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

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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!

Six Flags Trip with John

John and I and one of his friends just returned from another trip to Six Flags. This was my first with John, since I had previously been with my niece, Rachel. This trip turned out to be fantastic, since the weather was a lot cooler and the crowd wasn't so hectic. We left around 9ish, stopped by the local Burger King and McDonald's, grabbed a bite to eat, filled up with gas and to the Credit Union for some $$$$$ and we're on our way. Had a really good time enjoying John and his friend's company and camaraderie. We stopped at Decatur as usual; however, this time we checked out the local Wal*Mart so John could pick up some sunglasses and me a drink at the McDonald's. He found a really inexpensive pair and we laughed the rest of the way down there, since he bought "Power Rangers" sunglasses; nevertheless, it didn't bother him since they only cost him $4.00 and it fit the occasion.

Upon arriving at Six Flags, we had to park in "the back forty", since we got there around 12ish. You see, we had a back log of traffic entering Interstate 35 to Fort Worth. It never ceases to amaze me whatever time you travel to Fort Worth, you are always backlogged at that intersection. I really think the Highway Department needs to work on traffic flow at that interval.

Upon showing our Season Pass, we journeyed through the gate to the Flash Pass Office. I have never had the Flash Pass before and it was so nice. We got to show the pass and get ahead of the line at all of the really rough rides. John's first to get me on was "The Titan". I was scared out of my mind; however, John and Jessica just laughed and screamed the whole time. All I could do was "hold on for dear life." I do believe that was the scariest of rides I have ever ridden. You see, my beautiful bride, Rhonda just can't handle those rides anymore, so the first chance I get to go to Six Flags with someone who likes it as well as me, I'm ready to go. Rhonda likes "Christmas in the Park." It's such a beautiful time to visit the park, with the weather cooler and such great lights and activities going on.

From the Titan over to the Texas Giant, one of the world's largest wooden roller coasters. It jars you to death; nevertheless, it's not as scary as the Titan. After we got off, Jessica's back was really hurting, so she sat the next one out. I believe we reserved Batman to be our next adventurous ride. That's a really neat ride, because it is so tight, all you can do is scream and yell. It's keeps you in your seat, flying through the air, backwards and frontwards. The next ride I sat out which was "Batman." The last time I rode it, I really hurt my back on it and didn't want to chance it. So, I reserved us a spot at "Johnny Rockets Hamburgers" where John and Jessica joined me later for hamburgers and fries. The best onion rings are at Johnny Rockets and to top them off, I had a really great Vanilla shake.

To make a long story short, we really had a great time and I hope that John and Jessica enjoyed my company as I did theirs.

Happy 28th Wedding Anniversary!!!!!!!

Happy 28th Wedding Anniversary to my lovely bride, "Rhonda". My best friend, soulmate, lover, confidante, and the list goes on and on. We just celebrated over the weekend and had a wonderful time. Basically, we just stayed around the homefront and enjoyed each other. Nothing fancy or spectalar, just each other. Normally, we go out and paint the town "red"; however, we felt to do something a little different and really had a great time. You see, you don't really have to do anything special to celebrate your anniversary when you are really in love. Not that I'm against celebrating in a special way; nevertheless, it just didn't work out this year. I just wanted to say Happy Anniversary to the love of my life and hope we have many more years together.

P.S. For those who don't know it, our dog Sassie was laid to rest two years ago. I found this sweet picture and wanted to share with everyone. She was a great little dog and we have missed her terribly. I think I found it the hardest thing to handle upon losing her; nevertheless, it's kinda nice to have a reflection with her.