Mother Earth

Figured since they say it's almost time to plant my fall crops I should give a few pictures of the garden, since last time I did was in March.
I feel I still have a good many weeks left in this cycle for zucchini and squash, so I'll let them keep keeping on!

My live oak tree which will be beautiful in a couple decades....

The zucchini have been by far the best growing crop this season. The leaves really are huge!

My watermelon patch has not produced as I had hoped since planting but it's because the farmer, me, hadn't been watering it enough. That has changed with my continual use of the soaker hose on a regular daily basis each morning and we've been getting more more rain in July than we ever did in May or June. 

So my one lone watermelon was past ripe, that's ok. I've got time on my hands for the next ones to turn out great. 

The one other crop I'm looking forward to will be the sweet potatoes. I checked on them Wednesday and it was about medium size, and I'd like them to grow a good bit more before harvest. It's funny having a crop you can't see to tell if it's right for picking. The wait is worth it though.

Additionally, it's been a busy few weeks and some big answers to prayers have been received. My chronic pain is almost completely solved and without the use of any pain medication. In fact, I take no medicine during the day at all. Sleeping is still an issue but we have dropped my dosages dramatically, which I'm very happy about. The radiofrequency ablation (cauterizing of the nerves) in my back seems to have taken away all the pain signals and I've been more active lately. I gotta slow it down though, when possible, but I'm happy to be back to the new normal. The phrase "strike while the iron is hot" has really been my slogan lately also because I want to get as healthy as I can while I can do it with minimal pain. Really isn't like I wake up and think "oh, I'm cured"... but again, it's just a new normal. Which really means that God has blessed me beyond words. I have a blog topic I'll try to fit in sometime soon along those lines.

Two weeks ago my cousins were all down at the beach house for a big family week and it was exciting to be around them and their children. Knowing the next generation is learning the beach like we did is so special and really makes my heart smile. I took lots of pictures but don't feel a post would be warranted.

Really, I just kept wishing dad would have been there walking down the yard to the pier with a watermelon. His favorite thing was watermelon on a hot day. It's quite possibly one of the only things he really truly and deeply was selfish about. -but selfish in that good way that he'd always want to share also. :-)

It's also been two months living without my father and now that I am not in chronic pain I think about him more and more. You can probably tell from that last paragraph. What's added to that is I've lost the 3 heroes of my life all within a year and it's been pretty tough lately. -thinking how I'd just love to hear their voice. What I'd give to talk with them about the past and all the millions of memories that they would recount as if it were yesterday. I wish I'd recorded our conversations so I could pass to my kids, if it's in God's Time.

If you have anyone in your life that means a lot to you, don't take their (or your) days for granted.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

A Pirate Looks At Forty

Dad's most favorite spot in the whole world

Tuesday May 24th, 2011 will never be forgotten. What took place that day changed my life more than anything ever has or probably ever will.

My father, Glenn Thompson Cook, met our Lord and Savior in Heaven that morning.

To be honest, it still hasn't truly sank in just what has happened. Because my parents lived in Birmingham I didn't get to see them all that often. My dad visited me about once a month and would stay with me at my house in Spanish Fort. Since his passing it has simply felt like an extended amount of time between visits.

Through everything that's taken place since that Tuesday my mindset has not been one of questioning what God has done. He has been preparing me this year even when I didn't think I could handle any more! The chronic pain I deal with daily was just the start of these preparations earlier this year.

I loved this quote I saw recently:

"God doesn't bring men to deep waters to drown them, but to cleanse them!"

Thank you for your prayers.

Godbless!

Bama Breeeze

So it's been over a month since I last wrote. The past month has been very different than the previous one, that's for sure! Work is going well too.

I'll simply just put up some photos from the back yard and the house. Taking care of the veggies and plants around here has been taking up my time while home.

These are the rows of silver queen corn I planted. The ones over about two inches tall I transplanted from the seed starter plat yesterday. Hopefully they'll take off real well in the yard with plenty of sun. Can't wait to eat some fresh corn! The starter plat still has some cucumbers and beans that need to grow more before I'll transplant them. 

I also planted this beautiful hibiscus yesterday as well. It'll stay in the front of the house for all to see. I really like how they bloom all summer down here because of our hot weather. 

So, all that sand is my little re-hab project with my grass. This area off my back porch got lots of wear and tear because Penny would run around and she also liked to dig! Should just take a couple months to get it back healthy. 

My JOY is not determined by what happens to me, but what Christ is doing in me and through me! 

Free and Easy

The title pretty much sums this past weekend for me.
Friday evening I joined a few of my neighbors for a fish-fry and we had a good time. Josh, who helped me build the garden beds that I will talk about below, has a big fryer and did an excellent job -just like he always does!

Saturday I was up bright and early. The weather has been incredible in south Alabama for about 10 days or so, maybe longer. It's so tough for me to stay inside with such great weather.

I ended up going ahead and planting my carrots, cantaloupe, midget cucumber and regular sized cucumbers, beans, peas, and watermelon. Sure, we could possibly another slight freeze within the next month. -I'll pay for the consequences, and they will be cheap. About $5 worth of seed total for all that I've planted!

Additionally, I prepared the spot on the back property line where I will plant 4 rows of 20 Silver Queen corn! I'm super excited to test the waters on growing the corn. This variety is by far my favorite!

Not only did I plant veggies and these fruits but I also acquired a Navel orange tree, about 4' high, and also raspberry and blueberry bushes. These were planted on the south side of my house to keep them out of the cold north wind during our winters, plus they will all get absolute full sun. Also this gives me my own little grove of citrus and fruits there because I already had a Satsuma tree there.

And for good measure, I went ahead and planted about four daylilly plants in my front yard to give some color there. They are right at the base of my water oak that shades the yard very well.

OK, I'm not done yet! I've never covered up the fact that I love pine tree and pretty much any tree for that matter. -except crap myrtles. Well, I transplanted over a dozen longleaf pine seedlings to my backyard and put them in coffee containers for them to mature before putting them in the ground later this spring. Longleaf are about the slowest growing pine grown commercially for timber so these really won't be enjoyed by me at my house but whomever lives here a few decades from now.
Yah, I didn't stop there. While digging up the pine seedlings I also snagged about 5 small oak tree saplings. I placed them in containers and will plant them in the yard somewhere. Yah, I'm probably going to run out of space later this year for more plants!

My aunt Gale gave me some sunflower seeds and I will line the back yard with them to give some color. Also I'm going to add wildflower seeds in with these plantings and there will be plenty of color!

Here are some pictures of the raised garden beds. You can also see the pine seedlings in their containers.

The lumber that is up against the house will be used to build the stand for my rain barrel which I am going to move to the back of the house to use as irrigation for these beds. You can also see the dormant blueberry and raspberry bushes on the side of my house in the 3rd picture. They are between my gutter's downspout and the sewer tank thing that is a faded green.

Thanks to Brett Long for building the top "seat" for these beds. It really is so much better for me to sit down and work.

Well, just thought it was about time for an update on the happenings around the yard! Hope everyone is enjoying this great weather.

In His name,
-Matt

When You're Smiling

I really find that I desire to write a blog entry much more often than I actually publish one! Today I just found myself in a situation where I had to write about once I got home.

As life does to us humans, God really has given me a place that makes my heart smile every minute I'm there. GrandJoe passed away last summer and I've written about him in a previous entry. I documented his life to a small degree and the impact his Service in the Navy has had on my life. Well, ever since he went to Heaven it was laid on my heart to get involved in some type of volunteer work. I've always desired to do some work like this at some level and I knew at heart that this is as good a time as any. Even with all I have going on, no permanent job after this month and my back issues, God just has spoken so clearly to me that if I can't find time now for spending time with His children then I'll always put it off until sometime later.... and you know how that goes!

OK, so the point is, GrandJoe visited a very nice 'nursing' home pretty much every weekday before he got too sick to go. This really gave Meme and Aunt Gale a break from him being at home full-time and truly was a blessing. The Snook Center is the place I speak off. They have multiple wings to the building but in the core of the building they have a "Promenade" with a Soda Fountain, Barber/Beauty Shop, and Post Office and they regularly play music from the 40's and 50's; everything harkens back to the Good Ole Days! The Snook Center is known as a memory care facility so most of the residents have a form of Dementia or Alzheimer's and they are very well cared for. I say most because I've met a few exceptions. There is a lovely couple, the Shirley's, whom only the husband has slight issues with memory. More on them later!

The past two weeks I have been twice to just sit with some of the residents and give them someone to talk to. Eventually I think I will start playing cards or board games with them. For now I'm just trying to get to know them so they do not cast me as a stranger. The first visit I talked with some of the workers and they just went on and on about how great GrandJoe was and that they sure missed him. One regular volunteer told me that he was her absolute favorite that had ever been there. I'm man enough to admit that she made me cry!

Today's visit really went beyond just them asking me questions and the whole time I really asked them things and got to know them better. To see them light up when they remember things from decades past is such a joy. They are the happiest bunch I've ever been around!

One resident, Mrs. Shirley, remembered me from the previous week. It turns out she has no real health issues but is simply there because her husband has the dementia and she didn't want to live away from him. It's just about the sweetest thing you could imagine. She has to be the kindest and sweetest lady I've ever known, family excluded.
Today we discussed all sorts of things. Her husband played the trumpet. I can't recall what his actual profession was when he was younger, but I know his family was big into music, and that his father played the"bass fiddle." -I'd never heard it called that before! Well, after about 30 minutes of sitting at the table with them during their afternoon coffee, one of the staff members put on some music and it was a Louis Armstrong album. Mr. Shirley remembered every lyric from every song! This really made my heart smile because it was just the same with Grandjoe. He couldn't remember how to use a screwdriver or what day it was, but by gosh, he knew every lyric from songs back in the 40s and 50s!

It just so happened that Mr. Shirley's band would play a lot of Louis' songs back in the day. He then told me how he met Louis one night at a music club down on the Causeway - it's the non-elevated road that crosses Mobile Bay between Spanish Fort/Daphne and Mobile. He went on and on about how accessible and nice Louis was. The fact that a man of his popularity during that time would let a young guy backstage between sets just to talk music and trumpets was a thrill for Mr. Shirley. And you know, to have him tell this story and hear it from him, he made you feel like he had met the President! Mr. Shirley was humbled by Louis' kindness that night. He said that after this meeting he started giving free trumpet lessons to children there in Mobile.

I just can't put into words the joy I get from those of previous generations talking about the past. GrandJoe was a blessing in my life even if he couldn't remember who I was.

So, in honor of him I will continue to go visit the fine folks at the Snook Center at least once a week for an hour or so in the afternoons. It's the least I can do!

Thank you so much for the prayers and thoughts regarding my back and job situations. These prayers have been felt I assure you! God has a plan for me regarding a job. Next week I have an interview with the Chief of our GIS department at the Army Corps of Engineers for a Fed position. 432 applicants and there are four of us within the department that are interviewing. I'm continuing to pray for God's will for this and I will gladly accept either outcome. It's been my dream to work in this department for years and if it's meant to be He will keep me here.
On the other hand, we've tweaked my pain meds and it's working decently this week but I go back to the doctor in a couple weeks to see about further injections/meds changes too. Thank the Lord for health insurance. My bills for the two rounds of injections alone were enough for down payment on a small house! :)

As always, may the peace of the Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you all.

On My Highway

I suppose it's time for an update.  There's been some goings on that should be mentioned.

First, the past few weeks have been very little fun physically, mentally, and emotionally. My Faith has strengthened more every day and so spiritually I've been much better. Without the details of the ailments of others, it's worth mentioning that there really are many others going through tough times and they have been continually in my thoughts and prayers.  Lately it truly has been living one day at a time. This really isn't just a saying when you live it. Those that deal with chronic pain or other major health issues unfortunately understand it all too well.

Last week was my second round of injections in my back, and it was for steroids placed within the joints. Hopefully the combination of the previous nerve blockers, these steroids injections, and my daily medication I can get to a more manageable amount of pain.

So enough of THAT. Last weekend I made two raised garden beds so that I can begin growing some of my own veggies. It will be nice to have another project to keep up with around the house. My neighbor Josh really did the majority of the building for these beds.

Mainly, the thing that stands out throughout the past month is my faith that God has something planned for me. Sure, there's been times I really wanted out, and who wouldn't. I'm not able to do normal things like I used to because of my back, even simple things like reaching for something off the shelf at Lowe's yesterday made me hurt for the next 10 hours. Additionally, I'm faced with no job after the end of this month. But what has sustained me are the promises that God has made for my life. I just keep leaning on Him and He bears all my burdens. His power is made perfect in my weakness.. and boy there's lots of them!

I'm also really getting tuned into the happenings of Bay Community Church here near my home. This has been quite the journey the past two years to fully embrace everything that goes on there. The only thing I really just didn't love was the music worship, but God has broken me down and I've learned to tolerate it... I just love old Hymns! Bottom line is Jerry speaks THE word of God and that's all that matters. His messages are always spot on and I'm so on fire with what is happening. They have some exciting events coming up and I'm looking forward to joining in some capacity. Later this week I'm attending their class for those wishing to know more about the church and then join if they want.

As always,
Godbless!

Blue Indian

This evening I received an email from a fellow member of a forum regarding what we go through with chronic pain. It hit me especially close to home and I just felt led to share it here. At this moment I'm not wanting to shove it toward anyone in particular but most of what is contained is exactly something I've wanted to vocalize for some time now.  I really don't intend on keep this blog about me or what I go through in all this. Sometimes it just feels nice to share.


LETTER TO PEOPLE WITHOUT CHRONIC PAIN: 

Having chronic pain means many things change, and a lot of them are invisible. Unlike having cancer or being hurt in an accident, most people do not understand even a little about chronic pain and its effects, and of those that think they know, many are actually misinformed. 

In the spirit of informing those who wish to understand ... 

... These are the things that I would like you to understand about me before you judge me... 

Please understand that being sick doesn't mean I'm not still a human being. I have to spend most of my day in considerable pain and exhaustion, and if you visit, sometimes I probably don't seem like much fun to be with, but I'm still me-- stuck inside this body. I still worry about school, my family, my friends, and most of the time - I'd still like to hear you talk about yours, too. 

There is a the difference between "happy" and "healthy". When you've got the flu, you probably feel miserable with it, but I've been sick for years. I can't be miserable all the time. In fact, I work hard at not being miserable. So, if you're talking to me and I sound happy, it means I'm happy. That's all. It doesn't mean that I'm not in a lot of pain, or extremely tired, or that I'm getting better, or any of those things. Please don't say, "Oh, you're sounding better!" or "But you look so healthy!¨ I am merely coping. I am sounding happy and trying to look normal. If you want to comment on that, you're welcome. 


Being able to stand up for ten minutes doesn't necessarily mean that I can stand up for twenty minutes, or an hour. Just because I managed to stand up for thirty minutes yesterday doesn't mean that I can do the same today. With a lot of diseases you're either paralyzed, or you can move. With this one, it gets more confusing everyday. It can be like a yo-yo. I never know from day to day, how I am going to feel when I wake up. In most cases, I never know from minute to minute. That is one of the hardest and most frustrating components of chronic pain. 

Please repeat the above paragraph substituting, "sitting", "walking", "thinking", "concentrating", "being sociable" and so on ... it applies to everything. That's what chronic pain does to you. 

Chronic pain is variable. It's quite possible (for many, it's common) that one day I am able to walk to the park and back, while the next day I'll have trouble getting to the next room. Please don't attack me when I'm ill by saying, "But you did it before!" or Oh, come on, I know you can do this!" If you want me to do something, then ask if I can. In a similar vein, I may need to cancel a previous commitment at the last minute. If this happens, please do not take it personally. If you are able, please try to always remember how very lucky you are--to be physically able to do all of the things that you can do. 

Honestly, please know that "getting out and doing things" does not make me feel better, and can often make me seriously worse. You don't know what I go through or how I suffer in my own private time. Telling me that I need to exercise, or do some things to get my mind off of it¨ may frustrate me to tears, and is not correct if I was capable of doing some things any or all of the time, don't you know that I would? I am working with my doctor and I am doing what I am supposed to do. 
Another statement that hurts is, "You just need to push yourself more, try harder..." Obviously, chronic pain can deal with the whole body, or be localized to specific areas. Sometimes participating in a single activity for a short or a long period of time can cause more damage and physical pain than you could ever imagine. Not to mention the recovery time, which can be intense. You can't always read it on my face or in my body language. Also, chronic pain may cause secondary depression (wouldn't you get depressed and down if you were hurting constantly for months or years?), but it is not created by depression. 

Please understand that if I say I have to sit down/lie down/stay in bed/or take these pills now, that probably means that I do have to do it right now - it can't be put off or forgotten just because I'm somewhere, or am right in the middle of doing something. Chronic pain does not forgive, nor does it wait for anyone. 

If you want to suggest a cure to me, please don't. It's not because I don't appreciate the thought, and it's not because I don't want to get well. Lord knows that isn't true. In all likelihood, if you've heard of it or tried it, so have I. In some cases, I have been made sicker, not better. This can involve side effects or allergic reactions. It also includes failure, which in and of itself can make me feel even lower. If there were something that cured, or even helped people with my form of chronic pain, then we'd know about it. There is worldwide networking (both on and off the Internet) between people with chronic pain. If something worked, we would KNOW. It's definitely not for lack of trying. If, after reading this, you still feel the need to suggest a cure, then so be it. I may take what you said and discuss it with my doctor. 

If I seem touchy, it's probably because I am. It's not how I try to be. As a matter of fact, I try very hard to be normal. I hope you will try to understand. I have been, and am still, going through a lot. Chronic pain is hard for you to understand unless you have had it. It wreaks havoc on the body and the mind. It is exhausting and exasperating. Almost all the time, I know that I am doing my best to cope with this, and live my life to the best of my ability. I ask you to bear with me, and accept me as I am. I know that you cannot literally understand my situation unless you have been in my shoes, but as much as is possible, I am asking you to try to be understanding in general. 

In many ways I depend on you - people who are not sick. I need you to visit me when I am too sick to go out... Sometimes I need you help me with the shopping, cooking or cleaning. I may need you to take me to the doctor, or to the store. You are my link to the normalcy of life. You can help me to keep in touch with the parts of life that I miss and fully intend to undertake again, just as soon as I am able. 

I know that I have asked a lot from you, and I do thank you for listening. It really does mean a lot. 

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

In Color

Throughout the previous posts on this journal page I've strayed away from getting too personal with what's exactly going on in my life. I feel now is as good of a time as any to finally say my peace and be done with it for a while. So, just bear with me if anyone reads this. I'm doing this for me and I really want nothing in return from anyone.
Honestly, talking about what I deal with day in and day out regarding my chronic back pain issues is still tough for me. Usually I'm so open with most everything in my life but I feel like I've been holding on to this and I don't really have a valid reason. I've recently come to terms with my ailment and am more confident that God has a plan to use me for something good.

The previous two weeks have been therapeutic in many ways. Being without Penny has allowed me more freedom with my schedule away from work and I've been able to visit family a few times. The house is quieter, for sure, without her but I've enjoyed not having the demands of a dog around the house.

Most don't realize the toll chronic back pain takes on all aspects of an otherwise normal lifestyle. The simplest things such as turning to get out of bed or standing and reaching into a cabinet for a plate and even still, just sitting in a straight-back chair all wreak exacerbating pain throughout my entire lower back. Because these simple tasks turn into mountainous hurdles to climb on an hourly basis, days always seem to feel like a competition with myself that never ends. Laying back in my recliner at the end of the day is my only reward or respite of comfort. Sometimes I just have to laugh at how simplified and dumbed down I've had to gear my life. I can't say there haven't been tears either.

I used to be so active with sports, man how I miss golf.  I've given thought to selling my clubs. Being able to mow and string-trim 10 yards a day is now behind me to some extent. My best memories of younger years are filled with soccer and mowing. There's more things I truly enjoy doing that I think up everyday that I'll continue to miss. I won't list them all because it would look like a pity party. The point is that I'm trying to stay positive through all this. Obviously I'm not able to see into the future and know if I'll ever be able to do certain things or if they are forever in my past, but I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that it's a good possibility that I won't be able to.

At first when all the doctors and nurses would say "you're too young to be having back problems" I would just kinda chuckle and agree with them. That was when I didn't fully understand my condition and what Bertolotti's Syndrome meant for my future.

From Wikipedia: Bertolotti's syndrome is a form of lumbago in the lumbosacral transitional vertebrae. The syndrome is not usually treated, as not much is known yet about these spinal segments. It is named for Mario Bertolotti, an Italian physician. Bertolotti's syndrome is defined by a transitional 5th lumbar vertebra resulting in partial sacralization. Of importance is that this syndrome will result in a pain generating 4th lumbar disc resulting in a "sciatic" type of a pain correlating to the 5th lumbar nerve root. Usually the transitional vertebra will have a "spatulated" transverse process on one side resulting in articulation or partial articulation with the sacrum or at time the illium and in some cases with both. This results in limited / altered motion at the lumbo-sacral articulation. This loss of motion will then be compensated for at segments superior to the transitional vertebra resulting in accelerated degeneration and strain through the L4 disc level which can become symptomatic and inflame the adjacent L5 nerve root resulting in "sciatic" or radicular pain patterns. This is a congenital condition and is usually not symptomatic until one's later twenties or early thirties.

Mom has helped me put into prospective what it means at my age to go through something so rare. She, too, is a 'survivor' of a rare congenital affliction. To have my own mother know what it's like to have to explain to everyone what is going on and why I'm doing certain things has helped keep me sane. She's comforted me in a way that only a mother can but also in a way that only someone that's been through so much pain can also.

The overall support I've had from family and friends has been so inspiring. I'm lucky to have each one in my life. I've always said that You Get What You Give. Throughout my young life I've tried as much as possible to treat others how I would want to be treated. It's come back to me 10-fold for sure, and that's not gloating on my side.

My daily reality is that every action made when not in my recliner causes unbearable pain. The goal of not taking medicine for the pain has past. It's no longer an option to live without the medicine. Part of me has been taken away.

The part that can never be taken away, however, is my faith that God has something special in store for me. My ultimate goal is now through my affliction to make Jesus known. I've chosen to use my ailment for His glory. Behind me may be a lot of good memories of being active, but what lies ahead is even greater. The future, in my mind and heart, looks brighter than anything that I've been through yet.

I'm not going to turn into some recliner couch potato who whines about how he can't do stuff anymore. Please know that I've made a commitment to shed my past and give God the glory for saving me from selfishness when I could have thrown in the towel being faced with all this pain.

So that's what I've been chewing on lately. I'm absolutely miserable almost every hour of the day, but this body is not mine. I'm living proof that our bodies are literally HELL. Every day is an example to me that this world is hell but Heaven is the only reward I should seek. Most people don't ever realize this because they don't suffer through chronic pain, or have a body that they don't want to be in. God has shown me this and I want to make it known. I continue to pray that He will work through me so that I may impact the lives of the few that would read this.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 

Joy To The World

Another Christmas has passed. The past two weeks have seemed like it went by too fast, which it did.

My time away from home really was nice. Being in Nashville for Joel's graduation from college was an experience I won't forget.
Those days afterward in Nashville he and I created memories to last a lifetime. 3rd row by bench against the glass for an NHL game, awesome seats with our friend Rob for the Titans football game and then floor seats with some of the family for Garth Brook's last night of concerts in Nashville for the Flood Relief are the highlights I speak of.

Most importantly though is that this holiday season I have been able to spend lots of quality time with those that matter most in my life. Above all else, family is that. Especially with all that has happened this year it was so great to be with family.

Because I've been so committed to my re-commitment to Christ it allowed me to fully enjoy all that He had for me recently.

The best example for this is my willingness to find Penny a new home. She's been an absolute blessing this year for me at home with my back issues, but having her around was also very burdensome for obvious reasons.

To confess that God had His hands on this whole situation and took care of it perfectly is an understatement.

After having Penny in the kennel at her vet in Daphne for the 12 nights ending on Monday night I picked her up Tuesday early afternoon. I had been praying so hard that God would provide Penny a new home. I'd even put an ad online trying to sell her with a nice write-up (if I do say so myself!) on Monday evening after returning home from Tennessee, and talked with everyone I knew that could help to find her a new home.
So I arrive at the vet and that's when I knew my prayers were answered so perfectly that I could only cry tears of joy. God provided a new home for Penny that includes 3 other dogs, over 60 horses and 60 acres of fenced land to play on. The man God placed in my life to take Penny that day from the vet was the best answer to prayers I could have ever asked for. He had been searching for a female Brittany for the last year to replace his aging female Brittany that has just gotten too old to hunt. He was impressed with Penny's obedience and training and took her home right then, putting her in the cab of his truck while he tended to the horses he'd brought to the vet for their shots. Penny didn't even look back at me and that made it so much easier for me.
I continue to miss her for lots and lots of reasons.  But, I really don't miss the dog hair or the things she would so expertly chew-up on a daily basis. But above all else, this is the story of putting my faith solely in God's hands to provide and he exceeded my expectations beyond measure.

The phrase "I've never known a day when he didn't make a way" has stayed on my mind and heart since. If there was ever a time to not regret my re-commitment then this has been the time.

I have so much more that I'd like to mention and talk about regarding the holiday time and what's to come in life. But, honestly, I really don't find this blog factoring in to what I want to do in the near future, but I'll write when I find it appropriate.

Making sure the message that those who put their trust in the Lord will renew their strength is my #1 goal of this blog and this posting. I'm living proof that when you put your worries and life in His hands, anything is possible, for better or worse.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Jingo

So it's been a week since my last posting. This previous week was quite busy!
I smoked 4 dozen chicken quarters on my Stump's Elite 6 for a lunch at work. Our section chief purchased the meat and on Tuesday night he and I prepped all the chicken in my kitchen before I smoked it all at one time in the smoker on Wednesday morning. I underestimated the warm-up time for the Stump's but everything finished in time for me to make it to work before lunch. Everyone raved over the chicken and that always makes me feel so good.
Thursday I took Penny to the kennel where she is staying until next Monday the 27th. It's been exceptionally nice to not have to worry about her for the past few days. I know at some point I'll start missing her, but just not yet!
This brings me to the main reason for this previous week being so busy, but still exciting.

Joel graduated from Belmont University on Friday evening. The whole regular members of the family were in attendance except for my grandparents from Jackson but we took plenty of pictures and my aunt even got a nice video of him walking across the stage and accepting his diploma. YES, he did actually receive the diploma with his name and everything. Their school is one of the few that actually do this now. They mailed us ours at State! It's amazing to me how well Joel has done in college. Belmont was the perfect fit for him and the fact that he graduated with over a 3.0 GPA, and final semester GPA of 4.0,  really just made us all so proud of him. Now it's on to the real-world!
A student graduating that night who was a native of Kenya gave a very inspirational speech. It was amazing to know he had come so far with his English and that Belmont helped give him a future he would not have had otherwise. Best of all he gave the glory to The Lord for all that had taken place.

Nashville has been so much fun even though it's so cold up here! -and it's not done showing me a good time either!

Saturday night Joel and I attended a Nashville Predators' hockey game and boy did we have great seats. Joel has a friend with connections and/or lots of money that gave us the seats and we enjoyed sitting so close to the glass. We'd both never been that close to the ice. I knew the game was going to be interesting when the L.A. Kings scored a goal against the home team within the first 15 seconds of the game! We were all shocked!
Today Joel and I went to the Tennessee Titan's home football game against the Texans. We had awesome seats again thanks to Rob who was so kind to let us tag along with him to the game in his season seats. As many would have guessed with the weather being so cold as it is, I DID have on lots of layers! Joel thought I was way overdressed and even talked me out of a heavier coat for my outer layer. Turns out I was perfectly comfortable in all my layers because we were in the shade on the home sideline the entire game. During the game I even held the defensive coordinator's wife's "D" poster that stands for Defense! It was lots of fun.

Tomorrow afternoon I plan to travel to Jackson, TN to visit my mother's side of the family for a few days. I will then ride with them back to Nashville on Wednesday because they are allowing me to use their extra ticket to the Garth Brooks' concert that night!!! See, the fun isn't over!

For Christmas Eve night mom, dad, Joel and I will be here in Joel's apartment before traveling to Jackson, TN to be with them for a family-wide get together for Christmas. It will be very great to be with everyone for the first time in two years for me. I wasn't able to attend last year's Christmas festivities including the Bobby Upton Poker Game but I look forward to being with everyone.

This has been an abnormal update but I just had to put in to writing what this week has meant to me and what is upcoming.

I hope everyone is able to have a safe and enjoyable Christmas week before the celebration of our Christ's birth!  Truly stop to experience the wonder that is the reason for the season.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

The Answer

So last night I watched a movie that I'd never seen. When I mention which movie it is you'll probably think I'm crazy.
It's A Wonderful Life.
Ok, go ahead and roll your eyes. I realize this isn't a movie that most go the first 26 years of their lives without seeing at least once. But I don't even have a reason not to have seen it other than older movies really aren't ones I am in a habit of watching, obviously.
I really enjoyed the movie and it rings true that they don't make movies like they used to. To be honest it was actually the perfect movie for me to watch because of what all has happened within the past couple months. Being down in south Alabama away from all my close friends and family takes its toll on my heart. I miss having friends I've grown up with around to talk and do things with. But this movie showed me that no matter what happens we impact others just by being in their lives, and they in ours. Honestly I never truly forget how blessed I am with the friends and family I have, but I just feel so undeserving. It really comes down to You Get What You Give. Hopefully when it comes my time they can say that I gave more than I took. Just happens that that's halfway true, because when I give to others I receive such joy and love in return that is 10-fold what I've ever given. Comes down to the Golden Rule really. I just want others to feel as good as I do about themselves. There are no complaints from me!

God made it apparent that last night was an all around teaching moment for me because the devotional was centered around Proverbs 17:17 - that A Friend Loves At All Times.  I didn't have a clue what the devotion was going to be for last night when I started my day. I start each day and end each day with separate devotions. It just happens that this is one related so well to what I had just seen within the movie. And to be honest, it's one of the many times this has happened recently. -the devotion makes me smile once I read the verse because it is absolutely applicable to something I had been doing earlier in the day or it's related to something God had put on my heart  that day also.

Josh Turner has a song from his latest album that I wanted to mention. The Answer. It speaks of all the questions we have in life and that Jesus Is The Answer. I respect Josh for recording such a powerful song on his album even if it might not be a single because of the spiritually demonizing media etc. Take a listen when you get a chance.

I want to mention that I usually title my entries as lyrics or names of songs. And yes, it really comes down to the fact that I'm not very creative when it comes to that type of thing. I simply listen to so much music on a daily basis that usually one or two songs really stick with me and make it to the title of a blog post.

Looking forward I have quite a busy schedule leading up to and after Christmas. Joel is graduating next week. It's so hard to imagine that he's finishing college. I'll be in Nashville for that and then also early in the week I'm lucky enough, if plans stay true, to attend one of Garth Brooks' concerts in Nashville with some of my family from Jackson. I can't wait! If the Lord called me to move closer to that area I wouldn't hold back. I miss Tennessee and my family up there. Not to mention I'd be closer to The Opry and The Ryman! :)

This blogging thing is actually becoming fun. I enjoy writing and it's nice to have this pseudo-journal to keep all my thoughts in.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

He Is Good, So Good

Today is easily the best day spiritually that I've had in years.

Being the music lover I am, it usually helps when I find a few songs to keep on repeat and make the mood jovial all day. Today happened to be the How Great Thou Art album of gospel favorites from country music artists. I think they were all recorded at The Ryman. To say this album is a jewel wouldn't do it justice.
On repeat most of today has been 'Give Me Jesus' by Vince Gill and 'How Great Thou Art' by Carrie Underwood. I make no cover ups for my love for Carrie, even if she is a vegetarian and PETA supporter. Her voice happens to be absolutely perfect to my ears and heart with just about everything she sings (scorned x-boyfriend and pop infused songs excluded). Pretty much I melt when I hear her sing. Ok, I said it! I remember watching the video version of this performance on CMT whenever it came out and I was blown away. She hits every note and brought the house down.
The song she has on the charts now called 'Mama's Song' really touches my heart. It says what every girl should be able to tell her mother. That she shouldn't worry about the man her daughter is marrying. "He Is Good, So Good" is one of the stanzas within the song. Recently it hit me how this part of the song reflects my feelings towards God and how He is good, so good. Obviously this song has no real world application to me because of, well, me not being a girl and the rest of it. But this didn't stop the song from impacting me. I hope one day that my wife can say that to her mother. More importantly though, is we all have someone that makes promises He keeps and won't ever leave us. (more lyrics for those that don't know the song) So, moral of the story and randomization above, He can even speak to us through a song we thought didn't have anything to do with spirituality. 


Vince Gill's version of 'Give Me Jesus' is another touching song. When I awake, give me Jesus. You can have the world, but just Give Me Jesus. He is all we need for fulfillment.  I really really like this song and him singing it. 

So that brings me back to the gospel/hymns I've been sifting through lately. There are certain ones that bring back memories of being young in church and singing them with family. Yah, you know that part of history when we actually sang hymns from the hymnal in church and there wasn't a projector screen on the wall to watch. Strange how times have changed....

But anyways, tonight I finally started listening to Christmas hymns. Celine Dion's 'Oh Holy Night' is always the right song to get me in the Christmas spirit.
Speaking of Christmas music, Rick and Bubba played Alabama's "Christmas In Dixie" this morning and that really brought back memories of listening to that when we'd travel to visit family during Christmas.

Tonight I also started a bit of a DIY project for "gifts" for the annual games that arise during this time of year. I can't tell you what they are but whomever is the recipient during a "Dirty Santa" will be happily surprised and actually like what is received. I really enjoy making things, as most know, and this has been a fun project thus far.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

The Door Is Always Open

There's one task that I hope to quit forgetting to do on a daily basis. Sure, some days I forget to invert in the morning or evening. Other days I forget to take my medicine exactly when I should, and I pay for it later.
But the task I'm speaking of to not forget is that at times I neglect to go to God with my troubles first. This habit is simple to promise yourself and God during your quiet times, but in practical use we get in our own way. We tell ourselves many times each day that 'I can handle this on my own' or 'I don't need to bother God with such a trivial and worthless issue... it's a waste of His time'. Well, we immediately should run from this action and repent from putting our trust in ourselves and not in Him.  Psalm 56:3 says that when we are afraid we put our trust in Him.
To me this shows that obviously since He can handle our worries and fears on the larger scale that He most certainly can take care of our smallest needs, no matter the amount. I just have to quit getting in my own way! -simple as that :o)

Rick Burgess mentioned a few weeks ago that the Bible clearly states that those of us who claim salvation then continue in our past sin are like dogs who return to their vomit. This profound statement hit me like a brick to the chest. Where have all the leaders of the church gone that use these analogies. Churches are halfway filled with congregations needing true and honest mentors to not sugar coat and dumb down The Word. Because I have faithfully shed my old self I must continue daily to not return to my past sins. Those who trust in the Lord have to not look past this. I think it's easily forgotten too much of the time. That's what God has taught me lately.

Recognizing what He is laying on our hearts on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis means we are regularly speaking with Him and trusting that He will provide according to His plan. Someone recently said that if we knew what He knows about our lives and the decisions we face that we would make the same choices. Because we can't know everything and all possible reasons or 'angles' for what takes place in our lives we must trust in Him to provide a path in which to take. I fear not what the future holds for my life because my future is in His hands.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Holy Spirit be with you all.

The Day Which Will Live In Infamy

Blue Angels July 2010 Pensacola Beach, Florida

Today I was surprised by the lack of patriotism I saw during the course of an otherwise normal day at work. Even working at a Federal building I noticed nothing announced within emails or posted on bulletin boards.

To me December 7th, 1941 will be a day that forever changed the course of life for millions of people around the world. For families whose loved ones enlisted, this day marked the start of a new beginning in America. The Greatest Generation was just starting to break ground and grow roots and make an impact for the world that is still felt today. What makes that generation so special is that they didn't have to talk about their experiences, they didn't want or need the attention. They simply did what was asked of them to the best of their ability and that was the end of it. Countless Servicemen went decades before mentioning their experiences during The War. Some speak even less often of this time, even after 69 years.

Joseph Earl Cook was one of these men. Grandjoe, as we grandchildren call him, enlisted in the Navy soon after this day at the age of 18. He was stationed in Pensacola, or near the area, for flight school training and once that was completed he flew PB-Y and PB-M planes on reconnaissance missions in the Pacific. Mostly these took place in the East China Sea and also near Japan. He wrote in his journal during this time about the impact this had on such a young man, him only being 19 or so and being entrusted with the lives of comrades. Grandjoe also recounts the story of his commanding officer wanting him to fly with him on his plane within the squadron and then the plane he was supposed to be on being shot down and everyone dying. For Joseph Earl Cook the experience of The Pacific radically molded the man he would become later in life. He would shape the lives of his entire family and offspring by the years he spent serving our great country.

I mention how grateful I am for those that have gone on to Heaven, and I sincerely mean it when I say it. Grandjoe will always be my hero. A man who embodied the call to arms in a time when the country needed him. I've been so lucky to have a previous job where I worked on military installations. Being able to see our men and women training and preparing for a not so certain future has reinforced my sense of pride for the USA. 

There's also another reason for my patriotism. For about as long as I can remember I've been going to see the Blue Angels fly in Pensacola with my family. Grandjoe was the catalyst for these trips and he will forever be the reason I go as often as possible for the rest of my life. I hope to take my kids and show them the planes that he flew in the Pacific and retell the few stories he told me while he was still here. I actually have felt that he is the reason I have a great sense of direction and can very easily understand spatial relationships. He being a pilot, direction comes as second nature, and I too, think this is something he passed down to me.

Who knows just how much the course of time was altered when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. It was God's plan that Joseph Earl Cook come back from the war and attend and graduate from Auburn Polytechnic Institute where he would meet his wife and then they would start a family. This is where I come in a bunch of years down the road.

And that's why December 7th is special to me, and always will be.

His graveside funeral this summer will live with me forever. The currently enlisted Navy serviceman and women that attended the service playing taps was a chilling reminder of Grandjoe's sacrifice to our country. The beautiful and absolutely perfect Red, White, and Blue American Flag draped across his casket as the highest symbol of honor and gratitude possible on Earth made me proud to have been of his blood. The folding of the flag, the presentation of it to my grandmother, and she stating "On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your husband's service to this Country and a grateful Navy." -this brought chills to my whole body.
It was a personal call to never let our nation forget the sacrifices of our service men and women and their families. The tears were symbols of regret for him not being fully capable of understanding my gratitude towards his service, and me never being able to tell him again.

"There's only two people who's ever died for me, laid down their life just so I could be free. They both went through hell, beared crosses and shells, and both got back up again after they fell. They never pick the fight but they're there to pickup the pieces. 

God only knows who we'd be without Soldiers and Jesus"

So if you think of December 7th as just another day on the calendar, or one of the shopping days before Christmas..... stop and examine just what a profound impact December 7th, 1941 might have had on your grandparents or parents. It just might have been the reason you are here.


May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 


-MCC

Even The Skies Are Blue

Well the cold weather has arrived in South Alabama. Today once I get home from work I must cover my satsuma tree to keep it warm, even though it's on the south side of my house. I'd already wrapped the trunk/graft with bubble wrap and newspaper, but the rain and wind kind of did some damage on that stuff already!
I can't say that I care for cold weather too much. Luckily my home is super insulated and it keeps the heat in very well, but I haven't been running the heat at all, or really needed to yet. If we get a few days where highs aren't much over 40* then I bet I'll have to keep the radiator heater going when I'm in the house. I think my experience in the Sycamore House in Starkville during the winter of not using heat effected me this way. Sure it was nostalgic and such to do so back in college, but for the most part I stay comfortable in my home within reason now days.
Lately I've really been into reading blogs and such which speak on the subject of frugality or minimalism. Not that I'm trying to become some tree hugger, but I simply just want to live within my means for as long as I can. Wastefulness just isn't an option when you don't have much, so I'm preparing for that now in case at some point I don't have much! Having your own house as a single guy sure is a luxury but there's no one to share costs with so I try to eliminate wasting money as much as possible now days.
So, because it is getting close to the season of giving (aka Chirst's birth) the flurry of shopping tends to rise amongst the masses. Most know that I'm not really into giving for holidays and birthdays. I get this from my uncle Bobby who gave throughout the year and because he had too many nieces and nephews to give to and keep up with, he simply made it a rule to treat everyone equally and just not give gifts to the children. Growing up I found it fair and just, and didn't worry too much about it. What mattered most was getting to spend time chatting with him and Aunt Mary in their small house. Why do people keep thinking STUFF is going to last? Well, it's because we are bombarded by ads telling us we have to by this and that to stay up with the Who's Who.
I miss those who have gone on to heaven. The friends that have impacted my life for the better. Each day I wake up and look at a flag from Uncle Bobby on my bedroom wall and I'm reminded that it's the moments and memories we make with each other that truly matter, that truly last. Out of 25yrs of getting gifts for Christmas I may can name 3 or 4. This Christmas I'm especially mindful of sticking close to the meaning of Christmas and worshipping His birth and a Father that will never forsake me. I really wish more people would take inventory of their lives such as in 2Corinthians 13:5.  Quit putting it off. We have churches filled with citizens merely sitting there from habit.

Even though his body was failing him daily, John Jones didn't ask 'Why Me, Lord' from the standpoint of pity. He asked Him to reveal the reason Why, Lord so that he could continue fulfilling his calling here on earth before being called to Heaven. God showed me that He can even use a man, John, who has grown frail to impact His kingdom. I'm forever grateful for the selflessness of John and the profound way his passing has changed my life this year. I'm reminded daily that though I struggle with chronic pain and my body may fail me that God has a plan for me to impact His kingdom. I pray often that He will show me this plan and that I can continue to show compassion for those hurting and in need of relief. I don't wish chronic pain on anyone, it's a depressive state if you're priorities are not in line, and I'm so lucky to have mine as they should. Chronic pain does funny things with our minds and hearts. It weakens our desire to do even the simplest of daily tasks. If I go without my medicine for just a couple hours my will power just isn't strong enough to cope with the pain anymore. I try not to worry but simply Give it Up to Him during those times. This is how it should be. God reminds me that I cannot be satisfied by my body's desire to be healthy and well, but that I can count on Him alone to fulfill my needs and desires. What stronger commitment is there in this world? That no matter how I try to help myself I will never get there alone, I must put ALL my trust in HIM, Chirst Jesus, who Strengthens Me.

Through this blog/posting I don't wish for comments on my pain or sympathy. I only want to express the deep desire to be used by God for furthering His kingdom through this trial in my life. I pray that if anyone has someone in their life that can't cope with their struggles that they should turn to God for the answer and not just a doctor or a bottle of medicine. He is the only anecdote for what hurts us.

May God Continue To Bless You!

an observation

So the local Bruno's in Spanish Fort is holding this giveaway of some 30 items for "the ultimate tailgate", even though the season is ending. All you gotta do is sign a slip of paper and place it in the box on table in front of store. It just so happens that I have made multiple trips to this store this week because I am getting back from a week of vacation and having very little around the house to eat. So, on Monday I noticed the table didn't have a pen, which is quite inconvenient if you're wanting patrons to participate in your giveaway. Well last night after work I needed to stop at the store again for something else and remembered to take a pen into the store with me just in case the same thing happened, to prevent me from searching from one around the front of the store.
As I'm casually signing my card a man and his about 7-yearold son walk up and he starts telling the son what all the giveaway includes. "Hey son, you see that etc etc."  Well the son notices there's no pen to sign the cards and tells the father. I turn to the boy to give him my pen and I'll just finish filling out the card once he's finished. The father answers for him and says "No, we can fill it out later. I'll be back in later this week. It's probably rigged anyways".
I chuckled alittle bit but then once I got in the car I really started thinking about it. What is this father teaching his son. Yah sure, it's no big deal some say. But I mean this puts doubt in the son about trusting others to do what's right. Will the son grow up and never trust what a preacher says because he's being paid voluntarily by the congregation. I probably thought too much into it I know, but I just wondered what impact that would have on a son who looks to his father for confirmation with his life.

Anyways, I'm really looking forward to the SEC Championship game tomorrow. Auburn winning this year really makes me happy. A piece of me will always be in Auburn and I wouldn't discount an opportunity to be there fulltime. Spending time last week in Starkville reminded me just how special that place is to me as well. So I can't say I wouldn't want to end up there either!

Penny hasn't been eating very much at all this week until last night when I coated her food in cottage cheese, she loves anything mixed with that stuff! She also got some frosted miniwheats just in case she was a bit 'stopped up'... and it seems to have helped. I don't really know if it was her being constipated or just the change in the weather that has made her exceptionally grumpy this week. Of course it could be that she's just a lady and that's how they are sometimes! :)

Looking forward, tomorrow morning I hope to finish up my worktable for the garage I started last Sunday.  Seems like the forecast for weather should be perfect for tomorrow with temps and everything. Penny will get a nice long walk/hunt in in the morning before I start the work in garage.

As always,
Do Good. Be Rich In Good Deeds.

a new begining?

Well, here it is. The fresh start that is actually pre-New Year. I've been hounded for a good many years to just do a blog and get it over with. Shoot, even Brett Long has a blog! He talks after all! I actually keep up with too many blogs and Tweets to mention any more but figure this could be another way to sell my brand.  HA, what brand you might ask? I don't know of the brand yet either but hopefully this blog deal will start bringing in the money that I desperately need and am missing from this GIS gig... ok just kidding on that one. This is more of a way to write some things that I don't already say over the phone to my friends/family. I can't call it therapy or some other form of that. I just want to have my space to write my peace and not be second guessed. Hopefully I will do my best to keep as much personal information out of entries and such, but I make no promises.
This blog will probably include random ideas and ruminations and thoughts about life, Faith, cooking and living through this hell they call Earth. And probably some additional comments on the USA and how I see this country should be run :) Brace yourselves... and you are forewarned!


But seriously, today actually marks a pretty interesting frontier for someone else. @TigerWoods is Tweeting himself more rampantly than ever before. We'd all written him off as just a machine on golf course and a loner off the course... obviously that last bit isn't true from his bouts with "addiction" last year.

Some know that I've recently made some large changes in my life. Most importantly, all stem from being honest with oneself and The Lord. Most dramatic - I fully recommitted my life to Christ. There comes a time when those of us of Faith must give up our selfishness and just give up control fully to Him. Basically for years and years I've loved controlling my life and planning everything. When it comes down to it the cliche' is true, we really don't know what the next breath holds for us. I'm living proof that no matter what you thought was going to happen and that you planned for, the only thing of significance is if The Lord is directing your path and you are trusting Him. You Get What You Give.
The Lord puts people in our lives for all types of reasons. I happen to be the luckiest person I know to be blessed with such wonderful friends and family. The friends I made while in Birmingham, Auburn, and Starkville throughout these years continue to amaze me with their gratitude. I'm also continually reminded and impacted by the friends that I can no longer hug, who I will continue to call angels along my path directing me back to Him.

So, enough of the sappy stuff.

Here's how this Blog got its name.  As most know I've been a Dave Matthews Fan since 1993-1995 when my cousin Dawson first told Joel (my soon-to-graduate Belmont Univ. younger brother) and I about the band. Joel and I both are fuzzy on the details but remember vividly listening on our headphones in the Chrysler Mini-Van on a trip to Orange Beach during that time frame. SO, Typical Situation happens to be a name of one of our favorite songs. Also noteworthy is the fact that we've promised each other that we'd name our boat/fishing yacht The Typical Situation.... but as it turns out, I figured I'd steal the name and use it here.

Well, the cold weather is actually really here in Baldwin County Alabama. I'm not too happy, because I royally do not care for the chilly weather.

More to come sometime, no promises of when though, I won't dig myself a hole I can't fill. 

Take care!