Word To My Bugalugs
It’s amazing how some words can be turned around and mean something totally different than their intended use.
I have a friend named Adrienne, who I went to high school with. She has lived in Australia for over 20 years. Adrienne and I keep in contact through Facebook, an Internet social networking site. One day, on there, she asked me if I had kept up with a classmate whom she referred to as “bugalug.” She explained to me that “bugalug” was an Australian term of endearment. Curious, I decided to look up the term on Google. My search led me to the Urban Dictionary, which I discovered had the definition of the Australian term, as well as an urban term. Apparently, in street language, a bugalug is a male prostitute. Adrienne’s bugalug, however, was a term of endearment, such as a parent would use for their child.
Slang words confuse me sometimes. It was two years before I found out that the word “homey” did not mean homosexual. I had heard my Latin American friends use the word “esai.” I thought that they were asking me to write essays for their children’s school assignments. It took writing five essays for me to figure that out. (Just kidding!)
Other words with alternative definitions include:
“Hot,” which can mean the temperature is high or that someone is sexy. Another definition is that someone is doing very well on his or her job, such as a baseball player who is hitting well, has a “hot” bat.
“Cool,” which can mean that the temperature is moderate but more towards the cold side than the hot side. It can also mean that a person has appeal or charm.
“Warm,” which can mean that the temperature is moderate but more towards the hot side than the cold side. It can also indicate that a person is nearing the proximity of an object, such as in a guessing game or blindfold game, when you tell someone, “You’re getting warmer.”
“Word” is another word that can mean something different. It can mean the words you see on this page or it can be a message, like Paul Revere had to get word to the minutemen that the British were coming. It can also be used in hip-hop street language, such as “word to your mother!”
Some terms in the Bible also have different definitions than what we would think of today. One word is “corn.” It does not mean maize, what we know as corn in America, but it means the head of a wheat or grain plant. The term “wine” has different meanings in the Bible. One term means an alcoholic beverage; the other means grape juice, basically. Also, when God refers to man in the Bible, he usually refers to mankind, including women, and not just men.
I hope that my readers are all my bugalugs (Adrienne’s Australian term of endearment and not the street vernacular) and that are all enjoying the season, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
A Table Before Me
I was having my usual stressful and hectic week. I was headed to work listening to a preaching tape when the guy, who I had never heard of before, said that God had prepared a table for me in the presence of mine enemies.
I seized hold of his message with both hands and my whole heart.
“Yes,” I thought, “God has prepared a table for me in the presence of mine enemies.”
It doesn’t matter what devils of Hell and Earth assail me, I can still sit eating from the smorgasbord of spiritual gifts that God has for me. In the 23rd Psalm, I am told that God has prepared a table for me in the presence of mine enemies.
Earlier in the week, I was made painfully aware of the depths that my enemies will stoop to. Still, God calls me to love them, no matter how bad they mistreat and use me. Still, God has a table set before me in their presence.
I thought that the enemy had won, but, once again, the devil had lied. I have won and they don’t even realize it yet.
It is so amazing what God does for you. The food at His table tastes so good. Come and dine with me.
I seized hold of his message with both hands and my whole heart.
“Yes,” I thought, “God has prepared a table for me in the presence of mine enemies.”
It doesn’t matter what devils of Hell and Earth assail me, I can still sit eating from the smorgasbord of spiritual gifts that God has for me. In the 23rd Psalm, I am told that God has prepared a table for me in the presence of mine enemies.
Earlier in the week, I was made painfully aware of the depths that my enemies will stoop to. Still, God calls me to love them, no matter how bad they mistreat and use me. Still, God has a table set before me in their presence.
I thought that the enemy had won, but, once again, the devil had lied. I have won and they don’t even realize it yet.
It is so amazing what God does for you. The food at His table tastes so good. Come and dine with me.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A House Filled With Company
My house has been filled with a lot of company lately and I enjoy the buzz and the hubbub of it. When you have company, it makes you feel like your family has expanded.
Family members have been the main source of the company. Sure, my father has had some physical therapists, occupational therapists and home health nurses that have come in but the home is usually filled with family and friends.
This past Saturday, my aunt Kathy visited. She and her son, Jamie, have become frequent supper guests. We enjoy their company. Also on Saturday, my friend Melissa stopped by, as did Coleman Raines, Jr., who brought us some political signs. He and my father enjoyed a little chat about Coleman’s relatives, the Whighams, the Raineses and the Howards.
My sister, Debbie, has been staying with us and she usually has a pot of coffee on or a cold soft drink or tea available for guests.
One day, before it gets too cold, I would love to have a potluck supper and invite my friends, relatives and neighbors. We could all eat outdoors. I would invite some of my friends over to play some music and enjoy the gift of life and music that God has given to each of us.
So many times, I realize that I have been ungrateful for everything that God has given to me. This year, my family and I have encountered numerous health problems. God has tried us and we are coming forth as gold. We continue to face health and financial problems, but God is supplying all of our needs. I have to constantly remind myself that while life might not be good at the moment, God is always good!
Family members have been the main source of the company. Sure, my father has had some physical therapists, occupational therapists and home health nurses that have come in but the home is usually filled with family and friends.
This past Saturday, my aunt Kathy visited. She and her son, Jamie, have become frequent supper guests. We enjoy their company. Also on Saturday, my friend Melissa stopped by, as did Coleman Raines, Jr., who brought us some political signs. He and my father enjoyed a little chat about Coleman’s relatives, the Whighams, the Raineses and the Howards.
My sister, Debbie, has been staying with us and she usually has a pot of coffee on or a cold soft drink or tea available for guests.
One day, before it gets too cold, I would love to have a potluck supper and invite my friends, relatives and neighbors. We could all eat outdoors. I would invite some of my friends over to play some music and enjoy the gift of life and music that God has given to each of us.
So many times, I realize that I have been ungrateful for everything that God has given to me. This year, my family and I have encountered numerous health problems. God has tried us and we are coming forth as gold. We continue to face health and financial problems, but God is supplying all of our needs. I have to constantly remind myself that while life might not be good at the moment, God is always good!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Another Career Path
Although I love my job, I sometimes consider what it would be like if I had chosen another career path and, then, I think, they have many of the same problems I do.
If I had been a policeman, I wouldn’t only have to deal with angry people. I might even have to deal with them shooting at me. I would also have the awesome responsibility of protecting them.
If I had been a teacher, I would sometimes have to deal with angry parents and angry children, plus I would have the awesome responsibility of a child’s life in my hands.
If I had been a minister, I might have to deal with church members getting upset with me. I would also have the awesome responsibility of presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ to them each and every service.
If I had been a paramedic or a doctor or a nurse, a person’s life would be in my hands at any give time. I don’t know if I could handle this type of responsibility.
There are responsibilities and stress factors in each and every job there is, whether it is a farmer, a laborer at a plant or a house cleaner.
Maybe I don’t mind my job so much. Sure, I might have to deal with half of the county being angry at me at any given time and half of the county applauding me. Sure, I might have to deal with the tremendous stress of the newspaper business and the tremendous stress I have had to deal with at home and with my own health for the last year. I would rather be working than not working.
My ideal job would be as a bestselling novelist. I’m sure that, even then, I would find plenty to stress me out about.
I salute all the business people, the firefighters, the police men and women, the farmers, the soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen, the school teachers – everyone who has a job and makes America the great land that it is!
If I had been a policeman, I wouldn’t only have to deal with angry people. I might even have to deal with them shooting at me. I would also have the awesome responsibility of protecting them.
If I had been a teacher, I would sometimes have to deal with angry parents and angry children, plus I would have the awesome responsibility of a child’s life in my hands.
If I had been a minister, I might have to deal with church members getting upset with me. I would also have the awesome responsibility of presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ to them each and every service.
If I had been a paramedic or a doctor or a nurse, a person’s life would be in my hands at any give time. I don’t know if I could handle this type of responsibility.
There are responsibilities and stress factors in each and every job there is, whether it is a farmer, a laborer at a plant or a house cleaner.
Maybe I don’t mind my job so much. Sure, I might have to deal with half of the county being angry at me at any given time and half of the county applauding me. Sure, I might have to deal with the tremendous stress of the newspaper business and the tremendous stress I have had to deal with at home and with my own health for the last year. I would rather be working than not working.
My ideal job would be as a bestselling novelist. I’m sure that, even then, I would find plenty to stress me out about.
I salute all the business people, the firefighters, the police men and women, the farmers, the soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen, the school teachers – everyone who has a job and makes America the great land that it is!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Grow Our Local Economy
Is GOLE really interested in growing our local economy? Why are they putting all their eggs in one basket and calling on liquor to grow the economy. Will downtown Madison look the way that this downtown in this video does? GOLE should try to get things here that will help our economy and not cause more problems!
Ridiculous
I just heard the most ridiculous thing I heard since a storm knocked down a sign that was allegedly shot in Madison County, Fla. I heard that vice-presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin's daughter was actually the one who gave birth to a Down's syndrome baby instead of Gov. Palin.
The people who are purporting this are sorry left-wing liberal bloggers! I will not even mentioned the name of the blog. They have already gotten national coverage with their accusations!
While it is true that 17-year-old Bristol Palin is five months pregnant and set to marry the father, I think that it's ridiculous that anyone could imagine something so stupid!
We will probably be reading more about the Palins in the National Enquirer and other sleazy tabloids, but the stupid bloggers beat them to making up the lie about Bristol giving birth to the Down's syndrome baby!
What is our world coming to?
Why do they have to attack Palin for anything her family did or did not do? Because they are afraid if they look at her policies, she will outshine them all!
The people who are purporting this are sorry left-wing liberal bloggers! I will not even mentioned the name of the blog. They have already gotten national coverage with their accusations!
While it is true that 17-year-old Bristol Palin is five months pregnant and set to marry the father, I think that it's ridiculous that anyone could imagine something so stupid!
We will probably be reading more about the Palins in the National Enquirer and other sleazy tabloids, but the stupid bloggers beat them to making up the lie about Bristol giving birth to the Down's syndrome baby!
What is our world coming to?
Why do they have to attack Palin for anything her family did or did not do? Because they are afraid if they look at her policies, she will outshine them all!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Madison County Liquor Referendum
My county -- Madison County, Florida -- is considering placing a liquor referendum on the ballot.
Madison County is currently considered a "dry" county. It is one of only five in the state which maintain a dry status. Beer and citrus based wine (or wine coolers) are sold in the county because state law says that they can be sold in any of Florida's 67 counties. Hard liquor and wine cannot be sold.
Proponents of Madison County becoming wet maintain that it will help the economy. I don't really see how that is possible. For Madison County to get $150,000 in sales taxes from liquor being sold, $10 million worth of it will need to be sold through three beverages licenses. Being a rural county, I don't see that happening. That $150,000 would have to be split three ways -- $50K for the new hospital debt retirement, $50K for the new infrastructure debt retirement and $50K for EMS. If a Florida law passes in November, another half-penny will have to go towards funding community colleges throughout the state. That will reduce any income to the hospital, infrastructure and EMS to $37,500 -- if Madison County somehow miraculously gets that much money from the sale of liquor and wine.
If people want Madison County to become wet so that they don't have to drive 15 minutes to get their liquor, they should just say that and not try to fool people with an economic picture that is distorted just so they can pick up votes from people who may think that the picture is correct and think that Madison County will benefit from it.
Another picture that they try to paint is one of Madison County becoming a spot for restaurants that serve liquor and alcohol. They argue that his will help the county. Restaurants do not bring newer money into the county. The money just shifts from one place to another. They then argue that the restaurants will go at the interstate exits. Take a trip across the country, or just down the north Florida I-10 corridor. What kinds of restaurants do you see along the interstate? Fast food restaurants and when you look at the older ones in the area they are hurting because the money has shifted from them to a newer place.
I realize the reason that most people who want the county to become wet are probably those who don't want to have to drive to Valdosta, Ga. or Perry, Fla. to get a fifth of Lord Calvert or some other branded label. They don't care one bit about the economic impact.
I realize that those of us who are opposed to it oppose it because of personal convictions such as our personal relationship with Jesus Christ and because of our legitimate concerns about the youth, the families and the individuals in Madison County. Because of my stance, I have been called "self-righteous," accused of being "holier than thou" and been labeled a hypocrite. Other people who are opposing it are also subject to the same abuse.
We have also been called unpatriotic because of our efforts to keep people from signing the petition and for not signing the petition ourselves. That is our First Amendment right!
The chairman of the group pushing the liquor referendum has sent letters, along with his petitions, which are muddled and confusing. Maybe he is trying to play on the fact about what he thinks of Madison Countians. He basically said that people from Madison County are a "bunch of idiots." This man has made the accusation that two people in Madison County threatened him. He refused to identify them to the sheriff although he told me and other members of the press that the sheriff has their names. The sheriff told me that he was never given the names. Someone else told me that he had identified them as a Baptist and a Methodist. Wow! That only rules out about ten percent of Madison County.
The man's second letter was basically a personal attack against me filled with hysterical inaccuracies. The letter for some reason had a slew of restaurants that he had eaten at on it. Seems like he doesn't like to spend his money in the county.
If the issue gets on the ballot I will be there voting against it. I know that others will vote for it. If it doesn't get on the ballot, I cannot be blamed. I did my job. The others will not have done theirs. Let's just be honest about it and leave the economy out of it!
Madison County is currently considered a "dry" county. It is one of only five in the state which maintain a dry status. Beer and citrus based wine (or wine coolers) are sold in the county because state law says that they can be sold in any of Florida's 67 counties. Hard liquor and wine cannot be sold.
Proponents of Madison County becoming wet maintain that it will help the economy. I don't really see how that is possible. For Madison County to get $150,000 in sales taxes from liquor being sold, $10 million worth of it will need to be sold through three beverages licenses. Being a rural county, I don't see that happening. That $150,000 would have to be split three ways -- $50K for the new hospital debt retirement, $50K for the new infrastructure debt retirement and $50K for EMS. If a Florida law passes in November, another half-penny will have to go towards funding community colleges throughout the state. That will reduce any income to the hospital, infrastructure and EMS to $37,500 -- if Madison County somehow miraculously gets that much money from the sale of liquor and wine.
If people want Madison County to become wet so that they don't have to drive 15 minutes to get their liquor, they should just say that and not try to fool people with an economic picture that is distorted just so they can pick up votes from people who may think that the picture is correct and think that Madison County will benefit from it.
Another picture that they try to paint is one of Madison County becoming a spot for restaurants that serve liquor and alcohol. They argue that his will help the county. Restaurants do not bring newer money into the county. The money just shifts from one place to another. They then argue that the restaurants will go at the interstate exits. Take a trip across the country, or just down the north Florida I-10 corridor. What kinds of restaurants do you see along the interstate? Fast food restaurants and when you look at the older ones in the area they are hurting because the money has shifted from them to a newer place.
I realize the reason that most people who want the county to become wet are probably those who don't want to have to drive to Valdosta, Ga. or Perry, Fla. to get a fifth of Lord Calvert or some other branded label. They don't care one bit about the economic impact.
I realize that those of us who are opposed to it oppose it because of personal convictions such as our personal relationship with Jesus Christ and because of our legitimate concerns about the youth, the families and the individuals in Madison County. Because of my stance, I have been called "self-righteous," accused of being "holier than thou" and been labeled a hypocrite. Other people who are opposing it are also subject to the same abuse.
We have also been called unpatriotic because of our efforts to keep people from signing the petition and for not signing the petition ourselves. That is our First Amendment right!
The chairman of the group pushing the liquor referendum has sent letters, along with his petitions, which are muddled and confusing. Maybe he is trying to play on the fact about what he thinks of Madison Countians. He basically said that people from Madison County are a "bunch of idiots." This man has made the accusation that two people in Madison County threatened him. He refused to identify them to the sheriff although he told me and other members of the press that the sheriff has their names. The sheriff told me that he was never given the names. Someone else told me that he had identified them as a Baptist and a Methodist. Wow! That only rules out about ten percent of Madison County.
The man's second letter was basically a personal attack against me filled with hysterical inaccuracies. The letter for some reason had a slew of restaurants that he had eaten at on it. Seems like he doesn't like to spend his money in the county.
If the issue gets on the ballot I will be there voting against it. I know that others will vote for it. If it doesn't get on the ballot, I cannot be blamed. I did my job. The others will not have done theirs. Let's just be honest about it and leave the economy out of it!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Dangers of Alcohol
My county is involved in a debate over whether or not it should remain a dry county. No matter what your position is, watch the following video. Warning: graphic images.
Friday, August 29, 2008
I Have Had It
Okay, once and for all, I'm TIRED!!!
I have had it with sickness in my family and with myself.
I have had it with people being mad at me because of my job as an editor and reporter at a newspaper!
I have had it because people don't like the editorial stance that I have taken against a liquor referendum!
I have had it with people calling me names behind my back!
I have had it with people calling me names to my face but, at least, they have the guts to call me those names to my face!
I have had it with people calling me at home on my own time to complain!
I have had it with people calling me at work to complain!
I have had it with people who think they know it all!
I have had it with people who act like they know nothing!
I have had it with being sick!
I have had it with being tired!
I have had it with being sick and tired!
I have had it with having to miss work and lose money because of it! I get paid by the hour and if I don't work, I don't get paid. I will have to miss at least parts of five days on my next pay period!
I have had it with not making any more than I do!
I have had it with not having any money!
I have had it with sickness in my family and with myself.
I have had it with people being mad at me because of my job as an editor and reporter at a newspaper!
I have had it because people don't like the editorial stance that I have taken against a liquor referendum!
I have had it with people calling me names behind my back!
I have had it with people calling me names to my face but, at least, they have the guts to call me those names to my face!
I have had it with people calling me at home on my own time to complain!
I have had it with people calling me at work to complain!
I have had it with people who think they know it all!
I have had it with people who act like they know nothing!
I have had it with being sick!
I have had it with being tired!
I have had it with being sick and tired!
I have had it with having to miss work and lose money because of it! I get paid by the hour and if I don't work, I don't get paid. I will have to miss at least parts of five days on my next pay period!
I have had it with not making any more than I do!
I have had it with not having any money!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Mortality
Mortality
As a senior in high school, I was shocked when an underclassman was killed while driving to school.
I was not the only one shocked. The whole school was stunned. We were faced with our own mortality.
I imagine the students at Suwannee High School in neighboring Live Oak felt much of the same shock that my schoolmates and I felt so many years ago.
His name was Chris. I first met Chris when he attended the homecoming at my church last October. He came because his then-girlfriend, Mary Pate, invited him.
From all accounts, from Mary, her parents and Chris’s house parents, he was a super nice guy who never got into trouble despite being a resident at the Florida Sheriff’s Boys Ranch.
Chris was 17 and, like most 17-year-olds, Chris liked to play and, occasionally, show off; after all, he was a teenager.
Chris was doing backflips off the bridge at Suwannee Springs on Friday afternoon, having a friend videotape him with the friend’s digital camera. One of the flips went wrong and Chris drowned.
A memorial service will be held for Chris on Sunday, August 24, at 2 p.m. in the chapel at the Boys Ranch, located at 1813 Cecil Webb Place, in Live Oak.
I know that Mary and her parents were shaken by Chris’s death. I am also sure that Chris’s own family and his fellow students at the Boys Ranch are also hurt. I can tell them that time will help, but it doesn’t necessarily heal. The best thing to do is to remember the good times shared with Chris.
For those who have been struck by the fact that they are mortal, I encourage them to embrace the mortality and, for those who haven’t accepted Christ, to give their hearts to Jesus Christ, who will grant them eternal life in Heaven with Him.
As a senior in high school, I was shocked when an underclassman was killed while driving to school.
I was not the only one shocked. The whole school was stunned. We were faced with our own mortality.
I imagine the students at Suwannee High School in neighboring Live Oak felt much of the same shock that my schoolmates and I felt so many years ago.
His name was Chris. I first met Chris when he attended the homecoming at my church last October. He came because his then-girlfriend, Mary Pate, invited him.
From all accounts, from Mary, her parents and Chris’s house parents, he was a super nice guy who never got into trouble despite being a resident at the Florida Sheriff’s Boys Ranch.
Chris was 17 and, like most 17-year-olds, Chris liked to play and, occasionally, show off; after all, he was a teenager.
Chris was doing backflips off the bridge at Suwannee Springs on Friday afternoon, having a friend videotape him with the friend’s digital camera. One of the flips went wrong and Chris drowned.
A memorial service will be held for Chris on Sunday, August 24, at 2 p.m. in the chapel at the Boys Ranch, located at 1813 Cecil Webb Place, in Live Oak.
I know that Mary and her parents were shaken by Chris’s death. I am also sure that Chris’s own family and his fellow students at the Boys Ranch are also hurt. I can tell them that time will help, but it doesn’t necessarily heal. The best thing to do is to remember the good times shared with Chris.
For those who have been struck by the fact that they are mortal, I encourage them to embrace the mortality and, for those who haven’t accepted Christ, to give their hearts to Jesus Christ, who will grant them eternal life in Heaven with Him.
Labor Day Birthday
When Monday comes, I will be another year older -- Monday night to be more precise, at approximately 9 p.m. Monday will also be Labor Day.
I was born the day before Labor Day, but my mama said that I was born on “labor day.”
I have labored throughout my life. I have worked. I have attended school and college. I have been labored for myself and for others. There are many jobs that I enjoy doing, others I hate doing.
The one thing that I will always love doing, no matter how hard it might be and no matter how much I might seem to hate it at times, is helping my family.
My family needs me and I need them. My father needs me. My brother Danny needs me. My sister Abbie needs me.
Daddy just suffered a broken hip but he does all that he can. Danny has lost all his vision in one eye and has problems with his feet due to his diabetes, yet he works a full-time job and helps around the house, cooking and cleaning. Abbie is mentally challenged, yet she is there to lift our spirits. I have had my own health problems, but I go. I work a full-time job. I get Danny to the eye doctor and to work. I get Daddy to the doctor. When he was doing physical therapy, I visited him every single day. When he was in Gainesville, I visited him almost every day.
I don’t believe that it’s just enough to say that you love someone. I believe that your actions have to back it up. My family and I show our love for each other through our actions.
I was born the day before Labor Day, but my mama said that I was born on “labor day.”
I have labored throughout my life. I have worked. I have attended school and college. I have been labored for myself and for others. There are many jobs that I enjoy doing, others I hate doing.
The one thing that I will always love doing, no matter how hard it might be and no matter how much I might seem to hate it at times, is helping my family.
My family needs me and I need them. My father needs me. My brother Danny needs me. My sister Abbie needs me.
Daddy just suffered a broken hip but he does all that he can. Danny has lost all his vision in one eye and has problems with his feet due to his diabetes, yet he works a full-time job and helps around the house, cooking and cleaning. Abbie is mentally challenged, yet she is there to lift our spirits. I have had my own health problems, but I go. I work a full-time job. I get Danny to the eye doctor and to work. I get Daddy to the doctor. When he was doing physical therapy, I visited him every single day. When he was in Gainesville, I visited him almost every day.
I don’t believe that it’s just enough to say that you love someone. I believe that your actions have to back it up. My family and I show our love for each other through our actions.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sorry I Haven't Posted Lately
Danny's eye is improving. He has gone back and forth to Tallahasse every week since I last posted. He saw Dr. Ford's partner, Dr. Kenneth Kato, last Thursday. Dr. Kato said there is no infection left in the eye and that he could have the stitches, which have the eye sewed almost completely shut, taken out this Thursday by Dr. Ford.
My cardiologist appointment went well. The only problem is a left bundle branch block.
Thank you all for your prayers.
My cardiologist appointment went well. The only problem is a left bundle branch block.
Thank you all for your prayers.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Latest Update on Danny's Eye
Dr. Ford told Danny yesterday afternoon (Friday) that he could lose his eye, which will have to be replaced with a prosthesis (glass eye). Danny has lost all vision in the left eye. I still believe that God can and does perform miracles and, if it is His will, He will in this case also. Danny has to go back to Dr. Ford Tuesday morning.
I have an appointment to go to a cardiologist in Gainesville on Wednesday. I hate to keep having to miss work, but Danny is my brother and I have to take care of my health, too, in order to be able to help other family members.
I did get a bit of good news today. My nephew, Ryan, went for an interview at FAMU with the baseball coach there. He said that he will find out Thursday if they offer him a scholarship to the college.
Please continue to remember my whole family in your prayers.
I have an appointment to go to a cardiologist in Gainesville on Wednesday. I hate to keep having to miss work, but Danny is my brother and I have to take care of my health, too, in order to be able to help other family members.
I did get a bit of good news today. My nephew, Ryan, went for an interview at FAMU with the baseball coach there. He said that he will find out Thursday if they offer him a scholarship to the college.
Please continue to remember my whole family in your prayers.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Why?
I haven't written much lately. I have been posting videos on here. I have a site entitled www.leefloridatv.com that I am trying to get up and running. Go there and visit if you have a chance.
Today, I carried my brother Danny to his ophthalmologist Dr. Jerry Ford in Tallahassee. Dr. Ford sent him to another eye doctor (Dr. Logan Brooks) who discovered that Danny has a severe form of glaucoma. Danny has a better chance of losing his left eye than they do of saving it. Dr. Brooks said that prayer would be the key to saving Danny's eye. Danny has to go back to Dr. Ford tomorrow for a follow-up.
Everything seems to keep happening to my family. I had emergency stomach surgery in March and then threw two blood clots which almost killed me because they got in my lungs. Daddy broke his hip last October. My sister, Abbie, has her own medical problems. But still I believe that God is good and that He will sustain us.
The health problems have been bad and the money situation has been very bleak. I have had to miss work with my health problems and also to help carry Danny to Tallahassee, as well as take Daddy back and forth to the VA Medical Clinic in Lake City. If I don't work, I don't get paid. Still, I know that God is good and He will help us.
I'm exhausted. Everyone in the family is exhausted. Still, I know that God will give us eagles' wings to help us.
God will be there. Please remember my family in your prayers.
Today, I carried my brother Danny to his ophthalmologist Dr. Jerry Ford in Tallahassee. Dr. Ford sent him to another eye doctor (Dr. Logan Brooks) who discovered that Danny has a severe form of glaucoma. Danny has a better chance of losing his left eye than they do of saving it. Dr. Brooks said that prayer would be the key to saving Danny's eye. Danny has to go back to Dr. Ford tomorrow for a follow-up.
Everything seems to keep happening to my family. I had emergency stomach surgery in March and then threw two blood clots which almost killed me because they got in my lungs. Daddy broke his hip last October. My sister, Abbie, has her own medical problems. But still I believe that God is good and that He will sustain us.
The health problems have been bad and the money situation has been very bleak. I have had to miss work with my health problems and also to help carry Danny to Tallahassee, as well as take Daddy back and forth to the VA Medical Clinic in Lake City. If I don't work, I don't get paid. Still, I know that God is good and He will help us.
I'm exhausted. Everyone in the family is exhausted. Still, I know that God will give us eagles' wings to help us.
God will be there. Please remember my family in your prayers.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Lum and Abner So This is Washington
One of the great videos to be seen on www.leefloridatv.com. A comedy featuring Lum and Abner going to Washington, D.C.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
My Little Margie 206 The Missing Link).avi
Margie invests in a wrestler whom she dubs the aMissing Link.
Florida Press Association 2007 Editorial Awards
I earned the highest honor of my professional career in journalism when I was chosen the Florida Press Association's 2007 Shining Star.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Duck and Cover
Watch www.leefloridatv.com, streaming at www.mogulus.com/leefloridatv. A classic film that many baby-boomers watched in school and always wondered, will it really help if I duck and cover if we are hit by an atomic bomb. Watch this, other public domain films and TV shows, as well as original entertainment and sports programming at www.leefloridatv.com, streaming at www.mogulus.com/leefloridatv.
A Lesson from a Little Cowboy
A little cowboy who has to put a cow down talks to God about what he had to do.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Back from the Dead -- Part Two
I would like to thank everyone once again for the prayers, cards, well-wishes, etc. that I received during another stay at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. It sounds melodramatic, but I was actually lurking near death. Thank God for the quick thinking of Dr. Julie Schindler and the actions taken by the staff at TMH.I had developed pulmonary emboli (which I think is a scary doctor term for blood clots) on both sides of my lungs and I have some infarction in my lungs (dead tissue). I have to take blood thinner for the next six months and have my blood checked every week for six months.Doctors also told me that I have a fatty heart and a fatty liver. If I don't have something done soon, it could be critical or even fatal for me.Right now, I don't have insurance and I am looking at a couple of different options -- such as medically needy Medicaid and vocational rehabilitation -- to help me pay for any treatment that I need.I wasn't able to make it to work today (Thursday) because I was so weak. I did work all day yesterday and I am going to try to make it tomorrow.Please continue to remember me, my health needs and my family's financial needs in your prayers. When I'm not able to work, I don't get paid.If you haven't ordered a copy of my book My Life on Rollercoasters yet, I urge you to at http://www.amazon.com/My-Life-Roller-Coasters-Learned/dp/1434830802/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206658930&sr=8-1Either copy and paste the link into your browser bar or go to Amazon.com and type in "Jacob Bembry" or "My Life on Rollercoasters" and it will take you to the pageThanks for everything, especially the prayers because without God, I could do nothing
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Letting People Down
I feel like I've let people down. I didn't mean to but it happened.
My recent illness and surgery have left me exhausted, tired, bushed, beaten. The time that I've had to miss at work has hurt me, not only financially, but it has hurt me because I feel that I am letting others at work down by my absence. There's work that needs to be done and I know that I can do it.
I had volunteered to do work for others. It had nothing to do with my job and it wasn't church volunteer work, but I know that they were depending on me, but I had to withdraw myself from it because of the exhaustion. Oh boy, I'm getting exhausted talking about being exhausted.
I want to be a blessing and not a stumbling block for others. As slow as I was going, I figured that it was probably best that I pull over and park beside the road and let the rest of the parade pass.
I know that God is in control of all things and He will work things out according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. If I have let anyone down, I pray that Christ Jesus lift them back up.
My recent illness and surgery have left me exhausted, tired, bushed, beaten. The time that I've had to miss at work has hurt me, not only financially, but it has hurt me because I feel that I am letting others at work down by my absence. There's work that needs to be done and I know that I can do it.
I had volunteered to do work for others. It had nothing to do with my job and it wasn't church volunteer work, but I know that they were depending on me, but I had to withdraw myself from it because of the exhaustion. Oh boy, I'm getting exhausted talking about being exhausted.
I want to be a blessing and not a stumbling block for others. As slow as I was going, I figured that it was probably best that I pull over and park beside the road and let the rest of the parade pass.
I know that God is in control of all things and He will work things out according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. If I have let anyone down, I pray that Christ Jesus lift them back up.
Monday, March 10, 2008
God's Grace and God's Face
I wrote the following column for "Jacob's Ladder," my newspaper column in the Madison Enterprise-Recorder (www.greenepublishing.com) while I was bedridden in Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. It is entitled "God's Grace and God's Face":
God’s Grace and God’s Face
I realize that I’ve stayed away from certain things many times, only by the grace of God. The blessings of my life, especially my salvation, are from the generous grace of Jesus Christ. As I lie here in a hospital bed, writing this column, I realize I owe my life to Jesus Christ and to the skillful surgical team at TMH (Tallahassee Memorial Hospital). The comfort I feel here, I owe to God’s grace and the work of the nursing team here at TMH. When I think of all the major trouble I could have gotten into over the many years -- drugs, alcohol, etc. -- I realize I owe that to God’s face. Everyone is created in the image of God. I know that as a Christian, I should set a shining example and not disappoint anyone. The look of disappointment -- on faces that I know are God’s face -- keep me from doing these things. I have stumbled more times than I can count, but I have not fallen, thanks to God’s grace and God’s face.
God’s Grace and God’s Face
I realize that I’ve stayed away from certain things many times, only by the grace of God. The blessings of my life, especially my salvation, are from the generous grace of Jesus Christ. As I lie here in a hospital bed, writing this column, I realize I owe my life to Jesus Christ and to the skillful surgical team at TMH (Tallahassee Memorial Hospital). The comfort I feel here, I owe to God’s grace and the work of the nursing team here at TMH. When I think of all the major trouble I could have gotten into over the many years -- drugs, alcohol, etc. -- I realize I owe that to God’s face. Everyone is created in the image of God. I know that as a Christian, I should set a shining example and not disappoint anyone. The look of disappointment -- on faces that I know are God’s face -- keep me from doing these things. I have stumbled more times than I can count, but I have not fallen, thanks to God’s grace and God’s face.
God Shouted At Me
"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." C.S. Lewis
God shouted to me during my recent hospitalization and illness, which I am still recovering from. He seemed to yell, "Jacob, do a better job of taking care of yourself. Lose weight. Eat healthy. Be more careful. Get to the doctor sooner when you are sick."
God almost seemed to shout, "You can't take others' problems on your shoulders all the time. You have a big enough burden to bear. Do what you can but let Me have control."
Finally, God shouted in my pain, "Worship me. Take more time for Bible study and prayer. Worship Me."
God shouted to me during my recent hospitalization and illness, which I am still recovering from. He seemed to yell, "Jacob, do a better job of taking care of yourself. Lose weight. Eat healthy. Be more careful. Get to the doctor sooner when you are sick."
God almost seemed to shout, "You can't take others' problems on your shoulders all the time. You have a big enough burden to bear. Do what you can but let Me have control."
Finally, God shouted in my pain, "Worship me. Take more time for Bible study and prayer. Worship Me."
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Eating Chicken Can Be Painful
I found out last week what was causing my physical pain. It was not appendicitis, as I had thought, but it was dangerous and almost deadly.
The pain persisted in my right side until I finally went to the emergency room on Sunday afternoon, March 2, 2008. After the doctor examined me and CT scans were run on my stomach, nothing was found. They admitted me to the hospital for observation. The next day, my doctor, Julie Schindler, came in and took one look at me and said, "You're not going anywhere yet" and told me she couldn't send me home. Later that day, she made arrangements with Dr. Eliot Sieloff in Tallahassee to accept me as a patient. As soon as a bed became available at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, I was transported via ambulance by my friends, Rob Covell and Jimmy Kent, to TMH.
As soon as I arrived at TMH, I was immediately taken into emergency exploratory surgery, where Dr. Sieloff found what had happened and took care of it immediately. It seemed that a chicken bone had gotten stuck in my small intestine and had lodged there, causing an infection. Dr. Sieloff said that one thing that kept the infection from spreading further was a belly button hernia that I have.
God is good and gracious to have spared my life and to have granted me relief from that pain. It was so bad that I could not stand up straight and anytime I moved, it was wrenching.
I thank Dr. Sieloff and all the wonderful nurses at TMH. Most of all, though, I thank God.
I'm so glad to be home now with my family. I thank God for them.
The pain persisted in my right side until I finally went to the emergency room on Sunday afternoon, March 2, 2008. After the doctor examined me and CT scans were run on my stomach, nothing was found. They admitted me to the hospital for observation. The next day, my doctor, Julie Schindler, came in and took one look at me and said, "You're not going anywhere yet" and told me she couldn't send me home. Later that day, she made arrangements with Dr. Eliot Sieloff in Tallahassee to accept me as a patient. As soon as a bed became available at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, I was transported via ambulance by my friends, Rob Covell and Jimmy Kent, to TMH.
As soon as I arrived at TMH, I was immediately taken into emergency exploratory surgery, where Dr. Sieloff found what had happened and took care of it immediately. It seemed that a chicken bone had gotten stuck in my small intestine and had lodged there, causing an infection. Dr. Sieloff said that one thing that kept the infection from spreading further was a belly button hernia that I have.
God is good and gracious to have spared my life and to have granted me relief from that pain. It was so bad that I could not stand up straight and anytime I moved, it was wrenching.
I thank Dr. Sieloff and all the wonderful nurses at TMH. Most of all, though, I thank God.
I'm so glad to be home now with my family. I thank God for them.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Have I Done Something Wrong?
I'm hurting.
I am in pain, both physically and emotionally.
The emotional pain is worse than the sharp pain in the lower right quadrant of my abdomen that I fear is caused by a hernia or by appendicitis.
The emotional pain is caused by news I received about an hour ago. My nephew, Ryan, was in a car wreck last week that I only found out about today. My brother-in-law told me about it and told me that my sister had left him for an older man.
My youngest niece expressed her fears of having to choose between her father and her mother.
I know that any emotional pain that I am facing is not as rough as it is in that family, but that family is part of my family and I hurt for them.
I was thinking yesterday that I put so much time and energy into working on things at work, at church, for my family, for different people. I don't spend enough time doing things for God. I don't pay my tithes as often as I should. I don't pray as often as I should. When I do pray, it's a cry of help. It's not cries of praise and worship. I don't read the Bible as often as I should. I don't read Christian books as often as I should. The assistant pastor at my church gave me two books that she had written and had published. One of them is about dealing with pain. I need to read it and, more importantly, I need to read the Bible and pray.
So many times, I have asked myself lately, do things like this happen because I have not been honoring God the way I should.
I ask you to pray for me and to pray for my sister and her family!
I am in pain, both physically and emotionally.
The emotional pain is worse than the sharp pain in the lower right quadrant of my abdomen that I fear is caused by a hernia or by appendicitis.
The emotional pain is caused by news I received about an hour ago. My nephew, Ryan, was in a car wreck last week that I only found out about today. My brother-in-law told me about it and told me that my sister had left him for an older man.
My youngest niece expressed her fears of having to choose between her father and her mother.
I know that any emotional pain that I am facing is not as rough as it is in that family, but that family is part of my family and I hurt for them.
I was thinking yesterday that I put so much time and energy into working on things at work, at church, for my family, for different people. I don't spend enough time doing things for God. I don't pay my tithes as often as I should. I don't pray as often as I should. When I do pray, it's a cry of help. It's not cries of praise and worship. I don't read the Bible as often as I should. I don't read Christian books as often as I should. The assistant pastor at my church gave me two books that she had written and had published. One of them is about dealing with pain. I need to read it and, more importantly, I need to read the Bible and pray.
So many times, I have asked myself lately, do things like this happen because I have not been honoring God the way I should.
I ask you to pray for me and to pray for my sister and her family!
My Life on Rollercoasters
Many moons ago, I went to Disney World for Grad Night and I rode on a rollercoaster for the first time. I was anxious and nervous but not because I was scared of riding on the rollercoaster. I was actually looking forward to the ride. I was anxious and nervous because the girl I was riding with had never ridden a rollercoaster before and she expressed her fear that she might throw up. I had a pair of brand new dress shoes on (I don't know how the dress code is now, but, for Grad Night, guys had to wear a white shirt, a tie and dress shoes). I was worried that my shoes would get messed up and I had to wear those new shoes and not my trusty T,G & Y sneakers for graduation.
I took my first ride on a rollercoaster on Space Mountain. It was a piece of cake. It didn't scare me at all or bother me. At least it didn't bother me until we took the bus ride home. All day, on the bus ride from Lake Buena Vista back to Monticello, my stomach churned and I felt like I would throw up. I didn't care if I did it on the school bus (no charter buses for a poor public school like Jefferson County High) or on my brand new dress shoes, either! Who needed shoes to get gussied up for graduation? Not me. I didn’t care if I wore a pair of rubber boots I had worn to work at the dairy the summer before. I just need relief from the constant churning.
Fast-forward a few moons to 1999. I was at Wild Adventures near Valdosta, Georgia that day with my nephew, Ryan, and my youngest niece, Shannan. I had not ridden a rollercoaster since I had been a teenager. Space Mountain and Thunder Mountain Railroad were the only ones I had ridden in my life. Ryan suggested that we try out the Boomerang. I looked up at the huge monster, towering in the sky. I said, "Okay." Boy, I was about to find out the difference between Space Mountain and the Boomerang. First of all, you ride Space Mountain in the dark. Second of all, it was the light of day and I could perfectly see all those people on the ground below like ants. Third of all, I was more worried about my shoes getting messed up at Disney World but I had since developed a healty fear of heights. Fourth of all, my then 10-year-old nephew had negotiated so we could get seats at the front of the Boomerang and had said, "Well, I guess I've lived long enough. I guess I'm ready to die."
I rode the whole thing at the front, and I managed not to scream - even when the Boomerang stopped with me, riding in the front at the top (and not sure if the thing was broken) and then whipped everyone on board backwards. I knew then why it was called the Boomerang.
I disembarked from the Boomerang with my chest pounding harder than it ever had before. Ryan looked at me and said, "That was fun! Let's do it again!"
"No way!" I screamed back at him.
My life is like a rollercoaster. I have good days and bad days - sometimes on the same day. Life is full of twists and turns and bumps and burns. There are days that I worry about something as minute as getting vomit on my brand new dress shoes and there are days that I have to look up in the sky at a monster of a rollercoaster and say. "What the heck? I'll take a ride."
Through it all, I know that the Holy Spirit goes with me, giving me comfort, even if I'm going through a dark tunnel on Space Mountain or getting whipped backwards on the Boomerang.
Jesus told His disciples of a Comforter who would come and be with them, when he had gone: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
I have that Comforter with me on the rollercoaster called my life.
I took my first ride on a rollercoaster on Space Mountain. It was a piece of cake. It didn't scare me at all or bother me. At least it didn't bother me until we took the bus ride home. All day, on the bus ride from Lake Buena Vista back to Monticello, my stomach churned and I felt like I would throw up. I didn't care if I did it on the school bus (no charter buses for a poor public school like Jefferson County High) or on my brand new dress shoes, either! Who needed shoes to get gussied up for graduation? Not me. I didn’t care if I wore a pair of rubber boots I had worn to work at the dairy the summer before. I just need relief from the constant churning.
Fast-forward a few moons to 1999. I was at Wild Adventures near Valdosta, Georgia that day with my nephew, Ryan, and my youngest niece, Shannan. I had not ridden a rollercoaster since I had been a teenager. Space Mountain and Thunder Mountain Railroad were the only ones I had ridden in my life. Ryan suggested that we try out the Boomerang. I looked up at the huge monster, towering in the sky. I said, "Okay." Boy, I was about to find out the difference between Space Mountain and the Boomerang. First of all, you ride Space Mountain in the dark. Second of all, it was the light of day and I could perfectly see all those people on the ground below like ants. Third of all, I was more worried about my shoes getting messed up at Disney World but I had since developed a healty fear of heights. Fourth of all, my then 10-year-old nephew had negotiated so we could get seats at the front of the Boomerang and had said, "Well, I guess I've lived long enough. I guess I'm ready to die."
I rode the whole thing at the front, and I managed not to scream - even when the Boomerang stopped with me, riding in the front at the top (and not sure if the thing was broken) and then whipped everyone on board backwards. I knew then why it was called the Boomerang.
I disembarked from the Boomerang with my chest pounding harder than it ever had before. Ryan looked at me and said, "That was fun! Let's do it again!"
"No way!" I screamed back at him.
My life is like a rollercoaster. I have good days and bad days - sometimes on the same day. Life is full of twists and turns and bumps and burns. There are days that I worry about something as minute as getting vomit on my brand new dress shoes and there are days that I have to look up in the sky at a monster of a rollercoaster and say. "What the heck? I'll take a ride."
Through it all, I know that the Holy Spirit goes with me, giving me comfort, even if I'm going through a dark tunnel on Space Mountain or getting whipped backwards on the Boomerang.
Jesus told His disciples of a Comforter who would come and be with them, when he had gone: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
I have that Comforter with me on the rollercoaster called my life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
