Hello everybody!

I thought I would post a picture and let you see what I love to do when I have the chance. This picture is from a few years ago when I got to compete in the United States Team Roping Championships in Franklin, TN. I was roping with Wade Harris, no we didn't win but I still like to look at the picture and think about what if. Do you have any what if moments in your life? I am really seeking the Lord and asking Him to show me what it is He really wants me to do so I don't have to look back and say what if. I have come to understand that God just doesn't want me to sit around waiting on a flashing neon sign He wants me to just do what He has already told me to do. Love the Lord with all my heart and Love my neighbor as myself. I think I'll start today so that tomorrow I don't have to say what if I would have started doing that yesterday who's life would be different today. Join me in doing these 2 things that God has told us to do. Don't worry about the flashing sign from God just do what the written word says. No more what ifs!

Love ya,

Kevin

(comment to let me know somebodies reading this)

I'm back!

Hey everyone I'm back. I'm sorry for not being real consistent in my blog but I just haven't been in the mood to blog. I am putting a picture of my family up because some of my friends that read this haven't seen them in a long time. It's not the best picture we have of us but it is one of the only one on my computer. What I plan on doing on the blog is to share more pictures with you of me and the family. The picture wouldn't look the same today because we have enclosed the carport to make a master bedroom. We worked on mudding the Sheetrock today it won't be much longer and we will move in.

Well we are finding out that there is life after the Cruise. It's not quite as luxurious and easy but it is even better because we are surrounded everyday by the people we love and they love us. Life would be so sad if we had to spend it alone. One thing that I do thank the Lord for everyday is the families that He gave me. That's right I said families meaning Johnna and the boys, mom and dad, Johnna's parents, my brothers and sister and law, all the nieces and nephews, and also all the wonderful people at Emmanuel, and all the other people who know the Lord and consider me to be their brother in Christ. I even have people who are not Christians that I consider to be family. Family, I don't guess I realized how many people that word represents. But when it all comes down to it, it's the ones in the picture that I love the most and want most to please and take care of. I hope that each of you will take time to love the family that God has blessed you with.

Kevin

Revival Services were Great!

It's been a long time since I have been this excited about a Revival meeting. My heart is about to explode from the week that we just had. When Johnna and I got back from the cruise and I realized that Revival started the next morning I have to tell you I was thinking, what have I done? What I done was obey the Lord and He showed up every night and did something special every time. Isn't it always a Great Revival when God shows up. I feel sorry for anybody who had to miss this week. If you were sick or had to work I understand but if you just didn't come I'm sorry that you didn't feel the need to be Revived, maybe you didn't need it but this Preacher sure did and I got what I needed. Thank you Lord for speaking to me.

I am thrilled to tell you that we had 2 teenagers give their lives to Christ this week and they are going to be Baptized real soon. Thanks Tom for what you and others are doing with our teens. I look forward to seeing all of you Sunday.

Kevin

Yeah! Back to the good ole USA!

I can't believe it! Kevin is leaving the very last blog for me! He is about to have a panic attack because he has already talked to Ethan and Kev is ready to be home! It's going to be a LONG day!!!!

We just want to say one last BIG thank you, our church family, for a vacation of a lifetime! Kevin and I both agree that this was the best vacation ever! But this vacation and all its memories is great but still pales in comparison to the love you continually give us every day of every year. Thank you for all the prayers and especially all the patience you have with us. Your friendships mean so much more to us than this cruise!

We are SO ready to worship together with you tommorrow!

Until then,
Love,
The Razorback Hogs

P.S. Please don't say anything about our weight! We thoroughly enjoyed the food on board!:)

Charles sends his love to Karen!

Hey Karen we just left Charles and he is sending you FREE CD's as a peace offering. He was Great! He is just a lot of fun. We couldn't believe it but he remembered Piggott, AR. It's about 10:30 on the boat so we have got to find something to do. It won't be hard we can always go eat and eat and eat!! It's getting a little cooler as we near California. Got to go. Love the Titanic Sea Dogs!

If anyone knows where our children are please tell them that they have a mom and dad and we will be home soon, but if we do not hear from them soon they will get no souvenirs. I would hate to have to sail back to Puerta Valarta and return these gifts. (but i would)

I hope to hear from them soon!

Last day on the titanic!

Hey everyone we are coming home soon. We have one more day to live it up and that's what we are going to do. We went to breakfast early and I ate as much as I could. (gotta get your moneys worth) The picture is from last night at the dessert extravagaza. It was a very formal evening (I fit right in) Ha. I couldn't even pronounce the menu. Did you know that they eat snails and just give it a fancy name? I stuck with what i Know meat and potatoes. (i did eat lobster tail) Is it just me or does my coat look a little snug. It must be the way the picture was taken. I walked about 7 miles yesterday looking for my lovely bride. She was basking in the sun pool side. It takes 3 laps around the boat to make a mile. (that's a big boat) Gotta go talk to you later.

Kevin

The massage was wonderful!!!

What a wonderful day!!! Breakfast on our balcony, my massage (the hot rocks were wonderful!) and finishing up the day with a Charles Billingsley concert and supper with our friends! Karen, Charles sang your favorite song! "I am empty, You are holy..." AND Kevin got him on video grovelling and apologizing profusely-can't wait till you see it!

I am kind of sad that it's almost over. I could get used to this kind of pampering! But I can't wait to get home to see those Murray He-Man Woman Haters!!! Where are you guys? You better get to a computer soon, or else!!!

I guess tomorrow will be more of the same like today! Rest and relaxation! (and packing:() We will be home before you know it!

Hey, E! What do you think about the donkey we got you from Mexico? Just kidding! They were waiting for us right where we got off the boat. You just had to give them a tip to take a picture with their donkey. He just lay there and let me pet him- just a big baby!!!

We'll blog some more tommorrow!

Love all of you, especially the He-Man Woman Haters who forgot how to work a computer!

Johnna

P.S. Check out the sand sculpture we saw on the beach yesterday! It's Mary holding Jesus after he's been taken down from the cross.

At Sea!!

Well we are headed home, I love that word HOME! It was a Great day yesterday, the best yet. We are truly having the time of our life. For example this morning we slept in and had room service bring us our breakfast. We ate breakfast out on our own private balcony overlooking the ocean. It was the first time I can ever remembering eating breakfast in a robe. (that is a real donkey in the picture) Today will be rough on me because all I can do is eat. They are having several activities, I think I am going to be in the free throw shooting contest this afternoon, while Johnna will be getting her hot rocks massage in the spa.

Last night we went to a Broadway musical, and then turned in for the evening. I always wanted to take Johnna to a Broadway musical, and it was very entertaining. We have made great friendships with two other couples. They are both retired and we have supper with them every night. Tonight is a formal meal so I hope to post some nice pictures tomorrow. Tonight Chrarles will be doing a concert and we are really excited about that. We are also going to be able to meet Dr. Jeremiah today. He has preached some wonderful sermons. I must confess though that God has spoken to me more in my quiet times that even during the services. It has been wonderful to just be still and know that He is God. I am so looking forward to getting home and sharing God's word with all of you. Thanks again for this wonderful time of rest relaxation.

Hey boys mom got you that special gift yesterday, I promise nobody else will have one. ( I don't think) I really miss you and the next two days are going to be a long because I really miss you. I know that you are in good hands. I love all of you! I'll talk to you later. Send me a COMMENT if you have time.

DAD

How Romantic!

My turn! By the way we were in Puerto Vayarta today and it was BEAUTIFUL!!! But I made a big mistake and didn't wear good walking shoes and now my feet are killing me! Valuable lesson!

Guess what the Arkansans hit first right off the boat today? WAL MART!!!! Yes, even in Mexico there are Wal Marts! Everyday low prices!

Saw several children vendors again today and I was ready with more lifesavers! They are all so beautiful! It is sad they are learning to barter so early in their lives.

We pray for you boys everyday and we can't wait to see you and love on you! Please tell me you are being good and minding your manners, don't break tradition of being better for others and not for your own parents:) Do your best at school too OK?

I am so glad we got all our shopping done today, I was really getting sick of haggling prices with the vendors! Of course, Kevin was in heaven! I bet the vendors of Mexico are glad he is leaving the country!:)

Thanks for all the comments too. We look forward to reading them every day.

Love you all, especially the Murray boys!

Johnna

It was the best day yet!!!!!!!!!

Olah to all of you from Mexico!! All I can say is you need to go to what ever the name of that town was we were

in today!! I've been practing on my guitar for cowboy church. Ha Ha. The beach was great, weather was perfect 85 with a nice breeze. I took a nice walk with my bride and it was priceless. We even had some Mexican music just for us while we relaxed in the sun. (well I was under an umbrella reapplying my sunscreen. )

Can you believe this!!!

Thank you Emmanuel for the vacation of a lifetime! I now how the president gets treated now. I don't think I told you but did you know that they come every night while we are at supper and turn down our covers (bedding as they call it) it's the coolest thing. We can have room service anytime we want

Hey Boys do you think I look like grandpa with those brown shoes on, don't answer that.

Love ya, it's bedtime!

One happy Couple!!!

Here are some pictures of us hope you enjoy them!

More Pictures!!

I can only put a couple of pictures on each blog that is why there are so many! Spread the word at church that pictures are posted and comments are wanted. It really is on of my highlights to check and see who has called.

Murray's having fun in Mexico!

This picture was taken when we got off the boat to go to Mazalan. Can you tell I'm stress free.

How about that sail boat, we almost tuck a ride but my patch fell off. (I'm not taken any chances.)

More Pictures!!!1

High everybody it's about 11pm on the boat and Johnna has turned in for the night! I think being around all of these people who turn in at dark is rubbing off on her. What do you think about those two in the picture. I better not hear anyone make fun of me or you'll get it! That was taken on Prom night. It was so much fun. We have to dress formal 2 more times before we get home. Just to let you know a little bit of our schedule we get up and eat breakfast about 9am and then get off the boat and start toward town. In the evenings we have our worship services at 6:00 - 7:30 Charles and Dr. Jeremiah have both been wonderful. They are really a lot of fun. He has been preaching on the life of Christ!

Hey boys got your comment, Tanner thanks for the ipod it has been a lifesaver out on the beach!' Let me know who's house all of you are staying at. Tell me about your ballgame Logan. Hey Ethan i haven't heard from you in a while do you still remember dad. Sounds like all of you are just fine love you tell Grandma and Grandpa we said hello and we love them.

gotta go, Love ya!

Dad

Vendors, Vendors, Vendors!!!!!!

Good afternoon everyone, especially the Murray Boys! Today was the hottest day so far! It was about 82 degrees, felt great out on the beach. Speaking of the beach i have never said no thank you so many times in an hour in my life!!!!!!! The vendors were relentless to say the least, but I did manage to get a few bargains. (when Johnna would keep her mouth shut) The little sales men would say "you break my leetle beesness " when I would make an offer. They always say "I make you a Good deal" I would say NO DEAL! It was really kinda of fun.

Before we went to the beach we took an open taxi on a private tour of Mazatlan. Very beautiful drive and very relaxing. We then took in all the flea markets, the fleas were still hopping. We were able to buy a few things at a good price. When rested at Mc Donalds and had a ice cream cone before we headed back out on the town. It's been another wonderful day. Hey boys tommorrow we are going to pick you out an Awesome gift that we have been looking at all week!! I promise no one in Piggott will have one!!! You will be soooo COOL!! Well Mom's turn I love all of you very much I praying for all of you and I am very excited about coming home and starting our Revival!!! Somebody let me know how Cowboy church goes! Love Ya!!

OK my turn, this is Johnna!

We did have another great day, just not as relaxing as yesterday because of the vendors. I have to tell you that my little kind and naive heart breaks everytime Kevin tried to jew them down, but when I saw the children asking for "One dollar" I almost started crying. See the photo at the top, we stopped and gave some money to the mother and the little girl who told me she was 4 let me take my picture with her. I gave her and her little brother some lifesavers and prayed for them as we walked away.

As you can see, we figured out how to send pictures and we will be sending more in the future. (And we have a bunch with us together, Karen!:)

We've got to go and get ready for church. I love you all! Boys, I have been praying for you and I miss you every day! Please check on our critters, I don't want to come home to malnourished pets!

Tell Grandma and Grandpa hello for us, we love you!~

Johnna

Things are O.K. I touched Land!

WOW, what a day! We arrived in Cabo San Lucas about 9:30 this morning. It was incredible to see the city as we pulled into the harbor. We had to ride small boats into shore, (the boat reminded us of the Mayonaise boys) Once on shore we took a bicycle taxi through town ($25) I asked if he would do it for less and Johnna said no, pay the young man. We then went to the flea market and the fleas were hopping. Hey boys mom got you a gift I told her no but she said YES! I have no control of her at this point please pray for me! After the market we shopped in some other stores and then caught a water taxi. It was a BOAT! (another mayonaise) He took us on a wonderful little tour of the beaches. We saw Mexican turkeys (pelicans) lots of fish (glass bottom boat) and last of all many sea lions. Next came Lovers Beach, Oh my goodness! It was AWESOME. What made it so great was I never had to leave the shade while Johnna tanned I slept very nice! (it was better than sand Island Wade) Well we stayed there for 2 hours and then headed back to the BIG BOAT! That's where we are now, we are fixing to get ready for another wonderful night on the boat.

Johnna here!

It has been a beautiful day here in Cabo. The water is SO blue and the temperature was 75 degrees! Perfect! Kevin & I were the typical tourists. Bags, cameras, and water bottle hanging everywhere! Kevin DID embarrass me trying to rip the poor little Mexicans off! They are all so cute and polite. Our taxi driver (Alfredo) called me MOM for taking care of him:) He has 2 little "bambinos" at home so now I am a grandmother:)

The beach was very relaxing....I was in the sun, Kev in the shade. Kind of like Jack Sprat & his wife:)

We met some younger kids today on the return to the ship. We each thought we were the youngest individuals on the ship!

Karen, Kevin & I talked to Charles yesterday and he is going to fix you up with all kinds of Billingsley merchandise(signed of course!) He still feels awful!

Lastly, to our boys, we think of you every day. We are really missing you. You would love this, the most fabulous food in the world! We'll have to do this together sometime!

Be watching, we are going to try to send some pictures in the future.

Thank you, Emmanuel Baptist for such a wonderful gift of stress free time with my husband! I am so grateful to have you as our church family. We take every opportunity to brag on you when people ask how we came to be on the cruise. God bless you all!

Love Johnna

I made it through another night!

It was AWESOME! Johnna and I had to dress formal last night for supper. (steak and crab legs and shrimp, and cheese cake, and watermellon pie, and ice cream and cappacino) It felt like we were in high school getting ready to go to our Sr. Prom. (we didn't dance though, that's tonight)
Johnna was looking Great and I was looking weird, I haven't seen one pair of cowboy boots on this boat Ethan. After supper we went to a Branson style show in a beautiful theatre . It was old time rock n roll and it was fun!! We have met a couple from Arizona, they are retired and are celebrating their 50 wedding anniversary. We love them they are so much fun.

As I sit here typing I'm looking out at the ocean and a beautiful sun shinny morning. The only thing that's ruining it for me is watching all these healthy people jogging and walking. I am feeling kinda of bad, I plan on walking all day because we are going shopping in Cabo San Lucas. Let me know if i can get you anything.

Well that's the latest report from the titanic posidan adventure cruise line. Hey Wade you would love it if you just didn't go outside!

Last of all let me say hi to the boys! We miss you so much and I still cry at least once a day but I aint comin home yet. Believe it or not I am really having the time of my life. Love you boys work hard in school and be good! I might even have mom buy you a $3 t-shirt in Mexico!
I almost forgot to tell you that I went to the biggest super bowl party ever, I never seen so many Colts fans in all my life. How about them Colts! Hey Logan mom said she thought she heard you screamming one time! It was an ugly game but a great win. Hey Dave do you believe? Gotta go ya, My bride is suppose to meet me for breakfast on the 6 floor and I don't want to be late. Talk to you tonight. (we are about 4 hours behind you now, keep that in mind.
To everybody who made this trip happen, (i'm crying) Thank You so much!

Love ya,

Kevin

At Sea, to far from the bank!

Hey everybody, we made it through the first night without hurling. (we ate ginger root) Last night was Great we had a Great meal and lots of other food. Dr. Jeremiah and Charles are terrific, Great church service this morning at 8:30 (yes we went to church) We are just hanging out right now waiting to go to the Super Bowl Party. We hope all is still well at home. Thanks to who ever has our boys for taking good care of them.

The boat is wonderful from the food to people!

Hey, ya'll this is Johnna!

We feel like we did when we first came to Emmanuel- practically the youngest couple on the ship! I am not kidding! But we have learned alot from the people we have come to know. Our dinner guests for every nite told us about the ginger root for sea sickness. We don't feel sick, but just don't have our sea legs yet:)

Boys, we really miss you guys! There is something all the time that reminds us of one or all of you. Maybe someday we will be able to go on a cruise all of us together! Be good at school this week and do your best, OK? On and off the court!

Love,
the Murray Sea Dogs!

We Made it to the Boat!

Hey Boys, LOVE YA! What a day, we left the motel this morning (Great Motel) around 6:45 can you believe Johnna beat me getting ready! Our plane left St. Louis about 8:40 (32 degrees).
We landed in Minniapolis (11 degrees below zero) about 11 or so, got back on the plane at some time I forgot but it took us about 3 hours to fly to San Diego. Hey Logan I asked mom if she new what baseball team was in San Diego and she first guest the Angels but then she said Padres. Way to go Mom!

Listen to this we flew over part of the Grand Canyon, pretty big creek! I know all of you have been praying for me and it worked, I am feeling better and the plane ride was just fine. Everything could not have gone smother, well other than our carry on luggage at St. Louis. We were almost strip searched and I told them they would not like to see me that way. Johnna had a few to many beauty supplies in her carry on and I forgot to tell them I had a video camera in a suit case. They are so sensitive.

Oh the weather in San Diego is about 74 today expected to be 85 tommorrow. Not bad. OUR room is awesome. I heard so many say how small the rooms were so I didn't expect much, but Dr. Jeremiah and Karen must have pulled some strings because we have a Great spacious room with our own private balcony, It's along way to the water if I come up missing come find me.

We got on the boat about 3:30 and I started eatting at 4:00. I started with the famous cheeseburger and fries and sweet tea. It was just an appetizer for the main meal at 8:00. Hey as I type, the boat is backing out of the dock. This is COOL. I know there will be alot of typing errors but I'm having to type real fast because this ain't cheap. That's about all I can tell you right now but I'll be on everyday. I don't what time so just keep checking in.

Hey boys before I go I want you to know That as much fun as this is going to be I miss you all very much. Mom will tell you how much when we get home. (let's just put it this way I didn't sleep much last night) I'm proud of you Tanner for the way you played Friday and Saturday, grandpa told me about Saturday. Love you to Logan keep your head up everybody misses sometime. Hey Ethan i love you pal take care of the cows and horses while I'm gone. How was the sports show. tell me about it. See ya!


P.S. Emmanuel you folks are the Greatest I'm telling everybody about you.

Love ya, gotta go to Mexico talk to you tommorrow!

Bro. Kevin
(dad, to Tanner, Logan, Ethan)

Thank you!

Hey everyone it's 3pm Friday afternoon and the bags are packed and in the vehicle. Johnna and I are going to Corning to watch Tanner play his final game of the season and then we are off to St. Louis. We are BOTH excited about the trip of a life time. We have said thank you but those words just really don't seem like enough. I hope all of you know how much your generousity mean to us. Keep us in your prayers!

I know it's been over a month since you've heard from me but tune over the next few days and if I can get online on the cruise I'll let you know what's going on everyday. I'll let you know what I want you to know. Talk to you tommorrow. Love you boys!

Message from "A Member of Emmanuel" to the Murrays

So the Preacher flys out of St. Louis
and hits the boat in San Diego Bay.
He's nervous and scared but ready to go
and better yet he has nothing to pay!

Johnna's excited and ready for a big break
with her husband to go on this cruise.
Some swimming, some reading and way too much dining
so that next month there will be weight to lose.

There are games to play and contests to win
and new friends to make from Houston to Lansing.
But remember, whatever activites you enjoy
You're Baptists, so no cards or dancing.

Your kids have said bye and so long for now
as they love their Mom and her spouse.
Just remember this weekend and next weekend too
the party is at the Murray house.

So as you head out to sea, just remember two things
Boats float and planes fly every day.
So relax on this trip, God and many love you
And while you are gone, for you both we will pray

Have a wonderful break and enjoy yourselves!

"A Member of Emmanuel" (name withheld at my request, lol)