My2Cents

Don Rowan

2011-02-21T18:43:00.002-06:00

Don Rowan of Rowan and Associates, passed away yesterday afternoon. I worked for Don eight years as a young man and learned many skills and live lessons I’ve been able to carry with me through my life. Don was a graduate of Michigan State University and came to Alabama via Michigan and Los Angeles. He was a great crusty old goat I loved. Don worked extensively with the Birmingham area Sertoma Clubs and worked endlessly raising money for speech and hearing impaired children. I will carry an image of him in his Michigan State University Blazer (as a leader of the Birmingham area Touchdown Club) and his white meerschaum pipe. My condolences are extended to his family.

2010-09-30T20:38:00.001-05:00

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TekLinks, Inc. Managed Services Brochure 2010

2010-09-07T16:11:00.002-05:00

"Letters from Hell"- Part 2

2010-08-09T17:26:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the second in my series "Letters from Hell". Despite what TDA said in the prelude to Part I this one is not quite a doozy. More of a description of my surroundings again. There are some doozy letters that are coming up as the summer and jail got hotter and the inmate crowding escalated. I do introduce an inmate that will be the subject of many letters in the future – Detroit. As you may have guessed Detroit is from Detroit- aah the originality – he has a very sordid past of gang banging, drugs, and death.

May 18, 2006

Dear Paul and Nan,

Greetings from cell block A. I hope this letter finds you doing well. I am doing fine and staying out of trouble so far. I get my first “store” this week. That’s what they call items ordered from the commissary. I ordered me some real shoes – they are like white boat shoes – they cost $9. I also ordered 2 pairs of boxers, 2 pairs of socks, and a t-shirt. A fellow inmate gave me a thermal underwear top and so far that has been my prize possession. You wouldn’t believe how chilly it is in here. For food from the commissary I ordered 3 honey-buns, 7 orange juices, 2 beef-sticks, 1 pack of cookies, 2 packs of m&m’s, a ½ box of Club crackers, 3 bags of cheetos, 3 bags of jalapeno bites, and 2 bags of hard candy (root beer and jolly ranchers). I also ordered some soap, shampoo and deodorant.

Now the big thing will be to keep my “store” from being stolen. I haven’t quite figured that one out yet. Everyone in my cell has said they will look out for each others store, but I have been told there may be thieves among our own ranks.

I am somewhat concerned about a new cellmate. He is the same guy they put in solitary confinement the 1st day I got to the cell block. He has a history of violence (he is the guy that knocked out another inmate’s “the Guvner” teeth out) but maybe his 10 day stay in “Seg” has calmed him down. His name is “Detroit”. So far he seems to have been bitten by the religious bug, so we shall see.

There are a lot of colorful names here, the aforementioned “Detroit” and “the Guvner”. There is also “Beetlejuice”, “Chicken Wing”, Burger King”, Toppy”, “Peanut”, “Baldy” and the biggest trouble maker of all “Gold Teeth” or “Goldy” as some call him.

We had a minor race war last night caused by the volume of the TV. It came down to all the whites backing one guy and all the blacks backing one guy. It was a stand-off and no blows were passed – just a lot of shouting and chest thumping.

Mentally I am doing pretty good. I am of course constantly thinking about losing my house and the reality of having no money when I get out. But just surviving in here keeps my mind off it during the day. The worst times are really late in the night and early in the morning. Especially in the mornings

My craving for alcohol is zero but my craving for cigarettes is still very strong. I have been getting headaches and I think that is probably the reason. Of course getting an aspirin is not an option. Nor is getting a cigarette.

I spoke with dad last night (Wednesday) for about 5 minutes but we got cut off for no known reason. He seemed to be in good spirits with business doing well and the yard shaping up as planned.

Tell Nan I am learning some jail culinary tricks such as a home (jail) made dessert called “Doo Wop” made from honey-buns, candy-bars, m&m’s and water. Also a Mexican treat made by crushing up Doritos adding water to it and putting the mixture in a tortilla shell. Sort of like a tamale. I have also been shown how to make my own spices out of crushed cheetos and jalapeno bites – it’s not Natures Seasons but it’s better than nothing on this slop they call food.

Biggest things I miss in jail so far:

Sunshine and fresh air

Underwear

A decent shower

Girls

A nice bed

Chairs with backs

Cokes

Cheese

Salt and Pepper

Music

“Good” books

News

Cigarettes

Intelligent conversation

Privacy

I saw on TV where the “Davinci Code” starts tomorrow and that really bums me out. The fact that I will most likely miss the whole summer is really not good.

Paul, thanks for taking care of everything for me while I’m in. I think things will be much better when I get out. Prior to this event I had definite “visions” or premonitions that this is where I would end up. Lots of things here give me a strong sense of déjà vu. Now however, I have a sense that things are going to get better. To me it seems like there may be a light at the end of a tunnel that has been dark for about ten years now.

Love,

Screedler

End of Letter

The Letters From Hell - Part 1

2010-08-06T23:32:00.000-05:00

May 15, 2006

Dear Dad and Sarah,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits. I am doing fine so far. I am sober and have not had a cigarette in 10 days. I am eating as well as I can and sleeping a couple of hours in the night and a couple in the day. Mentally I am in a surreal state of not believing where I am at and the reality of what it is. I am deeply sorry for everything I have put and am putting the family through. I am very ashamed and embarrassed about my situation. If there is a bottom, this has got to be mine. I feel as though I have just given up – I tried to beat alcohol but it has won. At the moment I cannot address the things I have done and the things I will face when I get out. I am currently just in survival mode – trying to stay safe and keep my mind from going wacky.

I got Sarah’s letter and it made me cry. Crying is not a good thing to do in jail, so I hid it the best I could. Sarah – please know that I love you and do not hold you at fault in the least. You were doing what was best and I know that.

In comparison to 90% of the other inmates here I know I am very blessed. Although most of them seem to have families, they are not very supportive ones. In fact, crime and bad things in general seem to permeate their families. In my cell alone one inmate’s wife is also here and one inmate’s mother is here (same correctional facility). I am very thankful for the family I have and so proud of it I cannot talk about it in detail with the other inmates for fear of some sort of retribution. They all like to brag about their families so yours had better not be nicer than theirs.

One thing I have found out about being in jail is that every one here is innocent of any wrong doings they have ever been accused of. So I guess I am really surrounded by a bunch of saints and have nothing to worry about. I, on the other hand, know I am guilty as hell. Perhaps I can use my notoriety to forge some kind of bulletproof persona that strikes fear and awe in my fellow cellmates. Seriously, I do have concerns. I have been told that because of my size (and I am by far the smallest on the block) that it is inevitable I will be picked on and stolen from. The best advice I have gotten is to not get in anybody else’s business and do not comment about anybody or anything- also do not get a lot of stuff from the commissary and do not gamble.

I have made two “friends” since my incarceration. One is here on bank robbery – 4 banks to be exact. He has been in jail 16 months – 3 of that here at ******. The other has been here for 20 months, the scary thing is, he is in for DUI’s, he does however have a lot of priors and has previously spent 4 years in prison. The bank robber has taught me the ropes and has even stood up for me in a confrontational situation. Deep down I believe they are both decent people that have had their own battles with substance abuse. But here in jail, I have been told you have to “watch out” for everyone, even your “friends”.

I am sure my future letters will address my legal and monetary affairs. For right now I would just like to paint you a picture of my existence:

General Environment –

Cell Block A is about the size of half a basketball court, it reminds me of one because of the very high ceilings and the line that runs across its entrance like some sort of free throw line – it’s actually where they line up inmates from time to time. In the middle of the block there is a dining/socializing area that consists of 6 metal tables each with 8 metal stools. About 15 feet up one of the side walls is a 21 inch TV. The other facing wall consists of a bank of 4 phones – 1 of which is out of order. By the phones there are 2 video monitors with cameras above them and phones connected to them. These are provided for your visitations. In the back of the block are 4 cells, 2 on the ground level and 2 above them. I reside on the second level left hand side in Cell A9U1. Each sell is about 20 by 25 ft. and holds 12 inmates. There are 6 sets of metal bunk beds and I reside in bunk #8 which is on the bottom of the back wall. Each cell has a partitioning wall with a sink, toilet, and 2 showers on the other side of it; of course everything is out in the open. There are also 3 moveable plastic stools in each cell which are used as not only seats but also as a step ladders to get to the top bunks and as exercise equipment. The lights in the cell stay on 24 hours a day, I was told that they used to dim the lights at night but somehow the dimming function broke months ago. There are no windows to speak of, just 4 small holes at the very top of the block giving you a small glimpse of the sky – just enough so that you can tell if it’s daylight or dark, cloudy or sun-shining. Noise is a constant 24 hours a day of shouting, screaming, slamming, snoring and bathroom noises. The whole place smells like a mixture of toilet, sweat and feet. It is very chilly – I would say 60 degrees maybe – the guards says this cuts down on the fights.

Food (or lack thereof) –

Basically you get 3 very small meals a day. Breakfast is served between 4:30 and 5:00am and consists of the same thing 7 days a week. 1 egg scrambled or boiled, 1 biscuit, 1 serving of grits and one 6 ounce glass of Kool-Aid. Lunch is right around 12 noon and is usually the best meal of the day portion wise. It usually consists of instant mash potatoes, a vegetable of some sort, and some sort of imitation meat patty – dessert is the same every day – Jell-O, and one 6 ounce glass of Kool-Aid. Dinner is around 5pm and is usually centered on some kind of pasta, cornbread and as always one glass of Kool-Aid and Jell-O for dessert. There is a lot of swapping that goes on – grits for biscuits, vegetable for meat, Jell-O for cornbread. There are no such things as condiments (no ketchup!) or salt and pepper. There is nothing to drink except Kool-Aid – no milk, tea, coffee or coke. There are no vitamins. You can order items from the commissary (inmates call it “The Store”) but they are limited to potato chips, crackers, candy bars, honey buns, donuts, pickles and hard candy (no gum). You can also get the most nutritious item in all of jaildom – a 4 oz. cup of O.J. for 80 cents. Of course you have to have money on your books to order any of this. The most you can spend is $60 a week but that also includes not only your food but your clothing and hygiene items – which brings me to -

Hygiene -

12 inmates – 1 sink, 1 toilet, 2 showers all out in the open – no water fountain in the whole block, you have to drink water out of the shower head because the sink is too nasty. You get a roll of toilet paper twice a week (my first week we only got it once), a tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush about as big as your pinky finger (so it doesn’t really have a handle that I guess could be made into a weapon). You can order soap, shampoo, and deodorant from the store again only if you have $ on the books. Most people shower every other day unless they have played basketball outside. You get to shave twice a week. The razors are passed out and collected on Sunday and Thursday nights. They are numbered and assigned to you by name. You get about an hour and a half for everyone to shave. There is no shaving cream. I use a mixture of soap and toothpaste. If you loose your razor the whole block is “shook down” - everyone is strip-searched and the person whose razor goes missing (not found) gets up to a month in solitary confinement (they call it “Seg” – short for segregated from the rest of the inmate population). There is great speculation among the inmates that the razors we get on Sundays are the same one’s used on Thursdays and that they are simply washed in a dishwasher and reused – because they are always duller on Sundays. You are allowed one regular towel and one hand towel – these are washed once a week with your undergarments (if you have any) on Tuesdays. You can change your uniform on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (as you can imagine they don’t exactly have my size and they come in varying degrees of distress.

You get two small white cotton sheets for your bed mat (no pillow) which are washed once a week on Thursdays. You also get one semi thick blanket as a cover for your bed (but you use it all day – wrapped around you to stay warm or folded up to use as a seat cushion), this is washed once a week also-on Saturdays. As I said they do provide toothpaste and a toothbrush, however if you have any other problems with your teeth the only option is “extraction” – yikes. All 48 inmates in my cell get to share one pair of nail clippers for their fingernails and toenails every two to three weeks. There is no jail barber, the inmates are supplied with a set of electric clippers every couple of weeks and then a designated inmate with “skills” cuts your hair and you have to pay him with food items. As you can imagine the styles are limited and I will probably opt for the standard crew cut.

Exercise –

Weather permitting you are allowed to go outside one hour a day. Outside is basically a pit with cage bars on top of it. There is a basketball rim on the side of the wall and that’s it. No exercise equipment, no walking track, and no grass even. All walled in concrete. To stay fit people play basketball (you know I love that), do pushups, sit-ups, and pull-ups under the stairs inside. 50 laps around the inside of the cell block = 1 mile or so I’m told.

Entertainment –

TV runs from 10am to 10pm intermittently –they shut it off during guard changes and meals. They also shut it off if there are any infractions of the rules. We are supposed to be able to vote on what we want to watch but I haven’t seen how that happens yet. We are allowed 4 channel changes a day. The majority of the day, especially primetime, it is on sports (basketball, racing and wrestling). Wrestling is really big in jail. The highlight for me so far has been a couple of episodes of “Star Trek TNG” and one “X-Files”. I have learned one card game since I have got here – Cajun Rummy – I’ve played three different times (usually takes about 2-3 hours) but have not won yet. It’s a game with so many rules it’s mind boggling. I have played checkers a couple of times – I have not won yet. The biggest game in the joint is Spades – this is the game people bet food items on – so I am staying clear of it. Dominoes is also very poplar but I have yet to play it. Books are my favorite thing to pass the time but the selection is very limited – so far I have read “The Horse Whisperer”, “Inner Sanctum”, and “A Painted House”.

Religion –

There is a lot of jail house religion going on. There is a bible study in my cell every night right by my bunk. I do not participate and kind of dread them because for two hours every night I do not have access to my bunk. They ask me if I mind and of course I say no. There are about 8-9 of them that participate. From what I know of them and the way they act outside of bible study they are a bunch of hypocrites trying only to make themselves feel better. There is a nightly “Prayer Call” where everyone goes down to the main area and holds hands and prays. Well, the young man that leads the prayer is also the leader of a small gang in here that have already accosted me once – so needless to say I do not participate in that activity either. There is one Black Muslim here who bunks right next to me and he is the only one I respect for his religion – by the way he acts and presents himself.

Well, that’s enough of ****** County Jail 101. All in all the guys that have been to prison say you are treated far worse in jail. Because a stay in prison is usually much longer they treat you a little bit better. Better food, cigarettes, coffee, exercise equipment, library, and recreational activities. You do however associate with an even more violent type of inmate and the threat of severe violence and sexual abuse are real. Drugs are also pretty prevalent. I miss everyone greatly, believe it or not I even miss ********* (where I hated working). I miss food. So far my cravings for alcohol have subsided – I guess just the fact that my brain knows there is know way of obtaining it – it has conceded.

It has taken me all day to write this letter – writing on and off and its now about 6:30 in the evening. They have just turned off the TV and sent us all to our cells for “lockdown” because some idiot was talking through the main cell door to an inmate passing by outside of our block. This means no phone calls tonight for anyone and I was planning on calling you and Paul. Say hello to everyone for me and try not to worry about me – I will survive.

Love,

Screedler

End of Letter

Just a few notes – This was my first letter and I had never spent more than a few hours in a jail before – never among the general inmate population. I am a short man 5’4’’, and weighed 112 pounds with my clothes on when I went in due to my lack of consuming anything other than alcohol. I am now a healthy (maybe too healthy) 160 pounds. It took me 10 days to finally write a letter because the first two days I was in solitary confinement going through the DT’s (where I scratched all the skin off my feet) with no medical attention and little food. I truly thought I was going to die and at the time I actually wished for it. It took me another week to obtain pen, paper and stamp to get a letter out.

I wrote about 2-3 letters a week while incarcerated and I will post them at least once a week here at TDA.

Stay tuned as my time in hell gets more interesting.

Screedler

The Top Ten Reasons Men Prefer Rifles Over Women

2010-08-04T21:30:00.000-05:00

#10. You can trade an old 44 for a new 22.

#9. You can keep one Rifle at home and have another for when you're on the road.

#8. If you admire a friends Rifle and tell him so, he will probably let you try it out a few times.

#7. Your primary Rifle doesn't mind if you keep another Rifle for a backup.

#6. Your Rifle will stay with you even if you run out of ammo.

#5. A Rifle doesn't take up a lot of closet space.

#4. Rifles function normally every day of the month.

#3. A Rifle doesn't ask, "Do these new grips make me look fat?"

#2. A Rifle doesn't mind if you go to sleep after you use it.

And the number one reason a Rifle is favored over a woman:

# 1. YOU CAN BUY A SILENCER FOR A RIFLE

Brandon

2010-04-25T22:08:00.000-05:00

We found out late this afternoon my son Brandon will NOT be moving to Alaska. Another company had shown interest in him and his skillsets, and the owner of the company in Helena phoned during lunch today and offered him a better job than he was offered in Alaska. I am so proud and happy for him. He showed discipline enough to go as far as leaving his infrastructure of family and friends if necessary to provide for himself and his future. If I were in the same situation I’m not sure I could be that strong.
It’s a gift from God that our family doesn’t have to be separated by that much geography. My sons are amazing men, I’m proud to be their father.

2010-02-19T21:58:00.002-06:00

Cities I've Visited

2010-02-13T22:40:00.000-06:00

Create your own travel map or travel blog
Find cheap flights at TripAdvisor

Our friend Meagan Watkins Uncle, Ken Bourland, was in the earthquake in Haiti

2010-01-15T06:47:00.000-06:00

Our friend Meagan Watkins Uncle, Ken Bourland, was in the earthquake in Haiti. Her Uncle Ken is not accounted for out of the five men in his group. Her Uncle Ken and the Colonel were the only two of their group at the hotel when the earthquake occurred. The other three men were waiting at another place to meet them, they are okay. The Colonel crawled out of the basement of the hotel the day of the earthquake. Her Aunt was assured that the military is specifically working at the hotel to locate him. Good news did come yesterday as they are pulling people ALIVE out of the hotel. PLEASE continue to pray for this family and those effected!!!! Pass it on!

Piggly Wiggly opens a new store in my Hometown McCalla, Alabama

2009-11-18T20:30:00.000-06:00

Big local news: Piggly Wiggly opens a new store in my Hometown McCalla, Alabama today. Piggly Wiggly has always been a uniquely Southern grocery store and I must say I’m glad they are here. Piggly Wiggly is a Southern icon. It’s almost as big as grits and cornbread. Maybe it’s because “The Pig” is has references in the movies like Driving Miss Daisy, and Steel Magnolias. Maybe it’s an icon because of it’s goofy name or maybe it’s because, it’s always been here as long as I can remember, which by the way was… last week I think.

It saddens me that a Southern Icon like Piggly Wiggly is run by a company in New Hampshire these days, it just seems weird to me. The good news is that the nice folks in New Hampshire have managed to keep the down home Southern flavor of “the Pig” intact. I think it’s because most of the Piggly Wiggly stores around here are locally owned, and that’s important too.

These days, everyone I know in Alabama loves Publix, and I do too. Publix is great store, but I think it’s healthy for our little town to have a choice. It seems funny to me that the Piggly Wiggly is now a New Hampshire company and Publix is a Florida based company that feels like it should be from New Hampshire. Go figure??? Maybe it’s because most of Florida isn’t really in the South. An old man in Pine Hill, Alabama once told me that the Panhandle of Florida was in the South and the rest of it was in the North. He also said that anyone that lived North of Montgomery, Alabama was a Yankee. So I guess by his definition I’m a Yankee (Southern Yankee). Where is New Hampshire anyways?

'a friend in need is a friend indeed’

2009-07-08T16:38:00.002-05:00

I was driving down the road recently, reflecting, about past present and future things to come. I reminded myself of several of life’s situations I’ve found myself in. One thought keeps returning, “a friend in need is a friend indeed". I’ve always thought of this cliché as a truth as in when you’re down and out, the cream rises to the top and like another saying goes; you find out who your friends are.

Several years ago, I had a friend in a situation that seemed hopeless. Over months and years we discussed it, planed scenarios for different outcomes, and even prayed together. Eventually the crisis passed.

When we are faced with a situation that seems hopeless we all tend to reach out to God, Jesus, friends and close family members, often without hesitation. But sometimes, after the ‘crisis’ has passed we sometimes lose contact with that person or even God for many reasons. Maybe it’s because we think we let them too close to us or maybe we just don’t want to be reminded of the pain we once felt during that difficult period. Sometimes when you’re the friend indeed, you’re suddenly out of the picture once your comfort is no longer needed. I don’t know if you’ve been that guy or girl but when you’re suddenly out of the picture it makes you feel used, not needed and maybe even mad or resentful.

I said all of this to say; imagine how Christ must feel. Fortunately for us, he is much more forgiving. Christ is your friend indeed.

It’s Fathers Day...

2009-06-21T07:30:00.002-05:00

It’s Fathers Day. Have you really considered just how much our heavenly Father loves us? Frankly, it’s beyond my comprehension. Why would God send his only Son to live here on this earth with all of its pain and have Christ die for us so we don’t have to, so we can life an eternal life in Heaven? Some call it unconditional Love.

God loves you and me unconditionally. Most of us don’t understand true unconditional Love, I struggle with it. I do love some unconditionally, but have to say that I sometimes don’t always like their actions. I think God is often saddened by our actions too, and becomes disappointed when we don’t live in his will.

The scriptures state God’s desire for us and serve as a guide for living in his will. I believe that we all want to please our heavenly Father. One way to please our heavenly Father is through worship. Genuine worship always leads to an outward look—a personal response or action—a desire to be obedient to whatever God calls us to do.

Genuine worship isn't just singing songs and getting a good feeling in your heart. Genuine worship is seeing God for who He really is—His power, His greatness, His holiness, His sovereignty, His love, and His compassion—and then giving Him what He’s worth—the best of your time, your talents, your thoughts, your words, and your deeds.

True worship is seeing afresh the tremendous worth of God and, in response, giving Him the best of everything you have.

It’s Fathers Day. Tell our Father how much you love him. Worship him. It’s because of him and his unconditional Love we have everlasting life!

Know you are loved today; you are loved by our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, our heavenly Father.

Father's Day...

2009-06-16T20:50:00.003-05:00

Father’s Day…
I’ve been a Father for 27 Father’s Days as my oldest son is now 27. Being a Dad is the most rewarding accomplishment of my life. I’m not saying I’m good at it, but my ex and I must have done something right since our sons are great guys and they still like me. It seems sometimes, they like me best if there is food involved and can’t blame them as I love to share a meal with them too.

As a young man, I thought that accomplishments were measured by having a good job, big house, pretty wife, new car, etc… but new stuff gets old, needs to be replaced, painted, hauled off, well you get the picture (my pretty wife replaced me… for good reasons =/).

When I was about 30, I was convinced that I’d be a millionaire by 40 and was pretty close by most standards. But like they say; “Close only counts in Horseshoes and Atom Bombs” ‘Having Stuff’ really doesn’t come with many rewards. Sure, it’s nice to have lots of new shinny stuff, but I much rather prefer being a Father that my sons still like.

As I’ve become older, I believe, I’ve become a little bit wiser and if given a chance to do it all over again I think I’d be… more tolerant, less frustrated, take them to Church more often, lead as an example in my actions and not travel as much to name a few things. Most of my life, I’ve been pretty extreme. I wish, I’d been an extremely good Father when my boys were younger, and this desire leaves me with the challenge of being an extremely good Father now.

Happy Father’s Day!

...and the unforeseeable that which your life becomes

2009-05-30T08:26:00.004-05:00

I recently watched a movie called “Appaloosa” and one of the lines at the beginning is so true. In the movie Everett rhapsodizes “Life has a way of making the foreseeable that which never happens and the unforeseeable that which your life becomes.” My entire life seems to have been; “the unforeseeable that which your life becomes.”

Life seems to fall consequence to circumstance and timing. We’ve all watched movies or had discussion about; if I could go back in time I’d change… well like I said we’ve all had those thoughts. Even though consequence, circumstance and timing do have influence on our lives, good choices and the ability to know the difference between a good and bad decision is equally and much more important. Both God and men have created laws so we are rewarded by the cause and effect of our good and bad decisions. I’ve believe that by following these laws “the unforeseeable that which your life becomes” usually produces a much favorable outcome.

We’ve all made poor decisions, and good ones too. I’ve made many, but my goal is to make less of the bad ones and more of the good ones.

My Dad also had a quote he used often; “The harder you work the luckier you get.” That’s true too!

God bless!

To Kill a Mockingbird, not the Town and the Man

2009-05-23T09:27:00.001-05:00

To Kill a Mockingbird is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Harper Lee published in 1960. It was instantly successful and has become a classic of modern American fiction. Born in 1926, Harper Lee grew up in the Southern town of Monroeville, Alabama, where she became close friends with the soon-to-be famous writer Truman Capote, but that’s not what make Monroeville great to me.

A friend of mine in Monroeville, Ron Oudenaarden suffering from diabetes, recently lost part of his right leg due to an infection in his foot. Ron is a pillar in the town of Monroeville, AL. Ron is a husband and father, loves his family and is in a very responsible management position at the local Pulp Mill.
When someone has a life changing experience they usually change their life. I’ve noticed that Ron seems renewed and is stronger than before. He’s been an example of how to turn lemons to lemonade. This event has affected all who know him as well.

Monroeville, AL is being horribly affected by today’s current economic events. While our unemployment rate in the State of Alabama has become somewhat stable at 9% Monroeville’s is 20%. The people of Monroeville are great Alabamians. As a whole they share strong Christian values and work ethic. Churches and Community have come together to help Ron and his family through these difficult times. It’s a display of small town rural America at its best! I’m proud of Monroeville and glad I know Ron Oudenaarden. We need to pray for this community and the man.

May God Bless you!

None of us are above fault

2009-05-15T16:56:00.003-05:00

John 8:7 (King James Version)

7) So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

This week came and brought disappointment in one of our spiritual leaders, but we all need to heed Christ’s words from John 8:7. All of us have faults and we often make poor decisions even when we know better. As men and women we all fail. Sometimes we as men try to rationalize our poor decisions so we aren’t consumed by our failures but we fail just the same. None of us are above fault. When it comes right down to it, we have to agree with Paul: Romans 7:18 (New International Version): 18) I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. The only goodness we sinners can claim for ourselves or display in our lives is as a fruit—something we can display only because we are connected to the Lord—for He alone is good. We see God’s goodness displayed in the actions of Jesus—When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23).

The main reason that I wanted to remind everyone about these scriptures is not to try to justify anyone’s actions, but only to remind us to pray for all of us to make better decisions, including passing judgment on others. Cause and effect is the relationship between two things when one thing makes something else happen. When people make poor decisions i.e. ‘right from wrong’ there are consequences. We’ve developed rules around ‘right from wrong’ so to reduce ciaos in our life’s. Examples include; if you drive over the speed limit you probably will get caught one day and get a speeding ticket. Extreme examples include stealing, murder, for that matter the Ten Commandments are a great list of examples. The fact that God the Father would manifest 10 specific commandments on a tablet of stone tells me that He is very serious about these specific commandments!

Our Church is passing and will pass through difficult times. Christ forgives... can you? Its best that we move forward together and look forward to the blessings we are about to receive. Trust God and don’t be consumed by another man’s failure and cause any loss in your own faith. Trust God to lead our Church into a new chapter and all of its blessings. This isn’t the time for gossip or finger pointing, it’s time to move our congregation forward and keep our faith and love for Jesus Christ our Lord.

May God bless us all-

Easter Witches???

2009-04-11T08:48:00.003-05:00

Several years ago, I visited Sweden the week before and after Easter. April in Northern Sweden is very different to anything I’ve ever seen in Alabama. The little town was Sundsvall (pronounced send'sval). When my airplane landed the first thing I noticed was about 6 feet of snow on the ground and soon thereafter I was greeted by a kind gentleman, my English speaking business friend Manginus Soderstrum. Manginus drove me to Sunds Defibrator where the employees were hosting a luncheon in my honor and served ‘American Cheeseburgers’ (they were horrible) It was a nice gesture but to tell the truth I thought it was funny since I was there to sell them something. Afterward he drove me to my hotel, Sundsvall's Hotel Stenstan (nice place).

Later that night several of us ate dinner together at a lodge atop one of the local mountains and feasted on Reindeer… yes “Rudolph”. After dinner a group of small children came into the restaurant dressed as hags and singing a song to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and asking for candy. I was really confused. Is this Easter or Halloween? I asked Manginus; what’s up with the kids and why are there “Easter Witches”???? He told me about Easter and Easter Witches.

See, mainly in Sweden and Finland on Easter Eve and in some regions in Sweden on Maundy Thursday, children dress up as 'Easter hags' and much like the American Halloween, go door to door begging for treats which are placed in the copper kettles that they carry. The tradition of children dressing up in costume for Easter dates back to the early 1800’s in both Sweden and Finland; however, the association between Easter and witches began much earlier. In a Swedish church in Uppland, there is a painting from 1480 portraying three Easter witches holding out their drinking horns to be filled by the Devil with a magic potion. It was believed that on Maundy Thursday, witches flew off to Brocken Mountain for a rendezvous with the Devil. There they feasted and danced to the singing of magpies. On Sunday morning they would fly back arriving just in time for church services where they might accidentally reveal their identities by saying their prayers backwards.

After dinner that night I asked Manginus why haven’t I seen anything about Christ, His Death and the Resurrection? He told me that Easter had nothing to do with religion it was all about “Witches”. WOW… that answer surprised me, but it gave me a wonderful opportunity to share the word with him as we drove back into town. I don’t know if Manginus became a believer or excepted Christ as his savior, but I’m sure he had plenty of things to think about after our conversation.

Today is Easter eve. Ask yourself as you prepare for tomorrow; is it about Bunnies, Eggs and Easter baskets or even Witches or is it Christ Resurrection?

I know that it's importiant our chrildren enjoy Easter candy but take a moment maybe even take them to Church so they can learn the true message of Easter.
Note: Listen close and make sure the old lady next to you in Church isn't saying her prayers backwards. :)

Sunday morning coffee with Jesus is a great way to start the week, but first you need to make the coffee

2009-03-26T20:47:00.005-05:00

Sunday morning coffee with Jesus is a great way to start the week. I love it because its time I set aside with my Lord so to prepare my heart for the coming day and week. I write to hopefully inspire, but sometimes I think the biggest benefactor is me. By nature, I'm a pretty average man with lots of hopes, ambitions, and a burning desire to share my story of God's blessing given to me.

Read on it gets better... At the ripe old age of 12 years old God chose me to deliver his message in song to thousands and I saw hundreds accept Christ in their life. It was a lot of hard work though. Weekly practices, my entire weekends were filled with travel and concerts for many years. As you know, I grew up in a home where music was common. Mom was the music minister and ran a Christian radio station so singing Christian music was as normal as playing baseball for me.

Now at 50 it seems all I can do is try to demonstrate through my life and an occasional letter to the ones I love most and that good, but is it my gift?. Maybe one day... I'll sing again?? So how do I do that??? How about... what if... practiced and prepare a song and just did it???? WOW!!!! What an idea!!!! Oh... ya know that takes effort and it's hard work... ouch... maybe I should just pray about it??? The truth is that it won't happen if I don't do something about it. The same logic is true when I put my pants on in the morning. I've got to do something about it.

I'm reminded of James 2:14-26 [NIV]. As you read this scripture pay particular attention to James 2:26 [NIV]; As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. I wouldn't have had many opportunities in my life had I not followed through with my actions… so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:14-17 [NIV]; (14) What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? (15) Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. (16) If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? (17) In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Faith can move mountains. Who’s to say that we can’t use a bulldozer?

We live in tough economic times. Many in our circle of family and friends have lost jobs and are in need. Ether financially and or probably could use a word of encouragement or maybe even a recommendation or introduction to business persons you might know. Recently, I almost lost my job due to this tough economy and the very thought of losing my income almost drove me nuts. I had a few days there where I was devastated and felt afraid I’d lose everything that I’d worked so hard for, loose my occupation identity etc... None of us have any guarantee that our jobs will survive going forward including me. If you have family and friends in this predicament reach out and lend a hand. I’m sure it will be appreciated. Sure it’s good to pray for them but take a moment and read the above scripture again and see where it leads you.
-My2Cents