Tonight is a wonderful night! It is a rainy Friday evening with rain in the forecast for Saturday morning. Because Saturday is a sleep in day for me, this is a wonderful combination! In celebration of this occasion, I give you some wonderful sleep factoids...
1.) You will spend about one third of your life in the arms of sleep.
2.) Oxford University Researchers advise that you do not count sheep while trying to fall asleep. Instead you should think of the sheep grazing in a green meadow- as more people fall asleep thinking of meadows than sheep.
3.) On a typical night it takes a typical person about seven minutes to fall asleep.
4.) Medical researchers have found that sleeping on the right side improves digestion.
5.) The average person has five dreams a night with each dream lasting longer than the previous dream.
Just a few to wet the pallet. And now, I bid you all goodnight!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Back In The Swing
I hope every one's Thanksgiving was wonderful.
Mine was blessed. On Tuesday of last week David, Brandon, and I left and headed to Jason and Julie's. We spent the holiday with them and her family- it was nice- and snowy! Julie and I celebrated Black Friday by getting out in the Ft. Worth traffic at 5:00 A.M. on Friday morning. It was fun- and I think she really got into it even though she didn't think she could!
Tonight was the last night of our two week revival with Bro. Greg Henry. I am so thankful for our revival services. What a breath of fresh air they have been! Life has been busy, and many would think that the week of Thanksgiving and the week after would be a horrible time to have a revival- but it has helped to slow the normal 'holiday' season just a bit.
I am thankful for the welcome calm before the December storm! (And what a buys storm it is turning out to be!)
Mine was blessed. On Tuesday of last week David, Brandon, and I left and headed to Jason and Julie's. We spent the holiday with them and her family- it was nice- and snowy! Julie and I celebrated Black Friday by getting out in the Ft. Worth traffic at 5:00 A.M. on Friday morning. It was fun- and I think she really got into it even though she didn't think she could!
Tonight was the last night of our two week revival with Bro. Greg Henry. I am so thankful for our revival services. What a breath of fresh air they have been! Life has been busy, and many would think that the week of Thanksgiving and the week after would be a horrible time to have a revival- but it has helped to slow the normal 'holiday' season just a bit.
I am thankful for the welcome calm before the December storm! (And what a buys storm it is turning out to be!)
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Give Thanks
“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor… I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks, for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country… also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions…”
-George Washington, President of the United States, October 3, 1789 in the Nation’s first National Thanksgiving Proclamation.
Isn’t it wonderful to live in a Nation with so rich a Christian heritage? Thank God for America and her humble beginning!
1.) I am alive. Many people will not be alive this Thanksgiving- two of whom I will miss more than I can say. I am thankful for life.
2.) I have truth. There are millions of people throughout our world who are blinded by lies and deceit. Who am I that I should be born into truth? Why me? What makes me so special? I am so very thankful for truth.
3.) I have a family. Nothing will make you question all you have ever known to be true like death. Is family only the people who are connected to you by the blood that runs beneath the surface of your skin, or is it more? There are no words to convey the love I have for my brother but I have many in my family. I have Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. I also have dear, dear friends who are my strength and support. I am thankful for family.
4.) I am a member of a church body. The longer I live the more in love I become with the Body of Christ. I love Life Tabernacle. I love her elders, her young people, her families, and her children. I love her Pastor and his wife. I love that I get to try and give back in some small way for everything she has given to me throughout my life. I am thankful for my church.
5.) I have a heritage. What does it mean to be Ouellette? It means to be strong, keep going, and never give up. It is about finding ways to make precious moments out of the most ordinary circumstances in life. It is about family and loyalty. It is about pouring yourself into things with all of your heart- not so that people will miss you when you are gone, even though I know both of my parents are missed by many- but to make your life count for something important, something bigger than right now. I am thankful for the heritage that my parents have left me.
6.) I have no past. Many people have a past and they cannot escape from it. They have made so many mistakes and done so much wrong that they are aged beyond their years and sleepless throughout long nights. My past is gone and I am the only who can change that. I am thankful that I have no past.
7.) I have a future. When I think of this Holiday season I look beyond today. I do not know what my future holds, but I know that God holds it- and that is exciting. More abundant life is on its way! I am thankful for a future.
8.) I am a vessel God uses. I am nothing special. I have no skills or talents that other do not posses. I am ordinary and common; yet, God uses me. Why? I am thankful that God, in His infinite grace, anoints me and uses me for His glory.
9.) I have a home. So many people do not have physical places to live or places where they belong. I have both. I am thankful for a home.
10.) I have laughter. My God has given me the power to laugh through every circumstance. I am so thankful that I can laugh and still be filled with peace and joy!
Truly, I am of all men most blessed!
I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving and I challenge you to find the time in this holiday to be thankful (I think ten is a healthy number). Thanksgiving is so often rushed over on our way to Christmas- but stop- even if it is only for a day- smile, reflect, and be thankful!
-George Washington, President of the United States, October 3, 1789 in the Nation’s first National Thanksgiving Proclamation.
Isn’t it wonderful to live in a Nation with so rich a Christian heritage? Thank God for America and her humble beginning!
Ten Things I am Thankful For
1.) I am alive. Many people will not be alive this Thanksgiving- two of whom I will miss more than I can say. I am thankful for life.
2.) I have truth. There are millions of people throughout our world who are blinded by lies and deceit. Who am I that I should be born into truth? Why me? What makes me so special? I am so very thankful for truth.
3.) I have a family. Nothing will make you question all you have ever known to be true like death. Is family only the people who are connected to you by the blood that runs beneath the surface of your skin, or is it more? There are no words to convey the love I have for my brother but I have many in my family. I have Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. I also have dear, dear friends who are my strength and support. I am thankful for family.
4.) I am a member of a church body. The longer I live the more in love I become with the Body of Christ. I love Life Tabernacle. I love her elders, her young people, her families, and her children. I love her Pastor and his wife. I love that I get to try and give back in some small way for everything she has given to me throughout my life. I am thankful for my church.
5.) I have a heritage. What does it mean to be Ouellette? It means to be strong, keep going, and never give up. It is about finding ways to make precious moments out of the most ordinary circumstances in life. It is about family and loyalty. It is about pouring yourself into things with all of your heart- not so that people will miss you when you are gone, even though I know both of my parents are missed by many- but to make your life count for something important, something bigger than right now. I am thankful for the heritage that my parents have left me.
6.) I have no past. Many people have a past and they cannot escape from it. They have made so many mistakes and done so much wrong that they are aged beyond their years and sleepless throughout long nights. My past is gone and I am the only who can change that. I am thankful that I have no past.
7.) I have a future. When I think of this Holiday season I look beyond today. I do not know what my future holds, but I know that God holds it- and that is exciting. More abundant life is on its way! I am thankful for a future.
8.) I am a vessel God uses. I am nothing special. I have no skills or talents that other do not posses. I am ordinary and common; yet, God uses me. Why? I am thankful that God, in His infinite grace, anoints me and uses me for His glory.
9.) I have a home. So many people do not have physical places to live or places where they belong. I have both. I am thankful for a home.
10.) I have laughter. My God has given me the power to laugh through every circumstance. I am so thankful that I can laugh and still be filled with peace and joy!
Truly, I am of all men most blessed!
I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving and I challenge you to find the time in this holiday to be thankful (I think ten is a healthy number). Thanksgiving is so often rushed over on our way to Christmas- but stop- even if it is only for a day- smile, reflect, and be thankful!
Simple Saturday
It was a beautiful day so we rolled down the windows and took a trip on the new 'Fly Over' of Wichita Falls. Brandon and David were excited because it was the first time they have been on it. As we doubled back and road on each section all I could think of were the $3.00 a gallon signs at all the gas stations. O well...it was fun.
Isn't it funny how simple things can be so nice and relaxing? I hope your Saturday is relaxing. Thank God for relaxing fall Saturdays.
Isn't it funny how simple things can be so nice and relaxing? I hope your Saturday is relaxing. Thank God for relaxing fall Saturdays.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Up and Running
Hello Blogging world! I am back...for all who didn't know I was gone.
Monday: I decided to rearrange my den. I unplugged my modem- which apparently is a bad thing- and moved everything across the room. When I attempted to log nothing happened and after I finally finished rearranging everything it was too late to call someone. So I waited till the next day.
Tuesday: On day two I discovered after calling in to inquire about my service, that I was really my dead father incarnate and now- no matter what modem problems I might be in the middle of- my service was going to be disconnected because I have failed to pay my service provider for my cell phone and my wife's cell phone which were both supposed to be deactivated in June- wonder why? By the time I learned all of this it was too late to be transferred to the billing department for them to fix their files because they had all gone home to working modems. I waited another day.
Wednesday: The next day I had a huge family situation that took the entire day.
Thursday: After talking with multiple people- all who were living in India, Pakistan, or some other third world call center- I finally got all things straightened out. I was assured that my service would be restored in no more than four hours. It was not.
Friday: Finally my service was restored- but my modem was still not working properly because I had unplugged it- stupid me. After talking with multiple third world call center employees again- which I have done every night this week except for Wednesday- my modem has finally been restored.
This is the kind of week I have had. A big pile of poop week. In fact, due to the unscheduled interruption of service, we had to cancel Ms. Coleman's dialogue poll for this week and allow her to take an early leave for Thanksgiving.
She promises to be back as soon as the break is over.
Monday: I decided to rearrange my den. I unplugged my modem- which apparently is a bad thing- and moved everything across the room. When I attempted to log nothing happened and after I finally finished rearranging everything it was too late to call someone. So I waited till the next day.
Tuesday: On day two I discovered after calling in to inquire about my service, that I was really my dead father incarnate and now- no matter what modem problems I might be in the middle of- my service was going to be disconnected because I have failed to pay my service provider for my cell phone and my wife's cell phone which were both supposed to be deactivated in June- wonder why? By the time I learned all of this it was too late to be transferred to the billing department for them to fix their files because they had all gone home to working modems. I waited another day.
Wednesday: The next day I had a huge family situation that took the entire day.
Thursday: After talking with multiple people- all who were living in India, Pakistan, or some other third world call center- I finally got all things straightened out. I was assured that my service would be restored in no more than four hours. It was not.
Friday: Finally my service was restored- but my modem was still not working properly because I had unplugged it- stupid me. After talking with multiple third world call center employees again- which I have done every night this week except for Wednesday- my modem has finally been restored.
This is the kind of week I have had. A big pile of poop week. In fact, due to the unscheduled interruption of service, we had to cancel Ms. Coleman's dialogue poll for this week and allow her to take an early leave for Thanksgiving.
She promises to be back as soon as the break is over.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Any Ideas?
It is that wonderful time when Life Tabernacle starts planning for a brand new year. This Wednesday evening all department calendars are due to our calendar guru- Bro. Andrew.
It is funny how we always seem to plan vigorously- at least I do- and at the end of the year you always look back and are amazed at how much you did NOT get around to. Anyone else feel that way?
This year seems really horrible because I feel as if I have missed the entire last half of the year. In fact, when it comes to church and work, the last two years of my life have been so hectic that sometimes I feel as if I am a total let down- not that I am looking for any validation from anyone- just saying how I have felt.
Anyway…back to the calendar.
One thing I am always thinking of this time of year is FUNDRAISERS! How do I fund all of the wonderful things I have sliding around in my brain? For the past few years we have done a fundraiser with LIFEsavers, our children’s group; similar to a scratch off card. While this fundraiser seems to do well, it never really does incredible…and I really want incredible.
So…here is where you come in. I want some fundraising ideas. Something that would be easy and make LOTS of MONEY!
One thing that seems to hinder us is that we work with kids. One of my convictions about working with children is that they need to feel the satisfaction of ‘working’ in the kingdom of God. I don’t like a fundraiser that the children cannot do. Children MUST experience getting their hands ‘dirty’ for the kingdom if they are ever going to love it.
So…what have you done? What have you heard of lately? What are some cool ideas, websites, or exciting new things that we need to try?
It is funny how we always seem to plan vigorously- at least I do- and at the end of the year you always look back and are amazed at how much you did NOT get around to. Anyone else feel that way?
This year seems really horrible because I feel as if I have missed the entire last half of the year. In fact, when it comes to church and work, the last two years of my life have been so hectic that sometimes I feel as if I am a total let down- not that I am looking for any validation from anyone- just saying how I have felt.
Anyway…back to the calendar.
One thing I am always thinking of this time of year is FUNDRAISERS! How do I fund all of the wonderful things I have sliding around in my brain? For the past few years we have done a fundraiser with LIFEsavers, our children’s group; similar to a scratch off card. While this fundraiser seems to do well, it never really does incredible…and I really want incredible.
So…here is where you come in. I want some fundraising ideas. Something that would be easy and make LOTS of MONEY!
One thing that seems to hinder us is that we work with kids. One of my convictions about working with children is that they need to feel the satisfaction of ‘working’ in the kingdom of God. I don’t like a fundraiser that the children cannot do. Children MUST experience getting their hands ‘dirty’ for the kingdom if they are ever going to love it.
So…what have you done? What have you heard of lately? What are some cool ideas, websites, or exciting new things that we need to try?
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Unusual Circumstances
Normally I do not comment on my Phone Photos. I just leave it all up to the observer to wonder what they are and why; however, I felt a little explanation was in order with this new one.
This particular photo was actually taken after an evening of serving at the church. One of the individuals who helped serve was complaining of sore feet. A gentleman from the church was taking some of the left over goods home- a bag of warm mashed potatoes. I will let you fill in all the rest.
This particular photo was actually taken after an evening of serving at the church. One of the individuals who helped serve was complaining of sore feet. A gentleman from the church was taking some of the left over goods home- a bag of warm mashed potatoes. I will let you fill in all the rest.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Dialogue Coleman Poll Results #0025
===================================
Official Analysis
Dialogue Poll #0025
===================================
Question:
Who is your favorite Addams Family
character?
Responses:
Gomez Alonzo Addams...............22%
Morticia A. Addams....................19%
Pugsley Addams........................... 6%
Wednesday Addams...................19%
Pubert Addams............................ 0%
Uncle Fester and Grandmama... 8%
Thing.............................................14%
Lurch.............................................. 3%
Cousin Itt...................................... 8%
Break Down of Data Concerning Gender
42% of voters were males
57% of voters were females
1% of voters were genderly unidentifiable
Break Down of Data Concerning Ethnicity
65% were the Plain Americans
26% were the Hispanic variety
6% were from the African group
2% were from the 'Others'
1% were Ghoulish Americans
Break Down of Data Concerning Various
Points of Interest
99% of voters voted online
1% of voters voted from an I-Phone
3% of voters were relatives of the
Addams family
7% of voters attempted to vote more
than once
Poll Closed at 9:00 PM Central Standard Time November 1, 2007
===================================
Author: Aprelle Coleman
Aprelle's Comments
This has been a very exciting and fun poll
to work with! Who dosen’t love the Addams
Family? Believe it or not, I always get a lot
of e-mail from people who lay awake at night
wondering how I would have voted. Although I
never vote in polls I analyze (conflict of interest),
I have always been a fan of Thing. I guess
you could say that I just have a ‘thing’
for hands! Thanks to all who voted-
see you next time!
==================================
Thursday, November 01, 2007
This Day In History
On November 1, 1979 one of the most amazing things happened. My oldest-youngest brother was born! There are no words that can express my love for my brother. I love him with all of my heart and I am so very thankful that God blessed me with the gift of brotherhood.
In celebration of his birthday, I am including a list of interesting facts that you may or may not know about him. (I do this with love, of course!)
1.) Did you know that Jason was supposed to be a girl? Apparently, he was so modest in the womb that he would never allow the doctors to 'see' exactly what he was. His female name would have been Jennifer. (I love you Jason!)
2.) Jason used to be covered in freckles! Still to this day I keep a picture of him, at seven years old, on my desk. He is smiling- like usual- so big that his eyes are almost completely shut and he is completely freckled out. He hates the picture, but it is one of my favorite, and it will probably always be on my desk!
3.) He used to love cheese so much, that he would go to people's refrigerator and say, 'eese, eese'. My mother used to say how embarrassed she would get. He still really likes cheese- the stronger and stinkier the better.
4.) In the very middle of Jason's first grade class picture you will see Jason smiling and holding Scott- his Cabbage Patch doll. My mom told him he would always regret taking Scott to school and having him in the picture- but it sure has been a great laugh seeing it all these years. I am so glad she let him!
5.) After all the years of looking he actually really did marry someone a lot like me! Can you believe it? Is that scary or what? (I love you Julie!)
Just a few little things I thought you all might like to know about my brother on his birthday! I love you Jason. I hope you have had a wonderful day!
In celebration of his birthday, I am including a list of interesting facts that you may or may not know about him. (I do this with love, of course!)
1.) Did you know that Jason was supposed to be a girl? Apparently, he was so modest in the womb that he would never allow the doctors to 'see' exactly what he was. His female name would have been Jennifer. (I love you Jason!)
2.) Jason used to be covered in freckles! Still to this day I keep a picture of him, at seven years old, on my desk. He is smiling- like usual- so big that his eyes are almost completely shut and he is completely freckled out. He hates the picture, but it is one of my favorite, and it will probably always be on my desk!
3.) He used to love cheese so much, that he would go to people's refrigerator and say, 'eese, eese'. My mother used to say how embarrassed she would get. He still really likes cheese- the stronger and stinkier the better.
4.) In the very middle of Jason's first grade class picture you will see Jason smiling and holding Scott- his Cabbage Patch doll. My mom told him he would always regret taking Scott to school and having him in the picture- but it sure has been a great laugh seeing it all these years. I am so glad she let him!
5.) After all the years of looking he actually really did marry someone a lot like me! Can you believe it? Is that scary or what? (I love you Julie!)
Just a few little things I thought you all might like to know about my brother on his birthday! I love you Jason. I hope you have had a wonderful day!
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