Got Coffee Creamer but Fake Eggs

You've heard that old saying....maybe you've even said it, a time or two......."the squeaky wheel gets oiled."

Yesterday morning, Mike and I arrived at the doctor's office 30 minutes before 9 a.m. (for a 9 a.m. appointment), with plans to go to iHOP (yes that, "we have no cream, for your coffee") for Breakfast, afterwards.

First of all, the doctor's office was "cold enough to hang meat" (I've got lots of these little sayings stored away in that raggedy old book, in my head). We decided that we were so cold.......we'd be exchanging our initial reason for the visit to being treated for pneumonia!

I finally decided on an idea. I went to the "sign in desk" and suggested a "fund-raising effort......by renting blankets to those of us waiting." (The thermostat got turned up.)

Anyway, we sat so long....people began introducing themselves to each other! Mr. Green was the nicest little man who had overslept that morning......until 5 a.m.

But I digress (I just love that word, and it fits most of my conversations, so well!) We were there so long, the Breakfast we had planned to have at the "we don't have creamer" restaurant turned into "we should just order lunch" (but, we didn't.)

We sat down, and our server came and we ordered coffee. She questioned, "would you like cream?" then she looked at me, and said, "of course you would!" (with a smile). Maybe we've been there too much......naw, we just made an impression!

About 10 minutes into our meal, the General Manager came out (apparently, it had "made it to the back" that "the complainer is out there"). This time, her uniform was clean, and her hair was brushed. She was very nice and congenial, and she asked, "How is everything?" I replied, "Everything is great, you have cream!" She said, with a smile, "I keep it, just for you."

Yep, the squeaky wheel gets oiled!

(Another hint for you......DO NOT order scrambled eggs at iHOP. Fried eggs are REAL......the scrambled eggs are fake. Yes, I did....and no, I won't the next time!)

Maybe I'll get that place shaped up, after a few more visits......or they'll invite me to "don't come back!"

#LaureliHOP #nocreamerformycoffee? #squeakywheelgetsoiled #fakescrambledeggs #waitinginadoctorsoffice

From The Cross to The Coffin

Our Pastor, Tim Beard, has been in the "church business" for almost 50 years. He was educated at Emory University, and in Jerusalem. He's well read, well spoken, well loved, and he's funny. He relates to people, he's a Bible Scholar and a Master Storyteller.

Everyday he sends out a Morning Prayer, via text message, to his "church flock" as well as to many others. If he's late - we wonder what's going on? Is he sick? Is something wrong with Marge, his sweet wife? 

On Saturday, there had been a second text message. 

"Tomorrow: The Coffin"

We got to church, and the Church Bulletin didn't list "The Coffin" as the sermon.

After the Choir's special of "The Way of the Cross Leads Home" Bro. Beard began talking about "The Cross." My thoughts were, at the last minute, he'd probably changed his mind. I was a little disappointed. Over the years, I had heard the sermons about The Cross - I wanted to hear about The Coffin.

I settled down and listened as he crafted a story with a perfect ending. He took us on a journey from The Cross at Calvary, through verses in the Bible, down through the years. I usually leave church with the feeling that he'd been talking to me. This day was no different. Had I looked at others and been "glad" that I wasn't them? Had I felt pity for myself? Had I asked, "what can I do?" 

Burl Cain was the Warden at Angola Prison in Louisiana for 21 years. He was credited with changing the violent and deadly prison culture with "moral rehabilitation." In the nation's largest maximum security prison, which covers an area larger than the island of Manhattan, he brought God.

He had several interdenominational chapels built in the "little city," and in 1997 he asked Tex Reardon (who was associated with Billy Graham Ministries) if he could get Billy Graham to come to Angola.

Because Rev. Graham was in poor health, his son Franklin went. Two more chapels were built - one with a Steeple and a Cross high enough that it could be seen by the prisoners on Death Row.

And The Coffin?

Prisoners, who died in Angola, were buried in cardboard boxes. Cain viewed a prisoner falling into the empty grave, because the bottom had fallen out. He vowed that would never happen, again. There were craftsmen among the prisoners, and Cain decided to have Coffins built for the prisoners out of  treated Plywood.

Franklin Graham, while visiting Angola, witnessed the beautiful coffins and ordered 6, for his family. Billy Graham was laid to rest in one of these Coffins. A Cross was carved into the top, and the names of the three men who had built it were engraved in The Coffin. 

From The Cross at Calvary to the Cross on The Coffin at Angola, now resting in Montreat, NC.

Those questions Bro. Beard asked, on Sunday......I'm working on them!  

#thecross #thecoffin #Angola