April 17, 2006
Easter Monday
The Crescent Hotel Eureka Springs Arkansas
We had a really good week end. As is somewhat normal for us Woody have had a bit of a rough patch lately, I think its the stress of his working a bazillion hours as the dealership cant seem to keep people and he and the lady he works with just are worked to death. Sadly this doesnt seem to translate to more deals and in turn more money because if you dont have time to focus on your clients you wont get the sale. I have learned a few unsavory things about the people he works for and frankly I am positive that this isnt going to work out for Woody. I feel badly because he really wants this to work, but as things deteriorate... for example, the manager verbally abuses the sales lady and she puts up with it. Woody cant stand that and speaks up for her. I encouraged him to and if he gets fired for that, so what, he did the right thing.
I will start working overtime this week as our account is about ready to launch. It like having a baby Im told. You want it over with after you have worked on it for months and the last little bit of waiting for launch is painful, rushed and, well, laborious. But worth it in the end. I say this to say that posting may be slow but be paitent with me I am still here.
The services at our church over this holy three days were very good, with one painful exception to me. I feel like the congragation is spectating and not participating. Its something that I am hoping to influence a change in. Life is not a spectator sport and worship less so.
One thing I had hoped for is happening, and that is a full court press into the arena of prayer. On friday I spent several hours in the church praying alone in the darkened church, and as the wind blew outside the wooden celing creaked like a ship under sail, and perhaps that is a good metaphore for this congragation and its dynamic pastor. I feel like this often here, and there doesnt seem to be a lot of looking back at the shore so to speak. That says volumes about the Seinors that make up the majority of the congragation. I have to smile when every sunday, Pastor David or whoever is in charge of the Childrens Sermon, calls the kids up, and there are more children than the pastors young son, and his friend... These people many of whom are retired and living a long distance away from family and grand children, sigh with happiness upon seeing the kids, more and more of them every week it seems, comming into the church. I am glad too, because it takes a cross section of humanity to make a thriving church
After a small "sunrise service". I say that toungue in cheek because it was removed from out doors to escape the wind and the thick heavy pollen cloud that currently hovering over the Ozarks... (You are covered in a sticky yellow film the minute you walk outside. We are not even allowing the cats on the screen porch its so bad.) We had a "brunch" after service, which was not bad. Normally these things are not the most satisfying of meals due to the small portions. If I took a photo of the plate you would laugh. Anyway, the services were uplifting and focused on Jesus. Thats all I could ask for.
Afterwards wedesided to drive up to Eureka Springs for lunch. It was a very nice drive. We are in the midst of a heat wave...(Its been 90 plus degrees for the past few days.) The flowers are all getting fried so its see them now or never. I am so happy to see the new leaves back on the trees. Even though we were out in late morning there was an abundance of wildlife, birds and butterflies... In short Spring has arrived with a roar and I love it.
The flower feast of the eyes rivals Hawaii for natural beauty, but the most beautiful thing about the area is the people. We have met a very few "bad apples". Most have been gracious and kind and have made this first year in the New Land much easier than I thought it would be.
I hope that your week end was filled with fun and fond memories
