Tim's Blog

2012

2012-01-21T08:59:00.009-05:00

We are almost a month into the year of 2012. What has happened so far?

Well for starters our church http://www.eaglelakechurch.com/ is in a month long journey of prayer and fasting. It is called The Spiritual Awakening. We have seen a great shift in our attitude concerning the things of God and his kingdom. God has poured out his blessings in healing, salvation and baptism. Last Sunday seven children were baptized. Two were filled with his spirit and one last Friday night.

It is amazing what happens when we become involved with something bigger than ourselves.

There is not a lack of God in the earth today. There is a lack of hunger to seek him. I see over and over people who are looking for love in all the wrong places. The Bible said God is Love.

My family has dusted off our family alter in our home. We will not be lulled off into so much carnal stuff this year that we forget that we were born to serve others. I have read one book this year and started another to work on my spiritual man. My wife has read two and is starting her third.

The scriptures said to seek him and you shall find him. Keyword is SEEK.

Until next time God Bless and lets see 2012 be the most powerful year for the Kingdom of God.

Where is the Burden?

2011-08-20T19:29:00.007-05:00

I have been thinking lately about how many people are hurting and need someone to share some hope and love with them.

It seems like with such an abundance of technology that everyone would be happy and have more friends than they know what to do with but it is just the opposite. There is more confusion and loneliness than ever. You can hear and see it in the words of FaceBook and other social media sites. We are guilty of isolating ourselves and spending hours on trivial sites.

There is a cry in the world today to be accepted and and to have a since of belonging. You can see it in the way teenagers and adults engage in certain types of activities and behaviors.

When are we as a Christians going to get back to the basics of caring for our world and fellow human beings? Have we decided to just give up on people and ride out the storm without trying to rescue anyone along the way?

I think it's time to be more like Christ and rekindle the fire that was born in us we when were saved and allow the tears of compassion to flow again.

If you have stopped caring about people my prayer is that God will renew your passion for a fresh burden. There is no greater reward either financially or other that compares to seeing someone without hope be set free by the power of God.

2010-02-23T23:25:00.004-05:00

My family is so blessed. We've had a life changing experience over the past 11 years. As I look at two sisters I see two couragous young ladies. They are best friends and they have been by each others side every step of the way.

I am amazed at how God has has given Lorann a compassion for children like Lacey. She started high school this year and she is working toward becoming a neo natal nurse. She is already taking courses in that direction. She will make an awesome nurse!

Lacey is so amazing. You would not believe how she walks now. She is full of wisdom and humor.

Thank you again Dr. Song and the staff of Seattle Childrens Hospital for making Lacey's dream come true.

My Church Family

2009-11-16T22:29:00.009-05:00

Today I want to take a look at a common phrase used in many churches. It's called "My Church Family". We hear it often to describe our fellow church goers.

After a recent event at our church I was moved to asked myself is this just a phrase I use?

Our Bishop and founding Pastor's son and granddaughter were in an accident and both were ejected from the vehicle. His son was airlifted to the hospital with multiply fractures and a severe laceration to the back of his head. He will remain in rehab for a while. His granddaughter was badly bruised but sent home the next day to recover. All of this on the heels of a stroke he had in January of this year. Are you starting to feel what I mean when I say "My Church Family".

When the news came last Tuesday my heart was broken for this family. I went to the hospital immediately after work and his wife took me back to see him. He was on a ventilator, neck brace, stitches in his head and heavily sedated. I wanted to find a place and ball my eyes out. I really took on the meaning of "My Church Family" and allowed the hurt and pain of this family to penetrate my soul.

Webster's Dictionary states the definition of Family as: kin, tribe, folks, group or relatives.

The Bible tells us to bear ye one anothers burdens. The next time you hear "My Church Family" remember that when one member hurts we should all hurt as Christ intended.

I have accepted the burden of this family on my heart and will not be satisfied until my brother and sister in Christ are completely whole.

Please keep them in your prayers

God bless
Tim

The Power of a Vision

2009-10-20T21:51:00.008-05:00

I have a passion for photography! My first camera that I can remember owning was a Kodak 110. I don’t remember how old I was but I think I was around 13 or 14. In those days there were no digital cameras or for that matter not even a computer. I had the camera at Disney World in my shirt pocket. It was about an inch thick by about 4 inches long. I was jumping up and down on the rope bridge at Tom Sawyers Island and out came the camera just out of grasps reach and bubbled all the way to bottom of the pond. It may still be there some twenty five years later.

Cameras were a passion of my fathers. Some where from the early 1900’s and some were modern day. I am privileged now to have the collection since his passing. He even had a dark room at one point and developed some of his own pictures.

I find Photography fascinating and visually intriguing. You can never take two pictures just alike. Even of the same subject. You may have intended for one thing and something else shows up in the picture oblivious to you when you snapped the lens. It’s not always easy to explain or describe something you have seen. You may have seen a mountain with a beautiful white snow capped top and a small stream at the bottom and a deer standing in front of this magnificent scene. I gave you a visual description but there is no way I could ever do it justice like a picture could.

Jesus said without a vision my people parish. We must have God driven vision in our daily lives. We must continually be looking through the eyes of Christ.

As I become older my vision is not as good as it was in my teenage years. I now have glasses because of stigmatism. I don’t see as good at night as I did 20 years ago.

What God sees in people is exactly how photography works. The person or thing being photographed does not know what is being viewed from the lens. Only the photographer knows. Only God knows what he sees in us. You and I may see a person and say that would not make a good picture but God looks at the individual and snaps the lens of hope on that person. The next time you see a homeless person, a drunk, a drug addict or someone that doesn’t look like good subject matter remember God has the view through his lens.

Laceys Home

2009-04-30T19:52:00.002-05:00

Lacey and my family made it home safely on Tuesday night. She is doing good. Her incisions look good. She has rested up for the past couple of days and has enjoyed being back home.

I can't wait until the weekend. It's been a long week and I am ready to chill out and rest.

Take Care,

Tim

Lacey is Coming Home

2009-04-28T00:55:00.003-05:00

Lacey was released from the hosptial on Saturday afternoon. She is recovering at the hotel and they will be flying home tonight. She is feeling much better than the two days after surgery. Each surgery is always different as far as the recovery goes. As I said in the prior post it is amazing what the VEPTR has done for her.

I got home on Sunday and was very jet lagged. There is no place like home and sleeping in your own bed.

Thank you for all of your prayers!

Take Care,

Tim

Lacey's Surgery

2009-04-24T16:41:00.013-05:00

Well it's that time again and Lacey had surgery on her back this past Wed. in San Antonio, Tx.

The surgery went well. They had to do a little more than expected so her recovery has been slower than normal. Lacey has great doctors and nurses here that take very good care of her.

She has not been out of bed for the past two days. Usually after day two she is a lot better. We are hoping tomorrow is her turn around day and she gets out by Sunday.

I am amazed after 24 surgeries of what accomplishments have been made in her life. She is such a strong child but this time she was really emotional about it. I guess because she is almost 10 and it seems to her that it will never end. I would gladly take her place as almost any parent would do.

You would not believe how she is walking since surgery on her knees. She uses a walker but in a store or at home she is taking off walking without it. We would never have dreamed of the success on her knees. You have to remember this a girl who never walked until she was eight.

She told her mother and I Sunday that we were the two best parents in the world to take off work and be with her during her surgeries.

We are a blessed family!

Tim

It's been a while

2009-04-01T23:24:00.008-05:00

It's been well over a year since I posted anything on my blog.

I didn't run away and yes my Internet and computer were working. I will say it was a lack of commitment.

I have been thinking lately of two cousins that have been a big inspiration to me. I don't get to talk to them very often but this past weekend I left a voice mail for one of them to call me in hopes to meet up with him while he was in our state.

Today at lunch (now yesterday) my phone rang and it was him.
We talked a good 30 minutes about our kids, our jobs, church work and a host of other things.

I realized that if you and I are not careful we will let the busyness and lack of commitment rob us of a lot of great things and friendships in our lives.

For those of you who have checked my blog over and over to find nothing new. I commit to you something new.

PS

Lacey is doing amazing! Her surgery on her knees worked! She is walking with a walker and walking about 10 feet without it. There will more to come on her progress.

Thank you Dr. Kit Song and Seattle Children's Hospital. We will forever be grateful for what you did for her.

Until the next blog

Tim

Lacey's going back to Seattle

2007-11-30T21:05:00.000-05:00

Lacey, her mom, and her nanny(Tammy's mom) are headed back to Seattle tomorrow until Dec 16th. She will be getting her cast off, her braces put on, water and physical therapy everyday except Sundays while in Seattle. We are excited and they are going to try to get her to stand.

It is supposed to snow tomorrow and Sunday in Seattle. They are excited about that since it has not snowed here in our town since 1977.

Please keep them in your prayers so they have a safe flight.

Friendships

2007-11-27T22:28:00.000-05:00

This past weekend my wife and I ran into some friends at the mall who have been friends of ours for over 18 years. They have all moved away and we were shocked to run into them. They were in town for the Thanksgiving holidays to spend time with family. We were so thrilled to see them and their children and to see how they had grown. We reminisced about old times and talked about the latest news in all of our lives. It was such a wonderful time. I told my wife when we left how much I missed them after just spending a little bit of time there in the store with them.

That night I began to think about the friendships in my life and felt compelled to write the following about friendships from my prospective.

There are two types of friendships

Friendships for life

This is a friend that you will be connected to in some way all of your life. You may only see them or talk to them occasionally or everyday. They can be family members, a co-worker, a church friend, a high school friend or etc.

These types of friendships play an important role. They will always have some influence in our lives. When we see them it will be just as I described about seeing our friends over the weekend.

Friendships for a season

These are friends who been in your life at one time or another. It could have been a teacher, a coach, a peer, a person in a town you lived in and has since moved away.

Although you will probably never talk to them again or see them they played a valuable role as a friend at a certain time of your life. Their friendship meant a lot and when you think about not seeing them it makes you feel sad.

Both of these types of friendships have a place in your life.

What are the characteristics of friendships?

Memories : They contribute to a lot of memories. You have fun together. You cry together. You laugh together. You hurt together.

Honesty: You are honest with each other even if it hurts.

Confide: You can share your deepest secrets without the fear of it being told.

Unconditional: Friends give of their time and listen without expecting anything in return.

Disagreements: You can disagree in friendships and still have a relationship.

Forgiveness: There is forgiveness in friendships when things are done or said.

Others first: In friendships you will put your needs aside and your friends first.

Caring: Friends care about each other and are concerned about the welfare of them and their families.
Supportive: Friendships will be supportive and help you in difficult decisions.

Encouragement: Friendships will encourage you and help you in times of need.

As I was writing these thoughts I began to think of the many friendships in my life and to all THANK YOU for being a friend!

There have been so many that I could not list all of the people who have helped me in one of the 10 areas above.

I encourage each and every one of you to cultivate the friendships in your lives. As I reach the middle of my life I see even more the need for friendships.

Lacey's home

2007-11-15T19:29:00.000-05:00

Lacey and Tammy got home yesterday afternoon. They were really tired and have rested a little today. Lacey was very glad to be home. She said I really don't like the city of Seattle.

Thanks Again for all of your prayers

Laceys coming home!

2007-11-13T22:00:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know Lacey is coming home tomorrow. They leave tonight on the red eye and get home at noon.

She went to the doctor today and he is very pleased with her progress. We can't wait to see them. I will post more pictures when she gets home.

Update on Lacey Sunday 11-11

2007-11-11T07:41:00.000-05:00

Lacey give Tammy a little bit of a scare yesterday. Her right knee started popping Friday night and yesterday morning. At first they thought her plate may have come loose. They took her to the hospital yesterday. They checked her out and everything seems to be ok. Not sure what the popping is about. She will see the doctor on Tuesday for follow up. They are scheduled to fly home on Tuesday night so please keep her in your prayers.

Don't fall asleep on me

2007-11-10T22:33:00.000-05:00

I have done the night shift at the hospital for a while now when Lacey has her surgeries. Last year in the fall she had one of her rib expansions and did great. I was very tired and exhausted. The Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in S.A. Texas has day beds in the PICU units.

The night after this particular surgery I fell fast asleep. When I would hear the nurse or RT come in I would lay there and not get up as I usually do. When they would leave I would fall right back to sleep. The next morning she was talking and I called her PaPa to let her say hi. With her witty humor the first thing she told him was my dad didn't do anything last night but sleep. I started laughing. Needless to say I have never lived it down and now I make sure she sees me in the middle of the night.

That leads me to this story. The morning of this surgery in Seattle while Lacey was in the pre-op area waiting without prompting she looks at me and said hey Bud don't fall asleep on me this is a serious surgery so I asked her to repeat herself and videoed it. She's picked up the word bud and that made it even funnier.

I am so amazed at how she always tries to have a sense of humor even in times like these.

Update on Lacey Tues. 11-06 8:43 PM ET

2007-11-06T20:43:00.000-05:00

Lacey was discharged this afternoon from the hospital and back at RMH. Her mom said it was like turning on a light switch when she left. She was so happy to get out after just a day. We are counting down the days now for her arrival home.

Update on Lacey's Surgery Today 11-05 7:39ET

2007-11-05T19:38:00.000-05:00

Balloons from Special Friends!

Garden at Seattle Childrens Hospital!

Lacey had her cast removed today and her knees stretched some more and a new cast. She now has a bar at the feet and the knees. They also made molds for her legs for her braces. The doctor got another 5 to 7% correction on both knees. They both were 90% and now the left leg is around 13% and the right leg is around 23%. They will improve even more with therapy. Her vitals were a little rocky this afternoon but has improved. She will stay the night in PICU. As expected she is in a lot of pain again.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers.

Update on Lacey Sunday 11-04 10:40PM ET

2007-11-04T22:40:00.000-05:00

Lacey had a better day today and a better night last night. So far today she has not thrown up. She will go to the hospital in the morning at 7:15 PT for her new cast,stretching her legs some more and fitted for braces. She will have an overnight stay in the hospital.

I picked my oldest daughter up tonight from the airport. She was so sad to have to leave her mom. I feel really bad for her. There is nothing like a mothers love. Her aunt tried to comfort her and that helped a little.

She took a few pictures of Lacey and Seattle while she was there so we looked at them before she fell alsleep.

The pictures above are some that she took.

Take care and thanks for your prayers!

Update on Lacey 11-02 8:54PM Eastern Time

2007-11-02T19:53:00.000-05:00

Lacey has still been in a lot of pain for the past two nights. She was throwing up again last night. Her sister and aunt got there yesterday and that lifted her spirits a little.

She will be going into surgery again on Monday 11-05 at 7:15AM. They are going to remove this cast and stretch her legs some more and recast her. The doctor did not want to put too much stress on her knees, tendons and etc in the initial surgery. They will also fit her for her braces.

Please keep Tammy and her mom in your prayers they have gotten little sleep and still have a long way to go.

The picture is one of Lacey's happy moments the night before surgery.

Thanks again for all of your e-mails, calls, gifts and prayers!

Update on Lacey Wed 11:40PM Eastern Time

2007-10-31T22:40:00.000-05:00

Lacey had a restless night last night and threw up this morning but seems to be doing better tonight. They had a little party at the RMH and she felt like going down for it. Tammy said it helped get her mind off of the pain.

My oldest is flying out with her aunt in the morning to see her mom until Sunday. I will miss them all. She is very excited.

Take Care and thanks for the prayers.

Update on Lacey Tuesday 9:53PM Eastern Time

2007-10-30T20:52:00.000-05:00

Lacey is doing better. She is still in some pain. She was discharged today and is at the Ronald McDonald House where she will recoup until November 14th. She is making progress.

I made it home this morning and went to work today. It's 10:00 oclock and I think I have already taken about three naps since I have been home from work. That's the first time I have taken a red eye flight and I managed to sleep about three hours.

I was so glad to see my other daughter today!

It has been raining all night due to the tropical storm Noel. We have just been hanging out at the house tonight.

Thanks for your continued prayers!

Update on Lacey Monday 10-29 6:36PM Pacific Time

2007-10-29T20:28:00.000-05:00

It's not been a good day for Lacey today. She was throwing up again in the night last night and this morning. She had trouble using the bathroom and they finally got that resolved this afternoon.

Her hemoglobin is low and they talked about a transfusion but the doctor wants to wait. He will check her on Monday. Se will be put to sleep on Monday to change her cast and fit her for her braces. She will be in the hospital overnight.

I am flying home tonight leaving here at 11:15PM and getting to Orlando in the morning at 9:30 via Cincinnati. I am going to work around noon. I will try to post more pictures later on in the week.

Please continue to keep Lacey in your prayers and thanks for the phone calls and e-mails.

Update on Lacey Sunday 9:00PM Pacific Time

2007-10-28T23:11:00.000-05:00

Lacey is still very miserable today. When she woke up this morning it actually looked like today was the turn around day but she threw up twice and slept most of the afternoon and tonight. The casts are so uncomfortable and she cannot move by herself. I am hoping and praying before I leave she will get much better. It's not a pleasant thought to be across the country from your sick child. We are just going to trust that tomorrow is going to be a brighter day.

They came around earlier today with a pet Therapy Dog. That brought a little cheer to her.

This was the beautiful sunset tonight outside of Lacey's window.

Thanks for your continued prayers!

Update on Lacey Saturday 8:00PM Pacific Time

2007-10-27T21:52:00.000-05:00

Lacey has still been in a lot of pain. It is very hard for her to get comfortable with the cast and the bar inbetween it. She was restless all night last night and today. Everytime I would fall asleep she would call my name to try and adust her position in bed. They are weaning her off of iv meds and going to oral.

Tammy and I got out of the hospital for a little while this afternoon. It is so beautiful here right now. Pictures can't even do it justice.

I am back on the night shift again tonight and I am not looking forward to leaving to come home on monday. I am looking forward to seeing my other daughter. I miss her dearly.

I have shared this story with some about a vision I had when Lacey was about three. It was on a Sunday night and I was on the platform with my eyes closed praying. It was one of those awesome services where God's presence was so strong. I remember it so well that I can still see it in my head. I saw her STANDING by the baby grand piano and she was eight with long red hair and she had a mike in her hand singing a song.

Here is the cool part! She was scheduled for surgery on her knees two times in Orlando when she was five and six. Both times it did not work out so we decided we would wait for a while. We have always went on pray and our parenting gut feeling about what to do for Lacey's care.

In the summer of 2006 her Doctor in San Antonio, Tx that does her titanium ribs told us about Doctor Kit Song here in Seattle. My wife made an appointment in May and flew here with Lacey for clinic. Keep in mind Lacey was now seven. So after her surgery this past September on her rib expansion my wife contacted Seattle and we set up a date. I was praying and trying to get an answer as well as my wife about this surgery because our parenting gut feeling was not working this time. On Friday morning Oct 5th I was in a meeting and my vision hit me. I got chills and knew this was right.

Then this morning I was laying here thinking about her surgery and her standing by the piano. In that vision 5 years ago I did not see her healed just that she was standing. This was my thought this morning. Could it have been that her singing the song was actually Dr Kit SONG who would operate on her knees when she was EIGHT years old? We are convinced that the other two times did not work out for this reason. If God ever gives you a vision in due season it will come to pass.

Thanks Again for your continued prayers!

Update on Lacey 9:30PM Pacific Time

2007-10-26T23:33:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Lacey has been in a lot of pain today! They are keeping her pretty sedated.

Her nanny got here this afternoon.

The Doctor came in this morning and said he got the correction he was looking to get. Can you see the differnce in the picture?

I went back to the Ronald McDonald House this afternoon to get some rest and came back here at 7:30 to do the night shift. It's been a long two days and she will have a long way to go but we are so excited for her chance to walk.

There was a heavy frost this morning and it was 39 degrees.

Thanks again for your prayers and I will update tomorrow
(sat).

Tim

Lacey's in Surgery 11:30 Pacific Time

2007-10-25T14:06:00.000-05:00

Lacey has been in surgery for about an hour. We just got paged that everything is going good so far. She should be finished around 5 eastern time.

I can't tell you how much YOUR prayers have impacted us. Although we are nervous we feel a peace.

This is a wonderful hospital and everyone is so kind. Lacey was very upset so they let me suit up and take her back to the OR.

Lacey's Pre-op Day

2007-10-24T22:04:00.000-05:00

Hi! I just wanted everyone to know we had Lacey's pre-op today. It was very encouraging. The Doctor explained what he will do and they took x-rays. We feel a lot more at ease. Lacey was giving me the thumbs up during her x-rays. Surgery time should be around 12:30 eastern time and last about 3 1/2 hours. I will give you an update as soon as I can tomorrow.

It is rainy and in the 50's and cold. There are a lot of fall colors right now. It's a nice break from 90 degrees.

Take care and thanks for your continued prayers!

If this hammer head could speak!

2007-09-29T22:15:00.000-05:00

If this hammer head could speak it would tell you the first time I had an encounter with it I was around six or seven years old.

It would tell you that we were introduced by my father. He was a foreman at a truss plant at the Bartow Airbase and the year would have been around 1970. There was a building boom at the time and my dad was responsible for the trusses on many of the homes and businesses in this and surrounding counties.

It would tell you that my father made a mistake one day at the plant and did the ultimate no no! He was pulling up a metal truss plate off of a truss. He had the claws of the hammer under the plate and he struck the head of the hammer with the head of another hammer. A piece of the head of the hammer under the truss plate chipped off (see photo) and he felt a burning sensation in his left arm. He looked down and there was blood on his arm. The chip of metal had buried in his arm just missing an artery. He was taken to the emergency room where it was removed and he recovered. He learned his lesson that day and he taught me to never, never strike two hammer heads together for any reason.

This hammer head would tell you it was not finished after the mistake at the truss plant.

The next major project it would participate in would be the construction of a work shed that my dad would build at our house around 1972. It nailed the trusses together and built the walls and was used to nail the tin top and sides to the shed. Even with a chipped head it was still a workhorse.

Now as a boy my Dad’s tools was a totally cool thing to me. This was not a cheap hammer but an American made one. I dreamed of the day that it would be mine and I could build my own projects with it. I remember the words be careful, don’t smash your thumb, hammer the nails straight etc. as my dad would teach me to use it. He was a patient teacher. I will be forever grateful for those hot summer days spent helping my dad on all of the projects. It seemed that the hot summer months was the best time to do anything outside.

The next project for this hammer head would be around 1975. My dad’s shed was full of junk I mean stuff so it was time to build more room for more stuff. It would have been a crazy notion to just get rid of some of the stuff! So again the hammer went to work adding on a 6 x 8 addition to the shed. It worked hard once again nailing the walls, the top and the sides on.

So by now you would think this hammer would be ready for early retirement but not yet there was a lot more work to be done.

Now the next project for this hammer would be in1976. This was the big one and I can sum it up in two words (The Roof). This was the year of the USA’s 200 years of independence! This poor hammer was looking for its independence. I would have opted to have a year long independence celebration. The hammer would be used to nail on every asphalt shingle by hand four nails per shingle. I was 12 so I pounded quite a few of those nails. Now 30 years later and my back still Aches just thinking about it.

It would tell you it took a little rest for a couple years and was not used except for minor repairs and stuff. It was used to build a small garden fence during this time but after the roof, the hammer would have been glad to accept almost any job with gladness.

The year was around 1978 and this was the time of redwood patios and redwood patio furniture. You guessed it my dad pulled out his old trusty hammer and went to work again. Once again the hammer nailed the walls and nailed the top on the patio. This hammer had 8 years of experience that I knew about.

Surely it was time for the antique display case. The hammer had help make so many improvements to our home. It was like family. Then in 1980 my dad decided to buy a pallet business. The hammer was probably thinking I should have finished you off at the truss plant! It would work for ten more years hammering nails and repairing 1000’s of pallets.

Then the day came that my dad said son I want to give you this hammer. I was in my twenties and I was over whelmed with excitement. I had dreamed as I said earlier of some day owning this hammer. I didn’t put it in an antique display case nor did I replace the worn out handle. I did not build any of the projects I wanted a build as a boy with it but I put it in a box with some of my other keep sakes. My dad passed away four years ago and I the words you read today speaks to me through my memories of this hammer head. I still have it and I will never depart with it for any amount of money.

I will never forget the important things that my father taught me. He was my very own Superman. He could do anything he wanted to do. He was an achiever. He was a man who loved you for what you are. He was a funny man. If he had something he made sure you had one just like it. He gave to the poor. He helped his neighbors. If you were around him for a short time you would sense his warmth.

Had some people owned this hammer all it would have ever done was maybe tap a nail in the wall for a picture. Because of the dreams of my Father this hammer and I had a lot of adventures together. Thank you Dad!

You might be wondering why this story now. My company supported a Habitat for Humanity Home for a disabled lady last year. We volunteered time and built a house for her.
One of my coworkers brought in a hammer that he borrowed from another coworker for this project. When I saw the hammer this story and the memories began to brew in my mind and the thought came to me “If this hammer head could talk”.

To be honest with you I penned these words on September 13,2006 and put the story in edit mode. We are once again this year building another house for a family and I remembered that I never posted this story.

Lacey's Surgery

2007-09-25T21:06:00.000-05:00

Well its been a little while since I have posted anything. No excuse I just haven't done so.

We just got back from San Antonio, TX last week. Lacey had another surgery on her back and she did awesome. She is such a trooper. She had it on Sept 11Th and on Sept the 12Th was back at the hotel. I am amazed. She has not complained about pain and she has almost a 5 inch incision. The morning after surgery I tried to get her to eat breakfast and she said "dad I am not really in to hospital food" She always has a line.

We are preparing to possibly go to Seattle, WA to have surgery on her knees either in late Oct or early November. Tammy went there in May with her and they are almost certain she will be able to walk after surgery and therapy. She wants it so bad. Please help us pray we make the right decision. There is no question in her mind.

If it happens I will keep this blog updated.

Take Care and thanks for your prayers!

Two Grandmothers

2007-05-16T21:42:00.003-05:00

This past weekend was Mothers day. It would one of the most unique mothers day for me!

One grandmother has been gone from this life for 24 years. She was such a great lady. A Godly woman who prayed daily and loved her family. She didn't have a lot of money in this life but she was rich in her faith in God. Her prayer warrior spirit is one of the reasons why four of her grandsons and a great grandson are ministers today. She only knew about one of them in this life.

My other grandmother is 88 and has outlived my father. March 15th of this year she fell and broke her hip. She had hip replacement surgery and as a result has been relocated to a nursing home to live the rest of her days. She is very confused and suffering from dymentia. She can no longer walk and is confined to a wheel chair. Her independence has been stripped. Just three months ago she was living on her own and enjoying life to the best of her ability. She is also a Godly woman who raised four children by herself.

Now the reason this was such a cool mothers day. I along with my mother drove 940 miles on Saturday and Sunday to see her for mothers day. My dads two brothers and sisters were also there. When we walked into her room on Saturday her eyes lit up.

The grave yard is about a mile from where the nursing home is located. So we went and put flowers on grannys grave and then went to see my other one.

I can't tell you the feelings that were racing through my heart.

I then raced home on Sunday to see the wonderful mother of my own children.

What are you doing with your Gift?

2007-04-21T22:12:00.001-05:00

Have you ever really thought about what a GREAT gift you have if you are Spirit Filled? It is the coolest thing you will ever have in this life. I often take it for granted.

You see we are not exempt from trials and temptations but with the Spirit of Christ we are over comers. When the chips are down and we gather together with other believers and began to worship the one who created us we immediately began to fill the refreshing waters of the spirit drenching our soul.The trials and temptations began to fade.

The enemy likes to discourage us from coming together and worshipping. Without worship we will dwell on our problems and end up discouraged and quit the race.

So now to the question of "What are you going to do with your Gift"?

2 Timothy 1:6
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Luke 14:23
And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

We have to compel people. Is it easy? No. I have been in sales for quite a long time and what you believe in you will sell. There has been product that I didn't like or believe in and I didn't sell it.

Once we are convinced about our Gift we can sell or share the plan of salvation. We have an awesome church as many of you do. Ask the Lord to help you share your Gift with someone and watch your local church burst at the seams with growth!

The lost needs your Gift!

Watch this video presentation from the Pentecostals of Salt Lake City, Utah. They are doing something with their Gift!

Sharing Their Gift!

I AM BACK!

2007-04-17T21:01:00.000-05:00

Who would have ever guessed my last post would have been Jan 1st. What a busy year!

I have two explanations.

The first one is I like to tell stories with pictures and I sold my camera thinking I would upgrade to an SLR. Then I decided I liked my Canon S2 and I have been waiting on the S4 to come out to replace it.

Number Two: where has the past 3 and 1/2 months gone.

I started the year off with play practice for an Easter program one night a week until Easter. It was tiring but worth it.

I went to see my grandmother in Jan. to surprise her for her 88Th birthday. She fell and broke her hip four weeks ago and had emergency surgery. She is not doing very good.

My daughter had another surgery in Texas in February. I spent a week in the Lone Star State. She did great.

We have been doing a major upgrade to one of our company websites. So I have been spending a lot of hours on that.

This is the condensed version of the past three and 1/2 months.

A friend made me stop and think the other day that I am too busy. His statement was your talking to me but your not. So I am slowing down. Camera or no camera watch for a few posts coming soon!

P.S. When I finally decided to post I had to switch over to the new blogger. Then I decided to give my blog a makeover! What fun!

Happy New Year

2007-01-01T00:37:00.000-05:00

I would like to wish everyone a Happy and prosperous New Year!

Old Barns

2006-12-16T11:28:00.000-05:00

I love old barns! My grandparents as I stated in a previous
post had a 40 acre farm.One of my favorite things on the farm was the barn.

Barns come in all shapes and sizes. As we were driving through the mountains of Tennessee at Thanksgiving I took a few pictures of some barns. The first one I snapped I was going about 25mph because of cars behind me.

Click on the pictures to enlarge

Cozumel

2006-12-05T21:49:00.000-05:00

Wow, how time flys. It's been twenty days since my last post. I have been really busy.Here are more pictures of my cruise. For those of you in the north you will appreciate these pictures right now!

Carol Jean

2006-11-15T22:33:00.000-05:00

I took these pictures as we were leaving Key West on friday afternoon around 2:30PM. When I saw this fishing boat my mind begin to wonder. They were headed to port so perhaps they had been out most of the day or even days. I wondered where did the boat get its name? Was it the Captains wife or a lady of long ago? You can tell by the pictures that this vessel has made many voyages. What kind of fish had they caught? I was amazed at the big nets on the sides. If I could I would have interviewed this crew. What incredible stories they could have told about life in the Keys aboard the Carol Jean!

The Island of Key West

2006-11-14T20:54:00.000-05:00

These pictures are of Key West and I took them on the top deck of the ship. It gives you a great view of the Island!

The red building is a museum and it just pops out of the picture.
Click on the pictures to enlarge.

The Gazing Ball

2006-11-10T23:03:00.000-05:00

I took this shot on the pool deck of the ship. If you have looked at my previous posts you would have seen this complete piece of art. The reflection of this ball tells a story.

Ernest Hemingway House

2006-11-04T07:34:00.000-05:00

One cool piece of history that I visited in Key West was the house of famed author Ernest Hemingway. There was a guided tour and you could just feel yourself stepping back into the 1930's. I love history so for me it was a highlight!

It was in Key West that Ernest would produce up to 700 finished words a day for nine years. That's amazing! No computer, no spell check, no book writing software just him and his type writer. You will see a picture of his second story studio.

Pauline his wife when he lived in Key West spent $20000.00 dollars on an inground pool. It had to be dug by hand and took over three years to build. It had to be filled with salt water because in the thirties there was no running water on the island. This process would take three days and it would last for five days and then have to be drained and refilled again. He was not happy so he took a urinal from the old Sloppy Joes and laid it down for a drinking pool for the cats to get even with her. She said THAT urinal has to go. He said get rid of your pool and I will get rid of mine. The vase that flows into it is from Cuba. The guide said the cats would not drink out of the pool. There is such a thing as a smart cat! There are 46 cats on the property that are the descendants of Ernest's polydactyl cats. Thses are cats that have extra toes.

There is a lot more to see and learn just go to http://www.hemingwayhome.com/HTML/house.htm

The Key West Lighthouse

2006-11-01T23:11:00.000-05:00

The Enchantment of the Seas

2006-10-30T21:31:00.000-05:00

Day 1 Leaving Port

2006-10-29T21:17:00.000-05:00

Cruising

2006-10-28T22:22:00.000-05:00

My wife and I along with another couple went on a cruise together to celebrate our anniversaries . It was our 17th. Our ports of call were Ft Lauderdale, Fl , Key West , Cozumel Mexico and Ft Lauderdale. It was a blast! If you have never been on a cruise you owe it to yourself to go. I ate more food in four days than a man should. The weather was perfect except for some short showers. I will be posting a few pictures over the next few days I hope you enjoy them Please feel free to give me feedback!

Day 1 Waiting on the top
deck to leave the port!

Day 1 This is one of my favorites. I turned
around and here is this pirate holding
his head in his hand!

Day 1 We are headed out to Sea!

Golf Balls that go Splash

2006-10-16T19:11:00.000-05:00

Have you ever thought of how ingenious a golf course is with all of the shots over water? It makes me wonder if the golf ball makers sponsor some of the holes. A dozen Titleist balls cost around $45.00 and one lousy or should I say challenging shot can cause you to lose a dozen balls if you so desire.

I remember a few years back I was on a course and there was the intimidating tee off over water shot. It was maybe a 250ft long by 150ft wide pond. The drive was not over the entire pond but the green was just off to the left enough for THE DREADED WATER SHOT. I squared my shoulders back to do battle with this little menace pond. You guessed it, plunk splash and it was gone. I said to the pond you want some of me and I pulled another ball out of my bag. Plunk splash just like the first one. I said to myself ok you have had it now pond and I pulled another ball out and plunk splash. After plunk splash number five I gave up and I am sure the little pond was laughing hysterically. By my calculations if I hadn't stopped I would not have enough balls to finish the course.

I watched and heard people at the Golf Tournament that I just photographed say I am out of balls do you have any extra. That last water shot did me in. It felt good to know I am not the only one who loses balls in the water.

If you think about it a Golf Course pond is like a wishing well at the mall only it cost a lot more money. Your not throwing in nickels and pennies but round dollars.

Now you may ask what happens to all of those round dollars when they land in a Golf Course wishing pond. I can assure you there is no lost and found to pick them up.

This is where golf ball diving comes into play. Jeff Lehman from Salt Lake City makes a living retreiving golf balls and selling them back to the golf courses.

The 55 year old Florida native collects 3000 golf balls a day and gets paid 6 cents each. Yes that golf ball that cost you $3 or $4 dollars now fetches a mere 6 cents and then will be marketed back to you again for $1 to $2 dollars. I wonder how many times some of those golf balls have been down to the bottom of the pond and sold over and over.

According to Lehman there are some in this line of work who have become millionaires.

While I was driving around photographing the Golf tournament I found one of those divers in the water and later on the shore. I wish I would have interviewed him because like Lehmen I am sure he would have some very interesting stories to tell.

Anybody for a game of golf?

Lehman's Story http://www.cdnn.info/news/industry/i050701.html

A Day out of the Office

2006-10-10T21:07:00.000-05:00

I had the privilege of working out of the office this past Friday. We had a supplier meeting with our Ford Rotunda equipment division at the Marriott World Center in Orlando, Fl. There were around 150 in attendance. There were around 80 suppliers and 20 or so Ford team members.

I arrived Thursday night and checked in and the room was really nice. A big king size bed and a beautiful balcony view. We had meetings on Friday morning and in the afternoon there was a golf tournament. I had been asked to take photos of the days events by our marketing person. I drove around on Friday afternoon in a golf cart taking photos. Here are some of the days pictures. It was a great time! My favorite is the rainbow reflecting off of the fountain in the pond. I did actually take some pictures of the golfers but I took advantage of a lot of the beauty along the path of the course!

Sunset

2006-09-26T21:18:00.000-05:00

Sunset is my favorite time of the day. It's the time when another day comes to a close and the earth and most of it's inhabitants rest unless you work the night shift.

Festival Bay Mall Orlando, Fl

Lake Ariana Auburndale, Fl

Don't weep for me!

2006-09-23T21:25:00.000-05:00

As I approached the door of my office this past Wed. Morning I was greeted outside by one of our sales managers in tears with the grim news. She told me one of our very own had passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack while on vacation with his family. He was a man in his 50's that I have known for the last 10 years.

As I sat in my office I could not help but think of receiving the very same news about my father while I was at work 3 years ago.

Then this thought came to me about Russ (Don't Weep for me!). I am not a poet but I felt something inside began to stir and I penned the words below. If you knew Russ you would agree this is what he would have said.

Don't weep for me!

Don't weep for me now that I am gone.
I have left this earth for my Heavenly home!

I left behind things undone
but this past week I had so much fun!

To my family at ISN
Thank you for being such wonderful friends!

When you walk in the office and down the aisle
Just remember that Russ Cunningham smile!

Take care of my customers and tell them not to be sad.
There was never a day in my life that was really bad!

I have finished my course and I have kept the faith.
Thank God for his Amazing Grace!

Tim P.

News of 1874

2006-09-14T05:04:00.000-05:00

Butler County, Alabama

1-29-1874 Greenville Advocate

Robbery.--Mr. Hugh BLACK, living near Fort Dale, in this county, says his residence was entered on Tuesday night week by a thief, and money to the amount of $246 was taken from his pants, while lying on the bed in which he was sleeping. One hundred and ten dollars was in gold, the balance in United States currency. The thief took Mr. Black's horse and rode him some distance, and then turned him loose. The horse came back. Robberies are becoming frequent in this and surrounding neighborhoods. Keep your double barrel well-loaded with buck shot, and when you can, give the scoundrels a taste of lead.

Airborn

2006-09-12T21:45:00.000-05:00

I took these pictures at Sea World in Orlando, Florida on April 14th, 2006.

Vegas Lights

2006-09-09T22:37:00.000-05:00

For five years I was a product manager for the company I am currently employed by. One of the cool things that it included was a trip to Las Vegas every year for the Aapex and NACE tool shows. http://www.aapexshow.com/.

I am not a gambler but every time I went to Vegas I was intrigued by the millions of lights and the many great wonders down the 3 mile strip ! The city truly never sleeps. The only free time I would have was at night so I would walk down the strip taking in all of the beautiful sites.

I remember as a boy watching boxing matches live from Caesers Palace and to actually see it was totally awesome. I captured these photos the last time I was there in November 2003.

When you think of the desert you think of a hot place but it was usually chilly in Nov-Dec, ok it was downright cold for a Florida man. It was the one time I could count on wearing my leather jacket.

I only wish back then I would have had my Cannon S2 IS. These pictures were taken with my now retired Sony Cyber Shot DSC-P31.It had a whopping 2.0 mega pixels.I shouldn't be too hard on it because this is where I got the digital camera fever and I took a lot of photos with it.

Hot Air Balloon

2006-09-06T05:30:00.000-05:00

I was on my way to work this past March. When I got to the end of my street and started to turn right I saw this hot air balloon just above the tree tops. I turned around and raced back to my house and grabbed my camera just in time for the balloon to be drifting by the side of my house. The balloon was from Fantasy of Flight which is about 8 miles from my house. This is a museum of old airplanes located off of I-4 between Tampa and Orlando Florida. You can actually take a Hot Air Balloon Ride. http://www.fantasyofflight.com/balloon.htm

The Transformation

2006-09-04T20:37:00.000-05:00

I had an added bonus on Saturday. There was a caterpillar transforming into a chrysalis. In a matter of an hour it was a chrysalis. Two weeks ago I was working in my garden and I watched as a Monarch layed her eggs on the leaves of the milkweed. I counted 10 caterpillars this week. I hope to capture this Monarch when it's transformation is complete.

The Transformation Part I

The Transformation Part II

The Transformation Part III

Super Macro

2006-09-04T19:05:00.000-05:00

I experimented with the super macro mode on my Cannon S2 this weekend. I went on a photo shoot in my butterfly garden on saturday morning. These are a few of the pictures I took.

I am hooked on this camera now!

Harmony

ET Wasp

Bug Work

Web Designer

Mushroom View

Bush Daisy

The Confrontation

The Peace Rose

2006-08-28T16:04:00.000-05:00

My wife was going through a difficult time last year and I knew that she liked roses so I went by the local garden center after work and decided to take her home a rose bush. I searched through the rose bushes and I found one called the Peace Rose. I brought it home that night and told her I had brought some peace to her life! It made her night!

I planted it in view of our front porch and our large living room window. It has produced a lot of beautiful roses over the past year and we have enjoyed looking out the window and admiring them.

The History

Among the roses, the ‘Peace’ rose is unique. It has truly played a significant role in world peace. It was christened the day that Berlin fell in 1945. That same year, Dr. Ray Allen, secretary of the American Rose Society, arranged for each of the 49 delegations at the inaugural meeting of the United Nations in San Francisco to receive a bud vase with a single, long-stemmed ‘Peace’ rose. He attached the following note, “We hope the ‘Peace’ rose will influence men’s thoughts for everlasting world peace.”

On the fiftieth anniversary of the rose’s introduction, the firm responsible for its creation released some notes that Francis Meilland had recorded about the plant. He and his father were owners of Meilland, the legendary French rose firm. He wrote, “For all people of good will who love flowers and the rose in particular, it gives the opportunity to praise God with ‘Gloria Dei,’ (the name under which the rose was known in Germany) to conquer life with a smile—with ‘Gioia,’ (the name the Italian rose growers gave the plant) to wish for peace with ‘Peace,’ and for us it is an everlasting remembrance of Mme. A. Meilland.”

This is the most popular, best selling garden rose of all time. Over a hundred million have been sold.

The Gentle Rain

Almost always after pulling in the driveway I go over and look to see how it’s doing.
I came home from work on July the 12th of this year and there had been a gentle rain.
When I walked over to the bush this is what I saw. The pedals had gentle rain droplets resting on them and some almost ready to drop off. It was like God himself had painted a picture for me to admire. I got my camera to capture the moment! The picture speaks for itself!

Are you Ready?

2006-08-26T19:06:00.000-05:00

Click on the link and watch closely!

http://www.youtube.com/v/SmLhyPjHVes

Trials and Faith in God in 1850

2006-08-25T21:41:00.000-05:00

I found this old letter searching for some information about my family( he is not related to me) . This man can truly say he knows what trials are all about. The letter was written in 1850 to his Brother, sister, and nephew from him, so allow your mind to take you back 156 years ago. After I read this I thought why should I ever complain. What amazed me so much was his faith in God! I think you will agree we may have it rough sometime but this man carried a heavy heavy burden.

September 17th, 1850 Homer, Louisiana
Written to
Mr. Perlemon Pate
Murphysboro
Illinois
Dear Brother and Sister and Nephews
We once more take our pen in hand to inform you that we are all in tolerable health at this time hoping that when these lines reaches you they may find you all enjoying the same state of health and happiness. If I could see you I would say a great many things that I shall not attempt to right in this letter. I recieved a letter from you about the first of June that you had wrote last Winter which gave us great pleasure to hear from you all once more that you were all well and doing well and also that you hadn't forgotten us entirely as that is all we have heard from you in three years and if you are so lucky as to get this letter I want you to right me one this is the first time I have written to you in three years for which I ask your pardon and I hope you will forgive me my neglect knowing that he would be forgiven must forgive and may God give you a forgiving heart is my prayer for Christ sake who suffered and died for us all that we through him'might obtain eternal life. I said that we were all in tolerable health and so we are except on last Friday I was helping one of my neighbors raise a house and cut my foot very bad. I have not walked since, though I think it will get well soon as this is the fourth day and it looks in a healing condition. My dear Brother my only excuse for not writing to you often is the continual bad luck I have in my family. We have buried three of our children since we have been in this country and have had three born here. The first one we lost was little BAGLEY PAYTON PATE, was drowned on the 24th October 1842, he was the baby when we left Tennessee you know the next was ALFRED V. PATE on the 24th of October 1847 with out a moments warning he was called to eternity it was on Sunday evening he had been off some where in the neighborhood and come home just before sundown and without his dinner he asked his Mother for something to eat, she gave him some. The other children were out at the cotton house playing on the cotton it was now about sundown and his mother told him to go and tell the other children to come to their supper. He went Out there and told them He told BLAKE to make hast back and play with him on the cotton and when BLAKE went back he had grabbed a hole in the cotton some three feet deep about the size of a body and was in that hole head foremost and was dead. He had not been from the house more than a halfhour in good health so far as we know my Dear Brother you must try to imagine my feelings which I am writing you those berievements in my family for I right with a heart full of sorrows yet I have a hope when the last trumpet is sounded that we will meet again in a better world than this where parting is no more. My dear Brother I give glory to God who has given us hope beyond this veil of tears my dear Brother I don't want to hurt your feelings and I hope I shall not but I must speak the truth. We are all Methodist here in the spring of 1848. Myself, my wife and EMELINE all joined the church my wife as a professor of religion and myself and EMELINE as seekers and so we went on untill fall in September the camp meeting came on well I went there the day it commenced which was Thrusday the 27th of September and stayed untill it broke up and on Friday night about ten or eleven I felt that I got a hope of a better inheritance than the things of this vane world can give and through faith in Jesus I hope to get to heaven where parting is no more my Dear Brother I pray God that you and yours may meet us there. Brother pray for it you see this was in 1848. Well in July 1849 I took the fever I had a short spell and got about again in August I took the conjestive fever and I had a close call of it I lay eleven days without eating a mouth full I had two doctors waiting on me they both thought it a bad chance for me ever to recover but they still worked on for they said that there was some hope as long as there was life and I felt that the Lord Blest the means in the hands for I must confess I had gave up myself but Bless God I felt resigned. to his will. The Doctors gave me calomel every two hours for night and days before they broke the fever and when the fever left me I was badly salivated but I recovered so I could walk about the house a little and then took the chills and fever which lasted me untill February since then I have been in reasonable health and here I must tell you of another death in our family while I was sick and not able to get out of bed our little daughter JANE S. PATE took the fever and died the ninth day which was the 21st of September 1849 and dear brother these things seem for us to bear unless we are resigned to the will of God and I believe that all these earthly losses is our faith in heaven. We brought four children here and have but four yet I will give you their names: POLLY EMELINE, BLAKE THACKSTON, SARAH FRANCIS, PEMBROOK SUMMERETTE PATE. He is the youngest and was two years old the 29th of June last and he is some pumpkin I recon my wife is in better health than she was but her health is not good yet. Our daughter EMELINE made a profession of religion last Sunday at a protracted meeting that was held in the neighborhood the meeting a week we have very good crops in this country this year our cotton is first and it is thought is will bring form ten to fifteen cents a pound I think it will make ten bales this year if I can save it all but picking in cold weather is bad work, since I wrote to youlast we had our parish divided and the court house was located within five miles of my house and the town is called Homer We have a splendid brick court house there is six stores there and some fifty families in the place. When you right direct letter to Homer I reckon I had better quit so farewell to-
ANTHONY PATE

The Estates

2006-08-23T22:41:00.000-05:00

There's never been a better place to grow your dreams. The rich soil of North Auburndale has become home to "The Estates of Auburndale," a new home community unlike any other you'll find in Central Florida. Take root at the Estates of Auburndale, a gated community with quality homes from the low $300's.

The Estates of Auburndale

A few Sundays ago my wife and I did something we use to do a lot and enjoy. We took a drive looking at new housing developments. We drove to "The Estates of Auburndale" It has been well advertised and featured in several articles. The land was carved out of an old Orange Grove. What at one time was a land of labor is now a land of beauty. When you drive down the highway and you come to the entrance to The Estates there is a big beautiful Stone wall with huge black gates that opens up to a winding road. It is dotted with a gorgeous landscape. As you drive in, on the right there is a big pond and a fountain shooting a spray of water twenty or thirty feet in the air.The back of the houses line the shore of this pond. As I looked ahead in front of me I saw flags along each side of the drive announcing Welcome to "The Estates" You could feel the excitment and the WOW. The homes start from the low $300's. We made the turn to the right and started admiring the well landscaped homes the big black sculptured street lights. Some homes had two stories with a balcony overlooking the street with a grand view of the neighborhood. It seemed as if this would be the perfect place to live.

There were some homes that were in various stages of construction. There were some empty lots. There was a model center that you could stop by and view all of the homes featured. You must keep in mind five years ago this was nothing more than an orange grove where wild animals, snakes, insects , wild vegetation among other things lived. Someone started visualizing this place in thier minds.

When you visit a community like this you forget for a moment about lifes many problems. Growing old vanishes. Troubled teens seem to be nowhere in sight. You don't think about death and diseases. You don't think about thieves. Divorce and marital troubles would seem impossible. It seems for a few moments that there is finally world peace. Our minds are brought to the illusion this would be the perfect place to live. How could you have any troubles? You have may been to places like this or may live in a place like it.

The Estates of Heaven

AS I excited The Estates I begin to think about another Estate called Heaven. Athiest would say it's a sheer imaginary place. They would try to convince you it could simply not be possible. John 14:2 Jesus said In my fathers house are many mansions:if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Tonya Goodman use to sing this song

"Cant Feel At Home"

This world is not my home I'm just a passing through

My treasures and my hopes are all beyond the blue

Where many friends and kindred have gone on before

And I cant feel at home in this world anymore

Over in glory land there is no dying there

The saints are shouting victory there's singing everywhere

I hear the voice of them that I have heard before

And I cant feel at home in this world anymore

Oh lord you know I have no friend like you

If heaven's not my home oh lord what would I do

Angel's beckon me to heaven's open door

And I cant feel at home in this world anymore

Heaven's expecting me that's one I know

I fixed it up with Jesus a long time ago

He will take me through though I am weak and poor

And I cant feel at home in this world anymore

Oh I have a loving mother over in glory land

I dont expect to stop until I shake her hand

She's gone on before just waiting at heaven's door

And I cant feel at home in this world anymore

Where is your mansion going to be?

The Titanium Rib Picnic Aug 5th S.A. in honor of Dr. Melvin Smith

2006-08-16T22:26:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Smith

Dr. Robert Campbell and Lacey

The Titanium Rib Staff

Amy the Tooth Fairy
www.toothfairypillow.net
A portion of every pillow purchased goes to the Titanium Rib Foundation

Dr. Smith loves to go diving

Please don't retire!

Charmane and Lacey checking out her new doll!

The Rib Kids and staff

Great picnic I love cotton candy

The Best Barbecue in Texas The World Famous County Line Barbecue on the River Walk S.A.

2006-08-16T22:13:00.000-05:00

www.countyline.com

Lacey's Home

2006-08-15T22:21:00.000-05:00

Lacey is out of the Hospital

2006-08-11T08:05:00.000-05:00

Lacey's Surgery went well!

2006-08-08T12:34:00.000-05:00

We made it to San Antonio

2006-08-04T07:54:00.000-05:00

A Miracle Hug!

2006-07-24T10:25:00.000-05:00

If you have read my previous post “Lacey’s Story” you know about her difficulties. 7 years ago this morning she was born. I have been so charged up for the past few days! God gave us a miracle that morning and the beginning of many! Our fears were GREAT and we didn’t know all that was going to happen. I vividly remember seeing her almost lifeless twisted form being rushed away to the small NICU unit. I remember the shock in our hearts and the disbelief. Her little body was hooked to tube after tube. The doctors in the little NICU unit had no explanation as to whether she would live or die or for that matter what to do. I remember sitting in a chair that day, my heart broke and my pastor saying you did the right thing. I remember the flight nurse from Tampa General Hospital coming into the room to take our little baby to their specialized NICU and telling my broken hearted wife don’t worry I will take good care of her and I promise I will call you when we get to Tampa.

We had a party for her this past Saturday at Chuck E Cheese and I don’t think there was another parent in that building that could have been more thankful for their child’s 7th birthday. Last night as I put her to bed she threw her little arms around my neck gave me a great big HUG and said “I Love you Daddy” my heart pounded with thanks to God for his miraculous power.

Give your family a HUG today and let them know how thankful you are for them.

Please keep Lacey in your prayers we will be flying to Texas next week. She has another surgery on her back August 8th.

Lacey's Story

2006-07-10T19:34:00.000-05:00

I stated in my first post that my wife and I know what trials are all about and that I would share them at a later date. This is a brief story written by my wife to share with you about our daughter Lacey.

On July 24, 1999 Lacey was born at the Regency in Winter Haven,
FL. The doctors immediately knew she had a lot of problems.
They told us she would not be able to live, they had never seen
anything like this before. The neonatal doctor had her flown to
Tampa General Hospital where she spent the first 32 days of her
life. There she was diagnosed with a rare genetic syndrome by
Tampa’s genetic specialist who is considered “king of Genetics”.
The syndromeis King Syndrome.

Lacey was the third child they ever had known of being born
with this syndrome in the US, the second had died at 3 days old.
Lacey’s problems consisted of severe kypho-scoliosis which made
her spine crushing her lung, so she started out on a vent and
gradually made her way to oxygen by a cannula 24/7. She has
chronic respiratory insufficiency, webbing of the neck, low set
ears with severe hearing loss (she wears hearing aids),
arthogryposis , which is contractures in all of her joints, so
she can’t raise her arms up or straighten her wrist, fingers
or legs. The joints in her knees are in a frozen state so her
legs stay bent all the time, therefore she is unable to walk,
she scoots on her bottom to get around in the house and rides
a wheelchair everywhere else. She also was born with a severe
club foot and a vertical tailus, she has had surgery on her
feet 3 times but still her feet can’t sit flat on the floor.
More of her syndrome includes failure to thrive, so she has a
G-tube for feedings to help with nutrition, malignant
hypothermia which can cause death from anesthesia and she has
coded twice from this, and hypoglycemia.

The first two years of Lacey’s little life was not easy. She was
in and out of the Hospital constantly something going wrong. But
we were blessed and Lacey was quite a fighter. The most serious
was Lacey’s lung condition she was having a lot of problems and
they just didn’t think she was strong enough to fight the many
things against her, but she was and she did. In September of 2002
her spine was an 80 degree angle and her body was the shape of a C.
Lacey’s pulmonary specialist told us if something wasn’t done she
definitely wouldn’t be able to survive. Her spine was crushing the
lung so severely even with oxygen and a bi-pap machine she was
having difficulty breathing. Shriners in Tampa had been seeing
Lacey but felt her condition was to severe for them, so they found
us the surgeon in Texas who had invented this surgery that has
saved Lacey’s life! She has now had a total of 16 surgeries and
is 6 years old. She will have surgery in Texas every 6 months until
she is 16 or 17 years old. Lacey is such a miracle her pulmonary
specialist wants us to have a book written about her life.

To read more about Lacey's life changing surgery in San Antonio
see my link

Titanium Rib -VEPTR- saves lives

Mowing a straight line

2006-07-01T16:34:00.000-05:00

Gardening is one of my passions. I can get lost in my own world.I can think and meditate while I am mowing, trimming hedges, pulling weeds or just cutting and pruning my roses. Last year my daughters and I had a nice butterfly garden. I would not call my yard and garden a paradise but when I am finished it looks well manicured. I like for the drive to be edged so the grass looks like a curb. I am one of those guys that if you don't weed eat and blow the driveway then you haven't mowed. I mow in one direction with a self propelled walk behind mower. Everything has to be just right when I get done. I like to look at the lines that the mower has made across the fresh cut grass.

This brings me to the point of mowing a straight line. My lot is on the end of a cul desac. So guess what? I have a triangular lot. BAD IDEA. I have a fence across the middle separating the front and back. I have always tried to mow a straight line between my yard and my neighbors. As I get to the fence and look back to the street there is normally a curve that looks like a bad golf slice. It frustrates me to no end. Sounds silly but I told you I like a straight line. I have to go back and try to fix it. Today as I was getting prepared to start the cut between our yards it was a little high from the recent rain. I thought to myself today I can't cut a golf slice because it will be very noticeable. So I started at the street and I kept my eye on the fence post and mowed toward it. I never took my eyes off the the post. When I got to the fence and looked back toward the street I had mowed an almost perfect straight line.

As I look back at my life I am reminded of the many curves that has happened in it.. I was aimlessly wondering along not focusing on anything. The curves were being thrown at me. Today as I was focusing at the post the thoughts began to roll in my head. We must continually be focused on Jesus Christ our redeemer! When we look back down the road of our lives we will have some curves but when we look ahead we will be on the Straight Path.

Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

My message is this

1.Stay Focused
2.Press On
3.Hold On
4.Only look back at your mistakes to improve
5.Strive for perfection Hebrews 6:1
6.Don't beat yourself up for past failures and mistakes

Leaving a Legacy

2006-06-26T21:00:00.000-05:00

This post was born this afternoon out of a conversation after work. One of my co-workers (who is a Youth Pastor) and I begin to talk about what is important in this life. Some would say to be famous, some would say to be rich, some would say what social circle you belong to. There are a great host of things that people say are important and deem you one of the elite in life.
Some of you reading this may be in your 20's others may be in your 30's, 40's, 50's or even older. I declare the most important thing you have in this life is the Legacy you leave when you are gone. This is not a doom blog about death but it is about the celebration of a life that impacted this world for Christ.

The Encyclopedia Britannica gives this definition for a Legacy : generally a gift of property by will or testament. The term is used to denote the disposition of either personal or real property in the event of death.

In other words it is something you leave for generations to come. There were some great Legacies left in the 19th and 20th centuries by some great men and women. Perhaps you have already thought of a Great President or person. These are the people whose lives keep touching people long after they are gone. As we began to talk about the Legacies in our lives this afternoon both of our minds went immediately to our fathers who left a great Legacy for two men that will undoubtedly be impacted forever. We both agreed that our Christian heritage was one of the most important gifts our fathers passed on to us. There were many kind words said at both of their viewings and funerals. We discussed the great number of people who came to pay their last respect. I remember one 39 year old man coming up to me and telling me that I would never know how much my father had impacted his life. Tears began to flow down my cheeks because it was a testament of my fathers Legacy. As we continued to talk this afternoon the Spirit began to captivate our hearts and minds of the Legacy that we will leave behind. What will be said of Tim Pate when he leaves this life? He was an honest man who impacted my life for Christ or God forbid not a lot of good is said about him.You and I are building our Legacy everyday we live whether we are 20 or 80. I ask you the same question. What will be said of you? Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Start building your Legacy Today.

I finally created a blog

2006-06-23T22:26:00.000-05:00

This is a whole new toy for me. I can see where one could spend hours sharing their thoughts on a blog. I knew about blogs but just recently became interested in creating one. My first cousin is a Pastor of a thriving church and communicates weekly on his blog. I have been encouraged and personally challenged by a lot of his blogs. At the urging of another close friend who just created his blog I decided to give it a whirl. It is my attempt to use this blog to encourage as well. There is enough bad stuff in the world so why not share some good news! I've had a lot of personal trials which I will share at a later time. No matter what you face you can face it triumphantly. There may be clouds in your life today but there will be a brighter tomorrow. I am reminded of this when I fly and I take off in a storm. Below it is dismal and bleak but when you enter the dark clouds and come out on the top of the clouds there is sunshine. The blue sky and Sun was above the clouds the entire time. So look up! Just above the dark clouds in your life there is a ray of hope.