Taking All He Gives

Come join THE BOOKMARKS

2009-05-20T04:08:00.002-04:00

Do you like to read? Want to discuss what you read? Come join us then. Mark Lee of Third Day has started a book club online. THE BOOKMARKS.

So what are you waiting for???? Come on over!

Thing to do #36 See George Strait

2009-05-18T04:12:00.011-04:00

It has been WAY too long since I saw the King of Country Music George Strait. He just doesn't come this way much anymore. I know remember why I used to go see him quite often. Before my "obsession" ;) with Third Day, George Strait was the only artist I had seen more than twice. I went with Ali (we seem to have the same tastes in music!). We had a nice evening.

George sang 25 songs! I do believe we got our money's worth!

Here is the set list:

Write this down

I just want to dance with you

Ocean Front Property

Wrapped

Run

The seashores of old Mexico

The Fireman

I can still make Cheyenne

Texas

Honk if you're honky tonk

I hate everything

Check yes or no

She'll leave you with a smile

Heartland

I ain't her cowboy anymore

How bout them cowgirls

The chair

Give it away

River of Love

Amarillo by Morning

Troubador

I saw God today

Unwound

ENCORE

Hightone woman

Folsom prison (Johnny would be proud!)

The cowboy rides away

GREAT SHOW!!!

My pics are not that great. I was too far away to get close ups. I took pictures of the screen so they are not crisp but good enough to say I was there. Here are a few of them....

The Rest of the Story

2009-05-04T21:56:00.021-04:00

*Names and places might be omitted due to security issues so pardon the generality*

So after the "ordeal" we had trying to leave Raleigh we headed back to the airport on Thursday. Now here is another cool God moment. Our son Scott was coming to Raleigh on Thursday (yeah he planned to come home while we were out of the country). Well since our plans had been delayed we would actually get to see him. He landed at RDU at 10:30 and our flight was at 11:30. We stood at his gate and he was quite surprised to see us when he got off the plane. We talked for a few minutes and then headed off to our gate-I thought it was rather cool.

Well the plane was delayed again due to issues at JFK (not flying through there anymore if we can help it!). Finally got to JFK. As we were getting settled on the plane at JFK we saw three verbal arguments break out over where people were trying to put their luggage. Whoo hoo! Otherwise the flight was uneventful.

First day there was just settling in and resting (no sleep though-I was up for 37 hours before going to sleep-just can't sleep on a plane). The family we stayed with were wonderful. They have lived in country for about 13 years-amazing. Their son and I hit it off right from the start because he is a big Third Day fan (how about that?). We figured out that we have a friend in common. Brian (a Gomer who lives in KY)has been to see them several times-what a small world! We crashed about 9ish-early day tomorrow.
**********************************************
Tomorrow (April 18)-funny how I feel like I lost a day somewhere! The time difference is only 4 hours ahead though so not too bad. We headed out about 6am with a 7 hour trip ahead of us. The country is about the size of California with mountain roads so it is slow going. The mountains there are just beautiful. There was still snow on some of them. Lunch was a trial -we ate tangines. There are meals cooked in a tangine pot-ours consisted of goat meat, potatoes, peas and bread. You don't use utensils-you pinch off a small piece of bread and use your right thumb and the bread to get your food (no left hands please...they are used for other things!). We needed to learn how to eat this way since all the villagers would be eating in this manner.

We arrived at the Stephen and Niccole's midafternoon. This is the family that our church is going to concentrate on supporting for years to come. They are a sweet, humble family. They have 4 children and have lived in country about 1 year. They are in the process of learning the language (the villagers have their own native language -not the country's language of Arabic).

Stephen works for a company that helps provide wells/water to villages. We got to go along and be a part of a contract deal with a local village. Jenny and I were privileged to sit in on this because women do not usually accompany men on their business affairs. It was very interesting although we didn't understand the language.

The next day was a rest/lazy day. We spent it with Stephen and Niccole and their kids. We went to the Painted Rock park and just played around.

On Monday we went back to Stephen and Niccole's. Stephen took the men and went to hammer out the contract deal. Jenny and I went shopping with Niccole. Then we went to the Neddy. The Neddy is where the local women gather to do crafts and sewing projects. We collected material and yarn from TMBC and brought it to them. They were so excited about getting the stuff. They all gave us hugs and kisses. We then were invited to Huda's house (a friend of Niccole) for cookies and tea. This was a very good day.

On Tuesday we headed back north. We shopped at the Souk (Market) and then paid a visit to a family along the way. We ate lunch with them. We had bread (I gained 5 pounds on this trip from all the bread I ate!), tangine, apples, oranges and POPCORN! I was in the middle of nowhere and I had buttered popcorn! :) We drove to the coast and had dinner with some friends. We left the village life and were now in the tourist section much like home.

On Wednesday we left to drive further north and see more of the coast line. Shopping and rest. On Thursday we shopped more and then went to spend time on the beach. I saw the OTHER side of the Atlantic Ocean.

On Friday we proceeded east where it got much hotter. The temperature was already 97 degrees by the time we got there. Shopping in the Medina (Old City). Got all packed to head home.

On Saturday we left for the good ole USA. No issues until JFK AGAIN! We landed late -does JFK ever have flights that land on time? We barely got on the flight. Our luggage didn't so we got that on Sunday afternoon.

Now for some pictures:

This is what most people wear over their clothes
At Stephen and Niccole's house

Brian, Me, Jenny, Stephen, Niccole and their family
Coca-cola
Lobby at our first hotel
Everyone has a different door

The village were we had popcorn!
Reminds me of the Shire in the Hobbitt

Stopping for sheep in the road

The view from our friends house!
Lunch-fresh sardines

Yep that's a goat head!
I like to take pictures of flowers, trees and shrubs

Painted Rock park
Hidden Mickey!

I love street signs in other countries.

Our first hotel room.

My favorite picture of the trip.
Our second hotel room.
Goats in the trees!!!

Cracked me up!

Fishing nets

Ta-Da
Shopping
Yep had chicken nuggets.

The other side of the Atlantic Ocean

God's plan not Wendy's!

2009-04-15T21:35:00.002-04:00

Yesterday (April 14) we packed up the car and headed to the airport to leave for our trip. We got through security just fine and waited to board the plane. We taxied to the runway and then were told that we had to wait. Storms in New York were so bad that we couldn't take off to get there. We were told we would wait an hour. After that the pilot told us that New York was now over 2 hours behind in landing order so we had to go back to the airport and get off the plane. We realized that we would not make our connection in New York. So once off the plane we got in line to talk to the agent and make new plans. This ended up taking another 2 hours (I could NOT work at the airport!).

While doing all this we met a couple and their friend who were traveling to the same place we are (some of you know where but for this blog update I will not be saying specifics). The wife was in a wheelchair and has cancer. Before we left to come home Brian asked if we could pray for her. We circled around her and prayed for healing in Jesus' name. Can I just tell how humbled I felt at that moment. About 30 minutes before that I was upset because our 11 day trip was now going to be cut to 6 days and then God smacked me up side the head. He let me see that He is TOTALLY in control of my plans whether I know realize it or not. You see...our trip was supposed to be Monday April 13 to April 23. Two weeks ago Delta called us to let us know that the 2nd leg of our trip was cancelled so we could either get a refund or change our fly out date. So two weeks ago God changed the day to Tuesday April 14th. Then we get delayed in Raleigh and met people from the country we are traveling to (we would not have talked unless stuck)and then we get to pray for them. We have been invited to their house once we are in country.

So...tomorrow we start ...wait the trip has already started. We go back to the airport and see what God has in store for us. Please pray for us to be obedient in whatever happens. Pray that I will keep my critical spirit at home (or actually get rid of it totally!).

I will update this if possible. There is internet access just not sure if I'll get to be on it much. We come back the 25th so we did get to add 2 more days to our trip which is great.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers. We need them!!!

NATIONAL CHAMPS!!!!

2009-04-09T23:34:00.001-04:00

This is a few days late but it is still sweet to me!!!

I will let pictures tell the story!

THIRD DAY on the third day & thing to do #29

2009-04-02T18:28:00.036-04:00

I wrote this blog before Mark Lee told us to post something humerous about Third Day. There are WAY too many of those times to pick from...so I'll just give you this and refer you HERE to see other Third Day related blog entries.

On April 1st I went with Joanne to Fayetteville NC. The goal: the see my 40th Third Day concert! I'm not even close to some of my friends (Corrine, Jamie, Traci-I know they have seen over 50 shows!) but hey it is my milestone! I've been going to Third Day concerts since 1995 (does that at least count for longevity?) Anyway...it would be hard to pick my favorite shows but this one would be in the top 5!!! We had front row seats in front of Mark Lee so my pictures are a Mark Lee "love" fest. I did actually get some good pictures of Scotty (he is hard to get most of the time). Tai and David were difficult. I got Mac but the side of his face mostly. He didn't venture to our side often (we picked on him at the Meet and Greet about it). I think it is because he is left handed (so am I) so he tends to go to his left while on stage. No matter...great show!

The show started with "This is who I am". I haven't heard this song at all since the Dallas Texas show-I've missed it! It is just a fun song. I don't remember the order of the songs but here is what was played:
This is Who I am
Rockstar
Tunnel
Call My Name
Thief
Got a feeling
Cry out to Jesus
King of Glory
God of Wonders
Consuming Fire
Run to You
Slow Down
Otherside
Revelation
*Acoustic Set*
I will always love you
Sky Falls Down
GIVE!!!
Blackbird
Love Song

Very nice mix of Old School and new! I think the guys were having a great time!!

Speaking of my 40th show. We went to the Meet & Greet before the show. I told Mac and David it was my 40th show. Mac asked if I had any request and of course I said "Give". It is my favorite song period! Well during the acoustic set Mac took requests. They played "Sky Falls Down" then asked if there was another song. David saw me and pointed at me. Mac told me that "he didn't know the words". He turned around to face me and told me I could mouth the words to him. We (the band and I) told Mac that David knew the words and ....David Carr sang the song!!!

Mark Lee also helped Mac sing "Sky Falls Down" during the acoustic set. It was a great time!

Well the real reason you came here...onto my pictures.

Before the show Meet and Greet (very quick but I got my poster signed finally!)

Mac comes out to sing with Revive

This is the greatest picture of a cymbal EVA!!!!

One of MANY MANY of Mark Lee!

I finally got some decent pictures of Scotty!

Where's David Carr?
"Here I am" -David Carr

"I'm hiding again" -David Carr

This is from the back of the coliseum...I thought the screen was cool.

I know this is blurry but I love the look on David's face.

God of Wonders

I got VERY VERY few pics of Tai.
"Call my name" I LOVE to hear Mac see this song live!

Can you say...BAD MIKE STAND!!!

"If you had any fun here tonight it was because of Mark Lee"

The show always ends WAY TOO SOON!

FINAL FOUR BABY!!!!

2009-03-29T18:26:00.004-04:00

FINAL FOUR BABY!!!!!

Third Day on the 3rd day of the 3rd month on square root day!

2009-03-03T10:08:00.015-05:00

It is that time of the month when the awesome Mark Lee asks us to post about Third Day on the 3rd day of the month. Read about it HERE.

Today's post will be mainly pictures. I went to see Third Day on February 7th in Williamston NC. What a treat! I was very excited to know that Third Day was coming close to my house again. Williamston is in the middle of nowhere really. I was born in that area of NC so yeah...there is nothing much there.

Ali and I left in time to get there early (it was a GA show). After some issues with nepotism (yeah) we got second row seats so I'll not complain too loudly.

The show was very very fun. The guys seemed to really be enjoying themselves. We got a mix of old songs and new from Revelation. Nice mix I believe. I did want to hear "This is who I am" so maybe that will find it's way back to the set list for the Tour. And there was NO "God of Wonders"....yeah!

So since my ability to write a review stinks I'll just post my pics. They didn't turn out as well I would have liked...I think the dirt in the air (it was a horse barn that had dirt on the floor!) caused some of the problems.

Good show, good friends, good time as always. And this was my 39th Third Day show....gonna have to celebrate at the next one!!!

Looking for...

2009-02-10T15:02:00.001-05:00

Genna...does anyone know her? I sent an email but haven't heard from her.

Might have to do another contest to get a winner.

Winner

2009-01-14T00:16:00.000-05:00

The winner of my fabulous contest is....

GENNA!!!

Now wasn't that exciting???

Please pray

2009-01-09T02:48:00.003-05:00

I would like to ask you to pray for Mark Lamberth's family. Mark was in a dirt bike accident on December 12th and yesterday Mark went to be with the Lord. I don't know Mark or his wife (Angie) or son (Nolan) but I have read about them on a couple of the blogs I frequent. You can go to their website here.

His family needs your prayers. I love what Stacy wrote. She said that
As wife and mother I cannot fathom Angie and Nolan's pain. Angie has said she already feels so lonely. Some might say, "All we can do is pray." But, friends, that strips the Lord of His power. We get to pray, and in that we get to experience Him and commune with Him as we lift up this precious family.

We GET to pray...yeah we forget that the One we pray to has ALL the power and prayer does matter to Him and prayers are answered.

The body of Christ should lift up Mark's family in prayer. Hope you will stop what you are doing NOW and pray.

Sad day

2009-01-09T02:00:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was a very sad day in my life. I rounded the corner approaching my house and saw my dog Scout lying in the ditch. I just knew she had been hit and killed. I flew in the driveway and ran to her. She was still warm so I knew it had to have happened recently but she had already passed away. My heart was (is) broken. She never went in the road so I don't know what caused her to do so. There were skid marks near where she laid so I know they tried to miss her. I called Brian and he turned around to come home. Brian just cried his heart out when he got home. Scout was Brian's baby. He brought her home 11 years ago from Fort Bragg. He was doing his National Guard weekend and found her in the woods. She loved her Brian now. Just a very sad day. We buried her next to Alex (my Australian Shepherd who died a year ago tomorrow). My other 3 dogs have looked for her all day. Gosh I'm gonna miss her.

I have some of the greatest friends ever though. I've gotten text messages, phone calls, emails, visits and dinner from my dear friends. Thanks if you are one of the those people.

Here she is...

Third Day on the 3rd, 8th, um 9th

2009-01-09T00:13:00.003-05:00

Well the 3rd is supposed to be Third Day day which was overlooked by Mark Lee this month ;). So he has asked us to post on the 8th but I'm at work and it is now the 9th....

Don't know what to write so I'm going to do a contest. In the comments section leave me your dream set list at a Third Day show. Make it 12 songs with 2 encore songs. Just curious as to what people would love to hear. Pick ANY Third Day...no matter if they would never in a million years actually play it. I will randomly pick a comment (using some randomizer that I found) to pick a winner. Your prize....I have extra Revelation CD's and an extra Christmas CD. You can choose which one you want. If you have both then I'll find some pocket lint or something to send you :).

I will stop this contest on Tuesday January 13 because I will be out of town this weekend. Gives you lots of time to think and post.

Done!!

2009-01-06T01:13:00.007-05:00

My kitchen is done! Okay well we have a few touch up paint spots and we are done. Here are the pictures.

Fridge side

Eating side with view of sliding glass door

Right side of eating area

Left side of eating area

Eating area with curtains closed

Sink side (left)
Stove side
Left corner
Right fridge side
Left fridge side
Left side counter top

This used to be unused space. There was not

enough room to put a door so we hung curtains.

Sink
Soda crates with key holder
More soda crates
Seat cushions

Table decorations
I don't want anything on the fridge so I put a corkboard

and stick on chalk board on the side of the cabinet.

Storage on side of stove

These are pictures of the living room. I think this is the next room we are planning to paint.

New bay window. As you can see there is no sheetrock on either side of window. This needs to be sanded and then we can repaint. We are going to go with a lighter shade of beige.

We bought a slip cover for the couch.
This used to be a window before we built the bedroom on in the late 90's. We plan to put mirrors up behind each shelf. The items on the shelves are from different countries we have traveled to or Scott has traveled to...there are more but they are packed up somewhere in the chaos.

So we will start a new project soon. Oh joy...

Things to do percentage

2009-01-04T17:21:00.002-05:00

So I started my 101 things to do in 1001 days in May. I have until January 2011 to finish the list. I accomplished 14 things. I have done 13% of my list. Not too bad I think. Time to start trying to accomplish more.

I tried the watch the meteor shower Saturday morning to get that one done but we had some of the thickest fog ever so yeah....not my fault because I actually got up at 3am to see the show. Went outside and realized I couldn't see anything so I went back to bed.

So those of you that are doing this...how well did you do?

Give me a break

2009-01-03T23:06:00.004-05:00

Well it is always a good idea to try to save money but of course this seems to be on everyone's mind these days. I've been reading about people saving $100's with coupons, freebies and such. I've never been much of a coupon clipper (I only clip what I buy but I don't go searching all over for coupons). I decided to try to save money and start looking for coupons. I spent over an hour last week online going to different sites to finally find 5 yes FIVE coupons I would use at the grocery store. I used them but was told at first that they might not be honored (I was at Walmart). The reason being is that people are printing bogus coupons at home so the retailer can't get their money back from the manufacturer. They let me use them but I was ticked that I spent so much time online and quite possibly will one day be told I can't use them. Well I joined a few sites and very intelligently made a new email account to send the stuff to...I went to the account today (I joined on December 31ST) and I had 5 emails and 448 spam emails!!!! I unsubscribed to every one of those sites.

So...give me a break. I don't have the time, the patience or the desire to obviously do what it takes to save lots of money. I believe these women I read about have NO life and can just sit on their computer all day.

Has anyone found a decent site to get freebies or coupons that the stores will take (btw...Rite Aid will not take any computer printed coupons). Oh I forgot..the freebie sites want your life history and then they want you to subscribe to crap you don't care about....not free in my opinion.

So I'll get off my soapbox now. Guess I'll just have to quit eating so much to lower my grocery bill!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

New year, new look....

MySpace Graphics & Free Myspace Layouts

I hope 2009 is a fabulous year for everyone reading this blog! May you be blessed!! Thanks for reading!

Thing to Do #16

2008-12-31T10:00:00.000-05:00

Well I finally read the Bible in a year! I read through the Chronological Bible.

Not gonna lie here...I fell behind a few times so I didn't actually read it daily but I caught and finished today. Brian asked me if I actually learned anything or did I just read it to say I do so. Hmmm...both. There were days that I was just reading to read but God opened my eyes quite often to things I hadn't seen or read before. I like the Old Testament being in order because the prophets were mingled with the kings and all the history made sense.

Now I want to read through The Message in a year. We will see if it happens.

Time well spent though.

Immanuel

2008-12-25T06:06:00.003-05:00

May you realize that God became a man. He came in the form of a baby to live as we do. He came to bridge the gap between us and Him. He came so that we could be saved from our destination which is Hell. His name is Jesus. May you realize He came to save you and may you surrender your life to Him.

Immanuel God with us has come!!!

"For a child is born to us a son is given to us and the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE" Isaiah 9:6

visit Tim Bott's Inkwell Greetings to see more of his works.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Spekkoek

2008-12-25T02:49:00.004-05:00

No I didn't misspell anything...that is the gift we got in the mail this week from Brian's Tante Irene. Brian is of Indonesian-Dutch descent so he has really really good dishes that he grow up on and I get to enjoy sometimes now too. This cake is a layer cake (about 15...I really couldn't figure it out) and delicious. The interesting thing about the package was this: the return address was from CA and we didn't know the person. Brian opened the package and there was food in it. Food from someone we don't know...we weren't going to eat it! Brian talked to his aunt and she told us that she sent it to us. This cake is labor intensive so she had someone make it for us. It is wonderful! Here it is....

I will be enjoying this cake for days!

Update

2008-12-22T19:17:00.002-05:00

For those of you reading...I got the official word today that I have been reappointed so I have a job for another 4 years. Thank you Lord!

Brian's transfer papers went to the Colonel today so we will find out about that soon also.

We put knobs on the cabinets in the kitchen but it turned COLD today so nothing else got done.

I start midnight shift tonight and I'm hoping that everyone just stays home and behaves!!!

Waves

2008-12-20T13:02:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! Just posting to post. Life is what it is right now. Been going to work, fixing the kitchen, and NOT shopping!

Work is going fine. Busy as usual. Waiting to see if I get reappointed for another 4 years (we find out on Monday). I don't expect any surprises but it's nice to know if you have a job or not. I'll let you know.

Brian is looking to change is duty assignment with the Highway Patrol. Lots of reasons why but it has to be approved by the Colonel. I'll let you know about that too.

The kitchen is about done. We have to put the veneer siding on the 2 more cabinets and paint them. Then we have to put the door knobs on the doors and we will be FINISHED!!!! Right now my kitchen is the neatest and cleanest room in the house which is quite comical. I am constantly walking in there to straighten something. I guess when you remodel or have something new you obsess over having it neat.

We will start on another room shortly. Not sure which one. The sunroom needs to be painted but it's cold right now. We don't heat that room so I really don't want to be stuck out there painting in the cold. The living room needs to be repainted so I guess we will clean that one out and start on it. Joys of home ownership.

The spare room will probably not even take shape until the summer. Kinda bummed about it because I want a scrapbook room and that room was supposed to be the first one I worked on. I've already bought all the stuff to decorate it but it will happen.

Scott's room...no comment! ;)

Our bedroom needs to be repainted too but what a job that will be!!! The ceiling is semi-cathedral so that has to be painted too...might have to hire someone for that job.

Need to stain the deck and repaint the front porch.....do you see that this will not end anytime soon???

Shopping...not doing any. I've bought one gift for my mom. We have spent a fortune in our house so we need nothing. I don't have much else to buy other people. So if you don't get a gift it is not because I don't like you because I do...it's because I'm broke and lazy!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

checking in

2008-12-10T12:37:00.002-05:00

Well not much is going on right now really. Brian and I went to Myrtle Beach this past weekend. His Highway Patrol unit had their Christmas party there. We had a nice time shopping (well looking I only bought one thing). The dinner was nice because I had filet and lobster. It just cost us more money than we needed to spend right now. The unit Brian is with is spread out across the state so the families don't know each other the way the district does. So every year we travel somewhere (last year was Asheville) to spend the night and eat dinner with people we don't really know. Just a waste to me.

This weekend we are going to Boone. We are headed to Samaritan's Purse to help with Operation Christmas Child. I believe this will be the 5 or 6th year we've done it. What a great time we have helping out with the shoe boxes. I head up the trip and usually have about 20 people from church come. It is a great time.

We are still plugging away at the house. It's hard to get motivated when the weather is cold though. We are still doing things in the kitchen. Need to finish painting the cabinet doors and putting them up. We have some up but no hardware on them yet. I replaced the faucet AGAIN today. We've replaced it 4 times now (each one has leaked)...not happy about it at all! I've been painting today too since it's 70 degress today.

The remodeling has required me to not decorate for Christmas this year. I'm pretty bummed about it. I LOVE to decorate my house for Christmas. I decorate the entire house. We have a small plastic tree on the kitchen table and that's it. We haven't bought any gifts and aren't going to. No one in my family needs anything. We have told them not to get us a thing. We are buying a goat through World Vision instead. This Christmas might just be the best yet since we aren't stressing out about things.

Well, the paint should be dry enough for another coat now. Have a great day!!!

Christmas Tree Ban

2008-12-05T10:27:00.003-05:00

At my great alma mater UNC-Chapel Hill the Christmas trees have been removed from the libraries due to complainants. Here is the story.

People complained about the Christian display. Maybe I'm an idiot but I never associated my Christmas tree with my Christain beliefs. The tradition actually has pagan origins. But that's not the issue I want to raise. I want to know why we as Christians allow everyone to quiet us. I'm not a tolerance supporter but isn't it interesting how we are to tolerate everyone but Christians?

We need to stop catering and stand up for our beliefs. Yes I know that UNC is a state supported university but that's not part of my argument. The big picture is that we as Christians need to be bold about our faith. Do not apologize for Who you believe in and don't compromise for the sake of not offending someone. Jesus offended alot of people not because He was rude but because He stood firm on His beliefs and convictions and called people out about their lack of faith.

This is the best time of year to tell people about Jesus. Although some people (ie...the people in the above mentioned article) do not wish to be told about Jesus other will listen. People's attitudes change and divine opportunities exist everywhere you look. There are two simple ways to do this during the Christmas season. If you send out Christmas cards send ones that tell others about Jesus. I love the Santa and funny ones as much as anyone but why not send out the best news and gift someone could receive. I've done this for years and I've been able to share Jesus with many of my friends, co-workers, and family because of the card. I've also gotten letters back from family members telling me to "not send out phantasmagoric literature to us please". They still get Jesus Christmas cards! The other simple thing you can do is to tell everyone you see "Merry Christmas". At many of the retail stores the employees are told to say "Happy Holidays" and not "Merry Christmas". Well, I can say whatever I want. I usually try to say it first and see how the cashier reacts. Some will say it right back and others will stop and think about what to say. It also usually brings a smile to the other person's face.

No matter how hard people try to take Jesus out of Christmas we should try harder to make sure we celebrate Him.

December 3rd

2008-12-03T12:00:00.003-05:00

EDIT: Mark Lee did actually post a Third Day on the Third post so here ya go.

Now in the habit of posting about Third Day on the third day of the month. Mark Lee started this idea although he has yet to post today...must be tired from his trip to Hawaii!!!

Well this month I want to talk about one of the main reasons I admire and support Third Day. I've been blessed enough to afford to go to alot of shows in the past 10+ years I've been a fan of theirs. I've gotten to know the band members as more than just Rockstars. I've had conversations with them about life not just about a great show. The guys are very down to earth and I believe they sincerely walk the talk. They don't put themselves on a pedestal and come across as more spiritual than their fans. They are men, husbands, dads, brothers, uncles, sons, etc. just trying to follow their Jesus. This is what I admire the most about them. I was listening to one of the concerts on WIRED Radio and it always warms my heart to hear Mac pray. I know sometimes when I'm at the concert I want to just hear them sing and play songs. Oftentimes God "hits" me upside the head to tell me that I should be singing to Him. Yes I come to be entertain and I believe God has no issue with that but when it's time to stop and focus our minds and hearts to God then I need to stop thinking about the next song they will sing. Everyone at the show has issues and just to be able to stop and worship the ONE who can solve those issues is a blessing. I enjoy going to concerts in general and lately they have all been Christian artists. I don't necessarily think the band has to pray and say Jesus every 5 minutes but I've come to realize that it is very nice and comforting when Mac stops the music to acknowledge Jesus for who He really is...our Lord and Savior.

It isn't easy staying on track and I think one of the best ways the guys manage to do so is because of Nigel James. If you haven't met Nigel you are missing a blessing. He is an amazing man of God. Check out his blog and see all that God has Nigel involved in around the world. Read this article about The Man Behind Band.

Third Day has used their God-given talents to encourage and entertain me since 1995 (yes I've been a fan that long) and I look forward to the next decade!!! God bless guys!