"Leaving Church"

Over at Revgalblogpals they have started a Book Club with the first book being Leaving Church by Barbara Brown Taylor. In April we will be reading and discussing Christianity for the Rest of Us by Diana Butler Bass, and in May the book will be Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. I bought all three books, but had not had time to read the book by Barbara Brown Taylor until last night. The discussion that was going on about the book led me to just go ahead and read it once the kids were asleep. I would have kept reading it except my eyes gave out and my brain quit. I did get to chapter 8. I have read other books of hers. I like her sermons a lot. They have been inspiring to me. I have heard her preach and teach at the Festival of Homiletics, and marveled at her ability to put the sermon together the way she does, and her way with words. But as I have read her sermons, I realized they would not work at the churches I have served. I have realized her style is not my style and that's okay. I have gained a lot from her book The Preaching Life.

Several things stand out to me in this latest book. She talks about her becoming a Priest and moving on to a church of her own as "natural course of things," and "I wanted it." I don't know about becoming a Priest, not being Anglican, but I do know that becoming a Pastor was not "the natural course" of things for me, nor did "I want it." But every body's call, direction in ministry, and following God's will is different than mine. But it makes me uncomfortable her saying it was the natural course. And I get uncomfortable hearing her say she wanted it, and not saying this is what I understood God wanting for my life, my ministry. I don't know, that may just be traditions, and language differences.

She also talks about the long, full days at her first church with no reference to days off, and losing herself there. And then she falls into the same pattern at the second church. That scares me reading that, no wonder she lost herself, burned out, was overloaded and then made the decision to leave the church. I can't say I have been perfect about getting my day off, but pretty close. And I can tell you my husband lets me know when I don't, and so do the kids. And I have been fortunate to have served in churches that cared whether I took care of myself or not and got my day off. Most recently my DS told me, that because I was serving a needy congregation to be sure to take breaks from it, get away and do something different. And I have.

The other thing I hear as I read the book is a somewhat romantic, naive view of the church and of the Priesthood. She did not grow up going to church and had very little idea of what the church could really be like. Having grownup in church, my father and mother being very involved, I have had an idea of what churches can be like, what preachers can be like, the good and bad. I have had to struggle through discovering what this appointive itinerant system is like. And each church is different and so I have had to learn the ins and outs of them.

I think I am going to stop now, because I have work to do, and I don't want to over load the reader. I'll post more later. I have enjoyed reading the book so far. By the way you can go to the revgalblogpals associate store at Amazon and order the books I have mentioned.

Date or no Date

People have been asking, did you get the date or not? The answer is yes, Bob and I did have a date. He was unable to find a sitter. So I found us not one but two 13 yr old girls from the church who babysat for us. This was the first time they had babysat our kids, but they did a great job.

What did we do on our date night? We went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner. Great food. And we went to the $2 movie theater. Now don't get your rankles up and say my hubby is a cheap date. It was me who chose the theater. The full price theater didn't have any movies I wanted to see, and we did go by and check it out. Instead we went to see the "Pursuit of Happyness." I know, I know, it will be out on DVD soon. We had not gotten to see it when it was at the big theater, and I wanted to see it without the kids, although they would have liked it too. I loved it and so did Bob.

It was a great night for us. And on top of that it was a Saturday night, you know the night before Sunday worship. I had gotten my sermon done that afternoon so I could go and not worry about it.

So for all the inquiring minds, we did have a date for my anniversary. Oh the other thing we did was talk about what we liked about being married to each other. That was sweet real sweet.

Alabama knows Bible

Well it has been reported that most Alabama residents say they have a religious faith and a majority in a new poll showed they have a basic knowledge of the Bible.

For example, nearly 70 percent of respondents to last week's Press-Register/University of South Alabama survey correctly named all four Gospels.

"They don't call it the Bible Belt for nothing," said Keith Nicholls, a political scientist and director of the USA Polling Group, which conducted the poll.

The poll showed Alabama residents know more about the Bible than other Americans.

Most Americans can't identify even one of the four Gospels, according to polls cited by Boston University professor Stephen Prothero, who has received national acclaim for his recent book titled "Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know - and Doesn't."

More than 70 percent of the Alabama respondents knew the location that the Bible identifies as Jesus' birthplace — Bethlehem.

Only 16 percent, however, knew that President Bush was making a reference to the biblical parable of the good Samaritan when he cited the Jericho Road in his first inaugural address.

Hey can you top that? At least we Alabamians are good for something and know a thing or two about the Bible, we just not sure about it when it is used in political speeches.

Still, he said, he was troubled that 30 percent of respondents attributed Benjamin Franklin's adage "God helps those who help themselves" to the Bible.

What's wrong with you people, of course its in the Bible. Franklin just borrowed it from the Bible. I am going to look it up my King James as soon as I can find it under all that dust and stuff. You can read the rest of the article here.And don't be messing with my Bible or my religion or my Football.

Happy Anniversary

Today is my 17th wedding anniversary. 17 years ago I said yes to Bob that I would be his wife, and he said yes to me. The picture is of the Main Post Chapel at Ft. Benning, Ga, where we got married. Our wedding pictures aren't on a disk and so I can't post them. That may be one of my future to dos. We have had our ups and downs, sicknesses and health, financial problems, disagreements, and yet we have stayed committed to each other and our marriage. We deal with conflict differently. He is an introvert and I am an extrovert on the Meyers Briggs scale. He comes from Texas and I come from Florida. He plays golf, I learned to play golf. I played tennis, he learned to play tennis. He likes Opera, I learned to like Opera. I liked movies, he has learned to go to them with me. We like hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. We also like working on home projects together. He grew up Lutheran and converted to Catholism. I grew up Southern Baptist and converted to United Methodist. He converted to Methodism. We have both grown spiritually together. I like to go the ocean, and he likes to go to the mountains. So we go to both places and enjoy. I have to brag on my hubby. He is one of the sweetest, kindest, gentlest, humurous, loving man yet all man that I know. I am so thankful for him. To steal and redo a line from Tootsie, "I am a better woman from knowing him and being with him." Some of the things we have done to help ourselves and our marriage are as follows; Marriage Enrichment, Marriage Enrichment retreats, and Marriage Counseling. But the most important thing we have done is praying together, reading God's word together, forgiving each other, seeing each other through God's eyes, and turning ourselves over to God.

Friday Five: Rivers in the Desert

Friday Five by Songbird from revgalblogpals: Rivers in the Desert

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19, NRSV

As we near the end of the long journey toward Easter, a busy time for pastors and layfolk alike, I ponder the words of Isaiah and the relief and refreshment of a river in the desert.

For this Friday Five, name five practices, activities, people or _____ (feel free to fill in something I may be forgetting) that for you are rivers in the desert.

I don't live in a desert area. But I have taken vacations to Arizona, (I know, I know, that sound's crazy.) The river that my hometown is named after, Crystal River, was full of Springs. But you are asking a different question, aren't you or are you? Because you see both those places offered so much that filled my soul. (The picture is from Manatee Tours and Dives)



I loved being on the river, swimming in the river, boating on the river, spending time with friends on or around the river, snorkling with the manatees, going down into the springs, just standing looking at the river or the springs. And the river leads to the ocean, the Gulf of Mexico. The desert or Red Rock Country, is just a different terrain than the green flatlands I have always known. I loved spending time with my husband, my mom, and meeting people I don't know. I enjoyed the hiking, seeing the little flowers that spring up; and going to the places of the Southern Sinagua people, the Anasazies (the first people), the Hopis, those who found a way to make it their home. I liked finding the little areas of water you could find, the formations, the chapel there, and just looking at the beauty of the area.



I have also been through spiritual deserts. And being sure I get some of the above helps, whether it is actually going to those places or doing some of those activities. It is also important that I spend time with family and friends. It also valuable that I spend time being still and in meditation. (picture from great Sedona Hikes)

Bonus: Lessons learned
There are lessons from both places too. Always swim, boat, scuba dive, snorkle with at least one another person. Make sure you know how to operate a boat, that the engine is in good working order, and have the necessary equipment on board. Make sure you are trained in scuba diving, that your equipment is in good working condition before you dive. Don't overdo it. Don't trash the water. Safety, training, good working equipment, doing these things with partners makes for a good time, and being able to come back again.

In the desert; go with a partner, take plenty of water, good hiking boots and clothes. Stay on the trail. Leave the plants, animals, and cultural sites alone. Rest and takes breaks as necessary. Don't throw your trash down, save it to throw it away when you get back out and find a dumpster. All of the above makes it where you can come back again and for others to enjoy too.

When in a spiritual desert make sure you have a partner or spiritual guide to walk with you. Make sure you too are in working order, get a medical and mental health checkup. Use your past training of reading the scripture, meditating, praying, breathing, and spiritual practices. Remember to stop rest, drink plenty of water, and eat healthy. Don't trash your desert, but instead just take in what it looks like, feels like, what it can teach you, where the beauty is, and where God is.

March Anniversaries

It was a year ago, that we went to China to get our son Zach. Boy has time flown. And how he has grown, and is maturing. He is such a whirlwind of activity, loudness, and fun. I am so glad that God brought us together.

Yesterday, was the date of my father's birthday. I could always remember it because it was the first day of spring. I now remember it emotionally because he died in 1998. I miss him a lot on this earth. I don't miss him spiritually. I know where he is. And he often comes to me in dreams, thoughts and feelings. I am grateful also that God allowed us to be together, as father and daughter.

Saturday, March 24 is my Wedding Anniversary. My husband has been going around saying 17 years, wow 17 years. His first marriage lasted 12, but probably should have ended the day it began. He can't believe we have been married longer than his first and that it has been so much better than the first. I can't believe I am even married, and even still married. I was single for so long, that I had come to the place of accepting that I might remain single for my life. And I will admit that for most of my life I thought I wasn't marriage material, you know, things I thought about myself from some pain and hurt of life. And yet here I am married to this beautiful man for 17 years. Wow. He is working on getting a babysitter so we can have a date Saturday. Ya'll pray, he hasn't been able to find one yet.

And on March 29, I started blogging this blog of St. John's Rev Abi. It was originally named Vicar of Wadley for where I served as pastor. Here is my first post,The vicar is in Maybe.
I originally started blogging about our trip to China to get Zach on our adoption blog under the name of my husband. (I turned that over to my husband, who sadly has not picked it up, but dropped it.) But I have to say I am so glad I started blogging, in that it has opened up a whole new world of friends from all around the world. I have a new family in the revgalblopals, and with those in the Methodist blogging world. I have met some of them f2f at conferences, and will hopefully be seeing some more at the Festival of Homiletics in May. I thankful that God brought us together.

Wow what great anniversaries to have in March. I am celebrating!

I Like Jesus … Not the Church

You know, you have seen the stickers I heart Jesus.
People really do like Jesus, even love him,
but guess what they don't like the church.

This is the title of Dan Kimball's latest book.
You can read more about what went into the writing of his latest book here. Today's non-Christian 20- and 30-somethings are big fans of Jesus but are less thrilled with His followers and the churches where they worship. Pastor/author Dan Kimball reveals their six most common perceptions of Christians and the Church, what they wish church was like—and why you should be listening to these emerging voices. Here are the misconceptions:
1) The Church is an organized religion with a political agenda.

2) The Church is judgmental and negative.

3) The Church is dominated by males and oppresses females.

4) The Church is homophobic.

5) The Church arrogantly claims all other religions are wrong.

6) The Church is full of fundamentalists who take the whole Bible literally.

In the article at Christianity Today, which was originally written for outreachmagazine.com, he gives some good ideas of how to deal with the 6 misconceptions. One thing he talked about that struck me was what he called the Church Office Bubble. He talked about how it is so easy to be caught up in the business and busyness of the church that we don't as Pastors get outside the office. And that mostly we hang out with Christians or churchgoers. He found himself in that position. It made me think about my work as a Pastor, and challenged me to plan to get out of the office more and be around people. When I lived in Wadley, I got out more spent time with a lot of people, some Christian, some not, some church goers, some not. I feel encouraged and inspired to find a way to do it here in the culture and area I live in.



There is a website for the book called theylikejesus.com. Dan Kimball has his own blog as well, and other websites: Blogs and websites to follow:

• Dan Kimball
• MySpace
• http://www.vintagefaith.com/

This is another book I will be reading.

About 100 million Americans unchurched

Wow. I found this today at the blog For the Love by Kristen Campbell.

The Barna Group released a study today noting that if the unchurched population of the United States were a nation of its own, that group would be the eleventh most populated nation on earth (trailing only China, India, the churched portion of the United States, Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Russia, Japan and Mexico).

The new survey released by The Barna Group, which has been tracking America’s religious behavior and beliefs since 1984, reveals that one out of every three adults (33%) is classified as unchurched - meaning they have not attended a religious service of any type during the past six months. While that figure is considerably higher than the one out of five who qualified as unchurched in the early Nineties, it is statistically unchanged since 36% were recorded as having avoided religious services in the company’s 1994 study.

In its report, Barna notes that its results coincide with the publication of "Jim and Casper Go to Church," which describes the experiences of a former pastor and an avowed atheist who visit a dozen U.S. churches (including Bill Hybels' Willow Creek, Rick Warren's Saddleback, Joel Osteen's Lakeside and T.D. Jakes' The Potter's House). Among the findings: "the relative indifference of most churched Christians to unchurched people; the overt emphasis upon a personal rather than communal faith journey; the tendency of congregations to perform rituals and exercise talents rather than invite and experience the presence of God; the absence of a compelling call to action given to those who attend; and the failure to listen to dissident voices and spiritual guidance to dig deeper in one's faith." You can read some more info about this book here.

Wow, 100 million unchurched in America.

To put that figure in context, if the unchurched population of the United States were a nation of its own, that group would be the eleventh most populated nation on earth (trailing only China, India, the churched portion of the United States, Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Russia, Japan and Mexico).

I think I'll be reading the book.

Happy St. Patty's Day

In honor of St. Patty's Day I am putting up the thought for the day that is a saying from St. Patrick, himself, or at least attributed to him. The prayer is also from him also. Remember to wear some green today.

Here is the thought for the day,

God grant me strength to direct me,
Power to sustain me,
Wisdom to guide me,
Vision to light my way,
-St. Patrick [adapted]

The scripture for the day; Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Prayer for the day,

May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
- Against the snares of the evil one.

May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!

May Thy Grace, Lord,
Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen. (Prayer for the faithful by Saint Patrick.)

The Song Be Thou My Vision

The words are attributed to Dallan Forgaill, 8th Century (Rob tu mo bhoile, a Comdi cride); translated from ancient Irish to English by Mary E. Byrne, in "Eriú," Journal of the School of Irish Learning, 1905, and versed by Eleanor H. Hull, 1912, alt. Here are the words

The tune is called "Slane" and is of Irish folk origin. Slane Hill is about ten miles from Tara in County Meath. It was on Slane Hill around 433 AD that St. Patrick defied a royal edict by lighting candles on Easter Eve. High King Logaire of Tara had decreed that no one could light a fire before Logaire began the pagan spring festival by lighting a fire on Tara Hill. Logaire was so impressed by Patrick’s devotion that, despite his defiance (or perhaps because of it), he let him continue his missionary work.

The Friday Five: Couldya, Wouldya, Shoudya, Won'tya and have tos!

Friday Five from the revgalblogpals brought to you by reverendmother.

Well friends, this is one of those weeks when I simply must work today, which is normally my day off. I know, I know. We may tut-tut all we want, but the fact is, some weeks are like that.

So, this week's F5 is simple.Name five things you plan to do today.
1. The Bulletin,
2. a lunch meeting with the Hospice Chaplain,
3. a meeting with the Social Worker from Lifeline Adoption Agency for the One Year update on Zachary,
4. Clean and Pickup for #3.
and 5. Work on my sermon.

Bonus: If today is about "have-to" for you as well, share up to five things you'd like to be doing today. Yes, it is a bunch of have-tos, but I was gone for over a week with other things, and I am playing catch-up big time. I'll play tomorrow or maybe next week. or maybe never. (LOL) So here goes of what I would like to do;
1. See a movie,
2. read and finish one of the novels I have started but not finished.
3. go for a long hike somewhere beautiful, peaceful.
4. play.
5. Send the kids to a babysitter and spend the rest of the day with my hubby. (Use your imagination.)

Thanks reverendmother. And I am not tut-tuting you at all.

Grading the candidates for ministry

For two full days the Board of Ordained Ministry of the North Alabama Conference met to interview the candidates for the various areas of Ordained Ministry. Those two days happen after a full evening of worship, training and meetings the night before. Yes, it is a working retreat, but we take time for worship, and communion. We are reminded of who we serve and who does the calling and whom is called. It is a difficult task sometimes, and easy at others. It is refreshing to be with colleagues. The Board has on it Ordained and Laity. In some cases the laity ask the harder questions, and sometimes the ordained do. Whatever we do we do it with prayer.

I was on the Team that evaluated the practice of ministry. That meant we evaluated people in areas of preaching, teaching, and pastoral skills. Each candidate had a presenter who had written a paper on each person. There are three areas evaluated, ours, then the Called and disciplined life, and theology and doctrine. Each candidate wrote a paper on each area that was read and then reported on by a reader. I read one candidate's paper on practice of ministry which means I watched a taped worship service and sermon as well as the written work in this area. I presented one person, which meant I collected all the reports on my candidate, read all his paperwork, their file, references, watched several taped sermons and worship services then collated all that in a three page report to give to the committees and teams. We read those papers and then interviewed the candidates. As I said a lot of work. After three interviews we meet as a team to discuss the three candidates and recommendation. Then the Committee meets, I forgot to tell you I was on Committee A, which had all three teams. We then discussed the three areas and the grades and decided to accept or deny the request of the candidates. Then we presented the candidates to the larger board made up of two more committees and vote on each candidate. Then we start all over again.

I have to tell you there were some very sharp, creative, risk taking individuals that came up for ordination this time. For those who were coming up for probation or our new title, Minister-in Residence, they had to show readiness. For those coming up for full connection they had to show effectiveness in all areas. Those who missed or were denied didn't miss by much, either they just were ready yet or not affective. They can come back again.

The Minister-in-Residence is a new program that will begin this year. It is based on a program at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. There will be coaches and a program for them to go through, networking, leadership training, etc., stuff you don't learn in Seminary, but before learned the hard way with no one to help you. I think this is going to be a great addition to our conference and really help the beginning pastors and deacons grow in the ministry, and perhaps be more capable of it sooner than later. It help the Board in recommending those for this level as well. I wish they had this when I was beginning.

I am on my third year and have one more year, unless the Bishop reappoints me for four more. I like serving on the Board, and think I have something to offer the Board and the church.

Believe it or not, most candidates came away saying it was a positive experience. I presented someone who had been turned down last year for full connection. Yes, they were mad, and disappointed at the time. But they talked a lot about what a good experience this year had been for them, how much they had learned, how better connected they were to others, and how they experienced God in all that. And they did a much better job this time, you could even tell the difference in the paperwork, the tapes, and just talking with the individual. He has decided he liked his training, groups, and mentor so much last year he is going to continue his work again this year. It was a really affirming process for him. I don't know if I can tell you he passed or not yet. I think that will be posted sometime at the North Alabama conference website. But the candidate knows.

As I listened to the interviewees, I wasn't sure I could do as well as some of them did. I remember fumbling for some of the answers about Wesley Theology. You know they really grilled me on that, having been a Baptist, but overall it was an affirming positive experience for me. I hope it was for those we interviewed. I sure learned some things from some of the clients, new books to read, and some ideas to think about for my ministry.

The Long and Winding Road...

Thanks be to God, we are back safely, well at least Bob and the kids are home. I am back at Camp Sumatanga for the Board of Ordained Ministry Interview Retreat. Not sure why they call it a retreat when we work all day, and late in the night. But we are interviewing the candidates for the probationary and full connection in the United Methodist Church. We got this new rating system we are doing, not sure how this will work.

I want to thank you all for your prayers and thoughts for my family as we go through our grief over our Pop. It was a great time with the family. It was interesting explaining to Kara and Zachary about Pop's body, the casket, and all. Kara almost pulled the casket down, trying to touch his body. She also almost fell into the hole, trying to look in. Now Kara and Katy have been to many a funeral, but this was the first of a family member. So I am sure they just couldn't get it. I had left my notes up in Alabama but was able to do the funeral, maybe it was good I left them. My cousin Larry got up and told some funnies about Pop, which is part of who he is. My neice had written a really sweet note that was read at the funeral. We had balloons for the kids to release at the end of the funeral so they could have a part in it too. And in honor of my Grand dad, we ate at his favorite resturaunt, Homer's buffett, he loved to eat.

Thank you again for your prayers. Would you believe it that a couple of places I did not have internet service, and I just didn't have time to post if I did. I hope to get back to reading and commenting on all my friend's blogs. It is so wonderful to be lifted up and surrounded by prayer and the arms of a loving community.

On the Road Again

I am on the road again. I will be gone from home from this Monday until next Tuesday late. First I will be at the Emmaus walk of the Alabama Cluster as one of the spiritual directors from Monday until Thursday.
Then Thursday, Bob and kids will pick me up for us to go to Avon Park, Florida for my Granddad's funeral. I am doing the funeral.
Then Sunday I am back at Camp Sumatanga for the Board of Ordained Ministry Retreats. I am on one of the Interview teams and I present an interviewee. It won't be as emotional for me, because I am not on the hot seat.

Yep, a lot of travel time, sitting time, eating and eating out. Using my mind, heart and soul. Long days, maybe even some sleepless night. Emmaus will be a very Spiritual time. The time in Florida will be an emotional time. The Interview Retreat will be mental, and wearing. So keep me in your prayers and I'll keep you posted.

A death in the family

My Granddad died just awhile ago, about 1pm. My grandad was 101 and was in pretty good health until this last year. Its been a rough last year, the body just wore out. But he is now with his son (my dad), daughter, wife, and his maker. I wasn't there. He had been in the hospital was doing better and they were going to move him to rehab when it all went south. Good bye Grand dad, I love you. Thankyou for all the good times, the fun times, all the hair cuts and quarters, your wisdom, your spunk, your love for playing cards, your love for your family, thank you. Don't have the arrangements yet, but when I do, I'll post them.

Bad Weather All the Way Around

Well, yesterday was a really bad day in America for weather as you all probably already know by now. So far there are 20 dead as tornadoes hit Ga., Ala., Mo. My heart goes out to those whose family members and friends were killed yesterday. Being a parent, I am really upset about the deaths at the high school in Enterprise. (I hope the revgalblogpals in that area are okay, like Cathy knits, 1-4 Grace).

I had gone to a workshop in Birmingham on Dealing with Conflict in the church. I almost turned around in Muscle Shoals because the weather was so bad. As I listened to the radio, and heard that schools were closing I called Bob and asked about the girls. He said he hadn't heard anything. I went on, and the weather broke to no rain, no wind. Got to the Conference Center which is on Birmingham Southern Campus. Everybody's anxiety was up about the weather. (Some of the news weather men tend to over do it sometimes.) Schools were closing, the tv and radio was predicting really bad thunderstorms and tornadoes. We went on with the workshop and broke for lunch. One of the guys got off the phone and told us that they were predicting the storms would hit Bham by 2:30pm. I added up the hours and decided to head home, it takes about 2 hours or more to get home. So I left and called Bob to let him know I was headed home, and to find out about the girls. He said the schools still had not closed. Well, when I got home and the kids got home, we found out they had spent 2 hours in the basement during all the warnings and did basically nothing. Yep, how can you teach scared little kindergartners? You don't, you just try to keep them calm. When I found out about that, I called the Principal who said it was the call of the Superintendent, and I could call her, which I did. I was furious, that they knew ahead of time that the National Weather Center in Norman had issued a severe weather alert with the possibilities of 50 tornadoes nation wide. It is an alert that they don't make flippantly, it has meaning and purpose. The county schools and other just didn't have school. Their excuse was getting the kids on the buses and home. They could have done what the county schools did and had no school. I understand about the bus situation.

Well, right after that we learned about the Enterprise situation. I was even madder with our Superindentent. What if that had been our kids? It was somebody's kids. I predict legislation out of this. I predict an uprising from parents, and I may be one of them. In little ole Wadley they canceled schools if there were tornado alerts. I wonder how many more calls the Superindent got? I think I will be at the next school board meeting.

My prayers go out for parent, the teens, teachers, family members of the kids killed in Enterprise, and to those elsewhere.