Custer City,OK

Examined the weather map carefully before leaving OKC,OK; however we did not make it very far. Several accidents along the short drive (around 70 miles) so pulled into the Love's truck stop and there were parking spaces! The pictures were taken after parking for about an hour.

Used Oats

While driving the by-ways of America, one keeps alert by reading the various ads observed on the sides of the road. A sign that was well past prime read USED OATS. The business did not appear to be doing much business, which I think is a good thing! (It should read; USED BOATS)

Got up this morning at 2:30 so we could drive from Max Meadows,VA to Brasselton,GA. The load is due tomorrow in Norcross,GA; however, I knew we could walk the short distance from the Pilot Travel Center to Zion Baptist church. Thankfully it was only drizzle rain then, as opposed to now when it is pouring! The layout of the assembly area is interesting. The drummer is up in his own sound booth behind glass. A few guitars with 3 female vocalists in front of them and finally the worship leader on an acoustic guitar. Because it is non-acapella the instruments sometimes have their own solos. It is not a matter of right or wrong, just a great challenge for the hearing impaired among us. The lesson was introduced with a video of Satan having a conversation. Very uplifting service overall.

Challenges

Charlie went to court and the DA has an offer on the table of 16 months. This must be accepted before Feb 1, or the offer will be with drawn. Melody wants nothing to do with Charlie, so how do I establish a relationship with a grandchild where we really do not know the mother of the child? Now we find out the potential for more problems because more checks have come up with more forgeries. Who else may be involved in this activity beside the known people? I encouraged Charlie to read Psalms 51. He was upset that Melody finally said enough is enough. Making our peace with God when we fall.

A great victory politically in MA with the win of Scott Brown. May this be a great year for the return of statesmanship to the political arena.

Pulling teeth

I have traveled with Chris from Paloma,CA to FW,TX in the past 5 days. He uses silence so often, it is almost like driving alone. I have to prompt him with questions to get a conversation and unfortunately it usually ends when he answers the last question. I do not enjoy the roll of inquisitor.

We stayed at Jesus Christ is Lord not a swear word truck stop in Amarillo. Chris was disappointed it did not have video games or whatever else to entertain him. We watched my DVD on the computer: Meet the Robinson's. I have watched that movie about 8 times. I still enjoy it. Every time someone new gets on the truck, at some point that movie is played.

Chris called the house where he's staying and Bonnie told him to keep up his GED prep work by completing 50 pages per day. So far he is 200 pages behind!

Downloaded study guide for Acts from churches website. Long distance Bible study is better than what many truckers study!

Home, even for a few days

Brought a load of Mars chocolate from S. CA to Woodland. Because the load was ready early I was able to attend church Sunday before leaving late afternoon to deliver product. Able to run up to Lodi to see Grandmother and then run up the hill to spend about 20 minutes to talk with Charlie via phone behind glass. Not how I wish to greet my children. Not how anyone should greet their child.

It was wonderful to see so many at church today. The building had more than I had seen in several visits. I pray the plague of the past is over and the Lord can once again bless those who worship together at Central. May we all unite in worship.

I do not know what the second half of my Christmas present from Jean is; however, the first half was awesome. Newest book from Zig Ziglar.

Liberal no no Amarillo

"Head to Liberal,KS I will load you from there..." So off I leave this morning to Liberal. My Qualcomm stopped working right after I fueled so I missed the message saying to head to Amarillo instead. I arrived in Liberal and called Dallas; whereupon I am informed I am not in the city I need to be for my new load assignment. Drive an extra 150 miles and now I am in Amarillo.

Load picks up tomorrow sometime heading west.

Charlie is looking at up to 5 years 4 months for his misdeeds. The other person involved had their charges changed to misdemeanors. I guess that means they threw Charlie under the bus. I last saw him in Sep/Oct? I will hopefully get to see him for a few moments at the visiting room at the county jail while home. Then I will not have the chance to see him again until he is out. Is that the life he wanted? May he wake up and discover God who has wanted to have a relationship with him for many years.

Crazy beginning of 2010

Just when you are praying that 2010 will not be a repeat of the mistakes of 2009, Charlie is arrested again. I have had the same student for almost 50 days in the truck (he was only supposed to be here for 35) and he will be leaving tomorrow. It has been an interesting journey learning to teach someone else what you hardly think you know yourself.

So it is planning, working, plotting to get home for a few days off. I have not truly had time off for more than ... I cannot remember the last time I was home for more than just a few hours. Will make effort to see Jean also this time around. Maybe I will take 48 hours or maybe even 72 hours off. Such scandal.

I will miss Jon, but it is time for him to move along. Now I just pray for his success and my own.