J. Widel's Words

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Summer Is Fun

2008-07-16T16:55:00.001-05:00

I am so excited. I have been having fun in Fontaine. I am so happy to be back at home. Freling is cool, but it ain’t home. I have missed my church a lot. Don’t get me wrong, the church (Risen Saviour House of Rest) I attend in Freling is good, but I miss my home church.

I went home to Hearne a couple of times. It has been fun seeing my people. Everyone is proud of me and things.

I didn’t even get mad when my sister teased me about not getting into Caffco.

I don’t care anymore. Where I am now, I can be close to home. God knows what he is doing.

J. Widel

Lisa

2008-07-16T16:52:00.001-05:00

Lisa is doing great in cosmetology school. The girl is bad with some hair. I bet one of these days she is going to own her own shop. That’s my girl.

J. Widel

Risen Saviour House of Rest

2008-06-01T16:54:00.000-05:00

Attending Risen Saviour House of Rest has been fun. It has been a chance for Hill Chapel and Risen Saviour to fellowship. That has been good because I get to see my home church family. The fellowships have been great. The services have been great, too. God is so good.

I have been so spiritual lately. It’s good.

J. Widel

My Schedule

2006-09-04T16:56:00.000-05:00

With the help of Lisa's father, I have a new schedule.

Monday & Friday
AM
6:45 - Wake Up & Dress
7:15 - Breakfast
7:30 - Leave for school
8:00 - Sociology 1301
9:05 - Study Period

PM
12:00 - Lunch
1:30 - Exercise
3:00 - Work
6:00 - Dinner
9:00 - Study Period
10:30 - Iron & Prepare for Bed

Wednesday
AM
6:45 - Wake Up & Dress
7:15 - Breakfast
7:30 - Leave for school
8:00 - Sociology 1301
9:05 - Study Period

PM
12:00 - Lunch
1:30 - Exercise
3:00 - Study Period
5:00 - Dinner
6:00 - Political Science
10:30 - Iron & Prepare for Bed

Tuesday & Thursday
AM
6:45 - Wake Up & Dress
7:15 - Breakfast
7:30 - Leave for school
8:00 - Sociology 1302
10:30 - Study Period

PM
12:00 - Lunch
1:00 - Art
4:00 - Work
6:00 - Dinner
10:30 - Iron & Prepare for Bed

Another Week Down

2006-08-28T16:56:00.000-05:00

I am not sure that I was ready for this. I got another week down.

Things have been crazy all week. I haven't been eating right or anything. I have got to get back on track.

Lisa's father is going to help me make a weekly schedule so that I can get myself together. I hope it works for me.

Classes Started Today

2006-08-21T21:46:00.000-05:00

Classes started today. I got all four classes, but I got them at a crazy time. I have three of them first thing in the morning and one on Wednesday night.

I won't be able to make church on Wednesday night.

My sociology class was ok. I am going to have to bust hump in this semester.

Registration This Week

2006-08-14T16:46:00.000-05:00

I go register this week. I am a little excited. I am planning on registering for 4 classes.

Art 1306
Political Science 2301
Sociology 1301
Sociology 1302

I hope I get all of my classes.

Late Registration

2006-08-07T16:42:00.000-05:00

I have to go through late registration. That happens on August 17, which is crazy because classes start on August 21.

I have no idea what I want to major in. I have thought about majoring in Sociology to become a social worker, but I don’t know. Another major that looked interesting was Public Administration. I could become a manager or something. I am not sure.

I am going with Sociology right now.

Finally Told

2006-07-31T16:17:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally told everyone that I got accepted to Ylaya College.

I got told off be everyone, especially Lisa. She had a fit. She told me that I could have told her and asked her not to tell anyone.

Pastor talked to me for awhile. He said that going to Ylaya might be what God wants for me right now. I had already reconciled that thought.

I am going up to the school later on this week.

Just Working

2006-07-24T17:11:00.000-05:00

I am just working these day. I can't wait until school starts again. Did I just say that?

25 Silly Questions

2006-07-17T17:03:00.000-05:00

Any Nicknames? - J.Widel

Mother's Name? - Janet

What Is Your Favorite Drink? - Orange Soda

How Much Do You Love Your Job? - It's okay.

What Day Is It? - Tuesday

Favorite Vacation Spot? - Don't have one

Ever Been To Africa? - No

Ever Steal Any Traffic Signs? - No

Ever Been In A Car Accident? - No

2 Door Or 4 Door? - 4 Door

Salad Dressing? - Blue Cheese

Favorite Pie? - Apple

Favorite Number? - 10

Favorite Holiday? - Christmas

Favorite Food? - Chicken

Favorite Day Of The Week? - Don't have one

Favorite Brand Of Body Soap? - Don't have one

Toothpaste? - None in particular

Favorite Smell? - None in particular

What Do You Do To Relax? - Play video games

How Do You See Yourself In 10 Years? - As a graduate of Caffco University

What Do You Do When You Are Bored? - Play video games

What Do You Enjoy Receiving? - Gifts

What Is Your Pet Peeve? - Answers all these questions - Actually people who smack when they eat

Briefs or Other? - Briefs

Youth Convocation

2006-07-10T16:49:00.000-05:00

The GBF Youth Convocation was so much fun. I enjoyed myself. The zoo day was so much fun. I hung out with Lisa the whole time.

The young adult services were great. I was truly blessed. I can't wait until next year. It's supposed to be in Oxford next year.

Youth Convocation Picnic & Musical

2006-07-03T23:49:00.000-05:00

I went to the GBF Youth Convocation picnic and musical earlier today. It was a lot of fun.

I played basketball at the picnic. It was so cool. My team came in third place.

The musical was off the chain. Lisa sat next to me at the musical. You know I enjoyed myself.

The Youth Convocation

2006-06-26T18:28:00.000-05:00

I am getting ready to go to the GBF Youth Convocation in Noble Valley next week. I am excited. I have the whole week off. I am glad. I will get to participate in the whole convocation. In the past, I have only gone on like Thursday and Friday. That wasn't much fun because everything usually has already happened by then. I can't wait until next week.

Good Weekend

2006-06-19T20:29:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was good. My date with Lisa was great. She was so excited about me getting a 3.75. I am on my way.

Sunday service was good. Pastor preached a dynamic Father's Day message. It was about Abraham, when he was going to offer up Isaac as a sacrifice. It was excellent. Pastor had all of the fathers at the church praise God with their sons. He didn't leave us guys without fathers out. He asked the fathers who didn't have a son at church or no son at all to praise God with one of us men who didn't have a father at church. It was awesome. I praised with Deacon Riley. We had a shouting good time.

J.Widel

Date With Lisa

2006-06-16T15:15:00.001-05:00

I have a date with Lisa tonight. We are going to go get something to eat and then go to the movies.

It should be fun. I have some good news to tell her, too.

J.Widel

Got My Grades Today

2006-06-16T15:15:00.000-05:00

I am dancing right about now. I got my grades today.

Eng 2333 - A
Hist 2322 - B
Math 1414 - A
OffTech 2301 - A

That's a 3.75.

Thank you, Lord.

J.Widel

Getting Nervous

2006-06-12T16:37:00.000-05:00

I have a date with Lisa on Friday. I still haven't gotten my grades. I am getting nervous; maybe my grades were so bad that they won't even mail them.

I told Lisa about it. She told me not to worry.

I am worrying though.

J.Widel

Still Working

2006-06-05T18:43:00.000-05:00

Man, I have been working like crazy. So many of the students have gone home, so I am getting all the hours I want. It's amazing. I got into trouble with Lisa, though. I am working too much.

One of these days, I will take her someplace nice with the overtime I am getting, it's going to be a very nice place.

J.Widel

Graduation

2006-06-03T21:33:00.000-05:00

I graduated from Briscoe County Community College today. Everyone was there. My mother, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Most of the church was there, too.

Folks were screaming like crazy when my name was said. The ceremony was long!!

We all went to the church where we ate dinner. It was cool to have everyone there for me.

I am very happy to be a college graduate.

Working Hard

2006-05-29T20:35:00.000-05:00

I have been working so far. I haven't got my grades yet. I am expecting good news.

J.Widel

I've Been Accepted

2006-05-23T18:21:00.000-05:00

I have been accepted into Ylaya College. I got the letter on last Friday. I haven't told anyone. I am not sure what to think now.

So Happy

2006-05-22T21:06:00.000-05:00

Sunday service was good.  I enjoyed myself.

Today was the last day of classes.  Now, why they wanted classes to end on a Monday, I will never know.  I am so happy.  I will be off for the summer.

I am planning on working for the summer.

I took my last final.  I did pretty well.  I am going to get some good grades this semester.  I am so happy!

J.Widel

Glad She’s Back

2006-05-16T00:19:00.000-05:00

I am so glad that the women are back from the Women’s Convocation. I think all of the women that went to the Convocation were in the choir. The choir stand was empty on yesterday. It was funny.

Lisa called me when she got home. We were on the phone for an hour while she told me what happened at the convocation. She appeared to have a good time.

I am glad that she is back.

J.Widel

Bad Test Day

2006-05-08T21:44:00.000-05:00

I had a bad test day on Friday. I don’t know how I did on my History test. I went totally blank when I got the test. I couldn’t believe it. I prayed and then just took the test. I am believing God that I did well.

J.Widel

Another Regular Week

2006-05-01T21:54:00.000-05:00

This week was the same as last week, pretty much.

I spent some time with Lisa. I have a test on Friday, so I am studying pretty hard for that. It is in my History class. I gotta get a good grade on this test.

Next week, Lisa and a lot of the women from the church are going to the Women’s Convocation in Dorinda, Maddocha. I won’t get to see her for a whole week. I am going to miss her. They are leaving on the 8th and returning on the 15th. It’s going to be dull without them. Over 30 women are supposed to be going from my church. That’s cool. A group of us men are planning to go to the Men’s Retreat in August. The whole youth department is supposed to go to the Youth Convocation in July. So, I will get to go to some events, too.

J.Widel

Nothing Last Week

2006-04-24T20:14:00.000-05:00

Nothing much happened last week. I got my tests back. I got mostly B's, which was good. I got one C. Oh well.

J.Widel

Sunday Service Was Crazy

2006-04-17T23:36:00.000-05:00

Our assistant pastor, Eld. Kevin Davison preached this Sunday. He preached like he this was going to be his last time.

His subject was… Yes, He Died, But He Is Risen…

He had us dancing after he told us about the importance of Christ’s resurrection.

At the end of the altar call, he challenged us to give a Resurrection Offering… He said, “Although we can’t pay Jesus back for what He did on Calvary, let’s show Him our appreciation. Give him the best offering that you can. However grateful you are that Jesus died for you, give an offering to show Him that.”

I dug deep and gave $200. It was awesome. I must have cried like crazy during the service.

J.Widel

Tests and More Tests – P.S. I Got A Girl Now!

2006-04-10T21:54:00.000-05:00

I had tests in all of my classes this week. I am tired.

I hung out with Lisa and her parents. On Saturday, we went to the park. Some of their family members were there, too. It was cool.

Like an idiot, I started missing my family. I walked off so that no one would see me crying. Lisa’s grandmother saw me walk off and came over to me. She asked, “Boy, why you over here by yo’self?” I told her why. She said, “Chile, please. We all miss family from time to time. It’s alright. Now come walk this old lady back over yonder.” Lisa saw me holding her grandmother’s arm. Lisa asked her grandmother, “Are you trying to steal my man?” Her grandmother said, “He ain’t tell me he was yo’ man.” All of us laughed. It was cool.

I drove Lisa home after the picnic. I took the long way home. I gave her this bracelet that I had bought for her. She smiled. I asked her to be my girl. She said, “Yes.” I was happy.

I got a girl now!!!!!

J.Widel

Dullsville

2006-04-03T19:24:00.000-05:00

This past week was so dull.

J.Widel

Application To Ylaya College

2006-04-03T19:12:00.000-05:00

I talked to my counselor at Briscoe County Community College. She told me to submit an application to Ylaya College in Freling. Briscoe is a feeder school to Ylaya College. I did it. I felt lead to submit an application to the college. I will see what happens.

I still want to go to Caffco University.

Crazy @ Work

2006-03-28T00:41:00.000-06:00

It was crazy at work this week. Two people quit. That means I have to work extra hours. I ain’t in the mood for this craziness. I was late on Tuesday. I had car trouble. I am tired of this raggedy car. The manager cussed me out. I was mad most of the day. He got in my face and said, “If you got a problem with me, you can leave and not come back!” I walked off and went into the restroom. I prayed right quick…
Lord, You know that I haven’t done anything to that guy. Please help me to not react to him. He is obviously going through some changes right now. Help him to get over what is going on with him. In Jesus Name. Amen.

I felt so much better. Before I left work, ole boy apologize to me. He said, “Man, management is on my case. I just got upset. Sorry about that.” I was cool.

They next day, he was tripping again. He didn’t take his frustration out on me, but he took it out on this other girl. She quit on the spot. That made 3 people who had quit for the week.

On Thursday, the manager wasn’t there. I tripped out. He was fired. Whoa.

Oh yea, I finally called everyone that called me last week when I missed church. I got fussed at by everyone, but Lisa. She was just glad that I was okay.

She came up to my job on Friday night to see. I almost lost my head when I saw her walk in. She stayed up there for like 3 hours. She had me and everyone else laughing the whole time she was up there. Get this… The manager on duty let me leave early. Lisa and I went and got something to eat.

J.Widel

Letter from Caffco

2006-03-20T22:24:00.000-06:00

I got a letter from Caffco University advisor that I talked to this week. He wrote that I should stay at Bickerstaff Community College for another semester and retake the classes that I made Cs in. I didn’t want to hear that. The letter also said that he hadn’t submitted my application yet.

I tripped. How this fool gonna not submit my application?

I am tired of driving from Fontaine to Freling. I am tired of being here in Fontaine. If it wasn’t for Lisa, I probably would already be back home in Hearne. This is nerve wrecking.

I showed pastor the letter. Pastor seems to think it is a good idea. I was about to go off. Before I could, he said, “Remember, sometimes God tells us to wait.” I just shook my head.

I went and talked to my advisor at Bickerstaff. She looked at my transcript with me. If I do like ole boy suggested, I will end up taking 8 classes over.
Math 1314, History 1302, Government 2302, Humanities 1315, English 1301, Chemistry 1405, and Psychology 2301. That’s actually two semesters of work.

I wanted to flip. She told me not to get upset. She asked if I had the guy from Caffco’s number on me. I did. She called him from her office. Thankfully, he was there. We talked to him. He said that taking Math, History, English, and Chemistry over would be good enough, since I was probably going to get a 3.5 or better this semester. He said it would be a whole lot better if I took all 8 classes over.

My advisor talked to me some more after we hung up with ole boy from Caffco. She was encouraging. She said that I could take some of the classes in the Summer and the rest in the Fall semester. The bad news was that my financial aid might not pay for me to retake some of the classes because I had taken a couple of them over already. That was a kick in the family jewels.

I left the office mad. I head pastor’s voice say, “Sometimes God says wait.” I wanted to scream.

Lisa called me. I didn’t feel like talking to her. She told me a stupid joke and made me laugh. She asked me to come by and see her. I told her no because I didn’t feel like it. She was cool with it after I told her I had a bad day.

I didn’t go to service yesterday. I didn’t want to be around anyone.

Pastor called me. First lady called me. Lisa called me. Deacon Cole called me. They all left me messages. I haven’t called them back yet.

J.Widel

Mint Condition

2006-03-13T20:52:00.000-06:00

Lisa gave me a CD because I got a good grade on my test last week. She is crazy about this group called Mint Condition. They are good.

It is me or does the lead singer sound just like Tonex?

J.Widel

Test Grade!

2006-03-06T23:27:00.000-06:00

I got a test back. I got a 95 on it. YEA!!!!!!!!!

I told Lisa. She laughed at me. I am so happy.

I told pastor. He gave me a big hug and he told me to keep it up.

J.Widel

Date With Lisa

2006-02-27T23:23:00.000-06:00

The most exciting thing about this week was that I had a date with Lisa.

We went to the movies and got something to eat. Her dad acted crazy with me when I went to pick her up. He said, “Don’t forget what I said about that cucumber.”

He is a trip. At church, he acts normal, but when I go to pick up Lisa, he acts crazy.

I had a good time with Lisa. I almost got her home late, though. I got a crazy look from her father.

Things are good.

J.Widel

Things Are Good

2006-02-20T22:23:00.000-06:00

Things are going good for me right now. I am glad.

Don’t have much to write.

I still believe God to get into Caffco University.

Get ready to praise God with me.

J.Widel

Valentine’s Date

2006-02-15T21:41:00.000-06:00

I am at work tonight. This guy needed off, so I switched with him. We aren’t doing much in here. It’s quiet tonight.

The computers have been acting crazy. Anyway…

Lisa told me to plan the date for Valentine’s. I called my sister and asked her what to do. She proceeded to clown mw on the phone to the rest of my family that was at the house. I can’t stand her sometimes.

Between my sister and the rest of my family, they decided that I should take her to a nice restaurant and the movies. I didn’t want to go to the movies, so that was out of the question. My uncle suggested that I find a jazz club that was doing something for Valentine’s Day and take her there. I didn’t even know if Lisa liked jazz. That was out of the question. One of my aunts suggested Love’s Place; which is an upscale restaurant in Fontaine. My aunt said that she knew the owner and would call him to get me a reservation. The restaurant had been celebrating Valentine’s Day since the Friday before. They usually celebrated until the next Saturday. It sounded exciting.

I got a call from my Aunt on Monday morning telling me that she had gotten the reservation for me. I was so excited until I heard that the reservation was for 9:30 PM. That was the only time she could get them. Lisa and I were supposed to meet at 7:00, what was I going to do for 2 hours.

I got Lisa some roses and a teddy bear. I got over to her house at 6:45. Her father answered the door. He looked like a father, mean and hateful. He grabbed me by the arm and led me into the kitchen. He picked up a nice and started chopping a cucumber. He said, “I hope you don’t plan on trying to get some Valentine’s booty from my daughter. If you try anything with my daughter tonight, this cucumber won’t be the only thing getting chopped up tonight.”

I was scared. He hit that cucumber so hard with the knife that the piece he cut went flying across the room. I couldn’t believe that he was talking to me like that. He knew me and he knew I wasn’t like that. Lisa’s mother walked in the kitchen. She hugged me and said hello. She told me to go wait in the living room for Lisa. I heard her say, “Why did you scare that boy like that? You need Jesus,” as I walked out of the kitchen.

I thought I was going to pass out. I hadn’t been that scared in a long time.

Lisa walked in the living room. She looked great. I smiled at her and gave her the flowers and bear. She handed me a card. Her parents walked into the living room. Her mother said, “You all have fun.” Her father made the meanest face I had ever seen and said, “Don’t have too much fun!”

I didn’t have any plans for what to do for the 2 hours that we had free. I drove to where the restaurant was. When we passed the restaurant, Lisa said, “I have always wanted to go there.” I smiled and said, “Yea, I heard it was nice.” There was a mall near the restaurant, I pulled into the mall.

We walked around the whole mall for an hour. She was cool with that. I was surprised. She didn’t say that she was hungry or anything.

It was 9:00 when we left the mall. I took a chance and drove over to the restaurant. It was like 9:13 when we got to the restaurant. I think Lisa almost passed out when we drove into the parking lot. It was funny.

We had to wait until 9:30, but we were able to listen to the band play while we waited. Lisa talked forever. I am not even sure what she was talking about. I was just staring at her.

We got our table. It was close to the band. There was even a bunch of roses on the table. The server was extra nice to us. The owner of the restaurant came over to the table and talked to me like he knew me. He asked about my aunt. My aunt had come through for me.

Lisa kept smiling at me like crazy. She got close to me and laid her head on my shoulder as we listened to the band play. It was cool. I put my arm around her shoulders.

We ended up closing the restaurant down. The owner was cool about it, too.

I drove her home.

When we got to her house, we sat out in the car for a few minutes. I looked at her front door several times. Someone kept opening and closing the blinds. She looked embarrassed and said, “I don’t know why my dad is tripping.” I smiled at her and then got out of the car to go open the door for her.

I walked her to the door. We stood outside the door until her father opened the door. He looked mad. He snapped at us. His wife walked to the door, grabbed Deacon Cole and pulled him back into the house. When she closed the door, Lisa kissed me on the lips real quickly. She opened the door and went into the house after she waved.

I drove home floating.

I called my aunt after I got settled. She made me tell her everything that happened. I know my mother is going to have a fit because she didn’t find out about the date first.

J.Widel

The Make-Up

2006-02-11T21:23:00.000-06:00

I went over to Lisa’s house.  She answered the door and said that she didn’t want to talk to me.  I told her that I wasn’t there to see her.  I went and talked to Deacon Cole.  Lisa stormed out of the living room.

Deacon Cole and I sat in the living room talking.  We talked about sports, politics, and other stuff.  He asked me about school.  I talked about that for awhile.

Lisa walked through the living room two or three times.  She would look at me and roll her eyes.  Deacon Cole laughed at me.  He said, “She likes you.  You should talk to her.  She has been fussing about you all week.”  I looked at him like he was crazy.  He walked me back to the den, where Lisa was.

I walked in the den.  Lisa looked up at me and rolled her eyes.  Deacon Cole said, “Be nice Lisa.”  She grunted and stared at the TV.  I sat down on the couch.

Here’s how things went…
(Lisa’s words are in bold & italics)

“Watch are you watching?”
Silence.
“Cool.  Silence is a nice show.”
More silence.
“Amanda and I are not involved.”
A mean stare, “Why was you all hugged up with her at church?”
“For the record, she hugged me, I didn’t hug her.”
An even meaner stare, “Whatever.  You didn’t push her off of you.”
“I don’t want anything to do with her.”
An eye roll, “Why is she pushing up on you?”
“I was nice to her son and she is fixated on me.  I don’t know why.”
A twisted lip, “Whatever.”
Silence.
A smile, “So, are you going to ask me or Amanda out for Valentine’s Day?”

That last question threw me off guard.  I wasn’t expecting that.  I stared into space for the longest time.

“Are you going to answer me?  You shouldn’t have to think about it that long.”
“I am going to ask you out.”
Sly smile.  “That’s a good answer.”

I smiled at her.  We watched TV for awhile.  Her father kept walking in and out of the room.  I guess to make sure that I wasn’t trying anything.

Lisa and I have plans to go out on Monday night.  That was Lisa’s idea.  She said that it would be too crowded on Tuesday night to do anything.

J.Widel

Eight Days To Fix Things

2006-02-06T13:21:00.000-06:00

I am so glad that this past week is over.  It was rough towards the end.  My birthday was great.  Things went downhill from that.

I went to church on Wednesday.  Deacon Cole’s daughter, Lisa was there.  I was so happy to see her.  She came over and spoke to me.  I was smiling from ear to ear.  Amanda kept rolling her eyes at me through out the whole service.  I tried to ignore her.

After church, Lisa came and talked to me outside while I was at my car.  Amanda trolled her behind over to my car and hugged on me and said, “Happy Birthday.”  She was rubbing on my arm and stuff.  Lisa got upset.  Amanda said something smart to her and walked off.  Lisa looked at me as if I had cursed her out or something.  I just shook my head.  Lisa snapped, “You didn’t tell me you had a woman!”  I tried to explain things to her, but she walked off.  I can’t believe this.

I called Lisa on Thursday to talk to her, but she wouldn’t come to the phone.  I called Amanda and told her to tell Lisa that we weren’t involved.  Amanda just laughed.  I called Pastor and talked to him.  He said that he would talk to Amanda.  He told me to get Lisa some flowers and try to fix things with her.

I tried what Pastor said, but Lisa wouldn’t even come to the door.  Her mother took the flowers and that was that.

On Sunday, Amanda didn’t speak to me.  Lisa rolled her eyes at me.  I felt like an idiot.  How do I get myself in these messes?

I am in the computer lab right now.  There is this guy sitting next to his girl I guess.  I am so tired of them laughing and whispering.

I was hoping that I would have a date on Valentine’s Day.  Oh well, I have 8 days to try to fix things with Lisa.

J.Widel

Happy Birthday to Me, Pt. 2

2006-02-01T15:03:00.000-06:00

I thought I was going to be hanging out with the deacon staff, but when I got to the restaurant, Deacon Cole met me there and introduced me to his daughter, Lisa. The girl was fine. I stared at her for a few minutes. I thought to myself, “Why didn’t I dress better?”

Deacon Cole said, “We had a change of plans. I asked my daughter to take our place. I think you will enjoy her company more than you would hanging out with a bunch of old men.” He walked off with a smile.

Dinner with Lisa was fabulous. The girl is smart as well as fine. The conversation was off the chain. We talked about politics, sports, fashion, education, and a whole lot more. I wanted to drop on one knee and propose by the end of dinner. She has the cutest laugh, too.

We went to the movies after dinner. We just watched the movie. She picked it out. It was some kind of documentary or something. I didn’t like it. I spent most of the movie looking at her.

I drove her home after the movie. I walked her to her front door. I wanted to kiss her, but I was scared that Deacon Cole would walk out on the porch and shoot me. I almost fell out when she kissed me on the jaw.

This was a great birthday!

J.Widel

Happy Birthday to Me

2006-01-30T19:55:00.000-06:00

Today is my birthday. I am 22 years old today. The deacon staff is supposed to be taking me out for my birthday later on tonight. It should be cool.

On Sunday, pastor gave me a tie and handkerchief set for my birthday. First Lady gave me a bottle of cologne. Amanda hugged me and told me Happy Birthday. Pastor looked at me crazy when she walked away. I shrugged my shoulders at him. I think he was going to say something, but first lady grabbed his arm and he didn’t say anything.

I will be back after I go out tonight.

J.Widel

Some Turtles

2006-01-23T23:19:00.000-06:00

Amanda brought me some turtles last week. I can’t believe that she did that. I know I told her that I like turtles when she was tutoring me.

She gave them to me while I was at my car, so no one saw her give them to me. I thanked her for the candy and told her that I wasn’t interested in a relationship with her. She smiled at me and said, “I don’t want a relationship with you either, I was just being nice. You ain’t all that.” She walked off in a huff. I don’t know what to think now.

Needless to say, I felt like an idiot.

Amanda brought a guy to church with her on Sunday. I overheard one of the ladies from the church say, “That ain’t her baby’s father.” I just shook my head. She made it a point to introduce him to me after service. I forgot his name.

I still haven’t eaten one of those turtles, yet.

J.Widel

We Praised God...

2006-01-16T21:28:00.000-06:00

Church was off the chain on Sunday. Man, pastor preached like he had lost his mind.

His subject was… Did God Do It? Yes, He Did!

He preached some of the testimonies that the members had told him about.

Pastor: “The Johnson’s got a five-bedroom house. Did God do it?”
Church: “Yes He did!”

Before each testimony, he said, “Used with permission…” It was funny and encouraging at the same time.

By the end of the sermon, we went in with a praise that woke up our neighbors, the Heavens, and anyone else within 10 miles.

Pretty soon, Pastor will be preaching my testimony.

J.Widel

Back At School

2006-01-09T23:28:00.000-06:00

I am back at school. Christmas was cool. All of the family came over to Mom’s house. It was great. There wasn’t a lot of drama either. I am so glad about that.

We did a $20 white elephant gift exchange. I got a sweatshirt. I don’t think it cost $20.00, but it’s okay.

I came back to Fontaine on 12/28/05. I worked some. That was cool because I made some money.

We had watch meeting service at church. It was off the chain. We danced and praised God for a long time. I got my dance in.

Pastor let some people who prayer requests from October had been answered. One family got a five bedroom house. One of the mother’s of the church daughter got saved. It was so amazing.

I am back in school, back to the grind.

J.Widel

Until Next Year

2005-12-21T23:09:00.000-06:00

This is my last entry for 2005. I am going on Winter Break. I will post after I get back.

No big plans for Christmas. Just chilling with the family. Going to church for New Year’s. I will be working hard the rest of the time.

Have a Merry Christmas. Have a Happy New Year. Remember to thank God for His blessings.

J.Widel

The Trip

2005-12-12T22:52:00.000-06:00

The trip started off rocky. Pastor didn’t come by the house and meet me. He got called to the hospital earlier that day and he called me and told me to go over to his house. I got over there. No one was there. I waited for 10 minutes and then left. I called Pastor. He told me to go back to his house and that first lady would meet me there. I was reluctant to go, but I went back. First Lady was there.

I sat with First Lady for like an hour. It was cool. First Lady entertained me for the whole hour. We talked about school and stuff. Pastor finally showed up. We left two hours late. We ended up leaving at 8:00 instead of 6:00.

The ride to Dorinda was quiet. We got to Dorinda after midnight. We went straight to the hotel and went to sleep.

***

We got up at 9:00 on Friday morning. We met with an advisor at the school. He interviewed me.

He looked at me crazy when he saw my grades.

My GPA is low because I had one semester when my GPA was 1.11 and one where it was 1.67. I goofed around my first two semesters.

I was put on probation after the second semester. I retook the classes that I flunked, so I was set back two semesters.

My GPA at the moment is 2.35. I have brought my GPA over the last 3 semesters. This semester, I took classes so that I could bring up my GPA. Next semester, I am taking the last of my core classes. The last semester of school, I am going to take some more classes to bring up my GPA.

I think I am going to get all As this semester. I am trying very hard. If I get all Bs, my overall GPA will be 2.74. If I get all As, my overall GPA will be 2.95.

I am taking four classes next semester. If I get all As, I will bring my GPA up to a 3.0. I sure wish I would have done better my first two semesters.

The advisor asked me when I am supposed to graduate. I told him Spring 2006. He did some calculations and suggested that I stay in an extra semester to pull my GPA up a little more. I am so ready to get out of Fontaine that I don’t know about that. I just nodded. He even suggested that I retake the core classes that I had gotten Cs in. If I took them now, I could probably get As in them since I had taken them twice already.

He said that it would be easier for me to get into the school and get a better scholarship if I have at least a 3.5. I wanted to make a face, but I didn’t. I asked if I could get into Caffco with just a 3.0. He said that I could. That was enough for me.

I still don’t know what to do.

After we left the school, I was quiet. Pastor tried to console me, but it didn’t help.

***

Pastor and I had dinner. I wasn’t very cheerful. He talked about a lot of things, but I don’t remember much.

We left Dorinda on Saturday around 10:00 AM. We got back to Fontaine around 1:30 PM. I had Pastor drop me off at my house.

J.Widel

Spring Class Schedule

2005-12-08T20:14:00.000-06:00

Here is my Spring Schedule.

English 2333 – World Literature
9:05-10:00 – MWF

Math 1414 – College Algebra
11:15 – 12:30 – MWF

History 2322 – World Civilization
11:00 – 12:20 – TTh

Office Technology 2301 – Intermediate Keyboarding
9:00 – 10:50 – S
Lab
10:50 – 12:40 – S

I will have one more semester after this one.

J.Widel

Boy, Act Like You Know God

2005-12-08T00:49:00.000-06:00

I took all my college stuff to church last night. Pastor looked over it and told me to take off Friday and Saturday. He said that we were going to leave Thursday after I got off from work and drive to Dorinda to go visit Caffco University. It’s going to be a long drive to Dorinda. I looked at him like he was crazy.

I didn’t think I could take the days off from my job. He looked at me and said, “Who is your faith in; God or man? Call your manager and request the days off.” I shook my head and then took his phone and called my job. I talked to the manager on staff. I told him that I needed to take Friday and Saturday off. He said ok. I hung up and looked at my pastor.

I didn’t believe it. If we need to take a day off after the schedule has been made, we are supposed to switch with someone else.

Pastor laughed at me and said, “Boy, act like you know God.”

Pastor is going to meet me at my apartment on Thursday. I don’t know what we are going to do at Caffco. I am not sure what to think about the trip. Hopefully, I won’t make a fool of myself.

J.Widel

First Lady Is Amazing

2005-12-06T00:12:00.000-06:00

I hadn’t spoken to pastor since last Wednesday. It didn’t matter because I didn’t want to talk to him either.

Saturday, First Lady called me and talked to me. She let me spill my guts about why I was mad. She told me that pastor didn’t want to see me get mixed up with ole girl. I don’t want anything to do with her anyway. First Lady talked to me and everything was cool after she finished.

She told me to call pastor later on.

I didn’t call him on Saturday.

When I got to church on Sunday, First Lady got on me because I didn’t call pastor. She told me to go straight to pastor’s office and talk to him. I did. We talked any worked everything out. It was cool.

We are scheduled to talk about the application to Caffco University on Wednesday.

Pastor said, “Well, First Lady knows how to work things, doesn’t she.”

J.Widel

My Apology & This is Some Bull

2005-12-01T01:44:00.000-06:00

I apologized to Amanda at church tonight. Pastor saw mw talking to her. He got mad at me. He took me into his office. He told me to leave Amanda alone. I told him that I was apologizing to her. He didn’t seem to care. He told me that Amanda was some trouble that I didn’t want.

I got mad at him and yelled, “I don’t want anything to do with her! I was apologizing for something crazy that had happened earlier! I wish you would stay off my back, you ain’t my daddy!”

I stormed out of his office.

I mean, why he gotta be all up in my business. It ain’t none of his business who I talked to. I ain’t even trying to get with her! He made me so mad.

When I got home, I felt like an idiot. I called pastor and apologized. I don’t think he was really listening to me. He just grunted for the most part. I messed up pretty good tonight. This is bad.

J.Widel

Back From Break

2005-11-28T22:55:00.000-06:00

I am back from Thanksgiving break. It was fun. I saw my mother. She looked good. She and grandmother cooked up a storm. It was off the chain to see all of the family and friends at the house.

I am glad to be back home, though. It was crowded up at my mother’s. My 3 brothers, their wives, and their children were there. My two sisters were there and so were my youngest sister’s children. How is she gonna be 20 and have three kids already? They all have different daddies, too. She had her first kid at 15. She was messing around with a 20 year old then. My aunt, the Missionary, was on my sister’s case the whole weekend. My mother had to separate the two of them when my sister almost hit my aunt.

All I can do is pray for my sister. She is messing with a 30 year old man now. From what I have heard, he ain’t no good. I think there is more to my sister’s story than her just sleeping around. I have tried to get her to talk to me, but she won’t. I think that she is always looking for love in the wrong places.

It feels good to be back in my quiet apartment. It’s back to the grind until December.

J.Widel

Thanksgiving Break

2005-11-21T20:14:00.000-06:00

This is my last entry until I come back from Thanksgiving Break. I am going to Hearne to visit the family.

Pastor was still upset with me about the flowers. I wasn’t really thinking that it would be a negative thing. Amanda talked to me after church. She said that I look sad. I think I hurt her feelings because I told her that I didn’t want to talk to her. She walked off mad.

I am going to have to apologize to her.

Man, this is a trip.

J.Widel

He Bit My You Know What Off

2005-11-17T01:14:00.000-06:00

Pastor found out that I had given Amanda flowers twice. After church he laid into me and told me that I shouldn’t have given the flowers to Amanda. I told him that they were just to say thank you for helping me. He went on a tirade for like 15 or 20 minutes. I ain’t lying either. By the end of the conversation, I wanted to cry. I can’t believe I got into trouble like that.

I didn’t even get a chance to give pastor the stuff for my application. He told me to get out of his office. I left feeling like doo doo.

J.Widel

Another Test & She's Talkative

2005-11-14T21:48:00.000-06:00

I got a test back on Thursday. I got an 86 on the test. I guess I got to get Amanda some more flowers. Her study techniques are helping me out a lot. She is going to make a great teacher once she graduates from college. She is taking classes at the community college like me. She said that she is going to college in Freling when she finishes at the community college.

I know… I sure know a lot about the girl for me not to be interested in her. She is very talkative.

J.Widel

Meeting With Pastor

2005-11-12T00:48:00.000-06:00

I had my meeting with Pastor tonight. It was okay. I showed him my grades so far. I barely have a 2.0. My grades went up last semester. I took a couple of easy classes so that I could bring my grades up. Pastor told me that I had to bring my grades up this semester and next semester. I told that I was going to do just that.

he asked me if I had submitted the application for Caffco. I had to tell him no because I hadn’t done it. He fussed at me for like 10 minutes. He pulled an envelope from his desk and made me fill it out right there. It was an application to Caffco University. He had someone from one of the churches in Dorinda. I tripped out.

I didn’t have everything I needed to complete the application. Pastor told me to get what I needed to complete the application and bring it to church on next Wednesday. He told me that I better bring the stuff, too.

We talked for awhile longer.

Pastor can be stern when he wants to.

J.Widel

Talked To Pastor Again

2005-11-10T01:36:00.000-06:00

Tonight I talked to pastor after church again. I told him about my test grade. He was proud of me. It felt good when he patted me on my back.

He asked me to bring in my grades so that he could look at them with me. I am going to do that on Friday night. I am kind of excited. Things are coming together for me.

*** *** ***

I gave Amanda Briscoe some flowers because she helped me study for my test. She is a teacher’s assistant. I told her that I was giving her the flowers because she helped me out. I hope she doesn’t think anything else about the flowers.

J.Widel

Shouting Shoes

2005-11-07T19:36:00.000-06:00

I got an 82 on my test that I took on Friday. The highest grade I had ever received in the class was 70. I almost danced when the professor gave me my test back.

J.Widel

My Exam

2005-11-04T19:18:00.000-06:00

I took an exam today. It was tough. I studied hard for it. I believe that I did well on the test.

J.Widel

Talk With the Pastor

2005-11-03T00:18:00.000-06:00

I talked to the pastor after service last night. I told him that I wanted to go to Caffco University in Dorinda after I graduate in June. Pastor asked why. I said that Caffco has an excellent business school.

Why I Am In Fontaine

I came to Fontaine from my home town of Hearne to go to school here. At the time, my uncle was living in Fontaine. Well, 8 months after I got here, my uncle decided to move back to Hearne and leave me down here by myself. My uncle was living in a rent controlled apartment and the rent wasn’t all that high, but I didn’t have any money, nor did I have a job. I didn’t know how I was going to make it. I didn’t want to go back to Hearne, either.

I talked to pastor and he helped me get a job that would work with my school schedule. So, I would have some money. The deacon staff helped me get an apartment that had a low rent. It’s in a pretty decent part of town, too. The rent is based on your income. One of the deacons sold me his old car, which breaks down at least once a week, but the deacons always fix it for me.

My mother wanted me to come home, but after she came down here and saw that I had a church family that had my back, she was cool with me staying down here.

Caffco University

Pastor asked me had I tried to get into Caffco yet. I told him no. He told me to fill out an application and go from there. He seems cool with the idea of me going to Dorinda. He isn’t worried because we have a lot of Greater Buelahland Fellowship Churches in the city. He said that he and the church will help me in any way they can.

Praise the Lord. My prayer is being answered. I believe God.

J.Widel

Hallelujah Night

2005-11-01T01:35:00.000-06:00

We had Hallelujah night at church tonight. That was an adventure. We had kids all over the place running around, screaming, and acting silly. I had some fun too. I helped the committee set-up and clean-up. The director of the Children’s Ministry, Sis. Penelope Henry asked me to help her. I am a junior deacon these days. I am 22 years old and I am a junior deacon. Anyway. I think Sis. Henry’s niece, Amanda Briscoe likes me, that why Sis. Henry thought I would help out. I helped out because I wanted to.

Some of the boys talked me into getting into the bouncy thing with them. I did. Why did they try to jump all on me? It was fun, though. I had like five kids jumping on me at once. I think I hurt my leg.

Amanda was there with her 1 year old little boy. She asked me to walk him around and take him to the different booths. I did. The little dude is cute. I heard that his father is a minister of music at some church in the city. I ain’t gonna be able to do it. Oh well.

Sis. Henry gave me two bags of candy for helping her. I ate like 5 hot dogs and 2 bowls of nachos.

J.Widel

Pizza Party

2005-10-30T00:50:00.000-05:00

We had the pizza party for cleaning up at the Family Symposium. It was cool. We met at Tony’s Pizza. It was weird. There were deacons of all ages there. It was funny watching the older deacons eat. I am the youngest deacon on the staff. I have been hoping that I can be ordained as a full deacon, but it hasn’t happened yet. Deacon Roughton says that it is because I am in college and he is not sure how long I am going to be in the city. He makes a good point.

Deacon Roughton ordered 12 giant pizzas and we ate up. It was cool hanging out with the men of the church. The oldest deacon, Deacon Novak, told stories about when the church first got started. He said that back in the day, pastor used to have a crazy haircut. It was too crazy.

I ate 6 slices of pizza. The next youngest deacon, Deacon Lenny Colfax, ate 8 slices. He was acting like we were in a contest.

J.Widel

Faith to Believe

2005-10-27T01:13:00.000-05:00

Wednesday night service was excellent. Pastor taught about faith and how we need it to grow as disciples.

“As a disciple, faith is an important tool to help us become closer to God because we need to depend on Him and our faith in Him shows our dependence on Him.”

It was powerful. I needed that lesson because God knows I don’t have a lot of faith, especially when it comes to not seeing things. If I can see a way that it will get done, then I can believe, but other than that, I don’t have much faith. I am working on it.

“Now, you don’t want to ask God to teach you to have faith unless you are ready for a test that will test your faith more than ever before.”

I am glad that pastor said that because I was thinking about asking God to teach me faith. I won’t do that now.

At the end of service, pastor asked us to write our name and one thing that we were believing God for on a piece of paper and put it in a prayer box that was going to be kept on the altar. The church corporately prayed over the box and pastor told us to believe that our prayer would be answered. When the prayer request is answered, we are supposed to write on a piece of paper that our prayer was answered and place it in a different box that is on the altar. On the last Wednesday of October 2006, we are going to open the prayer answered box and read the answered prayer requests.

Pastor said that we could put a new prayer request in the box after the previous prayer request had been answered. This is going to be interesting.

Here’s what I wrote…

Lord, I want to go to Caffco University after I graduate this year. I am going to need the grades and the money to get in.

I believe God.

J.Widel

Family Symposium

2005-10-24T11:29:00.000-05:00

The Hill Chapel House of Worship, (my church home), had our Family Symposium this past weekend. It was a fun. We had all kinds of fun stuff on Saturday. I was one of the bouncy play thing operators. Those kids were crazy. They were jumping on each other and doing flips. It was cool.

I stayed and helped with the clean-up. Deacon Arthur Roughton is supposed to take the clean-up crew out for pizza on next weekend. Can hardly wait.

J. Widel

To Put This Out There

2005-10-20T00:31:00.000-05:00

I despise emails where someone forwards you and you have to click and open fifty forwarded emails.

Just thought I would put that out there.

J. Widel

Growing Tired

2005-10-17T11:19:00.000-05:00

I am growing tired of Fontaine. I want to go to Dorinda. I have always wanted to go to Caffco University, but I could not get into the school the first time I tried. My grades were too low. I am almost through with my second year of junior college. I hope I can get into Caffco this year. I shouldn’t have sat out two years.

Anyway. I am going to send in my application to Caffco in November. I hope I get accepted. I will be applying for housing and financial aid as well. I believe God.

J. Widel

Think On These Things

2005-10-12T20:20:00.000-05:00

Ok, I have been thinking about things.  The world has gotten crazy and out of control.  It really doesn’t make a lot of sense.
My home girl called me and told me that she lost her job.  She was so hurt and mad.  I did my best to calm her down.

One of the ladies from my church son was shot.  It has been said that he wouldn’t give up his new jacket.  I was just hurt behind that.  He had just started to participate in the youth program at church.  A lot of people were upset behind his death.  There is talk of suing the guy’s family who shot the boy.

These times are just what the Bible said they would be this way.

I keep wondering…  How long before Jesus’ triumphant return?

J. Widel

Once A Week

2005-10-03T11:07:00.000-05:00

I only post once a week. I can't always think of something to write. I will try to write more as I go on with th is journaling experience.

J. Widel

Just Thinking

2005-09-26T11:06:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking about some things. Seems like my life hasn't been going as I thought it should. I am still encouraged though. Pastor preached an excellent message yesterday. It was a blessing to me.

The Sermon:

Title: These Light Afflictions

Scripture: 2 Cor. 4:13-18
13: We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
14: Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15: For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16: For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17: For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18: While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Notes That Blessed Me:

Even though things look bad and grim, just hold on because you know in your spirit that God is working things out.

Just remember, when you think your world is as bad as it can be, someone else is worse off than you.

The things on earth won’t last long. Only what you do for Christ will last.

God is always with you and He won’t forsake you as long as you do His Word and His will.

Hope these quick notes blessed you.

J. Widel

Just Saying Hello

2005-09-19T10:54:00.000-05:00

Just thought I would say hello. Nothing much is happening. The convocation was good. I am glad that I went.

J.Widel

At the Greater Buelahland Fellowship National Convocation

2005-09-12T15:34:00.000-05:00

I am currently at the Greater Buelahland Fellowship National Convocation.

It is being held in Dorinda, Maddocha.

I arrived last night to the city from Petersburg.

I just finished walking around the convention center after I went to the registration booth.

I will post more later.

J. Widel