"Give and It Shall Be Given"

"Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." St. Luke 6:38. One of my favs in the Bible and I guess you can see why I title this blog as such. We've got so much to be thankful this year with Rhonda being transferred to another job, which she absolutely loves and also caters to her needs. God is great and greatly to be praised. I am so proud of my beautiful wife because she is such a great and giving person. She will give till there's no more and then she'll find a way. That's what I love about her most. She's so kind, gentle, humble and considerate of others' needs, it just amazes me the things she get accomplished. Last September of 2007, she started with the Student Achievement Iniative Program where she would mentor a student enrolled at WFISD. She easily connected to her mentee, Ashley and has absolutely loved every minute of it. She is really dedicated to the program and now she has three mentees and her other two are Erin and Kylie. Ashley attends McNiel Jr. High, while Erin and Kylie attend Kirby Jr. High. She was recently honored at a banquet where they bestowed upon her Outstanding Mentor with the Achievement Student Iniative Program, which is partnered with WFISD and SAFB. Hats off to Rhonda and the young people that she mentors. May God continue to bless and guide her as she relates to the young people in the school district.

With all the Christmas activities around, I couldn't pass the chance to show off some pics of Rhonda's office Christmas party. This year their party was held at the MSU's Clark Student Center. A great time was had by all and wow! the tables were so beautifully decorated. Each table was to represent a certain criteria of each department in the sqaudron where Rhonda works. Some of the tables represented their work, while others were just fabulous. We had a great time, with delicious food and laughter abound. As you can see where Rhonda was trying to draw a picture of a snowman on top of her head. (I'm so glad they didn't pick me) Oh, well, she lost; nevertheless, she had a great time performing for the gang. A lot of prizes were won and we really enjoyed the night. Capping off the night, we headed across the street to MSU Burns Fantasy of Lights. We hadn't had the opportunity to walk around the "Winter Wonderland" and since it was just a little nippy and we were already out in it, we decided to stroll through the fantasy land. The extravaganza has a lot more charisma up close. Afterwards, we headed to the house for some "Low-Fat Hot Chocolate." Yum Yum!

On Sunday, December 14, we attended "An Evening of Joy" performed by Life Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra. Wow! It was phenomenal with several different recitations, along with a variety of duets and quartets, joined by the choir throughout the night of performance. I especially enjoyed the men's quartet. Special Kudos to Life Tab and all of their choir members.

This last Sunday, we visited our home church in Vernon. I really enjoyed providing Christmas music to our church and seeing all of our old friends and meeting new ones. Our church still carries on the timeless tradition of passing out fruit bags to everyone on Sunday before Christmas. I can remember as a child sorting the fruit and candy and sacking it up. When I was a kid, we used paper bags; however, now we just use Glad Baggies, which makes it more convenient. That was a nice memory to relive. Afterwards, Dad and LaRue followed us back to Wichita where we ate at Cotton Patch Cafe. Dad and LaRue hadn't ate there yet and was so anxious to try it out. I think they really enjoyed and can't wait to come back and taste the Blackberry Cobblar. Delicious. Thanks, Dad and LaRue and all of the church folks in Vernon for such a good time.

To cap our weekend off, we celebrated Christmas with our dear friends, Jane and Loyd Austin at Cheddars and afterwards went back to our townhome and enjoyed coffee, Low-Fat Hot Chocolate and Baklava. If you haven't tried Baklava, you need to step out in faith and give it a whirl. It's a greek pastry that is just heavenly and I believe it's low-fat also. LOL.

Well, as you can see we've had a busy month with two days left till Christmas. I can't wait. Rhonda's got my presents wrapped and I'm trying to figure out what they are. The anticipation drives me crazy. Since Christmas is my favorite time of the year, I'll try to keep the activities as full as I can, because once it's over, I'll have to wait till next year. Rhonda's already told me after the 1st, the tree comes down. Oh, well, I'll enjoy the festivities while they last! LOL

On another note, I talked with John today and he's doing great. It makes me feel a little better whenever I talk with him, knowing that he's doing good.

The Last Brouhaha

This post is a little late; however, with me being enrolled at Wayland Baptist University, working @ the Post Office & Weight Watchers Intl., I just haven't had the time. I started taking pics of John and our time together since he got stationed at Tech School, SAFB. John and I really enjoyed each other, going to the movies together, visiting the "horse show" (LOL), going out to eat, our Six Flags trip, drinking Cappichinos, Chai Tea, etc, while I just stuck with the norm Low-Fat Hot Chocolate. I don't like to venture off of my comfort zone; nevertheless, he encouraged me to live a little. While driving with the top down in my convertible, he'd ask if we could put the top down and I would say, "Well, let's at least roll up the windows because I didn't want to mess up my hair", he would jokingly chide me saying, Hey, Uncle Dan, live a little. I'd say, okay, go ahead, put the windows down too. So here we are flying down Kell Freeway with my hair blowing in the breeze. Okay, I'm a little anal about my hair, but I think it runs in the family. LOL.

We enjoyed Tops in Blue Concert at Sheppard AFB with a picnic on the ground. Aunt Rhonda prepared us a picnic lunch and we copped a squat on the ground and enjoyed the show, along with our fried chicken and all the fixins. Aunt Rhonda always has good ideas when it comes to family time. While she was preparing our lunch, we saw the movie Chronicles of Narnia (2nd film), which by the way was outstanding. We enjoyed our time together at the water park and eating jalepeno peppers at Sonic Drive In. He joined our family at Matthew's birthday party at Johnny Carrino's and then headed over to Cheryl & Daniel's house for cake & ice cream. Yum! Yum! John enjoyed playing with their dog Cobblar, along with his friend Kevin Atkison, who also joined us and enjoyed being with our family. Kevin's a really good kid and I miss him also. He's now in Salt Lake City, UT stationed at an Air Force Base. (for the life of me, I can't think of the base's name)

I won free tickets to Gaither Homecoming; however, he didn't ante up since this really wasn't style of music. So, instead he met us at Cheddar's and enjoyed being with our family. All of us, except John went to Gaither Homecoming and had a wonderful time. We started attending Life Tabernacle later in September and I enjoyed going to Starbuck's before church and enjoyed listening to his goals and dreams he has in his life. John has lots of dreams and goals in life and I pray for his success in life wherever he goes. Our last day out was to Logan's Roadhouse where we enjoyed a wonderful steak of which he had to finish mine and didn't have a problem with it all. I don't know where he puts all the food at. LOL.

After his trip back to Luke AFB, I had a really hard time losing him. You see, even though he was stationed here, I knew he would be at our house on the weekends, or just pop in and out, where we could talk and hang out. I knew he was gonna be okay, because of his close proximity. He was hoping to get to prepare his recruiting time here at SAFB and spend Christmas with us; nevertheless, it just didn't work out. So, I had to give him up and not be able to spend Christmas with him. It just wasn't fair. I would cry and pray about it and finally God gave me a peace that everything was gonna be alright and I feel alot better now. I just spoke with him today after class and he's doing just fine. I teased him saying I had kept his phone message on my phone and when I get to missing him, I just play his voice mail. I know this blog was a little lengthly; however, it kinda helped me get through the process of John leaving SAFB and starting a new stage of his life.

Happy Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone ~ I hope you is enjoying God's blessing this wonderful day. It's the time of year when almost all of the stores are closed and one must reflect on the wonderful bountiful blessings He has provided. I have really enjoyed this week with time spent with John and spending the rest of the day with Rhonda's family. I'd like to share a scripture sent by my good friend, Jim Donica and he hits the nail on the head. Satan is scheming more and more of his time seemingly to have his time at the park; nevertheless, we know who the winner is.

During this Thanksgiving Day, we can celebrate God's goodness and thank Him for opening the door for our salvation. Jim's scripture is found in I Peter 2:9 - 11, "But you are are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness in His wonderful light." Thanks, Jim for sharing from your heart. It meant alot and is one of my favs.

On another note, Pastor Gene asked everyone at church on Tuesday night to reflect on someone that had blessed them in their life. I wasn't able to attend church; however, I noticed on his blog the request he made. The first person that came to my mind were my parents. My dad worked for the Post Office for twenty-seven years and during that time, he pastored a church and raised all of his family in church, teaching and preaching the gospel. My mother was a stay-at-home mom, raising the children in the admonition of the Lord. A while back I ran across a letter my mom had sent to her sister Dorothy when they lived in California. Just reading the letter meant so much to me. You could sense the love she felt for her God, family, and friends. I miss my mother so much; nevertheless, as time goes by, the Lord allows you to have a better feeling of her not being here. Knowing full well she is in a much better place, not feeling anymore pain and knowing she ran a good race and finished her course. I can remember as a kid, we used to deliver papers to the paper boys. My mom and I would go throughout the city and dump the bundles at the various neighborhoods for the newspaper boys to pick up. She would always tease me saying that during half of the drive, I would want to stop at McDonald's on Kemp Boulevard and have a "Wimpy Hamburger" (long story). I appreciate being taught to work at an early stage in my life. You see, I've been working all of my life and wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks, Mom for all your lessons in life you taught me. Now, Dad, let me begin: He is an awesome pastor, teacher, leader, mentor and someone to look at in life that would lead you to Christ. He wasn't ashamed to share the gospel on the job or anywhere he went. I sometimes wish I had that much ferver and determination to share the wonderful news of Jesus Christ. Everywhere I go, someone is always coming up to me asking about Dad and telling me a funny story about something that happened at the Post Office or in the church we grew up in or the church he now pastors in Vernon. You see, Dad was one of those preachers that had to work for a living. He felt God had called him to minister the gospel and in doing so, had to maintain a job in the secular world in order to make a living. To this day, I don't know how he did it. Nevertheless, he was--and is--a very strong man and endured through the test of time. He wasn't afraid to preach the gospel and allow God to change people's lives by accepting the word of truth. He preached the word unwaivering, but with love and compassion to the saints of the church. As I'm writing this, I am brought to tears thinking about all of the good times we shared as a family growing up in the church, and working in the church in Vernon. God has truly blessed us. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for sharing the gospel through the love of Jesus Christ.

Happy Birthday, Matthew!!!

This is a little late posting; however, I wanted to share some pics from Matthew's thirtenth birthday celebration. Matthew is one of our many nephews and we think he is just a great all around kid. He loves sports, swimming, computer games and such like.

We all went to Johnny Carino's Italian Eatery and enjoyed the afternoon with Matthew and his parents, Cheryl and Daniel Nix, along his sister, Alexis, Matthew's paternal grandmother, Shirline Wagoner, Matthew's maternal grandparents, Linda and Archie Kennedy, John Prince, Kevin Atkerson and of course, my darling wife, Rhonda and myself. We had a great time as you can see in the pictures. See if you can guess who the family clown is in our family?

Afterwards, we all gathered at Cheryl and Daniel's house for birthday cake and ice cream. One of my fav's. Matthew received all kinds of gifts, including the best of all: money, money, money, MONEY...., a football, computer games and all the other neat stuff that thirteen years olds get. We love you very much, Matthew and hope you had a wonderful 13th birthday. Many Happy Returns......

Race for the Cure 2008

">



We just finished Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure 2008, in Wichita Falls and John won 1st Place in his age group. He sprinted down the finish line in just 19.42 minutes. Wow! How phenomenal!!! And get this, he made it fourth runner overall across the finish line. While I was running, he was heading back and I cheered him on to victory. Man! He was flying down the street! This was a 5K run in downtown Wichita Falls. Rhonda volunteered registering runners on Thursday night and then was at the Registration Booth at 6:00 AM on Saturday morning. I also ran the 5K; however, I didn't make it quite that fast. I ran it in 30.14 minutes, which I was very proud of since this was my 2nd Race for the Cure. Last year, I made it in 43.49; however, I power walked it last year, but wanted to run it this year. During the course of the run, the organizers had each mile marked with volunteers cheering you on to the next mile marker. Throughout the race, the volunteers were cheering us on and providing water to guard against dehydration. We are really proud of John's efforts and special kudos to him. Afterwards, we celebrated his victory with breakfast at Cracker Barrel! Yum! Yum! The waitress shamed him into at least wearing his pink award the time he took to finish the race. He conceded and proudly wore it the next few minutes.

By this time, Rhonda was getting a little tired, so she went home and took a nap and John and I drove over to Burk to visit Mom Prince and Rachel. Mom had promised some of her famous "Coconut Cake" and I just couldn't resist the temptation. The cake was delicious. After visiting awhile, we drove back to the city and did a little shopping, washed my car and went to see the movie "Fireproof". This was by far the BEST movie I had seen in quite awhile. This is an excellent movie without any reservations. It made me cry and John really enjoyed it also. Since it was kinda late in the afternoon, we picked up some chicken and fish at Popeye's and took it home to my beautiful bride. John had plans to hang out with his friends and Rhonda and I enjoyed the evening together.

Sunday was a busy day with John and I visiting Life Tabernacle and enjoyed the service. As soon as church was over, John needed to do a little shopping at the mall, so I helped him pick out a few clothes and enjoyed the day together.

In closing, I would like to quote Hebrews 12:1: "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us......

A Day Full of Love, Laughter & Surprises

Thank's everyone for helping me celebrate my 52nd birthday! I had a great weekend and oh, yes, my "Danny Day" turned into a "Danny Weekend". To start my weekend off, I ran 2.4 miles and came back, showered and Rhonda had her scrumptious pancakes ready for me. Wow! They are delicious! Thankfully, she only makes me two; nevertheless, I would love to have more, but know I can't with my Weight Watcher plan in tack. Realizing her HHR was dirty, I hurriedly washed it so I could make it to the mall and do a little shopping, get a haircut and pick John up for the afternoon. After picking John up, we both did a little shopping and grabbed us a bite to eat and went back to our town home to pick Rhonda up for the rest of the afternoon. Rhonda and I saw "Eagle Eye" and should you want to see a really good movie, I definitely would suggest seeing this movie; however, upon viewing it you probably will not want to answer your cell phone again. Big Brother is always watching and hearing you and you will be self conscious to the fact. Afterwards, we headed to my favorite restaurant, On the Border, where all the gang was there to celebrate with me. You see, it's so nice to celebrate your birthday with family and friends. Thanks everyone for joining me in the celebration. It was good to have Dad & Mom LaRue, along with Rachel, John, Mom Prince and of course, my lovely bride, Rhonda. Our server really put on a good show when he made "Guacamole Live" and by Mom Prince's taste buds, she concluded the guacamole was the best she had eaten. After dinner, Rhonda gave into my idea of looking at cars (my favorite pastime) and we, or should I say I enjoyed drooling over the various makes and models. To cap our weekend off, John and I visited Life Tabernacle and really enjoyed the service. Bro. Greg Henry was ministering in a revival service and preached an outstanding Bible Study. This was our third Sunday and it was good be back home again. Afterwards, Rhonda, John and I ate at Mazzios and I had to really careful with my menu items. You see, I had a staff meeting at Weight Watchers at 2:00 PM and the staff has to weigh in at each staff meeting. The rule is we cannot be over 2 pounds of our goal weight. Thankfully, I was right on target. The salad is what saved me. Ha! Ha! So, you see I really did have a "Danny Weekend" and thanks Rhonda for giving me such a good time. LOL!

Happy Birthday to you!

Today is my handsome husbands birthday! This is also my first time to post on the blog, the first vice presidential canidate debates and I am sure a lot more first for somebody somewhere. Today we had to work and Danny had class, so we will be celebrating with a family dinner Saturday at Danny's favorite restaurant--On the Border. My mother, neice Rachel, nephew John, Danny's neice Cheryl, her husband and two children and my father-in-law and his wife are expected to attend. Before the dinner Danny will get a "Danny Day," although if you ask me it's always a "Danny Day" around here. :>) Sorry, that is an inside joke for Danny. His friends at work got him a tower of balloons that were too big for his Mustang to carry, so I picked them up after I got off work and took them home for him. They make an impressive sight sitting on the hearth of our fireplace. Someone even made him a Weight Watchers approved cake. Danny's "Danny Day" will start with breakfast in bed--either French Toast or Pancakes--his choice, a movie--his choice and then his family dinner. He already received his present from me--tickets to the Gaither Homecoming at the MPEC. The real present is that I agreed to go with him without a fuss and I even suggested it--I'm not a big fan, but he is. I am sure that he will want to do something on Sunday, as well. Then on the 12th we are going to the State Fair at Dallas with some friends. All in all, I think it will be a nice birthday. Happy Birthday Honey! I love you!