The Price of Gasoline

I am not one to complain; at least not too often. The price of gas, however, gets into the pocketbood, and I have very little there to spare, as many in this great nation of our do.

With Oil Companies making record profits - something I heard around 16 billion dollars in a quarter this year. They say they put those profits back into exploration, but let me say something; PROFITS ARE COUNTED AFTER ALL EXPENSES ARE COUNTED, and that includes EXPLORATION.

Until just a few days ago I had not thought much about that. Someone pointed it out to me, and that is correct. You count profit after all expenses are deducted. Is EXPLORATION not an expense. It is an expense.

There is no doubt that we are the most fuel consuming nation on earth; and we even have some of the cheapest prices, and for that we should be thankful.

These prices, however, are going to put the poor of our country completely out of commission. Maybe we don't care for the poor. Then, we are headed for a really big catastrophe. It will be more than a problem with Oil; it will and is a problem with our Creator.

When gas reached 2 dollars per gallon I had to start watching where, when, and how often I drove. Now that it is 3 dollars plus it has become even more necessary.

I don't guess there is anything that can be done about it. I can be thankful for what I have and realize that God is still in control, and He supplies my every need. I do pray that I can and will be a better steward of His resources. How about you?

Let Me Tell You About My Days

Today is the first day of Summer vacation from driving the School Bus. I am so glad for Summer vacation. Now, it is not that I dislike kids (and I mean no offense by using the word kids; because I was always called a kid, and it never bothered me), it is just that they have a way; especially when they are screaming, fussing, fighting, playing; and all when they shouldn't be; on getting on your nerves. After nine months of driving them I am ready for this break.

During school my days started on most days at 2:30 to 3:00 a.m. No! I did not have to get up that early to go and drive the bus. I get up that early to have a quiet time with the Lord, pray and read His Word, and to also write articles, and maintain the blogs that I have. I try not to do much, if any blogging during the daylight hours. I leave to drive the bus at 5:15 a.m., then drive approximately 17 miles one way to the bus garage, arrive there at around 5:50 a.m., do the pretrip, and leave to pick up the kids at 6:05 a.m. I have about a twenty five minute drive before I pick up the first student/rider. We then, arrive at the High School to drop off riders at around 7:45 a.m. and then, to the other shortly thereafter. The bus is parked by 7:50 a.m.

Most times I return home for breakfast with Madge (my wife), and after breadfast I am back in the office for studying the Word preparing for Wednesday night Bible Study and the sermons for Sunday morning and evening. I break for lunch around noon, and after lunch, I may take a short nap or return to the office to study some more. It is probably about an even split between which one I do.

At around 2:00 p.m. I return to the bus garage, to return the riders to their homes or sitters. I usually arrive back home around 5:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter. My evenings I usually spend relaxing, watching television news, then, programs Madge and I enjoy watching together, and there are times that I feel I need to update a blog or something like that.

There are some days that I will stay in town, or go down around Carr Lane and visit our church members.

Since School is out my plans are to spend two days other than Sunday and Wednesday on the church field visiting members and the people of the Carr Lane area. I am still planning on arising before the chickens at around 3:00 a.m., during my Summer vacation

Looking Forward to Summer

Here it is that we are nearly two thirds of the way through Spring, and I am looking forward to Summer. Spring and Summer are my two favorite times of year. Spring because everything starts coming back to life. The trees begin to grow their leaves again, the grass begins to green and grow - now if you hate mowing your yard you will hate that part of it - and the air begins to warm and the blood begins to flow through the veins again. There is life. Summer, because it is warm and sometimes hot. I like heat, but not too much heat. I can stand the heat, and endure the cold, but when it comes to cold, that is all it is enduring.

One thing I am glad of about Summer is that School will be out. It is good that whoever set up our school system to have a Summer break was wise. It is too hot for children to be in classes in July. It is also good, because it gives teachers, and bus drivers a break from the hustle and bustle of those large and tiny voices. Teachers, I do not mean to demean your work, it is a good one, but you are mostly standing facing your students. The bus driver has them all at his back. Remember, someone once said, "A school bus driver is someone who has all his troubles behind him." I like that. Kids are great. They all need teaching and direction. They all need Jesus as their Lord and Savior as well.

I like Summer. I am looking forward to our Fourth of July get together down at the Old Swimming Hole. I am looking forward to my immediate family getting together on my wife's birthday. We have started making that an annual event. The kids will all be here and having fun, barbequeing, eating, drinking sodas, tea, water and juices.

Another thing I am looking forward to this Summer is trying to be the pastor to Carr Lane Baptist Church that I should be. We have Vacation Bible School coming in July 16-20, and we are waiting to here from Angel Food Ministries, and hopefull will be starting that ministry to our area. Making visits in the homes of the people. Visiting homes in the area of our church, and prayerfully pointing some folks to Jesus.

This Summer will be great.

Time To Be Born

The title is of course one in which we ourselves cannot decide. If I did not say that clear enough, let me say it like this. We have no say concerning the time we are born. That time is determined by God Himself, and no one else. He also determines the other end of life, and that is the day or our death.

I did not write the above to be morbid, or frightful. On May 04, 2007 Natalie Joyce Blankenship was born into this world. Her parents are Philip and Sarah Joyce Blankenship.

Natalie is our tenth grandchild. We have eight living and two with Jesus in Heaven. We claim them as our grandchildren, even though we never saw them, but we believe we will when we enter those blessed portals of eternity and see our blessed Savior Jesus Christ.

It is a joy and a blessing to be a part of this life. Without living here there would be no Heaven. We would be none existent. Before we were made we were in the heart and mind of God, and the day of our birth, as well as the day of our death is determined by Him.

I am thankful for these things, for knowing that the future is in the hands of our Almighty God and Father. Thank Him for His sovereignty over all things. Bless His holy name.

God Changes People

It is amazing how God works and changes people. When people are called to faith in Christ by the Spirit of God they believe, trust, obey, and just become all around better people.

Take myself for an example. I was saved at the age of eleven years. God's grace has continually been with me, even though, when I was in my teen years I did things for which I am not proud. I am gravely afraid that I offended the One who loved me enough to give His life for me. I also know that I have even since becoming an adult. It is wonderful and great to know that I am His, and He is mine.

Something has began to happen to me which I really never thought possible. I am enjoying do some garden work. I never enjoyed working in the dirt as a boy, and even into adulthood, and now, here I am fifty two years of age, and I have been riding a tractor, plowing a garden, digging that garden to tear up the sod patches, and smooth the ground using a harrow. Harrow, that is a new farming implement for me. Never used one until today. Got the garden ready for planting.

As I have mentioned in a previous article; I have not plowed ground in many years. The old blue Ford tractor still does not have power steering, and now it definitely wears me out; and probably quicker than the soil gets ready.

God is so good, His mercy is everlasting, and His grace is so full and free.

A Journal

"I don't know why, but there has been a new hope come in my heart. I don't physically see any hope, but at least there is some in my heart. This hope is for a better financial situation. That maybe all it is, and that is just wishful thinking.

It seems that I have always been a dreamer, but I have never worked toward those dreams. Most of my dreams have always been material oriented, I believe. Even when I have dreamed things in spiritual matters it seems, they have been for my good, and not God's glory. I do not believe I have ever seen any spiritual fruit come from my "spiritual" dreams.

Lord, give me YOUR visions and dreams for YOUR glory alone. AMen."

This was written in my own personal journal by hand on April 22, 2007. I find it rewarding to write thoughts and feelings onto paper. This is the first that I will have shared with the public. I don't think it will be the last. And, BTW, I know you are not supposed to use contractions in writing, unless it is in a quote, or something like that. To Everything...A Season.

The Smile of God

My wife, Madge and I were getting near home this evening and I had been noticing the moon. You can't see much of it; there is the faint outline of the whole moon, but in darkness; with the exception of a long curved lighted bottom. I had thought that was rather odd.

I do not remember ever seeing the moon in that phase. I said something to Madge about it, and she said, "A smiley face". I told YEAH!, I had not thought of it that way and then, I said, "It's as though God is smiling down on us.

I still think that is a pretty neat moon; especially if it is a reminder of God's good grace toward His people, and a smile to the world of His mercy.

He is smiling down on you. He loves you. Love Him by loving His Son Jesus Christ.

The Return

It was here for quite a bit of the month of March, at least two weeks. It brought pleasant temps, the ground was warmed, and most people I know loved it. The grass turned green and grew. Flowers blossomed and bloomed. Tulips were popping up in gardens everywhere. Even the oaks were beginning to spring forth with new leaves.

I am, of course, speaking of Spring. It was here and then, it went on a two week vacation. We were left with remnants of Winter. There were mornings when I went out to get in the car, go drive the bus, and the windows were covered in frost. I even started wearing my jacket once again. I love this time of year. Spring and Summer are my favorite seasons. The Falls of the Ozarks are beautiful when the trees begin to change. The colors are beautiful driving through the hills. Winters have their own beauty too, but I cannot stand the cold. I can tolerate, but only because I grew up here and live here.

My wife and I lived in the Northern part of Southern California for 16 months, and I could enjoy that type of Winter for a long time. We moved back here, though, and we love it here.

Like a good, old and faithful friend Spring has returned, and I am hoping he stays around ; at least until Summer arrives.

Welcome back Spring.

Plowing Along

Many have heard someone say, "I am just plowing along", meaning, of course, that they are struggling along with life, but they are progressing. That is not what I mean by the title.

I did something on Monday April 09, 2007 that I had not done in many years. First of all I rode the old farm tractor that I ran into a tree when I was a boy of about twelve years of age. That is right - I ran it into a tree, or maybe I should say, it rolled into a tree after I jumped off to catch my horse or something, and I did not set the brake, and it ran into a tree. It was a brand new tractor at the time. That is not what this is about though.

The reason for riding the tractor was to take it to the old home place where my father grew up, and plow the old garden spot. My Dad told me several months ago that he would like for the family to have a garden spot down at the old house, and nothing was ever done about it. So, I was setting out to do something about it. With my brother Steven's help, we got the tractor and plow ready, and then, I headed over there.

It was a little tough plowing a little piece of ground that had not been plowed in probably thirty five years or more. Old fescue roots build up in that sod, and just make it plumb tough. I don't believe I did a very good job. It had been twenty five years or more since I had plowed anything. The old tractor has no power steering, never did, and it is harder to steer now than it ever was.

Anyway when I returned home I was really tuckered out. I did not do anything all evening. We will be planting some things there soon. Now some reading this may think, "Shouldn't things have been planted already?" Most usually, yes. This year; NO! We have had a freeze the past week. The first week of April has been quite damaging to the things that came out and bloomed. This freeze has even set the oaks back some for sure. So NO! We are in good shape for planting a garden.

Until next time.

Tim A.

Sunrise

As I was driving my School Bus route this morning; it was the first time since beginning this route two weeks ago that I had seen the lake as the sun came up.

I enjoy being up before the sun rises. I use to almost hate being up that early, but I did not know what I was missing. Of course during that time I was also more of a 'Nightowl' and stayed up till all hours of the night and into the morning at times. I know that I would much rather be up and going early and see the sun rising than going on and on and on after sunset.

Now for those who like the sunset, I can also agree with you, but to me there is something special about sunrise. It signals the beginning of a brandnew day. It is the sign of new things. It is hope that this day will be better than the one before.

As I drove by the lake with the sun not yet up over the horizon I could see the reflection of the tree covered Ozarks hills in the waters with the glow of sunrise. I see that and I think, 'My how wonderful our God, our Creator is. That He could make this all for us.'

Let me challenge you; if you have not seen a sunrise in a while try it Tuesday morning April 03, 2007. If you make it that far, then, be thankful that you made it another day.

A Parable

There was a Certain Man and he had a rather large family. Occasionally the family would get together and discuss matters of family interests. On a certain date early during a year the Certain Man standing addressing his family made a statement concerning an annual family Event.

That statement was one encouraging an early start in the planning of the Event. He spelled out some details, and suggested that it be done a little differently than past years. Using materials that were coming from other family, and not using outside help for the production of the Event. This coming Event was a gathering of family and discussion of increasing the family, encouraging the family and just an all around good time.

One of the sisters, Speaks Out, says, "I think it is a good thing that the Certain Man is suggesting. Let's listen to what he says, and see what happens". The matter was put aside for a time, so a Sister Not Present and had been a vital part in the previous Events could have some input into the matter. It was agreed by all to do so.

One of the brothers who was at the meeting called the sister who was not there and told her that the Certain Man and Speaks Out, who spoke in support of the Certain Man, had gotten together before the meeting and discussed the Event. They had not done so.

The Certain Man spoke privately with the Sister Not Present about the Event in the hope of getting things worked out. The Certain Man was pretty insistent on not bringing the outside help from previous years in, but wanted to work with Sister Not Present. The word was still going around that Certain Man and Speaks Out had got together and spoke of the Event without Sister Not Present who in that case should have been meeting with them. The meeting between the Certain Man and Speaks Out did not take place.

Is there an answer to this problem? There must be. First of all in such cases they could question those involved. "Was there a meeting that took place to plan this Event?" A simple question, not the blank and blunt statement, "You two met and planned this all out..." That is not only an accusation, but when the person denies it, it is a declaration of the one denying as lying. There should be no accusation until one knows the truth.

In the second place no one came to the Certain Man to ask him about the matter, they only approached and accused her. These type of things should not happen in families.

The matter of the Event was really only being presented for means of discussion, and approval or rejection. Has it been rejected?

What Is It With Kids???

Well here I am back to this blog writing once again. And the title of this one may leave some of you wondering. Wondering what is he going to write in this anyway?

Well! I have mentioned before that I drive a School Bus. Yeah! One of those big yellow, roaring road huggers, and maybe some would say "Road hoggers", because sometimes when you meet us it does seem like we are hogging the road. Don't complain unless you have driven one, and then, you will realize that those things take up most of the lane.

Anyway, back to the "Kids" thing. WHAT IS IT WITH KIDS??? While driving the bus, we have a mirror where we can look back and keep an eye on things, when we are not watching the road; which, by the way, watching the road is the most important thing; that is, if you want those "Kids" home safely.

Here is the thing I am wondering about. When I look into that mirror and I see one of them in one seat, then I return my eyes to the matter of driving, searching the mirrors, watching the road and such things as that; then, look back at those same kids. Only now one or two I have seen in one seat are now in another. It is almost like they think the driver doesn't notice. Do they think we don't know what seat they were in? Do they think we don't know one side of the bus from the other.

You tell them to stay seated, and they turn around backwards in the seat. You know the driver is not supposed to notice. I just pray that none ever get hurt. I sure would not want one to be hurt while I was driving them.

WHAT IS IT WITH KIDS??? They are kids, being kids. I do pray they will learn that the driver does notice, and that is why she/he is constantly on them to stay seated; especially while the bus is in motion.

New

This blog use to be called "The Blankenships", however that site has been moved to wordpress, and is doing well. The address on this one has been changed as you can tell, as well as the name so this is basically a new site.

As it says in the title of the blog, "To Everything... A Season", so will this blog be. I may post here once in a while, but I also may not. To Everything.. A Season you know. If I have something to post that will not necessarily fit with the theme of my other blogs I will post it here, and there may be times I will post something here that I posted there.

I will guarantee one thing, there will not be any material here that a child of any age could not or should not see or read. It will be wholesome family oriented materials. If you find otherwise please alert me to it, and I will do my best to make it right.

Please feel free to post a comment in the comment section anytime and for anything. I do ask one thing of you when commenting; keep it clean, keep it simple, keep it civil, and keep it wholesome.

May God Bless You Richly.

Tim A. Blankenship

The Blankenship's Blog is Moving

I do not know how many have found this site, but to those who have come on over to Our new site.

Tales of The Life

I will not begin today, but in a few days, after I have had some time to think things over I will begin sharing some personal "Tales", and leave you in awe. :>)

When I was growing up under the care of my father and mother there were some things I did and had happen to me that I do not believe they ever knew about, and some that they did. Some were not so bad as they were stupid. Sometimes they were bad as well.

Anyway, not only will I tell some things on myself, but you may have a hard time telling truth from fiction. I will not tell you the difference.

Isn't it fun to have something called a "Tale" rather than a "Lie"?