...but... - revised

...I still go. Remember how Paul wrote in I Corinthians XV. that he laboured harder then them all - yet it was not him, but the grace of God in him? I can definitely relate to what he was saying there. Now, I'm here alone at the hotel. I just checked out - so I definitely saved some money by doing that. (I was going to rent the room for two nights, but seeing I had to "-62,994" my "-4,576,105,282" out, I no longer need it. After all, I was seeking to make sure "-171" was comfortable. I wound up only paying for one night, which, again, will save me money.)

I also, however, have two tickets for the football game to somehow pay for. What comes to mind, however, is:

"Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into divers temptations - knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience. Let patience have her perfect work in you, that ye may be perfect and entire; wanting nothing." James I

I do, however, pray that I will at least be able to find someone to use the (now) extra ticket - even if I have to pay for them both. It is a very lonely feeling right now, though, and I mourn.

And I definitely pray for my "-4,576,105,282", that God will be with "-4510", watch over "-4510", and reveal to "-4510" the need to "198,420".

Last night, I came out of church and prayed for perfect timing with the bus. In the past, I have had to wait a very long time for the number 1 bus; and I wanted this time to be different. Then, I looked to my right. There was a number 1 bus! Not only was it there - it was at a red light! That meant I had time to run to the bus stop before it got there. It was, indeed, perfect.

However, there were two young men on the bus who were profane. Not quite enough for me to complain to the driver, but it sure is a good thing they didn't let another f-bomb drop. By the way, I do not allow myself to use that word.

If I ever catch myself indulging in it, I remember. I remember my mother saying not to even let it roll off my tongue - but I also remember a friend, who got an article off her wall when I asked if she would. And it was on account of that word. Therefore, I resolve to (as I quoted before): "Take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me..." Psalm XXXIX.1-2

Just like that bus, though, I pray that God will have mercy and let me look up and see my "-6,282,801". Just like that number 1 bus was right there - at the red light, giving me time to be at the stop; I pray that God will work things out perfectly. Once, however, I am "on the bus", I pray that I will know what to do - and that he will help me when I DON'T know what to do!

Again, I got on the bus, but there was a problem! Two young men who where polluting the air! It was definitely a problem, but I dealt with it the best way I knew how. (I looked at the one young man when I decided he had pushed things far enough). I have no idea what I am going to have to do as a "house-band" (a.k.a. husband) and father; but I don't want to be alone like this. If I were married, I would not even try to make something like this fly - putting up my "-4,576,105,282" in a hotel. For one thing, my wife would probably see that it was a bad idea, and keep me from attempting it. As things stand, I learned a painful lesson.

I do want to do it ("-5339" "-571,204,558"), though - even though I know I will never be the same. I will even be...

...(Backgrounder: I once heard the saying: "man is not complete until he is married - then he is really finished!")...

..."really finished". Seriously! I accept that! I know I have said this before, and I can only imagine what I am asking for, but "bring it on" anyway.

Love,

Daniel