Celebrating 23 years of marriage to my beautiful bride, @jillbrasfield.

Chicago, 2009

In the days and years of my youth, I made some horrible decisions.  But, on this day twenty three years ago, I made the all time best decision, next to my decision to follow Christ.  That was the day Jilly and I married.

Yea, yea.  Y'all think she must have been eleven years old, or something.  She doesn't look like she's been married twenty three years.  It doesn't feel like it either. 

I wish I had a picture with me of our wedding day.  It was a whirlwind that was destined by God.  He picked the date and planted us in it's rich fertile soil.

Jilly, I am the most blessed man on earth.  You don't realize just how beautiful you are.  The life we share is one to be envied.  The love we share is for a lifetime.

Happy anniversary.  I love you.

Andy

Today is the date, but two days from now is the day I remember.

We joked about the police escort that brought her to the KY/TN state line; how unusual it was.  The social workers brought her to us at a gas station on the TN side.  It was a very special day - two days after her birth.

We were so happy.  So blessed.

Every time I try to remember her birth date, I go to Dec. 10 and subtract 2.

I called people on the way home, to tell them the good news.  I told Charles Fritts, "We got her!"  What a happy day it was.

It was such a happy homecoming.  Jilly wrapped her up like a pink burrito and let Georgia's brothers and sisters take turns holding her while she was still new.

Joy and sorrow.  God has blessed me with an amazing wife, wonderful children and faithful friends.

Sorry about that last one. It was phony. #Thankful.

And I don't mean telephony.  It was a minor breach in my online security.

Maybe you didn't see it, since I deleted it quickly.  But, if you saw it, it wasn't me. 

I like to use the direct email to blog to twitter to facebook feature.  Occasionally, a bot will guess the email address.  I would like to see Blogger improve the security of this feature.

I am thankful it wasn't worse.

Happy Thanksgiving.

If this doesn't scare you a little, then there must be something right with you.

"There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs."
Luke 12:2-3  (New International Version)

Looking back at a specific period of time in my life, I can remember hearing this passage over the radio. And it scared the hound out of me. I was involved in sin and I knew it. I just didn't know how to stop it. Or maybe I wasn't motivated to stop it.

Nowadays, when I hear or see this, that uncomfortable feeling comes back. "Is there anything hidden in there you'd be ashamed to be made public?" I ask the man in the mirror.

Well, of course there is. There is none without sin, except Christ.

But he was talking about hypocrisy.

I remember Rhonda.

When she a little girl with long blonde hair, she got choked on a peice of butterscotch candy at my house. I was so arrogant. I wasn't too worried because Rhonda was talking and coughing just fine. But she was gagging and dry heaving like crazy. She and my mom both thought it was serious. She drank some water to lubricate the candy and it came back out.

I wish I could somehow share with you the picture of Rhonda that I have in my mind. Even though she was a grown lady with a beautiful family of her own, I still remember her mostly as she was when I left Memphis for college. She was a sweet little girl, the kind of child every parent hopes for.

Thank you all for your prayers and blessings. Now begins the time of adjustment and lonesome grieving for her husband, Mike. Let's all remember Mike and his girls.

Love to you all,
Dadofmykids

Ft. Kid is closed, but The World's Fair Park is open.

Since my Jilly is gone to Memphis to help my sister, I wanted to keep our three youngest busy.  It's a lot more fun to get out of the house and do something, than to let them get bored staying home.

We headed out with James White Fort as our destination.  But we didn't leave the house till nearly noon.   The kids were hungry.  Ok, I was hungry too.  We had packed sack lunches with plans to have a picnic at Ft. Kid.  When we got there, Ft. Kid was closed due to safety concerns (something about a fire in the house/building next to the playground).  So, we walked down to the World's Fair Park instead.  There's a nice playground next to the Court of Flags.

Here are some pics I took at the playground.

Asher, looking serious.

I don't know what Levi was doing with his hand.

Kk stayed on this swing almost the whole time.

Is this some kind of seesaw?

"Take my picture!"

The Park is located very near Neyland Stadium, where the TN Vols play football.  They were playing a game while we were at the Park.  It was cool hearing the crowd and seeing the fireworks when the Vols scored.  And they did some scoring didn't they?

We went up in the Sinsphere, I mean Sunsphere (that's for you,Gibson) to see if we could see inside Neyland Stadium.  That stadium is so big, we couldn't see anything, except a few people at the top of the rim.  

Then, we were off to James White Fort, the home of the founder of Knoxville.  You'd think the city would be named Whiteville, but he must have been a humble man.  The place was closed.  Bummer.  But we took some pictures at the plaque and the stockade in the front.  Take a look.

Yeah, they were a mess, but it was a play day.
Look at Kk.  She didn't want to be in the middle.

This one was a lot of fun to make.  Levi's standing on Asher's
back since he is too short to reach on his own.

This is supposed to be punishment.

She's trying to look shameful.

After two meltdowns at James White Fort, one each by Asher and Levi, we ended the fun and went home. Even though things didn't go quite as planned, we had a good day.  

We encountered a bear of sorts in the Great Smoky Mtns

Riley was scared but I thought he was mistaken. He said somebody had threatened them with a knife. So I went to check it out.
We had driven to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, about an hour from home, to have a nice picnic in the autumn forest.
The kids told me it was a teenager. And they were scared. Riley led
the way to the spot, not far from our picnic site, where the thing
happened.
Sure enough, there were two teenage boys. I ask them to show me the
knife. When he handed it to me, I said "now get the hell out of here."
Then we walked away.
The knife was small, but still, the boy had threatened my kids with
it. So I threw it in the nearest garbage can when he wasn't looking.
Some kids might be responsible enough to carry a pocket knife, but most aren't.
We had a wonderful day. The fall colors were beautiful, especially
against the sky blue backdrop.
God bless,
Dadofmykids

Freight Train vs Road Warrior Hawk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOm7j37X_NU

Sent from my iPhone

Trampoline Triple Threat Match

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN1D9zS3bl8

Sent from my iPhone

Rocky Top

Madison this is for you. Me playing Rocky Top on my Irish Whistle.
Credit to Levi for the fine video work.

God bless,
Dadofmykids.
Sent from my iPhone

I am mailing this letter to USA Network.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

USA Network
30 Rockefeller Plaza
21st Floor
New York, NY 10112

RE: Request to remove commercial from your network.

Dear USA Network,

My family enjoys watching several shows on your network, especially WWE Monday Night Raw. Last night, as I watched RAW with my children, ages 14, 13, 10 and 6, there was a commercial that exposed my children to a vulgar sexual suggestion.

The commercial was advertising the movie, “Get Him to the Greek”. One of the characters said to the other, “Imaging someone else having sex with your girlfriend, at the same time as you”, or something very similar. My young children heard that!! How offensive!!!

It’s hard to imagine how that got on the air during a show that is known to be loved and watched by millions of children. Please consider the negative impact this commercial is having on the minds of children. It is unhealthy for them to hear such things. Once such a thought is planted in their minds, you can’t take it back.

Do you see the damage this could have on the children who watch your network?

TAKE THIS COMMERCIAL OFF THE AIR IMMEDIATELY!!

Sincerely,

Andy Brasfield

Phone 865-235-1323
Dadofmykids.blogspot.com

I get wanting to know Christ, power and fellowship. But suffering???

Consider this verse:

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. Philippians 3:10 (New International Version)

Am I reading that correctly?

Did Paul really say he wanted to share in Christ's suffering?

He must know something I don't, because I don't like suffering of my own. And Christ suffered way more than I could imagine.

God help me understand this.

SE Laser Celebrates 21 Years with Half Price!

Greetings! ,   It's a Birthday Party!!  And you're invited!!!    We are having a birthday party for our company to celebrate 21 years of business!  Unfortunately, we can't find enough cake and ice cream for everyone so we had to think of another way to celebrate.  To thank you for your loyalty and support, we are offering Half-Price Toner!   In the month of September, you can buy any remanufactured or compatible toner or ink cartridge at half price!  We must limit this offer to one half-priced cartridge per customer.      To join the party, call 865-675-5900, or click here. Andy Brasfield Southeastern Laser   Phone: 865-675-5900. Email: abrasfield@southeasternlaser.com  PS.  You don't have to sing, but it would be nice if you did.

Forward email This email was sent to dadofmykids1.redtek@blogger.com by abrasfield@southeasternlaser.com. Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by Southeastern Laser | 1738 Louisville Drive | Knoxville | TN | 37921

US Army Chorus tickled ears and massaged hearts at Kennedy Center.

It was an unexpected surprise. While the line for tickets grew outside, these men were inside singing.

From Broadway show tunes to spirituals and folk songs, all were American music. The voices were rich and flawless.

If you ever get the opportunity to hear them live, don't miss it.

After the concert, as the soldier exited the building and passed the crowd waiting in line, spontaneous applause erupted. Unfortunately, the only picture I could get is this one.

God bless America!

Dadofmykids

Keep on Daddin'

Daddin' is for Men.

I mean real men:

• Men who's arm won't fall off from retrieving a hot wheel car from turd infested waters.  
• Men who will squeeze their kids' momma just so tight in the kitchen.
• Men of honesty and integrity.  
• Men who will be with their kids on non-birthdays and non-holidays.  
• Men who will worship God without shame.
• Men who will go to work and come home after work every day.
• Men who scratch a dog's ears.
• Men who smell like men.
• Men who can admit their mistakes.

Perfection? No.

Dads? Yes.

Keep on Daddin'.

God Bless,

Dadofmykids.

--

Matthew 10:40

It's been a great week of vacation in Gulf Shores Al.

We weren't sure what to expect. The news reporters seemed to all be screaming, "Oil!". We considered going to the other coast when the oil leak began. I am glad we didn't change our plans.

There were very small amounts of tar balls and oil on the beach here this week. Maybe credit is due the cleanup crews which have been sifting the sand both with large machines and by hand. Could it be that there hasn't been very much oil impact on the beaches here at all?

The sad part of it is that the greatest impact here seems to be economic here in Gulf Shores, Alabama. This is a demonstration of the power of the media to falsely influence behavior in our people. The beach has not been crowded at all - the opposite, nearly baron.

Yesterday the beach flags were changed from red to yellow. I heard reports that the Health Department upgraded the swim advisory. They must have seen the same thing I saw.

We took some great pictures this week but cannot upload other than by cell phone. I plan to post after we get back home to our beloved high speed Internet.

The bottom line is this: if you ever wanted to vacation to the beach, now is your best opportunity. Not only will you find clean safe sand, but you will bring some needed and appreciated cash down here.

God bless,
Dadofmykids.

PS. Now it's time to go back to KnoxVegas. See ya.

Sent from my iPhone

Southeastern Laser Summer Communications.

Greetings! , "Summer Communications" may be an odd subject line for this email.  But I was afraid if I used the word "vacation", your spam filter would throw me out!   That's right.  This email is about helping you survive my vacation.  Since I'll be gone next week, you should know what to do in case you need to contact Southeastern Laser.    Here are a few options:   Email either Jim (my partner) or Jennifer (admin pro). Call 865-675-5900.  Jim is at ext. 101.  Jennifer is at ext. 100. Wait till I get back on Monday August 2. (Please see #1.)   There you have it.  That's The Plan.   If you decide to stock up on toner and ink, you know what to do.  Or if your printer breaks down, our team will be here for you.  Can't wait to buy that new office printer?  Jim can handle it. Check my Twitter feed and Facebook for oil stained pictures from the beach.         Have a safe and happy summer.  Andy Brasfield Southeastern Laser   Phone: 865-675-5900. Email: abrasfield@southeasternlaser.com  PS.  We're looking for computer people for our partner program.  If you know someone in the computer business, especially if they are outside the Knoxville area, please make the connection.

Forward email This email was sent to dadofmykids1.redtek@blogger.com by abrasfield@southeasternlaser.com. Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by Southeastern Laser | 1738 Louisville Drive | Knoxville | TN | 37921

How do you keep six kids busy for 12 hours?

It was still morning when we thought of it.

Spur of the moment almost.

We decided to go to Nashville, about a three hour drive, to see Monday Night Raw live. That's a wrestling match for you non wrestling fans.

Here's a pic I snapped showing how the kids were captivated the whole show.

We got home around 3 am, but we had an "awwwwsome" time (The Miz was there) and made some really cool memories.

Remember to spend as much time with your family as you can.

God Bless,
Dadofmykids.

Fourth of July: Brasfield Style

He was overheard saying, "no, it's like this every night."

 

To celebrate Independence Day, Jilly cooked one of her famous meals, fit for a king and is court. All of our kids were here, plus Daniel's fiance, Kelli.  Ashliegh was here.  Diana brought her dogs for a swim, too. Later Deedee joined the fun. And Ryker.

One of the neighborhood kids was here and called his mom to ask her if he could eat with us. I guess his mom heard the party in the background.  He was overheard saying, "no, it's like this every night."  Really, he's not far from right. We like it like that.

We watched Twilight.  I napped.

As dusk approached, the excitement grew.  And at dark we began the fireworks.

It was a good day.

Be sure to click on the video clip.  It's short and very characteristic of what we were doing.

God Bless,
Dadofmykids

Brasfield Nation TNG

The first time Daniel has been home in a while, I had him up on a ladder installing a new light. He's so happy and proud to be expecting his first baby, our first grandchild, The Next Generation of The Brasfield Nation.

Jill is excited too. A few minutes ago, she looked up from the Touch and exclaimed "can't wait till February!"

I look around here and see my kids at various ages and corresponding stages and remember what it's all about. It's about them. It's not about making them happy or giving them everything they want. It's about being here with them and for them. Letting them see how they will act when they grow up. Loving each other.

Sometimes I just plain screw up in front of them. I hope they learn how to get passed the junk by seeing me do it.

There's nothing sweeter than a little baby.

God bless.

Sent from my iPhone

I love it when people react this way.

"Are you Catholic?"

"No"

"Mormon?"

"No"

"Do you know what causes that?" she asked speaking of our children.

"Yes" I said, "Do you?"

"Yes" she said. "And you need to stop."

This happened today when I mentioned one of my kids in front of a client. She then asked about my family.

It makes me happy to show off pictures of my beautiful wife and kids. Telling the amazing story of how we were blessed with such an awesome family makes my day.

God bless,
Dadofmykids

Sent from my iPhone

Happy Fathers Day! I have something to say to my fellow Dads out there.

If you do these three things consistently, you'll be a great Dad:

1. Love God.
2. Love the mother of your children.
3. Love your kids like they are you.

This is simple but not always easy. Sometimes things come up that will get in the way of love or will interfere with love. But don't panic. It happens to all dads. If you come back to these three steps, you will be OK.

Step one: Love God
This step is not for sissies. Be a man in front of your kids. Show them what it looks like when a man follows Christ. He gave us the whole Bible to figure out how to do this Love Thing. So read it. Or listen to it. Study it. It's about a relationship with God that will be obvious in your life. Your kids should he able to see this without hearing it from you.

Step two: Love their mother.
A good relationship between both parents makes all the difference in the world for a kid. I know how easy it is to screw up, but hang in there. I always think of you guys who are divorced when I talk about this step. It is important for you also to show your kids how to love and respect their mother. All of us should remember the kids are always watching how we treat our wives. Let them see some affection. Hug her in the kitchen until some one yells "Get a room". It's good for the kids to see that.

Step three: Love your kids.
This one comes in handy on those days when one of my kids breaks something or loses one of my important tools or does something that really aggravates me. That's when I remind myself of all the stuff I broke or lost when I was a kid. Try to think like one of your kids.  Do you feel like your dad made some big mistakes here?  Then try to be different from him with your own kids.  Guys, be there with your kids. Spend time with them. Lots of time. Nothing can replace time. And nothing is more valuable to your kids than time.

These three basic things should be the foundation of your fathering. If you keep these principles alive in your life, then you will be a great dad with awesome kids.

God bless,
Dadofmykids

Friday night at the baseball park.

Here's a short video of Asher getting a base hit. He's hitting the
ball so well lately.

We've already had one ball game. Kk and Levi played. They did great.
Kk got run over in the baseline. But she came back like the tough gal
she is.

Tucker had a game yesterday. He always plays with a good attitude.

I am proud of our kids, including those who don't play ball.

God bless.

Sent from my iPhone

Bob said, "I guess you won't need me any more."

He took me fishing or hunting most Saturdays. The last time I saw him was the day I introduced him to my mom's fiancé. I've never forgotten him.

Bob was my Big. A Big is a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters. You've probably heard of them.

He included me in his normal activities. It was special for me, but probably not too much trouble for him. He was going fishing anyway.

I qualified for the program because I didn't have a dad in my life. My dad died when I was little.

You can learn about mentoring at the BBBSA website: http://www.bbbs.org

God bless,
Dadofmykids

All the way to school this morning, the kids were abuzz about St. Patrick's Day.

"Are leprechauns real?"

"How would you know if a leprechaun comes in the classroom?"

"Do they really have gold?"

"Is it okay to poke someone who isn't wearing green today?"  (Poke, not pinch).

I am trying to remember more of their questions.

At one point, Kk informed Asher that he was confusing leprechauns with elves.

Then, it occurred to me, he was describing the WWE character "Hornswoggle".  As you can see from the picture, Hornswoggle is a leprechaun.  

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

God Bless,

Dadofmykids
 

--
Andy Brasfield

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me"  Mark 9:37  (NIV) 

Dates don't usually mean much to me.

I lasted most of the day without any fallout.  But during supper, I drifted off to the land where dreams happen while you're awake.  When Jill called me back from there, I realized I had been bitten by the memory bug.  It's been four years ago today.

I was remembering how my oldest brother drove to our house the night Georgia died.  He was simply there for me.  He said some cool stuff that night.  But what he said is not what I remember most.  I mostly remember him being there to hold me up emotionally.  And I needed to be held up.

You could say I am guilty of staying here in my own little world most of the time.  Not that my world is so little, but I try to stay here anyway, with my lovely wife (eye-candy-Jilly), our kids, my co-workers, clients and friends.  In other words, I don't talk to my "extended" family as much as I should.  That included my brothers.

Scott, you're my brother.  Thank you for being there for me that night.  I love you.  I hope to talk with you on the phone this week.

Dates don't usually mean much to me, but this day is hard to forget.

God Bless,
Dadofmykids

 

--
Andy Brasfield

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me"  Mark 9:37  (NIV) 

A true American Hero

A little-known tribute some Navy SEALs gave to a fallen comrade is gaining notice.

Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor was killed in battle in Iraq in September 2006, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in April.

His funeral in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego was attended by “nearly every SEAL on the West Coast,” President Bush said.

During the service, as Monsoor's coffin was taken from the hearse to the gravesite, Navy SEALs lined up in two columns. As the coffin passed, video shows each SEAL slapping down the gold Trident from his uniform and deeply embedding it in Monsoor's wooden coffin.

The slaps were reportedly heard across the cemetery.

The symbolic display moved many, included Bush, who during his speech in April's Medal of Honor ceremony spoke about the incident.

"The procession went on nearly half an hour," Bush said. "And when it was all over, the simple wooden coffin had become a gold-plated memorial to a hero who will never be forgotten.”

Monsoor — described as an "outgoing guy" by his grandfather, George Monsoor, Sr. — was killed on Sept. 29, 2006. He had been assigned to protect fellow SEALs on a rooftop in Ramadi, Iraq, when a fierce firefight with insurgents broke out. During the battle, a grenade bounced off Monsoor’s chest and landed on the roof.

Faced with the choice to save his comrades or save himself, Monsoor threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the impact.

(Copied from Fox News)

Confirmed by Snopes and by TruthorFiction.

Click here for video on YouTube.

--
Andy Brasfield
Southeastern Laser

Phone 865-235-1DAD (1323)
Office 865-675-5900

PS. Do you know anyone who would like to save 25-50% on their office printing expenses? Visit www.southeasternlaser.com/printercartridges to learn more about compatible printer cartridges and managed print solutions.

southeasternlaser.com
Matthew 10:40

Love letter to my Valentine

Jilly,

It drives me crazy when you do stuff like in the picture here. Crazy good. You are beautiful, and you keep getting better.

You have probably already thought about this being our 22nd V-Day together. That just amazes me. We've been so blessed. Love like ours is a life long journey, not a destination. Look at how much we have to look forward to.

I love you more than ever. Let the honeymoon continue.

Your Valentine,

Andy

XOXOXOXOXOXO (this is where Levi says "awww")

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO (and this is where Tilley says "Get a room!")

XOXOXXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO (and this is where I say "OK")

Attn parents of Farragut Primary students:

When there are no adults working the Village Green drop-off, don't leave your children there alone.

This actually happened to two children this morning while the rest of us were making the U-turn to take our kids to the front of the school.

I called the school office from my cell and got a half concerned answer. I realize it's not the school's fault.

Parents, if it means you will be late to work for your kids to be safe, then be late.

God bless,
Dadofmykids

Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.

A Lay-off letter from an excellent boss.

Dear Employees: As the CEO of this organization, I have resigned myself to the fact that Barrack Obama is our President and that our taxes and government fees will increase in a BIG way. To compensate for these increases, our prices would have to increase by about 10%. But since we cannot increase our prices right now due to the dismal state of the economy, we will have to lay off sixty of our employees instead. This has really been bothering me since I believe we are family here and I didn't know how to choose who would have to go. So, this is what I did. I walked through our parking lots and found sixty 'Obama' bumper stickers on our employees' cars and have decided these folks will be the ones to let go. I can't think of a more fair way to approach this problem. They voted for change...... I gave it to them. I will see the rest of you at the annual company picnic. THE BOSS

--
Andy Brasfield
Southeastern Laser

Phone 865-235-1DAD (1323)
Office 865-675-5900

PS. Do you know anyone who would like to save 25-50% on their office printing expenses? Visit www.southeasternlaser.com/printercartridges to learn more about compatible printer cartridges and managed print solutions.

southeasternlaser.com
Matthew 10:40

Do You Know Anyone Who Can Help in Miami on Friday?

An orphanage in Haiti needs some help. See the forwarded message below.

If we find someone in Miami who could purchase the item, then we'll find a way to get the money to them as needed.

God Bless,

Dadofmykids.

--
Andy Brasfield

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me" Mark 9:37 (NIV)

----- Forwarded Message ----

From: Tom Vanderwell <tvanderwell@sbcglobal.net>
To: Andy Brasfield <andybrasfield@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thu, January 28, 2010 11:33:40 AM
Subject: Do You Know Anyone Who Can Help in Miami on Friday?

Hi Andy,

We have an opportunity to help better equip God's Littlest Angels to help the relief workers in Haiti. But in order to accomplish it, I need two things:

1. Someone (or more than 1 person) who is willing to spend $150 to $200 in the Miami area to purchase an item that our team would like to take back with them on Saturday when they go back to Port Au Prince.
2. Someone who can deliver that to the Miami Airport (it will fit in a normal size car).

Do you know anyone who can help? Let me know if you do.

Thanks!

Tom Vanderwell

tvanderwell@sbcglobal.net

3056 Viewpoint St. , Jenison, MI 49428, USA

At least the kids had a good time. #WWE #RAW

I admit I enjoyed myself too.

Some of the highlights included Jerry The King Lawler's entrance, John Cena's tag team match, the fireworks and homemade signs about Lane Kiffin.

Here the kids are pictured in their wrestling gear.

If you really want to partake in the torture, go see the rest of the pictures on FB.

This night will be remembered for a long long time.

God Bless,
Dadofmykids.

This is the day our kids have been waiting for.

Gone are the days of Jerry The King Lawler and Randy Wild Man Savage. Our kids don't want to see those guys anyway.

They want to see John Cena, some huge dude called Big Show, and a company of others that I don't know. Lord willing, they will see them.

WWE Monday Night RAW is coming to KnoxVegas tonight. My MIL bought tickets for us all.  

The kids have been counting the days, literally. I am not joking. Every day for the last week or more, they have been asking how many more days till RAW. They are so excited. Posters are made. Clothes are being washed and set aside. This is probably one of the biggest events to hit the Brasfield Kid Calendar since...I am thinking...give me a second...I am trying to remember anything this huge...that's it...I can't think of anything bigger.

Please pray for Jilly and me as we venture into the unknown tonight.  

Maybe Jerry The King Lawler will be there as an announcer at ringside. That would be comforting.  

Jilly says she's taking something to read, so she doesn't get bored. She should take that sign we talked about so Charles Fritts would owe us twenty bucks. Or was it five bucks?

Tucker plans on buying something. Jilly made me promise I wouldn't buy her a shirt or anything like that. She's afraid someone will know she's been to a wrestling match. Wresting match. Is that what it is called?

Don't worry Jilly, I set the dvr to record it in case the camera man looks our way.

God bless,

Dadofmykids.

 

--
Andy Brasfield

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me"  Mark 9:37  (NIV) 

If you're wondering what's been going on over here...

To say we've been having church in our family room tonight would be an understatement. The Holy Spirit came across the airwaves from BET and filled up the room, touching us deeply.

Just being with God is most awesome. It's not that we expect Him to "do" anything. He visited us somewhat unexpectedly while we were watching some of my favorite gospel singers on BET Celebration.

I must insert a shout out here to Fred Hammond, Shirley Ceasar, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Tye Tribbett, and Fantasia. God bless y'all for giving it up for Him on tv.

There for a minute, I thought I might jump up and run.

The youtube video inserted above is of Fantasia and her momma singing "He's Done Enough" with a wonderful choir and band. It was during this song that The Spirit got most intense. I encourage you to watch and listen while thinking about how the Lord has already done enough for us even if he never blesses us again.

The entire show was amazing.

Thank you Lord for coming to my house tonight. We love you.

"You work harder at being lazy than you would if you'd just do it."

I think of this phrase, which my mother repeated to me in my childhood, when I realize how hard some people work at scamming.

Today, I received a credit application from a prospective client from about four states over.   I know our printer cartridges are awesome and our company rocks, but there must be somewhere in the Washington, DC area where that company could buy toner cartridges.  Google "toner cartridges, DC" and you get 641 results.

When I googled the name on the signature line at the bottom of the form, I learned it was the name of the President and CEO of a very prestigious DC corporation.  But the email addresses of the parties named did not exactly match the addresses on company's real website.

The final straw was the signature itself.  I found the man's actual signature on a copy of a contract he signed with the government last year.  The entire contract was posted on the company's website.

That's odd.  His signature has changed significantly in just one year.

Now, the words of my mother rang loud and clear.  Somebody had put a lot of effort into imitating an established company in hopes of using their good credit to order printer cartridges from me without the intent of ever paying for them.  By the time this dumb redneck tried to collect, they'd either be gone or they'd just ignore me.

He thinks he's smart.

One email to the real company revealed the truth.  Now they have a copy of the so-called credit application.  Their corporate attorney is reviewing it.

Why not just get a job?

Instead of stealing toner, you could sell toner!!

Some people work harder at scamming than they would if they'd just work.  

(Thanks Mom)

God Bless,

Dadofmykids

 

--
Andy Brasfield

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me"  Mark 9:37  (NIV)