My trip to AutoZone.

Today, our church celebrated its 3rd birthday. I realize that doesn't sound like a big deal, but it was an awesome day.

I woke up this morning with plenty of time to get ready, go to the store (so I had something for the picnic) and get to church ON TIME (which is very important to me). I woke up, read the Word, got ready, jumped in my truck and turned the key. Nothing. Great. Now, "old James" would have put his fist right through the windshield (okay maybe not that, but some choice words would have been used at length and with total conviciton). Something would have definitely been thrown, too. Ever see the movies where birds scatter at the echo of a well-yelled curse word? Yeah - that used to be me. Instead, I calmly called a friend and she picked me up, drove me to the store (she needed something, too) and took me to church. See? Not so bad. I can get over this.

Church was awesome and I enjoyed some GREAT fellowship. Pics can be found under "The Connection Church" album. My friend dropped me off and even jumped my truck so I could take it to AutoZone.

Today has been one of the hottest days in a while. Our service and activities were outside and it was SWELTERING! I was tired, exhausted and sweaty. I know - gross, right? I finally make it to AutoZone w/ no A/C. I wait in line for what seems to be somewhere between 5 and 6 hours. I finally get my vehicle tested. The battery. Yeah, I pretty much knew. Of course, I had to turn the vehicle off to test the battery. I walk inside and make an extremely UNPLANNED purchase for the week. I walk outside, get in the truck and turn the key. Nothing. I was pretty much counting on this. No big deal - I grab my tools and get to work. Besides, I won't have to make 2 trips to dispose of my old battery and get my $12 core-charge. I get to it.

Did I mention that it was hot today? My tools started to burn me. The concrete baked my feet from underneath me. The store was busy. Cars and exhaust made the parking lot pretty toasty. Sweat poured from me like a faucet. My t-shirt was soaked. Why was it so hot? More importantly, why was I so WET?

Oh, could it be the freakin' thunderstorm I was in? Yeah. It was sunny as it could be, too! What is that about? Why couldn't I have 5 minutes? There wasn't a cloud in the sky all day - not even now! I continued with my work. Yeah, you know in the rain... with wet hands... metal tools and a battery... standing in a puddle, no less. Smart... I've already told you my short-comings with electricity this year.

Yes. Needless to say, I was quite uncomfortable - trying my best not to touch certain metal parts of said project. I ran inside, deposited my old battery and headed home. As I left the parking lot, I commended God on his sense of humor. Then I asked myself what I was supposed to take away from this experience. Maybe it was just a test of patience. Maybe God just wanted to see if I'm willing to walk in faith like I say I am. Or... Maybe I just needed another stupid story to tell.

God bless,

James