BabySilence

Friday, January 30, 2009

It is kinda like a ViolentSilence ... but with no violence ... and with a baby ... so it is sometimes more sickening. The lump in my throat when I let my mind go to places like this silences my words. It is a BabySilence ...

This BabySilence involves a friend of a friend of a friend. You can read their full story here, but here is the short story: In September 2008, which was 20 weeks along into their pregnancy, J&J learned that BabyJ was diagnosed with (Right Sided) Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. In our terms, that means BabyJ was messed up inside with an undeveloped diaphragm with a large hole, which caused probs with his liver and lungs. (... I never said that I was articulate with medical terms ... ) At that time, J&J were told they had a few options: (1) to terminate the pregnancy; (2) to go as long as his body will last (which could be full term or not) and then deliver; or (3) to look into surgery options, but with minimal survivability. About 80 to 90 percent of people terminate the pregnancy when given this prognosis.

In the words of J of J&J, "Basically, he would not be able to take his first breath and would not come home with us, but that Heaven would be his first home.Of course, Jeff and I were both devastated, and both of us can remember that day very clearly in our minds. We came home, cried, and prayed for wisdom to make the right decision for our son and for ourselves. At that time, we decided we could not terminate a life that God had given us. We decided, through much prayer and petition to God, that we were going to give Jacob the best life and love we could while we had him. We started looking at things quite differently."

Fast forward three months: BabyJ was born on January 26, 2009 at 7:46PM. He weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces and was 21 inches long. Despite the BabySilence of it all, these people have faith of a SheepDog ... check out their post:

Here's what we were previously told about our delivery and prognosis... and here's how God responded yesterday evening during our delivery.

1) We would not hear him cry. ... He cried two little squeals.

2) He would not be able to take any breaths. ... He took breaths before the doctors were able to intubate him.

3) He would immediately turn blue and pass. ... He pinked up and was even kicking around.

There is a very long road ahead for the new team of J&J&BabyJ. They need your prayers, as BabyJ was scheduled for surgery this morning to move his liver to his abdomen and then repair the hole in his diaphragm with a gortex-like patch. Go to their website, tell them everyone at G&G is praying for them, and leave them a note of encouragement.

SpeedBump

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

We had a little bump up in traffic here at G&G yesterday ... meaning a little more than usual. I wonder what's been going on out there in the World? Could it be the result of Fox-E's newscast? Could it be HumpDay? No clue.

If only I had a full day of free time, I could fill up your afternoon with smiles, tears, laughter, wonder, amazement and even a little soul-searching. But, alas, no time today. Spent the entire morning with my own Nurse HowdyY'All. Will tell you about that soon.

Check Out This ...

... picture of Dad and BigVolFan out in the streets today ... the blind leading the blind ... to go visit shut-ins around the city. Add to that mix: a little rain, a little snow, and a little JackFrost doing his thing ... and we have the makings of a movie. I will let you all know if they make it back safely.

[Note: The last time Dad and BigVolFan went on an out-of-town trip together, both ended up in the hospital ... one with food poisoning and one with a broken arm ... Needless to say, we generally don't let these grown boys play together too often! ...]

Dad Heard in North Pole

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Do you remember our friend Santa'sHelper who lives in North Pole, Alaska? I have received an update from her indirectly ... and it looks like she has been watching the YouTube videos about Dad waxing poetic from the pulpit:

I listened to [Pastor Ray's sermon] yesterday and was so impressed with him and his marvelous attitude after all he's been through. I was especially taken with his words: "It's not about me, it's about a sovereign God!" And "The best way to deal with tragedy is to focus on the goodness of God!" WOW! Talk about sermons in a nutshell. . . .

Please tell him that I'm so in awe of his Godly attitude and am still believing for his FULL AND COMPLETE recovery because of our Healing Jesus!

Santa'sHelper, your message was delivered to Dad. Hope you don't mind. Every email that he receives is a great word of encourgement. Thanks again for following our journey.

Impatient?

Monday, January 26, 2009

For those impatient dominos who are unable to wait in line like the rest of the World, you can go directly to www.fox17.com to find the newscast about Dad. For now, it is front-and-center.

Thanks Fox-"E"-NewsLady!!!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

That was a very nice piece you did this evening! Thanks! Oh, BTW, those were some scary pictures of the SmashedCar! Where'd you get those?

World, in case you missed it, our friend at Fox 17 News did a great lifestyle piece on Dad and his miraculous recovery. What a testimony about God's power in our little ... not so little ... family! For all our non-Nashville readers, we will post the piece as soon as we get a copy. If you have a copy, let us know.

Again?!?!?!?!

Yes, we need your help again, you Tivo-DVR-digital-recording gurus! Dad was interviewed again ... this time by News Channel 5! If you have the means (to record), we have have the Pops (to be interviewed). Not sure the times, but if you are a guru then you can figure out how to save it. Thanks.

Update: I told you, I was overwhelmed with life and just living underwater. It's actually Fox Channel 17 at 900pm. If you can TIVO, then you can be our best G&G Friend ... at least for a couple of days. Let us know if you get it.

Preaching Schedule

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Like MichaelPhelps above, I am still underwater. There are many things to tell you, but no time to tell you. In the meantime, here is Dad's preaching schedule:

January 25 -- Woodbine Cumberland Presbyterian Church
February 1 -- Woodbine Cumberland Presbyterian Church
February 8 -- Brushhill Cumberland Presbyterian Church

Glub ... glub ... glub ... gotta go ... need air ....

Sk8ter Goes to School

Friday, January 23, 2009

Remember Sk8ter? He was one of Dad's roomies at the TraumaCondo. Just wanted to let you know that this young guy had his head put back on in December. Actually, it was his skull. He is recovering well and is headed back to school with new drive and determination. Read about his recent update here. Good blessings, Sk8ter.

Update: The first link to Sk8ter's update did not work. If at first you don't succeed, try try try again.

Old Stuff & Plants

That's what 10 bones ( ... $10.00 ... ) will get you. On February 5-8, 2009, the Old Stuff and Plant Show is coming to the MusicCity. As you know, I am a member of the CambioClub, an organization that benefits many, many, many local charities. (See the list yourself.) This event is one of the primary fundraisers for the year and has been hailed as "one of the most prominent antique and garden shows in the country, ... [offering] over 150 antique and horticultural booths and landscaped gardens."

And you can get your tickets from me! If you wanna take your beloved ... not MyBeloved ... then it's a great date. If you wanna take your kids, then it's a great outing. If you wanna take your local homeless dude, then it's a great civic opportunity.

The tix are normally $15.00 per day, but you can get 'em from me for $10.00. LET ME KNOW if you wanna improve your life culturally while improving the lives of others.

100% Update: MeltDown

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Just an update about Dad and Mom's adventures Tuesday and Wednesday. Dad was so miserable and felt so bad yesterday that his RehabSession was not very successful. CareBear ... the occupational therapist ... was very concerned and encouraged Mom to call both the cardio and ear docs. Like a good mom, Mom got Dad home and fed and in bed by 6:00pm. Ear pain increased and then he got severe pain in his somewhat good eye and in his mouth ... left side molar area. He also had a 101.5 fever.

First thing Wednesday morning, Mom called Dr. Dentyne .. the regular dentist ... and they wanted to see Dad immediately. Dentyne check out Dad's chompers, but couldn't pinpoint the issue ... so Dentyne sent dad upstairs to Dr. NotWrong ... an endodontist.

Both Dad and Mom had a MeltDown ... Dad a small one ... Mom a big one ... because the last thing they wanted to see was ANOTHER DOCTOR! After more xrays, teeth tapping, cold sensitivity tests, and a battery of other useless analyses, NotWrong was also perplexed. He did not recommend anything further, said that if it is a tooth going bad (no indication of that from the xrays) the pain will increase down the road. NotWrong said it might be "referred pain" from the ear surgery.

Oh, by the way, he had read about Dad in the paper and had looked at G&G. He was very moved by Dad's story ... he was very kind and compassionate. Again, God guided Dad and Mom to the right doctor ... who ended their visit with the words, "You will be in my prayers."

MeltDown made a little better.

I'm No Headhunter, But We Need Your ...

We just got word that my brother's wife ... you know her as Fargo ... just got "displaced" from her sales job in Minne-sowta with a big pharmaceutical company. We won't name the company, but it rhymes with Rohnson & Rohnson.

Here is where you can help: If you know of anyone hiring for sales, marketing, public relations, etc., please contact us here. There has got to be someone with "six degrees of separation" from someone else out there who can help. Thanks.

Introducing ...

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

... the MusicCityFatties ... a group of four fatties living in the MusicCity. I have not gotten their permission ... yet ... to post about our own BiggestLoser competition, so I will leave their names anonymous. Let me introduce you to my three other competitors.

Copy is closest to me in blubber, although from the graph above he is still well below me. Copy likes sunsets and taking long walks on the beach. But he especially likes donuts.

Cola, a true SouthernGent, loves hanging with the pigs, cows and goats when he is not sweet-talking his opposing counsel. He likes donuts, too.

Cafe is my biggest known competition. You see, Cafe and I played this game last year and we collectively lost 57 LBs = 30 LBs for him, 27 LBs for me. [... Little does he know that I used that first round of competition to bait him for this one ... think ... The Color of Money, only Fat-hustling ...] Cafe likes donuts, as well.

Imagine that, four fatties who like donuts. Collectively, these dudes bring in a whopping 1016.6 LBs. Let's follow their progress over the next three months to see if they can shed 120 LBs. Do you think they can? I have faith ... but you knew that ... and I think they do, too.

Good luck guys.

100% Update: The Woods

I'm underwater. MyBeloved's hanging by a thread. And Dad's stuck in the woods. Where are you on this fine Wednesday morning?

There have not been many updates about Dad here because I am underwater ... which I cannot comprehend because I also have too many balls in the air. Tell me how that is possible? Unless they are weighted balls inside some magical force field pocket of underwater air. Naw! Not possible!

MyBeloved is hanging by a thread ... with just life ... but at least she sees the light.

Dad is stuck in the woods ... or better yet ... not out of the woods. We tend to have this feeling that the ol' messed up dude is not so messed up because he's alive. But one short phone call to him and you will see that he remains in pain, his ears hurt, his blood pressure remains high despite medication, he is weak, he is in a fog, his one-eye-sight frustrates him, and he struggles with seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. You know, the 100% Full Recovery Light. It's the light that is darkened and plagued by impatience. If you have an extra moment today, please do the following:

1. Say a prayer for "patience"
2. Say a prayer for "full recovery" of sight, sound and face
3. Call the messed up dude at home ... just to say "hello"
4. Send the messed up dude an email here

Dad, if you are reading this, "Hi."

YourStory ... Touched

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

You've heard MyStory by one messed up dude! Well, we would like to hear YourStory. You can send us a note, picture, song or just about anything to us here.

Our first YourStory comes from a lady we will call Touched, who was reading G&G about three months after Dad's accident one day when she stumbled across Give Me Your Eyes ... to Walk. Remember that day? It was a good day for us. Here is YourStory by Touched:

I saw this website today for the first time since the accident. And as I watched the video of Pastor Ray walking around the circle, I sobbed - loudly. I'm sure if anyone else were here, they would think something was terribly wrong instead of incredibly right. I sobbed for so many reasons. I cried for joy at seeing Pastor Ray up and about, for seeing my church family there supporting him....I cried for the words to the perfect song you paired with the video, I cried because I felt guilty for not writing sooner, but, mostly, I cried because I am so overwhelmed by the presence of God. He is here with me as I cry, and I am in awe that He loves me so much. And I am astounded by the depth of His love for me, for you, for Pastor Ray.... By human standards, Pastor Ray shouldn't have even made it to the hospital, but he did. And not only did he make it there, he's made it back out - and now he's even preaching again!! What a testimony to God!! Pastor Ray made it because he believed, because you believed, everyone believed that God would heal him - and that's exactly what He did. I so wish I could've heard the sermon Sunday. Gigi said it was the best she'd ever heard him preach. I bet it was!!

I told my grandmother when he came to Woodbine that there was something about him that I couldn't place....I just knew he was the absolute best thing for our congregation. I just knew. I connected with him. I couldn't really describe it, and I doubt Pastor Ray ever knew he had touched me so much, but he did. I had never taken notes in church before Pastor Ray - and I have pages of notes that I've saved from his sermons. I've even blogged about them and posted his quotes....but I never told him. I don't know why. Praise God that I still have that chance!!

Forgive me for not writing this sooner. I was going to email it, but decided to leave it as a comment so the rest of the world can see how Pastor Ray touches peoples lives. God is good all the time! And all the time, God is good!!!

Dear Touched, thanks for stepping out on a limb and sharing YourStory. You credit our journey for restoring faith, but a testimony like yours restores our faith. Thanks.

Jr100% Update: War Scars

What you are talking about, Self? What is Jr100% Update? Well, if you were in church this weekend, you know that in the middle of the children's story time, my son, No.2, stood up and told the whole church he was going to get his shots on Monday. [... Everyone laughed ... He was sad ... ]

At the end of the story, the story-teller (by the name of LogicLove) lead the church in prayer for: (1) our lesson about prejudices; (2) strength and braveness for No. 2 on Monday.

I am happy to report that No. 2 was BraveHeart during all 4 shots! Here is a picture of two war scars. What is missing from the picture is the huge chocolate-laden smile plastered on No. 2's face because he got to pick out a KING-SIZE Snickers and Mountain Dew. Thanks for your prayers.

Dear MyBeloved ... $orry

Monday, January 19, 2009

Okay, $weetie, I admit it. Women are better financial planner$ than men ($ee below). Okay. You happy?

______________________

Dan was a single guy living at home with his father and working in thefamily business. When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune whenhis sickly father died, he decided he needed a wife with which to share his fortune.

One evening at an investment meeting he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her natural beauty took his breath away. "I may look like just an ordinary man," he said to her, "but in just a few years, my father will die, and I'll inherit $200 million."

Impressed, the woman obtained his business card and three days later, she became his stepmother.

Views from the Heights

That sounds cheesy, huh? Not to us. We grew up in the Heights ... in the Heights of Albuquerque ... and in Heights CP Church. We had the privilege of some visitors ... longtime friends ... from Heights a few weeks ago when Dad hit the pulpit. And here's a note from Pastor Heights:

Ray, enduring ongoing physical hindrances and hurdles, was full of God-given inspiration and Christ anointed life!!! I wish you could have been there to experience the richness and vibrancy of the Holy Spirit in Ray and in that church!! It was awe-inspiring!

Thanks for the kind words. [If you want to see the whole View, click here, page 2 ... ]

100% Update: SoulMan

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Many of you were there on January 4, 2009, when Dad returned to the pulpit. Indeed, there were even a number of new friends whom Dad had never met before. For those of you who wanted to hear MyStory by Pastor Ray DeVries, here it is:

(Part 1 of 4)


(Part 2 of 4)


(Part 3 of 4)



(Part 4 of 4)

If you would like to order a DVD copy of the full sermon ... viewable on a DVD player ... then please contact us here. If we have enough responses, we will get some produced.

Dear MyBeloved (and Anyone Else Not With Me)

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Here is what you are missing right now:

Dear US Airways

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

I am one of your many passengers today. You probably don't know me. In fact, I am sure you do not know me. If you knew me, then you probably would not have thrown my luggage all around behind the baggage claim, busting open a zipper, and tossing my clothes all out. If you knew me, then you probably would not have tried to casually fix the situation by merely throwing my two shirts on the carousal two minutes before throwing my bag on the carousal.

Everyone else in the airport baggage claim area knew me. I was the one guy not laughing ... I admit I was chuckling on the inside ... as the two shirts, folded nicely, went around the carousal. I was the guy who walked up, said, "That looks familiar," and grabbed those two shirts. I was the guy who waited for my luggage to come with the rest of my clothes.

Had you done this to me a year ago, I probably would have squeaked so loud that I got oiled with two new tickets to the Hawaiian Islands. However, I am more laid back these days and I will let it slide this time. Thanks for the ride today. See you when I return.

Self

P.S. You better not charge me $1.00 for coffee on my way home. I may just have to talk to your CEO about the above incident.

Bust It!

Okay, I finally figured out this video camera and we will be streaming Dad's "MyStory" within the next few days. But while you wait, check out BroBill ... Dad's brother Bill ... busting a move to AmazingGrace:

Update: Shows you how much this PK knows ... NOTHING ... I have received a few emails from vigilant readers telling me that BroBill is busting a move to Sweet Hour of Prayer and not Amazing Grace. Go figure. If he was doing Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet, then I would have gotten it!

Dear Integrity, Sparrow, Word, Forefront, Reunion, and any other Christian Music Label

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

You have got to hear this ... We call her Bubbles ... You may call her Kathleen Murphy ... the World will call her an outstanding artist. Here is an original, Hallelujah, that she wrote for my Dad following a terrible car accident.

"Hallelujah" by Kathleen Murphy (c) Copyright 2008.

All rights reserved.

May not be used without author's express written permission.

If you want to get in touch with Kathleen, contact us here.

Dear Dad

Monday, January 12, 2009

You are not trapped.

I know that your hearing is off a little bit. I know that your sight is off a little bit. I know that your strength is off a little bit. I know that your mind races many steps ahead of your body. I know that you are prepared for the next stage. I know that you want to run, jump, leap, yell, scream, dance, laugh, and sing.

But, remember, slow is good right now. There's plenty of time for all of that. The same God that gave you life will bring you

SOUNDS and sight.

And we are here with you.

You are not trapped.

Whenever . . .

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Whenever your favorite blogger disappears for a day or two, you can always check here for a laugh or two.

Marrwidge v. Marriage?

Thursday, January 08, 2009

You decide:



or



Leave a comment ... which do you prefer?

100% Update: 50-50%...Again...

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

First, Dad is out of surgery ... it took longer than expected.

Second, Dad is in the recovery room and there were no incidental problem (i.e., heart, lungs).

Third, surgery went well. Dr. Beethoven ... the hearing specialist ... said that there was lots of fractured bones and gunk in the ear canals. The surgery was to rebuild the mastoid bone / canal area with a titanium material.

Fourth, Beethoven also said that he was able to de-compress the nerves ... BUT ... he does not have great expectations that this will resolve Dad's facial problems. He said ... get this ... that Dad has about at 50-50 chance of nerve regeneration and recovery with Dad's facial muscles.

Hah! We've heard that figure before. Remember? Here's where you can help:

1. Pray for successful recovery from ear surgery.
2. Pray for successful hearing responses following successful recovery from ear surgery.
3. Pray for successful nerve regeneration following successful recovery from de-compression during ear surgery.

TTYL.

Dear Anonymous:

We don't know who you are, but we are sick and tired of you hiding behind that mask of anonymity. You would think you have something to hide. What is it? You think you can surf around our site and every few days post a message without taking any credit? Like the one you left last night:

Did you mean successful "de-compression" of the sixth and seventh nerves during surgery? --Anonymous

Of course, that's what we meant. Only we didn't say it. We knew that everyone would get the right idea. But, noooooooooooooo, you had to call us out on our little oversight! Feel better? We're off the the powder room to de-compose ... we mean, compose ... ourselves.

P.S. We have not heard back from Dad yet on his hearing surgery and de-compression surgery. We will let you know.

100% Update: HearTear

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

I wonder what that picture means. I wonder what HearTear means. What's that, Self? There's a typographical error? Oh, it is supposed to be HeartEar ... That makes more sense ... I understand what you are saying now ... Dad's Heart is now strong enough to undergo the Ear surgery on Wednesday! That's great news!

The surgery is at 1:00pm at St.Tommy's Hospital. We will let you know what happens. In the meantime, please pray for the following:

• Regular vital signs during surgery.
• Successful ear drum surgery.
• Successful compression of 6th and 7th nerves during surgery.

How to Pat Self on Back

It does not have to be as hard as described in Figure 1. Just make a post about it.

100% Update: Graduation

Whilst many of our kiddos are heading back to school today ( ... even homeschoolers have to go back sometime ... ), Dad heads to a mini-graduation! Here's an update:

• Last week, prior to TheReturn, Dad had a very eventful week at therapy. Now remember, he is going to physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
• CareBear ... Dad's occupational therapist ... spent a lot of time working on Dad's shoulder. Peddled the bike with his arms ... as Dad calls it. He also received a whole new series of shoulder exercises. They discovered that the pain under Dad's arm, rib cage and chest area has diminished considerably from the prior week.
• The Professor ... Dad's speech therapist ... went over sermon with Dad. They also began reviewing the next one.
• Both CareBear and Professor visited with Mom and encouraged her about how well Dad is doing and how far he has come ... both from the accident and since he began working with them. CareBear says there is a lot positive things that can be done to help Dad learn to compensate for his eyesight challenges. He said many people learn to drive with one eye. Good news ... they have the ability at PiBetaPhi to help Dad reach the goal of driving ... when the time comes.

Fast forward to yesterday. [ ... Bet you didn't think you would ever hear those words ... fast forward to yesterday ... ]

• Dad graduated from speech therapy! While he will continue to work on speech exercises, no more formal therapy with Professor. We have to say that Dad is really going to miss Professor ... He respects the prof and his work.
• Dad graduated from the walker! Next time you see him, he will have a cane.

Let's all throw our hats in the air for this mini-graduation!

News 4 You

Monday, January 05, 2009

Thanks for all the responses to my "Help Wanted" sign last night. OakTreeWife was the first to respond; P-Pet's Dad saved us a copy on his DVR; but a new friend, WebMan, was the first to email it to me. Thanks again for your support Guys and Gals! To all those wondering what I am talking about, here it is:

[ ... Note to Alan, the "NewsGuy": Dad has been at Woodbine for 3 years, but in the ministry for 12 years. It's okay, we all make mistakes. Many people think that I am a "10" when really I am a "9.5" ... ]

Another Guardian Angel Found!

You've already met GuardianAngel1 ... one of Dad's guardian angels ... who helped Dad at the scene of the accident.

Well, Mom and Dad received a call last night from ... What should we call him? Oh, let's try ... GuardianAngel2! We knew that there were others, but we did not know how to get in touch with them. Let Mom tell you about it:

Phone rang and a man by the name of GA2 introduced himself. Told me that he read the article about Dad in the paper and wanted me to know he was the person who happened to be first person on the scene. He is looking forward to meeting Dad. Dad was pretty overwhelmed when he talked to him ... more tears and words of thanksgiving and praises to the Lord on High. God truly is good ... all the time.

I have not had a chance to talk to GA2, but I, too, look forward to hearing his story of what happened. Thanks for finding us, GA2.

Dear MyBeloved:

I know that you won't be reading G&G today ... you never do ... but I'm not hurt ... you have way too much on your plate these days ... Maybe one of your friends (perhaps one of those addicts) will text or call you sometime today to tell you to take a minute and read this:

Happy Anniversary. I love you. You make me a better man!

Tivo or DVR Users Wanted!

Sunday, January 04, 2009

World, we need your help. We just got finished watching the 5:00pm news on Channel 4 ... Working 4 You ... and there was a little story about a pastor who thought he'd never preach again. Did you see it? Did you record it? Can you get us a copy? If so, please send us a note here. Thanks.

FullHouse

No words can really explain the feeling this morning ... lots of old people ... lots of young people ... lots of big people ... lots of little people ... (no midgets though) ... lots of healthy people ... lots of sick people ... a mom chic with a crutch ... lots of poor people ... one rich dude ... light skinned people ... dark skinned people ... the blind ... those that see ... and one messed-up-pastor-dude ... it was the true Family-of-God. It was a FullHouse.

[... In case you stumbled on this site and wondering what I am babbling about ... click here ... Good, are you caught up? ...]

I have already received a ton of requests ( ... okay, it was 1 request ... I joke ... it was 52 ... ) for a recording of today's celebration. We have said recordings, but it will take a few days to get them processed and up on the site. We will also have some CDs.

Enjoy the rest of the day with your family ... and make a difference in the World.

Finally!!!

After years and years of wanting one of these, Dad finally got his Christmas wish. Check it out for yourself. But you better check it soon, 'cause it's not gonna be there for long.

Number of Days Until Dad Preaches!!!!!

More Rumors ...

Saturday, January 03, 2009

We are not one to spread rumors! As the GoodBook says, Golde, a "gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret." (Proverbs 11:13) Okay ... Okay ... Okay! Say it! I am not very trustworthy ...

Now that I am fully convicted, rumor has it that a little MediaMonkey will be at Woodbine Church tomorrow ... so you better get there early to get your back row seat ... you don't want to be stuck at the front with the Pastor's Family.

Out-of-Towners

A number of you who don't live in these parts have asked for a copy of the article. You can see it online here.

But this story is a lot like a LoveNote. Sure, it's nice to get an email from a secret admirer if you are single or your spouse if you are married ... but there's nothing like the real thing ... the letter with pictures, handwritten note, and stinkum sprayed on the paper ... That's the real thing. Well here is the RealThing for you Out-of-Towners. Let us know if you want us to send you a real, RealThing in the mail.

Google It!!!

Many of you are asking for the time and location of Dad's "return-to-the-pulpit" sermon. Well, here it is:



Woodbine Cumberland Presbyterian Church

3016 Nolensville Road

Nashville, TN 37211



Google it!!! Service begins at 10:30am

Number of Days Until Dad Preaches!!!!

"Pastor to Return to Pulpit ..."

... read the headlines in the Tennessean. Our little bird was right! God made the headlines this morning! So did Dad, the ViolentSilence, all the PrayerWarriors, and G&G. Check it out yourself. A hearty thanks to BrotherBob, who wrote the story and who we consider to be part of our G&G Family.

If you are new here ... WELCOME! We talk a little strange here at G&G ... not because of our Tennessean accent (we were born in New Mexico) ... but because ... well ... just because. Now, here are some pointers for surfing around G&G:

• If you need help translating some of our words, there is a handy little glossary to the right (------->). For example, we call Dad's accident the ViolentSilence, as described in the middle of the page here.


• If you want to read the whole story about Dad, some amazing miracles (called GodThruMan moments), and a whole lotta PrayerWarriors, then go to the Archives on the right (------->) and hit "September", "October", "November", and "December" ... Remember to read from the bottom up ... that sounds funny, "bottom up" ...


• If you want to read a Christmas Classic with a miraculous twist, click here.


• If you want to Pound a Pastor ... leave a word of encouragement or prayer for Dad and his recovery ... go to Pound a Pastor!

There is so much more to do here at G&G, but you will have to surf around to see. There are good words of encouragement, funny jokes, great characters like Nurse RubySlippers and Dr. Beethoven, sad moments, and a whole lot more. Have fun. And as my No. 1 says, "Make a difference in the world today!"

We hope you check back soon! If we can pray for you or if you have miraculous story to share, leave us a note here.

Keep Focused

Friday, January 02, 2009

We have no reason to doubt the little bird who has been whispering in our ear. In fact, if you look close ... I mean real close ... you might find a media nugget about Dad in the paper tomorrow morning. No promises ... but the little bird has chirped a little louder this time and we think it will be there.

In the meantime, let's keep focused on what G&G is all about! Did you forget so soon? We are a growing family ... you included ... growing up, growing together, growing closer to Christ.

Why did we include you in the "family" part? Because you are part of our family ... all of you ... yeah, the ones that read G&G an hour before the others (because you live on the East Coast); the ones that read G&G only at work because you don't have the Internets at home; the ones that read G&G hourly because you are a G&G Addict; the ones that read G&G late at night after your spouse goes to bed because you are in denial; and even the ones that set your Blackberry phone to ring when there is a new post. All of you are part of our family.

Our hope during this new year is that we come together and use our main desire ... the deep down desire to love and be loved ... to help each other during troubled times. You ready?

Number of Days Until Dad Preaches!!!!

Celebrate Life

Thursday, January 01, 2009

Dad will be speaking at the funeral celebration of life of RuggedMan on Saturday morning. Here are some more details:

David Cecil Ruggles

Born in Nashville, TN on Nov. 7, 1988

Departed on Dec. 29, 2008 and resided in Pegram, TN.

Service: Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, 10:00am

West Harpeth Funeral Home, 6962 Charlotte Pike 352-9400

Survived by father, James Ruggles; mother, Theresa Bennett-Ruggles; brothers, Jonathon and Benjamin Ruggles; best-friend, Kenneth Grisham; grandparents Clarence (Cathy) Ruggles; grandfather, James Cecil Bennett; God-parents, Rick and Cherie Savard. He will be deeply missed by a host of family and friends.

100% Update: Happy New Year!

"2009: Our Time to Shine"

Courtesy of colorcubic

First, Happy New Year! Thanks for stopping by G&G ... even if you other things to do like eat, watch football, eat, play Wii with your kids, or eat! Here's your regular update on Dad:

1. Earlier this week, Dad had an appointment with DocOc ... the ocular plastic surgeon ... who gave some "less than encouraging" news: Dad's right eye may have to be permanently sewn shut. DocOc confirmed with Dr. NewFace's assessement that Dad is not a candidate for a "gold weight" in the eyelid at this time. Ultimately, Dr. NewEye ... the cornea specialist ... will be able to recommend a cornea transplant, but for now Dad is to continue with drops and ointment on the partially-sewn-shut eye.


2. Earlier this week, a visit with Dr. Beethoven ... hearing specialist ... about an Ear-Fix-It surgery ... brought some good news. While that surgery was supposed to occur in March 2009, it has been moved to January 7, 2009 because of your prayers for availability at SaintTommy's ... another local hospital. They are also going to try to decompress the 6th and 7th nerves to see if this will help re-generate the nerves.

I asked Dad about the "less than encouraging" news from DocOc ... His response was amazing: "God is not done with me yet."

In other words, if God can save a really-messed-up-dude from dying, then He can save a really-messed-up-eye from not seeing.

Number of Days Until Dad Preaches!!!!