Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
It Has Begun.......
This week I have officially started the process of cleaning up my room getting ready to move at the end of May...... I must say I have a HUGE task in front of me..... There is so much stuff in this tiny space and as I have started to clean I realize how much of it is just useless clutter.......
I have posted a picture at the bottom of today's blog of just the paper waste that has come out my unit boxes...For those of you not from the teacher world a unit box contains everything you need to teach a specific unit... For example everything I need to teach about penguins would be in a penguin box..... Check out this link for 8 steps to declutterring your space.
As i cleaned them out there was tons of stuff (junk and clutter) in there that I didn't use or didn't need.... The same thing as I cleaned out my desk.... tons of pens and pencils and paperclips and highlighters.... and to think I almost buy new ones every time I go to Wal-mart.....
What is it about us as Americans or just people for that matter that drives us to want more and more stuff......Even stupid little stuff like paper clips.... Maybe it is just me that wants stuff like that.... But what is it that you want..... Is it stuff for you car???? ....Is it stuff for your house and yard???......Is it stuff to scrapbook with???? .....(sorry ladies it just came to mind)...... Is it more toys for your kids????..... Is it more video games....
Maybe is it not even physical stuff.... maybe it is status, power, or attention we want....
Regardless of the things we think we need, are they really all so important..... As I have begun this journey to the Philippines, I have really had to learn what is important and what is not... and honestly paper clips and status are no where on the list!
I have posted a picture at the bottom of today's blog of just the paper waste that has come out my unit boxes...For those of you not from the teacher world a unit box contains everything you need to teach a specific unit... For example everything I need to teach about penguins would be in a penguin box..... Check out this link for 8 steps to declutterring your space.
As i cleaned them out there was tons of stuff (junk and clutter) in there that I didn't use or didn't need.... The same thing as I cleaned out my desk.... tons of pens and pencils and paperclips and highlighters.... and to think I almost buy new ones every time I go to Wal-mart.....
What is it about us as Americans or just people for that matter that drives us to want more and more stuff......Even stupid little stuff like paper clips.... Maybe it is just me that wants stuff like that.... But what is it that you want..... Is it stuff for you car???? ....Is it stuff for your house and yard???......Is it stuff to scrapbook with???? .....(sorry ladies it just came to mind)...... Is it more toys for your kids????..... Is it more video games....
Maybe is it not even physical stuff.... maybe it is status, power, or attention we want....
Regardless of the things we think we need, are they really all so important..... As I have begun this journey to the Philippines, I have really had to learn what is important and what is not... and honestly paper clips and status are no where on the list!
What do you have cluttering your life that you really don't need?
Thursday, March 29, 2007
God Bless the Phone!!!
Thank the Lord for telephones!!!! Instead of complaining about the 45 minutes I just spent on the phone with the computer tech guy, or that I still did not get an answer nor was my problem solved, I thought I should just be thankful that we have phones...... Phones are so important to our society......
You use 911 for emergencies
You use the phone to call your mom on Mother's Day....According to most phone companies that is their busiest day of the year....
You use it to call your girlfriend (yeah right who am I kidding, who has a girlfriend???)
You use it to order pizza!!!!!!!!!!
You use it to give you peace of mind.....you know what I mean...to let people know you are safe....
You use it talk to friends..... Lord knows we can all use a few of those......
you can use it when you drive.... I don't think my car will start unless I am on the phone....
You use it to get information..... or not...maybe you use it to hear the really cool music they play while you are on hold..... :0)
Man.... I guess it is true what they say.....Count your blessings and you ll forget about your troubles..... I have forgotten all about that 45 minutes on the phone.... I am thankful I had a phone to be on!!!! I am even thankful for the man that stole my old phone at Bi-Lo back in November, because now I got a nice new phone!!!!!
For those of you who are bored.... or for those of you who are at work trying to find something to do..... Check out this link for the complete history of the phone!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Calm Down!!!
I have received tons of emails and comments this morning regarding the incident that occurred yesterday in the Philippines..... I have read the story on FOXnews.com and it sounds like a political stunt more than anything.....
Regardless.... STOP PANICKING!!!! Do you not know that stuff happens like this right down the street everyday.... Maybe not to that extreme, but everyday our lives are in danger of something bad happening.... I am sure when 3,000 people went to work on the morning of September 11th, 2001 no one was thinking about their lives ending, but it happened..... Would you say never go to New York now because of that..... NO!!!
I rest in the God of all creation, and know that the God who wakes me every morning and drives me safely to school and feeds me breakfast lunch and dinner.. just as he does the sparrow, who by the way is way down on the list of importance compared to me.... That's not arrogant...that's God's Word.......... Many of us seem to forget on a daily basis that He is in control of everything... Nothing under the sun surprises Him and He is always there.....
Even if the trials come while I am there in the Philippines, I must rely on John 16:33 to get me through... It says..
"These things I have spoken to you that in ME you may have peace.....In the world you WILL have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I HAVE OVER COME THE WORLD!!!!!!!"
If that doesn't make you want to turn Pentecostal and run around a church I don't know what will... What a promise He gave us.....
HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD!!!!
Let that rest in your worried hearts today...
Let that get in your soul.....
Let that overcome your fears.....
Let that move your heart to worship....
Let that get you ready for the celebration of His ressurection.....
Regardless.... STOP PANICKING!!!! Do you not know that stuff happens like this right down the street everyday.... Maybe not to that extreme, but everyday our lives are in danger of something bad happening.... I am sure when 3,000 people went to work on the morning of September 11th, 2001 no one was thinking about their lives ending, but it happened..... Would you say never go to New York now because of that..... NO!!!
I rest in the God of all creation, and know that the God who wakes me every morning and drives me safely to school and feeds me breakfast lunch and dinner.. just as he does the sparrow, who by the way is way down on the list of importance compared to me.... That's not arrogant...that's God's Word.......... Many of us seem to forget on a daily basis that He is in control of everything... Nothing under the sun surprises Him and He is always there.....
Even if the trials come while I am there in the Philippines, I must rely on John 16:33 to get me through... It says..
"These things I have spoken to you that in ME you may have peace.....In the world you WILL have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I HAVE OVER COME THE WORLD!!!!!!!"
If that doesn't make you want to turn Pentecostal and run around a church I don't know what will... What a promise He gave us.....
HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD!!!!
Let that rest in your worried hearts today...
Let that get in your soul.....
Let that overcome your fears.....
Let that move your heart to worship....
Let that get you ready for the celebration of His ressurection.....
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
"Spurrin' You On" Day 4
For those new readers that seem to have come along in the past few days (My counter has went from 400-to almost 700 in 2 days...WOW!!!), "Spurrin' You On" is a blog series I started about 2 weeks ago in order to encourage (spur on) friends and important people in my life...... I started the blog as a result of the scripture Hebrews 10:24 which says....... aaaa...I didn't give it to you last time and I won't this time.......Click on the link and read for yourself......
Anyway, today I would like to "spur on" a very special lady and friend in my life named Gail Wilson..... She is one of the 4 wonderful lunch ladies at my school... Gail mans the computer and has the patience of Job as all the little kiddies try to punch in their numbers...... It is quite a task to endure..... Especially at back to school time when the new K5 kids have no clue what their name is much less their 6 digit lunch code.....
Anyway on to Gail....from the first time I met her, she became like a mother to me. SHe is good at doing that she has kids and grandkids which equlas lots of experience in my book........ She does anything I need, ask, or want.... and honestly loves to do it.... She is kind and caring and best of all she loves the Lord. Except for that one Sunday where she skipped church to go to the circus....I guess it could be considered worship because God did create the birds of the sky and the beast of the fields..... :0)
Another thing I love about Gail is her tender heart.....If you tell her a touching story or show her a picture of sweet little kid and she cries at the drop of a hat, but I LOVE that about people and her specifically.... That shows me that she has a heart that is full of compassion towards people..... and man does she!!!!!! Whenever she is running the lunch line I eat better than anyone else...... If you've seen a pic of me lately you might tell Gail to lay off the food....
Gail told me yesterday that she read my blog everyday, so I thought this would be a perfect way to tell how special she is in my life.... Gail, I hope you are encouraged today!!!
Readers.... Take a moment now and spur on someone special in your life, or maybe even someone you don't know that well..... God is so pleased when we as brothers and sisters encourage each other and build up the body!!!!!....... Have a great day!
Anyway, today I would like to "spur on" a very special lady and friend in my life named Gail Wilson..... She is one of the 4 wonderful lunch ladies at my school... Gail mans the computer and has the patience of Job as all the little kiddies try to punch in their numbers...... It is quite a task to endure..... Especially at back to school time when the new K5 kids have no clue what their name is much less their 6 digit lunch code.....
Anyway on to Gail....from the first time I met her, she became like a mother to me. SHe is good at doing that she has kids and grandkids which equlas lots of experience in my book........ She does anything I need, ask, or want.... and honestly loves to do it.... She is kind and caring and best of all she loves the Lord. Except for that one Sunday where she skipped church to go to the circus....I guess it could be considered worship because God did create the birds of the sky and the beast of the fields..... :0)
Another thing I love about Gail is her tender heart.....If you tell her a touching story or show her a picture of sweet little kid and she cries at the drop of a hat, but I LOVE that about people and her specifically.... That shows me that she has a heart that is full of compassion towards people..... and man does she!!!!!! Whenever she is running the lunch line I eat better than anyone else...... If you've seen a pic of me lately you might tell Gail to lay off the food....
Gail told me yesterday that she read my blog everyday, so I thought this would be a perfect way to tell how special she is in my life.... Gail, I hope you are encouraged today!!!
Readers.... Take a moment now and spur on someone special in your life, or maybe even someone you don't know that well..... God is so pleased when we as brothers and sisters encourage each other and build up the body!!!!!....... Have a great day!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Resignation and Call for Help!!!!!!
Well.... as if it wasn't official enough that I am going to the Philippines... I turned in my official letter of resignation this morning to the district..It is effective at the end of this present school year.For all of you doubters... There is a little more proof...You know who you are:0)..Just sit back, relax and enjoy God at work...Aint He Just Good!!! Don't fret..my benefits are there until June and then I will pick up new insurance in July.....
I must admit turning in my resignation was harder than I thought it would be.... Lone Oak has been a great home for me to start my teaching career....I can honestly say that it was instrumental in helping me become the teacher I am.... I will miss the friends I have made here. I love all you guys!!!
Many of you readers can be instrumental (boobeedee boop... boop!That was the sound of your instrument (there you go Hardee's Crew)) in helping us as we prepare.... Let me tell you how...
If you know that your church has a special missions moment during the service or you feel that your pastor would like to hear from 2 missionaries who want to share about what God is doing in their lives, direct them here to my page, or give them my email... mrdearybury@hotmail.com We have received several more contribution cards over the weekend, but we want to be faithful in sharing and getting the word out to as many people as we can....
Thanks in advance for your help.... Email me if you have any other ideas!!!!!!
This is my memory verse for the week... It came out of an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Memory Verse packet I got at the meeting last week.....
I must admit turning in my resignation was harder than I thought it would be.... Lone Oak has been a great home for me to start my teaching career....I can honestly say that it was instrumental in helping me become the teacher I am.... I will miss the friends I have made here. I love all you guys!!!
Many of you readers can be instrumental (boobeedee boop... boop!That was the sound of your instrument (there you go Hardee's Crew)) in helping us as we prepare.... Let me tell you how...
If you know that your church has a special missions moment during the service or you feel that your pastor would like to hear from 2 missionaries who want to share about what God is doing in their lives, direct them here to my page, or give them my email... mrdearybury@hotmail.com We have received several more contribution cards over the weekend, but we want to be faithful in sharing and getting the word out to as many people as we can....
Thanks in advance for your help.... Email me if you have any other ideas!!!!!!
This is my memory verse for the week... It came out of an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Memory Verse packet I got at the meeting last week.....
"For to us a child is born, unto us a savior is given, and the government will be on His shoulders...and He will be called....
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace..."
Isaiah 9:6
As I am traveling on this Journey to the Philippines, He has proved that He is indeed all of these things!!!! Ain't He Just Good!!!!!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Baby Showers
This afternoon I had the honor of attending a baby shower for one of my best friends from high school (Dennis Stepp). He and his wife Amy are having a little girl in April.(hopefully on the 10th of April...Yes, that is a shameless plug for my birthday...Cards and gifts of all kinds are expected :0)...
While I was there I noticed that there were lots of men for a baby shower...Dennis has lots of guy friends so it was only natural that he invite them......... and then I got to thinking about how many baby showers I had been to recently that the majority of the attendants were men... Chris and Carol Lewis, Lori and Ryan Rickards...... not to mention that when we give baby showers at Lone Oak all of us men folk go.... If nothing else there is some good food.... but I got to thinking today.... Shouldn't everybody really go to a baby shower anyway.... I mean why should it be just for ladies.... Can men not celebrate the birth of a child right along side of their lady friends.....
I remember when I was little a man, would have never went to a baby shower... It just wasnt the "masculine" thing to do... I don't think for one second that ladies not wanting us men folk there are to blame... It is mainly our male egos...... I am glad to see that is changing.....
If they threw showers back in Jesus' day I would have bet anything He would have went because that was where the people were and he loved people..Not to mention that it was a way to celebrate something wonderful God had done..The bible says when your brother rejoices...REJOICE WITH HIM!!!..
I was so honored to help my friend Dennis celebrate the birth of his first child.... He was so excited..... Men readers..... Shouldn't we be that way.... It is Biblical to love your children..... It should start as soon as possible... It is Biblical to love your wife as Christ loved the church as well, and I can honestly say that Dennis' excitement is honoring to his wife and it makes their marriage stronger......
I know most of you are thinking.... Is Jed even married..... (Insert a big NO) I am not married, but standing on the outside looking in sometimes gives you a great view of what you hope to be one day.... I hope to have the same excitement and thrill that Dennis had today for myself one day.....
Men, the next time you have the chance,...... go to that shower and celebrate the birth of that baby!!! If for no other reason just to stand in awe and wonder that God Almighty is the creator of life....
Dennis, I hope you read this..... Your excitement, love, encouragement and faithfulness to Amy is an example to men everywhere..... Thanks for being you!!!!!
While I was there I noticed that there were lots of men for a baby shower...Dennis has lots of guy friends so it was only natural that he invite them......... and then I got to thinking about how many baby showers I had been to recently that the majority of the attendants were men... Chris and Carol Lewis, Lori and Ryan Rickards...... not to mention that when we give baby showers at Lone Oak all of us men folk go.... If nothing else there is some good food.... but I got to thinking today.... Shouldn't everybody really go to a baby shower anyway.... I mean why should it be just for ladies.... Can men not celebrate the birth of a child right along side of their lady friends.....
I remember when I was little a man, would have never went to a baby shower... It just wasnt the "masculine" thing to do... I don't think for one second that ladies not wanting us men folk there are to blame... It is mainly our male egos...... I am glad to see that is changing.....
If they threw showers back in Jesus' day I would have bet anything He would have went because that was where the people were and he loved people..Not to mention that it was a way to celebrate something wonderful God had done..The bible says when your brother rejoices...REJOICE WITH HIM!!!..
I was so honored to help my friend Dennis celebrate the birth of his first child.... He was so excited..... Men readers..... Shouldn't we be that way.... It is Biblical to love your children..... It should start as soon as possible... It is Biblical to love your wife as Christ loved the church as well, and I can honestly say that Dennis' excitement is honoring to his wife and it makes their marriage stronger......
I know most of you are thinking.... Is Jed even married..... (Insert a big NO) I am not married, but standing on the outside looking in sometimes gives you a great view of what you hope to be one day.... I hope to have the same excitement and thrill that Dennis had today for myself one day.....
Men, the next time you have the chance,...... go to that shower and celebrate the birth of that baby!!! If for no other reason just to stand in awe and wonder that God Almighty is the creator of life....
Dennis, I hope you read this..... Your excitement, love, encouragement and faithfulness to Amy is an example to men everywhere..... Thanks for being you!!!!!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Saturday Morning
Yesterday, I had to take a day off school to go to the dr.... I found a tick embedded in me on Sunday and the spot were he was did not seem to be getting better..... What a great day to take off..... It was Friday, It was warm, My National Board stuff is finished.... It was GREAT!!!! Luckily there was no problem with the bite.... He thought there may be some infection in there and told me what to look for over the next few days..... Hopefully, no spotted, lime, hoogie boogie disease will be in my future... I figured I got the tick while at Barrier Island... We spent alot of time in the woods last Thursday.....
Last night was great too... Johnnie Lynn (my sister) fixed my all time favorite meal for dinner... Hamburgers and fries.... It was great to just hang out with them..... While we were eating dinner the funniest thing happened..... "Matt-Matt" spilled his drink everywhere... my niece Taylor who is 3.5 years old, said.... Matt matt did that!!!! Then she proceeded to tell him what she did when she spilled a drink.... It was so funny to hear her offer advice..... Guess she had lots of wisdom from her experience.....
I am baby sitting them tonight, and I am cooking for about 10 of my friends at the same time... I should have lots o blog about afterwards...... The last time I baby sat Taylor had a little "accident" of her own... My rug in the living room has been violated....
O I want to tell you all we got our first support letter postcard back.... It was such a thrill to get it in the mail....... Of all people to send it, it was long time friends of mine and Matt's that we got to know while waiting tabes at FATZ... Roy and Janice Marler.... They are the nicest couple..... It made me so excited to get one of the post cards...... It gave some physical reality to this calling God has put in my heart...... My mom requested her vacation time for July so she could travel to the Philippines with us to see where we are gonna live.... Yet another physical reality........
I know I am rambling this morning, but I wanted to tell you how about thursday night too.... We went to and Operation CHristmas CHild regional meeting to shar about our trip to deliver boxes, and wouldn't you know it... The guy who sat right beside us, Mark, has a firend who lives in the Philippines and Mark had just returned from there..... He got our information and was gonna email his friend and get us in contact.... He said it was always good to know another missionary that you could crash with if we ever got stuck there in Manilla where he lived..... As I have said many times..... AINT GOD JUST GOOD!!!! That is quickly becoming my life's motto...... I know it's not "correct" and Matt Matt probably strokes every time I say it because he is an English major... but I can't help it!!! Aint He Just Good!!!!!!!
Last night was great too... Johnnie Lynn (my sister) fixed my all time favorite meal for dinner... Hamburgers and fries.... It was great to just hang out with them..... While we were eating dinner the funniest thing happened..... "Matt-Matt" spilled his drink everywhere... my niece Taylor who is 3.5 years old, said.... Matt matt did that!!!! Then she proceeded to tell him what she did when she spilled a drink.... It was so funny to hear her offer advice..... Guess she had lots of wisdom from her experience.....
I am baby sitting them tonight, and I am cooking for about 10 of my friends at the same time... I should have lots o blog about afterwards...... The last time I baby sat Taylor had a little "accident" of her own... My rug in the living room has been violated....
O I want to tell you all we got our first support letter postcard back.... It was such a thrill to get it in the mail....... Of all people to send it, it was long time friends of mine and Matt's that we got to know while waiting tabes at FATZ... Roy and Janice Marler.... They are the nicest couple..... It made me so excited to get one of the post cards...... It gave some physical reality to this calling God has put in my heart...... My mom requested her vacation time for July so she could travel to the Philippines with us to see where we are gonna live.... Yet another physical reality........
I know I am rambling this morning, but I wanted to tell you how about thursday night too.... We went to and Operation CHristmas CHild regional meeting to shar about our trip to deliver boxes, and wouldn't you know it... The guy who sat right beside us, Mark, has a firend who lives in the Philippines and Mark had just returned from there..... He got our information and was gonna email his friend and get us in contact.... He said it was always good to know another missionary that you could crash with if we ever got stuck there in Manilla where he lived..... As I have said many times..... AINT GOD JUST GOOD!!!! That is quickly becoming my life's motto...... I know it's not "correct" and Matt Matt probably strokes every time I say it because he is an English major... but I can't help it!!! Aint He Just Good!!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Well........ It is Thursday.... and I am so glad tomorrow is Friday!! Can sombody say AMEN!!!!! Yesterday as you know my student teacher was out, and she is out again today....... Having her here has been so significant in getting all my stuff done for National Board, as well as preparing the support letters....... Many of you should get yours today..... Drop me an email if you got it.... mrdearybury@hotmail.com All of you readers pray that God would use these letters to provide our needs for the move.......
Speaking of moving...... Man have I got a lot of stuff to get out of this classroom.... I have purchsed about 10, 60 gallon rubbermaid tubs to store it all in, but I don't know if thats enough.... Look at all this stuff!!!!
Man have I got some work to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! To thos of you who may have joined me for the first time today due to our support letters....... I will try to me more inspirational on another day.... All this does is inspire you to get rid of your junk!!!!
Random Blog
This morning as I start the day, I would like to point out my new poll.... I am trying to decide if you guys prefer the funny posts or the serious posts..... Please take a moment and vote.... Be sure to click on vote after you select your choice.
Also please notice the F.L.I.P. to the right as well.... Only one person has asked me as of yet what a F.L.I.P. is and believe me you are NOT cool if you are not a F.L.I.P. It is “HIP TO BE F.L.I.P”
To keep you coming back for more, I have decided that I am only going to “spur on” every now and then. That way you will not take the encouragement for granted and you will have to tune everyday because the person I “spur on” just might be you.
I have to actually work today. My student teacher is out at a teacher recruitment fair.... I guess my computer will get a rest huh??? Anyone who knows a teacher knows that every day is work regardless of who is here....
I was thinking about something yesterday!!!! I know what you are thinking “Uh Oh, what now???” Well relax no hub caps, no caterpillars...... I was thinking about how we depend on the mail for such important stuff..... I mean look at this list of things I came up with that we trust to come in the mail.....
· income tax check
· birthday cards (hopefully with money)
· missionary support letters (that is what spawned this thought)
· NATIONAL BOARD TEACHING BOX (if you ever been through the process then you will be happy to know that I mailed mine on Monday!!!!!!!)
· your bills (granted some people pay online, but without the mail my power would get cut off...I’m old fashioned I guess...I like to write a check)
Man we sure do trust those folks over at the USPS...... Rain, sleet, hail, or snow, the mail must go through...........
I know this was a random blog today.... Now that I am reread it...Its kinda silly, but it was thought from my head.....Have a great day!!!!
Also please notice the F.L.I.P. to the right as well.... Only one person has asked me as of yet what a F.L.I.P. is and believe me you are NOT cool if you are not a F.L.I.P. It is “HIP TO BE F.L.I.P”
To keep you coming back for more, I have decided that I am only going to “spur on” every now and then. That way you will not take the encouragement for granted and you will have to tune everyday because the person I “spur on” just might be you.
I have to actually work today. My student teacher is out at a teacher recruitment fair.... I guess my computer will get a rest huh??? Anyone who knows a teacher knows that every day is work regardless of who is here....
I was thinking about something yesterday!!!! I know what you are thinking “Uh Oh, what now???” Well relax no hub caps, no caterpillars...... I was thinking about how we depend on the mail for such important stuff..... I mean look at this list of things I came up with that we trust to come in the mail.....
· income tax check
· birthday cards (hopefully with money)
· missionary support letters (that is what spawned this thought)
· NATIONAL BOARD TEACHING BOX (if you ever been through the process then you will be happy to know that I mailed mine on Monday!!!!!!!)
· your bills (granted some people pay online, but without the mail my power would get cut off...I’m old fashioned I guess...I like to write a check)
Man we sure do trust those folks over at the USPS...... Rain, sleet, hail, or snow, the mail must go through...........
I know this was a random blog today.... Now that I am reread it...Its kinda silly, but it was thought from my head.....Have a great day!!!!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
"Spurrin You On" - Day 3
Yesterday, when my buddy Kevin responded to his "spurrin on" I could tell he was encouraged....I thought to myself..... "That's what its all about...." Building one another up so we will be encouraged in the faith....
I was listening to the news this morning and all they were talking about was Alberto Gonzales and some judges he fired...... My guess is that none of us really know what "Alberto" does, but the news anchors were tearing him down something awful, and almost seemed to have a smile on their face while they were doing it.....Is that really the way the reporters want to live their life???
I will be the first to admit I have said negative things about people, who hasn't?????? But I am learning more and more everyday that Proverbs 15:4 is SOOO true. I want to be a tree of life, not one that crushes a spirit......
That said, I hope to "spur on" a special person at my church named Tony Waddell!!!!
Tony is the most amazing, dedicated, determined, hardworking committed, devoted, enthusiastic, hard-working, old faithful, purposeful, wholehearted person I know!!!!!
Over a year ago, maybe 2 actually, Tony lost one of his legs due to a medical condition. He was in the hospital for awhile, but after he was out, he was right back in the choir singing his heart out for the Lord every Sunday.....It was so moving for me every week to see him "crutch" his way down that aisle and up the steps to his seat..... WHAT AN EXAMPLE!!!!! He with his one leg and crutches, was MORE faithful than some our perfectly healthy members.... (FYI: humble reminders that we need to be faithful church members should also be considered "spurring you on" if that applies to you)
Now, I really felt like I got to know Tony's heart during that time and I can honestly say that he was NOT doing that for show, but for GOD'S GLORY!!!!! He was literally a living testimony of God's faithfulness....... His wife Shirley was just awesome, still is!!!! She was by his side the whole way... Through this they both showed me how to one day really fulfill the vows "in sickness and in health!!!"
I am happy to say that since that time, Tony has a prosthetic leg and is walking without crutches...He continues to be a blessing to me every time I see him walking.... I try to tell him as much as I can, but sometimes in the busy rat race of Sunday morning, I forget..... I honestly do not know if he even reads me blog. I don't have his or Shirley's email or I would send them this.... Maybe some of choir members who read can send it to him!!!!
Tony and Shirley, I love you guys.... I hope that you feel "spurred on" today!!!!
I was listening to the news this morning and all they were talking about was Alberto Gonzales and some judges he fired...... My guess is that none of us really know what "Alberto" does, but the news anchors were tearing him down something awful, and almost seemed to have a smile on their face while they were doing it.....Is that really the way the reporters want to live their life???
I will be the first to admit I have said negative things about people, who hasn't?????? But I am learning more and more everyday that Proverbs 15:4 is SOOO true. I want to be a tree of life, not one that crushes a spirit......
That said, I hope to "spur on" a special person at my church named Tony Waddell!!!!
Tony is the most amazing, dedicated, determined, hardworking committed, devoted, enthusiastic, hard-working, old faithful, purposeful, wholehearted person I know!!!!!
Over a year ago, maybe 2 actually, Tony lost one of his legs due to a medical condition. He was in the hospital for awhile, but after he was out, he was right back in the choir singing his heart out for the Lord every Sunday.....It was so moving for me every week to see him "crutch" his way down that aisle and up the steps to his seat..... WHAT AN EXAMPLE!!!!! He with his one leg and crutches, was MORE faithful than some our perfectly healthy members.... (FYI: humble reminders that we need to be faithful church members should also be considered "spurring you on" if that applies to you)
Now, I really felt like I got to know Tony's heart during that time and I can honestly say that he was NOT doing that for show, but for GOD'S GLORY!!!!! He was literally a living testimony of God's faithfulness....... His wife Shirley was just awesome, still is!!!! She was by his side the whole way... Through this they both showed me how to one day really fulfill the vows "in sickness and in health!!!"
I am happy to say that since that time, Tony has a prosthetic leg and is walking without crutches...He continues to be a blessing to me every time I see him walking.... I try to tell him as much as I can, but sometimes in the busy rat race of Sunday morning, I forget..... I honestly do not know if he even reads me blog. I don't have his or Shirley's email or I would send them this.... Maybe some of choir members who read can send it to him!!!!
Tony and Shirley, I love you guys.... I hope that you feel "spurred on" today!!!!
Monday, March 19, 2007
"Spurrin You On" - Day 2
Well...Finally I can continue on with my "encoura"blogs" after my week long field trip to Barrier Island.........Due to the field trip, I have had lots of time to think about this next entry. I really didn't have to think long....
My encouragement and "spurrin on" goes out today to a man named Kevin Arwood.....
Now first of all let me tell you I don't know if I spelled his last name right, but knowing the spelling of his name doesn't really change what you know about him..... Kevin plays guitar in our praise band at AMRBC. He joined several months ago...it may have even been a year by now......(Time in an SBC praise band rotates around Easter and Christmas musicals...I am not sure which one he joined us for)
Anyway, Kevin is one of those guys you are just glad to know...... He is fun to be around. He is a great musician, no matter what anyone says about him.......... He seems to be a great husband and a great dad.... with a great heart for Jesus...... He is as country as they come too... He is married to Shelley, who by the way is just as awesome as Kevin.... They are a great match for each other!!!! Combined, I believe they have 3 children....all girls if I'm not mistaken...Let me know if that's right???
I chose to encourage Kevin today for all of those reasons, but for one in particular..... The day that Matt and I shared with our Sunday School class that we were moving to the Philippines, I noticed tears in Kevin's eyes as we talked....He said that he had felt all along that we were gonna be called to this!!!! ...... I was impressed by his openness to share his heart..... Not many men can show their emotions like that, especially in Sunday School..... He was moved by the Lord that day, and that shows me that he is a great friend to have around.......
..........Not to mention he is my personal chauffeur to Hardee's every Sunday morning, and he is one my most faithful blog readers ( Warning: participation in reading my blog does not in any way influence your chances of being written about. Offers may vary in states where blogging is prohibited. Residents in Hawaii and Alaska add sales tax. Please void where prohibited!!).....
I love ya man.... I hope you feel encouraged today!!!!!!!!
My encouragement and "spurrin on" goes out today to a man named Kevin Arwood.....
Now first of all let me tell you I don't know if I spelled his last name right, but knowing the spelling of his name doesn't really change what you know about him..... Kevin plays guitar in our praise band at AMRBC. He joined several months ago...it may have even been a year by now......(Time in an SBC praise band rotates around Easter and Christmas musicals...I am not sure which one he joined us for)
Anyway, Kevin is one of those guys you are just glad to know...... He is fun to be around. He is a great musician, no matter what anyone says about him.......... He seems to be a great husband and a great dad.... with a great heart for Jesus...... He is as country as they come too... He is married to Shelley, who by the way is just as awesome as Kevin.... They are a great match for each other!!!! Combined, I believe they have 3 children....all girls if I'm not mistaken...Let me know if that's right???
I chose to encourage Kevin today for all of those reasons, but for one in particular..... The day that Matt and I shared with our Sunday School class that we were moving to the Philippines, I noticed tears in Kevin's eyes as we talked....He said that he had felt all along that we were gonna be called to this!!!! ...... I was impressed by his openness to share his heart..... Not many men can show their emotions like that, especially in Sunday School..... He was moved by the Lord that day, and that shows me that he is a great friend to have around.......
..........Not to mention he is my personal chauffeur to Hardee's every Sunday morning, and he is one my most faithful blog readers ( Warning: participation in reading my blog does not in any way influence your chances of being written about. Offers may vary in states where blogging is prohibited. Residents in Hawaii and Alaska add sales tax. Please void where prohibited!!).....
I love ya man.... I hope you feel encouraged today!!!!!!!!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
A Brief But Hilarious Interuption to "Spurrin You On"
Well... I know that I have been missed over the past few days, so I decided to give you an extra special Saturday blog!!!!!!!! For those of you who are regular blog readers, you know I have been out of town on a field trip, and you know that me and trips usually mean a hysterically funny story!!!!!! Who am I kidding...funny and embarrassing stuff happens to me everyday!!!!!!!My daily life seems to attract the strange and unusual and being on a field trip to Barrier Island leaves the door wide open!!!! I am going to eventually get to day 2 of "spurrin you on" but you guys must read this story first......If you have to use the restroom now may be a good time to let go of the mouse and attend to business.....The story may cause you to lose control of certain bodily functions.......
So.....I was in the bathroom at the camp where the field trip was......The camp is very "Earth" friendly since the majority of the curriculum at the camp is centered around the environment...As part of that "Earth" friendliness, all of the public restrooms are equipped with motion sensored lights.... This is a great idea, and probably saves lots on power bills...Think about how many lights are burning right now in bathrooms that no one is using......
Anyway... did I mention that I was "sitting" in the bathroom.... I'll let you be grown adults and figure that one out.... I was minding my business... taking care of business...., when the lights went out..Apparently I had not moved enough to keep them on!!!!... I panicked at first, but figured I would be alright..... Then my phone rang... it was an important call that I had been waiting on for 3 days so I took it.... So there I sit in the dark..... on the phone... in a public restroom.... at a children's camp..... My mind was racing and I was paranoid someone was gonna come in and wonder..."What is this freak doing sitting here in the dark on the phone??"
So I got up and tried to find the light sensor.... When I got up of course the toilet was automatic as well, and SWOOOOOSH down it went!!!!.....I 'bout had a heart attack!!!!!! I mean good grief, the sound of the water being flushed was as if the jet engines were preparing for take off!!!!! Here I am in the dark on the phone with an IMPORTANT PERSON trying not to let him know that I am in the restroom, and the toilet decides to flush...I am sure he heard it!!!!!........
(INSERT THIS : I am laughing so hard that I can not continue the conversation, and I am trying to listen but I had to move the phone so I would not interrupt what was being said......)
As I opened the door to the stall.....I could see the sensor, but it was around the corner and I could not get it to reboot the lights, so I did what any good man would do.... I started jumping up and down in the dark,... in the restroom,... on the phone,.... until FINALLY, it picked up my motion..... I think I heard the Lord say this!!!!!!!
I quickly finished my business and got out of there, because I knew from my first round in the dark that I had about 4 minutes to get out!!!! I ended the phone conversation and washed up and got out of there.... Luckily, NO ONE came in........
For those of you who know me, THIS WOULD ONLY HAPPEN TO ME!!!!!!!! I laughed so hard, and I am still laughing hysterically as I type.....
I am sure some one will think... "O my goodness, How inappropriate for his blog"....to those people I say..... "Haven't you ever had to go?????" Have a great weekend!!!!
So.....I was in the bathroom at the camp where the field trip was......The camp is very "Earth" friendly since the majority of the curriculum at the camp is centered around the environment...As part of that "Earth" friendliness, all of the public restrooms are equipped with motion sensored lights.... This is a great idea, and probably saves lots on power bills...Think about how many lights are burning right now in bathrooms that no one is using......
Anyway... did I mention that I was "sitting" in the bathroom.... I'll let you be grown adults and figure that one out.... I was minding my business... taking care of business...., when the lights went out..Apparently I had not moved enough to keep them on!!!!... I panicked at first, but figured I would be alright..... Then my phone rang... it was an important call that I had been waiting on for 3 days so I took it.... So there I sit in the dark..... on the phone... in a public restroom.... at a children's camp..... My mind was racing and I was paranoid someone was gonna come in and wonder..."What is this freak doing sitting here in the dark on the phone??"
So I got up and tried to find the light sensor.... When I got up of course the toilet was automatic as well, and SWOOOOOSH down it went!!!!.....I 'bout had a heart attack!!!!!! I mean good grief, the sound of the water being flushed was as if the jet engines were preparing for take off!!!!! Here I am in the dark on the phone with an IMPORTANT PERSON trying not to let him know that I am in the restroom, and the toilet decides to flush...I am sure he heard it!!!!!........
(INSERT THIS : I am laughing so hard that I can not continue the conversation, and I am trying to listen but I had to move the phone so I would not interrupt what was being said......)
As I opened the door to the stall.....I could see the sensor, but it was around the corner and I could not get it to reboot the lights, so I did what any good man would do.... I started jumping up and down in the dark,... in the restroom,... on the phone,.... until FINALLY, it picked up my motion..... I think I heard the Lord say this!!!!!!!
I quickly finished my business and got out of there, because I knew from my first round in the dark that I had about 4 minutes to get out!!!! I ended the phone conversation and washed up and got out of there.... Luckily, NO ONE came in........
For those of you who know me, THIS WOULD ONLY HAPPEN TO ME!!!!!!!! I laughed so hard, and I am still laughing hysterically as I type.....
I am sure some one will think... "O my goodness, How inappropriate for his blog"....to those people I say..... "Haven't you ever had to go?????" Have a great weekend!!!!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
DUH!!!!!
I am leaving for Barrier Island with the 5th grade in about 5 minutes.......Ill be back on Friday!!!! Ill post day 2 of Spurrin you on then...... TUNE IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
"Spurrin' You On!!!"- Day 1
Yesterday I posted a comment on the blog of a friend of mine. I meant well by what I said but I think it may have been taken the wrong way be some of the readers who don't know me.....It is easy to do on here...So I decided tonight to start blogging about something that NO ONE can be confused about.... I want to use my blog over the next few days and weeks to simply tell all of you readers about some people in my life who are very important to me and encourage them as well. I am sure I will leave someone out, but I am gonna give it a try.......
I am doing this because of a devotion that a good friend of mine, Steven Furtick shared with our BSU praise band over 8 years ago regarding Hebrews 10:24. I am not gonna tell you what it says so you will have to click on it and read it, but the gist of it says to encourage your brothers and sisters in the Lord...to "spur them on"....I recommend reading the entire chapter. That verse and devotion has challenged me even to this day!
The person I want to "spur on" today is Mrs. Shirley Lord......I LOVE THIS WOMAN!!!!!!! She is the best church pianist in the world...(no offense to those of you who think you are but she really is)
Anyway, she has been the pianist at our church since Moses went to be with the Lord. As a matter of fact I think she may have even taught him in preschool choir......She is not only a GREAT minister in our church, yes I said it...she ministers to me every Sunday...but she is always so funny....She always has the funniest stories and tells them with such enthusiasm....She and I are currently collecting stories for a book we are going to co-author called, Tales and Tails from the Piano Bench" It is a church comedy book that I am sure Christian Supply will jump all over.....
She is also the mother of 3 wonderful adult children and has 5 grand kids, forgive me if I missed one Shirley.... She also directs weddings....Let me add that she does a fine job at that as well.....
The one thing she is not good at is being on time (no I'm not being mean...it's a joke in our praise band.....) I wish she would get better at that because honestly I can not wait 'til she gets to church...No matter what kind of Sunday, Wednesday, or Thursday I am having, she always makes me smile..... I love you Shirley....I hope you feel encouraged....
Watch out Praise Band, you may be next!!!!! Tune in tomorrow for the next episode of "Spurrin You On!!!"
P.S. CLICK ON TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CARTOON CHARACTER......THE VOTING WILL END NEXT FRIDAY!!! VOTE AS OFTEN AS YOUD LIKE!!!!
I am doing this because of a devotion that a good friend of mine, Steven Furtick shared with our BSU praise band over 8 years ago regarding Hebrews 10:24. I am not gonna tell you what it says so you will have to click on it and read it, but the gist of it says to encourage your brothers and sisters in the Lord...to "spur them on"....I recommend reading the entire chapter. That verse and devotion has challenged me even to this day!
The person I want to "spur on" today is Mrs. Shirley Lord......I LOVE THIS WOMAN!!!!!!! She is the best church pianist in the world...(no offense to those of you who think you are but she really is)
Anyway, she has been the pianist at our church since Moses went to be with the Lord. As a matter of fact I think she may have even taught him in preschool choir......She is not only a GREAT minister in our church, yes I said it...she ministers to me every Sunday...but she is always so funny....She always has the funniest stories and tells them with such enthusiasm....She and I are currently collecting stories for a book we are going to co-author called, Tales and Tails from the Piano Bench" It is a church comedy book that I am sure Christian Supply will jump all over.....
She is also the mother of 3 wonderful adult children and has 5 grand kids, forgive me if I missed one Shirley.... She also directs weddings....Let me add that she does a fine job at that as well.....
The one thing she is not good at is being on time (no I'm not being mean...it's a joke in our praise band.....) I wish she would get better at that because honestly I can not wait 'til she gets to church...No matter what kind of Sunday, Wednesday, or Thursday I am having, she always makes me smile..... I love you Shirley....I hope you feel encouraged....
Watch out Praise Band, you may be next!!!!! Tune in tomorrow for the next episode of "Spurrin You On!!!"
P.S. CLICK ON TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CARTOON CHARACTER......THE VOTING WILL END NEXT FRIDAY!!! VOTE AS OFTEN AS YOUD LIKE!!!!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Skpye and the Crayfish!!!
Today's post is an informational one....
I don't know if any of you have heard of it or not, but skype is a great way of communicating over the Internet....It is similar to AOL Instant message, but you can also talk via computer mics and video conference as well all for free....Matt and I will be using it in the Philippines to communicate easily with our family and friends.... I encourage you to click on the link and download the FREE software and set up your FREE skype account to get a user name and password.......If you are like me write it down so you won't forget...We do not leave for 3.5 months so that is plenty of time to forget......
Whenever you get your user name email it to me so I can add you to my contacts or just search for me as Jed Dearybury and drop me a line.... I have 2 accounts when you search....I use the mrdearybury without numbers.... I forgot my password one time and had to create another one!!!! That's why I said WRITE IT DOWN!!!!
While I have got you reading I have got tell you something funny that happened this morning..... I got to school at 650 because I have morning duty on Mondays......When I got here this creature below (a mac daddy of a crayfish) was right outside my door..... Apparently, he/she/it had escaped over the weekend from a 3rd grade science experiment..I am kinda proud of the little guy because my room is quite a long ways from the counter where he fell to the floor to begin his journey.....Only in elementary school!!!!
I don't know if any of you have heard of it or not, but skype is a great way of communicating over the Internet....It is similar to AOL Instant message, but you can also talk via computer mics and video conference as well all for free....Matt and I will be using it in the Philippines to communicate easily with our family and friends.... I encourage you to click on the link and download the FREE software and set up your FREE skype account to get a user name and password.......If you are like me write it down so you won't forget...We do not leave for 3.5 months so that is plenty of time to forget......
Whenever you get your user name email it to me so I can add you to my contacts or just search for me as Jed Dearybury and drop me a line.... I have 2 accounts when you search....I use the mrdearybury without numbers.... I forgot my password one time and had to create another one!!!! That's why I said WRITE IT DOWN!!!!
While I have got you reading I have got tell you something funny that happened this morning..... I got to school at 650 because I have morning duty on Mondays......When I got here this creature below (a mac daddy of a crayfish) was right outside my door..... Apparently, he/she/it had escaped over the weekend from a 3rd grade science experiment..I am kinda proud of the little guy because my room is quite a long ways from the counter where he fell to the floor to begin his journey.....Only in elementary school!!!!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
The Caterpillar
Many of you read the title and wondered what did God say to Jed today through a caterpillar......but this is by no means a spiritual blog....It should be since today is the Lord's day, but today I had a "first" in my life that I had to tell you about.........
About 2 years ago, my friend Misty, who also cuts my hair at the Westview Styling Salon, convinced me to wax my eyebrows....Since that time I don't know how I ever made it without doing...male, female, I recommend it to anyone who has a woolly mammoth growing in the middle of their eyes.....
Anyway, Misty agreed to cut our (the our being me, Matt, and Sterling) hair today after church since she had been gone for a while and of course i was gonna get a wax while I was there.... Last night I heard from a great, very holy, friend of mine, who happens to shepherd a flock of sheep on the westside of Spartanburg, near Anderson Mill Elementary School, that Misty had a new kind of waxing and that he had given in and tried it....I know you are not gonna believe this....... but it was nose hair waxing.....What a better wax for a man....We (we being men) all have a forest growing in there.......My first year of teaching...a student was drawing a picture of me and he asked me if could he draw my nose hairs, right after he asked could he draw me skinny.....Kids are so honest..I am very aware of the forest, and that I am not skinny!!!!!! Don't you just love 'em!!!!...
Anyway, I told Misty I wanted to try it....I was braced and ready for impact.....I was so scared of the pain!!! She told me to breathe through my mouth so I wouldn't inhale the wax.......She plugged up my nose and here she went......She pulled,.... and honestly.....It didn't hurt!!!! I am serious,, it didn't hurt!!! I was so shocked.... I mean seriously pulling one hair makes you cry, but pull them all at once and no pain!!!!
You may be asking why I titled the blog "Caterpillar." Well that's because that's exactly what it looked like when she pulled it out!!! You may be grossed out by this.....but remember my blog last week.."So what!" This is me this is who am......I hope you will give this a try.....It feels great.....A special thanks to my holy, wise, spiritual advisor who led the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love ya man!!!!
About 2 years ago, my friend Misty, who also cuts my hair at the Westview Styling Salon, convinced me to wax my eyebrows....Since that time I don't know how I ever made it without doing...male, female, I recommend it to anyone who has a woolly mammoth growing in the middle of their eyes.....
Anyway, Misty agreed to cut our (the our being me, Matt, and Sterling) hair today after church since she had been gone for a while and of course i was gonna get a wax while I was there.... Last night I heard from a great, very holy, friend of mine, who happens to shepherd a flock of sheep on the westside of Spartanburg, near Anderson Mill Elementary School, that Misty had a new kind of waxing and that he had given in and tried it....I know you are not gonna believe this....... but it was nose hair waxing.....What a better wax for a man....We (we being men) all have a forest growing in there.......My first year of teaching...a student was drawing a picture of me and he asked me if could he draw my nose hairs, right after he asked could he draw me skinny.....Kids are so honest..I am very aware of the forest, and that I am not skinny!!!!!! Don't you just love 'em!!!!...
Anyway, I told Misty I wanted to try it....I was braced and ready for impact.....I was so scared of the pain!!! She told me to breathe through my mouth so I wouldn't inhale the wax.......She plugged up my nose and here she went......She pulled,.... and honestly.....It didn't hurt!!!! I am serious,, it didn't hurt!!! I was so shocked.... I mean seriously pulling one hair makes you cry, but pull them all at once and no pain!!!!
You may be asking why I titled the blog "Caterpillar." Well that's because that's exactly what it looked like when she pulled it out!!! You may be grossed out by this.....but remember my blog last week.."So what!" This is me this is who am......I hope you will give this a try.....It feels great.....A special thanks to my holy, wise, spiritual advisor who led the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love ya man!!!!
Friday, March 9, 2007
Hub Cap Part 3
Okay......so I know that I am being a bit ridiculous with the Hub Cap....If you know me, you know that I can be a bit.... (How shall I say it?)....CRAZY sometimes......but when God speaks sometimes its in crazy ways... My worship leader at church, Julie Stribling (who by the way is a great woman of God who understands that God speaks through real life things) made a good point to me last night....She said back in the Bible days God used ordinary, everyday things to speak to people as well....For example....a bush, a stone, a water pot, a donkey.....its not that all of those things literally carried the voice of God, but God used those things to help people hear what He had to say.....He knows that sometimes He has got to bring things WAYYYYYY down here to our level.......so this week He has brought it way down to a hub cap on the side of 176!!!!!!
Yesterday after I left school, I convinced Mandie to go with me to get the hub cap....I must admit I went to get it because I thought it would be hysterical and totally random to get it and post a picture on here.......That proves what I said earlier...sometimes I am crazy like that......Anyway.......When I went to pick the thing up, It was very banged up, lots of dirt and tire crud, even some tar had accumulated on it from 2 days alongside of the road......As I picked up I was just reminded of this...
I was once lost and abandoned on the "side of the road".... I was dirty, nasty, sinful....I was banged up and beaten by my mistakes and my regrets..I seemed to have no meaning, just bouncing aimlessly across the highway of life......But one day Jesus came by.....He picked me up......He found me lovable...... He made me a part of His family... He adopted me.... He cleaned me off..... Yes there are still scars, but the crevices of the scars are now filled with forgiveness that came with His blood.........
hmm...I must admit I had a bit of a moment right there and in the car afterwards...not to mention the catastrophic tearful meltdown I had as I explained it the praise band last night....Thanks guys for letting me be free to worship Him for His goodness........
I don't know why God chose to speak to me through this "hub cap" I know its random, I know its silly, some of you may even go as far to think it is stupid and weird.I know it doesn't make rational sense...but....God uses the simple to confound the wise!!!!!
I challenge you all, as I challenge myself, to be open to hearing God everyday. It won't always be a big booming voice, with lightning flashes, and my friend Mandie's neon sign that she wants, but it may just be that He reminds you of His word and His faithfulness and His plan for you through a dented, messed up hub cap on the side of the road!!!!
Yesterday after I left school, I convinced Mandie to go with me to get the hub cap....I must admit I went to get it because I thought it would be hysterical and totally random to get it and post a picture on here.......That proves what I said earlier...sometimes I am crazy like that......Anyway.......When I went to pick the thing up, It was very banged up, lots of dirt and tire crud, even some tar had accumulated on it from 2 days alongside of the road......As I picked up I was just reminded of this...
I was once lost and abandoned on the "side of the road".... I was dirty, nasty, sinful....I was banged up and beaten by my mistakes and my regrets..I seemed to have no meaning, just bouncing aimlessly across the highway of life......But one day Jesus came by.....He picked me up......He found me lovable...... He made me a part of His family... He adopted me.... He cleaned me off..... Yes there are still scars, but the crevices of the scars are now filled with forgiveness that came with His blood.........
hmm...I must admit I had a bit of a moment right there and in the car afterwards...not to mention the catastrophic tearful meltdown I had as I explained it the praise band last night....Thanks guys for letting me be free to worship Him for His goodness........
I don't know why God chose to speak to me through this "hub cap" I know its random, I know its silly, some of you may even go as far to think it is stupid and weird.I know it doesn't make rational sense...but....God uses the simple to confound the wise!!!!!
I challenge you all, as I challenge myself, to be open to hearing God everyday. It won't always be a big booming voice, with lightning flashes, and my friend Mandie's neon sign that she wants, but it may just be that He reminds you of His word and His faithfulness and His plan for you through a dented, messed up hub cap on the side of the road!!!!
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Only in First Grade
Okay so here is a rare second blog for today.....please read below for Hub Cap part2 for inspiration........ this is just for funny!!!! So I am sitting here reading my sister's blog and she wrote about my little niece talking about Jesus...... I got all emotional and am crying almost to the point of making that ridiculous noise you make when you are really crying, and along comes Lee, a great first grade student, behind me and whispers....
"Mr. Dearybury there is POOP on the toilet seat."
Talk about quenching the Holy Spirit!!!!! I am now laughing hysterically!!!!!!!!
Hub Cap Part 2
As I drove to work this morning......there it was on the side of 176.......the Hub Cap... It seemed to call my name as I drove by.. "Jed, Help me, help me" .... It was laying there all alone..... useless..... worthless... I almost teared up!!!
Okay so no tears, but almost a brief moment of sadness entered my body as I though about how useless a hub cap on the side of the road was....... I mean seriously what other purpose or hope does it have other than to adorn the wall of some dirty old junkyard office hoping that some one will find it worthy to decorate the rim of their grandma's flower pot in the back yard..... I don't mean to offend you if you have one on your flower pot.... Thanks for giving purpose to a wayward hub cap......
I told the people at church about the hub cap last night and I encouraged them to be ready for hub caps in your life..... You know the things that seemingly come from out of no where and kind of blind side you like the poor little lady in the white car yesterday..... Immediately I think that people often think that God is gonna strike them down with something bad.... but the Lord does blind side you with good, no GREAT things too.... For example.... calling you to the Philippines to serve.... I mean come on... that's freaking awesome.......
Well today I received some new spiritual insight from the hub cap..... It really is amazing to me how the Lord can use the most random things in our lives to teach us about who He is.......... When I got all emotional thinking about how useless the hub cap is I was so encouraged by God's word and how purpose"FULL" we are as His children..... We all are made in his image and have our "rocks to sling" (there you go Pastor Furtick).....
The man who lives on the street under a bridge has purpose, the lady who has been married 5 times and struggles to find acceptance has purpose, the elderly man who hasn't been able to walk in 10 years has purpose, the little baby that I held in my arms who was dying from a fever has a purpose!!!!!!!!!!
As I saw the hub cap I was reminded of these words from the Lord......
Okay so no tears, but almost a brief moment of sadness entered my body as I though about how useless a hub cap on the side of the road was....... I mean seriously what other purpose or hope does it have other than to adorn the wall of some dirty old junkyard office hoping that some one will find it worthy to decorate the rim of their grandma's flower pot in the back yard..... I don't mean to offend you if you have one on your flower pot.... Thanks for giving purpose to a wayward hub cap......
I told the people at church about the hub cap last night and I encouraged them to be ready for hub caps in your life..... You know the things that seemingly come from out of no where and kind of blind side you like the poor little lady in the white car yesterday..... Immediately I think that people often think that God is gonna strike them down with something bad.... but the Lord does blind side you with good, no GREAT things too.... For example.... calling you to the Philippines to serve.... I mean come on... that's freaking awesome.......
Well today I received some new spiritual insight from the hub cap..... It really is amazing to me how the Lord can use the most random things in our lives to teach us about who He is.......... When I got all emotional thinking about how useless the hub cap is I was so encouraged by God's word and how purpose"FULL" we are as His children..... We all are made in his image and have our "rocks to sling" (there you go Pastor Furtick).....
The man who lives on the street under a bridge has purpose, the lady who has been married 5 times and struggles to find acceptance has purpose, the elderly man who hasn't been able to walk in 10 years has purpose, the little baby that I held in my arms who was dying from a fever has a purpose!!!!!!!!!!
As I saw the hub cap I was reminded of these words from the Lord......
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future."
What comfort He gives in His word and how he speaks even through a hub cap.......... I think that hub cap had more of a purpose than it ever realized.... I plan on stopping by and picking it up on the way home!!!! I WILL have a picture!!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Runaway Hubcap!
This morning on the way to work I got so tickled as I was driving...I was headed to school and it was the usual rush hour traffic when all of a sudden this stray hub cap came flying into my lane from the other side of the road....... It was spinning really fast and came from out of no where. Fortunately I saw it in time to slow down but because I slowed down, it rolled right in front of me and hit the car beside me........It must have made a huge noise in her car, because she slammed on brakes and had this look of fear in eyes that seemed say, "what in the holy tar nation was that??" Our eyes instantly made contact, and rather than look back at her with a concerned look, I just busted out laughing...I felt terrible that I laughed at her and that she saw it, but it was uncontrollable laughter. It is kinda like when you see someone fall, and while you are genuinely concerned about their safety the laughter seems to just flow like a river at flood stage.
After the hub cap hit her it bounced and then kept on going til it found its final resting spot on the shoulder of 176.....I still am laughing about it as I type. I may have to stop by there on teh way home and take a picture....I just don't think I can get that lady's funny looking expression out of my head.......The funniest thing about the whole thing was that I never ever saw a car on the other side of the road....I have no idea where it came from.....I looked in the review mirror and couldn't see a car for as far as I could see. I don't know where it came from, but I am glad it came....The day is always better when it begins with a good belly hurtin' laugh! And, believe me with the glorius wonderful day its been....I need all the laughing I can get!!!!!!!!
After the hub cap hit her it bounced and then kept on going til it found its final resting spot on the shoulder of 176.....I still am laughing about it as I type. I may have to stop by there on teh way home and take a picture....I just don't think I can get that lady's funny looking expression out of my head.......The funniest thing about the whole thing was that I never ever saw a car on the other side of the road....I have no idea where it came from.....I looked in the review mirror and couldn't see a car for as far as I could see. I don't know where it came from, but I am glad it came....The day is always better when it begins with a good belly hurtin' laugh! And, believe me with the glorius wonderful day its been....I need all the laughing I can get!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
So What!!!
This morning the Lord taught me a valuable lesson, and He used one of my students to do it.....Let me tell you about it......
This sweet little girl in my class was tattling on another kid from across the room....She said "He wont' stop looking at me." As I often do I ignored her tattling in hopes that it would stop...Especially about an issue so silly.....I mean seriously....so he was looking at you.....I
t happened again......she said...."He won't stop starting at me." Believe me, it was in the cutest poutiest (<--I don't think that's a word, but I made it one....) voice I have ever heard, but I again ignored her.......
About 5 minutes later it came again... "Mr. Dearybury, he is still looking at me." Frustrated, I turned to her and said "so what" "He has eyeballs and that's what they are for. He is not hurting you, he is not threatening you, he is in no way stepping on your rights"...these are 6 year olds mind you.....The gist of my words to her was "get over it".....and once I said that she did....She has had a wonderful day in spite of the dreadful stare....
As soon as I said the words "so what" to her I immediately thought of my previous blog and the comments someone made to me regarding my daily postings.........So what....
A mature adult knows that he/she can not please everybody all the time, and honestly not most of the people most of the time......but one thing I can do is try to please God, cause ultimately He is the only one that matters.......Not family, not friends, not a job, not a salary....Jesus and Jesus alone.....I reread all of my old blogs and the only things I found offensive were my ugly mug sleeping on a snow day and a picture of "matt-matt" cooking lunch.....I have done nothing more than speak from my heart and share about Jesus.......If you find that offensive, THEN PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That means He isn't done with you yet, and He is trying to challenge......I have heard this verse in my head since Saturday....
"These things I say unto you that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, because I (Jesus) have overcome the world." Matthew 16:33
That was Jesus' nice way of saying to all those things and people that come get negatively in our way...............................
This sweet little girl in my class was tattling on another kid from across the room....She said "He wont' stop looking at me." As I often do I ignored her tattling in hopes that it would stop...Especially about an issue so silly.....I mean seriously....so he was looking at you.....I
t happened again......she said...."He won't stop starting at me." Believe me, it was in the cutest poutiest (<--I don't think that's a word, but I made it one....) voice I have ever heard, but I again ignored her.......
About 5 minutes later it came again... "Mr. Dearybury, he is still looking at me." Frustrated, I turned to her and said "so what" "He has eyeballs and that's what they are for. He is not hurting you, he is not threatening you, he is in no way stepping on your rights"...these are 6 year olds mind you.....The gist of my words to her was "get over it".....and once I said that she did....She has had a wonderful day in spite of the dreadful stare....
As soon as I said the words "so what" to her I immediately thought of my previous blog and the comments someone made to me regarding my daily postings.........So what....
A mature adult knows that he/she can not please everybody all the time, and honestly not most of the people most of the time......but one thing I can do is try to please God, cause ultimately He is the only one that matters.......Not family, not friends, not a job, not a salary....Jesus and Jesus alone.....I reread all of my old blogs and the only things I found offensive were my ugly mug sleeping on a snow day and a picture of "matt-matt" cooking lunch.....I have done nothing more than speak from my heart and share about Jesus.......If you find that offensive, THEN PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That means He isn't done with you yet, and He is trying to challenge......I have heard this verse in my head since Saturday....
"These things I say unto you that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, because I (Jesus) have overcome the world." Matthew 16:33
That was Jesus' nice way of saying to all those things and people that come get negatively in our way...............................
SO WHAT!!!!!!!!
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Humbly I Come
Dear sweet blog readers...
It has come to my attention that some of my blogs may be offensive and over the top...First of all let me say a big YAY!!!!! If my words are challenging you then they must be good words.....Second of all let me say that if at times I do seem a little harsh, it is only because my passion and desire for all people to be in love with Jesus sometimes comes out a little like fire from an erupting from a volcano.....When you truly know Him and He has set you free from a life of sin and raised you up from out of the darkest pit, you can not help but shout it out....
I love Jesus....I cant help it, and I wont apologize for it........Criticize if you must, but hear my heart......I love all who read this blog...even those who think i don't...you know who you are....I really do!!!! I want you to know HIM like I do.......
It is never my desire to hurt anyone......I just share my thoughts....that's all......Please don't be offended....but if you are, I am just like the TV.....you don't have to tune in. I would love to hear your comments on this blog today....It is rare that I post on Saturday, but I guess I needed to say this. I hope you all enjoy your Sunday...Go to church!!!
P.S. I love Baptists too!!!!
It has come to my attention that some of my blogs may be offensive and over the top...First of all let me say a big YAY!!!!! If my words are challenging you then they must be good words.....Second of all let me say that if at times I do seem a little harsh, it is only because my passion and desire for all people to be in love with Jesus sometimes comes out a little like fire from an erupting from a volcano.....When you truly know Him and He has set you free from a life of sin and raised you up from out of the darkest pit, you can not help but shout it out....
I love Jesus....I cant help it, and I wont apologize for it........Criticize if you must, but hear my heart......I love all who read this blog...even those who think i don't...you know who you are....I really do!!!! I want you to know HIM like I do.......
It is never my desire to hurt anyone......I just share my thoughts....that's all......Please don't be offended....but if you are, I am just like the TV.....you don't have to tune in. I would love to hear your comments on this blog today....It is rare that I post on Saturday, but I guess I needed to say this. I hope you all enjoy your Sunday...Go to church!!!
P.S. I love Baptists too!!!!
Friday, March 2, 2007
Dr. Seuss Day
I don't know if it is widely known among people outside of the elementary school circuit, but today is a big day......It is Dr. Seuss's Birthday...Okay well actually I think it was Tuesday, but anyone who knows anything about elementary kids should know that you always have special days on a Friday so that the kids can settle down over the weekend........
In celebration of the day teachers plan various events for their classes to celebrate all of Dr. Seuss's work.... In first grade we make Cat in the Hat hats....we have work sheets that go with his books....we read lots of his stories......
This morning our librarian read Green Eggs and Ham over the schools inhouse tv......
The kids love this day too because the teachers dress up for the occasion...In order to look like the Cat in the Hat, we all wear black pants and white shirts with red bow ties.....This year, thanks to our librarian, I have the privilege of wearing a black tail.....The funniest thing was when I walked by a former student and she said ...."nice tail"......I almost scolded her for speaking inappropriately, but then I remembered I really was wearing a tail.......It was too funny.......
I have linked several key Seuss words to the Seussville website.....Any of you stay at home moms with kids there all day it would be a great place to visit with your kids online.....Especially my friend Emily who is trapped in snowy North Dakota.
Below is a picture of Mandie and I dressed in our attire.....The other picture is of our wonderful lunch ladies.....I tell you I love those ladies so much......It is like having 4 mama's right here at school....They really take care of me and all of my nutritional needs.......As a matter of fact I have already feasted on some of their fries this morning......I sometimes go down there for an early snack before lunch......I am sure gonna miss them when I'm in the Philippines......Ill probably lose weight!!!!!!! Before you scroll down and look at the pictures click on the Mr. Dearybury test to the right and see how well you know me.......I want to give a big shout out to my friend Jen Bailey Wade....I haven't seen her in years...at least 7 I think, and she got a 70.......What a friend!!!!!! GO Jen!!!!
In celebration of the day teachers plan various events for their classes to celebrate all of Dr. Seuss's work.... In first grade we make Cat in the Hat hats....we have work sheets that go with his books....we read lots of his stories......
This morning our librarian read Green Eggs and Ham over the schools inhouse tv......
The kids love this day too because the teachers dress up for the occasion...In order to look like the Cat in the Hat, we all wear black pants and white shirts with red bow ties.....This year, thanks to our librarian, I have the privilege of wearing a black tail.....The funniest thing was when I walked by a former student and she said ...."nice tail"......I almost scolded her for speaking inappropriately, but then I remembered I really was wearing a tail.......It was too funny.......
I have linked several key Seuss words to the Seussville website.....Any of you stay at home moms with kids there all day it would be a great place to visit with your kids online.....Especially my friend Emily who is trapped in snowy North Dakota.
Below is a picture of Mandie and I dressed in our attire.....The other picture is of our wonderful lunch ladies.....I tell you I love those ladies so much......It is like having 4 mama's right here at school....They really take care of me and all of my nutritional needs.......As a matter of fact I have already feasted on some of their fries this morning......I sometimes go down there for an early snack before lunch......I am sure gonna miss them when I'm in the Philippines......Ill probably lose weight!!!!!!! Before you scroll down and look at the pictures click on the Mr. Dearybury test to the right and see how well you know me.......I want to give a big shout out to my friend Jen Bailey Wade....I haven't seen her in years...at least 7 I think, and she got a 70.......What a friend!!!!!! GO Jen!!!!
Clockwise from the top is Sara, Gail, Mary, and Anna is Kneeling.....if you have time email them and thank them for keeping me so fat and happy while at Lone Oak..... Ther e email is LOCAFE@spart6.org I am sure they would love to hear from you!!!!!
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Chick-Fil-A
I just want to publicly announce today how I am thankful to Almighty God for Chilck-Fil-A. I absolutely love this restaurant........There are several reasons why...Let me share them with you......
1. They are closed on Sundays- In a world where money seems to be everything this restaurant still feels the need to be closed on Sundayand sacrifice a day of earnings to allow their workers to worship.
2. They give you whatever you ask for (unlike a fellow fast food rival-HARDEE'S , who is very stingy with their ketchup....stinks to be them though.....our praise band has officially started going to Burger King for breakfast on Sundays because they have a ketchup pump!!!!! :0)
3. Their employees are so nice!!!!! Last night after church I had my first taste of Chick-Fil-A since returning from the Philippines (don't be jealous Filipinos) and the guy who gave me my food was so pleasant.....I love it when I say thank you and they respond.."it was my pleasure." How many places today consider it a real pleasure to serve their customers.....not too many!!!
4. They have good toys for kids in their kids meals.....They are very educational and usually have some kind of moral lesson to go with them.
5. Their chicken is THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6. The COWS!!!!!!!!! Man I wish I would have thought of this!!!!
Above you have seen the link to their website...You should check it out!!! They have some really cool things for sale...You might want to buy something.....Thanks for reading a totally random blog today......With all of the emotional blogs of the past 2 weeks I felt that a nice refreshing blog of something really meaningless would make us all happy!!!!!
1. They are closed on Sundays- In a world where money seems to be everything this restaurant still feels the need to be closed on Sundayand sacrifice a day of earnings to allow their workers to worship.
2. They give you whatever you ask for (unlike a fellow fast food rival-HARDEE'S , who is very stingy with their ketchup....stinks to be them though.....our praise band has officially started going to Burger King for breakfast on Sundays because they have a ketchup pump!!!!! :0)
3. Their employees are so nice!!!!! Last night after church I had my first taste of Chick-Fil-A since returning from the Philippines (don't be jealous Filipinos) and the guy who gave me my food was so pleasant.....I love it when I say thank you and they respond.."it was my pleasure." How many places today consider it a real pleasure to serve their customers.....not too many!!!
4. They have good toys for kids in their kids meals.....They are very educational and usually have some kind of moral lesson to go with them.
5. Their chicken is THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6. The COWS!!!!!!!!! Man I wish I would have thought of this!!!!
Above you have seen the link to their website...You should check it out!!! They have some really cool things for sale...You might want to buy something.....Thanks for reading a totally random blog today......With all of the emotional blogs of the past 2 weeks I felt that a nice refreshing blog of something really meaningless would make us all happy!!!!!
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