Most of you have read my previous couple of blogs and are aware of my eventful series of recent activity. If not, check 'em out. The last week has been quite a ride.
I went to court yesterday and pleaded guilty to my speeding ticket from 1999. It was for doing 50 in a 35. I asked for permission to address the court, which I was granted after the fine was issued. I asked the judge for leniency, considering that I had been locked up for 14 hours and lost a day of work in the process. He said that he ordered the minimum fine and that was the best he could do. I thanked him and took my little piece of paper from the clerk that said that I owed $201.75, of which $126.75 was court costs.
When I arrived at the courthouse today, cash in hand, I tried to speak to someone to see about possibly having the fine and costs reduced. I spoke to a gentlemen who was very nice. He advised me that I had plead Article 894. In Louisiana, you can plead this once every so often (I don't remember how often). If your driving record is clean, this allows you one freebie as far as insurance is concerned. The violation doesn't go on your motor vehicle record. I told him that I plead guilty and not 894. I thought this was on my record years ago. He told me that since I had never plead guilty prior to yesterday, that it would not have been on my record. He also told me that the fine had gone to a collection agency that the court had gotten rid of. The charges would have been significantly more. Between the judge automatically giving me the Article 894, sentencing me with the minimum fine, and the additional collection costs being gone, I guess I was given favor afterall. Even though I really couldn't afford to, I paid the whole thing today and it is finally behind me.
I have been very busy lately. In addition to my Friday morning men's breakfast, I have added a Monday evening group to my schedule. It has really been a blessing. These are a great group of guys. I befriended one of the brothers, John. He's about a year older than me and has been through many of the same things that I have, recently. He has been a blessing. He truly has a heart for God and can relate to my situation on a personal level. We are there to build each other up. For that, I am grateful.
This Sunday I will be attending a teaching/training by our Senior Pastor, for the Prayer Ministry. I am looking forward to it. I really wanted to enroll in VLI (Vineyard Leadership Institute), a two year formal training program, this Fall. Between finances, work, and the many things I have going on, I know that this isn't the season. It is a major commitment. I hope to be ready next year. The Prayer Ministry is a good place for me to start for now.
Last Sunday was a blessing. I attended church Saturday evening and helped serve communion. We usually only serve communion on Sunday morning for the first service. Every eight weeks or so, we serve at all three services. I had thought about not going Sunday morning. Boy, am I glad I did. I served again and then was asked to help on the Prayer team, as they were a bit short handed. I said sure. It was a blessing. I later decided to attend a baptism that afternoon. I just knew that was a place to be blessed with the presence of the Holy Spirit. What I didn't expect, was Jim (one of the guys baptizing) to ask me if I would mind getting in the water with him because his partner was running late. I said sure and was honored. I had the pleasure of baptizing several people and hear their various testimonies and desire to make this statement of faith and be closer to God. I was blessed enough to be able to offer a word to one guy. Thank you Jesus! That was truly a blessing beyong explanation.
I am excited about where God is taking me and am truly grateful for all His favor and blessings.
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