Thanksgiving pictures

Here's some pictures from Thanksgiving.  I guess, I mean I know I have a lot to be thankful for.

Back from Georgia

Well, I got to see much more of Ethan.  He was awake most of the time.  And guess what he loved his Uncle Derek.  I've never been stared at as much as he stared at me with so much love.  I found a way to make him laugh, it's a little sound I make and he loved it.  I see so many things when I look in his eyes.  First I see Papa, then Dena, and even a little bit of me.  He's so big.  I'll write more later.  Just wanted to post a pic to let everyone know I'm back and had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Many blessings.

Heading Home

It is with much excitement I find myself getting ready to go home for Thanksgiving.  I think back at of all the past Thanksgivings in these 36 years of life, the devotion and fellowship that I've felt and shared with family and friends.  One day I look forward to a Thanksgiving I can share again with everyone I've spent Thanksgiving with in these past 36 years.   That would be one big table, and the table continues to grow.  With one more this year at our table, little Ethan.  I know it will be a blessing.  I will be missing Mike, he's going to be spending Thanksgiving with his mother and sister and nephew.  I hope everyone the best Thanksgiving, full of friends and family.  I find myself full of all kinds of emotions.  Don't eat too much turkey and dressing.  With Christmas right around the corner I find myself getting a bit full in the mid section.  Guess New years resolutions will be right around the corner. 

Contemplating Pelican

Wonder what this beautiful creature is thinking, he's probably just thinking about the next fish that comes along, down on the river.  Sometimes a picture says it all.  This was taken down at Mayport docks.

Smiling Eli

My mom always told me when I was small, that I had the most beautiful smile and everytime someone would see me they would ask me to smile.  Well my nephew Eli has one of the most beautiful smiles, you don't really have to ask him to smile for you either, he just does, he's a very happy little boy.  Missing home much.  I'm missing to many smiles.

Not having the best day

Well I'm not having the best day today, but it's not that bad, i went to the doctor today and found out I have a torn muscle in my back, I've been in quite a bit of pain and am walking like a 80 year old man, I went to Walgreens to get my prescription filled and then when I got in my car to get back over to Mike's so I could medicate and get in bed, my car wouldn't start.  Luckily I'm not that far away and I walked back.  Things like this used to really drive me crazy but today it hasn't phased me in the least.  All will be taken care of in time.  Now I'm going to take my nap.  Feels funny being off on a weekday.  I even watched a soap opera, lol.  And all the same people are doing the same things, only they have children now and they seem to be doing the same things they did years ago.  Ok.  this entry doesn't seem to be going anywhere.  So good night, i mean good day all.

I'm Rich

I just read what my mom wrote on my last entry, and it made me think of a quote from Abraham Lincoln, "No man is poor who has had a godly mother.  Just wanted to praise the Lord for my mother who not only cared for us children physically but also nurtured us spiritually.  My mom is indispensable!  I think when God made mothers he made something of royalty, something like nobility and Kings and Queens come to mind.  I feel like I could write for days on this subject but I'm at work and I better get back to work.

Mama and Me

There was always something that felt safe about sitting in Mama's lap, I'm a big boy now, lol, and sometimes I still think about sitting in her lap.  I always felt so loved I could always see it in her eyes how much she loved me, I still can today.  I also love to see her with her grandchildren and how much she loves them.  I guess being a grandparent must be one of the most wonderful feelings in the world.

The Tree

When I saw this willow tree that stood so vigil over this beautiful lake.  I thought of the shade it had given over the years to all the children who walked under it, the shelter of the neighborhood squirrels.  Then sitting under it, not really meditating, but very much at peace I thought of the first tree-the one on which hung the forbidden fruit that Adam and Eve just couldn't resist.  God used that tree to  test their loyalty and trust.  I've always loved trees, not sure why i'm thinking of all the trees I've loved.  The ones I've read about, and the ones that have been a symbol of His love.  Tree of life, Tree of salvation.  What about the cross?  Would you consider that a tree?  It was a transplanted tree, it was of a sturdy tree once.  Now my mind is wondering has anyone ever wrote about that tree, the tree that held up such  a symbol of love and sacrafice.  I guess that tree was truly the tree of life.  I wish I could see that tree, and sit under it's shade and pray and think.  I bet it was a beautiful tree.

Thinking of Autumn

Sitting here at work on this beautiful day.  I have pictures of Autumn all over my desk, so guess I'm missing her and the boys too.  Well looks like the work just came in.  Be back later.

Greed

Ok, I admit it I am a sucker for that Donald Trump show. Greed-it has toppled highly paid executives, brought down giant corporations, and cost thousands of workers their jobs and retirement. I read in the paper that unrestrained corporate greed is a greater threat than terrorism. Greed whispers in our ear that we would be happier if we had more money, more things, and more power. It creates discontent and a growing desire to do whatever it takes to gain position and possessions. And here I am stuck to the tube waiting to see who get's the YOU'RE FIRED. I feel a certain guilt after it's over. I tell myself I'm not going to watch it again next week. So what's the opposite of Greed I'm thinking, cause that's what I want. I guess it's contentment and generosity. I am thankful for what I have, I may struggle but I thank you lord for everything I have. You are my greatest treasure, that is for sure. Next week I'm going to read a book, lol.

Happy Birthday Lance

This is just a birthday note about my brother Lance. Today he turns 25. This entry is just about him. I don't know how often he gets to hear this from me, but not enough I'm sure. Lance is a wonderful guy, and father. He's an amazing guy who has always been appreciated so enormously! He's got a great since of humor, and you can't help but smile when your around him. So oh brother of mine, I thought it might be time to tell you, exactly what you mean and have meant to me. First you were a gift to me, I remember praying on many occasions for a little brother. Twenty five years ago you was our surprise, Mama left while we were trick or treating. I'm sorry we don't talk as often as maybe I'd like to, but I've always felt a closness with you that doesn't need to be measured in miles. If it could be measured for me I guess it would be by all the memories I have of you growing up. You was always a big part of my life and my thoughts and I always wanted the best for you, I'm not sure what I did to deserve such a wonderful brother, but whatever it was, I hope you know that I treasure you so much and I'm so grateful we are family. You have always been the brother Sherry, Dena, and I loved so much, you were and still are very special to us. You have such a positive attitude, and that just rubs off on you. I hope this birthday marks the beginning of a year filled with happiness, success, and all the things you're striving to achieve. You deserve the best and I wish you a Happy Birtday Lance.

Your brother Derek

Here's another entry I wrote about my wonderful brother

http://journals.aol.com/deveil/CelebrationofMyExhistance/entries/888