I hate this time of the year......

I hate this time of the year when this time of the job falls in it. As most of you know I'm finishing a hospital in Cypress(7 days a week 10-12 hours a day..I'll see ya'll soon). Everybody sees it coming, everybody knows it's inevitable and everybody's a little nervous. They're nervous of what's next, who they have to work for, where they have to drive, what kind of work it's going to be or worst case if there is even going to be any work. It's this last part that is the reason I hate this time of the year. I'm sitting down to my desk this morning to write the dreaded ROF's (Reduction Of Force). Five men who have families, mortgages and bills to pay will be entered into Houstons unemployment count today. Yeah I know "it's all part of the job and everybody knows it's going to happen". Yes, thats true and at least it's not the 35 men I had to let go 2 years ago at this time. But, it takes on a different feeling when it's your signature on the bottom of the paper and it's Christmas time.
Fortunatly I know some people who can probably put these guys to work tomorrow. But it makes me think about those that don't have work or can't get work for some reason or another. It makes me thankful for where God has led me. It makes me thankful for what he's blessed me with. Even when I'm pissin' and moanin' about my car not running right or my house doesn't look right or the dog tore a hole in the screen or the carpet is dirty I aught to be thankful.
So here it is Ken this is what I'm thankful for:
I'm thankful for a God that loves me (in spite of me being me)
I'm thankful for family that loves me (in spite of me being me)
I'm thankful for people who are willing to sacrifice there lives for our country (they're the real hereos)
I'm thankful for friends who accept me for who I am
I'm thankful for having something to piss and moan about.

This is F-ing funny!

We all know that at wellspring some of us cuss and some of us don't. Some of us are offended and some of us aren't. Well, I think it's about time that we all agree on what is best, this article may help (haha!)

http://www.burnsidewriterscollective.com/general/2006/11/on_swearing_hey_mfer_read_this.php?page=1

I'm thankful are you thankful?

We play around with this phrase often – but I in no way intend to be disrespectful or ungrateful. I am very thankful to God for many things. I’ve been thinking lately about how thankful I am that there are people in my life who support and encourage me. As we’ve been talking about lately – I’ve got people who validate me and affirm me. Please allow me a few lines of personal privilege to say thanks to a few people.

First, without the community we call Wellspring I would have quit long ago. I’m grateful to all of you for being willing to get out of your comfortable box and be on this journey with me. I know it’s scary, uncertain and often uncomfortable. Thanks for having my back. Thanks for trusting me. Thanks for making the ride a fun one.

Second, I want to say thanks to some friends who keep checking on us and who keep believing in us. Thanks for your friendship and your trust. Thanks to Rusty, Scott, Tom, Ben, Jim, Paula, Linda, Paulette, Bob, Robert, Galen, Rick, Karen and I’m sure a few others who I’m not thinking of right now.

Third, I want to say thanks to several family members. As with the others, thanks for believing in me and trusting me even though you don’t understand completely what I’m doing. Thanks for your encouragement and support. Thanks to Peggy & Don, Nancy & Larry. My parents are amazing – thank you.
Thanks to Rachel, Jason, Abby & Josh for being curious.

Fourth, I want to say thanks to my amazing wife Becky. Thanks for letting me experiment and be “out of the box” even though it means less security. Thanks for being patient with me. Thanks for having my back. There is no one that supports me or defends me more than you. You are the “lioness”.

Fifth, thank you God. Thank you for the gift of your Spirit that keeps guiding me. Thank you for “peace” that is beyond my ability to understand. Thank you for provision and protection. Thank you for letting “me” do this.

I’m thankful are you thankful?