a. Everything is bigger in Texas - including the traffic jams! We sat in a traffic jam for 2 hours tonight. At one point, it took us 40 minutes to go 2 miles. Factor in that we had to drive 72 miles to get home, and you can see why our pace was a problem. All said, it took 2.5 hours to go those 72 miles.
b. We looked at 4 or 5 houses today. While there is a clear #1 now, we're contemplating viewing two more to ensure we've done due diligence. We're thankful for the prayers and well-wishes that keep coming in.
c. It's supposed to be 100° tomorrow, and that thrills me. I will be getting my tan on!
d. Texas has to be the most patriotic state in the union. I don't know what I've seen more of: people or American flags!
e. We heard a message this morning about complaining and gratitude. While I held off on complaining for the most part today, I was tested when I hit that traffic jam. Divinely, the station we were listening to was encouraging people to call in to say what they were grateful for. I didn't have the strength to make that call.
f. There are coyotes in the fields surrounding the house we're staying in (for real). I had fun telling that to the kids tonight when they got out the car around midnight. (bad dad, I know)
g. The homes here in the Dallas metroplex have this odd structure: there is an alley behind the houses that leads to the driveways. In other words, the driveway is in the back of the house, and multiple neighbors share the alley to get to their home. Dude, that's weird. Here's a quick video I made demonstrating this oddity.
h. I woke up feeling pressure to "do it big" here in the Big D. God reminded me that he both wills and does of his good pleasure in me. Ergo, it's not my job to do it big. It's my job to abide in the vine. (see John 15:4)
i. I feel Cetelia and I were bearing fruit in NC. The result? Pruning so that we'll bear more and richer fruit. (See John 15:2)
j. Many people have told us that we're on an assignment ... that we're here to impact this region (note to self: re-read point A).
k. I feel disconnected from my support system. How long will it take to re-establish another one? I don't know. I appreciate the virtual support, but I long for the face-to-face. It hurts that I won't be atWord of Life this Sunday morning.
l. In Hebrews 13:5 God promises to never leave me nor forsake me. The word "forsake" literally means he won't leave me behind in some place - not even if that place is Dallas. Despite feeling disconnected, God has not left me behind.
m. The police cars down here are black and white. That's disappointing because my silver Charger won't strike fear in anyone's heart, causing them to get out of my way, like it does in NC. That stinks. Maybe I'll get it painted.
n. We ate at a place called Mooyah yesterday (a healthy Five Guys?), and at a place called Central Market today (think of Whole Foods or Earth Fare). I imagine Cetelia will spend a lot of time - and money - at that place. I'm tickled pink knowing that she'll spend $90, and come home with 1 brown grocery bag, and 10 nickel-bags of grain, powder, and cranberries.
o. There's a $250 fine for using your cellphone while driving in a school zone. I get the safety lesson in that. Here's another lesson: If you're a parent picking up your kid from school, DON'T call Johnny to let him know you're pulling up in front of the school to get him. Otherwise, it will be the most expensive phone call you ever make.
p. I have only seen one cowboy hat the entire time I've been down here - and that was on a black guy. The Texas stereotypes are all messed up! (note: I've not seen anyone wearing boots at all).
q. I was pumping gas tonight, and some lady walked out the gas station and started laughing and speaking gibberish to me. Before I could say, "Huh?" she was crossing the street. Maybe she was warning me of the upcoming traffic jam, and I missed it!
r. Maybe the most random thing happening is the recurrence of "Rhythm Of My Heart" by Rod Stewart. For some reason, it keeps coming into my mind. Where the ocean meets the sky ...
s. Perhaps the most telling fact that I'm no longer in NC is that the college section in Target had none of my beloved Tar Heel gear (nor that school with the devil as a mascot 8.2 miles away from the Southern part of heaven). It's odd not seeing Carolina gear everywhere.
t. Should you leave a comment, know that I'll get to it as soon as I can. I'm finding myself offline all day long, and I'm replying as quickly as I can. Thanks!
c. It's supposed to be 100° tomorrow, and that thrills me. I will be getting my tan on!
d. Texas has to be the most patriotic state in the union. I don't know what I've seen more of: people or American flags!
e. We heard a message this morning about complaining and gratitude. While I held off on complaining for the most part today, I was tested when I hit that traffic jam. Divinely, the station we were listening to was encouraging people to call in to say what they were grateful for. I didn't have the strength to make that call.
f. There are coyotes in the fields surrounding the house we're staying in (for real). I had fun telling that to the kids tonight when they got out the car around midnight. (bad dad, I know)
g. The homes here in the Dallas metroplex have this odd structure: there is an alley behind the houses that leads to the driveways. In other words, the driveway is in the back of the house, and multiple neighbors share the alley to get to their home. Dude, that's weird. Here's a quick video I made demonstrating this oddity.
h. I woke up feeling pressure to "do it big" here in the Big D. God reminded me that he both wills and does of his good pleasure in me. Ergo, it's not my job to do it big. It's my job to abide in the vine. (see John 15:4)
i. I feel Cetelia and I were bearing fruit in NC. The result? Pruning so that we'll bear more and richer fruit. (See John 15:2)
j. Many people have told us that we're on an assignment ... that we're here to impact this region (note to self: re-read point A).
k. I feel disconnected from my support system. How long will it take to re-establish another one? I don't know. I appreciate the virtual support, but I long for the face-to-face. It hurts that I won't be atWord of Life this Sunday morning.
l. In Hebrews 13:5 God promises to never leave me nor forsake me. The word "forsake" literally means he won't leave me behind in some place - not even if that place is Dallas. Despite feeling disconnected, God has not left me behind.
m. The police cars down here are black and white. That's disappointing because my silver Charger won't strike fear in anyone's heart, causing them to get out of my way, like it does in NC. That stinks. Maybe I'll get it painted.
n. We ate at a place called Mooyah yesterday (a healthy Five Guys?), and at a place called Central Market today (think of Whole Foods or Earth Fare). I imagine Cetelia will spend a lot of time - and money - at that place. I'm tickled pink knowing that she'll spend $90, and come home with 1 brown grocery bag, and 10 nickel-bags of grain, powder, and cranberries.
o. There's a $250 fine for using your cellphone while driving in a school zone. I get the safety lesson in that. Here's another lesson: If you're a parent picking up your kid from school, DON'T call Johnny to let him know you're pulling up in front of the school to get him. Otherwise, it will be the most expensive phone call you ever make.
p. I have only seen one cowboy hat the entire time I've been down here - and that was on a black guy. The Texas stereotypes are all messed up! (note: I've not seen anyone wearing boots at all).
q. I was pumping gas tonight, and some lady walked out the gas station and started laughing and speaking gibberish to me. Before I could say, "Huh?" she was crossing the street. Maybe she was warning me of the upcoming traffic jam, and I missed it!
r. Maybe the most random thing happening is the recurrence of "Rhythm Of My Heart" by Rod Stewart. For some reason, it keeps coming into my mind. Where the ocean meets the sky ...
s. Perhaps the most telling fact that I'm no longer in NC is that the college section in Target had none of my beloved Tar Heel gear (nor that school with the devil as a mascot 8.2 miles away from the Southern part of heaven). It's odd not seeing Carolina gear everywhere.
t. Should you leave a comment, know that I'll get to it as soon as I can. I'm finding myself offline all day long, and I'm replying as quickly as I can. Thanks!