Today, Sonya and I celebrate 19 years of marriage. What an amazing journey it has been!  God gave me exactly what I needed in Sonya.  She has been an incredible part of not only our ministry but for me individually she has been a constant blessing.  God could not have given me a greater gift.

The other night as we were getting ready for bed, Hannah asks, “Dad, what color hair do rednecks have?” 

Me: “all different colors, honey.”

Hannah: Blue and green and yellow?

Me:  Depends on the redneck
Last week, we were walking into the hospital.  I had just told Hannah to stop doing something.  Without batting an eye she exclaims, “You’re a horrible father!”

I replied, “I know”.

Last night, while we were getting ready to go to sleep, Hannah was rubbing my hair.  She looked at me and said, “I’m loving on you Dad!”

I thought, “Okay, that makes up for the horrible father comment.”

In the aftermath of yesterday’s election, how do you feel?  Vindicated? Energized? Depressed? Frustrated?  We all have our own feelings about politics.  Whether we are Republican or Democrat, politics brings up emotions that stir our passions.

I read a thought provoking article this morning by blogger Chilly Chilton.  I thought I would share it with you:

“Well, the complexion of American politics has – once again – changed… with some, there’s rejoicing and with others there’s great disappointment. I, for one, am glad that the mud-slinging commercials will come to an end for a few months…

I pray that we can work harder, love unconditionally and rise beyond partisan lines to regain the vision of our forefathers who declared that we are “IN GOD WE TRUST“.

Here’s today’s provocations:

1. Are you happy, sad or indifferent with yesterday’s elections? Why?

2. What ONE issue has the most influence on your voting (abortion, healthcare, economy, social justice, etc)?

3. Can politics change (REINVENT) America? Explain.

4. Do you, honestly, pray for your elected leaders (National, State, Local – any/all parties) each day? What’s the heart of this prayer?”

HT: Chilly Chilton

I just did my civic duty and voted.  Every American needs to vote.  I am HOPING for CHANGE!

Last night, we had our Chili Cook-off.  I did not even place.  Today, I am humbled!  After all of the trash talk I did going into the Cook-off, I have had to eat every word I said.  Perhaps next year I should not talk as much smack.

We had very deserving winners who indeed had the best chili.  Our congrats to them.  Among a couple of the winners, there was a little bantering going between us and they indeed had reason to brag.  Their chili was good!

First Place – Kathy Jones
Second Place – Patti Gilliland
Third Place – Laura Boyson

Thanks to all the participants who entered.  We also appreciate the judges who had integrity and could not be bought  I am looking forward to next year now, but I will approach the cook-off a little quieter now.  Humble Pie doesn’t taste very good!

Just tasted the chili for tomorrow night’s cook-off.  We might as well skip the contest and put the ribbon on my chili.  I don’t mean to brag but, as Paul said, “I Boast In The Lord.”  He gave me this recipe:)

By the way, for those who are in the cook-off, we need the chili at the church by 5:50pm.  See you tomorrow night!

My parents have been in town for a week or so and that always means one thing.  Hannah is her grandparents and doesn’t show me the love she normally does.

Last night, I came home and sat in my chair.  I called out for Hannah to come see me.  She refused!  I called out again and told her I would give her money if she would come give me a hug and a kiss.  She came by my chair, leaned against the ottoman and looked me in the eye.  With the glare of a cold distance she asked, “Where’s my money?”

She wouldn’t give me any love until I paid.  I didn’t really have any money and she walked away and refused my IOU.  What is this world coming to?

There is not many things more precious than seeing Hannah sleep.  Last night, she had fallen asleep with her arm around her teddy bear and her hand clasped to her baby doll.  Such innocence when she sleeps.

When she is awake, well, that’s another story!