Travel

Just got back from Branson, Mo. from picking up Shane from discipleship focus. Now to indy for work for 3 days. Then we leave to take Shane back to school in Haviland, Ks.

Pray for safe travel and financial needs.

Proud Dad

Things are changin. Since Birdie's death (mother-in-law) Eric has passed all necessary classes and met all requirements to graduate. He wanted three people to see him graduate. None of those people will be in attendence. Grandpa Brown died just before Christmas, Grandma just passed and Shane went to Branson to attend Discipleship Focus. Shane left just a few days after Grandma's death. I think he will be much happier.

Eric has always been independent and he will find his own way in life. I hope that the boys stay rooted in Christ and remember right and wrong's in this life. I am a proud Dad. I think the boys....er young man will make Tammy and I proud.

When?

When does it get fun again. Life is what I mean. The last six months have been filled with deaths in family, worry about Eric's graduation, ever changing challenges at work. This has made for a dismal last six month's. Vacation you say, take time off and recharge. Well to top it off I have used all available days dealing with all the above. Through it all God has gotten me thru and I praise Him in all the storms of life.

Pandemic?

This could be the one. Then again maybe not. Questions, just ask.

What a Kid-Young Man

He turned 18 on Saturday. No fanfare, birthday cake, money, presents, nothing. No frowns, no outward emotion, may some hidden disappointment. He took it like the man he is. Eric has always been a kid who never asked for anything, taken many birthday and christmas disappoints its "no problem" or "I can wait until next payday, Dad" I am so proud of him. Things have never been easy and he tries to make me feel better about our situation. He has taught himself to play music, very independent. He never needs or wants help with anything. Never met a stranger, very pleasant, mostly very respectful. I am proud, what a great kid-young Man.

Not so Good Post

As most of you know my dad passed away in December. Today would have been his 70th birthday. So happy birthday dad and I will see you later. Thats what I told him in his last days.(I will see you later).

Illness has take its toll on the family. Shane is in Kansas with a very bad respitatory infection. He has missed the conference tournament and fallen behind in class work. I hope he his better soon.

I have had an infection for the last two weeks that wont go away. Having a 102 temp. all the time(seems like it) sucks. I cannot shake this and with no insurance now it makes it tough for treatment. Anyway this is something I have to deal with a couple times a year so I make it.

Eric says worship will be very good this Sunday.

I know it was a down post, but hey I still have Christ that gets me thru the day.

Monthly Wrap Up

Its been a month since I posted. This time of year is busy. I finished up my basketball season. We won 3 games, which is better than last year. We lost in semi-finals of county. The kids improved and we had fun. I think more important, while having growth group at church, I looked in gym during jr. high youth group, 12 of 14 players on my team are attending. That makes me feel good.

Got back at 4am Sunday morning after driving straight through from Moberly, Mo. I dont recommend it that late. We where in Moberly to watch Shane play basketball. This is the closest he gets to Indiana to play. The trip was worth the time, money, and driving. His coach let him spend Friday evening and Saturday morning with us. We had a great time. Then was game time. The played the 8th ranked Central Christian College of the Bible. Barclay won 100-94.

We then decided to drive home. Long trip but made worthwhile by a great worship service and message by our great worship team and pastors.

I am Still Around

This may sound like rambling, but a lot has happened since my last post. We had a great growth group Christmas party. The white elephant exchange was a hoot.

Basketball has been up and down this year. The team I am coaching has already won more games this year than last. Its been exciting, frustrating, but overall fun. These guys are getting better each time out. I also help as an assistant at the varsity level. Golden Bears are 5-0 and ranked 12th in 1A.

My dad passed away just before Christmas. It different this being first one without any parents. Both mom and dad enjoyed Christmas. So, kind of a bummer. Thanks to FFC, growth group, family and friends for kind words and help during this time.

Enjoyed having Shane home for holidays. With dad passing away it wasnt the welcome home he really wanted.

Eric did really well playing amazing grace at dad's funeral. Grandpa's death was hard on Eric as they were really close.

Shane's leaving for Barclay on Saturday. He done really well grade wise, for being out of high school for 4 years. He starts playing basketball on 1/9/09.

Its good to know I have a Savior that will allow me to meet up with mom and dad in heaven someday

Wish List

I wish:
1. I had a the ultimate relationship with God.
2. There was a cure for cancer.
3. There was no suffering.
4. I had the financial resources to care for my family.
5. Shane finds what is looking for.
6. Eric finds enough credits to graduate
7. Everyone had pastors like we have at FFC.
8. People would leave PK alone. (keep up good work PK)
9. My growth group love and joy this holiday season.
10. A couple of more wins for my 8th grade b-ball team.
11. Everyone had a wife as great as mine.
12. Blessings on everyone.
13. Jobs for everyone
14. Safety for all those armed services men and women.
15. Everyone has the opportunity to hear God's word.
16. Barclay wins a b-ball game.
and the Colts win the SupeBowl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas\ Holiday Favorite Shows or Movies

Lets have some fun. List top three Christmas Shows:

Mine are:

1. Frosty the Snowman-i cry when frosty melts
2. Rudolf the Rednose Reindeer
3. Charlie Brown Christmas

Update

Busy, Busy, Busy, to steal a line from my holiday favorite "Frosty the Snowman" Update from last post. Eric still hasnt gotten a dear(dad note: I think he enjoys seeing them in wild, not really wants to pull trigger.) Shane was invited to spend Thanksgiving with roomate. He did have to miss a game due to departure time from campus with roomate. I hope that doesnt cause issue with coach and team.

Basketball season has started and we are currently 1-2. The team is getting better and still having fun and thats what matters.

I enjoyed the Francis Chan video at church on Sunday. Worship team rocks as usual.

Life is good right now. I hope it stays that way.

Deer Season

Eric has been deer hunting the last few weeks. Today he brought home neat video of a big doe. He was filming and his buddy missed the shot. I wished I could download video but I aint that smart.

Barclay basketball update. Bears lost 117-65. Shane had 10pts and 5 rebs. in about 10 minutes of action. Its cool. In high school the mascot was the Bears. In high school his uniform #20, at Barclay #20.

Weekend Update

Passed out candy on Friday. First time in 18years we have done this. The weather was perfect and seen a lot of people I know from FFC, friends and neighbors. Caught some of my basketball team toliet papering house. Thats ok it was fun watching their faces. I dont mind the tp just dont do any of nasty stuff.

Listened to Shane play his first college game Sat afternoon. He didnt play bad, but he didnt play great. He called us afterwards down in dumps disappointed in performance. He just need to hear our voices telling him it would be ok.

Sunday was fun working in video booth at FFC. Brian and other folks in A/V are a blast to be around. Growth Group we had close to 30 attend. It was really good to see everyone.

Basketball Season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Although games dont start for a couple of weeks, tryouts are complete. We did have to cut a couple of kids. Thats the hardest part of job. Practice starts tonight with drills, defense and offenses to teach. This begins the fun part. This years team will working hard to improve after only winning two games. I have a winning streak to keep going, never had a losing season. As long as we have fun and boys learn and be good sports, thats all that matters.

Speaking of basketball season, good news just got I call from Shane and he can play first semester. First game is Sat. at Rogers State. He is excited and us for him. A sad note this is the first game I've ever missed in Shane's entire life.

Bias

Last evening I was watching Sunday night football and the American League Baseball Championship. Like most men I was going back and forth from channel to channel until the remote stuck on Channel 2 (as I was attempting to go from ch13 to ch 23). Well on our cable system that puts you on WIPB. Which is a public broadcast station. Last night they were showing the documentary of the courthouse calendar girls.

I know this is controversial. I was neutral during the whole thing. But let me tell you wow, the so-called documentary was far from neutral. The director kept saying he couldnt get those for tearing courthouse down to speak. Its no wonder. The few that did were made out to be the spawn of satan. Pastor Kris was mentioned that he declined an interview, its a good thing. He would have been declared as satan himself by the people making this oneside film. FFC was ripped to shreds. I havent see this much bias since MSNBC "Obama's our Man" network, or Fox "GOP" News channel.

Maybe not the best post I have come up with but it was so blatant.

Still Here

I havent posted in awhile. There is a good reason. I have started my new job. Last week was training and this week setting up new office. I am working for Indiana State Department of Health as an emergency planner. Yes you are in my district so you are safe from a biological terrorist attack. This should be a new challenge. I think I will like it. Salary is better, but benefits are not as advertised. Anyway looking forward to new adventure.

Update

There has been some good news since my last post. It appears there may be some funds available to just cover cost of school. He has to come up with some $ for basics, which is what we all face. He is still a little down. Those who know Shane and want to give him a "pick me up" call let me know rbrown82@hotmail.com and I will give you his phone number.

Struggle with Faith

Well after my last post, I received a call from Shane. He has informed me that instead of having money from financial aid to help him get through the rest of the semester he owes $1000.00. He has been working a couple hours a day on campus, but that will stop Oct 6 when basketball starts. On that topic, he took ACT again to be able to play first semester, he didnt do well and he now has to wait until 2nd semester to start playing. Thats ok it will help him get ahead of studies.

Shane will probably come home because he cant earn enough to pay for school and I dont earn enough to pay my bills let alone pay for college. He has changed so my much and was trying to do what God has led him to do and now this. I am really struggling with my faith right now so please pray for me.

Prayer

The power of prayer is an awesome weapon.(as my growth group can tell you) We need to use it. Heavy on my heart is morning is FFC and my growth group members. Its not because of economy. It will work itself out. My main concern this morning is FFC and my group members. One of the missions of FFC is to minister to community outside our walls. We as a church do a good job with that. Pastor Jeff does a great job as do all of our Pastors(we are blessed). God has filled the buildings of FFC with the Holy Spirit and his protecting armour. I am sure God is with us always, but it seems that outside our walls some of our FFC members are under attack.

Satan knows what is at stake and is trying his best to drive a wedge between us and God. I know members of our church and growth group seem to be facing some issues. During the confessions series, confessions were made, people were saved and lives changed. Satan knows this and is trying to convict people and make people ashamed and guilty for past sins. They just need to know God has forgiven them and wiped the slate clean and Satan is just trying to throw them off track.

Remember we have those with illness and injury. This not only causes physical hurt, but spiritual hurt. If this cause loss of work, also financial hurt.

Relationships are an issue. Satan knows the best way to hurt you is to cause a relationship problem with those you love. DONT LET him DO THAT TO YOU!!!

Finances. God mentions this in the Bible more than any topic. The economy is bad and Satan knows that money will effect peoples relationship with God. There are folks that attend FFC that dont live paycheck to paycheck, but from day to day.

Now is the time for prayer!!!!!!!!!!!!
I maybe wrong but I dont think I am.

Politics

I dont do this often but if your main concern in this years election is the economy. Remember this and pass it along. Obama main economics advisers are the past CEO's of Freddie Mack and Sally Mae. Two of the main reasons for mortgage collapse.