Snugglebunny.

I was talking with friends (yes, I have some) the other day about how we like our bedrooms to be (don't worry, this is G-rated). Some like no cover on the bed, some like just a sheet on the bed, some like it warm, some like it cold, some sleep in pajamas, some ... well, never mind ... blah blah.

When I mentioned that I like to sleep under a cover and with the ceiling fan on medium speed, one of my friends said, "Ooooooo I know ... you're a snugglebunny."

I never thought about it, but you know what?? Yes, I am ... I'm a snuggler. Ryan Jones ... Snugglebunny. It fits. It fits well.

One Funeral. One Date.

Today was the funeral for Carlos Nunez. Of course, it was a sad occasion, but it was punctuated with fond memories of him and his life. During the funeral, a baby was crying in the row behind me. I want to make some deep correlation about there being a brand new life directly behind me, while I'm observing the end of another in front of me, but I don't think I'm eloquent enough to make that sound good, so I'll just skip it.

However, during the funeral, someone did become ill and passed out two rows in front of me. My brother, Rick and his wife, Linda were seated in front of the gentleman, and when Rick turned around, he said the man was not breathing and was starting to turn blue. 911 was quickly called, but thank God, the man came to on his own. It was definitely nerve-wracking for a few minutes. A new life behind me ... A possible ending two rows in front of me ... A definite ending a few rows even further.

Afterwards, the lunch was held at the Moose Lodge in Caseyville. I, however, was not aware of that because I was told a couple of days prior by someone (but I'm not mentioning Aunt Ruth's name because that wouldn't be nice), that the lunch was being held at the Caseyville Senior Center on Bunkum Road. Upon arriving at the senior center, I realized (quickly) I was in the wrong place because I had walked into a rockin' bingo tournament going on instead. Well, as "rockin'" as it could get (remember, these are seniors).

I'm not complaining because I won $20 and became the boy toy of one "Myrna Appleby". Myrna is a sweet ole gal who has brandished me with the nickname of "Young Stud". I don't think Myrna even knows my name. I feel like a piece of meat ... maybe a "prime rib", but a piece of meat nonetheless. I'm very impressed with Myrna because she has no need for glasses and has all of her own teeth ... well, except for that one.

Myrna asked me to go out with her next Saturday (hey, at least I'm attractive to someone!!) I told her "I sure would", because honestly, she looks like the type that has a disdain for banks, and therefore probably stashes a fortune under her mattress. I'm sure she'll pay for dinner. And if not, I'll pay because I suspect she won't eat much. If you don't see me around by next Sunday, call the police because that means I had Myrna pegged all wrong ... (haha)

A boy toy ... hmmm, maybe I've found my new calling.

Florida.

My body will be in Florida. My mind will be here.

Chef Ryan at your service!

I think I'm starting a trend here ... At church the other night, Jim Seladis said my Orange Marmalade Meatballs were (direct quote here) "the best he's ever had!!" Wow!!

Then after eating a Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake I made, my Aunt Ruth said (direct quote again) "that was the best thing I ever ate!!" Seriously?? In all your 90 years, THIS is the best thing you've ever eaten?? Really ... this is it??? Not Carlos' burritos?? Not Shirley's chicken and dumplings?? My cheesecake is it?!?!? Wow, I'm honored!!

So, if there's a market for a meatball / cheesecake restaurant, I'm on it!!!

Daydream Believer.

I fell asleep last night with the radio on. Has anyone ever woke up to the song "Daydream Believer" by the Monkees?? I highly recommend it. It was quite enjoyable and a nice way to start the day ...

Infectious.

Today, a girl at work said I was infectious. "Oh Ryan, you're so infectious! ... (giggle giggle giggle)", she said. I just smiled in response, but I thought to myself two things:

1.) "Thanks ... I think."

2.) "Maybe I should get some cream for that."

How do YOU get blessed??

I just posted on my Facebook page that tonight I went to church. Now, for those people who know me, this is not a revelation, because I'm always in church. But tonight, I went to church and actually SAT AND LISTENED. No computer. No distractions. I sat. I listened ... and it was wonderful.

It seems like I'm always in the computer booth at church, which is something I love to do. I did this exact same job at my former church for years and years. I loved doing it then. I love doing it now. I love what I do ... understand?? I love the whole "behind-the-scenes" stuff ... to see the preparation of what goes on to produce wonderful music for the upcoming Sunday ... to hear the instrumentalists say tonight that none of them knew this one particular song, but they all stuck with it, and what seemed to be just a few minutes later, they pretty much had it. Amazing!! To me, all of this just enhances the praise and worship that is to come on Sunday. To know which song the musicians struggled with, then to see that the end result on Sunday is a church full of people worshipping the Lord is a wonderful thing to experience. It has brought me to tears more than once. Man, for a guy I sure do cry a lot ... whatever!!

I'm so jealous of anyone who can play instruments as well as these guys. (I knew I should have kept playing my alto sax!! Crud!!!) And although I'm not an instrumentalist, to feel like I'm part of a team is something that means a lot to me. Oh, and by the way, this is just an off-topic thing ... Last Sunday evening, I sang 4 lines of "How Great Thou Art" for our music minister, Christopher. He said that I had "pipes". That put a smile on my face for the rest of the night. OK, back on topic now ... I stayed behind tonight to watch the praise and worship practice. Did I have to do that?? No. But I've been involved in the behind-the scenes stuff at churches for what seems to be my whole life (since I was born on the front pew that is a distinct possibility), and all of this still fascinates me. I still love it.

After service tonight, I joked with my pastor's wife, Dottie, that I was jealous of her. When she asked me why, I told her because she has had so many years of getting to hear Pastor's wonderful sermons. She literally has had a front-row seat to it all. I think she appreciated me saying that.

But, all of this brings to my mind a question ... When you're a member of church leadership, or part of the staff, or someone in the sound booth, how do you get blessed??

For example, I have a friend, Brian, who recently became a member of our church staff, so the church is now his place of employment. And on Sundays, I see that he's responsible for specific tasks, so Sundays are, in essence, an extension of his work, and I know his mind is often on the things he gets asked to do. So ... how does he get blessed??

I see Pastor Edwards preach wonderful sermons, visit the sick in hospitals, constantly reaching out to his congregation. I hope he knows how deeply he affects people with the words he speaks. But, to be honest, it's rare that I see people actually pray for him. So ... how does he get blessed?

I came into church last Sunday earlier than normal, and could hear our music minister, Christopher McLellan, practicing at the piano in the prayer room for the upcoming Easter choir musical. Tonight, while people were praying at church, he was at the piano providing some of the music. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, I watch him practicing with the choir before service, and on Sunday mornings and evenings, he's leading the congregation into praise and worship (and doing it quite well, I might add!!! The man can sing and play, like, 237 instruments.) But that's what he's been hired to do. That is his job. He leads, but can he ever actually participate?? There's such a difference in that. In order to do that, I think he would have to fake laryngitis one of these Sundays (there's an idea, Chris!!) :-) But, as I watch him from the sound booth, I sometimes wonder ... how does he get blessed?

Back in the day, I helped get the praise and worship music together for my former church, and to be completely honest ... it was a JOB!!! I know the work that is involved in all of that. I get it. It's different when you love what you do, but nevertheless, it was still extremely time-consuming.

So, I'm asking these questions, but do I have an answer?? Well, I can only speak for myself, but I realize that, for me, the blessing is in the work. Whether they realize it or not, everyone who steps through the doors at my church plays a part in the church service. Whether that part is simply as a spectator who walks in, sits, listens, then leaves. Or as a member of the board. Or as a ridiculously good-looking computer operator (who is getting thinner by the day -- just had to throw that in there).

I believe that as the ones who play a larger role than as a spectator, we are the fortunate ones. We get to serve others. We get to assist in helping people achieve a blessing they may otherwise have not felt prior to walking in the doors. Some may experience an answer to prayer, or a healing, during a church service, and we get to play a part in that, and that is priceless. We are the fortunate ones. Sometimes, in the midst of the work, it's easy to forget that. If you sit back and think about it ... really think about it ... to be able to bless others with the gifts God has given us ... that's what it's all about. We really are the fortunate ones.