School & Early Birthday

School began on August 23, 2006. I ended up with a good schedule, but have to be on campus everyday excluding Fridays. I am a full-time student this semester taking 12 hours. The classes will require some reading, but more writing. After this semester, I will officially announce my classification as a senior. I have already received two early birthday presents from Kari. Sunday evening Kari was returning home from Milano and she said to me on the phone, "I have a surprise for you!" As I returned to San Marcos after morning and evening church, she asked me to meet her at her apartment. Within four minutes of our conversation, she had already given me a hint and I had guessed that she was giving me a kitten. While we were in California, my mother, Kari and I went to an animal shelter and I enjoyed watching four kittens play and tackle one another. Being mindful of this, Kari got me a kitten. We named her Calli. My second present was a Canon Powershot Camera that I have been window-shopping for a few months now. The pictures posted today were taken by my new camera. It has already been a wonderful birthday, made possible by Kari, and it is not even my birthday yet!

Family News:

My Granny was taken to the hospital last weekend. She was diagnosed with lung cancer and will not be able to receive treatment due to various factors. Matthew left for Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX to begin his college career. Please keep both of these in your prayers, as Granny struggles with the cancer, the passing of her husband, and Matthew begins school. Have a blessed day.

California

Kari and I made it safely to California. I decided to take a last minute pre-school vacation to go see my mother in California. We flew into San Diego on Tuesday morning and spent the day in and around my mothers house. We swam, visited and Kari cooked dinner. We spent Wednesday evening in San Diego on a cruise of the San Diego Bay and ate steak and salmon. Thursday was a day in Los Angeles. We cruised the Hollywood Hills, stumbled upon Batman's cave, a shot of an episode of Cold Case, and the movie release of Snakes on a Plane. In the evening, we went to the Santa Monica Pier. Tune in later for more...

Interesting

After the Wednesday night service concluded, Nic, Johanna, Mrs. Pittman, and the Pittman clan went to Taco Bell. It was a delightful meal, but Michael and I were still hungry. We proceeded to wait in line for one more taco. At this time, only one cashier was working the counter and we were third in line. The man placing the order asked many questions concerning his meal, but finally placed an order. After paying for the meal he attempted to put his coins and bills back into his wallet. With no success, the man continued to drop his coins and pick them back up. Michael and I ordered, but the man remained in front of the cashier. While he was attempting to pick up his change, I offered to help him with the coins, he replied, "No, thanks, I am just having trouble." At this point it was evident the man was not of sound mind. Either he was drunk or high, but the circus continued. He got his drink cup, and attempted to put ice in it, but failed. His food came out, and he asked, "Is this my burger?" He took his bag to the condiments stand and filled the bag with hot sauce. Somehow, he spilled his cup of tea and ended up in the women's' restroom. I called to police and reported that it was probably a good idea that this man should not drive. After we figured out that he had actually driven to Taco Bell, we were surprised to learn he parked next to Nic. The Lockhart Police Department (LPD) came and took control of the situation.

It is sad to consider that many people can lose themselves in such addicting outlets. We all over, neighbors and even family members turn to such things for a variety of reasons, but in the end it only does more harm than good. These things can be overcome, "...because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). God can deliver people in these conditions and with constant prayer the chains of evil can be broken. In the book of James we are encouraged, "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise" (James 5:13). Both in bad times and good times, we should lift up prayers to God. People who are struggling in whatever stronghold need the Lord, they%