Now that I'm over 40, way, way over, I have observed that my mind doesn't always do what I want it to do. When I want to remember something, I forget and if I want to get something out of my mind, it's all I can think about.
Let me see, where was I going with this..
Oh, yes.
I do battle with a certain sin. I'll even tell you what it is, but don't tell anyone because I don't want anyone to know. It is a having a critical spirit. Recently, I have had a certain person who is the object of my critical spirit. (It's nobody any of you know, so don't go trying to figure out who it is.)
My, how that certain person can cause me aggravation! My mind would dwell on these irritating things he (or she) does to the point that it was all I could think about. That, of course, led to it being all I could talk about! I was so troubled in my mind and in my spirit. I knew that it was a sin, and I earnestly repented of it each day, but the same old thoughts kept coming into my mind, and I would suddenly find myself sinning again.
I know from the word of God that He doesn't expect us to deal with our sins ourselves. He has given us forgiveness and salvation through the cross of Jesus, but he has also given us the Holy Spirit and the Word. In fact he has given us a whole set of armor to protect us from the enemy of our souls:
the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of readiness given by the gospel of peace, the shield of faith (to extinguish the flaming darts of the enemy), the helmet of salvation, the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. Eph. 6:11-17
I also know from previous experience, that if I say to The Lord, "Lord, I want to continue gossiping (for example), but I know that's not your will for me. I need your help!", that he will help me resist the devil. And the word says if we resist the devil, he will flee. And sure enough, he does!
Amazing, huh--the word of God is true!
So, to apply this to this very recent situation in my life: I was thinking thoughts, and speaking words that were sinful; I sort of liked it (at least the gossip part) but I knew it was wrong, and I was the one being hurt by continuing on that path. What could I do? Well, I took God's word to heart, asking him to guard my mind. Pretty soon when those thoughts about that other person came to mind, I became aware as soon as it happened, and would literally say, "I will not think that way any more" or something like that, so I was able to derail those thoughts and words before they took hold of me. And, as I resisted, the devil fled--because he wasn't just dealing with little Patti--he was dealing with the Commander of the Army of heaven. And, yes, that Commander does care enough for little Patti to do that for me. All I had to do was ask.
So, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer." Ps. 19:14
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Where are you God?
Do ever have days when you feel like God is far away? Well, don't feel like you're the only one! We all feel like that at times. Even David cried out to God, "Why are you standing aloof and far away? Why do you hide when I need you the most?" Ps. 10:1 TLB.
I don't know why--maybe it is the hurricane, maybe the election, maybe just ordinary life, but we have both felt a little distant from The Lord for a couple days: just not ourselves. We pondered on that, and prayed about it. We tried to figure out what we have been doing differently that would cause us to feel this way.
I asked Pat to start today's blog, and help answer the question where is God? I'm happy to say He is there all the time! In life I feel there are times of testing, everything is going along better then average, then a spiritual dry time. Do we believe what we have been preaching, are we actually trusting The Lord with all of our heart, and not leaning on our own understanding. In the battle of life it is imperative.
I had a friend Ron (he has gone to be with The Lord ) who visited our church. He shared his mothers favorite saying "do not despise the thing that drives you to your knees it keeps you close to God". How true! Like I said He is there all the time. The question is always where are we?
I am not surprised when dry times come, but amazed that we keep having to go through the same experience every time, and question. Where is God?
I don't know why--maybe it is the hurricane, maybe the election, maybe just ordinary life, but we have both felt a little distant from The Lord for a couple days: just not ourselves. We pondered on that, and prayed about it. We tried to figure out what we have been doing differently that would cause us to feel this way.
I asked Pat to start today's blog, and help answer the question where is God? I'm happy to say He is there all the time! In life I feel there are times of testing, everything is going along better then average, then a spiritual dry time. Do we believe what we have been preaching, are we actually trusting The Lord with all of our heart, and not leaning on our own understanding. In the battle of life it is imperative.
I had a friend Ron (he has gone to be with The Lord ) who visited our church. He shared his mothers favorite saying "do not despise the thing that drives you to your knees it keeps you close to God". How true! Like I said He is there all the time. The question is always where are we?
I am not surprised when dry times come, but amazed that we keep having to go through the same experience every time, and question. Where is God?
Monday, October 29, 2012
True Champions!!
This blog started in the spring of 1985. I had waited 62 days finally the time had come Maite Penny was having puppies. My friend Bob had decided to breed his German Shorthaired Pointer. I was excited, finally a hunting dog . I'll never forget Bob coming over and asking Pat, "are you sure that you want this pup"? She might not have wanted the pup, I answered "oh yes she dose"! And so our adventure started.
Skeet our own GSP. Skeet was not the dog that I would have chosen, she was the one that God chose for me. Some might say dose God have to do everything for this guy? Yes!! If God isn't involved in everything, He's not involved in anything. I wanted a white and liver pup, Ryan wanted a liver roan ticked pup, the man that had pick of the litter took Ryan's pup, Ryan took my pup, I got the left- overs, Skeet(Shady Lanes Skeeter Dee). What a dog! When she was a pup she would point butterfly's, she had a ear that didn't fold out completely at berth, she became our daughter's guard dog at night, she truly became one of the family. And she was the best hunting partner I ever had!
Being new to the dog world, I thought that I had to become involved in the AKC I thought that I needed a AKC champion, because I wanted to be a breeder. Skeet never won a prize, but she was a true champion.
Then phase two of our breeders life came into the picture Shady Lanes Nickalous (aka) Nick. Nick also a dog that I wouldn't have chosen. When I got Nick he was shy, and scared, as a stud dog most breeders would have neutered him. I think of the story of Jacob and how The Lord showed him how to breed the flocks of Laban.GENESIS 30; 37-43(KJV). When God has His Hand in something it becomes a success. My friend Ron and I were hunting one day, and I asked him, what do you think of Nick? "He's a athlete"! Together Skeet and Nick produced 72 puppies, and they were all exceptional. We received letter's from owner's that their puppies far exceeded their expectations. So in closing thank you God for letting us have the experience of Skeet and Nick, true champions made by You!
Skeet our own GSP. Skeet was not the dog that I would have chosen, she was the one that God chose for me. Some might say dose God have to do everything for this guy? Yes!! If God isn't involved in everything, He's not involved in anything. I wanted a white and liver pup, Ryan wanted a liver roan ticked pup, the man that had pick of the litter took Ryan's pup, Ryan took my pup, I got the left- overs, Skeet(Shady Lanes Skeeter Dee). What a dog! When she was a pup she would point butterfly's, she had a ear that didn't fold out completely at berth, she became our daughter's guard dog at night, she truly became one of the family. And she was the best hunting partner I ever had!
Being new to the dog world, I thought that I had to become involved in the AKC I thought that I needed a AKC champion, because I wanted to be a breeder. Skeet never won a prize, but she was a true champion.
Then phase two of our breeders life came into the picture Shady Lanes Nickalous (aka) Nick. Nick also a dog that I wouldn't have chosen. When I got Nick he was shy, and scared, as a stud dog most breeders would have neutered him. I think of the story of Jacob and how The Lord showed him how to breed the flocks of Laban.GENESIS 30; 37-43(KJV). When God has His Hand in something it becomes a success. My friend Ron and I were hunting one day, and I asked him, what do you think of Nick? "He's a athlete"! Together Skeet and Nick produced 72 puppies, and they were all exceptional. We received letter's from owner's that their puppies far exceeded their expectations. So in closing thank you God for letting us have the experience of Skeet and Nick, true champions made by You!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Truth and Trust?
When Pat and I started this blog we build it on truth, so you could trust us, and we could have relationship.
I wrote about my uncle that was in Jonestown yesterday, and he trusted what he was taught. When someone who teaches the Word has a motive of personnel gain. They will always use some truth, and a little lie, the lie makes it all a lie. A little leaven leave nth the whole lump Galatians 5; 9(KJV). The introduction of a little falls doctrine will consume the truth, and it's all a lie.
The Gospel is vary simple. That if you shall confess with your mouth The Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto Righteousness: and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation. Romans 10; 9-10(KJV).
When you find that someone tells a lie, you lose trust in them. Things that you know aren't true don't build relationship. That's why the Bible is the only book of truth. God wants to have relationship with us, and it's our responsibility to know His word.
When I stand before God, my judgment will be based on the Word, not what I may think it said, or what someone else may think it said. The Word of God is the guide that has been given to us we need to follow it's instruction, then we will stay on course.
I wrote about my uncle that was in Jonestown yesterday, and he trusted what he was taught. When someone who teaches the Word has a motive of personnel gain. They will always use some truth, and a little lie, the lie makes it all a lie. A little leaven leave nth the whole lump Galatians 5; 9(KJV). The introduction of a little falls doctrine will consume the truth, and it's all a lie.
The Gospel is vary simple. That if you shall confess with your mouth The Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto Righteousness: and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation. Romans 10; 9-10(KJV).
When you find that someone tells a lie, you lose trust in them. Things that you know aren't true don't build relationship. That's why the Bible is the only book of truth. God wants to have relationship with us, and it's our responsibility to know His word.
When I stand before God, my judgment will be based on the Word, not what I may think it said, or what someone else may think it said. The Word of God is the guide that has been given to us we need to follow it's instruction, then we will stay on course.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
The call my Mother never expected.
It was thanksgiving 1978, we were all read to eat our dinner at mom and dads, the phone rang, mom took the call in the other room. When she returned she announced, my brother died in Jonestown, Guiana.
Every year there is a special on television about Jonestown, its the same story, yet I always watch it, just to see if I could get a glimpse of my uncle, last night was no exception, I watched again, still no glimpse.
I often have wondered how could this happen to someone who was raised in a christian home, and have asked The Lord the same question. The answer is always the same deception, and the answer to deception is always beware.
I asked The Lord , where do you want me to go with this? His reply. For if he who comes Preaching another Jesus, whom we have not Preached, or if you receive another spirit , which you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted, you might well bear with him. II CORINTHIANS 11: 4 (KJV). It's what happened to my uncle. We are responsible for everything that we hear. If it isn't backed by The Word of God, ( in context), the old statement "buyer beware" applies.
A trusted man I knew said to me," I would like to buy a section of land, and move my church on it, and have the people call me Papa." The red flag came up, the experience of my uncle came to life. When I mentioned it to other's that knew him they said, "I never heard him say that!" It could be true. Only God knows the motive of the heart. In the case of Jim Jones it was his kingdom come, and my uncle payed the same price as Jones.
Every year there is a special on television about Jonestown, its the same story, yet I always watch it, just to see if I could get a glimpse of my uncle, last night was no exception, I watched again, still no glimpse.
I often have wondered how could this happen to someone who was raised in a christian home, and have asked The Lord the same question. The answer is always the same deception, and the answer to deception is always beware.
I asked The Lord , where do you want me to go with this? His reply. For if he who comes Preaching another Jesus, whom we have not Preached, or if you receive another spirit , which you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted, you might well bear with him. II CORINTHIANS 11: 4 (KJV). It's what happened to my uncle. We are responsible for everything that we hear. If it isn't backed by The Word of God, ( in context), the old statement "buyer beware" applies.
A trusted man I knew said to me," I would like to buy a section of land, and move my church on it, and have the people call me Papa." The red flag came up, the experience of my uncle came to life. When I mentioned it to other's that knew him they said, "I never heard him say that!" It could be true. Only God knows the motive of the heart. In the case of Jim Jones it was his kingdom come, and my uncle payed the same price as Jones.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
We are Thankful!
So many times we go along and forget two important word's, thank you. First, we want to thank God for allowing us to touch many people in His Kingdom. Then we want to thank our audience for taking their time to read this blog spot. Our friends in the United States, Russia, Germany, UK, Canada, So. Korea, and Malaysia. If forty days ago we would have thought that so many of you would have been touched by this, we would have been boastful, now we are humbled that God has used us in His Kingdom.
We understand this Scripture better, But seek you first the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you Matthew 6: 33 (KJV). His interests must be first. It took 100 years to get Abraham's interests out of Abraham. Then God could permit Isaac, the promise. It also took time to get Del and Pat out of the way, so we could be used of The Lord.
When The Lord showed us what He wanted us to do, I had a lots of thing's to say! When He spoke to me through the blogs. He said much and we learned how to listen. We just want to say thank you again, to God, and to you for helping us grow in The Lord .
We understand this Scripture better, But seek you first the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you Matthew 6: 33 (KJV). His interests must be first. It took 100 years to get Abraham's interests out of Abraham. Then God could permit Isaac, the promise. It also took time to get Del and Pat out of the way, so we could be used of The Lord.
When The Lord showed us what He wanted us to do, I had a lots of thing's to say! When He spoke to me through the blogs. He said much and we learned how to listen. We just want to say thank you again, to God, and to you for helping us grow in The Lord .
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
36 years!
To my sweetheart:
I just want to tell you how grateful I am to our Lord for bringing us together all those years ago. I know how we believe in "lean not on your own understanding"--and in our own understanding, our being together does not make sense because of where we were back then. I'm sure our families never thought we would survive as a couple! But we fooled them, didn't we? We have certainly had our share of ups and downs, joy and sorrow. But, oh, how blessed we are! Never in all those years has He disappointed us when we trusted in him!
Thank you, Del, for being my husband and loving me. We brought a messy situation together when we met, but somehow, it all got straightened out, by God's grace. And his grace is sufficient for any problem we face today, and in the future!
I love you so much!
---your loving wife
To my sweetheart:
If I had chosen you it would have failed, The Lord chose you for me and the results have been our gain. Five children, eighteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, but most of all each other. You always put all of these ahead of yourself, that makes you a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. You have a big heart, a forgiving Spirit. I know you have loved me for thirty six years and that was a challenge at times. I thank God for the grace and mercy He has shown me through you. You are the love of my life, best friend I have, and my partner in serving A Loving God.
I love you so much!
--- your loving husband
I just want to tell you how grateful I am to our Lord for bringing us together all those years ago. I know how we believe in "lean not on your own understanding"--and in our own understanding, our being together does not make sense because of where we were back then. I'm sure our families never thought we would survive as a couple! But we fooled them, didn't we? We have certainly had our share of ups and downs, joy and sorrow. But, oh, how blessed we are! Never in all those years has He disappointed us when we trusted in him!
Thank you, Del, for being my husband and loving me. We brought a messy situation together when we met, but somehow, it all got straightened out, by God's grace. And his grace is sufficient for any problem we face today, and in the future!
I love you so much!
---your loving wife
To my sweetheart:
If I had chosen you it would have failed, The Lord chose you for me and the results have been our gain. Five children, eighteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, but most of all each other. You always put all of these ahead of yourself, that makes you a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. You have a big heart, a forgiving Spirit. I know you have loved me for thirty six years and that was a challenge at times. I thank God for the grace and mercy He has shown me through you. You are the love of my life, best friend I have, and my partner in serving A Loving God.
I love you so much!
--- your loving husband
Sunday, October 21, 2012
happily ever after: Milestone to Millstone to Rock
Del and I are celebrating our anniversary this week. 36 years! And they said it wouldn't last
Seriously, they really did say it--or at least thought it! You see, we had both been married before--we had married young, he at 17, and I at 18. We were both going to be parents, way too young! Well, it probably comes as no surprise that those marriages ended in divorce. I don't say that lightly, however; I say it sadly. I was 21 when I got divorced and I felt the responsibility was totally mine. I felt guilt, regret, fear; mostly I felt sadness and depression because I had to leave my 3 year old girl with her dad. I felt helpless and out of control.
I didn't know then that help was coming very soon, in the form of my loving husband Del.
Each of us had our own problems, but somehow, some way, we were able to make a life together. We had been married less than a year when he introduced me the Lord. I was all in! We lived our lives serving the Lord as best we could.
Fast forward 25 years...
After our 25th anniversary, we started on a rocky journey. We were being tested in ways neither of us had ever expected. I remember waking up one morning, hearing these words, just as if they had been spoken aloud, "Your best friend is going to die and you will be getting a divorce." Well, my best friend, who had cancer, did eventually die. But as for divorce, I determined after a period of thought, that divorce was not going to be an option for me.
Thus began a period of over 10 years that we, separately, began to seek the Lord with all our hearts. But our hearts were far away from each other! We lived in the same home, but in many ways, we were apart. Finally, one morning as we were lying in bed, angry and distant from one another, I begged Del to pray with me, and he grudgingly did. My prayer was that we would each be able to open our minds and hearts to admit to one another and to God where we were wrong. And I prayed that we would once again be in agreement on those matters that caused us so much disagreement, even if it meant giving up our own ways.
Well, it didn't happen overnight, but little by little, the Lord restored our relationship--actually He made it better than ever! What it took was our hearts crying out to him, and our giving up our wills to His will.
I learned over these years that the enemy of our souls wants to steal from us what is good in our lives, especially our marriages. I learned that we should never entertain thoughts of divorce, because, as it says in the Word, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
If you are experiencing doubts about your marriage, don't give up on it! Don't allow the devil to maneuver you into a place you shouldn't go. Make my own personal verse from Proverbs the rule for your own life: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path." He really will!
The Hunt.
It was close to the end of the hunt, pheasant's 1, Emma and papa 0. We had a great day, in a beautiful setting. As we were getting ready to leave our hunting place a raccoon was coming at us, it wasn't acting like a raccoon. Thinking it might be rabid, I asked Emma if she wanted to shoot it. She was a little hesitant , after I told her that it acted rabid, she chose to dispatch it. Why allow a child to shoot a raccoon?
In the state of So. Dakota a raccoon is considered a predator, varmint, they do extensive damage to the pheasant population. In our lives we also have a predator, varmint, called Satan, he does extensive damage to our population. Gods answer to our predator, The Cross of Christ. It was a great day Emma thanks for spending it with me, and for the memories. Love you, papa.
In the state of So. Dakota a raccoon is considered a predator, varmint, they do extensive damage to the pheasant population. In our lives we also have a predator, varmint, called Satan, he does extensive damage to our population. Gods answer to our predator, The Cross of Christ. It was a great day Emma thanks for spending it with me, and for the memories. Love you, papa.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Pheasant Opener: A girl, a grandpa, and a dog
Today's the day we in South Dakota look forward to each year, and today is the day Emma has looked forward to since she was little! It's the opening day of pheasant season, and her first day of being an actual pheasant hunter. She has taken and passed the Hunter's Safety Course. She has her license. She has her gun, which has been fitted specifically for her. She has her camo overalls and sweatshirt, and her orange vest that her mom got her for her birthday. She has her dog, Chance. And she has her Papa, her mentor and hunting companion. (He will also be doing the driving...for a while, anyway!)
As you might guess, today is about more than shooting birds. It is about being out in the SD autumn day--and it looks like it might be a nice day, once the fog dissipates. It's about stopping for pop and snacks. It's about watching Chance do his favorite activity, which he also looks forward to all year. But most of all, it's about that time a girl, almost a teenager, can spend alone with a kind, loving man, whom she trusts--her grandpa. I'm sure they will joke around, and her papa will tell her stories about his hunting experiences: about Nick, and Skeet, about Molly, Lexie, Scooter, Katie--all the dogs we have had over the years--probably even Jaquie, the poodle he used to own. Emma will tell him some of the things currently on her mind, such as the Halloween dance coming up next Friday at her middle school! (Yikes! I hope he will give her some advice!)
All in all, it will be a time for a girl and her grandpa to spend time together before the days and years get away from them, and she grows up--which will happen way too soon!
And if they can get a bird or two, all the better. But just in case, I'll have some chili waiting here at home!
As you might guess, today is about more than shooting birds. It is about being out in the SD autumn day--and it looks like it might be a nice day, once the fog dissipates. It's about stopping for pop and snacks. It's about watching Chance do his favorite activity, which he also looks forward to all year. But most of all, it's about that time a girl, almost a teenager, can spend alone with a kind, loving man, whom she trusts--her grandpa. I'm sure they will joke around, and her papa will tell her stories about his hunting experiences: about Nick, and Skeet, about Molly, Lexie, Scooter, Katie--all the dogs we have had over the years--probably even Jaquie, the poodle he used to own. Emma will tell him some of the things currently on her mind, such as the Halloween dance coming up next Friday at her middle school! (Yikes! I hope he will give her some advice!)
All in all, it will be a time for a girl and her grandpa to spend time together before the days and years get away from them, and she grows up--which will happen way too soon!
And if they can get a bird or two, all the better. But just in case, I'll have some chili waiting here at home!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Hers, Mine, and Ours
Today we want to share our family with you, all of our beautiful , children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them PSALMS 127: 5 (KJV).
When my first son Paul was born I never thought that I would have 28 descendants in my life. My sons Paul, and Preston, Pats daughter Kerry, our daughters Daina, and Rachel, all our children. What a blessing they are to our lives! There are many blessings that the Lord has given to us, but none as precious as our children, and there family's.
As some of you know when children come into our lives things change, new relationships, and many adjustments, more people to pray for. We want all of our children to know what a blessing their family's have been to us. The love that they show to us there aren't words enough. The adventures they take us on exciting, and a growing experience for us. The happiness they bring fulfilling, and rewarding. We just want to say thank you God for letting these precious souls be a part of our lives, and life wouldn't be complete without them.
We love you Dad, and Mom
When my first son Paul was born I never thought that I would have 28 descendants in my life. My sons Paul, and Preston, Pats daughter Kerry, our daughters Daina, and Rachel, all our children. What a blessing they are to our lives! There are many blessings that the Lord has given to us, but none as precious as our children, and there family's.
As some of you know when children come into our lives things change, new relationships, and many adjustments, more people to pray for. We want all of our children to know what a blessing their family's have been to us. The love that they show to us there aren't words enough. The adventures they take us on exciting, and a growing experience for us. The happiness they bring fulfilling, and rewarding. We just want to say thank you God for letting these precious souls be a part of our lives, and life wouldn't be complete without them.
We love you Dad, and Mom
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Forgive us our trespasses.
In the state of South Dakota the execution of a person doesn't happen vary often. We had our first in 5 years this last Monday. I was watching the news cast, and the last words of the convicted person were. I forgive you warden. This has had me thinking about forgiving for the last few days. When a terrible sin is committed how can we forgive? Is it our responsibility to forgive?
There are two parts to this sin, the victims, and the perpetrator. As I was thinking about this sin, murder. It's terrible to take another mans life. I was talking with a friend who's wife committed suicide, self murder. He said "its the most selfish thing she could have ever done, it leaves large scares, unbearable hurt, pain like nothing else". I am sure that the victims in this case are feeling the same as my friend did. Can they forgive the person that committed the sin?
I went to the Bible and read the Lords prayer it says forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. That's a tall order and not easy to do. I read on and it said. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses MATTHEW 6: 14-15 (KJV). For me it started soul searching, asking, God do I have any unforgiveness, in my heart towards anyone?
The news man made the comment now the victims have closure to this tragedy. It's the view of the world. If they have found forgiveness in their hearts, then true closure can happen. Forgiving isn't easy, but so necessary. The price that was paid for my forgiveness, death on the Cross. But He also died for the victims, and the convicted. If we want healing, it always starts with forgiving.
There are two parts to this sin, the victims, and the perpetrator. As I was thinking about this sin, murder. It's terrible to take another mans life. I was talking with a friend who's wife committed suicide, self murder. He said "its the most selfish thing she could have ever done, it leaves large scares, unbearable hurt, pain like nothing else". I am sure that the victims in this case are feeling the same as my friend did. Can they forgive the person that committed the sin?
I went to the Bible and read the Lords prayer it says forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. That's a tall order and not easy to do. I read on and it said. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses MATTHEW 6: 14-15 (KJV). For me it started soul searching, asking, God do I have any unforgiveness, in my heart towards anyone?
The news man made the comment now the victims have closure to this tragedy. It's the view of the world. If they have found forgiveness in their hearts, then true closure can happen. Forgiving isn't easy, but so necessary. The price that was paid for my forgiveness, death on the Cross. But He also died for the victims, and the convicted. If we want healing, it always starts with forgiving.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
All about Chance!
Our dog chance as some of you know is a rescue dog. When we first got him he was very shy, had no confidence, and was scared most of the time. Just like people it took time for him to trust us. Relationships take time. We can't rush them, and we need to adjust. Chance knows what's going on!
The last two mornings while I was having coffee Chance was more affectionate then usual, couldn't get close enough, needed to be petted more, jump up on my lap, he could sense that something was wrong. I was having issues in my life and they affected him. When we have issues in our lives they affect others.
Pat made a statement "it is what it is". How true yet we can't always grasp the thought. I find that the only way to know where I stand is based on this scripture. But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, Faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no Law Galatians 5 22-23 (KJV). When I find myself trying to change the situations I find myself in, it's all about me. When I let the Holy Spirit work, it's all about God. You will notice it says "The Fruit of the Spirit". When we aren't experiencing, love, joy, peace, we should know that we are trying to live by the fruits of self. Vary plane hard to do. Life and life more abundant a promise from God. Life of difficulty results of self.
The next time that Chance is uneasy, maybe someone is trying to tell me something. Just a dog? Or a more sensitive creature that has been given to us. His response to my issues is where this blog came from.
The last two mornings while I was having coffee Chance was more affectionate then usual, couldn't get close enough, needed to be petted more, jump up on my lap, he could sense that something was wrong. I was having issues in my life and they affected him. When we have issues in our lives they affect others.
Pat made a statement "it is what it is". How true yet we can't always grasp the thought. I find that the only way to know where I stand is based on this scripture. But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, Faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no Law Galatians 5 22-23 (KJV). When I find myself trying to change the situations I find myself in, it's all about me. When I let the Holy Spirit work, it's all about God. You will notice it says "The Fruit of the Spirit". When we aren't experiencing, love, joy, peace, we should know that we are trying to live by the fruits of self. Vary plane hard to do. Life and life more abundant a promise from God. Life of difficulty results of self.
The next time that Chance is uneasy, maybe someone is trying to tell me something. Just a dog? Or a more sensitive creature that has been given to us. His response to my issues is where this blog came from.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Who is playing?
The setting for this story. It was the fall of the year in Minneapolis, time for the spring clothing show. I had moved to Minneapolis to work when I was 21. My friend Bob happened to come into the place I worked. He told me why he was in the cities, and asked. "Would you like to go to the clothing show"? It didn't take long to answer my friend. I was excited to go to the event, hors d' oeuvre, conversation, and live entertainment.
We walked into Macy's, went to the 7th floor, and started the evening. As I was looking at the stage I noticed a tuba setting on a chair. Is this the live entertainment? A tuba? A one man band? Don't they know this is the age of rock!
The time had come, and the one man band started. He caught my attention immediately. I had no idea that a tuba could talk. He would make a statement, then say let me show you, and answer with music. It was very entertaining, the time went too quickly. After the man was through, Bob said "that was really good". I agreed it was fantastic.
I liken us to the tuba, instruments of God. Too often we try to play ourselves. We don't make a joyful sound unto the Lord. We just make noise. Today, would you consider with me to let the Lord pick us up and make music? Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the Earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. PSALMS 98:4 (KJV).
Monday, October 15, 2012
How I met their mother
The month of October has special meaning to Pat and Del Bertsch its our anniversary month. Our anniversary is the 23rd. of October. How I met their mother is still the best experience that I ever had.
I was working for my friend Marv in the freight business. He was my sponsor in AA so we had a good relationship. I didn't expect that he would become my father in-law nor did he. I had walked by his desk hundreds of times, saw Pat's picture there, but never payed much attention. One day as I walked past the desk I had a prophetic moment. The Lord said "you and Pat will get married someday." I never thought that was possible! She was married and so was I.
I met the person I was married to while I was in treatment for alcoholism. She continued to pursue drinking, I was trying to stay sober. All the problems of drinking were present in that marriage, and they were getting worse instead of better. I was talking to Marv one day, and decided that divorce was my only option. I asked if I could have a pay advance to start the process. He agreed, still neither of us ever thought that we would have a father son relationship.
After my divorce was final, I went to work one day and Marv asked if I would take a truck and go with Pat to Brookings and pick up her personal belongings. I was taken by surprise. He hadn't mentioned Pat was having problems. I agreed, but first I was to go over to his mothers house and pick her up. He's the boss. I followed his request.
While driving to Brookings I got to know her a little bit. Small talk, likes/dislikes, and what kind of music she like. Just visiting. Her dad called her one day, and asked if she would like to go along to get a load off turkeys. She thought that he was talking about going to Canada. She said no. Sow I said to him let me call her, I explained that we were going about 40 miles from town, she agreed to go along. Our first date, a truck load of turkeys, her father, Pat, and Del.
After we got back to town I offered to cook supper. She agreed. We enjoyed the outing. I liked her and she liked me. I invited her to a AA Christmas party. When her father heard about it, he was not pleased, and I decided not to take her. The next week she started to work for her father. I got to see her every day, we would get a bite to eat and talk. One day after we had been together a short time, I got bold and told her that we would get married.
The odds off us making by our standards slim to none, in Gods standard we couldn't fail. When the Lord spoke to my heart about Pat, he had a very special purpose for us. He always knows the right time and the right person. I thank God every day for our special relationship
I was working for my friend Marv in the freight business. He was my sponsor in AA so we had a good relationship. I didn't expect that he would become my father in-law nor did he. I had walked by his desk hundreds of times, saw Pat's picture there, but never payed much attention. One day as I walked past the desk I had a prophetic moment. The Lord said "you and Pat will get married someday." I never thought that was possible! She was married and so was I.
I met the person I was married to while I was in treatment for alcoholism. She continued to pursue drinking, I was trying to stay sober. All the problems of drinking were present in that marriage, and they were getting worse instead of better. I was talking to Marv one day, and decided that divorce was my only option. I asked if I could have a pay advance to start the process. He agreed, still neither of us ever thought that we would have a father son relationship.
After my divorce was final, I went to work one day and Marv asked if I would take a truck and go with Pat to Brookings and pick up her personal belongings. I was taken by surprise. He hadn't mentioned Pat was having problems. I agreed, but first I was to go over to his mothers house and pick her up. He's the boss. I followed his request.
While driving to Brookings I got to know her a little bit. Small talk, likes/dislikes, and what kind of music she like. Just visiting. Her dad called her one day, and asked if she would like to go along to get a load off turkeys. She thought that he was talking about going to Canada. She said no. Sow I said to him let me call her, I explained that we were going about 40 miles from town, she agreed to go along. Our first date, a truck load of turkeys, her father, Pat, and Del.
After we got back to town I offered to cook supper. She agreed. We enjoyed the outing. I liked her and she liked me. I invited her to a AA Christmas party. When her father heard about it, he was not pleased, and I decided not to take her. The next week she started to work for her father. I got to see her every day, we would get a bite to eat and talk. One day after we had been together a short time, I got bold and told her that we would get married.
The odds off us making by our standards slim to none, in Gods standard we couldn't fail. When the Lord spoke to my heart about Pat, he had a very special purpose for us. He always knows the right time and the right person. I thank God every day for our special relationship
Sunday, October 14, 2012
I am my own worst probem.
The worlds oldest question, who's in control? Is it me? Is it God? These questions I will try to answer in this blog.
We live in a competitive world: sports, finance, religions, and oh, yes, the Church. In our area, there are two NFL teams that have a lot of fans: the Vikings and the Packers. (I won't say which one I prefer.) On Sunday all eyes are glued on the game. It's sad but I watch the other team to see if they will fail. How many times do we see a person from another church in our service, and say wonder whats the matter over there. My wife was told of the failure of another brother. We were sad to hear this and the first thing that came to mind, pray.
Was it gambling, or some other trap that was set by the enemy? It doesn't matter what happened. Another wounded Christian, lost every thing, home, business, respect of the community. A good time to ask, who's in control?
Most would think that I'm talking about the brother. Not so. I'm talking about the only one that I can do something about, myself. Do we as the body of Christ react, or respond, to our wounded? It's so easy to chime in with the one gossiping, and make the wound bigger, reacting. Its not as easy to pray for the wounded; that would be taking the correct action. I have failed often. I know what this brother is feeling: the sleepless nights, the failure to my wife, my family, and associates, my church. Then it got so bad that taking my own life seemed like the best answer. All that and still a Christian? Yes. If I had not had the Lord in these times I would have taken my life. It's sad that we have more compassion for a wounded animal then for another human. Is it because we feel the animal is helpless? When we realize that WE are helpless, it changes our compassion for others.
Sin is something that we live around every day of our lives. It's a presence in this world as sure as air, sun, and all the elements. I hate sin and what it does robs: kills, cheats, and destroys, yet we contend with it continually. We can choose who's in control in our lives, but we can't make the choice for anyone else. And even though we know the right choice is allowing the Lord to control our thoughts, words and actions, that choice will be tested--even by other Christians.
On my Grandparents marriage license was this Scripture: " And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served who were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Ammorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." JOSHUA 24:15(KJV) No matter what the situation there is always a way to serve the Lord.
We live in a competitive world: sports, finance, religions, and oh, yes, the Church. In our area, there are two NFL teams that have a lot of fans: the Vikings and the Packers. (I won't say which one I prefer.) On Sunday all eyes are glued on the game. It's sad but I watch the other team to see if they will fail. How many times do we see a person from another church in our service, and say wonder whats the matter over there. My wife was told of the failure of another brother. We were sad to hear this and the first thing that came to mind, pray.
Was it gambling, or some other trap that was set by the enemy? It doesn't matter what happened. Another wounded Christian, lost every thing, home, business, respect of the community. A good time to ask, who's in control?
Most would think that I'm talking about the brother. Not so. I'm talking about the only one that I can do something about, myself. Do we as the body of Christ react, or respond, to our wounded? It's so easy to chime in with the one gossiping, and make the wound bigger, reacting. Its not as easy to pray for the wounded; that would be taking the correct action. I have failed often. I know what this brother is feeling: the sleepless nights, the failure to my wife, my family, and associates, my church. Then it got so bad that taking my own life seemed like the best answer. All that and still a Christian? Yes. If I had not had the Lord in these times I would have taken my life. It's sad that we have more compassion for a wounded animal then for another human. Is it because we feel the animal is helpless? When we realize that WE are helpless, it changes our compassion for others.
Sin is something that we live around every day of our lives. It's a presence in this world as sure as air, sun, and all the elements. I hate sin and what it does robs: kills, cheats, and destroys, yet we contend with it continually. We can choose who's in control in our lives, but we can't make the choice for anyone else. And even though we know the right choice is allowing the Lord to control our thoughts, words and actions, that choice will be tested--even by other Christians.
On my Grandparents marriage license was this Scripture: " And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served who were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Ammorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." JOSHUA 24:15(KJV) No matter what the situation there is always a way to serve the Lord.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
My grandfather, my heritage
Rev. David W Tschetter, what else is there to say, the name speaks volumes to me. The blog is to short, the history is long. When you see the picture that is posted today it will always be a blog about this couple.
My grandfather was born on October 29,1882 the 12th. child of immigrant parents Paul and Maria Tschetter. D.W and Anna had 7 children my mother was the baby of the family. The first 6 years of my parents married life we lived with grandpa and grandma. That's why he had such a influence on my life. I was his shadow, most of the time he was my daycare center.
The things that I remember most involved his horses Jenny and Mat. They were a team but Mat wasn't a team player. Once when we went to clean up the prairie hay stake remains. Grandpa didn't realize that he had thrown a ant hive onto the wagon. Well as we were going home Mat decided he didn't want to pull his share of the load. Grandpa was angry! He had the remedy! He took the 3 tined pitch fork and applied it to Mats lazy hind quarters. The horse lunged forward, and I fell backward, right into the ant hive mistakenly loaded with the hay. I learned in a few minutes that red ants in a confined area bite. I had ants in my pants. Thankfully we weren't far from home, a cool dip in the stock tank relieved the pain. He planted corn with this team, plant 15 minutes, pray 10 minutes. This is how most of the day went. He stopped the planting, knelt down on the ground and prayed. I often wonder how many times it was for me.
This is a good place to tell a grandma story. I was having a eye issue, pink, swollen, and mattering. My great grandpa Glanzer was a make believe doctor, she must have learned from him. The cure all that she prescribed rubbing alcohol! If you can imagine how rubbing alcohol feels in your eyes, the ants were a walk in the park
Three things that are outstanding in my mind about my grandparents, they were a team, they worked together, they read the word, they prayed. They were a real team. I was blessed to have there influence in my life. When my grandpa passed there were close to 700 people at his funeral he had a influence on many. Just a few of many memories and when the Lord shows me another and the influence it had on my life I'll share with you.
My grandfather was born on October 29,1882 the 12th. child of immigrant parents Paul and Maria Tschetter. D.W and Anna had 7 children my mother was the baby of the family. The first 6 years of my parents married life we lived with grandpa and grandma. That's why he had such a influence on my life. I was his shadow, most of the time he was my daycare center.
The things that I remember most involved his horses Jenny and Mat. They were a team but Mat wasn't a team player. Once when we went to clean up the prairie hay stake remains. Grandpa didn't realize that he had thrown a ant hive onto the wagon. Well as we were going home Mat decided he didn't want to pull his share of the load. Grandpa was angry! He had the remedy! He took the 3 tined pitch fork and applied it to Mats lazy hind quarters. The horse lunged forward, and I fell backward, right into the ant hive mistakenly loaded with the hay. I learned in a few minutes that red ants in a confined area bite. I had ants in my pants. Thankfully we weren't far from home, a cool dip in the stock tank relieved the pain. He planted corn with this team, plant 15 minutes, pray 10 minutes. This is how most of the day went. He stopped the planting, knelt down on the ground and prayed. I often wonder how many times it was for me.
This is a good place to tell a grandma story. I was having a eye issue, pink, swollen, and mattering. My great grandpa Glanzer was a make believe doctor, she must have learned from him. The cure all that she prescribed rubbing alcohol! If you can imagine how rubbing alcohol feels in your eyes, the ants were a walk in the park
Three things that are outstanding in my mind about my grandparents, they were a team, they worked together, they read the word, they prayed. They were a real team. I was blessed to have there influence in my life. When my grandpa passed there were close to 700 people at his funeral he had a influence on many. Just a few of many memories and when the Lord shows me another and the influence it had on my life I'll share with you.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Happy birthday, Emma Patricia! or How is a Baby like a Tree?
How quickly a mother's heart can go from emotion to emotion! Mine went from shock "Oh, no! My daughter is pregnant out of wedlock! What will people think?" to awe "I'm going to have a grandchild and I am happy, no matter what!" Yes, that is exactly how it went for me when Daina and Chris announced that she was pregnant. It didn't take me long to get on the pregnancy bandwagon, so to speak. How eagerly we prepared. I started a quilt to welcome the new member of our family.
Del and I went to Sioux Falls to a dental appointment--it was November 11, Rachel's birthday. When we got home, we found a note on the door that told us to come to the hospital right away.
We went inside the house and found a knife, and blood on the floor. At the hospital, we learned that Daina had suffered a miscarriage, alone at our house, while she was baking a birthday cake for her sister. She was 20 weeks along, and the baby was a perfectly formed baby girl, whom they named Elisabeth Lee.
It's funny how a young woman who has never thought much about having a baby, after losing one, can't think of anything else but having a baby. A few months later, Daina was pregnant again. We were cautiously optimistic. The doctor performed a cerclage for her incompetent cervix. We waited.
This time an infection caused a miscarriage, again at about 20 weeks. This time we were present to see the baby girl being born, and trying to draw one breath, and die. The doctor took water, and baptized our granddaughter. We were thankful for this acknowledgement, on the part of the doctor, of this tiny one's life. Rachel wrapped the baby up and held her for a long time. This baby was Erin Lynne. She lies in the infant cemetery, near her sister, but she waits in heaven for us.
I won't lie--I struggled against God; I guess we all did. I remember thinking that God was big and could handle my being mad at him, that our relationship was strong enough to handle it, and that someday that would change.
The next couple years brought many changes within our family. Our daughter, Kerry, got married and gave birth to my first biological grandchild, Kaylee. Rachel met the man she was to marry. Daina and Chris got married, and planned to have a child. But first, Daina needed to have surgery to put in an internal cerclage.
It was April Fools day, 2000, when Daina called and told me she was pregnant. First, I thought it was a joke! I was really upset and fearful. Del and I prayed together that Daina's doctor would send her to a specialist. Our prayers were answered when she was sent to Sioux Falls to Dr. Watson, a very experienced perinatoligist. Still, I kept telling Daina, don't get your hopes up. One day on the way home from church, Del stuttered around a bit, then said, "The Lord has said I should tell you that this child Daina is carrying will come to be." He was really putting himself out there to prophesy to a grandma who had lost 2 precious grandchildren!
When Daina was 13 weeks along, she went to Sioux Falls, where Dr. Watson performed the surgery : he lifted her uterus out and sewed it permanently shut, and put it back.
Then came the wait. I was trying not to be excited, but once she passed the 25 week mark, I couldn't help myself! Daina said one day, "Can I get my hopes up now, Mom?" I wish I could say I answered something spiritual, like "The Lord has spoken concerning this baby.", but I wasn't there yet. It was a rocky road, let me tell you! The pregnancy was fraught with all kinds of problems: Rh factor; positive for strep B; fibroid tumors in her uterus, which weighed over 4 lbs, when they were later removed. She was supposed to be on bed rest, when there was a fire at the fuel storage tank place next to their trailer part--she was home alone and had to evacuate by walking about three blocks out because they wouldn't let us drive in to get her! Then she was diagnosed with preeclampsia, which after a few weeks, resulted in Emma's premature delivery on Oct. 11, 2000! What a happy day that was! And I got to be there in the room when she was delivered by c-section, weighing 3#6oz.
So, this brings me to my two titles of this blog:
How is a baby like a tree? The bible says, "A hope deferred maketh the heart sick; a hope fulfilled is
a tree of life." Prov. 13:12
Finally, happy birthday, dear Emma! We love you!
Del and I went to Sioux Falls to a dental appointment--it was November 11, Rachel's birthday. When we got home, we found a note on the door that told us to come to the hospital right away.
We went inside the house and found a knife, and blood on the floor. At the hospital, we learned that Daina had suffered a miscarriage, alone at our house, while she was baking a birthday cake for her sister. She was 20 weeks along, and the baby was a perfectly formed baby girl, whom they named Elisabeth Lee.
It's funny how a young woman who has never thought much about having a baby, after losing one, can't think of anything else but having a baby. A few months later, Daina was pregnant again. We were cautiously optimistic. The doctor performed a cerclage for her incompetent cervix. We waited.
This time an infection caused a miscarriage, again at about 20 weeks. This time we were present to see the baby girl being born, and trying to draw one breath, and die. The doctor took water, and baptized our granddaughter. We were thankful for this acknowledgement, on the part of the doctor, of this tiny one's life. Rachel wrapped the baby up and held her for a long time. This baby was Erin Lynne. She lies in the infant cemetery, near her sister, but she waits in heaven for us.
I won't lie--I struggled against God; I guess we all did. I remember thinking that God was big and could handle my being mad at him, that our relationship was strong enough to handle it, and that someday that would change.
The next couple years brought many changes within our family. Our daughter, Kerry, got married and gave birth to my first biological grandchild, Kaylee. Rachel met the man she was to marry. Daina and Chris got married, and planned to have a child. But first, Daina needed to have surgery to put in an internal cerclage.
It was April Fools day, 2000, when Daina called and told me she was pregnant. First, I thought it was a joke! I was really upset and fearful. Del and I prayed together that Daina's doctor would send her to a specialist. Our prayers were answered when she was sent to Sioux Falls to Dr. Watson, a very experienced perinatoligist. Still, I kept telling Daina, don't get your hopes up. One day on the way home from church, Del stuttered around a bit, then said, "The Lord has said I should tell you that this child Daina is carrying will come to be." He was really putting himself out there to prophesy to a grandma who had lost 2 precious grandchildren!
When Daina was 13 weeks along, she went to Sioux Falls, where Dr. Watson performed the surgery : he lifted her uterus out and sewed it permanently shut, and put it back.
Then came the wait. I was trying not to be excited, but once she passed the 25 week mark, I couldn't help myself! Daina said one day, "Can I get my hopes up now, Mom?" I wish I could say I answered something spiritual, like "The Lord has spoken concerning this baby.", but I wasn't there yet. It was a rocky road, let me tell you! The pregnancy was fraught with all kinds of problems: Rh factor; positive for strep B; fibroid tumors in her uterus, which weighed over 4 lbs, when they were later removed. She was supposed to be on bed rest, when there was a fire at the fuel storage tank place next to their trailer part--she was home alone and had to evacuate by walking about three blocks out because they wouldn't let us drive in to get her! Then she was diagnosed with preeclampsia, which after a few weeks, resulted in Emma's premature delivery on Oct. 11, 2000! What a happy day that was! And I got to be there in the room when she was delivered by c-section, weighing 3#6oz.
So, this brings me to my two titles of this blog:
How is a baby like a tree? The bible says, "A hope deferred maketh the heart sick; a hope fulfilled is
a tree of life." Prov. 13:12
Finally, happy birthday, dear Emma! We love you!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Sea of my life.
Early in the morning, and I awoke to a calm sea. I heard a knock at my door. Captain should we raise the sails? No not today, raise the anchor and let her drift.
Was I the best Captain of my ship? Many times as a young man I awoke and let my ship drift. I took no thought about what God wanted for me that day. How many times still do we let our ship drift?
When you take into consideration that PSALMS is the longest book in the Bible, worship must be very important to God. When King Saul was troubled he would call upon David to play his harp. When I am troubled I listen to music that calms my soul, edifies my heart, and clears my mind. Hymns are sermons put to music. God blesses us through songs like How Great Thou Art , Blessed Assurance, and The Old Rugged Cross. These are a few hymns that really minister to me. What joy and comfort they bring to me. I'm listening to I Want To Stroll Over Heaven a hymn that talks about our great reward. This ministers to me so much I want to share the words with you.
If I surveyed all the good things that come to me from above
If I count all the blessings from the storehouse of love
I'd simply ask for a favor of him beyond mortal king and
I'm sure he'd that he'd grant it again
So many places of beauty we long to see here below
The time and treasures have kept us from making plans as you know
But come the morning of the rapture together we'll stand anew
While I stroll over heaven with you
Chorus:
I want stroll over heaven with you some glad day
When all our troubles and heartaches are vanished away
Then we'll enjoy the beauty where all things are new
I want to stroll over heaven with you
These words are fuel to my ship, they give direction to a place I long to be, and comfort me where I am. I pray they do the same for you .
Was I the best Captain of my ship? Many times as a young man I awoke and let my ship drift. I took no thought about what God wanted for me that day. How many times still do we let our ship drift?
"Early in the morning, before the sun is up, I was praying and pointing out how much I trust in you." (Psalm 119:147 Living Bible) Every morning as I drink my coffee, I spend time worshiping the Lord. I listen to one of my hymn CD's. It is a comfort, my fuel, and direction for the day. To me it is the most important time of the day. Fuel in the tank! Hands on the wheel! Ready to go! As I write this blog I want convey that thought to you. How are you fueling your tank? Are your hands on the wheel? Are you ready for the day?
When you take into consideration that PSALMS is the longest book in the Bible, worship must be very important to God. When King Saul was troubled he would call upon David to play his harp. When I am troubled I listen to music that calms my soul, edifies my heart, and clears my mind. Hymns are sermons put to music. God blesses us through songs like How Great Thou Art , Blessed Assurance, and The Old Rugged Cross. These are a few hymns that really minister to me. What joy and comfort they bring to me. I'm listening to I Want To Stroll Over Heaven a hymn that talks about our great reward. This ministers to me so much I want to share the words with you.
If I surveyed all the good things that come to me from above
If I count all the blessings from the storehouse of love
I'd simply ask for a favor of him beyond mortal king and
I'm sure he'd that he'd grant it again
So many places of beauty we long to see here below
The time and treasures have kept us from making plans as you know
But come the morning of the rapture together we'll stand anew
While I stroll over heaven with you
Chorus:
I want stroll over heaven with you some glad day
When all our troubles and heartaches are vanished away
Then we'll enjoy the beauty where all things are new
I want to stroll over heaven with you
These words are fuel to my ship, they give direction to a place I long to be, and comfort me where I am. I pray they do the same for you .
Monday, October 8, 2012
Who started the fire?
I remember a message that asked a question, who started the fire? As the message started and points were made, I thought: that's just life. Ups, and downs, and everybody goes through them. Then the question was asked, who starts them? Satan was his answer. The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. JOHN 10:10(KJV).
I like the illustration that is given in JOB. Life was going along well for Job. he had kid problems, to much party time. Job sacrificed for his children, but everything else was well, he was the greatest man of the east.
One day God called all of the angels (righteous and fallen) together for a meeting (JOB 1: 6-12). And asked Satan, what have you been up to? God knew. Satan replied, " Going to and fro, and up and down the Earth." God knew that he was doing: destroying what ever he could. God asked Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job?" Satan replied, "He only serves you because You have given him much."
God gave permission to Satan that he could do anything to Job but kill him. Satan did a great job of setting fires in Jobs life! He killed his children, and his livestock; burned his house, destroyed everything. Still Job served God. God called a second meeting of the angels and asked Satan the same questions: " Where have you been? What have you been doing?" Same reply as before. God then said have you considered Job? Satan replied " skin for skin" if his life is in the balance he will deny You. God said you can do whatever you want, but you can't take his life. We know the story: Job suffered much; his entire body was covered in boils! His wife and friends told him he would be better off to curse God and die. It sounds like a forest fire in Job's life to me.
At the end of the story, we find that God blessed Job with more then he had before all of the trials that he went through. Did he believe that his trials would produce wealth? No! He knew that in all his ways if he kept his Faith in God, that God would direct his paths. It's the same now as it was then; tests come. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths PROVERBS 3: 5-6 (KJV)
I like the illustration that is given in JOB. Life was going along well for Job. he had kid problems, to much party time. Job sacrificed for his children, but everything else was well, he was the greatest man of the east.
One day God called all of the angels (righteous and fallen) together for a meeting (JOB 1: 6-12). And asked Satan, what have you been up to? God knew. Satan replied, " Going to and fro, and up and down the Earth." God knew that he was doing: destroying what ever he could. God asked Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job?" Satan replied, "He only serves you because You have given him much."
God gave permission to Satan that he could do anything to Job but kill him. Satan did a great job of setting fires in Jobs life! He killed his children, and his livestock; burned his house, destroyed everything. Still Job served God. God called a second meeting of the angels and asked Satan the same questions: " Where have you been? What have you been doing?" Same reply as before. God then said have you considered Job? Satan replied " skin for skin" if his life is in the balance he will deny You. God said you can do whatever you want, but you can't take his life. We know the story: Job suffered much; his entire body was covered in boils! His wife and friends told him he would be better off to curse God and die. It sounds like a forest fire in Job's life to me.
At the end of the story, we find that God blessed Job with more then he had before all of the trials that he went through. Did he believe that his trials would produce wealth? No! He knew that in all his ways if he kept his Faith in God, that God would direct his paths. It's the same now as it was then; tests come. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths PROVERBS 3: 5-6 (KJV)
The word became flesh
And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us John 1:14 (kJV). In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. John 1:1 (KJV)
Two texts of scripture that caught my attention! The question that came to mind was. How did the scripture come to pass ?The Bible was all known before the earth was created. The Word was with God in the place called eternity. It took about 1600 years for it to be written; it's the only book of truth, yet it was completed, canonized, and given to us. I believe that as the spirit talks to us is the same way scripture was given to men inspired by God. I don't know how long it took to write a book in the Bible but I know how God works in me. A simple truth, revelation, scripture revealed, that applies to the situation and believing that the Spirit is revealing it to you.
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, and there a little. ISAIAH 28:10(KJV).
God wants to talk to you today and use you for his Kingdom. What precept,or line is he revealing to you? Because we live in a busy world, we want to count for God whenever we can. Our thoughts need to move from our minds to our hearts and when the Lord says to share, share the thought. Help us grow his Kingdom.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Rejoice
This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it PSALMS 118:24(KJV)
as I am preparing to go to my house of worship, the question. What will I take from this service? The scripture came to mind. It is more blessed to give then to receive ACTS 20:35 (KJV).
Everything that has been done in the universe, has been done for the church. Today remember as we the body of Christ come together, to worship, and praise, Him. He did it all for you, and me. And He deserves all that is in us, to worship, and praise Him. Go with a attitude of giving unto the LORD in praise, and be blessed.
as I am preparing to go to my house of worship, the question. What will I take from this service? The scripture came to mind. It is more blessed to give then to receive ACTS 20:35 (KJV).
Everything that has been done in the universe, has been done for the church. Today remember as we the body of Christ come together, to worship, and praise, Him. He did it all for you, and me. And He deserves all that is in us, to worship, and praise Him. Go with a attitude of giving unto the LORD in praise, and be blessed.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
What's in your name?
My name was called Delmar! His name was called Immanuel! My name is of Spanish decent, and it means of the sea, Mariner. His name means, God with us.
What does my name have to do with who I am, and how I function? I have a mind when a thought comes to it within seconds it has traveled around the world. Sort of like a drunk sailor! Yet many times it gives direction to people, like the captain of the ship.
My mother named me Delmar because of a friend she had in high school, he was a paraplegic young man, and the witness of his life had a impact on her that she wanted to name me after him.
With all of his handicaps he was always happy, lived a full life, and farmed the family farm. I saw him at the state fair one year and mentioned that I was named after him, and he was pleased that my mother would do that in honor of him.
I lived my life fast and furious, and with little control, My life style cased many problems for me, and others. Some of the problems I'll save for another time.
The one that has been on my heart this morning. My wondering eyes! In II SAMUEL 11: 1-4 is the account of King David and Bath-sheba. Davids army was out fighting a war, and David stayed in Jerusalem. First mistake, wrong place! In verse 2 and from the roof he saw, second mistake. His eyes cost him more then he would have ever thought, it caused him to commit murder. He was a man after Gods own heart! Sin will always take you farther then you want to go. I use the story of David because I've found myself in these situations, looking at the wrong thing at the wrong time, haven't we all. What we see is what we get, this has been true from the beginning. Satin said to Eve if you eat of this tree, Eve added not only eat, but if we even LOOK at it, she added to Gods commandment, actually told the first lie, we know the end result. Lord help us today to be careful what we see. Amen
What does my name have to do with who I am, and how I function? I have a mind when a thought comes to it within seconds it has traveled around the world. Sort of like a drunk sailor! Yet many times it gives direction to people, like the captain of the ship.
My mother named me Delmar because of a friend she had in high school, he was a paraplegic young man, and the witness of his life had a impact on her that she wanted to name me after him.
With all of his handicaps he was always happy, lived a full life, and farmed the family farm. I saw him at the state fair one year and mentioned that I was named after him, and he was pleased that my mother would do that in honor of him.
I lived my life fast and furious, and with little control, My life style cased many problems for me, and others. Some of the problems I'll save for another time.
The one that has been on my heart this morning. My wondering eyes! In II SAMUEL 11: 1-4 is the account of King David and Bath-sheba. Davids army was out fighting a war, and David stayed in Jerusalem. First mistake, wrong place! In verse 2 and from the roof he saw, second mistake. His eyes cost him more then he would have ever thought, it caused him to commit murder. He was a man after Gods own heart! Sin will always take you farther then you want to go. I use the story of David because I've found myself in these situations, looking at the wrong thing at the wrong time, haven't we all. What we see is what we get, this has been true from the beginning. Satin said to Eve if you eat of this tree, Eve added not only eat, but if we even LOOK at it, she added to Gods commandment, actually told the first lie, we know the end result. Lord help us today to be careful what we see. Amen
Friday, October 5, 2012
What's in a day?
Oct. 3-5, 2012 with a lot of problems for people that we know and have had some lifetime experiences with.
Pat went to work on the 3erd. and it was a day that reality set in at the work place, men from the home office showed up unexpectedly and a man she worked with for 20+ years was terminated, joined the ranks of the unemployed. I had a experience with this individual when I worked with him 33 years ago. I received a call from his neighbor that his house just blew up, and his wife and 1 year old daughter were on their way to the hospital. I went to the hospital with him and waited for them to arrive, a more serious incident, both painful. As we were talking about him we prayed God help him he has had a lot of tragedy in his life.
Today I was going to pick up our granddaughter, as I came up a small hill I could see that something was wrong. When I got closer I could see a car that had been hit by a tractor trailer truck, a woman and two children sitting in the ditch, wrapped in blankets and a body laying on the highway. And again I prayed and called Pat and we prayed .
As I write this blog I have no idea what some of you are going through, what has and is going on in your lives. We don't know you, but we do pray for you, that whatever situations your in that God help you, and that He would reveal Himself to you in a fresh way.
We as his servants are learning many things about our God through writing this blog. It has enriched our walk with the Lord, a blessing like we haven't experienced before. I am so thankful for each and every person that have visited our pages. And am encouraged by each and everyone of you. Because if the Lord is ministering to us, He is surely ministering to some of you.
One family we knew, the other we didn't. But the Lord gave us compassion for both of them. Just as we don't know our blog family we still have love in our hearts for each and everyone of you. By this shall all men know that you are My Disciples, if you have love one for another JOHN 13:35(KJV)
Cousin's Weekend at Last!
I am blessed by the women of my family! And every October just us girls get together for what we call "Cousin's Weekend." We gather somewhere away from home to just spend time together, talk, laugh, eat, play, and generally reconnect.
Our cousin, Sharon Larsen, was the instigator of this gathering--oh, back in about l997 or so. We met at a resort at Green Lake, near Willmar, MN, that first year. The five us, whom I refer to as the Senior cousins, Sharon, Michele, my sister Barb, my sister-in-law Linda, and I began a tradition that we look forward to each year.
Sadly, in 2000, while visiting her daughter in Hawaii, Sharon suffered a heart attack and passed away. We miss her at each gathering--she was the fireplug of the group, always ready with stories and advice and stuff to do! But we went on with our gatherings each year, knowing Sharon would chew us out royally if we didn't!
A few years ago, we expanded it to include our daughters, then granddaughters. This, of course, has changed the dynamic of the gathering, but in a good way, mostly. Our games are more hilarious and somewhat dangerous....Last year we met in the Twin Cities and played a game (for which I take complete credit) where we each wrote 5 cards, each with a fact about ourselves that not everybody would know. Then we had to guess who each card was written by. And there were prizes. It was quite an eye-opening experience for all of us, let me say!!!Lots of fun and good memories! And nobody was injured! Then there is the Heins family's notorious "Dice Game"--which is why I used the word dangerous. Each person supplies a whole bunch of small prizes, in wrapping paper. The zillion little packages are piled in a ginormous pile in the middle. We all sit in a circle, and pass around a pie pan containing 5 dice. Each person shakes, and if she gets doubles, she can choose a prize. That's the easy part. The hazardous part begins during the speed round: after all the prizes are distributed, we compete for the chance to take the ones we want from the ones who have them. Believe me, I don't understand how those girls survived being raised in a family of six. Just sayin'...
In between the games, there is food, shopping, snacks, swimming, treats, and lots of talking and laughing.
This year is a little different because Linda, one of the senior members, had knee replacement surgery and won't be there for the very first time. We will miss you, Linda!! And Michele also will be missing this year because of a wedding in her family. So we will miss you, too, Michele!! Don't even think about not being there next year!
But we will have Emma, who has been counting the years til she's old enough, and Grace, and Kelsey all there for the first time. We will have Mary Lou and Marisa from Seattle. We will have Angie, who is the fiancee of my nephew Carl. (She will probably want to break her engagement after this weekend:) ) So, Cousin's Weekend continues in an ever-changing form, which new faces and new fun!
We will all gather tomorrow night at the Moose Lodge to celebrate my dad's 95th birthday with lots of fun and dancing!
So, I gotta go and get my bag packed. Bet you wish you could go!
Our cousin, Sharon Larsen, was the instigator of this gathering--oh, back in about l997 or so. We met at a resort at Green Lake, near Willmar, MN, that first year. The five us, whom I refer to as the Senior cousins, Sharon, Michele, my sister Barb, my sister-in-law Linda, and I began a tradition that we look forward to each year.
Sadly, in 2000, while visiting her daughter in Hawaii, Sharon suffered a heart attack and passed away. We miss her at each gathering--she was the fireplug of the group, always ready with stories and advice and stuff to do! But we went on with our gatherings each year, knowing Sharon would chew us out royally if we didn't!
A few years ago, we expanded it to include our daughters, then granddaughters. This, of course, has changed the dynamic of the gathering, but in a good way, mostly. Our games are more hilarious and somewhat dangerous....Last year we met in the Twin Cities and played a game (for which I take complete credit) where we each wrote 5 cards, each with a fact about ourselves that not everybody would know. Then we had to guess who each card was written by. And there were prizes. It was quite an eye-opening experience for all of us, let me say!!!Lots of fun and good memories! And nobody was injured! Then there is the Heins family's notorious "Dice Game"--which is why I used the word dangerous. Each person supplies a whole bunch of small prizes, in wrapping paper. The zillion little packages are piled in a ginormous pile in the middle. We all sit in a circle, and pass around a pie pan containing 5 dice. Each person shakes, and if she gets doubles, she can choose a prize. That's the easy part. The hazardous part begins during the speed round: after all the prizes are distributed, we compete for the chance to take the ones we want from the ones who have them. Believe me, I don't understand how those girls survived being raised in a family of six. Just sayin'...
In between the games, there is food, shopping, snacks, swimming, treats, and lots of talking and laughing.
This year is a little different because Linda, one of the senior members, had knee replacement surgery and won't be there for the very first time. We will miss you, Linda!! And Michele also will be missing this year because of a wedding in her family. So we will miss you, too, Michele!! Don't even think about not being there next year!
But we will have Emma, who has been counting the years til she's old enough, and Grace, and Kelsey all there for the first time. We will have Mary Lou and Marisa from Seattle. We will have Angie, who is the fiancee of my nephew Carl. (She will probably want to break her engagement after this weekend:) ) So, Cousin's Weekend continues in an ever-changing form, which new faces and new fun!
We will all gather tomorrow night at the Moose Lodge to celebrate my dad's 95th birthday with lots of fun and dancing!
So, I gotta go and get my bag packed. Bet you wish you could go!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Who is the true Church?
This is a question that is vitally important. When we think about this, many answers come to mind. Once my pastor asked me, "what do you see as the main problem of the church?" They don't understand who they are in Christ. It was a quick reply that I didn't understand, so I thought about it. They don't understand? Do I understand? I was taught that when I believed Jesus to be the savior of my soul, that we became one, me in Him, Him in me, one. I knew that it was the truth. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh EPHESIANS 5:31(KJV).
First, the church is referred to as the Bride of Christ. We become one, yet are still individuals. This is covenant, not contractual, big difference. Covenant are vow's that are made in the presence of God, contracts are made between two people, when a contract is complete both parties can walk away, not so with a covenant, it lasts till one or the other party dies.
We have everlasting covenant with Jesus., He is alive. We also are eternal beingsand we get to choose where we will spend eternity. We who believe, with God, those who don't believe ,in hell.(so blunt, but it is the truth,and the truth can set you free.
And this is the Will of Him Who sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have Everlasting Life: and I will raise Him up at the last day. JOHN 6:40 (KJV). How do we become the church? That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.ROMANS 10:9(KJV). This is the wedding ceremony, how we become the Church. We who believe don't conceive how simple it is, and how great the reward, covenant with the Great I Am, Who Was, Who Is, and WHO Shall Ever Be.
When the true church starts to let this go to the heart, it changes our perspective. What we really are a part of, married to Jesus the son of God, wanting His will in our lives, sharing the Gospel with others: when you become the Bride of Christ, one with him, this is the Church.
We are also a part of the body of believers also the church. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is: but exhorting one another: (in the Faith) HEBREWS 10:25 (KJV) The Faith is what we believe, and what makes us the church, individually, and corporately. A service could go this way: "I want to testify Jesus died so I can have everlasting life",
" I want to testify my sins are forgiven", " I want to testify God raised Him from the dead"., The list could go on a long time because the true church are saved individuals, living, in real communities, telling others about the only Living God!
So the next time you go to your house of worship, remember I am the BRIDE OF CHRIST, I am who He Died for, I have covenant relationship with Him, I know who I am in Christ. AWESOME!!!!!
First, the church is referred to as the Bride of Christ. We become one, yet are still individuals. This is covenant, not contractual, big difference. Covenant are vow's that are made in the presence of God, contracts are made between two people, when a contract is complete both parties can walk away, not so with a covenant, it lasts till one or the other party dies.
We have everlasting covenant with Jesus., He is alive. We also are eternal beingsand we get to choose where we will spend eternity. We who believe, with God, those who don't believe ,in hell.(so blunt, but it is the truth,and the truth can set you free.
And this is the Will of Him Who sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have Everlasting Life: and I will raise Him up at the last day. JOHN 6:40 (KJV). How do we become the church? That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.ROMANS 10:9(KJV). This is the wedding ceremony, how we become the Church. We who believe don't conceive how simple it is, and how great the reward, covenant with the Great I Am, Who Was, Who Is, and WHO Shall Ever Be.
When the true church starts to let this go to the heart, it changes our perspective. What we really are a part of, married to Jesus the son of God, wanting His will in our lives, sharing the Gospel with others: when you become the Bride of Christ, one with him, this is the Church.
We are also a part of the body of believers also the church. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is: but exhorting one another: (in the Faith) HEBREWS 10:25 (KJV) The Faith is what we believe, and what makes us the church, individually, and corporately. A service could go this way: "I want to testify Jesus died so I can have everlasting life",
" I want to testify my sins are forgiven", " I want to testify God raised Him from the dead"., The list could go on a long time because the true church are saved individuals, living, in real communities, telling others about the only Living God!
So the next time you go to your house of worship, remember I am the BRIDE OF CHRIST, I am who He Died for, I have covenant relationship with Him, I know who I am in Christ. AWESOME!!!!!
Monday, October 1, 2012
A Day to Celebrate!
We are so happy and blessed to be able to celebrate the 95th birthday of my dad, Marvin Millard Barkley. Let me tell you a little about him...
Dad grew up in Watertown as the only child of Millard and Anna Barkley. He lived through the Great Depression, but doesn't remember it as hardship. He says his dad was able to support his family fairly well, hauling ice, eggs, and whatever people needed. He grew up and graduated from high school, and, even though his dad wanted to send him to college, Dad didn't go. (where have I heard that before?) He attended business school instead. He worked for Swift and Co. before being drafted into WWII. He ended up serving with the 37th Signal Corps., a National Guard unit out of Watertown. His unit was responsible for laying wire and maintaining radios ahead of the advancing troops. Dad was a warrant officer. The 37th served in Italy and North Africa for 38 months. Dad earned a Bronze star for his service.
When he finally came home, he brought a ring for my mother, Mary Lou. And he became a step-father for my sister, Barbara, who was l2 at the time.
Back at Swifts, he was transferred to Fresno, CA, where they lived for a while until his dad asked him to come home and help with the family business, Barkley Truck Lines. He left Fresno with mixed emotions. Then, suddenly, in 1947, his dad died--so Dad stayed on in South Dakota.
Then in 1955 came the terrible car accident that took the life of his wife, and my mom, Mary Louise Barkley. Dark days followed. Dad was left to run the trucking business, and raise two children. He did the best he could, but found himself relying more and more on alcohol. He remarried, but it
Dad worked for many years until selling the business and eventually moving to Sioux Falls, where he met Irene. They have been together, happily for many years. They spend many hours on the dance floor! Truly, they are blessings to one another!
I have only hit upon a few highlights of 95 years well-lived.
If you could meet my dad, you would find a kind man, with a good sense of humor; a man with many long-time friends; a man who met many challenges in his lifetime. He is an honorable man, a man of his word. He is a gentleman, with the manners of his generation. He loves the music of big bands from the 40's, swapping stories with his friends over a cup of coffee, reminiscing with family, but the really important things he holds close to his heart.
Happy birthday, Daddy!
I love you!
wasn't a happy marriage. Then after several years, by the grace of God, Dad was able to get sober through the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. He was active in AA for many years, and has helped numerous men and women find sobriety, by turning their problems over to God. He would literally put his money where his mouth was, by hiring recovering alcoholics. He was chosen Boss of the Year because of that! He even served as the state representative at the national AA convention for two years.
I have only hit upon a few highlights of 95 years well-lived.
If you could meet my dad, you would find a kind man, with a good sense of humor; a man with many long-time friends; a man who met many challenges in his lifetime. He is an honorable man, a man of his word. He is a gentleman, with the manners of his generation. He loves the music of big bands from the 40's, swapping stories with his friends over a cup of coffee, reminiscing with family, but the really important things he holds close to his heart.
Happy birthday, Daddy!
I love you!
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