... and breathing that lovely cool West Coast air! The flight crew on our last plane was from Orlando. They thought it was cold here. Very strange people!!!
We made it safely, all our luggage made it, we will hit the ferry sometime tomorrow (today by the time you are reading this), and we will be home.
We are looking forward to seeing you all. I'll keep this blog going for a bit, posting some pictures next week.
We are almost home!
BTW, we think we have the duplex sold, too!
Regards
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
getting ready for Sunday
We are at Debbi's sister's place in Nashville. Nashville is built around the Cumberland river. About five miles below the house the river has been dammed and a man made lake lies at our feet. Debbi's brother-in-law, Neal, took us out on a boat ride on the Cumberland lake produced by the dam the other day. This morning I was up early helping Neal repair his lift at the dock. One of the bolts had snapped off, so he wanted to replace it before putting his boat in the lift. As we were out there, the fish were jumping like mad. I was sort of wishing for a license, rod and reel and a chance to actually go fishing instead of my usual casting.
Now I am sitting on their deck, overlooking the lake, enjoying the birds and thinking about Sunday.
I am going to steal a message I heard a friend of mine preach last Sunday evening. I plan to split it into two parts and use it for both morning and afternoon services. For the Bible Study time, I want to take some time for us all to look back and review our Thru the Bible series. I would like those of you who are reading this to perhaps think back over our survey of Old and New Testaments and jot down one or two things that stood out to you as major lessons or insights on the Bible that you learned as we have gone through. We may extend some of this to the following week. I plan to get back to the Basic Theology study we left off when we began the Thru the Bible series. That will probably start the second Sunday in June.
[If you are talking to someone who doesn't have computer access, you could pass on this assignment to them!!]
We also want to build up our Sunday School. Pray for wisdom as we organize. Also, think about contacts you have who could be recruited.
Looking ahead, we have several events in the summer that you should keep in mind and pray about. We have Family Camp rapidly approaching, then we have a week with an evangelist in July. Both events can be a great blessing if you are able to participate. I would encourage you to think about Family Camp if you have not been able to attend in the past. You would find it relaxing and uplifting, I believe. The evangelist who is coming has a different approach than other evangelists we have had in the past. His whole family will be with him to provide special music (he has several daughters who are friends of our kids at school). I believe they use puppets and other things oriented to children to make the whole service have something for everyone, so I would encourage you to be inviting folks with children for these meetings.
Well, we are heading off for a visit of a Civil War battlefield. Yesterday we saw The Hermitage, the home of the seventh US President, Andrew Jackson. He wasn't one of my favorites, but it is interesting to see the place he lived and think about how much has changed since then. I'll post some pics later.
Regards
Pastor Don
Jer 33.3
Now I am sitting on their deck, overlooking the lake, enjoying the birds and thinking about Sunday.
I am going to steal a message I heard a friend of mine preach last Sunday evening. I plan to split it into two parts and use it for both morning and afternoon services. For the Bible Study time, I want to take some time for us all to look back and review our Thru the Bible series. I would like those of you who are reading this to perhaps think back over our survey of Old and New Testaments and jot down one or two things that stood out to you as major lessons or insights on the Bible that you learned as we have gone through. We may extend some of this to the following week. I plan to get back to the Basic Theology study we left off when we began the Thru the Bible series. That will probably start the second Sunday in June.
[If you are talking to someone who doesn't have computer access, you could pass on this assignment to them!!]
We also want to build up our Sunday School. Pray for wisdom as we organize. Also, think about contacts you have who could be recruited.
Looking ahead, we have several events in the summer that you should keep in mind and pray about. We have Family Camp rapidly approaching, then we have a week with an evangelist in July. Both events can be a great blessing if you are able to participate. I would encourage you to think about Family Camp if you have not been able to attend in the past. You would find it relaxing and uplifting, I believe. The evangelist who is coming has a different approach than other evangelists we have had in the past. His whole family will be with him to provide special music (he has several daughters who are friends of our kids at school). I believe they use puppets and other things oriented to children to make the whole service have something for everyone, so I would encourage you to be inviting folks with children for these meetings.
Well, we are heading off for a visit of a Civil War battlefield. Yesterday we saw The Hermitage, the home of the seventh US President, Andrew Jackson. He wasn't one of my favorites, but it is interesting to see the place he lived and think about how much has changed since then. I'll post some pics later.
ESV Philemon 1:4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers,
Regards
Pastor Don
Jer 33.3
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
a catch up day
we are in Nashville on the last leg home. Debbi's brother and sister live here now, so the other siblings came down for a bit of a family reunion yesterday. Some of us will be around for the rest of the week. We wanted to share a few pictures with you so you could know what was up.
Here is the car my dad and I bought Duncan and Meg. It's a 2006 PT Cruiser, standard shift. Only a small hurdle, since neither of them have ever driven a "stick". I spent a good deal of time practicing with Duncan the week before the wedding. He got better every day...
Of course, Duncan and Meg called on the first day of their honeymoon to tell us that when they left, Meg promptly got sick... in the car... She said it had nothing to do with Duncan's driving!!!
Actually, I think it was just nerves - the weather was hot and muggy (as usual for SC) and the wedding itself was quite exciting/emotional/etc., for all of us, so it is no wonder that she reacted.
Cullen was in our pictures, but unable to participate, as he had a 24 hour bug and was throwing up and running a fever the day of the wedding. We were all disappointed, but the wedding went off without a hitch in any case. There were about 250 folks in attendance.
The next pictures are of the front of BJU campus. The entrance is slated for renovation this summer, with the Welcome Center about to come down, reconfiguring everything to make it safer.
The pillar you see below came down before the wedding. Rory tried to get them to give him an "R" and a "J" off the pillar, but they have other plans for the letters. The pillar had been in place for over 40 years.
The last picture today goes back to Sunday, the 3rd, when we visited with the church in Georgia where Duncan and Meg serve on the weekends. We wanted to go down and visit the church and get a sense for what the kids are doing on the weekends.
On the left is the pastor, Dave Wood, an acquaintance from many year's back. (Debbi's brother had Dave in his youth group many moons ago.) Next to him is Andy Efting, a deacon and a fellow I correspond with on the internet a good deal. He is a really solid guy. It was great to finally meet him and put a face to the name. The rest of the folks there you know... This was on the Sunday that Debbi stayed back with her mom.
Well, I have to beat it, but I did want to give you this update. We may have a bit more soon. I'll see if I can scare up some other wedding pics. With both boys in the wedding, they were not thinking about pictures, so we don't have many good ones...
I think Duncan plans to put some pictures up on his site later, duncanandmeg.org, but that will be after the weekend sometime.
BTW, for those wondering, our smoked salmon for the reception made it down and was a big hit! A taste of the island in Greenville!
See you soon
Pastor Don
Jer 33.3
Here is the car my dad and I bought Duncan and Meg. It's a 2006 PT Cruiser, standard shift. Only a small hurdle, since neither of them have ever driven a "stick". I spent a good deal of time practicing with Duncan the week before the wedding. He got better every day...
Of course, Duncan and Meg called on the first day of their honeymoon to tell us that when they left, Meg promptly got sick... in the car... She said it had nothing to do with Duncan's driving!!!
Actually, I think it was just nerves - the weather was hot and muggy (as usual for SC) and the wedding itself was quite exciting/emotional/etc., for all of us, so it is no wonder that she reacted.
Cullen was in our pictures, but unable to participate, as he had a 24 hour bug and was throwing up and running a fever the day of the wedding. We were all disappointed, but the wedding went off without a hitch in any case. There were about 250 folks in attendance.
The next pictures are of the front of BJU campus. The entrance is slated for renovation this summer, with the Welcome Center about to come down, reconfiguring everything to make it safer.
The pillar you see below came down before the wedding. Rory tried to get them to give him an "R" and a "J" off the pillar, but they have other plans for the letters. The pillar had been in place for over 40 years.
The last picture today goes back to Sunday, the 3rd, when we visited with the church in Georgia where Duncan and Meg serve on the weekends. We wanted to go down and visit the church and get a sense for what the kids are doing on the weekends.
On the left is the pastor, Dave Wood, an acquaintance from many year's back. (Debbi's brother had Dave in his youth group many moons ago.) Next to him is Andy Efting, a deacon and a fellow I correspond with on the internet a good deal. He is a really solid guy. It was great to finally meet him and put a face to the name. The rest of the folks there you know... This was on the Sunday that Debbi stayed back with her mom.Well, I have to beat it, but I did want to give you this update. We may have a bit more soon. I'll see if I can scare up some other wedding pics. With both boys in the wedding, they were not thinking about pictures, so we don't have many good ones...
I think Duncan plans to put some pictures up on his site later, duncanandmeg.org, but that will be after the weekend sometime.
BTW, for those wondering, our smoked salmon for the reception made it down and was a big hit! A taste of the island in Greenville!
ESV Colossians 1:3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.God bless...
See you soon
Pastor Don
Jer 33.3
Monday, May 14, 2007
what you've all been waiting for...
pics of the wedding events...
rehearsal dinner
The rehearsal itself (no pics allowed in chapel during actual wedding... I'll explain later)
The wedding party on the day of...
getting away...
rehearsal dinner
The rehearsal itself (no pics allowed in chapel during actual wedding... I'll explain later)
The wedding party on the day of...
getting away...
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
a quick one .... pics from BJU graduation
Hi all
Here is a picture that was published in the Greenville News of the BJU graduation. One of them was a picture of our Meg, with a happy smile as she is marching in to the auditorium to receive her degree.
You can see more pictures here.
We are going a bit like mad here... I bought Duncan a car on Monday, we have been visiting many friends, lots of news to report, but we just haven't managed to get a long enough time in the library to type it all up. With the wedding Saturday, I don't know if I will be able to get caught up on the news for you, but I'll try. Maybe I can type everything up tonight and then send it in the morning.
Note to Harry: I tried to send you an e-mail several times today, I tried again just now and it looks like it went through.
To all... will try to reply to e-mails as soon as possible!!
And... it is toooooo hot here! Right now I think it is pushing 80, way too hot for this cold blooded Canadian.
More to come...
Pastor Don
Jer 33.3
Here is a picture that was published in the Greenville News of the BJU graduation. One of them was a picture of our Meg, with a happy smile as she is marching in to the auditorium to receive her degree.
You can see more pictures here.
We are going a bit like mad here... I bought Duncan a car on Monday, we have been visiting many friends, lots of news to report, but we just haven't managed to get a long enough time in the library to type it all up. With the wedding Saturday, I don't know if I will be able to get caught up on the news for you, but I'll try. Maybe I can type everything up tonight and then send it in the morning.
Note to Harry: I tried to send you an e-mail several times today, I tried again just now and it looks like it went through.
To all... will try to reply to e-mails as soon as possible!!
And... it is toooooo hot here! Right now I think it is pushing 80, way too hot for this cold blooded Canadian.
More to come...
ESV 1 John 1:3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
Pastor Don
Jer 33.3
Saturday, May 5, 2007
one more thing...
I should have mentioned that Debbi's mom did indeed come home from the hospital yesterday. Debbi is with her and trying to keep her on her schedule, making sure she eats, etc. The bug she has makes her feel like not eating, but that is just what she needs to do, at least a little, to keep up her strength as her medication fights the bug.
Debbi should be able to join us by Tuesday, we will keep you posted.
Regards
Pastor Don
Jer 33.3
Debbi should be able to join us by Tuesday, we will keep you posted.
Regards
Pastor Don
Jer 33.3
catching up on the pics
Hi all,
This first one is for Harry, especially. We were driving along in Maryville TN when we noticed this car in front of us:
We were quite intrigued by this vehicle. Cully said, "Hey, it's a car with a ...."
"...a car with a stroke!" Notice how the lights are burned out on one side of the car only, both at the top and the left! We thought this was the perfect car for Harry. We highlighted the pic on the right because we weren't sure how well Harry would be able to pick out the colours.
Thank you all for your your notes and cards regarding my advancing age. Very funny! The best way to look at age is with joy, because we are getting closer to the day we will never age again, with the Lord. Hopefully we can endure the aches and pains that may come with grace and faith.
We also saw this on the way to Greenville:
Who knew??
And now for some pics from today, Meg's graduation. We have more on other cameras, but these are all from Cullen's:
Ok, that's all for today. We are going to Georgia tomorrow to the church where Duncan and Meg serve. I probably won't be able to report on that until Monday.
Harry, if you are reading this, I need to hear if you have received an e-mail from me concerning the schedule of recitals at the church next week.
Pastor Don
Jer 33.3
This first one is for Harry, especially. We were driving along in Maryville TN when we noticed this car in front of us:
We were quite intrigued by this vehicle. Cully said, "Hey, it's a car with a ...."
"...a car with a stroke!" Notice how the lights are burned out on one side of the car only, both at the top and the left! We thought this was the perfect car for Harry. We highlighted the pic on the right because we weren't sure how well Harry would be able to pick out the colours.
Thank you all for your your notes and cards regarding my advancing age. Very funny! The best way to look at age is with joy, because we are getting closer to the day we will never age again, with the Lord. Hopefully we can endure the aches and pains that may come with grace and faith.
We also saw this on the way to Greenville:
Who knew??
And now for some pics from today, Meg's graduation. We have more on other cameras, but these are all from Cullen's:
Ok, that's all for today. We are going to Georgia tomorrow to the church where Duncan and Meg serve. I probably won't be able to report on that until Monday.
Harry, if you are reading this, I need to hear if you have received an e-mail from me concerning the schedule of recitals at the church next week.
ESV Numbers 6:24 The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.Regards
Pastor Don
Jer 33.3
Friday, May 4, 2007
just a quick note tonight -- more tomorrow
Hi all,
Cullen, Kaleigh, and Don are all in Greenville. We have seen and greeted all three of the kids here, but I haven't seen Meg yet. We are on a bit of a whirlwind getting all things set up here.
Just a note: I have been having trouble sending e-mail, but can still receive e-mail at my Telus account. I received a couple of notes from Harry and Cecil & Vera, thanks very much. I am feeling like a half century old dude, for sure.
Debbi is still in Tennessee with her mom. I think her mom was coming home from the hospital today, but I don't know if that happened for sure or not.
Will try to report more tomorrow, with some pictures. We have a good one for Harry that is just right for him.
That's all for now, God bless.
Jer 33.3
Cullen, Kaleigh, and Don are all in Greenville. We have seen and greeted all three of the kids here, but I haven't seen Meg yet. We are on a bit of a whirlwind getting all things set up here.
Just a note: I have been having trouble sending e-mail, but can still receive e-mail at my Telus account. I received a couple of notes from Harry and Cecil & Vera, thanks very much. I am feeling like a half century old dude, for sure.
Debbi is still in Tennessee with her mom. I think her mom was coming home from the hospital today, but I don't know if that happened for sure or not.
Will try to report more tomorrow, with some pictures. We have a good one for Harry that is just right for him.
That's all for now, God bless.
Pastor Don
ESV Philippians 1:9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,
Jer 33.3
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
a quick update on Debbi's mom and the picture theme
Hello all,
They admitted Debbi's mom to the hospital in order to help her get stabilized. The bug she has is called C.difficile and it is being difficult. You can read more at this Mayo Clinic page. She should be in the hospital only for a couple of days and then come home. Debbi may stay down here a bit longer if need be to help her keep on track and hopefully get rid of this bug.
Ok, the big question so far comes from my brother, Paul. This one was taken a few minutes ago as I was running Debbi and kids over to the hospital for a visit with Grandma. Our theme will be sunsets this year. This is sunset in Maryville, TN, taken from a moving Dodge Caravan.
And a few more pics from yesterday's travels:
This one is in the Seattle airport. We are all reading our Bibles (me on the Palm Pilot). Someone is having to be 'shushed', but we aren't naming any names.
This one is also from the Seattle airport where one party is catching the other party being 'inventive' in their play of Rook. Again, no names!!
And last night's sunset in Nashville, TN, driving away from the airport, again in a moving Caravan.
God bless. We'll keep you posted on Deb's mom.
Pastor Don and family
Jer 33.3
They admitted Debbi's mom to the hospital in order to help her get stabilized. The bug she has is called C.difficile and it is being difficult. You can read more at this Mayo Clinic page. She should be in the hospital only for a couple of days and then come home. Debbi may stay down here a bit longer if need be to help her keep on track and hopefully get rid of this bug.
Ok, the big question so far comes from my brother, Paul. This one was taken a few minutes ago as I was running Debbi and kids over to the hospital for a visit with Grandma. Our theme will be sunsets this year. This is sunset in Maryville, TN, taken from a moving Dodge Caravan.
And a few more pics from yesterday's travels:
This one is in the Seattle airport. We are all reading our Bibles (me on the Palm Pilot). Someone is having to be 'shushed', but we aren't naming any names.
This one is also from the Seattle airport where one party is catching the other party being 'inventive' in their play of Rook. Again, no names!!
And last night's sunset in Nashville, TN, driving away from the airport, again in a moving Caravan.
God bless. We'll keep you posted on Deb's mom.
ESV Colossians 1:9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
Pastor Don and family
Jer 33.3
in knoxville ... and a prayer request
Hi all, glad to see some of you commenting. Paul, I'll pass the questions on to Cullen. The question of this year's theme for pictures remains to be determined. The 'garbage can' theme was Rory's idea. We have discussed it this far: definitely NOT garbage cans! [When I saw that Paul had commented, I braced myself for something sarcastic, since he is always the "bad guy" in my "when I was growing up" illustrations!]
Anyway, to update you, I am at the Blount County Library, but I didn't upload any pics from yesterday to my computer, so they will have to come later. I may get another chance to post later today. Our flights were uneventful, but the first one was LOOOONG - 4.5 hours from Seattle to Memphis. The second was was 35 minutes in the air and almost the same length of time taxi-ing on the runways in Memphis and Nashville.
We drove to Debbi's mother's house in Maryville, TN, a suburb of Knoxville. She got up to greet us, then we all headed to bed. We are adjusting to the time zone difference, it is 11:21 am here and 8:21 in Victoria, so we feel a little tired.
This morning Debbi's mother was feeling unwell and wanted Debbi to take her to emergency. She has had some difficulty over the last few weeks with some help from medication, but still has not been able to shake the bug that is ailing her. Debbi called as I was typing this and tells me that after running some tests, nothing has changed with her condition, but they will admit her to the hospital to attempt to clear this up. This will make our plans somewhat up in the air for the next few days, but we are glad we are actually here to be able to be a help to Debbi's mom.
I will keep you posted as time goes along. It is 78ยบ here -- it seems much too hot to me!
Jer 33.3
Anyway, to update you, I am at the Blount County Library, but I didn't upload any pics from yesterday to my computer, so they will have to come later. I may get another chance to post later today. Our flights were uneventful, but the first one was LOOOONG - 4.5 hours from Seattle to Memphis. The second was was 35 minutes in the air and almost the same length of time taxi-ing on the runways in Memphis and Nashville.
We drove to Debbi's mother's house in Maryville, TN, a suburb of Knoxville. She got up to greet us, then we all headed to bed. We are adjusting to the time zone difference, it is 11:21 am here and 8:21 in Victoria, so we feel a little tired.
This morning Debbi's mother was feeling unwell and wanted Debbi to take her to emergency. She has had some difficulty over the last few weeks with some help from medication, but still has not been able to shake the bug that is ailing her. Debbi called as I was typing this and tells me that after running some tests, nothing has changed with her condition, but they will admit her to the hospital to attempt to clear this up. This will make our plans somewhat up in the air for the next few days, but we are glad we are actually here to be able to be a help to Debbi's mom.
I will keep you posted as time goes along. It is 78ยบ here -- it seems much too hot to me!
Pastor Don
ESV Ephesians 1:15-16 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,
Jer 33.3
Monday, April 30, 2007
welcome all ... this is where you will get all the news
We are safely in a motel across the street from the Seattle airport. Debbi wanted you all to know that we arrived safely for the first leg of the journey. We thought about sending you all an e-mail, but then I thought a blog might be better. That way, you can keep up with us on our journey whenever you like. A wedding in our family is a new experience for us. We will try to keep you up to date with pictures of unique things we see and pics of the wedding itself as we carry on in our journey.
Below are our first pictures, Cullen snapped me creating this blog, just for you.
"Blogging is serious business"
and
"Creatin' the blog"
Tomorrow is our flying day, probably no news until Wednesday, we will be quite late getting in to Debbi's mom's place in Tennessee. Last year I found some 'microwave pork rinds' in Tennessee. If I can find them again, I'll buy a case ... we need more health food in Victoria, eh?
God bless. You are in our hearts and minds all day, we are praying for you. This report will be fairly lighthearted, but just remember that the great bond that unites us is the most serious (and wonderful) news in history.
Regards,
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
Below are our first pictures, Cullen snapped me creating this blog, just for you.
"Blogging is serious business"
and
"Creatin' the blog"
Tomorrow is our flying day, probably no news until Wednesday, we will be quite late getting in to Debbi's mom's place in Tennessee. Last year I found some 'microwave pork rinds' in Tennessee. If I can find them again, I'll buy a case ... we need more health food in Victoria, eh?
God bless. You are in our hearts and minds all day, we are praying for you. This report will be fairly lighthearted, but just remember that the great bond that unites us is the most serious (and wonderful) news in history.
Romans 1:9-10 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.
Regards,
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
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