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TideFans.com - Blogs http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/ en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:07:38 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.tidefans.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg TideFans.com - Blogs http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/ Today, I am...a teacher. http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/156-today-i-am-teacher.html Thu, 06 Aug 2009 04:07:53 GMT For those students in high school and college who don't know what they want to do with their life, I have just one piece of advice:

Be flexible.

And, don't fret.

I started my journey into my career wanting to be a journalist and a broadcaster.

Today, I'm a high school teacher.

Call it a mid-life crisis at 40.

Call it being in the right place at the right time.

I call it....a calling.

Those of you who have come to know me know that I love to share my experciences and my life.

That's why I have a blog.

Now, this does't mean I wasted my time in college.

For, you see, I learned that you have to start at a point. Sometimes you will connect to another point and stay in a straight line for along time.

Sometimes, you have to connect to another dot.

But, the point where you started will always be a significant reference point to the other points you connect to, no matter how far away they are.

I still use my broadcasting degree. I still voice commercials and write script. I'm working on developing an on-line radio station in what little spare time I have to keep me in touch with my true love.

As I became a father, a scout leader, and a coach, I realized that I love sharing my knowledge with others. I feel for the youth today, and I see the need for them to need guidance more now than ever. It's not fair, but what they need to get from home is now being sought at school. I can't complain about today's generation until I actively do something about it.

I finished my summer of Starkville over a week ago. I started my new job as a teacher yesterday, shedding the role as technician and morphing into one who will teach how to be a technician. I finished two days of new teacher orientation today with convocation tomorrow and getting textbooks, lesson plans, rubrics, budgets, and classrooms ready for the students next week.

I received my teaching license a few weeks ago. Not only am I a teacher, I'm also a participant in the state-wide redesign of the course I'll be teaching and will stay on the committee with more trips to MSU. It's nice....rewarding...to feel that you're a part of something significant. If you feel you're stuck in a dead-end job, I encourage you to look around and find where you belong. Each and every one of you are significant, no matter where you are. You might find that you'll have to be flexible to answer your true call.

I'm ready for fall. Now that I have a hectic summer behind me, it's time to relax and enjoy some Alabama football this fall. I so enjoyed last season, and pray the magic continues this year. Thank you, Coach Saban, for answering your call to come to Bama.

Roll Tide, my friends! :biga:

TiderinMiss ]]> TiderinMiss http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/156-today-i-am-teacher.html The Scenic Route To Starkville, A.K.A. The Western By-Pass http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/153-scenic-route-starkville-k-western-pass.html Mon, 20 Jul 2009 04:23:50 GMT Driving home from Starkville to Clinton a couple of weeks ago, I ran into... Driving home from Starkville to Clinton a couple of weeks ago, I ran into some traffic as I made my way down Hwy. 25 (Lakeland Drive). The traffic wasn't bad until I got to the Castlewoods area of Flowood (a suburb of east of Jackson). Even the stop and go traffic wouldn't be bad....unless you have no air in your vehicle.

I needed a better route home with minimal stops. Surely there's a way around Jackson to Clinton that wouldn't be out of the way.

And, then it dawned on me.

The Natchez Trace.

The Natchez Trace heading north about five miles from Goshen Springs, MS. The Ross Barnett Resevoir is seen to the right. The Trace follows alongside the resevoir about 15 miles from Ridgeland to Goshen Springs.

About four years ago the Trace was finally completed. The 13 mile stretch from Clinton to Ridgeland was finished, and we use it to go to Ridgeland and Madison. I refer to it was The Western By-Pass around Jackson. It's scenic and efficient. The only drawbacks are it's two laned and a 50 MPH speed limit.

A view from the The Natchez Trace of Sunday afternoon boaters on the Ross Barnett Resevoir.

However, there are no traffic lights or four-way stops on the Trace. Last Friday, I decided to turn off Hwy. 25 before I got to Flowood onto Hwy. 43. I proceeded six miles to the Trace through Goshen Springs. Then, it was only 29 miles to Clinton down the Trace. Did I tell you I live only a mile from the Trace in Clinton? The ONLY time I had to stop between Starkville and Clinton was the four-way stop in Louisville by the Wal-Mart. That means less wear-and-tear on the transmission and brakes.

It took me the same amount of time to get home as the other way, and it's actually a couple of miles SHORTER! To top it off, it's a beautiful ride. Less wear and tear on my transmission, brakes, and a constant breeze for someone without air.

Here are a few pics of the Trace where it runs by the resevoir....

Goshen Springs marina.

The Pearl River feeds The Ross Barnett Resevoir. Here's a view going down Hwy. 43 crossing the north end of the lake (Pelahatchie Bay) going from Madison to Rankin County. ]]> TiderinMiss http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/153-scenic-route-starkville-k-western-pass.html A Jacket in July http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/152-jacket-july.html Mon, 20 Jul 2009 04:01:03 GMT Well...maybe not quite a jacket, but it has been refreshingly cool. As I... Well...maybe not quite a jacket, but it has been refreshingly cool. As I walked out to my van last night to pack for my final week in Starkville, there was a familiar nip in the air. The only thing missing was an Alabama football game.

It was a blessing from the Lord, as we had to endure an unusually hot June. It seemed August came early. Mom says the corn's husk is thicker this year, so according to the Famer's Almanac, we may have a colder winter on the way.

Our cross country team started practice last week (I'll rejoin them week after next week), and the cooler weather couldn't have come at a better time.

Timing is everything in life. Just when you think you can't take it anymore, life takes a turn for the better. A couple of weeks ago, I had a few things in my career to come u that made me wonder if I was doing the right thing. The pressure has been immmense, and just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, I got some good news in the mail last Saturday. I got my security blanket...my three year teaching certificate.

The cool spell in July is another example of an untimely reprieve from the heat. No matter what the circumstance may be, there's always the possibility of cool July breeze. ]]> TiderinMiss http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/152-jacket-july.html Peanut Butter Hamburgers, Alligator Tail Po-Boys, and Muscadine Ice Cream http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/151-peanut-butter-hamburgers-alligator-tail-po-boys-muscadine-ice-cream.html Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:07:43 GMT Greetings from Starkville! The natives call it StarkVegas, though I'm not sure which is the punch line: The fact that it's so far removed from Vegas or it's a gamble to be here.

Seriously, it's been pretty good. They do make some good red rhine cheese and I actually have had some of their sweet potato coffee and sweet potato ice cream. They even make muscadine ice cream at their MAFES store on campus.

The MAFES Store @ MSU where they make the cheese and ice cream.

Again, I'm here for a curriculum redesign program and training for a new course I'm to teach this fall back in Clinton.. I've met some great people, one particular person who I've become good friends with. He's from Mobile (Saraland) and is a big Bama fan! We've been paired together for the past couple of weeksand it's been a blessing working with him.

They actually have some good eating places in Starkville. I'm always looking for something unique to eat, and, by golly, I think I found it here!

Mug Shots Bar & Grill downtown Starkville.

Last week, I visited Mug Shots Bar and Grill in downtown Starkville. They have other locations in Tuscaloosa, Hattiesburg, and Jackson. Their specialty is "beer and burgers" so being the burger connoisseur that I am, I checked out their menu. The one that caught my eye was the Anthony Burger, which is two buns, a hamburger patty, and peanut butter spread on each bun. It was actually pretty good (reminded me of breakfast sausage with syrup from the pancakes on it) and I reccomend you to try it...just don't put any condiments or lettuce or tomato on it.

My alligator po boy @ Oby's.

Today, I visited the original Oby's on Academy St. Great atmosphere, and prices were pretty good. They specialize in cajun food, especially po boys.

The po boy that caught my eye was the alligator tail po boy. I had to give it a try. I mean, why not? About two years ago, I went camping with a dear friend of mine (he passed away last October and was a big MSU fan) and we cooked up some frog legs with our catfish. Ever heard the cliche' "It tastes just like chicken"? Well, when eating amphibian and reptile, from my experience, it really does! Maybe chickens need to belong in the amphibian and reptile group. The alligator po boy tasted great and I reccomend trying it whenever one is here in Starkville.

I'll be here another week, so I'm sure there's some unique or weird dish I haven't tried. When I do, I'll let you know.

Is it football season, yet?! :)

Cheers.

TiderinMiss ]]> TiderinMiss http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/151-peanut-butter-hamburgers-alligator-tail-po-boys-muscadine-ice-cream.html Bama fan prayers are heard in Tennessee! http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/nashvilletider/150-bama-fan-prayers-heard-tennessee.html Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:30:16 GMT You need to understand first that there is only way this could happen and... You need to understand first that there is only way this could happen and that is that God is at work. I believe that and I really am trying to view the big picture. Let me explain what I'm talking about here and how it relates to Bama football. You might have to be Southern Baptist to get this but I think I can 'xplain it.

On September 11th 2007 our pastor died. Bro. Glenn was an outstanding pastor, preacher and friend. He hailed from Foley originally and came to pastor our large church over twenty years ago. His love of Alabama football was evident in his sermons and he managed to get a tweak at Tennessee fans as often as was lovingly possible. At his 20th anniversary as pastor his gift was a crimson golf cart complete with a #12 football helmet. There's no doubt that he loved Bama football and Jesus, but not in that order. I loved him muchly and miss him often.
(my English teacher wife would edit that sentence but it fits.)

Our pastor search committee was formed shortly after his death and began the job of meeting, and meeting, and praying, and meeting and meeting. It's been a tough job and I don't envy the time they've spent. One of the members of the search committee is a close friend and the first thing I told him was to get another Bama man and they couldn't go wrong.

So today it was announced that Dr. Bruce Chesser would be coming as the potential leader of our church. Dr. Chesser is from Andalusia, pastored at Opp,(following in the footsteps of our former pastor), and at Calvary Baptist in Tuscaloosa. He was at one time the team chaplain at Bama. His two children attended or attend Alabama and his twitter site has six Bama football team "tweeters" that he is following. Wow....

This has to be a God thing. To keep this all in macro-world perspective; I'm excited that we're getting what appears to an outstanding Senior Pastor. But I'm positively gushing that he's a huge Bama fan. Is that wrong? I hope not. I didn't pray that he'd be a Bama fan, just that he'd be a great man of God and lead us to do greater things.

So it does all relate somehow and there is an Alabama connection to everything. ]]> NashvilleTider http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/nashvilletider/150-bama-fan-prayers-heard-tennessee.html Summer Camp #4 for TiderinMiss and Son of TiderinMiss http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/148-summer-camp-4-tiderinmiss-son-tiderinmiss.html Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:49:13 GMT Image:...

Whew!

Me and my son have been camping together for over six years. This was our fourth summer camp since he crossed over from cub to boy scouts.

That was the hottest and driest summer camp I've ever been to. We hit the century mark twice.

I went running today, and it was the coolest run I've had in over a week. The temp was only 92 degrees. That's cool compared to the tripple digits we've been having.

Suprisingly, everything went pretty well. Our little screamer only woke us up one night (I figured our scoutmaster wasn't going to put up with that) and the boys had fun and for the most part, got along really well. They did a great job singing the national anthem for the closing campfire and my son learned "Amazing Grace" in Cherokee.

Chapel by the lake where Vespers is held.

Speaking of the little screamer, he behaved for the most part. However, he didn't dissapoint me. At least it was the last day, about three hours before we were to leave to go home.

On Friday's, the parents come down to feed the boys a special supper, usually picking up fast food from the nearest town (in this case, Hazlehurst, which is about 12 miles from camp). Just a couple of kids weren't having parents to come down, so I took up orders and got ready to go to Burger King to pick up their supper.

As I appoached the boy's side of the camp (youth on one side of the campsite, adult leaders the other side), I saw my son yelling at Little Screamer (that's my new native name for him). Little Screamer then appeared, running with my brand new camping chair and throwing it at this other scout.

I asked my son what happened. He said they were sitting in my new camping chair (It's nice. Has a built-in cooler on one arm, and is nice and firm to sit on). Little screamer was sitting in it, and this other boy's turn was next. When Little Screamer refused to get up, the other boy started rocking the chair, and Little Screamer threw a fit, hurling my chair at the boy and chased him through the woods.

After things calmed down, I finished taking orders, got back with the food, and sat down to eat (Little Screamer had already eaten by this time. His parents brought him pizza).

I unwrap my Whopper and about to put it in my mouth, when Little Screamer comes to me and says "that boy is sitting in your chair".

Okay. Mouth agape, I lost it. Friday afternoon. 100 degrees. Tired. Hungry. Starving.

"Let me tell YOU something...you better not say ANYTHING else about that chair! You've already eaten, and I'm going to eat my supper. Sit down. Shut up. And, don't say another word! Stay...away...from MY chair!"

"Yes, sir".

I got "yes, sir's" the rest of the evening from the other scouts...and parents.

Aside from that story, things turned out well. My son is on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout, and I know I'll look back on these moments one day and really miss them.

Our campsite. ]]> TiderinMiss http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/148-summer-camp-4-tiderinmiss-son-tiderinmiss.html Summer of Starkville http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/146-summer-starkville.html Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:33:13 GMT I have four weeks in which I have to be in Starkville, MS for some... I have four weeks in which I have to be in Starkville, MS for some pre-teaching certification and course development. Of course, you know that Starkville is the home of Mississippi State. I spent one week there about three weeks ago. Let's just say they don't call it Starkville for nothing, especially in the summer in the off-season.

The fanciest Piggly Wiggly I've ever seen.

It really was a sweet deal. All expenses paid, plus I made a few extra dollars by working for their RCU in helping to develop and rewrite a new course.

I had a chance to look around campus and get a feel of the town. It had been almost eleven years since I had been on campus (I interviewed for a job there back in '98). They had a couple of good restraunts, especially on University Drive and Main St. downtown.

Main St. downtown Starkville.

I did get a chance to see Davis-Wade Stadium.

I have to admit, it was painful to see the endzone where two years ago, JPW was intercepted and ran back 100 yards for a TD. I plan on going to the Bama/MSU game there this fall to see Bama return the favor there. Maybe we can intercept one and run it back 100 yards for a TD.

No artifical noisemakers? I swear I could hear cowbell on the TV and radio!

I have to go back there in two weeks, right after the fourth, and I'll be there for three weeks this time. I'll have the laptop, camera, and probably some interesting stories to tell later. Speaking of stories, check the blog for my summer scout camp experience.

Later.

TiderinMiss ]]> TiderinMiss http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/146-summer-starkville.html Back Over The Biloxi Bay Bridge http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/144-back-over-biloxi-bay-bridge.html Tue, 26 May 2009 20:17:37 GMT Well, I've found my new running route whenever I'm staying in Biloxi.

When staying at the Beau Rivage, I like to run down to the Biloxi Bay Bridge into Ocean Springs. It's about 3.5 to 4 miles from the Beau to Ocean Springs and typically takes me a little over an hour to run it there and back (8 miles 'round trip).

There's a nice view of Ocean Springs from the bridge.

Our family stayed there last weekend (about four days), on what will appear to be a short vacation for us this summer (I'll be spending much of my time in training at the RCU @ Mississippi State for my new high school teaching position). In spite of the weather, we had a great time. It didn't rain the whole time, so we got some sun Friday afternoon, Sunday, and Monday morning. We used our rainy day outing for Saturday by going shopping and watching Night at the Museum II in D'iberville.

Me at the Ocean Springs City Limit sign atop of the Biloxi Bay Bridge. Yes, I was tired at that point!

This ship is STILL aground near the Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi.

We had a chance to visit the Hard Rock Cafe and Gift Shop, plus ate at the buffet in the Beau Rivage (can't beat shrimp and crab legs every night, plus a couple of champaigne brunches!).

Anyway, it was hard getting back to work today.

Remind me to tell you about a camping trip our troop had in Winona, MS back in April. It wasn't as long as the winter camp, but it had some interesting moments, and I need some time to spin the yarn to you.

Later.

Bill

TiderinMiss ]]> TiderinMiss http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/144-back-over-biloxi-bay-bridge.html <![CDATA[Where's Waldo? No, where's TiderinMiss?]]> http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/143-wheres-waldo-no-wheres-tiderinmiss.html Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:05:48 GMT One of the funniest signs I've ever read had this quote"

Quote:

"I've lost myself. If you find me, please tell me I'm looking for him!"

Well, I'm not really lost. I have direction, and I'm on my way. I've just been really busy lately. My apologies to those who subscribe to my YouTube site. I just haven't had any time to put anything on it. Same with my Facebook account. We just finished track season at Clinton Junior High and I'm in the process of developing a new course I'll be teaching next fall at the Clinton High Career Complex. Also, I have Boy Scouts Summer Camp coming up in June after Father's Day (I'm heading to Winona, MS for a camping trip in a couple of hourse. It's only my second camping trip this year, so far.), cross country tryouts and practice coming up, and three weeks at the Mississippi State University RCU for my technical teaching certification for K-12. Oh, yeah...the athletic director also wants me to get my Class B license and take a bus driving course this June so I can help drive to some of the athletic events. Things you'll do for more money in this economy. At least I don't have a daily route. I would go nuts.

I'll try to post more blogs and pics when I get time. Right now, this jack-of-all-trades needs to find himself in the woods.

TiM ]]> TiderinMiss http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/143-wheres-waldo-no-wheres-tiderinmiss.html Birthday Weekend In Mobile (Azalea Trail 10K Run) http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/142-birthday-weekend-mobile-azalea-trail-10k-run.html Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:41:11 GMT I survived the Azalea Trail 10K Run in Mobile last weekend.

I don't know which was worse...the thunderstorms and tornadoes the night before or the humidity that set in during the run. Still, it was a beautiful route, with Azalea Maids waving, on-lookers cheering, ringing cow bells, funny signs along the way (the "Free Beer 2 Miles" sign helped me to think cool thoughts), and great music from the front porches of the neighborhood.

I finished the race in 43:55. That was 11th in my age group (40-45) and 152nd, overall. While I was dissapointed I didn't reach my goal of breaking my best time (42:16), 152 out of 2,500 isn't bad.

There was a great health and fittness expo at the Civic Center before and after the race, with free bowls of red beans and rice. Afterwards, we went shopping (malls, Hudsons, Flea Market on Schillinger Road, and Old Tyme Pottery) and capped it off with dinner at Felix's on the causeway.

I'll have some pics from my other camera from the race. We enjoyed our stay in Mobile/Spanish Fort.

(hotel where we stayed in Spanish Fort)

(downtown Mobile)

(We experienced "tunnel vision".) ]]> TiderinMiss http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/142-birthday-weekend-mobile-azalea-trail-10k-run.html Throw Me a Bone, Lord! http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/141-throw-me-bone-lord.html Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:00:36 GMT I had that prayer a couple of weeks ago.

"Throw me a bone, Lord! I need some good news!"

Just like the Anne Murray song of the '70's.

We all need a little good news from time to time. Something to look forward to. Relief. Release.

It's been a year since I was approached about a new teaching position that wouldn't happen until over a year later. More money. Summers off. Continue coaching.

However, a year...make that 15 months...is a long time to wait. If one prays for patience, then this is an answer to prayer. Learning to be still and having faith.

I asked the Lord for a bone.

He gave me more than that.

I have journeyed on a faith oriented archeological dig. The Lord revealed a bone. Then two. Then three. Soon, I was able to see the complete body.

Hawaii Five-O's main character Steve McGarrett made a good quote on one of the episodes from 1976...

"The truth doesn't come in on the morning tide, Ms. O'Bryan. Sometimes you have to dig for it."

We all want easy answers. We also want quick answers. However, character and wisdom are built through the hard times.

I've been digging for awhile. What I was digging, however, was not the situations outside of me, but, rather, the bones inside of me. I was not only reassured the other day of me getting the position, but I found out it will have some extra benefits, as well.

So, the next time you're down in the valley of dry bones, instead of asking for a bone, ask for the bone to be revealed. ]]> TiderinMiss http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/141-throw-me-bone-lord.html Biloxi At Sunrise http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/140-biloxi-sunrise.html Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:24:15 GMT We had a trip planned to Top Sail State Park near Destin,Florida for... We had a trip planned to Top Sail State Park near Destin,Florida for spring break. However, Mother Nature had different ideas for us. Wisdom is taking past experiences and using it to make good judgements. Being in a camper for three days in the rain is NOT fun.

So, we opted for Biloxi and the Beau Rivage. My mother-in-law got us a sweet deal on the room and dining, and we had a blast at the pool and shopping. Even my teenage son got into the shopping. He picked out clothes from Aeropostle. That's a far cry from Osh Kosh By Gosh.

I'm a runner. It doesn't matter if I'm vacationing in Equador or Siberia, I'm going to go for my morning run. Friday morning, I ran east towards the rising sun, around 7A.M. I passed the Hard Rock Casino/Cafe, the George Oher Museum, and finally to the Biloxi Bay Bridge into Ocean Springs.

I did take pause to snap a few pics from my phone camera. Hope you enjoy.

]]> TiderinMiss http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/140-biloxi-sunrise.html A Bama fan turns 40 http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/139-bama-fan-turns-40.html Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:04:37 GMT Goodbye, thirty-something. Hello, 40. My glass is at least half... Goodbye, thirty-something.

Hello, 40.

My glass is at least half full. I'm thankful to be alive to see another birthday. I got the few gray hairs cut off Monday (if I keep my hair cut short, you can't see the gray. :))

I received the best birthday card from my daughter this morning. The best ones aren't from Hallmark. They're homemade, or rather heart-made.

Here's a couple of pics of it to share...

To my kids, runners, and scouters, I'm old. However, my friends in their 50's and 60's still think I'm young.

I guess that's what they mean by middle age.

If your birthday is today, also, I wish you a Happy Birthday as well.

If it's not your birthday, I still wish you a great day.

Part of my present is for me to run in the Azalea Trail Run in Mobile this weekend. It's a race I've been wanting to do since I was a teenager. If you happen to be down that way, I look forward to meeting you. Come run with me! ]]> TiderinMiss http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/139-bama-fan-turns-40.html Belly Dancing In A Baptist Town http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/138-belly-dancing-baptist-town.html Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:42:54 GMT I don't know whether to call it irony or an oxymoron.

As the cold rain fell to mark the beginning of spring break, we decided to call our neighbors/friends and go out to eat.

We had heard of this new restaurant in downtown Clinton called The Petra Cafe. It's a Mediterranean-style restaurant, and they told us they had a belly dancing contest on Friday nights.

Belly dancing. In Clinton.

Four blocks from Mississippi College.

A Baptist College.

Excuse me, I’m politically incorrect.

I meant “Belly Choreography”. :)

We enjoyed our cuisine of gyros, lamb meat, Greek salad, and chick pea humus. Sure enough, at the stroke of 8:30, the belly dancing began.

As we sat and watched the veiled-clad lady weave her through the rooms around the tables, I couldn't help but the chuckle. Through the rain-streaked window I could see the Clinton Police Station. In the background behind the station, the clock tower above Nelson Hall on the main campus, where I had chapel on Tuesdays and Thursdays just 17 years earlier.

I chuckled again, thinking, any minute now a crowd of Mayberry-type Aunt Bee's were going to descend upon the place with picket signs from their picket fenced yards.

Just kidding.

Well, to some degree I am.

You have to understand Clinton. It's a town of 22,000, but the olde downtown area is still much like a town of 2,000.

The owner of the place was very hospitable and we had a really good time. There were actually several families there with kids and everyone laughed and had a great time. Hopefully, the locals will support it as it's nice to get a different flavor of food without having to drive fifteen to twenty miles to enjoy something different.

It just goes to show you how things have changed in this one belly dancing town. ]]> TiderinMiss http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/138-belly-dancing-baptist-town.html My Enemy Has Been Praying For Me http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/136-my-enemy-has-been-praying-me.html Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:44:54 GMT The junior high years were the worst in my life. Or, at least in my... The junior high years were the worst in my life.

Or, at least in my pre-adult life.

I hated seventh and eight grade. Everything seemed to change. My friends. My school. How I felt about the world and myself. I don't have to tell you about all the awkward phases that were immortalized in your yearbook.

It was a time when I didn't understand why a particular girl was so mean to me. Twenty five years later, I find out she was in love with me.

See?

One particular guy made my life miserable, or so he tried.

Let me say this first....a person can only make you miserable to the level that you allow it.

Something else I learned 25 years later.

Back to my enemy. He helped to get a bad rumor started about me during my eight grade year. It got better in high school, as I made many new friends that converged there from different junior high schools. However, this guy continued to be cold towards me, even to the day of my high school graduation.

A few weeks ago, I created a Facebook account. I've been in contact with people that I haven't seen since my last couple of jobs, college, high school...all the way to grade school for some. One thing about Facebook...you'll see people you've really missed.

And, some you could still do without.

Well, lo and behold, I came across the guy who caused me much grief in junior high. I debated as to whether or not I should contact him. I ignored it for a couple of weeks, but this past week, something told me to just try and contact him and see.

I added him to my friends list a couple of nights ago. He told me he was glad I contacted him, and we chatted about our lives in the past twenty years. We shared ideas about education, and we might even meet up soon.

The biggest thing he told me: He had been praying for me.

The Lord does, indeed, work in mysterious ways. He has said, “My ways are not your ways." I had been harboring a lot of resentment for years over that situation. We waste a lot of time and energy harboring feelings that we have no business keeping. I was profiling, using previous judgment to draw a conclusion without adding in the percentage that the guy had changed. We underestimate how He can change people, and that we should be willing to give others a chance to be changed.

And, we should be willing to change, ourselves.

I've had a couple of other situations where guys I couldn't get along with ended up being good friends of mine. It's all really a matter of getting to really know other people.

And, a chance for your enemy to pray for you. ]]> TiderinMiss http://www.tidefans.com/forums/blogs/tiderinmiss/136-my-enemy-has-been-praying-me.html