No, not the lady-Asian beetle-bugs. It's the dreaded chiggers. It started with a tick glommered onto my ankle and then all of a sudden there were a few bumps on my ankles, between my toes, in the web between my middle and ring finger of my right hand, in the middle of my back, in the area between my "cheek and gum" on my lower right cheek.................
The ankle spraying has begun, but it didn't take long for the word to get out that I was back for their onslaught. I'm,determined not to scratch, but that's like when Dr. T told me to give up ice cream to prevent kidney stones. Easy to say........hard to do. I think the movie shoot last Saturday, when I was sitting on a rotten log on the side of a hill in The Holy Land, might have been the culprit, or possibly all the weeds I pulled from the Passion Play amphitheater this past week.
In any event, I am already under critter attack,again, determined to prevail. I worked this morning, but this afternoon have been around the RV and had a few people on their way to see the Christ of The Ozarks statue stop by to talk about the Passion Play and our volunteer role here. We are in a perfect spot to see people as they drive or walk to and from the statue, are able to wave or greet them and visit with them if they have questions or just want to chat. So we're back in our old spot, the chiggers are back in their familiar spots and we will be back in "production mode" with two dress rehearsals and two "play days" in the week ahead. Tomorrow we will be into May and it won't be long before we are heading west to,Colorado and Wyoming and our medical appointments for the year. The time sure is passing quickly, just not quickly enough to outrun the itch-givers, but we will do what we need to do to overcome.
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Saturday, April 30, 2016
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
April 27, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. God Rested
Because God had created a perfect world, was satisfied that it was good, even very good, and had turned over the operation of it to His first humans, Adam and Eve, God rested. God wasn't tired or overwhelmed by what He had done in those six days, He just wanted to step out of the creating and laboring business to enjoy what He had accomplished.
Later, at Mount Sinai, God ordained a day of rest as the fourth of the Ten Commandments he gave to Moses and the Hebrews. And that day, too, was to be a day of rest from the labors of the other six. God did not ordain two week vacations, or a forty hour work week, but He did want us to have a day totally devoid of labor, cares about our gathering food for that day or asking someone else to do the work for us. The Sabbath was for all people. Yet we have a far different world now than God had when He rested way back in Garden of Eden time. Rest is not an easy commodity to find these days, and many times we "work" so hard on our days off that we need a rest day to recuperate from our rest day and a vacation to recover from our vacation.
Volunteering for Karen and me has been a way of life for for our entire born again life the past nearly 17 years. We have not really rested on the Sabbath since it was a ministry day in Church, a day to do personal chores when there wasn't time to do personal chores on the other six days, and there are never enough "hours in the day" to get everything done which needs doing. But God commanded us to rest, and here at the Passion Play we are trying to honor that commandment by slowing down or stopping when the body says " slow down" or "stop".
We open the 2016 season officially on May 6th, but there is so much still to be done, and the labor pool is pretty slim, at this point. I have always tried to listen to my body when it came to how much I could do, but I also trained myself to work more, and rest less. I can't do that anymore, so when I poop out, I take a break, and when I am totally pooped out, I stop. We find great joy in our "ministry life" here and in Georgia and with our ministry to Vietnam vets, but the bodies need to rest, recover and be renewed. The work will get done. God will bring the workers to His harvest and even if He does rest on the seventh day, He is the Best worker on the other six. Thank You, Lord for who You are, for grace, and lightening our burden when we share it with You.
Sent from my iPad
Later, at Mount Sinai, God ordained a day of rest as the fourth of the Ten Commandments he gave to Moses and the Hebrews. And that day, too, was to be a day of rest from the labors of the other six. God did not ordain two week vacations, or a forty hour work week, but He did want us to have a day totally devoid of labor, cares about our gathering food for that day or asking someone else to do the work for us. The Sabbath was for all people. Yet we have a far different world now than God had when He rested way back in Garden of Eden time. Rest is not an easy commodity to find these days, and many times we "work" so hard on our days off that we need a rest day to recuperate from our rest day and a vacation to recover from our vacation.
Volunteering for Karen and me has been a way of life for for our entire born again life the past nearly 17 years. We have not really rested on the Sabbath since it was a ministry day in Church, a day to do personal chores when there wasn't time to do personal chores on the other six days, and there are never enough "hours in the day" to get everything done which needs doing. But God commanded us to rest, and here at the Passion Play we are trying to honor that commandment by slowing down or stopping when the body says " slow down" or "stop".
We open the 2016 season officially on May 6th, but there is so much still to be done, and the labor pool is pretty slim, at this point. I have always tried to listen to my body when it came to how much I could do, but I also trained myself to work more, and rest less. I can't do that anymore, so when I poop out, I take a break, and when I am totally pooped out, I stop. We find great joy in our "ministry life" here and in Georgia and with our ministry to Vietnam vets, but the bodies need to rest, recover and be renewed. The work will get done. God will bring the workers to His harvest and even if He does rest on the seventh day, He is the Best worker on the other six. Thank You, Lord for who You are, for grace, and lightening our burden when we share it with You.
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, April 24, 2016
April 24, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. It Has Begun
It didn't take long to jump back into the "routine" and it's good to be made welcome (as the sign at our site noted). I just hope the ladybugs, mice, pack rats, carpenter ants and other critters have found other permanent homes in our absence. In any event, we got back to work, Karen in merchandizing (and whatever), me in grounds, cleanup, maintenance and acting (and whatever).
As I mentioned there was a movie shoot yesterday for the Christian Motorcycle Association Run For The Son 2017 campaign and it was a very long, but very fun day. The CMA crew was very professional and accommodating and our team of Jesus, Disciples, Marys, Passion Play animals and handlers and kitchen crew did our best to accomplish what they wanted us to accomplish for them. Multiple locations, multiple takes, multiple fun situations, and at the end of the day there were some tired but happy people. Even though I had a key part as Thomas and the "touching of Jesus' hand and side" in the final scene of the day, the absolute highlight was the first scene and the buzzing camera which delayed filming for quite a while.
As we did multiple takes, and had to physically move from one location to another with the camera in hot pursuit, the buzzing camera made the takes unusable. When one of the film crew stepped up and prayed that Jesus silence the buzzing noise so that our efforts might not be in vain, and allow us to continue to "produce", the buzzing stopped, and did not return. There were only about six or seven of us who heard the prayer, but it was obviously heard and answered by the One who hears all and answers all. That set the tone for my day, and reinforced my strong belief that anything, no matter how small is to be taken to Jesus, given to Him and by faith "done" for our good and His glory.
And so our stay at The Great Passion Play begins. Our prayer is that we give this season to The Lord, that we pray fervently and continuously that Your will be done here, Your purpose be served here, and that everything we do be done that You may be glorified and Your Kingdom be enlarged and expanded through our efforts. We now go on to New Day Fellowship and a time to be with others in praise and worship and hear the message You have for us through Pastor Darrell. Thank You and Praise You Lord.
Sent from my iPad
As I mentioned there was a movie shoot yesterday for the Christian Motorcycle Association Run For The Son 2017 campaign and it was a very long, but very fun day. The CMA crew was very professional and accommodating and our team of Jesus, Disciples, Marys, Passion Play animals and handlers and kitchen crew did our best to accomplish what they wanted us to accomplish for them. Multiple locations, multiple takes, multiple fun situations, and at the end of the day there were some tired but happy people. Even though I had a key part as Thomas and the "touching of Jesus' hand and side" in the final scene of the day, the absolute highlight was the first scene and the buzzing camera which delayed filming for quite a while.
As we did multiple takes, and had to physically move from one location to another with the camera in hot pursuit, the buzzing camera made the takes unusable. When one of the film crew stepped up and prayed that Jesus silence the buzzing noise so that our efforts might not be in vain, and allow us to continue to "produce", the buzzing stopped, and did not return. There were only about six or seven of us who heard the prayer, but it was obviously heard and answered by the One who hears all and answers all. That set the tone for my day, and reinforced my strong belief that anything, no matter how small is to be taken to Jesus, given to Him and by faith "done" for our good and His glory.
And so our stay at The Great Passion Play begins. Our prayer is that we give this season to The Lord, that we pray fervently and continuously that Your will be done here, Your purpose be served here, and that everything we do be done that You may be glorified and Your Kingdom be enlarged and expanded through our efforts. We now go on to New Day Fellowship and a time to be with others in praise and worship and hear the message You have for us through Pastor Darrell. Thank You and Praise You Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, April 21, 2016
April 21, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. Home Again in Arkansas
Just a short blog after two days of traveling from Chattanooga. We left the Naval base outside Memphis this morning in a downpour, but knew that it would let up once we crossed the Mississippi River and were in Arkansas, and that's what happened. We got off the Interstates and were in our familiar back-road mode of travel. In the eastern part of Arkansas that means straight roads, flat terrain and field after field devoted to growing either rice or soybeans. And then the scenery changes dramatically and it is twists and turns, up and down hills, quaint towns, beautiful forests and narrow roads. Irma had a few hissy fits with some of the places we asked her to guide us to and through, but just after 5pm we were home again in Eureka Springs.
We set up quickly, had dinner with Jerry and Renee and are now listening to the silence outside. There is no traffic, no barking dogs, no airplanes flying overhead.......just quiet. I just wish my stomach weren't so noisy. Two weeks from tomorrow will be "opening night" starting at 10:00am and lasting until nearly 11:00 pm. A lot of things need to be in place by then, and tomorrow we will learn what things need to be done and who will be here to do them. God has the plan all ready and it's up to us to just put it into action. Let the fun of ministry begin..........again. How blessed and thankful we are to do God's work when and where He leads us.
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We set up quickly, had dinner with Jerry and Renee and are now listening to the silence outside. There is no traffic, no barking dogs, no airplanes flying overhead.......just quiet. I just wish my stomach weren't so noisy. Two weeks from tomorrow will be "opening night" starting at 10:00am and lasting until nearly 11:00 pm. A lot of things need to be in place by then, and tomorrow we will learn what things need to be done and who will be here to do them. God has the plan all ready and it's up to us to just put it into action. Let the fun of ministry begin..........again. How blessed and thankful we are to do God's work when and where He leads us.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, April 18, 2016
April 18, 2016. Chattanooga, TN. Lazy
After a Saturday of doing nothing, we had a Sunday of attending two different churches and attending a Sunday School class between the two services. The remainder of Sunday, after a big Chinese buffet, was a relax and do nothing day. It's nice to be able to just kick back, relax and enjoy a do-nothing time. Even though one of the key points of the second message we heard yesterday was "get off your blessed assurance and do something" I think Karen and I can enjoy our "time off" before we dive into the Passion Play routine.
We may do some sightseeing on Lookout Mountain today, have some time with Mike and Linda's ministry contacts here in Chattanooga and get our shopping done, but it should still be a fairly lazy day. Tomorrow we will do some more BBQ eating, attend Cop Church and get ready for our travel days to Arkansas. We are anxious to get back to the Passion Play, but it sure is nice to just be lazy and ignore the imperative of yesterday's sermon for a few days. I know God understands.
But........Because of our Ministry of Miles goal of speaking to veterans, particularly Vietnam vets, we are always aware of people wearing ball caps or other clothing denoting military service and try to engage them in conversation, thank them for their service and make sure they are getting the VA benefits they are entitled to. When I wear my Vietnam Veteran hat people approach us and it initiates conversation where we can share experiences, speak about our faith and the peace we have because of Jesus Christ. Yesterday, I was able to speak with a Marine veteran who was severely affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and it brings home the reality that as Christians, "ministers" and witnesses, we are always ambassadors for Jesus, reflections of His light and always on call to preach the Gospel in words and actions.
Lazy?......... Do nothing? ........Time off?..........Well...............maybe not.
Sent from my iPad
We may do some sightseeing on Lookout Mountain today, have some time with Mike and Linda's ministry contacts here in Chattanooga and get our shopping done, but it should still be a fairly lazy day. Tomorrow we will do some more BBQ eating, attend Cop Church and get ready for our travel days to Arkansas. We are anxious to get back to the Passion Play, but it sure is nice to just be lazy and ignore the imperative of yesterday's sermon for a few days. I know God understands.
But........Because of our Ministry of Miles goal of speaking to veterans, particularly Vietnam vets, we are always aware of people wearing ball caps or other clothing denoting military service and try to engage them in conversation, thank them for their service and make sure they are getting the VA benefits they are entitled to. When I wear my Vietnam Veteran hat people approach us and it initiates conversation where we can share experiences, speak about our faith and the peace we have because of Jesus Christ. Yesterday, I was able to speak with a Marine veteran who was severely affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and it brings home the reality that as Christians, "ministers" and witnesses, we are always ambassadors for Jesus, reflections of His light and always on call to preach the Gospel in words and actions.
Lazy?......... Do nothing? ........Time off?..........Well...............maybe not.
Sent from my iPad
Friday, April 15, 2016
April 15, 2016. Chattanooga,TN. T-E-doubleN-E-doubleS-doubleE
Tennessee. For the first time in a long time we are looking out our front window, and seeing a mountain - Lookout Mountain. By any standard (except Kansas), Madison, Georgia is pretty flat, so it is good to see some definition to the landscape for a change. We will be here for a week or so, although before we had even left Madison, we had received a call from the Passion Play asking if we could be there by April 23 to take part in a movie shoot for the Christian Motorcycle Association.
It was bitter-sweet leaving Madison. We have made good friends there, been loved on and prayed for and been part of a ministry which is making an impact around the world. We plan to return there in November, unless God directs us elsewhere. It's all in His hands. Today, the plan was to sleep in, but my body clock is hard to alter, so it was up at 5:00, as usual, have my quiet time, as usual, watch the sun come up over the mountain (not usual), and enjoy the peaceful morning. There is an occasional train whistle in the distance, but this is Chattanooga, after all, and they do have a cho-cho reputation to uphold. In fact, one is sounding right now as I write.
God is so Good. He directed us through Atlanta with minimal discomfort, provided us a pleasant drive, fuel at a reasonable price, and everything we need, including Hillbilly Willy's BBQ for dinner yesterday and probably Smoky Bones BBQ today. I sure hope all this BBQ will clear my system before I have my blood work done at the VA in June. Thank You, Lord. How blessed we are.
Sent from my iPad
It was bitter-sweet leaving Madison. We have made good friends there, been loved on and prayed for and been part of a ministry which is making an impact around the world. We plan to return there in November, unless God directs us elsewhere. It's all in His hands. Today, the plan was to sleep in, but my body clock is hard to alter, so it was up at 5:00, as usual, have my quiet time, as usual, watch the sun come up over the mountain (not usual), and enjoy the peaceful morning. There is an occasional train whistle in the distance, but this is Chattanooga, after all, and they do have a cho-cho reputation to uphold. In fact, one is sounding right now as I write.
God is so Good. He directed us through Atlanta with minimal discomfort, provided us a pleasant drive, fuel at a reasonable price, and everything we need, including Hillbilly Willy's BBQ for dinner yesterday and probably Smoky Bones BBQ today. I sure hope all this BBQ will clear my system before I have my blood work done at the VA in June. Thank You, Lord. How blessed we are.
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Fwd: April 12, 2016. Madison ,GA. Moving On
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
As with most adventures we are not sure of what we will be facing at TGPP. The unknown is always a challenge, but we welcome not only the "same-old-same-old", but also the "new every morning" of God's mercies. That's what makes our journey so exciting; knowing that we are trying to be obedient to God's call on our life and resting in His abundant provision, protection and love. I just read a short book about those who are called to blow the shofar and minister to not only the church but the community at large by the sounding of the ram's horn or the Yemenite shofar, and it gave me a time to reflect on my role of sounding the shofar at the start of each performance of the Passion Play. Even before I read the book, I felt the Lord speaking to me about having the proper attitude and right motive in sounding the "trumpet" as I have done the past two seasons there. A chance to face a "s-o-s-o" versus a "new" call on my shofar ministry. God will give me the answer.
So, Thursday, we pack everything away for the trip to Chattanooga, fire up the diesel and take a week to unwind before we wind up again in Arkansas. Thank You, Lord for the time we had here, the work You had for us and the relationships we enjoyed. As always, we seek to be obedient to Your will and purpose for us.
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Saturday, April 9, 2016
April 9, 2016. Madison, GA. Blogger's Block
I don't know what to write about. It's the third day since my last blog, and I have become accustomed to just sitting down, sometimes with an idea, sometimes without, and just writing what comes to mind. I don't agonize over the theme, the words or the consistency of what I write compared to what I've written in the past, I just let it "flow". I check for spelling and the basic concept of a beginning and an end, put in the blogger address and hit the send button. I know it's not always profound, earth-shattering or even entertaining, but it is what it is and it is great therapy for me and a way to communicate with some of our loyal readers or occasional "hits".
I still don't have a real vision for this blog, other than to relate that the past week or so, I have been listening to, and downloading, some music which makes me hum or sing to myself during the day. I've listened to some sermons, old-time revival-type messages and been reading one Proverb for each day of April as part of my morning devotions. This morning three of us went to a mens' breakfast in Conyers, GA (near, but NOT in Atlanta) and heard a very brief message based on Romans 8:6 and Acts 17:25. Very profound, and good verses to approach each day and the issues of life.
NO, bugs or beetles the past three days, so life is good and God is Great. I guess, that's enough for now. Maybe there is something here you can relate to and enjoy. If nothing else read those two Scriptures and a few verses beyond. They spoke to me.......hopefully they will speak to you. Perhaps that was the theme for this blog...........another opportunity to Praise The Father, Son and Holy Spirit and all They mean to us.
Sent from my iPad
I still don't have a real vision for this blog, other than to relate that the past week or so, I have been listening to, and downloading, some music which makes me hum or sing to myself during the day. I've listened to some sermons, old-time revival-type messages and been reading one Proverb for each day of April as part of my morning devotions. This morning three of us went to a mens' breakfast in Conyers, GA (near, but NOT in Atlanta) and heard a very brief message based on Romans 8:6 and Acts 17:25. Very profound, and good verses to approach each day and the issues of life.
NO, bugs or beetles the past three days, so life is good and God is Great. I guess, that's enough for now. Maybe there is something here you can relate to and enjoy. If nothing else read those two Scriptures and a few verses beyond. They spoke to me.......hopefully they will speak to you. Perhaps that was the theme for this blog...........another opportunity to Praise The Father, Son and Holy Spirit and all They mean to us.
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Declaring Victory
No....... you can't come with us !!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
April 6, 2016. Madison, GA. Declaring Victory
As Karen and I prepare to leave Georgia next week, we are feeling confident that we have overcome the ladybug (asian beetle) onslaught and are declaring victory in the conflict. There have been about 11 hangers-on over the past two weeks, so at an average of less than one per day, we feel that the resistance has been broken and we will not be reinfecting Arkansas with what Arkansas infected us. Every trip to a down-under storage bin reveals some belly-up bugs, and I'm sure that we will find many more belly-uppers when we bring in our slide-outs, but I think the war is over. The vacuum will be their final destination.
There is always the possibility of some hold-outs, possible hibernaters oversleeping, or some unhatched larvae, but let's think positively here.......we are claiming victory. After WWII there were a few Japanese military who kept fighting well after the war was over. One even persisted for nearly 30 years before waving the white flag. The good thing in our case is, if there are any bugs still holding out, they don't have a very long life span, so for them the future is not very promising.
The little buggers put up a heroic fight, sometimes making us wonder if they would ever disappear. They were a formidable foe. We have been scouring the area around our motor home, powdering the fire ant mounds, watching for any signs of critters who might want to hitch a ride out of Georgia, making sure we don't have bird nests, pack rats or mice trying to hitchhike up the road.
With Home Defense, sticky traps, sonic sensors, mint spray, fire-ant powder, Hot Shot Wasp and Hornet Killer, Deep Woods Off, all our chigger fighting lotions, creams and powders, and Google at the ready, we prepare for the road and our next ministry opportunities. We've fought hard, served willingly and leave with mixed emotions, but for now it appears that the pillar of cloud is bidding us to move on.......so move on we will.
Sent from my iPad
There is always the possibility of some hold-outs, possible hibernaters oversleeping, or some unhatched larvae, but let's think positively here.......we are claiming victory. After WWII there were a few Japanese military who kept fighting well after the war was over. One even persisted for nearly 30 years before waving the white flag. The good thing in our case is, if there are any bugs still holding out, they don't have a very long life span, so for them the future is not very promising.
The little buggers put up a heroic fight, sometimes making us wonder if they would ever disappear. They were a formidable foe. We have been scouring the area around our motor home, powdering the fire ant mounds, watching for any signs of critters who might want to hitch a ride out of Georgia, making sure we don't have bird nests, pack rats or mice trying to hitchhike up the road.
With Home Defense, sticky traps, sonic sensors, mint spray, fire-ant powder, Hot Shot Wasp and Hornet Killer, Deep Woods Off, all our chigger fighting lotions, creams and powders, and Google at the ready, we prepare for the road and our next ministry opportunities. We've fought hard, served willingly and leave with mixed emotions, but for now it appears that the pillar of cloud is bidding us to move on.......so move on we will.
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, April 3, 2016
April 3, 2016. Madison, GA. Send Me Anywhere, Lord, but, please not.............
How many times, do we bargain with God over the ministry opportunity being offered to us or the place He wants us to serve? How many times have I heard someone say to God, "I'll go anywhere, Lord, but please don't send me to Africa"? I wonder if the early Disciples had places they weren't too eager to visit with Jesus. We know that Nathanael didn't have a very high opinion of Nazareth or the people who came from there, and some of the Disciples didn't really want to go to Jerusalem for what turned out to be Jesus' final Passover with them.
As we get more involved in Christian ministry, there are certain areas we feel gifted in and willingly take on any challenge, but there are others where we don't feel the call is meant for us and we resist the instruction to "put our foot into the Jordan during flood stage" choosing instead to wait for low tide or any alternate route to the "promised land".
Yesterday, Karen and I took what was supposed to be a two hour round trip ride to Tucker, GA and it was six hours from start to finish when we returned to Madison. Our GPS, Irma, a tried and true road warrior for the past 8 or so years, warned us about 10 miles before we reached the intersection of I-20 and I-285 that we were facing a delay and asked if we wanted an alternate route. At first I resisted but when we had passed the first suggested detour, I latched onto the second and off we went on some two-lane small town ventures. We saw some new sights, made it to Tucker and spent some time visiting our new friends, ate lunch and started the trek home, when again we met the 5.5 million Atlanta area residents all on the same road we were on, going virtually.....nowhere. By the time we reached Conyers, and the obligatory Hobby Lobby stop for my plastic canvas needs, we were out of the highway standstill, but into the local street standstill and the two block crawl to get back on I-20 and the final 30 miles back home.
We did stay reasonably calm throughout, are still talking to each other today, made it without seeing more than a few fender-benders, stalled cars, tow trucks and flashing lights on police cars. But I now have a new prayer........Send me anywhere, Lord, but please, please, please, don't send me to Atlanta.
Sent from my iPad
As we get more involved in Christian ministry, there are certain areas we feel gifted in and willingly take on any challenge, but there are others where we don't feel the call is meant for us and we resist the instruction to "put our foot into the Jordan during flood stage" choosing instead to wait for low tide or any alternate route to the "promised land".
Yesterday, Karen and I took what was supposed to be a two hour round trip ride to Tucker, GA and it was six hours from start to finish when we returned to Madison. Our GPS, Irma, a tried and true road warrior for the past 8 or so years, warned us about 10 miles before we reached the intersection of I-20 and I-285 that we were facing a delay and asked if we wanted an alternate route. At first I resisted but when we had passed the first suggested detour, I latched onto the second and off we went on some two-lane small town ventures. We saw some new sights, made it to Tucker and spent some time visiting our new friends, ate lunch and started the trek home, when again we met the 5.5 million Atlanta area residents all on the same road we were on, going virtually.....nowhere. By the time we reached Conyers, and the obligatory Hobby Lobby stop for my plastic canvas needs, we were out of the highway standstill, but into the local street standstill and the two block crawl to get back on I-20 and the final 30 miles back home.
We did stay reasonably calm throughout, are still talking to each other today, made it without seeing more than a few fender-benders, stalled cars, tow trucks and flashing lights on police cars. But I now have a new prayer........Send me anywhere, Lord, but please, please, please, don't send me to Atlanta.
Sent from my iPad
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