tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82213888589653439772024-02-06T22:31:41.757-05:00James Spaugh dotcomJames Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-3284124396463823862012-04-11T20:07:00.002-04:002012-04-11T20:07:25.258-04:00A Dog’s Perspective<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have a couple of dogs – an older one (Marilyn) and a
younger one (Riley). The old one gave up chasing or barking at cars a long time
ago. However, the younger one still keeps this ancient art.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The road we live on has the occasional car or truck ride by,
but it’s not often. When a pickup or larger truck rides by, Riley sprints
toward the road barking intently. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Don’t worry, we have one of those invisible fences that
keeps Riley away from the road. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Riley chases the truck along the invisible fence, barking,
until the truck has past our yard.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dumb dog. When will
you realize that you are wasting your time and energy. Learn from the older
dog. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Recently we’ve noticed that Riley chases not only trucks,
but also airplanes. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Yep, airplanes. Where we live, crop dusters fly low over us
– close enough you can see the pilot, wave and he waves back. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Riley hears the airplane coming, looks up, and chases it
across the yard. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Again, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dumb dog. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
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One day I had a thought that changed my perspective. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I wonder if Riley
thinks that he is chasing away every truck that comes down the road and every
airplane that flies over? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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If so, he must feel pretty successful. Practically all
vehicles that come down our road (that don’t live at Riley’s house) keep going
by. Riley probably thinks it’s because of him. And we certainly haven’t had an
airplane to stop. </div>
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<br /></div>
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If Riley does that – thinks he’s keeping trucks &
airplanes away– I wonder if I do that. I wonder if you do that. </div>
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<br /></div>
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What do we try to control and that we think we control, but
we really don’t?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I imagine that there are some days – from God’s perspective
– that I look like Riley chasing an airplane. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How about you? </div>
<!--EndFragment-->James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-28306089395326346362012-04-09T11:41:00.000-04:002012-04-09T11:41:37.000-04:00Go fly a kite . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMRkFDd30-2Z5amv1rGdUg0N_5IdxcSkqs-9ve1xBZQT6ogFdmhQ47sZRXGBtg57Y6eYL9mfpMPXN4_15SdF7FyQ2pzc8N6GJ3VgLuv17kf5OedGGq78gYvRqcP9jvPvPoTj842mAFW4/s1600/kite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMRkFDd30-2Z5amv1rGdUg0N_5IdxcSkqs-9ve1xBZQT6ogFdmhQ47sZRXGBtg57Y6eYL9mfpMPXN4_15SdF7FyQ2pzc8N6GJ3VgLuv17kf5OedGGq78gYvRqcP9jvPvPoTj842mAFW4/s320/kite.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Yesterday was a great day.<br />
<br />
Easter Sunday. Awesome time at church. We saw a lot people respond to the message of the empty tomb and receive <i>real life</i> from Jesus. That never gets old! We also saw lots of new people - our folks really invited their friends & family! Wow!<br />
<br />
Spent some time in the afternoon talking with a young man that is fired up for the cause of Christ and his call to the ministry. That's always exciting and gets me pumped up!<br />
<br />
Even had time to relax and fly a kite. Usually when you hear those words - <i>go fly a kite </i>- it is usually not a good thing, but yesterday it was great.<br />
<br />
Spent some time hiding Easter eggs and finding them - something that I always enjoy with Katherine.<br />
<br />
Even watched the end of the Masters to see Bubba Watson win in dramatic fashion!<br />
<br />
How was your Easter?<br />
<br />
<br />James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-61368547553936987362012-04-05T09:34:00.000-04:002012-04-05T09:34:12.377-04:00Favorite Places . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgVdfQGnm3cDbaEs0Oy8WwRzrmJJ5qwyRTJv4s91MBarDUH4IprvcK6tgsrahDJHECJHQYbY8hj7sf0adfgW-Pp4B48PGnpajHxhcWAabrS-KEkZXxyVOnTgNPBMW1W_UF6Ct7fcL9Bc/s1600/Muddys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgVdfQGnm3cDbaEs0Oy8WwRzrmJJ5qwyRTJv4s91MBarDUH4IprvcK6tgsrahDJHECJHQYbY8hj7sf0adfgW-Pp4B48PGnpajHxhcWAabrS-KEkZXxyVOnTgNPBMW1W_UF6Ct7fcL9Bc/s200/Muddys.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
This one of my favorite places to sit down with a cup of coffee and read. It's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/muddyscoffee" target="_blank">Muddy's Coffeehouse</a> in Elizabeth City and it's one of those places where you can be a part of the conversation or get in your own world and read.<br />
<br />
<i>What is one of your favorite places? </i>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-58187688430433501952012-04-04T08:40:00.000-04:002012-04-04T08:40:00.396-04:00My View<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWy1cKgZw85gYf24Ht2RiTFcsCVYYJ4mSFK77wak1q3mJJ7NtTRfC0IovjdmFj4vEPRTi1r1uMiv1KXlu0vQSswQH3sb7GAJE3koQh9nh8X7-sGa9QzjmnabK9vUjFPDKYs9JgefwYWN0/s1600/myview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWy1cKgZw85gYf24Ht2RiTFcsCVYYJ4mSFK77wak1q3mJJ7NtTRfC0IovjdmFj4vEPRTi1r1uMiv1KXlu0vQSswQH3sb7GAJE3koQh9nh8X7-sGa9QzjmnabK9vUjFPDKYs9JgefwYWN0/s320/myview.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Back in January, we did a sermon series as a church based on the book <i>The Circle Maker</i> by Mark Batterson. (If you haven't read it, read it. If you have read it, read it again!) Get it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Circle-Maker-Praying-Greatest/dp/0310333024/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333464164&sr=1-1" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
During that series, many of us began praying circles around many different things in our lives. I challenged our folks to pray circles around our property - where we will soon build a new facility.<br />
<br />
<br />
Anyway, this is <b>my view</b> today of where I stopped on the prayer circle for some <b>time with God</b>. <i>What was your view today? </i>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-8747488779390719932012-04-03T10:15:00.001-04:002012-04-03T10:15:51.785-04:00Small Things<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We have a Sears riding mower that we have had for about 10
years. It still works well, but looks a little rough. A couple of years ago, I
noticed a crack in the hood and thought that I need to put some tape or glue on
it to keep it from getting worse. But I didn’t. I just kept forgetting. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, last summer, I noticed that the lawnmower hood has
completely come apart and was now on the ground in 7 pieces. I really wished
that I had put that tape on there when it was just a small crack. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we finished up mowing last summer with no hood on the
riding mower. It worked, but it looked horrible. I don’t know if I would’ve
felt any worse riding around town with a car with no hood. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, a few weeks ago I researched about getting a
replacement hood. Guess how much one of those cost? $500. Dang! Not getting
that. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I pulled a Jim Spaugh. I used to tease my dad about being
the King of Duct Tape. But I’ve out done him – and he’s no longer around to see
my great accomplishment. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead of getting a $500 hood replacement, I bought $10 of
red duct tape and taped together my lawn mower hood. (Check it out below). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Lesson to be learned</u></i></b>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">make the decision</b> to fix something while it is still small and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">take action</b> on that decision. </div>
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<br /></div>
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This whole deal could’ve been avoided with one small piece
of duct tape two years ago. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The same thing is true in other aspects of life. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What small thing in your marriage, finances,
relationship, spiritual life, habits . . . that needs attention that you are
avoiding?</i> </div>
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<br /></div>
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Did you know that if you continue to do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nothing</i> the issue will be bigger and more unsightly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- just like my lawn mower? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3ib-dq2uWEqA1XG1gbWkwDrADRR7GaM9zD-ZNm21LsiZoxTehyphenhyphenOwGasD4xpK7DK2soVMfXGBZ0Yy0nwfbx2P34DbDjLfv5cjpE-x1hK9mua2N-eDRSh19CXbgnkS4ywyeubtbhHWADE/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3ib-dq2uWEqA1XG1gbWkwDrADRR7GaM9zD-ZNm21LsiZoxTehyphenhyphenOwGasD4xpK7DK2soVMfXGBZ0Yy0nwfbx2P34DbDjLfv5cjpE-x1hK9mua2N-eDRSh19CXbgnkS4ywyeubtbhHWADE/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-17471728780506139622010-10-10T23:11:00.000-04:002010-10-10T23:11:00.219-04:00Awesome!While at <a href="http://www.catalystconference.com">Catalyst</a> last week, I heard this song in instantly feel in love with it and can't get it out of my head. Be careful, it might stick in yours as well :) The song is Beautiful Things by <a href="http://www.gungormusic.com">Gungor</a>. <div><br /></div><div><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Sqy1a_Gz0zQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Sqy1a_Gz0zQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-33719045549903090152010-10-10T20:47:00.003-04:002010-10-10T20:54:52.359-04:00Great VideoI went to <a href="http://catalystconference.com/">Catalyst</a> last week in Atlanta and they showed this <a href="http://trippandtyler.com/">Tripp and Tyler</a> video featuring <a href="http://www.christomlin.com/">Chris Tomlin</a>. I couldn't love and laugh at this more. <div><br /></div><div><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/j4ULQtQf2e4?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/j4ULQtQf2e4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-1399307169208215622010-08-10T15:16:00.004-04:002010-08-10T15:58:06.778-04:00Sometimes you just have to . . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.kittydunes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Kill-Devil-Hills-beach-at-Avalon-Pier-January-300x225.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="http://blog.kittydunes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Kill-Devil-Hills-beach-at-Avalon-Pier-January-300x225.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Last week our family spent a few days at the Outer Banks of NC. We only live about 1.5 hours away, but we don't get down there as much as we'd like. In fact, we've only been over night at OBX a few times in the 11 years that we've been this close. <div><br /></div><div>I'm one of those people that <b>loves to play</b> on the beach and play in the ocean but <b>I am a little picky</b>. I don't like getting all sandy and have to live being sandy for hours on end. I like to leave as much sand on the beach and not take it with me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, when I play in the ocean, I <b>don't like</b> seaweed and sea creatures rubbing on my legs and I certainly don't want to see any sea creatures. If I do, <b>I'm out</b>. Something chewing, biting, stinging or stabbing me on a sneak attack is <b>not</b> my idea of fun. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, our <b>last day</b> on the beach <b>looked great</b>. The water was warmer (it had been 57F) and the waves were bigger (which meant more fun!). <b>One problem</b> - jellyfish! I mean,<b> loads of jellyfish. </b>You couldn't look in the water and <b>not</b> see jellyfish. If you were walking down the beach, there were jellyfish on the shore like seashells. I'd never seen so many jellyfish. </div><div><br /></div><div>It seemed that the cold water had killed most or all that we saw. So, what do you do? Perfect conditions, except for the jellyfish. That's a <b>pretty big </b><i><b>except</b></i> in my book. Imagine putting five or six of those things in your bathtub and then getting in - yep, now you have the picture. </div><div><br /></div><div>Believe it or not, we sucked it up, <b>played scared</b> and swam with the jellyfish. We had a blast! I mean, we had those things all over us. I don't know how many I stepped on (felt like stepping on a banana peel). </div><div><br /></div><div>It might have been the <b>most fun</b> I've ever had. I imagine the adventure with the jellyfish added to it. However, we <b>almost missed out</b> because we were <b>afraid</b>. I wonder, how many great adventures we miss out on because we are afraid? </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, before you go too far, <b>we weren't stupid</b>. We noticed that no one else was writhing in pain, so we assumed those things weren't stinging people. So we <b>tested it</b>. We went in shallow water, allowed them to bump into us and us not get stung, before we went out deeper. </div><div><br /></div><div>We did end up with some <b>'tingly'</b> sensations from time to time, but it was <b>well worth it</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>What about you? What are you missing out on because you are afraid</b>?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sometimes you just have to swim with jellyfish!</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-32218624685405802312010-07-21T20:37:00.002-04:002010-07-21T20:40:18.753-04:00Playing Not to Lose<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><p>Found this post over at <a href="http://www.stevenfurtick.com/">Pastor Steven Furtick's blog</a> and thought it was great! </p><p><br /></p><p>A phrase you hear all the time in sports is “playing not to lose.” This refers to a team who is either winning a game or is better than its opponent, but is so afraid of losing that instead of going for the win, they play it safe and simply don’t try to make any major mistakes. Not surprisingly these teams rarely amount to anything. They’ll win an occasional game, but not much more. And when they lose it’s usually in the final minutes of a game they could have easily put away much earlier. But now it’s too late to stage a comeback.</p><p>I think this attitude and mindset extends beyond the playing field. I would say that <strong>most people play not to lose.</strong> In other words, most of us live in such a way that our main focus is on not ruining our lives with some kind of a major failure.</p><p>Typically ruining your life is associated with a big decision that you make. You make it actively. Definitively. Maybe you do something completely stupid with your money and go bankrupt. Or maybe you have a major moral failure and devastate your personal life.</p><p>Most of us are so afraid of these things that we focus all of our energies on not doing them. And none of us should want to. We should be careful not to ruin the lives God has given us.</p><p>But there’s something that’s just as dangerous and more subtle that we should be just as afraid of. <strong>And that’s wasting our lives.</strong></p><p>In fact, wasting your life has the potential to be more destructive because you don’t realize it’s happened until it’s too late. You wake up one day and your life is gone. You <em>might</em> still be able to make something of it, but you won’t be able to regain the time you’ve lost.</p><p>God hasn’t placed you on this earth for the sake of simply avoiding making mistakes. He put you here to do something. Something significant. Something lasting. The measure of your life isn’t in the mistakes you don’t make but in the measurable impact you leave.</p><p><strong>The people who should be most afraid of ruining their lives are the ones who aren’t wasting them.</strong> They have the most to lose.</p></span>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-17832252053932615622010-07-07T21:30:00.005-04:002010-07-07T21:59:12.712-04:00Cheerwine Krispy Kreme Doughnut<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmONKyyaT5BhU86h-Wokb3WC2rRsdMUwOPv8xD-_AWUzfr-95MXaflo0dmWYkj4v-pEU2UrY5UePoXcCL903mRRUa3PldVQ96DiM5XaqXyWgcc8afGraCCKr9JvTqkjPKS5eAu2Ms3t2A/s1600/DOUGHNUT+-+0630.ART_GFM1FIAG8.1%2BDOUGHNUT01.063010.JRR.standalone.prod_affiliate.78.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmONKyyaT5BhU86h-Wokb3WC2rRsdMUwOPv8xD-_AWUzfr-95MXaflo0dmWYkj4v-pEU2UrY5UePoXcCL903mRRUa3PldVQ96DiM5XaqXyWgcc8afGraCCKr9JvTqkjPKS5eAu2Ms3t2A/s200/DOUGHNUT+-+0630.ART_GFM1FIAG8.1%2BDOUGHNUT01.063010.JRR.standalone.prod_affiliate.78.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491348803358965026" /></a>A little while ago I began hearing about a <i>Cheerwine Krispy Kreme Doughnut. </i>Since I was a kid, a Krispy Kreme Doughnut was a treat, and a Cheerwine (it's a soda) was a treat. <div><br /></div><div>But to combine them - all I could think of was the greatness of what happened when chocolate and peanut butter was combined - the <i>Reese's Peanut Butter Cup! </i>So, I couldn't wait to try it!</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, we don't live near a Krispy Kreme. So, last week when the kids and I went to my parents' in Winston-Salem (the home of Krispy Kreme), it was the big chance. We made a special point to go to Krispy Kreme - even loaded up mom & dad. </div><div><br /></div><div>I really talked up this new doughnut, everyone was excited. We got into KK and was told that they don't sell them in the store yet, but you could get them at grocery stores. <i>Whaa?</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>We got a couple of consolation doughnuts and headed to the grocery stores. Stopped by two on the way back to mom & dad's - sold out! <i>Whaa?</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Needless to say - I gave up for a few days. Today I had to go back to High Point for a meeting. Stopped in another KK, same story. Stopped in a couple of grocery stores. Same story. Crud! </div><div><br /></div><div><i>I guess I just won't get to try that new doughnut . . . I'll back in the area next week, maybe better luck then. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I got back to Hertford - stopped by our Food Lion to get some apples and was walking down the milk aisle and guess what I saw - <i>whaa?</i> Cheerwine Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yep. I drove all over the place looking for these things and they were at the grocery store closest to my house. Go figure. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, yeah - if you like <i>Cheerwine</i> and you like <i>Krispy Kreme Doughnuts </i>. . . then this new doughnut is like the <i>Reese's Peanut Butter Cup</i> . . . <i>awesome!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-48718172441117350502010-07-06T07:53:00.003-04:002010-07-06T08:02:46.521-04:00Vacation WeekThis week must be vacation week for a lot of folks. Not for us, but for lots of other folks. <div><br /></div><div>The crowd at church was off some Sunday, most of those not there were at the beach. At the Y this morning, nearly empty. We went to Target the other day in Chesapeake, nearly empty. The coffee shop this morning - just a few people. <div><br /></div><div>So, it must be crowded somewhere. Probably crowded on vacation. That's fine. I can handle where I am not waiting in line. It's cool with me :-) Enjoy yourself! </div></div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-75339308348375059922010-06-29T22:01:00.004-04:002010-06-29T22:09:37.545-04:00Milestone<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g13fSzldzcBbx4Q4YmTSkoFMaX2OxKqc7VJzHL9medMEtkzwLc6gZdOVEmH1HXClurETNfgrusWqpBsNZq6Bfi6t6qvHzD952vygIt-hgH7xRJcC-_Ee4-qvUaUfJDV6rQ4o-QriPwE/s1600/0629001922.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 88px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g13fSzldzcBbx4Q4YmTSkoFMaX2OxKqc7VJzHL9medMEtkzwLc6gZdOVEmH1HXClurETNfgrusWqpBsNZq6Bfi6t6qvHzD952vygIt-hgH7xRJcC-_Ee4-qvUaUfJDV6rQ4o-QriPwE/s200/0629001922.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488382944754304722" /></a>Today our little Hyundai reached 200,000 miles. Amy and I were on our way to our coffee shop for a little date. <div><br /></div><div>I like milestones. This one shows that we have an older car (2003) that we have driven a lot (we've put all but 7 miles on it). That car has been paid off for years. </div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, in May we purchased our first vehicle that we had the money to pay for in full (a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer 4WD). We've decided to save money and pay for stuff with cash. Yep, sounds weird. But, that's the way we roll. </div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-8192152324504657782010-06-26T15:50:00.002-04:002010-06-26T16:02:11.123-04:00Two RightsYesterday Katherine and I had some time together and went to the mall in Elizabeth City. We happened by a shoe store and Katherine found some shoes she really liked. Plus, they were on sale! "Sure, you can get them."<div><br /></div><div>We pay for them, walk around a few other places at the mall, and then leave to go to my favorite coffee shop, Muddy's. On the way to Muddy's, Katherine decided to put on her new shoes. She put on the right shoe. Then got the other shoe, looked at it, and it was another right shoe. She looked at her right foot with the new shoe on, and said "Did I put the shoe on the wrong foot?" Nope, we had bought two right shoes. We laughed and laughed. Good times. </div><div><br /></div><div>(We did go back and exchange a right for a left.)</div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-40041001898445842922010-06-09T11:23:00.003-04:002010-06-09T11:53:30.401-04:00Across the StageIt's been a while since posting. It's not that there hasn't been anything going on - it's just that there's been so much that it's hard to slow down and put it into words at times.<div><br /><div>Tomorrow night our oldest son graduates from High School. It's gonna be special. Amy is a member of the school board and will be on stage when he gets his diploma. Kendall is the valedictorian and will give a speech. Last Thursday at the Baccalaureate service, I was privileged to speak to the graduating seniors. It was fun. The local paper did an article about the whole family deal with this year's graduation. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm really proud of Kendall. I'm proud of what he has accomplished. I expected him to graduate from high school. But to be valedictorian, wow! We knew early on when we were homeschooling him that learning came easy to him. So, when he went to public school, we got him to skip a grade. The school folks weren't so sure. I guess it turned out ok :-) </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm probably more proud of who he is. He is probably the most dependable person I know. If I ask him to do something, and I am relying of him for it to be done, it is good as done. I'm also finding that some things he can now do better than me. (don't let him know). Well done, son!</div><div><br /></div><div>We've got a crowd coming to town beginning today for the big event tomorrow. If we're not careful, we could be a movie sequel to Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation. </div></div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-74624358265395472172010-03-30T06:25:00.000-04:002010-03-30T06:25:00.076-04:00Driving by FeelHave you ever been somewhere several times, don't exactly know the directions, but once you're en route you 'feel' your way there?<div><br /></div><div>Usually when I try that, it doesn't work out so good. My 'feeler' is usually slow. That means I have to turn around several times, get irritated, and usually having to make a phone call to get real directions. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, on Saturday, it worked perfectly. I was meeting my parents, my sister and my uncle at a family cemetery. It had been several years since I had been there. I was not exactly sure of all the turns and knew none of the road names. I headed in the right direction and went by 'feel'. Several landmarks had changed, but I didn't miss a turn. Cool!</div><div><br /></div><div>Life is like that. We don't know all of the turns that we should make. We don't know all of the answers. We have to go by 'feel' sometimes. When I'm following Christ, that 'feel' isn't my good guess, but rather Christ's leading. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know about you, but I'd rather be led that go on a guess. How about you?</div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-20641021035803543832010-03-29T18:15:00.002-04:002010-03-29T18:22:49.440-04:00Not Funny Any More!I wrote earlier about our goats getting our paper. That day it was cute and kinda funny. <div><br /></div><div>Not now. Those jokers are now going to our newspaper box, pulling out the paper, and eating it. The other day, we were watching for the paper, saw it delivered, grabbed a coat, and those goats got to the newspaper box before I could. Dang!</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't mind them eating the paper, it's actually an easy way to recycle. Just let me read it first! </div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-55655661733492167862010-03-21T19:35:00.004-04:002010-03-21T20:37:49.610-04:00Race Weekend Highlights<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wcCs3h82ZCt4yHp6yzrC9QUjQiXm7VeJB-LligHiZc5EoJG-g-oXK5LGrrMRXLZdaJWENau69q2Ak7z2uNr-Q_FFQx0MqXcUi8BqlYBHTRrlQJI565uBpryOMs8_LBavWhsLociTZfg/s1600-h/downsized_0321002033.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wcCs3h82ZCt4yHp6yzrC9QUjQiXm7VeJB-LligHiZc5EoJG-g-oXK5LGrrMRXLZdaJWENau69q2Ak7z2uNr-Q_FFQx0MqXcUi8BqlYBHTRrlQJI565uBpryOMs8_LBavWhsLociTZfg/s200/downsized_0321002033.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451250633526524018" /></a>This is the 4th year that my family has gone to Virginia Beach for the Shamrock races, so it has started to become somewhat of a tradition. In 2007, I ran in the 1/2 marathon. In 2008 and 2009 two other families joined us and the guys ran in the 8k. <div><br /></div><div>This year, the three families returned. Danny, Todd and Corrie (her first!) ran in the 8k (5 miles). Amy and I ran in the half-marathon (13.1 miles). It was Amy's first! Here were some observations:</div><div><ul><li>Going to Olive Garden on Friday is definitely a tradition that I don't want to give up. I love going to OG, but going with a group of friends is awesome! It's also guilt-free - knowing that you can eat a lot and burn it off running in the race! </li><li>Love staying on the ocean front where you can hear the ocean in your room and see the sunrise over the water. </li><li>Reminded that I'm glad we don't live in an apartment. Loud neighbors at 3am would get old. </li><li>It was fun watching Todd, Corrie and Danny run on Saturday. I hadn't watched many races since I'm usually in them - it was fun trying to find them in the crowd. It was also fun watching those that won the race - they basically sprinted the whole race. </li><li>Saw the craziest thing - after the 8k, runners were stretching out so they wouldn't get stiff. One of the runners - a guy really in shape - was stretching while smoking a cigarette! No one was with him, so that meant that he carried his cigarettes with him for 5 miles. Crazy!</li><li>Our race began Sunday morning at 7am. We left the hotel at 6:30 t0 walk to the start line. It was weird to be walking while it was still dark with thousands of others. </li><li>Along the race course was several were water & Gatorade stops. There was even one place where people were handing out beer to runners. </li><li>It was fun to hear folks yell out your name and cheer you on. (my name was on race # that I wore). </li><li>After finishing the race, it is quite satisfying for the next few minutes to soak in the knowledge that 1). the run is over 2). I finished it 3). it's time to relax.</li></ul>After showering and checking out of the hotel, Amy and I went back over the the festivities at the finish line. We got some Irish Stew, sat on the beach, and watched the marathoners finish. We were feeling pretty good about ourselves until we realized that those that were finishing running now had run <b>twice </b>as far as we did. Wow. What we had done was real tough - I can't imagine a marathon. </div><div><br /></div><div>Who knows . . . maybe some day. </div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-59922932019052641062010-03-19T14:55:00.000-04:002010-03-19T14:55:00.063-04:00How'd You Do?This weekend a group of us from church are headed to Virginia Beach to run in a couple of different races. Three will be running in the 8K race tomorrow morning. Amy and I will be running in the 1/2 marathon on Sunday morning. <div><br /></div><div>The question "How'd You Do?" will be asked, and it will be referring to my race time, or how I felt, or if I finished. </div><div><br /></div><div>The question actually goes back to many months ago when we started training for this distance. How we do in the race has to do with how well we trained. You can't make up for the lack of training. </div><div><br /></div><div>For us - we expect to do well. We've trained well. We don't expect to be faster than we were when we trained. We expect to finish. And finish well. That's what we've trained for. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's true in life, too. (Had to put that in there). </div><div><br /></div><div>Now looking forward to eating at Olive Garden and spending time on the beach! </div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-39615286744096930272010-03-19T09:45:00.004-04:002010-03-19T09:53:31.392-04:00The Paper<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ7nc3cLtqC6uH4Iyhc8JcfbU2Dmu9WAJyoBr0WtIYzNDfDhxZei-KYHSzThCK3PrsfPIqh-XtniicrOMIxfOD27W-IBj7oUW76pEk0kTNEvSaxNXs_SiIgo7ZPI6uy7AoRLDkToprd0/s200/downsized_0319000925.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450341571961771922" />Went out to get the paper earlier this morning and this is all that I found. <div><br /></div><div>Crazy. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's not unusual to be missing a section or even the whole paper, but to have only a chewed-off piece left was really weird. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I looked around and spied these two looking at me - hmmm . . . </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qIHRL_e72LgxOSvFbV_b6x3sKShg4m55UkeaLya8b_Jv9Dxt1-c0rw_RchHNf4KhUwBVDzhKZpnyHru8n29p6B8YwHUJSm6seONQ6XTAKWYdUgjRZ5KWlg5brDm5F_1Pifbc-0r6pQ0/s200/downsized_0319000930.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450341979809635314" /></div></div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-58363327078948330672010-03-15T14:49:00.005-04:002010-03-15T15:01:49.578-04:00Change of RoutineI know its been a while - I'm trying to get back in the routine of posting.<div><br /></div><div>We're trying something <b>new</b> now at the church office. For years, we have worked in the office from Tuesday through Friday - with me having Mondays and Saturdays to be more flexible.</div><div><br /></div><div>Starting today - we're in the office on Mondays - Thursdays. We'll try it and see how it works. Like a lot of things, it's an <b>experiment</b>. If it doesn't work, we'll change it. </div><div><br /></div><div>One thing I already like - staff meeting on Monday. We get to celebrate the <b>big things</b> that happened over the weekend. Two of big things that we celebrated: </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1) at the teen event on Friday - almost <b>double</b> the # of teens - WOW!</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2) new folks at church again yesterday! One person <b>drove</b> over <b>an </b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>hour</b> (one way) to be with us for the first time! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Great stuff</b> is happening at Bagley Swamp! God is good! </div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-35936088004498823942010-02-12T13:57:00.003-05:002010-02-12T14:11:40.466-05:00Big Stone Gap - FridayToday is the day that we are finishing up our projects. The closet has been completed and a coat of primer is being applied as I write. The two large rooms that we hung sheet rock have been sanded this morning and the primer is going on this afternoon. It seems that we should finish up just about at quitting time today. <div><br /></div><div>Last night Shirley and her crew fixed us a rice, beans and sausage casserole. It was quite good. We went to Dairy Queen afterwards for our weekly fix of ice cream. Tonight we plan to go out to eat at Pizza Hut. </div><div><br /></div><div>Last night we had more great conversations about spiritual things. Several shared of times when they've been hurt and God has brought them through the pain. It was quite touching and we could really feel God's presence. This week has been a phenomenal week for us as we have grown closer to God and to each other. </div><div><br /></div><div>Keep us in your prayers. Amy's (my wife) grandfather passed away last night. Please keep them and myself in your prayers. I will be preaching the funeral on Sunday. Also keep Pastor Todd in your prayers. Since I will be away at a funeral, he will be preaching at Bagley Swamp. Keep our team in your prayers at we finish up today and as we travel tomorrow. We could run into some snow. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's it from Big Stone Gap. Thanks for checking in. </div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-78151557516173854722010-02-11T14:02:00.004-05:002010-02-11T14:51:03.929-05:00Big Stone Gap - Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-zVHoukGLwXifSywtI4f_W8xyO3W3pGeT-7vyprI_rlGE5WFdAvRNjBewpajVb6SNYC_y2Vn6f7ictyFDTuT6aYKY2OMqHGPK7z97Rcjk51CLngx8Zdq146dlK1sZJ2IawZfFJEsVns/s1600-h/downsized_Big+Stone+Gap+.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-zVHoukGLwXifSywtI4f_W8xyO3W3pGeT-7vyprI_rlGE5WFdAvRNjBewpajVb6SNYC_y2Vn6f7ictyFDTuT6aYKY2OMqHGPK7z97Rcjk51CLngx8Zdq146dlK1sZJ2IawZfFJEsVns/s200/downsized_Big+Stone+Gap+.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437075733863988738" /></a>As far as the work goes, no real updates. We're still in the 'mudding' and sanding process with the sheet rock. The plan is to have that mostly finished up by quitting time today so tomorrow we can put on a coat of primer. The closet has been built near the bedroom that we painted the other day. Sheet rock is being hung, a light and outlet installed, and the door hung. Our plan is to be finished with this mostly by today, so we can get a coat of primer on it tomorrow. <div><br /></div><div>Last night we had baked spaghetti, salad and chocolate cake at the same church, fixed again by Shirley and her crew. She shared with us about God's call on her life, how she got from Anderson, SC to Big Stone Gap, VA and how God has used her and her family to minister to children and teens in this community. Her son, David, runs The Edge, the teen center that has bands to come in a play each Saturday night. Check out The Edge's myspace <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theedgemusicvenue">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some have asked about the snoring situation. On Tuesday evening when we went to Lowes, several sets of ear plugs were purchased, so there has been more rest:-) </div><div><br /></div><div>Today the weather is still quite cold, though it felt pretty good at lunch when we walked down to the same restaurant that we ate at yesterday. Today, some got the chicken livers, while the rest had the hamburger steak. That place has good food and seems to have a good business. It's one of those places where the older waitress calls you 'son' and the younger ones call you 'hon' or 'sweetie'. You gotta love it! </div><div><br /></div><div>After lunch we spent a few minutes milling through some of the downtown shops and meeting some of the locals. We struck several conversations with folks, most of them wanting to know where we were from. I've a pretty good southern accent, but I believe the folks here have event more of one :) </div><div><br /></div><div>Gerald is smiling more than usual today. He is a grandpa again. Colton Adam Christian was born this morning to Brandy and Shane Christian. From what we know, mom and son are well. Congrats!</div><div><br /></div><div>Great conversations again last night! God is at work in us and among us! I'm more pumped now than ever about what God <i>is doing </i>and what God<i> is gonna do </i>through Bagley Swamp<i>. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Continue to pray for us - we're praying for you! </div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-41102838638573779012010-02-10T15:04:00.003-05:002010-02-10T15:33:50.718-05:00Big Stone Gap - WednesdayYesterday afternoon was quite productive. Annie, Christy and I finished painting that room that we had started earlier in the day. As you may remember, we were painting over paneling, so we had put kilz on it, then several coats of paint. We were surprised that we were able to finish. We thought that it would take us two days. <div><br /></div><div>The guys finished hanging the sheet rock. They also taped all of the joints and put one coat of 'mud' on all joints and screws. They left kerosene heaters on last night so the 'mud' would dry. </div><div><br /></div><div>Last night we went back to the same church to have dinner, prepared again by Shirley and her crew. We had tacos and all of the fixings. It was very good. </div><div><br /></div><div>After dinner we went to Lowe's in Wise, VA, about 15 miles away. We needed to get some trim supplies for finishing up the sheet rock trim around windows and doors. While we were in Wise, it started to snow hard, but by the time that we got back to Big Stone Gap, it wasn't snowing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Last night we had probably one of the best discussions I've ever had with a group of people about God and how we can try to impact our community for Christ. It was great! Before we knew it, it was 11:30 and well past some folks' bedtimes. </div><div><br /></div><div>This morning we woke to snow covering the landscape. It's only snowed a couple of inches, and continues to snow now, but it doesn't seem to be accumulating. The temperature has been in the 20s and when the wind catches you just right, it's <i>real cold</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The guys spent the morning working on the sheet rock some more, putting on the final coat of 'mud' so that it can dry. Some of the crew worked on the trim work around the windows and doors. We went to lunch in town at the Mutual Drug & Cafeteria. Most of us had chicken & dumplings or meatloaf. It was real good. </div><div><br /></div><div>This afternoon we are finishing up on the 'mud' and trim on the sheet rock so we can start sanding first thing in the morning. We are also building a closet outside of the room that we painted yesterday. </div><div><br /></div><div>This evening we are headed back to eat dinner with Shirley and her crew. Shirley is going to share with us her story of how she came to Big Stone Gap, how she started her ministry, and how it's working today. You can find out some about it <a href="http://www.hisministries.hqters.com/">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not sure where we're headed after supper tonight - we've been to Wal-Mart and to Lowes - so we'll see. </div><div><br /></div><div>I look forward to another great evening. Can't wait to see what His plans are . . . </div><div><br /></div><div>Pray for us - we're praying for you :-)</div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-47089037793847374522010-02-09T13:55:00.002-05:002010-02-09T14:22:30.940-05:00Big Stone Gap - TuesdayYesterday afternoon we finished up with the insulation in the building we are working in. There are two large rooms, and one room we finished hanging all of the sheet rock. This morning some of the guys started putting 'mud' on the sheet rock that was already hung, while others worked on hanging sheet rock in the other room. <div><br /></div><div>Annie, Christy and I began painting a room in another building this morning. It had paneling on the walls, so we put kilz on it this morning and started to put the first coat of paint when we broke for lunch. That's the work status as of now. </div><div><br /></div><div>For supper yesterday we ate at <a href="http://www.artesianbaptistchurch.com/">Artesian Baptist Church</a> where Shirley and her helpers had cooked us lasanga. Shirley is the director of <a href="http://www.hisministries.hqters.com/">HIS Ministries</a>, where we are doing the work that we have done so far. </div><div><br /></div><div>After supper, we took to mandatory trip to Wal-Mart in Norton, VA. There is a Wal-Mart in Big Stone Gap, but it was an old one, we wanted the Super version. After getting more snacks, we returned to our house for the evening. </div><div><br /></div><div>It seems that the snoring increased last night, at least by some reports. The 'non-snorers' are thinking that they may be well trained in the art of snoring by the weeks end :) </div><div><br /></div><div>We've had some rain today. Not a hard rain, most the occasional shower. It is supposed to snow tonight - 1 to 4 inches possible. </div><div><br /></div><div>We're laughing a lot, getting to know each other and enjoying each other. Keep us in your prayers - we're praying for you. </div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221388858965343977.post-17165413624402962312010-02-08T14:00:00.002-05:002010-02-08T14:19:07.006-05:00Big Stone Gap - MondayTen of us from Bagley Swamp are in Big Stone Gap, VA this week on a mission trip. I hope to update daily while we are here. We'll see how it goes. My Internet connection is at the McDonald's a mile or two away, so it shouldn't be that hard. <div><br /></div><div>We drove into Big Stone Gap, VA on Sunday around 4:45 pm. As we traveled, we were on four-lane highways the whole way except for about 10 miles. The roads were clear of snow and dry. At the top of some mountains we saw a lot of snow, sometimes snow and ice still in the trees. </div><div><br /></div><div>The house we are staying in has three bedrooms, and no beds. So . . . we are on the air mattresses and cots that we brought with us. The two women are in one room, three guys in another room, and four guys in the third bedroom. Myself and our host, Ken, are in the living room. So . . . by the end of the trip, we ought to be real close. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lots of laughter this morning as each told stories of waking during the night to hear the others snoring. We'll probably sleep sounder later in the week when we are more tired (probably snore more, too). </div><div><br /></div><div>We ended up watching the Super Bowl last night in the lobby of a Comfort Inn up the road. Nice big screen HDTV. We thought about staying for the free breakfast, but decided we'd better not push our luck. </div><div><br /></div><div>This morning we have been working on finishing insulating a new building for His Ministries in town. Right before lunch we began putting the drywall on the ceiling. It was cold when we started this morning, but the building we are working in was warmed up by kerosene heaters, so by lunch we had our heavy coats off. </div><div><br /></div><div>This afternoon we are working hard on the sheet rock and hoping to finish it tomorrow. This evening we plan to eat at a local church. Here will be the interesting part - there is only one bathroom/shower in the house. Who gets the hot water?</div><div><br /></div><div>Keep us in your prayers - we're praying for you! </div>James Spaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936106106540368857noreply@blogger.com0