This has been one "eventful" year for me...in many ways.
I made it through another year of my very engaging (and exhausting) work at Coyne American Institute here in Chicago (www.coyneamerican.edu).
I finally became a member of The Moody Church--where I've been worshipping for quite a while now (www.moodychurch.org).
I lived through a serious bout with the flu, and later bronchitis (February/March) with subzero temperatures being the norm here in the Chicago area.
I survived the "subprime mortgage" debaucle, and took a great loss on my condo--which I no longer own. I am now, very happily, renting again.
I attended several weddings of friends who decided to "tie the knot"--and happily so. My friend Aaron Kuglin (in Decatur, GA) had a short engagement, and asked me to be part of his wedding...I was delighted, humbled, and honored.
I visited my old stomping grounds in Cleveland, TN during the weekend of Lee University's homecoming (www.leeuniversity.edu). God allowed me to see many, many people whom I've not seen in a long time...some more than 20 years. This caused my heart and soul to rejoice.
But not everything has been "so rosy":
I've fallen behind on my tithing and giving to the Lord. I don't like this feeling at all.
I've willfully sinned against God due to my own selfishness, and internal turmoils. Instead of running to Him, I've often run FROM Him. And I do honestly know better. I'm thankful for a Heavenly Father who loves me, draws me to Himself, and restores my soul. (No further details will be discussed here).
I've forsaken the wonderful Wednesday Evening Prayer Meeting at my local church. But no more...I will be there in 2008, regularly.
There is plenty more to confess, but this post can only be so long.
What "tomorrow" brings....
Well, it's New Year's Eve, and in less than 12 hours, we will be starting the calendar year of 2008.
My, oh my, how time flies....
But we have "this moment today." While I look back on all the successes, failures, wishes, dreams, nightmares of 2007--I can't do anything about them. All I can do now is to commit them to the hands of an all-wise God....who sees the end from the beginning anyway.
As Gloria Gaither so wonderfully said,
We have this moment to hold in our hands
And to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand.
Yesterday's gone, and tomorrow may never come.
We have this moment, today.
May I remember those profound, yet simple truths in 2008.
My, oh my, how time flies....
But we have "this moment today." While I look back on all the successes, failures, wishes, dreams, nightmares of 2007--I can't do anything about them. All I can do now is to commit them to the hands of an all-wise God....who sees the end from the beginning anyway.
As Gloria Gaither so wonderfully said,
We have this moment to hold in our hands
And to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand.
Yesterday's gone, and tomorrow may never come.
We have this moment, today.
May I remember those profound, yet simple truths in 2008.
Youth With a Mission--Pakistan
In light of the tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto--former Prime Minister of Pakistan--I wanted to post the link to a wonderful organization who is preaching the gospel of Christ to the people of this terribly divided nation.
http://www.ywampakistan.com/
We are commissioned to "preach the gospel" and sometimes this requires us to sacrifice everything.
In this time of unspeakable tragedy, let us pray for the spread of the Gospel in Pakistan.
Let us pray that God will "send forth more laborers." Pakistan needs more laborers.
Is God calling you there? Is God calling me there?
http://www.ywampakistan.com/
We are commissioned to "preach the gospel" and sometimes this requires us to sacrifice everything.
In this time of unspeakable tragedy, let us pray for the spread of the Gospel in Pakistan.
Let us pray that God will "send forth more laborers." Pakistan needs more laborers.
Is God calling you there? Is God calling me there?
Ron Paul for President: A RESOUNDING "NO!"
I woke up very early on Monday morning (like 3 a.m. central time), and just happen to stumble into the living room, and turned on the television. Much to my delight, Channel 5 (NBC) was re-airing Sunday's MEET THE PRESS with host/moderator Tim Russert.
His guest was Dr Ron Paul--the obstetrician-turned-Congressman from Texas.
I was sorta glad that Congressman Paul was on...so when I would eventually "go back to sleep" I knew that I wouldn't be missing very much.
The man's insanity--for some strange reason--fascinated me. He was "railing" against government--while he's been on the Federal payroll for more than a dozen years.
He was "railing" against foreign policy--yet his GOP has had control of the White House for the last 7+ years.
He was "railing" against federal taxes (which I could partially agree with him about), but he had no plan to pay for "anything"...
This man was very unprepared drama at it's worst.
And how anyone could possibly consider supporting him or giving a dime to his campaign is beyond me.
It is a resounding "NO" to Ron Paul...and particularly not for President of the United States.
His guest was Dr Ron Paul--the obstetrician-turned-Congressman from Texas.
I was sorta glad that Congressman Paul was on...so when I would eventually "go back to sleep" I knew that I wouldn't be missing very much.
The man's insanity--for some strange reason--fascinated me. He was "railing" against government--while he's been on the Federal payroll for more than a dozen years.
He was "railing" against foreign policy--yet his GOP has had control of the White House for the last 7+ years.
He was "railing" against federal taxes (which I could partially agree with him about), but he had no plan to pay for "anything"...
This man was very unprepared drama at it's worst.
And how anyone could possibly consider supporting him or giving a dime to his campaign is beyond me.
It is a resounding "NO" to Ron Paul...and particularly not for President of the United States.
We must do more!
National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" program is doing a special report on our military veterans who are suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)--a very serious problem for thousands of men and women who are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The link is http://www.npr.org/
Click on the left-side scroll that is labeled "All Things Considered."
My heart breaks to hear of the awful way this nation is allowing our military service personnel to be treated. Any person who is diagnosed with PTSD or TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) should be eligible to receive full medical benefits and treatment. No questions asked.
May God have mercy on our service personnel. May we learn to do the same.
The link is http://www.npr.org/
Click on the left-side scroll that is labeled "All Things Considered."
My heart breaks to hear of the awful way this nation is allowing our military service personnel to be treated. Any person who is diagnosed with PTSD or TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) should be eligible to receive full medical benefits and treatment. No questions asked.
May God have mercy on our service personnel. May we learn to do the same.
Some wonderful music from yesteryear...
I first heard of Cynthia Clawson more than 25 years ago, when I was just a sophomore in college.
A friend loaned me an LP album entitled "You're Welcome Here."
I fell in love with this woman's minstry from that point on.
She has recently re-released some of the wonderful, vintage music of her earlier ministry years.
Check it out here:
www.cynthiaclawson.com
My very favorites of Cynthia's music:
It Won't Rain Always
I Heard about a Man
You're Always Welcome Here
The Best if Yet to Come
Forever...
You will be blest and encouraged by this magnificent voice and the message she sings.
A friend loaned me an LP album entitled "You're Welcome Here."
I fell in love with this woman's minstry from that point on.
She has recently re-released some of the wonderful, vintage music of her earlier ministry years.
Check it out here:
www.cynthiaclawson.com
My very favorites of Cynthia's music:
It Won't Rain Always
I Heard about a Man
You're Always Welcome Here
The Best if Yet to Come
Forever...
You will be blest and encouraged by this magnificent voice and the message she sings.
Just in! My "evaluation"...
I received a holiday greeting from a long-time friend a few minutes ago, via this wonder called the "world wide web." I want to share it with all of you:
_______________________________________________________
After serious and cautious consideration…your contract of friendship has been renewed for the New Year 2008 !
It was a very hard decision to make. So try not to screw it up !!! (smile)
My wish for you in 2008:
May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts.
May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.
May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips !
May you clothes smell of success and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy.
May the problems you had forget your home address!
In simple words……………….
May 2008 be the best year of your life !!!
____________________________
Thanks Al, I really, really needed that one today...and it has already encouraged me.
And I wish that for everyone who pays me a visit here in my "corner of the world."
_______________________________________________________
After serious and cautious consideration…your contract of friendship has been renewed for the New Year 2008 !
It was a very hard decision to make. So try not to screw it up !!! (smile)
My wish for you in 2008:
May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts.
May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.
May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips !
May you clothes smell of success and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy.
May the problems you had forget your home address!
In simple words……………….
May 2008 be the best year of your life !!!
____________________________
Thanks Al, I really, really needed that one today...and it has already encouraged me.
And I wish that for everyone who pays me a visit here in my "corner of the world."
Integrity and Accountability...in Ministry...
Noted author and evangelist, Carl Richardson speaks clearly, yet boldly to the current "crises" facing "Christian ministries" here in the United States.
Read this article:
http://www.beyondborders.com/carl12-07.html
Read this article:
http://www.beyondborders.com/carl12-07.html
Here's a good one...
Someone shared this on another forum. I think it's great:
___________________________________________
'Twas The (Politically Correct) Night Before Christmas:
'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck...
How to live in a world that's politically correct?
His workers no longer would answer to "Elves".
"Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves.
And labor conditions at the north pole
Were alleged by the union to stifle the soul.
Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety,
Released to the wilds by the Humane Society.
And equal employment had made it quite clear
That Santa had better not use just reindeer.
So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid,
Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid!
The runners had been removed from his sleigh;
The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A.
And people had started to call for the cops
When they heard sled noises on their roof-tops.
Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened.
His fur trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened."
And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows,
Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose
And had gone on OPRAH, in front of the nation,
Demanding millions in over-due compensation.
So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife,
Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life,
Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz,
Demanding from now on her title was Ms.
And as for the gifts, why, he'd ne'er had a notion
That making a choice could cause so much commotion.
Nothing of leather, nothing of fur,
Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her.
Nothing that might be construed to pollute.
Nothing to aim. Nothing to shoot.
Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise.
Nothing for just girls. Or just for the boys.
Nothing that claimed to be gender specific.
Nothing that's warlike or non-pacifistic.
No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth.
Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth.
And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden,
Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden.
For they raised the hackles of those psychological
Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological.
No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt;
Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt.
Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe;
And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.
So Santa just stood there, disheveled, perplexed;
He just could not figure out what to do next.
He tried to be merry, tried to be gay,
you've got to be careful with that word today.
His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground;
Nothing fully acceptable was to be found.
Something special was needed, a gift that he might
Give to all without angering the left or the right.
A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision,
Each group of people, every religion;
Every ethnicity, every hue,
Everyone, everywhere...even you.
So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth...
"May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth."
_____________________________________________
This marvelous piece of poetry says so much about our culture and how far we have either progressed or drifted. I'll let you make the decision on the direction.
___________________________________________
'Twas The (Politically Correct) Night Before Christmas:
'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck...
How to live in a world that's politically correct?
His workers no longer would answer to "Elves".
"Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves.
And labor conditions at the north pole
Were alleged by the union to stifle the soul.
Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety,
Released to the wilds by the Humane Society.
And equal employment had made it quite clear
That Santa had better not use just reindeer.
So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid,
Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid!
The runners had been removed from his sleigh;
The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A.
And people had started to call for the cops
When they heard sled noises on their roof-tops.
Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened.
His fur trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened."
And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows,
Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose
And had gone on OPRAH, in front of the nation,
Demanding millions in over-due compensation.
So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife,
Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life,
Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz,
Demanding from now on her title was Ms.
And as for the gifts, why, he'd ne'er had a notion
That making a choice could cause so much commotion.
Nothing of leather, nothing of fur,
Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her.
Nothing that might be construed to pollute.
Nothing to aim. Nothing to shoot.
Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise.
Nothing for just girls. Or just for the boys.
Nothing that claimed to be gender specific.
Nothing that's warlike or non-pacifistic.
No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth.
Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth.
And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden,
Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden.
For they raised the hackles of those psychological
Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological.
No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt;
Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt.
Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe;
And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.
So Santa just stood there, disheveled, perplexed;
He just could not figure out what to do next.
He tried to be merry, tried to be gay,
you've got to be careful with that word today.
His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground;
Nothing fully acceptable was to be found.
Something special was needed, a gift that he might
Give to all without angering the left or the right.
A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision,
Each group of people, every religion;
Every ethnicity, every hue,
Everyone, everywhere...even you.
So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth...
"May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth."
_____________________________________________
This marvelous piece of poetry says so much about our culture and how far we have either progressed or drifted. I'll let you make the decision on the direction.
My Spiritual Home...The Moody Church
For the first time since 1973, I have become a member of a non-Pentecostal/non-Charismatic church...a true-blue, card-carrying member.
I remember hearing the worship services of the historical Moody Church in Chicago for many, many years before I ever actually moved to the Windy City. Thanks to the Moody Broadcasting Network (and WMBW-FM, Chattanooga in particular), I was able to join in the wonderful music, and the tremendous preaching from the sanctuary of The Moody Church on many occasions.
My very first visit to The Moody Church was in September 2000, less than one month after I arrived in Chicago. I fell in love with the place immediately. I made the decision (after much prayer and contemplation) to call "Moody Church" my home for the time being.
In October 2002, I felt the Lord pulling me elsewhere, and so I followed. For three years, I was a "card-carrying" member of another congregation in the city of Chicago. But I never forgot the wonderful "family" down @ 1609 N LaSalle Street.
As providence and circumstances would have it, I returned to The Moody Church in November 2005. It was an easy decision for me, once I decided to leave the former congregation.
Some two years later--November 2007--I became an official member of this wonderful historic congregation.
I am delighted...thrilled, honored, and humbled.
Check out the website: www.moodychurch.org
I remember hearing the worship services of the historical Moody Church in Chicago for many, many years before I ever actually moved to the Windy City. Thanks to the Moody Broadcasting Network (and WMBW-FM, Chattanooga in particular), I was able to join in the wonderful music, and the tremendous preaching from the sanctuary of The Moody Church on many occasions.
My very first visit to The Moody Church was in September 2000, less than one month after I arrived in Chicago. I fell in love with the place immediately. I made the decision (after much prayer and contemplation) to call "Moody Church" my home for the time being.
In October 2002, I felt the Lord pulling me elsewhere, and so I followed. For three years, I was a "card-carrying" member of another congregation in the city of Chicago. But I never forgot the wonderful "family" down @ 1609 N LaSalle Street.
As providence and circumstances would have it, I returned to The Moody Church in November 2005. It was an easy decision for me, once I decided to leave the former congregation.
Some two years later--November 2007--I became an official member of this wonderful historic congregation.
I am delighted...thrilled, honored, and humbled.
Check out the website: www.moodychurch.org
One More Day...
Famed author Mitch Albiom's book "For One More Day" is a profound gift to our nation and to humanity at large. It's such a profound work that OPRAH has made it into a primetime movie--to be seen this Sunday evening on ABC. And I hate this phrase, but it's apropos here: "Check your local listings."
But now I want to ask YOU a question.
If you knew, 1000% certain, that you had only one more day left, what would you do?
Who would you spend it with?
I'm absolutely certain there are some things I would NOT do:
Check my bank account balance
Mow the lawn (not that I do that anyway...my landlord does!)
Worry about what is in the kitchen cupboard
Check all the sports scores
Argue theology with those who don't see things the way I do exactly
Worry about who will occupy the Oval Office in January 2009
Worry about email or voice messages
Complain about the weather, traffic, or rude people.
What would you do if you only had "one more day"?
But now I want to ask YOU a question.
If you knew, 1000% certain, that you had only one more day left, what would you do?
Who would you spend it with?
I'm absolutely certain there are some things I would NOT do:
Check my bank account balance
Mow the lawn (not that I do that anyway...my landlord does!)
Worry about what is in the kitchen cupboard
Check all the sports scores
Argue theology with those who don't see things the way I do exactly
Worry about who will occupy the Oval Office in January 2009
Worry about email or voice messages
Complain about the weather, traffic, or rude people.
What would you do if you only had "one more day"?
Living among Spiritual Giants: Leonard Kendrick
Part three of my series on "Spiritual Giants" details my great friend, Retired Pastor/Denominational Official, Bishop Leonard F Kendrick.
I first met this wonderful man some 30+ years ago, when I was just a snotty-nosed teenager in the West Huntsville Church, and he was the visiting minister from Cleveland , Tennessee. I immediately fell in love with both he and his wife, Joyce.
I've never forgotten them, and they have always been like parents to me.
His grandson Curry calls him "Dadda"--so that's what we have all started calling him--whether we are related or not.
He was born and raised in the far southern part of Illinois, in a wonderful godly home, where his parents were devout Methodists. He still honors their place in his life.
I want to write more about him tomorrow. It's getting late today, and I've been in this office without lunch for more than ten hours now.
I first met this wonderful man some 30+ years ago, when I was just a snotty-nosed teenager in the West Huntsville Church, and he was the visiting minister from Cleveland , Tennessee. I immediately fell in love with both he and his wife, Joyce.
I've never forgotten them, and they have always been like parents to me.
His grandson Curry calls him "Dadda"--so that's what we have all started calling him--whether we are related or not.
He was born and raised in the far southern part of Illinois, in a wonderful godly home, where his parents were devout Methodists. He still honors their place in his life.
I want to write more about him tomorrow. It's getting late today, and I've been in this office without lunch for more than ten hours now.
Right now...it's Huckabee in 2008!
http://www.mikehuckabee.com
More than anyone else in the "waaaay too early" Presidential Race for the Oval Office, I am more inclined to support the former Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee.
I am impressed with his integrity, his sensibilities, and his humility.
So, my primary vote will be cast for the "man from Hope."
More than anyone else in the "waaaay too early" Presidential Race for the Oval Office, I am more inclined to support the former Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee.
I am impressed with his integrity, his sensibilities, and his humility.
So, my primary vote will be cast for the "man from Hope."
Another "giant" of a man: Kevin Brooks
I first became acquainted with State Representative Kevin Brooks, when he was just a student working in the Office of the President at Lee University about 15 years ago. I was stationed in Norway at the time, and had sent some correspondence to Dr Paul Conn, the President of Lee University (www.leeuniversity.edu). I called to make sure that it had been received. Kevin Brooks was the one to answer the telephone, assuring me that Dr Conn had indeed received the correspondence.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think that this "Kevin" and I would become the friends that we are today. He is a real treasure in my life.
Our paths would again cross as he assumed the position of Director, Alumni Relations at Lee University, and I would be a student at the Church of God Theological Seminary (www.cogts.edu) adjacent to the Lee Campus. He and I hit it off immediately. He was always the kind, gracious, and wonderfully warm man that so represented the University extremely well.
And he represented the Kingdom of God very well also. He still does!
In the wisdom and plan of God, Kevin would accept a position at the International Offices of the Church of God (www.churchofgod.cc) in the Communicactions Department, working alongside a friend of mine, Scot Carter--who was a freshman at Lee when I was a Senior....a definitely small world.
But on a personal level, there are so many things I could write about Kevin Brooks:
1) He and I became very close when I was a seminary student, and even closer when I became an employee at Lee University in the Department of External Studies. When I left the University to make the move to Chicago, this precious man gave me a wonderful "Lee Alumni" sweatshirt--and I still wear it faithfully.
2) In the last 7+ years, I've been able to call Kevin just to say "hi" or to share something that has happened in my life. During a very dark and tumultuous time, I was able to call him and ask him to "pray" for me...and I know that he did. The Lord answered those prayers.
3) Kevin Brooks is the same gracious and godly man--regardless of where he is, or whose company in which he may find himself. Power, position, and possession has never gone to his head. I have every reason to believe that it never will.
4) When my wonderful friend Beaulah Gause went to glory almost five years ago, this precious Kevin attended the funeral in Cleveland on my behalf. Sister Gause' husband, Dr R Hollis Gause is like a father to me....and he was so glad to see Kevin, and to know of my concern and love. Now that is a "true friend."
5) Now he is serving the Lord and the good people of Tennessee in the State Legislature. I could not be more delighted for him....because I know that his PRIORITY is to serve God and to serve people.
I had the wonderful, wonderful privilege of spending a couple of hours with Kevin just a few weeks ago...and it was one of the highlights of my trip to Tennessee.
Kevin Brooks: A giant of a man....
Never in my wildest dreams did I think that this "Kevin" and I would become the friends that we are today. He is a real treasure in my life.
Our paths would again cross as he assumed the position of Director, Alumni Relations at Lee University, and I would be a student at the Church of God Theological Seminary (www.cogts.edu) adjacent to the Lee Campus. He and I hit it off immediately. He was always the kind, gracious, and wonderfully warm man that so represented the University extremely well.
And he represented the Kingdom of God very well also. He still does!
In the wisdom and plan of God, Kevin would accept a position at the International Offices of the Church of God (www.churchofgod.cc) in the Communicactions Department, working alongside a friend of mine, Scot Carter--who was a freshman at Lee when I was a Senior....a definitely small world.
But on a personal level, there are so many things I could write about Kevin Brooks:
1) He and I became very close when I was a seminary student, and even closer when I became an employee at Lee University in the Department of External Studies. When I left the University to make the move to Chicago, this precious man gave me a wonderful "Lee Alumni" sweatshirt--and I still wear it faithfully.
2) In the last 7+ years, I've been able to call Kevin just to say "hi" or to share something that has happened in my life. During a very dark and tumultuous time, I was able to call him and ask him to "pray" for me...and I know that he did. The Lord answered those prayers.
3) Kevin Brooks is the same gracious and godly man--regardless of where he is, or whose company in which he may find himself. Power, position, and possession has never gone to his head. I have every reason to believe that it never will.
4) When my wonderful friend Beaulah Gause went to glory almost five years ago, this precious Kevin attended the funeral in Cleveland on my behalf. Sister Gause' husband, Dr R Hollis Gause is like a father to me....and he was so glad to see Kevin, and to know of my concern and love. Now that is a "true friend."
5) Now he is serving the Lord and the good people of Tennessee in the State Legislature. I could not be more delighted for him....because I know that his PRIORITY is to serve God and to serve people.
I had the wonderful, wonderful privilege of spending a couple of hours with Kevin just a few weeks ago...and it was one of the highlights of my trip to Tennessee.
Kevin Brooks: A giant of a man....
Living in the land of Giants: Kevin Moses
Just as I promised in a previous post, I am starting a series of posts on people whom I consider "spiritual giants" in my life.
I first encountered Kevin almost eleven years ago--in a historical theology class at the Church of God Theological Seminary (www.cogts.edu) in Cleveland TN. He was in his first semester of graduate studies, and I had just started my second semester.
Shortly thereafter, Kevin and I became pals. I think it all "really" started when he came by my apartment (I was living in seminary housing at the time), and needed some help with some of the study material the professor had assigned up for an upcoming examination.
There are so many stories I can tell about Kevin. All of them good...and many of them very humorous. We lived together almost three years, and I got to know him pretty well.
But what I want to share here is why I consider him a "spiritual giant" in my life:
Kevin is a man of prayer. There were many nights that he would spend a great deal of time in prayer and consecration to the Lord. I could tell that he had "been with Jesus."
Kevin is a man of the Word. Many times when I just wouldn't open my Bible, I would find Kevin buried in his. He would read and meditate on long passages, and let God's Word soak deep into his head and his heart. I only wish I had done the same.
Kevin is a man of integrity. He truly exemplifies what it means to be a man of ethics, honor, and stature. If he makes a promise, he keeps it. If he says something is true, you can always take it to the bank, and deposit it.
I watched Kevin work a full time job at the Bradley Memorial Hospital, work as a Teaching Assistant in graduate school, help lead a youth group, teach a Sunday School class, and still stay happy and positive. (I would never recommend all of those things at once--and looking back, neither would he).
I remember when I suffered from such severe depression that I couldn't even cry--and yet this precious, precious man would sit there, pray for me, and many times cry with me.
He's a spiritual giant in my eyes. And a good one at that!
I first encountered Kevin almost eleven years ago--in a historical theology class at the Church of God Theological Seminary (www.cogts.edu) in Cleveland TN. He was in his first semester of graduate studies, and I had just started my second semester.
Shortly thereafter, Kevin and I became pals. I think it all "really" started when he came by my apartment (I was living in seminary housing at the time), and needed some help with some of the study material the professor had assigned up for an upcoming examination.
There are so many stories I can tell about Kevin. All of them good...and many of them very humorous. We lived together almost three years, and I got to know him pretty well.
But what I want to share here is why I consider him a "spiritual giant" in my life:
Kevin is a man of prayer. There were many nights that he would spend a great deal of time in prayer and consecration to the Lord. I could tell that he had "been with Jesus."
Kevin is a man of the Word. Many times when I just wouldn't open my Bible, I would find Kevin buried in his. He would read and meditate on long passages, and let God's Word soak deep into his head and his heart. I only wish I had done the same.
Kevin is a man of integrity. He truly exemplifies what it means to be a man of ethics, honor, and stature. If he makes a promise, he keeps it. If he says something is true, you can always take it to the bank, and deposit it.
I watched Kevin work a full time job at the Bradley Memorial Hospital, work as a Teaching Assistant in graduate school, help lead a youth group, teach a Sunday School class, and still stay happy and positive. (I would never recommend all of those things at once--and looking back, neither would he).
I remember when I suffered from such severe depression that I couldn't even cry--and yet this precious, precious man would sit there, pray for me, and many times cry with me.
He's a spiritual giant in my eyes. And a good one at that!
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
I want to take this opportunity in my little "corner of the cyber world" to wish everyone a marvelous and gracious Happy Thanksgiving!
We have so much for which to be thankful. I have WAAAAAY more to be thankful for, than what I can possibly "mourn" over.
Starting next week (or maybe this weekend) I want to start writing on "living among the giants"--some of the wonderful people who have so blest and graced my life, and I want to honor them--because they are truly giants in my eyes.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
We have so much for which to be thankful. I have WAAAAAY more to be thankful for, than what I can possibly "mourn" over.
Starting next week (or maybe this weekend) I want to start writing on "living among the giants"--some of the wonderful people who have so blest and graced my life, and I want to honor them--because they are truly giants in my eyes.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Men are just HAPPIER people...
A wonderful lady, whom I've known for more than 25 years now, sent this to me earlier today:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WHY MEN ARE NEVER DEPRESSED:Men Are Just Happier People
--What do you expect from such simple creatures?
Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be President.
You can never be pregnant.
You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal.
You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.
You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.
People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood all the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks.
A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
You almost never have strap problems in public.
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
Everything on your face stays its original color.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
You only have to shave your face and neck.
You can play with toys all your life.
One wallet and one color for all seasons.
You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.
You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.
No wonder men are happier.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WHY MEN ARE NEVER DEPRESSED:Men Are Just Happier People
--What do you expect from such simple creatures?
Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be President.
You can never be pregnant.
You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal.
You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.
You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.
People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood all the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks.
A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
You almost never have strap problems in public.
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
Everything on your face stays its original color.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
You only have to shave your face and neck.
You can play with toys all your life.
One wallet and one color for all seasons.
You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.
You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.
No wonder men are happier.
Thanksgiving Table Manners....
Dr Jack Hayford, (better known as "Pastor Jack") has inspired me for many, many years. Until a few years ago, he was the lead pastor at Southern California's "Church on the Way" in Van Nuys. He is a prolific preacher, wonderful writer, and gifted musician. His best-known song would be "Majesty."
Here is a link to a marvelous message he has prepared about "Thanksgiving Table Manners."
http://livingway.org/articles/thankgiving.pdf
May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration this year!
Here is a link to a marvelous message he has prepared about "Thanksgiving Table Manners."
http://livingway.org/articles/thankgiving.pdf
May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration this year!
Classes Just for Women!
Before anyone get's their "knighties in a knot"--I didn't come up with this list...I'm not that creative. I can thank a "nameless" pastor in the Midwest for sharing these:
____________________________________
Easy Training Courses for Women
1. Silence, the Final Frontier: Where No Woman Has Gone Before
2. The Undiscovered Side of Banking: Making Deposits
3. Parties: Going Without New Outfits
4. Man Management: Minor Household Chores Can Wait Till After The Game
5. Bathroom Etiquette I: Men Need Space in the Bathroom Cabinet Too.
6. Bathroom Etiquette II: His Razor is His
7. Communication Skills I: Tears - The Last Resort, not the First.
8. Communication Skills II: Thinking Before Speaking
9. Communication Skills III: Getting What you Want Without Nagging
10. Driving a Car Safely: A Skill You CAN Acquire
11. Telephone Skills: How to Hang Up
12. Introduction to Parking
13. Advanced Parking: Backing Into a Space
14. Water Retention: Fact or Fat
15. Cooking I: Bringing Back Bacon, Eggs and Butter
16. Cooking II: Bran and Tofu are Not for Human Consumption
17. Cooking III: How not to Inflict Your Diets on Other People
18. Compliments: Accepting Them Gracefully
19. PMS: Your Problem . . . Not His
20. Dancing: Why Men Don't Like To
21. Classic Clothing: Wearing Outfits You Already Have
22. Household Dust: A Harmless Natural Occurrence Only Women Notice
23. Integrating Your Laundry: Washing It All Together
24. Oil and Gas: Your Car Needs Both
25. TV Remotes: For Men Only
____________________________________
Easy Training Courses for Women
1. Silence, the Final Frontier: Where No Woman Has Gone Before
2. The Undiscovered Side of Banking: Making Deposits
3. Parties: Going Without New Outfits
4. Man Management: Minor Household Chores Can Wait Till After The Game
5. Bathroom Etiquette I: Men Need Space in the Bathroom Cabinet Too.
6. Bathroom Etiquette II: His Razor is His
7. Communication Skills I: Tears - The Last Resort, not the First.
8. Communication Skills II: Thinking Before Speaking
9. Communication Skills III: Getting What you Want Without Nagging
10. Driving a Car Safely: A Skill You CAN Acquire
11. Telephone Skills: How to Hang Up
12. Introduction to Parking
13. Advanced Parking: Backing Into a Space
14. Water Retention: Fact or Fat
15. Cooking I: Bringing Back Bacon, Eggs and Butter
16. Cooking II: Bran and Tofu are Not for Human Consumption
17. Cooking III: How not to Inflict Your Diets on Other People
18. Compliments: Accepting Them Gracefully
19. PMS: Your Problem . . . Not His
20. Dancing: Why Men Don't Like To
21. Classic Clothing: Wearing Outfits You Already Have
22. Household Dust: A Harmless Natural Occurrence Only Women Notice
23. Integrating Your Laundry: Washing It All Together
24. Oil and Gas: Your Car Needs Both
25. TV Remotes: For Men Only
To America's Veterans: THANK YOU!
Even though we officially celebrated Veterans' Day Sunday and Monday (November 11-12, 2007), I just wanted to take my little "corner of the cyber world" and say a profound and heartfelt THANK YOU to all the men and women who have served this nation in the military services.
You are truly the best!
I served among you for ten years, and was thrilled and honored to do so. The sacrifices that you made for all the freedoms we enjoy can never be adequately compensated.
You are the best. I truly mean that.
You are truly the best!
I served among you for ten years, and was thrilled and honored to do so. The sacrifices that you made for all the freedoms we enjoy can never be adequately compensated.
You are the best. I truly mean that.
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