Southern Body in a Norther Climate 8<(

A glance to the right reveals a climate I prefer.  This body has reeled every winter at the thought of spending days in a climate where I shiver at the thought of emerging from my nice warm bed first of all, then my nice warm house.

So many clothes to wear just to check the mail, after, I shovel the driveway.  (At least I work up a sweat that way.)  What 's a guy to do to get his family to ALL move to a warmer state?

I am warmed by the thought of all my grandchildren who will greet me with smiles that melt the heart of the most frigid personality.  How can I be so focused on my own chill bumps of the cold weather, when I have the opportunity to have chill bumps over such a blessing of arms wrapped around my legs (as I drag them down the hallway) and kisses of (whatever they ate last) on my cheek.

Guess it's a price I've been willing to pay, only, .. can I just not let them grow up?  Do I have to return to my warm house and warm bed, without knowing I will again enjoy the warmth of my children and grandchildren?  Not gonna happen as long as I can get out of the driveway!

Here's a scene that is beautiful to the eyes, and hard on this southern body, but I am reminded to rejoice in the Lord always, and again .. (Paul had to rub it in) .. I say rejoice!  So with the thought in mind that someday, not far away, I will get to shed the Carharts and long johns and find again the warmth that this southern body longs for, I will stay here in cold Ohio.

And, Spring is only a couple months away now.  I can almost here the Crocus, tulips, and daffodils squirming underneath the ground, trying to ready themselves to pop out for all to see and enjoy.

Today, I will not quit.  Today I will have a cookie.   Today I will put my trust in the God of all the climates, remembering each time I see a rainbow, He is still faithful to His Word.  Because He lives, I can face tomorrow and live today in joy!

He is my Rock, my Strength!  If you know Him, then trust Him with me.  If you don't know (a term of intimacy and endearment), then you can, just by asking Him to fill you with His gift of Life.  Why not accept Him today, fully, completely, giving Him your all, not just parts.  Then you too can rejoice!

It's Today And What's Ahead That Counts!

Whew, where did the time go? A year certainly I can say I'm glad is behind me, but I believe it's valuable to re-view and remember in order, first to give thanks, then to realize we are called to go forward, not dwelling on present or past difficulties, or perceived failures.


When we truly believe that "the steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord" then, can we actually say we failed, .. or was it a time of testing our metal (faith)? I can say I would like to have realized a better outcome in a particular area of challenge, but today, I am at peace with where I believe God has me.

Take stock of last year only to improve this year and allow God to renovate what might have been damaged or even destroyed. Some things need to die, but often we are just in need of a renewed vision to propel us forward to something better, and God is a restorer! "The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus came that we may have life and that more abundantly (quantity and quality)" John 10:10. We, by choices, can invite what God has for us, by obedience to what His Word says. We cannot say as Bing Crosby says, "I did it my way". It has to be God's way, the truth and the life (by Jesus Christ) to reach agreement .. repentance, "by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God ..". We cannot earn it by doing all the good things on earth.

Ask Him today if you are in right relationship, then listen for that voice of the Holy Spirit that will let you know, if something is standing between you and God, and if you're willing to repent of that, you will find yourself with a sense of His peace, knowing you are either ready or knowing what it is you need, to be ready.  Cast your cares on Him, because He cares for you.

Prayer is simply talking to God. Faith is simply believing God. Believing God means you're willing to agree with Him and do what He says. Forgiveness from God is simple, as simple as being offered a cookie and you accept it. Forgiveness of God then means you have the power and choice to forgive others. Without forgiving others we do not receive forgiveness from God (He said that, I didn't), but then comes the peace of God that defies understanding, and His joy follows.

We have a new day and new days to look forward to!

David Wilkerson

On Thursday, April 27th, 2011, a "general" in the faith went home to be with the Lord suddenly due to a car accident in Texas.  He was 79 years of age and was a faithful servant of God, preaching the gospel of Christ's salvation offered to us by His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to heaven, soon to return.

Author of the Cross and the Switchblade, he went to New York to preach the gospel in the streets to young men of gangs and drugs, and all that went with the lifestyle of boys and young men considered too hard for society, often incarcerated for the crimes committed due to gang life.

Not much is being said by the mainstream media, but throughout many Christian circles, he is very respected and will be greatly missed.  His legacy of faithfulness to the true Gospel of Christ will be with us for a long time.

His wife Gwen, is still hospitalized and was in critical condition, but is expected to pull through.  Our prayers and support go out to her and their family.  Let's each one draw near to God with full assurance of the promises we have through the Word of God, that a place is prepared for Rev. David Wilkerson, and for each of us who are ready also to meet the Lord at an appointed time which may be when the Lord returns or our appointed time before.

The day of His appearing approaches faster than anyone can know, but take heart, even at the passing of our generals, we will all be reunited at the true Royal Wedding when the "bride" meets the "bridegroom" when He returns.  Get ready!

It's Friday, but Sunday is coming!!

We are now in observance of the greatest events in history to those who believe, and those who have yet to believe?  Why, .. because whether you believe or not, God cannot deny Himself or His gift to us, His Only Son, Who came to this planet earth, fully God, and fully man to pay a price He did not owe for man who does owe a debt he (we) cannot pay.  Jesus gave His life for you and me on a cruel cross, tortured and shamed in my place, so that I can be restored to a right relationship with God, cleansed and made whole.

"He was wounded for my transgressions, He was bruised for my iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes I was healed".  All of my needs were met on that cross the day He died, .... but the victory came when He arose from the grave victorious over death and hell.

He died on Friday, but Sunday morning, He got up!!!  We have hope beyond all imagination, to receive life, and that more abundantly through Christ because Satan couldn't keep Him in the grave.  In order to believe there is a God (and there is) we have to believe there is a devil loose as well and he intends to keep you from accepting Jesus Christ for the payment of your sin.

Wow, I said "sin" .. yes, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus.  For by grace are you saved by faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, lest any man  boast.

We believe with the heart and confess with the mouth to receive salvation.  It's time to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, for without the empty tomb, we only have religion and that will not save us.

Let's rejoice in the fact that He Lives, He Lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

No Animals Were Harmed!

When one lives in the country, there are visitors that show up uninvited, and some who choose to stay.  Needless to say, the living arrangements may not be agreed upon and often results in choices of who stays and who goes.  Such is the case of the furry critters I have recently encountered at the Mays Ranch.  As you will see by the photo included we have a few bandits, mask and all, who are now unhappy about there "relocation", but will spend there remaining days in a much more acceptable environment.

In the process of apprehending the elusive ground hogs that have taken up residence under my tool shed, I have managed to rid us of one furry critter who is probably cousin to "buckeye chuck" but is still not welcome or invited to this "ranch".  To my surprise, "chuck" seems to have a cousin of his own, called "buckeye bandit" (and his family), and I have captured a bandit instead of "chuck".  Okay,enough already, ... out he goes and I'm still watching for "chuck" to appear and I fully plan to surprise him with an eviction notice.

Anyone want a "bandit" for a pet ... not recommended, so away with him and his cousins.  Just to let you bleeding hearts know, I did not harm this critter (maybe emotionally) and he is now in a safe place for critters such as this "bandit".

Remember!

Lest we forget, .. Pearl Harbor caught us unprepared, and we pay less attention every year.  How long before we forget "9-11"?  Life must go on, but if we fail to learn from present and past, we will repeat what we either failed or missed opportunity for.

I was able to finally visit this memorial, in 2005, and it was truly a solemn occasion as both Americans and Japanese, veterans and citizens stood shoulder to shoulder, silently remembering the terrible tragedy of Pearl Harbor's attack.  I'm certain both, had to wonder what we were pondering as we paid our respects the those who lost their lives.

The remains of the sunken ship Arizona lies beneath, and even today, an oil slick is present and seeping from below, where soldiers/sailors are entombed.  We don't realize the price paid for freedom, not just our own but others, but freedom is not free.

Our freedom from sin's penalty was not free.  Jesus gave his life to buy us back from bondage and slavery to sin and it's penalties.  I am yet thankful for His gift to me.  Shall I not give Him my best for taking my place, offering my life, knowing I should have death?  For Christ I die daily, that I may live for Him.

Thanks be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.

2010 Turning Point

What do we do when everday is crammed with more than one day's schedule can handle?  When looking at the long range picture, what will matter 24 hours from now, or what will matter a month from now, ... how about 6 months, or a year?  What will matter in eternity?

If you have read the previous blog, it's easy to see this year has had it's challenges, along with rewards, but none the less, we haven't lacked for challenges.  How much we have taken on to handle, becomes part of our everyday thoughts and concerns, even with great expectations as a motivation.  What escapes "me" sometimes is the current level of ability to multi-task or juggle the choices that are not mine, with choices that my seem inviting.  "There is a way that seems right ...." at times, and, I've realized (more than once) that what "seems" right may have brought "overload" to the commitments already in progress.

Long story shortened, I have as of today, made a choice to let go of a commitment that when presented originally, seemed like the thing to do and it would provide help where help is needed.

Need is not the best reason many times to make a commitment.  While I do not regret jumping into the process, I see now I can provide only so much for so many, and pleasing others is not the way to evaluate accomplishments.  Sometimes that comes from pride, sometimes, just good intentions.  I became burdened beyond my own capacity to fulfill and no longer had the peace of the process.  I don't know that I missed God, ... just that while learning some valuable "information", I also lost the joy of the race.

Today, I let go of that commitment, and find already the peace of the process in living up to what is mine "first to do" and all else will take it's place in line, or be left for others who are able to handle "in peace".

Is anyone disappointed in me for that choice?  That will be for others to "deal with" and understand.  While "I can do all things through Christ", I'm not required to do everything others may expect.  Did I go back on my word?  Not!  I did work toward a goal that was based on unknown factors, and am now satisfied I gave it my best.

Today I continue with what is mine to do with a better focus, and with less distraction to what comes first.  My race continues.