LifeSong- The Journey

Think on this....

2012-02-17T05:25:00.003-05:00

It is very cool to hear good news. For example, our Client Services Director at the Pregnancy Center also volunteers at the hospital and through that she now has a relationship with the head nurse in the (baby delivery part), whatever that is called, and the one person that does all the ultrasounds at the hospital. They were so excited to meet her and see and hear what the pregnancy center. They intend to recommend those who need our services. Today, we have a meeting at 1:00 PM with a case worker to talk specific about a child we might get. Very excited to have that meeting. TC actually woke me up coughing around 3:30 this morning and I just could go back to sleep. Now, i have not been stressing because I learned last night in our Living Free Insight Group that I don't have to think on those things, cause God says think about these things... It's all good.....

Phl 4:8

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Official News

2012-02-15T08:24:00.003-05:00

We finally heard that we are now licensed therapeutic foster parents. Our agency called us yesterday and told us the news. Our actual license should arrive by the end of the week but we are legit. We are now in the process of looking for a child and that should take several days. We are both so excited!

I worked on the closet yesterday. I lined the closet with spruce pine boards. I think it looks awesome. It's back to the office today. I was there a few hours yesterday but I have tons to do. All for now.

Happy Anniversary TC and Wade

2012-02-13T05:54:00.002-05:00

29 years ago February 12th she said I do. TC has been such a great friend and partner on our adventure. We celebrated Saturday by going shopping. TC has needed some stuff for a while. We met Chad there and decided to let him stay with us a few days. I am sure it is quite different than where he has been staying. I have noticed that he stares sometimes and i wonder what he is thinking. Penny for your thoughts I guess. Anyway, things seem to be going well. He is gonna help me move some tree cuttings and some tear out from some of the work we have been doing lately here at the house. Christie and David is going to take him back to Asheville on Tuesday to save us a trip, besides they are going there anyway. Fingers crossed about a another job at the VA next week. All for now

Pictures of the New Foster Kids Room

2012-02-10T17:55:00.002-05:00

Just a few more small things and it is done. We are going to wait until we get our child to finish so they can help pick out some colors and stuff. We are getting excited as it won't be too much longer now we hope.

Room, Resources and Rest Needed

2012-02-09T06:06:00.002-05:00

Much business has been the menu around here this week. We are trying so hard to get the foster room ready but other things keep coming up. Last Sunday we joined First Baptist Church in Crossnore. TC decided that it was a good church for young people and missions. I agree! Monday my buddy Matt helped me rip a doorway into the side of our bedroom and built a 2' by 7' closet onto the porch side. We needed more closet space. We got it in the dry and insulated and it will stay that way until I finish with the foster room. Tuesday, we met again with the folks from Grandfather Home about making a foster home in a house that Crossnore Baptist church owns. I am helping them with this process and TC and I may be the first foster parents. If this happens it will be at least a year out. lots of work to be done on this ole house. Tuesday was also distribution day for the blue Ridge Christian News. Wednesday was all day with mission trip meetings, distribution, and we stayed over for church last night. Today is another busy day with office tie, meetings, some last places to distribute the paper, the pregnancy center this afternoon and our annual pastors/wife banquet tonight. We are exhausted but Friday should finish up the foster room and i will be glad. Well that's all.

Remembering the Sarge

2012-02-05T03:22:00.003-05:00

I was thinking about my friend Sarge charlie a lot today. I wish i could have went to Florida to pay my respects. Perhaps one day! I went back and found these pictures when TC and I met him and his lovely bride Miss Bee at Dillard's house in Dillard Ga. I will cherish those memories.Two wonderful people
We sure put a beat down on that good eating
What a Privilege for me.
TC and Miss Bee

Interesting

2012-02-02T07:43:00.002-05:00

It's been a very good week for work and stuff. We had a board meeting at the Pregnancy Center and that went good. It seems that when I think that maybe I should step aside and let another visionary take over the board confirms the things we are doing. The missions office is being organized and i am happy in the direction we are going. I am expecting the enemy to pop his head up but I have my gospel hammer to womp him upside the head. I am still mourning inside the passing of Sarge Charlie. I just can't believe I will not hear his encouragement, but my heart goes to his wife, Bonnie and his son chuck along with his three daughters.

We continue to work on the foster child room and know that we are getting closer. Pics will come when we are finished. Tomorrow I am starting on another project, we are tearing out one wall of our bedroom near the front porch so that we can have a bigger porch. This should be interesting. I am hiring a friend to do the tough part. All for now....

Beach Trip

2012-01-28T06:37:00.004-05:00

What a great week we had. Preaching at a friends church and then spending some time with Mom and Dad at the beach. I always enjoy winter camping although a couple of days it was almost 70. After returning we have several days of hard work but we are excited to get at it. My sales job at the paper is going well, the association is busy and the pregnancy center is holding steady. Today we are working on our foster kids room again. I will have some before and after pics soon. For now here are a few pics from our beach trip.

Beach Bound

2012-01-20T07:51:00.001-05:00

Heading out tomorrow for Rockingham NC to preach at a friends church and then afterwards, yes, we are gong to the beach. I am so looking forward to a few days off. Below is a video I did this morning very fast. I love the song and I just put together some pics that I have taken over the years.

Room Update

2012-01-18T07:06:00.002-05:00

Well we ran into a snag yesterday. i got most of my cuts made on the new paneling but as we approached the wall that backs up to the bathroom, we saw it. Dang it! Mold. So, instead of finishing that part like I thought, we tore all of that sheetrock out and started the de-molding process which basically means we dumped a lot of bleach on it and scrubbed like crazy. That should dry by today so i hope I can work on it a little bit later this afternoon when we get home from work.

The Week Begins

2012-01-16T06:42:00.005-05:00

Monday morning and it is time to get this week started. Today I will be working the Banner elk area for BRCN and hoping for some good contacts. I may have some time this afternoon to work on some newsletter stuff for the ABA. So, Saturday I got started on the spare bedroom which will become our foster room. First, I had to pull some sheet-rock out so I can add some Insulation.

Notice that I left the upper portion of sheet-rock. why replace it. I used my wide leveler to push the insulation up to the top. Saved money and time!

Sunday morning this is what we woke up to. It was not much but I did'nt even know they were calling for any.

It was obvious that they got more in Avery county because I saw where several churches were cancelling their services.

I just love my creek

John 3:16

2012-01-15T11:11:00.001-05:00

Even though Denver lost, it is still Tebow Time for me. Below is a video put out by Focus on the Family and it aired during the game. It is the Gospel.

Tornado's, Tear Out and Tebow

2012-01-14T07:03:00.002-05:00

Today we are starting the remodel project of the spare bedroom which will be the foster kid room. TC did the tear out yesterday while I was gone. I am hoping that I can get some of the Sheetrock off in order to get some insulation in those old walls. This room needed this badly. Anyway, that is our day along with me watching some NFL playoffs and tonight hopefully watching some more Tebow Time. Here is a Video I did from yesterday's Tornado response.

Another Relief Response

2012-01-13T06:32:00.003-05:00

On Thursday, TC and i worked at the Mission Office until 2 and then headed to the Pregnancy Center. We had two appointments for the day and both of them cancelled. We did enjoy talking to some of the other staff. Later, we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Tom and JoAnne's house and then went back to the center for our Living Free Insight group. We were wore out last night. Today, we got a few inches of snow but I am gonna have to go down the mountain in response to a tornado in Burke county. As a chaplain with NC Baptist Men I have been called on to respond. Hopefully, Saturday we are going to work on the house just a little bit and then it's time to enjoy all the NFL playoff games this weekend. That about sums up the rest of my week.

Always Room for More

2012-01-11T07:02:00.002-05:00

This week is going pretty darn good. We finished up this month's distribution of the Blue Ridge Christian News. Yesterday I worked on the several articles I write for local papers and ministries, worked on several websites, and answered what seemed like a hundred emails and return calls. It really wasn't that many though. Today, we head back to the Mission's office and I will make several calls for ad sales. Doing some planning for this summer I made this video for our Cranks Creek Outreach in July. After getting feedback from several leaders it may be used in the promotion of our trip. I am excited as this year it looks like a church that I made contact with last year is going to come and they are from New Hampshire. That would be four states involved. God is Good! Here is the video....

Selling and Speaking

2012-01-08T08:50:00.002-05:00

This past week has been, let's just say fast pace. I started this week with the blue Ridge Christian News. So now, not only am I still doing the Church Directory, but I am also selling ads in Avery County and Watagu County, which will include Boone NC. My first week i sold two 1/8 page ads. I was so pumped. Of course for two yes, I got three maybe's, four come back in the spring, and about ten no's. I am no salesman but this paper sales itself. When it came out this month i was surprised to see my article on the front page. My Editor is also my friend. Six counties and 25,000 copies later, I actually had someone come up to me in Walmart and ask if i was the one who wrote that article. Like Billy the Kid, I'll make you famous. Just Kidding. TC and i also did the distribution for Avery county which is a chore. This morning I am putting on the finishing touches on a sermon i will preach at Newland First baptist Church. The Pregnancy Center was invited and Jo Anne, our Client Services Director will speak and then me. I think that is all I wanna say this morning.

Just Plum Cold

2012-01-04T06:01:00.002-05:00

Downtown Newland at 2:00 PM with a high of 13 degrees today. The wind was unreal. I was in and out of the car all day making calls to clients. Oh yea, I have a new job. I am now working for Blue ridge Christian News. It has a large reader base across 6 counties. This job requires about 20 hours of work each week. It is really neat because it gets me out and about in the community. Actually, it is pretty good because I am able to mix and match my two jobs. Yesterday though was brutal. IN fact, last night I really hurt in a bad way. My bones was so sore. Anyway, it is a chore to keep this house warm. 1950's construction with very little insulation does not work very good, but I am thankful we have plenty of heaters to make it warm. Back to work today, even though schools are still closed.

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T07:36:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year everybody. This time last year i was waking up to an outstanding sunrise in Myrtle Beach SC. I remember it this way.

Yes John and Sherri, our good friends came down with us to Lakewood RV Resort and we just had a great time. This year we just couldn't swing it. With TC not working full time right now, we thought it best not to go. I wanted to go so bad but we could not come to an agreement.

At least this year is not like last year. Gosh I remember when we came back from the beach we came back to this---

Posting a Praise

2011-12-30T05:03:00.003-05:00

Good Lord I woke this morning with such a wonderful feeling in my heart. I am convinced more than ever that nothing or no one is ever to far gone that God can't make them straight. The last couple of days TC and i have had such great conversations and laughter has once again dominated our day. The Lord is making our path known and i simply wanted to post this praise. I am in anticipation of the working of the Holy Spirit in our life and in the life of our son. Now, let me get out of the way!

Christmas Thoughts

2011-12-28T05:36:00.002-05:00

Christmas has come and gone and now we are in between that and New years. I can say for sure that this has probably been the hardest year we have had in a while. What did I just say? It has been tough, even compared to some other tough years we have had. Except this year it has been some personal issues. It is even more imperative that we seek the leadership of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we look into the new year we have an opportunity to make some changes and those changes must be made. Not sure if I am gong to air them all here but for sure I will discuss this further. Meanwhile, for now let's do talk about this. Yesterday I was faced with the fact that I must drop my son off at a homeless shelter in Asheville. As I updated a while back he again has made stupid decisions. He called and wanted to be a part of our Christmas and of course we were OK with that. It has been nice having him around these last few days as we have changed the way we look at it. anyway, yesterday we were suppose to drop him off at a homeless shelter but i just could not do it. It would take too long to describe how I felt. Anyway, again our God rescued us as the idea came into my mind that I could just take him this morning and drop him off at the VA where he needs to be and when this day ends and he has to ge to a homeless shelter he will have to take himself there. That works for me!

Here is the video I made of our Christmas here in Spruce Pine.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T18:57:00.003-05:00

It's been a good week and I am glad it is almost Christmas. I got a lot of planning done this week and had several meetings. Tomorrow we will head down to Mom and Dad's for our family Christmas Even time and spend the night. Christmas day we will head back here to the mountains with all the kiddos. TC has wanted everyone together for Christmas for a couple of years. This time last year TC Christie and David was still in England and it was a lonely Christmas without them. i wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Winter Mission Trip I

2011-12-19T10:20:00.004-05:00

We took a two day mission trip to Cranks Creek Kentucky. We had a wonderful time. Here is our group and below is the video I made for it.

2011-12-13T17:58:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful day. Early morning breakfast and Bible study, and then a lunch date with one of our old girls, Brittany. TC and I enjoyed the time with her and then enjoyed a ride back up the mountain from Marion to Spruce Pine via 226A. Back to the office tomorrow. Getting ready for our weekend mission trip.

Days on the Road

2011-12-13T17:57:00.001-05:00

Here is a video I made from our days on the road

Days on the Road from Wade Huntsinger on Vimeo.

Cranks Creek summer 2011

2011-12-12T18:58:00.002-05:00

I edited my video for last summer's mission trip. We worked with churches from Ohio and North Carolina and also some local Kentucky churches. We had Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, holiness and a Christian(DOC) Church. It was amazing to see all these folks from different denominations, backgrounds and social status work together for the glory of the Lord. If you have time, please enjoy.

Tornado Response 2011

2011-12-09T18:53:00.001-05:00

Here is a video I made of the Thomasville tornado Response from the NC Baptist Men

Missions Movie

2011-12-09T18:51:00.001-05:00

I made a video of some mission trips and things we have done since we have been in Avery County

A Dog's Tale

2011-12-09T18:50:00.001-05:00

A little video for our dogs....

Heartbroken again!!

2011-12-09T06:23:00.002-05:00

I am aware that not many people read this blog but that was never its intended purpose. Its purpose was to give me a place to journal and colect thoughts and display life in a forum that would keep me honest. With that said, there are times when i open up about things that I would not elsewhere. Yesterday was one of those days. It started early as we prepared to go to SC and see Allan. TC and i seemed on edge the whole morning and we were both taking pot shots at one another. Why, I do not know. Anyway, things went so well with Allan, Tina and Crystal. It was so good seeing him and he hugged us and told us many things he remembered. Afterwards, we went to Christie and David's house and was gonna eat and see both of our kids. Everyone tried calling chad but he never did answer. OK, he must be busy. Now, let's go back a week or so. I had a dream that chad tuened south and was kicked out of the Vets Qtrs. Guess what. Yip! He had a strike three when he was caught smoking "something other than pot". apparently it is a modified smoke that has an effect on you but does not show up on a urine test. How devastated we were. He has blown it again. He even got a job through the CWT Training at the VA. A good job that was going to pay him $1000.00 a month. He has jumped right back into the pit in which he came. He has lost it all I am afraid. Not sure what he is dong but our hearts are broken again. That's all.

Exciting Things & Times

2011-12-05T07:41:00.002-05:00

Last week finished out very well. This weekend was my Dad's side Christmas party. Our daughter Christie came over and rode down with us to my sisters house. Quite a journey. Two hours is the time it takes and then two hours back. Late Saturday night we returned home just in time to watch them Tigers win the ACC championship. On Sunday morning we got up early and went to the 8:30 service at Spruce Pine First Baptist. (Trust me that is a big deal for TC). Now for job update. TC applied for a position with Mitchell county Head Start and will find out December 20th about that job. It would be perfect for her being a foster Mom too. For me I continue to serve as Director of Missions of Avery Baptist Association, which is a 20 hour a week part time position. Add the Pregnancy & Resource Center and this becomes full time very quickly but the pay does not. There is a chance for me to supplement my income by directing some more mission work here at a church in Mitchell county. It would be very little and between the both it would complete what I am trying to do. We will see how that works out.

This week is full of running around today and tomorrow BUT on Thursday, we have been invited down to visit Allan, one of our old boys in SC that we cared for. This is so exciting I can hardly contain myself. The big A has not fared to well but we are really excited about seeing him Thanks to our old boss Tina for working this out.

Christmas Tree 2011

2011-11-29T19:40:00.003-05:00

This is our tree for 2011. It's a little bigger than we wanted but we couldn't beat the deal. So far this week it has been full of meetings. Seems like that it is all I ever do. Monday night was a mission trip planning meeting. Today was Breakfast & Bible Study with 8 guys at 50's Drive In in Spruce Pine, met with a friend and then had another meeting at 10AM at the Bridge Church about a maternity home being started. Afterwards I had lunch with TC and Christie, and then we went grocery shopping. It was nice to come home and watch the snow from the inside. We will be in the missions office and the pregnancy center the next two days.

Welcome to our world John

2011-11-27T08:26:00.003-05:00

What a good Thanksgiving Weekend this has been(although Clemson lost). Turkey Day was very good with the family. Our family is quite diverse these days it seems. The best thing I guess was seeing John, our first grandson. Chad's old girlfriend Toshia brought him over and it was good to see and hold him. Yesterday we went across the street and got our Christmas Tree(pics coming later cause it is massive). The good thing is these were cut same day just down the road and our neighborhood sells them i his yard. Of course up here it seems that everyone sells trees. Anyway, got it up and TC decorated it and we celebrated with some good country style steak and gravy, mashed taters and green beans with fresh brewed SWEET TEA. (you know us southerners, sweet and over ice.) OK, today I am visiting one of our churches in Cranberry and then come home for some Football. Lots of meetings coming up next week.

The Battle

2011-11-23T07:53:00.002-05:00

Returning late Sunday from Disaster Relief and a visit to Mom and Dad's it's been a lot of planning type work and to be honest a lot of soul searching. I went Tuesday and picked up some donated clothes and dropped them off at Avery Family Impact along with some children clothes to some migrant workers, or at least got them to the person that can do that. The enemy has been trying so hard to intervene and I have to be honest and say that he may have gotten some small victories, but that BATTLE belongs to the Lord! This morning I begin praying and asking the Father why I was feeling the way I was, and of course as my dad has told many times, I took my eyes off of him and begin to look at the circumstances and the people they involve. So, setting my eyes upon Jesus this morning, the author and finisher of our faith, I know that in the cards for me going. Don't ask me what that means, I just have to go! The lord brought me to the scripture of the prodigal son, and what came at me was this. The older brother had to ask what all the dancing and music was all about. We should not have to ask! We should see and hear the celebrations taking place around us. God led me to this song. I hope you might enjoy it as well.

Thomasville Tornado Response

2011-11-21T06:05:00.002-05:00

We responded Friday to the Thomasville Tornado Disaster Relief through the NC Baptist Men. TC and I went down on Friday and returned home late Friday night, after stopping to see Mom and Dad. The clean up went pretty fast. Tough times for some folks ahead as many of the victims lived in mobile home parks and were not insured. We led one man to the Lord in prayer and just listened to many stories and had prayer with and for them. I serve as a Chaplain in this team of servants.

Wide Open

2011-11-15T17:52:00.002-05:00

I preached at Aaron Baptist Sunday morning and was just pooped for the rest of the day. I really enjoyed the race though. We had to go back to the Sheriff's department on Monday to redo TC's fingerprints and enjoyed an awesome lunch at Sally's Cafe in Bakersville. Monday night I had the Board meeting for the Avery Pregnancy Center. David and Christie spent Monday night with us and David got up with me this morning at 6AM and did the Breakfast/Bible Study with several guys here in town. Then, I met with a pastor until 11:00 AM, worked on the newsletter, piddled around the house, took a nap and now getting ready to go to another meeting tonight. Back to the office for Wednesday and Thursday.

Living Free Training

2011-11-11T14:37:00.002-05:00

Getting ready for our Living Free Facilitators training tonight at the Pregnancy Center. It goes from 6-9 tonight and then 9-2 tomorrow. I am excited at the prospects of this new ministry arm of the resource center. Preaching at Aaron Baptist on Sunday so it's gonna be a busy weekend.

Happy Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T05:40:00.001-05:00

I just thought this was awesome and respectful

2011 NC Baptist Convention

2011-11-10T07:39:00.004-05:00

It has been a busy week or so. We have finished all of our training and paperwork for being a foster parent and should be approved in January. Meanwhile, as you know, TC started working at the missions office with me two days a week. This has been very helpful and enjoyable for me as she always brings lunch. Cool! She did apply for a part time position at a Mitchell county school. We will see. I also applied for another Missions Directors job. It is in McDowell County, called Blue Ridge Baptist Association. McDowell County joins Mitchell county where we live and it is part time like the one I have now, or at least part time pay. We will see what adventure God has in store. I was gone to the NC Baptist Convention Monday and Tuesday and I rode my bike there. It was about a 320 round trip. I enjoyed all the mission exhibits and seeing folks I have know over the years. Here are a few pics.

The brand new Dental/Medical unit, that I am now being approved to drive.
Entrance to the Grand ballroom. Really nice place.
Inside at the Podium
One of the many exhibits. It was great linking to some possibilities.

Television?

2011-11-03T06:57:00.002-04:00

This week I spent most of Monday running errands, sending off qtr tax reports, meeting with an accountant, etc. Tuesday I was sick. Thank god I felt on Wednesday as I met with the editor of Averynews.net owner and the owner of Mountain Television Network, the only High country TV station. They want me to start a TV show. Can you believe that. SCARY! We then took a tour of the Pregnancy Center, which they filmed and will air it. Let's see how much of an idiot I sould and look like. The idea is to have e Missions Program that highlights missions in the High country. We will see about that. As of now I submit an article called Mission Minded to two different media outlets, Blue Ridge Christian News, and averynews.net So, we will see about that. I also had a meeting in Banner elk yesterday considering a different direction for our non profit counseling agency. That meeting continues tonight at 7:00. so, today it is the missions office from 9-2, the pregnancy center until 5, dinner out and another meeting tonight at 7. Thursdays are always my long days but this meeting makes it even longer. Good stuff though, so I am blessed. Working with TC has continued to be a blessings, although she never fixes coffee. She has already made the office look better, run smoother, and look better. No I did'nt repeat myself, it looks better on all accounts. Off we go!

Birthdays and Buffets

2011-10-30T06:22:00.004-04:00

The week ended well and I feel so much better about the office. We finally got the bank straightened out with the right people on the account and the ability to pay bills again. TC is figuring things out quickly and we got the newsletter out for November. Saturday, we went down to Asheville and celebrated Chad's birthday with him and Christie and David. We took him to Asiania,a nice buffet with numerous kinds of "ese" foods. that means a lot of countries that ends in "ese". Thank god they had some American good too. Chad ate free though. We hung out
at Christie and David apartment for several hours just talking and stuff. TC and I got home and become obsessed with the show "Gold Rush" on the Discovery channel and watched the marathon until after 11. It's been a good weekend, so today is church, football and racing!

It's getting Colder in more ways than One

2011-10-27T05:57:00.002-04:00

For our duties at the missions office things went pretty well. TC finished up the newsletter and it is ready to be mailed. I met with the bank and we now have a new Treasurer and assistant. Today, we must train on quick books and pay the monthly bills and then the new treasurer will come and sign the checks that Tc has put together. This way the job gets done but we won't be putting ourselves in a bad spot handling the money. After 2:00 PM we head on to the Pregnancy Center. It was nice having lunch together and talking some. I think this is going to work just the way it should. Of course if we spend weeks in a small cab of a truck we should have no problems anywhere else.

This whole baby thing is pretty tough. Tashia said that she was not letting anyone hold the baby but we have seen several on Facebook and so we are considering just deleting everyone from our list. It is so hard to see pics of the baby, but we will see. I can tell that TC is really bothered, as she barely spoke. My lady is hurting inside for sure and that makes big daddy mad. For those who have prayed, thanks so much.

The weather has been so nice here in the NC mountains. Yesterday I was working outside a bit and actually started sweating. It was right around 70 but by Friday the high is on 46 with lows dipping down to the low 30's and some upper 20's. One of my challenges this year ios going to be my filter system. With the Iron in our water it is neccesary but it is also outside. I have it in a small plastic building. Yesterday I wrapped it in insulation and plan on burning a heat lamp to burn. We are good until it gets to the 20 something period and stays that way. So between the well house, filter system and even under the house I do no look forward to frozen water.

Happy/Sad Moment

2011-10-25T21:49:00.003-04:00

The call came this morning at 5:45, we are Grandparents. Well at least in theory. Chad and she broke up and now she is not even going to put Chad as the Father. she changed his name to John David and it was suppose to be Brody Hampton. I am sad and heart broken. We drover over 3 hours to see him and she would not even let TC hold him. We saw him for about 15 minutes and had to leave because of here sister coming to the room. Chad was in tears. As we left he leaned over and kissed him and told him that he loved him. How can anyone be this cruel I will never know. for months she told us of how cruel her family was and now I believe her, she included. I guess we will never be part of his life but we Can pray and hope that one day we will. sorry for the rant but this grandpa's heart is broken and TC and Chad's is as well. Chad was not perfect but he did not deserve this.

Tomorrow we go back to work so this should help take our minds off of it for a while anyway. TC has to work on the newsletter and I have several meetings. Lord, bless his little heart tonight.

Weekend

2011-10-24T07:42:00.002-04:00

Well TC's first week ended and things went OK. I am so glad the bank worked with me and I got all the information I needed for our accountant. That made my weekend much nicer. Speaking of, Saturday was a day of rest for me. I watched some College Football, Go Clemson 8-0 and piddles around outside a bit. Sunday, I went to the early service at First Baptist spruce Pine and then went on to White's Memorial for their 11:00 Service. I have been meeting with the pastor at First, spruce pine for several weeks now. He is part of the group that meets Tuesday morning at 6:00 AM for breakfast and Bible study. The week is starting today and there is a lot of little things to do with the budget at the association. So, we are going to do that today so tomorrow can be devoted to foster parent training. Oh, and what a great race at Talladega and the Panthers finally won another one.

Wind Blows; Leaves Fall

2011-10-19T05:55:00.004-04:00

A few pics

3 mile road on my way to work
Fried Green Tomatoes
Going from Avery County into Mitchell County
Down by the River Road. Just coming home from work after visiting a few pastors

The last few days have been uneventful and that has been nice. We have celebrated TC's birthday with some shopping and a nice meal out. Everything seems to be going well and we have enjoyed a little bit of down time in between of a couple of working days. Today is TC's first day of her new job, mu Ministry Assistant at the associational missions office. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with her. Later today I am meeting with two men; One that has already started a church in Banner Elk and one that wants to support such an effort. My plan is to hook these guys up and then leave and let them talk. We have more foster parenting classes this afternoon. The rain has come the temps are falling fast. The leaves are still here but fading fast as the wind blows. Yesterday is was raining leaves now today it is raining, well rain.

Keep it Up

2011-10-14T06:23:00.002-04:00

Well I wish that I could say the "letting go" of my secretary went better but it did not. While we have talked about this for a while it did not go as I had intended. I was trying to get on the same page as far as timing and I wanted to be flexible but it did not work out and now she is gone. OK, let's do this. The plan is for TC to begin in November but now I guess she will start next week, or a part of it. We have to hire a new Treasurer as TC cannot do that for obvious reasons. While we are trusted we must protect ourselves. I am looking forward to working with TC as we have been for many years now. This will help me in many ways professionally and personally.

The Fall colors are so beautiful but the rain and wind is really getting them on the ground too fast. I am not looking forward to the dreariness of winter, but snow always makes it bearable. I love the winter as things slows down some and we have time for other things too.

We also had a visit with Chad this past week and it does my heart good to see such positive changes in his life. For those who are praying, keep it up!

Food and Faith

2011-10-12T06:14:00.004-04:00

We actually had to wait until Monday morning to leave after the girls got off to school. Our Management an replacement couple forgot to tell us and they seemed surprised to learn the other had not told us, yet were also surprised when we were a bit upset. Bottom line; We did the right thing and stayed! Surprised? Well yes I was but I learned an a lesson. enough said, we are moving on and it feels good.

TC got the last of the "maters off the vine" and tore down the vines. That evening we had Fried Green tomatoes.

I started a new Tuesday morning Bible Study/Breakfast at the 50's diner here in Spruce Pine. Turns out that most of the guys are from First Baptist Spruce Pine, which makes no difference to me. I enjoy meeting at 6:30 for food and faith boost.

A couple of days of working and playing for us. We had more training on Tuesday as we continue to prepare for foster care. We will visit Chad today and anticipate my parents visiting on Thursday and Friday. All is well in the Huntsinger Home.

Turn The Page

2011-10-09T07:40:00.005-04:00

This week has crawled by with many different aspects. The first part was terrible as TC really had the extreme weight on her. I prayed, others were praying and God showed up. He eased the situation and by the end of the week it was much smoother. I came back down on Thursday to help TC. We went to the fair that night but even that had its issues. TC and I did enjoy looking at the animals. Anyway, The ones who were not in trouble was taken to Walmart and then ice cream. I was trying to TC a favor but she would up with more than me. I enjoyed the Ice Cream. So, the home has now hired a new couple and our last day is today. After church we will clean out our room, pack it up and then take the girls to see the movie "Courageous". We should be relieved tonight around 8:00 PM and head to the mountains. A new Chapter will Begin!

TC in the petting zoo

Me with a camel...t the worl famous Cleveland County Fair

Living Free Standing Firm

2011-10-06T06:55:00.005-04:00

Here are some pictures from the meal and Missions Fair from our Annual meeting of the Avery Baptist association Monday night. This is a big night for local baptist associations. The Budget and everything else was passes with no discussion.

The first part of the week brought lots on anxiety and stress. Our annual Meeting went well but things at the home, not so much. TC has taken the blunt of that, but Thank God things got much better. TC told the girls that we were leaving and they took it well. They will bounce back as they always do. A couple was interviewed yesterday and TC met them as they toured the house. I do pray that this transition can go quickly. I am anxious for TC to be working up here close by my side. In fact, soon she will be the ministry assistant for the association I hope. That will be good and as one friend told me, at least there will be no sexual harassment from the secretary. That was a pastor friend too.

This week I also got the house inspected by the Fire Inspector and it passed and I met a new brother in the Lord. In fact I am gong to try and go their Tuesday morning men's breakfast group. 6:00 AM, that my style. I am getting some more records transformed over the the new DSS forms today and shampoo the carpet and the office as we will have guest in the apartment for the next three weeks. A great couple from Texas comes each year and sings all around Western North Carolina. Also, today is the Pregnancy Center, and that is gong so well. We are adding a new small group study called Living Free to our program and that is gong to make an impact on the community. God is good!!!

Here is something I found this morning,

“Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm”

--Abraham Lincoln

Looking for a Slow down

2011-10-01T08:56:00.004-04:00

Back down in Shelby at the group home. Last night TC took some of the girls to Scarewinds, which we think is stupid, but they had season passes and we were tole to take them. Anyway, I stayed here with three of them, tow who were grounded, and one too young to go. Today is cleaning day and i will cut the grass if I have time. This should be a nice slow weekend for the rest. I will head back to Avery county on Monday morning after the girls go to school. Monday is a big day as it is our Annual Meeting for the Association. I have met with all the committees and everyone is ready to make their report. The budget is Balanced and the Book of Reports should be ready sometime today(I hope or I will be doing that Monday). The meetings start at 3:30 in the afternoon and goes to around 8:30 with dinner and a Missions Fair in between. This year I have tried to reduce or consolidate the business part and increase the worship and encouragement side. When Tuesday comes I think I will take that day off and slow down a bit.

2011-09-29T18:14:00.001-04:00

We had a great visit with chad on Wednesday and also enjoyed a nice little bike ride. We put 110 miles on the Goldwing. Today has been really busy with the pregnancy center and now waiting on 7:00 PM for a meeting here at the missions office. Heading back to Shelby tomorrow.

Day Two and Beyound

2011-09-27T07:00:00.003-04:00

Day Two went well and we had to finish up on the morning of the third day. Rain really slowed us down and metal is slick when it is wet. Anyway, we are done with the roof and it looks good. TC really had a tough week and she is glad to be home. Monday Morning we drove over to Crossnore and said goodbye to Christie and David as they travel to England for three weeks. Man, how do you take three weeks off. Someone tell me the secret. For lunch on Monday we met with a group planning to create a mother/baby residence here in Spruce pine. That is going to be a long process. We finished filling out some paperwork for foster care and went shopping at Wally World. Today, I am finishing up some things for the associational meeting coming next week and we are meeting with a foster care representative at 10:00 AM this morning. At 1:00 I have a meeting with NC Baptist Men and will work the rest of the day at the office. Things are really busy right now and it just seems that one day runs into the other. It is usually around this time in my life that I make a drastic change, so I have been praying hard for God's direction in which I know will come. Proverbs 3:6 says In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Day One: Roofing

2011-09-22T08:03:00.004-04:00

TC is back down to group home now after Toshia's Baby Shower on Sunday. After coming back to the High Country I worked Monday and Tuesday and then came roofing day. After one day it went pretty well but it rained so hard for so long that we had to stop so many times, we figured we sit around for at least 3 hours. After an 8 hour day I think we did pretty good for two of us in 5 hours.

Campfires & Conversations

2011-09-17T09:55:00.002-04:00

The weather is really cooling down around here. It's been dipping down into the 40's the last several nights. I got our heat fixed and it's ready to burn. On Friday I went over to Piney Flatts Tenn. and bought the metal for our new roof. Thanks again to Cecil for loaning me his truck and trailer. TC and I unloaded it and we will start putting the new roof on sometime later this week. Friday night we made a good fire end enjoyed some creekside conversation.

Saturday was a nice cool morning and we met some new friends at DT's coffee shop and this afternoon we are just hanging out and taking it easy.
That's a lot of money laying on the ground.
Cecil's ole truck sure came in handy as some of the metal was 16' long and my little trl is on 10'.
Now that's a fire!

The Journey Continues

2011-09-14T07:26:00.004-04:00

Chad seems to be doing good at the Veterans restoration Quarters. He met another guy close to his age. It is true that many of the residents are much older but they are getting younger and younger says the staff. In his first week it is a transition period. Soon he will be assigned a case manager and they will assist him and provide encouragement for him to reach his goals. This ministry works with the VA so Chad has net with them twice so far. TC and I are happy. In other news, work load has stayed steady. This is a busy time for the association as we have our annual meeting in October so i am working with the budget and nominating committee to fill all the positions. The Pregnancy center is going well but as in most cases we need more volunteers. It seems that all I ever do anymore is meet. It's one meeting to the next and this does get old but it is a way that things have to begin. I love what I do so that makes it easier.

TC and i had our first home study done as we progress down the journey of becoming foster parents. We have tons of paperwork to fill out and things like, home fire inspection, background checks, fingerprinted, driver license check, proof of insurance, and on and on and on and on...

Remembering

2011-09-12T06:36:00.002-04:00

9/11 Changed the World in which we live but another event changed it even more; when Jesus, the Son of God, gave himself for us. By his stripes we are healed. No better place to go then to the Son for comfort. For those who have lost a loved one through this terrible event I life them up in prayer.

Today we are taking Chad for an interview at the Vets Place in Asheville. They called and we are hoping that they will do an intake on him but we will see. Today at 2:00 PM we have an in house interview with the Representative with Grandfather Home for Children foster care program. We have already had the 20 MAPPS Training we would just need to take the additional 10 hours of Therapeutic training. All else is going well. We took Chad to the Bridge Church yesterday and he enjoyed it very much, so did I!

It's Going Just Fine

2011-09-10T07:49:00.002-04:00

Well TC has a short week this week at the group home so she came home on Friday. Friday afternoon I made a Ministry Proposal to the Leadership of the Bridge church to begin a Living Free Ministry called LifePath. I am building the website now so when it is finished I can share it. After the presentation, I was invited to present this ministry to the full board in which they will vote and hopefully approve this the last Sunday of September. what is important is that leaves us the month of October to do some outside and plumbing work to the facility before winter hits. We must have the pipes ready before then. I am stepping out on Faith and ordering the materials and lining up the work. We will see.

We are spending the day with Chad in Boone today and just going to have a little fun. Things are going well and we are anticipating hearing from someone soon.

Living Free

2011-09-08T06:23:00.003-04:00

The Lord sometimes really knows how to test you. Part of my sermon last Sunday was talking about how God is always on time. If He is late, we will not trust Him but if He is early, we may not learn the lessons we need to. Anyway, yesterday nothing went like I wanted it to. The VA has a 4-6 week window to be assigned a Primary Care Doctor, and the Veterans ministry has a 4-6 week waiting list. Bummer, but our spirits are up. We are just going to have to pray that

someone see's a need to speed it up a bit.

I took Chad with me to go and see Tom Anglin. He is the pastor of the Bridge Church here in Spruce pine. We are talking about a ministry just for this kind of thing. We have another meeting on Friday but again it will be at least two months before we can get that going. BTW, what we are looking at is beginning a new ministry. It is called Living Free and it is a small group orientations recovery group.

This is not your typical recovery group and it is not for just addicts. It is for anyone with a Life Controlling situation. Life Controlling can be explained by anything that masters your life, thoughts etc. A special component of this ministry is have a transition house. This part of the ministry is going to be called LifePath Solutions. It will begin by housing up to 6 men 18-25. We have so far to go. The building is there but it is going to take quite a bit of work to get it up to par. First all the pipes burst last year and that is just starters. We need capital. I am praying for a sizable donation to get us started but that is up to God. Well, today is a big long busy day so I better get started. More later.....

Chad Update

2011-09-05T10:38:00.001-04:00

Well, today is the day I pick chad up from jail. I find myself so frustrated as to me the worse case seniro has come about. Because he played around surrendering himself, the court ordered time served ends at 8:40 PM tonight. That means, we might get left at 9:00 PM which now, two hours up the road through the rain and fog. I am mad, no doubt about it but I must do everything in my power to give him this chance. Tomorrow I must work but on Wednesday morning I will be with him at the VA to enroll and hopefully recieve an intake. Chad deals with anixiety and anger management issues a lot like his Daddy. So, after seeing the doc we hope he may get some medication to deal with that. I did! Afterwards, we are gong to check out a ministry called the Veteran's Restoration Quarters and Transitional Housing. click on the link to check it out. I have high hopes but we will see. More to come....

2011-08-27T08:54:00.003-04:00

Another great week filled with lots of work. Work,Really? Most of the time it does not feel like work. I love the things that I do, even though it is hard sometimes. This week TC had a pretty good week and now I am back down here with her in Shelby. She is taking the girls to Carowinds today and I am going to see Chad. His release date getting near and we are making plans on how to best help him. I will explain all of that at a later date but I promise , this is going to be interesting and challenging. Well, better go supervise some girls doing their Saturday chores before they leave.

Monday

2011-08-22T06:16:00.002-04:00

Waking up down here in Shelby this morning. The Changeover was normal and aggravating. Why do some people like to act like they know everything. Well no worries, I reckon we all deal with a lack of self confidence in different ways. I will heading out to spend some time with Mom and Dad this morning and then heading back to Spruce Pine. Lots of work to do this week.

Wondering and Winning

2011-08-20T07:29:00.003-04:00

It was a great day yesterday seeing Brittany. We really do miss her very much. My mind has been so busy these last few days. There is so much i want to do but I cannot. I get so aggravated that I can't do more. I want to rejoin a volunteer Fire Department(cause I have skills) Man, nothing like going into a burning building. Crazy right? I want to join the chaplaincy Team with the Sheriffs department. I struggle in being involved in Avery County and where I live which is Mitchell county. Ministry ideas, current jobs, Christine's home, the association and the pregnancy center. so much going on and much more to do. THEN, the Lord spoke to me. It seems that He always does when I cut grass. Anyway, He said slow down little fellow, so I have. I am trying to be patient(which is not my strong point) but I am trying. Day to day, project to project for now until I get some more clarity. Oh yea, I have started my part-time job at the Blue Ridge Christian News, trying to sell ads to churches for a church directory. We'll see! This is going to be a great day!

2011-08-19T06:40:00.001-04:00

I have not been able to publish my post until today. Never could in Explorer so I downloaded Google chrome and it published. HMMMMM I think I am going back to Firefox

A Lot Going on These Days

2011-08-19T06:20:00.004-04:00

It has been a very busy week. Besides all the things that we have going on right now, I have accepted a sales position for the Blue Ridge Christian News. This position specifically is intended to sale small ads to churches in a 6 county area. Why take this on? It has the potential one day to allow TC to perhaps foster one child and not be at a group home. Plus, I love the paper as it is full of good news and should sale itself. Beyond that I have had several meetings this week with some folks about starting a new ministry for New and young Dads. It may work out of the pregnancy center or perhaps a local church called The Bridge. Lots of activity right now and i hope I am not taking on too much, but if it is God's will then He will strengthen me.

Wednesday we went down to Gastonia and saw our grand baby in a 3D ultrasound. Toshia came back with us and is staying with us until Sunday. It is a joy to have her around. Our son Chad is still in jail and will be until sometime in September. (Enough said about that) Today, we are driving down to North Greenville SC to visit one of our girls, Brittany Chapman. We are so proud of her as she starts her Junior year at NGU.

So Far

2011-08-17T13:27:00.004-04:00

It has been a pretty busy week so far. Lots of things needing to get done and I am trying to hang with it all. TC and I enjoyed Tuesday afternoon off and took a nice ride on the goldwing up to Roan Mountain Tenn. Today, we went down and saw a 3D image of our grandson and went out to eat with Toshia's Mom and sister. Toshia came back with us and is going to stay in the cool mountains until Sunday.

The Weekend

2011-08-13T08:30:00.002-04:00

Wrapped up a good week after the work at the house. On Friday i came back down to Shelby. TC had taken the girls to Carowinds so I cut the grass that had not been cut in two weeks. This place is really looking bad and it kills me but I just don't have the time or equipment to do what needs to be done. Anyway, the blazer is going to be in the shop on Monday. The transfer case is leaking so I drove my ole truck and the muffler came apart on the way down. Anyway, I guess that is what happens when you refuse to buy a newer car or truck. It is cooling down just a bit around here so that is better. WE will be here until Sunday night and then head back to Spruce Pine. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Power & Porches

2011-08-10T14:22:00.003-04:00

Well, Wednesday morning became work day around here. Brother Cecil finished running a 30 AMP out to the shed and the folks from Roberdel Baptist Church came over to build the porch. I have so much to be thankful for and I truly am.

This afternoon I am meeting with the Editor from the Blue Ridge Christian News paper. We had talked about a part time job and today we are going to talk about the specifics of it. It really is a great paper and one I could easily sell church advertisements to. We will see!

Preaching and eating

2011-08-08T07:50:00.002-04:00

Sunday I preached Homecoming at Stameytwon Baptist church. TC, Breianna and myself enjoyed the lunch that followed. I took Bre for a ride on the goldwing and we came back to shelby last night. Breianna is one of our girls here at the home that went with us on the mission trip. Of course she wants to live with us now but that won't do....or will it. We are actually looking into adding onto our house in order to foster two kids. I think that might be the long term plan instead of a group home. Anyway, it is off to see Mom and Dad for me and then back to Avery County. Lots of work this week.

The Gathering

2011-08-07T07:15:00.003-04:00

Last night we had the II annual "Gathering" A place where young and old can gather in the name Christ. The Oakes family led the music, TLC-A did the drama, and Poncho did the preaching. It was a good night although the numbers were down this year.

Our Mission Journey to Cranks Ky

2011-08-06T07:09:00.005-04:00

This trip started with trouble. A bad calliper stalled our teams departure but we were soon on our way thanks to Mike.

Here we are the first day making a plan or are we working? HMMM Let's just say that this kids was a hand full

We camped beside the old house and the creek.

Fun Fun Fun.......TC is watching a young man get gum taken out of his hair.

One of several stations set up. Here the kids just saw a video and are now praying

Here we are taking a little sightseeing time Thursday afternoon we had a family picnic and invited out VBS partipatants with us at Martins Fork lake.

That afternoon we had a baptism service. some were baptists and some were Lutheran. I started to go dunk the Lutheran pastor.

Here we are heading home

We have arrived home from the mission trip to KY. Most pictures are on Facebook but I will add a few here. It was a great week and we made lots of new friends from Ohio. God blessed during this trip and overall it was great. Of course now we are so far behind but I intend to catch up today.

Too Hot to Fish

2011-07-30T09:36:00.002-04:00

Our first week of this new deal went pretty good. TC was in Shelby and I was not here until Friday. Of course over the years between Trucking and the Army, we have spent much time apart and usually handle it pretty well, although not as much as many others. I pray each day for our troops and especially Sgt Dub as he is deployed right now. So, I got here Friday and we went out last night for some good Japanese food, to Walmart(not my idea) and then to rent some movies. The van said it was 104 while we were out and that was around 6:00 PM Today I tried to cut the grass here at the home but the mower is broke. It is way too hot to really do anything else so I hope we can stay in today.
We will get off late Sunday night and head home. We are taking one of our girls with us on our mission trip to KY. On Monday we will meet the rest of the team around Noon at the Mission office and head to Cranks KY. This should be a good week.

Pastors and Peace

2011-07-26T07:24:00.003-04:00

Well this week is the beginning of our new schedule. So, Monday I drove TC down to Shelby and then visited with Mom and Dad for a while. Back to Spruce Pine last night and I found myself buying some groceries for myself this week. I will work all week here and then join TC back at the group home on Friday. We are hoping that this schedule will work for us and that we will both feel less stressful overall. Well, I have a meeting this morning with a few pastors so it's off I go.

Psalms 72:3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

Saturday in Spruce Pine

2011-07-23T20:34:00.002-04:00

We had to replace out deep cycle battery on the RV so we dropped it off and got a new one. then went to downtown Spruce Pine. Here is Lower street with the weekly Saturday car show. Walking down from upper street

This is a new place called The Tropical Grill. Great christian owners. It is on Upper street

I had a Rueben

TC had some kind of pork with black beans and rice with fried Platians,which is fried bananas.

Overall this was a good day. We started out with breakfast with our motorcycle club and then went for a short ride.

Riding and Resting

2011-07-23T05:41:00.002-04:00

It has been a pretty busy week. I hosted a mission team leader as we looked at some projects his group can do and then I hosted a church planting couple for a couple of days. right now some Mexico Missionaries are staying in the apartment until Sunday as they have several speaking engagements.
I had put our RV up for sale and had an actual buyer, but we just couldn't let it go. I like it too much and it does get used in ministry so for now we will keep it. It has been hot in the mountains but it cools down each night. Of course our 94 is much lower that the 100's I have heard about. We did buy a window A/C unit and it really helps out on these warm days. This morning our motorcycle club is meeting for breakfast and then we are headed our for a short ride.

Preaching and Running

2011-07-17T07:07:00.002-04:00

It's Sunday morning and I am getting ready to leave Shelby and head up to Newland this morning to preach at Oak Grove. Afterwards I will come right back to Shelby and then head back home tomorrow. Lots of driving. TC has decided to take chad back home with us until Wednesday. She is going to try to help him get some things straightened out. All of the girls are home from their mission trip and the house seems full again. WE have one who is leaving today and beginning the adopting process. She is 15 and has decided to show how much she dislikes this place on her last night. I reckon TC gave her a what for. No one really knows the mental toughness to do this job. Our opposite couple left last week and now a new couple is starting tomorrow. They have worked here before and so come well versed in this cottages living. They actually live in Junction City Ohio. They make the drive every week. That is a bit much for me but they seem to like it. I understand they are a great couple so i look forward to meeting them. The girls say that he and i are a lot alike. We will see!

2011-07-14T21:53:00.004-04:00

Here are some pics from out outing this past Monday at South Mountain State Park Benji just got pooped out! Below, this is Destiny. She is12 and hopes to go home soon. We are not sure when that might happen.

Jumping is Brianna. she is 17 and will be a Senior this year.

Destiny and TC
Smudges is such a Ham

Somebody woke up.

Well it has been a week since I have checked in. We have been very busy but times are good. We have had a heat wave here in the mountains. Last Sunday it was almost more than we could handle. I spoke at a local retirement community called Land harbor and really had a good time. Lots of Florida folks! We have a joke up here when we get behind someone driving slow. "Some people have to work up here you know". I really don't mind most of the time. It has been cooling down each day and tonight it just feels so good. I have met with some mission teams that will be coming up here to work in august and preparing our team as we go to Kentucky August 1st. We are partnering with a group from Ohio to do a community wide VBS in Cranks Ky. Well, it is back to Shelby tomorrow.

The Right Thing

2011-07-06T06:25:00.003-04:00

When we arrived home Monday this little fellow was hanging out at the house. He is a Siberian Husky, an absolutely beautiful dog and was a nice as could be. We struggled at what to do but I knew I could not let him run free and gt ran over. So, we took him in, fed him and even let him sleep in the house as he seemed house trained. I took him to Mitchell Humane Society where they scanned him for a chip and was able to contact the owner who was sick from worrying. Doing the right thing is always the right thing.

Working at the house yesterday we finished up the last window in the kitchen with all new wood trim and curtains. I must now choose what light to use over the sink and finish the door trim and the kitchen will be completely done.

Yummy

2011-07-03T19:46:00.002-04:00

Sunday after church we came home and these two girls, Amber and Destiny volunteered to fix lunch. Wow, it was really good. That was some of the best Tater salad I have ever had. THANKS! It has been a peaceful evening.

A Weekend at the Home

2011-07-02T07:11:00.003-04:00

Friday night was spent at Shelby High School as one of the girls boyfriend was having a late graduation. ACtually it was pretty nice. Afterwards we spent the night in watching movies. Today we are going to let the girls sleep in, do regular Saturday clean up and then attend the Fallston 4th of July Celebration. As of yesterday, the Lady that was hired backed out so it may be a little longer to replace me here at the group home. I will remain patient until things work out. This Sunday we will have church in the AM and maybe some creek or river time later in the afternoon. When we get off Monday our replacement couple is going to be running late. Usually we get off around 10 but it will probably be around lunch or after. Well I hope everyone has a great 4th of July Weekend. Happy Birthday America.

2011-07-02T07:10:00.001-04:00

Here are some pics of the gravel spread. Great place for the camper to sit.

A few Pics

2011-07-02T06:45:00.002-04:00

What 18 tons of gravel looks like being delivered. Trying to spread it

Getting there

Mom and Dad at the Pregnancy Center

A Positive Change

2011-06-29T06:21:00.002-04:00

So it's Wednesday morning and I am preparing to leave Shelby and head back to the mountains. I know it's gonna be cooler there so that in itself is good. There is a lot to do over the few days but I intend to pace myself and actually enjoy my time. There are some plans I need to work out for a mission trip a senior adult trip and some other stuff along with several meetings. I am also going to work some more with Campers on Mission.
All is good here at the group home as the girls are doing great this summer. There are some changes coming rather soon. A new person has been hired to replace me Monday through Friday. That means that TC will be working with another person and there is always a concern about getting along with a co worker in this atmosphere. This person will work from 9-9 so TC will have it all by herself at night, which should not be too much of a problem. I will come down on Friday and spend the weekend. WE feel this will keep me connected to what she is doing and vice versa on her week off. This will also release me from a lot of pressure.

A few pics

2011-06-27T07:07:00.003-04:00

On Sunday Mom and Dad came over from Camping and went to church with us and we went out to eat at Louise's famous rockhouse resturant. Thought we would take advantage of being dressing up and take soem pics.

So, it's Monday morning and we are heading out to shelby for our week on at the group home. This last week has been pretty good with Mom and Dad visiting and we got our gravel delivered and mulch put down.

2011-06-27T06:39:00.001-04:00

Great Video

2011-06-21T08:57:00.001-04:00

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T07:51:00.001-04:00

Me and my Dad...Many times I have had to put my hand on his shoulder and not once has he not been there. Thanks daddy, I love ya

Fune and things FRIED

2011-06-19T07:39:00.002-04:00

Thanks to LifeQuest Church for sharing their party with the home. They brought some fun games for the girls, and cake and ice cream too.

After the partey I took some girls to get what I call some "Snackums" Snacks for the road. The four olest girls will be leaving Sunday for a week long beach trip with the youth group. When I got home TC has fixed oine of my all time favs....fried chicken and fried squash!

The Rodeo

2011-06-18T08:09:00.002-04:00

Thankful that Polkville Baptist Church gave us free tickets to their Rodeo. This even raises money for missions and it is the 12th year. We had a great timeHere are the kids chasing the greasy pig

That is TC and H------ petting the horse.

That is just lovely

And finally our new neighbors here at the group home.

2011-06-17T06:58:00.002-04:00

It has been a very busy few days here in Avery county. I am wrapping things up this morning and headed back to Shelby. From articles for the newsletter, Blue Ridge News and Thank you cards etc, I have kept busy. Thursday was nice at the Pregnancy Center as I continue to watch it grow. It is still amazing at what God is doing there. Last night I met with some folks interested in starting a Cowboy Church. That would be nice. This is a group that is bringing the fun back to Horse shows. Well. let's wrap up here and head down the mountain.

Strectched

2011-06-14T08:39:00.002-04:00

TC and I sit down and talked this over last week and we decided that I was being too stretched in all I was attempting to do. Beginning when our boss can find someone, I will not be working at the group home Monday through Friday but will come down on Friday and through the weekend during our on week. There are many details to work out but I think this is best. I am so thankful that TC has seen this as well and that we are in agreement. TC will be working with another woman during the week and I will remain in Avery County to take care of the missions office and the pregnancy center.

Monday Morning

2011-06-13T07:20:00.004-04:00

Monday morning and we are packing up and cleaning up and getting ready to head to Shelby to Christine's home. This has been an awesome week and to be honest I really am not ready to go back to work but I am slowly getting ready. This is the first week for our girls to be out of school so they will be there when we arrive. One will be gone to the Beach house through the church but the rest wil be there. Next week our opposites will have a nice week as all the girls except two will be gone. Well have a good week and i will check in around Wednesday.

Gifts we give ourselves

2011-06-12T19:11:00.000-04:00

Father's Day and Mother's Day 2011

Smoke Signals

2011-06-11T06:59:00.003-04:00

Here are Tc and Smudges playing and working in the creek. We got a lot of work done the yesterday. I finished up the Dining room completely, with exception of a few places I will go back and fix later.
This morning I am headed out to our Pastors Fellowship Breakfast and then to the office to study and prepare as I speak at Beech Mountain Baptist Church in the morning. This week has flew by but it has been a good one and we got a lot accomplished.

Finished pics

2011-06-09T08:49:00.003-04:00

Here is our finished living room furnished along with a dog on the floor. What a lazy bones!
Here is the finished Dining Room.

Getting There!

2011-06-08T08:52:00.003-04:00

Benji playing in the creek. I love it when he acts like a pup!

Wednesday morning and I am i the missions office. I have quite a bit of work to do today but it will be slow and steady. I am trying to get my office back together from the work week. Everything is so clean and crisp with new paint and of course we changed my office around. Yesterday was good as we got a lot of work done at the house. By tonight we should have the dining room finished. We also got our cable and internet hooked up at the house. I better get to work.

Playing in the Creek

2011-06-04T06:47:00.003-04:00

Saturday morning and I am in the office of the group home making notes at 6:45 AM. This week has been a whirlwind and I am very tired but it was an awesome week. You never know what this house is going to be like when I get here on Friday's. TC runs a pretty tight ship but I swear some of these girls really know how to push you buttons. Friday, I took one to a contact fitting, which was fun to watch. Saturday morning I had one to be at school at 6:00 AM for some paint ball action. Also, today I must cut the grass as it is knee top tall and the guy that is suppose to do it never does(the director's son) Tonight is the fundraiser for Hands on Missions so we will go to that as well. I am looking forward to next week as I plan to take a few days off and just work around the house a bit and get caught up maybe on some rest. I think I feel like playing in the creek.

More Missions Pics

2011-06-02T21:33:00.004-04:00

So, here we are on the last day of MissionsCAROLINA in Avery county. Above, a lady bought these flowers and i found this small child's chair next door at the thrift store. It is right beside the entry door.
This was our Celebration Banquet, catered by Loaves and fishes. We were entertained by Sons of the Savior.
Our last day noon time lunch with left over hot dogs behind the office.
Thanks to a local landscaper, we have new and more color out front.
He sorts sent some helpers too. Thanks Kurt Vance
Looks great don't it. I have wanted this for a long time.
Look Closely, yes those are Channel Locks being used at Tongs! What a great week we had!

More Missions Pics

2011-06-02T07:27:00.004-04:00

Picking up donated flowers
Here are some more pics from MissionsCAROLINA, a joing effort between the WMU and the Avery Association. The weather is warming up but there is lots of work going on around here. Yesterday and today we are working at my office, which needed it so bad.

Staining the front porch that was built last year by another group

Even during lunch we were on mission as the school group left the pizza place, we helped cleaned up the place.

More Mission Pics

2011-05-30T15:22:00.002-04:00

Here are some more shots of MissionsCAROLINA. Aaron Baptist fed lunch today and it was awesome. Plus, they have air at their church.
Monday morning everyone gathered at the office and then dispersed. Some went back to the pregnancy center to work, some baked cookies for the prisnors and some worked here at the office while others prayer walked again.

So, now we have the Family Fest tonight and then I head back to Shelby with TC at the group home until Wednesday morning. Much more work to be done. More pics later.

A few pics from the house

2011-05-30T08:40:00.004-04:00

Finally, a Washer and Dryer again. No more runs to the laundromat.
Installed the over the oven Microwave!
The Building unfinished and stained. Quite the difference. And yes, it still needs to be finished. Maybe next week.
Benji, taking his morning Pee and below is Smudges on the front porch full of flowers thanks to TC. The house is really looking good!

Pics from MissionsCAROLINA

2011-05-30T08:22:00.003-04:00