I have seen it all! I thought you had to watch out for the kids snooping around to find their presents. Well, now I know, You have to watch out for your spouse also.
Let's start the story out with this.... Stephanie has been Christmas shopping for a while. She tends to pick up a present for me here and there, which is wonderful. She also usually stores these presents in her closet and lets me know not to go looking around. So, knowing that there usually is a present in there, I stay out. Steph's closet is not some place I usually go, anyway. I would likely get lost or trampled by falling shoes. Anyway, let's continue.... Stephanie has been telling me of the "Past Present Future" ring that she wanted. Over the past few years, it had not been in the budget. However, last year, I wrapped a small empty ring box with a note stating, "Sorry, maybe next year". Steph did not find this too humorous. However, she understood. (I know you are on the edge of your seat) Well this year, I purchase this ring. Very beautiful ring, if I may add. I did this the Thursday before Christmas, because Stephanie keeps a very close eye on the bank account and I wanted it to be a surprise. So after making this purchase, I put the receipt and the warranty information in my coat pocket and laid it on top of the dog cage. That night, I had basketball practice, Steph and the boys stayed home. (Come On You Can Guess) That is right, she happened to go by the dog cage and notice a clear envelope in my pocket. Now, she knew I was out shopping over the past few days prior and Christmas was fast approaching, you would think that she would just leave it be. Nope, curiosity was way too much! She slowly tugged the envelope out of the pocket, looked right and then left, slowly pulled out the receipt and started reading. But she failed to secure the area, Austin BUSTED HER!!!! He said "What are you doing?" She told him, it was hanging out and that they should not tell me because I would be upset. GET REAL, I AM LOVING IT!!! So when I got home, I fixed me something to eat and Steph went to take one of her super hot relaxing bath. Austin pulled me into his room and told me about the BUST he made. But asked me not to say anything, because he did not want to get MOM upset. SOOOOO, if you know me, you know I am going to play this game. So while laying in bed, I rolled over to Stephanie and we got on the subject of presents. I told Steph, now you know I bought your present today (because I told her this while she was at work) so, don't go around and start snooping around. She stated, "I hope you did not spend too much money" and started a slight smile. So, I looked at here and said, "You snooped didn't you?" after a few seconds of teasing her, She owned up. Can you believe, she blamed it on me???? It was my fault for leaving it in my pocket. Go figure!
So, Christmas for Stephanie came a little early, without surprise, but it was sure fun for me!
Oh, A special thanks to Austin, if not for him, I could not have had so much fun. Steph, next time I AM CHECKING OUT THE CLOSET!!!
To all my family and friends, I wish you a Very Merry Christmas!
Remember, The best gift we have received is the Gift God gave us in His Son Jesus as our Savior.
May God Bless you and your family!
Jon
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Saturday, December 8, 2007
A Trip To Remember, Where will you go?
I know many of you have been wondering, WHERE THE HECK IS JON? Well that is the reason for my blog spot title. I know I haven’t blogged in a while, so I will try to make up for that within this posting. I want you to close your eyes and think about your last long distant travel. After thinking about it, don’t forget to reopen your eyes so you can enjoy the rest of this blog. Did you remember a wonderful trip, full of fun, excitement, and memorable experiences? Well, WAD IT ALL UP AND THROUGH IT OUT THE DOOR!!!! I am going to tell you about my trip to Fargo, ND and you will think I am making it all up. But, it is all true, no exaggerations included. So get some popcorn, an aspirin for the cramps you will get in your side from laughing at my expense.
It all started on Tuesday, December 4th. I had a scheduled flight from Louisville to Minnesota at 6:00 pm, so you know they always say get to the airport 2 hours in advance to make sure you can make it through security and reach your gate without missing your flight. Well, I arrived at 4:00 pm, get checked in and notice that my flight’s status is “ON TIME”. I get checked in and down to my gate with about an hour to spare, so I get on my computer and do some email and work. Well about 1 ½ hours later, I check to see about the flight and I am told that the plane had not left from the city it was flying from and it would be about a two hour delay. Well, I began to get worried, I have a connecting flight from Minnesota to Fargo and that delay would make me about 40 minutes late for my connection. So I walk up to the “ever so kind” attendant and ask, “How do I look on making my connection?” I was told that the connecting flight was delayed and I should make it. Well, I sit back down, make a phone call or two to my wife who is enjoying life’s finest dining with good friends of ours at Fazoli’s. At about 8 pm, I go back to the attendant and ask are you sure I am going to make my flight into Minnesota to Fargo. Well at this time the attendant had a peer with her, she stated “No, there is no way you will make your connection”. If you know me, you know I did not care for that answer, since I was earlier told there would be no problem. So I stated a little louder, so that the person I was talking to earlier could hear me, I said, “Well, about 30 minutes ago, I was told my connecting flight was delayed, what happen”? So the two attendants began a behind the counter debate and I was assured that I would make my connection. I was somewhat skeptical about it, so I contacted my hotel reservation and cancelled it, because if you do not cancel within a certain time you pay even if you don’t stay. I also contacted the rental car company and explained that my flights would be delayed and I did not anticipate arrival into Fargo until about midnight. I also inquired if anyone would still be there. The young lady, a college student, stated they normally closed at 11 pm, but she would stay later, but could not promise anything after midnight. I explained that’s fair. So, finally we get to board our plane to Minnesota, at 8:35 pm. That is right 4 ½ hours after I arrived at the airport. Does this sound like the get-a-way you had???? Well this is just the beginning. We get up in the air and finally arrive in Minnesota. We taxi into Concourse B at 9:35 pm (their time), I look for my departing flight to Fargo on the departure board, it shows the flight departing at 10:05 from Concourse C. So I start a brisk walk, just imagine that and you should laugh. I get to the gate and ask the attendant, “Is this flight on time and will it get into Fargo by midnight”? The attendant assured me I would be in Fargo by midnight. I KID YOU NOT, I turn, walk 8 steps, sit down, and look at the flight information behind the attendant and watch the departure time change from 10:05 to 11:30. So I start to think, well that is probably the arrival time in Fargo. Then another person who just sprinted for his life to catch the same plane checks with the attendant and I hear her tell him, “No it has been delayed, you still have time”. So at this time I do not feel so secure, so I ask, is that time the departure time or arrival into Fargo? As you may guess, it was the departure time. Well, as I did before, I said didn’t you just tell me that it was on time? Well, I guess someone forgot to tell the attendant that the flight crew for my plane was on another delayed flight inbound. Well at least I know I would be in Fargo at some point. So I called and reset my hotel reservations and I had to call the rental car company and let the college student know my plane would now not be in until 12:30 and I asked if she would still be there, she stated she would until 12:30, she had a test she need to study for. Now, we board the plane at 11:40 pm, I’m thinking “Thank Goodness”. We are sitting on the plane and there are a couple restless irritable children with an inpatient single parent. Need I say more? I snuck in a quick prayer for God to give the parent patience and to give me good ear phones with my portable DVD player. God granted the patience. One out of two is not bad. So after sitting at the gate for 55 minutes (12:35 am) the pilot stated that they had a clogged “something or another” and maintenance just took care of it. Prayers just got a little more serious. The pilot then stated we were waiting for the ground crew to push us back and we would taxi to deicing. So finally at 1:15 am., we’re taking off and headed to snowy Fargo. Of course, I thinking, I will have to catch a taxi from the airport to the hotel, because who would be crazy enough to stay an additional 2 hours for one person to rent a car, especially since the college student had classes the next day. Finally, we land in Fargo, YEAH, but don’t get tired of reading yet, it gets better. I get off the plane, run straight to the rental car company. To see, to my amazement, the light is still on. The only one in a line of dark rental car companies. I stepped up, the college student steps forward and says, Mr. Walls, your car is ready. I looked at her and said, Why are you still here? She said, well I knew your plane was in the air and it was on the way, so I figured I might as well wait and study. So she went through the paper work and she said, my name is Stephanie, if you find something not to your satisfaction about your car, let me know. I should have known, aren’t all angels named Stephanie????? Stay with me, we are in the home stretch….I go to retrieve my luggage to find, I am missing a bag. So I am waiting and waiting and waiting, the airport is closing and finally, an announcement, Attention all Northwest passengers arriving from Minneapolis, if you are missing any luggage, please see an attendant at the ticket counter. So, I walk that lonely, long, and dark walk to the attendant. I explained I have a missing bag, the one that has my tools needed to do business and without it my travel to Fargo was useless. So she told me my bag was still located in Minneapolis. So I asked if 2 ½ hours was not long enough to get all of my bags from one plane to another, how long do you need? We both laughed. I went to get my rental car, now keep in mind, I went to the airport in Louisville at 4 pm, it was in the upper 40’s. I step out of the Airport and it was -5 degrees.
My nose hairs froze instantly and I lost my breath. What a SHOCK. Stay with me we are almost done. So after getting the 3 inches of snow off my rental car, I pull out and go to my hotel. Well at this hotel, they do not have night staff, they check you in by using a kiosk. You slide your credit card, it spits out your room key, you slide the key and are able to enter the common area toward your room. WELL, I get there, It is 3:30 am, slide my card and the screen reads, kiosk OFFLINE. OH SNAP. Found a phone number to contact hotel personnel. I called 5 times before getting someone. They come over let me in the common area and his KEY DOES NOT WORK TO GET INTO THE OFFICE TO CHECK ME IN, Not Cool. So, luckily, another manager lives around the corner. So, I finally get in my room at 4 am. Coming to the end…. The next morning, I go to the
Taco Johns, the airport calls, my bags are in town, where would I like them delivered. I gave them the address of the Taco Johns. Two hours later, I have to call the taxi company to inquire about my bag. THEY DELIVERED IT TO TACO BELL, three blocks down the road. GREAT!!! I explained to them that it was important for that bag to get out of the hands of the competitor and in my hand NOW. So finally, I had my bag. Life is good.
It all started on Tuesday, December 4th. I had a scheduled flight from Louisville to Minnesota at 6:00 pm, so you know they always say get to the airport 2 hours in advance to make sure you can make it through security and reach your gate without missing your flight. Well, I arrived at 4:00 pm, get checked in and notice that my flight’s status is “ON TIME”. I get checked in and down to my gate with about an hour to spare, so I get on my computer and do some email and work. Well about 1 ½ hours later, I check to see about the flight and I am told that the plane had not left from the city it was flying from and it would be about a two hour delay. Well, I began to get worried, I have a connecting flight from Minnesota to Fargo and that delay would make me about 40 minutes late for my connection. So I walk up to the “ever so kind” attendant and ask, “How do I look on making my connection?” I was told that the connecting flight was delayed and I should make it. Well, I sit back down, make a phone call or two to my wife who is enjoying life’s finest dining with good friends of ours at Fazoli’s. At about 8 pm, I go back to the attendant and ask are you sure I am going to make my flight into Minnesota to Fargo. Well at this time the attendant had a peer with her, she stated “No, there is no way you will make your connection”. If you know me, you know I did not care for that answer, since I was earlier told there would be no problem. So I stated a little louder, so that the person I was talking to earlier could hear me, I said, “Well, about 30 minutes ago, I was told my connecting flight was delayed, what happen”? So the two attendants began a behind the counter debate and I was assured that I would make my connection. I was somewhat skeptical about it, so I contacted my hotel reservation and cancelled it, because if you do not cancel within a certain time you pay even if you don’t stay. I also contacted the rental car company and explained that my flights would be delayed and I did not anticipate arrival into Fargo until about midnight. I also inquired if anyone would still be there. The young lady, a college student, stated they normally closed at 11 pm, but she would stay later, but could not promise anything after midnight. I explained that’s fair. So, finally we get to board our plane to Minnesota, at 8:35 pm. That is right 4 ½ hours after I arrived at the airport. Does this sound like the get-a-way you had???? Well this is just the beginning. We get up in the air and finally arrive in Minnesota. We taxi into Concourse B at 9:35 pm (their time), I look for my departing flight to Fargo on the departure board, it shows the flight departing at 10:05 from Concourse C. So I start a brisk walk, just imagine that and you should laugh. I get to the gate and ask the attendant, “Is this flight on time and will it get into Fargo by midnight”? The attendant assured me I would be in Fargo by midnight. I KID YOU NOT, I turn, walk 8 steps, sit down, and look at the flight information behind the attendant and watch the departure time change from 10:05 to 11:30. So I start to think, well that is probably the arrival time in Fargo. Then another person who just sprinted for his life to catch the same plane checks with the attendant and I hear her tell him, “No it has been delayed, you still have time”. So at this time I do not feel so secure, so I ask, is that time the departure time or arrival into Fargo? As you may guess, it was the departure time. Well, as I did before, I said didn’t you just tell me that it was on time? Well, I guess someone forgot to tell the attendant that the flight crew for my plane was on another delayed flight inbound. Well at least I know I would be in Fargo at some point. So I called and reset my hotel reservations and I had to call the rental car company and let the college student know my plane would now not be in until 12:30 and I asked if she would still be there, she stated she would until 12:30, she had a test she need to study for. Now, we board the plane at 11:40 pm, I’m thinking “Thank Goodness”. We are sitting on the plane and there are a couple restless irritable children with an inpatient single parent. Need I say more? I snuck in a quick prayer for God to give the parent patience and to give me good ear phones with my portable DVD player. God granted the patience. One out of two is not bad. So after sitting at the gate for 55 minutes (12:35 am) the pilot stated that they had a clogged “something or another” and maintenance just took care of it. Prayers just got a little more serious. The pilot then stated we were waiting for the ground crew to push us back and we would taxi to deicing. So finally at 1:15 am., we’re taking off and headed to snowy Fargo. Of course, I thinking, I will have to catch a taxi from the airport to the hotel, because who would be crazy enough to stay an additional 2 hours for one person to rent a car, especially since the college student had classes the next day. Finally, we land in Fargo, YEAH, but don’t get tired of reading yet, it gets better. I get off the plane, run straight to the rental car company. To see, to my amazement, the light is still on. The only one in a line of dark rental car companies. I stepped up, the college student steps forward and says, Mr. Walls, your car is ready. I looked at her and said, Why are you still here? She said, well I knew your plane was in the air and it was on the way, so I figured I might as well wait and study. So she went through the paper work and she said, my name is Stephanie, if you find something not to your satisfaction about your car, let me know. I should have known, aren’t all angels named Stephanie????? Stay with me, we are in the home stretch….I go to retrieve my luggage to find, I am missing a bag. So I am waiting and waiting and waiting, the airport is closing and finally, an announcement, Attention all Northwest passengers arriving from Minneapolis, if you are missing any luggage, please see an attendant at the ticket counter. So, I walk that lonely, long, and dark walk to the attendant. I explained I have a missing bag, the one that has my tools needed to do business and without it my travel to Fargo was useless. So she told me my bag was still located in Minneapolis. So I asked if 2 ½ hours was not long enough to get all of my bags from one plane to another, how long do you need? We both laughed. I went to get my rental car, now keep in mind, I went to the airport in Louisville at 4 pm, it was in the upper 40’s. I step out of the Airport and it was -5 degrees.
My nose hairs froze instantly and I lost my breath. What a SHOCK. Stay with me we are almost done. So after getting the 3 inches of snow off my rental car, I pull out and go to my hotel. Well at this hotel, they do not have night staff, they check you in by using a kiosk. You slide your credit card, it spits out your room key, you slide the key and are able to enter the common area toward your room. WELL, I get there, It is 3:30 am, slide my card and the screen reads, kiosk OFFLINE. OH SNAP. Found a phone number to contact hotel personnel. I called 5 times before getting someone. They come over let me in the common area and his KEY DOES NOT WORK TO GET INTO THE OFFICE TO CHECK ME IN, Not Cool. So, luckily, another manager lives around the corner. So, I finally get in my room at 4 am. Coming to the end…. The next morning, I go to the
Taco Johns, the airport calls, my bags are in town, where would I like them delivered. I gave them the address of the Taco Johns. Two hours later, I have to call the taxi company to inquire about my bag. THEY DELIVERED IT TO TACO BELL, three blocks down the road. GREAT!!! I explained to them that it was important for that bag to get out of the hands of the competitor and in my hand NOW. So finally, I had my bag. Life is good. Not Warm, But GOOD. If you look close at the picture below, you will see the temperature in FARGO, ND as I type this blog. IT IS COLD!!!
If you know me, you know I have been blessed with patience. Even through all of this, I kept my cool and just remembered, God got me to Fargo safe, what else can I ask for. You know being a Christian gives you a totally different outlook on life. When you know at the end of life’s journey, you will live eternally in paradise with your Lord and Savior, you sort of find a way to enjoy the earthly bumps and delays. What about you? Is your life half full or half empty? (glass theory) Do you have what is available to you so you can travel through this world worry free about what is at the end of the journey? The plane is leaving, be early. Being late, you may find an eternity of hell.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
The Cross: A Symbol of Life? or Death?
There are many who do not recognize the true meaning of the Cross. Not that I know everything, because as Stephanie will tell you, I surely do not. But since this is my blog, I get to have an opinion and since you are reading it, you have to at least read my opinion. The Cross is not just a symbol nor just two lines that cross each other. There has to be meaning behind the Cross. Sometimes I believe people use the Cross to mask themselves, even when they do not know or understand the meaning behind it or the significance behind (or in front) of the Cross. This is not the case for all, but for many. 
I believe people should truly think of WHY they put up a cross and make sure it is not for an incorrect reason. Now days, so many put up a cross to mark the place where a loved one has passed away, a "roadside memorial". A symbol of where a life ended. That is somewhat normal, I guess. Recently I drove down Gene Snyder Freeway and found myself counting crosses. Can you believe between a two mile stretch of road, there were 5 crosses. Now, if you know me, you know I do not mean any hard feelings when I ask... Are these symbols of religion or symbols of carelessness? (not meaning based on the person who died at that site, because it may have been anothers carelessness) I was driving down Smyrna Road earlier this year and saw this large beautiful cross with two people standing near it. They were obviously mourning the loss of a loved one, however, they were also pouring beer on the spot. It kinda reminded me of the sponge of vinegar that Jesus took while on the Cross, but I do not think that is what they were replicating. So, I ask.... Is the Cross symbol of Life? or Death?
Well, I think we need to look a little further.... You see some say that Jesus died on the Cross, which If you are Christian you know this to be true. Because Jesus' death on the Cross was the sacrifice for our sins. As John 3:16 so eloquently puts it. I ask that you look take a deeper, look at the Cross. The Cross may have meant death to Jesus (if you know the all the facts, you also know that this is not 100% true. Explain later), however, it meant life for everyone else. Per Colossians 2:13-15 (I will not make you look this up, but you should)
I believe people should truly think of WHY they put up a cross and make sure it is not for an incorrect reason. Now days, so many put up a cross to mark the place where a loved one has passed away, a "roadside memorial". A symbol of where a life ended. That is somewhat normal, I guess. Recently I drove down Gene Snyder Freeway and found myself counting crosses. Can you believe between a two mile stretch of road, there were 5 crosses. Now, if you know me, you know I do not mean any hard feelings when I ask... Are these symbols of religion or symbols of carelessness? (not meaning based on the person who died at that site, because it may have been anothers carelessness) I was driving down Smyrna Road earlier this year and saw this large beautiful cross with two people standing near it. They were obviously mourning the loss of a loved one, however, they were also pouring beer on the spot. It kinda reminded me of the sponge of vinegar that Jesus took while on the Cross, but I do not think that is what they were replicating. So, I ask.... Is the Cross symbol of Life? or Death?Well, I think we need to look a little further.... You see some say that Jesus died on the Cross, which If you are Christian you know this to be true. Because Jesus' death on the Cross was the sacrifice for our sins. As John 3:16 so eloquently puts it. I ask that you look take a deeper, look at the Cross. The Cross may have meant death to Jesus (if you know the all the facts, you also know that this is not 100% true. Explain later), however, it meant life for everyone else. Per Colossians 2:13-15 (I will not make you look this up, but you should)
13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
So as you can see, the cross took life to give life. It continues to give life each day for those who will believe and accept the gift it offers.
So, I believe that the Cross is a symbol of life. A life with Christ. You see the Cross that Jesus was crucified on could not keep him, because three days later, he rose from the grave. Mark 6:6-7
6"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "
So why do so many mark the passing of their loved ones with crosses? The cross is a symbol of life, not of death. Of Joy, not of Sorrow. Of peace, not conflict. Of giving, not taking. Of light, not dark. Of forgiveness, not condemnation.
What do you see, when you look at the cross? I see the many nails that I own that have been hammered into my Savior. I see the blood pour out of an Innocent side that cleanses me. I see the power of forgiveness in the eyes of the blamelessness. I see the a sacrifice that I know that I am not worthy of, but it was made for me anyway.
Yes, the Cross is a symbol of life. The life that was given as another was taken.
May God bless you and keep you safe.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Jon Without Phone
OH YOU KNOW IT IS BAD, MY PHONE HAS NO SPEAKER. I have been suffering with a deaf cell phone for a while. Well it was not all bad, because I could put it on speaker phone to complete my day to day communication. WELL NOW THAT DOESN'T WORK. AHHHHHHH, So since I could not talk very long to my loving wife last night, I wanted to send her a HUGH
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YOUYOUYOUYOUYOUYOUYOUYOUYOU
Hidden Treasures in Georgia
Recently Stephanie and I had a lovely conversation about me going to different places and her not ever getting to go anywhere. Well, this is not going to help my side of the discussion. See normally I do not do ANYTHING exciting during my travels, however, this time I took some time to do something a little different. Normally in my day, I would wake up, go to the store that I am visiting, complete a Standards Appraisal that last about 6-7 hours, talk with the owner/operators about how to improve their business, provide a plan to help them move forward, then drive to the next town, eat at a local favorite spot (sorta like being on food network), complete some follow up work on the computer (email, summaries of my visit, etc.), go to sleep and start all over again. Well, the last time I was in Georgia, I said the next time there I would drive to the Ocean, since one of my locations is 40 minutes from the beach. So, I did. (Sorry Steph, I am searching for a great place to bring you for a get a way) Well, You never see beaches featured in Georgia, I am not sure why, but you don't. I found on my Mapping System a place called Tybee Island, GA. It is not like an island, although it is surrounded by water, around 3/4 of it is Marshland. Now to get there you have to go through Savannah, GA which from where I was, Savannah was not much to look at. It was like driving through Shively, with a little better housing (Shively around the Krispy Kreme) Tybee Island was nice, it appeared to be quiet and well kept. It seems to be known for a Lighthouse, the Tybee Lighthouse. I have never heard of it, but it was what it was, a Lighthouse. The area was much more low key then most beach areas. It seemed to be more residential. It had a "hole in the wall" restaurant called North Beach Grill, which I did eat. It was OK, it was a little restaurant that was right off the beach, it looked like it was in the ocean at one time, not very pretty to look at, however the food was not bad. It is one of those restaurants that you would not know that it is there, except for the smell of fried fish sneaking up on you. I walked out on the beach, there were a very few people out there, once again, it probably is used by locals more than vacationers. A good place to take the kids and the wife and most likely we could find a inexpensive hotel within 20-30 minutes away. So honey, if you agree, we will make this a destination to visit. I did take a few pictures to share. If anyone is interested, let me know. For a small fee, I will book you a trip to "Our" hidden treasure.
Also, While I was looking, I found the TITANIC, If you look closely, you will see it too.
Each treasure has a catch to it, as you come across the Marshlands you need to hold your nose, It smells like mud that has been sitting in a bucket soaking wet for a week. It Stunk!!!
So until next time, WHERE IN THE WORLD IS JON??????????????????????????
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
What are you worried about????
How many times have you felt like this? Your Job, Health, Friends, Children, Spouse, Parents, Siblings, even your church can have this effect on you. This is a result of wanting too much control, too much involvement, or too much notoriety. So many people feel the only way to correct the symptoms of stress is by drinking, drugging, eating, smoking, yelling and a bunch more -ings that people turn to, but really it just takes praying. The world is feeled with too many stressed people. Let's face it stessed people are mean and what does the bumper sticker say about mean people???? It's true. It takes much more energy to be mean then it does to be nice and when you are nice to others, you began to feel better yourself. You should try it. Be super nice to someone that is mean, two things usually happen. The mean person usually feels bad for being mean to such a nice person. Also, they tend to start being nicer, at least to you for a little while. Take time when you are stressed and do something for someone that is not expecting it and do not let them know that you have done it. You will see it brighten their day and you never know, what you do, may make their day. I do a great job talking about this, but I am no expert. ASK MY WIFE. I am not as spontaneous as I should be, sometimes that stresses her out, right honey? I will try to be better at it, but I have seen the effect of secretly paying for a child to attend a summer camp or just buying a Christmas present for a mission project at church. I do not even know what child will receive the gift, but I know it will make their day and that brings joy to me. However, these tend to be quick fixes for most. What is the best way to become STRESS FREE????? The best way to answer that questions is to go to the most knowledgeable and reliable source, The Bible.
In Mathew 6 verse 6:25 to 34- Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes: Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?.....32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. There fore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will wory about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
You see to worry does nothing for you. Even in your worst situation, know that God will get you through. It may not be exactly how you expect, but he will do it for the glory of his kingdom. Your trials are others lessons, your debts are others gifts, your mourning is others compassions, you failures are other successes and you will always experience the valleys, it is important to remember to walk with God and allow him to take you to the hill top. Do not stress out, it is all apart of Gods plan and at the end it is always a blessing. When you are stressed out, just remember there are only 24 hours in a day and each day brings a new look and a renewed energy. Just say to yourself, if I make it til tomorrow, this will get better. Because when tomorrow comes, yesterday is history. Then you are one day closer to being stress free. Remember, the Bible is a ALL or NONE deal, you have to believe and trust it all or you can't trust any of it. So if Jesus says not to worry, who are you to argue with him. He always wins.
So the next time you worry, read a book, talk to a friend, take a nap, do something for someone else in secret. -Jon
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Taco Who????
How many times can a question be answered? I have been asked over and over "What is a Taco John's?" Well, it is what it is... The best mix of West Mex food you could ever put in your mouth. In Early part of this year I accepted a job with Taco John's International as a Franchise Business Consultant. Since then, everyone I meet ask the question above. Which is followed up with the second most popular questions...Are there any around here? The short answer is NO. However, If you ever get tired of the old meat in a bag, shells in a box, pre diced veggies, tasteless chicken and steak that you get from the "Bell", take a trip to Frankfort or Paducah KY and wake your taste buds up to "The Fresh Taste of West Mex". Where the meat is fresh and so are our shells. Now enough of the commercial. A number of folks wonder about my territory, so I will inform you now... I have stores in Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Ohio and Kentucky.
So when I am out of town, you may never know what I will blog about. I see a lot of unique things in my travels, so stay tune for the sights that get posted.
Oh, buy the way, if you go to a Taco John's, You must get the Potato Oles and a Churro. They are worth the trip.
The picture above is of a recently remodeled location in my Kasas market. Pretty Cool Look, eh?
Since I am often traveling, Please keep me in your prayers to be safe, Stephanie in your prayers to stay sane, Austin in your prayers to behave, and Trenton in your prayers to have his head scratched by Stephanie.
Where will I be next week? Here? There?
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