In the "What were they thinking?!?!?!?" category.
Monica, Janae, and myself cam home from Columbus Ohio just a little bit ago. My mother in law had a heart catherization done today. (One artery was 95% blocked. They put in a stent, and she will be released tomorrow morning, Lord willing.)
On the way home, we stopped at McDonald's in Celina, Ohio, for supper. Yeah, I know, really healthy.
In the back of the McDonald's, on the back wall, was something I have never seen before. There were two Kidzplace video game machines. One was situated for the bigger kids, being about 3 feet off the floor.
The other was obviously set up for the smaller kids. This one was about 2 feet off the floor, with a stool in front of it so the kids could sit as they played the games it offered.
As we were getting ready to leave, I glanced over at the one Janae had been playing, the one that was lower. She had punched enough buttons, by accident, that the game was set to a quiz mode. I guess it would ask questions, and you would gain point by getting correct answers.
I was absolutely flabbergasted at the question I saw on the screen: "WHAT WAS SERIAL KILLER RICHARD RAMAREZ' NICKNAME?"
SAY WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?
What kind of question is that on a KIDS oriented game?????
Thank God Janae cannot read yet!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
A CD I cannot wait to hear...
...but not for the reasons you might imagine.
In the new Singing News, there is a note that the Talley Trio has a new CD coming out. I like the group, and think they have a good sound.
On this new CD, I see that there is a song entitled, "Hallelujah, Praise the Lamb." I am assuming that this is the same song the Talley's recorded many years ago.
I am very interested in hearing this version, for a specific reason.
I loved the original version of this song off of a Talley's cd in the mid 90's. Great singing.
But, better than that was the version that was recorded live with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir in the late 90's. If you have heard this version, you would know what I am talking about. If you have never heard it, you really need to find someone who has it and borrow it. It will give you goose bumps and make your hair tingle all at the same time. All while the tears flow. It is truly amazing.
So, with how I feel about the first two versions of this song, I am wondering how they have changed or updated the arrangement. Obviously, with the third part being Lauren as opposed to Kirk, the song is going to have a bit of a different dynamic to it. Not better or worse, just different. I also wonder if there is a "Choir" element to the new recording. If there are only three voices, I think it would pale in comparison to being backed up by a 200+ member choir.
I really do not think they will be able to top the version with BTC. I mean, you have the Talley's backed up by the most awesome choir on earth. What more could you ask for?
In the new Singing News, there is a note that the Talley Trio has a new CD coming out. I like the group, and think they have a good sound.
On this new CD, I see that there is a song entitled, "Hallelujah, Praise the Lamb." I am assuming that this is the same song the Talley's recorded many years ago.
I am very interested in hearing this version, for a specific reason.
I loved the original version of this song off of a Talley's cd in the mid 90's. Great singing.
But, better than that was the version that was recorded live with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir in the late 90's. If you have heard this version, you would know what I am talking about. If you have never heard it, you really need to find someone who has it and borrow it. It will give you goose bumps and make your hair tingle all at the same time. All while the tears flow. It is truly amazing.
So, with how I feel about the first two versions of this song, I am wondering how they have changed or updated the arrangement. Obviously, with the third part being Lauren as opposed to Kirk, the song is going to have a bit of a different dynamic to it. Not better or worse, just different. I also wonder if there is a "Choir" element to the new recording. If there are only three voices, I think it would pale in comparison to being backed up by a 200+ member choir.
I really do not think they will be able to top the version with BTC. I mean, you have the Talley's backed up by the most awesome choir on earth. What more could you ask for?
Friday, August 22, 2008
Reading the Bible, Part 2
Two posts ago, I asked how long one could go with out reading their Bible and still be a Christian. The few responses that were posted all said basically the same thing. You MUST be in the Word to be a Christian.
I agree, of course. I am in the Word more now than at any time in my life. I fully realize how much I need it.
In regards to the person in question, the one who does not read the Bible at all, I have some observations.
1. The fact that this person does not read the Bible reveals it's self in that person's daily life. The person is almost always irritable. Sometimes hard to get along with. Makes poor decisions in other area's of life.
2. If their Bible reading is lacking, most likely their prayer life is lacking as well.
3. This person's relationship with their spouse is no better than their relationship with the Lord.
4. There is very little joy in this person's life.
And the list could continue.
Sad.
I wonder how many people that sit in any given church on any given Sunday morning would be guilty of not reading the Word.
I agree, of course. I am in the Word more now than at any time in my life. I fully realize how much I need it.
In regards to the person in question, the one who does not read the Bible at all, I have some observations.
1. The fact that this person does not read the Bible reveals it's self in that person's daily life. The person is almost always irritable. Sometimes hard to get along with. Makes poor decisions in other area's of life.
2. If their Bible reading is lacking, most likely their prayer life is lacking as well.
3. This person's relationship with their spouse is no better than their relationship with the Lord.
4. There is very little joy in this person's life.
And the list could continue.
Sad.
I wonder how many people that sit in any given church on any given Sunday morning would be guilty of not reading the Word.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
What You Learn in a Trip to the Playground
We are visiting my in-laws in Zanesville. We leave for home tomorrow, Lord willing.
Today, I took Janae to a playground/park in a town near here. Janae was playing as any four year old would do. There were a few other kids in the park.
After a while, all but Janae, myself, and three boys had left the park.
I decided to strike up a conversation with the three boys. I thought I might be able to witness to them. I found out that the boys were 7 "and a half", 8, and I think the other one was 9. The 7 and a half year old and the 8 year old did not have shirts on.
The youngest one was Donnie. I gathered this simply by listening, as the other boys said his name quite a few times. I asked the boys if they attended church. "No, not anymore."
As I watched, I slowly became aware of something. I am slow to notice things, and this took me a while.
Donnie had at least 8, maybe more, straight, red, 10 inch scars across his back. In series of two, about an inch apart. It took a while for me to realize what I was seeing. After a while, what I learned in our recent Foster Care classes kicked in.
These were belt marks. Harsh, mean looking, red, angry belt marks.
Someone has been abusing Donnie.
I looked at the other boy, and he had two large scars on his chest where someone had extinguished their cigarettes. Donnie had one of these marks on his back.
The 8 year old also had what looked to be knife wounds in his lower right side. These were about 6 inches long, and very jagged. They were not scrapes, they were large cuts, and very recent. No signs of stitches.
The two oldest boys left, and that gave me the opportunity to talk to Donnie.
"Donnie, do you mind if I ask you a question?"
"No, go ahead."
"Donnie, what are those marks on your back?"
"Aww, nothin'"
"Donnie, I can see those marks. Has someone whipped you with a belt?"
"No, sometimes my sister hits me with her hand."
"Donnie, those marks do not come from someones hand. Did someone whip you with a belt?"
"No, it's just dirt. Sometimes I play in the dirt."
"Donnie, I want you to know something. No one should EVER beat you on the back with a belt. No one."
"Parents are allowed." Uh, oh, now I KNEW what to this point I was only guessing. Donnie's parents were abusing him.
"No, Donnie, no one, not even your parents should ever do this to you. Donnie, I know that those are belt marks. I want you to do something. If any one ever does this to you again, I want you to call the cops."
"I don't know the number."
"Donnie, yes you do. It's 911."
"Oh, yeah."
Donnie started to walk away at this point. As he left, I said, "Donnie, I am a preacher, a pastor, and I am going to be praying for you."
At this point, Donnie took off running. I left the park crying.
I will never see him again.
But, I WILL pray for Donnie tonight, and for many nights to come.
Today, I took Janae to a playground/park in a town near here. Janae was playing as any four year old would do. There were a few other kids in the park.
After a while, all but Janae, myself, and three boys had left the park.
I decided to strike up a conversation with the three boys. I thought I might be able to witness to them. I found out that the boys were 7 "and a half", 8, and I think the other one was 9. The 7 and a half year old and the 8 year old did not have shirts on.
The youngest one was Donnie. I gathered this simply by listening, as the other boys said his name quite a few times. I asked the boys if they attended church. "No, not anymore."
As I watched, I slowly became aware of something. I am slow to notice things, and this took me a while.
Donnie had at least 8, maybe more, straight, red, 10 inch scars across his back. In series of two, about an inch apart. It took a while for me to realize what I was seeing. After a while, what I learned in our recent Foster Care classes kicked in.
These were belt marks. Harsh, mean looking, red, angry belt marks.
Someone has been abusing Donnie.
I looked at the other boy, and he had two large scars on his chest where someone had extinguished their cigarettes. Donnie had one of these marks on his back.
The 8 year old also had what looked to be knife wounds in his lower right side. These were about 6 inches long, and very jagged. They were not scrapes, they were large cuts, and very recent. No signs of stitches.
The two oldest boys left, and that gave me the opportunity to talk to Donnie.
"Donnie, do you mind if I ask you a question?"
"No, go ahead."
"Donnie, what are those marks on your back?"
"Aww, nothin'"
"Donnie, I can see those marks. Has someone whipped you with a belt?"
"No, sometimes my sister hits me with her hand."
"Donnie, those marks do not come from someones hand. Did someone whip you with a belt?"
"No, it's just dirt. Sometimes I play in the dirt."
"Donnie, I want you to know something. No one should EVER beat you on the back with a belt. No one."
"Parents are allowed." Uh, oh, now I KNEW what to this point I was only guessing. Donnie's parents were abusing him.
"No, Donnie, no one, not even your parents should ever do this to you. Donnie, I know that those are belt marks. I want you to do something. If any one ever does this to you again, I want you to call the cops."
"I don't know the number."
"Donnie, yes you do. It's 911."
"Oh, yeah."
Donnie started to walk away at this point. As he left, I said, "Donnie, I am a preacher, a pastor, and I am going to be praying for you."
At this point, Donnie took off running. I left the park crying.
I will never see him again.
But, I WILL pray for Donnie tonight, and for many nights to come.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Bible Reading
A question:
How long can someone go without reading their Bible and still be a Christian?
I know of a professing Christian, an adult, who never reads the Bible.
I have some other thoughts on this issue, but will save them until after I get some responses on my question.
How long can someone go without reading their Bible and still be a Christian?
I know of a professing Christian, an adult, who never reads the Bible.
I have some other thoughts on this issue, but will save them until after I get some responses on my question.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Singing Friends Memories, Part 3
Long story here. Get a cup of something and join me on a trip.
Close to ten years ago, we were scheduled to sing at a Presbyterian church. The one and only time we ever sang in one of those. The way that all came about was that the church had decided to have a concert, and not knowing who to call, called the local SG music association, and they called us and set everything up.
This was one of the largest churches we ever sang in. Beautiful church, Cambridge, OH.
About ten minutes before the concert was to start, the pastor walked up to me, big smile on his face, and thanked me profusely for being there. Then, he said, "I am sorry, but I am not going to be here tonight. My family and I are going out to eat. Have a good time." He walked out the front door.
That was on Saturday evening. By Sunday morning, we were to sing in Princeton, WV. Somewhere around 300 miles. Now, to get from Cambridge to Princeton, there is only one route. Only one. Interstate 77. Until you get to Charleston, WV, it is not a bad stretch of road. Then, it all goes down hill. And up hill, and around the hills. All at the same time.
I 77 south of Charleston has been named one of the most dangerous highways in the US. I agree. It is nasty. I know of people that will drive a few hundred miles out of their way just to avoid it. Count me among that crowd.
That night, as we drove south out of Charleston, it started to mist. And sleet, and snow a little. And then it got foggy. Really foggy, all while it snowed, misted, and sleeted. (Is "sleeted" a word?????)I'll be honest, I was scared to death. 45 MPH, and I had a death grip on the steering wheel of that bus.
I 77 is a toll road south of Charleston. At the first toll booth, I paid my toll, and the guy in the toll booth asked me if I saw the straight truck pulled to the side of the road about 50 feet in front of us. I did, of course. I am driving, therefore I better not be blind.
"Pull up behind that straight truck. He wants to give you some doughnuts."
"He wants to WHAT!?!?!?"
"He wants to give you some doughnuts."
"Am I safe?"
"Do you mean is he an ax murderer or something?"
"Yeah, something like that!"
"No, he's fine. He just wants to give you some doughnuts."
So, I pull up behind said straight truck. As I parked the bus, the driver of the truck was rummaging around in the back. I jumped out the door of the bus, and asked the guy, "Can I help you?"
"You're a Southern Gospel group, aren't you?"
Well, let's see, did the old bus give us away?
"Yes, we are."
"Well, I want to give you some doughnuts."
"If you don't mind me asking, why?"
"Oh, I do this for a lot of SG groups. The McKammeys, the Isaacs, the Easter's. Lot's of 'em."
At this point, he handed me 3 FLATS of doughnuts. Large flats. Very Large.
I told him, "Man, there are only four of us on the bus."
That was fine, he just wanted to help us out.
Seems he drove this route seven nights a week, delivering doughnuts. He said that most of these doughnuts had come out of the oven at 11:00 that evening. It is now 1:00 am, Sunday morning. Fresh doughnuts. Sticky buns, honey buns, glazed, filled, chocolate, chocolate covered. Every kind imaginable.
He asked me where we were headed. Exit 9, Princeton. "That's my exit, follow me."
So we did, in the sleet, and the snow, and the fog, and the mist. At 70 MPH. At times I could just barely make out his tail lights. So, with a honey bun in one hand, the steering wheel in the other, and a lot of prayer, we made it to Exit 9.
We both pulled off the side of the interstate, and we gave him one of every cd we had with us.
We ended up getting to the church at about 3 am. We slept in the bus. The last time we had been to this church, they had had the best meal we had ever been served at a church carry-in. Very good. I figured that they would do that again.
There were about 200 in attendance that morning. 5 minutes after the final Amen, there was only one person left. He was to lock up, and even he was in a hurry. I assume that they all were trying to beat the Baptists to the local Golden Corral.
So, here we are, 400 miles from home. No Sunday dinner. Just 500 or so fresh doughnuts. However, if I were to eat only doughnuts, I would get very sick.
So, we stopped at Brother King's house to eat. Do you know him? His first name is Burger.
That night, we sang in the Portsmouth, Ohio, area. The only thing memorable about that church was the sign on the doors in the church that led to the sanctuary. It said, "Women in pants not ALLOWED!"
One man from the church proudly told me how many women the pastor had sent home because of the pants they had on.
My thought was, "And God cried."
Last, but not least, we hired and fired a bass guitar player. All in one weekend.
And you all thought that singing was glamorous.
Close to ten years ago, we were scheduled to sing at a Presbyterian church. The one and only time we ever sang in one of those. The way that all came about was that the church had decided to have a concert, and not knowing who to call, called the local SG music association, and they called us and set everything up.
This was one of the largest churches we ever sang in. Beautiful church, Cambridge, OH.
About ten minutes before the concert was to start, the pastor walked up to me, big smile on his face, and thanked me profusely for being there. Then, he said, "I am sorry, but I am not going to be here tonight. My family and I are going out to eat. Have a good time." He walked out the front door.
That was on Saturday evening. By Sunday morning, we were to sing in Princeton, WV. Somewhere around 300 miles. Now, to get from Cambridge to Princeton, there is only one route. Only one. Interstate 77. Until you get to Charleston, WV, it is not a bad stretch of road. Then, it all goes down hill. And up hill, and around the hills. All at the same time.
I 77 south of Charleston has been named one of the most dangerous highways in the US. I agree. It is nasty. I know of people that will drive a few hundred miles out of their way just to avoid it. Count me among that crowd.
That night, as we drove south out of Charleston, it started to mist. And sleet, and snow a little. And then it got foggy. Really foggy, all while it snowed, misted, and sleeted. (Is "sleeted" a word?????)I'll be honest, I was scared to death. 45 MPH, and I had a death grip on the steering wheel of that bus.
I 77 is a toll road south of Charleston. At the first toll booth, I paid my toll, and the guy in the toll booth asked me if I saw the straight truck pulled to the side of the road about 50 feet in front of us. I did, of course. I am driving, therefore I better not be blind.
"Pull up behind that straight truck. He wants to give you some doughnuts."
"He wants to WHAT!?!?!?"
"He wants to give you some doughnuts."
"Am I safe?"
"Do you mean is he an ax murderer or something?"
"Yeah, something like that!"
"No, he's fine. He just wants to give you some doughnuts."
So, I pull up behind said straight truck. As I parked the bus, the driver of the truck was rummaging around in the back. I jumped out the door of the bus, and asked the guy, "Can I help you?"
"You're a Southern Gospel group, aren't you?"
Well, let's see, did the old bus give us away?
"Yes, we are."
"Well, I want to give you some doughnuts."
"If you don't mind me asking, why?"
"Oh, I do this for a lot of SG groups. The McKammeys, the Isaacs, the Easter's. Lot's of 'em."
At this point, he handed me 3 FLATS of doughnuts. Large flats. Very Large.
I told him, "Man, there are only four of us on the bus."
That was fine, he just wanted to help us out.
Seems he drove this route seven nights a week, delivering doughnuts. He said that most of these doughnuts had come out of the oven at 11:00 that evening. It is now 1:00 am, Sunday morning. Fresh doughnuts. Sticky buns, honey buns, glazed, filled, chocolate, chocolate covered. Every kind imaginable.
He asked me where we were headed. Exit 9, Princeton. "That's my exit, follow me."
So we did, in the sleet, and the snow, and the fog, and the mist. At 70 MPH. At times I could just barely make out his tail lights. So, with a honey bun in one hand, the steering wheel in the other, and a lot of prayer, we made it to Exit 9.
We both pulled off the side of the interstate, and we gave him one of every cd we had with us.
We ended up getting to the church at about 3 am. We slept in the bus. The last time we had been to this church, they had had the best meal we had ever been served at a church carry-in. Very good. I figured that they would do that again.
There were about 200 in attendance that morning. 5 minutes after the final Amen, there was only one person left. He was to lock up, and even he was in a hurry. I assume that they all were trying to beat the Baptists to the local Golden Corral.
So, here we are, 400 miles from home. No Sunday dinner. Just 500 or so fresh doughnuts. However, if I were to eat only doughnuts, I would get very sick.
So, we stopped at Brother King's house to eat. Do you know him? His first name is Burger.
That night, we sang in the Portsmouth, Ohio, area. The only thing memorable about that church was the sign on the doors in the church that led to the sanctuary. It said, "Women in pants not ALLOWED!"
One man from the church proudly told me how many women the pastor had sent home because of the pants they had on.
My thought was, "And God cried."
Last, but not least, we hired and fired a bass guitar player. All in one weekend.
And you all thought that singing was glamorous.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
My Wife Thinks I'm Nuts...
...but then so do most people that know me.
If you know me well, you know I LOVE chocolate. Love it, love it, love it.
My favorite? Milky Way.
Now, not just any old Milky Way. Oh, no. There is a better Milky Way.
King sized Milky Way? Yep, very good.
But, a regular sized Milky Way is better than a King size.
And, the fun sized is better than the regular sized Milky Way.
But, the best Milky Way?
The mini sized.
Why? Because the caramel to chocolate ratio gets better the smaller the candy bar gets.
Don't believe me? Try it. Go buy one of each. Or 20 of each. See if I am wrong.
Now, I know, y'all are thinking, "Ok, Myers takes this waaaayyyyy too seriously."
Nope, there is no way to take chocolate too seriously. :)
If you know me well, you know I LOVE chocolate. Love it, love it, love it.
My favorite? Milky Way.
Now, not just any old Milky Way. Oh, no. There is a better Milky Way.
King sized Milky Way? Yep, very good.
But, a regular sized Milky Way is better than a King size.
And, the fun sized is better than the regular sized Milky Way.
But, the best Milky Way?
The mini sized.
Why? Because the caramel to chocolate ratio gets better the smaller the candy bar gets.
Don't believe me? Try it. Go buy one of each. Or 20 of each. See if I am wrong.
Now, I know, y'all are thinking, "Ok, Myers takes this waaaayyyyy too seriously."
Nope, there is no way to take chocolate too seriously. :)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The Cup Nazis
My family and I happen to like McDonald's. Well, I do up to a certain point. One, they are somewhat cheaper than most of the other fast food joints, and two, they have the best french fries.
We eat at our local Mickey D's often enough, I hate to admit, that at least two of the employees recognize us when we go in. On average, about once a week.
Always, we order our food, fill our drink cups, and by then, they normally have our order ready.
But, oh, no, not today.
Today, we ran into the Cup Nazis.
As soon as we paid for our order, i asked for our cups. The cashier said, "I can't give you your cups until your food comes."
Say what?!?!?!
The guy behind me in line said, "Wow, they sure are enforcing that new cup rule."
So, I asked the cashier, "Why the cup rule?"
Answer: "Too many people would get their drinks and not come back for their food, or grab the wrong tray."
Cup Nazis.
So, we waited for our cups as we waited for our food. And as we filled our cups, our french fries got cold.
Just hand me my stupid cup, please.
We eat at our local Mickey D's often enough, I hate to admit, that at least two of the employees recognize us when we go in. On average, about once a week.
Always, we order our food, fill our drink cups, and by then, they normally have our order ready.
But, oh, no, not today.
Today, we ran into the Cup Nazis.
As soon as we paid for our order, i asked for our cups. The cashier said, "I can't give you your cups until your food comes."
Say what?!?!?!
The guy behind me in line said, "Wow, they sure are enforcing that new cup rule."
So, I asked the cashier, "Why the cup rule?"
Answer: "Too many people would get their drinks and not come back for their food, or grab the wrong tray."
Cup Nazis.
So, we waited for our cups as we waited for our food. And as we filled our cups, our french fries got cold.
Just hand me my stupid cup, please.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
I'm Tired
Wow, here we are, the second Friday night of camp. Time has really flown by this week.
I have been busier than I have ever been at any camp. Ever.
7:30 each morning, my alarm goes off. I shower, shave, brush my teeth, get dressed and am out the door by 8:05. I grab two cups of sugar laced coffee, and then at 8:30, I am off to Ministry and Oversight, the main governing body of our denomination.
This year, someone had the "wisdom" to name me as time chairman for Ministry and Oversight. This means that I have to open the meeting, and have a devotional for the day.
This meeting can last all the way to 10:00 A.M. when our open body business meeting begins. I have to be there for all of the business meeting as I am the sound tech.
This meeting can last until noon, of course at which time we eat lunch.
After lunch, I have had to have several committee meetings, some lasting almost all the way to the afternoon service at 2:30.
Between lunch and supper, we try to have the snack shack open for a good part of the time. Supper is at five, and then the pre service is at 7:00.
As soon as service is over, we run to the snack shack, and cook hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos with cheese, or with chili, or with chili and cheese. And we run through about 3 and a half of the BIG bags of french fries a night.
We normally do not get out of the snack shack until roughly 11:00 or after. Sometimes way after. Waaaayyyyy.
And I drop into bed to do it all over again the next day.
And packed into that I have had no less than about a dozen (Maybe more) committee meetings.
I love camp.
I have been busier than I have ever been at any camp. Ever.
7:30 each morning, my alarm goes off. I shower, shave, brush my teeth, get dressed and am out the door by 8:05. I grab two cups of sugar laced coffee, and then at 8:30, I am off to Ministry and Oversight, the main governing body of our denomination.
This year, someone had the "wisdom" to name me as time chairman for Ministry and Oversight. This means that I have to open the meeting, and have a devotional for the day.
This meeting can last all the way to 10:00 A.M. when our open body business meeting begins. I have to be there for all of the business meeting as I am the sound tech.
This meeting can last until noon, of course at which time we eat lunch.
After lunch, I have had to have several committee meetings, some lasting almost all the way to the afternoon service at 2:30.
Between lunch and supper, we try to have the snack shack open for a good part of the time. Supper is at five, and then the pre service is at 7:00.
As soon as service is over, we run to the snack shack, and cook hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos with cheese, or with chili, or with chili and cheese. And we run through about 3 and a half of the BIG bags of french fries a night.
We normally do not get out of the snack shack until roughly 11:00 or after. Sometimes way after. Waaaayyyyy.
And I drop into bed to do it all over again the next day.
And packed into that I have had no less than about a dozen (Maybe more) committee meetings.
I love camp.
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