Random Thoughts from a directed Soul

Out with the Old Year!

2011-12-27T20:12:00.002-06:00

Another year has come and is nearly gone. Time moves faster as we get older it seems and while this year has come with its challenges--looking back we can clearly see the hand of our loving God directing and protecting.

The year began on a huge high note, our beloved pastor and friend Robert Francis came back to our church and things were going very, very well. We were great friends and ministry partners and had an awesome four months, but in April Robert started having some severe shoulder pain and was looking for a solution when in early May he suddenly passed away. This was a huge blow to our church and to the Hulsizer family.

On Saturday, May 7th, we spent the morning at the University of Central Arkansas proudly watching our oldest daughter, Jessica (23), graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. The last five years of hard work and study had paid off. What pride we had, cheering from the stands, as she received her diploma! But that afternoon we hurried back to participate in Robert’s memorial service and what a magnificent service it was! He touched so many lives and the attendance and the service itself proved that. Another year has come and is nearly gone. Time moves faster as we get older it seems and while this year has come with its challenges--looking back we can clearly see the hand of our loving God directing and protecting.

Exactly two weeks later, on May 21st, Jessica married Matthew Petty. It was a beautiful wedding and we are so happy to have Matt as part of our family (especially me! I love my girls but another guy in the mix is a good thing!) Jessica passed her NCLEX and is now a licensed RN. She began work at the same hospital in which she was born, another huge blessing!

But in mid-October she noticed some swelling around her neck. Long story short she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She has begun treatments on what her doctors tell us is a practically guaranteed cure. She is doing well, but we still appreciate your prayers for complete healing. We are so proud of and thankful for Matt, he is taking extremely good care of her. We also are very grateful to our church family for their prayers and thoughtful provision of meals and moral support.

Jennifer, our youngest (19), is a sophomore at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway working toward a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is very involved in the Chi Alpha Ministry on campus, babysits at a local church, and tries to make us believe she studies the rest of the time. Her grades do reflect that she is working very hard and we are quite proud of her! We are looking forward to her being home for Christmas and New Year’s. She’s a big help taking care of Matt and Jessica’s dog, a Corgi named Scarlett that has come to live with us while Jessica is taking treatments.

Shelia has had a busy year. She had some changes in her job but now is happily settled in as a Registrar in the “hub”. She works with three other registrars who serve several area schools, one of whom is a close friend (Bobbie Lindley). She works hard but loves the new environment. Her big news is that she entered and finished the St. Jude’s Marathon in Memphis—that’s right 26.2 miles! It was a major milestone for her, but one she says she won’t need to revisit!

Since the passing of our beloved pastor, I have been serving as Interim Pastor. This has increased my workload substantially but I have enjoyed the opportunity to preach. A couple of months ago, our Worship Pastor was called to another church so I’ve been helping with the Music ministry as well. After the first of the year we will hear a candidate for Senior Pastor. We are praying for the Lord’s will but hoping for a speedy process.

Hoping 2012 is your best year yet!

Update on Jessica

2011-10-24T11:06:00.002-05:00

Here's the latest on our journey to complete healing:

We are home from the hospital. Jessica was released around noon yesterday (Sunday) and was able to go home. It was a welcome change of pace and scenery for her to be at her and Matt's house. Their dog, Scarlet, was especially glad to see her.

Before we left we had a long talk with Dr. Mazher, her oncologist, to discuss the plan of action. After her I-port is placed she will begin 6 cycles of chemotherapy, each cycle is made up of 2 treatments 15 days a part, so that will mean about 4 1/2 months of chemo, followed by six weeks of radiation treatments, 5 days a week.

This is going to be a long, hard process but we have very good odds of beating this thing completely and fully. We have been very impressed with all of the medical staff we have met and feel like we have an awesome team of star players on our side. We have always known that Faith Baptist Church in North Little Rock is a loving, caring group of wonderful people and the love and support we have already felt just backs that up in a wonderfully, comforting way. We have also heard from friends and love ones from literally all over the world. We know that prayer is the greatest tool we have in our arsenal against this disease and we are so thankful for each prayer that has been and will continue to be prayed for Jessica.

We are so proud of and thankful for Matt. He has stepped 'large and in charge' into the role of protector, provider, and chief bodyguard for Jessica. We are so blessed to have such a awesome son-in-law be the main caregiver for our daughter. I would be remiss to omit our other daughter, Jennifer, from this post. She spent her whole Fall break from college right by her sister's side at the hospital or running to Austin to take care of Scarlet, run errands, and anything else she could do. It warms this dad's heart to see her helping Jessica with her hair, assisting with trips to the bathroom, showering, or anything else she could find to do. Shelia's mothering instincts have also pinged over into Ninja mode as she, with cunning accuracy, anticipates practically every need or desire Jessica has. Matt's grandmother has come down from Mtn. Home to cook and clean (Jessica is loving that big time!) and my parents are sitting on go as soon as we know of something they can do to help in any way.

We are so thankful for the awesome help and care we have received from Dr. Jay Geoghagan and from Marc & Michelle Daniel as they were there right away to give us some great advice on how to proceed through this process. God is good!

Again, we are so thankful for the love and support we have already seen and felt and simply ask that you continue to pray for complete healing and for an easy journey through the treatment process. We will try to keep you updated as best we can as things progress.

"Praising Him in the Storm"

Trusting in the Storm

2011-10-23T07:15:00.002-05:00

It has been a long few days in the Hulsizer family. Our oldest daughter, Jessica (age 23), the RN and newlywed, had a place swell up on the left side of her neck about 3 1/2 weeks ago. We all thought it was strange but thought it was probably an inflamed or infected lymph node. She went to our family doctor who put her on an antibiotic and told her to come back in two weeks if it hadn't taken care of it. The swelling went down just a bit but not completely so she was scheduled for a CT scan this Thursday.

On Wednesday, while at work at the hospital, she began experiencing pain in her chest and under her left arm. At 6:11 pm she called me and asked me to come get her and take her to the Emergency Room at Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock. I wondered why she wouldn't just go downstairs to the ER in the hospital at which she works, but she explained that it's best not to be a patient where you work.

At any rate, we got to the ER, her husband and her mother arrived right away and we waited 25 minutes to be seen. I was pretty agitated that it took that long even after we told them she was having chest pains. I was honestly worried it might be a heart situation.

After we finally got in (thanks to some strings being pulled by our good friend and fellow church member, cardiologist Jay Geoghagan) they quickly did an EKG which appeared normal, her heart rate, however, was fluctuating a good bit.

They did the first CT scan and assured us this was not a cardiac situation but that we might be looking at something more involved than an infection. It was determined that she would be admitted and have a biopsy on a lymph node.

After the biopsy the doctor hit us with the news. Our baby has Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. That's the bad news, the good news is that it is one of the most treatable, curable forms of the disease.

She is in stage IIB, which is the most treatable, and has a 95% cure rate (Praise God!) The oncologist said we were looking at about 6 chemo treatments, 15 days apart, followed by some radiation. We were told yesterday that it will be a pretty rough three months, but that by this time next year this will all be a bad dream.

Our friends have been awesome, we have had meals brought to us during the long days of waiting at the hospital, she's received lots of snacks and gifts, and every visit has been a precious reminder that she (and we) are loved.

We covet each of your prayers, we trust that all will be well, but we also know that prayer works. Thank you all for your love.

2011-09-04T13:55:00.003-05:00

Twelve Sermons: this morning I preached the 12th sermon in a series titled "Avoiding the Pitfalls of Life". The concept for this series was given to my dear friend and pastor Robert Francis just a few weeks before he died. He had given a copy of the topics and the book of I Samuel from which the sermons would be taken. When God called him away I thought it would be good to pick up this list of topics and the reference and see if I could build sermons for them. God had, after all, given this idea to the pastor of the church at that time, I think God would want someone to preach them.

It has been an interesting 12 Sundays or so, some subjects came together easier than others, but I'm glad we've made it through. I finished with "addictions" today. There are so many things that we can be addicted to out there; we only think about drugs and alcohol too many times, but worry, fear, negativity, self-serving, etc are all addictions. Jesus is the only way to truly be free but most of us don't really want Him to intervene.

Jesus just wants us to be free, to be able to live the life He gave us. Trusting Him and obeying Him so that our joy can be full and so we can live the abundant life He's promised us! So break free, break that habit, experience the freedom we can have in Christ!.

A Walk on the Beach

2011-06-26T08:50:00.004-05:00

My wife, my youngest daughter and I have been enjoying a much needed vacation the last few days. We are enjoying a great time of rest and relaxation on Miramar Beach just east of Destin, Florida.

This morning I arose early, made myself some coffee, and started looking at my computer. Just then, good judgement from God's Holy Spirit came over me and told me that this computer is going home with me, the beach isn't, so I slipped on some flip-flops and headed out to the beach.

Jennifer wants to make a little seashell collection for her new apartment in Conway next fall so I've been picking up a few along the way. This morning I found more than I had found all totaled for the week! I spoke to some guys fishing, saw a small stingray swimming around, I watched a heron fish for a time, and saw a crab or two rolling with the tide.

While I walked, I met a few others out for a stroll and some of those crazy people out jogging/running on the beach. Some ran past as I leisurely strolled through the surf. We all left footprints. But as the waves licked up onto the sugary beach the footprints were wiped out, removing any sign that anyone had been there.

That reminded me of the forgiveness of sin that God offers. No matter how big the footprint, how deep the imprint, how close together or how far apart, the wave washes the footprint away. The same is true for God's children. God isn't some pompous policeman sitting on a throne in heaven watching for us to slip up so He can throw down a judgment to 'get us'. Rather He is a merciful father who watches His children to help them back up when they fall, to brush them off and put them back on the right path. God doesn't love us less when we fail, His love is contingent upon Him, not us, and He is perfect...in love, in mercy, in forgiveness and peace.

I know we all let stuff build up in our spirits; wrongs that we've done, things we've done that don't please God, or things that embarrass us after the fact. The fact is God forgives, thoroughly and completely, as far as the east is from the west. Not north and sound as there are points both north and south, but there is no end to east and west, they just dissolve into one another, like footprints disappearing on the shore.

I am convinced we are too hard on ourselves. We need to fill ourselves with the joy and peace that God offers and let Him remove from us the pain, hurt and guilt that sin brings. Enjoy the day my friends. It's a gift from your Father!

Welcome Home!

2011-04-06T11:55:00.003-05:00

It was a windy ride over to Central Flying Service this morning, but what a great way to start the day. We, the Patriot Guard Riders, had been asked to help welcome home a group of Nat'l Guard soldiers who had been in Kosovo the last year. The tears of joy, laughter, smiles, hugs, etc. given these returning heroes from family and friends warmed my heart and made me really glad I was there.

As I shook hands, patted backs, and welcomed these heroes home my mind went to Kosovo to another hero who is still there, Missionary David Helmick and his family have made that country their home in hopes of leading people to Jesus. Thank you Lord for people who still answer the call, those from their country and those from their Lord.

10 things to never stop

2011-03-23T19:21:00.001-05:00

Borrowed from a friend (thanks Jon Cook).

As people grow older and the chapters of life begin to accumulate, there are certain things that should never stop. These are the important things in life, the ones that would lessen your life if they were forgotten.

Never stop making new friends. The world is full of people who have the potential to become your next great friend. It’s ideal, or at least very optimistic, but with the amount of people in the world, it’s definitely not far-fetched.
Never stop forgiving. I have heard numerous stories of men on their deathbeds regretting those offenses they never forgave. Life’s too short to not spread grace generously.
Never stop learning. The day you stop learning should be the day that you die. Mark Twain said about a colleague, “He died at 30. They buried him at 60.” Don’t let that be your legacy. Live to learn.
Never stop reading. You may hate reading. You may think it’s the greatest thing in the world. Whatever your taste may be, reading will be relevant in your world for the rest of your life. Reading is a great equalizer among kings and peasants: both can possess and develop this skill with equal opportunity.
Never stop thinking. Don’t be a blind consumer of information. Chew on it and think through what you’re hearing and reading. Eat the meat, spit out the bones. Like the good, lose the bad.
Never stop listening. As my dad says, “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason.” Listening is an art to be perfected. If you know what you’re going to say before the other person stops talking, you’re not really listening. Guilty as charged.
Never stop dreaming. If we lose that idea of how to chase an idea, we’ve lost our creative nature that echoes the image and nature of God. These are the bucket lists and the wish lists, the “what-if’s” we dare to ask, and the dream vacations and the faraway places you wish to see.
Never stop asking questions. Being curious and inquisitive is one of our greatest gifts from God. Some of the most successful people in the world are also some of the most curious. Coincidence?
Never stop mentoring. The gift of knowledge is meant to be shared. When you’re gone and all that’s left is your legacy, who will be there to remember what you taught them and how you poured into their lives?
Never stop caring. Apathy is the bane of human existence. If you stop caring, you stop living. To care is to know that some things still hold value, that some things still matter and are worth the next breath we take.

A Labor of Love

2011-02-15T16:18:00.004-06:00

I have been a busy guy lately. But it's a good busy! I've been helping my best buddy "Grumpy" and Ms. Vicky redo their kitchen. It's been a big job. We tore out a wall and extended the kitchen out about 4 feet and then added a laundry room. We ripped the old floor system out down to the concrete floor, ripped the walls out down to the studs, tore out the ceiling to the joists, added one and relocated another window. Then we started with the replumbing, rewiring, and reinsulating.

We added 4 new doors (a sliding glass door, a pocket door, and two storm doors. We put up sheet rock, a plywood ceiling, and built up the floor. On the plywood ceiling we added 3" tongue and groove pine material and lacquered it. It really looks nice. Then we installed the new wall cabinets.

After that we put in an electric floor heating system, covered with a self-leveling floor material, then laid ceramic tile. The latest addition was the base cabinets and the plywood top to get ready to install the marble tile countertops.

It's been a lot of work and a lot of hours but I'm having a blast. Why? Because I'm seeing progress and I remember what it looked like when we started. I've got to spend time with my friend and I've learned a lot of new things (some at the risk of slight injury). I look forward to finishing the project just so we can enjoy the fruits of our labors. But the two of us are already planning the next project! Are we nuts? Maybe so. But it's a wonderful thing to have a friend. Someone that you can count on and one that can count on you.

It's also really cool to see how each part of the process improves the whole. While I was thinking about the next time we can get together to work on this project I was impressed with a spiritual correlation...

Jesus is that friend that sticks closer than a brother. He loves being with us, whether He is helping us with or through a particular challenge or project or just hanging out and enjoying one anothers company. Jesus is also that master carpenter that can take the broken down shell of a sinful man, woman, boy or girl and make him into something new, shiny and wonderful. We are His creation!

The next time I'm helping "Grumpy" I hope I remember that I'm still a project in the hands of the Master and to enjoy that work as much as I enjoy working with my friend.

I hope you know Jesus as your friend! He's like no other!

Have a great day my friends,

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-15T08:34:00.003-06:00

I hope this post finds you and yours happy, healthy and whole and looking forward to a beautiful Christmas season with those that mean the most to you. I'm looking forward to a slow, relaxing holiday. We don't know yet if we will travel out to Alabama for a couple of days after Christmas or not. I'm still recovering from some cervical surgery and we don't know yet if I'll be released to travel or not. Regardless, Christmas is a wonderful time of year and the birth of Christ is something that simply must be celebrated!

This year has certainly been an active one for us. It's so hard to believe that our baby, Jennifer (18) is a freshman at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. She's right in the middle of her first final's week, hope she does well. She is enjoying life as she participates in several activities and clubs both on and off campus. For her graduation present / family vacation we traveled up into the Northeast to see NYC, Boston, Rhode Island and Maine. We made sure the trip included seeing "Wicked" on Broadway. For a special treat, we also got to sit in on a taping of the Late Show with David Letterman.

Jessica (22) is almost finished with her education. One more semester and she will have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and be a Registered Nurse. We are so proud of her, she has done very well in school and we think will be a "cum laude" graduate of some sort. But there is other big news with Jessica. She and her boyfriend Matt are now engaged and are planning a Spring wedding on May 21, two weeks after she graduates. So we are all having lots of fun planning the wedding. Just a few weeks ago I had the gread blessing to baptize Matt after receiving him on profession of faith the week before. Matt bought a home in Austin, AR and he and Jessica have been making it look like a home. Their two dogs keep Matt company whle Jessica is away at school.

Shelia is still going strong as the registrar at Sylvan Hills High School. It seems that every day has it's drama and adventure but it's good to have a steady job. In addition, she continues to keep up with her running having already completed several half-marathons and more 5K's than I can remember. She had a little trouble with her feet and legs earlier this year, but all of that seems to be fine now.

I keep plugging along as well. I completed my 10th year of ministry as Pastor or Administration at Faith Baptist Church last month. The church was very gracious and helped us celebrate with a new suit and paying off my motorcycle. The church has just gone through a pastoral change but things just calm down a bit after the start of the year.

At the time of this writing I'm recuperating from cervical surgery to correct a ruptured disc. This has been a pain and a nuisance for most of the year cutting into my gym time and hindered most of my other activities. I hope the surgery will get me back into the thick of things. Lately I've been involved as I could helping my buddy, Grumpy remodel his kitchen. I'm hoping I recover soon as there are lots of things around the Hulsizer Hacienda that need to be addressed.

Some highlights form the year include a Medical Mission trip to Moldova. Jessica and I flew with 9 other church members to provide medical car for 3 or 4 communities served by our missionaries there. I've already mentioned the upcoming nuptuals from Matt and Jessica; Jennifer is exciting to be the maid of honor. It should be a wonderful experience. I hope you can make it. After the wedding, jeff and Shelia are excited about what will most assuredly be a welcome vacation down on the Gulf Coast.

This time last year we were worried about dealing with "empty nest syndrome". The truth is, we are staying busy enough that we really haven't had to deal with it!

Much love from me and mine, to you and yours. Merry Christmas!

Make it better

2010-12-01T19:35:00.002-06:00

I'm a biker. I ride a bike. This morning I rode my bike, it was in the mid-20's this morning. I almost didn't want to be a biker any more. It was cold. I was bundled up but it was still cold, but I had places to be and things to do. As I was riding across the river bridge, thinking "woe is me", I looked at one of the huge billboards off to my right. There hanging precariously between heaven and earth, in 25 degree windy weather were two sign guys working on a sign. The pity I felt for myself gave way and I began to realize that my plight was not so bad.

Which got me to thinking. Isn't it true that you don't have to look very hard to find someone who is having a day worse that yours? I think we need to make it a daily challenge to make someone's day a little brighter every chance we get. Maybe it's just a kind word, or a smile, changing a flat tire, maybe buying them a cup of coffee, or even a hot meal. Maybe it's a phone call, a text message or an email. For some it might require a bit more; like providing Christmas for their kids, sitting with them at a hospital or a funeral home, getting them in touch with a professional, giving blood or a kidney.

It is true, the best way to get out of the dumps or to break up a pity party is to start counting your blessings, or better yet...being one!

Lessons from a donkey

2010-09-15T14:46:00.009-05:00

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.

Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly.

Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well

is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.

Live simply and appreciate what you have.

Give more.

Expect less.

Funny, or it is?

2010-08-16T16:06:00.004-05:00

In my work as a youth pastor a few years back I formulated a couple of definitions regarding pranks. This became necessary each year as we embarked upon the prospect of church camp. You know, that place where corn flakes in your sleeping bag, and the old shaving cream in your hand and tickle your ear trick, among others - are common place. I had grown weary of dealing with sleeping bags that had been rendered unusable and having students completely out of clean clothes by Tuesday because of a well placed water balloon (or worse). So this is what I came up with...

A prank is defined as something that when it is over, both parties can share a laugh.

When, at the end, only one party is laughing borders on terrorism and will not be tolerated.

I am reminded of this because this past Sunday morning as I finished up my shower, my wife said, "You're not going to believe this but someone has rolled our yard." What? This isn't homecoming week! What's the deal? But then I remembered our youngest daughter is leaving for her freshman year of college next Sunday but some of her friends who will attend different colleges will leave earlier. It must have been a last hurrah prank.

Since I don't take as long to get ready (hair, makeup, etc.) it was agreed that I would clean up the front yard. As I reached up and bent over to retrieve not only toilet paper, but forks stuck into my lawn, and unwrapped my daughters car from the plastic wrap, and cleaned the 5# of Vaseline from under each door handle I wondered, "Do they think this is funny to me?"

I was upset, I even considered tracking down the miscreants responsible for this heinous crime and giving them a piece of my mind and maybe a piece of my right shoe as well.

Well, after my second shower and rushing around we finally arrived at church, I calmed down some but noticed that I was being smiled at a bit unnaturally by some of the young people. "Do they know something?" "Was it them?" Then I became aware of a situation altering fact.

It seems that my sweet daughter was involved in a yard-rolling incident earlier in the week that set in motion a retribution attack. So I cleaned up a revenge-roll? No longer could I be upset at the ne'er-do-wells that had attacked my lawn, but I could and I can state the fact that any subsequent cleanings will be done by the one who prompted the attack!

I wonder, do college kids roll yards?

Out of Order

2010-08-11T17:19:00.001-05:00

I'd been standing in waist deep ice water for over thirty minutes. I had my waders on but the water was still cold enough to send an occasional chill up my spine. I was casting to the end of the dock at Branson Landing. I'd been casting for more than half an hour and I couldn't get more than a tug every now and again.

I knew my bait was correct. I'd done my homework. It just wasn't working. My step-dad was watching me from the railing. "Franklin," I said, "I don't know what else to do?" He leaned over the railing and said, Switch the order. Try putting the powerbait on first and tip the hook with the worm."

What could it hurt? I switched the order. I caught a fish on the next cast and the next, and the next, and the next... I caught fish until I ran out of light. I had things out of order. I got the order correct and the rest was easy.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matt. 6.33

Borrowed from my good friend Robert Leonard...thanks Rob!

It's Who You Know!

2010-06-03T13:50:00.007-05:00

A good friend of mine's dad went to the Holy Land back in the early 70's. It was right after the "Six Days War". Before he left he was given a package by his friend, Mike. Mike owned a jewelry store in my home town and his father and brothers owned a jewelry store in Jerusalem, on David Street. Dad was to find the shop and deliver the package to Mike's dad.

Long story short, dad found the shop and delivered the package. Mike's dad couldn't speak english but Mike's brothers could. Mike's dad wanted my father to come to a dinner that would be given in his honor. He wanted him to come that very night. He invited him to bring whomever he wished. He would send a car to their hotel at 7pm.

You can imagine that everyone was a little suspicious of traveling around Jerusalem at night so soon after an armed conflict but my dad was determined and two of the other ministers were brave or crazy enough to go along. They were picked up at 7pm and driven just outside the old city to the home of Mike's father. My dad said they were ushered into a large banquet room with one long table in the center or it. There were many guests and my father and his friends were seated on the left of the host. Each man had a large plate set before him with a drink on his right. The table was covered with all sorts of meats, vegetables, fruits, bread, rice, and noodles.

Women hovered around the table and as the men ate the women refilled their plates. The women made sure that no plate was ever empty and no cup was allowed to run dry. My father said that Mike's dad sat at the head of the table. As the meal progressed, the Old Man would smile and nod to his guests. He would speak to some but he spent most of his time looking at my father and his friends. Dad said that the Old Man would smile and tears would roll down his face as he would say the only three words of english that he knew, "You know Mike. You know Mike."

There is a banquet being prepared for us. The table is set. We are all invited. There is only one name that will allow us access to that dining hall. And some day, in eternity, The Father will sit at the head of that table and with tears in his eyes he will call out across the universe, "You know Jesus. You know Jesus." And we'll all weep for joy.

We are well aware that who you know and who knows you is far more important that what you know.

"Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' And he added, 'These are the true words of God.'"

Hope to see you around the table.

Thanks for the story Rob!

2010-05-17T11:30:00.002-05:00

I had seen this before but thought it was worth sharing...oorah!

This is little-known story from the Pentagon on 09/11/2001:

During a visit with a fellow chaplain, who happened to be assigned to the Pentagon, I had a chance to hear a first-hand account of an incident that happened right after Flight 77 hit the Pentagon. The chaplain told me what happened at a daycare center near where the impact occurred. This daycare had many children, including infants who were in heavy cribs. The daycare supervisor, looking at all the children they needed to evacuate, was in a panic over what they could do. There were many children, mostly toddlers, as well as the infants that would need to be taken out with the cribs.

There was no time to try to bundle them into carriers and strollers. Just then a young Marine came running into the center and asked what they needed. After hearing what the center director was trying to do, he ran back out into the hallway and disappeared. The director thought, 'well, there we are—on our own.'

About 2 minutes later, that Marine returned with 40 other Marines in tow. Each of them grabbed a crib with a child, and the rest started gathering up toddlers. The director and her staff then helped them take all the children out of the center and down toward the park near the Potomac and the Pentagon. Once they got about 3/4 of a mile outside the building, the Marines stopped in the park, and then did a fabulous thing - they formed a circle with the cribs, which were quite sturdy and heavy, like the covered wagons in the Old West. Inside this circle of cribs, they put the toddlers, to keep them from wandering off. Outside this circle were the 40 Marines, forming a perimeter around the children and waiting for instructions. There they remained until the parents could be notified and come get their children..

The chaplain then said, "I don't think any of us saw nor heard of this on any of the news stories of the day. It was an incredible story of our men there. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. The thought of those Marines and what they did and how fast they reacted; could we expect any less from them? It was one of the most touching stories from the Pentagon.

May God Bless the USA , our troops, and you.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Always remember it's the Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. It's the Military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It's the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It's the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.

2010-04-18T19:16:00.002-05:00

This video is such a blessing to me. It really speaks to the love God has for us and of the joy

He desires for us. I hope you find it encouraging. May God bless you!

A Better Idea

2010-04-08T12:02:00.002-05:00

I've been chewing on a rant the last few days about people who have perverted the word "baptist" (Westboro Baptist Church) and the word "Christian" (so called "Christian" militias targeting law enforcement officers). But I've decided, thanks to my buddy Joe Hamilton, to keep my blood-pressure at a healthy level and share these home remedies!

Amazingly simple home remedies...

1. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold the vegetables while you chop.

2. Avoid arguments with females about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.

3. For high blood pressure sufferers ~ simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure on your veins. Remember to use a timer.

4. A mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

5. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you'll be afraid to cough.

6. You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

7. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

Daily thought:
Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.

Thanks Joe, I feel much better now!

I am a Biker...

2010-03-04T15:06:00.006-06:00

I love motorcycles, I loved them as a kid when I was riding my little Honda CL70 all over the powerlines and gravel pits around my hometown even though it was a street bike. I really loved bikes when I moved up to a Honda SL125 that was actually made for that kind of riding. As I got older (and bigger) I loved my dad's Yamaha Enduro 250, then I got a car, a job, went to college, got a job, got married, had kids, yada-yada-yada, then I began to long for a motorcycle again. A little over three years ago I bought a Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 and she is my transportation. Oh, I could carpool with the wife or kidnap a daughter's car, but I love to ride my bike. I've ridden basically every day the last two weeks in morning temperatures between 27 and 40. This week I leave the house about 6:30 and haven't gotten home any earlier than 9:15 pm. It's a little chilly but I dress for it. People just look at me, people think I nuts, or hard core or something but I just love to ride. I didn't buy my bike to sit in the garage except for a weekend whiz up to Drasco every now and then. I bought it to ride it. So when I saw this email today I just had to share it with those of you who understand what it is to be a biker, those that want to understand, and those who may never understand. Enjoy...

12 Things Riding My Motorcycle Taught Me--

1. The only good view of a thunderstorm is in your rear view mirror.

2. Four wheels move the body; two wheels move the soul.

3. I'd rather be riding my motorcycle and thinking about God,
than sitting in church thinking about my motorcycle.

4. Life may begin at 40, but it doesn't get real interesting until about 80 (mph).

5. Midnight bugs taste just as bad as Noon time bugs.

6. Sometimes it takes 3 or 4 tanks full of gas before I can think straight.

7. A bike on the road is freedom.

8. Young riders pick a destination; old riders pick a direction.

9. When you're riding with a full face helmet, don't spit. (or sneeze)

10. Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt will double your vocabulary.

11. If you can't get it going with duct tape or zip ties, it's serious.

12. Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window.

Hey, let's go ride!

Predictions for 2010

2010-01-05T11:30:00.003-06:00

As we begin 2010 with all the problems the world is facing,
it can be somewhat unsettling. While I am certainly no sayer of sooth, please let me share with you ten predications that are sure to come true next year!

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth..
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still honor the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10...Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

Isn't it great to remember who is really in control, and that; "the Word of the Lord endures forever." 1 Peter 1:25

Christmas for all?

2009-12-16T10:05:00.003-06:00

I heard a quote attributed to our president, in which he said that "Christmas is a holiday for all religions." That may be a lovely sentiment but it's simply not true. A better statement would have been "Christmas is a holiday for all people." As Jesus Christ, the originator of Christmas, came to earth to provide a means of salvation for all people.
It has long been my contention that religion has done more damage to Christianity than most anything else. At any rate, I have had a bad taste in my mouth for years about those individuals who snarl their nose up at the celebration of Christmas, yet want the same benefits and privileges of those of us who believe in the truth and spirit of the holiday.
Years ago I worked for a wonderful Christian man who provided his employees with a very nice Christmas party and a Christmas bonus check. We had one employee who, for religious purposes, did not celebrate Christmas. I loved it when the boss told him that in that case he would not be receiving his "Christmas" bonus nor would he be invited to the "Christmas" party, and that he could clean up the shop on the day we closed the shop down for "Christmas". After all, America was built on religious freedom and he didn't want to cause this brother to stumble in his convictions. CLASSIC!
I have the same rumble in my gut from those who feel it is unfair to impose greeting "Merry Christmas" on the masses. They complain about the Nativity scene at the State Capital, they complain about Christmas carols being sung in public schools, and try to remove all signs of "Christ" from the "Christmas" holiday. You just can't do that! They throw their little tantrums but do they take the day off from work, do they exchange gifts, do they put up a tree, whether they do or not is immaterial. They have the right NOT to celebrate, but we have the right TO celebrate. CHRISTmas is a CHRISTian holiday, but America was founded to be a CHRISTian nation, not to the point that we impose a state religion on anyone, but in the same manner as English is our national language, HELLO!, we are a CHRISTIAN nation.
May I say with all Christian sympathy and love, "this is America, we speak English, we celebrate Christmas, we're a Christian nation. Don't like it? You are FREE to leave!"
To those of you who are wise enough to recognize that without Christ there is no Christmas, I wish you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A New Heart

2009-12-09T10:26:00.003-06:00

I borrowed this from an email from a dear friend, Bro. Robert Leonard, the MBSF Director at UAM. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. GOD IS GOOD!

Cameron Fowler is 4 months and 3 days old today. He has a new heart. The story is rather miraculous.

The jet landed at LR airport last night just before 10pm. The donor team transferred the heart to the helicopter from Children's hospital. The copter flew the organ the last few miles over to Children's.

Shortly after 10pm, the doctors and nurses of Children's hospital began working on Cameron. It's amazing that such a small organ could be placed in such a little body so quickly and skillfully. The physicians placed the heart in Cameron's chest and prepared to administer a small electrical shock to get in started. That's when the miracle happened.

It may not be a miracle that an organ can be harvested from one body and placed in another. It's standard medical procedure that you can drop the temperature of an organ and preserve it for a period of time. Skill and training provide doctors with the knowledge to be able to perform such delicate procedures. But what happened to Cameron had nothing to do with any of that.

When they placed the heart inside his chest and sutured the arteries together and started the blood flow to his new heart something wonderful happened. The heart began to beat on its own.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51.10

"O God, We've studied and we've trained. We've gone to countless conferences and worship times. We've been faithful, Lord, but all these things mean nothing unless you speak life into our hearts. Restore our hearts and renew our spirits that they might beat, on their own, for You. We love you, LORD. Amen"

Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas?

2009-12-03T10:31:00.004-06:00

I've got to be honest with you. I can sometimes jump a little hastily into impatience and exasperation, especially when it has to do with my beliefs and my Savior. A major contributor to such emotion is the current "PC" practice of moving from "Merry Christmas" to "Happy Holidays". I just read an interesting article that I will repost below that gave me a different perspective on the "controversy". I still bristle at the idea of removing Christ from Christmas, but there are some things here that make an awful lot of sense to me. Check it out...

Letter From Jesus About Christmas:

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :

I LOVE YOU,
JESUS

There you go! Kinda makes you think doesn't it?

Thankful for What?

2009-11-24T17:18:00.003-06:00

"Into every life a little rain must fall"...no really? In the world in which we find ourselves, it is easy to think that we are "under the circumstances", after all we are in a recession, financial woes affect us all, the pressures of this old world are nipping at our heels, and none of us are getting any younger.

Depressed yet? That's not my intent. To elevate our attitude to one of gratitude one needs only spend a few moments reflecting on the counting of blessings received. That's not to say that will make the bad times disappear, but it does make the balance a little more truthful.

We are blessed beyond measure when we consider that "every good and perfect gift comes from above". Life, health, joy, happiness, everything we find enjoyable and precious is a gift from a loving Heavenly Father who wants to shower His children with joy. The trouble is we are living on a sin-infested world that filters the love and joy at times, and tries to distract us from the knowledge or the appreciation of the wonderful things we have been given.

This Thanksgiving, I hope you will take some time to stop and count your blessings. This year I am thankful I still have the opportunity to spend time with my parents, my brother and sister and their families, and have all my family alongside me.

I am thankful I have a wonderful group of friends that treat me better than I treat them so often. I am thankful that God has chosen me to be a minister of His precious Gospel, heaven only knows what He was thinking when He chose me, but I'm glad He did.

But most of all I am thankful that it's not all about the here and now. "I have a future in heaven for sure, there in those mansions sublime". I thank God for the glorious gift of His only begotten Son Jesus, who came to earth in the form of a baby, lived a sinless live, suffered a death He did not deserve, was laid in a borrowed tomb, then was resurrected three days later triumphant over death, hell and the grave, and who now sits at the right hand of the Father waiting the instructions to come gather to Himself all those who have trusted Him as Savior and Lord.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I love you!

I love you and want you to live a happy healthy life!

2009-11-02T17:16:00.003-06:00

Ok, you might think this is a commercial and I guess in the strictest of terms it is BUT...

I have found something that makes so much sense it's almost a no-brainer and I want to share it with you.

Back in February I was having a particularly low day so I had to make a decision, go drown my sorrows in a sack full of chocolate-filled donuts or go check out the new gym in town that my wife and I had been talking about. I'm happy to say I chose the latter.
I drove into the parking lot and found the door locked so I called the number on the door...no answer. I drove off thinking I should have gone to the donut shop. Then my phone rang. That was the first time I spoke to Ryan. Ryan Parker owns and manages the local Anytime Fitness franchise in Jacksonville and is one of the coolest guys I've ever met. He invited me back in to look around and hung a U-ey and went back. That's one of the best decisions I've made.

I looked around at the clean, complete facility and joined up immediately. This is not the first gym I've ever joined but I've been faithful to workout 3 to 5 times a week every week since that day.

Ryan is a very well versed health professional with degrees in Kinesiology and Nutrition and lots of impressive experience as a bodybuilder and MMA fighter. Plus, he's a heck of a motivator. He's interested...no passionate...about the health and wellness of others and works very hard to help them attain both. Toward that end he introduced me to Kangen Water. The word "Kangen" means back to origin. It's a Japanese word developed by a Japanese company that uses electrolysis to literally reconstruct water molecules separating water into acidic and alkaline (ph), filtering out the bad chemicals, additives, and pollutants while preserving the necessary minerals and vitamins present in tap water.

Wouldn't it be easier to just drink bottled water? Easier maybe, but think about it. How expensive is bottled water? Who is monitoring bottled water with regards to quality control, truth in advertising, and basic consumer safety...answer, basically no one! Most bottled water is just tap water in a new container. Reverse osmosis water is actually unhealthy and some brands have actually been banned in Europe. This "dead water" actually leeches minerals, calcium and other nutrients out of your body! Then there's the problem of the plastic containers leaching (if I use both spellings one has to be right!) chemicals out to the plastic into the water. Did you know that the plastic that water bottles is made of begins to seep Dioxin and other chemicals at 88 degrees, what are the chances that bottle has been kept under 88 degrees from bottling plant to retailer? Yeah none! Plus, the pollution from all these water bottles is staggering. Google the "great garbage reef" and watch with amazements the size of these things!

Long story short. The water is awesome, it tastes good, it's easy to drink, and it's great for you! Please come to my Water meeting, my "Hydration Education Celebration". It's this Saturday, Nov. 7th, in the dining hall of Faith Baptist Church. 109 Tanglewood Dr. North Little Rock (56th & Camp Robinson) at 9:00. You'll be amazed at how important the right water can be for your life, your health and your wellness!

Change your water, change your life!

MAN UP!

2009-10-08T11:49:00.004-05:00

Wow, it's been a long time since I updated this blog huh? Sorry about that. And after I'm through this time you may wish I didn't update it all.

I had a rough night last night. I let my guard down and let a few boys get under my skin. Normally, this primarily positive preacher can let most things slide down my well-oiled, thick hide. But last night at AWANA I got got!

I have a real fear for the future of this nation if we continue to produce young men with the behavioral problems and blatant disrespect for any and everything.

I know that we are to love these kids and to try to help shape them into young men and women God can use. I also know that I was a snotty little kid once, but the difference is I knew fear. Fear and/or respect was, and is, a very real part of my life. I respected and feared my parents because they had the ability and the right to punish me, to bust my backside, and/or remove independence and property from me.

Teachers, likewise, were respected because there were consequences for bad behavior, not the least of which is the knowledge that they could tell my parents (see above paragraph!).

Church leaders were certainly respected for the above reasons but also because I knew that they were God's people, working for Him. I knew I didn't want to mess with that!

I think our problems started when discipline stopped. When did it become wrong or bad to correct a child in the manner God intended? Do we really think our gluteus maximus muscles are there just for seat cushions?

Spare the rod, spoil the child. I believe it, I believe the Bible teaches it. And I believe I can show you some examples of the truth of this.

There are practically no repercussions for bad behavior today. While there is no doubt in my mind I could fix the problem with the misbehaving boys last night, but I didn't particularly want to go to jail or be sued by some system misusing parent or lawyer.

My heart is torn today, I hope I can find an acceptable means of reaching these boys and helping them grow into productive members of society. But I only have 2 hours a week to try. My heart really goes out to the school teachers and administrators (at least the good ones) who face this situation 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.

My hopes for the future of this world are not as positive as they were this time yesterday. I hope I can get past this rough spot and regain the desire to teach boys to be men.

Boys and girls need fathers and mothers...period. It does make a difference. Authority figures need a means of correcting bad behavior. People need the Lord.

Have a good day my friends

Selfishness and Entitlement

2009-08-19T11:08:00.004-05:00

Maybe it's just that I'm getting older, but I am really beginning to believe more and more that this world is not my home.

I have always tried to live by the Golden Rule. To do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I don't believe I am any better than any one else and don't believe that I should be put to the front of any lines. I knew that this practice was correct and I knew that I was in a minority, but I have been shocked of late at just how serious a minority it is in which I find myself.

Before I begin providing examples, let me tell you that I have many friends and acquaintances that are wonderful, giving, selfless people that demonstrate the love of Christ far better than me, BUT...

Drivers...when the lane ahead is going to end or when construction is forewarned--that is not the time to get in front of everyone else or speed around in the lane that is closing to get as far up as possible, then expect some good soul to let you in. You are no more important, nor is your destination any more important than that of the people you are going around.

...those of you who haul goods in trucks, especially dump trucks full of gravel, I recognize that gravel must be hauled but please cover your loads. A sign on your truck that states you are not responsible for damage caused by anything falling out of your truck is not enough. Windshields, headlights, etc. can be cracked or broken, paint can be marred, and don't even get me started on those of us who ride motorcycles being hit by anything that might fly off or out of your truck. Please consider others.

Walmart is a wonderful store where lots of people go to purchase the things they need or desire. I realize back to school time is crazy for all of us. But there are plenty of school supplies to go around. All of us need them and for you to block the aisle, break in line, push your way through or around, or to generally to make a fool of yourself is inappropriate. Relax, wait your turn, I have.

Those of you waiting in line at Walmart, or the post office, or in any public place. Hang up the phone until you are in a position to better handle the conversation. First, I don't need to hear your conversation. Second, you are unable to concentrate on what you are doing which exasperates the clerk and slows down the line behind you.

There are many more examples I could list but I don't want to think about them any more.

It's ok to want to get done with your chores as quickly as possible. But it's not okay to impose yourself on anyone else. The Bible tells us not to think too highly of ourselves and to love one another as we love ourselves.

"But I deserve it", may none of us ever get what we deserve and may we begin to understand that selfish people are the most miserable people in the world. Reach out and love, do something nice, be a good person, live together in harmony. Let me know I'm not the Lone Ranger!

Have a good day! Heaven knows I'm trying!

Too much, too fast

2009-07-02T13:09:00.004-05:00

Do you remember that old "I Love Lucy" show where she was working an assembly line and couldn't keep up with the line. HELLO! Welcome to my world lately! I spent a week at Bogg Springs (Saturday to Saturday) serving as Camp Pastor. Truly enjoyed it, but I've had trouble getting back into the groove, probably because I had already nearly jumped out of it even before I left.

Lots of good things are happening though. I'm enjoying preaching a bit more. (Come to Faith Baptist Church, 109 Tanglewood in N. Little Rock Sundays at 6pm). I'm staying pretty regular with my workout schedule. (Anytime Fitness in Jacksonville. Ryan Parker is the MAN!) And seeing three blurs of activity (my wife and 2 daughters) as they speed through their lives. Actually Shelia is enjoying about 4 weeks break from her job at Sylvan Hills High. Jennifer is working at Arby's in Jacksonville, and Jessica found a 5 week temporary job at Ryerson Metals in the Port District. So busy isn't a problem!

My lovely bride and I celebrated our 25th anniversary this past Monday night (6/29) complete with a surprise party organized by our daughters (and friends). What a sweet night! Made all the more special because earlier in the month we celebrated my parent's 50th Anniverary (6/6) over in Alabama. Bittersweet though, because this month would also have been Shelia's parents 50th anniversary (Rest in peace, Mrs. Letha).

I think I'm still in the Patriot Guard. I've been so busy I've not been able to help much in that department, but I recruited a great helper, Big Walter, to take up my slack and what a fine job he has done. He's also my workout buddy at the gym. We both have a long journey ahead!!!

Well, I was approaching frustration level with all the work I need to do, so catching up with the blog was a welcome break and redirection of energy. Back into the fray!

Pop in and say hi when your get a chance!

Much love to ya!
Jeff

It's been a while

2009-05-07T11:17:00.003-05:00

My apologies for my lack of posts of late. My time management has been whacked for the last few months, and honestly my frame of mind has been a little off kelter too!

Things are busy around the Hulsizer place. Jessica & Jennifer finishing up the school year with finals, papers, programs, etc. (Congrats to Jessica for making it through the first year of UCA's School of Nursing with a great GPA!--I'm proud of you! Now GET A JOB! :) Jennifer still has a few weeks, but has been busy with Choir Follies, she'll be on a choir trip to Branson this weekend, and we're all getting used to her having a job (Arby's in Jacksonville).

Shelia is happy to be running again. She stays busy with her "Women Can Run" clinic in Cabot and their activities, plus her work at the school, praise team at church, etc.

I've tried to be faithful to spend an hour or two at the gym 4 or 5 nights a week which eats into my blogging time. So there is it...my excuses.

Kind of a strange weekend shaping up for me. Tomorrow I'm moving Jessica out of her place in Conway and into a mini-storage as she's living at home this summer. I have Lisa & Lee's wedding rehearsal Friday night and their wedding at 6 Saturday. What a blessing to be asked to officate a wedding for a kid from my old youth group!

As I write this I'm anticipating a phone call regarding the details of a funeral service for a elderly lady that had been a big part of my life at Faith the last 9 years or so, Flodene Henderson. I'll be doing her funeral whenever it is planned, so I'm trying to gather some thoughts there.

Also in the tunnel of my concentration is the Children's Ministry Retreat next weekend at which I will speak, and a Youth Camp this June at which I will serve as the Camp Pastor. Wonderful opportunities, I just need to really set aside some intense prep time.

Lots of things to keep us busy, lots of things to keep us distracted, and lots of things to try to keep us from keeping the best things in mind. I'm reminding myself of I Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Lord, help me not to be distracted from the best things, by good things, bad things or any other things. Father, guard my heart and protect my attitudes to always be found an able vessel.

Hoping a great day and a fresh sense of the presence of the Lord in each of your lives my friends. Carpe Diem!

Goodbye for now...

2009-03-24T08:49:00.002-05:00

This morning's first phone call was our Senior Pastor calling to let me know that a dear friend had passed away. Bro. Leon Halbert had been in poor health for a long time and the Christian side of me is relieved, even happy, that he has triumphantly gone on to his eternal reward. However, the human side of me is sad that my friend has gone away.

I have been sad a long time for Leon. His condition had kept him from being himself and I must admit I was none to faithful at going to visit him in that condition. But he and I were very close and had many, many long conversations and visits and it was just very hard to see such a previously strong, all-together type man like Leon in that state.

When I came to Faith church 8 1/2 years ago, there were two men in particular that became fast friends; Dub Carpenter and Leon Halbert. I don't what it was, exactly, that caused us to hit it off, but we did. We lost Dub a few years ago. That was hard on Leon. But now to lose Leon too, it's just sad.

Leon and I were visitation partners for a couple of years. We made a good team, he said. "You do the talking, I'll do the prayin'" He was always personable, I think he loved everybody and was never uncomfortable in any home we entered.

We always had planned to find a "project" to work on. Once, Leon bought a series of boxes containing a bunch of motorcycle parts. From that mess he assembled an antique Harley. He later sold that bike and I believe I'm correct when I say that it is now in the Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain. He loved cars, bikes, tractors, he just loved machinery and was good with his hands. I'm sorry we never got that "project" started.

I said Leon was good with his hands. Leon was good with his heart too. What a gentle, giving saint. I love you brother. I look forward to seeing you again. Enjoy heaven my friend!

Viva la difference!

2009-02-04T18:56:00.003-06:00

I’ve been pondering differences a lot here lately. Honestly mainly because of the difference in musical tastes and the possibility of misunderstanding within a church body. I don’t pretend to be wise enough to end the “what musical styles are acceptable for worship” debate that has loomed forever. But I do want to share a little personal perspective.

Would it be true to state that most of what happens on a Sunday morning is cultural? I believe that “Jesus loves the little children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight!” While it is true all these colors are represented in the cultural melting pot called America, there are also many different places in the world where the people look, act, speak and, yes, worship differently. Who pleases God more?

It is my contention that worship is more about the motivation and the content of the heart than the key, pitch, tone or rhythm of the musical vehicle that one employs to help take them to the throne of God.

While I believe it is absolutely true that Jesus is the only way to the Father. (John 14:6). I also claim the promise that if we knock, He will answer; if we seek, we will find. (Luke 11:9).

I’m afraid that too many times we let too much personal taste interfere with worship. It doesn’t matter what kind of vehicle you drive to church, it’s the attendance that matters. Likewise I believe that it doesn’t matter so much what type of music we sing, it’s that we are singing to our Lord with gratitude and praise. Praise the LORD! For [it is] good to sing praises to our God; for [it is] pleasant, [and] praise is beautiful. (Psalm 147:1)

…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, (Ephesians 5:19).

And finally, consider Psalm 150 and then ask yourself which instruments cannot be used to praise God.

I will sing unto the Lord…

Count the Cost

2009-01-08T08:03:00.003-06:00

I have wanted to ride my motorcycle out to my parent's place in Alabama for a long time. Last year my dad was to have some minor surgery and I had planned a trip for then but the surgery was rescheduled a couple of times and it never worked out for me to go. But over the holidays I got word that my sister's husband was going to be ordained as a deacon on Sunday night, January 4. My wife and youngest daughter were to start back to school the following day so I was going to go by myself anyway, so why not take the bike. I began watching the weather to make sure the way out would be safe and pleasant. There was rain early in the forecast but that all gave way to just cloudy skies, so I decided to make the trip.

I packed all my stuff (being cautious in sealing the clothes in a plastic bag inside my luggage just in case. Wired up my new cb radio system and antennae and planned to head out Saturday morning.

Everything seemed cool, I started out on the road and upon hitting the first good bump my cb lost power, the cigarette lighter I installed wasn't working right so goodbye cb!

But the weather was fine, even a bit warm for such a heavy leather jacket. I was thinking how glad I was that I hadn't brought the additional jacket I sometimes wear under the big leather one.

I stopped in Hazen and traded the cb headset for my iPod and hit the road again. No rain, just a little cloudy. Life was good.

I had opted to go across the Helena bridge and up through Tunica county to Hwy 302 across Olive Branch to Hwy 72, Memphis and motorcycles didn't seem like a good combination. So I pulled into the rest stop in West Helena and completely disinstalled the cb system and put it in my luggage. I was on my way. Hwy 302 was a nightmare. I hit every red light (I think they call it 302 as that seems to be the number of traffic lights there are!). Anyway, I finally hit 72 and I'm off. I get to Corinth, MS to stop for fuel and call my dad to tell him where I am. All is well, I'm still warm and dry...flying high.

I arrive at Mom and Dads just before dark and enjoy a nice visit. We get up the next morning and prepare for church and Bro. David Gregg gives me the blessing of asking me to preach for him that morning. What an honor. I did what I could and then head back home for a great afternoon visit with the folks.

Monday morning reality hits. There is rain all over Arkansas and Mississippi and most of Alabama, but I am convinced a little rain never hurt anybody, especially with a full face helmet and some rain gear. So I pack up again (plastic bags inside luggage) rain gear on and head for home.

I get about halfway down the Natchez Trace and realize I'm a mite chilly so I pull in to the Buzzard Roost stop and put my rain gear jacket on under my leather jacket and adjust my head/neck warmer and head out again.

Halfway to Corinth, MS I notice my rain gear pants are coming apart (or at least the layers are seperating) that's when I remember them being so economical when I bought them at the Bass Pro Shop in the hunting department (not the highway speeds on motorcycles department!)

I get to Corinth for fuel still dry and I throw the rain pants away (I will soon regret that decision) and head on down the road. At about Walnut I begin to notice that the windshield has some water droplets playfully wandering about on it to which I think, ha...this rain this is gonna be no trouble. Cut 15 miles down the road to where the rain has stopped being playful and is soaking me to the bone. I pull in to a gas station to readjust and being shivering. Not a good sign. I pull my gloves back on, zip everything all the way up and head back out. I think for a moment about not going through all the traffic lights on 302 again but remember the alternative is downtown Memphis...nevermind. So 302 traffic lights and rainfall looking for a place to stop and buy some decent rain gear. Which brings up the question, why are motorcycle dealers never open on Monday?

Anyway I make it to Walls, MS and call my other brother in law hoping he is at home and I am close by. Of course he's not home but close to my father-in-law's house so I tell him I'm gonna warm up a second and be back on my way. My flannel lined jeans are soaking wet and weigh 200 pounds. My boots (which are not water-proof) are holding water as are my long gloves and liners. I get a pair of uninsulated yet dry jeans out of my saddlebag and head to the restroom to find some form of relief. Thanks goodness for floor drains in bathrooms. My boots were full, my socks were soaked. I emptied my boots, wrung out my socks and changed jeans. I stumbled barefoot back out to the store tables to where a couple of city employees were taking a break discussing the miserable weather and began putting my wet socks back on. I smiled and asked them if they had ever seen such a crazy white boy, they laughed politely...I assumed the answer was no.

I bought a roll of trashbags and retrieved my duct tape from the bike and made some temporary plastic chaps for my legs. Maybe they would last the 22 miles to Pop's house? Nope, but nice try. When I pulled to the house Ms. Anne was aghast at the lack of wisdom I had shown starting out in this mess, but she found me a pair of sweat pants and some dry socks to begin my rehabilitation. A fried chicken dinner and I found myself under the electric blanket at 5:30 pm!

The next morning I hopefully tuned in to the weather channel hoping for a break in the action. No dice. The precipition was all over eastern Arkansas, but there was a potential lull in the early afternoon. Hopeful, I loaded up in a light sprinkle and headed for the Helena Bridge. These old highways are rutted up from use and heavy traffic and dodging standing water was quite the adventure, especially since the water was accumulating on my faceshield (which also fogs up with the slightest breath at anything less than 45 mph!).

I make it across the bridge and begin thinking, I'm not as wet (thanks to the roll of saranwrap I have wrapped around my legs) but I am colder. I stop at a laundromat in Marvel, AR and throw everything I can take off tastefully into the dryer. After a 30 minute break I'm back on the wet road looking for a break in the clouds. Have I mentioned I was wet and cold? When I got to Brinkley I opted to turn left on Hwy 70 rather than head for I-40...another mistake. Hwy 70 on a motorcycle bears a close resemblance to riding a bucking bronco in a rodeo. Plus seeing all the ice covered trees just adds to the cold I'm feeling. At Hazen I stop for fuel again and opt for the freeway. Much drier, much smoother but at a higher speed the windchill was brutal. I take the Remington Road exit and pray for just 12 more miles. I do make it, but when I pulled into my garage (covered by the way...I think my bike is still mad at me for leaving her out in the rain Monday night) I get off the bike and walk directly into the laundry room...helmet and all to begin disrobing and seperating myself from all things wet and cold.

I don't know I've ever appreciated a hot shower more. It took a good while to realize that it was, in fact, a hot shower. But I retained my normal skin color, found sweatpants, sweatshirt, terrycloth robe, socks and houseshoes and went looking for the hot soup. Life is good. I survived and boy, have I learned a lesson. When planning a motorcycle trip, check the weather for the whole trip...not just the first leg!!!

The loss of a dear friend

2008-12-31T07:20:00.004-06:00

At 8:30 on Christmas morning, my phone began to ring. On the other end was 81 year old WWII Naval Veteran Herman "Shorty" Hagerman, a friend from the Patriot Guard. He was calling to wish me a Merry Christmas. We had a nice short conversation, he sounded great and seemed to be in a great mood, we exchanged our good wishes and told each other "love ya' brother" and that was it. I remember my wife commenting that was a sweet thing to do and I smiled to myself, "Yeah, Shorty is like that".

The next morning I got another call from a PGR friend, Big Ack this time, he was calling to tell me that Shorty had passed away earlier that morning. Imagine my surprise, initially my denial, as I had just talked to him! But it was confirmed that Shorty's big heart had played it's last beat just before 5:00 that morning. Then the whirlwind began. Funeral planning, notification of the rest of the Patriot Guard, mission planning, processing of the finality of it all, and honestly more than a few tears.

It was decided that the Patriot Guard would provide a flag line for Shorty's visitation on Monday night and that Big Ack and I would officiate the funeral services. The visitation was awesome, there were bikes and bikers and friends and loved ones all in and around the funeral home. We remembered and celebrated the life of this big,little man and we tried to show him the honor and respect he was due.

Tuesday morning was the time set aside for his service. Even more bikes it seemed had gathered and there was standing room only in the chapel and more standing outside as silent sentinels for this hero. As the friends and family came by Shorty's casket to pay their final respects I learned even more amazing things about my friend. I did pretty well until Shorty's brother came by and cried on my shoulder and gave me a hug that felt a lot like Shorty.

We proceeded to the gravesite where we laid Shorty beside the wife he had lost on Christmas day 1997, coincidence? Flagbearers surrounded the tent as taps was played, scripture was read, a prayer was said and a flag was folded in honor of a great man.

Smooth seas Shorty, you may stand down now. Take your rest and enjoy your eternity. We'll be together again soon. Until then, we will do our best to continue the work you took so seriously and we'll try to do you proud.

"Thank you Father for the promise of eternal life in Christ and the comfort we have in knowing that because of his faith in Jesus that Shorty is there in heaven with you even now. Keep an eye on him Lord, he's little but he's quick!"

I can almost see him now, smiling profusely while dancing with the angels. Bon Voyage dear friend, until we meet again.

Jeff, you blew right through Christmas brother!

2008-12-31T07:14:00.004-06:00

Yes, my apologies. No posts for some time. Please find the our Christmas letter a reasonable facsimile for a Christmas post...

It’s hard to believe it has already been a year since we had such an awesome Christmas vacation to Pagosa Springs, Colorado where we skied, snowmobiled, rode a 2-horse open sleigh and just romped in the snow for a week. But calendars never lie.

It has been an active year in the Hulsizer abode (so what else is new?).

Jennifer is 16 now (scary) and she and dad are sharing driving lessons. She is actually doing quite well, it’s just hard to let go. She is a junior in high school and doing well in her classes in spite of lots of extra-curricular activities. She finished a run as Marty Maraschino in the Jacksonville High School rendition of Grease (and was the best actress on stage...of course), and just finished singing in the Jacksonville Choir’s Madrigal Dinner. She is still active with the Devilettes (the High School Dance Team). All this while juggling Youth Group at church and some boy that has started coming by the house. But we stay on her about Pre-Cal, French & Chemistry just because we’re parents and that’s what parents do..

Jessica (three months from 21—scarier!) is well into her first year of Nursing School as a junior at the University of Arkansas at Conway. Clinicals for the first semester were at a nursing home there in Conway where she surprised herself being able to handle some of the more earthy requirements of being a health care professional. Next semester she has been assigned to the Veteran’s Hospital in North Little Rock. I hope they’re ready! Jessica has done an awesome job keeping her grades up and keeping up with all the papers and assignments required. Her young man, Matty, is almost a permanent fixture around the house but Dad actually doesn’t mind, it gives him a good excuse to watch Monday night football and play in the garage. The last day of finals this month Jessica was hit from behind while sitting stopped at a red light by a big rental truck, there are no broken bones but we fear whiplash will be an issue. We covet your prayers for as few problems as possible.

Shelia has a new job now and we are very excited. She is the registrar for Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood. She had been filling for the previous registrar who had been waiting to retire while out on medical leave. She misses being at the same high school as Jennifer but a guaranteed salary was just too good to pass up after several years of substitute teaching. Shelia’s other big news this year is that she has taken up running again. She has already run several 5Ks and even one 20K. She is currently training for a half-marathon. We couldn’t be more proud. Shelia and her running buddy Sara run faithfully 3 times a week (weather permitting) and really have been good for each other.

Jeff would have started at least walking with Shelia but he forgot that gravity and mass are not friends of people his age. A jump that wouldn’t have been a problem a few years and few pounds ago ended up fracturing his left ankle and being in a cast and walking boot for 3 months. Right after he was released from the boot he led a trip of 11 church members on a mission trip to St. Petersburg, Russia to assist a mission couple there with work on their facilities and their ministry. Jeff continues to enjoy his work as Chaplain for the Patriot Guard Riders of Arkansas. This October we completed our 8th year at Faith Baptist Church where Jeff is the Pastor of Administration, teaches the Faith Bible Class and plays drums in the orchestra, Shelia sings in the choir, Jennifer plays trumpet in the orchestra and Jessica substitutes in the girls Sunday School department. We love our church home and feel blessed to be able to work and worship with such wonderful people.

We hope this finds you and yours happy, healthy and whole and enjoying this blessed Christmas season.

Our love to you all,
Jeff, Shelia, Jessica & Jennifer Hulsizer
Jacksonville, Arkansas

An Attitude of Gratitude

2008-12-02T06:36:00.002-06:00

Yes, the actual season of Thanksgiving is over (and what a special blessing it was to finish out the Thanksgiving weekend by observing the ordinance of the Lord's Supper with my church family Sunday night!), but I have noticed that not everyone does a real good job of showing their gratitude.

I like to think that I am a happy guy. I enjoy laughing and cutting up and enjoying the days I've been given here on this earth. But I'm beginning to think I am in the minority. I know that as I get older my fuse becomes shorter and my attitude slips easier than it used to, but there are just some miserable people in the world!

Always finding something wrong with everything, looking like their gallbladders have backed up, and snapping at everything and everyone. Baby, we are too blessed to be stressed. I love the old hymn that reminds us, "when upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed...count your many blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!"

If we stop for a moment and look outside ourselves, we can plainly see how blessed we are. Yes, there are potholes in the highways of our lives and sometimes it rains on our parade, but the easiest and least productive thing to do is to complain, to find fault, to get hung up in the blame game. Let's make it a point to rise above the ordinary and be happy, joy-filled people who actually enjoy the life they've been given. Go out of your way to lighten the load for someone else, make a friend, be good to someone else, it will make you feel better too!

We have bought the lie that it's all about me. Look out for number 1, but that doesn't lead to anything except an empty life and a miserable disposition. Selfishness is a killer.

Therefore, I've challenged myself to live a bigger life than the one within me and to look, think and live outside the box. I'm gonna be happy even if it ticks you off. Life is too short for whining, complaining and poor, poor me!

I'm a child of the King, an American, a member of the human race, a Baptist, a biker, a husband, and a daddy. What's better than that?

Christmas is coming people, you better get ready. The "reason for the season" might just bless your socks off just to see you squirm!!! Now get out there and play nice!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T10:46:00.004-06:00

My apologies for the lack of updates of late. This is just a busy time of year and honestly, I’ve just not been up to it.

I guess the first update is this. After I got back from our Russia trip I just didn’t snap back from jetlag. I just stayed tired, washed out and began to show some other symptoms. Began to make me a bit nervous so I made an appointment with my great doc, Dr. Alan Johnston at the Jacksonville Medical Clinic. We did blood work and had an exam and found that I had picked up a virus or something. So we started an antibiotic and waited for more info from the lab. Long story short I’m taking a steroid for the fatigue and already feel better. My general mood is improving as well, so stick with me kids. I’ll be back real soon.

I have never doubted that I was blessed. But this week was a real roller coaster of emotion for the Hulsizer family.

Today is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. We are at my parent’s home in Alabama enjoying a short visit. We arrived last night but before we started the trip I wanted to get the oil changed in the Expedition and had a mysterious noise in the rear brakes so I took it to the local Firestone (I had a coupon).

I got a call that they didn’t see anything obvious with the brakes but suggested I needed axle bearings (or that’s what we used to call them when the bearings themselves could be replaced). Anyway, you can’t just change out bearings anymore, it’s a hub bearing assembly…about $400 each side and you NEVER replace just one side. So I received a quote of about $1,100. Wow, what a shock! We said goodbye to Christmas and settled in to figure out how to tell the kids.

A couple of hours later I called to see when the work would be finished and received another evidence of the mercy of God. The mechanic began breaking down the car to get to the work and couldn’t find one of the caliper bolts on the left rear brake, which would account for all the symptoms. So the price went from $1100 to 12.95 in no time. What a blessing! God is so good to us.

So as we celebrate this thanksgiving I understand that it is not all fun and games, that life is no picnic. But God is on His throne and He loves us and He reassures us of that fact just at the right time.

Thank you God for your love and provision. Help us to be more thankful and give you far more credit than we do. You are good and you are good all the time. Thank you, most of all, for your Son Jesus!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T06:48:00.003-06:00

Today is the day we set aside to recognize those who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. This is no small thing. Surely, you all have seen the patch or heard the saying, "All gave some, some gave all"; this is an absolutely true statement. No matter if you served 4 years quietly during peace time or you are the recipient of a Purple Heart for injuries sustained while fighting on the front lines during wartime, I salute you. Your willingness to serve, to give, to take orders, and to lay down your life...if necessary...is a rare thing.

In this world today we live with the "me first" mentality. What's in it for me? Our military men and women have put themselves on the back burner and have done and some still do the things that most Americans never even consider. For this and a million other reasons, thank you and God bless you.

I personally try to observe Veteran's Day every day. I try to recognize those who have served and those who are currently serving. They all deserve our respect, our gratitude and our admiration. So today, and every day hence, be aware of the sacrifices made by our Veterans. Don't just trip through life blindly; spoiled, selfish and numb. We are not "turtles on a fence post". We didn't get here all by ourselves!

May God bless our veterans. May God bless our military. May God bless America!

Attention Smokers!!!

2008-11-10T07:45:00.002-06:00

No this is not a sermon on the evils of tobacco, the harm that smoking does to your body, or anything of the sort. This is a rant from someone who rides a motorcycle and has felt the negative effects of your laziness, or worse...your desire to harm.

When you smoke in the privacy of your own vehicle you are harming no one else, assuming you are in the car alone (second hand smoke is another subject this is not addressing). BUT, when you throw a lit cigarette out your window you have invaded the public realm; especially if that lit cigarette happens to hand in front of a motorcycle rider or actually hit that same rider or his passenger.

About a month ago I was commuting home from work and someone threw out a cigarette butt right in front of me. It may have been a cigar because the ensueing explosion of sparks and debris was quite extensive. At least one of these sparks hit me in the corner of my face very close to my eye. I can only imagine what could have happened if I didn't wear glasses.

Then just a day or so ago I had a similar experience when a cigarette butt hit me square in the faceshield of my new full face modular helmet. Not to brag about owning a new helmet, but if I had not been wearing it where would the burning ash and debris have gone?

We are still mourning the loss of a fellow biker after an 18-wheeler lost a wheel or something relating. Folks, it doesn't take a large object like a wheel off a semi to do severe damage, even death. So please, either use the perfectly good ashtray in your car, rake the fire off the butt before you discard it, or just don't smoke while driving. Those of us coming up behind you appreciate it!

Ramblings Regarding Russia

2008-11-01T08:24:00.009-05:00

I have recently returned from a mission trip to St. Petersburg, Russia. I am so proud that our church is a very mission committed church and, as such, we take several trips each year to encourage missionaries and give our people the opportunity to experience a little bit of missionary life. We meet the people and see the field and find ourselves far more able to pray for and be concerned about the various missionaries we support.

On this trip there were 11 members of Faith Baptist Church; myself, Lynn & Brenda Raburn, Betty & Terry Reece, Mike & Melody Shoptaw, DeLynn Hearn & Buryl Dunlap, Danny Douglas and Bob Moore. We left Little Rock on a Friday afternoon, flew into Memphis then on into Amsterdam and the St. Petersburg. It was a long night of flying but a strong tailwind and the anticipation of a great trip kept us going.

Upon arriving in Russia we got our first glance into this proud land. The sky was gray and overcast, it rained most or at least a good portion of every day, not a soaking rain, just a constant drizzle. We got our bags packed into a van, got ourselves packed into the van, a taxi and Tammy's car and headed off for our home for the week.

The missionaries who hosted our visit were Kevin and Tammy Plaster, veteran missionaries who have been in Russia for roughly 15 years. It is a extremely difficult field as the Russian Orthodox church is basically the only thing these people have any experience with. They have a small congregation of Christians that have found Kevin and are doing a great job. Kevin is a faithful evangelist and soul winner. He distributes gospel tracts by the thousands counting on God's promise that His Word will not return unto Him void. His wife Tammy is the principal at an International School for the children of those who find themselves in Russia from other countries. We were able to bring lots of supplies for the school with us that made the staff very happy. Everything from a vacuum pump, to musical instruments, to a preserved rat for biology class. We also had the opportunity to work with Miss Yoko Sato, a missionary helper from Japan that works with the Plasters.

Our work for the week was to remodel the church building; painting, sheet rock, relocating a radiator, etc. and also help publish and distribute gospel tracts. Along the way we saw the city's sights, sample the city's food and came elbow to elbow with the city's people.

St. Petersburg is a beautiful city. It's architecture is amazing, the people of Russia are beautiful people, but they don't seem happy. There is very little eye contact on the street, mainly looking at their feet as they quickly go from place to place. I mentioned the dreary weather, there was a dreary tone that hung over the whole country that I took to be the lack of the sunshine of God's love. I know it must be frustrated for Kevin to know that he is working so hard to share with them the solution to their problems and the secret to real happiness and contentment but to have them blindly ignore it. Perhaps in time.

I certainly enjoyed my time in Russia. Kevin and I are very much alike in terms of a pretty bizarre sense of humor. But I really have a soft spot in my heart now for the salvation of the Russian people. I look forward to a return trip someday and hope that the revival will have begun!

Recent Russian Remembrances

2008-10-31T06:29:00.002-05:00

Ahoy faithful blog followers, sincere apologies on my lack of entries over the past couple of weeks. It's been a very busy time around the church getting ready for the missions revival and the mission trip to St. Petersburg, Russia. We had a successful trip, I believe, and as soon as I can put a couple of moments together I'll file a full report with some awesome photos. Until then, thank you for your prayers. We all stayed safe and well during the trip and have arrived home safely and have entered the foray of overcoming jet lag while returning to the hustle and bustle of daily life.

I've got some Patriot Guard responsibilities today and a very busy week starting this weekend, but I really want to share this trip with you. Stay tuned, my friends.

Living vs. Existing

2008-10-12T06:39:00.004-05:00

There is a group of people out there in the world that I simply do not understand. They are called “adrenaline junkies”. People who parachute out of airplanes or off cliffs, people who jump off bridges or towers with a rubber band tied around their feet. I just can’t identify. But, I do like roller coasters and I love motorcycles, does that mean I may be mildly affected?

I love movies. Adventure movies, car chases, fist fights. I don’t like the horror movies, that’s too much. But set me in front of a good western and I won’t move for 2 hours.

Nobody likes to be bored, every needs a little excitement from time to time. I contend that we were designed for more than just a meager existence.

We were fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. What for? I think Jesus gave us the answer in the book of John.

John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Before we can live an abundantly life we need to figure out what it is. I dusted off my trusty Greek lexicon and looked up “life” and “abundantly”.

Life: life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ.

Abundantly: over and above, more than is necessary, superadded.

We were created in God’s image. We were built according to a plan, modeled after the pinnacle!
We are filled with His spirit. Gasoline is a subject on most people’s minds these days. What kind do you use? Whatever’s cheapest? I have to use premium in my bike.
How about your body? How many of you take vitamins? Why? It matters what goes in your tank doesn’t it. (diets, fuel, etc.) God offers us the highest octane fuel ever known to fuel our spirits, our lives, the holy presence of Jesus Christ.

For what purpose?

Abundant living…so people will notice and see a difference.
We are to stand out. To be a peculiar people. Not affected by the same things the world is. To find beauty, grace and power in godly things. To live an abundant life that others will be curious about.
We are to react differently than the way the world expects. We are to have a joy and happiness that is unusual to the ordinary.
We are to live fearlessly and fully knowing that it only gets better from here.

Victorious living…to win the lost, the rescue them from the very pit of hell.

I mentioned Westerns and Action movies a little earlier. What do we love about them? Brave, strong heroes doing battle against the bad guys. And don’t you want the good guy to win at the end?

Westerns are cool because you can always tell the good guys from the bad guys. How? The good guys wear a white hat! Friends…I don’t see too many white hats anymore; I don’t see too many hats at all. But bless our hearts if we’ve been born again we wear the white robes of a child of God! I don’t know about you but my robe is bigger than my hat!

Exciting lives…not just an existence.

I’ve got to admit, I get in a rut way too often. I let things get me down; I become hindered by the pressures of this world and the stresses of day to day living. But we have the power to overcome all that and live above it.

What gets us down?

Health…I just don’t feel good. Friends, I believe in a healing Jesus and I believe He is standing just outside our consciousness desperately waiting to bless us. Like I mentioned before, it matters what we put in to our engines. We don’t need to allow ourselves to be weighed down by the temptations and empty pleasures of this world. They only last a season. We need to fuel our bodies, our minds and our spirits with good!

Money…now you’re starting to meddle. Yep, but I’m preaching to myself here too. There’s never enough. But how many of you know from experience that 90% goes a lot farther than 100%. It’s a God thing. Why is it that when the economy turns bad that contributions are the first thing to be cut? Do we trust God or not?

The future. My God doesn’t only know what the future holds, He’s in control of it. If I’m living in unison with Him then the future can’t hurt me.

Folks, we are not bound by anything except ourselves. We are blessed beyond measure. We have an eternally secure future and God loves us even more than we love ourselves. What are we worried about? What are we sad about? We are the children of God. He holds all things in His hands. He is truth, He is love, He is power. What else is there?

We have no reason to fear.
We have no reason to worry.
We have no reason to be sad.
We have no reason to be bored.

God has called us to be His agents; to step up to the plate and live the adventure, the adventure of doing the extraordinary, to make eternal differences in people’s lives, to be a hero, to rescue the doomed, to celebrate the victories, to be in battle mode every day.

It’s when we forget what we are that allows us to begin to be affected more than we affect. To be weighed down with the burdens that shouldn’t have any effect on us. Stop it!

Quit living vicariously through the movies or books or anything else. Stop waiting for something to happen. Stop whining, stop complaining. Start living! You are a warrior, a knight in service to the king, you are on the winning team, you have been called to the most fulfilling, exciting life ever imagined. Go get it! There are no good excuses!

It’s a matter of attitude. If you think you can, you can.
If you trust and follow…God will lead.

September 12, 13, 14, etc.

2008-09-13T12:35:00.005-05:00

As horrible and terrible as the events of September 11, 2001. There are other tragedies that seem to go unnoticed. On September 11, 2001 over 3,000 innocent Americans were killed. But on September 12, 2001 over 3,000 more innocent Americans were killed, and again on the Sept. 13 and again on every day since then.

WHAT! Where are the news reporters, where is the public outrage? Who were these people? Where did this happen?

The answer is, there is no outcry, the press doesn't care. These people were unborn children killed before they had a chance to live. But we don't call it first degree murder, we call it Abortion, really we don't even call it that. We call it "choice".

It's not a political topic, or even a social topic. It's a crime. Does life begin at birth or conception? DUH! Ask a pregnant mother if the child in her womb that is kicking the daylights out of her is alive! It's a woman's right to choose what happens to her body. YOU'RE RIGHT! But the choice happens when she chooses to have unprotected sex! Not after the fact! What about rape and incest you ask? In 2000 less than 1% of abortions claimed rape or incest as the reason to abort the pregnancy.

In a study conducted in 1998 the choices abortion was chosen included 25.5% want to postpone childbearing, 21.3% cannot afford a baby, 14.1% has relationship problem or partner does not want pregnancy, 12.2% too young; parent(s) or other(s) object to pregnancy, 10.8% having a child will disrupt education or job, 7.9% want no (more) children, 3.3% risk to fetal health, 2.8% risk to maternal health, 2.1% other.

I am so pleased that the Pro-Life platform has seemingly gained some ground in the current political arena. It is out of control and I'm afraid God's patience with this abomination is thinning. Americans...Be responsible! All of us...MEN AND WOMEN!

Oh by the way, since when is the opposite of Pro-Life - Pro-Choice? By all other standards the opposite of Pro-life is Pro-death. Think about it! Please...think about it!!!

Remembering

2008-09-11T08:29:00.003-05:00

I was just a kid when Kennedy was shot. I remember my mother waking me up to see Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. I remember when Reagan was shot, when Elvis died, and when John Lennon was shot. I also remember when John Denver's plane when down. But no memory is emblazoned so clearly in my mind as September 11, 2001.

I was on my way to the church office and needed to stop for a haircut (no comments from the peanut gallery!). I was listening to the radio when the first plane hit and assumed, I guess like most of America, that this was a very tragic accident. Then while sitting in the barber's chair another patron came in and announced the second plane had hit. I knew then that this was no accident, but who...and why? Then the plane hit the Pentagon, then another crashed into a field in Pennsylvania!?!

I went to the office and we hooked up a television to watch the coverage. I remember the whole office paralyzed, sitting watching helplessly, hopelessly as the towers fell. The first attack on America soil in...oh my...the devastation, the loss of life, the fear.

I will never forget that day. I will never forget the billows of smoke, the video of people leaping to their deaths from the towers, the towers themselves crumbling into piles of rubble, not knowing how many innocent victims were still in the buildings. Then the stories of heroism. The policemen and firemen who saved lives, many at the loss of their own.

I can remember the anger, the need for revenge...retribution. I'm still angry. I still want those who planned and carried out this cowardly terrorist attack on innocent people including women and children brought to justice...Old Testament justice.

No, I am not a lover of war. But I also know that war is sometimes necessary. Yes, it is expensive, not only financially but more importantly in the lives of the soldiers who are called to fight the wars.

I support our President, I support the soldiers who have gone, who are there, and who are going. Not only to Afghanistan, but to Iraq as well. I believe there were weapons of mass destruction there, but the American press gave Saddam Hussein plenty of time to move them. Even the Democrats who are discrediting our President for the invasion of Iraq knew they were there (at least they did while Clinton was president).

But I don't want to go off on a political tangent. I want Bin Laden and everyone else who had a part in 9-11. I remember. As such, I will continue to remember and will remember why our men and women are fighting this war and I will support them. I will never forget and hope you won't either.

A wise man once said, "those who choose to forget history are destined to repeat it."

May it never be so and may God bless America and protect her forces and her allies as they fight the hidden enemies of freedom and right.

Until we meet again...

Freshness

2008-09-08T08:08:00.003-05:00

Being a southern boy I love iced tea, but I like it fresh (and sweet). Being a southern boy that is a bit too large I've sacrificed and made the switch to artificial sweetener. BUT, I can't find a substitute for fresh. Have you tried tea concentrate, YUCK! Tea is made to be enjoyed within the day it is made!

Do you like stale chips? Neither corn chips nor potato chips are good after they've become stale. Bread and other baked goods are yummy when they are fresh, but not so yummy after they've become stale.

Am I just hungry or do I have a point? Well, it's Monday morning and I love new beginnings. Are you going to have a good week? "Well it depends", you say. You're right, it does. It depends on how we choose to react to what the days bring. If we see our challenges as opportunities and if we choose to trust God to handle the big things and not fret then possibilities for joy become a lot greater.

I'm in the mood for a fresh week, a brand new day, a real opportunity to enjoy some awesome things. How 'bout you? Then decide!!!

Check the 'tude dude

2008-08-23T10:24:00.002-05:00

Do you have days where you just really don’t seem to be having a good time? I do, I’m afraid that I might even be prone to depression from time to time. The pressures of life, the busyness of work, the expenses of raising a family (especially when one of them is in college!), and then the added “yuck” of recovering from a broken leg—all can converge to just suck the life or at least the joy out of life…if we let it.

One morning this week I was “enjoying” attending my own little pity party and dog-gone-it if the Lord didn’t send me a little sump’n-sump’n to yank me back where I needed to be. I almost always listen to K-Love Christian radio. (I believe the human brain is like a computer, you only get out what you put in. GIGO-garbage in, garbage out) Anyway, a song came on that I have heard a million times and always liked but this time it hit me like a ton of bricks. Philips, Craig and Dean’s “I am a friend of God” started in, “Who am I that you are thinking of me, that You listen when I call.” Continuing to remind me that the God of the universe loves me, want’s to hear from me, and calls me His friend. That knowledge will ruin a perfectly good pity party. No the problems don’t go away, but a least you know that God is there with you, loving you, caring about the trash you’re dealing with, and really wanting to help.

My question is, how can I feel so relieved and loved, and then a day or sometimes even a few hours later, be back in the doldrums or under the grip of depression? Think about it, the devil is a roaring lion, roaming around, looking to devour or destroy us. What’s better for him than no Christian at all?--a sour, bitter Christian misrepresenting the Christ who saved them. Heaven forbid that I should send a message or represent that Christ hasn’t fulfilled all my needs and blessed me exceeding abundantly more than I deserve.

There it is…whenever you are feeling low, count your blessings nice and slow!

Go on poetry man!

I’m feeling better already…how ‘bout you?

Birthdays, blessings and brethren

2008-08-17T17:17:00.004-05:00

So yeah, today is my birthday. 47 years I've inhabited this orb. God has been good to me. I hate to admit it but sometimes I have to be reminded of that important fact.

I felt a little aged this morning as the first things I reached for upon achieving consciousness were my glasses and my crutches, but then I got a call from my mother who I am very blessed to still have with me and who, along with my father, is in very good health. Thank you Lord!

***

I get to preach the message at church this evening, but I know the mission report from the Teen Mission Trip will go long and I won't have that much time, but hey I get to preach and everyone loves a short sermon!

***

Have you been watching the Olympics? I think there is a new malady affecting many of us. We stay up late cheering for Michael Phelps and the rest of the Americans and by the time the competitions are over it's very late, but we are all keyed up from the thrill and we don't sleep well or very long and morning comes way too early! Now I know why the Olympics only happen every 4 years!

But isn't it amazing to look at the different people, the nationalities, the ethnicities? People from different countries look different (for the most part). One of the questions I will ask tonight in my sermon is "What does a Christian look like?"

As one blessed to have been able to travel to some interesting places, I have seen Mexican and Mayan Christians singing about Jesus at the top of their lungs. I have seen Romanian believers love one another with a love that could only come from Christ. I have wonderful friends who share some wonderful Christian friendships with African, Russian, Chinese, Mongolian and many other "types" of believers. But aren't we are all united in Christ?

Along that line, what does real worship sound like? What is appropriate dress for church? Isn't it true that most of what happens on Sunday morning is cultural? I'm not saying that's wrong or bad, but just that we need to be aware and not allow ourselves to become judgmental.

God is God alone, but His children are different and special and He loves each one of them just like and just as much as He loves you and me. So how do you suppose He wants us to treat our brothers and sisters? Even if they are different!

Thank you Father for being a big God, not only global and able to love everyone in a way they can understand and find comfort in, but exceeding abundantly more than we ask or think. If you can love us in spite of our obvious flaws and downfalls, how can we not love one another. Love through me Father when I don't have the capacity in myself. Let me be a vessel through which Your love can flow.

Until next time...

Two Weekends--Two Weddings

2008-08-09T16:09:00.003-05:00

Over the last couple of weekends I have had the opportunity to officiate at two weddings.

One a lovely outdoor ceremony at the Old Mill for Hoot Marlar and Dana Gaines. They publish the ThunderRoads Magazine for which I write a monthly PGR related article. Although it was hot, the setting was beautiful and these two young folks made a beautiful couple. I hope for them a long happy life together.

This weekend (today as a matter of fact) I had a special blessing to officiate at a wedding between an 82 year old man and an 80 year old woman. They were high school sweethearts who had been engaged over 60 years ago then WWII broke out and Bill joined the Navy. The plan was for him to serve his 4 years then come back home and get married. Things didn't work out exactly the way they planned it and Bill re-upped and stayed in the Navy over 20 years. They both married others and remained faithful to their spouses for 50 and 54 years respectively.

After Bill's wife passed away, he decided he would look up Mrs. Alice and see how she was doing. She didn't recognize him at first but it didn't take long for the old fire to rekindle.

It was such a precious ceremony. After they repeated their vows and I said a prayer they wanted "their song" played. So at just the right time Buck Owen's started in with "Together Again", there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

Love is such a wonderful thing. God knew just what He was doing when he instituted marriage. Everyone loves a wedding, but unfortunately most marriages don't make it. Why is that? Do we forget what we promised? Do we get bored? Did we just not know what we were getting into?

Maybe all of the above is true, but I rather think the biggest problem in marriage is simply selfishness. We forget that there is someone else we should be considering and we have forgotten that it is more blessed to give than receive.

I think we married folks need to rekindle the sweetness and kindness of our early married lives and not let things get stale. Husbands...love your wives. Thanks in the book!

Have a great day...now go hug someone!

From the Bogg

2008-08-04T10:44:00.002-05:00

The old expression, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is false! This old dog is learning a great deal about a great many things (mainly myself) over these past couple of weeks.

I guess one of the more painful lessons I am learning is that when something needs to be rested, rest it! Otherwise something else on the chain will become highly affected.

Let me explain, from previous posts you know that I have broken my ankle and am sporting a lovely green fiberglass cast. Luckily (not really) my orthopedist said I could put a little weight on my foot. (Which of course I assumed to mean that I could walk around as normal as possible.) This is not what he meant! For nearly two weeks I’ve been involved in practically everything I involved myself in before the broken bone, except mowing the lawn and other obvious no-no’s. Big mistake, I have now tweaked my knee to the point that it has become sore to the touch and very painful to move. I have been treating it with ice and ointments but I knew the best thing to do was to stay off of it.

So I stayed with my plan to go to Kidz Kamp at Bogg Springs (a lovely spot just below Mena in a secluded valley that will be home to some 800 campers, staffers, and adults in just a few hours.) I came out Saturday morning with the teens from our church for staffer training weekend. My plan is to stay away from most of the activity and “hide” in the “motel” a 4-room building with a couch, a double bed, a dresser, a refrigerator, a sink, shower, and toilet. Luxury accommodations, no…adequate, yes.

It’s Sunday afternoon and I’m already nearly bored to tears. I’ve read a book, driven up to the office to find the wi-fi signal to check email and all that after an excellent service this morning in the tabernacle. Will I make it through the week? I’m sure I will, it will just take some getting used to and some self-discipline…two lovely prospects neither of which are much fun.

But rest is important; we were not made to be consistently on the go. God rested on the 7th day to give us an example, not because He needed the rest. We must eat, sleep, work, and when things break or we get sick…we must allow time to heal. It’s really that simple. While my body is healing though, I plan to study, read and pray. You don’t need two good legs for that and I’m way behind on all counts.

Ya’ll be careful out there!

An exercise in patience...

2008-07-21T09:08:00.004-05:00

As I sit here this morning...feeling rather helpless...I am forced to come face to face with the spiritual lessons my present situation brings affords.

Let me start at the beginning...

On Thursday night the PGR was providing a flag line for the visitation of a young soldier who had been killed in a traffic accident. When I arrived at the funeral home I noticed the 3 flags on the funeral home's sign were not at half-staff. I thought it would be a respectful gesture if they were, so I looked around those who had assembled for the youngest of the bunch and found it was me. No problem, I located a ladder and crawled up on the sign to begin bringing the flags to half-staff. It was quite a reach from the top of the sign and others saw that this might be a time-consuming activity so two other men came up to assist. After I got done with my flag I looked around and one of the men had already jumped down from the sign and another was still using the ladder. Being a little on the impatient side I looked at the height at which I found myself and remembered many other heights from which I had successfully leapt in my younger days. This should be no different, plus I was in a hurry. So off the sign I leaped. And down my feet went into the soft soil of the front yard of the funeral home. Several within hearing distance said that heard a snap, all I heard was the air quickly evacuating my lungs as the landing was somewhat abrupt.

Being a proud man I did not allow anyone to see the pain I was feeling and honestly I wasn't sure just what I was feeling myself, so I walked (or hobbled) around on it for a couple of hours to see if it would improve. Not so, I asked a friend to take me to the emergency room and, sure enough, x-rays proved a broken ankle. So for the past 4 days I have been familiarizing myself with a primitive form of locomotion called crutches. What an ineffective means of movement! Not user friendly at all!

I've managed to do okay with showering with my leg in a trash bag and wearing split jeans to church, but this morning was to be the first attempt at driving. My plan was to drive myself to the orthopedist and then, if necessary, call a friend for a ride home or to the office. But the old truck didn't share my plans. The heat I suppose was too much for the battery and I didn't even get a click this morning. Thanks to Jaycob for being available to be my chauffeur. The good news is that there is no need for surgery...just 6 weeks in a cast followed by a few weeks in a walking boot.

In the meantime, Lord help me to remember patience, wisdom and that the best way to speed up is to slow down. Help me to remember that the devil is a roaring lion seeking to devour us at every turn and will throw all manner of obstacle in our path. Help me to be ready and be wary, for there are ways to combat the fiery darts of the evil one. Help me be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Toast...dark

2008-07-15T16:36:00.002-05:00

Have you ever given out completely? Physically, spiritually, emotionally? It can be a bad thing, but it can often be a good thing too.

Over the past 18 years of ministry I couldn't tell you how many trips I have made with teenagers and/or with a missions emphasis. It is a very effort-filled activity yet one that I immensely enjoy every time. Now it's not all pleasant but "all things work together" to make wonderful memories and hopefully do some kingdom building.

Last week (July 6-12) I accompanied over 40 mainly teens to Lakewood, Ohio to assist a new church plant pastored by 2 young couples from Holland Chapel in Benton and a young couple from our church here in North Little Rock.

It was a week full of activity: flyer distribution advertising the 2 Kids Fest events we helped host, working within a faith-based ministry assisting men and women in transition called "City Reach" (I am very impressed with this organization), working with a local animal shelter, taking gift bags to various community leaders who have been helpful to this young church, actually doing the two Kids Fest events (inflatable games, sno-cones, balloon animals, face-painting, etc.), moving our missionaries from one house into another, taking in a Cleveland Indians baseball game, and spending all day at an amusement park.

We chartered a bus, which is a wonderful way to travel, but we left Sunday morning at 9 am and didn't arrive 'til 3:30 am the next morning. After a full week of activity we opted to leave early Saturday morning (4 am) so we could get home at a reasonable hour Saturday night. But those bus rides were brutal. Kids are energetic...me, not so much. The seats are comfortable...for the first 12 hours maybe. And my claustrophobia kicked in to high gear a few times. Sunday was another full day and then trying to catch up in the office after being gone a week is just more weight to carry.

But who said hard work was a bad thing! I'd rather wear out as rust out! Praise God for the opportunity to be used in His kingdom work. What a privilege to be chosen to be a minister of His on this earth.

Father, as tired as I am, thank you. Fill me again with another measure of energy and vitality so that I can put it all back into your hands. Remind me that it's not about me, that our work here is not in vain, that every work for you will be blessed, and that one day...when we get to heaven...we will have our rest in an beautiful city where there is no fatigue, no impatience, and no problems! Until then, You are all I need!

(Spiritual) Freedom Remembered

2008-07-04T11:46:00.003-05:00

(This is part 3)

One People Under the Cross
Americans have their symbols, so do Christians. For the Christian the cross and the empty tomb are the most meaningful.
It was on the cross that Jesus suffered and died to purchase our forgiveness and it was there that He paid our penalty for sin.

John 8:36 (NKJV) Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

It is the empty tomb that proves that we serve a risen, living Savior. Triumphant over death, hell and the grave and that everything He said about Himself and about us is true. It is in the resurrection that we have hope.
I Corinthians 15:14-20, …if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Let me share with you the truth …the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the freedom we can enjoy in Him.

First, the sinner is a slave to sin. John 8:34 (NKJV) Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.

Next, the slave is doomed. Romans 6:23a (NKJV) For the wages of sin is death…

BUT, God loves freedom and has made a way for the sinner to be free.
Romans 5:12, 18 (NKJV) Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—
18Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.

Romans 6:23b (NKJV) but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The confusion of simplicity.
It's too good to be true!
It's too easy!
What else do I have to do to get it?

God loves you and wants you to be free … for eternity!

He paid the price, He did the work, all you must do is trust Him, repent, and give Him the key to your life

Freedom Remembered (in our Nation's Capitol)

2008-07-02T14:56:00.008-05:00

(This is part 2)
National monuments give testimony of a Godly heritage
I think every American citizen should make the trip to our nation’s capitol. Washington D.C. is full of monuments, whose placement was no accident, to remind future generations of Americans of the high price paid for freedom.
Visit the nation's capitol and read the inscriptions on the memorials. Respect for and dependence upon the Word of God is evident in our past American leaders, those for whom we hold high in respect, those who laid the American foundation. Why does America now separate these words from the men who were driven by them? Tragically, it is evidence that our American leaders today do not share the same source of inspiration.
An inscription on a wall of the Jefferson Memorial states, "God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of people that these liberties are a gift from God?” It’s as if he was looking down the tunnel of time.
The Washington Monument stands as a lofty and inspiring tribute to our first president, George Washington. It is the anchor on the west end of the National Mall. Few people know that engraved on the aluminum cap of the monument, towering 555 feet above the ground are the words, "Laus Deo", which is translated "Praise be to God." Stored within the cap is a Bible provided by the International Bible Society. Inside the monument itself several tributes line the staircase, most inscribed with Bible verses: "Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not; for such is the Kingdom of God (Luke 18:16)," "Search the Scriptures (John 5:39; Acts 17:11)," and "Holiness unto the Lord (Exodus 28:36); 39:30; Zechariah 14:20)."
I could spend the rest of the day sharing examples of God’s word on our monuments and memorials.

Government buildings give testimony of a Godly heritage
There is an inscription at The Daughters of the American Revolution building. It says, "Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair the event. The event is in the hands of God." There is also Proverbs 22:28 quoted for everyone to see. Maybe it is a message for the ACLU: "Remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set."
In the U.S. Capitol Building when you walk into the Rotunda, four paintings hang on the wall. You have two prayer meetings, a Bible study and a baptism.
In the main reading room of the Library of Congress, there is a bronze statue of Moses holding The Ten Commandments. On the ceiling, a painting called "Judea" shows a young Israeli woman raising her hands in prayer to God. And there are also quotes on the wall like this: "The heavens declare the glory of God." And down the hallway in the main lobby, two Bibles are on display.
In the National Archives there is a bronze medallion on the floor and right at the top the Ten Commandments,
At the U.S. Supreme Court, The Ten Commandments are located in several different places, including right above the judge's courtroom bench. Yet even with all these references to God in our federal buildings, there are some judges out there who say God and government just do not go together.
Our Founding Fathers wanted future generations to acknowledge the hand of God in the founding of our nation. The Capitol Building itself is proof of this. Again, in the Rotunda, the center of the Capitol, there is a dramatic oil painting that impresses upon visitors the direct intervention of God from the earliest days of our history. The painting portrays Columbus landing in the Western World in 1492. His eyes are set toward heaven in thanks and praise as others around him kneel in gratitude.This painting depicts the gratitude Columbus felt in the fulfillment of what he believed was his God-given calling. "It was the Lord who put into my mind (I could feel His hand upon me) the fact that it would be possible to sail from here to the Indies."
Those who commissioned this painting knew what we have known all along, that God in His grace and wisdom guided those who first came to these shores.
When the Capitol Building was built, its designers were well aware of the dependence of the members of Congress upon God and prayer. The 83rd Congress designated a small room in the Capitol, near the rotunda, that is always open for the private prayer and meditation of members of Congress. This room is open whenever Congress is in session, and stands as a witness to the need for prayer by our nation's leaders.
The focal point of the room is an intricate stained glass window that depicts George Washington kneeling in prayer. Included are words from Psalm 16: "Preserve me, O God, for in Thee do I put my trust.

"Our currency gives testimony
Even the design of our currency acknowledges God's hand and providence in the founding of our nation. Toward that end, the Founding Fathers insisted that meaningful symbolism be incorporated into the design of the Great Seal of the United States that appears on the back of the one dollar bill. It features a great pyramid that symbolizes our republic and its qualities of strength and democracy. Across the top are the Latin words Annuit Coeptis expressing our confidence in God and in His gracious leading in the founding of our nation. Literally translated it means: Providence [God] has favored our undertaking. The pyramid is unfinished to remind each of us that our country is a work in progress, and the contribution made by each one can be significant. Over all, is the prevailing eye of God Himself, watching over the development of our nation, from its earliest moments to even now. Some have misinterpreted the symbolism of this seal, the reality is that it was designed to honor God and show our nation's trust in Him.
Most notable perhaps are the words, "In God We Trust” printed engraved into each piece of currency or coin. On an editorial note, may I express my discontent at this very important words now being moved onto the edge of the new dollar coin. I’m afraid it won’t be long before it is completely removed.Why can’t (or won’t) they see?
Ours is not a new struggle. As long as there have been men, there have been those who wanted to rule themselves. What they don’t understand that acknowledging God doesn’t bind a man but rather frees a man!
There are those who espouse separation of church and state. Brethren, our forefathers came to this country to escape the bonds of forced religion, not to have religion removed away from them. They simply wanted the freedom to choose to worship in the manner they considered most correct…voluntarily. The way God intended. The legislation regarding the separation of church and state is there to protect Americans from the formation of a national religion, not to remove religion from America!
Too many people say, “I think” or “I believe” or they begin to put words and intents into the Lord’s mouth. It’s not about what we think or feel, it’s about “THUS SAYETH THE LORD!”
There is such thing as absolute truth. Jesus said, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the light…no man comes to the Father except through me”… John 8:32, You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.

What must we do?
Know truth, seek truth, study truth…don’t buy the lie!
II Timothy 3:1-5, BUT know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
We must love God, obey His commandments and turn away from the things of the world, especially those things which appear to have a form of godliness, yet are based on the ideas of man. We must remember the principles our nation was founded upon, the principles that so many gave their lives for, and we need to be ready to defend them at all costs!
Freedom isn’t free and it isn’t guaranteed!
Psalms 33:12a (NKJV) Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
May I admit to you dear friends, I am afraid. I am afraid because I have no confidence in those who are in control of our nation. Yes, I pray for them, but I see no godliness in them. Politics literally turns my stomach, but what we cannot and must not do is give up and let them have this country. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord ... what happens to the nation who turns her back on the Lord?

Freedom Remembered

2008-07-02T13:00:00.012-05:00

The following is part one of a sermon I preached last Sunday. Parts two and three will follow.

What images come to your mind when I mention the word freedom? Eagles, flags, the statue of liberty, the rockets’ red glare, Mel Gibson in a kilt with blue and white makeup on his face?
All these are real symbols…true and good, but I’m afraid perhaps we have seen and enjoyed freedom’s benefits and have begun to take them for granted.
Do we remember the high price paid for freedom? The cost to maintain that freedom, or the responsibilities we have that come with freedom?
I hope to take a look at our Christian heritage, both as Americans and as Christians; and learn, or maybe remember, some things that would help us become a more grateful people, a more Godly people, and a more successful, blessed people.

One Nation Under God
We celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 … but the journey to freedom began long before that day.

A history of sacrifice
It was the colony of Virginia that took the first steps toward independence by voting to select a committee to represent the colonies. This First Continental Congress met in September of 1774. They drew up a list of grievances against the King of England which would become the first draft of a document that would formally separate the colonies away from England. Soon thereafter, George Washington would assume command of the Continental Army and began fighting the British in Massachusetts. For the next eight years, American colonists fought fervently in the Revolutionary War.
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress presented & debated a second draft of the list of grievances. John Hancock, the president of that Congress, was the first to sign. The document, called the Declaration of Independence, was deemed treasonous against the crown and the 56 men who signed it were in danger of execution.
Independence Day is celebrated on July 4 because that is the day the Continental Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. From July 8, 1776, until the next month, the document was read publicly and people celebrated whenever they heard it. The next year, in Philadelphia, bells rang and ships fired guns, candles and firecrackers were lighted. But the War of Independence dragged on until 1783, and in that year, Independence Day was made an official holiday.

What was the price of that freedom?
A price paid in blood
May we never forget that during the Revolutionary War, over 22,500 American soldiers were killed in battle. Another 63,000 died from disease as a result of their service, and 6,000 civilians were killed. No friends, freedom isn’t free.
The War of 1812 is one of the forgotten wars of the United States. The war lasted for over two years, and while it ended much like it started; in stalemate; it was in fact a war that once and for all confirmed American Independence. But it cost another 2,260 American soldiers their life.
Among America’s darkest days were those of the Civil War. Americans fighting Americans until nearly half a million lost their lives.
But the price continued to climb, during WWI over 117,000 American soldiers made the supreme sacrifice for freedom.
WWII – over 450,000
Korea – over 54,000
Vietnam – over 58,000
Persian Gulf – 150
War on Terror – over 4,000 so far

Our military has paid a tremendously high price for freedom and we must never forget, never take for granted, and never cease to hold in the highest esteem those who volunteer to protect us.
Among others who have purchased or preserved our freedom include at least 19,200 policemen killed in the line of duty. Approximately 100 firefighters are killed every year in the line of duty and at least 76 EMS workers since 1992 have been killed in the line of duty.
Every one of these numbers represents someone’s son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother, grandson or granddaughter.
We must never forget that the price of freedom is not cheap.
These men and women are heroes, but they did not pay the price alone. They had a supreme commander who called them to their station and gave them the ability to carry out their duties. That is why real Americans proudly say, "One Nation Under God." May it always be so.

Two Sides to Every Coin

2008-06-23T19:40:00.002-05:00

I've not posted anything in a few days...Vacation Bible School, upcoming Summer activities, getting ready for this vacation; it's been a very busy few weeks. But we've been in the Florida panhandle enjoying the beach for the past few days and will be here until Thursday morning.

I have really needed a little time away to just relax my mind and spirit. I have so enjoyed the beach, the surf, the waves, the sand, the sun, the beauty of it all. How very tranquil, beautiful, soothing.

Then yesterday I got word that the worst thing in the world that could happen to any parent has happened to two very dear friends. Joyce & John Vance's only child drowned while scuba diving with her husband in Cancun. She leaves behind her mom and dad, her grandmother, her husband, and two small children. Wow, what could be more tragic? My heart breaks for their loss.

Yes, she is in a better place. Yes, she is with Jesus...and all that is awesome. But parents aren't supposed to bury their children! Small children need their mommy!

How am I supposed to enjoy a vacation when I know my dear friends are reeling from this blow!

But I am reminded of the temporality of life for all of us and I'm reminded that God the Father saw His Son murdered for the sins of the world.

So as we grieve with John and Joyce, let us not grieve as those who have no hope. Let us hold them up and remind them of God's love. God's love is the greatest gift we can receive. Do you have it?

Two things we can do to make this world better

2008-06-14T09:10:00.004-05:00

As you probably know, I ride with the Patriot Guard. We had a funeral escort yesterday from Jacksonville to Mayflower. As a result and once again, I have become very concerned with the state of oblivion some drivers, or maybe people in general, find themselves.

Example 1: People so busy talking on their cellphone they don't know in what lane they are traveling, how fast (or slow) they are going, and certainly have no idea what is going on in the world outside their car. HANG UP AND DRIVE!

Example 2: When you see a long line of motorcycles in front of a hearse...THAT'S A FUNERAL PEOPLE! This also applies to a long line of cars with their lights and/or flashers on!

Here is what you do.

1.) If you are meeting them on a two lane highway or city street pull over to the right and wait (and turn the radio down!)
2.) If they are on the interstate and you are trying to get on, either (a.) if possible and not dangerous...speed up and get in front or (b.) wait until they have passed and fall in behind, if you need to pass--no problem--pass in the lanes to the processions left.

Here is what you don't do

1.) Think you are so much more important than those in the procession and break into the procession to (a.) get on the interstate or (b.) get off the interstate. Just wait a minute, show some respect for goodness sake!

WHY?
1. Basis human kindness
2. Respect for fellow human beings
3. Safety for yourself and those on the road with you.
4. And also safety for yourself because one of these days you're gonna tick the wrong person off and they may seek to do you harm!

I apologize (a little) for this rant, but please receive it in its intended context...loving correction and/or education.

We need to open our eyes and see that there are other people inhabiting this orb with us. We need to see outside ourselves and see people like God sees them. Love unconditionally, care about them, share with them what you have...especially if it is spiritual peace!

Love ya'll!

ME FIRST!!!

2008-06-10T17:53:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite sayings, usually while attending the State Fair or Riverfest, is.."It takes all kinds to make a world". Certainly there are differences in people, but for this entry I will stay far away from the exterior. I'm more interested in behavior. I have come to the conclusion that rudeness is about the most annoying thing anyone could express. Pushing ahead of you in line whether it be in traffic or in line, refusing to yield the right of way (even when there is a particular road sign instructing them to do so), and then just basic rudeness in interacting with people.

I have never worked in the food service industry but I know several people who do or have and most of them say that church groups are among the worst customers. What a shame! But they/we come in and rearrange the furniture, disrupt the peace, tip lightly or not at all, and expect perfection and superhuman service. I have long held the opinion that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat their waiter.

The Bible tells us in Romans chapter 12..."not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think"...vs. 3. In verse 10 we find the instruction, "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;"

"Giving preference to one another", wow, does that go against what comes naturally to us?

Whatever happened to the Golden Rule? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I try to practice that, but to be honest. It seems to be a one way street most of the time. However, if the truth be told, I could probably improve my attitude and think more highly of others too. As a matter of fact, that's a good project...care to join me?

Who do you blame?

2008-06-02T12:57:00.005-05:00

I was relating the following story to a buddy and he (through his laughter-induced tears) said I had to post it on my blog. So here goes...

For reference sake, I have an old 1990 Chevrolet pickup that I love. It has 204,000 miles on it, the air seldom works, the driver's window hangs, the paint is flaking off, and it uses nearly as much oil as it does gas. But I love it. It is special to me. It was built the same year I entered the full-time ministry. I keep thinking Chuck Foose or X-ibit will show up and give it a starring role in "Overhaulin'" or "Pimp My Ride" but nothing yet...

Anyway, did I mention I use a lot of oil? I don't change the oil regularly as I add a fresh quart to the top every few days, but I thought it might be prudent to change the filter as it had been awhile.

I went to a local auto parts store and bought the oil and filter and planned to do the deed before it got too dark. Something happened to change my schedule (I have a wife and two daughters you see), well it got dark. No problem, I have a trouble light. I located it and pulled it out to the street where I parked, the bulb even worked! I got my drain pan, my crescent wrench and went looking for my filter wrench... 30 minutes later...sweating and exasperated...I find it. Now to begin.

I crawl under the truck from the front, locate the drain plug and remove it, so far so good. All I found was the strap-type filter wrench I use on my bike (a two-handed job) so I crawl out and enter from behind the front wheel for better access. That wasn't even too bad (righty tighty--lefty loosy). However, in shuffling around I hit my trouble light which either shorted out the switch or the bulb..whatever, all I know is instant darkness.

I crawl out and go find a flashlight to finish the job. I get everything reinstalled and push everything (including the drain pan) out from under the truck to the curb where I can pick it up and put it away neatly.

Crawling back out (armed only with a flashlight) I go around to the front of the truck to begin pouring in the new oil. Concentrating on what's under the hood, not whats on, or at, the curb (and did I mention that it's beginning to sprinkle?).

At any rate, I stepped on the rim of the drain pan and managed to send warm, nasty oil all up onto the right leg of my jeans (the ones with the large rip in that very knee). So now I have this oil running down the outside of my pants leg, inside my pants leg, and into my right shoe and, in addition, all over the street in front of the truck. Now I have a mess. I sloshed around, probably killing my grass, and finished adding the oil to my truck.

Remember how long it took to find the filter wrench, well at least in the search I did find that I had half a bag a kitty litter left over from a previous spill, so I found that and distributed it onto the street portion of the spill. I put away all my tools, wiped down the side of the truck, wiped off the bottom of my shoe and shut the garage door. I took off the shoes and pants I was wearing and put them in a trash bag with the empty oil cans, wiped down my leg and headed to the shower. Imagine my wife's expression as I come walking into the house from outside wearing only my bvds!

Why did this happen? Was God spanking me for being a bad boy? Was the devil trying to steal my joy? I contend that when God chastens His children, they know why. As for the other explanation, I don't know ... its possible, but I also know that bad things just happen on this sin-cursed earth on which we live. Why else would babies get sick, would good people have traffic accidents, and why else would good young men be killed in war.

I don't know about you, but I'm about ready for the Lord to come back and take us away from all this...plus, I'll bet we won't have to change the oil in anything in heaven!

Have a great day!!!

Adjustment

2008-05-27T07:08:00.003-05:00

I must admit that as I rise this morning, I'm not doing so well, but I know I can get there. I thought maybe I would bring you along on my little therapeutic journey to feeling better.

You see, yesterday was Memorial Day and as I stood with my Patriot Guard family at the Veterans Cemetery, midst the sea of white crosses, little flags and plastic flowers it began to soak in again just how much pain and loss has been experienced in this experiment known as America.

In addition, there was another funeral we were asked to attend yesterday for a man who had been an MP in WWII. Ends up I knew this man, I had worked with him on many funerals as he had been a funeral director as well. I had already too many plans to be able to attend in person, but he and his family were not far from my mind.

Today at 1:00 we will be standing for yet another man who served his country well. A medic in Vietnam, imagine all the carnage and fear he experienced, yet he came home and managed to live a full life and raise a family.

If that's not enough, Friday morning a brave little lady only a year older than myself finally won her bitterly contested battle with cancer, today she stands victorious on the streets of God holding hands with Jesus. But for those left behind whose life was in taking care of their wife, mother, sister, daughter, etc. there is a gaping wound. Her service will be tomorrow morning. Then I was notified yesterday, that a dear sweet lady who had been afflicted with Alzheimer's for a very long time had gone on home. Her service will be later in the week.

Yes, in the ministry we are exposed to more than our share of funerals, but honestly sometimes it can be a struggle. On those days, I find that I have allowed myself to become too much a part of this present age and I remind myself of a very important quote.

C.S. Lewis said...

I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country,
which I shall not find 'til after death;
I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside;
I must make it the main object of life
to press on to that other country
and to help others to do the same

Those words bring me back to the realization that it's not about what happens here. We are here now and of this we are fully involved, but there is more...much more. As I grow older I am amazed at how quickly time passes, maybe that's why the words to the last verse of Amazing Grace has recently become so important to me.

When we've been there 10,000 years, bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days, to sing God's praise than when we first begun.

In heaven (our true home) there will be not waste, no spoil, no loss. Time will not exist so we will always have plenty, we will never lose anyone, nor will there be any sorrow. Are you looking forward to our true country? Are you a citizen of that fine land? That fact alone is what keeps me keeping on. Praise God!

Memorial Day 2008

2008-05-26T07:14:00.003-05:00

Today is Memorial Day, the culmination of the long Memorial Day weekend. A time of family, friends, food, fun and the like. For me it (the weekend) has meant two days of garage sale, three visits to Riverfest, a great Sunday at church, and now I am preparing for lunch with friends and to attend the special Memorial Day Observance at the State Veteran's Cemetery in Sherwood.

While there is nothing wrong with having fun with the family and friends on Memorial Day, watching the NBA playoffs, soaking in the lake, or whatever activity scratches your particular itch this weekend. I do ask that you set aside some time to remember and appreciate those who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

As I ponder the state of the American nation I am certainly concerned, the Presidential election holds no promise of anything good and the moral and financial decline coupled with the promise of higher gas and food prices has me on the verge of depression; however, this is still one nation under God, this is America: The land of the free and the home of the brave, this is still the greatest nation in the world and I am proud to be called an American.

I fondly remember those whom I never met, young men and women who answered the call to fight for America. Those who fought in wars from the Revolutionary War to the present day War on Terror. My heart grieves for their sacrifice and I hurt for the families they left behind. But my heart swells with pride at the courage and steadfastness they showed in doing what they were called to do. It is because of them that we enjoy the freedoms we have today. So think about those hillsides and valleys adorned with white crosses today...and everyday.

I think it is also important that we remember a particular hillside adorned with a cross. That hillside is just outside Jerusalem and it is called Golgotha, the place of the skull. On that hillside over 2000 years ago a man named Jesus gave up His life for our freedom as well. But rather than political or national freedom, Jesus provides freedom from sin and the penalty we all owe for it. This Memorial Day I hope you find yourself within the family of God, if not, you need to visit that hillside in your heart and accept the freedom that only Christ offers.

Spring Cleaning

2008-05-19T06:51:00.003-05:00

For those of you who may not have figured this out yet, let me save you lots of time and effort. "MEN AND WOMEN ARE DIFFERENT!" There, the secret is out!

For instance, to a man an attic is a space where things go and are never thought of again until it is (a.) Christmas or (b.)time to move. Whereupon we either (a.) reach in just far enough to grab the lights from last year to hang on the house or (b.) haul it all out to the curb for the trash man.

On the other hand, a woman has a need to know just what is up there and why. For some time now the contents of our attic have been sending mental messages to my wife. She has been telling me that we needed to "clean out the attic" for a few weeks but the Lord has smiled and kept us too busy for such. That was, until Saturday.

I rose early and rode out to have breakfast with some good friends then came home to start on "attic day". I will not be telling you about the fall I took off the patio thereby scraping the hide off my right elbow and left knee, you might think I am clumsy, so never mind.

Long story short, the attic is now empty, even swept out. Now at one point my garage looked like the aftermath from Katrina, but we began the long, arduous process of deciding what went to the curb (May I hereby place on record my public apology to the Jacksonville Department of Sanitation...you're gonna need a bigger truck!) What needed to be washed in preparation for the garage sale (yeah, where did that come from and when did I agree to that?) and what needed to be retained for later. (for use in my children's future homes, I'm told).

Thank goodness some dear friends called my wife late in the afternoon and invited us to the Travelers game or we might have been out there until midnight.

But all in all, it was a good thing. There was a lot of accumulated trash and worthlessness that needed to be removed. Which gives me a good springboard to explore the spiritual side of things.

It is good to do a little spring cleaning spiritually from time to time too. Things can accumulate in our attics, basements, closets, and other areas of our minds and lives that just dampens our joy and interferes with the kind of relationship God wants to have with us...his children.

I love the promise of I John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." No conditions, no judgment, just confess it (which is a simple agreement with God that it is/was wrong and that you're sorry for it) and ask Him to forgive it (and His forgiveness is perfect. He removes it as far as the east is from the west) and again with a "clean slate".

Praise God for His holy forgetfulness and complete forgiveness. One catch, this spring cleaning is reserved for those who have become part of the family of God through salvation in His Son Jesus Christ.

Do you need a little tidying up? It might not be pleasant during the process, but after the dust clears, it is so much better. Hey, I'm even proud of my attic now!

Have a great day, that's what HE wants for you!

Available for Distraction

2008-05-07T10:44:00.004-05:00

I heard a quote the other day that has really occupied my mind, "If the mountain was smooth...you couldn't climb it." Wow, how much truth is contained there? Life is a mountain, it seems, and the rocks and crags and valleys and outcroppings that seem to hamper our progress are really handholds and resting places that compliment our ascent.

Whether your life is a mountain or not, it is certainly a journey. But we seldom follow the path that we originally established for ourselves...don't we? God say through the prophet Isaiah in chapter 55:8-9 (NKJV) 8“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."

I have had a couple in interesting things happen to me over the last couple of days. I took a ride with some friends up to Drasco, and at a meeting place I was asked if I did "bike blessings". Well, I never have, but I can sure pray for you, for safety, for mechanical soundness, so I said "sure!".
What a wonderful opportunity to pray with friends over a blessing from God and invite Him to ride along with them and acknowledge His protection and providence in their lives. Another "holy moment" if you will. Also being introduced as a chaplain I have had several requests to pray for a situation or a family member or a friend or a need, whatever. And although it began as a means of just not letting my forgetfulness keep me from keeping a promise, I just ask if we can pray about it right then and there. Again, what a blessing.

I may not have seen that coming or even planned for it, but what a blessing! I am reminded of ole' Moses and his "burning bush" experience. Exodus 3:3-4 (NKJV) 3Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” 4So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”

Do you see what I see there? It wasn't until Moses actually turned aside to look at this strange thing that God called to him. What if Moses just kept walking? What if he hadn't turned aside? Would we have the Old Testament? Would the children of Israel still be captive in Egypt? Who knows?

Father, help me to no be so distracted from my chosen path that I neglect to see the "burning bushes" and other opportunities You place to try to get my attention. Help me to seek those "holy moments" and ways I can be involved in things far bigger than myself. And Father, thanks for picking me out for this special work. You are a great God!

A Knight's tale

2008-05-05T10:51:00.004-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days? It seems as if I have had more than a week of them.

Things get frantic, not enough time, too much to do and if you're like me, it's so easy to lose track of who I'm depending on. If I don't watch it, I'll start working through my own strength and my own flesh...call it pride, call it being a man, call it "hard-headed" (thanks Joyce!)

I think for me, I kinda like coming in at the last minute and "rescuing" a situation, but when you operate in the flesh, it's easy to "give out".

Over the next few days, I'm making a concerted effort to depend on God more and on Jeff less. I'm putting my shining armor in the dry cleaners and giving my white horse a couple of days off to rest and I'm practicing the fine art of saying "no". For those of you who know me, you know that's gonna take some work.

The Bible tells us not to be weary in well-doing, but it also teaches us that the fruits of the spirit come through the true vine, not a result of ourselves but a result of being attached firmly to the vine.

Father, forgive me for working in the flesh. Help me to depend more on You and less on me. There's lots less chance for error that way. Thanks for being there and being so dependable!

Have a great day...depending on Him!

Highs and lows

2008-04-25T09:26:00.003-05:00

Are you like me? Does your mood fluctuate like an EKG? I'm up, I'm down, I'm just here and then it could go any direction at any time.

On one hand today I'm very excited and happy as I know that there are nearly 200 marines returning home to their families after serving over 18 months in the "sandbox". What a homecoming these American heroes will enjoy. I wish them the very best and hope they know that the majority of Americans are very proud of them and appreciate their efforts tremendously.

On the other hand I have been made aware of two people very close to people who are very close to me that have come to the end of their life's journey.

A NLR Patrol officer was a dear friend of my friends, J.V. Williams and Judy Douglas, passed away about midnight Thursday morning. Then my good friend Janie Mistric called me this morning to tell me that her brother Charlie, on whose behalf many prayers have been said, passed away early this morning (Friday).

As I celebrate a homecoming with these marines, my heart will be a bit saddened for the losses that my friends have suffered. But, even in death, there is a sense of relief. No more tears, no more pain, only glory over there. They don't even have to worry about this upcoming election!

Hang in there my friends, and welcome home marines...oo rah!

It's Amazing

2008-04-20T13:52:00.002-05:00

As the oldest of 3 children I didn't have the luxury of a big brother with which to threaten bullies or impress my friends. But I have certainly enjoyed the brotherhood and comraderie of some awesome freinds.

There is a special friend, one that the Bible says "sticks closer than a brother" and that's Jesus.

It is said in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God and are the called according to His purpose." In other words, God is able to bring something good from every situation.

I was just talking to a friend of mine about that this week. The "reverend" Fred Phelps and his minions at Westboro Baptist Church are involved in one of the most sickening examples of freedom of expression I have ever seen.

These deluded souls believe that American military casualties are the result of God's judgement upon America for the tolerance of the homosexual lifestyle. Therefore, they take great pleasure in these deaths, to the degree that they demonstrate at the funeral services of these fallen heroes with horrible signs and chants, expressing their delight in "God's judgment".

First of all, I don't beleive God is punishing America's tolerance of homosexuality through our military. Even if He was, why would God's people find any pleasure in that? In reality it should break our hearts. There are only about another million reason why I beleive these people are nut-cases, but that's not the purpose of today's blog.

Isn't it amazing to think that had it not been for the inexcusable evil propogated by this so-called church, the Patriot Guard Riders organization might not exist and with it the good work of honoring those, not only casualties of this present war, but all those who have served in this country's military services. We have seen a rise in patriotism and national pride and many a veteran and their family have received the honor long due them as a result of a reaction to a terrible thing.

Romans 12:21 says, "Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good."

I'm so glad to have Jesus as my "big brother" because "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." I John 4:4.

Father, may we never become so overwhelmed by the evil of this present age that we roll over and play dead, rather, empower us with your spirit that we might rise up and overcome the evil, by being your ambassadors of good. For when we bow to serve you, we are strenthened by you.

Holy Moments

2008-04-16T05:55:00.004-05:00

I was reminded yesterday that I hadn't posted anything in a few days and then the Lord woke me up early this morning with some thoughts.

Our Senior Pastor will be out of town this weekend preaching a revival in Texas so that gives me the opportunity to preach on Sunday. I had been mulling over some thoughts over the past several days and this morning God saw fit to have me get up early and start putting things together.

Isaiah chapter 6 is an account of Isaiah being presented with the holiness of God and the responses that encounter elicited. As I pondered this passage I was reminded of something I want to share with you.

Yesterday, I had the great privilege to stand in honor of a 90 year old man who had served his country from WWII to Vietnam. He was a retired Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force and was a highly decorated soldier. His daughter and the rest of the family were very moved that our group would scramble and organize a mission to honor this soldier with so little notice.

But one particular moment in the day could only be described as a "holy moment". At the end of the service we were standing around the hearse waiting to render honors as the casket was being loaded. While we waited, an elderly gentlemen walked up to me and asked how to contact us, stating that he would like for us to attend his service.

My response was to give him my card and let him know that one phone call would set the wheels in motion. I told him that it would be an honor to attend that service but to not get in any hurry. He smiled but said that he didn't think that he had much time left. I assured him that when the time came we would be there. He thanked me and walked away.

That made an impression on me. How many of us truly comprehend how precious and delicate is each day of life? This man had faced his own mortality and had begun to make preparations for his departure.

In my nearly twenty years of ministry I have conducted and/or attended funerals for those over 100 years old to those only hours old and all points in between.

The Bible tells us that our life here is just a vapor, here and gone in just a moment of time. In the face of eternity even 100 years is just a drop in the bucket.

As I begin this day I thank God for the opportunity to begin another day and I am determined to look for the glimpses of holiness that I may be blessed with if I would only slow down and really live the day rather than just rush through another day of existence.

How long has it been since you felt the breath of God, sensed the rustle of His robes, or had the impression of His presence with you? I pray that you know the presence of God in your life, if you don't...well, you're just not living. Let's talk about it!

Until we meet again, live in search of "holy moments" CARPE DIEM

Soggy Thoughts

2008-04-09T07:10:00.003-05:00

As I wake to another day of April showers my thoughts go to our friend Noah. I guess partly because I've been planning a trip for our church to go see that new musical in Branson about him. But I'll also admit, I'm beginning to tire of this particular weather pattern.

Question: How many of each animal did Noah take onto the ark with him?

You might be surprised at the answer! Most people will say two without batting an eye, but there are actually two answers. The Bible tells us in Genesis 7:2, "Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that [are] not clean by two, the male and his female."

No this is not useless Bible trivia. To me it is a reminder to make sure what the Bible says. Don't take my word or anyone else's word..Read it for yourself. There are lots of things people say are in the Bible not actually there and a whole lots of things being misrepresented by men.

Let God speak for Himself. Read the book. He wrote it just for you!

Stay dry!

Highs and lows

2008-04-07T21:59:00.004-05:00

Today, I think, has been a pretty good metaphor for life generally. I woke up early looking forward to getting to ride my bike for a good portion of the day. I had decided last night to ride up to honor a WWII veteran with the PGR up in Fayetteville. It's a sad reason to make a trip, but it was a beautiful day to ride.

Before I left I sat down to check email and saw that Bro. George Raley had passed away. Bro. George was a pillar among Missionary Baptists. He was dearly loved by many, including me. A personal favorite claim to fame was the fact that he was the first pastor for whom my dear friend Joyce Vance worked.

Long day, nice ride up. Good to meet new faces and see freinds again. Yogi, a freind of mine rode up with me and shared a praise in his life. Remind me to tell you the story of how a text message changed a life. (sounds like a blog entry to me!)

The ride home was rough. We fought a headwind and about 2 million 18-wheelers, but I was riding...so it's all good. I got home, had a nice meal with the family and my youngest and I went out for a long walk (trying to lose weight is NOT fun). I took some tunes to dampen the sounds of my labored breathing and was enjoying listening to one of my favorite bands "Pocket Full of Rocks". Anyway, as I was doing my walk I stepped into a hole and ended up all over the street. Of course, there was a car full of people right there and they stopped to check on me...HOW EMBARRASSING! Anyway, I ignored my scraped palms and knee, and fractured pride and continued on the journey..with a new limp. Anyway, the song just happened to come up that has the words, "but they don't know what it's like to have the King of the Universe hold your hand". I had to laugh out loud. What a glorious thought.

I'll be the first to admit that I am succeptable to depression, pity parties, and woe is me-itis. But to think that the King of the Universe knows me, loves me, and wants to hang out with me is a pretty awesome thought.

Thanks Lord for a good day. The sadness of death is not sad to those who know You so I can't be sad right now. Thanks for the peace and knowledge I have knowing that Bro. George can "literally" hold your hand right now. Help me keep focused on You and not distracted by the holes in the road ahead. You are an awesome God. Thanks for being my friend.

New Soul in Glory

2008-04-04T12:39:00.003-05:00

A dear friend, Peggy Buck, went on to glory yesterday. Peggy was perhaps the most comfortable pianist/organist I ever met. The instrument was a true extension of herself. Unbelievably talented, she constantly amazed me when she played. There is no doubt that only God could have been the source of her talent.

Even though I hadn't seen her in quite some time, she was never far from my thoughts. Congratulations on your promotion Peggy. I look forward to hearing you play again...wow. Heavenly instruments, perfection, God's direct influence; what a combination.

Alton, kids; my heart hurts for your loss. But my heart sings for her triumph. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Love ya,
Jeff

When the storms are raging, where are you?

2008-04-04T08:13:00.003-05:00

If you are a local, you know that we had several rounds of thunderstorms and tornadoes affect Arkansas last night. At one time I had TVs on 2 channels and 4 different websites up watching radar, I watched the vibrant colors move all around and miss our church plant but practically take out the North Little Rock airport a stone's throw away, I watched as the storm came up tornado alley (Hwy 67/167) but avoided Jacksonville (the town in which I live), as a matter of fact I watched at least 2 storms come this way and pass over.

Our oldest daughter is in college in Conway so I was monitoring and checking in to inform and comfort her, I even had mobile reporters out in the storm checking in with me (Great job Roslyn!). At a couple of points in the evening I put my wife and youngest daughter in the closet for their safety, but as all men know, my place during a storm was standing out on the front porch!

I pray that you all made it through the storms without personal injury to yourself or the ones you love. I also pray any property damage you may have suffered was minor.

You know, storms in Arkansas are a fact of life. As a matter of fact, storms in life are a fact of life!

How many songs can you think of that deal with this subject?

My father-in-law introduced me to "When the storms of life are raging, stand by me".
"Keep me safe, 'til the storm passes by", "It is well with my soul", "The Anchor holds", just to name a few.

Storms are scary and do tremendous damage to person and property, storms of both weather and life. But the Christian is never alone.

It's so good to know that when the storms of life rage, Jesus is standing next to me. What do we need more than even protection sometimes? Companionship. I tease those who tell me, "I'm right behind you", or "I've got your back". I usually say something smart like "No, stand here beside me so I can keep an eye on you." But we all need friends who will stand beside us, through the good and bad.

Thank you Jesus for being a friend that sticks closer than a brother, You never leave me or forsake me. "What a friend we have in Jesus!"

Redirect

2008-04-02T23:11:00.002-05:00

Part of what I do is work with kids. I've been involved in a wonderful program called AWANA for 18 years. It incorporates games, Bible memorization and a Gospel message. It is a wonderful tool to bring kids in from the neighborhood who need to hear about the love of God.

Ok, honestly, sometimes these kids get the better of me. Yes, I know they're kids, I know many have no structure or continuity in their lives, but sometimes evil exists in young people.

Tonight, for instance, our secretary ran a couple of teenagers out of her office. That just shouldn't be. They were up to no good, probably looking for money or something valuable to hock. About 10 years ago my office at a church was broken into. They stole my guitar, they tried to make 1-900 calls from my phone, and they used my favorite coffee cup for an ash tray.

If I could have caught them I would have stomped a mudhole in their chest. There must be a special place in hell for people who would steal from a church, or hurt a child, or any of a number of despicable activities.

But there's not. The truth is, sin is sin. God hates all of it. But he loves sinners.

God only knows two kinds of people; those that are His and those that are not. What separates them is sin, any sin. So is one really any worse than another? On earth..sure, to each other...sure. But ultimately if we commit any sin we are sinners and sinners cannot occupy heaven. That's why the blood of Christ is so important. It washes away sin.

God forgive me for judging others, even when they get on my last nerve. I know I must get on Yours. Give me the strength to patiently, lovingly, and graciously direct them to Your Son.

Whew, I feel better.

Fickle, Fickle

2008-03-30T07:52:00.002-05:00

March is truly a time of madness. I have rooted for basketball teams that I don't even like, but since they are playing a team I need them to beat, they become elevated in my estimations.

We are, by nature, a pretty fickle bunch, especially in regards to God. When things are good we either think we got a lucky break, or did something good, when in fact God has "graced" us. His word says in James 1:17, "Every good and perfect gift comes from above" which basically means to me, that everything good in this life is something God chose to give us.

Now on the other hand when things go bad, we are quick to accuse God of forgetting us, or worse, to accuse Him of condemning us or sending bad things our way. One simply need walk through the cancer ward at Children's hospital or walk through the halls of our local Veterans Hospital to see evidence that things don't appear to be fair and we seek to understand how a loving God could let bad things happen to good people.

There are lots of answers to this question but none that really satisfy our human understanding. The best I could hope to do is to remind us that God is in control and only He sees the big picture, the world that awaits us with Him in heaven is incomparable to the very best days we see here. So suffice it to say, God has a plan.

But remember this my dear friends, God loves you. If He carried a wallet, your picture would be in it. He thinks of you every moment of every day and He wants only for you to be happy. He longs for the day you can be together so that He can bless you like you've never been blessed before. You are God's favorite! But you know what? So am I. God is vast enough to root for everybody and never have a fickle moment!

Ain't God good? How long has it been since you talked to Him?

See ya'll

...live from Momma's house

2008-03-24T10:02:00.000-05:00

...coming to you recorded live from beautiful downtown St. Florian, Alabama.

Sorry yesterday’s post was so long, but just had to share the greatest story ever told with the greatest friends a man ever had.

Today let me just ask you the question that I am personally pondering...

"Did Jesus do all He did on the cross, in the tomb, and on resurrection day so I could be living like I’m living right now?"

I’m thinking my life could use a few adjustments!

Looking forward to seeing you all Saturday!

God bless and have a great day!

The Gospel of Easter

2008-03-23T08:52:00.001-05:00

God created everything, including man.
God created woman from man.
God, man and woman have a wonderful relationship and proximity.
Satan deceives, Eve eats, gives to Adam...Adam eats.
The problem was that to eat from that tree was forbidden.
Man disobeyed, sin arrived, fellowship was broken.

Because of sin, man is separated from God and begins the process of dying.
Earth is cursed by sin. Things are bad.

God still loves mankind and desires a relationship with same,
yet sin prohibits proximity.
God provides a solution by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus, to earth.
He has a miraculous, biologically impossible birth, so as not to carry the sin nature of mankind, He lived as a man, tempted in all things, subject to all things, yet without sin.
He tries to show people God's desire for them, but organized religion wanted no part of Him.

He was tried in by a court full of liars and cowards.
Pilate could have released Him but he was swayed by public opinion.
Jesus was beaten and scourged to the point He was unrecognizable as a man.
He was beaten with reeds, wore a crown of thorns, was spat upon, had a royal robe put on his badly beaten back then ripped off after it had begun to adhere to his torn flesh.
He was forced to carry his own cross up Calvary's mountain until His physical strength failed.
He was nailed to the cross and had it dropped into a hole, displaying Him between earth and sky as a mockery.
In the position of cricifixion the only way He could breathe was to raise Himself upon the nail through His feet.
Even while dying on the cross, He arranged care for His mother, asked forgiveness for His murderers, showed mercy to one dying beside Him and prayed to His Father.
After He stated "it is finished" He died and was laid in a borrowed tomb.

The governor sealed the door and posted guards to the tomb.
While Jesus body laid there, His spirit went to Hades to free the captives (those who had been looking to and anticipating His coming).
Three days after His death HE AROSE. The stone was rolled away, the soldiers freaked and left.
The ladies who came to leave spices and flowers saw the linen strips He had been wrapped in lying as if He had just passed through them, and face cloth was lying there, neatly folded.

Jesus appeared to his disciples, to strangers, and to an entire congration of thousands after His resurrection.

He ascended into heaven to make preparations for His return to retrieve those who belong to Him. But He left his spiritual presence (the Holy Spirit) as our comforter and our moral compass.

Those who believe this story and place their faith in Him belong to Him.
Those who believe this story but do not place their faith in Him do not belong to Him.

When we die, if we belong to Him, we go to Him in heaven. If we don't we descend to Hell.

If we are alive when He returns, those that belong to Him will meet Him in the air and go to an eternal paradise called heaven.

Those that don't will eventually suffer the same fate as the deceiver Satan, an eternity in the bottomless pit of hell, suffering hopelessly for all eternity.

Jesus died so we wouldn't have to, He wants everyone to join Him in heaven, to refuse His offer, His gift, His sacrifice is to spit in the face of Jesus and pour His blood upon the ground. He loves you too much for that. Let this Easter be the beginning of your secure eternity.

You know, this wasn't that short at all. But I assure you. This was the most important story you will ever hear. Wanna hear more, I'd love to tell you more!

I love you...but He really loves you!!!

The Day before Easter

2008-03-22T11:12:00.001-05:00

Sorry it’s been a few days. We’ve just finished a two week missions seminar. We’ve had folks in from Scotland, Africa, Indonesia, Australia, Romania amd pastors from many states here in North Little Rock and I’ve been busier than Grumpy’s barber, but it was a good seminar.

Sunday is Easter, in my mind the most important day in the history of the world. Why you ask? (and even if you didn’t) ...

Let me put it this way. You can go to Egypt and see where the Pharoahs were laid. You can go to the tomb of Confusious, to Muhammeds, and everyone else in whose name a religion was formed...with one exception.

There is a hill in Jerusalem, called Golgotha, the place of the skull, where my Jesus and two criminals were crucified, just down the way there is a tomb owned by one Joseph of Arimathea where Jesus was buried, BUT Jesus only used that tomb for three days and then AROSE! victorious over sin, death, hell and the grave.

Those of us who dwell in Jesus need not fear any of the things He has defeated. What a hero, what a savior!

If you don’t dwell in Christ, or if your don’t know if you do or not, why not make this Easter even more personally significant...talk to me, or Orval, or Big Ack, or Lynn, or Jack. We’ll be happy to share!!!

Happy Easter everybody and hey, after you’ve bitten the ears off your chocolate bunny...why not go to church to celebrate! I know where there’s a good one and we’re open on Sunday!

Faith

2008-03-18T09:20:00.000-05:00

I realize that yesterday’s post aluded to the fact that I would talk about Easter this week. My mind has been changed at least for today. Our dear sister Catluv has endured a great deal of pain and loss in her life. Currently her brother Charlie is clinging to life at UAMS, on a ventilator with a vein disease that won’t let him process oxygen to his body. On the surface things may look terribly grave, but there is story after story in the Bible that reminds us, "It ain’t over ’til it’s over".

The boys that carried their friend on a mat to the house in which Jesus was preaching were rewarded for the faith that told them to get their friend to Jesus. They literally tore the roof of that house to lower their friend down to the healing hands of Jesus.

The Roman centurion had enough faith to just ask Jesus to heal his servant, he knew that Jesus could do it "long-distance". His faith was rewarded.

The woman who followed the multitude hoping only to touch the hem of his garment finally got that chance and her desire was fulfilled.

Even Mary and Martha, they had buried their brother Lazarus and he had lain in the grave for 3 days (and behold he stinketh--[I love that verse]) but Jesus went to the door of the crypt and called him back to life.

Long story short. The opera ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings. And things within the kingdom of God ain’t over ’til the king says so.

My prayer for Charlie is a prayer for deliverance. If God chooses to deliver him by healing his body, I know that He can certainly do it. There is NOTHING greater than the power of my God. If God chooses to deliver Charlie by taking him home, as much as the separation from his loved ones would hurt...there is no doubt he will have been delivered and will be in a far better place.

I know what I wish, and I’m sure I know what Janie and her family would wish and that’s ok. But I also know where our faith lies...in the hands of the Great Physician and whatever He decides is the right decision...every time. It may not be comfortable or convenient, but only He sees the BIG PICTURE.

God bless you Catluv...and God bless Charlie.

Thoughts toward Easter

2008-03-17T22:41:00.000-05:00

Is it time for another week already? I’ll tell you, last week was a blur of activity. We had over 70 missionaries and pastors from literally all over the world at a missions training seminar led by our own Lynn "Missionary Rider" Raburn. Seminars during the day, worship services each night, plus I took Tuesday night off to celebrate our oldest daughter’s 20th birthday. This week will still be busy as the seminar continues, but this week we only have the day sessions.

Here is my goal for the week. I want to do my best to make sure all the t’s are crossed and the I’s are dotted for the seminar, that’s what I do. But in the face of this week, I don’t want to get too busy to notice.

You see, this coming Sunday marks the very most important event in the history of mankind. Jesus, the Messiah, who had been humiliated in a kangaroo court, tortured at the hands of ruthless Roman soldiers, crucified at the insistence of the very people He had come to serve, and who had died and been laid in a borrowed tomb…ROSE AGAIN!

You see, throughout history men have died for others. As the PGR we honor those who have laid their lives down for their country and their fellow citizens. But none of these heroes had the power that Jesus did, to take back up His own life. You see, he was no ordinary hero, He has power over death and hell, heaven and earth and on the third day He rose again victorious.

I’ve always wondered why the symbol for Christianity was the cross. Yes, a truly important part of the story, but there were two others that died on crosses in Jerusalem that day. There has only been one who came out of a tomb, once dead, but alive again by His own power. I think a more fitting symbol would be the stone that was rolled away, not so He could get out, but so we could see in!

I’ll have much more to say about Easter and its celebration in the coming days. But remember this, it’s perfectly fine to go buy the Easter baskets and chocolate bunnies, and dye eggs with the kids. That’s part of the tradition of Easter, but don’t let it overshadow the true reason for Easter. Have a great week, maybe this rain will stop someday and we can all ride again!!!

Your Chaplain,

Hulk

Thank God for kids!

2008-03-12T10:17:00.001-05:00

I read with delight Tina Weaver's recent post (on the PGR forum) on how technology has comforted her and her family. Being able to see and talk to her son while he is half a world away makes a tremendous difference. I suppose there is nothing more precious to any of us than our children.

I am blessed to have two beautiful daughters. Thank goodness they got their looks from their mother! Anyway, our oldest turned 20 yesterday (March 11) and I had the blessing of being able to go take her to dinner and spend a little time with her. The Psalmist David knew of the pleasure that children bring. In Psalm 127:3-5 he said, "Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward. As arrows [are] in the hand of a mighty man; so [are] children of the youth. Happy [is] the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."

As we do the good work of honoring our soldiers, let us not forget to honor those in our own homes with whom God has blessed us.

Please humor me while I try to pull all this together. My wife's brother was in the Navy. In the summer of 1983 they had a "family day" in which the families of the sailors where allow on board and even took a short cruise around the bay there at Virginia Beach.

Work prohibited my going along on this trip, but my wife took her parents out to see her brother. While enjoying the ride on the USS Yorktown, she became what she thought was "sea-sick", upon her return to Arkansas she found that she wasn't sea-sick, rather she was "morning sick". The Hulk's firstborn made her presence known while riding on a Naval destroyer! How about that! Just a cool little tidbit I had lodged down deep.

I am so glad my wife is planning to attend our meet, greet and eat. This will give her an opportunity to meet many of you and hopefully understand a little bit about why our association and each one of you is so important to me. There is nothing more important to me on this earth than my wife and those two "little" girls. I think I'm gonna get up from this 'puter and go pass out some hugs! How 'bout you go do the same with those you can still get "a hold" of!

"Thank you Lord for my family. Each of the three of them. My physical family, my church family, and my PGR family. Give each of them a special blessing today and give them a fresh sense of Your presence and interest in their lives. Protect us as we seek to serve You. And protect those that You are using to protect us!

In Jesus name… Amen."

What does God want from me?

2008-03-10T10:05:00.000-05:00

For this morning's musing let me contrast a couple of scriptures.

Both Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25 say that, "There is a way that seems right to a man,but its end is the way of death." which tells us that for us to try to figure out things would be a big mistake. We don't have to reinvent the wheel, we don't have to wonder about what God wants.

I heard an awesome message this weekend from Micah 6:8, which tells us exactly what God wants from His people.

He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justly, To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?

There it is.
1. Do what is right and honest.
2. Love mercy so much that you are merciful.
3. Walk in humility as you walk with God.

There it is...a prescription for a happy, fulfilled, God-pleasing life.

Reminder..if you don't know God you can't walk with Him..see previous post.

Blank Screen

2008-03-08T23:57:00.000-06:00

As I sit here this morning, looking out at a blanket of snow (in March!). I wanted to write something, but my mind is like that blanket of snow. "Go with it" I thought. So I just let my mind go and let the Lord direct my thoughts...hopefully.

The first 2 things that came to my mind are the cross and the Shellhammer house. Strange combination at first, but then it came to me. The Shellhammer project, amidst its complications, is an honorable thing. Those who can, doing something for those who can't. This soldier needed his home fixed up for he and his wife to have a place to live. His situation prohibited that, so others have stepped in.

What does that have to do with the cross? Lots. You see, thanks to great-grandpappy Adam, we all (and yes I mean all) carry a sin nature. Romans 3:23 tells us that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.". If we are all in the same boat then why is that a problem? Well, because Romans 6:23 says, "...the wages of sin is death". The definition of death in that verse is eternal separation from God for all eternity, or to break it down...hell. However, the rest of that verse says, "BUT, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

That's the good news. We are doomed because of sin, but God made a way to fix it. His only son Jesus, came to earth as a baby, born of a virgin, in a miraculous way so as not to carry the sin nature, and lived on earth as a man for 33 years, yet without sin.

On a fateful day, over 2000 years ago. Jesus was tried in a kangaroo court and executed for stirring up organized religion. But He did far more than that, my friends. When Jesus died on the cross, He carried all the sins of mankind with Him. All of our sin was placed upon His back and He paid the sin debt for all of us.

You see, we couldn't do if for ourselves, but He could...and He did.

Now, how much sense would it make for Chris Shellmaker not to move into his house when it is finally completed? Well, none at all! Look at all the work, the man hours, the expense. And why wouldn't he move in, it's perfect for him! All true, and how bad would it upset those who have given so much of their time, money and sweat to make this house so nice?

Now you know a little bit about how God must feel. The work was all done at the cross. The sin debt for all humanity was paid. All we have to do is receive this free gift. In the same way Chris just needs to reach out at take the keys, all we must do is realize we are lost and only Christ can save us. Repent of your sins, ask Him to forgive you, then ask Him to save you and move into your heart. If you place all your trust into Him, He will never let you down and your eternity will be secured forever. Don't let the price paid for your soul be paid in vain.

Yes, I know I may be crossing the line to be preachy, but I love you all and simply want to share eternity with you. I know where I'm going and why. How about you? Questions? call or email. I'd love to visit with you about this.

Within the lines

2008-03-06T01:06:00.000-06:00

Charlie the Choo Choo was a train. Every day he would leave the station with his load of peanuts and head down the same set of tracks to the candy factory. Every day he would pass a beautiful, green meadow with wildflowers blooming and little bunny rabbits frolicking in the green grass.

Every day Charlie wished he could be free of his track to frolic in the meadow with the bunnies, but he just continued up and down his track back and forth, back and forth. Then one day it happened, Charlie could stand it no longer and jumped his track and headed for the meadow. "I want to be free!" he shouted as he left the tracks.

Do you know what happened? That's right. Charlie's big steel wheels got bogged down in the soft dirt of the meadow and he got stuck. You see, Charlie was only free as long as he stayed on the path that he was designed to take. The meadow, as beautiful and inviting as it seemed, was no place for a choo choo train. He couldn't move at all!

That's the same with us. We often think the path we have been designed to follow is holding us back, restricting us. We want the freedom to go off the path and do new and exciting things. The problem lies in the fact that, like Charlie, we are most free when we follow the path that we were designed to keep. There will certainly be places that will appear to be more fun and promise real freedom, when in fact, we can expect to bog down in the mire of the place.

We each have a path, a God-ordained plan, individually prepared just for us. Our freedom is finding that path and putting the hammer down. If we do, we are practically unstoppable!

Have a great day…full throttle!

Balance

2008-03-04T10:30:00.000-06:00

I got a very nice message from a friend in regards to my little musings. They were complimentary, even a little shocked that they enjoyed my company, what with me being a preacher and all.

It seems to me that there are many out there (I’ve talked to many myself) who are a bit disenfranchised with organized religion and those who propagate it.

Let me go on record and state my belief that religion has done more damage to Christianity that anything else.

WHAT?

Relax, I am not engaged in blasphemy.Jesus himself was an enemy of religion. Which is simply the habit or method of doing something in a regular or orchestrated manner.

Folks, Christianity is about relationship not religion!!!

I’m sure we could all come up with examples of what is wrong with churches, preachers, etc. and could name off more than a bushel full of hypocrites. I could probably name a pretty good many myself!

But that doesn’t release us from the desire of Christ that we "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is..." )Hebrews 10:25.

The reason there isn’t a perfect church to be found is because there are no perfect members to make it up. The reason there are no perfect preachers is because God doesn’t call preachers, He calls men to preach. That’s all a preacher is...a regular guy God has handpicked to do a particular work...albeit with His help and guidance.

So,dear friends, don’t be content to lay out of church just because some redneck, moss-backed, hard-headed preacher hurt your feelings, or because some closed-minded, gossip-ridden bunch of hypocrites didn’t welcome you into their little tea party.

Keep looking for a church you can be a part of. The church I attend is not perfect (that’s why I can still go!) but it is an awesome bunch of folk.

We were created to need the fellowship of others. (hey, that’s part of why we all love the PGR so much...it’s an assembly of like minded folks, on a mission, who enjoy each other’s company).

The PGR is not a substitute for church and God wants us all to attend or He wouldn’t have invented it and gave Himself for it (the church). So, cast your dispersions aside and give church another shot...you’ll be glad you did.

And while you’re at it, give preachers a chance too. You might actually find one you like!

Have a great day, and remember you are loved!

Somebody knows

2008-03-03T09:18:00.000-06:00

"Has it ever occurred to you that nothing has ever occurred to God?"

I love that little saying. That's right, God knows everything so He has never been surprised.

One only has to go to the State Fair, or a Razorback game, or any of a thousand events to realize that there are a bunch of folks riding along on this planetary adventure with us.

The amazing part is, we have never even seen the large majority of them! BUT, and this is the cool part, even though there are people "like the sand of the sea", God even keeps up with the sparrows that fall from the sky. Even the number of hairs on our heads (true...that's not too big a job for people like me, BigAck, Preacher Jack, and now Grumpy).

When you begin to think that nobody notices or nobody cares, realize that there is beneficent God who wants to have a wonderful relationship with you, just waiting for an invitation into your life. You see, God is a gentlemen and never goes where He's not invited. Invite Him to ride along with you this week and see if it doesn't make a difference.

Oh, and while you're at it, don't make him the co-pilot...let Him drive!

Where is your heart?

2008-02-28T09:56:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a day full of drama in the Hulk household. I'm interviewing applicants to replace our financial secretary as she is retiring after 25 years. Interviewing church members can be touchy, you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings but you must make sure they can handle the finer points of dealing with the various intricacies of a church office.

In addition, my wife is filling in for the registrar at a school where she doesn’t know anyone nor does she know the details of that particular school. My oldest daughter sent three emails between 8 and 11 pm with 40 pictures of shoes. Her boyfriend wants to buy her a new pair of Nike’s for her birthday and she wants her mother and I to decide which ones. (Granted she doesn’t particularly agree with our taste but still makes us help her to decide!)

To top it all off, my youngest daughter and her first little boyfriend have broken up. He’s a senior so this will affect the prom. I am forced to console this princess who feels rejected and ugly while trying to hide the dance of glee. (There's no room in my baby’s heart for any old hair-legged ruffian, her heart belongs to daddy!)

I’ve had my schedule rearranged 4 times. The trips I was scheduled to take have both been canceled, my dad’s surgery is happening today but it’s too late to get out there, so I’m gonna stick around close.

We get so “whacked out” about schedules and problems and work and stuff. We lock up our houses full of stuff we don’t use, to go to work to pay for the stuff we’ve already thrown away, go to the store to buy new stuff to replace the old stuff that we’re still paying off, and never have the chance to enjoy the stuff we have.

I have heard that the most important things in life aren’t things. I would have to agree with that. Too often in life we use people and love things, rather than use things and love people.

Jesus said in Matthew 19, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

The question for us all to answer today is, “Where is your heart?” As for me, a good portion of it is spread among you, my dear friends. Have a great day!!! Remember, God made you…on purpose!

There's more than ME

2008-02-27T09:18:00.000-06:00

Last night I attended a choir concert because my youngest daughter is in said choir. I became pretty exasperated with some of the audience members and their apparent disregard for others. I wondered if they really didn’t know the different between a tractor pull and a choral concert, or if they just didn’t care.

I share Camel’s wonderment at how little regard many drivers seem to have for anyone else on the road. As I watch the news or read the paper I wonder how depraved someone has to be, to be able to commit the crimes they have committed. The answer, no surprise, is found in God’s word. II Timothy 3:1-4 says, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;”

Society has bought the lie that “it’s all about me”. The idea of taking care of number one has invaded and pervaded our society to the point that no else is even regarded. This will be our undoing. God clearly desires that we love our neighbor as ourselves. That we not think too highly of ourselves (to the detriment of others) and insists that we serve one another.

That’s the beauty of the PGR, a group of people who regard the sacrifice of others highly and show reverence and respect to a total stranger. To cry with and to share the grief of a grieving family and to really care about someone that heretofore we didn’t even know. May we continue to regard others at least as well as we regard ourselves and to not become self-absorbed and insensitive to those around us, not only strangers, but to those whom we know yet may be hard to love! Make it a great day…it’s a decision!!!

Be lovers of truth

2008-02-26T09:41:00.000-06:00

You guys are suckers for punishment. Since I received the feedback from yesterday's post I thought I would just hit it again! However, I did delete yesterdays in the interest of saving space on the server. This may become a regular rant, a daily devotion, a recurring nightmare if you will. Maybe we'll call it, "Chaplain Chatter", or "Ministerial Musings", heck...maybe we'll call it, "Out in the Pasture!" anyway...here's the thought for today.

Yesterday, I walked across the street from the auto service center to drown my sorrows in an overpriced cup of coffee. While in there looking at the motorcycles for sale column of the local paper (no I'm not in the market..but!) I couldn't help but overhear a group of retired ladies discussing politics. What a hoot...until! They started ranting about someone who had the nerve to disagree with them in the supermarket line and how one of them gave the ole' sap a piece of her mind (it didn't appear to me she could spare it!), anyway. She then went on a tirade about Obama not saying the pledge of allegiance and taking the oath of office on the koran (note the lower case k) and other fodder from internet spam. While I am certainly not a proponent of Obama's (at this point I ain't voting for anyone...just against!) I wondered just how much truth there is in the world. Snopes.com is famous for straightening out the untruths and the rumors about a myriad of subjects, including Obama that seem to be just that...again, not a recommendation, just an observation. (More later if you are interested).

But hearing this drivel made me appreciate TRUTH. Jesus said, "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life...no one comes to the Father except through me". I can hang my hat on that. Jesus is the litmus test for religion...what do you believe about Jesus? Do you believe who He says He is, and do you put stock in what He says? Anyway, the Bible also says, "You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free". May we all be seekers of truth, and not swayed by lies and manipulation. May we never be ones who speak with forked tongues. Have a great day my friends. I love you...and that's the truth!

Keep On

2008-02-25T10:05:00.000-06:00

Last week (and several previous to it) were especially busy, eventful, even burdensome for some of our group. As I begin to try to put things in order for this week I get to include things to handle like..."the brakes are making a funny grinding sound" from the wife, and "Dad, I dropped my cell phone in the toilet, can you meet me at Alltel after class?" "Don't forget this is trash day," etc.

Also understanding that I will be out of town Th/Fr this week and Mon/Tue of next on business and trying to put it all together. So I stopped a moment to ask the Lord's help. There is no way I can get it all together, keep it all together, and get anything accomplished except with His help. I am reminded from His word, "Greater is He that is in you, than he who is in the world", also "Be not weary in well-doing, for your efforts are not in vain", to the little children's song, "we are weak but He is strong". I prayed a prayer of help and guidance for myself this week, and while I was there I went ahead and asked a special blessing on each of you.

I hate that I missed three wonderful opportunities to fellowship with my PGR family this week, but I was blessed to participate in a great mission and to break bread with you at least after the visitation, thanks again BC! Hope you all have a good week. If I can grease the gears for you, just let me know. I'm either here or gone somewhere!