Shop 'til You Drop .. Your Mouse

Though not as well known as "Black Friday" (the biggest shopping day of the year), the Monday following Thanksgiving is also quite substantial in terms of online sales (on their first day back at work those workers aren't all working .. they are surfing the internet for deals).

In 2008, "Black Friday" did around $41 billion in sales.

In comparison, "Cyber Monday" .. which, of course is followed by "Identity Theft Tuesday" .. brought in $846 million.

Not bad for a fairly recent phenomenon.

However, it is not the biggest online shopping day of the year.

That distinction typically goes to the first Monday in December .. known as "Green Monday" (on that day in 2007, an online sales record was set .. $881 million).

Finally, there is "Brown Monday" (have we learned all our colors yet?) which occurs the next week .. when retailers start dramatically marking down their holiday merchandise.

So, there you have it .. much more than anyone really needs to know about the shopping habits of John Q. Public.

Alas, I won't be able to participate much in "Cyber Monday" .. yesterday was "Fiber Sunday."

"Then Moses rose early in the morning and went up Mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him; and he took in his hand the two tablets ..." - Exodus 34:4b

Taking Off

Sunday is my day off .. from the blog. However, I'll be "flying high" tomorrow.

See you then.

"And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind." - II Samuel 22:11

Why So Blue, Papa Smurf?

If the day after Thanksgiving is universally known as "black Friday," then two days after Thanksgiving has to be called "blue Saturday" (at least around the Hamilton house).

Traditionally, this is when we rummage through the attic and outside storage building looking for all our old Christmas decorations. By the end of the day .. ♪♫ it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ♪♫ everywhere you go ♪♫ (including the bathroom .. it's really hard to 'go' with one of Santa's reindeer staring at you).

Poor, poor Thanksgiving. It's the "Rodney Dangerfield" of holidays.

Just as soon as Halloween is over (often, before), all the department stores begin setting up their Christmas displays (the politically correct term is actually 'holiday' displays .. as I said CHRISTmas displays .. Sarah Palin, you're not the only one going rogue) with total disregard for Thanksgiving.

I suppose in the grand scheme of things they sell more "toys than turkeys" so this is strictly a financial decision and you can't blame a business for trying to make a buck.

The sad truth is we are no better around our house.

Oh, we do gather together to ask the Lord's blessing as a family on Thursday. However, as soon as there are no leftovers .. leftover, we start playing Christmas music .. mostly a plethora of 'crooners' like Dean, Bing and Frank (Sinatra) .. sorry to burst your Buble, Mr. Christie .. as we try to get psyched for the merry month of December.

So, why is it a "blue Saturday?"

This used to be a family affair when the kids were here.

Now that it's just Cheryl and me, this is a bittersweet tradition.

How I miss putting up the tree and all the decorations while Drew and Megan did their part .. sleep in heavenly peace.

"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." - Psalm 4:8

Be Afraid .. Be Very Afraid

We are told to "fear not" sixty two times in scripture (that's in the King James Version .. the one Jesus carried) and this literally means we should .. fear not.

If the Bible says something just one time I am convinced that makes it truth.

Sixty two times?

That's a mandate .. one of those "get this and get this good .. you can take it to the bank .. beyond a shadow of doubt .. God said it, I believe it, that settles it" truths.

However, I must confess there are still a few things in this old wicked world that frighten me.

These are my top five:

1. American Idol contestants who don't make the cut (most bring a whole new meaning to 'the day the music died')
2. Adam Lambert (although he was an A.I. finalist, his voice kind of makes you want to scream .. but you don't have to .. HE is already doing it)
3. Clowns (no, I've moved past American Idol and Adam Lambert .. but I can understand your confusion)
4. Speedos (optometrists agree, looking at a guy in one of these for just two minutes is more harmful than staring straight at the Sun nonstop for twelve hours)
5. The day after Thanksgiving .. Black Friday (people pushing, shoving, punching and biting .. it's enough to make Jerry Springer cry tears of joy)

I may have trouble sleeping, but you're not going to find me lined up around the corner of Best Buy at 4 a.m. in freezing weather waiting to save $8 on a 100 pack of DVD-Rs.

With the internet and places like amazon.com you can get anything you want from the convenience of your own home.

Since I prefer shopping in my pajamas, this seems to be the best solution for me, especially since the manager at Sears kicked me out and asked me to never come back .. in my PJs.

"Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts."

- Deuteronomy 22:11a

Close Your Eyes .. I'm Dressing

No time for blogging today.

Drew is home (Meg and Will couldn't come .. they won't be home until Christmas .. sniffle, sniffle) and we are expecting twenty for lunch.

I have to go .. and watch Cheryl cook.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

"And thou shalt observe the feast ..." - Exodus 34:22a

Kev's Klip of the Week

"Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God."

- II Chronicles 9:11

Feeling a Little Run Down

I have been living life in the fast lane (so this is how the chicken felt while crossing the road!!) for the past several weeks and there is no indication of things slowing down any time soon.

One of the first things I do in the morning (okay, it's the second ...) is check Facebook for a list of the day's birthdays .. this is so I can offer a heartfelt Birthy Hapday (my trademark greeting). While doing so, I glance (no time to linger .. there's a blog entry to be written) at "status updates" (as of 5:40 this morning .. I am still white, middle class) of those on my friend list.

This morning, Bradley Gray's status update said: Wednesday on Tuesday, only a Baptist musician with a Christmas program looming could think this up!

How true.

We do come up with some pretty crazy .. translated: lame .. ideas (for instance bonus rehearsal puts a more positive spin on an extra practice .. it sounds like you're doing the choir a big favor by scheduling one .. actually, you are).

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year (you can quote me, if you wish).

If you dig deep below all the tinsel and lights, you might just see a tiny baby in a humble manger who was and is the Savior of the world.

Peace on earth .. Good will to men (that reminds me .. I have several bags of clothes in my trunk that need to be dropped off).

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen .. that one will have to wait until after the holidays.

There's no rest for a Baptist musician with a Christmas program looming.

"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." - Luke 2:16

No Yoking Matter

Well, the "ox is in the ditch" this morning so there will be no post for the day (unless I post on another day and postdate the date of the post so that the date of the post is posted as today's date ..... nope, there will be no post for the day).

For those of you who look forward to starting your morning with "me" .. come by the church office and I'll try to squeeze you in.

I apologize if this has caused any stress or duress to my readership.

In the words of Cole Porter, you're the top in my book and everyone knows ..

Readership starts at the top.

"The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him." - Psalm 52:6

I'm Giving It a Rest

No post today (Sunday) .. per usual.

I'll see you tomorrow.

" ... rest yourselves under the tree." - Genesis 18:4b

We're On a Mission from God

I stayed up until the "wee small hours of the evening/morning" working on a video project that will be shown Sunday morning at church as a part of our Global Missions Weekend (or as it should be called .. ironman triathlon for Baptists).

Last night we heard from a church "planter" (that means he starts churches, not buries them .. like many pastors do in this part of the country) from Iowa. FBC Humboldt has developed a partnership with that state and has been/will be working to help see people come to know the Lord (the ultimate mission of a Christ follower) and establish a Southern Baptist church (many people have never experienced a potluck supper or the thrill of deacons meeting) in that area.

This morning from 9 until noon (I need to wrap this up .. and also wrap myself up .. the wind is out of the North and it feels like it is 38 degrees), we are gathering for a Mission Involvement Day.

In a nutshell, it is basically "not so random" acts of kindness (raking leaves, changing lightbulbs and smoke detector batteries for the elderly, delivering meals, working in the clothes closet, etc.) for those in the surrounding area .. being His hands and feet.

We conclude the "missions marathon" with a Celebration Service tomorrow morning where we will review the year (I give May and June two thumbs up) and offer thanks to God for all He has done through us and for us.

Like "good Baptists" (is that an oxymoron??), everything concludes with a noon (or noonish .. I've seen the bulletin) Thanksgiving meal.

Meet and eat (or in this situation .. meet, meet, meet and eat).

It's what we do .. and do well.

"And as He spoke, a certain Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and sat down to eat."

- Luke 11:37

New Moon .. It's Just a Phase

I love junk food as much as the next guy, but I don't get it???

Why would anyone in their right mind stand in line (midnight .. are you kidding me???) just to be one of the first to buy a snack?

I bet it's all a big publicity stunt .. like the "new" Coke fiasco that happened back in 1985 .. and you won't be able to tell one bit of difference when you take that first "bite."

What's next .. a "new" and improved Royal Crown Cola?

You people are "lunatics" and have played right into the hands of those advertising "blood-suckers."

You won't find me "sticking my neck out" for such a trivial cause.

If you see me standing in a long line it will be for something worthwhile .. like a new version of the iphone.

UPDATE: My wife just informed me all this hype is over a movie .. not two round graham cracker cookies with marshmallow filling in the center that has been dipped in chocolate.

Never mind.

"Then Jonathan said to David, Tomorrow is the new moon." - I Samuel 20:18a

Home Again .. Home Again .. Jiggity Jig

Yesterday at 3:45 PM the big Bluebird rolled in to the church parking lot and .. be it ever so humble, there's no place like Homeboldt!

I tend to poke a little fun at our senior adults on here (I know .. that is such a dramatic departure from a normal blog entry), but I really do love that age group. They are so appreciative of anything you do for them and they actually say "thank you" .. imagine that in today's society.

I've been traveling with the YYS for ten years (some of our trips seem like they last at least that long), but Wednesday I believe we set a new record.

We left Pigeon Forge at 8:20 AM and made three stops in less than two hours.

Forty seniors (with forty bladders) on a bus with no bathroom .. now that's a recipee for disaster! Plus, every time we stop to "dewater" .. they also have to "rewater" (or reCoke, rePepsi, reDr.Pepper, etc.).

It's a never ending cycle.

Not all our stops were for potty breaks, of course.

Senior adults, also, love to eat .. anywhere .. anytime.

The Russell Stover Factory Outlet can be found at exit 288 and we must stop there each and every time we travel to the other side of the state. Just as sure as you can see the sun up rising in the east .. our seniors citizens will have a great uprising if we try to bypass the "candy place" .. as they "confectionately" call it.

These people are serious shoppers and most will fill hand baskets or carts with tons of "chocolaty goodness."

It never fails. As the church bus pulls out of the "candy place" parking lot, you can almost hear the cashiers singing, "Oh, How I Love Jesus."

You can hear me sing that, as well.

Oh, how I love Jesus .. and this group of senior saints!

" .. and it was in my mouth sweet as honey."

- Revelation 10:10b

Kev's Klip of the Week

I'm traveling today from Pigeon Forge back to Humboldt with the senior adult group from church. Let's just hope the drive home is uneventful ...

"I also will not henceforth drive ..." - Judges 2:21a

On Your Mark .. Get Set .. GO

We made very good time yesterday and arrived in Pigeon Forge with four hours to spare before our first scheduled activity .. a dinner show at "The Smith Family Theater" (it was an hour and a half of nonstop entertainment .. preceded by a full hour of nonstop meatloaf, chicken, pot roast, etc.).

I was certain most everyone would want to lie down and rest after sitting on the bus for such a long time (I know that was my intent).

I was wrong.

Everyone immediately "took off in all directions" and started "adventure walking" just as soon as they got things settled in to their rooms.

Incredible.

I'm 52 and riding that bus wore me completely out. Most everyone else on this trip is .. well, let's just say .. "over 52" (by a LOT) and it was like they had gotten their "second wind" (another problem that happens when you get older .. I'll save that story for another day) and were ready to kick into high gear!

The elderly never cease to amaze .. and tire me.

I must go finish getting ready for a day full of nonstop "fun."

Now, where did I put those running shoes .... ?

" .. and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." - Hebrews 12:1b

Senior Trip

The alarm just went off (it's 4:30 AM) and I really, really have to make this brief (boxers won't do) because I must be out the door by 5:30.

That's right. The YYs (Youth of Yesterday) are boarding the big Bluebird bus at six o'clock and heading out to Pigeon Forge for our annual Fall "road trip."

Last November there was a scheduling conflict (the SonShiners choir sang for the Humboldt Music Club .. evidently my life revolves around music and the elderly this time of year) and I was unable to go (bummer). This time around I wasn't going to miss out on the fun .. of course I am missing out on the 2009 HMC program (consistency .. how do I do it??).

I will have my trusty MacBook Pro with me and I intend to continue with my daily posts .. if these "live wires" don't run me ragged.

Will someone please direct me to the coffee pot?

"And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone." - I Kings 20:40a

Talk to the Hand

This is a no posting zone .. on Sundays.

I'll be back tomorrow.

"But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet" - Proverbs 1:33a

I'll Keep You Posted

This is my five hundred and fiftieth post since starting this "train wreck" back in May of 2008 and it is still hard to believe there are people who actually "come back for more" on a regular, semi-regular or occasional basis.

Thank you for "being there" for the good, the bad, AND the ugly (my life is an open .. webpage).

Those of you who are faithful followers (cult members?) of "my daily blog" know this past week has been a "killer" for me.

I'm certainly no more busy than the "next guy" (when I asked him about it .. he was too busy to respond), but perhaps I don't handle things as well as some (I do seem to scream .. more so than usual .. and cry a lot for no apparent reason these days).

We are only weeks away from Christmas (or more importantly .. Christmas music) and I am already in "panic mode" (teenagers running from the masked murderer in those 'slasher' films have a lower heart rate).

Our first music groups are set to ring (Carillons) and sing (SonShiners) on December 6 and then the Sanctuary Choir's musical is the very next weekend (ONLY LOVE by Jay Rouse and Randy Vader - December 12 and 13).

There is so much to do and so little time.

The signs are all there: stress .. anxiety .. insomnia .. headache .. fatigue .. irritability .. mood swings.

Hi. My name is Kevin and I have Pre Musical Syndrome.

It must be in the jeans (make that .. genes).

"the days of affliction have taken hold upon me."

- Job 30:16b

Silence Is Golden

Several sanctuary choir members and our instrumentalists assembled at 8 o'clock last night (don't worry, you're getting time and a half based on your normal pay scale .. choir) to test out the new sound system.

Of course they are not totally finished with this project and there are still some kinks to be worked out before Sunday, but all in all .. not bad.

One of my biggest complaints with the old system was all the hiss (I usually only hear this during my stand-up comedy act) and noise it produced.

My hearing is not all that great these days (it's really not that essential in my line of work), but it is still good enough to detect all the "snap, crackle and pop" sounds that our old equipment emitted.

This is understandable. I'm over fifty and have been known to emit an unexplainable sound or two, myself (ah, the joys of aging).

Even though last night's rehearsal didn't let us completely know what to expect on Sunday (btw, I've been in ministry for 34 years .. you never know what to expect on Sunday), one thing is certain .. this new equipment is essentially noise free.

It is clear to me ...

We made a sound investment.

"And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand." - Matthew 15:10

Out with the Old .. In with the New

Our system was so antiquated .. it was a crime

The good folk at Internally Sound (Phil, Mark and crew) have been busy the past couple of weeks pulling cables, hanging speakers (no .. not 'stringing up' the guys who have preached .. the other kind of speakers) and setting up mics.

That's right. We are finally getting a new sound system at First Baptist Church in Humboldt.

This "priority" (named so well over three years ago) has been bumped several times to take care of less important items .. like leaky roofs and broken air units (come on, people .. a little water and sweat never hurt anybody).

However, a few months ago after much prayer .. "And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed" - Genesis 37:6 .. and discussion .. "And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day" - Deuteronomy 11:28a .. the sound and stewardship teams aggressively sought to "make it happen" (double teaming .. it works).

Well, the people "heard our cry" and responded by giving generously (it was so inspiring I might even consider tithing .. one day).

Tonight at 8:00 (we can't start until after YYs .. that group is also a priority) the choir and instrumentalists will have the opportunity to "take it out for a spin" before Sunday's official premiere.

I am more excited "all over" than anyplace else!

The new sound system is not the only thing making headlines this coming Sunday.

Last night Bro. Greg and Sheila returned from Guatemala (she has been there for seven months!!) with their newest McFadden .. Lily (perhaps you've heard about the adoption .. our pastor might have mentioned a time or two).

It has been a long ordeal, but Ryan and Joey finally have a baby sister!

A new sound system and a new McFadden.

Darn you, Greg .. trumped me again!

"With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought."

- Psalm 45:15a