A Holiday Reminder

Isaiah Chapter 55 (Amplified)

1WAIT and listen, everyone who is thirsty! Come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Yes, come, buy [priceless, spiritual] wine and milk without money and without price [simply for the self-surrender that accepts the blessing].

    2Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your earnings for what does not satisfy? Hearken diligently to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness [the profuseness of spiritual joy].

    3Incline your ear [submit and consent to the divine will] and come to Me; hear, and your soul will revive; and I will make an everlasting covenant or league with you, even the sure mercy (kindness, goodwill, and compassion) promised to David.

    4Behold, I have appointed him (Him) [David, as a representative of the Messiah, or the Messiah Himself] to be a witness [one (One) who shall testify of salvation] to the nations, a prince (Prince) and commander (Commander) to the peoples.

    5Behold, you [Israel] shall call nations that you know not, and nations that do not know you shall run to you because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you.

    6Seek, inquire for, and require the Lord while He may be found [claiming Him by necessity and by right]; call upon Him while He is near.

    7Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have love, pity, and mercy for him, and to our God, for He will multiply to him His abundant pardon.

    8For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord.

    9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

    10For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

    11So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

    12For you shall go out [from the spiritual exile caused by sin and evil into the homeland] with joy and be led forth [by your Leader, the Lord Himself, and His word] with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

    13Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; and it shall be to the Lord for a name of renown, for an everlasting sign [of jubilant exaltation] and memorial [to His praise], which shall not be cut off.

   

Footnotes:
Isaiah 55:5 The identification of the one here addressed is uncertain. A proportionately large number of authorities believe it to be Israel, as here indicated, but other interpreters think it is the Messiah [the second David], or David as His representative.

Please, all;
Remember, take special care and effort throughout the Season, to give what won't break, or get sand in the gears, rust at the bottom of the pool, or shatter when accidentally kicked; won't fade if left in the sun, crush if backed over, explode if microwaved, or bring tears of horror -when sawed in two during a 'mini-magic show'; what will never runaway through a hole in the fence, make you wish you had read the instructions, bought the extra warranty, or payed attention to the 'do not cut','place near heat source',or 'may cause dizziness' label; I will say, not much in this world is worth an apology to the store manager at the duress of a spouse, and even less is worth using the rationale -'they'll appreciate it when they're older'- just so you can use it in the mean-time; and the answer to buying 'two just in case...' is to 'buy none, and wait'.

So in the intrest of high bloodpressure, athsma, nervous stomachs, tiny innocent minds, vast amounts space that have long since been filled, consider taking time to give your loved ones a good story or two, enjoy things like studying how intricately your very own hand is made, the gift of stars that shine brighter than city lights, (each with their own name)...

Ps. 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.
   
4 He determines the number of the stars
    and calls them each by name.

    5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
    his understanding has no limit.
-(NIV)

And also, the gift of a limited time here on our planet earth, which I am understanding how to appreciate more and more with every wasted hour.

Shine brightly forth,
for the wonder of our Lord
is not a thing rightly concealed,
held tightly, or considered lacking in worth.

Merry Christmas
-Joel K

Word for the Day...

Automagically!

No, hang on, it's a real word... 70's jargon apparently, derivitive of 40's advertizing jargon! Whatever.

Workin', Man.

As I write this I am at the end of my very 'second' day (...some how the ring just isn't quite right) of full-time work here at Missionary TECH Team. The lights that were never lit are all but flickered out, and all the balloons that were never dropped, with all the confetti that was never strewn, have now long been popped and vaccumed up (respectively)... Now the work begins. So stay tuned! The probabilities of frustrating days to be made light of are already evident on the horizon! (But fear not... Perhaps the most grand of stories have come about after one has persevered some random unforseeable event. Re: Happy B Day Murphy/ July 20,2004 -scroll down if you haven't read it yet. Or if you don't have the patience, you may read the synopsis. If, even now, you are running thin on patience, don't blame me for your lack of foresight not to have read thus far into this parenthetical anecdote, which happens to be very informative, and in certain circumstances might even preach well. I harbor no qualms about the lengths of any 'Paren-thesii' that I may have to offer, either now, or in the future... so, consider yourself forewarned and liable for your own time, be it however wasteful or relevant.)

And here's a "Thanks" for all of you that have supported me spiritually and emotionally along the way, I need that more often it seems, than money. But I guess I could thank those of you who have/are given/ing -just as a matter of courtesy. (be sure to knock off that 'e' in 'given' if you happen to be a current giver -well you might wanna take that extra 'n' off there too... but if you aren't one for correctness, it's no skin off my back, you know. Do whatever.)

-JK

(P.S. If you want to, just for a snicker, you can go back and read the long paren-thesis, only this time imagine John Cleese narrarating! It's a kicker. If you don't know who he is, skip it.)

Finally, something worth updating.

OK <---Click me, and be sure to scroll down to the "Word History"

(Thanks for the link Mary!)

Oh, I'm in Pennsylvania visiting my parents too. I'm scheduled to arrive home this saturday.

Another Update to the Update

I have officially stopped work at ETSC in Marshall, as of Fri. Oct. 15, '04. Approx. one year and five mo.'s after beginning. I will go back and pick up my last check this Fri. and then I will be free to go up to PA, I am still working out the logistics for finding a flight. I don't know how much money I will have coming from this next check, so... and I am still deciding when to leave, and how long to stay, which will also decidedly affect the price of the ticket. A tentative leave date is sometime next week or so. I think I've also set a personal best for the number of abbreviations used in a first sentence.

Here you go Todd...Oct. 15, '04

Notice... Up-to-date-Up-to-date.

Almost invariably, when I sit down to write a (paper) letter update on any given situation worthy of mass updation (yes mom, it is a real word) (at least it was when I made the link... It seems to have disappeared now tho') (seems it's found its way home again), it will end up taking just long enough to write, get approval, proof-read, and edited, then final approval, so that by the time I have all this accomplished... it has now availed itself approximately 10-40% antiquated* (specific accuracy of percentage dependent on the suggested or implied importance of selected or stated issue, measure of actual importance is held by writer and used and/or exaggerated at his/her sole discretion -although not in this case). Then I have to bring the update (ahem) up-to-date. Needless to say this is getting rather frustrating, as this has happened more than just once or twice now.

This partly why I haven't written on this blog for a while... I was waiting to put the finished version up here, in addition to sending out the (paper) letter. Well.


You should be able to read the full update after while. But in the mean-time...

"Lemme 'splain... -no, there is too much, lemme sum-up..."
-Inigo Montoya.

I should have a replacement to train for my position over at East Tx Sport Center soon, if not tomorrow (Wed. Oct. 6)... I am actively -two days, into the process of training my replacement for my position a ETSC. Then, when I'm done, I should be able to take a trip to PA, then I should be able to return and work full-time here at TECH.

Here's your reward for reading my blather.
zenzizenzizenzic. The eighth power of a given number
sesquipedalophobia. The fear of big words. Ha!


(*alternately debated word: 'moot' was not used here for reasons of controversy over precise definition. -See 'Usage note' in supplied definition link)

Mom & Dad Update (With informative links!!)

Hi Y'all,

The past few months have been very busy and very stressful and I apologize for not keeping up with e-mails.  I am finally to a point where I can think about other things besides where to put boxes, furniture and clothing, what to do about radon(the crux of the issue is on the 5th page, or here -JK) and nitrate in the water, where to put the TV the aquarium and the armoire, how to enlarge closets, and what to get rid of so we can get everything in the kitchen! 

To catch you up:  It has been two years this month that we moved to Penn.  We moved into temporary housing until Don could find work and we could move to a permanent location.  Last year my dad had a heart attack and had to stop work, so he and my mom moved in with us in our "temporary" home.  Subsequently he died and my mom is still with us, which we are happy about.  Don had been substitute teaching when we first came, then he got a job working at Sandy Cove, a Christian Conference Center, where he worked until January of 2004 when he was offered a full-time chaplain job with Marketplace USA (Recent name change -JK) and is currently serving as an industrial chaplain at Herr Foods, a local snack food manufacturer, and several other local businesses. 

The day after we got back from Texas this spring, we went to an open house and the next day we wrote a contract.  This was March 8.  By the end of the week they had accepted our offer, which was $10,000.00 less than what they were asking, and with the market like it is here in the northeast, we didn't have high hopes of getting it.  I believe a big part of why we got it is because we went back after the open house and visited with them, a sweet older couple who were moving to a retirement center.  She loved this house and wanted a Christian family to have it.  We were the first people to make an offer, and the Lord was gracious in allowing them to accept it.

The house is in a great location, only 10 minutes from my sister, Nancy, 30 minutes from Don's work, 6 minutes from Wal Mart and major shopping outlets.  A cape cod on half an acre with a horse farm across the road and Amish neighbors, too.  The town is Strasburg, which is well known for the Strasburg Railroad, the oldest short-line railroad in the country.  We have a railroad museum, a nice miniature golf course and a wonderful ice cream shop just minutes from us.  Strasburg has cute little shops with bed and breakfasts and does a large tourist trade in the summer and fall.   With farm land all around it has the feel of country, but is just at the city limit of Strasburg.  It was one of the places I said I would like to live, but didn't  pursue anything here because there is hardly anything ever available.  If something comes on the market, it is snatched up before you can blink.  This house was on the market 10 days.  So that is the good news.

We put our house on Sunrise Avenue on the market and almost immediately had a prospective buyer.  An older couple moving from New York.  We were so excited!  To make a long story short, that fell through because of their health and some issues with the house that they weren't prepared to deal with.  That is the bad news. 

So back it goes on the market again.  We were sweating it out, because we had our closing set for May 30 and it was already the middle of April.  As it turned out, the Lord brought a couple from Virginia Beach to buy it.  They will be retiring in a couple of years and their daughter lives close by.  They plan to rent it until they move in. 

So we moved on June 7 with closing on the Sunrise house on July 30.  Since we don't have a church contingency like we did in Longview to help us move, we hired a moving company to move our furniture, and we moved our boxes...and we had a lot of boxes!  We hadn't unpacked much of anything since our move from Texas!  Poor Don put in some pretty long days.  He could only take off a day or two from work, so he moved them in the evenings and weekends.  It seemed like we were moving forever.  And since we are replacing some flooring, everything could not go where it should have.  We had a bad experience with the moving company, too. Several things got broken, oh well...

We were able to get my mom reasonably settled first.  The house has 4 bedrooms and two of them are on the first floor, with her bath just off the hall.  One of the bedrooms we have converted into a laundry/sewing room.  Don and I got our first experience doing tile floor.  Don and a friend cut and laid the tile.  I grouted it.   It turned out great!  We still have some remodeling to do, as I want to take out three walls to open up the living area.  We plan to add a front porch and later a garage.  The house is 20 years old and pretty much still in original condition except the former owners enclosed the original garage to make a dining room and built a single detached garage.   It has pine flooring upstairs and in the kitchen, and part of the basement is beautifully finished off with brick floors and a fireplace.  The closets are a real challenge, as was getting our furniture in.  With about 1700 sq. ft. it is not large, and the rooms chop it up.  We will be adding a kitchen island and building a closet for additional storage.  Don and I have the two bedrooms upstairs as our bedroom and office suite with a bath in between.  It has worked out nicely, but it wasn't easy.  After much discussion, we put the aquarium in the basement which will double as the guest room and sitting area.  So those of you who want to come visit, please come, we finally have a (fishy) place for you.  :)

For Virginia:  The color of my kitchen cabinets are... ta da...Burgundy!

For Tom and Patti:  Can't wait to see you in October!  The airport you should fly in to is either Baltimore or Harrisburg.  I don't know what stage of chaos we will be in when you come, but you will have a nice, quiet, sanctuary in the basement.  Can you tell me exact dates so we can plan some excursions? 

For Rose:  Guess you are wondering when you will get your jacket!  Well, I'm wondering the same thing!  Hopefully by winter!  :) 

We found a refreshing church with a good music program and a good pastor, but no choir.  I continue to favor the mega church with everything.  It's a little harder to get involved, but we haven't made much of an effort either. 

Joel will be coming up for a visit as soon as they find a replacement for him at East Texas Sports Center, where he works.  Tech said that he can start full time, but he is still raising support.  Thank you for your prayers for him.

My mom and my sister and I are joining a water aerobics class this fall.  Hope to get my mom's arthritic knee moving so it doesn't freeze up.  It was a year Aug 10 that my dad died.  In fact, with as much as we have had on our plates the past two years:  two moves, three job changes and a death, it has only been by the Lord's grace that we have stayed healthy.  My back stopped hurting after we got the house, so now my chiropractor is hurting!  Ha! 

This has gone on long enough.  Till next time!
Love,
Pat and Don

Random act of mischief

On a past Saturday morn, not but seven days and a fortnight ago I was exiting my residence, and happened to notice something odd about the main passage of entry to my humble place of abode. However drafty, or inefficient it may be is beside the point, and one must agree that to have one's own place described about in the form of written word, is likened unto that which can be almost purely distilled down to a form of something akin to chin music. I began to examine the scene, and upon closer inspection, had no other choice but to conceed that an egg (which is infused with a fair amount of Choline) had been most definitely smacked betwixt the lower four window panes in my front door.

I later found out through a rather informed young neighbour boy, that in fact, the Choline enriched projectile element was meant for the adjacent door to mine, not three feet from its designated place of rest [though violent destruction of the enCholinated item is evident, it is still accurate to refer to its final destination as a place of 'rest'; this is known as 'Poetic Understatement' to those who are fluent in the use of literary words (Link for C. 'Shroud' Wesley and Mrs.(Dr.) Olson).

Impromptu definition...

Poetic Understatement-An illustrative word picture for purposes of exaggerative emphasis; used in cases of irony, often comic or satirical in nature, a mild, or ultra-refined synoptical description of a catastophic event(s)].

I leave it up to incorrect trajectoral analysis... widely overlooked by the illwitted; also one of the most unchecked, and uncorrected mistakes of those among the practice of common mischievity. No hard feelings tho' because two good things happened as a result of this incident. I got to kill the ants that were congregating on what can only be described somewhat descreetly as 'egg-mess', with some bits of Choline ...and I get to see if this all purpose cleaner that I think I paid $40 a quart for, actually does what it claims.

An arcticle that made me laugh when I read the title.
&Um...

Notice

Well, John Goodding and Birne Wiley have given me permission (about three weeks ago) to give notice to ETSC in Marshall (which I also did about three weeks ago). I've postponed the writing of this update, because I kinda didn't know what to do with it myself. I let Sports Center know that I would stay until they could find someone else for me to train. So, now I'm just waiting for the position to be filled.

This came as a surprise to me, because John was the one that suggested that I could go ahead, after he ran it by Birne. I said that would be fine, but that I also wanted to be very sensitive to how the board felt about me starting full-time, even though I'm ~$100 below their recommendation of $1000 monthly. The reasoning I guess, is that I have enough accrued in my escrow account to amply supplement my current mo. income to reach the $1K... until it is actually met. Needless to say I was a bit taken aback when Birne approved. I gave my notice that Friday, and Paul (ETSC Boss) said that he didn't want to hold me up, but was relieved to find that I would stay until someone came along that I could train for the position.

So that's the big news.

*If you're on my mailing list you'll probably be seeing this in a formal letter type format. If you would (or wouldn't) like to receive a mailed letter, please contact me so I don't send out needless paperwork.*

-JK

It's 3:53pm ...and All is [fairly] well!

The citationary situation is now unequivocally^{(1st def.)}, and reparationally ^(4th) resolved. The ticket was already dismissed when I went in Monday to check on whether the papers I gave to the JOP [Justice Of the Peace] on Fri. got filed of lost in transit [so to speak].

Friday morning I went to the Hallsville office to turn in my "proof" of getting my inspection done. As I walk into the foyer I notice things and boxes lying around, and the inside of the building seemed to be in various states of dishevelment.^(2nd) So I ask the older woman near the door if this is "where I can take care of a ticket?" And roughly the following exchange ensued.

She responded politely "Yes, ...but I don't think they'll be ready for you yet. Hold on let me see -[name of JOP] are you ready to handle tickets yet?" "Probably... not..." the JOP said, -his words conspicuously marked with hesitaion. "But lemme see whatchya got." As I tentitavely began to hand my citation towards him, he approached, even before it was in his hands, he said in a manner much akin to a man who has great knowlege, and who takes tremendous pride in doing well the job at hand, "...It's just a city ticket." Which was like so much music to my ears, reminiscent of the 40's type Bigband era!

Anyway, he asked if I had taken care of it, and I told him yes, and he said Lemme have the receipt and I'll get it dismissed. So I went out to my car and got the receipt, I didn't have to sign anything, he didn't even take my info sheet that said I was supposed to sign and date it.

I came to find out later that the whole office had had to take "all the stuff in here, and put it out there" (in the foyer I guess). "And now we can't find half of the stuff we put out there." This was hardly encouraging now that I think about it, and should have sent up some immediate red flags, as well as when [the JOP] took my papers, he laid them neatly on a chair near his desk. Had either one of those two sheets of imprinted paper been lost [being one receipt, and one pink official State of Texas copy de carbon] I could have conceivably been looking at a warrant for arrest that I would have no defense against. But these are the reasons I went by on Monday. And everything did turn out for the good.

Thanks to all for the support.
-JK

Ow, hre's aa linnk ot az splling errer om Dictyionry.ccom!! What in the Wordl War I?! (linnk) Go to the last entry on the page and look at the #3 definition.

UN-REEEAAAL! (The Prequel)

    Well, by God's Grace, I did have a bright spot in my day to hang onto. I get a call at work, from a voice on the other end who knows my first and last name. Now, I have no idea who this is, and with all that's happened ...who knows, right? Turns out, it's none other than Army Specialist, Marcus Hurd calling all the way from Bamberg Germany!! I haven't heard one word from this guy in over Two Years! We just lost contact after he and his family (a wife and a 6mo. old baby boy (my Godson)) were deployed. And he calls me at my part-time job, in Marshall TX., at like 10:30 in the morning! "Unreal... You're Kiddin' Me?!!" was the first inescapable phrase of the day. Wow.

Un-REEEAAAL!

So, this MCCC thing must be a week long affair. 'Cause when I got to the Hallsville office to take care of my ticket, at 4:50pm. I notice a sign on the door -that wasn't there Monday- notifying any persons wishing to do business after 4:40pm Wednesday, or ALL DAY Thursday, that this would be quite impossible. Thankyouverymuch.

Synopsis

For those short on time and/or patience. Full unedited version following...

-Monday X-phy's Eve. (Re: Full version 1st & 2nd paragraph) Pulled over for left lane driving. (link to TxDPS Law) Citaion for out of date inspection. No one open for inspection business after 6:00pm.

-Tuesday- X-phy's Multi-Centennial Convergence Celebration Day.

~8:30am -Leave for Firestone Tire Center
~11:00am -Car needs 2 new tires for inspection, right rear tire has a nail. Approve rear brake work to be done. Walk to Bank 1 for First ATM use.


-Awareness of my situation. Things could be much worse. Thank the Lord for easy breath.

~11:30am Brakes done, drive to Lobo Tire to check 195/60r14 availability. Affirmative
-Drive to Todd Malone's for lunch, negative -didn't 'spect so, just checking.
-Stop at Longview Bank & Trust ATM -No card, left it in Bank 1's ATM.
-Drive to Bank 1 (second time) to get card, -Negative, can't get it. Cancelled by machine upon ingestion.
-inescapable "Sheesh!" uttered as I walk away from Bank 1.
-Drive (still getting used to no sound when brake pedal is pressed) to ETP Credit Union to get Check Card instead of ATM card (it works more places) 7-10 business days, withdrawal for tires (the old fashioned way).
-Back to Lobo Tire (second time).
-Back to Firestone (also second time)
~2:00pm Lunch to go at KFC.
~2:30pm Arrive at TECH
-2:43pm started Blog
-8:13pm Finished Synopsis.

Happy Birthday Murphy!!

Well, the week of July 20, 2004 must be some sort of Multi-Centennial Convergence Celebration on the invocation of Murphy's Law... )

...So it all started yesterday, which had me puzzled as to the correlation with today's events. All I can figure is that this year must have been something special, out of the ordinary, 'cause this year there was a Murphy's Eve. Kinda like Christmas Eve, you only get to open one present... 'the biggest one', why wait till tommorrow when you open the huge one tonight. That leaves the plethora of little ones for Murphy's Day proper.

Anyway. On my way home from work in Marshall ~ 5:00pm Monday (X-phy's Eve) driving west-bound on HWY-80 between the two lights in Hallsville, when I was haplessly pulled over by a police officer who said, (roughly) "the reason I stopped you is because in the state of Texas it's illegal to be driving in the left lane and not passing anyone"(link to TxDPS Law)... and politely issued me a warning for the left hand lane thing, and a citation for my inspection being out of date. My first ever. I've been driving now for almost 10 years... quite a blow. And of course the Judge's office hours are only from "3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday" & "12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fridays" So I can't even find out what exactly I'm supposed to do about this whole thing I have to wait at least two days, if not until Fri. I don't like that, I like to have things resolved as quick as possible, especially when the law is concerned.

All excuses aside, my inspection was nearly a month out of date, and I was indisputably in the wrong there. As far as the left lane thing goes, there is nearly always someone to be passed on that stretch of road, or else someone wants to pull out from one of the many entrances onto said highway, which I believe was the case. I tend to be polite in this regard and give the drivers entering the roadway an empty lane to get into. This time, there just happened to be a Marshall police officer who wanted to pull out accross east-bound traffic -I guess shortly after I entered the left lane. I noticed him pulling out, and applied the brakes accordingly, to give him the right of way, but by that time he had stopped in the middle of the east-bound lanes (thankfully with no on-comming traffic).

So I suspect I made the lane change in that split second of time when he was looking the other way, and caught him by surprise when I showed up in the lane he was going to pull into. As far as I know, this stretch of road is not marked as the above law states (re:link) , which is IMO (In My Opinion) why I was not cited for the violation. It is marked however, only after the second light on the way out of Hallsville heading west, where the speed limit changes to 65mph.


That was the big present for yesterday... now, for today.

-This morning ~8:30 I head straight for Firestone Tire Center (FTC) for my corrective inspection -because, as it turns out, there are no inspection places open after 6:00pm! -anywhere! *quietly suppresses urge to thrash about in aggrivation* *substitutes large sigh or two* Anyway... From the time I bought the car, the rear brakes have been steadily eminating more loud and annoying noises from the rear wheels, so since I had the chance, and it was cheap ($9.99), and since it won't pass inspection if the brakes are shot, I had them do a check.

Come to find out, all brakes need attn. soon but aren't severe, just noisy. But I needed to have atleast 2 new front tires for inspection, and I had a nail in the right rear, the one I just replaced (w/ a $15 used tire from Lobo Tire) not three weeks ago. So I let them do the brake thing on the rear, but had a place to get cheaper tires.

-After watching the Morman Jeopardy Wizard win his 35th consecutive day ($1.1million +), and a couple guests into the Wayne Brady show... so about 10:15am... I then realize I need money. I cross Judson Rd. to Bank One, to use thier ATM and check my balance, and w/draw $160 in American currency.

-I head back to FTC. A distinct awareness of my situation ensues as I walk back towards FTC. I thank the Lord for easy breath. Finish the Wayne Brady show with Chaka Kahn as the Star Guest. I think they were promptly done w/ the brakes after that. I then tendered them $140.92 for their service and inspection stickerage (not applied yet but paid for, as I found out later).

~11:30am Leave FTC. Headed for Lobo Tire for my cheaper tires, and to check if they had 4 used 195/60r14's in stock, they did. $100 mounting, balancing & all. Told them I'd be back after lunch.

-Went to Todd Malone's house to see if the guys had our every other Tues. lunch together. Nope, didn't 'spect so.

-So I went to Longview Bank & Trust downtown, to use their ATM. I Don't Have My ATM Card!! In my rush to get out of the way of the driver waiting for me at Bank One's ATM, I had inadvertantly left my card in the machine, which I assume it promply ate. So, I head back to Bank One to find out if I can get my card back -nope. Can't get it back. They have it, but the machine cancels it upon ingestion, and "no bank can give back [another bank]s card" (my bank is East Tx Professional Credit Union).

-I utter the inescapable "Sheesh!" as I walk away from the Bank One building.

-I drive (Oh... no more noise from the brakes! Yay!!) over to ETPCU to apply for a check card (works more places than ATM card) which will arrive in "7-10 buisness days". And withdraw $100 the old fashioned way, for tires.

-Go back downtown to Lobo Tire. Get tires. $100.11

-Back to Firestone TC for proper inspection. Passed.

~2:00pm Lunch. KFC Roasted Chicken Strips Meal.

~2:43pm start writing this blog. It is now 7:23pm.

Suffering at TAMHWTS...

I would describe Suffering, as one of the most multidimensional experiences that is certain to befall any given individual. I often view it as specifically relative to each individual personality. That is to say, one person may struggle profoundly to wade through a certain bog, while another may seem to expend little or no energy across the same terrain. It could be said that one person may have more knowledge of what it takes to overcome specific obstacles placed in their path. While it may only be a matter of storing the right equipment for the trip, -at the risk of over-simplification... a pair of waterproof boots will hardly do as good a job, as comfortably as a 500hp airboat. Though to watch the struggle, evokes at some level a juxtapositioning of emotion -pity, for the soul who is stuck with only a pair of boots, yet at the same time, (with all due respect) a subdued glee... for being somehow cosmically spared from the situation.

Though to classify suffering only as a problem to be solved is probably somewhat of a social misconception. I can only speak from my own background, but it seems that we (in the Church for the most part) are taught to endure suffering for a time, until it passes. While perfectly understandable from a finite human standpoint, would hardly be classified as core doctrine. As a quick example, Jesus said Himself that "...you always have the poor, and whenever you wish can do good to them; but you do not always have Me (context implies here on earth)." (Mark 14:7) And "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their sorrows." (Ps. 147:3) That doesn't sound like a utopian life to me.

So much of the Father's character would be lost without the chance to give strength, and endurance, and hope to those who struggle... who should by all rights, be the ones least strengthened, least able to endure and resurrect hope from the depths of sorrow. And what of the people who witness the joyful during times of pain, how is it explained other than to the glory of God?

I guess if I gather it all together, what should be more often asked for is help... during the suffering and presence of mind to hope in what is yet to unfold, rather than to pray for everything to be taken away, -which might not be all of what the Lord has in mind.


Feel free to add your side...

Lessons learned at TAMHWTS

Don't do the Right Thing with the Wrong Muffin.

And, to hear and do the sãmá thing over-and-over again, is a little redundant (but still a good thing).

There, that should generate some questions -but only one per comment, please...you can comment more than once, but only one question per comment. It's all about class participation... parties that attended can only give random guesses to throw the rest off the path.

Thanks. You can comment guesses too! Ha. That should be fun.
-Joel

Justus Forealialus... LOL

For those of you familiar with the Hill, Dale and Pattti Epp in New Zealand are celebrating the birth of their second child, a boy whose name is none other than "Justus"! I was reading through the His Hill newsletter last night (well Sun. 12:30ish AM), and thought that was too good to pass up. I had no prior knowledge of this event as I wrote the previous post! (Below) Ha!...

Justus Updaticus

Justus Updaticus- (v): only of the specific matters of updation; (n): an abbreviated, or express rendering of privileged information that is offered to an often dedicated forum, which is subsequently available to all, or user a defined set of contacts; in colloquial terms: to "Just Update" or, "Just an Update" (coarse vernacular)

The rest of this post contains superfluous out dated info. Be forewarned.

Most of you who got the email to view this site should also be receiving the former post in actual letter form, and will hopefully be visiting again upon completion of said letter. "Hollo again." To those.

Nothing much new to speak of, at all really. Work in Marshall is fine. {For those of you who don't know, I work at East Texas Sports Center as what started out as part-time graphic art work, but has since turned into p/t 'data entry' for the screen printing orders that come in. This was necessitated by the lead screen printer deciding to quit (which is a mild explanation) at one of the busiest times of the year. So the f/t artist and I had to take over the paperwork end of things (something we knew little to nothing about) and now it's down to just me putting the orders in. But the work environment has severely calmed down in the last few mo.'s. So that's been nice.} I am still at TECH one day a week on Tuesdays, primarily to concentrate on deputation matters -that's how this gets written, you know.


Thanks to those of you who responded by email, or commented (or have tried to... please keep trying) !
-Joel K.


P.S.
If you would like to be on said mailing list, so that you may also receive letters in the likeness of the aforementioned nature, which in turn, will -dependent upon reciprocal action to view this site- induct you into this exclusive so-called "Hollo again." crowd... just shoot me an email w/ the address you would like them sent to, and the corresponding name of the addressee attached. Preferably these names of contact should be kept within the vicinity of one's own home/household and/or consenting family members. Unsolicited mail isn't something I fully endorse at this time, or even partially for that matter.

Letter from John Goodding

Dear friend,

As manager of Graphic Services, I am writing on behalf of Joel Kreider to give you an update on the development of his support team. I am pleased to tell you that, in recent months, he has made great progress in raising support to join Missionary TECH Team. Currently, Joel has $897 monthly support pledged of the $1700 recommended.

Joel’s skills are greatly needed at TECH. Several video and digital media projects are waiting for service at this time but we have no one on staff to work in this area. Joel would be able to help with video as well as to assist missions in literature and display design. I’m praying that Joel will have his full support raised by this fall so that we can better serve missions.

Please consider helping Joel with some of the following:
• Pray for additional supporters to join Joel.
• Give as God directs.
• Share Joel’s ministry with others.
• Inform Joel of contacts he could make to form a prayer and financial support team.
• Host a home meeting inviting your friends to hear about Joel’s ministry through Missionary TECH Team.

Thank you for your interest in what God is doing in Joel’s life. For updates and information from Joel, go to his web page at... http://joelknews.blogspot.com


In His Service,

John Goodding
Manager Graphic Services, Missionary TECH Team
25 FRJ Drive, Longview, TX 75602
903-757-4530 • Fax 903-758-2799 • www.MissionaryTECHTeam.org

First One

Welcome,

You have been invited to the very first update of the "Sometimes More Than Monthly, At Least Whenever I Remember To... Web log (Blog) Newsletter"

This is a fairly simple forum for me to have current (Re: above) information posted, for all with web access to consume, contemplate, and to be otherwise read silently to yourself, or quietly to the person(s) in your immediate area.