Blessings Award

My dear sister Audrey has received the Blessings Award and I can think of few as deserving as she is. Audrey shows the love of Christ in so many ways and is a true blessing to us. Audrey thank you for sharing this award with me.




While there are so many here that I know are deserving of this award there is one person who I know makes extreme sacrifices in order to be a blessing to all she encounters, Mrs. Zeke. I cannot tell you how many people have told me of her exhaustive efforts on their behalf and I myself am aware of how often she "puts it all on the line" in order to be a blessing to others. Lady Z, may you be loved as you love.

Be The Blog

One of our dearest blogger buddies, Missy of Texas Chilly, has recently received the “Be The Blog” Award which is granted to “those bloggers that are showing time and time again that they are true to themselves and that they ARE their blog”. If you’ve ever read Missy’s articles then you know this award is most appropriate. Not only is Missy true to herself but she has also been blessed with the wonderful ability to relate her deepest thoughts and feelings in her writing. If you’ve never read her thoughts then I think you’re missing out on a blessing.

Missy shared some wonderful thoughts in her article on this award that truly warmed my heart and has kindly bestowed the honor on several others including myself. Upon reading her article I was also moved to consider the many bloggers that God has blessed to know here and my great gratitude for each of you. Missy has already awarded several of my favorites and though I find a great many deserving I have chosen to highlight a few more that I consider to well represent the spirit of this award. I do, however, reserve the right to award even more over time. ;-)
I have to begin with Joe whose Jottings never fail to reflect the person behind them. Joe has been a great blessing to me and to many others here over the years and continues to highlight the obscured obvious for those of us who are obviously obscured.

Jeff at demerging never fails to fully share his current reflections and considerations and always been an encouragement and a blessing to me. Jeff always goes straight to the heart of a matter and exposes his deepest self on some of the toughest and touchiest issues that we’re confronted with in the Church today.

What can I say about Pastor Timothy that you wouldn’t know from reading His Own Private Possession? He is always up-front and forthright in all his communications. If you don’t know him from reading his blog then I assure you that he’s not at fault! I have grown to love both he and his family through his writing and our exchanges on here.

Ms. Susan has wonderfully shared both herself and her many blessings with us even in spite of the fact that she’s a Penless Writer! Her warm, kind and generous spirit shines through every offering she makes on her blog. God has blessed me so many times through her words.

Finally I have to award my dear brother Ron (AKA Grandpaw) who has not only shared God’s Love and Stories of the Past with us here but also a loving fellowship with me and my family. We love you Grandpaw! ;-)

Thanks so much for your kindness Missy and I hope to be able to pass it on many more times in the future. ;-)

A few things…and many request

Missy has received and kindly shared a wonderful award with me and Rose has asked me to reveal some unknowns about myself. I plan to address both of these things soon but as much as I dislike it I’ve had to set blogging aside in order to see to more pressing needs. I would really appreciate your prayers in these things.

My father’s doctor suspects he may have had a slight stroke and though his vitals are all good at present he’s been scheduled for testing the day after Christmas. Please ask for God’s blessing in this.

Our youngest has developed some complications in her pregnancy and last week she and her family moved in here so that Corry and I could help to take care of her and her family. There have been visits to the ER for both her and our grandson who’s also been ill but thankfully both seem better for now. Our daughter has a friend staying with her for the next two weeks so they’ve returned home for that time but unless her condition improves we expect they’ll be back and they may need our help until the end of February when our next grandson is due. Please ask God’s blessing in this as well.

A few weeks ago I was asked to help a client (who is a friend) on a long-term contract. Most of my consulting work is “as-needed” and doesn’t require a regular commitment of my time. While the regular income is a financial blessing the time requirement is something I’m not comfortable with and especially in light of the circumstances above. Please ask wisdom for me in this to know and do what is best and pleasing to God.

What I don't have

Thanksgiving is an important holiday here in the states. It’s a time when families gather together and usually share fellowship and a great meal. If everyone is of the proper spirit it’s also a time to reflect on the goodness of God and His great providence. We should always be mindful of His greatest gift and sacrifice on the cross but let’s use this time wisely to also reflect on all of God’s blessings and gifts.

It is normal for me to take stock of the blessings God gives me, both spiritual and temporal, but today I’ve also considered His great blessings to me in the things He never allowed me to have. I’m so thankful my Great Provider knows me in the way that only my Creator could. I won’t go into details but suffice it to say that through the eye of faith I can see that if all that I had asked had been granted I would be a most miserable man today.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

May God continue to bless each of you this holiday season and I count each of you one of His great blessings to me.

Bible Study

It’s hard for me to imagine sitting down to study the scripture without this book but slowly over time that’s exactly what has happened. Just saying this sounds horrible to me but the truth is I rarely open it at home anymore, not because I don’t study anymore, but because I’ve been completely spoiled by “e-Sword”.

For twenty-five years I had studied the KJV translation exclusively but around three years ago I decided to begin a comparative study of the NASB. I had just started using “e-Sword” in place of a concordance but continued to read the text from my old Bible because I found the Strong’s numbers embedded in the text of my KJV+ version distracting. I decided that since I was already at the computer I would begin my study using an online version of the NASB, “e-Sword” for a concordance and my old Bible for the KJV text. I thought that if I became comfortable with the NASB then I would purchase a copy to use instead of the online version.

It was also about this time I started having some discussions with several people who like the ESV translation. This left me much more dependant on the online versions and I had already found them a little slow for comparative purposes. I struggled along that way for a couple of years but gradually I became accustomed to the Strong’s numbers in “e-Sword” and stopped using my old Bible altogether. When that happened I decided to go ahead and purchase the NASB translation for “e-Sword” (It is one of the few that aren’t free to download). While I was at it I pulled down a couple of other translations I found interesting including the ESV. I also found the KJV without the Strong’s is available (free as well) though I wouldn’t use it now if I could. I’ve learned to love being able to “click” those little numbers and have the Strong’s definition pop right up!


I can’t even begin to tell you what a great difference having “e-Sword” has made in the quantity and quality of the material I am able to cover now during my Bible Study time and this is only the tip of the iceberg! There is a wealth of information available including commentaries, dictionaries, maps, devotions and other extras as well. There’s even a version of “Thru the Bible” by J. Vernon McGee!

I’ve had the Bible I carry now for about fifteen years. Soon I plan to purchase a pocket PC for the Pocket PC version of “e-Sword” and my old Bible will take its place next to the one that my Grandfather had carried for so many years.

Get your copy of e-Sword here

Hi there!

Friends and brethren I have fallen so far behind here I’m afraid I’ll never catch up but try I must! Life at 90 accelerated to 110 almost overnight and I’ve had to keep both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road, so to speak. ;-) I apologize to those who have been so kind to continue to check in and especially to those who have commented. Please forgive me for failing to respond. Cole, I’m especially sorry for having failed to respond to your thoughtful commentary. You are truly blessed with wisdom beyond your years. Thanks so much to all of you who have sent E-mails and called to check on us. Your prayers and support are invaluable and greatly appreciated. May God bless you.

And now to the task at hand...where to begin???


I think it best to start by wishing my sweet bride a wonderful birthday and add to that my prayer to share many more with her.

I love you so much.

Happy birthday Corry!

I really like this one

See more here.

Double, Double, Toil and Trouble

My mind is so full it’s about to explode and as usual those of you that read here are likely to get splattered. I read a great many great blogs and have been cursed/blessed with a tendency to find/see the relation/progression to the cycles of our linear thought processes. No, I don’t expect you to understand that last sentence. It’s only meant to serve as a warning.

My life long (his life, not mine, I’m a wee bit older) friend Pecheur has opened a discussion on Universalism that I can somehow relate to an article by another of my favorite authors, JP. This leads me to believe that our brilliant young theologian, Exist~Dissolve, is dead on the money and that Rose is on to some of the scriptures that are pivotal and key to deciphering what can be known but is often overlooked concerning these issues.

As for myself, life at 90 (mph) is good but has left little time for blogging and much less time to fight for those titles that are rightfully mine. There are many who would aspire to my lofty position but I truly am the Ultimate Fish Slayer. I’m equally certain that several here would agree there are few more deserving of this award than myself, though Deviant Monk has yet to agree, which also reminds me that my dear brother Adam has yet to make good on his promise to be more visible. I am still somewhat hopeful that publishing at the Pub will resume shortly after the reconstruction is complete.

I would love to have time to continue with those discussing Judgmentalism in the previous post but for now in support of my abstract perception on the cycles of our linear thought processes I will offer, without prejudice, this article from Matthew concerning Jonathan Edward’s perspective on current events along with a doctrinal statement that is clearly Dorseist.

“If it were true [that we have a right and/or responsibility to condemn others where we perceive the scripture to condemn them], then a thief would have no need to appear before a judge, since thievery has already been adjudicated a crime. The arresting officer could simply call his act stealing and put him in prison. Yet, thieves and murderers, etc. are each still judged individually, by judges.

It isn't the judge's job to determine whether an act is illegal. The law does that. The judge determines whether an individual has broken that law. And scripture still prohibits it [Judgmentalism] among believers.”

Prayer Request

Dear Friends
Please pray for my child Bel.
She had been diagnosed with dengue fever.
Her fever was at 40.3C and dropped to 38.9C this morning.
Her blood count is low.Her migraine and body aches are gone.
Bel has to go for daily blood test which is painful.
She had been hospitalised since 11 May.
She wants to be discharged.
Her blood count and temperature must be normal first.
Please pray for complete and speedy healing from our Heavenly Father.
Thank you.

Yours gratefully
Audrey

Update: 05/16

Dear Brethren, thank you so much for your prayers and support. Audrey has posted to the Prayer List

My child had been discharged from hospital. Really praise our good Lord that Bel's blood count rose as her fever subsided. Thank you so much for all your prayers, care and concern.

To God Be The Glory!

Prayer Request

Please remember these request from two of our dear prayer partners.

Update: Pia has posted here.

Pia said...
Got a call from my sister yesterday morning. My mom was rushed to the ICU for kidney failure and heart attack. I called my dad this morning and asked how my mom was doing. He said she's stable and responding positively to the dialysis. Please pray for my mom's fast and complete recovery. Please do continue to pray for Jeric and our marriage too. I just don't know how much more I can take.
April 01, 2007 12:22 AM

Ryan S. said...
My mom has been giving a bleak prognosis with her advancing cancer (non-hodgkins lymphoma), as it has spread to her windpipe.I lift up the burdens of everyone on this forum.
April 01, 2007 12:32 AM

Pia said...
Father, have mercy on us all.
April 01, 2007 12:39 AM

A wonderful time indeed!

Corry and I were blessed to spend a couple of hours today with our fellow blogger and brother in the Lord, Kris and his beautiful family. I think that was about twice as long as they had intended to stay but the truth is if we could have kept them here with us always we would. Kris and his sweet wife are truly two of the most wonderful people you could ever hope to know in this life and the three lovely ladies (out of 5 children) that accompanied them are the most pleasant, articulate, well mannered …let’s just face it, they’re simply adorable. I won’t mention their names here because Kris never has but if all will go as it seems it might, then we could be hearing from his dear wife on here in the very near future. ;-)

Kris and his family were passing through on their way back home to Oklahoma. They had arranged to stop by so we could finally meet face-to-face after nearly two years of study and prayer together here in Bloggerville. I was certain that Kris and I would be blessed in our meeting but I had no idea of how much like family he would be. We immediately began catching up while the ladies went to work on Little Casey. Kris’ wife is not just a nurse, she’s a very loving and caring nurse with many years of delivery and childcare. My daughter April soaked up such a wealth of knowledge from her that I felt I should pay Kris tuition. Kris’ youngest held and coddled Casey until her arm was hurting and before leaving even helped with a diaper change! Kris’ wife took care of Casey for the rest of their visit. The love this dear lady has for these children is so evident in all she says and does and it’s clearly reflected in her daughters. She and Corry carried on like sisters and I admit I enjoyed teasing the girls every chance I got. I’m also convinced that given just a few more hours that Kris and I could easily solve all the worlds’ ills. Perhaps we’ll take care of that soon if Corry and I can get away to see the Arbuckle Wilderness; at least that’s my present excuse for another chance to visit with Kris and his family but just having the opportunity to go to our Father in prayer together already means the world to me. ;-)

Does your faith move your mountain?

For the better part of two years I have discussed and debated theology with those here that I am persuaded are not only my brethren in Christ, but also my better in intelligence, ability and training. I have been open and honest in all the things that I am confident in but until recently I never attempted to articulate my present understanding of what my dear friend Pastor Timothy referred to as “kc’s mountain of theology”. Now if after being exposed to a portion of that mountain you do not feel you can place any trust in it then let me assure you that makes at least two of us.

You see I’ve watched God’s word rain down on that mountain and wash it down to the foundation on more than one occasion. I have carried bucket after bucket up that hill only to find nothing at all to keep it in place. I’ve watched the mountain shift back and forth during the earthquakes of my studies and the tremors of our debates and so no, I don’t trust in my understanding but to be totally honest, I trust even less in yours and especially in your philosophy. The truth is that the only thing I have found unmovable in all of this is our knowledge of Christ Jesus, the Son of God. This is our foundation and it has never moved. This knowledge came not by reason of understanding or through any natural experience but by God’s grace alone. I have no doubt at all it cannot be shaken but by Him.

Still my beliefs are based on my reasoning and understanding of the teachings of Christ and the Apostles as related in the scripture and I trust yours are too. I listen hard to all you offer as you detail every aspect of your system and philosophy. I try hard to see if you really possess a better understanding of God and His grace on any point. I measure every word against the scripture and against my own experience and give you all of my questions and doubts for open rebuttal and refutation. I do not expect perfection from you, only openness and honesty and in that you have not disappointed. I can only offer the same.

Our discussions have left me fully convinced that there truly is a system of theology but even more they’ve convinced me that neither you nor I will comprehend it fully in this life. Once more I propose we pursue it together without fear of ridicule or reprisal. If you find that your faith leaves your mountain no longer being shaped by The Creator but has caused it instead to become a volcano only spewing hot lava and ash then I beg you please pray for the rain to quench the fire before it destroys all that is set before you.

Time Out

Just so you’ll know what I’m confronted with on a daily basis I had to post this recent exchange between my darling wife and Brother Ron (rrbj).

Ron:
Ya'll are tortureing me with all them chocolates and snacks and talking about pecan pies ? I gained 5lbs, and my sugar level jumped 30 points just thinking about it ? Corry I got a good recipe for pecan pie using mayhaw jelly instead of syrup. I make the jelly using splender sugar and then I'm able to eat a couple of slices of pie? Blessings Ron.

Corry:
Ron,
Sorry! We will start talking about castor-oil, rotten bananas and molded food. hehe.

Thanks for the tip. I have no idea what mayhaw-jelly is, but the fact that you make it with splenda sounds good to me. Less fattening! :-D
So, what is mayhaw?

Audrey...did you hear that? Less kg's!!! hehe.

Many blessings to you, brother.

God's Grace.

“We will start talking about castor-oil, rotten bananas and molded food.”

Brother Ron, this is no idle threat! Please explain before she makes good on her promise! ;-)

He even has my haircut

Prayer Request

Please join with us in prayer for this little one and for Nan's family in their struggle.

A Few Things - Signs of Life

Yes, it’s been a while. The Preacher said he was glad to see signs of life coming from here and I appreciate his sentiment. The truth is that these days life here in LA is moving at the speed of light! Corry was kind enough to post a couple of pictures and give a few details so I’ll refer you to her site if you’d like a little more information.

The Preacher’s comment caused me to reflect on a number of things that have been stirring around in the recesses (voids?) of my mind. I love blogging, not writing, but blogging. I love it because of the wonderful relationships we developed during the discussions we enjoy together. In most cases we’ve yet to even meet our new friends face to face but the joy, sadness, burdens, hope and love we share with them is no different from what we share with those we do see nearly every day. This means that when I have to set blogging aside to meet the challenges of the day it feels somewhat like leaving home to go on a business trip. I check in and keep up to date and even make myself available to the extent possible, but still I’m not here and I can only wait for the opportunity to catch up. In the mean time things happen. They happen fast too.

It seemed that all at once God opened up the mission field with a number of our friends heading off to foreign lands. I’m so thankful for the wonderful reports from all of them. Antonio has posted some pictures from their recent trip and Cinder has a new blog detailing theirs.

Then there are those who are back to blogging with a renewed zeal and a look to match. Jodie has some really salty warnings from H.K. and our Hero, Herobill, has an excellent new blog that chronicles the early Church from 6 BC to 70 AD. Now I know this might be a shock but Bobby Grow has moved again. ;-)

Sadly during my absence two of my favorite bloggers closed the door on their sites. I don’t know when or if they’ll start back up. Not1jot and Jeff at Demerging are both offline at present and I can only hope they will be back. I’m thankful That Jeff is checking in (señor jefe) and I hope Not1jot is doing well. One of our new favorites (we’ll be adding a link soon. I don’t know how I overlooked it!) is taking a break. Please remember Jel in your prayers.

Finally there are many here, like us, who need your prayers and God’s continued blessings. Pastor Timothy and Beth as well as John and Rose are both expecting a new family member and there are many we love and hope for listed on the Prayer List. Please remember each one.

Wonderful People

I would rather contend with you for days than find rest in the peace of the careless. You are always so stubborn and sometimes so rude and careless with your words that it almost hides the love we share but it makes no difference in my preference. I can’t help but find comfort in a love that won’t leave me ignorant.

You would never leave me without the truth as so many are pleased to do. You listen to me and then willingly sacrifice your own peace and comfort to fill my need and for that I am eternally grateful. Even when I reject and refuse your help you don’t neglect me. You pray for me.

You ask for us both patience and wisdom and seek for me an understanding that can only come from above. You ask these things and much more. You press for all my needs and ask His greatest blessings on me. You desire only the best for me, in spite of my ignorance. Your love inspires me to be more like Him.

You really are the most wonderful people on earth and I know you are my true brothers and sisters.

A few things…

These are strange days. I’ve been blessed to see much of what I’ve attempted to accomplish recently come to fruition while at the same time much of what I’m trying to accomplish is thwarted. I don’t mind being redirected and I’ve learned to praise God for it but the contrast between what has worked out and what won’t work is so great at the moment.

I’ve had so much inspiration that I had planned to do more writing here but rather than being in repair, I ended up doing repair. Most of my home projects are up to date and I thought to use my time for more social activity but it seems there are still a thousand and one ideas we’ve had for the place that we’re pressed to accomplish.

Adam and Kitty have challenged my perception recently on two unrelated issues and I’m doing all I can to be certain I understand their views. Adam has been unable to convince me that I have no choice and I’ve been trying to understand why he chooses to believe he has none ;-). Kitty has offered several articles on Emergent that have me rehashing their ideology.

Finally there are so many in bloggerville in need and again I ask that we remember all of them in our prayers.

The long day

The long day began last Friday and seems to be coming to a close today. So much has happened in such a short period that it’s left my head spinning. I’ve tried to catch up on all your blogs today after being kept at bay by blogger most of the weekend. I was unable to respond to my comments but I do appreciate each one. Although there are a million thoughts in my mind I haven’t taken the time to pen one yet. Perhaps I will tonight or tomorrow.

I no longer have a spare room in my home. That doesn’t mean I have no place for overnight guest. We can easily accommodate visitors. What it does mean is that my youngest has come home. April is both a bundle of joy and a bundle of nerves. Between she and Corry I am almost convinced that Corry was right when she said that women have the market cornered where feelings are concerned. I don’t know how long she will stay but I hope and pray to be able to help her learn to seek God’s will for her life before she leaves this time. She’s been rebellious through most of her youth and has suffered much for that. I will admit I was ignorant of many of the circumstances she had created or was in, but not by choice. I urge you all to prove everything you believe about yourselves and your family regardless of your confidence in the source of your information.

Corry and I had a wonderful time Saturday morning while visiting with a dear friend. She reads these articles but declines to comment here. After our visit we picked up our eldest and headed for Biloxi to view the reconstruction progress. I will refer you to Corry to read about what we found. She’s also described our Sunday afternoon, which was in stark contrast to the one on Saturday.

The day continued through yesterday and last night. I will spare you the details but let me say that it is difficult at best to assimilate an unorganized mess into an organized one. ;-)

Time out...

...for a much needed camping trip! We leave this afternoon for an overnighter. We're trying out some new gear and if God allows we plan to go every weekend this month. That may be a pipe dream but we'll see.

Here are some pictures of where we'll be camping, hiking and fishing. Wanna go? ;-)

Update: This trip was cancelled in order to be available to our youngest so anyone still wishing to go can sign up now for next weekend!