Wisconsin volunteers are on their way

Last night was pizza buffet with the grandkids and my granddaughter named herself "Cupface" with this trick!!!   Hysterical!

After pizza they asked if we could "go to a store" and chose Walmart since they don't go there very often.

Monty has a "tradition" of giving each of them a dollar each time he sees them.  He says this is the one memory he has of his own grandfather and would like the kids to remember him also.  He told them they could buy something while shopping.  Now what in the world they could get for a dollar?  So I handed each of them another five dollars and when they added it up to six dollars they were thrilled. 

But the thrill didn't last long when everything they found was way over their amount.  As they were looking at one toy I hesitatingly mentioned that they could combine their funds and buy something together!?  Remembering how my own kids would have reacted (not good) I didn't know how this idea would be received.  Surprisingly they decided this was a good idea -- when I explained to Liv that she could give her 5 dollar bill to Luke but would get to keep the 1 dollar!  She was all for that and so we quickly headed to checkout.  Upon checkout Luke realized some change would be coming back and agreed that since Liv had done the "best sister move ever" that he should respond by giving her the change.  The look on her face was priceless as she counted and realized she had 33 cents!!!!! 

Evenings like those are beyond words as one day they will grow up and we won't be fun anymore and by then six dollars may not buy a pack of gum!!!!  But for now ---- thank you Jesus!

As I write this today I am awaiting the arrival of our first team of volunteers coming down from Wisconsin.  This team works solely with Habitat for Humanity and chooses a location within driving distance every summer.  They called and asked if our church would be willing to house them and of course-- yes-- was the answer.  So I will be headed over there in a couple of hours to get them settled in and orientated.  The local Habitat rep will also be there doing her part.  It's a great -- and the first -- opportunity our church has to house volunteers.  Should be a great week and we are so thankful for their hearts of service!

While waiting for them --- today Monty had a big surprise for me -- we went target shooting.  It's the one and only thing I have found in my 59 years on this earth that makes all the noises and planning and "stuff" that is constantly running around in my brain come to a stop  ---- and I love it!  But this afternoon he had another surprise --- a new rifle for me!   A BIG one!!!!!  One that I was determined to not be afraid of (the kickback) and did rather well the first time!

 

 

Take a good look at my right shoulder --- was using everything I had to create enough padding!  This thing is a 30-06 (or 30 caliber) rifle ----- an American one!!!!!   The bullets are as big as one of my fingers and what a way to get your kicks on a Saturday afternoon!!!!!!!!!

 

If you will also check out my left let you will see the "Rifleman" tattoo ---- something I worked hard to achieve and brings some rather interesting looks and comments by folks! 

 

Until next time . . . bang bang --- from more than our local fireworks popping off now and then!    :)

Susan and Monty

Is power-washing spiritual?

This is a question I have asked myself while doing many "regular" things in life.

Today, with the temps high and humidity equally as high, it was a great day to power wash.  What better way to stay cool (or atleast I do since I always manage to soak myself).

One of my neighbors had stopped by the house last week wanting "just the north side" of his house power washed.  We all know how the north side of our homes can seem to change to the color green so easily.   He said he knew the whole house needed it but he just couldn't afford it right now.

No problem.  We set this afternoon and I loaded up the power washer, hose, gas can and sunglasses and was ready to go.

As I was power washing I felt God right near by.  It just seemed symbolic of His washing away our sins.  How quickly we can turn "green" with sin covering us -- and we don't even realize just how green we are until He cleanses us.  And how easily He does that cleaning. 

With the power washer I just aim and the power of that water just peels away all the dirt and green and grime and gunk.

God does the same thing with us.  We were all "super washed" at our baptism but God keeps washing us over and over again since our flesh is determined to get us dirty by all sorts of means.

When I finished and stood back and looked at how nice and clean his house was -- made me think about how amazing clean the "streets of gold" in heaven will look --- far beyond anything we can even imagine in our sinful lives!

So . . . for me . . . power washing is VERY spiritual and I love it that God comes along with me every single time --- and how He LOVES to see each of us all cleaned up.

Until next time . . . look for God in those "regular" things in your life.  You'll be surprised to find He's right there -- all we have to do is look!                                            Susan and Monty

Remembering . . . and putting it to use

All the years Monty and I spent in the field --- and of all the things we were involved in ---- all the education God gave us --- and now I get to put some of it to use right here at home!

As you know, I travel to the city just to the south of us each Tuesday morning for Bible Study.  Pastor Martie has been such an amazing influence and strength in my life -- not only through the Bible study but in a personal way.

Today I started being able to give some of that back to her  -- and her church.

They are having a guest evangelist from Kenneth Copeland Ministries come for a 3 day visit in mid July.  On that Saturday they wanted to have a community outreach day.  They've never done anything like this and since Monty and I have been involved with many, many of these I told her I would love to help out in any way I could.

She told me on Sunday that I was an answer to her prayers and she was going to pretty much put the whole thing in my lap!  Yes!!!!!  I was so excited and thankful!

So today we met after Bible Study (for hours) and so many amazing things came from our meeting!  We are going ahead -- full steam -- and Pastor Martie's only responsibility is to "mingle" and watch and soak in all the blessings that God will be pouring out that day!

They've never experienced a community outreach so I told her they both need to buckle up and hang on as Jesus is about to take them on quite the ride!!!!

 In the meantime --- I get to feel that re-energizing feeling of the joy of my salvation and feel life pour through me  --- a wonderful feeling I am so thankful for.

We all would appreciate your prayers over this entire visit, outreach and everyone involved!

Until next time . . . God is so good!!!!!                                         Susan and Monty

Grandma's Champs

Yes, I did take pics of the championship game, just didn't get the downloaded onto the computer till now so here goes . . .

Liv came with her sign to cheer on her big brother.

Full time Dad and part time coach -- for both Luke and Liv's teams kept Tyler more than busy.  He also does private hitting lessons (in his spare time?)

This says it all -- champions!!!!!   A trophy for each hand = one very happy boy!

Guess we all should be getting ready for next season!!!

Until next time . . . good job both Luke and Liv!                                             Susan and Monty

Award Winning

This past week has been a busy one and adding to it were the championship baseball games that my grandson, Luke, was in.  Seemed each time one was scheduled it was rained out causing one delay after another.

But the team won their first 2 games and were ready for the final on Thursday night.  Luke's mother, my daughter, was more nervous than Luke.  She spent her lunch time making posters and getting pom poms for all of us.

It was hot and sunny and the kids faces were bright red but they didn't feel that heat.  They hit and scored and hit and scored some more and won that game!

Afterwards they were given 2 trophies, one for the tournament and one for having the best team record for the season.

By the end of the night Luke broke out in tears as he wanted the season to keep going, same team, same friends, all summer long!


I thank God for the joy that comes from those kind of evenings!

Until next time . . . great job Luke!                                                Susan and Monty

C . . .R . . .A . . .S. . .H . . .

It was a good Father's Day -- got to spend it with my dad and the rest of the family. 

Monty stayed home resting from working 6 days and trying to get rid of more hives (just what he wanted for his Father's Day).

On my way home from my parents' house I was traveling along nicely, in the left lane of one of our one way streets when the small white car next to me decided to make a left turn --- from the right lane!

CRASH !  BANG !

Big 3/4 ton truck WINS!!!!!!   The little white car no longer has a driver's side mirror, the driver's door no longer opens and all the glass from the window in the door is now inside the car -- all over the driver!  He wasn't hurt and I am also fine.

I left a trail of skid marks about 30 feet long -- trying to avoid him crashing into me -- but it didn't work.  The impact landed my truck in the intersection of the street!  Everything inside my truck went flying -- but me --- thanks to seat belts!

So now I have the fun of getting the estimate and scheduling the repairs.  Since he hit the front tire on my passenger side I have to make sure the collision repair puts it up on a lift to check underneath.

Praise God neither of us was hurt and metal and glass and rubber can be fixed and/or replaced.  But seriously --- you just cannot make a left turn from the right lane of a one way street!!!!!!

Until next time . . . THIS is why I drive a big, really big truck!              Susan and Monty

VOLUNTEERS ARE COMING!!!!!

First of all, thanks for the prayers as Monty is finally showing some improvement!  No further breakouts and seems the over the counter combination of meds is working!  Praise the Lord!!!!!

I am so very excited to announce that we actually have a team of 10 volunteers coming the week of July 15th --- to work on Don's house and hopefully nearly complete the rebuilding of his back 2 (now boarded off) bedrooms!!!!

The pastor contacted me a couple of months ago (referred by another pastor friend) and wanted to see if we had anything going.  I explained about Don's situation and they were going to finalize dates and let me know.  With everything else going on elsewhere I didn't hold out a lot of hope!

But God . . .

He contacted me the other day and they are definitely coming here to work!  The entire week!!!!!!

Don is more than thrilled and Monty and I are over the top!

Please keep this team in your prayers, for safe travel and for God to work through them in ways we can't imagine or dream of!!!!!

But for today . . . I have a camp field trip with the school bus . . . taking 45 kids to the local pool for a couple of hours!    Fun!  Fun!

Blessings and thanks . . . until next time . . . God is oh so good!                    Susan and Monty

NOW . . . it begins

This is the start of my 3rd week of "vacation" from driving the bus.

The first 2 weeks were --- putting it plainly --- terrible!

Now --- starting with week 3 --- my real vacation begins! 

I did go in this morning and was able to get one field trip for this week.  Taking some camp kids to a local pool for a couple of hours on Thursday.   Every Monday we can go in and see if there are any trips we'd like to take.  Every couple of hours will help since we don't get paid for the time off and cannot collect unemployment.

Anyway -- now starts my time to work in my yard, to get ready for our subdivision garage sale, to work in my neighbor lady's yard, to help my neighbor lady even more . . . and to spend time with my grandkids taking them out to the lunch spot of their choice once a week.

Before I know it the calendar will have turned a couple of pages and it will be August 6th and I will be doing my practice bus route to start the following day!

In the meantime --- I pray we have wonderful, not too hot, weather and that God will somehow re-energize me and fill me back up as my gauge is nearing empty!

I would also ask for prayers for Monty as he has been having a really difficult time the past week.  Seems he has Lyme Disease from an imbedded tick and has an allergy to something unknown that brought about one of the worst cases of hives ever!  In 3 days he had 3 steroid injections and still isn't completely clear!  On Saturday morning he was having difficulty breathing with all the swelling everywhere, including inside his mouth.  He may need to see an allergist to determine the cause?  Just remember him in your prayers as he doesn't get the summer off work and in his job it seems he's always got himself in "yuck" --- sewer lines, etc!

Until next time . . . thanks to all of you for your constant love and support and prayers!
Susan and Monty

Another . . . our little Chihuahua, Bitty, has gone deaf.  It happened suddenly so she will be going to the vet today to see if that's normal or if something else is the problem.  She would also appreciate a couple of prayers!!!!!

Safety, safety, safety

Spent the first of 3 days up in Indianapolis attending mandatory school bus safety classes.

What a long day!  Me -- sitting still for 8 hours, along with an hour drive each way is a bit "challenging" to put it mildly.

But this first day was educational and not as boring as I had heard about.

Tomorrow we are to focus on discipline --- which should be quite interesting!

On another note, Monty found out today that he most likely has Lyme disease.  We had to remove 2 deer ticks from him a few weeks ago and the past couple of days he's been broken out in this red and very itchy rash with swelling and a headache.  This morning he was really broken out and with such joint pain that he went straight to his doctor.  She diagnosed it and gave him a steroid shot for the rash (which was also Hives) and then put him on some really potent antibiotic.  He has to take it for a full 28 days and that should take care of it.  He felt better after the first pill so let' hope and pray it works 100%. 

I almost have a phobia of ticks and now I think it's not almost!

Hope all of you are doing well.  The stress around here has lessened and I pray that continues.

Until next time . . . watch yourself for ticks --- and school buses!!!                   Susan and Monty

A beautiful pink rose from my Mom's flower garden!  I bet these are all over heaven!!!!

Monday

No, I don't have some dreadful disease and am not dying.   :)    Just hanging on like this bumble bee on my mom's flowers!

Just maybe dying a little inside from the stress but . . . hey . . . even if I can't feel God right now I know He's right here and that is life!

Just keep praying.

Love and blessings to all.                                                    Susan and Monty

It's what's called Faith

As I opened my eyes this morning and heard the rain pouring down, my mind was already working overtime.

Where does one go when one's world comes crashing in?

What does one do when one would give the world to feel the physical arms of God wrapped around one?

What does one do when God feels so very far away?

How does one shut out all the "what ifs" that run rampant through ones mind?

How does one deal with pain that goes deeper than ones own soul?

Where does one turn when ones world has been shaken to the core?

"One" must not rely on ones emotions, feelings or thoughts.  "One" must rely on, stand firm on and depend on the promises of God. 

He IS there, feelings or not.

He DOES love, thoughts or not.

He DOES save, what ifs or not.

THIS is what one does.  It's not the easy route, but it's His route. 

Until next time . . . may "ones" road get a few more of the "potholes" filled up.

Blessings to all.                                                            Susan and Monty

What I re-learned yesterday . . .

I haven't been able to get to my Tuesday morning Bible Study on a regular basis since starting to drive the school bus.  Yesterday, thanks to my dear friend Bev who gladly picks me up, I was back and realized just how much I missed being there.

As we were traveling back from Texas 3 years ago I felt God say to me, "you need to be at Bible Study every Tuesday morning."  He, as always, was right!

I will admit that life for me has been really difficult these past weeks, in a lot of ways.  Some are just too personal to share but I am thankful for all of you who have been praying.

Yesterday Pastor Martie started the morning talking about the "pressures" that have been surrounding all of us.  She then asked us to take a piece of paper and with no names, write down the last time we spent 30 minutes with God.  Thought provoking and very humbling and nearly embarrassing.

She then used this analogy for us who are picture oriented;  if we continually use our cell phone without putting it on the charger and expect it to keep working -- it won't.  It runs out of power.  She then talked about how we do the same thing -- we keep going and going and never use our source of power -- the Word of God -- to recharge ourselves.  Ouch!  This really stepped on my toes!

In times of trouble we reach into our own flesh for help -- and how does that work out for us?  For me definitely not so well.  God has so much help just sitting there waiting for me and I just don't tap into it. How ridiculous that I think I have the answers!

But then isn't that what satan wants us to do?  His whole purpose is to steal, kill and destroy and since Jesus already won the battle and whipped him for us --- why don't I use that almighty power that is just sitting there for me?

So . . . it may not be a New Years resolution but I have made a renewed commitment to spend DAILY time in the Word of God, my source of power, strength, peace, victory and love!

When I got home yesterday I decided to start with looking up scriptures that have to do with God's love.  In the back of one of my numerous Bibles I looked up the word "love" and started writing down the scriptures.  I immediately started feeling a peace I haven't felt in a long time.  I also felt like some of the problems that have been weighing so heavily on my shoulders (and aren't even mine to carry around) were lighter.

So today, and each day following, I will go to God's Word for me -- to find my strength for TODAY.  As I do that I expect He will fulfill His promise to give me direction for TODAY.

How about you?  The "weight of the world" weighing on your shoulders too?  Yep -- that's what I thought.  So how about joining me in a mid year resolution?  We all want to weigh less anyway!   :)

Until next time . . . thank you Pastor Martie and my dear friends for being there for me and for not being ashamed to "tell it like it is" and wake me up!                                 Susan and Monty

He took 2nd place!!!

Last Saturday Monty competed in a local shotgun shoot.  They shot 10 rounds of clay pigeons and in the end --- he came out in 2nd place!!!! 

An amazing feat in itself -- but he was competing against some of the best who have been doing this for years -- and with a "not so expensive" shotgun that he had never shot before!

His form was to perfection.  One by one he hit the shots while others missed.  It was so much fun being on the side lines watching each of them step off the line and see him remain.

The smile on his face speaks for itself!  It's nice to go out and have some fun every once in awhile!


UPDATE:
I just got off the phone with a dear friend of ours who we attended missions training school with,   graduated with and had the pleasure of working together with in Texas after hurricane Ike struck in 2008.   Lance and Brenda also have a heart for those hurting after disasters.  I returned his call this afternoon and he and around 26 other men are on the outskirts of Moore, OK with chainsaws, skid steers and dozers clearing debris and cutting trees.  He said they will be there for maybe 2 weeks.  They have also brought in 11 semi loads of supplies.  Their name?  God's Pit Crew.  I would encourage looking them up online at godspitcrew.org and think about making a donation to them.  While in Texas (for one week) they rebuilt a church, parsonage and put a new roof on the pastor's home -- all in that one week.  We will be in touch with them on a regular basis and try and give you updates as we get them. 

Lance did ask if we were headed that way.  Our answer --- we don't have enough disaster funds to fuel our trucks to even get them out of Indiana!  So . . . for now we will stay in contact with them and see what God has in store for all of us.

Until next time . . . God bless Lance, Brenda and their 2 small children as they continue being the hands and feet of Jesus!                                                                            Susan and Monty

Happy Birthday to Me

Today is my birthday.  My last one in this decade.  Honestly I wasn't looking forward to it and felt nearly too tired to enjoy it or make many plans.

But it has been a wonderful day.

Early this morning I got our yard mowed (rain in the forecast and they were correct).  You have to understand that I love mowing grass and think the best summer work would be to be mowing all day long -- the big open areas!

Monty and I then went out for a great breakfast at our favorite Mom and Pop restaurant where we are considered family instead of customers.

We then went to see our grandkids who had presents for me.  They gave me the biggest cupcake I know I've ever seen, a beautiful card they signed themselves and a rose bush -- which I will enjoy planting next week.

I took my sewing machine so my daughter could try and recover her own pillows.  We did them last summer and I did the sewing so this was going to be a challenge for her.  She did have trouble early on with the threading of the machine but mastered it after watching a U Tube video.  They really do have videos on absolutely everything. 

From there we were off to buy flowers for me to plant next week.  I got some beautiful ones and after I pull up a few old nasty shrubs it will be beautiful once again.

A short rest in the late afternoon before heading out to a fantastic dinner at one of the best places in town but we don't go often because it's a bit pricey!  But surprise --- my daughter and family got us a gift card for just that place so we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner.!  Thanks Stacy!

While there I got a voice mail from our "family with 10 kids" -- Cheryl and team who sang a beautiful birthday song that brought tears of joy streaming down my cheeks!  I miss them all so much!

We decided to walk around the mall for a bit and ran into my daughter and family once again.  Got to visit with them twice in one day -- perfect present!

Facebook had numerous birthday wishes and I even got a few phone calls.

It's been a good day, a good birthday --- and I should be sending all these wishes to my mom --- she's the one that made life possible for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Thanks Mom -- love you!

Until next time . . . love and thanks to all.                                           Susan and Monty

It's the Last Day

The day my bus kids have been looking forward to since the beginning of their school year.  The day we've been counting down to for weeks.

The LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

As I drove them all to school this morning I had mixed feelings.  Excitement that it is indeed the last day and I won't need to get up at 5am each morning and yet sadness that I won't see these bus kids of mine each day.  I guess my heart is just too big sometimes!

I have grown attached to so many of them and surprisingly -- the ones who are the worst behaved.

Yesterday afternoon it actually dawned on one of my boys, age 7, that today is the last day!  He asked me atleast 5 times if that meant that when I took him home today I would not be coming back on Monday!  To hear the lack of excitement in his voice, to realize he is NOT looking forward to the summer -- broke my heart!

But -- it IS the last day.

We are having a "last day of school / day before my birthday" party on the ride home today.  I have packed small bags with popcorn, M&Ms and pretzels and yes -- the will be able to eat on the bus!  It will most likely take me an hour to clean up after them but . . . it IS the last day of school!

I would ask that you continue praying for these kids.  I may never see some of them for the rest of my life -- but they have touched my life forever and I am changed for the better for knowing and loving them!

Until next time . . . Happy Summer Bus 89 kids!  Love you!                              Susan and Monty

They've already started . . .

The phone calls, voice mails and texts have already started.

The question is the same --- all about volunteering in Oklahoma.

The answer --- for now --- NOT NOW!!!!!!!

This is not the time for volunteers to start streaming into the areas.  PLEASE realize you will only be in the way and actually hindering the process.

Now is the time for the trained responders to do what they do in search and rescue, establishing some sort of infrastructure and getting the people established in safe places to live temporarily.

If you do want to do something now --- DONATE!

There are many places to send your donations; Red Cross, Convoy of Hope, etcs.  That decision is up to you.  No matter how much funding is donated -- it's never enough!!!

So for now -- no volunteers are needed.  This statement has been on the national news and came directly from Oklahoma!

The most helpful thing you can do?   PRAY!!!!!  And then pray some more!

Until next time . . . blessings to all of you for your servant hearts!                 Susan and Monty

Prayers Needed

Please join us in praying for the entire state of Oklahoma, especially the areas hit by this monster tornado!!!!!

Remember to cover the rescue workers also.

Convoy of Hope is already there and will be bringing truck load after truck load of emergency supplies for who knows how long. 

Blessings and thanks.

Until next time . . .         Susan and Monty

God's "89"

The day finally came for me to "select" my bus route for next year.

Being the low man on the totem pole I was the 2nd to last to select. 

I had looked through the 4 huge books with all the new routes detailed out.  We heard they were all going to change but none of us realized just how drastically. 

My route just doesn't exist for next year.  They did work smart -- they have divided up my students so much that driving them will be much easier -- on the kids as well as the driver.

My plan was to hopefully take the route with most of my elementary kids on it.  My plan wasn't God's plan!

All along this process I just felt the sense that I should "keep 89".  That's my current bus number and route number.  But as I searched through all the books I realized that route didn't exist as I know it so just gave up and said that God would direct me to the route I was supposed to have.  He brought me to this one so why stop trusting now?

As I took one last look at the book that by now only had a handful of routes left I listened to the woman in front of me take the route I was going to take.  I didn't really want it because it meant I would drive a smaller bus and I like driving the big one but . . .

After she selected and left the room it was my turn.  Not knowing what to do I just looked at the supervisor and made the comment that I would just like to continue driving the big bus.

She looked at me and smiled and said, "Susan, route 89 is still available!"

And she was right -- route 89 is indeed a new route -- but the bus is still the same!

So . . . God telling me to stay with 89 didn't mean the route ---- it meant the bus!

As we looked over this new route and discovered that it is on the complete opposite side of town, runs through the university campus and is literally filled with foreign students --- I heard God tell me that THIS is the one!

Will I miss my current kids?  Surprisingly ---- YES!!!!   I haven't had the heart to tell them and so far they have forgotten that I have finally found out.  They've been asking for weeks but for now . . .

But --- I am super excited to see what God has in store for this next route!  I couldn't pronounce one of the students names if I had to!  They are from all over the world -- literally!  What I do know is that it's going to be exciting and that God will be showing up BIG time!

I am so thankful to know His voice, to hear His guidance and to gladly put my trust in His plan -- not mine!

Until next time . . . 89 is a good number!                                        Susan and Monty

Happy Mother's Day

We celebrated Mother's Day yesterday and what fun it was.

I was blessed to have one of the greatest mothers in the world!  God was good to me.  I know there were many times when I wasn't the best or easiest daughter to raise -- but she persevered and I am so thankful she did!  Happy Mother's Day Mom!

My parents came over here yesterday and we went to my grandson's (their great grandson) baseball game.  He will be 8 years old this coming Saturday so these games are always a guaranteed good time with priceless memories.  This one was just that.

Along with my parents and daughter and son in law my son drove down from his home north of Indy so we had a great family day.

The game was . . . nearly beyond words.  Luke made a play at 3rd base that left us all in tears of laughter.  He was playing 3rd when the ball was hit to him.  He not only managed to get his mitt on the ground and scoop up the ball, he made the force out play at the base!  The look of both amazement and excitement on his face was nothing like I've seen before!  His dad had to nearly pry the ball from his little hands and at the end of the game he was awarded the game ball for the play!

He also got a great hit and with the help of the other boys he was able to score at home -- by sliding in head first!!!!

After the game we were all able to enjoy dinner together and my daughter gave me a beautiful blue hygeranga plant that I can't wait to plant outside.

It was a good day, a great day, one of those days that carries life long memories!  One of those days God specially picks for us -- showing us the true joy of relationships -- the way He designed it!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you!               Until next time . . .               Susan and Monty

Tell me ONE good thing that comes from it . . .

Sunday evening brought an "episode" into our lives that I feel I must share. 

It wasn't "fun" or "joyful" or "exciting" but it packed a big lesson.

We headed out to run an errand and as we went down the road we passed one of the many taverns here in town.  Although there is a law in Indiana that no alcohol can be sold or served on Sundays unless it's a restaurant that also sells food -- this tavern is known to somehow get around that law.

As we passed something caught the corner of my eye just as Monty told me there was a man lying on the parking lot of the tavern and we should turn around quickly and go back. As I was turning he made the call to 911.  We didn't know much at the beginning but within 30 seconds we were stopped in the parking lot and out of the truck.

This gentleman was lying on his back, his legs twisted and a bump on his forehead literally the size of a goose egg.  That bump had a cut in the center of it and he had also urinated all over himself. 

He was out cold and at first I thought he might not be alive.  I checked for a pulse and found one but his breathing was shallow. 

As soon as we pulled up some of his fellow "friends" came out of the tavern, most of them stumbling and slurring and trying to figure out what had happened.  They all said he left the tavern and was walking to his apartment directly across the street.

One guy in particular made me angrier than I've been in I can't remember when!  He was obviously drunk beyond remembering anything and was determined to kick this gentleman lying on the parking lot to wake him up!  He was way too verbal and although others tried to get him to go back inside they weren't having any luck.  Numerous times I gritted my teeth and told them to "get him away from here" but each time he got closer.  I am honestly telling you that it took God holding my hands onto the gentleman on the ground to keep me from standing up and giving that guy the biggest right hook I could muster!

Monty was still on the phone with 911 and as we heard the sirens the rest of the crowd decided to quite quickly return to the inside of the tavern. 

One gentleman stayed outside for a few minutes and made the comment to Monty, "that's me in 20 years!"  I heard Monty talking to him and telling him that "it doesn't have to be . . ." and as they stepped aside the authorities showed up and he also went back inside.

By now the gentleman on the ground was trying to wake up and figure out what was going on.  I asked him name - twice - and twice he gave me a different name. 

He was in and out of consciousness and finally the ambulance arrived.  They did allow him to sit up and managed to get him onto their stretcher.   The police asked us a few questions and then allowed us to leave.

For many, many years I have been radically against alcohol.  I've seen it destroy people, families, friends -- so many innocent people.  I have been accused of being too radical.  Go ahead and accuse me but I dare you to tell me ONE good thing that comes from consuming alcohol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This gentleman was an example of how demonic alcohol really is.  Yes, I used the word demonic!

We have tried to find out how the gentleman is but with no name - - - no luck.

We have prayed for him every single night as we sit down to dinner.  Praying for his health, his release and his freedom to see the lies satan has told him and to feel the love God has for him!

Will you join us in this prayer?  Not only for this gentleman --- but for the millions of lives destroyed by alcohol.   Thank you.

Until next time . . .  bless him Lord, bless him, and thanks for using us for those few short minutes.  May the seeds You planted through us take root and grow!               Susan and Monty