YESTERDAY AND TODAY

Karen and I had most of the day "off" yesterday. I did do some studying and reading and walked 2.5 miles. We rested some during the day and went out to eat as our date for the week at Pizza Hut buffet last night. I don't think that is very wise to do very often since the buffet lends too much to eat. . . . .We had a good time and enjoyed each other's company. . . .

Karen was called, after applying several weeks ago and having an interview last week, and accepted part-time work at Wal-Mart. It reminds me of when I was in my early years of pastoring and she worked there for about 3 years, when we were both in junior college together. This is difficult for her since she has taught elementary school for 10 years but has been unable to find anything within an hour's drive. She has done two leaves of absence for a few months for a couple teachers and thats it for the last 19 months. Nothing was open this year and she called every school within an hour's drive. She is a trooper and I have been encouraging her. I told her, "think about the community people you will see at Wal-Mart and how you can make contact with them." She agreed but I know this is a difficult time for her. She begins Thursday afternoon and will work 25-30 hours a week until she can find something in her field. She has applied to sub. teach and has all her process completed to sub. since last November and has not had one call. We are still trusting God.

This morning I walked and then went and filled Jason's old car up with gasoline. It is running okay again but still has a small leak in the radiator.

By invitation, we attended a seminar today (3-6 pm with meal provided) at First Bank Community Room sponsored by our automobile insurance person. He is also a Senior Financial Adviser. Karen and I are not quite to that point (seniors) in our lives but it was a very helpful seminar. It was very interesting and informative on income tax, annuities, stock market and bank investment and retirement issues. We have a free consultation with Him later in the week. Do you think Pastor's need this kind of help too? After all, we are human and have those kinds of needs. I am almost 57 and technically could "retire" in 5.5 years but I don't think so. . . .

After we left there we came home for about 30 minutes and went to another seminar. This one was dealing with utility savings. The company sells and installs the space-engineered aluminum utility shield. It has proven to cut the cost of heating and cooling from 22-47%. It is not insulation. It is a "shield" that reflects radiant heat so that it stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. We met several people in this meeting including the parents of one of the couples, Chad and Kim Byars, who attends our church. It was a very informative meeting and also gave us opportunity to meet others in the community. I feel grateful to be a part of these type of community meetings, social events, school events, etc. to be involved with the people in the community.

I contacted the Huntingdon Rehab. Center to set up prayer meeting for tomorrow night. The person was out but she had already told us that we could have prayer meeting there any time. I will contact her again first thing in the morning.