIMSELF. FOR WHETHER WE LIVE--WE LIVE UNTO THE LORD; AND WHETHER WE DIE--WE DIE UNTO THE LORD: WHETHER WE LIVE THEREFORE, OR DIE, WE ARE THE LORD’S. FOR TO THIS END CHRIST BOTH DIED AND ROSE, AND REVIVED, THAT HE MIGHT BE LORD BOTH OF THE DEAD AND THE LIVING. (Romans 14: 7-9) WHAT AN INCREDIBLE TESTAMENT OF GOD'S LOVE AND THE FAITH OF THESE PARENTS!

Abbie's Bible

A couple of weeks ago, Abbie was able to recite all 66 Books of the Bible. This past Sunday, September 14, 2008, she received her Bible, from our church, handed to her by Rich Book. It is kind-of a reward for the kids' efforts and even comes with their name on the front. For many of them, including Abbie, it is their first "big" Bible. We are so very proud of her. I want to thank all the women that have taught her class and helped her learn her books.....with all those silly songs, activities & projects. They are GREAT! And we couldn't have done it without you.

how "Daddies" should be....

A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?' The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.' To which, his father said 'Yes'.

For those who didn't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island.

Father and son went on to complete the race together.

~Get your tissues out and prepare to cleanse your soul with tears!~

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513

Today

Today is like alot of other days for alot of other people in the world. We go to work or to school, pay our bills, complain about the weather, worry about current events, fix meals, work on cars, walk dogs, wait for a school bus, go to practices, find lost socks, find lost dirty clothes in a teenager's room, play online, listen to the radio, fight with accounts departments, plan for what is to come in the evening and even the next morning. A day of nothing much certainly is full, all of a sudden.

Today, I sent Eric to work, even though today should be his day off. He was scheduled an extra 8 hour shift....I am sad he's gone but happy it's not a 12 hour shift, which is normally what he works.

Today, I put Nick on the bus. He will have school and not get home until 3pm and then have football practice at 5:30 to about 7:30 - 8pm. Shower, eat, brush teeth and bed by 9:30pm at the latest.

Today, I put Abbie on the bus. She will have school until 4pm. She has library today and that is always a big deal...she loves books and the idea of reading. She will then get to run around with me taking to Nick to and from his activities. Bath, eat, brush teeth and bed by 9pm at the latest.

Today, is no different that any other day EXCEPT today is my Grandpa Shumway's 90th birthday. I don't think that he cares....I don't believe that Heaven keeps track of birthdays. But it brings back the grief of losing him all over again. It's a little bit different 5 months later but the family still doesn't feel right, probably never will.

I don't know whether to make a big deal out of Grandpa's birthday or not. I remember, so I'm sure so does everyone else.....but do you bring it up, out loud, or just let it lie and the day pass for fear of stirring up painful emotions again?

Matthew 5: 3-5 (NIV) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

I just LOVE these verses, they speak right to me and to my heart:

Matthew 5: 14 -16 (NIV) You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

That sounds like MY Grandpa!!!

the videos

Abbie's video of her singing the 66 books of the Bible.....or most of them, anyway. My personal favorites are the books of "Joans" and "Rude." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZZtGxIeFck Nick's football video from the last game. He comes from the right & grabs the ball. He doesn't make it far but gives a great, great effort. I do apologize for the squealing at the end....I just love that kid! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtJrMr17pyg

What's new?

Well, I'll tell you. Abbie is getting along great in Kindergarten. This will be her second week and she is still very excited to go to bed early (earlier than we do on weekends). She is a social creature but she has a big, big streak of her father in her. Normally, it doesn't even phase her to talk to anyone about anything. But every once in a great while, she clams up and pretends to be shy. NO signs of that yet at school. She has made new friends and is more than willing to tell you about them....."my friend Sarah in the blue shirt"........"my friend on the bus says I can come over to play but I have to talk to you first." To which I reply, "What is your friend's name?" And she says, "I don't know, she told me but I can't remember, but she lives right up there." Nick seems to be having a good year this year, so far. Football is a blast. Well, it is for me. Nick is always sore and worn out after practice but the games are wonderful. During this last game, he recovered a fumbled ball and ran with it. Doesn't sound like much, but he's never touched a football during a game.....he's always tackling the kid. Anyway, he got about 10 yards or so. Whoo Hoo. Minford still lost the game but we were all smiling........until he gets to practice tomorrow.....I've heard they are gonna RUN! Eh, ya win as a team, ya loose as a team, ya run as that same team.

A Simple Life

Just watch it:

http://worriersanonymous.org/Share/Thecarpenter.htm

forever changed

My life is forever changed, again.

Abbie is officially a kindergartener &

Nick is in Junior High.

are you paying attention?

Here's a one-question IQ Test to help you decide how you should spend the rest of your day...... There is a mute who wants to buy a toothbrush. By imitating the action of brushing one's teeth, he successfully expresses himself to the shopkeeper and the purchase is done. Now, if there is a blind man who wishes to buy apair of sunglasses to hide his eyes, how should he express himself? *Think about it first before scrolling down for the answer...* He opens his mouth and says, 'I would like to buy a pair of Sunglasses.' If you got this wrong, please turn off your computer and call it a day. **************************************************** Intelligence Test Instructions: Write each of your answers down, it makes a difference! You will be allowed 10 minutes to complete the test. Write your answers in the spaces provided. Are you ready? What is the time? Start. 1) Some months have 30 days,some months have 31 days. How many months have 28 days? ____________________ 2) If a doctor gives you 3 pills and tells you to take one pill every half hour, how long would it be before all the pills had been taken? ____________________ 3) I went to bed at eight o'clock in the evening and wound up my clock and set the alarm to sound at nine o'clock in the morning. How many hours sleep would I get before being awoken by the alarm? ____________________ 4) Divide 30 by half and add ten. What do you get?____________________ 5) A farmer had 17 sheep. All but 9 died. How many live sheep were left? ___________________ 6) If you had only one match and entered a COLD and DARK room, where there was an oil heater, an oil lamp and a candle, which would you light first? ____________________ 7) A man builds a house with four sides of rectangular construction, each side having a southern exposure. A big bear comes along. What color is the bear? ____________________ 8) Take 2 apples from 3 apples. What do you have? ___________________ 9) How many animals of each species did Moses take with him in the Ark? ____________________ 10) If you drove a bus with 43 people on board from Chicago and stopped at Pittsburg to pick up 7 more people and drop off 5 passengers and at Cleveland to drop off 8 passengers and pick up 4 more and eventually arrive at Philadelphia 20 hours later, what's the name of the driver? ____________________ Answers: 1) All of them. Every month has at least 28 days. 2) 1 hour. If you take a pill at 1 o'clock, then another at 1.30 and the last at 2 o'clock, they will be taken in 1 hour. 3) 1 hour. It is a wind up alarm clock which cannot discriminate between a.m. and p.m. 4) 70. Dividing by half is the same as multiplying by 2. 5) 9 live sheep. 6) The match. 7) White. If all walls face south, the house must be on the North Pole. 8) 2 apples. I HAVE 3 APPLES, YOU TAKE 2, WHAT DO YOU HAVE? 9) None. It was Noah, not Moses. 10) YOU are the driver. ************************************************ First Question: You are participating in a race. You overtake the second person. What position are you in? . . . . . . . . . . Answer: If you answered that you are first, then you are absolutely wrong! If you overtake the second person, you take his place, so you are second! Now answer the second question, But don’t take as much time as you took for the first one, OK ? Second Question: If you overtake the last person, then you are…? . . . . . . . . . . . . Answer: If you answered that you are second to last, then you are wrong again. Tell me, how can you overtake the LAST Person? You’re not very good at this, are you? Third Question: Very tricky arithmetic! Note: This must be done in your head only. No pen, paper or calculator allowed. Try it. Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. Now add 30. Add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000. Now add 10 . What is the total? . . . . . . . . . . . . Did you get 5000 ? The correct answer is actually 4100. If you don’t believe it, check it with a calculator! Today is definitely not your day, is it? Maybe you’ll get the last question right….…Maybe. Fourth Question: Mary’s father has five daughters: 1. Nana 2. Nene 3. Nini 4. Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter? . . . . . . . . . . . . Did you Answer Nunu? NO! Of course it isn’t. Her name is Mary. Read the question again!

Happy Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MOMMY,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

I LOVE YOU!!!

God's coming down....

I took this picture a few days ago, while me and my kids were swimming. We were just loving the beautiful clouds and Abbie says, "It looks like God is coming down to swim with us."

Well, all I can say is that God is more than welcome to swim with us and thanks be to Him for the lovely sun rays.

Prayer for Gracie

I got this email from my friend, Sherry Lawson. Hey guys I wanted to send this email out to you and ask if you do not already have Gracie on your prayer list that you add her. She is in some serious need of extra prayers in the week ahead. Her mommy is wearing down after the last 5 months it has been hard on her parents & grandparents & without the comfort & refuge in our Heavenly Father, I am sure they would not have made it. Gracie's story is truly amazing, that's where she gets her name "Amazing Gracie". God has brought her through so much & those who have been following this journal has seen the many miraculous things He has done, yet there is a long road ahead & right now seems bleak. The doc's are giving her mommy grim hope yet Amanda still has that undying faith & trust in her Father & knows He can pull her through. Be a part of that "POWER of PRAYER" pray diligently for her. If you do not know her, Amanda's dad (Jim Brown) used to be our pastor at Grace Baptist, then prior to going to Winston Salem, he was at Madison. They are a wonderful family, I admit I have cried many tears reading the journal entries but it has also been an inspiration & blessing to me to see the strength & faith they have, God has a plan & purpose here and lil Gracie has already touched so many lives. Please check out her journal at http://caringbridge.org/visit/graciejeanlockyer. Also tell everyone you know to pray for this baby so that her parents & little brother Haddon can take her home one day soon. Thanks- Sherry