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Introduction to the Diary The Acts of the Apostles is a history (His Story) of the events that transpired in the early church. The Holy Spirit moved in the lives of men and women in an inspiring way that changed the world of that day and continues to change those who read the events today. God is still at work. Our works will not be "canonised" as were the first century apostles, but it is encouraging and insightful to see how God works through our lives today. Sometimes even the common and simple takes on a profound nature when viewed in the perspective of time and the truth of scripture. This diary is intended to mark the path of this servant of the Lord as he attempts to discern the Holy Spirit's leadership on his life and the lives of those God has allowed to be a part of this common pilgrimage.
This is Bailey. He is our 70 pound big, white dog. Bailey teaches us a lot about undconditional love and how to enjoy the simple things of life, like "wanna play fetch?" People can learn something about how to be good friends from Bailey. He already has his masters degree in sociology and he is only about 7 years old (dog years).
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Well, in my usual punctual and disciplined consistency, I have only waited
a little over 4 years to update this diary. A lot has transpired since
my last entry. The biggest Saturday, February 2, 2002 This day has great significance to our family. Liz was born this day 20 years ago. It was also one of the biggest snowfalls in St. Louis history. Many unforgettable memories were sealed into our lives during those days surrounding Liz's birth. After managing to get to the hospital through the snow and the almost unpassable roads, Kathy spent the night in hard labor, giving birth to our beautiful little girl by breach delivery (ouch!!!). The excitement wasn't over. Liz's temperature began rising and antibiotics were begun intravenously. It was determined that she had a blood infection that had already infected her liver and spleen. The next 48 hours were spent at her side in the neo-natal intensive care, watching, praying and realizing it would take a miracle to bring our little girl through her battle. The miracle happened and there is not a year goes by that on her birthday we re-think with very real emotion those first hours and days of Liz's life. God has answered our prayers for her physical health as well as her spiritual health. Through Liz we have learned that there is often a battle that must be fought between good and bad, health and disease, life and death. It is one thing to read about those things and empathize with them. It is another thing to have experienced the event first hand. I am glad we do not have to experience all of life's pains, fears and sorrows before God can use us. Jesus did that for us. He can sympathize with everything in our lives because of his substitutional atonement on the Cross. As we go through those problems and pains we know we do not go alone. He Is With Us! He Knows What We Are Going Through! Prayer, modern medicine, caring and skilled medical staff, supportive friends and family and church family, personal faith... all were (and are) crucial to successfully getting through life's difficulties. As we celebrate this wonderful event of Liz's birth we also celebrate His ability to empower us for all of life's challenges. Thank you, Lord, for your gift of Life in you Son that gives life to us in so many ways, especially through our children! Especially Lizzy! December 25, 2001, Tuesday It is Christmas. It is a wonderful day. So many thoughts and so many experiences that give joy and warmth. Family and friends mean so much. "Appreciation" takes on renewed significance at this time of year as once again we realize how blessed we really are. It almost seems as if Thanksgiving should follow Christmas rather than preceding, although both are events that need to be repeated daily throughout the year and not just on the special days marked to celebrate Thanks and Giving. The "loves" of our kids have been especially significant this year. Next year Mindy and Tim will be celebrating their first Christmas as Husband and Wife. Liz and Dan seem to be headed in that direction, as do Zach and Christel. I appreciate my lovely and dear wife all the more as she is so giving to our kids and me. I get a little aggrevated at times during Christmas with all of the shopping and budget straining, but then the Big Day comes and I realize she has been more true to the meaning of Christmas than I. May God's wonderful Gift live out through our lives and the life of all Christians in a renewed and wonderful way as we approach a new year! May His Power be channeled through our churches as we reach out to our communities and the world. Thanks be to our Father for His most Special Gift: Jesus! October 11. 2001, Thursday Today is the one month anniversary of the terrorist tragedy. Military action is progressing in Afganastan and a new warning has been sounded by the FBI that there is reason to believe there will be attempts at other terrorist acts in the next few days. Few doubt that we have entered a totally different way of life in these United States. "God Bless America" is heard unapologetically from state house to school house. After all, who else can we call upon to help us in such an overwhelming conflict? It is a well known statement that "there are no atheists in foxholes." It is, however, sad that it takes something like this to pull us together as a nation under the banner of "God". Ironically, the opposition also claims that "God" is on their side. Could it be that the same God is working on both sides? We must be careful to answer that question too quickly. God historically has used our enemies to draw us into a clearer understanding of our relationship with Him. During the Civil War, brother often fought against brother with the belief that "God is on our side." We don't know God nearly as well as we need to or we wouldn't be having to use such violence to get our point across. It reminds me of when Peter attempted to cut the high priest's servants head off when Jesus was betrayed by Judas in The Garden prior to His crucifiction. Peter didn't understand what God was working out through the crucifiction. Jesus certainly didn't welcome the crucifiction with its humiliation and pain. He prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." Luke 22:42) What he did welcome was that God's will be done. What is God's will in this situation? Quite simply, it is that all might find salvation in Him. The other side would say that, too. But, they use different means to that end. The pictures on TV show some pretty grim accounts of the plight of those under Taliban rule. Women and children are especially subject to the cruelty of that rule. We know our own form of neglect in this country, but not "in the name of God." I do believe God will ultimately show us our own error as well as theirs. I pray we will find it by turning once again to Him, knowing that anyone or anything else is inadequate. I believe Jesus when He says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." ( JN 14:6-7)
July 30, 2001, Monday
Summer is passing all too fast for me. Only two more weeks and school
starts. The last time I wrote in this diary we had just moved Lizzy
back from school and now in just two weeks we will be moving her back. The
transmission on the truck has been pretty much a summer project, at least
the months of June and July. I have learned how to take it out, take
it apart and back together and put it back in pretty quick. Hopefully,
I won't have to use that knowledge on this truck for a long time, if ever.
I also have learned that none of it would have been necessary if I
would have done things right in the first place. 2 years ago when I
put a new clutch in I didn't replace a $10 part. "How important could
that be? It probably is fine anyway, why replace it?" was my thinking.
How wrong I was. It took awhile, but finally the strain broke
the transmission and cost lots of time, money and aggravation. Moral
of the story: PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE!!! How many times
do we put things off regarding health, spiritual things, or maintenance items
on the car or house only to have to pay BIG TIME when they break? I
hope I can learn enough from this last episode with my truck to learn some
things about prevention in other areas of my life. Relationships need
regular maintenance or they can "BREAK". Health, once lost, may never
be regained. When is the last time you had a good physical? Hiding
the head in the sand does not make the problem go away. Anyway, it
is getting late and I think I have made the point. Now, if only I listen
to my own advice and learn from past mistakes. Rick
June 6, 2001, Wednesday I really should be in bed, but have not edited the webpage for a few weeks because of broken puters and broken transmission in truck and lots of graduation/anniversary celebrations and moving Lizzy back from school, and trying to pay the bills..... know what I mean?? Life can sure get busy at times. But, the great thing: God is in control. It is especially rewarding when we rest a little and let Him be God rather than trying to do it (be God) ourselves. I hope to do some serious updating of the website. Lots of good things have happened since the last time I have added verses, thoughts and links. Blessings to all of you who take time to visit our on-line fellowship. Hope you drop us a line soon. Always glad to hear from you, pray for you, and share. God is Good, very good!
May 2, 2001, Wednesday I am not a morning person. I like to stay up late; I don't like to get up early. I am often sullen and quiet in the morning because I often rise before 5 a.m., not so eager to bound out of bed,.eager to face a new day. Sometimes I sit on the edge of the bed with my head in my hands and say, "This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it!" I try to convince myself that it will be better in a little while. I am thankful for an understanding wife who understands my morning moods. I am reminded of a book by Dr. Dobson, Emotions: Can You Trust Them? In this book Dr. Dobson warns us that feelings are not reliable gauges of what is true. We must learn to be guided by the more accurate "realities" that stand up whether we feel like it or not.
My daughter Liz had an experience a few years ago that illustrates this point.
We were running in a Memorial Day Fun Run. She was running the
5K and was getting very tired. I came up next to her, noticing her
fatigue. I encouraged her not to give up. At the same time, I
told her that I didn't want her to hurt herself. Her favorite verse
is Isaiah 40:31. With a little encouragement and the reminder of this verse Lizzy finished the race in the top ten of over 50 in her age group. Knowing Jesus and His promises for us are the more reliable guides for our lives. When we feel "we can't" we may be right. But "He Can!" That is what counts as we place our failures, weaknesses and fears in His hands. Paul reminds us in 1 Peter 5:7 to "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Jesus says to us in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (NIV)
These verses may never make me into a morning person or change the way I
"feel" when I first wake up, but, they put my heart and spirit in the direction
that my feelings can follow. I feel better already!
Blessings to you and yours in this day which the Lord has made! Rick p.s.: One other verse came to me as I proof-read this commentary: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Phil. 4:13 (NIV)
04/22/01, Sunday The book review that follows this commentary sums up many thoughts I have had this week. They were illustrated even more as I drove to church this morning . I was impressed (depressed) by a few events during my short drive. First, two building materials trucks were heading out of our local home improvement store, just as they would any other day of the week. There was a time when most businesses were closed to honor the "day of rest". Now, it is "business as usual." The second occurance came shortly after I passed the building materials trucks. A pick-up truck passed me doing about 50 in a 20 mile an hour zone and gave me a look like I was the one in the wrong. Whatever happened to respect for law and authority? My third "impression" (depression) came as I pulled into the church parking lot, just a little late. It turned out only one other person had arrived ahead of me. One week after celebrating the greatest event in human history, the Resurrection, most people found it more important to celebrate the Lord's Day in some other way than being at church. I dare say, we have allowed the temporal pleasures, rewards and demands of our society to dictate over God's command to honor the Lord's Day and to keep it Holy. The following book review reminds us that Christian Influence on our society and world have been significant. It should call each of us to evaluate our investments of time, resources and talents to assure that future generations can benefit in a similar way from our Christ-like behavior. The time spent on our homes and yards may bring short-term rewards, but the investment in our spiritual lives and those of our families, friends, and neighbors will be FOREVER. Hopefully we realize this before we have to suffer for our short-sightedness. And one more thing, "Where are we really going in such a hurry?" Blessings to you and yours as we put Him First and Serve in His Name, Rick *** Book Review (from Zondervan)
Title: UNDER THE INFLUENCE NEXT TIME YOU VISIT THE HOSPITAL, THANK THE CHRISTIANS Faith's Influence Extends Further and Deeper Than Most Realize Alvin J. Schmidt says our world would be a very different, darker place if Jesus had never lived and his followers had not managed to reach "the ends of the earth" with his message. That's because along with the message came new ideas and institutions that even most non-Christians now consider to be basic requirements for civilized life, including the humane treatment of all people, equality under the law, higher education, hospitals, scientific research, charitable giving, and more. In UNDER THE INFLUENCE, Schmidt shows how Christianity's influence actually extends further and deeper than most people realize. Setting Christianity against its historical Greek and Roman backdrop and against pagan cultures worldwide, he reveals the full, radical nature of the Christian faith as a shaping force that has knit the moral fabric and inspired the highest achievements of Western civilization, with untold benefits to the entire world. Schmidt demonstrates: * The impact of early Christians' care for throwaway babies, the sick, the poor, and the elderly on the surrounding, inhumane Greco-Roman culture * How Jesus and his followers gave unprecedented dignity, equality, and freedom to women * Christianity's founding of hospitals and health care in the fourth century, and the genesis of orphanages and charitable organizations * The Christian inception and promotion of universities and higher education * The contributions made by the early Christian pioneers of science, theory, and research * How the concerns for human rights, equality under the law, and economic freedom are deeply rooted in the Christian ethic * Why slavery might well have remained an institution until today were it not for Christianity * The enormous debt of art, music, and literature to Christianity Dealing frankly with the highs and lows of Christianity as its influence spread throughout the globe, Schmidt corrects common misconceptions and unearths little-known facts about cultural settings, circumstances, events, competing ideologies, and key heroes and antiheroes of the faith. "What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?, by D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe fired the opening salvo in the struggle to reclaim the massive heritage Christianity bequeathed civilization, but the present volume by Dr. Alvin J. Schmidt wins the battle...Schmidt carefully documents how Christianity has dramatically improved our world across twenty centuries in so many varied facets of our culture."
--Paul L. Maier, author, In The Fullness of Time THE AUTHOR
Alvin J. Schmidt (Ph.D., University of Nebraska) retired in 1999 as professor
of Trojan Horse in America. He was also a consulting editor for Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult. MEDIA: OPTIONAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS * How was the early Christian church's view of human life different from that of the surrounding Greco-Roman culture? * Could you name some institutions that were started because of Jesus and his followers? * What are some distinctly Christian ideas that nearly everyone subscribes to, even unconsciously, today? * Aren't you giving Christianity more credit than it's due? What about Christianity's negative influence on Western culture? * How did Christianity elevate the status of women above Greco- Roman standards? * How is modern science the product of Christian theology? * How did Christianity revolutionize health care? * What are some of the highpoints in Christian art, music, and literature? * What holidays, words, and sayings do we have Christians to thank for? /////////////// zph ///////////////
UNDER THE INFLUENCE is available at your local bookstore, by calling
April 15, 2001, Sunday It is a beautiful Resurrection morning. The dogs and cats get up before everyone else and let us know it time to arise! Then the coffee has to be started before I can feel fully engaged. Right now the house is starting to liven up. Kathy just walked by and greeted me as she adds a few last minute items to the Easter baskets. Zach's alarm is going off so he should be up shortly. The girls had friends over for the evening and we all said goodnight about 1, so it is a little of "rising from the dead" this morning. Spring has definitely sprung as the overnight thundershowers have caused everything to grow and green in a remarkably short time. Each day brings more leaves, grass and blooms. I pray that our spirits have a similar awakening. Many thoughts go through my mind and heart as I reflect back on Easters past. There are the new clothes (which Kathy and Zach have already had a disagreement about), the colored eggs, excitement of little kids that is rivaled only by Christmas morning, larger than normal crowds at church and wonderful times with family and friends. Sometimes it seems our traditions overshadow the true meaning of the Resurrection celebration. In many ways what we do today is like the Passover meal that marked a place through Jewish history. From generation to generation the tradition was repeated until it found fulfillment in Jesus, the true Passover Lamb. I believe God has a plan for the coming days and this time in history (His-Story) that will amaze us all. Just as the early disciples heard but did not really comprehend Jesus' teaching, so I believe we know only in part what He is preparing to do, especially through His children and church. I am confident that His approaching work will make all of our plans seem rather mechanical and small as the winds of the Spirit turn all eyes on Him. Today, we await his Second Coming. We mark time with our traditional celebrations which are mere rehearsals of what He will do in a much fuller and perfect way. His Spirit is many times like a rather calm and almost imperceptible breeze. But, then the clouds thicken and the winds come and the seasons change. So it is with His Spirit as the Seasons of the Spirit take on new life. I pray you are blessed by all that this year's Resurrection celebration symbolizes and promises: Eternal life through his finished work, hope for all generations, power for every challenge and so much more. One Day we who have trusted in Him will all bow in His Presence, risen in His Resurrection Power. We will no longer merely be actors on life's stage but true participants as we worship face to face around His throne. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours as we live Because He Lives! And we haven't seen anything yet! In His Spirit, Rick
Thursday, March 15, 2001
It has been over a month since the last entry. It seems a long,
long time ago. I have turned 49, which seems a bit odd. I still
like to think of myself as "young" but realize I am entering the "2nd half".
Kathy mentioned today how her skin is showing age. I think we
both "feel" older. At the same time, God has been good to us, health-wise.
I look at our folks and they are doing pretty good, in-spite of some
serious challenges to their health in the past few years. The old saying,
"Don't sweat the small stuff" takes on more significance now than ever. I
am trying to make some mid-life adjustments in diet and attitude. I
find myself habitually being anxious about too much. I know it takes
a toll and am trying to be a better steward of body, mind and soul. "Cast
your cares on Him, because He cares for you" is a verse I need to remind
myself of often. Liz just got off the phone with the coach for "Sports Crusaders". She is hoping to travel with them this summer and play basketball. We are praying with her and think it will be a great experience. Our kids are such a joy to us. God has so richly blessed us as their faith has grown with their bodies and minds. May He continue to reveal Himself to them in His will for their lives. I conclude with this thought from the Apostle Paul: But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14
Tuesday, February 13, 2001
It has been almost a month since the last entry in this diary. There
have been several times I have thought about writing but, candidly, the thoughts
were a little too personal for this format. Perseverance builds patience, builds faith, builds hope, etc.
God has truly been blessing us, not so much in material ways. We
have a tendency to think in material terms, which is a mistake. He
certainly has blessed us materially but that is not where our true wealth
is. We are not to love the world or the things of the world, because
the love of God is in neither. In that respect, wealthy people (materially)
can be the poorest spritually.
Just as we confuse true wealth with material prosperity so we confuse
true love with the sensual and physical. Too BAD! We truly rob
ourselves when we let our hormones control. A good friend once told
me how his relationship with his wife before they were married was so different
than the relationships of his friends with their girl friends. The guys would
talk about their sexual exploits and how great a time they had. He
said his favorite times were the good conversations he and his fiance (now
wife) were able to engage in. In the long-term his relationship is
the one that has lasted while the guys who talked about having so much fun
experienced one broken relationship after another (not to mention the
associated pain).
On a related note, God has blessed us with some of our newest friends
making commitments to be baptized and get involved in the ministry of
HHBC. How exciting! Mindy is having good success in her
Monday/Wednesday afternoon study sessions with up to 7 Jr. Hi age girls.
Her "True Love Waits" lock-in was also a very meaningful and I trust
memorable experience for all involved.
Wednesday, January 17, 2001, 8:17 a.m. The big news item is the confirmation hearing of John Ashcroft, candidate for U.S. Attorney General in the new Busch Administration. One would think he has committed some great offense to hear the complaints against his confirmation. He is a conservative Christian. Those opposing him for their cause of "right" (correctness) are those promoting gay, abortion and racial agendas. Our country is divided, as indicated in the last election, along these lines. It is like an overtime game where each team is mustering its every effort to win. This could be the present Christian community's last chance to maintain a significant voice in matters related to biblical concepts of morality and human dignity. It is clear that no one should be denied their individual dignity. The real issue is human responsibility. We live in an era when the issue of segregation is not a racial issue but a moral issue. There is a great prejudice against the 10 commandments and the Christian/Judeo value system. Violence and anger are indicators of frustrations. We war and fight because we have not. We have not because we want things that will feed our own lusts and selfishness. Any contest in the government that stands for freedom must see the enemies of greed, pride, hatred, jealousy, envy, strife, and lust as major enemies. Our freedom can only be maintained by re-waging a war that combats these enemies. Our war must not be seen as between Republicans or Democrats, Christians or non-Christians, Whites or Blacks, gay or anti-gay, pro-choice or right to life. This war must be waged against much more formidable powers of the will and spirit. The oft quoted "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." is very appropriate at this time. As I say this I am reminded of my own schedule and the necessity of paying some bills and making some money to pay some more bills, so... of to work I go, with the above thoughts in my heart and will. Blessings to all of His Children and prayers for Salvation to all who know Him not. God is good! Thanks to Him for His Calling upon our lives, that gives us purpose and an Eternal Hope. Thanks to Him for Christian Homes, friends and our church fellowship. Thanks to Him for His Light in this season of cold and darkness. Pray for our Governing officials, that they might see themselves as citizens first of His Kingdom. Pray that we might be responsible citizens of His Kingdom. *** Monday, January 08, 2001, 10:13 p.m. (edited Thursday, January 11, 2001, 8:00am) The busy-ness of the last few weeks has kept me from updating until now. It would take many pages to even highlight the events since Christmas. The cold has lessened a bit and by mid-week it is supposed to get into the 50s. November and December have gone down in the record books as the coldest ever recorded. Christmas was a wonderful time with family and friends. I thought quite allot about Grandparents and friends who have gone to be with the Lord. I have also reflected on the fact that our kids are growing up so fast and will most likely have few Christmases when they will still be coming up the steps on Christmas morning. As long as they are happy, that is what is important. Chris and Dan are doing quite well and we really enjoy their company. Kathy wrote a Christmas letter that updated our activities. I probably should put that in these archives. Church has been exciting. Every week brings a new experience with new people and decisions. I especially have enjoyed the kids being home and sharing their music abilities. What a blessing to have our kids growing into such responsible citizens of the Kingdom. I really enjoy their friends coming by and spending time. Liz and Mindy have had overnight guests and we couldn't be more pleased with their choices of friends. Our prayers continue for their seeking first the Kingdom and His Righteousness. Tim talked with Kathy and me yesterday about his and Mindy's relationship. They are seriously seeking God's direction in their relationship. We have always stressed 3 ingredients in any permanent relationship: trust, respect, and friendship. They all work together. I believe the kids have tried to build these aspects and maintain them as priorities before more superficial and feeling-based relationships. That way, if the door does not open to marriage, it still maintains a lasting friendship that is based on trust and respect. Quite candidly, I think I could have used more stress on these principles as I developed relationships in my teen years. It seemed that what you were supposed to do then was find someone who you were mutually attracted to and fall in love and get married. I appreciate the ability of our kids to develop good, healthy and lasting friendships that leave the emotional and physical attachments out, or at least low on the list and not "I can't live without you" dependency. All of us are excited about Tim and Mindy's decision. It is one that we are much in prayer about. They are both very talented individuals that God can use greatly. We look forward to a long-term friendship. May God direct in all of our relationships. On the world-front, the Peace of Jerusalem remains high on our prayer list as the unrest continues. It is an exciting time in our world history as we see the events of prophesy unfold. I could write much more, but it is getting late and one can only absorb so much in one reading, sooo.... blessings to all until next time! =============================================================== Sunday, December 17, 2000, 9:15 p.m. Winter has set in like it has intentions of staying. There are several inches of frozen snow on the ground and the forecast for the week pretty much assures us of a white Christmas. Temps are in the single digits as I write this and it is good to have the warmth of the fire and loving family. Lizzy is home from college for the month and it is good to have her energy back in the house. She has friends coming in a few days and the house then will really come to life. God has so blessed us through our kids. I certainly have no problem thinking of stressful times in the recent past but now they seem distant as I think of all the good Lord has done for us. Tonight we had our new converts back. I am so humbled by their new found hunger. Mindy gave them new student study bibles and they seemed so excited to explore their content. I have a sense of how our prayers of several years ago are beginning to be answered in what we are seeing in our worship and study times recently. My overall sense is that we have to be careful to allow God to be the one who inspires and directs the work of His church. We are his servants and it is very dangerous to think of it as "our" church rather than "His" church. I preached on the subject of Love this morning and we sang songs, read scripture and responses on the subject tonight. John 3:16 needs to be our focus all of the time but especially in this time of celebration and giving. He is the Reason for the Season. My brother Gary , Sister-in-law, Shari and their family said "'til we meet again" to Shari's grandma during the night last night. They had brought her into their home several months ago to spend her final days. They are wonderful examples of the "self-less" aspect of Love. Shari said that Grandma left these icy streets for streets paved with gold. Once again we are reminded of our ultimate destination and how each day is a gift to be spent in His service. I need to get the fires built up for the night. This week is the home stretch before the Big Christmas Event. May we keep Him in our every plan and gift selection. God is good! Thanks to Him for His Calling upon our lives, that gives us purpose and an Eternal Hope. Thanks to Him for Christian Homes, friends and our church fellowship. Thanks to Him for His Light in this season of cold and darkness. ======================================================== Sunday, December 3, 2000 8:30 p.m. We definitely feel in the Christmas Spirit. Kath had her "Winter Concert" at school the other night and it went real well. My comments on that are: It is a shame we have to be so careful about proclaiming the meaning of Christmas in our public schools. We need to provide as much of our Christian influence as possible. Many of the teachers are professing Christians and have a good fellowship. The kids definitely need it. Church was a good experience today (as always). It was more exciting than usual though because we had 6 decisions from children and adults to either join our church or give their life to Christ. We followed the service with a time of fellowship and decorating the church. Several of our "old" friends came back to visit. It was a very encouraging time. There is much to pray about as the new converts come with little foundation or backround in their new found faith. They are eager to learn and we feel humbled that God has found us worthy to "feed" these new children of faith. It is an exciting and very fulfilling time with warm memories of past Christmases and great hope for what God is doing now and is going to do in the coming year. God is good! Thanks to Him for His Calling upon our lives, that gives us purpose and an Eternal Hope. Thanks to Him for Christian Homes, friends and our church fellowship. Thanks to Him for His Light in this season of cold and darkness. =================================================== Sunday, November 5, 2000 , 9:30 p.m. It has been a good day, fuller and richer than most. My disposition at the beginning of the day was rather gloomy, much like the early morning fog that I encountered as I went to the convenient mart for gas. Just as the fog gave way to the warmth of the morning sun, so my disposition turned brighter as church time approached and people began coming in. Our crowds have not been overwhelming lately but today was a pretty well attended day. Liz was in town with a friend and a few others came who haven't been attending on a regular basis. I preached on "attitude" using Philippians 2 as the text. It was good medicine for this preacher. Several commented on how the subject was very applicable to their experiences this past week. The challenge was given for all of us to examine our thoughts and actions in light of how Jesus thinks. Part of my early morning contemplation was no doubt because of the anticipation of attending the funeral of Mike Schkerke. He went to be with Jesus on November 1st, with a smile on his face and a final statement to the family that he was going to heaven. The reality of this earth's temporal hold on us is sinking in more and more as I pass through my forty's. It makes me more aware of the need to make the most of every opportunity in sharing THE ONLY HOPE that we all have. I think of family, work associates, neighbors and the countless nameless faces that we pass every day. May we be more sensitive to God's prompting us to tell them about Jesus and to let them know they are important and loved. The rest of the day, after the funeral, was full of good times (and relaxing, I might add) with the kids. We worked on the cars, tossed the football, played with the dogs and cats, watched a little Rams vs.Panthers and enjoyed some very good BBQ. God is good! Thanks to Him for His Calling upon our lives, that gives us purpose and an Eternal Hope. Thanks to Him for Christian Homes, friends and our church fellowship. ================= We invite you to e-mail us or post your public comments and questions via our guest book.
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