Led By An Unknown Way

Deeper than the Stain has Gone

2009-04-22T19:44:00.001-06:00

At a recent worship meeting I heard a man quote the first verse of this hymn in his sermon. I’d never heard the words to this hymn before, but as he recited them I was deeply moved by the words of the hymnist.

We fully realize the corruption of man by the choice of Adam, a corruption that reaches to the deepest recesses of our heart, soul, mind and body. This corruption has affected us in divers ways from birth to death. Left to ourselves, our sin and depravity would send us straight to hell, but as this hymn proclaims, the “blood of God’s own Son purifies and reaches deeper than the stain has gone!” I’m thankful, beyond thankful for the perfect and pure sacrifice of Jesus Christ that more than elevated us from our depraved condition, but placed us firmly in the hands of His Father never to fall again!

Dark the stain that soiled man's nature,
Long the distance that he fell.
Far re-moved from hope and heav-en,
Into deep despair and hell.
But there was a fountain opened,
And the blood of God's own Son,
Purifies the soul and reaches
Deeper than the stain has gone!

Chorus

Praise the Lord for full salvation,
God still reigns upon His throne.
And I know the blood still reaches
Deep-er than the stain has gone.

Conscious of the deep pollution,
Sinners wander in the night,
Tho' they hear the Shepherd calling,
They still fear to face the light.
This the blessed consolation,
That can melt the heart of stone,
That sweet Balm of Gilead reaches
Deep-er than the stain has gone!

All unworthy we who've wandered,
And our eyes are wet with tears;
As we think of love that sought us
Through the weary wasted years.
Yet we walk the holy highway,
Walking by God's grace alone
Knowing Calv'ry's fountain reaches
Deeper than the stain has gone!

When with holy choirs we're standing
In the presence of the King,
And our souls are lost in wonder,
While the white robed choirs sing;
Then we'll praise the name of Jesus,
With the millions round the throne;
Praise Him for the pow'r that reaches,
Deeper than the stain has gone!

Goodbye, Mr. President, May God Bless You

2009-01-15T21:41:00.003-06:00

During the election cycle I had the ominous feeling that Barack Obama would be our next president. As the returns came in that Tuesday night, I was braced for that outcome and thankfully felt peace knowing that the Lord is ultimately in control. Since that time I've prayed many times for the success of our new president, and truly hope he has an easier term(s) than President Bush has had.

Over the past few days though, I've become somewhat melancholy as the current president nears the end of his time of governing. I've realized that for the past eight years I've been able to cast most of my concerns regarding our nation aside knowing that the man at The White House was a godly man, full of integrity and honor. I felt confident while he has been at the helm.

That same feeling of security is quickly departing as 12:00 PM, January 20, 2009 approaches. I still trust solidly that the Lord is in control, and that a king's heart is in the Lord's hand, but as this new administration readies to take the helm, I know the man that will inhabit the Oval Office does not share the same values that I do. I'm not certain that he will do all that's necessary to protect our nation from aggression and attack. I know he will seek to unravel many of the gains that pro life conservatives have seen set in place during Mr. Bush's tenure. I suspect that many of his answers to our economic problems will have very long term costly consequences. I suspect that his term(s) will have a lasting impact on the social issues of our nation, and not for the better.

I realize that President George W. Bush has been a controversial and unpopular president. There have been a few items I've disagreed with him on, but I've consistently been thankful that our God allowed him to be in that place during these past eight years. I've been thankful to know that a man of principle, purpose and integrity was our leader for this time. As President Bush retires to Texas, I hope for a happy retirement for him. I pray that God will continually encourage him, and I hope his supporters will continually thank him for his faithful and unwavering service to our nation during some of the most tumultuous times we may ever see.

And I pray that President-elect Obama will prove to be a good leader, a faithful watchmen for our security. May God lead him through each issue and decision.

I truly hope for a continued future rich in the blessings of God for our beloved nation.

Christmas!

2008-12-22T22:27:00.003-06:00

My favorite time of year has arrived! I've always enjoyed the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's a warm time, full of good food, fun, friends, family and faith.

This, of course is our first Christmas together! And it's shaping up to be a really good one!

On Tuesday evening we're gathering with Lydia's family to enjoy Christmas with her siblings. Her oldest brother, Bryan and his wife Jen can't be here for Christmas Eve or Day, so we'll have a meal and gift exchange together Tuesday night with them. In addition, Lydia's grandparents will be there with us too, I am really looking forward to it.

On Christmas Eve we'll go to Lydia's parents to have Christmas with her parents, and Isaac and Tasha on Christmas morning!

Friday we'll head to Texas to see my family. We'll see my Dad, sister and two brothers on Saturday morning, then to my Grandma's for supper that evening and Christmas with my Mom's family.

Sunday we'll head to Fredericksburg for worship with the saints that I dearly love. Then back to Abilene to spend more time with the two sides of my family. Then we'll leave early Tuesday morning to head back home, and we'll bring Grandma back with us. She went home at Thanksgiving to see all her children, and I'll sure be glad to have her back home with us!

Wednesday (New Year's Eve) is Lydia's birthday, so we'll most likely do something with her folks for lunch (no plans yet made). Then that evening I'll take her out to a nice place for a birthday supper!

Then, the New Year will arrive!

I hope each of you has a wonderful time with your family and friends this next week. May God bless you all with peace, and a time of rejoicing in the year to come!

A Wonderful Weekend

2008-10-07T19:19:00.003-06:00

This past weekend we headed to Georgia for a wonderful weekend of worship.

On Friday, Grandma and I headed to Atlanta to spend the night with Elder Marty Smith. Our 8 1/2 hour drive was uneventful and peaceful, and we arrived to a wonderful visit and supper at Elder Smith's home. Brother Marty has been a good friend for several years and I always enjoy the opportunity to spend time with him. Additionally, he and a dear sister in our church, Sister Sandy Bryant will soon be married!

After a restful night at Elder Smith's home we headed to Danville on Saturday morning for services at Cool Springs Church. We had a wonderful song service, and I felt good liberty preaching on the Syrophonecian woman in Matthew 15. Afterwards, several went to the home of Brother Mike & Sister Marilyn Sheppard and enjoyed a wonderful meal and several hours of fellowship.

That evening I drove to Macon to meet Lydia. She had to take a test on Saturday morning so wasn't able to drive down with us, so she flew to Atlanta Saturday afternoon, then took a shuttle to Macon. It was so good to see her and have her with me! We returned to the Sheppard's home and had a good visit, and then a restful night of sleep.

On Sunday, the Lord blessed us with good services again. I spoke on Mark 4, the calming of the seas and related that story to the storms that occur in our lives, and our faith in the promises of God bearing us through them. The church was very receptive, and I felt very good liberty and comfort there. We enjoyed a good lunch and visit with the brethren, then headed back to the Sheppard home for an afternoon of rest before the evening service. During the afternoon I had the opportunity to visit with a dear brother in his home, and enjoyed a good Bible discussion with him.

Later in the evening several from the church came over for homemade ice cream that Brother Mike made, and boy was the ice cream and the fellowship good!

We then headed back to the church house for evening services and it was good to see and meet the brethren again. I spoke from Psalm 56, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." The meeting closed and it was sad to depart the place. I do very much enjoy being with the folks there.

We had a wonderful meal after services with the Sheppard's, then Brother Mike and I sat up till 1 visiting, and it was a great joy.

After a good rest, Grandma, Lydia and I hit the road for the 11 hour drive back home. We arrived home safely, and now have headed back to work and school. We're all thankful for such a wonderful weekend, and the blessings of the Lord upon us.

On another note - since my last post I have resigned from the pastorate of Little Flock Church. I have served this wonderful congregation for about five years and am thankful for the time I had among them. I know this church would very much appreciate your prayers as they seek a new pastor that would be a man of integrity, and a man of the Lord's choosing.

Pray for us also as we seek the Lord's will for us and the direction He would send us.

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

2008-09-14T09:07:00.002-06:00

This morning, instead of going out the door at this moment to go to church, I am sitting here in my living room, feet up on the table, deep in the comfy couch watching the remainder of Hurricane Ike drop inches of rain just out our windows.

We're having flash flooding in our area, and most of our members have water in their basements, including us. Thankfully the rain is supposed to end at noon, and if all's well, we'll have church at 6 this evening instead.

Growing up in Texas we never called off church, but since I've been in Illinois I've realized the necessity a few times. Generally it's due to snow and ice, this is a first. And it's a bit depressing, and a bit relaxing. Obviously it is EXTREMELY rare for me to be on the couch, feet up, enjoying the sound of rain on a Sunday morning, but here I sit. I just hope we can go to worship tonight!

Never thought Ike would affect us this way, nor that it would arrive in our area so quickly, but he has. I try to be given to hospitality, but this is a friend that can go away and come again another day (just not Sunday!).

I know - it's been a while...

2008-09-08T13:21:00.002-06:00

Hello Bloggers!

I'm sorry that I've been so long in writing, but as my last post said, I've been busy. Though I'm not as busy now as I was this spring. Thankfully little league is over, the wedding is past (things are going great, I LOVE married life!) and the slower time of fall/winter is approaching.

I have been traveling a lot, and enjoying my visits with the Lord's people throughout the country. I've been blessed this year to preach in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia and perhaps a couple other states that are escaping me right now. It's been a good time for me, and I hope I've been able (by God's grace and assistance) to encourage the churches.

We've had some good meetings at home here at Little Flock, too. This past June we had Elders David and Tim Montgomery preach our annual meeting. We had Elder Adam Green with us the 5th Sunday in August and that was a real blessing for us all. This November, Elder Jeremy Sarber will be with us and we look forward to his visit.

I'm really looking forward to fall, and even winter. Usually the winter is a slower time for me and I'm able to get caught up on tons of reading, correspondence and rest. And perhaps I'll get caught up on a little blogging, too!

Busy as a - no time to figure it out...

2008-04-02T10:24:00.002-06:00

I know, I know – it has been over a month since my last post, but in my defense, I’ve been BUSY! Between work (long hours lately), church, caring for Grandma, studying for sermons, household chores, me time, and trying to spend every moment I can with Lydia – I haven’t had time, or inclination to add a post to the blog. It was either that, or pay bills – I like electricity, so the bills won over the blog.

There’s been a little to occur over this past month, and more to occur in the months to come. I was blessed to be able to attend Elder Jeremy Sarber’s ordination, which was a real joy. On Friday night Elder Garry Hall preached a good sermon on “Thanksgiving.” On Saturday AM, the ordination took place and went very well. It began with Jeremy preaching to us, then with his interrogation. He did a splendid job asking the MANY questions! I was thinking during the interrogation – wow, so glad I only had 5 questions! That afternoon I preached on the subject of “Considering,” and Elder Hall preached a masterpiece of a sermon on the healing of the leper in Mark 1. Absolutely one of the best sermons I’ve heard in quite some time.

On Sunday I had an appointment to preach at Fort Wayne Church. They are currently praying for and seeking a new pastor. They are a delightful congregation and I trust that God will soon grant their request.

The rest of this month is quite crazy – this Friday we have a church to view for the wedding, Saturday a church meeting a couple hours north, then church here Sunday. The next week is the 50th anniversary and vow renewal ceremony of the Ratliff’s here at our church. Then the following week I travel to Virginia for a meeting, then a weekend off, then to Texas for my sister’s wedding. Then it should calm down for a couple weeks until the Summer Rush!

The current task to overcome is a huge workload here at the office. We’ve been hit with a ton of unexpected problems, thus tons of unexpected work, thus tons of unexpected overtime coming up. Oh well, that will help to pay those unexpected bills that always seem to come at the most unexpected moment, when you never have extra unexpected funds!

Anyway, back to work…that was my morning break! Hope you’re all well!

Engagement Pics

2008-02-26T14:21:00.013-06:00

Being the wonderful, charming, sensitive, romantic, and thoughtful gent that I am (yeah right!), I had set up an appointment for engagement pictures before I asked Lydia to marry me. That was one of those easy things to cancel if she said no! ;-)

So, the Saturday after Valentine's Day, we went down to the local portrait studio and had a few shots made. It was quite the fun! Not really. For those who do know me, know that I don't care too much for having photos taken of me, and I really don't like some of the crazy poses they want you to do.

The poor lady was at a loss of what to do - determined that she needed 6 different poses. Me, being the guy I am, thought one was sufficient. But I gave in and she got the needed shots. Just not the crazy ones she wanted!

Lydia gently prodded me to be patient, and so the photos were taken, and came out great. Of course, Lydia is so beautiful that she compensates for my looks!

Going to the Chapel and We're Gonna Get Married...;)

2008-02-19T09:33:00.008-06:00

Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here this day in the presence of this blog, and all its readers to announce some really great news!!!

On this past Thursday night, I asked Miss Lydia Corn to make me the happiest man on earth by consenting to become my wife. And I am beyond thankful that she said yes!!!

The wedding is planned for July 5th of this year!

The planning has begun, and I'm sure Lydia will be posting to her blog about those things as time passes. Or maybe she'll make you wait until the big day, and let you be pleasantly and wonderfully surprised.

Her parents, Dale and Michele have been so gracious, and I am thankful for them. They are another set of parents for me and I've always been thankful for our closeness. I was, and am very thankful that they consented to our courtship, and then for us to be married. And now with all the planning and stress that is sure to come, I appreciate their willingness and help, leadership and guidance as we move forward to July 5th, and especially beyond.

"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD" (Proverbs 18:22). I thank the Father above for His favour, and I look forward to many years of continual thanks for this, the greatest blessing of my life, save the eternal life and inheritance given me by Christ.

Lydia and I both ask for your prayers for us. We look forward to building a Christ-honoring life together, and we know we need the Lord's grace to accomplish that life long commitment and service to one another, and our God.

Understanding to Discern

2008-02-13T14:28:00.003-06:00

Wisdom

“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing” (1 Kings 3:9-10).

Any person with a reasonable mental grasp would agree that wisdom is essential. I have often heard and made jokes about those without “common sense.” Some have “book smarts,” but no ability to put that knowledge into any useable practice. Thus, such a person is devoid of common sense, or the Biblical term, wisdom.

Wisdom is simply how to use the knowledge we’ve acquired or have been given. It is most definitely useful, a practical tool to exist in the world. How often I’ve shaken my head at others, and even more at myself for foolish mistakes that were simply performed by not taking time to think through and reason the best approach during any given situation.

On the freeways or downtown traffic we see people that we wish would pray for more wisdom. We run into them on the factory floor or in the office hallway. We see parents that need wisdom to rightly bring up their children in an honorable way. We know of church members and pastors that could use wisdom. We all need wisdom that comes from God.

Solomon realized the need to understand, and also the need for the ability to discern between one thing and another. So, understanding his need to understand and discern, he went to the Source that was able to give him the knowledge and wisdom he needed.

Solomon wasn’t seeking this knowledge and wisdom for personal gain of wealth, power or long life – nor should we. Often when I shake my head at myself or others it isn’t because they, or I have failed to honor the Lord by discerning between good and bad, it is generally because they’ve been in my way in traffic, or I’ve made some foolish choice. Often I fail to consider that wisdom in the larger sense is needed; not to avoid some small, insignificant occurrences, but to avoid sinning against the Lord.

Solomon’s speech “pleased the LORD.” The Lord was so pleased with Solomon’s request that He granted it, saying, “I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.”

How blessed the day when all of the Lord’s saints would bow, as Solomon, and request the Almighty for understanding and wisdom to discern between right and wrong in the decisions we make each day, the responses we give in the face of trials, and the commitments we make in all aspects of our lives. Think of the prevented sins if we all sought the Lord more earnestly, fervently and continually for discernment between the good and the bad.

Blest Be The Tie That Binds

2008-01-07T15:29:00.000-06:00

BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS

Words: John Fawcett, Hymns Adapted to the Circumstance of Public Worship (Leeds, England: 1782).

"Dr. John Fawcett was the pastor of a small church at Wainsgate, and was called from there to a larger church in London in 1772. He accepted the call and preached his farewell sermon. The wagons were loaded with his books and furniture, and all was ready for the departure, when his parishioners gathered around him, and with tears in their eyes begged of him to stay. His wife said, “Oh John, John, I cannot bear this.” “Neither can I,” exclaimed the good pastor, “and we will not go. Unload the wagons and put everything as it was before.” His decision was hailed with great joy by his people, and he wrote the words of this hymn in commemoration of the event. This song, and “God be with you until we meet again,” are the most useful farewell hymns in the world." (http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/b/bbtttb.htm)

“I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love...” Hosea 11:4

Blest be the tie that binds

Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like to that above.

In heaven above, surely there will be harmony sweet. Never will there be a discouraging word, a cross look, a prejudiced thought. All will be kindness, unity, grace and love. How sweet it is when in Christian fellowship we can now experience the same. In the Church of Jesus Christ this is to be our vision, our goal, the mark to which we march toward. It is a blessed tie, a band of love, a bond of perfectness, and picture of Christ Himself.

Before our Father’s throne

We pour our ardent prayers;

Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one

Our comforts and our cares.

It has often been my comfort to hear the prayers of the saints, and to pray with them. I love the singing, and I love the preaching, but the heavenward language of a heart’s prayer is edifying beyond imagination. Certainly it is more than a relief, it is an effectual pouring out of our soul’s desire, or our heart’s complaint. God from heaven hears, and relieves our struggles.

Together in prayer we’re blessed to pray in the presence of others so all know our trouble, our worry, our hope, our vision. Together we’re encouraged to hear such thoughts of the inward parts.

We share each other’s woes,

Our mutual burdens bear;

And often for each other flows

The sympathizing tear.

The scriptures tell us to rejoice with our brethren who rejoice, and we’re to weep with those that weep. I love to hear the requests of the saints for prayer, and more to hear them pour out their own prayers to God. In such times my heart pours forth to God for His help to them, during such moments my heart is drawn closer to them.

When we asunder part,

It gives us inward pain;

But we shall still be joined in heart,

And hope to meet again.

In times when the Spirit of God is attending us in the assembly, it is a grievous time to part with the saints. However, our consolation is to know that soon we’ll be gathered together again at the next Lord’s day, and if not then, in heaven itself.

This glorious hope revives

Our courage by the way;

While each in expectation lives,

And longs to see the day.

Each time I have to depart the Lord’s house, it truly is a revival to know that soon I’ll be gathered with His people again, and soon I’ll experience their encouragement. The day of the Lord’s service is a day of expectation for His faithful disciples, and is a favored time to their soul. How much more favored is the great day of anticipation where perfect love and harmony will be experienced at the end of time!

From sorrow, toil and pain,

And sin, we shall be free,

And perfect love and friendship reign

Through all eternity.

While the fellowship of the saints and their prayers are wonderful and helpful, it can never fully remove our pain, toil, sorrow and sin; however, the day approached that the Ascended Christ shall ensure the removal of all those things, and the addition of a day of perfect bliss. A day without end. What a hope the Christian has, what wonderful expectation. But also what a blessing is ours in the congregation of the Lord to bear and be bound together!

Pictures from the Holidays

2007-12-29T14:03:00.001-06:00

Whitney, Corbin, Caylub & me.

Caylub

Whitney

Corbin

Whitney and me.

Katelynn, Whitney, me.

Katelynn, Whitney, Mom and me.

Katelynn and me.

A Wonderful Christmas

2007-12-27T16:28:00.000-06:00

I had a wonderful trip to Texas this past weekend, my heart is still full of thanks to my God.

I left my office around 1:00 Friday afternoon and began the journey across Missouri. About an hour into my journey I called Elder Adam Green for a visit while on the road. While visiting with him he invited me to stay over at his home on Friday evening. At first thought I said no, thinking it was too much out of the way. After I hung up I began to think about it and realized I'd save an hour on Friday and add it on Saturday so it really wasn't out of the way at all. So I called him back. It'd been about 3 1/2 years since I'd last seen the Green family and I'm ashamed of that! Adam and I have been together a couple times during that time, but I haven't seen his wife and children. It was such a joy to be in their home again and to catch up.

On Saturday morning I awoke bright and early, had a wonderful breakfast of french toast prepared by Adam. I had fun with the kiddos one last moment before I had to hit the road.

I left their home around 9:00 and drove across to Dallas and arrived at Mike Montgomery's about 3:00. I learned on the way that David and his family wouldn't be able to make it until after my departure, so I was a bit disappointed. But since I had the nice surprise of seeing the Green's I couldn't complain too much!

I had a wonderful visit Saturday afternoon/evening/night with Mike, Judy and Caitlin. We laughed, told stories, recounted memories of times past in the great state of Texas. We watched a Dallas Cowboys game, talked more, ate, then went to bed. On Sunday morning their son Daniel arrived and he and I rode to church together. Daniel is a lot of fun and it was good to catch up with him!

Services at Old School were refreshing. It was good to see folks that I hadn't seen in half a decade! I need to get out more! Actually I need to get back to Texas more. Alas, there's no time for that though!

The singing was wonderful, good old gospel standards that I raised singing. Then I attempted to preach on God's faithfulness to deliver us out of all our afflictions (Psalm 34:19). I was thankful that several were encouraged from the message, two sisters in particular have suffered great burdens recently and their minds were comforted and relieved. I love when that occurs, it makes all effort worthwhile. May the Lord be praised.

I ate lunch with the folks and had a fun visit with Mike, Caitlin, Daniel, Mark Rowell & Carol Strayhorn. We heard more stories (very funny ones) from past times, and it was great!

Then I departed and headed to my Dad's. I arrive around 4:00 and we went shopping! Then we went to his house and spent the evening together with my brothers, sister and niece. We told stories of my Papaw (Dad's father) and it was very touching to remember him again.

Monday, my sister, brothers and I went and had pictures taken to give to parents and grandparents. It is the first time ever that the four of us have had a picture taken together. It was fun and I'm glad to have them!

After the pictures I went to my Grandma's and loaded my Great-Grandmother's things to bring her back to IL. Then we headed to Mom's for Christmas dinner with all her family. It was a very good evening of food, family and gifts. I went to bed around 11, then Grandma and I left at 5:30 to come home. We arrived around 5:30 in the evening and were thankful to be home safe.

It was a wonderful trip, but as always, it is good to be home. I was happy and thankful to be back with my flock last night for services, and look forward to the weekend of worship together with them!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and look forward with joy and optimism for the year to come.

Going Home to Texas

2007-12-21T11:20:00.000-06:00

When I moved to Edwardsville in the fall of '03, I very quickly felt at home in this community. I was thankful and remain thankful that God has so well provided for my wants in every way. As I was leaving St Louis in December of '03 to go to Texas for Christmas, about an hour from Edwardsville I was ready to turn back and go home. I'm such a homebody! I love spending time at home, it's the place I like to be the most. I love to travel, visit friends and family, fellowship with saints in various locations, but as soon as I arrive at my destination I'm ready to go home.

This afternoon, about 1 o'clock I'll be leaving the office and hitting I-44 for the long drive to Texas. I've got a busy weekend ahead of me and will see lots of family, but also friends in the faith. I hope to make it to Oklahoma City tonight and sleepover at a hotel. Then I'll get up early and drive on to Dallas. I hope to arrive in Dallas at around noon and go to the home of Elder Mike Montgomery. It has been nearly five years since I was last in him home and attended his church, so I am very excited. To add to the excitement, Elder David Montgomery and his family (I lived with them for two years) will also be there Saturday and Sunday. Sunday I'll get to see Elder Mark Rowell who is courting a sister at Old School Church so we're looking forward to a very big day together on Sunday. I just can't wait!

Then Sunday afternoon I will drive to my Dad's and he and I will go Christmas shopping together. Then on Christmas Eve I'll have time with my Mom and her family. Christmas Day I will leave to head home and plan to have my Great-Grandmother with me. I'm very excited about her return, and she's planning to be with me at least until May!

I'm looking forward to a wonderful weekend and time with my family, but I'm already missing home. I will miss my flock this Sunday and worshipping together with them. I will miss my Sweetheart, too! I imagine Tuesday's trip home will be lightning fast!!! :-)

I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas with your families, friends and loved ones. May the Lord Jesus Christ be exalted, and bless you as you praise Him. May we remember the sacrifice of His life to cover our sins, and let us give thanks unto His name!

Web Link Detailing My Earlier Story...

2007-12-19T11:17:00.001-06:00

http://www.ksdk.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=137063

Exciting Commute

2007-12-19T09:56:00.000-06:00

This morning my commute from home to the office was a little out of the ordinary to say the least. Brother Jerry and I generally carpool as we only work about a mile apart from one another. As we entered St Louis by the MLK (Martin Luther King, Jr) bridge and entered the downtown area, a horn sounded at me. Now, I am usually the one sounding a horn and don't take too kindly to being honked at. But as I hear the horn sounding, I also hear the screeching of tires! I braced for impact and was ready as I could be to have my new car smashed, hopefully not to too many pieces.

What happened, you ask?

Thankfully I was not hit...but just a moment later a car sped by. I thought, "well, he's obviously late to work!" I'm sure I probably thought some other not-so-nice things about him, only to find out my negative thoughts of him were justified.

Why, you ask?

Well, a split second later I hear the sound of sirens, then I see a police car speed by. Then another, then another, then another. I think a total of 4. They were chasing this guy through downtown St Louis on Broadway! I wanted to speed up to find out what was happening!

I dropped Jerry off, then proceeded down to Market (you can look at a map of St Louis if you wish) to see two more police cars speed by, so now we're up to 6...Wow, I thought!

So then I see nothing more and come on into the office. A few minutes later I hear the rest of the story...

This young man (17) had kidnapped a 14 year old girl at knife point and was evading the police. An Amber Alert had been issued and they were chasing the criminal down. They caught him! Now the crook is going up the river to spend time behind bars. I thought while he was speeding through downtown that he should be hung in Keiner Plaza for nearly killing folks...now I think something even worse should occur. Either way, I hope the judge throws the book at him and sends him to the clink!

So, you see, my commute was extraordinary today, and now I figure the rest of the week's drive will be back to the boring hustle and wait of early morning rush (lol, no rushing about it) hour commute.

Thankfully the young girl is OK, all is well except for the young crook, he'll be sorry...I hope.

The Announcement of the Angels

2007-12-04T09:52:00.000-06:00

"Luke 2:8-14 describes the angel chorus who appeared to a group of shepherds outside Bethlehem. Do you know why they lit up the entire sky with their presence and their antiphonal voices? They had the incredible honor of announcing the long-awaited arrival of Israel’s promised Messiah and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now consider this: heaven had been silent for four hundred long years before that first Christmas. Can you imagine it? Not a word from God. No fiery revelation from a mountain. Nothing . . . except the deafening echo of “Thus saith the Lord.” If you open your Bible to the page before Matthew 1:1, you’ll probably find a decorative insert or some kind of historical chart to mark the break between the Old and New Testaments. But that small gap in your Bible is huge in terms of history. Four centuries elapsed between God’s final word to the prophets and the birth of Christ.

Because the angels’ announcement broke that long silence, I believe those heavenly messengers couldn’t wait to cut loose! After all, they had been rehearsing since eternity past when the Godhead first designed their plan for the redemption of mankind. They had been told, “Wait.”... “Not yet.”... Finally, God’s command came: “Sing!” Ever since, God’s people have joined in the songs of Christmas, and we haven’t stopped singing yet. I, for one, don’t plan to stop!"

Quote taken from an email from Chuck Swindoll, pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, TX, and founder, CEO and speaker on Insight for Living.

…And Fly to Unknown Lands

2007-12-03T11:06:00.000-06:00

My soul, come and meditate the day,
And think how near it stands,
When thou must quit this house of clay,
And fly to unknown lands.

This morning, as I am working, as often is the case, a hymn comes to my mind out of what seems to be nowhere. Or, perhaps it is from some “unknown” places, thoughts or meditations. However, such musings are often the joys of my days, in them I find myself often praising my Lord.

How often do you think of death? More importantly, the joy of our Lord that death brings us to? Is it something you meditate about, or do you try to avoid it, and perhaps in your mind delay it?

The scriptures teach that “it is appointed unto men once to die.” Unless we’re alive at the time of the second personal appearing of Jesus Christ our Lord, we will meet the appointment of death.

The hymn-writer invited his soul to spend its meditation immersed in the day that he would quit “this house of clay,” but not necessarily about the manner of death, or state of bodily death, but more than that…he meditated about flying “to unknown lands.” Have you ever let your mind meander along the path of the freedom of quitting this house of clay? Meaning dropping this tabernacle of flesh that influences so much sin in our lives, to pick it up at the last day glorified. Ridding ourselves of this “body of death,” that weighs us down from proper Master service. I love to think of what it will be to let our spirits soar in praise to heights previously unknown. I love to meditate upon a time when my soul will not be bound to this body that prevents perfect praise.

I like the phrase “and fly to unknown lands,” but it is not quite accurate. It’s a land unknown in the sense we’ve not been there, but it is a known land. It is known in the sense that our God is there, our Lord Jesus is there, we will be immersed totally in the Holy Ghost there. Our families are there, our friends, our companions in the brotherhood of Christ. It is home. It is our home. John told us in his gospel that we’ve been born from above, or receive a heavenly birth when “born again,” so we possess a heavenly life, a heavenly nature. In that sense, it is a known land.

Come, my soul, and meditate the day … what a sweet meditation it is!

Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T12:47:00.000-06:00

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations" (Psalm 100:4-5).

Thanksgiving is my favorite of all holidays, in fact no others come close. The joy that comes from remembering past mercies, past blessings, past deliverance's and Providence's is a source of wonderment to me that the God of heaven would take thought of man and extend His grace to us. It is difficult to have a bitter spirit or complaining heart when focused on how great things the Lord has done for us.

I've always had much to be thankful for. I've never wanted for food, clothing, shelter or a family to care for, love and provide for me. That alone is a great mercy from God that I cherish. I've never wanted for a church home, this is one of the greatest blessings of my life. I've never wanted for kind friends and close supporters to help me through difficult times of life. I've rarely been in any type of want, and the few occasions that I have, my God has provided as His word promises He will.

This week I fly (God permitting) to Texas to see my mother, father, brothers, sister, niece and grandparents to spend this time of thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to seeing my family, but more importantly I'm looking forward to taking an entire day and devote it to the entrance of the courts of God to praise Him, to pass through His gates to give thanks. Obviously this can and should be done each day of our lives, but just as with feasts of the Old Testament, its good to have physical reminders to partake of spiritual blessings by fulfilling our spiritual duties and privileges.

I'm anticipating this day that's approaching because my heart is already full of praise and thanksgiving. I've received all I could ask for, and more. As Isaiah recorded, I have "received of the LORD'S hand double."

I'm thankful for my family, I'm thankful for the kingdom of God and Little Flock Church in particular. I'm thankful for the great host of brethren and sisters who have supported me in good times and in bad. I'm thankful for the seemingly insignificant natural blessings of food and raiment. I'm thankful for redemption in and by Jesus Christ. I'm thankful to be a child of the King.

I'm also VERY thankful for a sweet young lady that has added a new excitement and joy to my life. As some of you know, and maybe others have heard, Lydia and I have begun a new relationship that I am very thankful for, and of course very excited about! {Sorry Lyd for broadcasting it to the whole world ;-).}

So over the past few days and weeks I have entered into the gates and courts of my God with thanksgiving and praise. For His truth, His everlasting mercy that He manifests in so many ways in my life. May God be praised for His wonderful works to the children of men!

'Tis Heav'n to Rest in Thine Embrace

2007-11-08T20:12:00.000-06:00

My Savior and my King,
Thy beauties are divine;
Thy lips with blessing overflow,
And ev'ry grace is Thine.

The smiling of Thy face,
How amiable they are;
'Tis heav'n to rest in Thine embrace,
And nowhere else but there.

Nor earth, nor all the sky,
Can one delight afford;
No, not a drop of Thy real joy,
Without Thy presence, Lord. - Isaac Watts

This has been a very blessed week for me in many regards. I cannot begin to express the proper and adequate thanks to my Lord for His mercy, His pity, His grace. Truly, "the smilings of His face, how amiable they are." The world, with all its charms can never give the joy that comes through the felt presence of the Holy Ghost.

Over the past weekend our church received wonderful blessings of singing praises, offering prayers to God, hearing His word expounded and exalted, and the fellowship with like-minded saints was as refreshing as ever.

The sermons from beginning to end were a blessing, but two specifically fed my soul, instructed my mind and caused me to consider my walk more closely, and make needed adjustments in life. I love all Bible preaching, but especially when my mind is stirred, my toes are stepped on, and I see areas that I need to make improvement. While to the flesh this is not pleasing, to the soul it is so needful, and in my experience, refreshing.

On Friday night of our meeting, Elder Steve Bloyd preached on the subject of "Fasting and Prayer." Elder Bloyd brought to our attention the often forgotten Biblical principle of fasting. He taught clearly that God's people have observed this practice in Old Testament times, in New Testament Apostolic times, throughout Baptist history, even regularly during the American Baptists during the 1700 and 1800's. In addition to preaching the practice, he gave a few helpful hints from his own study and experience that quite interesting.

On Saturday afternoon, Elder Clayton Nowell preached the word by asking us 5 questions:

1. Are you closer to the Lord than you were a year ago?
2. Are you stronger in the faith than you were a year ago?
3. Do you take time to pray?
4. Do you take time to love?
5. Were you honest in your answers to the first four questions?

Of course his last question struck me, I wasn't expecting it, and at first I laughed, but as I considered it, and as he preached on, the point was well made that we often fool ourselves that we're doing better than we really are. His exhortation was sweet, and his manner invited closer service to the Lord and a closer service to His people. I love sermons where men can invite me to fulfill my Scriptural responsibilities, instead of beating me over the head with them. While I should always be faithful, it is pleasant to receive such a rebuke.

With the combination of these two sermons, I saw drastic need for improvement in my own walk. I'd also seen areas of decline in our congregation, so on Sunday at the close of our meeting, I called for fasting and prayer in our congregation on two Wednesday's a month, asking that God would revive us, and revive His work in our community and in our nation.

I don't record this to boast about my first experience of fasting, since our Lord said it is to be done in secret to prevent being as the Pharisees. However, I do record this as a testimony to the power of this practice. My prayer life had been stifled for sometime by neglect. Yesterday, during the fast there literally wasn't a minute in the day that I wasn't praying, or thinking of prayer needs. It was the most intense day of prayer I've ever experienced, and the joy of it was real.

Too often I get wrapped up in the tasks of life, the charms of life and the distractions of life. But as this hymn states, "Nor earth, nor all the sky, Can one delight afford." How true, how true. Many find themselves "enjoying" the world, and often I do too, yet so few find themselves experiencing joy. Joy is simply a calm delight and gladness. So often I find myself grumbling, and I find myself around a grumbling people. Just like Isaiah said, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5).

"No, not a drop of Thy real joy, Without Thy presence, Lord." Yet with His presence it is "heav'n to rest in Thine embrace, and nowhere else but there." How hard to murmur and complain when you've been in the embrace of your Savior, our Lord, our King! An impossibility, I think. While I still see great need of the Lord's revival in my own heart, in my walk, in our land, I have boldness to believe that not only are all things possible with Him, but "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

My Savior and my King,
Thy beauties are divine;
Thy lips with blessing overflow,
And ev'ry grace is Thine.

A Trick? No, It Was a Treat

2007-11-05T21:16:00.001-06:00

In Edwardsville, the children participate in "trick-or-treating" on the 30th of October, and on the 31st the city has a parade. Once the sun went down, I had a cute surprise on my doorstep:

Here is Rian, Abby and Tressa Zimmerman, a.k.a. "The Three Little Pigs." Sister Tracy Zimmerman came up with the idea and made the costumes for girls. Brother Jeff had to help Rian with her hay for the house she was to build.

In spite of Abby's face, the girls seemed to be enjoying themselves very much, I know I sure enjoyed their stop.

What A Friend

2007-11-02T11:22:00.000-06:00

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He'll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

As we live here it is easy to grow discouraged. As we see the world crumbling around us, wickedness abounding because the love of many waxes cold, many saints we once enjoyed fellowship with have forsaken the house of God and fled. As we see these notable "signs of the times," they encourage me that perhaps the Lord's return is near, but they also discourage me fearing that it isn't, and we're just experiencing the judgment of our Lord.

There is a hymn I love, it is rather mournful, but yet it strikes my soul and makes me yearn for God's reviving breath upon His kingdom, and our nation:

Will God forever cast us off? His wrath forbear to smoke
Against the people of His love, His little chosen flock.

Think of the tribes so dearly bought With the Redeemer's blood,
Nor let Thy Zion be forgot, Where once Thy glory stood.

Where once Thy churches prayed and sang Thy foes profanely rage;
Amid Thy gates their ensigns hang, And there their host engage.

And still to heighten our distress, Thy presence is withdrawn;
Thy wonted signs of pow'r and grace Thy pow'r and grace are gone.

No prophet speaks to calm our grief, But all in silence mourn;
Nor know the hour of our relief, The hour of Thy return.

This song follows Psalm 74, a psalm appropriate when we find ourselves, our churches and our nation in a desolate condition:

"O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture? Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt. Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary. Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs. A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees. But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers. They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground. They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land. We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long. O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever? Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom" (Psalm 74:1-11).

I realize we don't like negative news or a discouraging report. Yet a faithful watchman not only has to cry, "all is well, the morning comes," he must also faithfully report, "the enemy approaches, the night is long." In 21st century America when everyone rushes to the physicians for mind altering drugs to find reprieve from discouragement, depression and despair, none wants a messenger who brings a report, "all is not well."

Many times we'd prefer to take the "ostrich approach," bury our heads and pretend all is well and hope the bad times go away. However, that approach rarely accomplishes anything but a numbing from reality.

Matthew 5:4 states, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."

This past weekend I rejoiced to be gathered with many saints and was reminded of past times of my youth when many came to hear the word of God preached. Their heart's desire was to praise Emmanuel. Now I fear the time has come that Paul warned of:

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Even we ourselves only want teachers that tell us the good, leaving off the bad. We want fairy tales (fables) that everything is OK, when it may not be. We want teachers of the Joel Osteen sort, always smiling, always positive, always unrealistic, always so "heavenly minded they serve no earthly good." Then when a messenger of God speaks the truth and warns of our condition, we turn him off, act as if he's robbed us our make-believe joy. How much more genuine joy we would have if we saw the kingdom of God as He intended it to be.

Why do we so much dread simply owning up to the fact that everything is not OK, the churches in large part are declining, and in some places, "Where once Thy churches prayed and sang Thy foes profanely rage; Amid Thy gates their ensigns hang, And there their host engage." In many churches, "No prophet speaks to calm our grief, But all in silence mourn; Nor know the hour of our relief, The hour of Thy return." And when we do recognize it as fact, why are not our spirits stirred to cry out to our Lord that we've erred, and hope that in wrath He'll remember mercy?

"Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer."

Yes, we have trials and temptations, and often trouble abounds on every side. We should not be discouraged, but should "rather mourn," take our care to Jesus and share our condition and sorrows with Him. Then we should act on our prayers and do more than cast it at Jesus' feet. We should live up to the gospel mark and show we mean our prayers, and that our mourning is authentic by acting, and moving forward in all the commands of Jesus.

Perhaps then where once churches prayed and sang they'll sing and pray again. Perhaps the foes will be turned to Christ, or at least find the Sword of the Spirit turned against them. Perhaps the prophets would speak to calm our grief, and afflict the terrible. Maybe then we'll love sound doctrine instead of fairy tale fantasies and our mourning be turned to comfort and rejoicing. After we've "rather mourned," we'll rather rejoice. Where once we cried asking for pity, we'll cry out, "our cups runneth over."

A Blessed Trip to Bethany

2007-10-28T07:48:00.000-06:00

This past Friday, Sister Lydia, Sister Sandy and myself left Illinois for the 8+ hour drive to Atlanta, GA. Several months ago, the pastor of Bethany PBC in Atlanta, Elder Lonnie Mozingo, Jr., asked if I'd come to preach for them during their annual meeting. Also invited were Elder Sonny Pyles and Elder Sam Bryant. I've looked forward to the occasion for several months and was thankful the time had approached. I was also thankful to have two enjoyable companions for travel. Commonly I travel alone which I don't mind, but it is a wonderful blessing to have members of God's house to travel with, to speak of the word of God and our experiences in His kingdom together.

So we left Friday and had a good and uneventful ride to Atlanta. We stopped at the home of Elder Marty Smith for supper and to get dressed for the services that evening.

At 7:30 PM, the singing commenced and what a joy it was. I preached first on the subject of "Practical Holiness Connected to our Anticipation of the Lord's Return." I enjoyed my efforts to preach and felt a good response from the congregation.

Elder Pyles followed me and preached from Nehemiah 4:9 - "Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them." He made wonderful points that we as the Lord's children must pray, but then must proceed. IOW's, we must recognize what only God can do and pray He will do it, then know what we can do and do it.

I went home that evening with a delightful young couple, Brad & Treisa Hanserd. They've been married about two years and about the time they were married Brother Hanserd began exercising in the ministry. Elder James Allen of Alabama also stayed the night with us, so we stayed up till about 2:30 talking about various Bible topics. It was a very enjoyable evening!

On Saturday morning Elder Bryant preached from 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 - "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain." He made several good points of pitfalls we avoid, and blessings we receive when we keep in mind the gospel's commands.

Following him, Elder Pyles preached on the life of Abraham. He made several outstanding points that I am still rejoicing in. First, he showed it is possible to believe IN God, without believing what God says. Genesis 15:6 - "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." Romans 4:3 - "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." Galatians 3:6 - "Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." James 2:23 - "And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God." In the Genesis account, Moses said Abraham "believed in the LORD", but the three NT accounts said he "believed God." Brother Sonny pointed out that when the NT writers word things a bit differently, they're inspired men and the Holy Ghost is allowed, and the reason He does so is usually for added commentary. Paul & James make the point that there is a difference in simply believing that there is a God, and believing His words.

To further illustrate, Brother Sonny showed that many say they believe in some kind of god, or God Himself, yet deny the Genesis account of the creation, flood, giants, the parting of the Red Sea, the virgin birth, the resurrection of Christ and His second coming. Many we know deny these principles yet say they believe in God.

Brother Sonny then went on to show 4 ways that Abraham believed God, and that by that faith in Him Abraham was able to perform. He also pointed out that faith is not a blind leap, but knowing that while we don't know it all, God does. So while we may be partially in the dark on the details, we're not in the dark about God's knowledge of all things.

On Saturday afternoon I spoke again regarding the second coming, specifically about NT signs give to us to discern the season of His coming. While I do not believe we can know the specific day or hour, we can, by judging those signs tell the season of His coming. To illustrate, the NT says the Lord shall come as a thief in the night - totally a surprise as to when it will happen. It also says He shall come as a woman in travail giving birth. We know about the time a woman will give birth, around 9 months, sometimes early and sometimes late. Likewise, we can tell the "birth pains" around us and know about when our Lord may come.

Elder Bryant then followed me and preached from Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." His message was very timely about many practical ways in which we, God's people, should be turning to God for guidance and not ourselves, thus He will direct our paths.

After that service we began our trip back to Illinois. After a brief stop at Elder Smith's home to change and reload the car, we took off for the long excursion. I was very thankful to have the help of Sister Sandy and Sister Lydia to drive, converse and allow me good sleeping time. We arrived in Edwardsville about 2:30 Sunday morning, and I headed directly to bed. I was blessed with good sleep on the ride home and once I arrived home. I awoke to the Lord's day refreshed and ready to serve.

When I arrived at our meeting-place, I was delighted to see Elder Harris there. After a very good song service Elder Harris preached on the subject of Heaven. Elder Harris is 82 years old, but still able to preach the gospel and preached the best I've ever heard him. Generally he is brief, but took his time and preached well and blessed my soul. I was glad to hear all the congregation received a wonderful blessing from his message. And I was thankful for a "day off" from preaching, but a good day of worship.

This coming weekend is our Fall Meeting and I am anticipating a good time in the Lord!

I do not like work even when someone else does it. - Twain

2007-10-17T14:54:00.000-06:00

"Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do. Play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do." - Mark Twain

Over the past few months I have come to the stark realization that robbing Peter to pay Paul could not continue forever, and the house of cards was about to collapse. Thankfully umpiring Little League, and other side jobs kept me afloat, but the time has come for serious, full-time employment.

My calling as a minister I would consider "play," as Twain called it. Not that I would diminish the hard work a minister does, but if he is worth his salt, he has the burning burden in his soul to do the work.

Now, Monday-Friday 8-5, that is an obligation!

Adecco, the employment agency I've worked with periodically has given me a 15 month assignment with Nestle Purina. There are several positions they are filling, so hopefully Tuesday I'll learn what it is exactly I'll be doing. I have general ideas, but specifics will be good.

So next Tuesday I return to the 8-5 life once again, which I have been absent from for the past 5 years. However, I am not complaining, I am actually rather excited.

The offices are located downtown, so I can take an Express bus to work, thus letting me use the travel time (approx. 53 mins. each way) to study and prepare sermons. I hate fooling with traffic, so this option is wonderful. I'll have time for study (close to 10 hours on the road each week), I can relax and let the driver deal with the fools on the road.

I also enjoy meeting new folks, so I am anxious to meet the other "temps" I'll be working with, along with the other employees I'll be spending my days with. I also like to look at it as an opportunity to serve the Lord by as a servant serving a master, aka, employer.

And the obvious addition of funds to my budget is not to be missed either. With new car payments and those dental loan payments, and saving to buy a home - I trust the added income will be a tremendous asset!

So, I now have two jobs - one which the "body is obliged to do" and one my "body is not obliged to do."

A Lovely Old Home

2007-10-09T16:28:00.000-06:00

Over the past few months I've been working toward buying a home. I've been in Edwardsville four years now, renting a home during this time. The market in Edwardsville has been steep since I've been here, especially considering home prices in rural west Texas.

About a year ago I noticed a home in town, a very large home in need of work. It was on the market for a while, then was sold. Last week I noticed it was for sale again. So I went online, found out some about it, and was interested to see it. Today I met the realtor and took a look inside.

The house is HUGE, over 4,000 square feet on three floors, plus a basement. The house sits on over an acre yard in the middle of town (very unusual). I want a large home, and I want a large yard, and I want a small price! Well I may have found my deal, but there's a catch. The house is in horrible shape cosmetically. As in need a total overhaul within. It seems to be sound structurally, a new roof, relatively new siding, new wiring and plumbing. So the bones seem to be good.

Above is obviously a picture of the front, to the left is a shot from the foyer up the main staircase.

I am going to ponder, think and pray about this for a few days yet. I really like the house, I really like the yard - I just have to decide if I really want to invest the next 2-5 years of my life into remodeling a monster house. I enjoy doing that type of work, most of it I can do myself, we'll just see if I have the gusto to make it a reality.

Greatness of God's Mercy

2007-10-02T12:19:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite forms of devotion is to read and meditate on older hymns. Older hymn writers are able to capture the thoughts of the soul much like David did in his psalms. I own several old hymnals and often find myself turning to them and searching the headings (songs are grouped together by doctrinal content), and I'll find a certain theme is appealing, then I just read hymn after hymn. Today I noticed several that I'll share with you.

Greatness of God's mercy.

My soul, repeat his praise
Whose mercies are so great;
Whose anger is so slow to rise,
So ready to abate.

His power subdues our sins;
And his forgiving love,
Far as the east is from the west,
Doth all our guilt remove.

High as the heavens are raised
Above the ground we tread,
So far the riches of his grace
Our highest thoughts exceed.

The greatness of God.

My God, my king, thy various praise
Shall fill the remnant of my days;
Thy grace employ my humble tongue,
Till death and glory raise the song.

The wings of every hour shall bear
Some thankful tribute to thine ear;
And every setting sun shall see
New works of duty done for thee.

Thy truth and justice I'll proclaim;
Thy bounty flows and endless stream;
Thy mercy swift, thine anger slow,
But dreadful to the stubborn foe.

Thy works with sovereign glory shine
And speak thy majesty divine;
Let every realm with joy proclaim
The sound and honor of thy name.

Let distant times and nations raise
The long succession of thy praise;
And unborn ages make the song
The joy and labor of their tongue.

But who can speak thy wondrous deeds;
Thy greatness all our thoughts exceeds;
Vast and unsearchable thy ways,
Vast and immortal be thy praise.

The faithfulness of the promises.

Begin, my tongue, some heavenly theme,
And speak some boundless thing;
The mighty words, or mightier name,
Of our eternal King.

Tell of his wondrous faithfulness,
And sound his power abroad;
Sing of the glory and the grace
Of our Redeemer God.

Proclaim salvation from the Lord,
Nor wretched, dying men;
His hand has writ the sacred word,
With an immortal pen.

Recorded by eternal love,
The mighty promise shines;
Nor can the powers of darkness 'rase
Those everlasting lines.

His every word of grace is strong
As that which built the skies;
The voice that rolls the stars along
Speaks all the promises.

O might I hear thy heavenly tongue
But whisper, 'Thou art mine;'
Those gentle words should raise my song
To notes almost divine.

If helicopters are so safe, how come there are no vintage / classic helicopter fly-ins?

2007-09-22T14:08:00.000-06:00

Perhaps it is a good thing that I read this quote AFTER my first helicopter ride ever!

Today, Dad and I took a 15-20 minute helicopter ride over the city of St. Louis, and boy, it was great. I've flown in planes many, many times; however, I've always wanted to ride in a helicopter. Today we had that chance.

Here are some photos I took from the air: (I won't include them all, I took over 100.)

Missouri Botanical Garden (lop-sided view)

St. Louis Art Museum (Forest Park)

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

Roof of Union Station

Hyatt Hotel at Union Station

City Museum

Downtown from the West

Down the Mississippi

Up the Mississippi

If you look close, you'll see a boat on its side...this is here from the Great Flood of 1993. I just thought it was a pretty cool shot.

Our Ride (the blades really are turning)

Right Down the Middle

6-3 for the Astros

2007-09-22T14:02:00.001-06:00

It was a good game once it got moving... There were several good plays, and it was a nice night at the stadium. In the bottom of the 7th though, the Cardinals blew their one good chance of saving it. So they lost 6-3. But it was fun anyway!

Take me out to the ball game...

2007-09-21T11:39:00.001-06:00

Dad's flight arrives in a little over two hours, then I am sure we'll head out for a VERY good steak dinner, then on to the ball game to hopefully see the Cardinals whip the Astros. However, since I am from Texas, I won't be heartbroken if it falls the other way. Either way, we have great seats just behind the home team dugout, good weather and a father-son evening, so what more could be asked for? Perhaps a hot dog!

Encourage Him - Deuteronomy 1:37-38

2007-09-07T12:29:00.000-06:00

"Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither. But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it."

Moses, the man of God, a great leader of Israel was kept out of the promised land because he failed to obey the voice of God. When commanded to speak to the rock (a portrait of Christ), Moses instead angrily struck the rock twice, and for that disobedience was not allowed to enter Canaan.

Most individuals would be angry with the Lord, would attempt to justify themselves, discontinue their service to God if God did not reconsider and capitulate. Moses did beg the Lord to reconsider, but the Lord firmly responded that He would not change His mind. So, Moses bowed in submission and was allowed to view the promised land just before his death from Mt. Pisgah. This beautiful sight has been recorded in some of our hymns:

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer
May I thy consolation share,
Till, from Mount Pisgah's lofty height,
I view my home, and take my flight:
This robe of flesh I'll drop, and rise
To seize the everlasting prize;
And shout, while passing through the air,
Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!

Not only did the Lord tell Moses he would not enter Canaan, but He proceeded to inform him that Joshua would. Then the Lord commands Moses to encourage Joshua, to strengthen him so he could cause Israel to inherit the land.

What a challenge, what a charge, and what character of Moses that required. Not only was he being kept from the promise, but was commanded to give strength to the one who would lead this people. Moses is charged to help his successor, and do so with grace. What humility. What a lovely picture.

We see it again in the scriptures when David was not allowed to build the temple, but told that his son Solomon would. David's response was to provide financially for the cause instead of complaining that he would not build the Lord's house.

Too often we focus on our own desires in the kingdom of God, instead of realizing the greater importance is the glory of the Lord, and causing Israel to inherit the blessing. Whether it is Moses or Joshua, David or Solomon it really doesn't matter. The true mark of our character is when we hear the Lord say no, and humbly encourage our successors in the work of the Lord.

Sometimes we'd rather (in our flesh) be a discouragement because of our own conceit, yet what better testimony to our service to God than to have it said we encouraged the saints after us.

In a very discouraging world, this simple message of God to Moses, "encourage him," is greatly needed. It should be our chief desire to encourage, strengthen or edify the brethren. In so doing we show our true humility and love for them, and thus our love for God.

May we be encouraging to one another.

It Is Finished

2007-09-04T18:38:00.001-06:00

Not redemption, though that is finished too. No, I mean the dental work. Today was my last visit to the dentist for six months! Today he installed the bridge which completed three months worth of extractions, root canals, fillings, stitches, gauze, salt water rinses, learning to eat different ways each week, etc... No more shots, laughing gas, tugging, pulling, drilling or grinding. Now the only grinding is the nice new grinders that he installed. Too bad Solomon didn't have them when he said the "grinders cease because they are few." My grinders are in good order!

Although I do have to say that I'll miss the weekly and bi-weekly visits (I know, I am abnormal) to see Dr. Stapleton, his nurse Terri, and also Lisa and Linda. They've been great. However, Terri did ask about our services today and spoke as if she might drop in for worship at Little Flock! I hope she does.

So, folks, all the dental posts are finished likewise, now I'll have to find something new and exciting to write about. Perhaps I'll get back to the Bible again!

A Visit from Dad

2007-09-03T22:08:00.000-06:00

I am very excited, my Dad called today to let me know he's coming in two weeks to spend a weekend with me. He'll fly in on Friday morning and be here through Sunday afternoon. I haven't seen my Dad since Christmas, and this is his first visit to St Louis since I've been here, 4 years next month.

We've got the weekend halfway planned, on Friday & possibly Saturday night we'll take in a Cards vs Astros game. We've got great tickets for the Friday night game, right on the first base line just a few rows behind the dugout! When I was a kid I often went to games in Arlington with my Dad and siblings to see the Rangers play. I enjoy a good ballgame, especially with Dad.

I'm sure we'll take in some other sights, good food (he loves steaks, like me) and some good movies (like me he like tv and theaters).

Here is a photo of my Dad, and my niece, Katelynn, taken at Christmas '06. Katelynn was very excited showing off the wad of $20's my Dad had given her for her gift.

So far, this has been a good year for family visits. My Grandma was here a couple weeks ago and spent 3 days with me, Dad is coming in two weeks, then my Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma are coming for Thanksgiving and spending about 5 days. It sure makes it easier being away from Texas when a little Texas comes here to Illinois!

Have a Heart

2007-09-01T14:10:00.000-06:00

Recently, due to new dental bills and the new blessing of a car, I realized that it was time to find work to supplement my income as a pastor. So, I applied with Adecco, The Employment People! I've worked with them before, in San Antonio. They're a temp-to-hire company that I've enjoyed working for before.

I had two assignments this week, one with GE Supra, the real estate division of GE, the second with Philips Medical.

My duties for Philips were extremely interesting. I was a model (I know, laugh hard there) for doctors, nurses and technicians. For what you may ask? Well, they were testing new software for their echocardiogram machines. IOW's, they were doing ultrasounds of my heart.

The real interesting part, the new software allows you to see the ultrasound in 3D. This has been available for a while for expectant mothers, allowing them to see 3D images of their children before they're born. However, to get a picture of the heart, they need images of the interior, not just the exterior as with a baby. Well, they've accomplished this.

So, I was watching my heart in 3D on a 27 inch flat screen panel, and it was the most amazing thing I have ever seen!

Here is the traditional 2D image of a heart, which they did also and was interesting too. But the 3D is this image, in color of the entire heart. They could see it from any angle from the exterior, then could take any portion of the exterior away and look at the interior of the heart. So I saw the blood flow, valves, etc... of my heart from the inside! IT WAS COOL!

Watching the show, I could imagine how helpful this technology will be for medical teams to hopefully see a problem without having first to explore with a camera and other invasive methods. Obviously, seeing the problem is only one part, they still have to do something about it. However, I got a clean bill of health, stating that my heart looks to be in excellent shape.

I am constantly amazed at the inventions of men, but above all thankful to God for giving man the ability to do these things. I just wish that all men everywhere would give Him the thanks He deserves for these and other blessings.

Enjoyable Meeting

2007-08-20T14:26:00.001-06:00

This past Saturday I was blessed to attend the Hazel Creek Association at Hazel Creek Church near Greentop, Missouri. The meeting began on Friday, but with my Grandmother here (another blog post to come), I wasn't able to arrive until Saturday morning.

The setting of Hazel Creek Church is just beautiful. It is located about 3 miles west of Greentop, which is about 2 hours north of Columbia, MO. The area has many rolling hills, gorgeous valleys, green grass, and my personal favorite - cows. Growing up in Texas you couldn't drive five miles without seeing cows on either side of the road. Here in Illinois we don't have that same abundance of livestock. The church is located on a hill overlooking a beautiful valley, when I looked out the first time it took my breath away. I know, you want pictures. I took them, but accidentally deleted them! Argh!

I had been forewarned that services would start earlier than normal, at 9:30 to be precise. Breakfast was to be served also, so I arrived about 8:30.

There was already a good crowd gathered when I arrived and I was pleasantly surprised to see several folks I never imagined seeing.

First, Elder Steve Woods from Arkansas, who was ordained last December. I hadn't seen Brother Steve in 4 years and we had a wonderful visit.

Second, Elder Mark Wattenbarger, who was ordained just this past July. Brother Mark and I were exercising in the ministry together back in Texas. I met him for the first time in 1998 at Gorman Primitive Baptist Church in Gorman, TX. We were good friends who rarely saw or spoke to one another, but whenever together our conversations were full and very sweet. The last time I saw Brother Mark was in 2002, so I really rejoiced to see him.

The morning service was a real blessing. To open the service, Elder Clyde Farmer spoke of the heavenly Jerusalem and Christ being the Light there. He then offered a very sweet prayer. Elder Alan Curtis spoke first from Exodus, charging us to follow the pattern God has shown us. I really enjoyed his message. I've only heard him once before this, but Elder Curtis' messages are always very thought provoking and edifying.

Following him, Elder Mark Wattenbarger preached. The last time I heard Brother Mark was in 1999 I believe, and each time I heard him in the past I enjoyed him, but the ease with which he spoke and the confidence he had were very different than the last time I heard him. Of course, 8 years should make a difference for any of us! He preached on the resurrection, the hope it gives us and the encouragement we receive knowing our Lord was raised from the dead. It was a very good message.

Following him, Elder Steve Woods preached. And boy did he ever! I'd not heard Brother Steve before, but I really enjoyed his style. He is not the most "orthodox" in delivery, but entertaining in a positive way. He just really reminds me a lot of home. His message was on the name the "Lord Jesus Christ." He preached a wonderful sermon proving that Jesus is the Son of God, and thus our Lord.

We then broke for lunch and I had several good visits, especially with Elders Jeff Cochran, Jesse Halbgewachs, Brother George & Sister Liz, and Sister Cleone Stidmon.

After lunch we gathered again for services and Brother Stephen Conte from Iowa opened the services charging us to think of the true, honest, just, pure, lovely things, those things of good report and virtuous, the things that give praise. He then offered a very fervent prayer.

I then attempted to preach on Christ our Advocate and had good response from the congregation. I then had to leave, but to follow me were to be Elders John Anderson and Kobee Trueblood.

I then had a wonderful drive to the Corn's home for our monthly church fellowship, I arrived late, but supper was ready and then good visiting and to top it all off, a good bowl of homemade ice cream! Then I went home and hit the bed for rest for Sunday's services at Little Flock.

Below is a picture of some of the ministers present at Hazel Creek.

From Left to Right:

Row 1 - Elders Chris Crouse, Mark Wattenbarger, Jeff Cochran, Jesse Halbgewachs

Row 2 - Elders Russell Key, James Harris, Lic. Stephen Conte, Elder Kobee Trueblood

Row 3 - Elders John Anderson, Clyde Meek, Clyde Farmer, Steve Woods, Darle Siegel (Pastor & Moderator)

If you are ever presented with the opportunity to visit Hazel Creek Church, I highly recommend you do. They are a warm, lovely and faithful band of the Lord's people who are soldiering on respectably in His service.

Another Year

2007-08-07T12:24:00.000-06:00

As most of you know, yesterday was my 27th birthday. And it was a good day. It began with a phone call from my sister (hadn't heard from her in a couple months), then my Dad called. Later I talked to several church members, then Mom, then Grandma ... and you get the point. The day was topped off with a wonderful meal with Brother Paul and Sister Barb Reynolds at Texas Roadhouse. I really enjoy that restaurant, but I enjoy even more the time I'm able to spend with this godly couple. They've become surrogate parents to me that I lean on a lot.

In past years I've hoped to downplay the event, usually with little success. However, as time has marched on I've grown more comfortable with birthdays in general, but I'm growing more uncomfortable with the ushering in of additional numbers to my age.

I realize that 27 is still young, but the thing I find somewhat bothersome is the swiftness that these days, months and years are moving. I am beginning to see small signs of the "aging process" in my body. There are wrinkles beginning to form around my eyes, mostly from smiling (which better from smiling than frowning), every few days I am noticing more and more gray hair coming in (perhaps stress?). My hair is thinning a little, or lot on top. And beyond the superficial things of wrinkles and graying hair is the effects of how I feel. In some ways I am in better shape now than I've been in for nearly 10 years. During my high school years I was fairly active, ate well and was in pretty good shape. After high school I began smoking which killed my immune system, I quit eating well and I adopted the habit of too many cokes.

I quit smoking May 7, 2006 (15 months ago) and have seen a drastic improvement in my immune system. I've started eating far healthier foods, and I've started exercising pretty regularly. All this to say I feel much better. But, yes, there's a but. I notice small aches where they've never been before, I pull muscles easier than I've done before, and I get tired just a bit easier. Now, all this is minor, no major pains, no major fatigue, just little things I am noticing.

And it bothers me just a bit. Why? Because I know that it is a process that is irreversible. The wrinkles will only become more noticeable, the dark brown of my hair is going to continue to give way to gray. The small aches will happen more often with increased pain, etc...

All of these things are just more evidences of a depraved world, and that I am a depraved member of this world. Each time I put on my bifocals, see a gray hair, notice a new wrinkle, wince from a pain in my knees, I am reminded that "sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." I know that sin is working death in me. And as each year approaches and passes, sin has gained a little more edge and brought me a little closer to its conclusion of my physical demise.

But then I remember that when that moment comes, I will be absent from the body, but present with the Lord, so it is all OK. No wonder in the midst of that verse Paul said, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." As I sit here and wonder of all the events that may transpire between now and my departure, there's no telling if there will be battles with cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, strokes, knee replacements, organs failing. Who knows what manner of spiritual battles are also present before me? I do not know. I do not need to know. All we must do is continue in the intervening time to walk not by sight, but faith.

So the years are passing quickly, and more quickly each year. "For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." While some might find such thoughts depressing, discouraging or even morose, I find them encouraging. Encouraging to use the "little time" for the purposes that my God has placed me here. So I look forward to this, another year, to serve the Lord and His people in a better way than in the year of my life before. I just pray for grace to accomplish that goal!

Faith, Hope & Charity

2007-08-04T13:58:00.000-06:00

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity"

(1 Corinthians 13:13).

I can think of two immediate reasons why the greatest of faith, hope and charity is charity.

1. Charity shall continue with us in heaven, while faith and hope shall cease.
2. Charity is the outward evidence of the inward existence of faith and hope.

Perhaps there are other reasons that charity is the greatest of these three, but these two I've named appear to be the most important.

1st. Charity most simply defined is "love," or, "love in action." Faith is the "substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hope is the "anchor of the soul." Faith gives us the ability to believe in things that we cannot see, hope gives us the ability to hold on to such belief, charity is putting our faith and hope into action.

In heaven, when we're no longer seeing through a glass darkly, but seeing God, heaven, the angels, our loved ones, and above all the Lord Jesus Christ face to face; we'll no longer need faith to believe in something unseen. Nor will we need hope, for what a man sees, why doth he yet hope for it?

However, charity, or love will continue through all eternity. Love, one of the greatest attributes of our God, a love He places in His people when they're born again, will be evident in its purest form in glory. To know of these three blessings, faith, hope and charity, that love is eternal, no wonder Paul said the greatest of these is charity.

2nd. Charity, or love in action, is the expression of the faith and hope we possess. James complained of those who had faith without works, stating it was a dead faith. To contrast that, a person who is exhibiting the love of God to others builds up his own faith and hope, and gives a godly testimony to bother faith and hope. In addition, he also gives great testimony to the person of God, when he as an ambassador of God shows the love of God in his actions toward others.

While faith and hope are both extremely and vitally important to the child of God, it is as vital that the child of God first possess charity from God, and then is faithful to display that love to his family, friends, neighbors and even yes, to his enemies.

When a child of God is faithful to portray the love of God in his actions, it is a beautiful portrayal of the life of the Lord Jesus and will motivate others to follow suit. So in this sense, charity is the greatest of these.

May the Lord's people be mindful and diligent to express their love one to another by serving and ministering to one another.

Nearing the end, the end in sight, a light at the end of the tunnel...

2007-08-02T10:17:00.000-06:00

Well folks, for those who have been interested in my dental posts, they shall soon come to an end. Thankfully!

First, praise and thanksgiving to my Lord for the mercy and grace He has extended to me. This process had gone so smoothly. From His help in financing the procedures, blessing me with very little pain through the process, and for many other blessings throughout the past two months.

Tuesday, I went to have the impressions made for the 3 crowns for the left side. The doc decided to also remove the last wisdom tooth. He thought before a surgeon needed to do so, but after looking at it time and again he decided he could handle it himself. I'm still a bit swollen from that, but otherwise I'm fine. I've got the temporary crowns on, all bright and shiny silver tin models. The permanent crowns will be white, well two will be. The one way in the back will be gold. I've never owned any real gold in my life, so now I'll be the proud owner of a gold crown. Just not the type to wear on my head as a monarch would - too bad!

I return in two weeks to have the permanent crowns installed, then he will take impressions of the right side for the crowns that will make the bridge. Two weeks for manufacturing the bridge, then it'll be on. Then I'll be all finished. So just two more visits! Which will be a total of 8 visits since the beginning back in June.

Thanks to all of you who have prayed, and who have laughed with me through some of the experiences!

"...the Evidence of Things Not Seen."

2007-07-23T15:12:00.000-06:00

Faith - a mystical, magical, inexplicable truth that is nestled in the heart, soul and mind of the believer. It is a gift, that God has dealt in measure to each of His children. It is what the just live by, by it the sick are made whole.

By faith we know the worlds were made, by faith offerings have been made to God. By faith men have been translated that they should not see death. Without faith, we cannot please God. By faith Noah built the ark, Abraham went to a place God later would show him. By faith Abraham, Isaac and Jacob sought a city whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sara conceived, by faith Abraham offered Isaac. By faith Isaac blessed his sons, and Jacob, his, while dying. Joseph, by faith, prophesied of the children of Israel's departure from Egypt, by faith Moses was hid. By faith Moses refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. By faith he forsook Egypt, kept the Passover, passed through the Red Sea. By faith the walls of Jericho fell, and Rahab perished not.

It has been through faith that kingdoms have been subdued, righteousness has been wrought, promises have been realized and obtained, the mouths of lions have been closed. By faith, men have quenched the violence of fire, they've escaped the edge of swords. By faith, when weak, were made strong and able to wax valiant in fight and turn to flight the armies of aliens. By faith women have seen their loved ones blessed by God to see life again. Other women, by faith, were tortured, not accepting deliverance, so by faith they could obtain a better resurrection.

By faith some have had trials of cruel mockings, just as our Lord Jesus. By faith some have been scourged, stoned, sawn asunder. Some, by faith have been in bonds and in prison. Some, by their faith were tempted, and finally slain by a sword. Through it all, by faith they wandered in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented. By faith they were able to wander in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Of these it is said, "the world was not worthy."

By faith they lived, by faith they suffered, by faith they died.

So yes, it is mystical, it is magical, it is inexplicable. Above all, it is a powerful witness that man cannot extinguish. And without it we would perish. Without it we would have no anchor for our soul and life. Without it, we would drift forever.

Faith is the brightest evidence
Of things beyond our sight,
Breaks through the clouds of flesh and sense,
And dwells in heav'nly light.

It sets times past in present view,
Brings distant prospects home,
Of things a thousand years ago,
Or thousand years to come.

By faith we know the worlds were made
By God's almighty word;
Abram, to unknown countries led,
By faith obeyed the Lord.

He sought a city fair and high,
Built by th' eternal hands,
And faith assures us, though we die,
That heav'nly building stands.

You don't have to brush your teeth - just the ones you want to keep. - Author Unknown

2007-07-20T14:41:00.000-06:00

I know I haven't posted in a while, I've been quite busy and unable to do so. And, while I've been busy, not much worthy of note has been happening.

Today; however, I'll give you the updates from the dental side of life.

Yesterday, I went for a root canal for the final part of the work on the left side of my mouth. Well, not quite final, they still have to put the crowns on (3 in all on that side), then we're done there. However, all the fillings (1) and root canals (3) are finished.

Today was the worst day yet. It wasn't too bad, at least it isn't yet - but the anesthesia hasn't worn off yet, so we'll see how it feels in a few hours.

Today, he did a root canal on an upper tooth - that took about an hour and a half. He had some trouble with it, as did I. I guess his anesthesia didn't work as well, because there was one canal I kept feeling as he dug around in it.

Once he finished the root canal, he pulled the upper wisdom tooth and did that ever hurt. He thought I was moaning because of the pressure, once I could talk I let him know it was the pain. It wasn't so bad except that he missed a root and had to dig around for it.

With that completed, he did a filling on a lower tooth, that was relatively easy and altogether painless.

He then removed a lower tooth right in front of the wisdom tooth and made access to get it out too. When he removed the molar, I thought he thought I was a snake and could open my jaw 180 degrees, but I'm not and I couldn't! I thought my jaw would snap. But he finally got it out, and then the wisdom tooth came right out with great ease.

Then he moved up top. He had two more teeth to pull there. The first one was a doozy and took him some maneuvering to do, but he finally got it out. Then the one in front of it I suppose was easy, I didn't feel much there and it went quickly. Then he sewed me up and sent me on my way.

After 2 1/2 hours he was all through, and now so am I.

To recap today's work:

1 Root Canal
1 Filling
5 Extractions

To recap the work from start till now:

4 Root Canals
2 Fillings
7 Extractions

Next week I return to start getting the crown work started. All the major work is complete, now its just cosmetic. 3 Crowns and a 4 part bridge and I'll be smiling big again! We've got about a month left and it should all be finished!!! I can't wait.

PS, many thanks to Sister Lydia for driving me to and from the dental appointment, and for retrieving an ice pack from Walgreens. A true life saver!

Sweet Harmony

2007-07-03T13:20:00.001-06:00

O tell me no more of this world's vain store,
The time for such trifles with me now is o'er'
A country I've found where true joys abound,
To dwell I'm determined on that happy ground.

No mortal doth know what Christ will bestow,
What life strength and comfort! go after him, go!
Lo, onward I move, to see Christ above,
None guesses how wondrous my journey will prove.

Great spoils I shall win from death, hell and sin,
'Midst outward afflictions shall feel Christ within;
And still, which is best, I in his dear breast,
As at the beginning, find pardon and rest.

When I am to die, "Receive me," I'll cry,
For Jesus hath loved me, I cannot tell why.
But this I do find, we two are so joined,
He'll not live in glory and leave me behind;

This blessing is mine, through favor divine,
And O, my dear Jesus, the praise shall be thine
In heaven we'll meet in harmony sweet,
And glory to Jesus! we'll then be complete.

Dentist: a prestidigitator who, putting metal into your mouth, pulls coin out of your pocket. - Ambrose Bierce

2007-06-29T09:29:00.000-06:00

I know, I know - many of you anxiously awaited the next story of hilarity, calamity and absurdity (aka H.C.A.) regarding my dental woes. Yet, when I arrived home, I just didn't want to spend 30 minutes typing out a hilarious review of my ROOT CANAL. I felt just fine, which I describe in further detail, but I wanted to take a nap, so I did.

The morning began with my excitement of going to the dentist. No seriously, I was excited. Stupid perhaps, but excited nonetheless. Several had told me horror stories of root canal experiences, but thankfully, Brother Jeff Zimmerman gave me some good comfort about it. I actually wasn't very nervous anyway, but it is nice to receive reassurance.

I arrived for my 9 AM appointment right on time, I had a big smile on my face and they looked at me as though I might need to be placed in an asylum. They said I was the only patient they had that comes in with a bounce in his step and smile on his face. But what can I say? I am a happy guy. (Most of the time.)

Then the Doc came out and said, "Let's get started!" So get started we did, boy did he waste no time.

I got in the chair, he gave the swab of anaesthesia, then about 10,000 shots, and while I don't enjoy them, they weren't too bad. Plus I know if I don't get them, the real pain will follow afterwards.

Then that nice nurse Terri put the nitrous oxide on, and boy did I like that again. Once more, I felt as though I were floating away, I opened wide and let the Doc do his thing.

He strapped some kind of bands around the two teeth. Oh, by the way - I like this dentist a lot, a whole lot. Yet he could communicate a little better. Two weeks ago, I thought I was having one tooth removed, no - it was two. Today, I thought it was one root canal - BIG MISTAKE, it was TWO.

So he straps on some bands, then places some plastic thing which isolates the area, and allows me still to breathe and swallow just fine.

The next two hours (yes, TWO HOURS) are a bit of a blur, especially since I couldn't see what they were doing. All I could see was this dentist with funny goggles on looking over me - so I decided to close my eyes and try to sleep.

As I was dozing - I heard that familiar buzz, yes, you know it too - the drill! The poor Doc wasted several $'s worth of bits, I know he broke at least two. One got stuck down in the tooth!!! The nurse asked if he could get it, and he said "I don't know." So I am left thinking I'll walk around the rest of my days with a drill bit in my mouth.

Then, as he's digging for his drill bit, she exclaims "the gas is almost gone - I've got to get another bottle!" I was thinking, "YES, FORGET THE BITS, MORE GAS PLEASE, MORE GAS. I DON'T WANT TO FEEL WHAT'S COMING!!!" Of course I can only think this, because there's no way to talk. (Sidebar: I used to have a dentist that liked to have conversations with his patients while working on them, a huge annoyance because you can't effectively answer questions while your getting a filling.)

So the Doc loses drill bits, I'm thinking I'll offer him my Bosch drill with some 1/4" heavy duty metal bits, and perhaps they won't break again!

I hear him taking measurements of the length of nerves and depth of canals. Then I hear him talking about their removal - and then he said, "let's irrigate." Now, I'm a west Texas boy where irrigating* means watering the cotton fields. (*In that post on Stremmed Out, you'll see the type of irrigation systems I'm talking about.)

So, my canals got irrigated. They should be well watered, and hopefully now in good shape. Then, after he finished that - they started mixing up the amalgam (sp?) and glopped that on my teeth. They're waiting to do some other work before they put the crowns on.

When I get finished, I'll resemble the Panama Canal, with a nice bridge with a bunch of "kingly crowns put on."

So he wrapped up - and asked me to stand up. Last time, I was on the gas about 30 minutes - no big deal. This time, 2 hours. So, when I stood up, I took a bow. Not intentionally, you see the Doc should've taken the bow, he did the work!

I had to wait a few before I could drive home as I was a bit woozy. But thankfully I've had no pain, and just a bit of sensitivity yesterday. Today, it's all good.

For those who wrote or called wanting a blog post - I am so sorry you worried - but you know, I just didn't feel like it. I felt good, just not like blogging. And so I know you anxiously awaited the arrival of a H.C.A. post, but you'll just have to G.O.I. Perhaps some of you will remember what GOI means? Leave me a response if you do!

More dental fun occurs next Thursday at 10:00 AM. Fun, fun! I can't hardly wait.

CAYLUB IS HOME!!!!!!!!

2007-06-25T12:50:00.000-06:00

Friends, all:

Caylub was released from the hospital this morning and made the three hour drive home very well. Dad said he slept most of the drive, and is now playing a video game. He's still a bit groggy, and of course sore, but overall he is doing amazingly well.

We're not exactly sure the schedule of his full recovery, such as how long it will take his skull to heal, and also the work to reduce the visibility of the scars, but hopefully by the time he starts back to school everything will be all set for him.

Above all, we're grateful he is alive and suffered no brain damage. Our hearts are full of love and appreciation to our precious Lord.

For those who have prayed, please return a word of thanks to our Father for His grace upon Caylub. We know God is the "the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort," and to Him all praise belongs.

Update on Caylub

2007-06-22T11:27:00.001-06:00

This morning, Caylub was moved out of ICU and placed in a regular room at Cook Hospital. They are still watching for swelling, but all indications show that he is going to be fine, and they expect a full recovery.

Less concerning, yet relieving all the same, the doctors said that the scars and all will be completely taken care of by plastic surgery soon. They're very confident that he'll bear very few marks from the accident.

I am extremely amazed at the progress of, and the abilities of the medical field in our day. Above this, I am thankful to our Father who has blessed us with these blessings, and how His hand intervenes at times when the doctors come to the end of their abilities.

Great praise to our God!

A Not-So-Welcome Guest

2007-06-21T14:19:00.001-06:00

The little guy pictured below, or the little gal, is awfully cute, seemingly cuddly and very small. Thus far this furry critter hasn't caused too much damage to our garden; however, he does like green bean blooms that are near the bottom of the plant. Thankfully he's too small to reach the blooms on top!

We're trying to wait until he's mature, just like with squash or green beans, and then we'll decide if he's a pet, or if he's supper! Just kidding. He's causing so little harm, and so much amusement that we'll plan to keep him.

My Brother Caylub

2007-06-21T09:39:00.000-06:00

Yesterday afternoon, my 12 year old brother Caylub, was crossing a busy street with a friend, and was struck by a car. When the car hit him it threw him into the other lane of traffic and he was hit a second time.

Throughout last evening, we weren't sure that he would live through the night. Among all his injuries, the most severe was a head injury that caused some swelling of his brain.

He was rushed by ambulance from Merkel, TX, to Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene. Abilene currently doesn't have a neurologist, so he was flown by helicopter to Cook Children's Hospital in Fort Worth, TX.

When he arrived there, they rushed him in to operate and relieve pressure from his brain. His forehead had a golf ball size injury that was crushed near his temple, they cleaned that well and placed a steel plate in. He had a small amount of spinal fluid leaking and they stitched that injury.

Among the other problems was a bad cut to his knee, cheek (almost to the bone), above his eye and the back of his head. He also had bad bruising to his chest and at first we were told a lung collapsed, which it did not.

They got him all bandaged and stitched, the surgery went well and at the current time we're waiting to know the extent of the damage.

This morning, early, he awoke and my sister and father were with him. He immediately recognized them both, knew who he was, how old he was, all the facts and figures. He didn't remember the accident, but did remember the helicopter ride which he thought was exciting.

Above all, he wants to go home! We are now waiting results of the latest CAT scan, and if they're good he'll be removed from ICU today. Last night he was on a respirator, but not life support. He is now off the respirator and functioning by himself.

The doctors are "cautiously optimistic" that he will be OK. They are saying that the first 72 hours are most crucial and swelling to occur again anytime. They have drilled a hole in his skull and have a monitor to keep constant check on the swelling, if any.

They are hopeful that there is little or no brain damage, as he is responding so well to all stimuli.

We are so thankful to our Lord for His great mercy toward us all, but especially toward Caylub. Caylub is a very sweet boy, as far as I've seen has never caused our parents any real trouble, and has a genuine love and meekness that I should more closely emulate.

Our family is grateful to those who have prayed, and we ask that you continue to pray especially over the next two days. Our Father who has delivered from so great a death, we trust is delivering and will yet deliver. We deserve not His grace, but yet our hearts yearn with thanksgiving for His mercy thus far.

Please pray for the man who hit Caylub also. My cousin works for the insurance agency where the man has his insurance, and immediately after the police released him, he went to the agency requesting a check be made right then so our family wouldn't have any worries. He is a 73 year old man, and she said he was crying like a little child and so scared for Caylub. It was simply an accident, certainly not the fault of this dear man. This morning, we were able to contact him to let him know how well Caylub is doing, and he let us know that his prayer group from the local Baptist church was meeting at 10 this morning for specific prayer for Caylub. I am thankful for this man's faithfulness, and I know he also stands in need of the grace of God.

May our great God be praised, for his mercy endureth forever.

1st Peter 2:17

2007-06-18T16:28:00.000-06:00

"Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king."

This is a verse that I have long thought to preach on, many commands are contained therein, and in following them, many peaceful times await those who obey.

Honour all men.

That is, show proper respect to all men. The Bible tells us we're to "do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). While we may think our duty lies only with Christians, the scripture is clear that even our enemies are to be honored, through our love, blessing, prayers and our work of good upon them.

It is so easy to show honor to honorable men, yet, there should be given respect to all humans, even when it seems there's so little to respect.

Love the brotherhood.

That is, we're to love the whole body of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are brothers together in the Lord. When Paul wrote to Philemon about a servant named Onesimus, a servant who had likely stolen from Philemon, and left his service without permission, Paul requested Philemon to receive him, "Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?"

As a child, it was at times easier to be kind and charitable to friends than it was my own siblings. And sometimes in the house of the Lord, we are kinder to those without than we are to the "brotherhood." Yet when Paul commanded the Galatians to be kind and do good to all men, he said, "especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

Fear God.

Solomon wrote, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge..." Later he recorded, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom..." Again, "Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long."

We, as finite, poor, weak creatures of the Great Creator God, should stand in the fear of the God. Christians used to be known as "God-fearing people." Now, it seems everywhere there is "no fear of God before their eyes." When Abraham lied about Sarah being his wife, and instead called her his sister, when found out he gave the following reason for his lie: "Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place..."

There is joy in fearing the Lord, there is understanding and wisdom. We recognize His great power, but then we also see His great love. How as a disappointed Creator (in that we fell), He has chosen to be merciful, yet we should remember the terror and dread of the Lord.

Lastly,

Honour the king.

Turn on CNN, MSNBC, ABC - pick up the New York Times, or simply enter a coffee shop and you will hear men and women cursing our king. While we may not agree altogether, or perhaps very little with the man who is our leader, the Scriptures do not give us the right to curse him. Instead it tells us to respect him, and to pray for him.

Perhaps if we spent as much time honoring and praying for those in positions of authority, the Lord would bless them and us, to follow that which is right in the Lord's eyes.

Children of the Heavenly King

2007-06-18T14:04:00.000-06:00

Words: John Cennick, Sacred Hymns for the Children of God, 1742.

Children of the heavenly King,
As ye journey, sweetly sing;
Sing your Savior’s worthy praise,
Glorious in His works and ways.

In our journey on earth, so often we focus on affliction, turmoil and trouble, instead of focusing more on praising our "heavenly King." In our journey we are not called upon to murmur and complain, but rather, to be happy and joyful, even in our afflictions. While we know it is hard, the happy soul is a blessed soul. Certainly, our Lord is glorious in all His works, and in all His ways. There is far more to praise than to utter complaint. "Behold, we count them happy which endure." "But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye." "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye."

We are traveling home to God,
In the way the fathers trod;
They are happy now, and we
Soon their happiness shall see.

Our "journey" is a trip to glory, a short while and we will arrive at home. It makes it so much easier to make the journey when we know it is no long, and our desired haven is our home in heaven. We are traveling, the writer says, in the "way our fathers trod." What a blessing to see their footsteps, to notice the landmarks and memorials along the way, gracing us with further evidence of the truth of our Lord's word. We know they are now happy, and not only we will soon see their happiness, we shall join with them in the "new song."

O, ye banished seed, be glad!
Christ our Advocate is made;
Us to save, our flesh assumes—
Brother to our souls becomes.

Sometimes the journey seems long, at times we feel banished to a world of dearth and death, yet our loving Saviour is our plea, He has saved, and He is our elder brother! We are the children of God, "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ."

Shout, ye little flock, and blest,
You on Jesus’ throne shall rest:
There your seat is now prepared—
There your kingdom and reward.

All too often we'd rather cry than shout, but should we should, while we may be as a small remnant, or a little flock, we are blest. What an amazing thought to know that our precious Redeemer has gone on to prepare a place for us, and because He has, He will come gather us so we may be where He is.

Lift your eyes, ye sons of light,
Zion’s city is in sight:
There our endless home shall be,
There our Lord we soon shall see.

King David once wrote, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." Have you ever been blessed to look up by faith, and as it were look straight into "Zion's city?" It's a beautiful sight, but more beautiful yet is the Lamb of God, our Lord who resides there in our "endless home."

Fear not, brethren; joyful stand
On the borders of your land;
Jesus Christ, your Father’s Son,
Bids you undismayed go on.

While we may view that wondrous sight, our Lord says, "Not yet, my child, not yet." Our "time is not yet come." We are called upon to stand joyfully and fight in the army of our God. Our discharge will soon come, but until then, we're to stand firm for the Lord, serving the Captain of our salvation.

Lord, obedient we would go,
Gladly leaving all below;
Only Thou our Leader be;
And we will still follow Thee.

Are you now ready to leave all below? When the Lord bids will you complain, or will you joyfully lay aside this tabernacle of clay? Will you trust Him as your leader. You shall. His grace will be sufficient in that dying hour, He will be our leader and beckon us to follow in the way He and our fathers have trod. We will be home, forever home, with our God.

Gardening - Almost Week 7

2007-06-13T16:51:00.000-06:00

Well, I didn't get the opportunity to photograph the garden last week, so I took one mid-week instead.

Yesterday, I picked the first mess of squash, boiled it in butter, salt and pepper and boy was it good! The beans are almost ready, and there are several tomatoes that are green on the vine, they should be ready before long. Everything is proceeding nicely!

God Leads Us Along - George A. Young, 1903

2007-06-12T10:57:00.000-06:00

This song has long been an encouragement to me, to know that in each situation, "God leads His dear children along."

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.

Psalm 23 teaches us that our Lord, our Dear Shepherd leads us to "still waters" and also to "green pastures." Because it is the Lord God of heaven that leads us, we shall not want, meaning we shall not suffer any need, as He is faithful to provide. What wonderful times when we're able to feel the water's cool flow, and taste the rich and sweet pastures of our God.

Refrain

Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.

I especially love the chorus - it is true that many are led at time through the overwhelming waters that seem to wash us away in affliction's time, some are just completely flooded with misery or pain, while yet others suffer through the fire of affliction - yet we're all bathed in the Blood of Calvary's Lamb! Even in the worst of sorrow, we have the song of redemption to sing, both in the night of affliction, and in the day of rejoicing.

Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.

I'm sure you've experienced the mountain's height - those times when no sorrow could seem to approach you because you were there on Mt. Pisgah, viewing the land of promise, seeing all that is, and shall be in the Lord. Yet, no mountain was so glorious, except before it were some valley. For Moses, it was the knowledge that his sin kept him from the promised land, for us it might be a multitude of affliction. Yet, even in the depths of the very worst valley, God still, and especially then, leads His dear children along.

Refrain

Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.

The scripture records, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." It might be sorrow or evil, but "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." Through the help of God, "we shall overcome."

Refrain

Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
God leads His dear children along.

Truly, on this "low ground of sin and sorrow," we are continually bogged down in the mire, often stuck in the clay wishing for our release. The Lord is so faithful to lead us along and help us in our hard journey. He will take us up from the mire, and "away up in glory, eternity's day, God leads His dear children along!" What a joy and relief to know that this too, soon shall pass from mire to glory! What reason to praise to know we have One who leads us through every pathway, through every sorrow, to every joy!

Refrain

A dentist at work in his vocation always looks down in the mouth. - George D. Prentice

2007-06-11T14:48:00.000-06:00

Today I went back to the dentist to have that pesky tooth that has caused many painful moments removed. However, when I arrived, I found out the bad news that the Doc was going to pull TWO of 'em instead of one.

Well, the nurse came out and made me sign a release (in addition to the regular one) stating that I release them to release my teeth, and release them from any worries or concerns of lawsuits if the releasing of the tooth/teeth wasn't releasing of the pain.

So, the Doc got immediately to work. First, he swabbed this gel in the area that numbed me pretty good, then he gave me about 13,000 shots and after which I felt better and better. Then the best of all, he thought it best to use laughing gas. Well, I wasn't laughing, but it was a surreal experience.

I've never been "gassed" before, and the feeling it gave was very peaceful, but also very strange. I felt the "movement" from my head, until finally even it seemed my feet were numb. I was a bit light-headed, and I was seeing a few stars. I asked to go to sleep, and he said, "you can try."

Well, about a moment later, I saw the pliers. And I saw them enter my mouth. I felt them wrap around tooth #1. Then, I felt pressure, not pain. He started cranking those things and you could hear bone crushing, feel blood squirting, and then the nurse quickly vacuumed it all out with that suction thingy which is SO VERY COOL.

Then came #2, and the process began again - but I didn't care, I was feeling GOOD.

Then he started sewing it all up, and I could feel a tug here and there and I bet I have more thread in me now than 300 count sheets.

Then the most dreaded part. You see, I've not been faithful to go to the dentist, so he has some work to do. $4,534 to be exact. Would have been over $8,000, but thankfully I have a good discount from the good Doc. Now I know why Miguel de Cervantes wrote, "Every tooth in a man's head is more valuable than a diamond."

I will have a "bridge to nowhere" in my mouth, a couple or three root canals, and a couple more extractions. Sounds like they will mine the mountain for gold, then build a bridge across it. All at this taxpayers expense, and that's no pork barrel spending neither.

I told the good Doc that if he requests me every six months for checkups, I'll be there every three. My teeth are my new best friend, they will be the most expensive part of my body when this is over.

He says in three months time, about 5-6 more visits, I'll be as good as new. I asked, "Am I your worse case ever?" He responded, "Oh no, not even close." I felt a little better, then the nurse handed me the bill.

So, we'll see how the woes of the next few weeks go, I think it'll all be OK. Thankfully, I am yet in any pain, but thank the good Lord for Ibuprofen!

"O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people."

2007-06-10T21:40:00.000-06:00

This weekend, the Lord was so gracious to us, blessing us with an abundance of His felt presence, showing His approval for the ministry and ordination of Elder John Yadamec, and once more granting His kindness to us.

I would love to describe His "deeds among the people," but am quite tired from the weekend. However, I will try to give a few highlights.

First, here is a photo of the presbytery that ordained Brother John:

Pictured from Left to Right: Row 1, Elder John Yadamec, Elder Chris Crouse. Row 2, Elder Eugene Janes, Brother Tom Lewis, Brother Jim Gambill, Brother Paul Reynolds. Row 3, Elder Jeff Cochran, Elder Charles Whitten, Elder H. D. Fulmer, Elder Jim Ridings, Elder Marty Smith. Row 4, Brother Dennis Stremmel, Brother Jeff Zimmerman, Brother Gordon Ten Pass, Brother Galvin Ten Pass, Elder Paul Blair, Elder Loyce Fuller, Elder Tim Montgomery, Brother Ben Anderson, Elder Garland Broadway, and Elder David Harrison.

On Friday night, the Lord blessed Elder Smith and Elder Fulmer to preach wonderful sermons that rejoiced our hearts and honored the Lord.

On Saturday, the ordination took place. Elder Charles Whitten questioned Brother John, and asked several pertinent doctrinal questions, which Brother John answered very ably.

Elder Loyce Fuller then offered the ordination prayer while we layed hands on Brother John, Elder Fuller's prayer was very sweet.

Elder Tim Montgomery then charged Brother John to stand strong in the doctrine, never wavering in the faith once delivered to the saints.

I then charged Brother John to be patient and gentle as he stands firmly in the truth, never warring or fighting with those he serves, but meekly teaching.

Brother John was then returned to the church as Elder John Yadamec.

Then Saturday afternoon, and again Sunday morning, the Lord once again blessed Elders Smith and Fulmer!

One of the highlights, other than the wonderful visitors and the encouragement from the ministry, was the singing of praise to our Lord. The singing this weekend was some of the very best I have heard in a long time, it was a time of glory to God in the highest, and edification for us.

I will not soon forget this weekend, I thank our precious Lord for His kindnesses toward us!

Our Annual Meeting

2007-06-07T18:07:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow it all starts, whether we're ready or not! I always greatly anticipate our Annual Meeting, and I am looking forward to it this year, but boy oh boy, it snuck up on me.

The meeting starts Friday night with supper at 5:30, then services at 7:00. Then Saturday, at 10:00 the ordination of Brother John Yadamec to the gospel ministry will commence. I am very thankful for Brother John's call to the ministry, and the great progress the Lord has blessed him with. I trust He will make his ministry a success.

On Saturday afternoon we'll have regular worship services, then in the evening a time for fellowship.

On Sunday, at 10:00 we'll once again meet to hear the word preached.

This year, Elders Marty Smith and H. D. Fulmer are to be with us and preach at the regular worship services. Please pray for their delivery to preach the word!

If you can, come join us in worship!

The Dentist :-(

2007-06-05T14:35:00.000-06:00

This morning, for the first time in many years I had to see a dentist. Seeing a dentist doesn't bother me in the sense of being afraid. I don't worry about the pain as usually a person is in enough pain that you know the dentist will bring relief. What I do fear is the bill!!!

I am also hesitant because you never know (with a new dentist) if he/she will do a good job, be gentle and kind, or will be a bad doctor with a gruff manner. Today, I made an appointment to see Dr. William Stapleton. I went in a bit nervous until I met him. He's about 55, white hair, a big smile and very gracious. The ladies that work for him, Lisa and Linda say he's a great dentist too. Of course, I am sure they say that out of obligation, or they would have to work for another dentist!

Anyway, I have a tooth that is abscessed, so today all he could do was give me antibiotics and pain medicine, and I have to return Monday so he can remove the tooth.

Since it has been several years since my last visit, he has his work cut out for him, but I know by the time he finishes, I'll be able to smile without a grimace!

Nashville

2007-06-05T11:35:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday, Grandma and I headed off for Nashville, Tennessee. Elder Ronald Lawrence, pastor at Bethel Church had asked if I would preach in his absence while he was away in North Carolina. Bethel Church is a wonderful church, and since it had been almost a year since I've missed a Sunday at Little Flock, I agreed to do so.

On our way down Saturday, we passed this sign in Kentucky. So you understand the relevance, my Great-Grandmother's last name is Mayfield. She was excited to see this sign pointing the way to Mayfield, Kentucky.

We arrived at Brother Truman and Sister Barbara Stubblefield's home around 3:00 Saturday, and had a refreshing time of rest and visitation before supper. The Stubblefield's had invited about 20-25 over for supper, ice cream and time for fellowship. It was such a blessing to be with the folks. Here a couple shots:

Here is Brother Eddie Huff and his wife Sister Betty. Brother Huff is the man who built my pulpit that I use here at Little Flock. To see it, please attend our annual meeting starting this Friday.

The young man in the back, with his back to the camera is Brother Tim Lawrence, Brother Ronald's second oldest son, and next to him is Sister Shannon Sanford. The lady standing is Sister Shannon's grandmother, and I can't remember her name! (Shame on me, I know.)

Here, with his back to the camera is Brother Mark Lawrence, Brother Ronald's youngest son, next to him is Sister Velda. To the left of Velda is Sister Sherri Malone and her husband Brother Mike Malone. Brother Mike is a very interesting Brother. He sells real estate and helped Bethel find their new property and is helping a great deal on their building project. I was thankful to glean some of his wisdom to put in practice for our own project here. Next to Brother Mike is Sister Barbara Stubblefield, our gracious host!

Here is my good buddy, Brother Truman Stubblefield, also known as "Stubby." He is a wonderful deacon, and great to help any in need. Each time I've been with him and Sister Barbara I've had a wonderful time. To the left, in the white shirt is Brother Mark Lawrence, and in the dark shirt is Brother Todd Sanford. Brother Todd takes care of all recording at Bethel. He and his wife and two sons, Braden and Cole are wonderful saints.

The fellowship broke up around 9:00, and I was quite ready for bed! I stayed up and visited with Brother and Sister Stubblefield for a while, then we hit the hay.

On Sunday morning, we went to services at Bethel and had a wonderful time in the Lord. I felt exceptional liberty to preach Sunday morning and was thankful for a very attentive and appreciative congregation.

We then went to the basement for lunch and had a delicious meal prepared by the members. Immediately following, Sister Velda, Grandma and I headed for Dickson, TN to visit Sister Edgie Burton in the nursing home. Sister Edgie is Velda's mother. My Grandmother and Sister Edgie were blessed with a closeness over the past few years, and it was sweet to see them "greet one another with an holy kiss." We visited for about an hour and then headed back to the Stubblefield's for a little rest.

Later that evening we went back to the church-house for the evening service. I was exhausted, but tried my best to preach and either did well, or had a very good congregation who enjoyed it despite myself. I think it was just a really good congregation!

After services, about 25 of us went to Rafferty's for supper and had a wonderful time. I was able to spend most of it playing with all the children while the adults ate and visited. The children are always such fun!

We then headed for bed, as Sister Velda, Grandma and I were going to leave early Monday morning for St. Louis. On Monday morning, Brother Ronald (having arrived home late Sunday night) came to the Stubblefield's for breakfast, and he and I had a good time of fellowship. I always enjoy being with Brother Ronald, and love to hear his counsel. The Lord has blessed him with a rich mind, and much wisdom.

We got on the road a little after 9 and had an uneventful trip. I wasn't feeling well due to a toothache, so I tried to be still and quiet. We arrived at Brother Paul and Sister Barb's house around 2:30 and Sister Barb had lunch ready for us. We had a pleasant visit, then Grandma and I headed back home.

It was a wonderful weekend that I'll not soon forget. I enjoyed the services at Bethel, but the fellowship we had Saturday & Sunday evening was some of the best I've ever experienced. I am thankful to our Lord for His providence, His gracious hand in providing such a blessing to me, though I deserve it not.

Gardening - Week 5

2007-06-05T11:26:00.000-06:00

I'm continually amazed the at the speed at which this garden is growing. Never before have I had a garden grow so rapidly. I know I'm late posting on week 5, but I'll have week 6's pictures up on Saturday which will hopefully show some picked squash!

Notice in the last picture there are squash circled, if you enlarge it you can see the little tiny fruit. Not so little now!

Onward, Christian Soldiers

2007-06-01T09:24:00.000-06:00

Words by Sabine Baring-Gould, 1865. Music, St. Gertrude, by Arthur S. Sullivan, 1871.

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!

Refrain

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

Refrain

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Refrain

What the saints established that I hold for true.
What the saints believed, that I believe too.
Long as earth endureth, men the faith will hold,
Kingdoms, nations, empires, in destruction rolled.

Refrain

Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never 'gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.

Refrain

Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.

Refrain

*Baring-Gould wrote about this hymn:

Whit-Monday is a great day for school festivals in Yorkshire. One Whit-Monday, thirty years ago, it was arranged that our school should join forces with that of a neighboring village. I wanted the children to sing when marching from one village to another, but couldn’t think of anything quite suitable; so I sat up at night, resolved that I would write something myself. “Onward, Christian Soldiers” was the result. It was written in great haste, and I am afraid some of the rhymes are faulty. Certainly nothing has surprised me more than its popularity. I don’t remember how it got printed first, but I know that very soon it found its way into several collections. I have written a few other hymns since then, but only two or three have become at all well-known.

*This hymn was sung at the funeral of American president Dwight Eisenhower at the National Cathedral, Washington, DC, March 1969.

'Given to Hospitality'

2007-05-30T17:08:00.000-06:00

One of the traits of the Old Baptists that I am most fond of, is their kindness to guests.

Growing up in the south, and in a rural community, I was taught the value of kindness to those in need. We were well acquainted with our neighbors, we knew their hardships and tried (though poor ourselves) to step in and relieve their want. Perhaps hospitality is a trademark of America in general, but we took it very seriously where I grew up.

One of the qualifications for a gospel minister is to be 'given to hospitality' (1 Timothy 3:2), literally to be "fond of guests." Not only is this benchmark given to the ministry, but saints in general:

"Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality" (Romans 12:13).
"Use hospitality one to another without grudging" (1 Peter 4:9).

As I am getting ready for a trip this weekend to Nashville, I was phoned by those I am staying with to let me know the details of the weekend. I was pleasantly surprised to learn of a large gathering on Saturday evening with many friends at the Stubblefield home, for a time of fellowship. I was thankful to hear of this, as I love to visit the saints there, and I am most appreciative of Brother Truman and Sister Barbara for their graciousness to host so many.

Little Flock is gearing up for our annual meeting, and I always look forward to hosting folks in our church, but also in my home. I get as excited as a child in a candy store knowing folks are coming to see us, surely we don't deserve their effort!
Many in our nation, and I suppose that the world at large have mostly lost the desire and joy of 'lodging strangers.' What a joy they miss in this great blessing of opening our homes and lives to those who are strangers, or traveling through. This past weekend I had the blessing of entertaining the Lindsey family from Arkansas as they traveled to their family reunion in Indiana. What a sweet time it was.

I hope with all I am that the Primitive Baptist people will always have hospitality as one of their hallmarks. May we always have a fondness for guests, and treat them as though they were at home while abroad.

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:2).

41 Years Ago

2007-05-28T12:47:00.001-06:00

On May 28, 1966, 41 years ago today, Little Flock was constituted as a Primitive Baptist Church. Throughout her history she has felt many afflictions from the wicked one, and enjoyed many blessings from her Lord.

With the Lord's grace, we trust and pray, that she'll continue for many more years.

We, her members, pray that we live our lives in such a way that our Lord would be pleased to continue to dwell among us.

Gardening - Week 4

2007-05-27T20:40:00.000-06:00

This week, due to a thorough watering, then several days of rain, I've not been able to get in and weed the garden. However, there will always (hopefully) be tomorrow!

Here's an update. Man it is growing like a weed!

Communion with God - Baltimore

2007-05-24T23:56:00.000-06:00

From all that's mortal, all that's vain,
And from this earthly clod,
Arise my soul, and strive to gain
Sweet fellowship with God.

Say, what is there beneath the skies,
In all the paths thou'st trod,
Can suit thy wishes or thy joys,
Like fellowship with God?

Not life, nor all the toys of art,
Nor pleasure's flow'ry road,
Can to my soul such bliss impart,
As fellowship with God.

When I am made in love to bear,
Affliction's needful rod,
Light, sweet, and kind the strokes appear,
Through fellowship with God.

In fierce temptation's fiery blasts,
Or dark desertion's road,
I'm happy if I can but taste
Some fellowship with God.

And when the icy hand of death
Shall chill my flowing blood,
With joy I'll yield my latest breath
In fellowship with God.

When I, at last, to heav'n ascend,
And gain my blest abode,
There an eternity I'll spend
In fellowship with God.

Expecting

2007-05-24T12:58:00.000-06:00

My dear, dear friends, Elder Jon and Sister Amanda Mizell are expecting twins! The two blessings are expected to arrive this November!

Farewell For Awhile

2007-05-24T12:22:00.001-06:00

Isaac Corn, a member at Little Flock, left today for a 10 week internship in Colorado. Brother Isaac is trying to finish up his four year degree in some type of science (I am not a science guru, actually I know VERY little about science). He told me recently that it has to do with chemistry. He could give you all the details. It is fascinating, just beyond me, so I can't remember what he said!

He will be returning in August to finish his last semester at SIUE, then will be moving on to his doctorate work. We know we'll most likely lose him to a southern school (who could blame him?), but I don't look forward to the time that he's gone.

In the nearly four years that I have pastored here, Brother Isaac has been a continual encouragement to me. I've been thankful to watch him throughout this time and see him face, with grace, the challenges of youth. I always enjoy hearing him tell of the various folks he engages in doctrinal discussions, and to see how well equipped he is to defend the doctrine that was once delivered to the saints.

I hope you'll join me in praying for Brother Isaac, that our Lord will protect and preserve him over the next 10 weeks, and guide him in the decisions that are forthcoming.

Revive Thy Work, O Lord - Albert Midlane 1858

2007-05-22T18:18:00.000-06:00

"O Lord, revive thy work...” Habakkuk 3:2

The scripture above, and the song below, have been on my mind periodically throughout this day. So often our hearts grow cold, our affection for things above is blotted by our lust of things beneath. How I pray for a revival of my heart, a revival of my zeal, a revival of my diligence to more faithfully serve my Lord.

---

Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Thy mighty arm make bare;
Speak with the voice that wakes the dead,
And make Thy people hear.

Today, I was driving home from the grocery store and listening to the news on the radio. The story was of yet more crime, more wickedness, more hatred that is prevalent in our world today. I couldn't tell you the details of the story, I am so used to hearing them that often I don't remember what I last heard. It reminds me of Noah's day, when it is recorded, "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart" (Genesis 6:5-6). God's response was, "And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth" (Genesis 6:13).

How wonderful when the Lord "speaks with the voice that wakes" a dead alien sinner, and that one who before loved to fill himself with ungodliness, now hates those things he loved.

Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Disturb this sleep of death;
Quicken the smold’ring embers now
By Thine almighty breath.

Yet, while I look at those wicked around, I often forget how I too, need a daily renewal within. The Apostle Paul said that "though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day" (2 Corinthians 4:16). How refreshing it is to have the inward man renewed each day by the power of God.

Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Create soul-thirst for Thee;
And hungering for the Bread of Life
O may our spirits be.

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God" (Psalm 42:1). For any to thirst, or hunger for the Lord, they first must have experienced His grace. I never hungered for any certain dish until I first tasted it. Yet, after I've tasted some mouth watering meal, I find myself craving for it again and again.

We have experienced the Lord's goodness, His presence, His power. And as a deer longs for the cool water to relieve his tongue, our hearts now pants, or cries out and longs for the experience of God that we've once felt. However, there are times that I've departed from the Lord out of indifference, yet didn't realize that I was without the Lord. Then, ever so faithful, the Lord revives my desire to thirst and hunger after Him again, so I return to His throne seeking His presence!

Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Exalt Thy precious Name;
And, by the Holy Ghost, our love
For Thee and Thine inflame.

I suppose there is no greater motivation for the Lord's people to have their love of God, and their brethren increased, than to see the exaltation of the Lord's name. I think of the occasion that Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord, when He was viewed high and lifted up, the seraphim's cried, Holy, holy, holy... The only response Isaiah could muster was "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts." Yet, by the end of this experience Isaiah was pleading to speak in the cause of God and was used of God as one of the most influential prophets the earth has ever seen. This all began because the precious name of God was exalted, Isaiah's love for God was then inflamed.

What an experience, to see the thrice holy God high and lifted up - to know how undone we are, yet, with the Lord's help are able to do that which He bids us do.

Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Give Pentecostal showers;
The glory shall be all Thine own,
The blessing, Lord, be ours.

When the apostles, ministry and disciples that made up the church at Jerusalem experienced the "showers of Pentecost," their only response was praise to God. There was no claiming of credit by the apostles for the visions, or the ability to speak in the various tongues. However, they were recipients of the blessing of the power of God, and the witness of 3,000 souls being added that day to the church of God. How often do we pray for such a revival in the kingdom of God today?

Perhaps we have prayed for it, but our motivation was to see our church increase, instead of the glory of God being fulfilled. The whole desire any should have when pleading for revival, should be the exaltation of the name of God in another child of God's life, and the glory of God being further witnessed by the church. It isn't wrong to seek that blessing, but blessing and glory are two different things. All too often I hear ministers and churches glory in their new converts instead of the Lord. I know they are excited, yet, I often fail to hear thanks ascending to God. May we remember, when revival comes, to place the glory and thanksgiving at the feet of our God, and be humbled by the blessing of His reviving Spirit in our lives, and in His kingdom.

Gardening - Week 3

2007-05-19T14:31:00.000-06:00

I am still amazed each day as I walk through the garden to see the difference a week, and often, even a day can make! Here are the photos from this week! You may notice that the patio (and yard) and been thoroughly cleaned up!

Angle 1:

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Angle 2:

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

And just to show that I do occasionally clean up the place, here is a shot of the new & improved patio. Now there is finally room to sit out back and relax.

I spent the day (after a Little League meeting, I am umpiring baseball this year) cleaning the patio, watering the garden (some), putting away tools, mowing the grass, etc. It was quite an enjoyable day, and it ain't over yet ... our church will have the monthly fellowship here in about an hour or so!

*Ignore the tires along the fence, they're going in a garage sale soon!

Consider

2007-05-17T14:51:00.000-06:00

Reading Sister Michelle's post today reminded me of some reflections I've had over the past few weeks.

The Lord calls upon His people to "Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah" (Psalm 4:4) and "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46:10).

Too often we fail to pause and consider (inspect, perceive, regard and know) the wonders of the Lord's creation.

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these" (Matthew 6:28-29).

According to all evidence I can see, Solomon was one of the wealthiest men in the Bible, and probably the wealthiest of Israel's kings. Yet according to the Lord Jesus Christ, that in all his glory, Solomon still didn't reach the glory of the raiment of the Lord's lilies.

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise" (Proverbs 6:6).

Like Sister Michelle, I've also had a problem with little ants this year. They've been frustrating at times, yet at other times I love to sit and watch them. They really are amazing little creatures. Very social, they travel great distances to find food, work together to bring the food home, defend themselves and one another, work very hard in the time of harvest to prepare for times of want.

Many today are so dependent upon the government, their parents, or a multitude of others to provide for them, instead of considering the ways of the ant, being wise by following their method of organized, hard work.

"Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God" (Job 37:14).

At times when we're distressed, and begin to question the reason of our affliction, or wish to demand an audience with God to plead our cause, perhaps, we as Job, just need to "stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God." Job would've been wise, and probably would have avoided the hot answer from God out of the whirlwind - yet, even in God's response (Job 38 & 39), we see the wondrous works that God has done, that we so often fail to recognize.

"He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion" (Psalm 111:4).

Katelynn's Accident

2007-05-17T12:58:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, my niece Katelynn took a fall and damaged several of her teeth, and also her gums. Katelynn was playing in their backyard, did a flip over the porch rail. Sadly, the porch and her mouth got very acquainted with one another.

She went to the ER, they said she'd be OK till this morning.

So this morning she went to the dentist, had three teeth removed (they were only there by ligaments, they'd been torn from the bone). The doctor at the ER, and the dentist said it looks worse than it is. The teeth she lost were all baby teeth, and her permanent teeth are almost ready to start moving down, so there was no damage to them.

I think my mom and sister were more upset than Katelynn. She was to graduate today from her preschool, and she was more upset to miss that. So, they made sure she was able to go for the graduation.

Opening Editorial for the Spring issue of The Gospel Witness

2007-05-15T15:01:00.000-06:00

Salvation Is of the Lord

“We believe that the gospel is to be publicly preached only by men called of God for that purpose. It is to be preached in all the world as a statement of truth, and as a witness of Jesus for the comfort and instruction of regenerated men and women; but deny that it is to offer grace to the unregenerate or that it asserts there is an obligation resting upon the unregenerate to believe that Jesus is their Saviour (Matthew 24:14; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; Acts 5:42; Romans 10:13-15; 2 Timothy 1:11; 2 Timothy 4:2).”

“We believe that good works, obedience to the commands of God, are well pleasing in His sight, and should be maintained in the church; but they are to be considered only as evidence of a gracious state, and are not a condition of eternal salvation (James 2:17-18; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 2:12-13; Matthew 5:16; John 14:21).”

Articles of Faith Nos. 10 and 11
Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church
Edwardsville, IL

To these articles or principles of faith, I fully subscribe. The gospel message has been, and is constantly my only hope of being able to inhabit heaven. I know the blood of Jesus Christ must have saved us before we can ever stand just before God. I thank God that He has expressed this news in the gospel, and has afforded me the faith to believe in it, the opportunity to have heard it, and a heart to receive it, and that He saw fit to place this wretch in its ministry to others. Truly the gospel is a comfort to regenerated men and women, and to no others. I thank God to be able to believe through faith and hope that Jesus is my Saviour, and to express this “good news” to His children.

I am further thankful for the gospel’s benefit of instruction, which has been called by our fathers Time or Gospel Salvation. It is a blessing to know through the words of the gospel the obligations I am under, and, through the grace of God, should fulfill to the pleasure of our Father. In the words of Jesus Christ: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). Truly those who have been afforded the blessing of gospel salvation have been given much, and should with their whole being and energy seek to fulfill that which is required of us: to be the people of God not only in name, but also in action.

There are untold many of the elect of God who have been called, yet so few chosen. We who have been afforded the blessings of gospel knowledge should thank God for this salvation. It should be our chief aim to continue following the Spirit’s leadership in our lives, to further please our Master and thus to see His approving nod.

May we ever look to the help of our Lord to continue producing the wonderful fruit of the Spirit in our lives, thus giving ourselves evidence of a “gracious state,” and bringing glory and praise to our Father in heaven.

Approach My Soul the Mercy-Seat - John Newton

2007-05-12T22:09:00.000-06:00

Approach, my soul, the mercy-seat,
Where Jesus answers prayer;
There humbly bow before His feet,
For none can perish there.

Thy promise is my only plea,
With this I venture nigh;
Thou callest burdened soul to Thee,
And such, O Lord, am I.

Bowed down beneath a load of sin,
By Satan sorely pressed;
By wars without and fears within,
I come to Thee for rest.

Be Thou my shield and hiding-place,
That, sheltered near Thy side,
I may my fierce accuser face,
And tell him, "Christ has died."

O wond'rous love! to bleed and die,
To bear the cross and shame;
That guilty sinners, such as I,
Might plead Thy gracious name.

"Poor tempest-tossed soul, be still;
My promised grace receive;"
'Tis Jesus speaks: I must, I will,
I can, I do believe.

This hymn, by John Newton is one of my ministerial fathers favorite hymns. The message is simple, yet it strikes to the depths of the soul - plainly confessing to God our sin and pleading for the help of Jesus Christ the High Priest of our soul. We know we are not worthy, yet the mercy-seat is the place of our refuge, for so often "mercy is my only plea, have nothing else to pray."

What a privilege, and high honor, yea what consolation and relief to know that we may plead the gracious name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, and with that name our fierce accusers and Satan himself will flee.

And as the final verse says, let us now be still, be calm, "hope thou in God." Jesus does speak, and we must, and I trust we will, can and do believe.

Wow - how fast it grows...

2007-05-12T19:33:00.000-06:00

It has been almost a week since I took the pictures in the last post - here's the difference a week makes:

Pics on the left are last week, pics on right are from today!

Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration. - Lou Erickson

2007-05-08T20:59:00.000-06:00

In years past, I've always enjoyed gardening. I've enjoyed flowers, vegetables, keeping a nice lawn in every aspect. In the last few years since I've been in Edwardsville, my yard has been lacking its pristine nature they had back in Texas. For some reason I've not had the motivation to do much more than maintain the yard.

This year I decided to put in a garden, mainly to give Grandma something to do. She enjoys working in the garden.

So, last Monday we planted the seed (the ground had been previously cultivated by Bro. Jerry and myself) and started the process of waiting.

When I arrived home on Saturday from Nashville, the green beans (pinto beans picked early are our green beans) were coming up. Now most everything has broken ground.

The garden is 24'x24', relatively small, but large enough for us. We've planted:

Cucumbers
Okra
Green Beans
Squash (two types)
Zuccini (two types)
Eggplant
Tomatoes (two types)
Bell Peppers
Cantaloupe

The pesky squirrels and birds have been nipping at the tender plants, so Grandma has been our scarecrow. Each day she sits outside under the patio umbrella, and she slaps her book when a critter comes, and some (says she) have the audacity to just look at her till she has to get up and chase them off.

In addition to the larger plowed area, I also had a couple flower beds tilled for vegetables. One length is 9'x2', the other 12'x2'. This is where the tomatoes and bell peppers are planted. On the left side of the sidewalk are several hostas, and a couple squash plants have been planted in between the hostas.

Here is a shot of the whole garden:

(Don't mind the junk, my patio is the staging area for whatever is going on, and left over clutter is a norm. I am hoping to have it all cleared and ready for relaxing soon!)

"Gardening is a matter of your enthusiasm holding up until your back gets used to it." - Author Unknown

"Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity." - Lindley Karstens

One Year and Counting

2007-05-07T23:55:00.000-06:00

On May 7, 2006, after 8 years of smoking on average of at least 2 packs a day, I smoked my last cigarette.

The journey hasn't been easy, but each new day I am thankful for the blessing of God to continue with the decision to quit. There are times that I still have a strong desire to smoke, but they are fewer and farther between. Thankfully now the smell of tobacco gives me a raging headache.

I have gained about 40 pounds, but each pound needed. I had lost about that much and now am at a perfect weight.

I was blessed to be able to just quit. No medications, no gum, no patches. I just decided to quit using tobacco. Each day I continue the same therapy of convincing myself I am healthier and wealthier when I do not smoke! :-)

The Lord has been good, my finances better, and I am certain that years have been added to my life. I pray for the continued strength to continue to abstain from the use of tobacco.

To those who may smoke, or engage in some other unhealthy habit - pray for grace and strength to overcome, find a strong desire to end it, and then continually make the choice to end that which destroys the life the Lord has given you!

A Very Blessed Meeting

2007-05-05T23:10:00.000-06:00

On Thursday morning, after a short visit to the hospital to see the Zimmerman family, I headed for Nashville for Bethel's annual meeting. I enjoyed a nice, relaxing drive, full of meditation and listening to sermons and hymns.

I arrived at Brother Lawrence's home at 4 in the afternoon, and shortly after Elder Guy Hunt, his wife and another couple (I feel horrible that I cannot remember their names) arrived at Brother Ronald's also. We had a good visit, then all departed for Elder John Tidwell's home. He and Sister Tidwell were hosting supper for about a dozen and a half people, the food was delicious, the fellowship refreshing. I had the blessing of visiting most of the time with Brother Stokes Lawrence, Elder Ronald Lawrence's father. He and I hit it off very well and I have a great amount of respect for this dear saint who has served the Lord faithfully for many years.

We then assembled at Bethel Church for evening services. The song service was a joy, and then Elder Lonnie Mozingo, Jr. preached, followed by Elder Guy Hunt.

Brother Lonnie preached from Matthew 3 and defended the doctrine of baptism by immersion, and the Scriptural intent of baptism. He preached a very able, very instructive discourse that was a wonderful blessing.

Elder Hunt followed and preached from 1 Samuel 17, "Is there not a cause?" He spoke about our need for diligence in the cause of the Lord Jesus. That we are not wandering aimlessly, but the Lord has purpose, and for this cause we're to sacrifice and serve the Lord with all we are and have.

I then went home with Brother Truman and Sister Barbara Stubblefield, a couple that I love very dearly. I've stayed in their home several times and have always enjoyed being with them. Elder Ben Winslett of Huntsville, AL also stayed with them and he and I were blessed to become somewhat acquainted. In fact we stayed up until 2:00 in the morning! I was/am very impressed with Brother Winslett and look forward to hearing him preach and spending many years in service together with him.

On Friday morning Elder Michael Green preached first on the subject of the miracles of God. First he showed several miracles from the Bible, but then how those specific miracles ceased, but that God still blesses us each, and our own life (when we're born again) is a miracle testifying that God is still at work in the world. I enjoyed his discourse very much.

Elder Hunt followed him and preached on "We are His Workmanship." Brother Hunt preached a very calm, soothing message that fed my soul. His message pointed that our lives, from election before time, to the cross, to regeneration to glorification are a testimony of the workmanship of God. He showed how wonderful the craftsmanship is in every aspect of His work, and thus we should be careful in our walk, to give our best effort to show what the Lord has made us, instead of following the lusts of our flesh.

Following lunch, I enjoyed some time of fellowship with the ministry, first at the church, then we moved to Brother Ronald's home. It was a nice, relaxing afternoon with good counsel from fine brethren. We spoke of both doctrinal and practical issues and enjoyed a refreshing time of unity.

We traveled back to Bethel for the evening services. Elder Michael Green preached first on "rightly dividing the word of truth" and then proceeded to teach the 3 words of the Bible - the Word - Christ, the written word - the Bible, and the preached word. It was a very good discourse!

Elder Mozingo followed and preached how we can overcome all obstacles of life "through Christ who strengtheneth me." It was a very practical message with wonderful illustrations and pointed statements of truth that left us all encouraged and ready to face the world!

Elder and Sister Lawrence then invited all to their home for fellowship after the Friday evening service. I am not sure how many gathered, I think about 40 or so. We ate, visited and sang till about midnight. I had as much fun that night as I've had in quite some time. It was good to have several conversations with old friends, rekindling relationships and enjoying the fellowship of fine brethren.

I went to the Stubblefield's home and crashed about 12:30, then on Saturday morning drove to Sister Velda Stubblefield's. We then drove to Dixon, TN to see her mother, Sister Edgie. Sister Edgie is in her mid 90's and living in a nursing home. Sister Velda and I had a pleasant visit on the way to and from Dixon, and then it was wonderful to see Sister Edgie again. She had lived here in St Louis with James & Velda for a time, and it was such a blessing to have her with us each week. I really miss her, and Brother James who passed away last month.

I left Sister Velda about 2 in the afternoon, then had another pleasant drive home, mostly on the phone catching up with various friends and family. I arrived home about 6:30 and had a very enjoyable evening preparing for services Sunday at Little Flock.

The Lord blessed with such a wonderful weekend, a time I greatly enjoyed and will not soon forget.

I highly recommend traveling to Bethel Church, they are a wonderful group of the Lord's saints.

Bethel's Annual Meeting

2007-05-02T22:47:00.000-06:00

Bethel Church in Nashville, TN has been a place that I have greatly enjoyed attending over the past few years. I am thankful for several friends the Lord has blessed me with that are members at Bethel. It has been over a year since my last visit, and I am looking forward to traveling there tomorrow.

Bethel's meeting will begin tomorrow evening, and the invited speakers are Elders Lonnie Mozingo, Jr., Guy Hunt and Michael Green. I am looking forward to the preaching and fellowship of the church, these ministers, and their pastor, Elder Ronald Lawrence, a man that I highly esteem.

I've heard each of these men preach wonderfully in the past, and I trust the Lord will bless them again this weekend! I'll be sure to give some details of sermons when I return on Saturday.

Elder James Compton

2007-05-02T08:33:00.000-06:00

February 18, 1905 - May 2, 2007

I just received word that Elder Compton was called home by our God at about 7:30 AM EST today. May our Lord be praised for his grace in giving us a wonderful blessing in Elder Compton, and may He be praised for taking him home to rest forevermore.

"And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?"

"For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption."

I will miss Elder Compton dearly, but I am thankful that his long sojourn has ceased, and he is finally at home where he so long desired to be.

Nearer, My God, to Thee

2007-05-01T23:56:00.000-06:00

Words by Sarah Adams, Music by Lowell Mason

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.

{Though I know very little of Sarah Adams, the words of this hymn have always been very special to me. In this verse, she clearly knew that it is generally by affliction that we are drawn, or raised, to God. It is often through our trials that we will most humbly approach, or "draw nigh" to God, and thus God draws nigh to us.}

Refrain

Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
Darkness be over me, my rest a stone.
Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God to Thee.

{We are often the sheep that slowly, and sometimes suddenly depart from the Shepherd, and the rest of the flock. Then, just as a bold wandering sheep, we are caught in the darkness all alone, experiencing the fear of the world while the rest of the flock is resting safely in the light of the Shepherd. Yet, we, like Jacob take a stone for our pillow, we beg for sleep to dream of the closeness we once had with our Lord and His people.}

There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n;
All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given;
Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee.

{Even a fleeting dream is sweet, if in it we feel a closeness, or nearness to our God. Often in my dreams I've been privileged to feel such a closeness to my Lord. Mercy sent many blessings to me even in sleep, and just as Jacob dreamed and saw the ladder into heaven, there have seemed to be times that I could, at least in my dreams drift right into heaven.}

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee.

{Sweet often have been my dreams, and many times I hesitated to wake for fear that the precious moments with God would be destroyed. Yet Jacob woke with bright thoughts of praise. He knew he'd been with God, and while he had the grief of a night spent alone in darkness, outside of the fellowship of those he loved, he awoke not with complaint, but with adoration, and the raising of God's house. Through his woes, he was brought nigh to God.}

Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.

{Surely we've all experienced closeness to God in our afflictions, yet the most precious times are those when we truly are so caught up in praise, that we would gladly leave all the best of earth and creation for more closeness with God.}

There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest,
There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest;
Age after age to be, nearer my God to Thee.

(Verse 6 written by William Johnson Fox)

{Truly the time will come when we'll no longer be the wanderer, never caught in darkness, but will be safe and at rest. Never to be removed from the closeness with our God that we have so long desired. What a day it'll be when we have the full realization of the mercy of our God.}

Interesting information about the song:

Lowell Mason recorded, "One night, sometime after lying awake in the dark, eyes wide open, through the stillness in the house the melody came to me, and the next morning I wrote down the notes."

“Nearer, My God, to Thee” is sung at the end of the 1936 movie San Francisco, which was nominated for several Academy Awards. It is also played by the ship’s band in Titanic, winner of the Academy Award for best picture of 1997.

There are also many inspiring true life stories associated with this hymn. Some Titanic survivors said it was played by the ship’s orchestra as the ocean liner went down (though other survivors said it was a different song).

Another story concerns the death of American president William McKinley, assassinated in 1901. Dr. Mann, the attending physician, reported that among McKinley’s last words were “‘Nearer, my God, to Thee, e’en though it be a cross,’ has been my constant prayer.” On the afternoon of September 13, 1901, after five minutes of silence across the nation, bands in Union and Madison Squares in New York City played the hymn in memory of the fallen president. It was also played at a memorial service for him in Westminster Abbey, London.

The hymn was also played as the body of assassinated American President James Garfield was interred at Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio.

Elder James Compton

2007-05-01T21:54:00.000-06:00

Elder Compton, a man I consider a giant among our people, suffered a massive stroke this past Thursday. The doctors at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore have given him no hope of recovery. He is not able to see, speak or move much. He was able to nod his head "yes" or "no" and communicate, but is now having difficulty doing that. At the present he is home, resting until the Lord calls him to his eternal home.

Each time a person of such age, wisdom, stature and grace nears the end of their course, I find much to lament. The world is so void of godly wisdom, and when one such as Elder Compton departs, we lose a great deal of godly, Biblical wisdom from which to receive good counsel.

Elder Compton worked for many years as a watchmaker and jeweler in Washington, D.C. His store was in the 1700 block of G Street NW in Washington, only a block from the White House. The Old Executive Office Building was the only thing that stood in the way of a wonderful view of the President's house.

(Elder Compton with his son, Alan, who now own and operates the store, and Elder Compton's grandson, Craig.)

A newspaper ran an editorial about Elder Compton in 1977, this above picture was taken from that piece. I'll include the article:

Jim Compton is the man who got the Presidents to their appointments on time, even though he was never known as a White House insider.

He worked on their watches at his Washington, D. C., jewelry store, which is located less than a city block from the White House.

Compton went to Washington from his father's farm near Amity Hill in Iredell County 50 years ago, and he began working on the Presidents' watches along about the time Herbert Hoover took office.

"We did a lot of work for Presidents Johnson and Truman," Compton said from his Washington, D C., home in a telephone interview. "They didn't come in personally but they sent work m. They had a clock man at the White House but he didn't take care of watches and fine jewelry. He only took care of clocks and easy work, like large watches. He didn't work on complicated watches."

Compton and his brother, Howard, operated Compton's Jewelers at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street. The shop, now operated by Compton's son, Allan, and his grandson, Craig, is just a hop and a skip from the center of things in Washington and it naturally draws politicians off the street.

CLOCK REPAIRS

The shop also has an established reputation for good work. Even when he refused to bid on wholesale government jobs during the 40s and 50s, the government chose his shop for clock repair work in the Capitol, state department and other branches of government.

"We had more work than we could handle because of more trade coming in from the street," Compton said. "We didn't need the wholesale work. The government sent out bid sheets every six months and we didn't bid but they fixed us up with approved bids. They knew our work."

The Compton brothers' shop cared for the clocks in the Capitol for years in this way. "There were hundreds of clocks in the Capitol," Compton said. "Each Congressman and Senator had a clock in his office. We would go with our truck and take as many as two loads a day in for repairs. It took us weeks to work those over. Most all of the clocks then were very fine, weight-driven Seth Thomas clocks.

"And over the Speaker's desk was a clock with a 30-inch plate glass dial. The movement was built in the dial." That clock faced a twin across the room from it, Compton said. “And when they did the dome over, I kept those two clocks in my basement. That was in the '50s.”

JUNKED FINE CLOCKS

“And believe it or not, they junked those clocks and put up electric clocks. Somebody wanted the accuracy of electric docks. Those very fine clocks didn't mean anything to them. I was told they went for junk. Some people today would give their right arms for those clocks. They had handmade brass cases and were put in when the Capitol was built. They had special plate glass hand-made dials.”

Compton, now 72 and doing a little Baptist preaching in his retirement, still mourns their loss and the loss of all the other weight-driven clocks in the Capitol. "After we stopped repairing them, it was hard to get anyone to repair them right, so they replaced them," he said. "They had to be wound once a week. I understand they were thrown out on a scrap heap but they would bring a fancy price today."

Although Compton has worked on the watches of several Presidents during the last half-century, he says you can't tell much about a President by his watch.

"Some of them had pretty fine watches," he said. "President Johnson had extremely fine foreign made watches. They were Swiss made and sold for $1,600. And President Eisenhower, the watch he used was a 17-jewel which sold for about $35 then."

Another "star customer" was General John Pershing, the World War I hero. "He was a collector of fine watches and clocks," said Compton. "He had work at the shop almost constantly."

Field Marshal (Bernard) Montgomery of England once brought his watch by the shop before he went to a conference in the White House with President Roosevelt, Compton recalled. "We did work for General Eisenhower before he was President, and he brought Field Marshal Montgomery in when he was here from England during the war. We had the radio on in the store and were listening to the report of the generals landing. The radio said they were on their way to the White House and the next thing we knew they were in the store."

Compton and his brother, who now lives in Hyattsville, Md., went to Washington in 1927 because they had relatives there. His mother, Mae Compton, is 92 and lives near Troutman so he returns here as often as he can. There are also relatives in the Troutman and Amity Hill sections of Iredell and in western Rowan County. His first job was in the Troutman Cotton Mill, but both brothers decided to stay in Washington in the '20s to work for a jeweler, Frischkneckt Watchmakers. They bought the shop five years later. The business thrived and soon they employed eight men and had a repair truck on the street, Compton said.

DISOBEYED FATHER

The two brothers learned their trade back on the farm in Iredell County by disobeying their father, Compton said. "My brother, Will, was just a tot and he found a watch somebody had lost In the woods." it was about to go up in flames on a brush fire when Will picked it up and "was almost melted down," Compton recalled. "My father took it to Statesviile for repairs but the man never found the trouble. It never worked properly.

"My father put the watch above the fireplace on a nail, way up high so we couldn't reach it," he said. "But we got it down and took it apart and fixed it. We made a part for it with a sewing needle by grinding the needle down and we got it running.
"My father then allowed us to trade it off for a gold watch and we got $3 to boot. We got that little gold watch running and we traded that for a motorcycle. Our ambition was to get some tools and a workbench to work on watches and clocks.

"There was a widow in Statesville and her husband had been a watchmaker. Our hope was to get his workbench and tools. We traded the motorcycle for enough junk to build an automobile and we traded that automobile to her for the tools and bench. We had heard she wanted a car to go to work.

"I was 17 years old then and my brother was 15 months younger."

That was the beginning, and looking back on his life, Compton remembers the challenges of repairing various watches better than he remembers the famous men who wore them. "It was not something you make a fantastic amount of money doing," Compton said, "but it's challenging."

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Elder Compton once related a story to me about Ambassador Joseph Kennedy, the father of President John F. Kennedy. When Elder Compton bought the store, the previous owner left an antiquated clock hanging on a wall. The clock didn't work, but one day Joe Kennedy came in the store and wanted to buy the clock for his son's (John F's) 17th birthday. Elder Compton told him the clock didn't work and wasn't for sale. However, Kennedy convinced him to sell him the clock. Elder Compton went over it and got the clock working, but didn't guarantee the work for he feared it would soon break.

Sure enough, a few days later Kennedy called demanding the Elder Compton come fix the clock. Elder Compton arrived in the Kennedy home and tried to repair it, but couldn't. So he took it to his store. Upon further review he learned it could not be repaired so he contacted Kennedy and offered his money back. Joe Kennedy then came in the store with his attorney and proceeded to give Elder Compton a good tongue lashing with all sorts of profanity. Kennedy then threatened to file suit and turned the matter over to his attorney. The attorney listed to Elder Compton's side of the story and turned to Kennedy and said, "you haven't got a case." Joe Kennedy fired the attorney in front of Elder Compton and stormed out of the store.

When I asked Elder Compton what he did or thought, he simply said, "Mr. Kennedy wasn't a very nice man."

More than the interesting people and events Elder Compton saw in Washington, his chief joy was the house of God. He related to me that his most joyous time was pastoring the old London Tract Church. Sorrowfully, he had to resign its care when he fell from a tree while cutting limbs on the property of the church. He broke both arms and couldn't get around well. He was about 75-80 when that happened.

Since he turned 99, Elder Compton has been blessed to travel to at least a dozen states on preaching trips with Elder Steven Bloyd. About three weeks ago they flew to Arkansas and Elder Compton preached twice! All this at age 102.

Elder Compton's ministry was one of integrity, and of working hard for peace in the churches. He is one of the finest men I know, and I sorrow his illness, and I pray our Lord will quickly come and relieve him his suffering.

Elder Compton was married to his wife, Sister Becie for over 75 years. They were an exceptional example of a Christian husband and wife. They were faithful in their love and kindness to one another. Elder Compton said they both agreed before marriage that they'd never argue or fight, and the Lord blessed them to keep that promise. They disagreed, but would take time alone to calmly collect themselves, they'd work through whatever problems there were in peace and love.

I never met Sister Compton, I met Elder Compton just a few months after her death. However, I look forward to meeting her in heaven, and enjoy getting to know her there with our Lord.

I ask all to join in prayer for Elder Compton, that the Lord will bless him with peace and rest until He takes Him home, and that He will do that soon.

Written in love and respect for a "prince and great man...in Israel."

A New Blessing in the Form of a New Car

2007-05-01T15:06:00.000-06:00

Over the past few months I've learned that my SUV (a 2000 Ford Explorer) was going on the blink. It had an engine problem that was estimated at $2,000-4,000 to repair. Well, the poor old thing has 175,000 miles on it, it is 7 years old and I couldn't justify spending that much money on such a car. However, I was content with the vehicle and enjoyed driving it very much. But, I was getting rather nervous taking it on trips, and being a minister, I do travel quite a bit.

My former car gave me trouble in January '06, I had it repaired, the problem reappeared in October '06, I had it repaired. It reappeared in March '07, I had it repaired, the problem reared its ugly head last week, I had it repaired and the same day the problem came back. The problem, a cracked valve of sorts that I don't know, but the symptom was blown spark plugs. They were lasting about 10 months, then 6 months, then 2 months, then 1 day. Well, it cost about $25 each time I had it replaced, which was fine for a bi-annual repair, or even bi-monthly, but not daily!

So I was trying to decide what to do. Either fix this car, deal with the problem a while longer, or begin looking at new vehicles. I've already said I was content, and truly I was. Until Sunday night when I went looking at new cars. It happened. New car fever. Careful, it is contagious. After I purchased my new one yesterday, I drove to Brother Paul and Sister Barb's house to show them, and suddenly Barb (who before was content with her car) wanted a new car! :-)

So I looked and looked, then went online for quotes, and had a man call from a Cadillac dealership in St Louis yesterday morning. So I went over, thinking I'd test drive several, not really thinking I'd come home with a new (or new to me) car.

THE RESULT:

A 2007 Chevrolet Impala. This one is slightly used with 22,000 miles on it. I had the choice of white, charcoal gray and black. My Explorer was white, so I was a little tired of white. The Impala I saw on Sunday was the charcoal gray and I thought I'd buy it - but when I saw the black, I just liked it, A LOT! I know, I know, it will be hard to keep clean, but it is pretty!

I am thankful that the Lord provided, and now as I depart for Nashville for Bethel's meeting, I won't have to worry about the engine conking out on the drive down, I trust!

Led Back to Blogging

2007-04-18T15:00:00.000-06:00

After a lengthy delay in blog posts, I decided to shut it down instead of leaving it in continued neglect. However, I have missed my ramblings and outlet to do so, and the added encouragement it gave me to research song histories, study the Word, and other such things as that.

So, I return to pick up, in some degree where I left off. I don't promise to post daily, but perhaps at least weekly. Either way, I'll try to post some worthwhile reading material from time to time.

Hope you enjoy!