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Jacob Bradshaw

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Temptations [Feb. 12th, 2009|09:16 pm]

1 Corinthians 10:12-14 (Contemporary English Version)

12Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall. 13You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations.

    14My friends, you must keep away from idols.





Philippians 4:8 (Contemporary English Version)



8Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.




James 4:6-8 (Contemporary English Version)

6In fact, God treats us with even greater kindness, just as the Scriptures say, "God opposes everyone

   who is proud,

   but he is kind to everyone

   who is humble."

    7Surrender to God! Resist the devil, and he will run from you. 8Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Clean up your lives, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you people who can't make up your mind.





2 Peter 2:8-10 (Contemporary English Version)

7-8Lot lived right and was greatly troubled by the terrible way those wicked people were living. He was a good man, and day after day he suffered because of the evil things he saw and heard. So the Lord rescued him. 9This shows that the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their sufferings and to punish evil people while they wait for the day of judgment.

    10The Lord is especially hard on people who disobey him and don't think of anything except their own filthy desires. They are reckless and proud and are not afraid of cursing the glorious beings in heaven.





2 Peter 3:16-18 (Contemporary English Version)

16Paul talks about these same things in all his letters, but part of what he says is hard to understand. Some ignorant and unsteady people even destroy themselves by twisting what he said. They do the same thing with other Scriptures too.

    17My dear friends, you have been warned ahead of time! So don't let the errors of evil people lead you down the wrong path and make you lose your balance. 18Let the wonderful kindness and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen.

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(no subject) [Feb. 12th, 2009|08:59 pm]

Psalm 139:23-24 (Contemporary English Version)



23Look deep into my heart, God,

   and find out everything

   I am thinking.

    24Don't let me follow evil ways,

   but lead me in the way

   that time has proven true.

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Do you, uh, Yahoo!? [Feb. 7th, 2009|06:28 pm]
I just found after 10 years of surfing the internet that if you click the exclamation point on the Yahoo! logo, it makes the yodeling sound.

CLICK CLICK CLICK

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooOOO
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A stressful day turns into a blessing [Feb. 6th, 2009|11:28 pm]
[mood | calm]

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

1 I have to brag. There is nothing to be gained by it, but I must brag about the visions and other things that the Lord has shown me. 2 I know about one of Christ's followers who was taken up into the third heaven fourteen years ago. I don't know if the man was still in his body when it happened, but God certainly knows.

    3 As I said, only God really knows if this man was in his body at the time. 4 But he was taken up into paradise, [a] where he heard things that are too wonderful to tell. 5 I will brag about that man, but not about myself, except to say how weak I am. 6 Yet even if I did brag, I would not be foolish. I would simply be speaking the truth. But I will try not to say too much. That way, none of you will think more highly of me than you should because of what you have seen me do and say. 7 Of course, I am now referring to the wonderful things I saw. One of Satan's angels was sent to make me suffer terribly, so that I would not feel too proud. [b] 8 Three times I begged the Lord to make this suffering go away. 9 But he replied, "My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak." So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am. 10 Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong.




The Lord has been so good to my wife and I today.

Ever since the wee hours of the morning, my wife and I were beyond stressed out over our finances. With my unemployment and her recent injury on the job, it has been very challenging for us financially. Quite honestly, at one point today, I seriously was seriously doubting God and how in the world we would be able to live for the next few weeks. The Lord, I believe, is teaching us (at least I believe me, at least) to not rely on money or our own strength or provision for that matter. I have definitely placed my relationship with the Lord on the back burner, putting the worries of money ahead of Him.

My God is going to take care of us. This morning, my thought process was so twisted that the thought of God helping us do anything was laughable. Satan is the author of confusion and delights in the confusion and torment of God's children. Jesus, however, has Satan's number and has everything under control. Even though we don't have much money, I thank my God that we have something that no amount of cash could ever fulfill. My heart and mind may falter sometimes under the weight of doubt but my Lord God always cuts through the noise, one way or another, to remind me that He, not our bills, not Satan, NOT money, is in control.

I was able to make the car payment today and I paid the electric bill for this month, too. While I was doing all of this, my wife visited her workplace and spoke with her supervisor, Jeremy, about some stuff concerning work. I went home after taking care of those two things and Nicole came back a little while after me. My old friend, Brandon, called me out of the blue and asked for my help concerning landlord/tenant rules in the state of North Carolina. I have internet access, he does not, and he wanted me to look up some things for him because he's having quite a conflict with his landlord. I have yet to get back with him, though, with any information.

Some good news...

I found a job opening at http://www.yahwehcenter.org/ that I am really interested in. I spoke to a lady there today who's involved in the hiring process and she sounded really interested in me. I e-mailed her my resume. I hope to hear back from them soon about the position. Please pray for the Lord's will to be done.

Instead of filing our taxes through a tax agent, my wife and I have decided to go the online route this year. I've never done it that way though so we called our good friend, Janice Tanner, and inquired as to whether or not she could help us file our taxes. We left our home about 4:15 EST and arrived at her place soon after. After a little chit chat, and after I prepared my cup of coffee, we settled in around the laptop while we started the filing process. We were able to get all of the information in with the exception of my out-of-pocket tuition payments to Heritage Bible College. After I get those receipt totals for the 2008 tax year, we're gonna go back and punch those numbers in to complete the filing process. In any event, I am very happy that Jan was able to assist us with this.

While she was inputting our tax info, a local realtor led a couple around Mark (Jan's hubby) and Jan's home. Mark and Jan are trying to sell their home (obviously).

Around the time we finished up on the computer, Mark got home from work. After our greetings, he invited Nicole and I out to dinner with his wife and our mutual married couple friends, Harry and Jeri Ellen Bradshaw. Mark and Jan offered to treat us, and they are always a blast to hang out with, so we took them up on the offer. We arrived at the Mad Boar (the name of the restaurant) around 6:30 and ordered an appetizer (crab dip with bread) while waiting on Harry and Jeri Ellen. They eventually arrived though in addition to their grown daughters, Jill and Ginger, Ginger's little girl Jaleigh, and Ginger's boyfriend. The meal was superb, the dessert was awesome, and the fellowship was even better than all of that. Nicole and I both had flank steak except I had the baked beans and she ordered a baked potato.

After dinner, we went back to Mark and Jan's place. We chatted for a little while before watching some of the movie Mr. Deeds. I had a really nice cup of coffee. I can't go to Mark and Jan's without having a cup :-)

Next Friday, February 13th, Nicole and I are joining them for a Valentines get together. Jan is planning on preparing a big pot of homemade spaghetti (this woman knows how to cook, I tell you). My best bud, Chris, and his girlfriend, Chastity, might attend.

I had originally planned to help out my parents tomorrow at the mobile home park washing windows (and other little things) but I completely forgot about studying for my upcoming quiz. I've got a lot of reading to do.

My wife is asleep on the couch. This is how last night was. She fell asleep on the couch and I eventually fell asleep in my recliner (before we both got up at 2:30 AM and went to bed...that didn't last long though, for me).

Anywho...

Goodnight y'all.

Jacob
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A little bit o' snow. [Feb. 4th, 2009|09:45 am]
It snowed for a little while this morning. We only received a small dusting, nothing to grand, but cool nonetheless.

Jacob
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The foot, the pay per view, the transcripts, the nostalgia, and the dog. [Jan. 27th, 2009|02:28 pm]
Last Friday, I accidentaly injured myself. My wife, Nicole, was making homemade spaghetti sauce when a tad bit of vegetable oil hit the burner resulting in a small grease fire. When it flamed up, it scared Nicole and she froze and called me to hurry into the kitchen. I got up and ran to where we keep our fire extinguisher but, while I was running, I stepped wrong on my right foot which caused me to put all of my weight on the top of my foot, bending it sideways. I fell forward in pain and tried putting the fire out but couldn't. Thank God the fire burned itself out on the stove. In any event, my foot was really jacked up. For the first two hours I couldn't even move my toes.

Anyway, Nicole called my Dad and he and his friend, George, came and helped me to our car so Nicole could take me to the hospital. When we pulled up to the E.R. entrance, Nicole's co-worker's boyfriend was walking up to the entrance holding his chest. He told us that he thought he was having a heart attack. We learned later on that he indeed had a massive heart attack (three blockages). He was air lifted to another hospital where he had open heart surgery.

Anyway, Nicole got me inside, checked in, and in a room. The E.R. staff took several x-rays and gave me some pain medication. The x-rays didn't show any sort of break.

Since coming home that day I have been taking it relatively easy. Nicole has been helping out a lot. She's such an awesome wife.

Nicole and I did have a chance to go to church this past Sunday morning at Peniel PFWB. Chris (my best friend), Chastity, and Daniel (Chastity's little boy) were all there. The service was awesome. Later that night my wife and I went to Chris' place and enjoyed the company of he and his girlfriend. We grilled out (filet mignon compliments of Chastity who butchered the cow herself, grilled portabella mushrooms, grilled green onions, grilled shrimp, and twice baked potatoes) and had ice cream sandwich milkshakes. We really enjoy hanging out with Chris and Chastity. They seem to be very good for one another. GOD Bless 'em!

The Royal Rumble itself was pretty good. Randy Orton won the main match.

My foot has been bothering me quite a bit since the injury. The swelling hasn't gone down. My mom and wife both think it's either broken or fractured. We're gonna find out, one way or another.

Nicole is trying to get into the RN nursing program at James Sprunt Community College. Unfortunately, we've had quite an issue in getting all the necessary documents in order so she can take the nursing exam. Another local community college, Sampson Community Colllege, is holding the exam and they haven't yet received her high school transcripts. Nicole's old high school told her that they had sent the transcripts out. James Sprunt C.C. received the transcripts but Sampson hasn't. Unless Sampson gets them, though, it's all futile because for her to get into the program at James Sprunt she HAS to have her transcripts in the Sampson C.C system. Please pray for this situation.

I have been looking at my LJ entries from January 2006, when my family and I were in Florida doing hurricane cleanup work.

My dog, Apple, is staring off into space.

I love dogs.

Have a great day!
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Snow [Jan. 21st, 2009|09:07 am]
The past 24 hours have been really exciting.

Snow rarely falls in the part of North Carolina that I live in. Raleigh is two hours northwest of here, give or take, and that's about as far as the snow gets. Yesterday was the exception to the rule. Eastern North Carolina finally got a decent little snow fall! it only snowed a couple of inches here but it was enough to cover the ground and make it nice and white. My wife and I rode with my Dad to my parent's mobile home park to do some stuff and we were able to visit Chris after grabbing some to-go dollar menu goodies from McDonald's. I also visited my grandparent's grave. The cemetary was really pretty with the snow everywhere.

My Mom cooked a homemade chicken noodle soup for lunch. While we ate, we watched Barack Obama become the president. I didn't vote for Barack Obama. I voted for Joh McCain. Even though I don't agree with Barack Obama on some of his views, he's still the president of my country and I hope he does a great job.

Nicole and I ate at my parent's place again for supper (a nice bowl of chili). MMmmm.

Nicole was supposed to take her Nursing Entrance Test today but won't be able to due to the snow (school cancellation). Hopefully she will be able to make it up.

Yepper.

Have a great day!

Jacob
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Noises [Jan. 18th, 2009|12:52 am]
It's another lonely night. Just Apple and I. My dearest wife, Nicole, is working a 24 hour shift.

Saturday was an okay day I suppose. I drove Nicole to work and the temperatures were insane (for North Carolina anyway). The temperature reading on my Vibe went from around 10 degrees to 13, back and forth, back and forth. Tonight isn't nearly as cold but cold nonetheless.

I probably should update more often.

Tonight my ears have picked up on unusual sounds coming from outside. Just a few minutes ago I hear a loud framming noise against my mobile home. Earlier in the evening, I heard what sounded like someone stepping off of my back steps. I like living here but the one thing I don't enjoy is the close proximity of my body to the walls and windows. In comparison to the house I grew up in, there isn't much room for stealthiness. Whenever I walk, the floor makes noise. If I sneeze, you can hear it outside. So this places me at a clear disadvantage if an individual chooses to stand outside of my residence half the night waiting for me to go to bed. At least it's cold out.

Where's Macaulay Culkin when you need him? ;-)

Anywho, Barack Obama will become our 44th president on Tuesday. Even though I didn't vote for him, I hope he does well.

Nothing else to report at this time...

Jacob
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Praise the Lord! [Jan. 1st, 2009|12:56 pm]
Psalms 105:1-45 CEV
(1) Praise the LORD and pray in his name! Tell everyone what he has done.
(2) Sing praises to the LORD! Tell about his miracles.
(3) Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart.
(4) Trust the LORD and his mighty power.
(5) Remember his miracles and all his wonders and his fair decisions.
(6) You belong to the family of Abraham, his servant; you are his chosen ones, the descendants of Jacob.
(7) The LORD is our God, bringing justice everywhere on earth.
(8) He will never forget his agreement or his promises, not in thousands of years. *
(9) God made an eternal promise
(10) to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
(11) when he said, "I'll give you the land of Canaan."
(12) At the time there were only a few of us, and we were homeless.
(13) We wandered from nation to nation, from one country to another.
(14) God did not let anyone mistreat our people. Instead he protected us by punishing rulers
(15) and telling them, "Don't touch my chosen leaders or harm my prophets!"
(16) God kept crops from growing until food was scarce everywhere in the land.
(17) But he had already sent Joseph, sold as a slave into Egypt,
(18) with chains of iron around his legs and neck.
(19) Joseph remained a slave until his own words had come true, and the LORD had finished testing him.
(20) Then the king of Egypt set Joseph free
(21) and put him in charge of everything he owned.
(22) Joseph was in command of the officials, and he taught the leaders how to use wisdom.
(23) Jacob and his family came and settled in Egypt as foreigners.
(24) They were the LORD's people, so he let them grow stronger than their enemies.
(25) They served the LORD, and he made the Egyptians plan hateful things against them.
(26) God sent his servant Moses. He also chose and sent Aaron
(27) to his people in Egypt, and they worked miracles and wonders there.
(28) Moses and Aaron obeyed God, and he sent darkness to cover Egypt.
(29) God turned their rivers into streams of blood, and the fish all died.
(30) Frogs were everywhere, even in the royal palace.
(31) When God gave the command, flies and gnats swarmed all around.
(32) In place of rain, God sent hailstones and flashes of lightning.
(33) He destroyed their grapevines and their fig trees, and he made splinters of all the other trees.
(34) God gave the command, and more grasshoppers came than could be counted.
(35) They ate every green plant and all the crops that grew in the land of Egypt.
(36) Then God took the life of every first-born son.
(37) When God led Israel from Egypt, they took silver and gold, and no one was left behind.
(38) The Egyptians were afraid and gladly let them go.
(39) God hid them under a cloud and guided them by fire during the night.
(40) When they asked for food, he sent more birds than they could eat.
(41) God even split open a rock, and streams of water gushed into the desert.
(42) God never forgot his sacred promise to his servant Abraham.
(43) When the Lord rescued his chosen people from Egypt, they celebrated with songs.
(44) The Lord gave them the land and everything else the nations had worked for.
(45) He did this so that his people would obey all of his laws. Shout praises to the LORD!
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Happy Thanksgiving [Nov. 27th, 2008|04:26 pm]
[mood | full]

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

My sister and brother-in-law from Reidsville came down. Also, my Mom's side of the family came. It was, I believe, only the second time in my life that my Grandma Bradshaw wasn't apart of my Thanksgiving. We weren't together Thanksgiving of 2005 and she died in February.

It's been a good day, that's for sure.
Menu for Thanksgiving 2008:

  • Turkey (naturally)

  • Marinated grilled pork tenderloin (in Sweet Baby Ray's barbeque sauce, yummy)

  • Chicken and pastry

  • Fried cornbead

  • Corn

  • Butterbeans

  • Candied yams

  • Green bean casserole (my contribution to the meal)

  • Homemade biscuits

  • Giblet gravy

  • Cranberry sauce

  • Dressing

  • Collard greens

  • Some cakes



It's the usual Thanksgiving fare at many homes around the country but it's nice to remember and reflect (for the future).


After we ate and took photos at my parent's house, my Dad and I went to Little Creek Cemetary where my grandma is and we paid our respects and just walked around and talked. I learned a lot about some of the people that have already passed on.

Nicole and I are going to see her parent's tonight, once she wakes from her nap.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

In Christ,

Jacob
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What a day... [Oct. 28th, 2008|12:28 am]
I think today ranked right up their on the high scale of emotional days.

The lead stocker at work, Chris, took his breakfast hour at home. When he was backing out of his driveway to come back to work, he didn't realize his beagle puppy ran behind his tires. Chris hit him and it injured him so bad, Chris had to put him out of his misery. Needless to say, Chris was a wreck and decided not to come back to work, which I don't fault him for. I know if something happened to Apple, I would be a mess, too. It really struck me deep when I heard what happened.

On top of that I found out last week that my best friend, Chandler, would be moving to Nashville, TN to start a new job as a security officer. The news really came out of left field. I've only had three really close friends in my life: my wife, my bud Chris, and Chandler. Chander and I have known one another since our freshman year and have been there for one another for almost ten years now. I never had super close friends in high school so the goodbyes to my graduating class were not that sad for me. Chandler didn't go to college and neither did I for awhile so he and I just sorta developed an even stronger bond after high school. I suppose I lulled myself into thinking that this friendship would be one of those that would never evolve into something more distant. Last week changed that perception.

Chandler and I have had a tradition for five years. In October of 2003, Chandler started coming over to my house (when I was living with my parents) on Monday night's to watch professional wrestling on tv. Unless he was sick or something major came up, he always came, no matter what. Tonight was the last consistent Monday we'll have. I know we'll see one another in the future, sometime, but tonight closed a chapter, in a sense, on my life that I had become very accustomed to. My wife and my friend Chris held a birthday/going away party for him tonight.

Yesterday, the 26th, was his 24th birthday. Not to long after I got off work, Chris and I went to Food Lion and got the necessary stuff to complete the party necessities. More bratwursts...more buns...more charcoal...and other things. We headed back to my place and cut up some sweet onions and red bell pepper (to grill in aluminum foil). Chandler came over at 7:00 and, before long, the three of us were grilling out under my parent's cookout shelter. We laughed and we shared yet another memory to be added to our history together. While we grilled, Jessicca Scott, another close friend of ours, arrived and hung out with Nicole (who was feeling a bit under the weather and opted to stay inside). After grilling the onions, the red hots (which we enjoyed throughly amongst just the three of us), and the three varieties of bratwurst, we went inside and ate.

DEELISH!

We took some photos and handed Chandler some presents. Chris got Chandler a card and a $25 prepaid Visa card. I got him three multi-picture frames with pictures of us inside and a card. After the food from earlier settled we had some birthday cake (Nicole's creation) and a Carvel Snickers ice cream cake. Both were very good but I preferred Nicole's. We watched the rest of Monday Night Raw with Batista beating JBL. Chris collected some food and Chandler got his birthday cake. I gave him a great big hug. When Jessicca and Chris walked out, I called him back and prayed with him and wished him good luck. He gave me a huge, lift-me-off-the-ground bear hug and we said our "see ya later's."

I did my fair share of crying after I left. I've never really gone through this before. The best friend moving far, far away thing. I guess it's late in the game for me.

Chris is telling me he saw a UFO tonight in the field in front of his house. Hmm.
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Wilmington yesterday + this morning [Aug. 3rd, 2008|09:26 am]
[Current Location |Living room]
[mood | sleepy]

It's Sunday morning. I'm very sleepy.

Nicole and I have been married for nine months today. Crazy, eh?

Yesterday was great. Work was kinda nutty as we were short a guy and two other guys had to leave. But, it worked out.

After work, I stopped by Andy's and picked up lunch and came home and ate. Nicole and I watched some of an old kids movie, "Rookie of the Year" while researching prices on ottomans.

We decided to go to Wilmington to buy one. First, we went to this place in Mayfaire called "World Market" where they have a variety of different items from the United States and around the world (food, art, furniture, outdoor stuff, ect.) I think the more fascinating stuff definitely had to be the international candies and stuff. We visited Linens N Things next where we bought our new ottoman. The price wasn't bad.

Nicole went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond next but couldn't find the lotion she was looking for. I might browse the web today to see if I can find it for her.

We went bowling next. We stopped at Ten Pin Alley but a tournament was going on and they weren't allowing the general public to play. So, we went to another one on Market St. called Cardinal Lanes. We bowled two games, Nicole winning the first, and me winning the second. Needless to say, I am a terrible bowler. Until yesterday, I had never beat anyone at bowling. When we left Cardinal Lanes, we stopped at Moe's Southwest Grill and ate supper. This was our first time there and I was pretty impressed. The food was very tasty and the portions were very acceptable.

We both were feeling kinda worn after Moe's so we left Wilmington and headed back. We stopped at my parents for a few hours and socialized. Nicole hung out with my cousin Jenna for the most part while my parents and I talked about different things.

We went home later on in the evening...relaxed a bit...and went to bed...

We found ourselves watching Clueless into the early morning hours...it's not a bad movie...I hadn't seen it since I was a kid.

Nicole got a call around 7:00 this morning. She had to go on a call to Chapel Hill. She's on call today for work. I took her to Wallace so she could meet up with her partner (Hardee's first though...gotta get a sausage biscuit...) and I came back home.

I'm on the verge of falling asleep.

Anywho...

Good day!

In Christ,

Jacob
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Uncle Sam.. and Jacksonville [Aug. 1st, 2008|10:43 pm]
[music |Fox News Channel]

Nicole and I went to Jacksonville today.

We ate lunch at IHOP. I had sirloin tips and eggs. Oh so deelish. Nicole had grits, bacon, and eggs.

We went to the mall next. She bought some shirts from a store called "Wet Seal." I bought "When It Falls" by Zero 7 from Barnes & Noble and she bought a journal from there. We walked all over that mall.

We visited her Mom in Hubert. I got online and read about the Greyhound bus killing in Manitoba, Canada.

Nicole's Aunt Tina gave us a tv. Woot.

We picked up some grub from Sonic and came home.

George Lopez is on. Nicole's writing in her journal.

My great uncle Samuel Bradshaw died today at 3:30 at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville. My parents had left the hospital and made it to Kinston when they got the word that he had died. So they turned around and went back. I talked to my Dad on the phone about 45 minutes after Uncle Sam died and he didn't sound very good (understandably so).

Tomorrow morning I go back to work.

Yepper.

We upgraded our programming package tonight. Woot.

In Christ,

Jacob
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Thunderstorms and chicken [Jul. 30th, 2008|10:42 pm]
[Current Location |Living room, home]
[music |the dryer]

The Lord blessed me today with pay. Thank you Lord for my job.

Often I battle with feelings of loneliness, isolation...especially at work. While stocking can after can of cat food, or placing a box of Cheerios on the shelf, or maybe even setting a container of Clorox or dish detergent on a shelf, I think a lot. I think about my wife frequently while I am at work. I also think about my life and where I am and where it's going. My grandma Shirley (Bradshaw) dying in February and I tremendous impact on my life, some for the good, some for the best. Her death, of course, was hard for me and it still is. Nicole and I live almost directly behind the house she lived in and, eventually, died in (my granddaddy Bradshaw died in there, too, in 1984). Everyday I see this yellow'ish house, empty of life, and it brings to my mind so many things. My grandma completely financed the remodeling of our mobile home and she only got to come inside of it only one time after it was completed. I think about that and it makes me feel sad among other things.

However, her death helped me to appreciate my life moreso. I have an amazing wife who works hard and who loves me more than I could ever imagine. Both of my parents are still living, still married, and are more in love with one another than ever before. I have a job, it may not be the best job ever, but it's where God has me right now, and I am saved by grace through Jesus Christ.

So, I think a lot at work.

I certainly believe God put me at Food Lion for a reason. Sometimes, I get caught up in minute-to-minute, hour-to-hour thoughts of "why am I doing this? can't I find anything better?" and that isn't good because I am putting my own selfish desires ahead of God's purpose for my life. I look at my fellow high school graduates. Many of them graduated in 2003 and were on track to finish college in 2007, and did. I, however, am still in college working at a part-time job at a local grocery store. Do I dare complain? of course not. I have every reason in the world to be thankful for where I am in life. God placed me at Food Lion for His purpose and comparing myself to anyone else, or a particular mapped out timetable for life, would be ridiculous.

My wife worked from 7 AM to 7 PM today. She's a paramedic with Johnston Ambulance Service. I'm so proud of her. She comes home usually very, very tired from the day's work. My wife is very strong. I think she's a lot stronger than I am in many ways. What a woman!

I ate dinner with my parents this evening. Mom fried some chicken, cooked rice with brown gravy, corn, butterbeans seasoned with bacon, and homemade (from scratch) biscuits complete with crushed and mushed peaches. No, it wasn't a meal for the dieting man but it was definitely a treat! I had just finished eating at 7:00 PM when Nicole called me to tell me she was on her way home from work. She played a little joke on me first and said she was going on a transport to Winston-Salem. Of course, she was fibbing. I was relieved.

I'm glad "Dog the Bounty Hunter" is back on the air. Many people don't like him, the show, or his family, but I have always enjoyed watching the show. His show helps me to remember that we are all flawed and no one's perfect.

Thunderstorms have been rolling through here for around the past 2 1/2-3 hours. It's just been thundering, lightning, and some occasional showers.

Please keep us in your prayers.

It feels good to be journaling again. I hope I can keep it up! :-)

I really need to change my icon. Oh, to have Photoshop on this computer >:-C

In Christ,

Jacob
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A nice day (work, great supper, great movie) [Jul. 29th, 2008|09:43 pm]
My wife and I had buffalo chicken wraps tonight. They were most excellent.

Work was "eh" today. Some district manager guys paid the store a visit which resulted in Jeffrey acting a little stressed out.

Nicole and I watched "Facing The Giants" this evening. What a movie...

Nicole works tomorrow but I'm off. Payday! woo!

I miss my grandma Shirley.

Nicole says "hey."

In Christ,

Jacob
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Church presentation & TNA event in Kenansville [Jul. 27th, 2008|11:59 pm]
[mood | high]

This morning Nicole and I gave a presentation before the Kingdom Builders congregation about the mission trip to Russia next year. I was very nervous as I am not used to speaking in front of a large audience. The entire service was great. Afterward, we went to Creekside Cafe for lunch but they were closed for whatever reason. So, instead, we went to the Mad Boar. We got a bunch of food. We then went to the newest Dollar General in Wallace and bought some white t-shirts for Nicole, a big black Sharpie, and some index cards.

We came home and rested.

Around 6:20 Nicole, my Dad, and I left for Kenansville. We stopped at Bank of America and took some cash out and made our way to the Duplin County Events Center for the TNA Wrestling show. Nicole's Dad, Don, met us there and he seemed to be pretty excited about the show. It was a lot of fun. The main event was Samoa Joe vs. Christian Cage. I think the highlight of my evening, however, would have to be after the show when Nicole and I were able to meet Kurt Angle in the middle of the TNA ring and have our photo taken with him. Kurt Angle has always been one of my favorite pro wrestlers so meeting him was pretty freakin' awesome.

So what, I like pro wrestling...

Anywho, we left and stopped at a nearby gas station and got some munchies and then came home.

I've been off work for the past two days and I don't go back until Tuesday morning. Nicole works tomorrow though so I don't know what I'm gonna do. We'll see.

Nicole and I read Psalms 5 tonight for our nightly reading.

1 For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by the flute. O LORD, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning.

2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I will never pray to anyone but you.

3 Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

4 O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness; you cannot tolerate the slightest sin.

5 Therefore, the proud will not be allowed to stand in your presence, for you hate all who do evil.

6 You will destroy those who tell lies. The LORD detests murderers and deceivers.

7 Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; with deepest awe I will worship at your Temple.

8 Lead me in the right path, O LORD, or my enemies will conquer me. Tell me clearly what to do, and show me which way to turn.

9 My enemies cannot speak one truthful word. Their deepest desire is to destroy others. Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their speech is filled with flattery.

10 O God, declare them guilty. Let them be caught in their own traps. Drive them away because of their many sins, for they rebel against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Protect them, so all who love your name may be filled with joy.

12 For you bless the godly, O LORD, surrounding them with your shield of love.



Goodnight all...

In Christ,

Jacob
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Hiya [Jul. 26th, 2008|07:38 pm]
I'm waiting on my wife to get home from work. I had the day off today which is nice.

I'm working at a local grocery store chain called Food Lion. I'm a stocker there. It's not bad work and the hours don't suck to much (although waking up at quarter 'till five in the morning can be a pain in the butt). Pretty much, I put out stock every other morning.

I found out today that my great uncle, Samuel Bradshaw, has leukemia. He had a heart attack this past week and was flown via helicopter from Edenton to Greenville. Upon further analysis, they found leukemia. Unfortunately, they can't treat him for it because of his heart condition. Please pray for him and our family. It would be very appreciated.

Tomorrow night my wife, my dad, and Nicole's Dad, and I will be attending a Live TNA Wrestling show at the arena in Kenansville. That will be cool.

I'm enjoying the married life!

I hope you all are doing well.

In Christ,

Jacob
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A good Friday [May. 24th, 2008|12:51 am]
[Current Location |my place]
[mood |pretty content]

I just finished snacking on some Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookies. Midnight and cookies go well together, ya know...like oil and water :(

Friday, May 23rd, was a great day.

I woke up around quarter to six A.M., took a shower, and was out the diz-oor by 6:30. I went to Hardee's and got breakfast (two sausage biscuits and a Dr. Pepper) and headed to work. I blew the parking lot off and driveway with the leaf blower and went inside the office to start my usual Friday morning routine of gathering the office recycling trash and regular trash. See, every Friday, we do chores around the office. My job has almost always been to gather trash while some of the other office guys rotate chores each week. Anywho, I took care of that and printed some potting tags. Around 10:00 I drove to the local recycling dump and dumped our crap off and then went to the Wallace Wal-Mart to buy some stuff for the office. The shopping list included a bunch of cleaning supplies but the hand lotion for Teresa, in potting, and the office (not to mention the four plastic patio chairs for the office patio) broke the boring'ness of Clorox Wipes, Rid-X, and other cleaning supplies.

I drove back to the nursery and piddled around with more potting tags. I did go to the loading dock with the golf cart and got a small shipment of bathroom supplies that came in.

Anywho...

For lunch Donna, Jim B, Gail, Peggy, Craig, Shannon, and I all went to the newly named Creekside Cafe' (formerly Graham's Store...then Hanchey's Store...then Carolina Country Store...now Creekside Cafe) for lunch. It's pretty much an old convenience store (used to sell gas too many years ago) that the owner turned into this somewhat nice restaurant. The food was pretty good. I had the flour burger and onion rings. The prices weren't bad either.

Afterward, we went back to the nursery (I rode w/ Jim B) and I washed golf carts. I left around 4:30.

I got home...Nicole and I got ready...and we headed over to Mark and Jan's (Tanner). We haven't really spent a ton of time with Mark and Jan in awhile so we thought it would be cool to hang out. Jan fed us some leftover turkey enchiladas and some turkey soup, both of which were spot on delicious. When we arrived, I walked out to Mark's shop where he showed off (deservedly so) his new saw thing. I'm not hardware or tool savvy but it sure did look cool. Anyway, we went back to the house and Jan, Nicole, and I talked. Mark took his shower and we ate supper. Finally, for the night their, we played a game of Cranium. Guys vs. Girls. At the beginning, Mark and I were sucking big time. Somehow, though, we managed to mount a comeback and routed the girls and gained our victory.

We stopped by my parents house on the way back home and talked to them for a little while.

My wife has gone to bed. That's kinda weird saying that: "my wife." It's very nice though. We read out of the Bible tonight. Genesis 33, the last book of Deuteronomy, some of Jude, and some of Hebrews.

I put in my two weeks notice to Johnson Nursery this past week. Not counting the months I had been laid off in the winter, I have been there now for two years and three months. It's the longest job I've ever had. Even though I've had my share of rough spots while working there, I must say my time spent there was very, very valuable to me. The Lord has blessed me with another opportunity, though, at this place in Warsaw called Ivesco Holdings. My first day on the job will be Wednesday, June 4th. I'm very excited. Nicole has a job interview on Tuesday. She's interviewing for an EMT-Paramedic level position with Johnston Ambulance Service. Please pray for her regarding this and for the Lord's will to be done.

Tomorrow, which is today I should say, we're supposed to wake up really early and go to White Lake and spend all day. But, it's supposed to rain. And you can't exactly lay out in the sun when it's raining. So, we might just go to Lumberton if it rains. I dunno.

Chris and Chandler went to a concert tonight. HAH. Oh man.

Anywho, I better close this.

In Christ,

Jacob
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Update [May. 3rd, 2008|06:56 pm]
Welp, here's an update out of nowhere :)

Since February I have been working steadily at my job at Johnson Nursery. Things have been very busy due to the spring season kicking into high gear.

Today, May 3rd, marks six months since Nicole and I got married. We thoroughly enjoy our marriage.

She currently works at Peebles department store in Wallace, a clothing chain under the Stage Stores company, but is actively seeking employment as an EMT level Paramedic.

Yesterday was my last official day of classes online. I finished my exam for The Pentateuch and, booyah...

We got a puppy in February and named her Apple. She's a trip. She's a black and white female pekingese.

My ninth nephew/niece, Davis Milton Bradshaw, was born yesterday in Wilmington. He's 9 pounds, five ounces and is 20 inches long. My brother David and sister-in-law Kathy are the proud parents.

What else, what else...

Nicole and I ate at Buffalo Wild Wings near Carolina Beach last night. My stomach is massively tore up from the food.

We've started attending a new church, Kingdom Builders: http:///www.kingdombuildersnc.org

Their isn't much else to report on other than the fact that I have been busy with work, school, and being married.

We finally got our professional pictures back from the photographer in March. They turned out well.

Anywho...

I think I'll end this now. My wife will be home in a little while. We're having fajitas tonight!

Jacob.
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Grandma Shirley, I love you. [Feb. 22nd, 2008|10:46 am]
[Current Location |My living room]
[mood | peaceful]

I hear the rain falling. It's an appropriate sound today. There's a mix of peace and sadness in my heart right now. Since early November, right after my wedding actually, we have known my grandma Bradshaw has been dying of pancreatic cancer. This morning, she left this world and is now in heaven.

Yesterday evening, when I left work around 5:18, I went to Pizza Corner to get some food for my wife and my parents. Nicole and I ate our food, steak and cheese sub for me and spaghetti for her, and we walked over to my grandmother's house (we live behind the house, just a 30 second walk or so). Since November, my Mom and Dad have been taking care of my grandmother. My Dad pretty much stopped working (he's self-employed) and my Mom was already able to be able to stay with her. Last night we would be there final night in doing there selfless duty. Nicole and I hung out with them. My brother Ray came down from Wilmington after he got off work and he hung out as well (had the chance to eat my Mom's leftover lasagna too).

Seeing, and hearing, my grandmother lay there and suffer was terrible. While Nicole and I were there, she was moaning. I remember saying to her "Grandma, I love you, and Nicole loves you too" and she just moaned. Just in November, this woman was dancing with me at my wedding. Last night, she was in her hospital bed in her own home in so much pain, with oxygen going to her and morphine drips doing there thing. Before Nicole and I left last night, I kissed her on her forehead and I told her "I love you." Those were the very last words I ever said to my grandma Shirley.

My Mom found some love letters my grandma Shirley and my late (died in 1984 before I was born) Granddaddy Raymond wrote to one another. The letters were postmarked in July and August 1948, only a couple of weeks before they got married. My granddaddy was 25 and my grandma was 15 (that was considered okay back then I suppose). Nicole and I read the letters, me reading the letters my granddaddy wrote and her reading the letters my grandma Shirley wrote. They were both such romantics.

I woke up this morning at 6:20 but I went back to sleep for another 20 minutes. I woke up, took a shower, got dressed, let Apple out, ate a bowl of Captain Crunch, pooped, got all of my last minute things together, prayed with my wife, and I left. The rain was coming down pretty hard. I remember driving over the overpass this morning and asking God to please show my grandmother mercy. I asked God to take her. I got to work at 7:45. I said hey to David Johnson, the president of the company (he was the only one there), I clocked in, and I started to do my Friday morning duties of gathering the trash in the office. I was about to change Craig Teachey's trash can when my Mom called my cell phone. I told her I was at work and I couldn't talk. She said "Your grandmother just died."

I told David and he was very respectful and taken back. He told me not to worry with stuff and told me to go be with my family. He also asked if he could do anything and I told him to pray for my family. In the workroom, David asked me if I was going to be okay. He put his arm around me as I was in tears and he prayed for me and prayed for my family. I walked out, called Nicole as I was walking to my car, and broke down. On the way back, it was hard. I called Chris Brown on the way and he told me he was sorry for my loss. When I got to my grandma's house, I got out and Nicole met me outside. Pastor Ron was already there as well as my Aunt Shirley. I hugged Pastor Ron and bawled on his shoulder. My Mom next.

I went up to where my grandma was, saw her, and I lost it. My Aunt Shirley hugged me. Dad was in the bathroom. When he came out, I hugged him and cried.

We've had a lot of people come over. Friends, family, church members from Island Creek Baptist Church, ect...

The hospice nurse came out to do her stuff. What I didn't know was that she wouldn't be officially declared dead until she got there. My Mom, Dad, and Aunt realized my grandma had died around 7:30 but the nurse didn't come until around 9:30. The funeral home people came not to long ago and took her.

Nicole just took a shower and Apple is running around. I had to take a break from everything going over there.

That's all for now.

Jacob.



I love you, grandma. Tell granddaddy about me.
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